News and Updates
The Week
October 11 to 15
SMilE
There is always good news at SME to put a SMilE (Get it? SME + smile = SMilE) on our faces! We will continue to share these SMilEs, this school year!
Thanksgiving Food Drive
We want to thank the families for their generous donations in support of our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Metrobus and VOCM Cares picked up the food on Friday. Another reason to SMilE!
Important Reminders
Kiss and Go Lane
Kiss and Go Lane is for cars to stop, students get out and then the car to drive slowly away. The driver of the car is not permitted to park the car and get out at this location. If you need more time or have to get out to assist your child, you must park in the parking lot and do so there.
Parking
Please park in designated parking spots. Do not park so as to block off roadways, including the bus lanes that circle around the school.
Late Arrivals
We ask you to help us protect instructional time and minimize disruptions to learning by ensuring your child arrives on time for school. Homeroom begins at 8:15 am.
Lateness affects the learning of your child, teachers instructional time and the learning of others.
Water Bottles
Please ensure your child brings their water bottle to school every day.
Mask Wearing
ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR A MASK ENTERING AND EXITING THE BUILDING. ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR A MASK IN THE CORRIDORS AND WASHROOMS.
Grades 4 to 6 students must wear masks at all times. Kindergarten to grade 3 students do not have to wear a mask in class.
Free Flow Library
On Tuesday, October 12th, Free Flow Library will resume on a trial basis. This means the book section of our learning commons is now open for students in all grades to check in/out books from 8:00-8:50 every morning. We will begin with Two Library passes in each classroom to control the number of students in the learning commons at one time. All students must wear a mask in the Learning Commons and sanitize their hands on the way in and out. Ms. Stuckless, our teacher librarian will assist students in selecting and checking in/out books. Students will have the option of placing their selection in their book bin to read at school or taking it home to share with you. Free flow library means students can exchange their book whenever they are finished with their selection. Some students may choose to change their book daily while others may want to keep it for a week or two. Students have the freedom to set their own library schedule in this flexible format. Let’s get reading!
Picture Retakes
School pictures will be retaken on Friday, November 19. If students were present for the first picture taking session and want a completely new set of pictures, the old proofs must be returned in order to have a retake.
Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend
We hope you get the chance to spend time with family and friends during this long weekend. We are truly fortunate to live in this beautiful province, particularly at this time, and have so much to be thankful for. We hope all our St. Mary’s Elementary families had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Supports and Help
If you're feeling you need help, reach out:
MH Crisis Line (709) 737-4668/1-888-737-4668 or your local ER.
Kids Help Line – 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
CHANNAL Warm Line – 1-855-753-2560
Doorways Clinics across the province