Twitter

Twitter is a 'microblogging' system that allows you to send and receive short posts called tweets. Tweets can be up to 140 characters long and can include links to relevant websites and resources. Here at St Peter’s, we will use it as a platform to share some of the exciting things going on in our school and important announcements. Even though there is a messaging function it will not replace direct communication (email, phone calls, school messenger) with the school or classroom teachers. If you have a Twitter account and would like to follow us our Twitter handle is @SPeterElem. You can sign up for a free Twitter account at www.twitter.com

WEATHER/SCHOOL CLOSURES

Parents/guardians are reminded that the time of year when school closures are most likely to occur, due to poor weather conditions, is fast approaching. So we would like to inform you, at this time, of our protocols and procedures for school closures. If it is deemed necessary to close, due to weather, an announcement will be made via the local radio stations (KIXX Country 103.9 FM and CBC 640 AM) and Status Central (District web site – www.nlesd.ca) will be updated. If we close in the morning before school begins, all parents and guardians will be

called using our School Messenger system. Please make sure that we have accurate information at the office and please notify us immediately if there is any change in phone numbers. In the event that school closes during the day, all parents, guardians and emergency contact numbers (those listed on your registration form) will be called, also using our School Messenger system. Please ensure that homeroom teachers are aware of whether your child/ren will be bussed, picked up or walking.

DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP

Our students live in a challenging time where technology influences everything they do. From school to social time, computers, smartphones, tablets, the internet and social media touch every aspect of their lives. While there are tremendous advantages and opportunities available through technology, social media and the internet, we do know there are also negatives. The District believes the more information we provide our students, the better prepared they are to face the challenges ahead. To ensure they are relevant to the latest in internet and social media trends and issues, the District updates lessons annually and provides to schools. The District also has a Social Media Use policy (https://www.nlesd.ca/includes/files/policies/doc/1456147498671.pdf) and a student terms and conditions of use (https://www.nlesd.ca/includes/files/policies/doc/1456147573093.pdf) that all families are asked to be familiar with. Further, there is an Acceptable Use of Technology policy (https://www.nlesd.ca/includes/files/policies/doc/1456147238937.pdf) and associated agreement to be signed by all authorized users of District technology.

On Friday, January 17^th, St. Peter’s will be focusing on ‘Digital Citizenship’ and will teach mandatory lessons to ALL students. Also, a copy of St. Peter’s Code of Conduct, along with our Digital Expectations can be found on our school website under procedures/guidelines. (Website: stpeterselem.nlesd.ca )

KINDERSTART SESSION

The first Kinderstart Session will take place on Friday, January 31^st. Therefore, there will be NO SCHOOL for Kindergarten Students on Friday, January 31^st.

PINK DAY

Please be informed that in February (date to be announced later) all schools will be recognizing and celebrating Pink Day – A time to raise awareness about bullying and to provide our students with viable solutions in case they have to deal with a bully themselves or know of someone being bullied.

Last year we completed an order for pink t-shirts. All students and staff are encouraged to wear their t-shirt from last year. Please find attached, an order form for kindergarten students and if anyone needs to re-order or wants to order a new t-shirt ($7.00 each). Please fill out the form (located at the end of this newsletter) and send it back to your child’s homeroom teacher, along with the money, by Friday, January 17^th.

Please support and wear pink during ‘Pink Day’.

GRADE 9 / KINDERGARTEN GRAD PICTURES

Please be informed that Lifetouch Canada will be visiting St. Peter’s on Wednesday, February 5^th, 2020 to take grad photos for both kindergarten and grade 9. They will begin at 8:30 a.m. with kindergarten students, followed by individual grade 9 photos. The grade 9 group wall portrait picture will be taken at the end of ALL individual pictures.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

Please be aware that due to the safety of school property we still have 3 video surveillance cameras set up at the back of our school. Please note proper signage is in place and if you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

RESOURCES FOR STAFF AND FAMILIES

On our District web site (www.nlesd.ca) under the ‘tab’ Students and Families, under Resources, there are many online resources for K-6 Report Card Guide, Internet/Social Media Safety, Learning to Code, Health & Wellness, and much more. Please visit and browse at your convenience.

BIRTHDAYS

If you wish to send along Birthday Invitations, please send along an invitation for each and every child within the class. This will prevent children from becoming upset. Thank you in advance for understanding.

BUSSING

Please be aware that there are great resources/materials for all students, families and staff which can be found at: www.nlesd.ca/schools/busing .

Most notably, resources include:

- Bus Safety Tips Brochure

- Student expectations on the Bus

- Bus safety video (we encourage everyone to view

this 15 minute video)

* Also, bus evacuation drills must be practiced at school this year. It is expected that these drills will be coordinated here at school before the end of November.

BLUE ZONE

We have recently placed 2(two) new signs in front of the school and once again we would like to remind all visitors to our school to be respectful of the Blue Zone parking space. This parking space is reserved for those visitors with a valid Blue Zone Parking Permit. As well we would like to remind everyone that when visiting the school they remember not to park in the designated parking area for Special Transportation located on the bus parking lot. This area is treated as a bus parking area and is reserved for those drivers with a contract to transport students to school.