To help the students to participate in the loving act of sharing and giving during this time of Advent, they are invited to collect items to donate to the Shepherds of Good Hope.  At this time of year, there are many items the Shepherds need to assist the people who are staying at the shelter. The Grade 4 students are encouraged to bring in coffee mugs and cutlery; the Grade 5 students are encouraged to donate warm socks. Our class has set a target of 44 items (2 per student!) and we hope to be able to meet or exceed that goal, to make someone's Christmas a little more comfortable and happy. We ask that donations be brought into school no later than Thursday, Dec. 22nd, at which time the Shepherds will come to pick them up. Thank you for your generosity! A print letter will be coming home tomorrow, as will electronic email reminders.

We will be having a wonderful visit from famous Canadian author Eric Walters, who will speak to the students about social justice themes and education.  He is the author of many books which many be familiar to the students, and can be seen on his website at http://www.ericwalters.net/.  You can follow up with your child afterward and ask him/her what they learned from Mr. Walters during the visit!

A reminder on "Snow Days" when the busses are cancelled, the schools are still open.  If you choose to have your child attend school on "Snow Days",  however, you are responsible for ensuring your child arrives to and leaves from school on time, dressed appropriately for outdoor play, and with indoor shoes as usual.  Many students did not have indoor shoes today at school, or came without snow pants and mitts. Students go outside for recess as usual unless it is raining heavily or below -25, even when busses are not running. Kiss and Ride is not in operation during "Snow Days", therefore if you are picking your child up at the end of the day, you must park and come into the school to do so.  Thank  you for helping to keep your child safe!