March 29th, 2019

LOOKING AHEAD………..


Apr 2 – Autism Awareness Day

Apr 10 – School Council Meeting – 6.30 (Library)

Apr 12 – PD Day – No School

Apr 19 & 22 – Good Friday & Easter Monday – No School

 

Message from the Principal

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Madame Van Klink who leaves us on 1 April to start a new position. Saying goodbye also means we say ‘hello again’ to Ms. S. Lammert who will be joining us for a few weeks in 5F.  I am sure you will all join me in welcoming Ms. Lammert and wish Madame Van Klink best wishes in her new adventure.

 

Did You Know?

A recent media report highlighted the negative impact on learning when students miss 10% or more of the school year, equal to just two absences per month or absences that accumulate through extended periods such as a prolonged vacation.

Here are our most recent attendance statistics. Keep in mind, at this point in the year, more than ten absences equates to missing ten % of the school year (or more). Of our 686 students:

  • 168 students (24%) have missed 10.5 to 15 instructional days this year
  • 111 students (16%) have missed 15.5 to 20 instructional days this year
  • 118 students (17%) have missed more than 20 instructional days this year

This puts 397 of our 686 students (57%) at risk for lost learning time at this point in the year. There is a correlation between student absenteeism and students who do not make school board targets in Reading, particularly in the early grades (Kindergarten to Grade 3).

So what can you do? We want to work with you to ensure your child’s success:

  • Make sure your child attends school every day.
  • Make sure your child arrives on time and remains until the end of the day so they do not miss out on any learning.
  • To the extent possible, schedule appointments for before or after school, or on weekends.
  • Schedule your vacations during the school calendar year (Seasonal break in December and March Break).
  • Reinforce with your child that being punctual and attending school every day increases their chances for success.
  • Be a good role model for your child when it comes to attendance and punctuality.

 

Umbrella Project

At our Spirit Assembly on Friday, 29th March we introduced Autonomy and Independence.

Excerpt from the Umbrella Project Website – Learn your Own Brain:

Teach your children to learn about their own brains and what makes them function at their best. For some, it might be more quiet through the day. For others, they need to move their bodies more to stay focused. In my house, one of my kids is particularly sensitive to low blood sugar and the other needs extra sleep to be in tip-top shape.

The more our kids know about their own unique brains, the more they will be able to take charge of their own success. This means they do not rely on others to create success for them.

It’s easy to expect that our children’s classrooms will be formatted for great learning. Too often, we rely on this to ensure our children are getting what they need from their education. In truth, it is extremely difficult for one teacher to attend to everyone’s unique needs. Autonomy is just the skill needed to help our children take more responsibility for their own learning.

Umbrella Project Autonomy

Website: Umbrella Project Parent Resources

Twitter: @umbrellapjct

Facebook: The Umbrella Project