January 31, 2025

We have a new website! Rather than email out the Raptor's Perch on a weekly basis. The RP will now live here and we will email families to let you know that it has been updated!

It has definitely been a winter week, with the weather, a snow day and some more snow. Winter play is also being reviewed at school to ensure all are playing safely. As we mentioned last week sliding expectations are -

• Slide on your knees or bottom, not on your feet,
• Take turns, wait for friends to leave the ice before you slide,
• Get out of the way when your turn is finished, stay off the ice when it is not your turn.

We will also be meeting with classes next week to focus on the importance of being mindful when playing. Taking care not to slide tackle during snow soccer, not kicking or throwing balls or other objects into crowds of people, and being aware of your surroundings will be the focus of our conversations.

We still have lots of clubs going, we have basketball and volleyball for our different divisions. A chess club has started up as well. It is wonderful to see the level of participation in all our clubs.

Staff are working hard on getting report cards ready. Report cards will be available electronically on February 12. 

Our Winter Walk to School day is scheduled for February 12. Get outside and enjoy a walk in the morning. It is a wonderful way to get kids moving and be more active. Walking to school is also an excellent way to relieve some of the overcrowding on our streets. Parking a block or two away is another way to support this. 

School Cash Online will be opening soon to place your orders for pizza and popcorn for the month of March. Stay tuned for details!

Our Kindergarten Information Night is on Thursday, February 6th from 5:30-6:30 pm. Parents are invited to attend an informative session where we’ll share essential details to help you and your child prepare for Kindergarten.

The SmartPhone policy includes the use of ear pods that are connected to phones. Earbuds are to be put away when students enter school. Please remind your student to keep their earbuds put away. Phones continue to be one of the biggest distractions students have at school. Phones, and other devices, are to be off and out of sight during the school day, including recess and nutrition break. 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

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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. 

EQAO Webinar Parents/Guardians for grade 3 & 6

Join EQAO staff for a free live webinar to learn about the math questions that Ontario students encounter when they participate in Ontario’s large-scale assessments. EQAO assessments are written by all Ontario students in Grades 3, 6 and 9. During the webinar, staff will show how the math questions help assess the skills students are learning in their math classes. Staff will also share valuable insights from the past three years of assessment results, which can help parents and guardians support their children’s math learning.

Registration link: https://eqao.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5puRqI8uQJypIaHgBYoBMw

Note: the same webinar will be offered on Tuesday, February 18 from 6:30 – 7:30pm. 

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.