Welcome to October, and the fall weather that has come with it!

Student Information System and School Fees:

Behold technology – in all of its glory! Our apologies, but it appears that not all families have access at this point to the School Cash system. Although some were able to submit payments, not all of the necessary information has been sent out to everyone. We are told that they are targeting October 9^th as a start date for everyone, so we will provide any updates as we have them. If you are unable to make payments for school fees online, you can contact the office to confirm your fees and provide a payment in cash or by cheque.

Nutrition Program:

We have also hit some delays with the delivery of our first food order, so we have had to delay the launch of our snack offering at the classroom level, which we hope will occur in the next week. For now, some food is available over the lunch hour in our canteen for students who need it. We will do our best to promote that access to students, if families can help reinforce the message that everyone who needs food should have access to it.

Talks With Students About Washroom Use:

In a school with over 400 students, there are occasional mishaps in the washrooms. We have had a number of incidents, especially in the two washrooms used by younger students (K – 4) in the first month of classes, where we have found messes particularly in the boys’ washrooms. This has led to us having discussions with these classes about respectful use of the washrooms, including that they are not a place to play, and that there is no excuse for water (and other fluids) ending up all over the floor. We have also given reminders about not climbing stalls, not locking the stalls and crawling under them to leave them locked, and not peaking under stalls when others are using the washroom. We are hoping that families can take a moment to review appropriate bathroom behaviour with students to reinforce respectful and safe use of these spaces for all students.

News from the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC):

The first PAC meeting of the year will be held on Thursday, October 10^th at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. All community members are encouraged to attend, whether you are able to attend only occasional meetings, attend regularly, or hope to be part of the PAC executive. We hope to see you then!

Collecting Gently Used Equipment:

Our Phys. Ed. team continues to look for fun and new ways of providing access to outdoor activities for all students. To support that programming, we welcome any donations of hockey skates (particularly larger sizes), hockey helmets, small bikes or stride bikes, and bike helmets. Any items can be provided to the school office.

Terry Fox Fundraiser:

École Marie-Anne-Gaboury is proud to be a part of this year’s Terry Fox School Run. We will have a presentation and activities for students on October 7th. If you would like to contribute to our fundraising effort, please donate here: https://schools.terryfox.ca/EcoleMarieAnneGaboury

Important Dates:

Monday, October 14, 2024.................... Thanksgiving – NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, October 22, 2024.................... Staff Meeting / Early Dismissal (2:37 p.m.) 

Friday, October 25, 2024....................... Provincial PD Day – No classes

Friday, November 8, 2024..................... Remembrance Day Ceremony

Monday, November 11, 2024................ Remembrance Day – No classes

Wednesday, November 13, 2024........... Picture Retake Day

Thanks and take care,

Tyler & Joy