The Raven Report

Eastside Secondary School is committed to providing a safe, positive learning environment for all students which allows students to thrive in an atmosphere which emphasizes respect for learning, self, others, authority, property and the environment. We actively promote acceptance of all students and we teach understanding, tolerance and communication. There is no place for violence, intimidation or foul language at Eastside Secondary School.

Students are expected to review the full Student Responsibilities.

Your child was given their midterm report today. Please ask them to see it. Parents/guardians were also sent an email with a summary of your child's pregress. Please make sure to check your junk/spam folders as well if you didn't receive it.

We are thrilled to be hosting elementary volleyball tournaments next week. Just a few reminders for families:

1. Parents/guardians can't sign secondary students out of class to go and watch. If a student is signed out, the must leave the school premises. If students are watching, it will be under the supervision of their teacher.

2. Elementary students from other schools can't "drop in" to watch. It prevents a supervision problem for us at ESS.

In an attempt to help family planning, here are the Semester 1 FCA dates. A reminder that students must be in attendance on these days to demonstrate their learning of the overall course expectations.

ESS played host to a Special Olympics Ontario Basketball qualifier event last week. Students from schools around the district came to compete, have fun and make new friends. Our ESS Raven team put on a great display of athleticism and sportsmanship. A big thank you to our LSP/CIP staff for making this event happen and to our Leadership Class and Athletic Council for leading the day.

Attending regularly and being on time for class are required for academic success. We expect you to be in classes if you are at school.

If you will be away, please let us know in advance. It’s only acceptable to be away from class for school related activities like trips and sports, or illness, bereavement, unavoidable causes (medical appointments, emergencies), and religious holidays. By using SafeArrival, parents/guardians can report an absence in advance, 24/7, using their choice of a mobile app. the SafeArrival website, or an interactive toll-free phone number. Future absences can be reported any time.

It is important for you to take responsibility for your learning and to be focused on classroom activities. Cell phones must be stored in a student's locker during instructional time. If your family needs to contact you, they can call the main office.

As directed by the Ministry of Education in Policy/Program Memorandum 128, starting in September, all Ontario school boards will be required to follow the updated Provincial Code of Conduct. This includes all students being required to follow strict anti-vaping guidelines. Students cannot bring electronic cigarettes (vapes), tobacco and/or nicotine products to school (including school transportation). If a student is in possession of an electronic cigarette (vape), tobacco or nicotine product it will be surrendered and disposed of and parents/guardians will be immediately informed. If a student is vaping/smoking on school premises, a progressive discipline approach will be followed, which will include an out of school suspension.

In order to support parents navigate the new world of online learning, below you'll find a photo of some "look-fors" when you receive an email about your student's online learning progress. If you have any questions about their progress, please email their teacher directly.

Nov 22: PA Day

Nov 29: Grade 5 - 8 Dance (5 - 7pm)

Nov 29: Grade 9 - 12 Dance (7 - 10pm)

Dec 5: Arts Night Holiday Show

Dec 16: Credit Alerts Sent Home

Dec 23 - Jan 3: Winter Break

For all events, be sure to check out the calendar on our website: ess.hpedsb.on.ca

At Eastside, we want our students and families to be well informed. We have multiple ways that we will communicate with you:

1. Direct email: please make sure that when you review the information form in September that you verify a correct email address.

2. Social media: please follow up on Facebook and Instagram so that you can stay up-to-date on the amazing things happening at ESS.

3. Website: be sure to check out ess.hpedsb.on.ca as it has a lot of great information including an ESS Events calendar.

4. Newsletter: We will publish “The Raven Report” newsletter each month and send it directly to the email that we have on file.

We also encourage two-way communication between the classroom teacher and home, so please reach out to your child’s teacher at any point. Contact information can be found on our website.