Mustang Memo - March 21, 2024
This week had several highlights starting with the Grade 5 DARE graduation. We we so impressed to have such a great turn out of parents, caregivers, and family to celebrate the learning that our students did around topics related to making safe life choices. Students masterfully delivered speeches on what they learned throughout the 13 weeks of instruction by Officer Donaldson and some students were the deserving recipients of DARE spirit and DARE improvement awards.
We also saw some amazing collaboration and mentorship from our Grade 6 students to our kindergarten students as they worked on some St. Patrick's Day activities! The smiles and joy on the faces of our littlest students as they work with their big buddies will melt anyone's heart!
We were very proud of our Mustangs!
We hope that you and your family enjoy a relaxing Spring Break.
Helene Hewitt & Jay Robertson
Principal & Assistant Principal
You belong here!
Table of Contents
Week At a Glance
Action
- Did you Read Your Child's Report Card Yet?
Opportunity
- Parent Playground Pals Volunteers Needed
- Pre-kinder Programming at EIPS
Information
- Spring Break
- Staffing Update
- EIPS Annual Education Results Report
- Watch For Thin Ice
- Parents Make the Difference
WEEK AT A GLANCE
March 24 - April 2 Spring Break - no school!
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ACTION
Did You Read Your Child's Report Card Yet?
Way to go, Davidson Creek parents and caregivers! 73% of our report cards were viewed by parents! That is pretty amazing! Wouldn't it also be amazing if 100% of student report cards were opened by parents and caregivers?
If your life is busy and you didn't get around to viewing your child's report card yet, no worries! It's never too late! Why don't you hop on over to the Parent Portal right now and check it out? Need help with Parent Portal? Call Jennifer Gibson at 780-467-5557 in the front office and she'll get you going!
While you're catching up on your to-do list, why not fill out the EIPS Annual Parent Feedback Survey - the deadline is end of day today!
NOTE: The survey is anonymous and only takes a few minutes to complete. If you want to share the experience of more than one child attending an EIPS school, simply complete the survey again.
OPPORTUNITY
Parent Playground Pals Volunteers Needed
Dear Parents and Caregivers:
Our school counsellors are organizing a program for leadership students with Grade 1 & 2 students to develop inclusive lay at DCE!
We are seeking 2-4 parents who can volunteer at these times:
- Monday & Thursday from 11:00-12:00 the weeks of April 8, 15, 22
- Monday & Thursday from 11:30-12:30 the rest of April, May and the first two weeks of June
Please email dcewellness@gmail.com for more info or to sign up!
Your DCE Parent Wellness Committee
Pre-kindergarten Programming at EIPS
Is there a preschooler in your life experiencing developmental delays or challenges with speech-language or motor-skill development—big or small? If so, Elk Island Public School’s Play And Learn at School (PALS) program could help.
Early learning lays the foundation for success in primary grades and beyond. As such, EIPS offers the pre-kindergarten PALS program in five of its elementary school locations. Applications are now open for free speech-language assessments for those interested in registering in the PALS program this fall. The assessment helps determine if PALS is appropriate for your child.
If you know a preschooler, born in 2020 or 2021, who could benefit from pre-kindergarten programming or want to book an assessment, fill out the PALS Program Request Form or call 780-417-8219. For more information, visit eips.ca.
INFORMATION
Spring Break
Davidson Creek Elementary is closed for spring break from March 22 to April 1, 2024. During this time, if you need immediate assistance, Elk Island Public School Central Services is open, with the exception of March 29 and April 1. Contact the main office at 780-464-3477 if you have urgent questions or concerns at this time. Our school office will reopen on Tuesday, April 2. Enjoy the break!
Staffing Update
We would like to congratulate our front office secretary, Mrs. Gibson, on accepting a position as a business manager at Strathcona Christian Academy starting shortly after the break! We will miss her dearly in the office, but we know that she will make great things happen in her new role! Good luck, Mrs. Gibson!
We are also saying a fond farewell to Mrs. Morrison who is leaving our DCE family to follow her own family who are moving to another city. Mrs. Morrison has been a huge part of our team who has provided leadership to our staff as our Numeracy Lead Teacher as well as the coach for our Running Club. She will be missed by the Grade 4 team and her students.
We would like to welcome Mrs. Mills who will be stepping into the Grade 4 classroom after the break.
EIPS Annual Education Results Report
Every year, Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) publishes an Annual Education Results Report, which outlines the Division’s Four-Year Education Plan, opportunities for growth and how it’s supporting students to achieve the best possible outcomes. Read through this year’s EIPS Annual Education Results Report 2022-23 and discover how EIPS fosters learning environments for all students to learn, grow and thrive—and why it matters.
April Spotlight: enhancing public education through effective engagement
- Rules of Engagement: Using a collaborative approach to improve student achievement and success
- Driving change: Strengthening public education through Board advocacy
RELATED INFORMATION
EIPS Four-Year Education Plan: 2022-26
EIPS Three-Year Capital Plan: 2024-27
Watch for Thin Ice
Remember, be aware of thin ice this time of year. Depending on changing temperatures, ice can form and melt to varying degrees on outdoor bodies of water. Try to remind your child about the dangers of thin ice, obey all posted signs, take proper care and remain a safe distance from the ice.
For more information about ice safety, visit the Canadian Red Cross.
Did you know?
The colour of ice may be an indication of its strength. Clear blue ice is the strongest. White opaque is half as strong as blue ice. And, grey ice is unsafe—greyness indicates the presence of water.
Parents make the difference
Here is this week's article with helpful tips for families:
Encourage your child to develop self-respect
There is a strong link between self-respect and mental well-being. Children who feel good about themselves and understand their self-worth are more likely to experience better mental health.
Here are some elements of self-respect and ways to help your child develop them:
- It feels great to be good at things. Give your child opportunities to learn and practice new skills—everything from reading to playing sports to doing household tasks.
- Notice and compliment your child’s progress. “You’ve read three books this week. I’m impressed!”
- It helps to have family members who stay positive through challenges. Display a “You can do it” attitude. Help your child see mistakes as great opportunities to learn.
- Boost independence by letting your child make age-appropriate choices. For example, “Would you like to organize your closet today or tomorrow?”
- Show that you accept, appreciate and love your child unconditionally. Ask questions about your child’s beliefs, concerns and dreams for the future. Help your child solve problems.
- If you have self-respect, your child is more likely to have it as well. Be kind to yourself and believe in your worth.
Reprinted with permission from the March 2024 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2024 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc.