We hosted our first grade 1-8 Sharing Assemblies this week. It is always a pleasure watching the recipients receive their certificates. The teachers recognize those students who display an outstanding character trait. This year, we are asking the teachers to choose any character trait they want; not necessarily the monthly ones set by TDSB. We've done that for many years now, and it was time for a change. We are hoping the new change will make the experience meaningful and authentic for each student. We know the importance of recognizing those deserving students. 

Ms. Barry and her Stomp group performed for each assembly. Ms. Barry has introduced "courses" that students can sign up for throughout the year. It is a wonderful, fresh idea! The middle school performers were amazing. Their practice sessions have paid off for sure! 

We hope the beginning of the year is a positive, smooth transition for all of the students; but we know this isn't always the reality. If you are hearing that your child is struggling to find new friends or doesn't know how to handle conflict at recess or lunch, please make sure you also let the teacher know as it is imperative we know what is happening.  It's important that we work together to help alleviate the stress your child is feeling. 

Although we know the results from our Climate Surveys show that our students overwhelming feel safe in our classrooms, inside the building and outside, we still need to be vigilant in maintaining a safe environment. We have many of our initiatives starting soon that will also guide us in safety discussions with the students over the next month. The Huddle Up Committee will begin planning our strategies to create a positive climate and reduce bullying and the Grade 6 Peer Mediators will be trained on helping our little ones resolve conflict at recess and lunch. We are also looking forward to our Power of One Assembly next week that will focus on anti-bullying strategies. 

Many of you know that the doors in the building are locked and you need to buzz the office to enter after nine in the morning. The Before and After Program now has a buzzer. It is located on the left hand side of the front doors. The buzzer is to be used only for parents of the program. The B & A staff will not let anyone in the building other than the parents/children in the program. 

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Good luck to all of our sports teams as they begin their tournaments. Please support our Scare Hunger Food Drive! 

17-Jr Boys' Football at Smithfield; Scare Hunger Food Drive Begins   
18– Power of One presentation (9:15 k-3, 10:15 4-6)
19-West Cross Country Meet at Centennial 
20-Whole School Well-Being Activity 
21-Sr Boys' Football at Park Lawn 
24-Sr Girls' Football at Swansea
25-Officer Rich visits Grade 6 and 4; Grade 3 and 5 go to Young People's Theatre; Parent Council Fall Fair after school  
26-Football Finals 
 27– Picture Retakes; Cross Country Finals at Centennial 
28-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch
31-Hallowe'en Parade at 9:00; Scare Hunger Food Drive Ends  


November 2016
1-Parents Book Interviews on-line; Bus Safety Presentations  
7-Bus Safety Presentations 
11-Remembrance Day at 10:30
 13-18-Bullying Awareness Week 
14-Report Cards Go Home 
18-PA Day
25-Parent Council Parent Social 
29-Officer Rich visits grade 5 , 2 and 3
 30-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly 


December 2016
2-PA Day
14-Grade 1-5 Concert
15-Grade 6-8 Concert
16-Grade 7 and 8 MADD presentation
22-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly

January 2017
9-School Begins
20-PA Day


February 2017
17-PA Day
20-Family Day


March 2017
13-17-March Break


April 2017
14-17 Good Friday/Easter Monday
22-Earth Day


May 2017
8-12-Children’s Mental Health Week
22-Victoria Day


June 2017
9-PA Day