REMEMBRANCE DAY  CEREMONY

Today our school held our annual ceremony during which we remembered those who went to war and we reaffirmed our belief in peace. The children entered the gym in silence and our colour party brought the flags to the front of the gym. After we sang O Canada, our national anthem, several divisions performed songs, recited poetry or told us about the two world wars and the devastation they caused. During our minutes of silence students were encouraged to think about how peace in the world begins with each one of us. Thank you to all the students who sang and spoke so beautifully. I was so pleased that almost every child wore black and white today as encouraged by our student council, and that from youngest to oldest they were able to remain in respectful silence.

Remembrance Day 2006 in London, England (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Every year we listen to the poem by Lieutenant John McCrae about the poppies that bloomed on the fields in Flanders. The red  poppy has been our symbol of remembrance for 96 years.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

We are very proud of our team sponsored by Sharon Hales and coached by Janie Pang, one of our parents. They played really well at their first game on Thursday evening, showing very good support for each other and a positive team spirit.

HALLOWEEN BINGO

Thanks to a few parents, many students and their families enjoyed our annual Halloween Bingo night. Congratulations to those who won the costume prizes and to all those who looked great in the great variety of costumes. It was very difficult to judge who should receive the prizes and I would have loved to give out more. Thank you specially to Allison Arato and to Colleen Seager, our PAC co-chair for organizing this event. Also thanks to David Fouts for being such a great MC.

MONTESSORI INFORMATION MORNING

Next Friday there will be an information session starting at 9:15 am for all those interested in knowing more about the Montessori program at Maple Grove. Registration for the event  is not necessary.

Do you have a microwave oven you’d like to donate to the school?

Our microwaves in the lunchroom are old and no longer working.  If you have a small, but heavy duty, microwave you’d like to donate to the school, please call the office and let us know.  We would much appreciate it!

CHOIR

I am pleased to let you know that choir will be starting next week but the day has changed. It will be held on Friday. It is unfortunate that we have had to change the day, but we could not get a director for any other day of the week. Please let me know if you have signed up but your child cannot come on Friday. I will have a meeting for choir members on Tuesday or Wednesday next week at recess.

Upcoming Events

November 11 – Remembrance Day Holiday

November 15 – 9:15 Montessori Information Session for parents new to the program

November 22 – Pro D Day, no school for students

December 2 – Hot Lunch Orders for December due date