From the Principal’s Desk – October 22, 2023

Posted October 23, 2023

Hello Arbour Vista Families,

I hope you had a great weekend and this message finds you all in good health and high spirits. As we embark on another week of the school year, this newsletter provides insights and updates for this week.

ATTENDANCE SUPPORT:  

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/ 

IMPACT OF PUNCTUALITY

Making it to school on time can set the tone for a student’s day. When students are on time, they start the day feeling more in control and relaxed. They can catch up with friends, settle in, and be ready for whatever lessons are coming their way. On the flip side, when you’re late, it can be stressful and embarrassing for students. 

On those rare occasions that students arrive after the bell has rung, please remember to have your child enter through the front doors and get a late slip from the office.

DANCE ED

Once again, we are excited to participate in Dance Ed during November. If you have not already, please visit School Cash online to make your child’s payment.

HALLOWEEN 

For safety reasons, accessories such as masks should not be worn by students to ensure that students have full visibility when travelling through the school, outdoors and on the stairs. A safe alternative is makeup. Please see additional details in the October 9th newsletter.

GUELPH FOOD BANK

We have had such generous donations to the Guelph Food Bank. Our containers are currently overflowing with non-perishable food items. The Guelph Food Bank will be delivering some new containers this week. We will continue to collect items until the end of the month. Thank you for being so supportive of such a worthwhile cause.

CANADA DENTAL BENEFIT 

Applications for the second period of the Canada Dental Benefit are open. Eligible families can receive up to $650, to help with expenses for children under 12 who receive dental care between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. canada.ca/denta

PICTURE DAY

Say “Cheese”! Our school picture day will take place on October 25th. Students will be called from youngest to oldest. Retake day had been scheduled for November 23rd.  

PD DAY

Please remember that Friday is a PD day. Teachers will be working on Workplace Violence training and Progress Reports.

Have a great week!

Mme Hare

Categories: News • Newsletters