October Update!

Dear Families

It is hard to believe that the month of September is already behind us and the sun is hiding earlier.  Here at Cootes Paradise School we have had an eventful first month and we are excited for what lies ahead.  Please see below for some updates:

Morning Drop Off & Afterschool Pick up:  As you know, the school population has significantly increased which means the same for the number of students on the playground.  There is much traffic and students have been taught how to interact safely and specific rules have been put in place for use of balls and equipment.

The school is responsible for the safety of your children.  When families linger on the playground before school or come onto the playground prior to the bell, this makes the playground more dangerous.

The school instructional day begins at 915am and outdoor morning supervision begins at 9am. Supervision begins at 9am which is when staff is there to supervise.  In the morning, we kindly ask families to please leave the playground immediately after dropping off your child.  Please do not linger inside the gates of the playground.

Afterschool, no parents should come onto the playground before 3:35pm.  There are often classes outdoors enjoying outdoor learning up until dismissal.

We ask for your cooperation in supporting our school’s safety and we thank you in advance.

Gate Closure: As you know, we have had our gates installed in order to support the safety of our most vulnerable students.  Please be sure to close these behind you as you enter and exit in the morning.

School Council:  We are excited to have an amazing team of parents who have formed our School Council.  Our next school council meeting will be on November 8th, 5:30pm.  If you would like to support or share ideas, please reach out to them by email at [email protected]

Meet the Staff Night:  Please save the date for our Meet the Staff Night being held from 5:30-6:30 on October 20th in the back playground.

Volunteers:  We are looking for parent volunteers to support various initiatives in the school.  Examples would include organizing and labelling books, supporting supervision ratio requirements to access the park and more.  In order to volunteer you must have your vulnerable sector screening from Hamilton Police Services.  Once this is received, please come to the office to let us see it and we will add you to our volunteer list.

Pizza Days are coming:  Pizza days are coming back to Cootes!  The funds raised will support school trips and student activities.  Stay tuned for more information coming soon!

PA Day: A reminder that Monday October 24^th is a PA Day – there is no school.

Welcome to our new grade 3 teacher and class:  Through reorganization we have gained a new grade 3 class.  Welcome to our newest teacher Ms. deMaria!

Web Updates:  If you have not already done so, please be sure to sign up to receive updates from the Cootes Paradise website at https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/cootesparadise/

Cross Country: We wish our Cross Country teams good luck as they prepare for their meet taking place on Wednesday October 12.

Swim Team:  Our swim team is up and running with practices taking place.  Students are so excited to be participating!

Spotlight on Mme Titian’s Class:

Mme Titian’s class got their art on!  Led by our parent, Mrs. Priljeva who guided our students step by step in using colour and shape to create their own master pieces!  Bravo mes amis & MERCI Mrs. Priljeva!

We wish all of our families and our community a very restful long weekend.  We are thankful for your support and advocacy.

Ms Hogan & Ms Gojsic