From the Principal’s Desk – October 10, 2023
Hello Arbour Vista families,
We hope you all had a wonderful and joyful Thanksgiving weekend. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible community, and we hope you enjoyed quality time with family and friends.
As the weather changes we have a number of students who are taking off their sweatshirt/sweaters at recess and forgetting to pick them up. Please remind your children to check the lost and found for any missing clothing items and to also remember to bring their coats and jackets inside after recess.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
We had a great turn out to our first school council meeting. Thank you to those who came out and volunteered to fill some of the available positions. We appreciate Himanshi Gauba for volunteering her time to chair the School Council. Our sincerest appreciation to Erica Eugenio, our outgoing Chair for all of her hard work and dedication to the staff, students and Arbour Vista community.
OCTOBER 2023 COMMUNICATIONS NEWSLETTER
Please see the link to the board’s October 2023 Communications Newsletter.pdf
This month there is information about:
- The UGDSB’s Mental Health Strategy
- Walk/Roll to School Month
- PIC’s Fall Event > free event for parents/guardians
- Speech Language website for parents/guardians
SUPPORTING STUDENT ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL – TIPS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS FROM THE UGDSB
Every day that a student is absent from school is a lost opportunity for that child or adolescent to learn, build social skills, and receive the benefits associated with the sense of community found within our schools. Chronic or prolonged absenteeism can also result in decreased academic success and related employment prospects later in life. Increased feelings of anxiety following long periods away from school are also common as students begin to worry about their grades, lost credits, catching-up on missed assignments, as well as interactions with their peers who may wonder where they have been.
For students struggling with attendance, the UGDSB offers many supports including access to Attendance Counsellors, Social Workers, referrals to community agencies and support staff in schools, in addition to many ways to ensure students keep connected and on top of their learning for periods when they have to be absent from school.
While Ontario Law states that children between the ages of 6 and 17 must attend school, we do understand that sometimes illness and other circumstances mean that a student must be away for a period of time. These situations, however, should be exceptions and school administrators have a responsibility to follow up and address extended absences with families.
Please know there are many supports and resources available to you at the school to promote regular attendance with your children.
Please see the link below for addition information
https://www.ugdsb.ca/parents/student-attendance-at-school-tips-and-strategies-for-families/
GRADE 3 CCAT TEST WRITING
We’d like to remind you that our third-grade students will be engaged in preparatory sessions for the upcoming CCAT Writing assessments this week. The official CCAT Writing assessments are scheduled for the mornings of Wednesday, October 18th, Thursday, October 19th, and Friday, October 20th. To ensure your child’s participation, kindly avoid unnecessary absences during this time.
GRADE 8 IB
GCVI is now accepting applications for the IB Preparatory Program!
GCVI IB graduates and current students are excited to share their stories with potential IB candidates in the UGDSB. Virtual “school visit” presentations introducing grade 7 and 8 students to the Preparatory and IB Diploma Programs at GCVI will be held throughout October and November.
On Thursday November 23rd at 6:30pm, prospective applicants and their families are invited to attend the IB Information Night at GCVI. IB graduates and current students will share their stories about student life at GCVI and their journey in the preparatory and IB programs. Small group Q&A sessions will follow to give each family the opportunity to have their questions answered.
For more information about the IB@GCVI visit: https://www.ugdsb.ca/ib-gcvi/
To learn more about the preparatory program application process visit: https://www.ugdsb.ca/ib-gcvi/application/
VISITING THE SCHOOL
Welcome! When you enter the building, please use the Main Entrance on McCann Street and register at the office. We ask that volunteers, please sign in and connect with Mrs Schletz in the main office. If you would like an interview with a specific staff member, please make arrangements ahead of time.
PICTURE DAY
Individual and class photos will be taken on Monday, October 25rd. We look forward to seeing everyone in the class photos, please remember to wear your smile!
HALLOWEEN
Our school celebrates Halloween with costume dress up and/or black and orange.
We will ask that parents carefully consider the costumes their children wear to school as they will need to wear them all day. If students choose to wear a costume they should come to school wearing it. Please have regular clothes available for your child, as they may need to change out of their costumes part way through the day. Class specific activities may be communicated as applicable by your child’s teacher.
If your child(ren) does not participate in Halloween please inform their teacher and there will be alternate activities available.
Costumes: It is our responsibility to ensure that school community members avoid using identities and cultures as costumes. This includes appropriative costumes/cultural stereotypes (i.e. cultural garments), black/brown face, transphobic costumes, body-shaming and objectifying costumes, and costumes that joke about situations that have caused harm (i.e. COVID pandemic). Such costumes perpetuate stereotypes and can cause harm that can further marginalize and oppress community members.
Also, please note:
- Accessories are to stay home
- We ask that students not share candy/drinks/treats; however, students may bring a treat for themselves in their lunch
- A reminder that costumes should not be scary as we have young students who may be frightened.
- Please clearly label your child’s costume with their name
GUELPH FOOD BANK
Arbour Vista P.S. is passionate about helping their community! During the month of October we will have food collection bins in the front foyer to help support the Guelph Food Bank. Please send in any non-perishable food items, personal care supplies and feminine products to help support this worthwhile organization.
Have a wonderful week!
Categories: News • Newsletters