Weekly Parent Update November 9-13

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Please see the following updates for the week of November 9-13.

News Items:

Playground Construction: The Town of Aurora is reconstructing the playground adjacent to our field. The construction is ongoing. Please use caution when crossing through the playground and the area adjacent to the kindergarten yard.

Safety During COVID-19:  We are now two months into the school year and the number of cases are increasing in Ontario.  At school we are repeatedly reminding the students to physically distance and wear their masks properly.  We ask that our families have a serious conversation with your children about safety.  Please discuss the following:

  • Wearing a mask or face covering (and not pulling it down to speak to peers)
  • Physically distancing;
  • Washing your hands;

By working together as a community and emphasizing the importance of wearing a mask, physically distancing and washing hands, we can ensure that our children and school remain safe for everyone!  

Community Programs, Events and Resources: 

Our Lady of Grace 26th Annual Christmas Fair– Online Event:  This year marks our 26th Annual Christmas Fair and we are going virtual.  From Nov. 14-28th we are hosting 32 vendors (and counting) on our newly designed website.   There are specials being offered for Market attendees.  Covid 19 has hit everyone but particularly our local small businesses.  We are encouraging people to skip Amazon and #shoplocal #shopsafelyfromhome this year.  

As usual our proceeds go back to local charities.  We have a fantastic raffle with 10 awesome prizes including an Apple Watch, an Echo DOT PLUS, rounds of golf, gas cards, gift cards, gift certificates to local business and more!  CWL Market Flyer 2020   

Parents for Children’s Mental Health:  There will be a Virtual Meeting “Anxiety in COVID times” Guest Speaker: Dr. Diane Lood Chief Psychologist YCDSB Nov. 16, 6:30-8:00pm. See flyer for details:  PCMH Support Group Poster Nov 2020.pdf   

Free Program by York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities:  The York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities, supported by the Government of Canada, is hosting its Sankofa Virtual Saturday Mornings Storytelling and Poetry Program. The program is “rooted in African and Caribbean art” and is free for Black students in Grades 5 to 7. It will take place every Saturday beginning November 14, 2020 until March 27, 2021 from 11:30 am to 12 pm.  Sankofa-Virtual-Saturday-Mornings-Storytelling-and-Poetry-Program   For more information about the program and/or to register, students and/or families can email sankofa7@yorkregionaacc.ca or call 647.807.6306.  

Support Group for Black CaregiversFlyer for Black Parent Support Group   

Special Education Transition to High School Virtual Parent Information Session: In an effort to support students with Special Education needs who are planning for a successful transition from elementary to secondary school, we are inviting Parent(s)/Guardian(s) of children in grade 7 and 8 who are currently accessing Special Education supports to attend an evening virtual information session on November 18. Click on this flyer for more information.

Upcoming events:

November 11 Remembrance Day Virtual Liturgy
November 13  PA Day: No school for students
November 18 Special Education Transition to High School Virtual Parent   Information Session
November 16-20 Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
November 20 Progress Reports Go Home
November 23-26 Virtual Parent Interviews (More info to follow)

 

Have a wonderful week

F. Grossi

 

This month’s virtue: Justice 

“I will treat others in a just, equitable and unbiased manner. I will play by the rules, take turns and share. I will be open-minded and listen to others.”