November is dedicated to remembering our dearly departed. Two important observances are found on the first two days of the month: All Saints Day and All Souls Day. During the month of November, a Book of Remembrance will be placed on the altar in the front foyer of our school. Students and staff will be invited to write the names of their dearly departed and we will remember them during our morning prayers. This month we celebrate justice which is one of the virtues that Jesus demonstrated through his words and deeds. We think of justice needed to heal our beautiful yet broken planet. We think of the justice needed in the classroom and school yard to heal broken relationships. When we join justice with compassion (October’s virtue) we strongly echo the Gospel message and example of Jesus.
A heartfelt thank you to all the families who contributed to our school fundraising campaign. We are blessed to work with a generous and collaborative school community. The total amount collected will be reported to you as soon as it is counted by our Catholic School Council. The money will go towards the purchase of chromebooks and iPads for classrooms to enhance our 21st Century learning initiatives as well as activities to support our School Improvement Plan goals. Thank you for your generosity.
On Monday, November 11th, we will hold a Remembrance Day Peace Chain to remember those who fought for our freedom, and for those who continue to work to keep our world safe. Each student will receive a sticker poppy on this morning (provided by the Royal Canadian Legion in Aurora) – any and all donations are appreciated! Thank you to Mrs. Carinci’s Grade 6 class and Ms. Menna’s Grade 5/6 class for preparing this meaningful Peace Chain. As always, all parents are welcome to join us for this Liturgy which will begin at 10:45 a.m.
Bully Prevention and Intervention Awareness Week is November 18-22. Bullying is a form of repeated aggression intended to cause fear, distress or harm to another individual or group of individuals. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived imbalance of power between the child who bullies and the child who is victimized (adapted from PPM 144). At Our Lady of the Annunciation, our Bullying Prevention Plan includes: Daily Religious and Family Life Lessons in all grades, TRIBES-philosophy, Monthly Virtues Activities and Recognition, Second Steps-Behaviour Intervention Program, Daily Announcements, Peer Mediators for our Primary Group, VIP & Community Officer Class visits, Healthy Schools Initiatives, The Magic of Coby – Bullying Prevention Presentation for Grades K-8, My Life On Line Internet Safety Program for Grades 4-8, Paul Davis On Line Safety Presentation for Gr. 4-8 and Parent Engagement Evening on January 6th at 7:00pm in the library.
On Tuesday, November 12, students in Gr. JK to 8 will receive their Progress Report. The Progress Report will focus on student work habits and their attitude towards learning. On the evening of November 14th and the morning of November 15th, we will be hosting parent/teacher interviews for JK/SK to Gr. 8 students.
Proud Principal,
Mrs. D’Andrea