Wow, another great and short week! The sun continues to get warmer during recesstime and we started the week with a lot more snow than we have had in awhile. The students continue to enjoy the snow. Being dressed for the weather is such an important part of enjoying our winters.

There was a lot of excitement this week for our leaving photos. Students in grade 6, 7 and 8 are all heading off to new schools next year, and we are excited to see them getting their photos taken. 

Today was the last day of our Food Drive. Thank you to everyone who donated. We will have more to update next week. In the meantime, there is a photo above of all our donations.

A reminder to families that toys, stuffies and other play items are not to be brought to school. We understand that students like to share these with their friends, however they become very big distractions at school. Please remind your child to keep those items at home. This includes materials for “crafting”. Unless there has been a direct request from the teacher to bring items for a special activity all extra items need to stay home.

A reminder to families that the school day ends at 3:45 pm and it makes for better learning and less interruptions when students do not leave early.  We understand that appointments are unavoidable and so when you need to  pick kids up early, please notify the classroom teacher and the office the morning of whenever possible. If you know of an appointment sooner than the day of, please let the teacher and office know as soon as possible. As much notice to the teacher and office is greatly appreciated. This makes it easier for the teacher and the office to have your child ready for you. We ask that all early pickups happen before 3:00 as some classes have outdoor DPA or are getting ready for end of day routines and it may be difficult to locate students.

On Thursday, February 27, Vimy Ridge will be a polling station for the Provincial Election. If you are coming to vote please note that there is no parking in the bus lane in front of the school. We are not an early voting station.

The new Riverside South Secondary School (RSSS) will be hosting 2 information nights:

Monday, February 24 will be the Secondary Information Night, from 6-7 PM at Vimy Ridge PS.

Tuesday, February 25 will be the Intermediate Information Night, from 6-7PM at Steve MacLean PS (4175 Spratt Road).

Our many clubs are continuing, the students are very involved. Our SCC has organized a number of activities for the school.

These have been sent to you in a separate email, here is the latest event.

We are still reminding students to put their phones and earbuds away. Some of our students have been reminded multiple times, and for some we will be calling parents to help remind their students and/or ask that phones be left at home. Phones, and other devices, are to be off and out of sight during the school day, including recess, nutrition break and getting on the school bus. Leaving the phone off, or at home is a successful way to manage this distraction.

As per PR 622 IT - Appropriate Use of Information Technology (Students), The District will not accept liability for loss, theft, or damage to any Personal Mobile Device while on District property, except where it can be shown that such loss was due to negligence on the part of the District.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Sandra Walker, Andrew Thorp and Jannah Campbell

Winter play

It is important to be careful on the snow and slippery surfaces. We are reminding students to play safely in the snow. This includes keeping the snow on the ground, it is not to be thrown (or tossed…) at others. Soccer in the snow is very different from warmer weather. At school slide tackling should not be part of our soccer games. The professional players we all watch make slide tackles look easy, which also includes a lot of training and practice. At school slide tackles are dangerous and should not be part of a school game.

Respect for all

For the past few years we have focused on learning about the impact of hateful speech and racist comments. We appreciate your support in this continued learning. Unfortunately, examples of this type of conduct are easy to find on social media outlets. Racist, homophobic and hate language is not acceptable at school. Vimy Ridge is proud of our diversity, and wants to celebrate each and every individual. We are grateful for all your support. 

Breakfast Program

Our Breakfast program is now serving over 70 students each school day! Children who walk are welcome to come to the servery starting at 8:45. If your child is on a bus they can come when they get to school. We are looking for volunteers to help with the Breakfast program. Please email andrew.thorp@ocdsb.ca if you are able to help.

No Food Sharing

A reminder that Vimy Ridge has a “no food sharing” policy in our classes. We have too many allergies at Vimy Ridge for this to be done safely. Sharing candy, treats and other snacks also presents an equity issue between students. Please remind your students to eat the food provided by their family and not to share with other students in class.

Wize Computing Spring Session

Wize computing is taking registration for their  Spring session - Register here for Modding in Minecraft ages 6 plus. Starts on 17th March to 26 May 2025 on Mondays from 3.45 pm to 4.45 pm. WIZE Academy at 613-415-8844