Our seasonal temperatures have finally arrived and it feels like winter has set in. In January I shared with families that at -26 we avoid going outside. I am pleased to share that the board has reviewed this and the new number is -20. We will continue to watch the temperatures but remind our families that all students need to come to school prepared for the weather.

This month your child will receive their term 1 report card. You will have access to a digital copy through Edsby, as well a hard copy will be sent home. As always, your child's teacher is only a phone call or email away. Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to them.

At Kawartha Heights we know that our students all come to school with the intent to have a good day and make good choices. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen and sometimes children become overwhelmed by big emotions and make poor choices. We cannot control how kids act or the things they say in the yard but we can use programming to develop skills for positive interactions and resilience. All our classes use the Mind Up program which offers strategies for helping students focus their attention, improve self-regulation skills, build resilience and develop a positive mindset. We also use the Zones of Regulation as a whole school common language and compassionate framework. This program serves as an inclusionary strategy for those children who have experienced trauma, or have specific needs in terms of social, emotional and behavioral. Below are some images of our Zones wall. Please ask your child about it and let them tell you why this is important.

I would like to share an upcoming event for parents and caregivers to learn more about supporting their children and teens with grief. The symposium will be held on February 28th, 6:30pm, at the Peterborough Public Library. This is a free community event and participants are asked to register, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-grieving-children-and-youth-at-home-tickets-526058995617.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ostapek