Weekly Update for the Week of November 8th
Happy SUNday, everyone!
What a relief to have some warmth and light after a long spell of dark, wet days. I appreciate the long nights and the darkness at this time each year because it gives me a chance to be quiet and to reflect, but I must admit that a little sunshine is very welcome every so often!
Last week, our Intermediates played against others in our school from the soccer team in a mini-tournament at St. George’s Park. It was a fun afternoon and the weather was cooperative. Juniors are continuing to play intramurals in class-based groups with masks. We are excited they have the chance to participate in these recess sports activities again. Many of you may have learned that secondary sports are beginning to resume in a more usual, pre-COVID way with mixed cohort teams and inter-school games. Students participating are required to show proof of vaccination. At this point, since not very many elementary students can be vaccinated, that is not the case for us, but I am hopeful that will change in the not-so-distant future.
Our staff is working hard to figure out where our students are and to make plans to address areas of need. We are considering data and information in three main areas: wellness (including mental health), equity and inclusion, and academics. I’ll be sharing our findings and describing trends we’ve noticed and actions we plan to take at our next School Council meeting on Tuesday evening. A link will be shared here on our school website just before we start at 6:30pm.
Just a reminder that if you would like to buy some winter wreaths, swags or containers as well as poinsettias in some very cool colours in addition to red and white, then orders are due on Monday, November 15th (that’s in one week). Place your orders in School Cash Online! Funds raised will go towards mounting a large TV in the library that will allow the Teacher Librarian to share documents, videos, etc. during lessons even with all the bright light in that space. We were considering blinds, but a suggestion from a parent at our last School Council meeting prompted us to consider the possibility of a brighter data projector. When consulting with our IT dept at the board office, David learned about the TV option, which eliminates the need for cords trailing across the floor so it’s much safer. It is also thousands of dollars cheaper than blinds and leaves the space full of natural light. We are grateful to be able to work with parents to support our students and appreciate your input – either formally at School Council meetings, or informally through phone calls and emails.
Tomorrow is Indigenous Veterans Day and Thursday is Remembrance Day. If you wish to make a donation, then you may do so through School Cash Online. We will not be accepting cash donations. Students will receive a poppy on Thursday prior to our vitual Remembrance Day Assembly.
Teaches have written Progress Reports and now David and I have a week or so to read them all. When you get your child’s Progress Report, you may notice that they are progressing with difficulty in areas where they have not had trouble before. Some students were able to learn and thrive during the at-home blocks over the last two school years, and others were not. Teachers have worked very hard to determine where students are and what they need to move forward. They may be facing some challenges now, and teachers are required to let you know if that is the case so you can work with the school to help your child fill in their gaps in learning or address other social-emotional needs. Then they will be able to progress and thrive at school.
Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope to see lots of you virtually on Tuesday evening!
With warm regards,
Jane Bibby, Principal