Greetings GMS Families!

Winter Wellness Day - February 19, 20205

Our second scheduled, but first day went without a hitch and was a huge success all around. We heard truly heartwarming anecdotes about the support or their schoolmates and leadership shown by some of our students. Notable, too was the feedback we received about the conduct and engagement of GMS students at all of the activity venues and at Mount Pakenham. We are GMS proud with good reason!

It bears mentioning that such a seemingly seamless day could not have happened without the determined, positive leadership of our organizer Ian Kelly and his sidekick/organizer Sheena Church who spent hours upon hours nailing down every detail. They were able to draw on Karen Wiggins' experience, especially on the day as paper documentation was being sorted. (You would be amazed at the amount of documentation required!) In the office, Karen Hutchison managed the financial transactions. But, in the end this was a whole team effort. All of the staff were engaged either in the field or at school. The students rose to the occasion and did themselves and us proud.

Refunds - Winter Wellness Day

Refunds for the cancelled winter wellness day on February 13th will be processed during the first week of March.

Learning Matters - A post report card reflection

I will, at every opportunity, argue for the importance of teachers as critical to student learning. There is no substitute for knowledgeable, caring and engaged educators. But, now I'm going to seem to contradict myself. 

We frequently encourage students to become effective self-advocates as they mature who can state,  "This is what I need in order to learn most effectively." However, I'll take this a step further and suggest that the ultimate objective for a learner is to become teacher-proof and strive to do whatever they must in order to understand a concept, develop a skill or master a task regardless of the teacher they have, or don't have as the case might be. The teacher can be a critical factor in this learning journey, but the student will often benefit from other resources, experiences and well-applied effort. The question then becomes, "How do I know that I know what I need, or want to know?" This can get rather philosophical in a metacognitive kind of way. (The three "to know's" in one sentence are a clue.) But let's keep it practical. You want a mechanic repairing your car, or a surgeon about to remove your appendix who has the self-awareness to answer that question.

You may already see evidence of this attitude in your child as they have applied themselves to learning something they are really keen about. Consider how that capacity can be nurtured and applied in other areas as well.

$2 can be the difference between nothing and something.

Our Toonie Tuesday campaign has kicked off, and we’re ready to make 2025 our best year yet!

On the last Tuesday in February, we all come together to support students in need within the OCDSB. But you don’t have to wait until February 25th to donate. You can donate right here, right now!

Did you know that requests continue to increase? Every dollar raised will support students’ access to food, clothing, and meaningful activities. You can invest in a student’s potential! Let’s unite to make a difference!

 

Upcoming Hot Lunch Day Changes

Due to our Winter Wellness Days, we have moved the following hot lunch delivery day:

• Pizza delivery February 26 moved to Friday, February 28.

Dates to remember

• Feb 25 - Toonie Tuesday and School Council Meeting

• Feb 26 - Winter Wellness Day

• Feb 28 - Pizza Day

• March 3 - Grad Photo Retakes

• March 10 to 14 - March Break

• March 18 - OPH Vaccination Clinic