A Season of Gratitude
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we enjoy this Thanksgiving weekend, I find myself reflecting on how thankful I am for our wonderful Bondar community. Each day, we come together to learn, grow, connect, and spend our days alongside one another. Our community is welcoming and open, and we continue to build connections as we learn more about one another’s backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. These differences enrich our school and help make Bondar the special place that it is.
I am also incredibly thankful for the outstanding team of people I have the privilege of working with each day. Our staff bring so much care, patience, skill, humour, and heart to their work with children. I am grateful for our students, staff, families, and the many ways everyone contributes to creating a community where people feel welcomed and supported. There is a lot to be thankful for at Bondar!
As we move further into October, here are a few important reminders and upcoming dates for families.
Early Pick-Ups
If you need to pick your child up early from school, please provide advance notice, preferably through SafeArrival. To minimize interruptions to classroom learning, we ask families, whenever possible, to arrange early pick-ups during a natural break in the school day, such as Recess (10:15-10:30am) or Lunch (12:00-12:50pm).
Thank you for your cooperation and for being mindful of all the important learning happening throughout the school day.
Parking Lot Reminders
Thank you to the many families who are following our parking lot procedures each morning and afternoon. Your cooperation helps keep everyone moving safely and smoothly!
We have noticed that some vehicles are stopping near Mr. McLean’s classroom rather than continuing all the way forward toward the flagpole, perhaps because their child’s classroom is on that side of the building. Please remember to pull as far forward as possible before your child exits the vehicle. Stopping earlier creates a backup behind you that can quickly extend out into the neighbourhood.
We are also noticing some adults getting out of their vehicles in the drop-off lane to help children with doors, backpacks, or other belongings. If your child needs this extra assistance, please consider parking on the street so that you can take the time you need. When using the drop-off lane, children should be ready to exit independently on the school side of the vehicle.
Thank you for helping us keep our parking lot safe, efficient, and pleasant for everyone.
Cold and Flu Season
As we move further into fall and toward the winter months, colds and flu are beginning to circulate. If your child is unwell, please keep them home so that they can rest and recover.
This is particularly important if your child has a fever, is vomiting, or has diarrhea. These symptoms must be gone for at least 24 hours before your child returns to school. Thank you for doing your part to help keep our students, staff, and wider school community as healthy as possible throughout the year.
Upcoming Dates at Bondar
There is lots happening over the next couple of months! Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place on October 21st and 22nd, with dismissal at 11:59 am on both days. Evening conferences will also be available from 4:00-7:00 pm on October 21st. There will be no school on October 23rd due to our Professional Development Day.
Later in the month, we have our Bake Sale on October 28th, hosted by Divisions 1, 4, 7, and 10. On October 29th, we will have our Respect Assembly at 11:30 am as well as Photo Retakes. We'll wrap up the month with our Halloween Parade at 9:00 am on October 30th.
Looking into November, Diwali Dress Up Day is November 6th, followed by our Remembrance Day Assembly at 10:50 am on November 10th. There is no school on November 11th for Remembrance Day. Our Rainy Run will take place outside at 2:00 pm on November 13th, and there will be no school on November 20th for another Professional Development Day. We will finish the month with our Courage Assembly at 11:30 am on November 26th.
December will bring plenty of festive fun, including our Jingle Bell Run at 2:00 pm on December 11th, our Christmas Concert on December 16th, and our Pancake Breakfast and Photos with Santa on December 18th, the last day of school before Winter Break.
Please continue to check the Bondar school website regularly for upcoming dates, event details, and any changes or additions to our calendar.
As always, thank you for your partnership, cooperation, and all the different ways you contribute to our school. We are very fortunate to have such a caring community, and I hope everyone has enjoyed some time this Thanksgiving weekend to rest, connect, and appreciate the people who make life a little brighter.
Ms. Lorieau
