Update for Families

We appreciate the care taken by our families to ensure children are screening each day before arriving to school and completing the attestation in the Parent Portal when returning from an illness. Please remember also, that School Messenger is located in the Parent Portal and is the method by which parents/caregivers can sign students in late or out early for appointments. We often see a large number of families picking students up before dismissal who are not signed out on School Messenger. It is helpful to know of any students who are leaving early to have them ready when parents/caregivers arrive.

We have seen an improvement in our parking lot in general in terms of drivers following the one way direction, and not entering the lane closest to the building. We ask that anyone picking up or dropping off not park in the lane closest to the building and leave engines running as our air intake for rooms at the front of the school are located close to the ground on the outside wall.

Friday November 19th, students learning in person will carry home their Progress Reports. These reports are intended to be one form of communication about a child’s progress with developing their Learning Skills and Academics. Where a student might be progressing with difficulty, a plan for supporting progress needs to be in place. If parents/caregivers are not clear on what strategies will be used, how they can support, and the student’s responsibilities in supporting their learning, please contact our educators.

Next week is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario. We are focusing on Anti-Bullying Actions; things we can all do to help eliminate bullying behaviour. There will be specific lessons taught from K-12 next week and throughout the school year intended to help educate and empower students to make positive changes. In addition, our Student Council will be coordinating some school wide activities to help ensure understanding and acceptance of all so that everyone feels they belong and can be successful at Balaclava School.

Finally, next Friday, November 26th is a Professional Development Day. Educators will be engaging in learning related to Mental Health and Well-being and Continuous Learning. Students do not attend school November 26th.

Thank you for your continued support.