September 2021

Hello Eastdale Families,

The first month of school has been a busy and exciting time for all of our students.  It is nice to hear the laughter and voices back in the school!  We have had many new families move into the area and we have welcomed back to in person learning many of our students that attended remote learning last year.

Thank you, parents, for all your support in ensuring that you and your child are wearing a mask when they enter the schoolyard each morning!  We kindly ask that parents wear a non-medical mask during drop-off and pickup times before and after school. As parents gather on school property, a 2M physical distancing is not possible. Please continue to do your part in avoiding the spread of COVID-19. Your cooperation in this matter is most appreciated.

Thank you to our parents for ensuring that their child has all the belongings that they will need for the day prior to coming to school (lunches, water bottles, snacks & clothing)!

Thank you for remembering to complete your child’s screener and communicate that with the school!  We realize that there is more to remember now and organize for the daily, safe return to school.

Supervision Before School
A reminder to all parents that teacher supervision begins 15 minutes before the beginning of the school day. The entry bell rings each morning at 9:00 am, therefore student supervision begins at 9:00 am. Students are not to step onto the schoolyard before 9:00 am as they will not be supervised. Your cooperation in this matter is in the interest of student safety and is most appreciated.

Another reminder is that the parking lot is for staff only.  It is not meant to be used by parents as a round about to drop children off at the back playground.  Many students cross from the park to the school yard and it is dangerous to be having cars drive around the parking lot.

Courtesy Busing

There is limited space on our buses for courtesy riders.  If you are interested in a courtesy seat for your child please fill out the courtesy seat paperwork.  Courtesy transportation will not be taking place until the end of October.  Contact your child’s teacher for one to be sent home.

Orange Shirt Day
On Thursday, September 30th, 2021 Canadians are encouraged to wear an orange shirt to demonstrate their commitment to reconciliation and continuing the dialogue about residential schooling. The slogan for Orange Shirt Day is “Every Child Matters”.

We look forward to observing Orange Shirt Day at Eastdale with our students. This annual event started in 2013 to recognize the legacy of Residential school system for First Nations, Metis and Inuit families and communities. It is a show of support and understanding of the history of the school system that continues to impact many First Nations, Metis and Inuit people today.

Reorganization of Classes

Each fall, HWDSB reviews elementary student enrolment in schools, and reorganizes staffing if actual enrolment differs from spring projections. It is normal for student enrolment to fluctuate a little.

This year, the fall reorganization is more widespread due to the in-person/remote option for students, as well as the ongoing need to meet provincial class size requirements.

Eastdale will be reorganizing classes and teachers in the next week.  It may mean that your child’s class changes.  It may mean that your child’s teacher or classroom location changes.

Teachers will be reaching out to families if a change is happening.

We apologize for any disruption this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

As always, our team of dedicated educators will work with you to ensure your child is well cared for and experiences educational success.

Sincerely,

Richelle Bratuz (Principal)           Saira Waseem (Vice Principal)