Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please see the following updates for the week of November 16-20.
News Items:
Virtual Parent Interviews: This week, your child’s teacher will be contacting you regarding parent interviews scheduled between November 23-26. Due to Covid-19 protocols, interviews will be done over the phone or via Google Meet. The teacher will choose their preference. Interviews will be held both during the day and/or after school and are limited to only 10 minutes in length.
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week Activities:
Remembrance Day Liturgy and Poppy Rocks: Thank you to Mr. Oppedisano and the Grade 7s students for leading the beautiful and touching Remembrance Day Liturgy. Thank you to Ms. Tibollo, Ms. Lenart, the ISA class and the Grade 7s for decorating the “poppy rocks”. This was an amazing initiative where rocks were placed throughout the neighbourhood.
Reminder to Parents: Please continue to provide your child with a reusable water bottle and appropriate cutlery for their snacks and lunches.
Playground Construction: The Town of Aurora has almost completed 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 continue to rise rapidly 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;
- Not sharing materials
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 Carribean 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 Caregivers: Flyer 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 16-20 | Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week |
| November 18 | Special Education Transition to High School Virtual Parent Information Session |
| November 20 | Progress Reports Go Home |
| November 23-26 | Virtual Parent Interviews |
| November 23 – December 4 | Virtual Book Fair (More details to follow) |
| December 7 | Virtual CSC Meeting 7pm |
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.”