September was a great month and we have enjoyed welcoming everyone back to our school. My personal highlight was seeing the success of our open house and getting the opportunity to welcome all of you back into our building. It was so nice to see kids proudly showing off their classrooms and their schoolwork.

September was also a month that marked the return of extra-curricular sports. We had the cross-country runners represent our school and they made us proud. We even have a few runners that have moved onto the next level of competition. Thank you to Mrs. Ross for coaching and supporting our athletes.

Last week we all ran for Terry Fox. Each classroom was challenged to raise money for a great cause. To build enthusiasm, classes brought in items to dress me up in, then I had to run with them. If you heard about a giant squid in Elvis pants with a mustache and a tutu, your child is describing a very accurate event. Dressing me up helps to take a serious cause and give it hope through laughter and togetherness. It is a day marked by heavy conversations that kids can often relate to with their own experiences. Having the students dress up their principal is a fun way to keep it light.

Now we enter October, and I am sure we will have another busy month. We have our soccer team going to Bevermead this week to compete against other schools in our board. We also have a very special presentation coming to our school. Drum-it-up has been organized and paid for by our School Council. After a few years with many interruptions, it is important to provide opportunities for student engagement that get kids excited for school. Each class will participate in an interactive music performance focusing on the drums, rhythm and fun. Thank you to our Council for making this happen!

I look forward to another great month at Kawartha Heights.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ostapek