COUGAR REPORT:
Opening Day Edition
Principal's Update:
Welcome Cougar families,
Another exciting year awaits us. Whether your child is returning to Chalmers or your family is new to the area, we look forward to partnering with you to support the growth and achievement of your child.
Chalmers is a very special school. Classrooms are filled with children who are each unique in their own way, who are empowered to be themselves, and who are encouraged to celebrate and share their skills and interests with those around them. Every student deserves to feel safe and experience a sense of belonging while at Chalmers. We are thrilled to have each of you on our team!
I recognize that this is my first September as the principal of Chalmers, and although I have only experienced a few months in the building, I am confident in describing our staff with one word: heart. Our staff put kids first, always, and they truly care about supporting our students in their journey. Chalmers continues to strive to be a learning community that works together to help each other, our students and their families.
We want you to have a voice in your child’s learning. If you are already involved, please stay active in supporting the school community. For those considering what ways they may be able to contribute, please reflect on the following possibilities:
Have you thought about volunteering on a field trip? What about attending a School Council meeting to learn more about our school improvement plan, key actions and initiatives? Perhaps you would be interested in reading with children or supporting learning in the classroom?
There are many opportunities for parents to get involved at Chalmers, and I know that our community has a lot to offer.
I would also like to take this time to welcome a number of incredible individuals who will be joining the Chalmers’ team in September:
- Kimberly McTigue, KB Teacher
- Nichole Mortimer, KE Teacher
- Kaitlyn Ognibene, 5/6A Teacher
- Kelly Bryan, 6A Teacher
- Diana Savel, Special Education Resource Teacher
- Philomena Atekha, Grade 2/3B Teacher
- Lauren Veerasammy, KA Teacher
- Isabelle Lacroix, KA Designated Early Childhood Educator
- Sarah Hodge, Educational Assistant
- Shanyn Graham, Educational Assistant
- Luisa Goverde, Secretary
- Jill Strome, Vice-Principal
- Stephanie Couch, Wilfrid Laurier Teacher Education Candidate
- Kathryn Schulz, Wilfrid Laurier Teacher Education Candate
The next time we cross paths, please stop and say hello. I’d love to connect with you. Remember...we share a common mission. Let’s have a great year together.
Sincerely,
Jeff Johnson, Principal
The Cougar Report is Going Digital!
STAY INFORMED. GET CONNECTED. FOLLOW US ONLINE:
Safe Arrival: All Visitors Must Report to the Office
Student safety is our primary responsibility, and in alignment with the Safe Schools Act, we are asking for your cooperation to remain outside during morning drop-off and wait at the appropriate exit door at the end of the day. All visitors must report to the office, and are not permitted in the school without permission.
As a school team, we are asking for your support and understanding related to providing a safe and secure learning environment for all students. It is imperative that we know who is present within our school. Approved visitors will be provided with a guest pass from the office.
In the event that your child arrives late, you will be required to enter the school through the main doors and sign-in at the office. Each morning, staff will support the arrival of late students and will assist them to class as necessary. Opportunities to speak with your child’s classroom educator can be arranged outside of the instructional day.
Please remember that all students are welcomed and dismissed from their designated entry/exit doors (e.g., Portapak, Primary door).
School Community Standards of Behaviour:
The following is based on Ontario Ministry of Education’s Code of Conduct.
These standards of behaviour are intended to ensure that all members of the school community are treated with respect and dignity. All members of the community are expected to maintain an environment where conflict and difference can be addressed in a manner characterized by respect and civility.
Members of the school community are expected to:
- treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, especially when there is disagreement
- respect all members of the school community
- respect the need of others to work in an environment that encourages learning and teaching
- keep language respectful
Parking at Chalmers:
Our parking lot is small and provides parking for school staff and visitors. The parking lot is not a supervised area; as a result, it should not be accessed by parent vehicles during morning and after school routines.
Volunteering:
Volunteers serve as an invaluable resource to the student learning experience and there are many opportunities to get involved. We’d love to have you on our team!
All volunteers must complete a valid Vulnerable Sector Check. This can be completed online or in person at Police Headquarters (200 Maple Grove Road, Cambridge).
Once complete, please submit an original copy of your Vulnerable Sector Check to the main office.
Important School Year Information for Parents:
The parent information package includes important "must-reads" and "action required" documentation related to busing, school safety, student release of information, class assignments, reporting medical concerns, school vaccination updates and requirements (as well as the online form), calendars and important dates, and suggestions on how to get involved.
School Councils: Making a Difference
“Participating on the school council will be a rewarding experience for all those who value the opportunity to make a difference in their children’s education” (1.1).
School Council Dates (6:30-7:30pm in the Library):
- Wednesday, September 12th
- Wednesday, November 14th
- Wednesday, January 16th
- Wednesday, March 20th
- Wednesday, May 8th
* Our election of parent members will take place during the September 12th Council Meeting.
Healthy School Climate and Well-Being:
Character Development:
Character development is an ongoing process of growth that intentionally models, teaches and inspires all people to want to do the right thing for the greater good of our whole community.
Character development is the journey of connecting deep caring to knowing, feeling and doing.
Character Attributes:
Empathy: Understanding how someone feels and responding with sensitivity.
Initiative: Acting responsibly without being asked.
Cooperation: Everyone working together for the greater good of all.
Integrity: Saying and doing what you know is right, even when it is hard.
Respect: Treating others, ourselves and our environment with care and consideration.
Kindness: Helping others with your caring words and actions.
Hope: Acting with the belief that things can be better and that what we say and do matters.
Social Responsibility: Acting as caring citizens who want to make our world a better place for everyone.
How is Digital Citizenship Supported at School:
The Waterloo Region District School Board has developed a Digital Learning Strategy which is innovative and exciting, and also models responsible use of technology. Our emphasis on digital citizenship promotes character development and responsibility in a digital world. This means demonstrating online integrity through respecting intellectual and technological property rights, as well as protecting the security and privacy of ourselves and others.
We are expanding technology in classrooms to support improved learning and instruction. This includes digital tools such as iPads and Chromebooks and online applications like G Suite for Education.
How does the use of digital tools support your child’s learning?
To ensure that students have the knowledge and skills necessary for our ever changing world, schools are using a variety of technologies to support students in developing the Global Competencies that will help them to be successful.
These are: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity, Character, Citizenship, Self-directed Learning, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. “The promotion of technology and different learning tools enables us to achieve the ministry’s expectation of high levels of achievement. Using existing and emerging technologies inside the classroom will allow us to create successful pathways for all students.” Graham Shantz, superintendent.
Many teachers are providing opportunities for students to use a variety of technological tools in the classroom such as iPads and Chromebooks. Some of the ways that digital tools can support your child’s learning are:
- Providing opportunities for exploration, experimentation and differentiation
- Teaching students how to create a positive digital footprint
- Providing access to current and up-to-date information on a variety of topics
- Providing greater access to information resources
- Providing assistive technology to support all learners
- Allowing opportunities to develop Global Competencies
- Increasing student engagement by allowing greater choice in their learning
How can I support Digital Citizenship at home?
Conversations with your child about their digital use and their online presence are an essential part of their digital citizenship education. For guidance on the kinds of conversations you can have with your child about digital citizenship, please check out the Digital Citizenship – Guide for Parents, created by the Government of Canada through Media Smarts.
