October Updates – October 7, 2020

Dear RL Families,

Fall is finally here!

We have a busy couple of weeks ahead and want to share some upcoming events and information with you.

Outside Time – Fall Temperatures & Warmer Clothing
Each day your child will be outside for nutrition breaks as well and Phys. Ed. or DPA.  Sometimes classes will also be outside for other subjects.  Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather every day.

As the weather gets chillier, we will still be continuing outside daily.  Students should wear or bring outdoor clothing based on the weather forecast.  Consider having them keep an extra pair of socks in their school bag and sending a toque or mitts on the chilly days.

Ray Lewis Spirit Day – Friday October 9^th

We will be having our FIRST SPIRIT DAY this Friday and the theme is HOMEROOM WARS. Each class is coming up with a theme (like hat day, or bright socks day) to show their school spirit in a fun and energetic way! Please ask your child what their class is doing and if possible send them with the item they might need to participate. We are looking forward to kicking of the long weekend with this FUN and INCLUSIVE activity for staff and students!

Ray Lewis School Council 2020-2021

School Council is one of the most effective and rewarding ways that parents/guardians can get involved in their children’s learning. Parents who take part in School Councils have the opportunity to voice their opinions on school issues and decisions on behalf of parents and community members in our school community.

This year, parent council meetings will be held virtually though MS Teams. All parents are invited and welcome to join the council. We will be meeting once a month on Tuesday evenings. Our first meeting will take place on Tuesday October 13^th @ 7:00pm.

Please complete the attached council nomination form by clicking on the link below if you are interested in being an elected member of the council.

We will be having our school council election during this first meeting if it is needed. Please complete the attached council nomination form and/or email or call the school if you are interested in being an elected member of the council.

https://forms.gle/9os6fhrpM7FBw1hr5

All parents are welcome to attend the meetings and you do not have to be an elected member to attend. If you would like to attend a meeting, please email or call the school and we will send you an MS Teams invitation.

School Spirit Wear
We will be launching our School Spirit Wear sale next Tuesday! All orders will be completed online this year because we are unable to send home any forms or collect money at this time. More information will be sent out to the community after Thanksgiving weekend and information and a link to the online store will be shared on the school website.

The HWDSB Parent Involvement Committee
Our board is currently receiving applications for 2020/2021 school year. Application deadline is Oct. 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

As a member of a Parent Involvement Committee, parents have an opportunity to become part of a dedicated team committed to helping every student achieve.

Please find enclosed copies of the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) brochure.

Parent Membership Criteria:

• Parent or guardian of a student enrolled in HWDSB
  •Selected to ensure broad representation & diversity across the district
  •Committed to a two year term
  •Able to attend monthly meetings (second Tuesday of each month)
  •Demonstrated commitment to school and community involvement

Find full details on the application process on our website and the online application at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PIC_Application20-21

Human Rights and Equity Community Advisory Committee

HWDSB is seeking applications for membership to join the Human Rights and Equity (HRE) Community Advisory Committee. They are looking for members who are secondary students (2 positions), parents/guardians/community members (2) and organization representatives (1 position). The HRE advisory committee provides advice and feedback to staff and Board of Directors using human rights, anti-racist and anti-oppressive lenses to ensure that decisions, policies and practices are/will not create barriers to Black, Indigenous, racialized, Two-spirit and LGBTQIA+ and other equity-seeking students and families.

Applications are available on the board website. The deadline for application is October 19, 2020.

We want to thank all of our families for being so supportive during our September start up and we look forward to a wonderful school year together as we continue to Pursue the Dream!

Take Care,

Ms. Burleigh