Highgate Public School

Transcription

1 Happening in February...Mark your calendars Kindergarten registration continues for the school year. Registration forms are available on YRDSB s website: Children who were born in 2010, live within the school boundary area and whose parents are public school tax supporters will be eligible to register for kindergarten. A kindergarten information session for parents is being planned for this spring. For more information please visit the YRDSB website or contact the school office. Principal: Lisa Stover Highgate Public School 35 Highgate Drive, Markham, Ontario, L3R 3R February 2014 Vice Principal: Ruth Carmichael Superintendent: Rashmi Swarup (905) Trustee: Juanita Nathan (905) School Website: School Council highgate.ps@yrdsb.edu.on.ca February 3 Safe Welcome program begins Grade 1 and 2 with Markham Parks and Recreation after school program February 5 Winter Carnaval Art Program after school (5:05 pm end) February 10 Grade 1 and 2 with Markham Parks and Recreation after school program February 12 Term 1 Report Cards go home February 17 Family Day no school today February 18 Monday schedule You re the Chef program grades 1 to 3 after school program (4:30 pm end) February 19 You re the Chef program grades 1 to 3 after school program (4:30 pm end) February 20 PowerStream Safety presentation School Council 6:30 pm in the library February 24 Grade 1 and 2 with Markham Parks and Recreation after school program February 26 Grade 6 VIP program with York Regional Police February 27 Milne Outdoor Education Centre grade 2 s Suppa and Shulman February 28 Milne Outdoor Education Centre grade 2 s Hussain A message from the administration. January was a very busy month of learning for our students as they welcomed in a new year and came to school ready to further their learning and prepare for the completion of Term 1. We are thrilled to see the growth that our students have made to date. Throughout the school, we see students actively engaged in their learning and contributing to the life of the school. Please note that Term 1 Report Cards will be sent home on Wednesday, February 12th. The purpose of two provincial report cards is to communicate how well your child has achieved the curriculum expectations for each subject area at the end of the term of learning. Thank you to all of our parents who were able to join us on January 23rd for our EQAO night. All students across Ontario in grades 3 and 6 write a province-wide assessment of their reading, writing and math skills. We hope the evening provided you with valuable information and resources to support your child. Our staff continue to work diligently at Highgate so that our students will be prepared. If you wish additional resources please visit the EQAO website at The Highgate students, staff and community participated in our school s Lunar New Year celebration on Thursday, January 30th. It was great to welcome so many parents to our assembly as we enjoyed songs, stories, self defense choreographed routines and dancing as we celebrated the Year of the Horse. Due to our ongoing winter weather, extra dry clothes, socks and indoor shoes at school help to keep everyone warm and comfortable at this time of year. We frequently get calls in regards to outdoor recess. All students will participate in regular recess activities as we constantly monitor the weather and cold temperatures. We follow our policy and reduce outdoor time or stay inside if the conditions are not suitable for safe regular outdoor recess. Lisa Stover Principal Ruth Carmichael Vice Principal

2 This is an exciting time for our Board. We recently launched our new Mission, Vision and Values, and the Board s first slogan Inspire Learning! Safe Welcome Program Our Safe Welcome Program in the York Region District School Board will begin on Monday, February 3rd. Our school doors, including the front door, will be locked 15 minutes after the morning bell rings. The doors will remain locked for the rest of the school day. All visitor, including Board staff, parents and guardians, will be required to buzz and be let in, then sign in at the main office. Our new mission statement to advance student achievement and well-being through public education, which motivates learners, fosters inclusion, inspires innovation and builds community will help to guide our work and learning at Highgate. Lunar New Year Reminders: If you are dropping lunch off for your child, please drop off between 11:45 and 12:00. For before and after care programs, parents will continue to access the program through the designated Kindergarten door. For after school programs: Markham Parks and Recreation, Art Club, You re the Chef, students will be dismissed at the program end time from the front doors. Parents are asked to wait outside the front doors for their child. Our school continues to be a safe place where we welcome and encourage parent and community member involvement. This additional step will enhance the measure we already have in place for student and staff safety and ensure that all visitors sign in at the main office. Family Day The Cultural and Diversity Student Council Reps and staff coordinated a Lunar New Year assembly for the students, staff and Highgate community. Students presented information about the Lunar New Year and a traditional dragon dance began our assembly. We enjoyed a self defense choreographed routine, songs and stories and learned through drama how the Chinese zodiac came to be. It was great to have our students present a traditional ribbon and fan dance with our Community Grandmothers. Family Day is a province wide statutory holiday. This year family day is on Monday, February 17th. Please note that Highgate will be closed on this day. There are many events planned in Markham for families to participate in. Enjoy this holiday spending time with your family! Are You Moving? If you are moving or planning to move in the near future, please inform the school as soon as possible. This helps us with our planning for staffing and classroom placements. We are currently preparing for September Black History African Heritage Month We join Canadians everywhere in recognizing and celebrating Black HistoryAfrican Heritage Month. Through a variety of learning opportunities in February and throughout the year, the significant achievements and contributions that people of African descent have made to Canada and the rest of the world will be highlighted. To those families celebrating Lunar New Year, we would like to wish you and your families a very happy new year. Gung hay fat choy!

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