September 9, 2015
WELCOME BACK
I am honoured to return as principal of St. Bernadette’s. This is a fantastic school community that has a strong connection and partnership with the staff in the education of our students. Much as happened to get the school ready for the new school year. One event was the work bee on September 5t. We had 12 parents (largest turnout in years!) in the school. The yellow lines were repainted, gardens cleaned and the school was fully sanitized. This work is greatly appreciated by everyone.
I also want to recognize the turnout at our first Welcome Back Pancake breakfast. As it was our first time doing this event we were unsure of the turnout. By 9:15am we had a full house of over 200 people. It was an amazing event with lots of positive feedback to do it again next year. I want to thank the Knights of Columbus for hosting and sponsoring the event. It is a great moment when various groups in our community come together for the betterment of the children.
I wish everyone a blessed and hopefilled new school year and I look forward to seeing you at the many exciting events we will be hosting this year.
Michael van der Pauw
Principal
EVENTS
September 10th – School Mass (bell rings @ 8:45)
September 11th – PRO-D DAY (NO SCHOOL)
September 16th – Grade 7 Timberline Fundraiser
September 17th – Meet the Teacher/Parent Info Nite 6:30
September 23rd – Hot Dog Day
September 25th – Individual Photos
SCHOOL WEBSITE
The school website is in the process of being updated for the new school year. As many items have already been updated, more are to come. This year we will be moving away from our office emailing out the weekly newletter, instead we ask all parents to subcribe to our newletter mailout on our webiste by going to https://stbernadetteschool.ca and filling in the form located at the bottom of the homepage.
STINGER ACTIVITY CLUB
The Stingers Activity Club is up and running. We are very excited by the number of registrants as it proves that there is a definate need for this club in our community. It is never too late to register. For more information contact Sheila Vader at stingersclub@stbernadette.ca.
STAFF MEETINGS
Staff meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon. Dismissal is at 2:15 pm.
CAMBRIDGE UNIFORMS
We are very satisfied with the new uniforms and have received very positive comments from parents and parishioners. We are currently in the process of securing a code so we can initiate online purchasing through their webstie. Once we have this system in place, we will inform the parents.
MEET THE TEACHER/PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
We hope that you will join us on Wednesday, September 17th for Meet the Teacher/Parent Information Night. The purpose of this evening is to give you, the parent, an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and learn about classroom routines and expectations for the year. We will begin in the Parish Centre at 6:30 pm. Every family is expected to represented.
GRADE 7 TIMBERLINE FUNDRAISER
Wednesday, September 16th the grade 7’s will be having their Timberline Fundraiser. Students who contribute $0.50 will be permitted to wear Western attire for the day.
SCHOOL MASS
The School Mass will be on Thursday, September 10th. On Mass days the bell rings at 8:45am. If your child is late for school on a Mass day please bring him or her to the school first to sign in at the school office.
Students must be in full school uniform.
LATE/ABSENT
If your child is going to be late or absent, please call the office before 9:00 am., if calling prior to 8:30am, please leave a voicemail for the school secretary, do not leave a voicemail for the classroom teacher, as the teacher may not have had time to check their voicemail When your child returns to school, please ensure that an Absentee Form is completed with the correct date of the absence, the reason for being absent and a parent’s signature. This form is to be given to the teacher so that we are able to keep an accurate record for the attendance audit. An Absentee form is attached and can also be found at the school office or downloaded off of the school website. If your child is going to be late, please have him/her sign in at the office and get a late slip.
NOTES FROM PARENTS
We require a signed note from a parent when:
• your child has been absent from school for any reason
• your child needs to leave the school for an appointment, etc.
• your child cannot participate in a specific activity
• your child cannot go outdoors during recess or lunch break
• someone other than yourself picking up your child early from school (early dismissal)
Once school has started, children who are late or who have to leave the school early MUST sign in or out at the office.
POLICY REMINDERS
If you are bringing anything to the school for your child (lunch, homework, etc.), please leave the item in the green box outside the classroom. Please do not disturb the class for any reason. If you are picking your child up during school hours for an appointment, etc., please sign him or her out and have Mrs. Gelz or Mrs. Spanjers get your child from their class.
INSIDE SCOOP
We are looking for a volunteer to be the editor of the Inside Scoop.
The Inside Scoop is an informal way for the families to communicate with other families. It is a newsletter that goes out on the 3rd Wednesday of every month. If you need services, have an item to sell, giving away items, etc. this is the place to advertise. If interested, please contact the school office.