It’s been nice to see and feel some temperatures that feel more like October than November, but I also know the colder weather is on it’s way eventually.
Remind your students to wear the proper warm clothes to school again this season, including snow pants for elementary students headed outside to slide around and play in the snow, as well as for any of our students being picked up by bus. Bus Drivers do have the authority to refuse students entry to the bus if they don’t have proper clothing for cold weather. In the case of a breakdown, all students should have proper clothing to ensure they are safe and warm on the bus while waiting for support to arrive. While on the topic of bussing – a reminder that a combined temperature and wind chill that drops to minus 40 degrees will cancel buses for the day. If a bus doesn’t run in the morning, it will not run in the afternoon. Classes will never be cancelled on those days – the school is required to remain open for those students who do make it to school, including those whose parents drive them in.
Just like the last two years, we will be continuing with our Cold Cats club for students in grades K-7. Again, remember that this is an option on the indoor recess days for students who still want to go outside for some fresh air and outdoor play. I’ll be supervising them on those days on the playground until they’ve had enough. They can go back in when they get cold or once they’ve had enough, but it’s sure great for many of them to get some fresh air and exercise, even though its that cold. Please ensure those students are prepared with warm clothing and accessories so they can enjoy the recess. Call or email the school to sign up your Cold Cat student to be on our list. We even have Cold Cats shirts for sale!
The grade 11 and 12 students enjoyed another morning earlier this month at the annual Career Fair in Saskatoon. Planning should be well underway for students to narrow their options for careers or education following grade 12. For those students who are still struggling with ideas, help is always available from Mr Tucker who can lead the students to directions to start looking for answers. I’ll also encourage any students who are considering an apprenticeship opportunity to spend some time to complete the Youth Apprenticeship Program this year as it offers many benefits to the student and the employer.
And on that same topic, this is a reminder that the Grade 12 Work Experience week one is scheduled for the first week of next month, December 2 – 6. Students are expected to have met with their work placement employer for their interview in preparation for the first day that week. Good luck to each of the students as they spend a week in their chosen career areas. Remember that your placement can convince you your career area is the right choice for you and just as important, might help you realize you want something different. I’m using a new online application called MyBlueprint with the high school students to help them learn about themselves and their career paths ahead of them. Students and parents both, make time to connect with me about it so we can get you started on it.
Our Christmas Family Fun night will take place on Dec 11 and the annual Christmas Lunch for students and staff will again be on the last school day of Dec 20.
We sent report cards home last Thursday. The first quarter of the year has passed us very quickly. Congratulations to students on all your wonderful marks and achievements already this year.
That’s all for now. For further information and updates from the students and classrooms, check out our school website at http://blogs.spiritsd.ca/hanley/. As always, Mr. Anderson and I would love to talk to you if you have time to drop by the office or give us a call. Talk to you soon.