South Oaks School

Recently, we had a meeting at South Oaks to discuss the possibility of including grade 5 classes in our school next year. This has been discussed with Manitoba Education and Hanover School Division, and it was time to gather feedback from parents. A few parents showed up to the meeting. The superintendent, Joe Thiessen, led the meeting and several members of the HSD School Board were there also. Mr. Thiessen also received emails from parents who couldn't make it to the meeting. The overall response from parents was that they support the idea of making South Oaks a K-5 school next year. The final decision will be made soon.

For me, the fact that we have had limited responses suggests that parents trust us with this decision. They trust that this decision is best for our students and they trust that South Oaks can navigate the change with the kids. One parent said that when he told his daughter about what the adults were meeting about, she was concerned that she would miss out on the traditional Grade 4 Farewell celebrations. That is a very fair concern and, once we know the final decision, we will begin to address these concerns with the students and prepare them for what is to come.

As part of my own professional growth, I am talking with principals of K-6 or K-8 schools, to determine what sorts of things we need to consider if this happens. How could we introduce leadership opportunities for grade 5 students? When will students receive French instruction? Will we see an increase in what is offered for sports? What will work best for recess times? There is a lot to consider, so I am leaning on those who have experience, to prepare me for the possible change.

Whatever happens, I am thankful that we have such a supportive parent community to join us on the journey. I appreciate the trust you place in us each and every day. If South Oaks becomes a K-5 school, we will be ready and will do our best to continue providing the care and education as we do now.

Thanks,
Dale Martens

Principal

Feb. 3: "I Love to Read" Opening Assembly with Corny Rempel @ 1:15 pm (parents welcome)

Feb. 4: Community Health Clinic in Hut #1

Feb. 14: Valentine's Day - In class activities only

Feb. 17: Louis Riel Day - No classes

Feb. 18: Community Health Clinic in Hut #1

Feb. 18-21: South Oaks Scholastic Book Fair

Feb. 20: Bookfair Family Night from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Feb. 26: "I Love to Read" Closing assembly at 1:15 pm (parents welcome)

Feb. 27 & 28: Admin Days - No classes

We are looking forward to hosting the Scholastic Book Fair again this year! There will also be an online shopping option, so you can shop from the comfort of your home if you prefer. Students will be invited to browse the Book Fair as a class as part of their school day, during their class allotted time. The Book Fair dates are February 18 - 21. Please pop in to check it out with your kids anytime during the lunch hour (11:45 am-12:45 pm) or come to the Family Night on Thursday, Feb. 20 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm.

There will be some draws to enter to win as well as a great selection of books and gadgets to purchase. All purchases directly benefit our school library. Any items we sell out of can be ordered and will be delivered to the school to be distributed at a later date. Thanks to Mrs. Falk who has planned the book fair this year!

A family in our school community is looking for a respite worker to give them some scheduled breaks. The respite worker position is a paid position and will be arranged and funded through CFS. We wanted to spread the word, since it is hard to find respite workers at times. If you would have any interest in respite work, please let our office know or email the principal at dmartens@hsd.ca and we will put you in touch with the right person. Thanks for considering!