Principal Update Nov 30

Hello,

This week had wonderful Poinsettias going home as part of our Physical Education program fundraiser. I also want to thank our parent volunteers for helping run the Scholastic Book Fair.

Some of our grade 7 and 8 students got to play floor hockey against some of the Hamilton Bulldogs as part of an Ancaster High School tournament. We also had a field trip to Ireland House and Venture Science come into the school.  Our Junior Boys’ volleyball team won the semi-final against Ancaster Senior Public in a cross-town showdown.

A reminder that next week is shortened for students, as Friday Dec 7 is a PA Day for staff. The focus of the professional learning for staff will be math instruction. Parents can review the following parent guide from the Ministry of Education about one of the resources that will be reviewed https://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/parent_guide_math_en.pdf

Dec 11 is our Kindergarten Holiday performance. Dec 11 and 12 will have a number of grades going to Ancaster High to view the Wizard of Oz musical. Dec 14

Having the parking lot closed this week has helped improve the safety around the pick up and drop off times. I appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping keep all students safe. A reminder to families that Monday will be the start of the new early dismissal practices. Families needing to pick up a student early should arrange that pick up for 1:40pm or 2:30pm; the office staff will not be paging into classes during instructional time. This change has been made to allow teachers and students to focus on instruction and learning.

Earlier this week, some programs from the HWDSB Social Work Department were posted to the school website. These programs include Cool Little Kids and Families Worrying Less Together parent/caregiver groups. These groups are for caregivers of students in grades JK-2 and grade 3-6 respectively, who have children who are struggling with excessive worries and/or anxiety. Please check the separate website posting if you are interested in these program.

The weather the past few weeks has brought a taste of winter a little earlier than normal. Please see the following links for information from  the HWDSB about weather cancellations and snow clearing:

Weather Cancellations

https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/about/severe-weather/#tabs-111

Snow Clearing

https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/about/severe-weather/#tabs-112

Have a great weekend,

Simon Goodacre, Principal