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

Thank you to those of you who attended our SCC meeting on Thursday March 21, 2024.  For those of you who could not attend the meeting please click on the link for information that was shared at the meeting March 2024 SCC Meeting.pdf    Our next SCC meeting will be held on Thursday May 2, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.

We have had a great start back to school after the March Break and look forward to many upcoming events for our students and their families. 

Please see below for our weekly updates;

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, 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

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.

Muslim Educators Network of Durham (M.E.N.D.)

The Muslim Educators Network of Durham will be hosting an IFTAR dinner at Da Vinci Public School on Thursday April 4, 2024.  Please click on the link for more information Ramadan Iftar Dinner flyer 

Tickets can be purchased through eventbrite link.  NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR.  

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/da-vinci-ramadan-iftar-dinner-tickets-851245256477?aff=oddtdtcreator

Great Beginnings Family Webinar Series

The 5-part webinar series will include the following engaging sessions:

? The Kindergarten Experience at the DDSB

? Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

? 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 

Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

Ignite Durham Learning Foundation: Named Charity of Choice by Durham District School Board Trustees 

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) proudly announces its selection as the esteemed Charity of Choice by the Durham District School Board (DDSB). The Board's Trustees, recognizing the profound impact and unwavering commitment of IDLF, have bestowed this honour in acknowledgment of the Foundation's dedicated service to all DDSB students. 

"I am thrilled to witness The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation chosen as the charity of choice for the Durham District School Board. This impactful collaboration is set to dismantle financial barriers, paving the way for equitable opportunities that empower every student within the board to reach new heights in both academic and personal success. Together, we are fostering a future where every learner has the chance to thrive without hindrance." - Michelle Arseneault, Board Trustee 

At the heart of Ignite Durham Learning Foundation's mission is the fervent pursuit of removing financial barriers, thereby fostering equitable opportunities that empower students within the Durham District School Board to achieve both academic and personal success. 

"I am proud and deeply honoured that the Durham District School Board has selected Ignite Durham Learning Foundation as their charity of choice. This partnership underscores our collective commitment to breaking down financial barriers and fostering equitable opportunities for all students and families within the Durham community. This collaboration exemplifies the transformative impact we can achieve when we work hand in hand towards a common goal of creating a brighter future for our youth." - Neil Joshi, Chair of the IDLF Board 

What sets IDLF apart is its exclusive focus on serving the students of the Durham Region. As the sole charity in the area with this distinct purpose, IDLF stands as a beacon of support and hope for the 80,000 students who attend DDSB schools daily. 

The Foundation operates through several impactful funding pillars, each designed to enhance students' well-being and enrich their educational experience: 

1. The Starfish Fund: Addressing student needs comprehensively, this fund provides resources such as clothing, school supplies, health items, and transportation support. 

2. The S.N.A.C.K. Fund: Ensuring that no student goes hungry, this initiative focuses on providing food access to classrooms and kids, promoting a nourished learning environment. 

3. The Make A Difference Fund: Bridging financial gaps, this fund offers subsidies to students facing economic challenges, enabling their participation in field trips, extracurricular activities, and school events alongside their peers. 

4. The Think Outside of the Bell Fund: Offering financial support to students in need, this fund facilitates participation in specialized programs such as preschool success and afterschool recreation and arts initiatives. 

5. The Future Fund: Paving the way for future success, this fund provides vital financial support to students pursuing post-secondary pathways. 

With its comprehensive approach, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation stands as a steadfast ally for DDSB students, ensuring they have the resources and support they need during their time of need. 

Join us in celebrating this momentous collaboration between IDLF and DDSB, as we continue to ignite learning and opportunity for the bright minds of Durham Region. 

Sincerely,  

Stacey Lepine-Fisher

Executive Director, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

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;

• Junior Boys and Girls Basketball teams 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
• Junior/Intermediate Cooking Club has started for selected students on Wednesdays from 3:45 – 6:00 p.m.

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.  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

Save the Date

• March 29                 Good Friday – NO SCHOOL
• April 1                     Easter Monday – NO SCHOOL
• April 4                     Grade 7 Immunization Clinic
• April 8                     P.A. Day - NO SCHOOL for students
• April 16                   Eid Dinner
• April 25                   Family Movie Night

Dates of Significance

Ramadan Begins March 11, 2024

This is the holiest month in the Islamic Year and begins at the sighting of the new moon. It commemorates the period during which Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) received divine revelations. Observing Muslims fast between the hours of sunrise and sunset during the entire month, read the Qu'ran and worship in the mosque or at home. The dates vary by a day depending on whether the Saudi Arabia or the North American Calendar is being observed. This calendar follows the North American dates which is a day later.

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.

Purim March 23-24, 2024

Purim is a Jewish holiday which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from annihilation at the hands of an official of the Achaemenid Empire named Haman, as it is recounted in the Book of Esther. Haman was the royal vizier to the Persian king Ahasuerus.

March 25 is Holi

Holi is a popular and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colours, Love, and Spring. It celebrates the eternal and divine love of the deities Radha and Krishna.

March 26 Epilepsy Awareness Day and Purple Day for Epilepsy

Celebrated annually on March 26, Epilepsy Awareness Day, or Purple Day, was created to increase the public’s understanding of this brain disorder and to eliminate the fear and stigma surrounding it. With over 3.5 million people diagnosed with epilepsy in the U.S. and over 50 million worldwide, it is likely you know someone living with the day-to-day challenges epilepsy brings. The good news is epilepsy can be easily managed if diagnosed and treated correctly, so awareness and research are important. Join one of the grassroots campaigns to raise awareness in your community today!

Your Admin Team,
 

Sharon Knights and Gavin Ruddock