February 4th, 2022

What’s happening in February 

  • February 16- Report Cards go home with students
  • February 21- Family Day-No School
  • February 26th – Pink Shirt Day 

 

Please ensure that you call or email the attendance line to inform us of your child’s absence. 

Attendance Email: shl-attendance@wrdsb.ca or 

Attendance Line: 519-744-4430 ext 1

 

VALENTINE’S DAY

As a system, we are committed to raising our equity consciousness and fostering a school culture that is respectful of diversity, while prioritizing human rights.

Throughout the school year, there are many days of significance that have traditionally been celebrated and acknowledged in ways that may not be inclusive and representative of all the students and families we serve.

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and while this is a religious celebration, it has over time, become viewed as more of a secular celebration of love with traditions of exchanging gifts, cards, and candy. To ensure all students and families feel included during this time, here are some considerations, reflection questions, and suggestions for educators.

Equity Considerations

  • Not all families have the financial means to support the purchase of cards or gifts.
  • Not all families celebrate Valentine’s Day for many reasons, including cultural, religious, socioeconomic and personal. The spirit of inclusion means respecting the decision of those who choose not to participate in these activities.
  • Activities like “Matchmaker” surveys are not inclusive and reinforce heteronormativity, and may be viewed as inappropriate by groups. 

COVID-19 Considerations 

  • Please adhere to WRDSB COVID-19 protocols. 
  • Please remember that no outside items should be brought into the school that are not essential learning materials. This would include Valentine’s Day cards or other gifts.

Questions for Reflection

  • Are the activities students engage in promoting the idea of card or gift giving that could make income disparities obvious?
  • What message about ‘love’ is dominant in the activities that students will be engaged in?
  • Will 2SLGBTQIA+ students, and those with familial structures that have not traditionally been centred as the norm, feel included?
  • Do the activities students engage in reinforce social status thereby causing additional harm or stress on some students? 

Suggestions and Resources for Educators

  • Focus on the definition of love – there are different kinds of love (you can love your sibling, your dog, your friend, etc.). This is a day to tell the people you love how much you care about them. 
  • Various online picture books and videos can be used to engage students in conversations about different kinds of love:  

For your own personal viewing: Love Has No Labels | Diversity & Inclusion | Ad Council

On Valentine’s Day, and every day, let’s continue to create an environment where every child feels included, valued and treated with dignity.

 

COVID SCREENING

We ask that all our families please continue to complete the Covid-19 School Screener  https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/ every morning before coming to school. If your child is sick, please do not send them to school and follow the directions on the screener for next steps.  Thanks in advance for everyone’s help!

 

SEVERE WEATHER DAYS

Just a reminder that on days when buses are cancelled as a result of severe weather, schools will also be closed and students will engage in a Weather Impacted Remote Learning Day. Extended Day Programs, Child Care Centres located in our schools, and our Education Centre will also be closed

 

DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER

Please remember that it is so important to ensure that your child is dressed for the weather.  Winter coats, boots, mitts, snow pants, and hats will keep them warm and dry so they can enjoy their time outside.  It is also a good idea to bring extra socks or mittens to keep in their backpack. Also having a pair of indoor shoes will help to keep classroom floors clean and dry.

 

DOGS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

This is a friendly reminder that dogs need to be on a leash at all times when on school property. We also want to remind everyone that some people are afraid of dogs so keeping your dog close to you is advised to help everyone feel safe and calm. If you use our forest area to walk your dog, we want to remind you that this is school property and therefore off limits during school hours. Our Kindergarten students use this forest daily for instruction. 

 

Categories: The Scoop