Cougar Chronicles (Principal’s Newsletter) (J F Carmichael Public School)

February 23rd, 2025

Dear families and caregivers:

We hope you have been enjoying a wonderful weekend with your family! We would appreciate your support in reminding your children to stay off of the large piles of snow in the small front parking lot as well as the pile at the side of the school. Some children have been sliding down into the parking lot or into our neighbours’ yards. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of safety with these behaviours and encourage you to have your child stay off of these areas.

This week and next, we welcome Mrs. Marcia Lubert as our Supply VP. Welcome, Mrs. Lubert! This Wednesday is Pink Shirt Day which you can read about further down this post.

Warmly,

Ms. Demsey

Attendance Matters:

Regular attendance is essential for student success, and we appreciate your efforts in ensuring your child is at school each day. Our office carefully monitors student attendance, and we kindly remind families of the following protocols:

If a student has 15 consecutive absences, we are required to submit a referral to our school social worker.

If we notice a pattern of absences that raises concerns, even if they are not consecutive, we will reach out to families via email to check in and offer support.

If your child is experiencing a prolonged illness, please provide a medical note so we can best support their return to school.

We understand that each family’s situation is unique, and we are here to work together to support your child’s well-being and learning. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your partnership in making every school day count!

KidsAbility Resources:

We are thrilled to announce KidsAbility’s School Readiness, an Occupational Group Therapy Session! These sessions are a half day, week long summer group led by a pediatric Occupational Therapist, where your child will have lots of fun while developing new motor skills to support success at school. Activities may include: crafts with friends, sensory play, colouring, printing, pencil grasp, scissor skills, manipulating fasteners on clothing, tying shoelaces and more! There are two groups being offered:

Fine Motor & Movement

School Readiness Summer Group

Communication Devices:

At JF Carmichael PS, we are committed to creating a focused and engaging learning environment. As per the Ontario Ministry of Education, personal communication devices—including cell phones, smartwatches, and other electronic devices—are not permitted during school hours unless used for an approved educational purpose.

To ensure safe and clear communication, students who need to contact their families during the school day must do so through the main office. This helps us maintain a safe dismissal process and ensures that students remain fully engaged in learning.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these guidelines with your child. Thank you for helping us create a positive and distraction-free learning space!

Kindergarten Registration Now Open

Families can now register their child(ren) for Kindergarten.

Please note: Registration for the 2025-26 WRDSB Before and After School programs opens in Spring 2025. The date will be confirmed on the Before and After School website.

Reminder: Pink Shirt Day

Wednesday, February 26 is Pink Shirt Day at all WRDSB sites. Staff and students are invited to wear pink to show their commitment to creating safe, positive and inclusive school environments.

Canadian Youth Climate Action Awards

Applications for the 2025 awards are now open!

The Canadian Youth Climate Action Award rewards the efforts of young Canadians who, by working together with other generations, have brought forward impactful ideas and actions that address the key climate change challenges of our times.

For more information on the project criteria and application submission information, please visit Canadian Youth Climate Action Awards. Deadline for applications is March 17, 2025.

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