Principal update – March 29

Hello,

This week had a team of Ancaster Meadow students compete in the HWDSB Vex Robotics competition. The team had a great showing and was 7 of 25 teams.  Our girls’ basketball teams are also midseason and performing well. We also have swim team starting for our gr 6/7/8 students.

Ancaster Meadow also has a number of constantly changing activities for students. Examples of current nutrition break activities are ping pong and choir. Students are encouraged to listen to announcements for activities. The announcements are also on the Foyer TV and the school website.

A reminder that this weekend is the Easter holiday and there is no school on either Friday March 30th or Monday April 2nd. The change in schedule also means that Tuesday April 3rd will be pizza day. This is also the first day of the term 3 pizza orders so please remember it is the date that changes will occur if you altered your order.

On Wednesday I sent home a letter about some changes to the entry and exit procedures for the school. These changes align the practices at Ancaster Meadow with the requirements from the province and HWDSB regarding school safety. I realize that this will be a change for some families, I ask that you contact me if you have any questions regarding these changes. I also cannot remind families enough about the traffic in the parking lot at pick up and drop off. Please try to reduce the car traffic and if you must drive, please remember to be courteous to everyone.

The HWDSB has launched a new template for school websites. This design allows for better viewing on a variety of devices and accessibility with assistive devices. The same information is available, it just looks a little different.  Also on the communication front – our new sign is finally working! We look forward to our new ability to advertise important school events.

The HWDSB Social Work Department is hosting two sessions that may be of interest to some of our families:

Cool Little Kids  – An anxiety prevention program (JK-2). Parent Information Night April 17, 2018 6:30 pm-7:30pm Education Centre 20 Education Court Hamilton, Ontario RSVP by: April 12, 2018 Call: 905 527 5092 ext. 2923 Email: [email protected]

Families Worrying Less Together –  A Program for Parents/Primary Caregivers of Kids Whose Worries Get the Best of Them – if you are a parent/primary caregiver of a student in Grade 3 – 6 who is excessively shy, or has intense worries and fears, come learn about the “Families Worrying Less Together” program. This program will give you practical strategies to help your child learn to cope differently

Information Session Night April 17 2018 6:30pm-7:30pm Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Education Centre 20 Education Court, Room 180 Hamilton, ON L8N 3L1  RSVP by April 12, 2018 Email: [email protected] Call: 905 527 5092 x 3555

A health promotion organization in Hamilton is hosting the follow information night that might be of interest to some families. April 12 7pm Josh Shipp – The Grown-Up’s Guide to Teenage Humans https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-grown-ups-guide-to-teenage-humans-josh-shipp-tickets-43668501664 will provide insight on how to be that sort of caring adult in a teenager’s life. It will also provide information on how to give teens boundaries, time and the support they need to thrive.

Have a wonderful long, long weekend,

Simon Goodacre, Principal