Good afternoon, Bellwood Community, the home of the Bobcats where we Belong, Believe and Succeed!!

We would like to take a moment to thank our staff and students for their quick response to our fire alarm that happened yesterday at lunch.  All students moved through the building quickly, quietly and in an orderly manner just like we practice when we do fire drills.  What was especially impressive with our students is that this happened during the lunch hour when our Lunchroom Supervisors are on duty.  It was great to see that all students knew what to do and that they were at their spots for their teachers to meet them as their teachers were on lunch.  A big shout out to our lunchroom supervisors for a job well done!

Kindergarten Pick-Up and Drop off

This is a reminder for families dropping off their children to the Kindergarten enclosures in the morning, picking up at lunch and picking up afterschool.  In order to keep all children safe, we are reminding you to please do not enter the Kindergarten enclosure.  Please wait for a staff member to open and close the gate to receive children in the morning and to give you your children when picking up at lunch or afterschool.  If there is no staff member at the gate, please bring your child to the office.  The gates need to be closed at ALL times!

We appreciate your attentiveness to this matter.  If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at the office or via email.  The school phone number is 905 436-0098.  My email is sharon.knights@ddsb.ca

Bellwood Community Eid Dinner:  Eid at Bellwood 2024!

Bellwood Public School would love to welcome all members of the Bellwood community to an Eid Dinner celebration. Eid is the celebration that marks the end of the fast of Ramadan. Last year’s Iftar dinner was an incredible success! This year, we have decided that we would like to celebrate Eid with the Bellwood families. Please join us on Tuesday April 16, 2024 at 5:30 pm at Bellwood Public School for this year’s Eid at Bellwood 2024! Feel free to dress up in your Eid outfits. There will be arts and crafts, henna decorations, and what would Eid be without delicious food? 

Itinerary:

5:30 pm - Stations will open for arts and crafts, Eid cards, photobooth and henna designs (in different classrooms)

6:30 pm -An announcement will be made to wrap up stations as dinner will be served in the gym

7:00 pm - Eid presentations from the students 

7:30 pm- Wrap up and clean up 

Please fill out the Google Form to let us know if you will be able to attend, volunteer or donate items for our Eid community event https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf52Gt4SAzP7XUJKGGNG8Bh5LJ-PyuG7Hrg0vM7jvsuiNgDFQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0.

OR click on this link which has a QR code to take you to the google form Eid At Bellwood (1).pdf 

In celebrating Eid we will be having a food and toy drive.  On the evening of the Eid dinner, we are asking for donations of perishable food items and/or new toys.  These donations will be given to the Ignite Durham Foundation for families across the Durham Region.

Parents who have indicated that they will be bringing in donations, we would really appreciate it if donations can be brought in Monday morning.  If you are donating food items, please consider bringing these in the afternoon or coming a bit early so we can set up.

We are excited to see our school community at this event!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Please see below for our weekly updates;

Save the Date

• April 16                   Eid Dinner
• April 25                   Family Movie Night
• May 20                   NO School -  Victoria Day Weekend
• May 21 – 24            Grade 3 EQAO
• May 28 – 31            Grade 6 EQAO
• TBA                        FDK Family Friday

Newcomer Fair

The attached flyer is for the Welcome to Ajax: Newcomer Fair on Wednesday April 24, 2024 between 3-6pm. Please click on the link to see flyer 2024 Welcome to Ajax - Newcomer Fair_Flyer.pdf 

The session will be held at the Ajax Public Library - Main Branch @ 55 Harwood Avenue South in the Rotary Room.

The session will share information about local community organizations including settlement services, volunteer opportunities, employment help, and more.

If you are interested in attending, please register at ajax.ca/newcomersfair

DDSB Recruitment Information Workshop

In support of the Compendium of Action for Black Student Success the Durham District School Board (DDSB) is striving to bring the leadership and influence of Black Educators and Professionals into our schools. Please click on the link for more information 2024 DDSB Recruitment Information Workshop Flyer.pdf 

A FREE information session is scheduled for: May 4, 2024, 

at the Education Centre, 400 Taunton Road E., Whitby, ON.

From 10am to 12 noon.

