I am honored to introduce myself as a new member of the EMJ team. It is with great excitement and anticipation that I have joined this wonderful community, and I am truly looking forward to getting to know each of your children and families in the coming months and years.   

I was led to teaching by my brother, who had significantly complex needs. He overcame many challenges, learning, growing, and living far beyond what was ever expected of him. He taught me that the ceiling is where we set it and he inspired me to ensure that every child has access to a robust, supportive, and inclusive educational experience. Because of him, I am steadfast in my belief that all children can learn, albeit in different spaces, ways, and timelines. Every student is unique, and it is our collective responsibility to provide them with the opportunities and support they need to reach their full potential. Some of our students’ needs can challenge us, but if we work together, we can create a culture where every child feels valued and empowered to learn and grow.  

Every member of the student learning team (parents, staff, community service providers) is valued and contributes knowledge to our school. The staff at EMJ is dedicated, passionate, professional, and highly knowledgeable. We are all committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere with our parent community. We want to hear from you—we genuinely care about your experiences, insights, and ideas. Whether it's about what is going well, the challenges your child faces, or suggestions for improvement, your input is invaluable to us. 

I have been a member of the Calgary Board of Education for 24 years. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in various roles, including teaching, working as an Inclusive Education Strategist and Specialist, serving as Assistant Principal and Principal at Children's Village School, and then Principal Consultant in Teacher Staffing. It is an incredible honor to have been selected for this role, and I am excited to be joining such a wonderful school community. 

Thank you for welcoming me into the EMJ community. I am thrilled to embark on this journey with you, and I am confident that, together, we will achieve great things for our students and our school. 

Sincerely,  

Melanie Clark