Principal update – Year End Information

Hello,

This is an end to a school year like no other. I have been impressed with how the students, staff, and families of Ancaster Meadow have reason to the challenge and made the most of a difficult situation. While we can never replace the richness of the school and classroom remotely some great examples of online learning occurred during this time.

I want to thank families for their support during this time. This time has truly required a community approach to support our students.

Despite the challenges, Ancaster Meadow students and staff achieved some great results in a revamped online Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair. Our students won awards of over $800! Check out the following link for the award winners https://www.basef.ca/basef2020/2020-award-winners/ Mr. Romero-Sierra was also nominated as a Champion Teacher supporter of BASEF. Way to go to the students and Mr. Romero-Sierra.

There have already been several recognitions but I would like to wish Mr. Loschiavo a wonderful retirement after 35 years of teaching! His energy and passion will be missed.

We also say good bye to Mrs. Sudnikowicz, Ms Trieu Ms King, and Ms Cobb. In September we will welcome Mrs Sinke and Mrs. Burke.

The HWDSB will be sending report cards out through School Messenger on June 25 and 26. This year has some unique circumstances regarding report cards. The HWDSB has a report card FAQ page for families that can be found at https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/about/covid19/report-cards/

The class placement for next year will be included in a comment on the report card. To ensure an organized process in a large school, no class moves will be considered at year end; any further class moves will only be considered as part of the wider class re-organization process at the end of September.

On Tuesday our Grade 8 families received our virtual Graduation celebration video. Staff were disappointed that we could not celebrate graduation with our traditional ceremony, however the celebration video is wonderful recognition of this special transition for students. For those grade 8 students who ordered a class composite photo, they will be available for pick up in the Fall. Your graduation certificate has been mailed to you.

I know the topic of school return in September is a topic that many of you would like more information on. The HWDSB and school principals have been working how to best reopen schools and meet the required government guidelines. This work continues and will go into the summer months. There will be further communication as these plans develop. Official updates can be found at https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/about/covid19/

To help prepare for re-opening the HWDSB has a brief survey for parents. This survey is open until Tuesday June 30th. https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/blog/parent-guardian-feedback-on-school-reopening/

A few end of year reminders:

• Ancaster Meadow is a school that is closed to Out of Catchment. If you move during the summer months, you must register at the home school for that address. Unfortunately the school cannot accept Out of Catchment applications
• All school bus transportation arrangements come to an end for this school year. Transportation eligibility must be renewed every year. The Hamilton-Wentworth Student Transportation Service (HWSTS) will send information directly to families about school bus eligibility. Transportation will also be impacted by the re-opening requirements, please pay particular attention to this information when it arrives.
• The school office is closed during the summer months. It traditionally reopens the week before the start of school. However this may be impacted by re-opening requirements. Phone messages and school email are not checked through the summer months.

The staff at Ancaster Meadow would like wish all students and families a safe and enjoyable summer https://hwdsb.tv/media/ancaster-meadow-staff-summer/

Take care,

Simon Goodacre, Principal