Weekly Update: January 13 to January 18

Happy Sunday, Grizzly families! 

We were back to the swing of things last week, though it was evident that many of our students were tired and had not returned to a school routine!  We saw dark circles under their eyes, yawns, difficulty concentrating, and fidgeting—all things that make learning difficult.  I’ve got some comments to share about that in the Connecting Home and School section below.

Congratulations to Ms. Wong and her family; her baby arrived this week, which means that her maternity leave is starting on Monday.  In her place, we welcome Ms. Pavlik to the Grizzly staff.  She’s excited to begin her work with students and staff. 

CONNECTING HOME AND SCHOOL:  I cannot stress the importance of sleep for all of us, but especially our students.  Without enough sleep, not only is learning difficult, but so is staying healthy.  Matthew Walker, in Why We Sleep:  Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams states, “[w]ithin the brain, sleep enriches a diversity of functions, including our ability to learn, memorize, and make logical decisions and choices...allowing us to navigate next-day social and psychological challenges with cool-headed composure.”  These challenges are what face our students every day, so it is not a surprise that they aren’t at their best without a good night’s sleep.  I want to remind families that keeping phones and personal devices out of bedrooms is the best way to ensure that children are not using those devices when they shouldn’t.  Students regularly tell us that they are up at all hours playing games, scrolling, and keeping their brains active, well past bedtime.  Help them out and keep those devices away from them in the evenings and during the night.  I will continue with more information about sleep in the coming weeks. 

Did you know? 

  • NEW:  Last week I asked parents and guardians to call the school to inform us of absences and lates—little did we know that phone lines had been compromised in the community.  As of Friday, we believe that our phone lines are up and running again. 
  • NEW: This week we are hosting a Virtual Open House for families that are considering the TLC program next year.  We will post the meeting link on our website and share it with school families that day as well.  If your child is NOT in the TLC and you are considering it for next year, please join us for this informative session.  If you know of families in our area that are interested in the program, please share this information with them as well.  The virtual session starts at 6:30 on Wednesday, January 15. 
  • NEW: Parents and Guardians of Grade 9 students should be aware that in the next few months, much information will be provided about Grade 10 registration for high school.  I encourage you to visit open houses provided by the high schools to ensure that you are well informed, beyond the information that we share with you. 
  • NEW: Please read the attached notice about radon testing to take place at Annie Gale School. Radon Testing parent letter January 2025.docx 
  • REPEAT:  In December we donated many clothing items from our lost and found.  Even though we reminded students for over a week about checking the lost and found, there were still many unclaimed clothing items.  Help lost items return to your child—label clothing items with their names. 
  • REPEAT:  Report cards will be coming out at the end of January.  Stay connected through this weekly update and we will provide more information throughout the month. 
  • REPEAT:  January’s Fun Lunch is slated for Wednesday, January 29.  Purchases must be completed prior to Saturday, January 25.  Log in to Healthy Hunger to participate.   
  • REPEAT:  Our next council meeting is on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:00 p.m.  We will continue with a blended format of in-person and online.  The link for the online meeting will be sent the afternoon of the meeting date.  I urge you to attend—learn more about the school and include your voice in the dialogue. 
  • REPEAT:  Update your calendars and include the next few school council meetings.  The dates are Wednesday, February 19, and Wednesday, March 19.   All meetings start at 6:00 p.m. and will be a blended format, except for our Annual General Meeting later in the year. 

WEEKLY EVENTS:  JANUARY 13 TO JANUARY 18

Monday, January 13  

  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Wrestling Practice 

Tuesday, January 14 

  • 12:45 – 2:00 | Lester B. Pearson High School Registration @ Annie Gale 
  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior Girls Volleyball Tryouts 
  • 3:45 – 4:45 | Junior Boys Volleyball Tryouts 

Wednesday, January 15 

  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Wrestling Practice 
  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior Boys Volleyball Tryouts 
  • 3:45 – 4:45 | Junior Girls Volleyball Tryouts 
  • 6:30 – 7:15 | Virtual Open House for TLC program (this is for families considering TLC for next year—the link will be posted on our website) 

Thursday, January 16 

  • 8:30 – 12:00 | Grade 9 Lester B. Pearson High School Tour 
  • 2:45 – 3:45 | Junior Girls Volleyball Tryouts 
  • 3:45 – 4:45 | Junior Boys Volleyball Tryouts 

Friday, January 17 – ODD A DAY 

  • 4:00 – 9:00 | Girls Wresting Tournament @ Tom Baines School 

Saturday, January 18 

  • 9:00 – 4:00 | Boys Wrestling Tournament @ Tom Baines School 

Sincerely, 

Tammy Quiring 

(proud) Principal