Principal Update – Jan 19

Hello,

On a cautiously optimistic note, we have had a vastly improved bus situation this week. We hope that this pattern continues.

Thank you to our parents for some improvement in the parking lot situation. The tragic situation in North York this week highlights the need for all members of the school community to be safe and courteous in the parking lot.  This week the parking lot continues to be a bust place but most parents are staying with there car during pick up and drop off times.  I encourage everyone to park on nearby streets and walk to the parking lot. A few parents have shared some news articles with me on the topic and I thought I would pass them along:

North York student killed by car https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/kindergartner-dies-pinned-between-vehicles-during-school-pickup-1.3761410

Toronto Star editorial about walking to school https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/2018/01/16/stop-driving-children-to-school-it-could-be-a-lifesaver.html

At our School Council meeting this Thursday, a staff from the Safe Arrivals program at the City of Hamilton presented regarding a program to help schools promote safe and active routes to school. This was arranged previously but is extremely timely.  It is a process where City staff, HWDSB Board staff, and school representatives work together to explore safe arrival options.

There is always a lot on at Ancaster Meadow, some highlights in the coming week include: Tues Jan 22 3:30pm is the Gr 6 overnight trip meeting,  Wed Jan 23 there will be some presentations regarding bus safety, several basketball teams are starting practices,  and Scientist in the School program running for grade 1 classes.

For our Gr 8 students, guidance counsellors from Ancaster High will be presenting to students regarding the grade 9 option sheet  on Monday Jan 22. The option sheets will come home with a teacher recommendation for course level, parents are encourage to talk to homeroom teachers if they have questions about these recommendations.

A final note, there is a PA Day on Fri Jan 26th. There is no school for students on that day. The focus of the day for staff will be the preparation on the first Report Card.

Have a great weekend.

Simon Goodacre, Principal