Parent Peek at the Week
Week of May 2nd, 2022
In case you missed it!
Loving our nature area!
Thank you Mrs. E.!
New calming spots
Important Dates
Monday, May 2nd - Day 2
- 6:30pm - School Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 3rd - Day 3
- 1:40pm - VIP program finally begins for the Grade 6's
Wednesday, May 4th - Day 4
Friday, May 6th - Day 1
- All day - wear your favourite hat in support of Pedal for Hope!
Upcoming Dates:
- May 11th and 12th - Lacrosse
- May 13th - Picture Day (rescheduled)
- May 13th - wear your favourite sports jersey in support of Pedal for Hope!
- May 20th - Pedal for Hope "bike by" by the P4H team
- May 20th - Blue and Yellow Day in support of Pedal for Hope
At Kawartha Heights, how do we determine class placements for September 2022?
Over the course of this year, I have had many discussions with parents inquiring about the process we use to decide which class students are placed in for the upcoming school year. This article will give you more information about how the process is completed.
The allocation of the number of teachers each year is based on our projected enrollment, through the Board office. Staff assignments are subject to change each year, especially in a climate of changing enrollment. In addition, the requirement for combined grade classes varies from year to year depending entirely on the number of students. It's even more complicated in our current times, as when students move to virtual learning, staff need to move too. This reduces our number of classes, enrollment and our staffing.
Each year in June, our team meets to make up classes for next year. Before our meetings begin, we have a general idea of the number of classes we will have and whether there will be combined grades or straight grades. This is still subject to change between June and October, as enrollment may increase or decrease.
When we meet, student placement is always determined collaboratively by the team, taking into account a variety of different factors. Each meeting focuses on only one grade at a time, and the current grade teacher, SERT and Administration look at the following factors to determine best placement:
- A range of academic abilities in each class
- A balance between boys and girls (where possible)
- Consideration for ensuring a friend is with each student - this does not mean a student’s best friend, but rather a friend that best supports their learning
- Specific information provided by parents that does not include requesting a favourite teacher, requesting favourite friends or requesting straight grade classes
- Specific individual and unique issues that we are aware of as a school team
Our shared goal is to provide the best possible learning environment for each child. This is a balanced classroom. A balanced classroom also includes students with a range of academic abilities and incorporates a match between student needs and the available resources to address those needs.
After due consideration by the school team, the final responsibility for school organization rests with the Principal. This is a responsibility that is taken very seriously with the best interest of all students in mind. If there is something specific that you would like us to know when considering your child’s class placement for next year (please refer to the factors above), please inform Mrs. Sampson by email by May 27th. Note: requests for a specific teacher or for a child to be with a specific friend are not usually entertained.
As a staff, Kawartha Heights is committed to a thorough placement process in support of student achievement. Most years we share the classroom teacher's name for next year in your child's report card. Now that report cards are all shared electronically, this process may change. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available. It is very important to note that changes to enrollment over the summer may effect prior decisions about class organization. It is also important that parents understand that unanticipated staff changes over the summer, moves to or from the Virtual School or fall reorganization to balance class sizes, may require a revision to your child’s classroom.
Covid Daily Screener
For your reference, the screener can be found at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
School Council
Our meeting will take place at 6:30pm on Monday. Please feel free to join us at: https://kprdsb.webex.com/meet/jennifer_sampson
Council would love to see you if you are able to join us! The agenda is attached below for your reference.
Pedal for Hope
To join our school team and fundraise with me, please go to: https://support.cancer.ca/site/TR/?pg=team&team_id=486733&fr_id=28333
On Friday, May 20th, the team will be cycling by all Peterborough schools. They will not be stopping, but we'll be able to line the street and cheer them on as they go by our school.
Our campaign launches this week and will run for the next 3 weeks. Here is a break down of our focus for each week:
May 6th - Wear your favourite hat day (because one of the best things you can do to avoid a sunburn is wear a hat!)
