Lockdown Drill
2021-03-24
Dear Families,
Our school will be holding a secure schools protocol drill, so that staff and students are prepared in case of an emergency on March 24. We appreciate the co-operation of our students and staff during the drill. During any secure school procedure, there is the potential that uniformed police will be in the building to inform and support best practices as they relate to the safety of the school community. It is also important that we all remain aware of secure schools terminology used in all of Ontario’s publicly funded schools. You can learn more about HWDSB’s approach to secure schools at https://hwdsb.info/secureschools
Sincerely,

John Gris
Principal

Hat Day!
2021-03-26
Students and staff are invited to wear a hat to school for our SPIRIT DAY this Friday, March 26. Students may wear a silly hat, an athletic hat, a beach or winter hat. Any hat will do!

Families Worrying Less Together
2021-03-30 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Toronto)
Families Worrying Less Together – March 30
Parents and primary caregivers of kids whose worries get the best of them are invited to Families Worrying Less Together, an evidence-informed program based on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
If you are a parent/primary caregiver of a student in Grade JK- 2 or Grade 3-6 who is excessively shy, or has intense worries and fears, come learn about the “Families Worrying Less Together” program.
This program will give you practical strategies to help your child learn to cope differently.
Please note: This program is for parents and primary caregivers, children do not attend.
Please join us on Tuesday March 30, 2021 6:30-7:30pm (vis MS Teams) to learn more about the Families Worrying Less Together program. Log on to shorturl.at/jwLOY to join the session.
Families Worrying Less Together Info Night Flyer – March 30, 2021

Day of Pink
2021-04-08
Tomorrow, Rousseau will be recognizing the Day of Pink. Please see the information below from Director Manny Figueiredo:
International Day of Pink is an annual event to raise awareness and commit to ending the spread of bullying, hatred, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and transmisogyny within our schools and our communities.
Day of Pink is always celebrated on the second Wednesday of April, which is April 14, 2021. Unfortunately, this important day for our Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ students, families, and staff, takes place within the newly created provincial April break.
To continue in the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board’s tradition of raising awareness on Day of Pink, we will be recognizing the date on Thursday, April 8, 2021. HWDSB is also committing to social media awareness over the break on April 14 and encourage you to do so in support of our students, families, and colleagues.
You may notice that we recognize Pink Shirt Day in February and International Day of Pink in April. The days have similar origins, but are distinct: Pink Shirt Day has a general anti-bullying focus, while International Day of Pink focuses on homophobic and transphobic bullying.
Day of Pink was started in Nova Scotia in 2007, when two Grade 12 students saw a Grade 9 student being bullied for wearing a pink shirt on the first day of school. Bullies harassed the boy, called him a homosexual for wearing a pink shirt, and threatened to beat him up. In response, the two Grade 12 students, David Shepherd and Travis Price, bought and distributed 50 pink shirts. They encouraged peers to arrive to school wearing pink the next day to stand in solidarity with the grade 9 student.
Even though we have come a long way since 2007, our Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ students and staff members continue to face hardships. Thankfully, efforts such as Day of Pink do a tremendous job of bringing attention to these worthy causes. In fact, we recently celebrated International Transgender Day of Visibility by raising the Transgender Flag at the Education Centre alongside transgender teacher and Equity Consultant Mitch Borsc.
We understand that gestures and celebratory days can only take us so far, which is why I want to acknowledge the importance of celebrating diversity and inclusion on a daily basis. These conversations, lessons, and teachings do not have to be limited to a few days of the year and I encourage staff to always combat forms of hatred and speak openly with students.
Thank you for considering to wear pink on Thursday and for fostering an environment where kindness and inclusion are the norm. Please share your participation on social media using the hashtags #DayofPink and tagging @HWDSB_Climate.
Let us continue to work together to make our schools safe and accepting places for all.
Sincerely,
Manny

April School Council Meeting
2021-04-20 18:30 - 20:00
All are welcome to attend our School Council meeting. Please click Join here to attend the virtual meeting.

Rainbow Spirit Day
2021-04-23
Everyone is encouraged to show their favourite colours to support a safe and inclusive school community on Rainbow Spirit Day!

School Picture Day
2021-05-05
Edge Imagining will be returning to do student photos today.

May School Council Meeting
2021-05-18 18:30 - 20:00
All are welcome to attend our School Council meeting. Please Click here to join the meeting.

