It is not a surprise that the arrival of November has brought with it colder temperatures, snow on the ground, and an increase in colds and flu-related illnesses. Please monitor your child’s health closely to determine if he/she needs to be at home. Unfortunately, these respiratory viruses spread very quickly and we want to do everything possible to keep everyone healthy and at school. Please remember to call the school if your child is going to be absent and provide the reason for their absence. All schools monitor the absentee rate on a daily basis and report to AHS when required to do so with high absenteeism. Please remember the warm clothing for your child as students are outside every day for recess and lunch break. We remain in the school for a “blue day” when the temperature and wind chill register -20 degrees Celsius or when there is heavy precipitation. Fresh air is important for students to support their health and well-being.
Lates
We have had an increased number of late arrivals in the mornings. When students are late, it disrupts their class and the learning that is underway. Coming late to school is also a difficult transition for the late student- it can be stressful for them. When students arrive late at the front door, in the office, we do our best to greet students with a smile, a welcome slip, and an adult to walk them to class when we have administration available. In the event that your child needs to arrive late to school, we would ask that only the student enters the building. Adults do not need to come into the office to check their child in. This is especially important first thing in the morning when there is a high volume of traffic in the office.
For your convenience, we have relaxed/soft entry every morning at 7:50 am. We recommend trying to arrive anytime between 7:50 - 8:00 am so that your child has time to settle in class before starting their day of learning. Grade team teachers will always be at designated grade entry/exit doors at this time to welcome students into the school. Please remember that there is no teacher supervision on the playground during soft entry or after school at dismissal time.
Thursday, Nov. 7, 10:30 am- MTS Remembrance Day Assembly
On Thursday, Nov. 7, all CBE schools will hold Remembrance Day assemblies in their buildings to honour our many military men and women and recognize the sacrifices made by Canadians in armed conflicts. Our grade four students have been working hard to prepare the assembly for the school. Parents are invited to join us at the school, in the gym at 10:30 to join the ceremony.
Conferences
We look forward to our upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences and we encourage all families to book an appointment to visit your child(ren)’s teachers. We plan to host in-person meetings on Thursday evening (November 28) from 4pm – 8pm and on Friday (November 29) from 8am-12pm.
Bookings will open on Saturday, November 23 at 8:00 AM through your My CBE account.
Please note that this is your opportunity to do some early Christmas shopping as the school will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair during conference times.
Fall Break
This is a 4-day week for students. Friday, November 8 is a non-instructional day and students do not attend school. Fall Break starts on Monday, November 11 (Remembrance Day) and carries through Tuesday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 13. Students will be back at school on Thursday, November 14.
Enjoy the fall break.
Looking forward to seeing you in the school over the next 2 months!
Sincerely,
Dr. Lorraine Slater