Dear Orchard Park Families,
As we progress through the school year, it’s amazing to realize we’re already in November!
Maintaining open communication between home and school through all possible avenues is crucial for every student’s success, and we truly appreciate your support and collaboration with staff.
On November 8, you will receive your student’s Progress Report Card, which provides an overview of their progress in Learning Skills and Academics so far to date. This Progress Report is the first of three reports this year and will not include letter grades or percentages. Formal report cards will be distributed in February and June. Student Led Conferences are scheduled for the week of November 11th to the 15th, as arranged through your student’s teacher. If you haven’t received a confirmed interview time, please contact your student’s classroom teacher directly.
November is also a time for remembrance. Our Remembrance Day service will be held on Monday, November 11, we will be having two separate assemblies to accommodate the size of our school. Attendance for the students is important as they will participate in meaningful discussions with their teachers and as a school community.
We are delighted to see so many activities in full swing at Orchard Park, thanks to the dedication of our educators, who work tirelessly to provide clubs, teams, and other enriching experiences for our students. Thank you to all of the families that supported our Second Annual Arts Night, also a big shout out to our wonderful school council volunteers who support our fundraising efforts and provide us with a positive community voice. Your involvement is essential to the growth and success of our school!
We’d like to remind families of the importance of consistent attendance and punctuality, as these habits greatly impact student success. Regular attendance and timely arrivals help set the foundation for skills that students will carry into their future endeavors. Let’s work together to support each student in reaching their full potential.
Our 2024/2025 School Action Equity Plan is in full effect, with a strong focus on Well-Being, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Numeracy, and Literacy. Our staff remains dedicated to programming that meets the diverse needs and learning styles of all our students. We will be sending out surveys in the near future to gather information and suggestions that you may have to further increase community involvement.
Together, we will foster a culture of kindness and generosity at Orchard Park. Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
Be Well Panthers,
Mr. Chater
Important Dates & Spirit Days
Nov 1: Diwali Assembly 9:30am-10:30am
Nov 4: School Council Meeting
Nov 7: Picture Retakes & Class Photos
Nov 7: Remembrance Day Event Gr. 7 & 8’s
Nov 11: Remembrance Day Assembly
Nov 11-15: Student Led Conferences
Nov 13: Gr. 7 Immunization Clinic
Nov 13: World Kindness Day “I am Grateful…” Day
Nov 13 & 14: Raise the Dough Fundraiser with Domino's Pizza
Nov 15: PA Day (no school)
Nov 18-21: SMDHU Dental Screening
Nov 28: Character Assembly
Nov 28: Beach Day
Thank You for making Terry Fox a success!
The students took on a fundraising challenge for the Terry Fox Run, and the stakes were high: if we raised over $1,000, Principal Mr. Chater offered to shave his head, and Vice Principal Mrs. Turner had to kiss superstar pig, Charlie! With a total of $2,365 raised, Charlie strutted into the schoolyard for a kiss in front of the entire school, and Mr. Chater is now rocking a freshly shaved head!
Popcorn Fundraiser - every Friday
The grade 8 students are selling popcorn to raise money for their Grade 8 Grad Trip. Popcorn will be sold at nutrition break every Friday for $2 a bag. (Should there be a P.A. day on Friday, popcorn will be sold on the Thursday instead).
Popcorn flavours: Sweet & Salty, Butter & Salt, White Cheddar and Dill Pickle.
The Grade 8’s thank you for your support!
Student Electives
This year our students in Grades 5-8 will be participating in Electives. The Student Elective Team helps develop the list of activities that will be offered. Students are then given an opportunity to sign up for an activity. Some activities fill up quickly, but may be offered another time. Electives happen approximately once a month and we strive to provide a variety of options that include things like coding, chess, music, art, math, physical activity, and science. We hope that this initiative allows students to make rich connections with other students who share their interests, give students experience selecting a course prior to high school, support mental health and wellbeing, and excellence in learning.
View the full November 2024 Newsletter here - November Newsletter 2024.pdf