December Updates

December Updates

It is hard to believe that it is almost Winter Break!  It is amazing at how fast time flies.  We wanted to provide you with some important updates.

School Council:  Our School Council held their first meeting of the year on December 9th.  Thank you to the following parents who came out and put their name forward to be on Council:

Jessica Walker – Chair
Ashley Hinks – Secretary
Kimberly Donmoyer Fong – Treasurer
Alyssa Antinori
Jessica Codd
Kelly Harrison
Natasha Ivetic
Lucy Jindra
Sandy Koudys

All meetings will be held virtually this year.  If you would like to contact School Council, you can reach them at [email protected]

Extra-Curriculars:  With the recent relaxing of Public Health measures, we have been able to start more clubs/activities for students.  The Senior Boys and Senior Girls Volleyball Team just completed their seasons.  Clubs currently running are:  Chess Club, GLOW (Girls Linking Our World), Newcomer Youth Group and Student Action.  Basketball season will be starting in the new year.  We did just receive new information that all student athletes must provide proof of vaccination prior to participating.  More information to follow in the new year.

ROAR Activities:  Our school-wide focus on ROAR (Respect, Openheartedness, Academics, Responsibility) has been a highlight of the year.  Staff and students have set personal goals.  At our ROAR Assembly, we had students reflect on their goals and recognized our December winners.  Please ask your child the following questions:  What was your goal?  What steps did you take to reach your goal?  Did you reach your goal?

Rapid Antigen Tests:  As you are likely aware, each student has been sent home with a Covid Test kit.  The rapid antigen screening kits are intended for use by any child that attends a publicly funded school, regardless of their vaccination status.  Please note, your child’s participation in this rapid antigen screening is voluntary. Students are not required to participate in order to return to the classroom after the winter break.  Please read the information that was sent home with the kit.  Here is some other helpful information.

How to Use COVID-19 tests – Google Slides

Festive Friday:  We have had a few Spirit Days leading up to the holidays.  Tomorrow is Festive Friday!  Students are encouraged to wear their most festive clothing!  Hats, sweaters, shirts, reindeer antlers!  All are welcome!  Dress in the colours of the season!

Return to School in January:  We have not received any indication about any change in our return date, but it is regular practice for students to do desk and locker clean outs at this time of year and take home any personal belongings.  Please encourage your child to bring home any personal items they have at school.

When we do return to school in January, at the direction of the Ministry of Education, students will be required to submit confirmation each school day that they have completed the COVID-19 Screening. This confirmation will need to be done daily (as it had been done previously this school year).  Students will be able to self-screen using a personal device (Grades 5-8) OR use the paper calendar that will be sent home with students prior to the holidays.

Happy holidays from the Staff of SWL. Wishing all of our families a safe and restful holiday. We hope your holidays are filled with love, family and happiness. Happy holidays & all the best for 2022!