September School Value: Belonging

As we begin a new school year, our focus is on Belonging.

Whether students are returning to familiar faces or walking through our doors for the very first time, we want every child to know that they are an important part of the Guthrie School community. When students feel welcomed, valued, and connected, they are more confident, engaged, and ready to learn.

September is also a time for us to reintroduce what it means to be a GATOR. Throughout the year, our students will learn, practice, and celebrate the values that make up our GATOR acronym: Growth, Accountability, Teamwork, Optimism, and Respect. These values help guide how we learn, work together, and build relationships at school.

Being a GATOR in action means creating a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. Belonging is at the heart of all of our GATOR values. When students feel safe and connected, they are more willing to take risks, try new things, support others, and contribute positively to our school community.

At home, you might continue the conversation by asking:
"Who helped you feel welcome today?" or "How did you help someone feel like they belonged?"

Together, we can help every student feel connected, valued, and proud to be part of our GATOR family

Being a GATOR means:

 Growth – Learning from our experiences.

 Accountability – Taking responsibility for our choices.

 Teamwork – Doing our part to help others succeed.

 Optimism – Keeping a positive attitude when challenges arise.

 Respect – Showing care through our words and actions.

 Success – Following through and doing our best.

Dear Guthrie Parents/Guardians

I would like to let you know that we have made the following changes to our phone policy at the school.

All phones are secured in student lockers from 8:30am until 3:00pm.

If the students are leaving school property at lunch they can take their phones with them. The phone needs to be returned to their lockers as soon as the student returns to school. The school has provided locks for student lockers this year to ensure phones are secure. 

If students do not follow the rules, the school will take the following steps:

First Offence:

The phone is turned into the office. The phone will be returned to the student at the end of the day.

Second Offence:

The phone is turned into the office. Parents are contacted and will need to pick up their student's phone at school.

Third Offence:

The student will be suspended in-school for one day. 

Last year, we had very few problems with phones in our school. 

This change brings our school policy in line with other Junior High Schools in our division and emerging research showing that our students need to spend less time on their screen and more time interacting with peers and adults. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

Catheryne Harvey

Principal

Guthrie School

Building the GATOR Vibe at Guthrie

This year, we are excited to introduce the GATOR program as a school-wide initiative that brings all of our students, K–9, together around a shared culture of leadership, community, and belonging. Throughout the year, all students will participate in Social Emotional Learning, school-wide activities, and assemblies that embrace what it means to be a GATOR. Stay tuned as we celebrate monthly themes that highlight individuality, pride, and the unique spirit of Guthrie School!

For our Junior High students, the GATOR program also includes a new class that blends Physical Education and Wellness outcomes. The GATOR classes will focus on leadership, teamwork, and problem solving. On Friday afternoons, all Junior High students will gather for activities, workshops, guest speakers, and experiences designed to build real-world skills and resilience.

The GATOR program supports our division’s goals of Empowered Learning, Healthy Communities, and Future Readiness, ensuring that all Guthrie students are prepared to thrive in a safe, respectful, and collaborative learning environment