South Oaks School
November 2020
Orange Level Updates
Nov. 6 - Kindergarten classrooms have received new tables, to provide 2 meters of physical distancing.
- All remote learning parents were contacted with an update today.
- On Monday and Tuesday, staff will make final preparations to any overflow class spaces, programming changes, etc. We will be all set to begin operating in the Orange Level when your kids return on Nov. 12. Have a great weekend and may you find some time to recharge. It has been a busy week! Take care.
Nov. 4 - We have made a tweak to how remote learning will be delivered. Instead of putting cameras into the classrooms, we have arranged for Learning Support teacher, Carol Hill, to manage all remote learning for the school. Carol will focus on Literacy and Math in her live sessions and students at home will receive some work focusing on Social Studies, Science, etc.
The letter for parents has also been updated, so please see the above letter for details.
Nov. 3 - We have moved our report card release date to Nov. 27 and Parent Teacher Discussions to the week of Nov. 30 - Dec. 4. We had to move these dates due to the time needed to prepare for the Orange Level implementation.
Nov. 1 - Click the link above for an information letter for parents regarding the Orange Level.
For the most part, the classroom programs will continue as they have been. Grades K and 1 won't have much, if any overflow. They can remain much as they are currently. For grades 2, 3, 4, we will open up 3 more spaces, so students can achieve 2 meters of physical distancing for as much of the day as possible. PE and Music will continue as they have been, but strive for
2 meters of physical distancing. There are no changes to recess or mask protocols for students.
For Remote Learning, we intend to use camera/microphones, so that students at home can take in about an hour per day of learning with their teacher. More details will be coming early next week.
Flourishing?
Below is a photo of the completed project. There are many elements to this piece that we titled, "Flourishing". You can see many elements of a healthy lifestyle in the mosaic. Things like wildlife, horses, sports, family bon fires, dirt biking, and community events, etc, all contribute to a life that is flourishing. All of these elements are carefully nestled in the wider context of nature and the beauty of creation.
November is report card time. Perhaps it is also a time for us to do some self-assessment. Are we ourselves flourishing? That is a difficult question to ask when things are so strange all around us. Our hope is that you will take time for yourself when you are able and do some things that bring you joy and relieve some stress. I heard recently, "If the adults are OK, the kids will be OK". So, let's all strive to be healthy and to flourish, so our kids can do the same!
Have a wonderful November,
Dale Martens
Principal
Dates to Remember
Nov 2: Access Credit Union Colouring Contest begins
Nov 6: Picture Retake Day
Nov 9: Admin Day - NO CLASSESNov 10: Remembrance Day Observed in Classes
Nov 11: Remembrance Day - NO CLASSES
Nov 27: Report Cards Released on Parent Portal
Nov 30 - Dec. 4: Parent/Teacher Virtual Meetings. Teachers will contact parents throughout the week via phone calls or Zoom to discuss their child's progress.
Remembrance Day
Picture Retake Day - November 6
Parent Teacher Meetings
For Kindergarten parents, we won't hold Parent/Teacher meetings for all students. However, teachers may contact you if they feel there is an important reason to meet. Those meetings would happen on Nov. 9 and would also be virtual, or a phone call.
Halloween at South Oaks
Student Lunches
"Children are reminded at lunch time to first have their sandwiches or whatever main course item that has been packed, before eating the chips or cookies that they might have for dessert. Filling up on sugary foods tends to make children overactive and then tired when the sugar high wears off. If good eating practices are reinforced at home it ensures that the students get the nourishment and balanced diets that their parents intend when they make their lunches."
Transportation Note
From the Health Nurse
Immunizations - Our public health nurse, Yvonne Hiebert, is at our school twice each month and is available to vaccinate your children. This includes kindergarten immunizations so please call Yvonne at 204-346-7013 to book your appointment.