Hello families!
It has been a busy start up to the school year and September went by quickly! I am thrilled to join the Panther team as the new Vice-Principal here at Orchard Park! I am impressed with the strong team of dedicated educators who are skilled, caring, and go above and beyond every day to ensure your child(ren) are successful and safe at school.
Thank you to our families and staff for your patience and understanding around the Turn Around Day at the end of September. There were some changes, and we wish Ms. Nevils and Ms. Nunziato all the best as they have moved on to different schools. We welcome Ms. Mackenzie Harper to our grade 2 team, Alyssa Simpson as a DECE in Ms. McFarlane’s kindergarten class, and Ms. Walser, a support staff, who is working in Ms. Blackwell’s class. We look forward to meeting all of our Panther Families for our annual “Meet The Educator” on October 8, 2024, starting at 5 pm. Don’t forget to visit the Book Fair and our OP Den that evening as well!
I continue to learn new names and faces every day and am excited to get to know your child(ren) as the year progresses. I look forward to meeting you soon.
Mrs. Turner
Important Dates & Spirit Days
Oct. 2: Terry Fox Day/Walk (Terry Fox donations accepted until Oct 31. Click HERE to donate)
Oct. 2: Fun Sock Day
Oct. 3 - 4: Grade 8 Trip
Oct. 8: Meet the Educator & Book Fair
Oct 14: Thanksgiving Monday (no school)
Oct 16: Orillia Area Cross Country
Oct 23: Art Fundraiser Night Gr. 2-6
Oct 25: PA Day
Oct 30: Character Assembly
Oct 30: Black & Orange Spirit Day
Oct 31: Halloween Dance (more information to follow)
End of Day Pick Up Procedure
In order to minimize confusion and increase safety at the end of day, please pick up your child(ren) at our 3:30pm dismissal time from their regular dismissal doors.
If you need to pick up your children early, please pick them up from the front door before 3:00pm. After 3:15pm, it is difficult to locate students as most are in the hallways getting ready for dismissal and going to their bus lines.
We appreciate your cooperation in keeping our end of day as calm and safe as possible.
Safe Arrival Program
The Safe Arrival program is in place in elementary schools to ensure that students arrive safely at school each day. Parent/guardian cooperation in reporting their child's absence is a requirement of the program. If the school is not contacted, an automated call will be made to the family and/or any emergency contacts on file to ensure the child is safe.
On days when buses are cancelled due to inclement weather, the Safe Arrival program remains in effect. For inclement weather days, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school if they receive an absence notification and believe their child should be in attendance. Otherwise, the school will assume the parent/guardian is aware of their child's absence. Families of walking students should always call the school if their child is not attending on the inclement weather day.
Regular student attendance matters
Missed days add up! Did you know if your child misses two days a month in elementary school, they will have missed an entire year of school by the time they enter high school?
Learn more about why student attendance matters at www.scdsb.on.ca/attendance.
On the Move - International Walk to School Month
Did you know that October is International Walk to School Month? Try walking or wheeling to/from school with your children this month and see the difference that being active can make!
Visit https://ow.ly/n3NU50PitzI for more information!
OP Clothing Den
This is a ‘closet’ of clothing that has been generously donated and cleaned, that students have access to in case they need a change of clothing, or perhaps a few more items. Families are encouraged to contact their child’s teacher or the office to arrange a time to check it out and shop. Clothes will also be on display the night of Meet the Educator October 8th. We currently have a TON of winter clothing (hats, boots, snow jackets and pants). Thank you for your contributions to the Den!!
View the full October 2024 Newsletter here: October Newsletter 2024.pdf