| It is hard to believe that November is upon us, and winter break will be right around the corner. As we look forward to December and winter break, I know it is a lovely time to rest and rejuvenate, spend time with loved ones, and to take time to recognize the many celebrations that take place such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, Winter (Ipákssaisstoyi) Solstice, and Omisoka. It has been amazing to reflect and witness the growth in the students since August, and to see how well they have adjusted to the routines that support them to engage in meaningful learning each day. Staff appreciated the opportunity to meet with families to address IPP's (Individual Program Plans) goals and to learn more about our students in September. This year staff will continue to focus their attention on supporting students to develop their expressive communication skills, to enhance each student's ability to regulate to promote and support individual well-being, and to support the early exploration and development of mathematical reasoning and thinking as addressed through our School Development Plan. For more information, please reference our School Development Plan available on the Emily Follensbee School website or we encourage you to attend our upcoming School Council meetings to learn more. In addition, to all the great learning in the last few months Emily Follensbee has been busy as we have welcomed visitors and volunteers back into the school to support programming, hosted in-person Give-a-Cheer assemblies and celebrated Halloween with trick or treating and fun choice-making activities. We are also looking forward to our Remembrance Day assembly on November 10. I want to welcome all new members to the Emily Follensbee School Children's Society who were voted in during the Annual General Meeting held in October. Your contribution is appreciated and supports the entire school. We also wish to thank all outgoing members for their service and the contribution they made. We could not have done this work without you! We also want to remind and encourage all parents/guardians to attend School Council and Society meetings to learn what is happening within our school and to have input in decision-making. In closing, a special thank you to School Council & the EFS Children's Society for organizing our recent Sipology Fundraiser, and for each one of you that supported this initiative by placing an order. The funds raised will support all students within our school! I hope that everyone has a wonderful November and December, and I look forward to connecting with you. Regards, Jennifer Hart, Principal |
