Upcoming Dates

• Jan 17 – School Council – 6:30 pm – Library – MS Team Link – Special Guests PIC Committee
• Jan 17 – Photo Retakes
• Jan 17 – 8A/78 Grade 8 Photos
• Jan 17 – Volleyball (Sr. Boys & Girls)
• Jan 18 – 8B/8C Grade 8 Photos
• Jan 18 – Pizza Day
• Jan 22 – Volleyball (Sr. Boys & Girls)
• Jan 24 – Roots of Empathy (5B)
• Jan 24 – Volleyball (Sr. Boys & Girls)
• Jan 25 – Pita Day
• Jan 26 – PA Day – No Classes

Apples are Back! – Our snack program will be starting up again this week with apples delivered to each classroom.  Our healthy snack program is supported through fundraising money and community grants.

Cold Weather at School – With a cold weather alert issued for this week, we are sharing the HWDSB cold weather practices and guidelines.

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

Depending on the season, preparing for outdoor play in Canada can mean anything from applying sunscreen to wearing mittens and a hat. 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.

Principals decide whether to send students outside for recess. HWDSB asks Principals to follow the City of Hamilton guideline that people stay inside when it’s at or below -15C, or -20C with the wind chill.

Respiratory Illness – Respiratory illnesses are circulating in our community and school.  We ask for your support during cold and flu season by following best practices, including keeping students home when they are ill.  Follow this link for more information.  Protect Yourself and Each Other from Respiratory Illness | Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (hwdsb.on.ca)

Social Work Department Sessions

Families Worrying Less Together – If you are a parent/primary caregiver of a student in Grade JK- 2 or Grade 3-8 who is excessively shy, or has intense worries and fears, come learn about the “Families Worrying Less Together” program. This 6-week 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 via MS Teams on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from either 12-1 pm or 6-7 pm to learn more about the Families Worrying Less Together program. To register: Wednesday January 17, 2024 12-1pm – hwdsb.info/fwlt-jan-12pm , Wednesday January 17, 2024 6-7pm – hwdsb.info/fwlt-jan-6pm

Emotion Coaching  – Emotion Coaching is a communication strategy that can calm the brain in as little as 60 seconds and help improve relationships. Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, and Hamilton Family Health Team invite parents and caregivers to explore Emotion Coaching in a 90-minute webinar, and if interested, a six-week parent/caregiver group for further learning. Click the following links to register for one of the 90-minute webinars:

January 25 from 6:30-8 p.m.  hwdsb.info/emotion-coaching-jan25 , February 14 from 9:30-11 a.m. – hwdsb.info/emotion-coaching-feb14 , February 21 from 6:30-8 p.m. – hwdsb.info/emotion-coaching-feb21 , March 20 from 6:30-8 p.m. – hwdsb.info/emotion-coaching-march20