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Happy New Year North Haven Families!
 
“Every moment is a fresh beginning"
-T.S. Eliot
 
We are excited to be back with students both online and in-person.  A new year means new opportunities, and so does every moment.  Thank you for supporting your children to access their classes and making each moment a new opportunity to learn and grow.  There are many differences in the online learning opportunities compared to the experiences in March-June 2020.  Teachers have developed skills and practices at a rapid rate since last spring to ensure students continue to advance academic skills and understanding.  At this point, we will be returning to in-person learning for all students on January 11th, 2021.  I will communicate with you should that change.
 
Some of our families may have travelled over the break for various reasons and are asked to carefully read the following information from the Alberta Government and CBE.
 
Return to School After International Travel 
Students and families who have travelled outside of Canada are legally required to follow all provincial and federal travel restrictions upon arrival.
 
If your family is participating in the International Border Testing Pilot Program, your child may not return to school until they have tested negative on a second test 6 or 7 days after your arrival.
If you are not enrolled in the pilot program, your child must:
§  quarantine (isolate) for 14 days
§  monitor for symptoms
§  get tested if any symptoms develop and isolate for at least 10 additional days from the beginning of symptoms or until feeling well, whichever takes longer
 
Open Houses and Transfers
 
January 11th 2021 will mark the first day of Kindergarten registration.  If you have friends or neighbours in the North Haven catchment area, please remind them to register! Just call the main office for more information.  In the coming weeks we will be posting our virtual open house on the North Haven School Website for both prospective Kindergarten and students in grades 1-6 who may be new to the North Haven community.
 
This is the time of year when we begin the long process of transitioning our grade 6 students to their designated Junior High Schools.  Students who have their identified residence as being in the North Haven catchment area are designated to Colonel Irvine Junior High School.  There will be a virtual/online Open House on the evening of Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 6-7:30pm for all designated Grade 6 Students.  If your child has been attending North Haven School from out of the attendance area, and they are in Grade 6, please check the Find A School application to determine your designated Junior High school.  All students are automatically transferred to their designated schools in June.  Out of attendance area transfers will be considered by the requested school's principal depending of available space and resources.  Should you have questions about designated schools or the transfer process, please contact me at lamcconnell@cbe.ab.ca as soon as possible.  Planning now makes for a good transition in September!
 
Late French Immersion at G. P. Vanier will also be an option for Grade 6 students.  More information will be forth coming about a virtual Open House on February 9th and you can visit their website for more information.
 
Accountability Pillar Survey
 
Each year in January, Alberta Educations sends an important survey to all parents and guardians of students in Grade 4. The survey is called the Accountability Pillar Survey. Your voice matters. It is very important that families complete the survey and return it to Alberta Education.  This survey presents an opportunity to celebrate the tremendous achievements of students, staff and yourselves as community members.  As a school community we have remained engaged in fostering school environment focused on achievement, and building a sense of community, both during a pandemic and in the face of school community change over the last two years.  Results of the Pillar survey are shared publicly and present an opportunity to share the successes of North Haven School with all North Haven community members!
 
Parent Council and Association
 
Another way to stay engaged with our school community is to attend our Parent Council and Association meetings.  Our next meeting is on January 11th at 6:30pm.  Please contact northhhaven@cbe.ab.ca for a link to the online meeting.  The North Haven Parent Association is responsible for funding many initiatives and events.  The have made Fridays fun by offering Popcorn Snacks fundraiser, provided and excellent supply of Phys. Ed equipment that is the envy of many schools! We often get calls from other schools to borrow things.  Our Parent Council and Association ensure classes have any additional items they need.  They have also made it possible for us to be a school in which each student can have access to a computer or Ipad at all times.  They have significantly contributed to the advancement of learning through their support for our teachers as they advance learning through quality community programs and partnerships.  
 
 
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