Dear Parents,
This weekend, we were treated to glorious weather to rejuvenate and re-fuel before we move into the cold months ahead. We hope you have an opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures by engaging in outdoor activities with your children.
At St. Mary, we continue to follow strict guidelines, procedures and protocols as outlined in the YCDSB re-entry plan. Thank you to all parents/guardians who continue to support our efforts to keep all staff and students safe each day at school. Parents, please continue to follow these daily protocols:
- Perform a Self-Assessment before the child(ren) comes to school. If a student is showing a symptom, they should remain home, consult with your physician and only return to school when they are symptom free for 24 hours.
- Have students arrive on time so they line up and enter the school with their class through their designated entry door.
- Refrain from standing around and congregating outside the gate
- Park your car if you are walking your child to the gate
- Pick up your children on time following our staggered dismissal times: 3:20pm Kindergarten and Grades 1-3 pick up, 3:30pm – Grades 4-8 pick up.
- Wear a mask when dropping off/picking up students.
- Refrain from dropping off items at the school
- Continue to pack a lunch, snack and water bottle every day. No drop offs, please.
We really are doing our very best at St. Mary. It’s a concerted effort and we thank you very much for all of your help with following the protocols.
Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the weather. When possible, classes will be held outside. Classroom windows may remain open to allow fresh air in the building.
Please note that the St. Mary standardized dress code is being enforced by all staff every day. Students must adhere to the dress code policy established for St. Mary school. Solid colour navy or white tops and solid colour navy bottoms must be worn every day. No writing on tops is permitted. If a logo is on the top, it may be the size of a toonie. If a child is feeling cold at school, they should have a warm solid navy or white top. Students are welcome to wear all St. Mary spirit wear every day. An opportunity to purchase spirit wear for this school year will be shared with parents very soon. The last Friday of the month, students will continue to participate in civics days.
Progress Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews
Progress Reports will be distributed on Friday, November 20th. Parent Teacher conferences will be held during the week of November 23-26. In the coming days, you will receive a Google Form inviting you to sign up for a time that is convenient to speak to the teacher regarding your child’s progress towards meeting curriculum expectations. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to connect with the classroom teacher to discuss progress and next steps.
Remembrance Day Virtual Liturgy
A poppy is a symbol of peace and remembrance. On Wednesday, November 11th, Mrs. Perry’s, Mrs. Camerlengo’s and Mrs. McCarthy’s Grade 4 classes will lead a virtual Remembrance Day Liturgy at 10:45 am. We will honour veterans who have given their lives as well as those who continue to work towards making our world a safe and peaceful place. All classes will participate in prayers, reflections and a moment of silence. The morning of Remembrance Day, students will be given a poppy to wear proudly over their hearts. Donations are welcome for the poppies and all money collected will be forwarded to the Poppy Trust Fund. This is the only fundraiser that the Royal Canadian Legion does in a year and the funds collected go directly to veterans in various communities. Thank you to Ms. Menna and Ms. Westlake for the beautiful display in the front foyer of the school.
Wishing you a wonderful week,
Mrs. D’Andrea and Mrs. Crocitto