Owen Family Update- Week of May 30th, 2022

 Dear Owen Parents/Guardians,

We had another great week at Owen, and look forward to all of the events we have scheduled for this one.   As a reminder, Friday is a PD day.   There will be no school on Friday.   We also have the FDK's visiting Brooks Farm on Monday, many students heading to the zoo on Tuesday, the Grade 5 Messy Pants trip on Wednesday, and Elections Ontario conducting polling on Wednesday and Thursday.  

EQAO's are right around the corner for our grade 3's.  The grade 3 team is busy preparing and will send home communication when the dates have been finalized. 

We would also like to remind parents that your children need to know before the start of the school day if they are taking the bus home, going to after care, and/or being picked up.  There were a few issues last week that the office would like to see eliminated moving forward. 

Parents, please ensure you are at the bus stop on time and/or pick up your child from school at the bell.  Our office administrators end their work day at 4:20 pm.  Students cannot be left waiting by the office for pick-up, unless under emergency situations where you have notified the school.  

Students can only be sent home with those contacts that are registered with the school. They will not be sent home with siblings, or other relatives/friends, unless we have received written and verbal permission prior to the school day.  This is to ensure the safety of our students.

Thank you!  

- Sima and Jamie 

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Signing Students Out

This is just a reminder that you need to notify your child's teacher PRIOR to the school day that they will be leaving early for an appointment. Teachers are busy during the work day, and may not have time to read any last minute emails. Our office staff is also similarly engaged at different parts of the day, and cannot be interrupting learning by calling for students on the classroom phones.

It is Owen's policy that students should not be signing out of class after 3:15 pm, as the last period is already interrupted by students getting ready for the bus, or getting ready to go home.

Please try to book appointments in advance and outside of learning times.

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Pride Video Launch " Happy Pride"

 

 The TDSB GSA network is pleased to announce we will be hosting a week of Pride activities from Monday May 30th - Friday June 3rd.  Events will be held during lunch and afterschool and are open to students, staff, and families.  A full schedule of events will be released in the coming weeks. 

To kick-off the week, we are putting together a Pride Launch video with contributions from our virtual GSA, as well as GSAs from schools across the TDSB, and senior leadership.  The video will be celebratory and educational, seeking to bring together 2SLGBTQIA+ communities within the TDSB.  

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                                   National Indigenous Month- June 

June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to celebrate and learn from First Nations, Métis and Inuit people about the diverse cultures, histories, experiences, creations, perspectives, and achievements.

Join the Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC) throughout the month of June for opportunities to engage with Indigenous artists, authors, and speakers through various virtual workshops and panel discussions.

All month long, the UIEC is hosting several events and celebrations with Dr. Elder Duke Redbird, Dr. Pamela Palmater, Ange Loft, David A. Robertson, Becky Han and others, along with Two-Spirit & Indigiqueer Pride.

 

During the month of June, the TDSB recognizes National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is celebrated on Tuesday, June 21. This year, UIEC will have a board-wide virtual celebration on Friday, June 17.

 

This is a day of significance for many Indigenous Peoples in the country we call Canada today. It marks the day when the Sun is closest to the Earth. It is the longest day of the year and the shortest night. Many First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples celebrate the Summer Solstice. It is a time that reminds us to remain grounded, humble and appreciative. It is usually celebrated by coming together with family and community for a feast. Traditional foods are an important aspect of the feast as they signify connection to the land and animals.

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Kids Kitchen Hot Lunch Program

Do you want to order a hot lunch for your child?  You can find details for Kids Kitchen Hot Lunch Program by visiting their website.

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Elections Ontario

Elections Ontario will be using our gym on June 1st and June 2nd as a polling station. During this time it is important for all visitors to sign in at the office, as we will have quite a few adults in the building and security will be on-site.

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 Student News

If you have photos, student work or family activities you would like to share on the Owen Online for next week, please email them to jamie.parkes@tdsb.on.ca.

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