Community Update - September 15

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

We have a lot of things starting up at the school so please make sure you ask your child about what is happening at school! 

Ms. Knights will be away from September 15 – 25, 2023 and will return on Tuesday September 26, 2023. Mrs. Ann Taylor a retired Principal will be filling in for Ms. Knights, please welcome her to our Bellwood Community. 

Please continue to reach out to our office if you have any questions or concerns we are happy to support you in any way we can. 

Have a wonderful weekend! 

Please see below for our weekly updates; 

*UPDATED Pizza Lunch and Sub Lunch start dates 

· Sub days will start on Tuesday September 26, 2023. Sub days will happen weekly and can be ordered on School Cash online 

· Pizza days will start on Thursday September 28, 2023. Pizza days will happen weekly and can be ordered on School Cash online 

Orange Shirt Day: Friday September 29, 2023 

Since 2013, Orange Shirt Day has been recognized as a day for schools and communities to commemorate Residential School Survivors and learn about the legacy of the residential school system. This day was initially based on Phyllis (Jack) Webstad’s story. Since last year, September 30 has also been recognized by the federal government as the annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. It is important to recognize and understand the lasting impacts and current realities that continue to impact Indigenous students and families. 

All Durham public schools will be recognizing Orange Shirt Day. Students are encouraged to wear orange on Friday September 29, 2023. 

Grade 5 Action Pass 

The Grade 5 Action Pass returns! The Grade 5 Action Pass provides FREE access to public swimming, public skating and a variety of drop-in programs for all Grade 5s in Durham Region. Grade 5 students just need to bring a parent or guardian, show the pass (electronically or print), along with proof of age and address to any participating recreation centre for a Grade 5 Action Pass. Don't miss this chance to stay active and have fun year-round! The Grade 5 Action Pass is a partnership between the Health Department and local municipalities. For more information, please call 1-800-841-2729 or visit durham.ca/PhysicalActivity 

Safety for our Students 

If your children walk to school, please review road safety rules with them. Please encourage them to cross the road at the stop lights or crosswalks to keep them safe! 

Kiss and Ride 

· When you are using the Kiss and Ride please make sure you drive right up, pick up your children quickly and safely and follow the directions to keep moving by the staff supporting the smooth running of our Kiss and Ride. 

· Please do not park in the Kiss and Ride as this causes back up and is not safe for our students 

· Please use the sidewalks to walk your children around and do not cut between the cars as this is a safety hazard 

Safety is our number one priority and we work hard to make sure that our Kiss and Ride runs safely and smoothly. 

No Nuts or Nut Products 

Please be reminded that we are a NUT FREE school. This also includes such products as Nutella and Wow Butter. Please do not pack in your child’s lunches or snacks. 

Boomerang Lunch 

A boomerang lunch is a lunch that has every piece of it returned to its source, home! In other words, everything in the lunch goes back home at the end of the day. No matter if it is leftover food, containers, recyclables or garbage, it all goes back to be washed, recycled, or disposed of at home. 

SCC Nominations and Elections 

The School Community Council (SCC) supports student achievement and well-being through an advisory role with the school principal. SCC also supports parent engagement and communication between home and school. More information can be found at https://www.ddsb.ca/en/family-and-community-support/school-community-councils.aspx. 

We welcome your involvement in our SCC. Please complete the nomination form (attached) and send to Sharon Knights at sharon.knights@ddsb.ca. You can also drop off the form to our front office. If you are having trouble accessing the form, you may also email me your nomination. Please have forms into the office by Thursday September 21, 2023 

Our SCC elections will be held in person at our SCC meeting on Thursday September 28, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. 

 Save the Date

· Treat Fridays: Will start back on Friday September 15, 2023 

Cookies for $1.00, Chips and Popcorn for $2.00, Granola Bars and Fruit to Go for $0.50 

· Meet the Teacher Night: Thursday September 21, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. 

· Picture Day: Thursday October 19, 2023 

· Terry Fox Run: Wednesday September 27, 2023 in the afternoon, RAIN Date is Thursday September 28, 2023 

· SCC meeting: Thursday September 28, 2023, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. 

· School Spirit Wear: Information will be provided at a later date 

School Cash Online 

We will be continuing to School Cash Online for all school purchases. If you are new to Bellwood or if you have not signed up for School Cash Online, please sign up on the parent portal. If you need assistance with this, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Robicheau-Stephens in our office. 

Dates of Significance 

September 23, 2023 Autumn Equinox 

In the Northern Hemisphere, autumn begins on this day with the autumnal equinox. In the Southern Hemisphere, today is the beginning of spring. The daylight length is virtually the same everywhere on earth 

September 25th, 2023 Franco-Ontarian Day 

There are more than 622,000 Francophones and 1.5 million Ontarians who can speak French, making Ontario Canada’s largest Francophone community outside of Quebec. 

September 25th is Franco-Ontarian Day, a time to celebrate your community and its history. It was officially named Franco-Ontarian Day in 2010. 

September 15-17, 2023 Rosh Hashanah 

Rosh Hashanah, translates to “head of the year” is the Jewish New Year. It is a time of inner renewal and divine atonement. 

Your Admin Team,

Sharon Knights and Gavin Rudd