Virtual Talent Show Information Meeting
2021-05-19 15:30 - 16:00
ROUSSEAU’S GOT TALENT!
Do you have a talent that you have been developing, that you would like to share?
Grade 1 to 6 students can join Ms Fawcett and Mrs. Bennett for an information meeting at 3:30pm on Wed., May 19th about this year’s [Virtual] Rousseau Talent Show. Students/families join the meeting while logged into the student’s Teams account. Click here to join the meeting on Wednesday. If possible, students in primary grades would benefit from having an adult present with them as they participate in the meeting.
This information meeting is essential.
Only students who attend this meeting on Wednesday will have the chance to audition.
Note: The Talent Show is the time to showcase skills that students have already been developing before now. An audition is not an appropriate time to create and try out a new skill. There are limited spots available in our show, and so not all auditionees will be included in the final show (e.g. especially the youngest, least experienced performers). However, auditioning a skill in a safe & accepting environment with us is a wonderful opportunity in itself for developing confidence.
“See” you there! 🙂

Beach Spirit Day!
2021-05-28
Hello parents, staff and students!
The student council, Mrs. Bennett and Mr. Gris thought it would be an awesome idea to have a beach/can’t wait for summer day, especially because of this amazing weather! If you would like to participate in it, you can wear a hat or goggles or anything that gives some summer/beach vibes. Why are we doing this spirit day? FOR FUN! This spirit day will take place on Friday, May 28 Hope you join us with this awesome spirit day!

by Violet on behalf of Rousseau Student Council

Virtual Kindergarten Orientation - Save the Date!
2021-06-02 18:30 - 19:30
Welcome to the Rousseau Family!

We are thrilled and honoured that we will have the opportunity to teach your child. We are grateful for the trust that families place in us to care for their child and welcome you to join the beginning of this adventure by attending the Kindergarten Orientation via Microsoft Teams on June 2 at 6:30. Kindergarten families new to Rousseau should have received a link by email. At this virtual meeting you and your child will learn information about our Kindergarten program, meet the Kindergarten staff for next year (at this time, because we are still in the middle of staffing for 2021/2022) and have some fun singing!

Lots of information about Rousseau is available on our school website. If you have not yet done so, I strongly encourage you to subscribe. In doing so, you will receive notifications of new information to your inbox. The Rousseau School website calendar (Events webpage) is where you can find information about upcoming events.

YMCA Before and After School Program staff will be joining us to share information about their program.

Information on using Microsoft Teams can be found by clicking on this HWDSB Online resource.

HWDSB is offering remote learning for elementary students (Kindergarten to Grade 8) in 2021-22 as an option for families concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic as directed by the Ministry of Education. We appreciate that making this decision may be difficult for families given the current health situation in Ontario. Parents, guardians and caregivers can select elementary remote learning for 2021-22 on the Parent Portal. This form is now open until 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, June 1. By default, students will be considered in-person learners unless this choice is selected. Please click HWDSB Parent Portal to log-in. More information can be found by clicking on the Elementary Remote Learning Information page. Please connect with our Office Administrator, Mrs. Todd if you would like support with the Parent Portal/ registration process.

If you have not yet done so and for your convenience please click 06 06 201E School Vaccine History (English) Nov 2019 (2) to view the Hamilton Public Health vaccination form. Please complete and submit to Public Health. This can also be done online through the website in the attachment.

We’re looking forward to meeting you!

Virtual Talent Show Submissions Due
2021-06-13
This is reminder that students wishing to participate in our virtual talent show need to please submit their audition video no later than Sunday, June 13th. Please refer to the information about how to film and upload your submission video previously given to you in a message emailed to any interested students by Ms. Fawcett. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Bennett bbennett@hwdsb.on.ca, and / or Ms. Fawcett mfawcett@hwdsb.on.ca. Thank you

Grade 6 Farewell Celebration
2021-06-23

School Council Meeting 6:30 pm
2021-09-22 18:30 - 20:30
Join on your computer or mobile app
Click here to join the meeting

Or call in (audio only)
+1 647-749-9281,,784521718# Canada, Toronto

Phone Conference ID: 784 521 718#
Find a local number | Reset PIN

Terry Fox Run
2021-09-29
Donations are ON-LINE only (no cash or cheques please)! The donation link is www.terryfox.ca/RousseauPSAncaster

Cross Country Practice-Before School
2021-09-30 08:30 - 09:00
Students, please meet on the basketball court with masks on at 8:30 am.

Cross-country practice
2021-10-05 08:30 - 09:00, 2021-10-07 08:30 - 09:00, 2021-10-12 08:30 - 09:00

Cross Country practice - Oct. 12th at 8:30 a.m.
2021-10-12 08:30 - 09:00

School Picture Day - CANCELLED
2021-10-13
We will need to cancel picture day this year.

