From the Principal’s Desk – October 16, 2023
Hello Arbour Vista families,
As we bid farewell to the warm days of summer, it’s time to embrace the approaching autumn season with its cooler weather and a sense of renewal. We hope you had a lovely weekend and could grab your favourite sweater and enjoy the outdoors and beautiful changing landscape.
ATTENDANCE
Is your child struggling with attending school? We are here to help! We will share 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/
DROP OFF
Thank you for using the kiss and ride. Drop-offs are getting noticeably shorter as the year progresses, and students are walking independently to their area on the tarmac. Please do not park anywhere along the Kiss and Ride loop and remember to have your child exit the car on the right side so they are not exiting into traffic. Please remember that the use of the kiss and ride is for a quick drop-off. If you need a more extended drop-off, please park your car and walk your child to the playground using the crosswalk.
Using the Kiss and Ride in this manner allows families to enter and exit the parking lot promptly and safely on those busy mornings.
Thanks for your help to keep our students safe.
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER
As the weather changes and we move into the colder months, we want to remind you of the importance of dressing your children appropriately for outdoor recess.
Fresh air and outdoor play are essential for our students’ physical and mental well-being. Therefore, we ensure they can spend time outside during each recess, even in cooler weather. We kindly request that you dress your child in layers to make these outdoor breaks comfortable and enjoyable.
Here are a few tips to help you ensure your child is prepared for outdoor recess:
- Layer Up: Dress your child in multiple layers so they can adjust their clothing as needed. This includes long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and jackets.
- Warm Accessories: Remember warm accessories like gloves, scarves, and hats. These items can make a significant difference in keeping your child cozy during outdoor activities.
- Weather-Appropriate Footwear: Ensure your child wears sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots to keep their feet warm and dry. If there’s rain, waterproof boots are a great choice.
- Check the Forecast: Stay informed about the daily weather conditions and adjust your child’s clothing accordingly.
We want to ensure that your child has a safe and enjoyable outdoor recess experience, and proper clothing is essential to make that happen. Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us keep your children comfortable and prepared for outdoor play during the upcoming colder months.
Have a great week,
Mme Hare
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