News and Events

HS-News-October-20

David Broomer | 2011-10-31

October 20, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardian,

It is with great thanksgiving that I write this letter. It has been a remarkable journey since we began this school year on September 12. I am so pleased and proud of the staff and students as we have settled in and conducted classes in an excellent manner. There is still some tweaking to do and expectations that will need to be carried out by the students. I would ask that you read this letter carefully and encourage your child to follow through on the necessary items.

Thank you for your support in these matters.

Communication
It is imperative that staff hear from families if there is a matter of concern. The proper procedure is to approach the staff member who can best help in the matter. If it is subject related please speak to the teacher. Matthew 18 speaks to this procedure. Issues regarding more general school matters or policies should be directed to my office. School personnel simply cannot be aware of every matter unless they receive information. Talking to those who cannot affect change only creates frustration and ultimately leads to rumours. E-mail is an effective way of an initial communication to a staff member. Every staff member has a PCA e-mail account. You can reach individuals by their first initial followed by their last name @pca.ca

I believe that open and honest dialogue solves 95% of the problems at the first level. We cannot help, if we do not know. We cannot give an answer, if we do not know the question. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Punctuality
I am targeting a 100% goal for the students to be in class on time. There is an 8:20 am bell, which is a warning bell that students have 5 minutes to be in class. At the 8:25 am bell (and the playing of O Canada) students who are not in class are considered late. For those students who are late they are to stop whatever their activity and stand appropriately for our National Anthem and for announcements/devotions. Once completed, students are to go to the office for a late slip. On occasion there will be a sign posted at the office indicating students will need to report to a specific room due to their lateness. This will be done on a random basis. There are many reasons to be punctual. From a classroom setting it can be quite disruptive (regardless of how respectful a student enters the room) as 2 or 3 students arrive late at different times. Those who will need to report to the room will inevitably miss a portion of the lesson and therefore the importance of being on time. I believe there has been sufficient time for families to adjust to travelling to our new location.

Uniforms
Grace, grace, grace... The time is up! There will now be a record kept of students not in proper uniform; including those who are not wearing it correctly (boys take note of the new requirement for shirts to be tucked in). For the majority of students they are complying, so those individuals do not need to be anxious; I encourage them to keep doing what they have done since the beginning of the year. Discipline letters will now be going home regarding the chronic offenders.

Dates to Remember

• Tuesday, October 25 Picture Day (students need to be in proper uniform)
• Saturday, October 29 40th Anniversary Banquet
• Sunday, October 30 Official Opening of the new facility
• Friday, November 11 Remembrance Day Ceremony – students and staff will be going to the Ontario Legislature (details to follow)
• Friday, November 25 Parent/Teacher Interviews

Sports
Every autumn the Sr. Boys’ Volleyball team hit the floor of the gymnasium with excitement in preparation for their quick starting season. With their great confidence and cohesiveness on the court, the boys already have a record of 5 wins against 1 loss thus far in the season. Their encouragement to one another and great sportsmanship has been a great witness to the other schools in our league and is also a testimony of the great school in which we are all a part of. The final tournament will be held on November 30th at Toronto Waldorf School, family and friends are all welcome to come out and cheer them on!

If I can be of any help, please do not hesitate in contacting me.

In His service,

D. Broomer
Principal
High School

PS - If you have any up-dates (e-mail, new phone number or address), please inform the office.