Balaclava Update – Week of October 28

This week, we recognized our hard-working bus drivers on Bus Driver Appreciation day. There are certainly many challenges faced with transportation delays but the bus drivers work very hard to try to get everyone to and from school safely and we appreciate them!  A reminder to all families that students are not able to ride to/from school on alternate buses – families need to make alternate arrangements for after school plans.

Thursday October 31st will see the Kindergarten to Grade 4 students who wish to participate in a parade. Students are welcome to wear an appropriate costume (see last week’s update for details) and bring a change of clothes, or wear black and orange, or just wear whatever makes them comfortable for the day. Our parade will be at 9:30 a.m. and, weather permitting, we will be parading outside the primary/junior doors (by the Kindergarten playground) if there are any parents, caregivers of family members who wish to come and watch.  Classes may be doing other events that day to recognize Halloween and/or Diwali – individual classroom educators would be in contact with you about this if needed.

This past week we had our first Home and School special food day – Pasta Day – and our pizza days and sub/booster juice days are now all up and running. Thank you to the Home and School for organizing these events and to all of the volunteers who make it happen.

A reminder that Friday November 1st is a P.A. Day for all students. During this time, educators and school support staff will be engaging in learning about Challenging Islamophobia and Anti-Palestinian Racism as well as planning for school improvement in reading, mathematics and student well being. We are excited to have the time to learn together. We hope Balaclava students enjoy their long weekend.

Junior swim team – this is a reminder about your final practice before the meet on Wednesday. Mrs. Cassidy and Mrs. Ardron say the team is doing so well and we look forward to seeing you represent Balaclava at the meet in November.

If your child is currently in grade 5 to 7, you may be interested in learning more about the HWDSB sports academy programs. For details regarding the upcoming information night, please see the attached flyer.

R.A. Riddell Focus Programs 2024 Flyer Rev (1)