Updates For April 17-21, 2023

Posted April 21, 2023

Hello Alma Families!  Here are 6 things for you that are key to know for this week and next:

 

  1. The School Council fundraising information went home this week for the Candle Barn fundraiser.  Orders are due by midnight on Monday, April 24.  Paper order forms are to be returned to the office for cross referencing.  Pickup of items will be Thursday, May 11.  If you want items to be sent home with your child, please leave a note on your form.

 

  1. Saturday, April 22 is Earth Day.  Today students were sent home with a package of wildflowers to help spread the beauty and benefits of nature.  Feel free to plant them with your family.  Thanks to Copernicus Educational Products for providing seeds once again.  We plan to do some outside clean up at the school on Monday afternoon.

 

  1. Students have been bringing baseball gloves to practice which is a sure sign of spring.  Please ensure children bring tennis balls to play with, or we have some we can provide from the school as well.  Softballs and hardballs are not permitted for use.  Thanks for always considering safety at Alma PS!

 

  1. The UGDSB is inviting families of students in kindergarten through grade 8 to access the Strength To Grow online parenting program and two brief online surveys.  This online program is offered by Dr. Margaret Lumley and her graduate students from the University of Guelph.  More information can be found in the attachment in your email.

 

  1. As a reminder, The UGDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) is hosting a free event for parents and guardians on April 26th at Centre Wellington District High School in Fergus beginning at 5:30pm. PIC presents “Building Engaging School Councils.” Whether currently part of a school council or if you are looking to become involved, this event is an opportunity open to all parents and guardians to discuss, learn and share with each other. Here is a link to more information about this event and instructions for registering: https://www.ugdsb.ca/blog/parents-guardians-invited-to-pic-spring-event-building-engaging-school-councils/

 

  1. Here’s some attendance support suggestions from the UGDSB:

 

This week our tips for supporting your child’s attendance at school focuses on ways to involve the school. See below for some strategies you could try. 

  • Know that there are supports in your child’s school.  Connect with them as soon as an issue starts. Connecting earlier is better than when your child has missed a lot of school.
  • If your child wants to leave school, try to have them connect with a caring adult in the school first to see if things can be worked out before your child goes home.
  • Reach out to your school Principal and/or Guidance department for help if your child is not coming to school.  Let’s talk!  There is no judgement!
  • A welcoming school approach has proven to be quite effective. Ensure your child is familiar with their school Principal, Vice-Principal and other caring adults in the building.
  • Talk to the school team about anything you are hearing might be difficult for your child at school.  School staff are always ready to help problem solve.
  • Have a mental health plan created with your child and school staff and ensure there is a safe place to go in the school when your child may need some quiet time.
  • If going into the classroom is hard – remember coming into the school building and meeting with a caring adult in a safe space is an important step in getting back to school.

 

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