May 13th - Wear your favourite sports jersey day
May 20th - Wear blue and yellow in support of Pedal for Hope! This is also the day that the team will be cycling by our school.
If your child would like to cut their hair, shave their head, or dye their hair, please do so in time for our "drive by" parade on Friday, May 20th.
For students who wish to cut their pony tail: Arrangements have been made for cut pony tails to go to Wigs for Kids who ask for 12 inches or more. Hair must be clean and dry, and should not be chemically treated (bleach, colour or perm).
Create a pony tail or braid with an elastic band and a minimum of 12 inches in length.
Measure the length of the pony tail from the elastic band to the tips, making sure it's at least 12 inches in length. The pony tail should be cut just above the elastic band so that the elastic band remains on the pony tail after cutting and keeps the hair together. Pedal for Hope will pick up any pony tails collected from the school when they cycle past on May 20th.
From the KPR Board Office
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It’s wonderful to see students and staff participating again in so many activities beyond our classrooms - through arts events, clubs, sports and other extracurriculars, and we truly appreciate the significant role of school and community volunteers in making these memories possible. At this week’s Board meeting, as part of National Volunteer Week, we presented six volunteers with Accolades certificates in recognition of their valuable contributions to students and schools, and featured them in this week’s #WeAreKPR story!
There are also many significant events and calendar observances I would like to highlight. May is Asian Heritage Month, South Asian Heritage Month, Jewish Heritage Month, and Dutch Heritage Month and we recognize the valuable contributions of these communities and their participation in building a more diverse and inclusive country.
To those celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr on May 2, we extend best wishes on this special day. The Equity Diversity and Inclusion Calendar includes more information about days of significance.
Education Week and Mental Health Week are recognized annually during the first full week in May and May 5th is the National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Gender diverse people. KPR’s Indigenous Education Department will be sharing resources with schools, to support learning, raise awareness about this ongoing crisis, and take action. We remember the people who have lost their lives to colonial, gender-based violence, and their families and communities that live daily with the grief of losing loved ones.
Education Week is a time for students, educators and families to celebrate teaching excellence, student achievement and family partnerships with schools. Through education, we can develop knowledge, build confidence, and break down barriers to opportunity. Keep an eye on our social media next week as we share and celebrate the incredible efforts of students, staff, families and KPR school communities, in recognition of Education Week!
Canadian Mental Health Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of mental health. The Canadian Mental Health Association’s campaign this year is #GetReal, with a focus on empathy. By checking in with those around us, and really listening, we can see things through their eyes and develop better understanding. Resources from KPR’s Mental Health and Wellbeing team provide entry points into conversations, as well as possible actions and activities that are manageable and meaningful.
Finally, May 1 is National Principals’ Day! As educational leaders, principals and vice-principals communicate and collaborate daily with students, staff, parents and community members, in support of student achievement, success and wellbeing. The commitment and contributions of KPR’s school leaders are deeply appreciated and valued. We recognize KPR’s principals and vice-principals for their leadership, and ability to overcome challenges to find creative, meaningful solutions for students.
Special thanks to all ambassadors of KPR and public education – especially to our amazing students and families! Your positivity, commitment and continued support is appreciated.
Best wishes,
Rita
KPR NEWS
Tutoring Programs
As part of the Ministry of Education’s learning recovery plan for language and math, tutoring opportunities are available for students. More information is available on our website. Questions can be directed to: kpr_tutoring@kprdsb.ca
COVID-19 Updates
While our schools continue to promote respectful and inclusive environments where everyone’s personal choice about wearing masks is respected, we strongly encourage all our students and staff to wear masks indoors at school, in accordance with provincial and local recommendations.
We continue to work closely with our public health partners and will continue to provide important COVID-19 updates to our school communities and families.
Please remember to stay home when sick, to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, and continue to screen daily using the provincial tool at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/