Principal's Update:
To begin December, we've awoken to find frost on our cars, welcomed a light dusting of snow on the ground and have likely noticed a shift in the natural hue of the sky. In contrast to the ever-changing seasonal conditions we experience in the beautiful outdoors, inside the walls of Chalmers we remain fixed on instilling a climate built around warmth, kindness and respect for everyone.
During the week of November 19th, our Safe, Caring and Inclusive Schools Committee organized a week of activities focused on Bullying Prevention and Awareness. Throughout the week staff and students engaged in reflective learning conversations both as a whole school and in their classrooms that included community circles (e.g., “what is bullying?”; “how can you help?”), hand pledges (e.g., “I pledge…”), skits, filling our bucket with kindness, and wearing pink as we deepened our understanding of the origins behind Pink Shirt Day.
In the week that followed, our Student Leadership Council led us through a series of activities that emphasized the power of making a positive difference through Random Acts of Kindness. Our week kicked-off with a special presentation by School Heroes Unite in which the entire school developed our Plan of Action. We also learned about the story of Josh Yandt, a high school student in London Ontario, who began “opening doors” in response to being bullied. The “power of one” continued to be celebrated daily through class read alouds, warm fuzzies, student videos, and culminated with our rainbow themed PAWS assembly on Friday.
Kindness and respect must be modelled and practiced in everything that we do. I believe that the impact of sharing a smile, exchanging “good mornings,” and taking the time to check-in with others has the potential to run deep. Taking just one minute to demonstrate an act of kindness could be a game-changer for the recipient and will not only boost your spirits but could also spark a chain reaction of hope and happiness being paid forward.
I am proud of the caring atmosphere that has been established throughout our school and in all of our classrooms. Our staff remain committed to providing a learning environment that is safe, inclusive and a place where each and every student can succeed. Our staff continue to demonstrate their passion to support student achievement and recognize the power of the story. To be responsive to the whole child, we know that we must first understand their story and acknowledge the role that personal experiences play in shaping our identity. As a school team, we will continue to strive to ensure that each child feels connected, valued and motivated throughout learning opportunities at Chalmers.
In a few short weeks we’ll be pressing pause on school activities, and shifting our attention to family and home as the winter break begins. On behalf of the entire Chalmers’ team, we wish each of you and your families an enjoyable, loving and safe holiday season. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year!
Go Cougars!
Jeff Johnson, Principal
Treats in the Classroom:
In alignment with our Food and Beverages in School Procedure and our School Nutrition Policy, food items brought from home will not be distributed to students (e.g., baked goods, produce or other purchased consumables). Items brought to school will be returned home. Thank you for your cooperation.
A Message From School Council:
Thank you so much to the parents for the tremendous support they gave during the Chocolate Bar Fundraiser, Book Fair and during the “Fill A Bag” event. Student Council is here to listen and support your children. We would love to hear from you. Our door is always open to new ideas.
We are super excited for upcoming events that are being planned to build our school community.
Please stay tuned!
Reindeer Candy Grams:
Candy Grams will be sold for $1.00 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning leading up to the winter break. Sales will begin on Monday, December 10th and proceeds raised will support Grade 6 Camp. Thank you, School Council for making our Reindeer!
Chalmers’ Holiday Toy Shop:
We are incredibly fortunate to have received a number of toy donations from the Knights’ of Columbus. We are inviting families to drop-in to the Chalmers’ toy shop if they wish to select a gift for their child.
Winter Concert (Grade 1-6):
Wednesday, December 19th at 12:30pm in the gym. Please speak with your child’s teacher for further details.
Kindergarten Holiday Classroom Activities/Concert:
Thursday, December 13th from 12:00-2:00pm (Kindergarten classrooms). Please speak with your child’s teacher for further details.
Winter Break:
Monday, December 24th- Friday, January 4th