December 2016 Newsletter
Principal’s Message:
As always, December will be a busy month. There will be plenty of activities taking place both at home and at school. Though most of these activities are exciting, they can still place additional stress on our day-to-day lives. This is a great time of year to exercise additional patience and ask for help when needed. The holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so take the time to do so.
Compassion:
Compassion is showing care and consideration. It is being kind and forgiving to someone who has hurt you and it is helping someone, even if you do not know them. At this time of year, it is important to talk to your children about having compassion for others. Children need to recognize that compassion means helping someone who is being bullied on the yard, sharing a favourite toy or donating clothing to those in need. Saying a kind word to someone who is having a bad day can make a world of difference to that person. Encourage compassion. Show you care.
Christmas Concert:
Brookside’s annual Christmas Concert will be held on Tuesday, December 13th. Dress Rehearsal will take place at 1:45 p.m. with the concert starting at 6:45 p.m. The weather date is Thursday, December 15th.
Carol Singing:
On Thursday, December 22nd at 2:30 p.m. and Friday, December 23rd at 9:00 a.m., there will be carol singing for our students. Parents and community members are welcome to attend these events.
Christmas Break:
Christmas Break will run from Saturday, December 24th to Sunday, January 8th inclusive. The last day of school for students before the break is Friday, December 23rd. Monday, January 9th will be our first day back in the New Year.
Before/After School Survey:
Families interested in Before/After School childcare programs, should complete the on-line survey no later than Friday, December 9th. The survey is available on the AMDSB website at http://yourschools.ca/programs-services/kindergarten/. Should you require a paper copy, please contact the school. We appreciate your assistance as we determine the feasibility of offering such programs.
Grade 8 Parent and Student Night at F.E. Madill:
Grade 8 students attending F.E. Madill Secondary School next fall are invited to attend an information night on Wednesday, January 18th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information, please contact F.E. Madill.
Huron County Christmas Bureau:
Thanks to everyone that made donations to the Huron County Christmas Bureau. Your generosity will benefit families in our community and beyond throughout the holiday season.
Grade 8 Graduation:
This year’s graduation date is set for Friday, June 23rd, 2017. More information will be provided closer to the actual date.
Spirit Days in December:
There will be a few Spirit Days in December and a set of dances on the last day of school before the break. These dates are listed below. If more information is required, it will be sent home before they occur. If you have questions, please contact the school.
Friday, December 9th – Sports Jersey Day
Friday, December 16th – Festive Hat Day
Friday, December 23rd – Red and Green Day
Friday, December 23rd – Primary Dance (Middle Block), Jr./Int. Dance (Last Block)
Bus Reminder:
Students are reminded that our school buses are scent free spaces. Many of our students and drivers are sensitive to scents and may even experience an anaphylactic reaction to colognes and body sprays. Being aware and respectful of this request is just another way for all of us to keep our students, drivers and communities safe. Thanks for your consideration.
Weather Cancellations:
We are approaching that time of year again. Cancellations due to weather may occur at any time. Fog, snow and ice are just a few of the reasons to use your favourite media source to stay in-the-know. Below is a list of media sources to follow in order to stay informed.
Websites: avonmaitlandschools.ca/brookside
ourschoolbuses.cayourschools.ca
Twitter: @BrooksidePS
@yourschools
Radio: AM 920 CKNX
FM 101.7 The One
FM 94.5 The Bull
FM 104.9 The Beach
Reminder: During fog delays, listen for updates regarding cancellations. Most fog delays begin with a 2-hour bus delay, but may end up in a full cancellation if the fog does not clear.