Dear Students,

Ms. Charles and I are so excited to be your teachers this year and cannot wait to get to know each and every one of you. We are sure you have lots of questions and so many exciting stories to tell us and we cannot wait to hear them. Coming back to school or starting school is going to be new, maybe scary or even exciting but remember to be kind and patient with yourself and your parents. This is a very unique time where we all need to be brave and adaptable by trying something new and not giving up even if its hard. We are so proud of all of you and know you can do this, because brilliance is one of our powers! Let's all bloom together.

Dear Parents,

We understand this is a very stressful and unpredictable time to be living in. Thank you for stepping up and continuing your child's learning when we were not able to do so in person. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed and we are grateful for all of you. Even if you didn't do a lot of 'academic' learning thus far and instead stayed in your pajamas most of the day, ate cookies for breakfast or watched Netflix know you were doing your best, your children are loved and there is no judgement. We are very excited to be back in the classroom this year and experience in person learning again. If anything we hope to teach your children to be flexible and adapt to new things. For them to know people will show up for them even when it's hard is so important. Please remember your child is not 'behind' because of the pandemic but rather being exposed to new modes of learning and communicating and that us the educators are here to support them emotionally, socially and mentally as well as academically. If there is anything big or small Ms. Charles and I can do for you and your child please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

With Love & Light

Ms. Smith & Ms. Charles

We are inspired to develop our classroom as a space where students become active and creative participants in their learning process where they are able to develop a positive self identity through affirmations, mindfulness and breathing. They not only will grow as students, but will be nourished to become caring, open-minded individuals of society who value each other cultures and differences. We understand that every child learns at a different pace and it is important to cultivate a safe, trusting, and respectful environment. This is primarily accomplished by using our positions as a role model to teach inclusiveness, empathy, and respect for all.

Please remember that your child will need the following items for school:

*A pair of indoor and outdoor shoes that your child can take on and off independently. Velcro and slip on's are preferred

*Your child might require a change of clothes while at school. Please send in a labeled “Ziploc” bag with a change of clothes for your child and we will store it in the classroom

*A backpack big enough to fit a lunch bag and water bottle

*We will be in our outdoor playground every day, even in the light rain and cold. Please ensure your child has the appropriate outerwear for the weather. For example rain boots, rain jackets, snow pants

We are also asking that you refrain from sending in any food items for the other students at any time during the year (i.e.: treats bags at Halloween, birthday, candy canes or chocolate on cards). You may wish to consider a non-edible “favour” if you wish to send something in. If we decide to have a food-based activity, we will be sending an email home prior and ensuring there are no allergies.

Students are invited to arrive at school between 9:00- 9:15am for playtime with their friends. This playtime will take place in our Kindergarten Yard. Please send your child to school each day dressed appropriately for outdoor play (rain gear, mitts, hats, snow pants, etc.) The Kindergarten Drop Off will be at the north side of the school in the Kinder Yard. Drop off will now be inside the parking lot starting at 9:00. Please note, this is a drop off area only for all grades and there is no parking. If you need to come into the school, you will need to park on the street. Bus drop off will now be on Sixteen Mile Drive. This is for buses only - no drop off in this area. The Town of Oakville has designated this zone for busing. Tickets will be given out for any vehicles in this area - both for parking and dropping off. Students arriving by bus will be picked up and brought to the kindergarten yard.

**Please note: If a child says that s/he or they are being picked up and they do not have a note indicating such, they will be bussed home as usual. ** We must have written or verbal parental authorization when changes are made to the pick-up routine of your child.

“WALKERS” (those who do not take the bus) will be dismissed at 3:20 pm from the Kindergarten Yard gate outside our classroom to you or your representative. Please wait outside the gate as each student is dismissed individually by the teacher. Should there be a change in who will be picking up your child, please send an email to both educators in case one of us is absent that day.