January 19, 2025

Can you believe that it's the third week of the new calendar year?  As we start the week, Monday, January 20th is Day 4 on the Instructional Schedule.

January without much snow is a little unusual and our students are missing out on some of the fun things that snow brings - sledding, snowshoeing and building sculptures.  Nevertheless, good weather allows us to continue outdoor safety procedures like bus evacuations and fire drills and gives us a break from shovelling!

We have now completed most of the emergency bus evacuation and are going through assigned seating exercises.  Please work with us as we continue to make the bus ride as safe as is possible for all students.

As we get deeper into the second term of the school year, we want to emphasize the importance of ensuring that children arrive at school on time each day.  Punctuality plays a key role in a child’s academic success and overall development.  Being on time ensures that children do not miss out on important instructions and lessons at the beginning of the day and it sets a positive tone for their learning experience.  Arriving on time helps instill a sense of responsibility and discipline in children, which are essential life skills that will benefit them beyond their school years.  Late arrivals can be disruptive not only to your child's learning but also to their classmates.  Punctuality contributes to a smooth and orderly classroom environment.  A consistent morning routine that includes arriving at school on time helps children feel prepared and confident, reducing stress and anxiety.

We understand that mornings can be challenging, and we appreciate your effort and cooperation in ensuring your child makes the most of their educational experience.  Classes begin with student arrivals at 8:15 AM each day.  Staff are in classrooms and ready with learning activities at that time.

The first skating session for Grades 3 and 4 students is set for Tuesday, January 21st, 2025.   Skating for children in Kindergarten, Grade 1 and Grade 2 takes place on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025.

Parents are asked to ensure the consent forms are signed and returned to homeroom teachers along with the $15.00 fee before the start of each skating session.  Students are not permitted to go to Bay Arena on the bus without a signed consent form and skating gear.

Please note that skating sessions start at 10:30 AM at Bay Arena.  Students who go skating will leave the school at about 10:00 AM and will be back at the school before 12:00 noon.  Students who do not go skating will stay at school and participate in a variety of learning activities.  Attendance is taken and students who are not present and who do not provide a written explanation from their parents will be considered absent.

Parents with children registered for KinderStart are asked to note that a parent information session is set for 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025.

Your School Council meets on the evening of January 23rd and the week of January 27th - 31sa is Literacy Week  with the theme “Learn to be Green Together.”  January 27th, 2025, is Family Literacy Day.  Please watch for details connected to Family Literacy Day and Literacy Week.  It will be in bookbags and your email soon!

Thank you for your attention today and for the continued support and dedication you give to making a positive difference in the life of a child.