The Great Outdoors

Dear Parents and Caregivers,
A belated welcome back from Spring Break! We hope you had a restful and enjoyable time with your loved ones. As we find ourselves fully immersed in the month of April, we are excited to share all the wonderful activities and learning experiences that await us.

Spring has been incredibly busy and continues to be a vibrant season here at Bondar. With the final term upon us, this is our last push towards the end of the school year. We encourage all students to stay focused and give their best effort as we wrap up our academic journey.

As the weather improves, it's the perfect time for students to play outside at home and prepare for outdoor learning and activities at school. Fresh air and physical activity are essential for their well-being and development. We encourage families to support their children in spending time outdoors, whether it's playing in the backyard, going for a walk, or exploring nature.

At school, we are planning various outdoor learning experiences that will make education more engaging and fun. To ensure that students can fully enjoy these activities, it's important they have appropriate outdoor gear. Please make sure your child is equipped with comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and any necessary weather-appropriate accessories like hats, sunscreen, or raincoats.

We also want to share some important news about the Judi Ratzlaff memorial tree. Many of you may be familiar with the tree planted in the raised garden bed behind the swings at the back of the school. This tree, which holds a special place in our hearts, has outgrown its enclosure and needs to be removed for safety reasons as it has become unstable.

The Bondar staff and long-time community members will be particularly sad to see it go, as it was planted in honor of teacher Judi Ratzlaff, who passed away unexpectedly soon after the school first opened. We understand that students and families may have a connection to this tree, and it will be a sad moment for all of us.

We are hoping to replace the tree but need to fundraise in order to do so. For any families interested in donating towards the purchase and planting of a new tree in honor of Ms. Ratzlaff and to continue enhancing the natural landscape around the school, a link will be created in School Cash to collect donations. If any families have connections to a nursery or who might be able to get a mature tree at a reduced cost or if there are any parents with the skills to properly plant a tree on the property, please contact me directly via email. Thank you for your consideration and support.

Please take note of upcoming events at the school:

•    Bake Sale on Wednesday, April 23rd (Divisions 3, 7, 9, and 11 are baking)
•    PAC Meeting on Friday, April 25th at 8:45am (all parents are welcome)
•    Wisdom Assembly on Friday, May 2nd at 11:30am
•    Spring Saunter Run on Friday, May 2nd at 2pm
•    Come Learn With Me on Tuesday, May 6th at 8:30am
•    Scholastic Book Fair on May 7th and 8th

Let's make the most of this beautiful season and create lasting memories together. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our community. We look forward to a fantastic end to the school year!