February 2023 News

Posted January 31, 2023

Principal’s Message

Hi Everyone!

Winter is back! It is amazing to see how the playground transforms into a building zone when we have snow. Play is such an important part of development for a child. It helps teach them problem-solving skills as well as pro-social skills – ways to interact appropriately with their peers! Encourage your children to #getoutside with you or their friends and enjoy the winter weather! There are great trails around the neighbourhood and school, and a great toboggan hill in the Taylor Evans Backyard! Take a stroll through the woods behind the school and search for signs of winter and animals!

Student are expected to be outside enjoying the winter weather! Please help your child plan and come dressed for the weather. An extra pair of socks is always a great thing to send in their backpack when things get slushy!

February Equity initiatives!

Black Heritage, Black Brilliance and Black Futures Month. Classes will be engaged in different activities to educate ourselves and our students. We have challenged staff and students to continue recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of our black community beyond February.

Many times we get questions about homework. If you are looking for ideas to help support your child (in any grade) with activities that will help them develop the skills necessary for academic and life success, take time to play a game before bed, read with them (or let them read to you, a sibling or favourite stuffed animal), or play some math games. For more ideas for math, check out this website for ideas on “Math before bed”: https://mathbeforebed.com/

School Volunteers

Last school year, the UGDSB reviewed and updated Policy 205 – Volunteers in Schools. 

We welcome volunteers at Taylor Evans. 

If you wish to volunteer in the school,  please complete a Vulnerable Sector Check. This can be completed at https://policecheck.guelphpolice.ca/ . Please also complete this form 205-1  and return it to the classroom teacher as soon as possible. Currently there is no charge for this service from the local police department. 

If you require a letter from the school to complete the VSC, it is attached here (form). Print copies are available from the office.

Please return your VSC to your classroom teacher.

Examples of when a VSC will be required.

  • Field trip supervisors (including neighborhood walks)
  • Volunteer drivers
  • Classroom volunteers working with students

Examples of when a VSC is not required.

  • Those performing volunteer tasks off school property without any student involvement.
  • Those attending school council meetings.
  • Those performing administrative volunteer tasks under the supervision of school staff.

We understand that there is a waiting period to receive your VSC, so please let us know it is in process as we give a transition period until the New Year. 

Note: At the discretion of the principal, a VSC can be required for any volunteer for any activity.

Ken Keesmaat                     Cassie Broadhead

Principal                               Vice Principal

 

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