December 20th, 2019
Dec 20th, 2019
BI-WEEKLY UPDATES
What’s happening in the New Year:
WINTER BREAK – MONDAY DECEMBER 23, 2019 – FRIDAY JANUARY 3, 2020
- Monday, January 6th – First day back to school after Winter Break
- Wednesday, January 8th – School Council Meeting in the library
- Wednesday, January 22nd – Winter Concert 1:30 pm
- Thursday, January 23rd – Winter Concert 6:30 pm
- Friday, January 24th – PA 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
Did You Know?
Winter is a great season for outdoor activities, such as sledding and skating. Cold weather, ice, and snow can be fun but can also be dangerous for children. As we come into the Winter Break, the staff here at Sandhills’ thought it might be useful to share tips on Winter Safety (including clothing, winter play and ice safety) that may help parents and children enjoy winter activities safely. Let’s make this Winter Break a happy and safe time for our students.
https://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/winter_safety
http://www.lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety/cold-water-and-ice.aspx
FOOD BANK DRIVE
A huge thank you to all our families for your generosity and support of this year’s Food Bank Drive. The Food Bank is an initiative that helps so many during the winter months. Your wonderful community spirit has not gone unnoticed. As a school we donated 789 POUNDS OF FOOD which will provide 631 MEALS to help feed our hungry neighbours!! Thank you Sandhills!!
WINTER CONCERT
Please save the date! Sandhills will be hosting our school concerts this year on Wednesday, January 22nd at 1:30 pm and on Thursday, January 23rd at 6:30 pm. More details to follow in the new year!
FAREWELL AND WELCOME BACK
Friday December 20th marks Mr. Mustin’s last day with us in our Kindergarten 2 Class at Sandhills. Best of luck at your next school Mr. Mustin! We are excited to welcome Ms. Fisher back to Sandhills on Monday January 6th!
PIZZA ORDERS
PIZZA ORDERS ON SCHOOL-DAY ARE NOW CLOSED.
There will be another chance to order pizza after March break for the remainder of the school year. Stay tuned for more information!
FRENCH PROGRAM INFORMATION
The Waterloo Region District School Board offers two French programs, both beginning in Grade 1. Both the Core French program and the French Immersion program are designed to meet the needs of your child while introducing them to the benefits of learning a second language. More information about our French programs can be found at www.wrdsb.ca/french
UMBRELLA PROJECT UPDATE
December has been a successful month where we learned about Gratitude and to remember how fortunate we are. As the New Year approaches we will continue to acknowledge and appreciate our many gifts and will introduce our next trait – Growth Mindset – at an assembly in January.
Sandhills Public School – Important Safety Reminder
- The Sandhills parking lot is closed everyday from 8:15-8:45am and 2:30-3:10pm for the safety of our students and school community.
- During these times, there is NO parking available for parents in our school parking lot and NO student drop off or pick up by way of the school parking lot.
- Please do not enter the parking lot before the lot is closed, to park and walk around to pick up your children.
- New Registration Policy to begin in January 2020:
- Qualifying students and parents who have special circumstances which require them to use the parking lot for mobility or health reasons must be pre-approved by the Principal or Vice-Principal and a registration form completed in the main office.
- ALL vehicles which were approved by the office in the Fall, must complete a registration form to be permitted to use the parking lot at drop off and pick up times beginning in January. Please visit the office to speak with Mrs.Creighton, our Vice Principal, and complete the necessary forms.
No Stopping Sign: When this sign is posted on a city or regional street, it means that no one can park or stop in the area designated as a no-stopping zone. The fine for parking or stopping in a “No Stopping” zone varies by municipality. No stopping in a school zone area often carries an increased fine. The No Stopping Signs are posted on Victoria Street in front of the school. Kitchener By-Law will be patrolling this area more regularly beginning in January.
We continue to accept applications for a morning Parking Lot Attendant. The schedule for this position would be Monday-Friday from 8:15-8:45 in the morning. This position pays $14 per hour. Please contact the main office if you are interested in this position.
Sandhills P.S is a WALKING School
We offer a few options to assist families with getting students safely to and from school.
- ‘Drive to 5’ Locations:
If parents feel that a drive part way to school is appropriate or necessary, we encourage the use of our ‘Drive to 5’ option. These are locations identified by the school that are a 5-minute walk to the school. We have maps in the office if you would like more information.
- Walking School Bus:
Not only does the Walking School Bus increase the safety and fun of walking to school by intensifying visibility and allowing children to walk with other students, but it fosters gradual independence through age-appropriate supervision, support and road safety education. To register your child for the walking school bus or to become a volunteer, please visit our school website. www.shl.wrdsb.ca
Why are there “no stopping” and “no parking” zones around schools?
Vehicles that are stopped or parked illegally near schools when children are being picked up or dropped off can cause high traffic volumes and poor visibility, which can create a serious safety hazard. No Stopping and No Parking zones, designated by signage and by-law, are in place around schools to prevent hazardous driving behaviours. Municipal by-law enforcement officers and the Waterloo Regional Police Service regularly enforce these zones to ensure the safety of children accessing the school. It may be a small inconvenience to park in a safe place away from the school, but it could prevent a needless collision.
Why do schools close their driveways/parking lots to student pick-up/drop-off?
Many schools have closed their driveways and parking lots during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times. Generally, they are closed to protect student safety. Many school parking lots are not designed with drop-off areas and parking spaces are limited. The lanes in parking lots are not for dropping off students as it is unsafe and an unsupervised area. It is also important to keep driveways and lanes clear for buses and emergency vehicles.
Student safety is everyone’s responsibility. Please report infractions to Municipal By-Law Enforcement Officials using their online reporting tool on the City of Kitchener website.
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!! We will see you in the New Year!!
~ Your Sandhills Public School Staff