Dear DGS Families,
This week’s Principal Update is coming to you a bit early, in advance of Fall Break.
Last week, we got to spend time on Thursday afternoon participating in a wide array of activities brough to students by Grade 8 Leadership. We want to extend a huge THANK YOU to our Leadership teachers and students, who planned events all throughout the school, and organized a costume contest.
This week, we will hold our Remembrance Day Ceremonies on Thursday November 7, 2024. We will be again joined by honoured guests retired Lieutenant Colonel Rick Wright and retired Nursing Officer Linda Wright, who bring personal stories and thoughts related to Canada’s history of Peacekeeping, and what we can do as a nation to reflect on the meaning of Remembrance Day. If your child is performing, speaking or participating in the ceremony, you are also welcome to attend. Our Grade 5 and 6 ceremony will be at 9:15am, with our Grades 7-9 ceremony starting at 10:30am.
There is no school for students on Friday November 8. Our school staff will gather together in a day of learning in support of Maatoomsii’Pookaiks. November 8 is also Indigenous Veterans Day - a day to reflect and remember the contributions and sacrifices made by First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples in service to Canada. We thank them for their service so that we are free to gather and focus on Maatoomsii’Pookaiks- “putting children first.”
And so, this is my last message as Principal for Dr. George Stanley School. I want to leave you with a little quote from a book that has shaped my whole life, and the meaning of which has grown with me.
“Goodbye,” said the fox. “Here is my secret. It’s quite simple: One sees clearly only with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes. . . . It’s the time that you spent on your rose that makes your rose so important. . . . People have forgotten this truth,” the fox said, “But you mustn’t forget it. You become responsible for what you’ve tamed. You’re responsible for your rose. . . .”
I will always be deeply connected and committed to the success of students at DGS. Even as I move into a different role within public education, I will always care, even from afar, and I will always carry that sense of responsibility and affection for our school community. I want to thank Chris Aylesworth and Kenzie Rushton for continuing to lead Dr. George Stanley School onward and upward.
School Council and Fundraising Society Update
Our School Council and Parent Fundraising Society met last week and are excited to share that in addition to Growing Smiles, will be Purdy’s Chocolate!
Growing Smiles Fall 2024
Watch your emails and your child’s backpack for important info being sent on Nov 7!
Child and Youth Well-Being Family and Caregiver Fall/Winter Series 2024/2025
Attached you will find the Child and Youth Well-Being, Family & Caregiver Fall Series resources. There are both live sessions that parents/guardians can sign up for and recorded sessions for them to access when convenient.
Child and Youth Well Being Family and Caregiver Fall 2024-2025
Lost & (Never) Found
Please encourage your child(ren) to check the Lost & Found for any forgotten belongings.
All items still in the Lost and Found on Thursday November 7 will be donated to charity.
Upcoming Dates
Thursday November 7
- Remembrance Day Ceremonies (Grade 5/6 at 9:15-10:15am and Grade 7/8/9 at 10:30-11:30am)
Friday November 8
- Non-Instructional Day- System Indigenous Education Professional Learning (No School for Students)
Monday November 11
- Remembrance Day (SCHOOL CLOSED)
Tuesday November 12 and Wednesday November 13
- Fall Break (SCHOOL CLOSED)
Thursday November 14
- Classes resume
Saturday November 23
- Conference Manager opens to book Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
Thursday November 28
- Evening Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences 4pm-8pm (IN-PERSON)
Friday November 29
- Daytime Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences 8:30am-1pm (VIRTUAL)
Chantal Malette
Principal, Dr. George Stanley School