Parent Peek at the Week
Week of January 18th, 2021
A note from Mrs. Sampson.....
For others - I was able to connect with you when you came to pick up technology for your child or children. It was a busy week for technology as we gave out over 55 devices! It was so nice to see so many of you, and have a minute to chat. I believe most families have what they need now, but if not, please get in touch with me. We have very little left to lend, but technology should not be a barrier for learning for your children.
I also really appreciate the emails and Edsby messages from so many of you. It's a strange thing - by being apart, in many ways we're more connected. Teaching and learning remotely takes a whole team - school staff are one part, but you are the other HUGE part. I love the connections we are making, the team we are continuing to build and the life long partnerships that will always be in place.
Take care of yourselves - moms, dads, guardians.....we need you on this team! It's okay if the laundry isn't always done, or meals are what we call "fend for yourself" in our household! What matters is that you're there for each other - just like we're here for you. If you need anything, please reach out any time.
Stay safe, stay kind, stay hopeful!
Mrs. Sampson
Kindergarten Registration
- Junior Kindergarten – your child is four years of age by December 31, 2021
- Senior Kindergarten – your child is five years of age by December 31, 2021
The registration process has begun, and it's very important for our staffing that we know as soon as possible the numbers of students we can expect. This then helps to determine our staffing. If you have a child who will be 4 or 5 by December 31st, 2021, please go to the following link to register:
https://www.kprschools.ca/en/our_schools/resources/elementaryprograms/kindergarten.html
You will find lots of great information about Kindergarten at this KPR site. In addition, we have links to some Kawartha Heights Kindergarten resources (as well as lots of other great school info - just click on any image!) on our virtual school office. This can be found on our school website or at: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQIoJmz_mjqbpLADfMAkc-nG_LjQxA6Z3Mpbh6oJFoIe3lUem7qf_eKNt-w7caKDsI4mqC3Y7vAf3_3/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000
If we can help in any way, please give Mrs. E. or Mrs. Sampson a call at the school at 705-742-7521.
Mrs. Sampson's Excellent Learning Adventures
If you would like access to the classroom, you can get it from your child's teacher, or from me directly. I will also publish it in this Edsby post for your reference.
School Council Meeting
From the KPR Board Office
Virtual Elementary School
After the closure of schools is over on January 25, families will continue to have the option of sending their children to school in person, or enrolling them in online learning. For elementary families, the next opportunity to request a transfer to KPR’s Virtual Elementary School (VES) starts this week.
An Opt Out portal will be open from January 13 to 4 p.m. on January 22, for families to complete if they wish to transfer their children to the VES. Parents and guardians must complete the form on this portal between January 13-22 if they wish their children to move to the Virtual Elementary School on the next available transfer date. Please contact Mrs. Sampson directly if you wish access to the Opt Out portal.
The first day of virtual classes for new VES students will be Tuesday, February 2 (February 1 is a PA Day). Teachers will begin contacting families of new VES students January 28. Until then, students will continue to attend their home school.
In other words, here’s a snapshot of the important dates:
January 13-22 – Opt Out portal open for transferring students to the Virtual Elementary School (VES)
January 28 – VES teachers start contacting families of new VES students
February 2 – First Day of online classes for new VES students
Other important tidbits of information.....
2. For Parent/Student Technology Support: families can call or email (email preferred) the following:
Student/Parent Helpline - Elementary
1-877-741-4577 Ext 3002
As much as we help to the best of our ability, we can't always solve the technology issues you'll experience. Feel free to call or email the hotline for support from our board experts.
3. Return to School: Many families have been asking if we'll be returning to school on Monday, January 25th. The short answer is.....I just don't know. From what we've heard, we can expect an announcement from the government on Wednesday, January 20th. Although we don't know what the future will bring - we will support one way or another. If, in order to remain as safe as possible, we must continue learning at home, we'll continue to do everything we can to work with you. If we can return, then we'll be sure to share any new protocols or changes that will be put in place for our return. We all anxiously await the decision and we'll take it step by step from there. We've got this!
One more thing....
With that in mind, here are some GREAT family documentaries that you might want to find on Netflix that reinforces the message of growth mindset. Why not make a bowl of popcorn, and snuggle up for some great viewing and chatting about how we can keep getting better at all we do?!

