South Oaks School
June 2021
Together . . . We Did It!
Well, today I would like to celebrate being on "the other side" of this statement. Today, I can honestly say, "Together . . . .we did it!". In September, we worked together to rethink how to participate in a Meet the Teacher event. At the same time, students and teachers adjusted to the Yellow level and physical distancing and other protocols, etc. In October, we pivoted to having virtual SSP parent meetings for students receiving Learning Support services. In November, we planned a virtual Remembrance Day service. At the same time, students and teachers adjusted to the Orange Level, which included the opening of overflow classes. In February, parents engaged with I Love to Read Bingo as they partnered with us from home, as teachers focused on reading acquisition in class. I could go on and on and on, with the many ways we all adjusted to new ways of teaching and learning throughout this year.
The great part of all of this is that WE did it. Together. There is no other way it could have worked. So, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say "Thank-you" to everyone. Thank-you to an incredible staff that lived "outside the box" all year, teaching and working in ways they were not trained to do in the past. Yet, they responded as professionals and learning was achieved. Thank-you to our parents who trusted us when we had to make changes and then supported these changes as best they could. Perhaps the biggest thanks needs to go to the students. After all, they are the ones who have had their Early Years education impacted by COVID. None of us adults can say we truly understand what that means for them. So, thank-you to our students who have carried an extra load this year as well. You have demonstrated much strength and resilience and we are proud of you all.
Are we completely out of the woods yet? Probably not. However, this year has proven that we will be OK. We can collaborate and communicate and create new ways to teach and learn and support each other. Together, we've got this!
Have a great summer,
Dale Martens
Calendar
June 4 & 7: Learning Forward days
June 18: Library closed
June 22: Grade 4 students visit GVS
June 25: Grade 4 Farewell
June 29: Cohort Picnic Day
June 29: Last day of classes
June 30: Report cards available on Parent Portal
June 30: Admin day - school office will be open
Report Cards & Class Placements
Also, please note that HSD has decided to change the timeline for classroom placement announcements. This has typically been included in the final report card, but due to possible changes surrounding COVID, families will be notified via email the week of August 23rd.
And the winners are....
School Supplies for 2021-22
So, how will this work? The school will charge a $50.00 fee for school supplies to your parent portal account on May 17. The deadline for paying the fee is Friday, June 18. This gives each family a full month to pay at their convenience. Parents can pay online or at the office with cash or cheque during office hours.
Then, for September, parents send a backpack, shoes, lunch kit and headphones for their child(ren). The headphones are needed to reduce the sharing of items in school (including lice).
Please call our office at 204-434-6165 if you have any questions, anytime.
Grade 4 Farewell - June 25
Morning - as per usual schedule.
12:00 -12:50 - Pizza lunch provided for all grade 4 students outside. Outdoor picnic style with all grade 4 students.
1:30 - "Window Walk" parade outside with all students attending. Make some NOISE! Includes grade 4 balloon arch photos to be shared with parents to commemorate this special occasion.
3:00 - Special gift presentation from the grade 4 teachers.
3:30 - Dismissal as usual.
Jake Epp Library Reading Program
For more information about the Club, check it out online: www.tdsummerreadingclub.ca.
Note that the Summer Reading Program is entirely online this year. Registration begins online on June 15. If you have any questions, please contact: KBenoit@jakeepplibrary.com.