Hello St. Margaret Mary Community,
What an incredible first week we are having! It was nice to finally have some real summer-like weather. Between yesterday and today we welcomed our newest students to FDK (JKs) and their families into our school. This year we have 422 students at St. Margaret Mary, along with over 50 staff members who are extremely dedicated to the faith, well-being and academic development of each child in our care. For families that are joining us this year, you will receive an email from me (Mrs. Coletto) approximately once a week with updates and pertinent information that are important for all in our school community. Your child's teacher(s) will also send home information that is specific to the classroom as well.
WEATHER: When the temperature climbs up with the humidity we will keep the students inside (when it hits approximately 39C + with the humidex, which means it could be 31C but feels like 41C), when the temperature is still hot but under 39C with humidity we will limit that amount of time students are outside. Students are reminded to bring a water bottle to school daily - we have hydration stations throughout the school to refill water bottles and we also have water fountains if they forget their bottle. Anytime there are high air quality index warnings, the safety of the students and staff will be paramount to the decisions made around being outside or staying in.
SCHOOL START TIME: Class begins promptly at 8:35 a.m. Supervision begins at 8:20 a.m. Please do not arrive at the school before 8:20 a.m. (unless you are in before school care).
SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR: Calendar ELEMENTARY 2023 2024.pdf
AGENDA BOOKS: Grade 1 to 6 students have all received an agenda book. Our Catholic School Council covers the costs of each agenda book annually which we greatly appreciate. Our FDK students have communication bags. Agenda books are an excellent communication tool and students are expected to bring them home nightly and return them to school each morning. Students are reminded to please take good care of their agenda books as we do not have any extras available.
SCHOOL CASH ONLINE: If you have not signed up please do so. Creating an account allows you to pay for all school activities, trips, pizza days etc., without having to send your child to school with cash. Sign Up for School Cash Online.pdf
UNIFORMS: Students are to be in full uniform daily. Crests can be purchased for $4.00 in the main office. We have a large clothing closet of donated uniform pieces in a variety of sizes, the clothing closet is available for all parents to support their families with uniform pieces.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE: All students were provided with a pamphlet for optional student insurance which should make it home by today. For more information : Student Accident Insurance 23_24.pdf
TELLING TALES (optional activity): The theme of this year’s Telling Tales is “Stories Help Us Grow” and will feature many Canadian and international authors who will share book talks and offer book signings.
NEWS FROM OUR PARISH ~ CHILDREN'S LITURGY AT ST. MARGARET MARY PARISH: Children's Liturgy of the Word at our parish will begin on September 24, 2023. Children aged 4-8 (JK to Grade 2) are encouraged to join us at the 11:00 a.m. Mass on Sundays. Our volunteer ministers will lead the children in celebrating the Word through stories, discussion and sharing. We look forward to seeing your children there! (Joanne Nutley, coordinator for the Children's Liturgy).
INSTAGRAM: We are social! Give us a follow on Instagram @stmmces. Any parents/guardians who have indicated that their child cannot be in photos will not have their photos taken.
LUNCHBOX: We’re pleased to let you know that our Lunchbox ordering site is now live for the 2023/24 school year and that you can begin placing lunch orders for your child. Simply log into your SchoolCash Online account and click on ‘Lunchbox’ to begin ordering. Lunch deliveries start on Monday, September 18. (This is an optional purchase).
UPCOMING DATES:
Tuesday, September 12: MASS at 10:00 a.m. Families are invited to join us for our opening school Mass at our beautiful church.
Tuesday, September 19: Welcome back event and open house from 4:30-6:30 pm at the school. More information will be sent home soon.
Thursday, September 21: Fall photos - students are to wear their uniforms. Individual and class photos will be taken on this day. Retakes will be available later.
Friday, September 22: PA Day (no school for students)
From all of our staff at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Elementary School, thank you for entrusting us with your most precious gifts. Being part of your children's journey is a blessing and a privilege. We are looking forward to an incredible 2023-2024 school year! If you have any concerns or questions please reach out to your child's teacher (classroom concern/question) or to me (school concern/question) so that we can work together to ensure the best possible year for all.
Wishing everyone a relaxing end to the first week!
Mrs. Coletto