February Update

BG Families,

Happy Family Day weekend to all our BG Families! We hope that you’re able to enjoy the time together with family or friends.

February is Black History Month and African Heritage Month across Canada. The theme this year is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; A Future to Build.” At HWDSB, we recognize and deeply value the many ways that Black staff, students, and community members enrich our learning and working environments by sharing their unique gifts, perspectives and lived experiences. Ensuring that we create and maintain an inclusive environment is critical because we know that education has not always been a welcoming or safe space for people of African descent. That is why HWDSB continues to take deliberate steps to combat Anti-Black Racism.

 

We have a few updates and reminders for families.

 

PA Day

Families should have received notice directly from the school board that the March 1 PA Day has been moved to April 8. March 1 is now a regular school day for students.  There will be no school for students April 8 as staff will be engaged in professional learning.

 

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten Registration is open for September 2024 across HWDSB. You are eligible to register your child for the Kindergarten program in the calendar year that they turn four or five. Your child must attend school if they are age six by September 1. If your child did not register last year but falls within the age group, they are welcome to enter year two of the Kindergarten program. Please contact the school office (905-573-3505, [email protected]) with any questions. We look forward to welcoming our new Gators!

 

Report Cards

A reminder that Report Cards went home last Friday (Feb 16). If you have any questions or concerns about report cards, please reach out to your child’s teacher or teachers to discuss. There is not a designated Parent-Teacher Conference Day in February.

 

Supervision

Student supervision on the playground begins at 8:25am.  Students should not be on our school yard before then. At the end of the day students being picked up, should be picked up at the 3:00pm dismissal bell.  Students walking home should leave property in a timely manner to make their way home.

 

Recess

With the winter weather here, it’s important that students come to school prepared with outdoor clothing to be outside everyday (coat, hat, scarf, gloves/mittens).

It’s also a good idea for all students to bring a change of footwear for outside (play shoes, boots, etc.). This helps to keep our hallways and classrooms tidy and ready for learning.

We plan to only stay inside when the temperature is at or below -15C or below -20C with wind chill or when the rain doesn’t allow us to go out. Please plan for your child to be outside daily.

Students can check the Lost and Found for any missing items.

 

Popcorn & Pizza

Popcorn Tuesdays are continuing at BG.  Kernels popcorn is on sale to students during Nutrition Break 1 every Tuesday for $2.50/bag in cash. Pizza Thursdays are continuing with orders made monthly through School Cash Online ($2.00/slice). Funds raised through the sale of popcorn and pizza will continue to be used for experiential subsidies for students and also school/classroom accessories and enhancements.

 

School Council

School Council’s next meeting will be April 4, 6:30pm in the school library.

 

Cookbook

Thanks to all families who were able to contribute to our Billy Green Cookbook.  Our numbers are being submitted to the publisher and we will distribute copies to those who ordered when the cookbooks arrive at the school.

 

Pink Shirt Day

Pink Shirt Day is coming up on Wednesday, February 28. The Pink Shirt Day mission is to create a more kind, inclusive world by raising awareness and funds for anti-bullying initiatives. Everyone can participate by wearing a pink shirt February 28.

 

~ Ms. Wilson.