Registration is required to ensure we can accommodate all interested participants. https://forms.gle/DVQ4jQdJJnEoDVGq8

Youth Empowerment Event      2024 Youth empowerment event grades 9-11.png 

The Congress of Black Women of Canada, Ajax/Pickering Chapter, is excited to partner with the Ajax Public Library to host "Black Youth Empowered 2024", one-day in-person conference for Black teens in Gr 9 to 11 on Sat. Apr 20 (10 am - 3 pm) at the Ajax Public Library, where they can learn about financial literacy and positive mindset, be in conversation with young, engaging facilitators, and build community with each other. Register today (limited spots available)!  bit.ly/2024bye

Parent Engagement:  An evening with Sam Demma@ Donald A. Wilson on Thursday May 9, 2024

Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers in the Education and Association sectors. He co-founded the volunteer organization PickWaste, delivered two TEDx talks, and—as a result of his exceptional contributions to Canada—was awarded the prestigious Queens Platinum Jubilee Award.

His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and most notably, his mom’s Facebook profile. Sam delivers hundreds of programs across North America annually, and his entertaining presentations address the topics of Mental Health, Leadership and Kindness.

Durham Counselling Walk-In Clinic

The Durham Counselling Walk-In Clinic is a free, confidential counselling service, providing service for children and youth, 3 – 19 years (up until their 20^th birthday), and their families.  Please see attached flyer for more information March 28 Durham Counselling Walk in Clinic.pdf 

Summer School Course Information

Summer school course information is now available at DCE.ca.

Durham Continuing Education offers a variety of credit and non-credit programs for students from Grades 6 to 12.

Program dates and more are available at: http://bit.ly/3lvZ7TB

#IgniteLearning

Great Beginnings Family Webinar Series

? Promoting Learning Through Play!

? Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

? Self-Reg: Supporting the Path to Young Children's Well-being

? Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

? Navigating the Transition: Understanding Behaviour When Starting School

? Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

? Parent and Caregiver Masterclass in Stress Management

? Thursday, May 30th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Please click on the link for registration information March 22 Great Beginnings Family Webinar Series 2024 - Admin Memo.pdf 

Student Art Gallery Submissions Due April 26!

On May 30, 2024, the DDSB will open the next Student Art Gallery – a district-wide art collection housed in the Education Centre, displaying artworks created and curated by students in Grades 7 to 12 with staff support.

The theme of this year’s gallery is My Journey, My Joy, My Genius. Artwork should focus on the student’s personal journey, sources of joy, and expressions of genius. Digital representations of completed (or nearly completed) artworks should be submitted through this form. The deadline for submission is Friday,April 26, 2024.

For more information about this year’s theme and the selection process, please visit the DDSB website.

Kindergarten Registration for the 2024-2025 School Year

Reminder: Kindergarten registration for the 2024-25 school year is open! Do you have questions about Kindergarten or other Early Years programs?

Read the Early Years FAQ: https://bit.ly/3uCxqgz

For families who are interested in registering their child(ren) for a Kindergarten program at the DDSB, please visit our Kindergarten Registration web page for access to the online portal, as well as information and resources to help your child prepare for this very exciting time!

As a reminder, online registrations will not be confirmed until the school has met with a parent/guardian to verify all required documentation and information within the application. Your designated DDSB home school will contact you in the coming months via phone or email to arrange a time for you to visit the school, review your child’s Kindergarten application, and finalize the registration. During this scheduled time, you will have the opportunity to discuss required documents (i.e., Immunization records, special education needs, medical requirements, Personalized Learning Plan (PLP) classes, transportation requirements, etc.), and any additional questions you may have.

French Immersion for Students going to Grade 1

Below please see the link for the French program at John Dryden PS.

Senior Kindergarten Parents: If you decide to put your child into French Immersion for grade 1 at John Dryden PS please use this link to do a pre-registration so we can predict numbers and classes.

https://forms.gle/q8H7b1w5RduRWDXC6

Teams and Clubs

Students are advised to listen carefully to the morning announcements for when try-outs for teams are happening and for when clubs are running at school.  Mr.  Marshall has permission forms and a calendar on the bulletin boards just outside of the gymnasium.  It is important for students to check for permission forms and to view the calendar to see when things are happening.  Please see attached photos 

The following teams and clubs are running;

• Folk Dancing Club April 9 to May 7, 2024.  Practices will be Tues. and Thurs. from 3:45 - 4:45
• Junior Girls Basketball team have been picked please see notices sent home for times of practices and games
• Intramurals:  Monday Grades 1 and 2, Tuesday Grades 5 and 6, Wednesday Grades 3 and 4, Thursdays Grade 7 and 8.
• Chess Club   
• Intermediate Band and Bell Choir
• Second Round of Junior/Intermediate Cooking Club has started for selected students on Wednesdays from 3:45 – 5:00 p.m. The second round of cooking club will start on Wednesday April 17, 2024.

