Gordon Price February Updates

Upcoming Dates

• Tuesdays – NB #2 Popcorn Sales $2.50/bag (Kernels)
• Wednesdays – NB #2 Pizza Day (Pre-orders only)
• February 7^th – Kindergarten Registration for September 2025 Begins
• February 11th – School Council Meeting @ 6:30 pm (School Library)
• February 14^th  – School Spirit Day (Wear Red, White or Pink)
• February 17^th – Family Day (Statutory Holiday)
• February 20^th – Report Cards Go Home
• February 26^th – Pink Shirt Day (Anti-Bullying)
• February 28^th – P.D. Day (No school for students)

Kindergarten Registration:  Kindergarten Registration began on Friday, February 7^th. Your child is eligible for the two-year Kindergarten program in the calendar year that they turn four or five. Kindergarten on-line registration is currently available.  All forms can be found on our school and board websites under Kindergarten Registration at https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/kindergarten/registration/ or contact the school at (905) 574 -6336.

Report Cards: Term 1 Report Cards will be going home on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Educators will continue to connect with families throughout the school year in different ways such as email, phone call or meetings to discuss student progress. Parents and caregivers that wish to speak or meet with their child’s teacher at any time, please contact our main office if you do not have their email, to make those arrangements.

Attendance: As a part of Gordon Price’s commitment to student well-being and student success, we monitor attendance on a regular basis and will be contacting families to help support regular attendance at school. Research has shown that absenteeism has a direct, negative impact on student achievement, promotion, graduation, self-esteem and employment potential.  Poor attendance makes it very difficult for students to be successful in school.

We have noticed an increase in the number of students who are absent with no explanation. Just a reminder to please update the reason why a student is away in the parent portal or call the office to report the absence.

Lates: School starts at 8:30 am. We ask that students arrive on time to reduce the amount of extra traffic in front of the school, in the office, and in the hallways, along with minimize interruptions in the classroom. Arriving punctually ensures that students don’t miss valuable instruction and can fully engage in class activities. Additionally, being on time helps students develop good habits and time management skills that will benefit them in the future.

Cold Weather and Winter Dress:  Time spent outdoors is an integral part of the school day. There are great benefits when children experience fresh air, exercise and time spent outside. Outdoor play is also a break from the structure of the classroom.

During winter, it’s important that children come to school prepared for the cold. Students should wear boots, mittens/gloves and hats and it’s a good idea to pack extra mittens, socks, etc. in case they are needed. Students should also have an extra pair of indoor shoes to change into at school. Boots must be removed once students enter. Boots carry in snow and ice and cause floors to become wet and slippery when left on. Please help us avoid unnecessary injury by ensuring that your child brings an extra pair of shoes to school. We appreciate your support in reinforcing appropriate dress with your children.

Principals can always use their judgment to decide whether to send students outside during Nutrition Breaks. However, HWDSB asks Principals to follow the City of Hamilton recommendation that individuals stay inside when the temperature is at or below minus 15 degrees Celsius. Questions or concerns regarding winter outdoor play should be directed to the school Principal.

Severe Weather Information and Protocols:  It is helpful to know our school board protocols around inclement weather cancellations, snow clearing, and cold weather at schools. For more information, please click on the following link: Severe Weather | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (hwdsb.on.ca).

School Council: Our next School Council Meeting is taking place on Tuesday, April 8^th at 6:30 pm in the Gordon Price Library – all are welcome to attend. Hope to see you there!

V. Prpa

Principal