It is so hard to believe that today is already the last school day of September! We have had such a busy and wonderful start to the new school year, welcoming so many new students, families & staff members, and creating new opportunities within our school community. We are really looking forward to what October is going to bring. Personally, I truly appreciate all the cooperation and support I have received from everyone as I transition into the role of your school Principal, and I want to thank you very much. Some important information updates are included below to keep you up to date.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation Tomorrow & Orange Shirt Day
This week, our students and staff have been learning about and discussing the history and impact of residential schools on survivors, their families, and their communities. Students have continued their work on visual representations of their learning throughout the school. Today, students and staff were encouraged to wear orange in support of Orange Shirt Day and its significant message. Our school observed a moment of silence and reflection at 10:30 AM, as well as a musical interlude. There have been some very impactful discussions and profound learning taking place in our classrooms that students have been talking to me about. Informative resources have been shared by the WQSB’s new Indigenous Pedagogy Consultant to support teaching practices (one such resource is attached for families as well). We would like to continue this learning throughout the course of the year with our staff and students involving outside partners and members of the Indigenous community. As a school, we are committed to listening, learning and taking action that supports reconciliation.
Photo Day October 5th
A reminder that school photos will be taking place in the MPR on Thursday, October 5th. This is the day individual and class photos will be taken, so we do not want anyone missing out. Retakes are scheduled for November 22nd however there are no retakes of class photos. Please see the attached flyer for more details.
Emergency Preparedness Drills
Please find attached a memo regarding the practice drills we will be executing at the school in the coming weeks with our students. We inform parents in advance so they have context and the opportunity to answer any questions students may have before/after a drill. Our first school lock out (fire drill) practice will be next Tuesday, and students will be made aware next week. This drill is in preparation for our visit from the fire service who will be conducting their emergency preparedness assessment the following Tuesday, October 10th. Thank you for your cooperation.
School & Daycare Fees
This year’s School Fees have been generated and invoices are now available for payment on the portal. Please find the Mozaik Portal guide attached to this e-mail with the instructions for parents/guardians to access the portal and make payments through online banking. This is also the manner in which daycare feed are posted and paid online. Thank you for your support.
Progress Reports October 13th
A reminder that October Progress Reports will be posted to the Mozaik Parent Portal on Friday, October 13th for you to access. The guide attached will help parents navigate this process as well if you are doing so for the first time.
School Spirit Wear E-Store
We are very excited to be offering the next round of Chelsea Spirit Wear for students, staff and families! Our e-store is up and full of fantastic items for you and your family to enjoy. Follow this link https://stores.inksoft.com/chelsea_elementary_school/shop/home or scan the QR code on the attached flyer to access the store! All payments are made virtually, and your items will arrive at school prepackaged with your child’s name for distribution. The e-store is open from now until October 13th, so don’t wait too long!
Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend as we head into October together!