APS December Newsletter

Dear Families,

I cannot believe it but we are already in December! This fall has flown by. As we approach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued support and involvement in our school community. December is a special time for reflection, joy, and celebrating the achievements of students. 

Upcoming Events:

• Anti-Bullying Workshop (Ms. Collins Class): The Grade 6/7 class will be walking to Central Senior Public School to participate in anti-bullying-themed workshops presented by local community partners: Kawartha Lakes Police, CHIMO, TLDSB and CKL Boys and Girls Club. The leadership of our oldest students bringing this back will be beneficial for all students. 
• Holiday Bazaar: The Holiday Bazaar is an annual tradition where students select gifts from donated items for immediate family members. These gifts are wrapped by our volunteers to be taken home for the holiday. We need donations for this day so please contact the office for drop-off instructions. Wrapping paper, tape, and gift bags are always needed. 
• Holiday Concert:  Our holiday concert will be approximately 1 hour in length with 2 different show times. We encourage those who can come to the 1:45 pm to do so but will have an evening performance beginning at 6:00 pm. Seating in the gymnasium is limited so please reserve attendance for immediate family only. 

Communication and Collaboration with Parents/Guardians

At Alexandra, we believe in developing strong and positive relationships with students, parents/guardians, and the community. Communication and collaboration are essential for developing relationships that foster positive, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments that are built upon mutual respect, and that support student achievement and well-being. 

Best Practices for Communication and Collaboration by parents/guardians

• Actively work with their child(ren) at home to support their learning;
• Have conversations with the classroom teacher regarding questions or concerns about curriculum content, assignments, behaviour, or other appropriate queries related to the classroom or school; 
• Request clarification or support from the school principal (if required) regarding to policy, procedure, or process; 
• Access tools and supports provided by the board to gain information (e.g., SchoolMessenger, school or board website, social media, Google classroom resources, etc.); 
• Work as partners with educators and board staff to support student achievement and well-being for all students. 

Parent/Guardian steps for addressing concerns: 

1. Contact the classroom teacher to discuss the situation
   1. The parent/guardian should bring concerns or issues forward to the classroom teacher for resolution. 

     Then, if necessary: 

2. Contact the principal or vice-principal and request help in dealing with the matter
   1. If the parent/guardian and the classroom teacher are not able to resolve the issue, the parent/guardian should request that the issue be reviewed by the school Principal. The school principal will review the issue and work to resolve the issue. 

Then, if necessary: 

3. Contact the superintendent of your child’s school (or, if/when applicable the appropriate central department – e.g. Transportation Department)
   1. If the parent/guardian and the school principal are not able to resolve the issue, the parent/guardian should request that the issue be reviewed by the school’s superintendent of education. The superintendent will review the matter as it relates to the Board’s established policies and procedures and the Education Act of Ontario and will respond to the parent/guardian regarding their concern. 

Then, if necessary: 

4. Contact the director of education’s office
   1. If the parent/guardian and the superintendent of education are not able to resolve the issue, the parent/guardian should request that the issue be reviewed by the director of education. The director of education will review the matter with the superintendent to ensure that board policies and procedures are being followed, and discuss potential next steps, and a response will be shared with the parent/guardian regarding their concern. 

Learning Highlights:

• Curriculum Focus: In December, our students will continue to engage in reading instruction in small group instruction using UFLI. You may have noticed the decodable (or can be sounded out) passages coming home.  Please take the time to read these with your child(ren) to support the instruction that is happening in the classroom. 
• Character Assembly Winners: Congratulations to the following students who were recognized at our November Character Education Assembly. Each of these students demonstrated perseverance by continuing to move forward despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Congratulations to: Anna, Arynn, Thomas, Raine, Harlee, Ryker, Alvin, Shea, Hillary, Jack S, Frances W, Dallas, Ben K and Brinlee.   Check out our social media for a photo of this month’s winners. 

School Council Updates:

There will be no additional school council lunches during December. However, as usual, school-based pizza, pasta, and milk will be available. School Council volunteers will be organizing and running the Holiday Bazaar. If you can help out, please call the school office. Thank you to all our volunteers who make this annual tradition possible.  

Mark your calendars! Hot Lunch School Council Fundraisers are planned for January 9, 2024 (Tacos: Beef & Cheese) and January 23, 2024 (Chicken Burger/Nuggets with Fruit).  Also, look for our Chocolate Lollipop Fundraiser to begin at the end of January. 

Community Engagement:

As we approach the holiday season, food insecurity is a reality for many in our community. If you are interested in donating breakfast bin items (no nuts, cinnamon, or shellfish please) we would graciously accept them. We will also keep a donation option open on School Cash if you have a few extra dollars to donate. Our goal is to keep our breakfast bins fully stocked for all students. It is difficult to learn at your best when you are hungry. 

Staffing Changes:

Mrs. Butcher (Grade ¾) has started her maternity leave. We wish her all the best on this new journey. Ms. Manderson, who has been teaching primary prep coverage, will transition to Grade ¾ as the classroom teacher. 

Please welcome Ms. Prentice who will be stepping into the role of Primary Prep Coverage effective November 25, 2024. Ms.Prentice will be a familiar face to students who have joined us from Parkview Public School. Welcome to APS Ms. Prentice.

Reminders:

• If you are entering the school, please do so through the front doors. They will be locked so please use the buzzer for entry. This is to ensure the safety and security of all staff and students.  Thank you for your cooperation with this matter. 
• As the weather gets cooler, please ensure your child comes to school dressed appropriately. Layered clothing is recommended for those chilly mornings!
• Please check our school website regularly for updates and resources.
• If you have any plastic shopping bags you are willing to donate, please send them to school with your child. For wet, soiled or muddy clothing, it is appreciated to get these clothes home to you. 
• Please label your child’s clothing. We have many sweaters, coats, water bottles, and hats that come to the lost and found. If they have a name on them we can get them back to the student quicker.

Thank you for being an integral part of our school community. Wishing you all a wonderful December filled with joy and gratitude.

Warm regards,Kristi Henshall
Principal
Alexandra Public School