December Update

Lightning Bolts – We’re excited to share that our Student Leadership Committee has launched a new school-spirit initiative: Kanétskare Lightning Bolts! Throughout the week, teachers will give Lightning Bolts to students who are making positive choices – whether that’s showing kindness, helping others, or demonstrating responsible behaviour. At the end of each week, every grade will hold a draw, and students with Lightning Bolts will have a chance to win a small recognition prize.

This initiative is student-led and aims to brighten our school spirit by celebrating the great things our students do each day. We’re proud of our leadership team for taking the lead and creating such a positive, community-building program!

Holiday Hamper Requests –  As we enter the holiday season, we know this time of year can be especially difficult for some in our community. At Kanétskare, we are committed to supporting one another, and we are looking to create Gifting Tree Hampers for families who may be experiencing financial hardship. Our goal is to provide gift cards, food, and essential items to help make the season a little brighter.

If your family has fallen upon hard times and would benefit from this support, please email [email protected], by Friday December 5th, so we can add you to our list. Depending on the number of families who reach out, we may need to use a lottery system to ensure we can support as many households as possible. Families will be notified directly if selected by Mrs. Hall. As always, all information will be kept strictly confidential.

Later this week, we will also be reaching out to our wider school community to gather donations to help make these hampers possible. Thank you for helping us continue to support one another with dignity, compassion, and care.

Holiday Celebrations – We will be celebrating the last day of school on December 19^th before we break for the holidays with a holiday assembly that will showcase all the various traditions celebrated in our school along with some treats that can be purchased, cash only. All money raised will go towards the Grade 8 graduation year end celebrations.

• Candy canes – $1.00
• Pop – $2.00
• Chips – $2.00

Pizza & TCBY Days – You can now go to School Cash Online to purchase the next block of pizza starting on December 15^th to January 15^th. Pizza Days will run from January 22^nd to March 12^th. TCBY Yogurt orders goes live on December 3^rd to January 2^nd.  TCBY yogurt dates are  January 13^th, 20^th and 27^th

Safe Schools Drills – We will be having another two secure school protocol drills in the next few weeks, so that staff and students are prepared in case of an emergency. We will be doing a hold and secure on Friday, December 5^th   and a shelter in place drill on Friday, December 12^th.

It is important that we all remain aware of secure school terminology used in all of Ontario’s publicly funded schools. You can learn more about HWDSB’s approach to secure schools at Secure Schools | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board

Upcoming dates

• Dec 3^rd – Grade 7 and 8 Classes to Westdale for Little Women Play
• Dec 4^th – Retake Photo Day
• Dec 11^th – Healthy Action Team Event (Free Hot chocolate day)
• Dec 18^th – School Wide Excursion to Landmark Theatre
• Dec 19^th – Holiday Assembly (Middle Block)
• Dec 19^th – Last day of classes
• Jan 5^th – First day back after Holiday Break
• Jan. 12th – School Council Meeting from 6:30 to 7:30 pm in the library (All parent/caregivers are welcome to attend)
• Jan 21^st – Grade 8 Excursion to Art Gallery of Hamilton (Classes 8A/8B)
• Jan 23^rd – PA Day (no school for students)
• Jan 26^th – Grade 8 Excursion to Art Gallery of Hamilton (Morning – F8A/F8B, Afternoon – 8C/SQ)
• Jan 28^th – Grade 8 Graduation Photos