Principal's Message

We hope you had opportunity to relax and spend time enjoying summer activities with family and friends this summer! We are looking forward to a productive and exciting new year with all of you.

The count-down mode to the start of another year has begun in earnest and many of you have already   reestablished bedtime and morning routines in readiness for the busy first days of school. It is not unusual for your child to worry about returning to school, to wonder about their new teacher and to fret about making new friends. To help your child process these common worries, consider reviewing their past successes in making friends, in forming positive relationships with teachers, and in being successful learners. Ask her to review strategies she used to make new friends or have your son describe how he kept trying to learn even when the work was a challenge. By reviewing past successful experiences and strategies helps reinforce a growth mindset and helps facilitate confidence in your child by conveying your belief that your child has the skills and attitude to be successful! Should your child’s worry about school persist beyond the first few days of school, please do not hesitate to let us know and will work collaboratively to support your son or daughter as he or she transitions into the school.

This year the school, together with the Sandy Hill PAC, will offer two evening presentations for parents and educators. The first session, a presentation by Mr. Ted Leavitt on helping children (and adults) manage anxiety, is slated for the evening of September 25th and the second session will focus on understanding and planning for children with ADHD, will be held in February, 2019.

In case you have forgotten, the first day of school, September 4th, will be a half day that ends at 11:15 am, and students will need their school supplies and a nut free recess snack. Class lists and school maps will be posted Thursday, August 30th after 5 pm. We are looking forward to welcoming you back and to meeting those of you who are new to our school community!  Enjoy these last few days of summer!

Marie VanDalfsen, Principal