September 2nd, 2016

Dear families,

It is that time of year once again – lots of new shoes, new lunch boxes, and new backpacks. And here at Jean Steckle Public School, we are ready to launch another great year with new students, new staff members, and a world of new experiences awaiting us! I would like to extend a warm welcome to both our returning families and our new families. I am sure you will find that Jean Steckle Public School is a great place to grow and learn.

This year in an effort to further support our school’s commitment to the environment and to promote on-going communication between school and home, we encourage you to visit our website (http://jst.wrdsb.ca), follow us on Twitter (@jstwrdsb) or Instagram (@jstwrdsb). If you haven’t already signed up for School-Day, please contact the office. With School-Day, you will receive school news and announcements, pay for items, and complete field trip forms. If you haven’t signed up for School-Day, please contact the office immediately.

At this time of the year, a great deal of important information is sent home with each student. In some cases, this information needs to be signed and returned to the school and in other cases, it is for you to review and keep for reference.

The following forms must be completed and returned to school by Monday, September 12:

o Student Data Verification Form

o Release Form for the Use of Student Personal Information

o Medical Form (for students with Epi-Pens or puffers only)

All staff members at Jean Steckle Public School look forward to working with your children and providing them with a positive year full of enriching opportunities and challenges. We are dedicated to developing capable and responsible students in a safe and supportive environment. This can be best achieved through open communications with families, based on mutual respect and trust. We encourage you to contact your child’s teachers and share any information or concerns you may have that will help them meet your child’s needs.

Sincerely,

Andrea Michelutti – Principal

What class am I in?

The Jean Steckle team has put a considerable amount of work into the class blending process. It takes a great amount of time, revision, and careful consideration. Sometimes parents ask for changes in the fall, not realizing the many factors which have gone into the final decisions. We cannot shuffle classrooms based on summer friendships or summer falling-outs. Please prepare your child to accept his or her class placement by saying things such as, “It doesn’t matter what class you are in – all the teachers are great.” Or, “It doesn’t matter if you are not in the same class as your friend – you will get to see them at recess anyway”. Please be confident in your child’s teacher. Remember that kids take their cues from the reactions of the most important adults in their lives – their parents.

Class lists will be posted on Friday, September 2 at 4:00 p.m. near the front doors.

School Council

Our first School Council meeting will be taking place on Tuesday, September 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the library. All parents are encouraged to attend. Please contact Andrea Michelutti if you have any questions.

Meet the Teacher Night

Please join us on Thursday, September 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Shopping List

During the first day of school, your child’s teacher will be providing you information regarding any special items that are needed for the classroom. We would like to ask that all students donate one box of Kleenex to the classroom and bring appropriate running shoes to keep the classrooms and gym clean and tidy. Students from Grade 1 to Grade 8 will all be given a planner during the first week of school. The cost of the planner is $7. You may send payment for the planner through School-Day or by sending $7 in cash.

Volunteers at Jean Steckle P.S.

To align with board policy, volunteers at the school will require a Police Vulnerable Sector Check. We are asking that parents and family members who are interested in volunteering in the school, in the classroom, or on field trips have this check completed by December 2016.

Attached is a letter that will allow volunteers to receive this check at the reduced rate of $10. Once you receive your Police Vulnerable Sector Check, please send it to the office.

Thank you for your help in keeping all of our students safe.

PVSC Letter

Entry and Exit Procedures

To ensure a smooth entry and exit, all students must enter and exit the school through their designated door. This year a new box has been painted on the tarmac and we are requesting that adults stand outside of this large box before school and after school to ensure students are able to line up and exit the building safety.

Exit 7: Rooms K1, K2, K3, 1D, 3A, 3B

Exit 6: Rooms K4, K5, K6, K7, K8, 1A, 3C, 3D

Exit 5: Rooms 1B, 1C, 1E, 1F

Exit 4: Rooms 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 7C, 8A, 8B, 8C