Dear Families,
Hard to believe we have been in school for more than 20 days and that we are in the season of Autumn already! It has been a very positive return to school and that is in big part thanks to our families who are supporting their children and their children's teachers to be the best they can be. Thank you.
We are proud and impressed by our students and staff at Douglas Harkness School who have quickly adapted and have been diligent with mask wearing, hand washing and sanitizing, physically distancing when possible and staying home when feeling unwell. Way to go DHS!
Physical Distancing Reminders
We encourage parents to model safe behaviour for their children. Parents, caregivers and all adults who are dropping off and picking up students at school should also be physically distancing. Adults should be standing well away from the entry and exit doors before and after school so that there is plenty room for all children and staff to be able to physically distance. Morning drop off and pick up when children are present is not a good time for parents to stand together and socialize. Please think carefully and be considerate of others, especially our children and staff! Thank you.
Telephone Learning Conferences
Teachers reported being able to connect with nearly every DHS family during their telephone calls to homes on Thursday and Friday last week. This is an important connection to make. When parents support their child's teacher, children are more successful at school. If your child was unable to reach you, they will try again, please email your child's teacher with a good time and the best phone number for them to call.
Terry Fox Run
Staff and students participated in the annual Terry Fox Run in their class cohorts. It was great to get outdoors, run and remember the strength and courage that Terry Fox demonstrated 40 year ago! Students were excited to participate in this healthy activity and honor the legacy of Terry Fox.
Orange Shirt Day
Wednesday, September 30 is Orange Shirt Day. It is a day to help educate people and promote awareness across Canada about the residential school system and the impact it has had on Indigenous people and communities. Teachers have been talking with students and helping them to build empathy for others and recognize the significance of this day. Students are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on Wednesday if they can.
Positive Leadership in our Community
We have had many parents calling to express their concern about smoking in front of our school. I am also discouraged to see this happening and encourage parents who choose to smoke, to do so away from an elementary school setting. Parents with ongoing concerns about this may choose to contact the City of Calgary Bylaw officers: https://www.calgary.ca/csps/abs/bylaws-by-topic/smoking.html
Nations Vision
Nations Vision will visit our school at the end of October. If you have a concern about your child's eyesight, please contact Ms. Billeck at the school to see if this program is right for your family. https://www.nationsvision.ca/inschool-eyecare-program
Important Forms
Thank you for keeping us informed at school about your child and family situations and any health related concerns. We appreciate how quickly most families sent back the important forms that we need you to fill out, sign and return.
Take care,
Laura Devitt
Principal
Douglas Harkness School
t | 403.777.6720
Calgary Board of Education
http://schools.cbe.ab.ca/b347/