SCC Family Movie Nights:  Save the Date

• Thursday April 25, 2024 from 6 – 8:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5:45 p.m.

The cost of entry for this years Movie Nights will be $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family.  We will be also selling popcorn, chips, and cookies.  Please be reminded that parents should be staying with the children for the Movie.

Kiss and Ride Reminders for the new year

• When dropping students off in the kiss and ride please drive right up to the front of the kiss and ride so that other cars are able to join the Kiss and Ride to drop off their children
• Please be patient as everyone is trying to drop off their children safely
• We understand that the mornings and afterschool times you are busy rushing to get your children to and from school.  We ask that you choose safety over convenience as you are driving through the Kiss and Ride and please watch your speed
• Please do not park or stop in the Kiss and Ride or in front of the kindergarten enclosure in the morning from 8:50 – 9:20 a.m. and from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.  If possible, please find a parking space or circle around (like at the airport)
• It has been brought to our attention that some people are parking in our handicapped parking spaces who do not have the handicapped permit visible on their dashboard or where it can be seen.  We are reminding you that these parking spots are for people who have a handicapped permit, and the permit must be visible if you are going to park in the handicapped spots.  Also, we have noticed that cars are sometimes blocking these spots making it difficult for those who need it to park there.  Please note the fine for parking in these spots without a permit is $5000.00.  
• We are also reminding parents who drive their children to school to please drive right up to the front of the Kiss and Ride.  Please do not park your car in the middle of the Kiss and Ride as this slows down the process for everyone.  Also the laneway beside the Kiss and Ride is not for parking this laneway helps the traffic move along and keeps a flow to our Kiss and Ride in the morning and afterschool
• We are also asking that you prioritize safety over convenience as we try to keep everyone safe.  Please use the sidewalk.  We see many parents crossing in front of cars in the Kiss and Ride and this poses a very serious safety risk.  Please use the sidewalk to walk your children to their line up

Dates of Significance

April 12 International Day of Pink

Communities across the world unite in celebrating diversity and raising awareness to stop homophobic, transphobic & all forms of bullying. The Day of Pink was started in Nova Scotia when 2 straight high school students saw a gay student wearing a pink shirt being bullied. The 2 students intervened but wanted to do more to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying. They decided to purchase pink shirts, and a few days later got everyone at school to arrive wearing pink, standing in solidarity. The result was that an entire school took a stand and began working together to prevent homophobic & transphobic bullying.

April 12 International Day of Silence

National Day of Silence in April each year is a student-led movement to protest bullying and harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and those who support them. The Day of Silence brings awareness and illustrates to the schools and the colleges how intimidation, name-calling, and general bullying have a silencing effect. Participating students take a day-long vow of silence.

April 12 Tamil and Sinhala New Year

Sinhalese New Year, generally known as Aluth Avurudda in Sri Lanka, is a Sri Lankan holiday that celebrates the traditional New Year of the Sinhalese people and Tamil population of Sri Lanka. It is a major anniversary celebrated by not only the Sinhalese and Tamil people but by most Sri Lankans.

April 14 Vaisakhi 

The first day of the solar year, this is an agricultural festival celebrating the harvest, especially in North India. Tamils and Sri Lankans celebrate their New Year on this day. In Kerala, South India this day is called Vishu. Especially important to the Sikhs, it marks this day in 1699, when the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, established the order of 'Khalsa'. The festival is a mixture of feasting, dancing and worship.

April 19 Ridvan

Ri?ván is a twelve-day festival in the Bahá'í Faith, commemorating Bahá'u'lláh's declaration that he was a Manifestation of God. In the Bahá'í calendar, it begins at sunset on the 13th of Jalál, which translates to the 20th or 21st of April, depending on the date of the March equinox.

Your Admin Team,

Sharon Knights and Gavin Ruddock