December 11th, 2020

December 11th, 2020

SCHOOL NEWS & UPDATES

What’s Happening in December: 

  • Monday, December 7th – Wednesday, December 16th – Virtual Food Drive
  • Friday, December 18th – Pajama Day (no stuffies, blankets or other accessories please!)
  • Monday, December 21 – Friday January 1st – Winter Break – No School for Students

 

JUST A FRIENDLY REMINDER…

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

ATTENDANCE FOR DISTANCE LEARNING 

Please note, if your child is going to be absent and unable to participate in Distant Learning you can report their attendance by emailing our dedicated Distant Learning Attendance emails.

*** Please use the attendance email rather than emailing the teacher. ***

Please send an email to your child (ren)’s appropriate Distant Learning attendance mailbox: 

Kindergarten: JK/SK – dlk-attendance@wrdsb.ca

Primary: Grade 1-2 – dlp-attendance@wrdsb.ca

Junior: Grade 3-4 (To be announced) – dlj-attendance@wrdsb.ca

Junior: Grade 4-6 – dlj-attendance@wrdsb.ca

Intermediate: Grade 7 & 8- dli-attendance@wrdsb.ca

 

VIRTUAL FOOD DRIVE!!

Sandhills Food Drive is going virtual!!

In our community there is no ‘typical’ food bank recipient and there is no single reason for people to need assistance. Food insecurity is a complex problem and the solutions are complicated. Thanks to a caring community, the Foodbank of Waterloo Region is able to provide nourishment and connection to other essential supports so those who need help can move their lives forward.

As we all know, COVID-19 complicates things! This year, Sandhills Public School has decided to change our Food Drive to a Fund Drive!! Instead of collecting non-perishable items, we are asking you to donate directly to the Foodbank of Waterloo if you are able to, through our custom Sandhills donation page!

Our Fundraiser is live from Monday Dec. 7 – Wednesday Dec. 16th. You can make a donation by clicking on this link:  https://www.thefoodbank.ca/sandhillsps/

On Monday December 7th, a special presentation was sent out on Google Classroom for all our families of Sandhills to learn about our Fund Drive. Please be sure to check your child’s Google Classroom!  To date, we have raised $2905.32 – this is INCREDIBLE!!! Way to go SUNS!  Let’s see if we can break the $3000.00 mark! 

Thank you for your help in supporting those in need in our community. We are humbled by everyone’s generosity.  Together we are stronger.

 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR STAFF REGARDING GIFTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

We know that some families traditionally like to express their gratitude for our school staff through gift giving.  At this time, we would like to encourage other ways to express your thankfulness. In lieu of gifts, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice this holiday season.

 

SANDHILLS PS – IMPORTANT SAFETY REMINDER

Now that the weather is changing we have noticed an increase in traffic in and around our school.  We would like to remind our families that Sandhills PS is a walking school and we would encourage everyone to walk whenever possible. If you feel you need to drive, we have a few Drive to 5 locations where you can safely park your vehicles and walk less than 5 minutes to our school to drop off or pick up your children.

For everyone’s safety, please remember these important tips:

  • The Sandhills parking lot is closed to parents & families 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.

FAQ about School Parking Lots

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. 

FINDING HOPE

As we head into the winter months and into the second wave of the pandemic, it becomes difficult to stay motivated and continue to find a sense of hope and optimism.

One of the things that works against us as we try to function during uncertain times is that we are hardwired for negativity. Our brains are always scanning for danger and media/social media is designed to feed the fear. Negativity is a social contagion but so is hope. One of the ways we find hope in the darkness is by focusing on the light.

By highlighting what we’ve done well and what has gone right, we can help people find hope and build resilience. Finding Hope is a movement that focuses positive energy on recognition, encouragement and inspiration.

Many people believe hope is a feeling that will just come upon them, and they wait for it to happen, but it’s actually something that can be manifested. While it’s natural to avoid challenges and risks, we can only realize what we’re truly capable of by being courageous and leaning toward positivity.  Action towards hope is most impactful when it’s both a collective and individual action.

Nothing is permanent.

Not even darkness.

But it’s the darkness that gives you a reason to love the light.

You are not alone.  If you are struggling, reach out to someone for help.  Waterloo Region has many resources available for families.  Check out the following links for more information:

http://www.wellbeingwaterloo.ca/blog/

http://www.wellbeingwaterloo.ca/blog/finding-hope/

If you are in crisis or unsure of what services might be helpful, please reach out to Wellbeing Waterloo Region 24/7 at 1-844-437-3247.

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday!!  We will see you in the New Year!!

~ Your Sandhills Public School Staff