Principal’s Message

Dear Families,

As I sit here late in the evening thinking of each of your families, joys, troubles, and challenges, I am warmed by the opportunities that exist for each of us every day.  A Paul Simon tune is playing quietly in the background as I think back on what’s been a busy day; a more challenging week; and a frenetic term.  With the Christmas Holidays just around the corner- I’m all too aware that these times can be emotionally charged and challenging for many individuals and families.  So, I’d like to offer some friendly advice from someone who’s been around the block a few times.

Be calm; listen to others; acknowledge what others say; thank them for their input; speak your truth with compassion and understanding.  Remember:  Peace.  It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.  It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.  So, my wish for you is that you find peace in your heart, so that you can relax and enjoy being- just being.  And so, may the joys and delights of this holiday season shine upon you and your family.

Peace Always, Principal Evans

Colder Weather

December  has arrived and with it comes cooler, wetter, weather!  With this change, we need to ensure that we pull out our warmer coats, mittens and boots and dress appropriately for the winter weather.  As Maple Grove has an undercover area that provides shelter; and the fresh air is good for children; and that students need a break from stuffy classrooms; and that exercise and movement stimulate thinking and learning; most days are outside days.  We are working to find inside day arrangements on rainy days.  Details will be announced at a later date.  (You may wish to send an extra pair of pants and socks to school with your child.  Doing so ensures that they will have something dry to change into in the event they get wet from puddles, splashes or spills).

Code Red Lockdown

Please be aware that from time to time, schools regularly practice a number of different drills to ensure the safety of everyone in the building (e.g., earthquake drills, fire drills, code red drills).  This past week, we practised a lockdown drill.  Often the VPD will be on scene to assist us with this process.  When we practise this drill again, we will be inviting the police to be present during our drill.

We will provide parents with notice of our next drill so that you (a) refrain from visiting the school during the drill and (b) are not alarmed if you see a police car in front of the building or are not inconvenienced by locked doors, police cars, police officers or dogs.  Please note that we do get regular visits from the police for a variety of matters and they often park near the front of the school.

As these are drills, we always walk through the process slowly, carefully and in small steps to ensure that our new, or younger students don’t get alarmed.  Thank you for your ongoing and continued support.

Holiday Hampers – Donations and Volunteers Needed

There’s still time to donate!

We are hoping that each Maple Grove student will bring $2.00 towards the purchase of grocery gift cards.  At the present time, we are not even close to half the school contributing. Please send a toonie with your child before December 8th – we will be purchasing the gift cards soon after that date.

Please be sure to check the expiry date of the food item before donating, and make sure your items have not been opened.  Thank you Maple Grove families!   The twelve families will have a much happier holiday season because of your generosity.

We need help with sorting and packing the hampers.  If you’re available on Friday December 11th at 11:00 am, please meet in the girls’ basement and we’ll put you to work!

Student Council – Candy-Grams

Beginning on Monday, Maple Grove’s Student Council will be spreading some Christmas cheer.  Student Council Reps will begin selling Candy-Grams before and after school in front of the office.  Each Candy-Gram will cost $1.00 and will be delivered on Friday, December 18.

Holiday Concert – December 17th

There will be two performances – 1:15 Matinee and 6:30 Evening.  Each family is guaranteed two tickets.  The tickets are $5.00 each and you must have a ticket to attend either performance. You should have sent in your ticket order by today.  We’ll be selling any extra tickets from the office starting December 11th.

Upcoming Events

December 8th – Last day to contribute to the Holiday Hamper fund.
December 9th -Christmas Craft Day for Primary Students
December 11th – Any extra tickets for the Winter Concert will be available for purchase from the office
December 16th 10:00 AM- Magee Chamber Choir Performance
December 16th – PAC Meeting
December 17th – Raffle (PAC)
December 17th – 1:15pm and 6:30 pm Winter Concert
December 18th – Reports Go Home
December 21st to January 1st – Winter Holiday
January 4th – School Reopens

January 6th – immunizations- only for students who have returned a consent form