Letter to Parents

Letter to Parents

Welcome parents and students,

My first and primary goal this year 2025-26 is to offer your student a positive experience to learn.  It is my goal to offer students a space where learning happens in a way that we build relationships and engagement in their learning.

I strongly believe that knowledge is built by the learner. As Tony Siddall suggests: 

“Deeper learning truly takes hold when the student herself perceives a gap between where she is and where she wants to be, and takes action to close that gap.”

• Learning is rich in content and diversity - Students are encouraged to find information to support their overall goal. Study Guides are provided with learning goals for each unit. To be completed at the end of each concept and submitted in writing on the due date.

This is the daily schedule for all classes are:                                                                             

Period 1   -    8:25 - 9:40 AM Break       -    9:40 - 9:45 AM                Period 2  -    9:45 - 11:00 AM

Lunch      -    11:00 AM - 12:05 PM                      

Period 3  - 12:05 - 1:20 PM  Break   - 1:20 - 1:25 PM    Period 4  -   1:25 - 2:40 PM                                                                                                          

  EXTRA HELP: TUESDAYS at Lunch (see me if this does not work)

Learning can not only occur  during those times, it has to be a continuous process that expands beyond the four walls of our classroom. I encourage you as a parent to:

• Balance: Help them strike a balance between work/school/sleep/family/sports.

• Homework: (SEE BRIGHTSPACE every day) Students will have work to do every day. We will complete assignments in class which will leave them to complete and review lessons at home. They will be provided digital access to the text book or a physical copy at their request.  Stundents can always work on STUDY GUIDES. Due a day before the test.

• NO Cell Phones: Discuss as a family cell phone use. A 2023 UNESCO report found a negative link between excessive cellphone use and student academic performance and that students can take up to 20 minutes to refocus on what they were learning after focusing on a distraction. As a parent consult resources such as: AnxiousGeneration.com (Video summary: #EIE23: Jonathan Haidt: Smartphones vs. Smart Kids)

• Brightspace: Check for their weekly schedule in brightspace. (Study Guides, Grades, Calendar for notes and Homework) Courses come with Concept Guides and Learning Goals. Students are responsible for creating their own learning notes in a notebook. Check with your child on the learning goals and evidence of their learning throughout the semester. (The course will ask them to self assess and ask for your feedback  Concept guide)

• Be present: Ask them to see their assignments and their feedback from me and their peers in brightspace and on paper. 

In that, I want to challenge you to think beyond a two digit grade. Learning should not be equated to a grade but should be a reflection of the work and persistence in mastering content by the students. I encourage students to redo assignments and quizzes, to show me that they want to master content. During this time I will supplement their learning with outdoor activities, collaborative tasks, lab activities, lectures and assignments. What is important is that students track their learning in the portfolio in Brightspace. I will spend the first week helping students familiarize themselves with Brightspace:

• Content - Instructions, information notes and interactives. 

• Assignments - To be completed for grades

• Discussions - The ability to review and discuss topics and work safely.

• Calendar - with events of the day located on the home page

• Work to do - on the home page

• Grades - grades are updated as assignments are marked students will be notified through the app the moment an assignment is returned with a grade.

The process of learning can feel lonely. Please encourage your student to be brave and reach out for help. The TVDSB website is loaded with resources for support here are some that I find are a good resource for learning and communication:

• School calendar - See you Monday February 2nd 2026

• Parent Brightspace  - a link to help support a parents’ view of bright space

• School Messenger Sign up - A means to contact me during school hours and afterhours. 

• School Library Commons - Academic research support. Please email me if you need a password.

• Classroom needs:

• Scientific calculator

• Whiteboard marker (Optional)

• Headphones for chromebook (to listen to videos)

• Pen/Pencil

• Eraser

• Ruler

• Pencil sharpener

• Glue

• Scissors

• Binder with paper or a Notebook for study guides.

• Electronic Device laptop, chromebook or tablet. (NO CELL PHONES)

Helping and guiding your student to become better at what they want to do is something I’m deeply committed to. I urge you to complete my google form by scanning the QR code and visiting my website (http://bit.ly/mrsdparents). 

Please reach out to me by emailing me (t.dyke@tvdsb.ca) or by phone, anytime at school 519 631 4460. 

 Sincerely

Mrs. Dyke

Parent Information

Tips for Parents

Titan Expectaions