Hi Defender Families,
Just one more sleep! We are really excited to welcome you back. Here is a brief video with some of the Key Information you will need to know. It is also in written format below. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
General Reminders Regarding School
Transportation Services Experiencing Delays
Please see the post regarding delays in service which will impact those taking a bus.
Parking Lot and Arrival To School Procedures
There was a separate Newswire informing families of the updates. Please check out the post here.
Remember to do the COVID Screener for Each Child Daily
We will not be verifying the completion of the screener. However, as with all COVID-19 policies, it is a requirement mandated by the Ontario government. The board does not have the power or authority to either ignore or change them. If your child presents with symptoms (e.g. vomits at school), we must follow the recommendations of the screener. Please Visit Here for our board’s latest COVID-19 Updates . There is also some helpful information regarding the safety steps we have taken in a message from our new Director of Education, Tyrone Dowling.
Attendance and Safe Arrival
The school has a “Safe Arrival Program” in cooperation with parents to ensure the safety of students. It is important that a parent/guardian telephone the school (519-621-5211) whenever their child will be late for or absent from class. The answering machine is available 24/7. If we are unaware why the child is not at school, we will contact the parent / guardian at home and/or work. We will also try the 3rd Contact you have indicated for your child. If we are still unable to reach an adult to confirm that the child is safe, we will need to call the police to get their assistance re ensuring the safety of our students.
NOTE: If you need to pick your child up early for any reason, please notify the office in advance so we can support you and have your child ready to go for the time that you arrive.
Allergies and Nut Free Zone
The school is Nut free. This includes alternatives that do not contain nuts, but imitate peanut butter. We also have severe allergies present in the building to Latex and to strong scents (axe body spray, perfumes etc.). Please ensure your children do not come with nut products, a balloon or strong perfumes.
Birthday Treats? Save them for home please.
We are returning to ensuring no treats are distributed in class to maintain the health and safety of all students. When a product comes in that the school did not provide, it makes it impossible to avoid allergies and keep everyone safe.
No Pets on School Property During Arrival and Dismissal
If you would like to walk your children to school with your pet, please ensure you remain on city property such as the front sidewalk and say goodbye to your children from there.
Student Code of Conduct
We have received our Primary Agendas for grades 1 to 3, but we are still waiting on the arrival of our Junior and Intermediate Agendas. The agendas contain much of this information. We also have a digital version where you can see our updated policies online.
This Week at a Glance:
Monday September 5th
- Community Painting of Family Meet-Up Zone. All are welcome to meet in the parking lot at 2PM for the fun today.
Tuesday September 6th
- First Day of School!
- Scheduled JK Visits
- Remember to complete all School Cash Online Forms
- Remember to speak to your child’s teacher at drop off if there are any new urgent medical concerns the school is not aware of (e.g. new allergy and EpiPen)
- Remember to decide upon a pick up location (New Family Meet-Up Zone for younger students, Avenue Road Stop and Pick Up or Back Parking Lot)
- We strongly recommend you park on a nearby street and walk to school. The front lot will be closed and it will be the easiest way to navigate the construction.
Wednesday September 7th
- Defender Spirit Wear Day: Dress in Red, Black and Grey Or wear your Spirit Wear!
- SK Students Attend
Thursday September 8th
- Remember Communication is Key! If we are not aware of a challenge your child is experiencing, we cannot partner with you to support them. Please let us know if something has come up in the first few days and we can work together to finish the week strong!
- SK students attend and 1/2 of JKs
Friday September 9th
- We made it! Happy Friday!
- SK students attend and other 1/2 of JKs
Important Upcoming Dates
Monday Sept 12 – All JK and SKs attend
Thursday Sept 22 – Meet the Teacher Open House and Community BBQ
Tuesday Sept 27 – First CSAC (Catholic School Advisory Council) Meeting at 6PM at Saint Peter. All are welcome!
Wednesday Sept 28 – Rowan’s Law Day for Concussion Awareness (Wear Purple)
Friday Sept 30 – Every Child Matters (Wear Orange)
Friday Sept 30 – Umbrella Assembly at 8:45 AM.
Monday Oct 10 – Thanksgiving Holiday
Monday Oct 24 – P.A. Day No School
Monday Oct 31 – Happy Halloween
Sunday Nov 6 – ‘Fall back’ Daylight Savings Time Ends
Friday Nov 11 – Remembrance Day
Monday Nov 21 to 25 – Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
Monday Nov 21 – Progress Reports Go Home
Thursday Nov 24 – Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
Friday Dec 23 – Last Day of School before Winter Break
Saturday Dec 24 – Christmas Eve
Sunday Dec 25 – Christmas Day
Monday Dec 26 – Boxing Day
Sunday Jan 1 – New Year’s Day
Monday Jan 9 – First Day of School in 2023
Friday Jan 20 – P.A. Day
Thursday Feb 2 – Groundhog Day
Tuesday Feb 14 – Valentine’s Day
Friday Feb 17 – Term 1 Report Cards Go Home
Monday Feb 20 – Family Day Holiday
Tuesday Feb 21 – Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday Feb 22 – Ash Wednesday
March 13-17 – March Break
Friday March 31 – P.A. Day
Thursday April 6 – Holy Thursday
Friday April 7 – Good Friday
Monday April 10 – Easter Monday
Friday April 21 – P.A. Day
May 1-5 – Catholic Education Week
Sunday May 14 – Mother’s Day
Monday May 22 – Victoria Day
Friday June 2 – PA Day
Sunday June 18 – Father’s Day
Wednesday June 21 – National Indigenous People’s Day
Monday June 27 – Term 2 Report Cards Go Home
Wednesday June 29 – Last Day of School