The land on which we gather is traditional unceded Omamiwininiwag (Algonquin) and Anishinabewaki territory, a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst nations. Today, this place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to gather on this land.
Principal's Message
Thanks to all parents who came to our Open House/Meet the Teacher this year – it was a fabulous turnout! A few important items for the upcoming month:
- School Fees are available on the portal. Please pay them right away. Thank-you to those who have made their payments.
- The October Progress Reports will be available on the Parent Portal on Tuesday, October 15th.
- When choosing a Halloween costume with your child, please ensure to think about cultural appropriation. Please don’t dress in another culture’s fashion or symbols, as this is seen as offensive, even if this is not the intent. More information can be found here: Cultural Appropriation Video
- Bringing treats to school: If you would like to bring a treat for your child’s class; please first check with your child’s Homeroom teacher. Due to numerous allergies and food intolerances at school; only packaged treats with a list of ingredients will be allowed at school; or a fruit or veggie platter.
Please be sure to review the newsletter carefully to see all of the important and exciting news this month!
ITEMS COMING TO SCHOOL
Cell phones, electronics, and toys are not permitted at school, or on the bus.
Children can bring their lunch box, water bottle, and extra clothing in their backpack but all other items must remain at home.
Events at School
TERRY FOX WALK/RUN
Our 2024 Terry Fox School Run/Walk is scheduled to take place on Friday October 4th at 8:55am. This event will support cancer research while also building incredible school spirit for our students. Let’s all show the great strength and resiliency of our school community by supporting one of our greatest Canadian heroes, Terry Fox.
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Our breakfast program is running well, thanks to our grant from the Breakfast Club of Canada and our nutrition grant from the Ministry. We are accepting cash donations to go towards the program if you are interested. Please send donations in an envelope marked “Breakfast Club”.
All students will be offered the breakfast program, regardless if you make a donation or not.
MONTREAL TRIP
The grade six students will be visiting Montreal for an overnight trip from October 15th to 16th. They will spend time at the Montreal Science Centre, have a scavenger hunt in Old Montreal, then spend the night in St. Jerome. There is a pool with a waterslide at the hotel. There will be a Subway lunch on the first day, dinner at Saveurs Des Continents, and breakfast at the hotel.
This trip is a great educational experience as well as an opportunity to be away from home with friends, see new things, and celebrate the start of Grade 6!
SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Our soccer teams will attend the tournament on October 10th in Quyon this year. Thanks to Mr. Everson and Mrs. MD for coaching our teams. Go, GG Grizzlies, Go!
OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIP
The Grade 5 and 6 classes will be hiking to Lac Beauchamp for an outdoor education day experience. Classes will participate in activities that promote team building. Hamburgers will be served for lunch! Funds will be provided by a ministry grant.
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- October 8 – Grade 5
- October 29 – Grade 6
HALLOWEEN AT SCHOOL
Students are invited to wear their costume to school on Thursday, October 31st. For safety reasons, students must leave weapons, and props (anything that they hold in their hands) at home. If students have a mask, they will only be allowed to wear it during the indoor parade. Unfortunately parents are unable to attend due to lack of space.
When choosing a Halloween costume with your child, please ensure to think about cultural appropriation. Please don’t dress in another culture’s fashion or symbols, as this is seen as offensive, even if this is not the intent. More information can be found here: Cultural Appropriation Video
We will have a whole school costume parade and many classes will participate in various Halloween activities.
In the weeks following Halloween, please save the candy and treats for at home. Continue to send healthy options for lunch and snack time.
MONTHLY ASSEMBLY
Our next assembly will be on Monday, October 28th, where we will celebrate the students who have shown the chosen virtue throughout the month.
- Kindergarten + Grade 1&2 at 8:55
- Grade 5&6 at 10:05
- Grade 3&4 at 10:55
October is RESPONSIBILITY month. We hope to see students showing us how responsible they are. You can show this by doing what you say you are going to do, taking care of yourself and your belongings, and being reliable.
Please wear your GG shirt to create a sense of community at school.
PEACE LEARNING CIRCLES AT HOME
When sitting around the table for dinner, families can play “That’s Me!” to learn about everyone’s day.
Taking turns, each person says one thing about their day. If anyone else had the same thing happen in their day, they raise their hands and say, “That’s Me!” This can promote further discussion on replies.