School Council Meeting Oct 13th 6:30 pm
2021-10-13

Friday, Nov. 19th - Pyjama Day!
2021-11-19 08:00 - 17:00
Pyjama Day is Friday! Wear your cozy p.j.’s to school for our first Spirit Day of the year!
Please wear your regular, safe shoes and leave your stuffies at home to wait for your return after school – Thank You!
Student Council

Rousseau Gift Drive - Dec. 6th to Dec. 13th
2021-12-05 00:00

Dec. 13th - Winter Theme Spirit Day
2021-12-05 08:00 - 17:00
Student council has created Spirit Days for the rest of the year! Students are invited to dress-up with a winter weather theme — something different than their regular daily cold weather clothing!
Ideas to consider could be anything related to: snow, snowflakes, snow-people, snowy climate animals (polar bear, Arctic/white hare, Arctic/white fox), s’mores, hot chocolate, ski goggles on your head, figure skating outfit, hockey* goalie mask or jersey; characters such as Elsa/Anna from Frozen, “Jack Frost”, “Mother nature” in winter….use your creativity!
*no bulky hockey padding or sticks
SAVE THE DATE: Friday, January 21st WHOLE-CLASS THEME DRESS-UP (Think “twin day”, but more inclusive —- the whole-class + staff member(s) all dressed similarly! Classes will discuss & plan this with their educators in January)

Mon., Dec. 13th - Winter Theme Spirit Day
2021-12-13 08:00 - 17:00
Show your love for all things snow & winter! A day to dress-up with a winter theme or in clothing for a winter activity!
Inspiration:
Snow & snowflakes, snow people
snowy climate animal (polar bear, penguin, Arctic fox)
s’mores & hot chocolate
Sports: ski goggles on your head, figure skating outfit, hockey* goalie mask or jersey
fictional characters like, “Elsa” & “Anna” from Frozen….. “Jack Frost”…..“Mother nature” in winter
….use your creativity!
*please leave bulky items like hockey padding or sticks at home

Fri., Feb. 18th - Beach Day (spirit day)
2022-02-16 08:00 - 17:00
Hello Rousseau Community,
This Friday, we’d like to welcome students to “Beach Day”, where the sun is always shining even if it isn’t! This Friday we say goodbye to winter and hello to the “hot summer sun” of our imaginations, as we dress in our summer clothes! (under our warm winter gear!)
Even though we want to have fun, students should still be protected from the freezing cold. So, still wear all your usual winter clothes for outside, but dress appropriately for the spirit day under your coats, snowpants and boots!
PLEASE DO WEAR THE FOLLOWING: (if you’d like to participate)

Regular boots for outside and your appropriate indoor shoes (no inappropriate shoes such as sandals, flip flops or open toed shoes)
Masks, as per usual
Bright summery clothing (maybe beach or flower patterns?)
Consider wearing optional accessories eg. Sunglasses, hats, flower leis, etc.

PLEASE LEAVE AT HOME:

swim wear
large props eg. Pool noodle, surf boards etc.

Hope students & staff are all able to celebrate this bright and beautiful day!
Sincerely,
Rousseau Student Council

March 11th - Clubs/Activities/Teams Spirit Day!
2022-03-11 08:00
Hey, Rousseau! Do you have a special hobby or activity that you do outside of school? This Friday, we have a clubs, activities, and sports related spirt day! You can wear a tshirt, sweatshirt/hoody or hat from a HOBBY that you enjoy:
Horseback riding….choir or theatre or art class…a sports team that you are part of (or that you like to cheer on!)…Scouts or Guides….a summer camp community that you are part of, etc.. You could even wear a shirt that represents something you collect (unicorns, Pokemon, etc) or something you love to watch (Paw Patrol, Stranger Things, etc.) Everyone is included!
[Please leave any accessories such as sports equipment at home – thank you!]
Let’s show our school spirit by sharing with each other all the things that we are interested in!
Rousseau Student Council
(written by Maeve & Ashton, Student Council Executive)

Silly Dress-up Day - Friday, April 1st
2022-04-01
April 1st (Friday) – Silly Dress-up Day
Be silly for April Fools’ Day! Students are invited to wear silly glasses, shirts or hats! Let’s have a truly fun “Fun Friday” and show our school spirit.
*Out of respect to the variety of cultures and traditions in our communities, this Spirit Day does not include hair. This Spirit Day also does not include hats or headwear that are misappropriated from marginalized people (Black, Indigenous, or People of Colour). Thank you!
Rousseau Student Council

Primary & Junior Choir - April 7th, Break 2
2022-04-07 13:35 - 13:55
Primary & Junior Choirs – April 7th
Mrs. Stinson & Mrs. Bishop (Primary Choir) and Ms Fawcett (Junior Choir) are looking forward to welcoming students to choir practices starting Thursday, April 7th! Choir practises will occur every Day 2 in Break 2.
Junior choir (grades 4, 5, 6) will meet in the gym, in mixed cohorts.
Primary Choir (grades 1, 2, 3) will meet in the library, in mixed cohorts.
Students will be invited on morning announcements to attend. Families can decide if choir is an option for their child at this time, and teachers will welcome students who arrive at rehearsals.
We are excited to be able to offer the option of extra-curricular music making at school!
