Olympic Heights Update – September 6
Welcome Back!
We are delighted to share that the almost full week back at school have been wonderfully successful, thanks to the combined efforts of our students, families, teachers, and school staff. Despite the odd small hiccup, students are all in classes, our music and physical education programs are underway, and our office is humming along nicely. As always, the support of our families is critical in ensuring a smooth start to the year. Thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation!
Sweet Treat Social!
School council would like to invite our students to join us immediately after school on Thursday, September 12th for School Council’s Sweet Treat Event! Stop by the field on your way out of school to say hello and collect a sweet treat as we welcome you back to school. You will see some tables set up near the basketball courts and plant park. If your child rides the bus, we hope families might be able to make alternative arrangements for the ride home so you can enjoy this social event. If not, we will have a special table just for bus students. Please be sure to let the office know if your child will not be riding the bus. As always, if anyone is interested in attending our school council meetings or becoming involved in the council, we are always happy to have new faces join!
Confirmation of School Hours
For students in grades one through six, soft entry begins at 8:30 AM. The bell rings and instruction begins at 8:40 AM. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, dismissal time is 3:13 PM. On Fridays, students in grades one through six are dismissed early at 12:23 PM. Please ensure you arrive promptly to pick-up your child. For our students in Kindergarten, every day of the week, Monday through Friday, school hours are 8:40 AM – 11:20 AM. Soft entry is not available for Kindergarten students, based on the nature of the Kindergarten program. Students arriving after 8:40AM should enter the school through the office doors, as grade entry doors will be closed.
Kiss & Drop Procedures
Ensuring the safety of our students, especially during their commute to and from school, is our top priority. We kindly request your support in reinforcing the importance of pedestrian safety with your children. Please remind them to always use designated crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and remain vigilant while walking near the school zone. Additionally, encourage them to avoid distractions such as texting or wearing headphones while crossing the street. As parents, you also have a vital role to play as drivers. Please adhere to speed limits, be extra cautious in school zones, and avoid any form of distracted or reckless driving. Together, we can create a secure environment for all our students and pedestrians in our school zone. Thank you for your cooperation in fostering a culture of safety. If you are dropping off students in the morning, or picking up students in the afternoon, please familiarize yourself with our Kiss & Drop Procedures. With your help, we can ensure students safety on the way to and from school.
School Council
We are excited to announce the upcoming School Council meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 6:30 PM in the learning plaza. The School Council plays a pivotal role in our school community, as it is a platform where parents, caregivers, and guardians can actively participate in shaping the educational experience for our children. Parent-led School Councils are vital because they provide a direct channel for parental input and collaboration with educators and administrators. We invite you to join us on September 19th to kick off this year's Council meetings, where we can discuss our goals, plans, and initiatives for the upcoming school year. Together, we can make a significant impact on our children's education. Check out the School Council page on our website for further information.
Check the School Website First
Parents should prioritize checking the school website for information as their first step because it serves as a reliable and up-to-date hub for crucial updates, announcements, and resources. By regularly visiting the school's website, you can stay informed about important dates, curriculum changes, school events, and emergency notifications. This practice not only ensures that you are well-informed about your child's educational journey but also fosters a strong partnership between parents and the school, enabling a smoother and more supportive learning experience for your child. It's an efficient way to access valuable information and stay actively engaged in your child's school life.
Returning Reminders
Summer typically melts away tension and stress, and sometimes it melts away memories or routines as well. As we get back into the swing of school, a few important reminders have become apparent in our first “full” week back:
Lunch learnings: Please pack utensils with your child for their lunch. The school cannot provide these items. Also, please do not send lunches that require re-heating or hot water.
Label belongings! We were thrilled that students continue to wear OHS gear, and we’re seeing water bottles, hoodies and shirts in school each day. If possible, please label important items so they can be returned if lost.
A gentle reminder that dogs are not permitted on school grounds. We have some students who are extremely afraid, or allergic, of any type of dog, regardless how friendly yours might be.
Students will be spending their PE classes and recess breaks outside and are required to have appropriate footwear to participate safely. Sandals and flip flops, although weather-appropriate are not suited for physical activity.
Demographic Verification Forms in MyCBE Account
Please complete the ‘Demographic Verification’ forms on your MyCBE Account by September 30th. This is a requirement for all families even if there are no changes. Please find further information and support here.
If your child has a medical condition that the school and staff should be aware of, please let your child’s teacher know and we can provide the appropriate documentation.
Gratitude to our “Flower Fairy”
Each year, a remarkable community member has been diligently planting and tending to the flowers near the stairs by the main entrance of Olympic Heights School for several years. Students, staff, and parents all comment on how much this work adds to our school. On behalf of the entire school, deep gratitude for your amazing efforts.
Playground Safety During School Hours
With the return to school, we have noticed parents and children continuing to use the playground during the school day. We want to remind parents of the importance of maintaining a safe environment for our students. We kindly ask that you refrain from bringing children to play on school grounds during school hours. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of our students, and having unfamiliar adults on campus, or small children on our playground, can be a concern for our students and staff. Additionally, our supervisors need to focus on watching over our students and ensuring they have a productive and safe learning environment. For everyone’s safety, the Education Act (Section 256) affirms that no one other than school staff should be on the schoolyard when students are present. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to provide the best possible learning experience for our students.
Important Dates
Sept. 12 School Council Sweet Treat Social event 3:15-4:30
Sept. 19 School Council 6:30 – 8:30
Sept. 23 - 24 Gr. 4 Waste facility field trip
Sept. 21 Kernels Popcorn snack orders due
Sept. 23 - 24 Gr. 4 Waste facility field trip
Sept. 26 Kernels Popcorn snack day
Sept. 26 Parent-teacher conferences 4:00 – 8:00
Sept. 27 Non-instructional day
Sept. 27 Parent-teacher conferences 8:00 – 1:00
Sept. 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – no school
Oct. 2 - 3 Elder Hal Eagletail visits
Oct. 5 Panago Pizza lunch orders are due
Oct. 8 Gr. 4 Sam Centre field trip
Oct. 10 Life Touch individual photos – retakes Nov. 18
Oct. 14 Thanksgiving Holiday