December 7th Update

There has been lots of new learning this year including the required protocols for safely returning to school during a pandemic. As well, the Ministry of Education released its new Ontario Mathematics curriculum.   Highlights include a new focus on coding, financial literacy and social emotional learning to develop mathematical thinking in all learners. Parents who might like to explore this curriculum further can visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/new-math-curriculum-grades-1-8#section-0

Each year every school is required to practice secure schools protocols in the event of a real emergency. We will be practicing two drills this month, a lockdown and a shelter in place. These will not be surprise drills but will be announced for the school population. Staff are reviewing the protocols with students in developmentally appropriate ways so that students can ask questions and be sure they know what to expect. All drills will be conducted following Public Health required Covid protocols.

Upcoming holidays have us thinking of ways to help others. Our Student Council is proud to share that we are inviting our greater community to remember those who might appreciate a little help these days. Please visit Flamborough Food Bank donation page to make a donation to the food bank. Please watch for further promotion of this initiative from our Student Council.

Of course what would the holiday season be without a few spirit days! We are inviting all members of our community to participate:

December 11th – Spread your sparkle day (classes will be challenged to create a positive message slogan to be posted in the halls as a way of spreading a little joy).

December 14th – Plaid Day (wear your favourite plaid)

December 16th – Dr. Seuss Hoo Hair Day (can we re-create the Hoo Hair here at Balaclava?)

December 18th – Cozy Christmas PJ day (sport your favourite Christmas PJs, or any favourite PJs)

Holiday gifts – Following the direction of Public Health, we are trying to minimize the transfer of items between homes. For this reason, we ask that families who may want to give an educator gift this month, to consider an electronic method. Alternatively, we will retain any items that cannot be sanitized in quarantine bins in the classroom for 3 days before they go home with the recipient.

Parents/caregivers dropping off items for students through the school day has been increasing. We ask that you consider whether the item is essential and if the answer is no, please do not drop the item off. Note we do have single use cups available if a water bottle is forgotten. Sometimes a natural consequence of forgetting an item (including homework) is not a bad thing.

Please remember to sign out any students leaving early or arriving after 9:00 a.m. using School Messenger. School Messenger is found on the Parent Portal. We ask that parents not text or call students directly through the school day. Please contact our offices so we can assist.

Thank you!