Sample statements that parents can use:
- “I read something interesting today.”
- “I learned something new today”
- “Someone told me something today that made me laugh.
- “Someone gave me/I gave someone a compliment today”.
Home & School
Thank you to everyone who attended our first movie night – Inside Out 2. It was a huge success.
Our next event will be held October 25th, stay tuned for more details….
We are always looking for new members to join us or ideas for upcoming events, please contact us via email or through our Facebook page.
We will continue to post on our Facebook page, if you haven’t done so already, please follow us to stay up to date on upcoming events.
We hold monthly meetings, please reach our next meeting will be held virtually on Monday, October 21st, 6:00pm. Please reach out to us via email if you would like to attend.
Daycare
Registration has been finalized for this year. Moving forward, if your child requires regular daycare services, you will have to wait for a spot to be vacated by another child. Drop-in days available depending on each group numbers each day.
There are two PD days this month. October 17th and 18th, These days are open to all Greater Gatineau School students. We will be at school both days for activities planned by the educators. The deadline for registration is Wednesday, October 11th.
New families, please sign up for @ggdaycare2 on the Remind app to get the notifications regarding PD days and other important daycare information.
Should you have any questions about our program or to register for the PD days please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer by phone at (819) 663-4842 x3 or e-mail jplaxton@wqsb.qc.ca
Special Notes
GOVERNING BOARD
On Wednesday, September 11th, the Governing Board had their General Assembly. We would like to welcome our returning parent members: Christine Veillette and Adrea Sinclair and our new members Victoria Markham, Sara Ménard, Victoria Schorr and John Girard.
The next governing board meeting will be on October 9th at 6:00 p.m.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
We ask that parents/guardians please take a minute to call or email the school and advise us if your child is going to be late or absent. You only need to contact the school, as daycare is advised of the absences each day.
We have close to 500 students in the school and it is very helpful when parents contact the school.
You can reach Amanda Wells at (819) 663-4842 ext. 1 or email; awells@wqsb.qc.ca Please try to let us know before 8:30 a.m.
If you are sending a note or an e-mail to your child’s teacher about an absence or picking them up early, please ensure that Amanda receives a copy so she can remind the teacher and have your child waiting at the office upon your arrival.
CHANGES TO PICK UP ROUTINE
Parents of all students are reminded that information regarding attendance at school or an early pick up at, or before, 2:35 should be directed to Amanda Wells at the office (819) 663-4842 ext. 1 or awells@wqsb.qc.ca.
Information regarding a change in who will pick up your child at daycare (between 2:35 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.) should be directed to Jennifer Plaxton at the daycare (819) 663-4842 ext 3 or jplaxton@wqsb.qc.ca.
To help us out, please make sure that we always receive a note, email, or call before picking up your child. It is very important that we receive the information before 1:30 p.m.
Our list for the day’s changes has to be compiled and sent out to the teachers and daycare before 2:00 p.m., so please respect our cut-off time.
WQSB VIRTUAL LIBRARY RESOURCES
Anti-Racism Committee (ARC)
Cultural Traditions/Observances/Holidays
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October 1- International day of older persons
Established by the United Nations to recognize the contributions of older people to society, raise awareness about the challenges of aging, and promote the well-being and rights of the elderly worldwide.
October 1- World Vegetarian Day
Promotes the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle for health, the environment, and animal welfare.
October 2- International Day of Non-Violence
Observed in honor of Mahatma Gandhi, promotes non-violence, peace, and tolerance globally through education and advocacy.
October 2 – 4 – Rosh Hashanah
Jewish New Year, a two-day holiday with prayers, the blowing of a ram’s horn, and special meals, marking a time of reflection and renewal.
October 6- World Cerebral Palsy Day
raises awareness about cerebral palsy, advocates for the rights of individuals living with the condition and promote inclusion and understanding.
October 10- World Mental Health Day
Raises awareness about mental health issues and stigmas, promotes mental well-being, and advocates for better mental health care globally.
October 11- Yom Kippur
The Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in Judaism, observed with fasting, prayer, and reflection, as individuals seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God and others.
October 14- Thanksgiving
A national holiday that gives thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year, marked by feasts with family and friends.
October 31- Diwali
Also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance, marked by lighting lamps, prayers, feasts, and fireworks.
October 31- Halloween