Conversation and Libation

Welcome back to school!

It’s the second week in and hopefully everyone has had a smooth transition. We’ve got a few new teachers this year and a whole new kinder class with lots of new faces.

The first couple of weeks are always a bit of an adjustment…which is why this is a great time to have an informal ‘meet and greet’ to welcome all of our Niagara parents in a local social setting – perhaps over a pint or two. It’s an opportunity to discuss and learn about what is happening at the school, what you’d like to see happening, and how we can work together to positively influence our children’s education.

Please share this invitation and join members of our School Council on Monday September 16th, at the Old York (Wellington and Niagara) at 6pm.

We look forward to seeing you there.

School Year End

Another school year is coming to an end in a couple of days but there is still a lot going on.

The grade 6 students had their graduation ceremony and celebration today. Every year outstanding students are recognized and chosen to receive one of 4 awards – Arts, Principal, Athletics, and Citizenship. This year, the Athletics award has been forever re-named in honour of Ms Sutcliffe who will be retiring. Also, a memory book has been created for her by school staff. It will be kept in the office for anyone who wishes to sign it – please include your child(ren)’s names as well.

The Talent Show is tomorrow morning which is scheduled to start just after the Student of the Month ceremony. Students will be performing and showing off their special talents in front of the entire school! Everyone is welcome to attend.

Thursday is the last day and the School Council will be hosting a hotdog lunch in the playground to celebrate. (Please remember to pack reusable water bottles) We’ll be handing out frozen treats too. If anyone is available and would like to help out, please come to the staff lounge in the morning. Much appreciated!

Goodbye Ms Sutcliffe

Come and say goodbye to our beloved Physical Education teacher, Ms Sutcliffe. She will be retiring.

The School Council invites you to pop by after school today to enjoy a slice of cake and sign a card to wish her well. We’ll be in the school foyer at the main entrance.

Niagara School Ballroom Dance Team

Congratulations to our SILVER medalists!

It was a wonderful evening at the Palais Royale where 8 other schools competed in the 2018/19 ballroom dance finals. Our dancers Tangoed and Foxtrotted their way to silver standing.  Way to make Niagara School proud!

This is an amazing program that we are fortunate enough to participate in. A perfect addition to gym class, ballroom dance enables children to improve various physical skills, such as balance and coordination. Memorizing routines and keeping time to music keeps their brains active and the social interaction teaches mutual respect, communication and cooperation.

Thanks to Ms Sutcliffe, our amazing Physical Education teacher, who has been a strong advocate of this initiative from the start.  Ms Sutcliffe was also recognized last night for her outstanding commitment and leadership.

 

Many thanks to the School Council for continuing to support this program through their fundraising efforts.

Thank you!

The Spring Fling was fantastic this year! Thank you to our organizing team – Annemarie Shrouder, Carrie Milne and Lisa McCalla – and all of the lead volunteers.

Thanks to every single volunteer who helped bring the event together. Every donation and every minute of your time has been invaluable to its success.

We’ll keep you updated on the funds raised as soon as the final count is complete.

Early On Child and Family Centre

Our beloved Early On Child and Family Centre aka Family Literacy Centre aka Drop-In Centre will be closing its doors at the end of this school year.

The Centre first opened in 1981 at Niagara School and has been a wonderful place for caregivers to go with their children to socialize and learn. Young mothers could share parenting advice over a pot of coffee and enjoy adult conversation while the kids could play and learn at various activity centres singing songs, reading books, painting, or playing at the water table or sandbox.

Many a friendship has originated from paths crossed at the Drop-In. In fact, some of my dearest friends are those I first met there. It has been such a valuable resource in our community providing free support and quality programs for our families for so many years.

It will be missed.

Spring Fling Passport

That’s right. It’s a passport. For your trip to a favourite destination … the annual Niagara School Spring Fling! Have a peek at some of the fresh new activities and areas. 

The first 100 families through the door on Saturday will get a hard copy of the passport. Complete the game board on the lower left side by collecting stamps for the various activities.  Then hand in the detached board to be eligible for a prize!  There will be a draw.