Dear Parents and Guardians,

Last week, we had a school-wide focus on mental health and well-being. Mrs. Brusselers created an interactive classroom where students could explore the importance of sharing how you feel, integrating movement and exercise breaks, and focusing on calming and affirmation strategies. On January 28th, Bell Let's Talk Day allowed us to focus on the importance of having open conversations about mental health and well-being. We know that online learning can present many challenges, and our children are missing daily interactions with friends. We will continue to have check-ins, encourage and motivate students, as positive mental health is a key part of supporting your children's learning experiences.

As virtual learning will continue for at least the near future, we wanted to establish some learning norms for students and families so we can continue to have productive online learning environments. Please consider the following while helping your child to access online learning:

• As with in-person learning, it is important to establish routines. Get up at the same time, have a healthy breakfast before the Real Time learning block and be ready to learn.

• Dress appropriately - as if your child is attending school for in-person learning.

• Be mindful of the background when attending virtual school. Many other students and parents can see your environment.

• Please keep your device muted, unless your child is invited to share.

• Please ensure your child has an appropriate space to learn. Your child should feel comfortable in a quiet space.

• Toys can be an unhelpful distraction during learning time. Please keep toys for playtime after class.

• We understand that learning virtually is not the same as learning in person, however, the more your child can attend the Real Time learning blocks the less chance there will be gaps in your child’s learning.

Our school office is closed at this time. Should you need to contact our secretaries, Mrs. Gill or Mrs. Hindle, or admin, please email us at Violadesmondps@ddsb.ca. Response time may be delayed for messages left on the school's voicemail.

We hope you have a wonderful week!

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Brusselers and Mrs. Thomas - Administrative Team

February is:

Imbolc (Wicca) - February 2nd

Imbolc is a pagan holiday celebrated from February 1 through sundown February 2. Based on a Celtic tradition, Imbolc was meant to mark the halfway point between winter solstice and the spring equinox in Neolithic Ireland and Scotland. The holiday is celebrated by Wiccans and other practitioners of neopagan or pagan-influenced religions. Imbolc is just one of several pre-Christian holidays highlighting some aspect of winter and sunlight, and heralding the change of seasons.

Lunar New Year - February 12th

Lunar New Year, Chinese Chunjie, Vietnamese Tet, Korean Solnal, Tibetan Losar, also called Spring Festival, festival typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries that begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon of the lunar calendar, 15 days later. The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, so the dates of the holiday vary slightly from year to year, beginning some time between January 21 and February 20 according to Western calendars. Approximately 10 days before the beginning of the new lunar year, houses are thoroughly cleaned to remove any bad luck that might be lingering inside, a custom called “sweeping of the grounds.” Traditionally, New Year’s eve and New Year’s day are reserved for family celebrations, including religious ceremonies honouring ancestors.

Saint Valentine's Day - February 14th

Valentine’s Day occurs every February 14. Across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine.

“I raise up my voice-not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back.”

― Malala Yousafzai