Principal's Message
Students have been doing a good job practicing “Code Red” drills, and Fire Drills during the month of September. We are proud of them for their behavior during these drills.
We would like to focus on students using appropriate language, and to be giving Appreciations and not “Put-Downs”. Some students are using some racist language, giving demeaning comments to others based on their race, religion, or sexual orientation. These types of comments are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We would like to ask parents to please talk to your child about using appropriate and complimentary language; and that any racist comments are unacceptable.
Please review the newsletter closely to see all of the exciting events taking place at school 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
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Our breakfast program is running well, thanks to our grant from the Breakfast Club of Canada. 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.
PHOTO RETAKES
On October 13th Photomania will be at our school for retakes for any students who were absent on Photo Day. New class pictures will be generated using the new and existing photos.
HALLOWEEN AT SCHOOL
Students are invited to wear their costume to school on Friday, October 29th. For safety reasons, and due to Covid-19 regulations, 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 parade.
We will have an outdoor parade and some fun Halloween activities in the class. There will also be prizes for “best costume” in each class.
In the weeks following Halloween, please save the candy and treats for at home. Continue to send healthy options for lunch and snack time.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Grade 6 students and teachers have been working with Mr Everson on creating nature mandalas in the forest reserve close to school. A nature mandala is a radial design created using found natural objects.
Students did a great job and showed a lot of creativity.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIPS
Every year our Grade 6 students visit our Outdoor Education Centre on Lake McGlashan. Alan Earwaker, our outdoor education consultant, prepares wonderful team-building activities that include an environmental awareness component. There is also a camp vibe complete with a hike, songs and a campfire! While this usually includes overnight camping, this year it will just be a day trip due to Covid restrictions. Students will still share in a very enjoyable experience.
Dates for the trips
- October 19 – Ms. Fama’s class
- October 20 – Mr. Dooling’s class
- October 22 – Mr. Birch’s class
- Mr. Schultz’s grade 6 students will be joining with the other classes
SUBWAY LUNCH PROGRAM
Subway Lunch Program at Greater Gatineau will start on Wednesday, October 13th, 2021 and will run for 10 weeks ending on Wednesday, December 15th, 2021.
Order form will be coming home soon. If you are interested, please complete the order form and return it to the school with a cash payment no later than Friday, October 8th, 2021.
Cost breakdown:
- 4 inch trio: $4.50 X 10 weeks = $45
- 6 inch trio: $6.00 x 10 weeks = $60
TRIBES BUCKET REWARD
The students have been doing a great job following the Tribes Agreements; Mutual Respect, Appreciations, Attentive Listening, and Participation. As a result we will offer a FREE pizza lunch for the whole school on Wednesday, October 6th.
MAZZOLA HOT MEAL PROGRAM
We will be offering a hot meal program on Mondays and Fridays, starting on October 18th.
Menu and pricing to follow.
MONTHLY ASSEMBLY
Our next assembly will be on Thursday, October 28th, where we will celebrate the students who have shown the chosen virtue throughout the month.
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.
TRIBES 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
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.
For the upcoming year we will be posting our communications on our Facebook page, if you haven’t done so already please follow us to stay up to date on upcoming events https://www.facebook.com/GreaterGatineau
The next Home & School meeting will be on October 5th at 6:30pm.
Daycare
There are two PD days this month. October 14th and 15th, These days are open to all Greater Gatineau School students. The deadline for registration is Friday, October 8th. Please sign up for @ggdaycare on the Remind app to get the notifications regarding PD days.
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) 643-6365 or e-mail jplaxton@wqsb.qc.ca
Special Notes
GOVERNING BOARD
On Tuesday, September 21st, the Governing Board had their General Assembly. We would like to welcome our returning parent members: Isabelle Richard, Yan Racette, Carl Coutlee, Isabelle Lefrançois, and Marilyne Lavoie and our new elected member Angela Benedict.
The next governing board meeting will be on October 6th at 6:30 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 Katharine Andriano at (819) 663-4842 ext. 1 or email; kandriano@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 Katharine 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 2:30 should be directed to Katharine Andriano at the office (819) 663-4842 ext. 1 or kandriano@wqsb.qc.ca.
Information regarding a change in who will pick up your child at daycare (between 2:30 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.