Elmdale School

March Newsletter

March 2020 Calendar

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Principal's Message

A highlight of February at Elmdale is always I Love to Read Month. This is a chance to intentionally focus on reading and celebrate what reading can do for everyone. At Elmdale, every student is on their own journey of reading. Some students find that reading comes quickly and naturally, while others find it much more difficult. We do our best to support each student in their learning needs and come alongside them to ensure that they are growing as readers. Our goal is that no matter how easy or difficult a student finds reading, that they can find joy in reading and can realize the benefits of reading for enjoyment.

We encourage students to spend time reading daily. Parents can encourage this by helping their child find books that they are interested in, by finding a cozy, quiet place for them to read at home, and by reading together with them. Kids of all ages enjoy being read to, so by regularly reading your child a story, you are modelling the joy of reading.

Reading is a lifelong skill and we are glad to partner with families to ensure that the reading needs of every child are met.


Mr. Vince Hiebert

Principal: Elmdale School

Email: vhiebert@hsd.ca

Instagram: elmdalehsd

Jump Rope for Heart

A huge thank you to all of the Elmdale students who participated in fundraising for Jump Rope for Heart this February. We were blown away by the results! As a school we raised over $4000 which far surpassed our goal. Way to go Elmdale!

Important Dates

A few important dates to be reminded of:

March 12 - Pancake Breakfast (students only) and PJ day. Come in your pajamas and enjoy some fresh pancakes and juice before heading to class!

March 27 - Superhero day - come dressed like your favourite superhero!

Thank You

Every day from 1:00-2:00 we have volunteers come to our library to read with students. These volunteers generally take turns and come one afternoon every week throughout the school year to support the literacy program at Elmdale School. One of our neighboring businesses found out about this and wanted to say thank you to these wonderful volunteers. A huge thank you to Heier Design Florists for donating flowers for each of the volunteers in our Reading Club!

Report Cards

Just a reminder that Report Cards for grades 1-4 will be distributed on March 20. Please consider signing up for digital report cards using your Parent Portal Account. If you have already done so you will receive a reminder email on March 20 when the Report Cards come available. Paper copies will be distributed at the end of the day on March 20.

Princi-Pal Winners for February

Lyla 1E; Quinn 1J; Dana 1M; Nathalie 2G; Kalesha 2M; Violet 3B; Judah 3L; Carter 3R; Jonathon 4D; Parker 4M; Ahron 4T; Braelynn 1E; Addy 1J; Azzy 1M; Jasper 2G; Moses 2M; Dylan 3B; Bentley 3L; Liza 3R; Desiree 4D; Andrei 4M; Leslie 4T; Berkeley 1E; Sierra 1J; Janaea 1M; Max 2G; Browning 2M; Seraphiina 3B; Rylee 3L; Samuel 3R; Michelle 4D; Dean 4M; Levi 4T.

Online Registration for Kindergarten

Kindergarten registration for the 2020-21 school year is now open. To be eligible, Children must be five years of age on or before December 31, 2020. The registration process will take place online at www.HSD.ca. If you do not have access to the Internet, please visit the school office and we can assist you in completing the registration on a school computer. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to register their children soon after registration opens in January. Early registration will assist us in preparation and planning for the upcoming school year. Registering now will ensure there is sufficient time for school appointments and provide parents/guardians with the opportunity to participate in Kindergarten orientation activities. Visit www.HSD.ca for registration instructions.

Class Lists for 2020-2021

We will soon be starting the process of creating class lists for the 2020-2021 school year. This is a very involved process and requires us to work closely as a school team to create class lists that are balanced and equitable for all. We take this process very seriously as we try very hard to create a positive learning environment for students.


We consider a variety of criteria when creating class lists, including:


  • Achievement (balanced class composition)
  • Social and behavioural considerations
  • Male/Female ratio
  • Group dynamics
  • Learning styles
  • Parent input


Parental requests are something we consider in this process, but we cannot guarantee that we can honour each request. We look closely at the merits of each request and balance that with all of the other considerations.


If a parent would like to make a specific request for a friend or teacher placement, these should be based on academic and learning needs, and be submitted in writing to Mr. Hiebert (vhiebert@hsd.ca) by May 15, 2020. All requests submitted by that date will be considered, however we cannot guarantee that all requests will be honoured. Late requests will not be considered.


Given appropriate support at home and at school, it has been our experience that the vast majority of placements are successful. Where a placement is proving to be difficult, we ask that parents and students give it the time required for friendships and classroom community building to develop.


Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child's education.


Mr. V. Hiebert

Principal, Elmdale School

Spring Break Opportunities at Jake Epp Library

Kids Craft Class - Grades 1-4 Welcome

On Thursday, April 2 from 10:30-11:30 am, we will be having a kids craft class where we will talking all about butterflies. Crafts, Demos, Games & More! There is an advanced sign up required due to limited space available. There is no cost to participate in this program.


Story Corner - All ages welcome

On Friday, April 3 from 10-11 am, there will be a drop-in story time available for children and families of all ages, where library staff read fun books to kids. There is no cost or sign up needed for this program.


Family Movie Day - All ages welcome.

On Friday, April 3 at 1:30 pm, we will be hosting a Family Movie afternoon, where children and families of all ages are welcome. We will be showing the movie, Spies in Disguise <Rated PG>. There is no cost or sign up to participate. Free admission and free popcorn for attendants. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

"Soup's On" School Lunches

"Soup's On" provides daily school lunches to families in need. It can be started and stopped as needed. Contact our Resource Teacher Ms. Rose Friesen (rfriesen@hsd.ca) or your child's teacher via agenda book to register your child.

Bus Times, Routes & Address Changes

Please check our website for the bus pick up times and location near your house.
If your address has changed, please call transportation at 204-320-2347 to make sure that your children are riding the correct bus to and from school.

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