The Bears' Blog ...March 3-2024

Hard to believe it is already March and spring break is on the horizon. February has flown by, and the weather has been unique throughout the month of February. Hopefully, spring will be just around the corner. We are all looking forward to some warmer weather and a well-deserved break before the final push to the end of the school year.

February has been a very busy month with all kinds of great learning activities for both students and staff. We had teachers’ convention at the beginning of the month and then focused on a kindness theme for the rest of February. We wore pink on February 28 to support acceptance and anti-bullying. It was a great month for the learning and growth for all of us here at Pine Street Elementary.

March is also packed with lots of fun activities throughout the school. Report cards come out Friday, March 15. As St. Patrick's Day falls on a Sunday this year, we will all be wearing green on Monday, March 18. Then of course there is Spring Break from March 22 to April 1 with students returning on Tuesday April 2.

As the weather is quite variable over the next month or so, please be reminded that we do go outside for recess most of the time following the district’s Inclement Weather policy AP 131. So, when it gets below -22 (including the wind chill), or it is raining we will typically remain inside for recess and the lunch hour breaks but if it is warmer than that and conditions allow us to safely go outside, we typically do.

Here are a few little reminders to help us provide the best care we can for your children.

• Please be sure your child has warm clothing before they leave for school.
• Students should have a toque and mittens/gloves with them
• It is also a great idea for students to have snow pants as students may head outside for daily physical education as well.
• Please make sure your child has a pair of indoor and outdoor shoes.
• It is helpful to send a change of clothing for your child for when the snow melts and the playground is covered in puddles.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Working together we can do great things.

The lost and found is getting full! All unclaimed items will be donated on Thursday, March 21!

Wednesday, March 6 - Early dismissal 2:15 p.m.

• Running room indoor games

Thursday, March 7 - Grade 3 Field trip to Ukrainian Village

Sunday, March 10 - Last day to order hot lunch for March 15

• First day of Ramadan

Monday, March 11 - No PALS Classes (staff planning day)

March 11-15 - Rocks & Rings (curling in the gym)

• Substitute appreciation week

Thursday, March 14 - Gr. 5 students to Telus World of Science

• School Advisory Council Meeting 6 p.m.

Friday, March 15 - Hot lunch

• Term 2 Report cards

Saturday, March 16 - EIPS Elementary basketball tournament

Sunday, March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
Monday, March 18 - wear green for a late St. Patrick's Day
Friday, March 22 - Monday, April 1 - School closed

Wednesday, April 3 - Early Dismissal 2:15 p.m.

There are 614 First Nations communities in Canada. British Columbia has the most of any province with 198 and Ontario is second with 126. Where we live, Alberta has 44 First Nations communities.

Hot lunch is posted at www.healthyhunger.ca for April, May and June and is ready to order!

Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) wants to hear from you. Make sure to complete the 2023-24 EIPS Annual Feedback Survey: For parents and caregivers—open from March 1-21.

Every year, EIPS conducts the feedback survey to gauge its progress toward meeting the goals and priorities outlined in its Four-Year Education Plan. Families are asked a series of questions about:

· their experiences with EIPS and the specific school their child attends;

· the quality of education being provided to students;

· areas for improvement; and

· new this year, the survey includes an additional series of questions—focused on stakeholder confidence in EIPS’ priorities and strategic direction as a whole.

Collectively, the Division uses the survey feedback to help guide future planning, decision-making and strategies—all aimed at enhancing student learning and better serving the wider community.

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW! open March 1-21 To preview the questions before completing the survey, see Question Preview - 2023-24 EIPS Annual Feedback Survey: For parents and caregivers.

NOTE: To share the experiences of more than one child, or if you have a child who attends classes at more than one EIPS school—such as Next Step and an EIPS senior high school—simply complete the survey again.

The survey is anonymous and only takes roughly 10-15 minutes to complete. EIPS will share the survey results in next year’s Annual Education Results Report 2023-24.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

EIPS Annual Education Results Report 2022-23

EIPS Annual Education Results Report 2022-23: Overview

EIPS Four Year Education Plan: 2022-26

The background links are also provided throughout the survey, which you can use to help inform your survey answers.