Community Update - May 24
Good evening, Bellwood Community, the home of the Bobcats where we Belong, Believe and Succeed!!
We would like to take this opportunity to let our school community know that Mr. Ruddock will not be at Bellwood for the next school year. He will be moving onto Bolton C. Falby to be a full time Vice Principal. Mr. Ruddock has been an integral part of the Bellwood Community over the last 4 years, and we know he will be missed. We would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the staff, students and families to thank Mr. Ruddock for all he has done for our school community. We wish him all the best in his new school. His last day at Bellwood will be June 27, 2024
We will be welcoming Todd Smart to be our new Vice Principal for the 2024-2025 school year.
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 at any time. In rain, sleet, snow and sunshine, 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
Have a wonderful weekend!
Please see below for our weekly updates;
Save the Date
- May 28 – 31 Grade 6 EQAO
- May 30 SCC Meeting
- June 4 Welcome to Kindergarten
- June 4 Jump Rope for Heart
- June 7 NO School P.A. Day
- June 19 Grade 8 Graduation Day
- June 24 Grade 8 Graduation Trip
Durham Forest Summer Day Camp
Join DDSB for a summer of fun, learning, & adventure! ??Durham Forest Summer Day Camp is for children ages 7-12.
Each week, camp will feature outdoor and experiential learning activities. July 2 - August 23: Mon to Fri, 9 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Register: https://bit.ly/45zOIbS
100 Strong FREE Summer Camp July 2-26, 2024
The Board of Directors of 100 Strong Foundation are pleased to invite applications for the Strong Summer Academy program for 2024.
Strong Summer Academy is a 4-week summer program designed to inspire Black male youth ages 11-14 years old. This program has been designed to provide the attendees with the tools necessary to achieve their maximum potential both in education as well as life skills. The Strong Academy curriculum strives to combine the concepts of academic theory and experiential learning alongside real world experiences, while focusing on the holistic learner. The academy is held Monday to Friday from July 2 – July 26, 2024.
Attached you will find information to share with students and families who identify as Black, African, or Afro-Caribbean about an upcoming summer program. 100 Strong Summer academy is geared towards Black male identifying students in grades 7 and 8. The program runs during the month of July at UTSC (University of Toronto Scarborough campus). There is no cost to families and busing will be provided. Please click on the link for more info. 2024 100 Strong_Summer Flyer_Generic_11x17_2024.jpg 2024 w-100+Strong_Summer+Info_App+Form_2024_F.pdf
Applications should be submitted to margaret.lazarus@ddsb.ca.
Participants will be admitted to the program based on the submission of a completed application on a first come first serve basis.
Durham Black Educator’s Network
The Durham Black Educators’ Network is thrilled to present its 9th Annual Elementary Edition of the "And Still We Rise" conference. This is a unique opportunity for students in Grades 4 to 8 to learn and grow, and it's all for FREE. Join us on Saturday, May 25th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Pickering High School for a day filled with Afrocentric activities, a keynote interactive speech by Vidoll Regisford, RP, on Destigmatising Mental Health in the Black Community, and light refreshments.Parents/guardians are encouraged to stay for the morning. We have several interactive sessions tailored specifically for you while your child(ren) engages in fun activities. Please complete the registration link here or the one in the poster. Click on the link 2024 DBEN And still we rise HYPERLINK.docx.pdf
DDSB Student Art Gallery Opening
Join us for the 3rd annual Student Art Gallery Opening on Thursday, May 30 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.Help us celebrate students’ creative interpretation of the theme My Journey, My Joy, My Genius. #IgniteLearning #IgniteConnection #IgniteWellBeing
Save the Date: Jump Rope for Heart: June 4, 2024
Last week we kicked off Jump Rope for Heart at Bellwood! We are already receiving donations and are working towards our school goal of $2000. Just a reminder that our Jump Event will be taking place on Tuesday, June 4th! If you haven’t already registered online to fundraise, there is still lots of time! Click the link to register to our school’s event page:
The Compendium of Action for Black Student Success 2.0.
The Durham District School Board (DDSB) will be hosting a launch event for the Compendium of Action for Black Student Success 2.0.
Tuesday, June 4th da Vinci Public School
Tuesday, June 18th Port Perry High School
These events will be family focussed with light snacks and refreshments, a keynote speaker, student entertainment and a variety of breakout sessions to learn more about the Compendium. We look forward to you joining us.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Click here to register.
Great Beginnings Family Webinar Series
? Parent and Caregiver Masterclass in Stress Management
? Thursday, May 30th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Ignite Learning Foundation in Partnership with Tribute Community Center
Thanks to the success of the Harlem Globetrotters ticket sales, the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation has again partnered with Tribute Communities Centre for two upcoming shows:
Monster Trucks ‘All Out Northern Lights Party’ - May 25th
All tickets sold using the code IGNITE will see $5.00 from each ticket go to helping our students during their time of need.
The IDLF Team
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 20th 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
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
The following teams and clubs are running;
- Track and Field 2024 Track & Field - Schedule.pdf
Dates of Significance
May 26 - June 1 is National Accessibility Week
We invite you to join us for National Access Ability Week (NAAW), taking place from May 26 to June 1, 2024! This special week is dedicated to celebrating the valuable contributions and leadership of Canadians with disabilities, as well as promoting efforts to increase accessibility and inclusion across the country.
May 27 - May 31 Bike to School Week
Schools across Ontario will be celebrating during the last week of May. ??Bike to School Week and Bike Month are celebrations of cycling and active transportation, promoting and supporting getting to school using your own power!
Communities that embrace active school travel help kids lead healthier lifestyles and improve their school performance, while also reducing traffic and pollution and making school zones safer for vulnerable road users. Also, being able to bike to school with friends is just plain fun!
May 29 Ascension of Baha u llah
The Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is observed all around the world on May 29 every year. Bahá’u’lláh was the prophet and founder of the Bahá Faith, a universal religion emphasizing humanity’s spiritual unity. On this day in 1892, the prophet passed away, leaving behind all of his writings and teachings, which Baha’ís commemorate and reflect on.
May 29 is Red Shirt Day
Red Shirt Day of Action for Access Ability and Inclusion is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red to create a visible display of solidarity: to show their support for disabled people and their families, celebrate the achievements of disabled Canadians, and to pledge their commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society.
Red Shirt Day is an Easter Seals initiative and was first celebrated in 2019. It takes place on the Wednesday of National Access Ability Week each year.
Your Admin Team,
Sharon Knights and Gavin Ruddock
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