Principal’s Message – January 25, 2021
January 25, 2021
I can’t believe we have already participated for three weeks of remote learning. It has been such a learning curve for teachers, students and families. I was thankful to be able to get into everyone’s classrooms over the last few weeks. I enjoyed seeing many familiar and new faces. It was nice to see all the creative ways staff have recreated aspects of their classroom to support students in their virtual classrooms. Everyone is working so hard and the students had many questions for me.
For parents who need to pick up paper packages to support their child, please ring the bell to the right of the door when you arrive between 9 am and 4 pm on Tuesdays. Someone will bring out your child’s envelope and leave it on the desk outside the main doors of the school. If you are picking up after hours please contact the office. If you have completed items to return, there is a blue bin that will be outside the main door for you to drop off your completed work. If you are returning after hours you can put completed work in the mailbox on the pillar at the front of the school. We will then scan the work to your child’s teacher.
At this time, we do not expect that schools will resume in-person learning until the end of the provincial emergency orders on February 11, 2021, at the earliest. I understand the enormous responsibility and challenges that remote learning has placed on parents, guardians and students. I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for your incredible patience, kindness, support and flexibility as we continue to move forward. I know that distance learning is a work in progress that we must achieve together. This amazing community, a dedicated staff and remarkable students make this all happen.
There is a government grant to help with additional costs during 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19. The deadline to apply is February 8. Click on the link below for more information.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/get-support-learners
Please make sure you reach out to your child’s teacher or the office if you are needing support. The uncertainty and the added responsibility can be stressful. I have attached the link from the board for parent resources for coping strategies to deal with the stress and uncertainty.
Resource: Mental Health and COVID-19 for Caregivers
Important dates to be aware of:
January 26th at 6:30 pm we are having a virtual school council meeting. There will be a link posted on our school website 5 minutes before the meeting for you to join by meet or phone. Attached is the agenda for the evening.
School Council Agenda Jan. 26th, 2021.docx
January 27 Family Literacy Day. Below is a link for ideas:
Family Literacy Day 2021 | abclifeliteracy.ca
January 28th at 6:30 – 8:30 pm, the UGDSB and PIC (Parent Involvement Committee) are hositng the first virtual night in 2021. It is about ‘Navigating Pathways and Understanding New Curriculum Expectations’ For more information or to sign up, visit :
Parent Engagement: Navigating Pathways and New Curriculum Expectations
The event flyer here (PDF)
January 29th is a PA Day. This PA Day is for staff in elementary schools to write report cards. Teachers will not be providing work for students on this day.
Together we are making remote learning successful!
Have a great week!
Categories: News