The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time for students, teachers and families. While students are eager to return to renew old friendships and begin new ones, our teachers have been preparing to engage your child(ren) with a variety of strategies which will guide them through the learning process. Our staff are committed to unlocking the potential in every student to help them be successful. As we put together our final preparations, we do so with the vision of CHE in mind, "Learning and Growing Together".

We are ready to welcome back all of our students, teachers and staff for what, I believe, will be a fantastic school year!!!

Please take a few moments to look through this newsletter to familiarize yourself with our school and upcoming events.

Once again, welcome back! We have missed everyone and are ready for the new school year!

Let's Have a Great Year!

Sherry Maher

Principal

Cowan Heights Elementary was very fortunate to have Mrs. Debbie Howse as our Director of Schools last year. We would like to thank her for her support and guidance and congratulate her on her retirement. Our new Director of Schools is Mr. Mike Tobin. We would like to extend a huge CHE welcome to Mike and wish him all the best in this school year. We are happy to have him as part of our Cowan Heights Family.

We realize the significance of the first day of school, especially kindergarten.

Our MEET & GREET for our all Kindergarten students/families, for September 7, 2022, will take place in your child's classroom 8:30 - 8:45 a.m.

We request that a maximum of 2 family members be present for this.

The Meet & Greet will allow families an opportunity to see their child's teacher, have photo opportunities, and a chance for students to meet their classmates in a welcoming, safe environment. Please keep in mind that some families will not want their child(ren) in pictures.

By 8:45 a.m. we kindly ask all family members to exit the building through the staff entrance (see picture below). Students will be dismissed at 2:10 p.m. Teachers will lead students outside for pick up.

*Busing will start for Kindergarten Students on Thursday, September 8, 2022.

*Busing will not be available on September 7th for Kindergarten students.

Thanksgiving - Performed by Grade 1 - October 6

Remembrance Day - Performed by Grade 5 - November 10

Christmas - Performed by Grade 2 - December 15

Kindness - Performed by Grade 3 - February 22

Music Month - Performed by Grade 4 - May 1

Kindergarten Rocks -June 20

DARE Graduation - Grade 6 - TBD

Grade 7 Leaving Celebration - TBD

If you would like more details regrading these performances, please contact our Music Teacher arlenegosse@nlesd.ca

We are a scent-free school. Please be mindful when using hair products, hand sanitizer, perfumes etc.

We have many students with severe, life-threatening allergies and we must ensure our school is free of:

Nuts (including peanuts, tree nuts and nut products)

Fish

Eggs

Peas

Sesame Seeds (including Hummus)

*Please alert your child’s teacher as soon as possible if your child has any serious medical conditions or life threatening allergies. There is also a place for this data on the student data sheet.

We ask that parents refrain from sending in food items which contain any of these products. The district has determined that given the similarities in appearance, texture and taste of Soy Butter products, they are also restricted in our schools where a student has a peanut allergy. Please help keep everyone safe by following this policy.

The office is a very busy place and we ask families for their cooperation when visiting CHE.

All visitors must page into the office:

- from the main foyer.

- if picking up/dropping off students and/or items (students will be paged to the foyer to meet you).

- if they have an appointment/meeting or an urgent concern.

*Some times students innocently open the door for visitors. In order to keep everyone safe at CHE we ask you NOT to enter the building unless you have gained access from the office. Simply buzz in and we will direct you of what to do next. There are many privacy and safety measures we have to take to ensure all 450 people in this building are safe.

Our breakfast program will begin Monday, September 19, 2022 as a Grab & Go program. Breakfast will be available to all students on the first and second floor.

A HUGE thank you Mrs. Lannon and our breakfast program volunteers for helping put together grab and go breakfast options for all of our students.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact kerrilynnlannon@nlesd.ca

All volunteers must have a current certificate of conduct and a vulnerable sector.

https://www.rnc.gov.nl.ca/criminal-records-screening-certificate-vulnerable-sector-check/

Please contact Ms. Dunn for a volunteer letter to avoid the $30.00 fee.

If a student is not feeling well they should stay home.

Why You Should Stay Home When You're Sick

1. Stop the Spread of Illness

2. Protect Vulnerable People

3. Rest and Recover Properly

If a student becomes ill during the day and/or they exhibit signs of illness, the office will contact families.

September 6, 2022 - Staff back at CHE

September 7, 2022 - Students back at CHE

September 19, 2022 - Grab & Go Breakfast

September 22, 2022 - Curriculum Night ( 6:00 -6:30 p.m. Gr. K-3 & 6:30-7:00 p.m. for Gr. 4-7)

September 30, 2022 - Truth & Reconciliation Holiday

October 19, 2022 - Picture Day