Hello Parents/Guardians,

Here are this week’s updates:

Principal Message:
I would like to thank the students and staff for a great assembly this week. A video featuring many students reinforced the message at Jean Steckle P.S. “We are a team,” “We chose to learn,” and “We each do our part.” I am proud of the students when I see them working on their math, solving math problems, and being respectful towards their friends. I am truly honoured to be working with the students, staff members, and families at Jean Steckle P.S.
~ Andrea Michelutti

School Day Update:
We are pleased to share that 157 students are signed up for School Day. Our goal is to have 700 students signed up by June 1, 2016. The first 400 students who sign up for School Day will receive a freezie in May and the first 5 classes with a 100% participation rate will receive an ice cream sandwich. Please encourage your family and friends to sign up for School Day.

Fewer Distractions = More Learning:
We would like to ask for your assistance in helping us implement our “Fewer Distractions = More Learning” policy at Jean Steckle P.S. In the interest of making the best possible learning environment for all of our students, we are asking parents to respect our policy of dropping off or picking up students at the office. Please refrain from walking them to class or picking them up from class. We feel that this is the best policy to promote learning for all students and makes for the most efficient transition into learning for our late arrivers. We are experiencing a large volume of students being late, please remember that students are expected to be at their entry doors at 8:30 a.m. to ensure they are able to enter the school with their classmates. Thank you for your joint effort in creating the best learning environment for all of our students.

Professional Activity Day – Friday, April 22, 2016:
The school will be closed for a Professional Activity Day on Friday. Please enjoy this time with your family.

Kindergarten Registration:
If you have a child who was born in 2012, they are eligible to start Junior Kindergarten in September 2016.

If you have a child who was born in 2011, they are eligible to start Senior Kindergarten in September 2016.

If you know of someone living in the Jean Steckle Public School area who has a child born in 2012 or 2011 please ask them to call us at 519-748-1919. It is important to register children in the spring to avoid having to reorganize classrooms in the fall.

This year, our Board has implemented online registration. The “Register for Kindergarten” link is available on the school website at http://jst.wrdsb.ca/. Please click the “Register for Kindergarten!” link along the left margin or follow this direct link http://www.wrdsb.ca/kindergarten/its-time-to-register/.

Registration forms are also available from the school office. Once online registration or a registration form has been completed, you will be required to come into the school with your child’s documentation. You will need to bring the following documents: Proof of Birth – You are required to bring one of the following documents: Canadian Birth Certificate, Baptismal Certificate, Statement of Live Birth, or Canadian Passport Proof of Address. You are required to bring one of the following documents: Lease/Rental Agreement, Real Estate Document, Driver’s License, Utility Bill (gas, hydro, water, etc.), Bank or Credit Card Statement. If you do not already have PROOF OF BIRTH for your child, you should be taking steps to get it. This documentation is required before children can start school.

Immunization information is to be submitted by parents either online through the Region of Waterloo Public Health website at https://e-immunization.regionofwaterloo.ca or by calling 519-575-4400 ext.13009.

Class Photos:

We are looking for beautiful smiles from our students on Monday, April 25 as the class photos will be taken.

Upcoming Events:

April 25 – Class Photos

April 28 – Jump Rope for Heart envelopes due to the office

April 29 – Jersey Day and Jump Rope for Heart

April 29 to May 4 – Book Fair in the library

May 3 – Folk Trio concert for students in Grades 4 to 8

May 4 – Kodaly Choir at Centre in the Square at 7:30 p.m.

May 11 – Huron Heights Music Department concert

May 12 – Kindergarten information night from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

May 13 – Hot dog day

May 16 – Author Janet Wilson assembly for Grades 1 to 8

May 17 – Grade 7 Hep B Immunization #2, Grade 8 Hep B Immunization #3, and School Council at 6:00 p.m.

May 20 – Terry Fox run

May 26 – Arts Night (BBQ from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; School open from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)

May 27 – Character Spirit Day

June 2 – Family Fun Night

June 3 – Professional Activity Day (the school will be closed for students)

June 14 – Parent Council at 6:00 p.m.

Have a great week!