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Community Update - February 23

Posted On Friday February 23, 2024

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

Thank you for those of you who came out to support our first Movie Night this year.  It was a huge success.  We look forward to seeing you at the next one!  A clue for the movie we are thinking of is “Who you gonna call?”  

Our Intermediate girl’s basketball team played their first tournament this week.  All girls played well.  Go Bobcats Go!

Just a reminder that report cards for Term 1 were sent electronically through School Messenger on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2024.  You will need your child’s OEN number in order to open the report card, this can be found on previous report cards at the top of the page.

Have a wonderful weekend ahead!

Please see below for our weekly updates;

Durham Black Educators Network (DBEN) Paint Night Feb. 29, 2024

Please click on the link for more information and registration Feb. 23 DBEN Paint Night.pdf 

Ramadan Market – Saturday March 2, 2024

Come one, come all.  You are invited to our Ramadan Market taking place on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 hosted by The Muslim Educators' Network of Durham (MEND) and our DDSB MSA's.  With over 40 vendors, you don't want to miss out on this great experience to shop, eat and enjoy. 

Date: Saturday, March 2nd 

Time: 11:00am-7:00pm

Entry Fee: FREE

Parking: FREE

Address:  J. Clarke Richardson, 1355 Harwood Ave N, Ajax, ON L1T 4G8

Follow us:  @menddsb

Save the Date:  March Spirit Days

Monday March 4 -  Dress from your culture

Tuesday March 5 – Dress like your future profession

Wednesday March 6 – Twin, Triplet, or Quadruplet day.  Find some friends and dress the same

Thursday March 7 – Colour Class Day.  Decide on a colour as a class to dress in the same coloured shirt

Grade 8 Grad Photo Retakes

Grade 8 graduation photo retakes will be held on Wednesday March 6, 2024.  Feb. 23, 2024 Reminder Notice (Green Screen - Comp) - J.pdf 

DON’T FORGET THE CLASS OF 2024 GRAD COMPOSITE!  The attached digital reminder includes details on how families can purchase their full grad class composite.  Your school code is KBW

Partnership with the DDSB Ignite Foundation and Tribute Community Centre join forces to empower students in need

We are thrilled to announce an exciting partnership between the IGNITE Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) and Tribute Communities Centre, as we come together to make a lasting impact on the lives of students in need within our community.  FEb. 23 Ignite partnership DDSB Ignite - 2024 Offer.pdf 

$5.00 from every ticket purchased at Tribute Communities Centre Harlem Globe Trotters World Tour and Gerry Dee’s Stand-Up Comedy Tour goes towards supporting students in need through the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation?  Your entertainment not only brings joy but also makes a positive impact on education in our community!  Let's come together for a great cause - every ticket counts! 

Use code ignite and buy tickets at [tributecommunitiescentre.com/password]tributecommunitiescentre.com/password  

groups of 10+ email: akil.julien@oakviewgroup.com

Durham Integrated Arts Camp (DIAC)

Durham Integrated Arts Camp (DIAC) is an intensive Arts exploration opportunity for Durham District School Board (DDSB) students with a passion for Music, Visual Art, Music Theatre, Drama and Dance. DIAC’s philosophy focuses on the immersion of art students in a creative outdoor environment where learning in, about, and through the arts encourages each child's "voice" to be heard. This camp fosters a culture of inclusion and celebrates the diverse talents and skills that every student can nurture in this unique educational setting. Supporting these goals is an energetic, talented, and dedicated DIAC team which includes DDSB teachers and professional guest artists. This creative learning environment provides students with opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of their art, their abilities, and their lives by making authentic personal and intrapersonal connections among the arts disciplines.  Please click on the link for more information Feb. 23 Memo for DIAC Distribu.pdf 

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;

  • Junior Boys Basketball try-outs will be Feb. 20, and Feb. 22, 2024 afterschool from 3:40 – 4:30 p.m.
  • Junior Girls Basketball try-outs will be;

-Monday February 26, 2024 afterschool at 3:45

-Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 8:15 a.m.

-Wednesday February 28, 2024 afterschool at 3:45

  • Intramurals:  Monday Grades 1 and 2, Tuesday Grades 5 and 6, Wednesday Grades 3 and 4, Thursdays Grade 7 and 8.
  • Intermediate Girls Basketball
  • Chess Club   
  • Intermediate Band and Bell Choir
  • Junior/Intermediate Cooking Club will be starting for selected students on Wednesday Feb. 21, 2024 from 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.
  • Vex Robotics Intermediate Club is up and running.  They meet Monday’s afterschool and Friday’s before school
  • Intermediate Badminton team try-outs have started on Tuesday mornings before school

SCC Family Movie Nights:  Save the Dates

  • 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.

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

Save the Date

  • February 28           Pink Shirt Day
  • February 29           Intermediates go to Rivalry Game
  • March 6                 Graduation Photo retakes
  • March 8 – 15         March Break
  • March 18               School resumes

Dates of Significance

Lent February 14 - March 28, 2024

On February 14 this year, while some people were  celebrating a day of love, while others started the commencement of Lent.  Lent is a season of prayer and fasting. During Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday, Christians throughout the world take part in rituals to prepare to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter.

February 20, 2024 is World Day of Justice

World Day of Social Justice is an international day recognizing the need to promote social justice, which includes efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion, gender inequality, unemployment, human rights, and social protections.

Pink Shirt Day Wednesday February 28, 2024

In 2007, Berwick Nova Scotia, two grade 12 students bought and distributed 50 pink shirts after a student at their school was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. It is a day to recognize the importance of standing up against all forms of discrimination and hate towards the 2SLGBTQIA community and all those who face bullying and harassment. 

 

Your Admin Team,
 

Sharon Knights and Gavin Ruddock