EJPS Week at a Glance (Oct 9-13)

Posted October 6, 2023

EJPS Week at a Glance (Oct 9-13)

 

Chers parents,

 

We are happy to see that students are keeping on track with their learning as we come to the 6th week of school. We are in the groove! To stay in the “groove” it’s essential to keep up regular attendance. For the most part our attendance has been excellent. If mornings are a struggle to get your child/ren out the door or to even get to school then please look at this great resource from the school board to appreciate the importance of good attendance and how to maintain it. https://www.ugdsb.ca/parents/student-attendance-at-school-tips-and-strategies-for-families/

 

The month of October is going quickly and we have many things to look forward to. More clubs are starting up such as our Choir and Percussion Club during recess breaks. Days and times will be shared on the morning announcements. Speaking of clubs, our Cross Country team participated and did their best at the race in the Rockwood Conservation Area this past Wednesday. Congratulations to student, A.D. , in grade 4, who placed 2nd! On the topic of sports, we are looking for donations of new or gently used soccer balls to replenish our supply for Phys Ed classes at school. We go through them pretty quickly and have found that we are very low in stock this fall. If you would be willing to donate, please have your child bring the ball directly to Mme Mizutani in the library and she will make sure it is put to good use in our Phys Ed program.

 

In other news, I have already heard students talking about what they plan to dress up as for a very special and fun day in October. Halloween and Black and Orange Day will be occurring at EJPS on October 31st as done in previous years. Many schools celebrate Halloween with costume dress up and/or black and orange.  Halloween is a day that is not observed by all students or staff. With this, it is considered a choice to participate as are all spirit days. Alternate and supportive accommodations are to be provided for students if school events take place (e.g. parade).   

 

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. 

 

General Guidelines:

  • Participation is optional
  • Wear black and orange if you prefer
  • Costumes must be free of replica weapons, masks are not encouraged (students must have full vision for safety), no valuable items
  • Costumes must be respectful of all cultures and beliefs.  (For example, a costume depicting indigenous peoples would be inappropriate).
  • Have regular clothes available for your child, as they may need to change out of their costumes part way through the day.
  • Kindergarten teachers will communicate additional information directly to parents around the logistics of having a successful experience with Halloween costumes in Kindergarten classrooms with up to 28 students!

 

If students wish to wear a costume here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts:

Costume Do’s

  • Follow our school code of conduct found on our website
  • Use makeup or face paint
  • Make sure you can get your costume on independently
  • Check that your costume is safe
  • Be creative!
  • Have fun!

Costume Don’ts

  • No costumes that are representative of another culture or religious beliefs
  • No gruesome masks or gore
  • No violent references
  • No weapons
  • Must be appropriate for school

 

Some items from your School Council:

 

  • Oct 15 > Garden Clean Up and Clothing Swap (10 AM – 12PM)
  • Our next School Council meeting will be held in-person in the school library next Tuesday, October 24th at 6:30 PM. 

 

Below are some important information items and updates: 

 

Popcorn Sales to Start Next Week!

Our grade 6 students are once again selling Farm to Table popcorn on Fridays to raise money for their year end trip. There are 5 flavours to choose from this year:

  • Sea Salt & Vinegar
  • Butter Salt
  • Dill Pickle
  • White Cheddar
  • Sweet & Salty

Money will be collected in the morning and popcorn will be delivered to classes for the 2nd nutrition break. The cost is $2.00 per bag. Please send the exact change if possible. Thank you for your support! Mme Roberts and Mme Parisi

 

Lastly, thank you for all the food donations for the Thanksgiving Food Drive. Also, I am so grateful to those parents who volunteered to help cover our yard supervision post this week and next.  I was moved by the number of brave parents willing to help out!

 

Enjoy your long weekend and have a Happy Thanksgiving!

In gratitude, 

 

Olivier Cutz

(Principal)

 

** This and all past EJPS Week at a Glance emails are also posted on our school website here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/johnson/category/newsletter/ 

 

 

Olivier Cutz (he/him)

Principal École Edward Johnson

397 Stevenson Street North

Guelph, Ontario N1E 5C1

519.763.7374 ext. 223

[email protected]

 

Categories: Newsletter