Updates For April 3-7, 2023

Posted April 6, 2023

Hello Alma Families!  It’s been a great week but there’s a lot on the go!  Here are 9 things for you that are key to know for this week and next:

 

  1. There is no school from April 7-10.  Please enjoy this extra time with your family.  We look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday, April 11!

 

  1. On Wednesday we celebrated Custodial and Maintenance Appreciation Day.  We are very grateful for our custodian Brigitte, our evening custodian, as well as the central UGDSB staff who keep our building clean and safe.

 

  1. We’ve started to notice that as the temperature changes, weather in the morning before school starts is different throughout the day and kids are looking for warmer or colder options.  Thanks for checking the forecast with your children, and for ensuring that on misty rain days that they come to school prepared to get some fresh air in the drizzle.  Thank you!

 

  1. We’ve noticed that bikes and scooters are starting to make a comeback as the sunshine returns.  Please remember to have your child wear a helmet, review road safety, and park their bikes or scooters in the bike racks near the school sign.  It helps to keep everyone safe.  There are UGDSB vehicles that use the driveway beside the school from time to time so it is best not to lean them against the school.

 

  1. Across the UGDSB, playgrounds are closed until April 1, or until things are thawed enough for them to open and that they have been inspected.  At this time, our playground needs to remain closed until the weather cooperates a little longer.  Once things are ready, families will be informed.  Thanks for your patience as the appropriate timing arrives.

 

  1. Congratulations to our Lego Mechanics team under the care of Mrs. Hons and Mrs. Woodland.  Our team competed this week in the Skills Canada Competition at the University of Guelph and placed third in their category.  Well done!

 

  1. Our next School Council meeting will be held on Thursday, April 13 at 6:30 PM.  The agenda will be shared with families next week.  If you’re not on the School Council email list, please contact the school and we can add you.

 

  1. April 12 is the International Day of Pink.  On this day, staff and students choose to wear pink to show the need to stop bullying and violence against those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.  We have been sent a few extra pink shirts that are youth sized S, M, L and XL.  If your child would be interested in having their name entered in a draw for a specific size, please email the school and we will arrange that.  The draw will happen on April 11 so the winning students will have the shirt to wear the following day.

 

  1. Is your child struggling with attending school? We are here to help!

Throughout the month of April we will be sharing tips and strategies with parents/guardians to help encourage regular school attendance. 

This week, we are going to focus on strategies around attitudes and beliefs – try some of these tips at home!

  • Keep in mind that attendance issues can quickly escalate.  Parents/guardians need to intervene and reach out for support as early as possible before it becomes the norm.
  • Keep the expectation in your home of attending school and staying all day.  Don’t give up. Even if your child is anxious about school, ensure the expectation of regular attendance doesn’t change.  Work with the issue, not around it.
  • Talk to your child to find out what is behind them not wanting to go to school.  Anxiety can show up in a lot of ways and one of them can be not wanting to go to school. Encourage your child to talk back to their anxiety!  Tell themselves they can do it!
  • Ask questions about your child’s worries about school.  Although you know your child well, try not to assume you know the answers.  Keep an open mind. Validate your child’s concerns.
  • If your child is having difficulty with attendance try setting a goal with them such as if they attend for a certain amount of time, they can have a special treat or do a special activity.

For more information, please visit the UGDSB website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/parents/student-attendance-at-school-tips-and-strategies-for-families/

 

Thanks as always for your continued support.  If there’s anything the school can do to help, please let us know.  We’re here to help!

 

Take care,

 

Jason Boyce

Principal Alma PS

Categories: News