Together in Education Family Update
May 2021
Lancaster Drive Public School and Parent Council
Email: lancd@limestone.on.ca
Website: http://lancaster.limestone.on.ca
Location: 1020 Lancaster Drive, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: (613)634-0470
Twitter: @LancasterPSLDSB
Happy Mother’s Day to all moms and mom figures in our school communities, and thinking of those for whom today may be difficult. We appreciate each of you for all you are and all you do!
Dear Lancaster Families
We eagerly welcome the warmer weather coming our way this week! The sun, fresh lawns and new growth in our backyards can be energizing and inspire hope and feelings of renewal. Welcome Spring....we think it is finally going to stick!
Thank you to the many families who offered their words of appreciation and recognition of the efforts of our Lancaster staff through the google from last week. We were able to collate responses and share them back for Staff Appreciation Week - many staff commented that those words and their connections with students are just what they needed to continue to refuel their energies. We extend our own appreciation back to families for their ongoing support and hard work with students at home.
This week was "Mental Health Awareness Week," and teachers made an extra effort to focus on how students can take steps to maintain both physical and mental wellness: eating well, sleeping well and exercising (outdoors if possible) are the 3 keys to good overall health. Using the link below, you will find a variety of easy activities for children and families to do at home: Deep Belly Breathing, Emotion Charades, Gratitude Moments and more! Try to carve out some time every day for your children (and yourself!) to do some self-care. As always, please continue to communicate with us and with your child's teacher if you are experiencing any challenges: we are here to support you.
https://smho-smso.ca/blog/12-easy-and-fun-mental-health-practices-to-try-with-your-children-at-home/
Ms. Fox, Ms. O'Hearn and your Lancaster Team
LANCASTER STAFF ARE AMAZING!
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
Last week, with your help, we sent out this message and each staff member then received an individualized scroll with a collection of notes of appreciation from families.
We bequeath to you a scroll to celebrate your excellence, your commitment to your craft, and the ways that you support students and each other. The words of this community ring so many bells of truth. We had the delight of reading all of the comments that came in from our families about staff from all ends of our building and they really do reflect back so much appreciation of all that you give of yourself in your work. We shared a small sample that was offered to the team as a whole at Lancaster, and each staff has their own collection that is specific to them. A big thank you to Lilian for helping to put these together.
You'll see that each staff member has a scroll as well as a printed card-stock version (in case you want to put it up in your classroom or remote teaching space) in your mailboxes. There are tomato plants at the front door with the scroll basket for you to take your garden or deck planter. Hopefully, we can share a toasted tomato sandwich at one of our future staff check-ins - hopefully in real person : )
With much gratitude and our own appreciation of you,
Lani and Sara
MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY SURVEY - SNAPSHOT
More than 1,300 students provided input into the Limestone District School Board’s recent survey to help inform its Mental Health and Substance Use Strategy.
The voluntary survey, which was shared with students, families, community partners and staff earlier this year, is intended to help us better understand student mental health, well-being and substance use. The Board is currently drafting its Mental Health and Substance Use Strategy for 2021-2024. This strategy helps the board make decisions about how to support student mental health and well-being at school.
Elementary Virtual School Registration for 2021-2022
The Registration information for Elementary families is open from April 30 - May 10. Information went directly to families currently enrolled in EVS. Information can also be found on the LDSB board website HERE.
Occupational Therapy Tips for Remote Learning
Recognition of Dates and Months of Significance During May
Eidul-Fitr is on Thursday, May 13, 2021
Eid al-Fitr is an important Islamic holiday for the Muslim community in Canada. also known as the Feast of Fast-Breaking or the Lesser Feast. It marks the end of Ramadan and the start of a feast that lasts up to three days in some countries. It is one of Islam’s two major festivals, with Eid al-Adha being the other major festival. Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of the fasting that occurs during Ramadan.
Free Parent Workshops - Helping your Child with School Anxiety
Kid's Inclusive Resource for Educators and Parents
ASYMPTOMATIC COVID TESTING AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
ON-LINE REGISTRATION FOR STUDENTS NEW TO LDSB IS NOW OPEN!
Accessing Communication Tools
Learn how to:
- Set up a SchoolMessenger App account: set up your account, review your contact information and communication preferences, join teacher-instant messaging groups, and view all your alerts and messages in one place. Watch the video tutorial.
- Use the Communicate broadcast tool: choose how you will receive alerts including how to opt-in for text messaging. Watch the video tutorial.
- Use the Board mobile app: how to choose your schools, see your messages and report and review student absences. Watch the video tutorial.
Subscribe to school calendars: receive email alerts or download calendars or individual events to your personal calendar