NOVEMBER NEWS
The first week of November is Treaties Recognition Week. This annual event honours the importance of treaties and helps students learn more about treaty rights and relationships. By learning more about our collective treaty rights and obligations, we can create greater understanding and nurture these relationships.
The week of November 22th – 26th is Bullying Prevention week. We want all students to feel safe at school and we want students, staff and parents to know that we do have a process for determining if bullying is happening and steps to take to ensure it stops. If you know of anyone experiencing this type of interaction please report it to an adult in the school or access the “Online Bullying” reporting tool found on the board and school websites.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
November 1 – Playground Closed for the season
November 2 – School Council Meeting – 7:00pm – virtually
November 1 – 5 – Treaties Recognition Week
November 7 – Daylight Saving Time Ends
November 11 – Remembrance Day
November 17 – Progress Reports Available
November 22 – 26 – Bullying Prevention Week
November 25 – Wear Pink Day to support Anti-Bullying at WCW
November 26 – PA Day – Interviews (No School for students)
TREATIES RECOGNITION WEEK
Treaties Recognition Week was introduced in 2016 to honour the importance of treaties and to help Ontarians learn more about treaty rights and treaty relationships. During this week the children in our school will have the opportunity to discuss treaties as a promise/agreement between two groups of people. We will also reflect on the meaning of the following statement read at all official gatherings within our school board: Honouring the Land & Territory From the Anishinaabe to the Haudenosaunee and the Metis, these treaty lands are steeped in rich Indigenous history and modern traditions. As a community, we have a responsibility to honour and respect the four directions, land, waters, plants, animals and ancestors. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous Peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation of the Anishinaabek Peoples, on whose ancestral and treaty lands we teach, learn and live. Check the UGDSB website to learn more about the Treaty partners with UGDSB schools: https://www.ugdsb.ca/programs/fnmi-education/first-nation-metis-and-inuit-education-treaty-partners/ 
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Classes will be participating in a virtual Remembrance Day assembly this year to honour our Veterans and Fallen Heroes. Money donations for the poppies can be handed to homeroom teachers or you can follow the link below: https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/the-poppy-campaign/donate-to-the-poppy-fund
BULLYING PREVENTION WEEK
Bullying Prevention week is the week of November 22th – 26th. Classes will have the opportunity to take part in lessons, activities and announcements to continue their learning. We will continue to support children to problem solve with each other and to go to a safe adult if they need support. This year we will wear pink on Thursday, November 25th to say “no to bullying”. 
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports focus on learning skills or work habits, as well as strengths and next steps to assist in improving student learning in subject areas. It will provide students and parents with early and specific feedback on the progress made during the first two months of the school year. There will be an opportunity for parent/teacher conferences. This is your chance to find out early in the school year how your child is progressing. Progress Reports will be uploaded for parents to review on Wednesday, November 17th. There has been a PA Day set aside (November 26th) specifically for parent-teacher interviews to review the Progress Reports and Initial Observations. More information will follow about how to access Progress Reports and setting up phone or virtual interview times.
DROP OFF AND PICKUP
Thank you to all our families for supporting the 1 parent/guardian on the playground and physical distancing on the school yard. We do need to remind our families to please make your way off the school yard after drop off and pickup.
- All students please make your way to your class line in the morning. Please arrive closer to 8:30. The school day will begin at 8:35am and end at 3:05pm.
- If walking with a dog to school please ensure you stay on the sidewalk
- Please only use the parking lot if absolutely necessary
- The pickup and drop off lane in the parking lot is for picking up and dropping off. Please do not leave your vehicle parked in the lane.
- We encourage families to park on the streets surrounding the school and walk to the school if picking up or dropping off (Cityview, Breesegarden, and Kearney are good options)
- Do not park or stop on Lee Street near the school
DAILY SCREENING
Please ensure that you continue to screen your child daily using the following screening tool:
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/context
You can also find it located on our William C. Winegard website: www.ugdsb.ca/winegard
When your child has a symptom, we are required to contact parents and you must pick your child up immediately. Please ensure you have a local contact to pick up if you are unavailable and inform the office of the contact. Thank you for your ongoing support!
SHOES AT SCHOOL
With the wet and cold weather approaching, it is important that all students have both outdoor and indoor shoes. This is a safety issue as proper footwear reduces the risk of slips and falls and stepping on items which may cause injury. Indoor shoes are also important so that students are protected in the event of a fire drill or event resulting in a school evacuation.
FROM THE LEARNING COMMONS
We are hoping to start a Lego Club in November. Information will be shared with classes to what this will look like. We will be working on STEM challenges and just having plain ol’ fun! Who doesn’t like lego? Any lego donations would be helpful – including lego manuals / books etc. ~ Mrs. Masters. NOTE: Makerspace re-opening will be revisited at a later date.
First book fair for the year! Start your Christmas shopping early. Virtual book fair runs from November 26th to December 10th. Stay Tuned! More info to come.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
The School Council will continue to hold School Council meetings virtually. Our next meeting is scheduled: November 2nd at 7:00pm
If you would like to attend this meeting please follow the link in the school calendar.
Everyone is welcome!
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
As a reminder we have video surveillance cameras installed in several areas in our school. These areas are clearly marked with signage and video cameras are not being used in areas where students, staff and authorized visitors have a high expectation of privacy including change rooms, washrooms and staff rooms. Information obtained through video surveillance provides us with an additional way to enhance the protection of students, staff, the public and property. Should you have any questions please refer to the Upper Grand School Board’s Video Surveillance Policy #203.
Categories: News • Newsletter