South Oaks School

A couple of weeks ago, South Oaks received some very good news. Thanks to increased provincial funding for 2024-25, our school will see 1.5 additional teaching positions next year!! This is the best news we have received in a long time and we are excited about it.

I want to thank everyone who has worked hard to keep the school functioning in an effective and professional manner this year, despite the lean staffing. Thanks to parents for understanding when changes needed to be made to some programming. Thanks to our Learning Support team for taking on additional roles in Literacy Support, Music and Phys. Ed. Thanks to classroom teachers for teaching with larger class sizes (while having more empty rooms in the building). Thanks to our EA staff who worked hard to support the teachers and students amidst the cut backs. Thanks to everyone for making this year the best possible year that we could for our students.

So, where will the additional staffing be applied next year? The plan is to increase Phys. Ed back to a full time program. We will also ensure sufficient Learning Support coverage for all students that need support. Finally, we will see the return of a Literacy Support teacher in the building, which is wonderful. Overall, the increase in staffing will reduce pinch points throughout the school, to lighten the additional loads that many staff have carried.

What a relief to receive such good news as we begin to plan for next year. In the end, it is our students/your children who will reap the benefits. I think we would all agree that they deserve the best education we can provide. Oh, and did I mention that we will also see the return of Grade 2 swimming lessons next year?

With Gratitude,

Dale Martens

April 1: First day after Spring Break

April 3: Final day of chocolate fundraiser

April 3: WSO Field Trip - All grade 4 students

April 11: Indigenous Education Day

April 15: Staff Admin/PD Day - NO SCHOOL

April 25: Vision Screening for grade 1 - am

April 25: Student Led Conferences from 4:00 - 5:30 pm

April 26: Coffee with the Principal from 9:30 - 10:30 am

On Thursday, April 25, we will host student led conferences at the school for grade 1-4 classes. This is a "come and go" event where students will be ready to share some of their learning with their parents. Please join us anytime between 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Staff will be around to help you to quickly find your child's classroom if needed. This is a chance to celebrate your child and what they have been learning, as well as to touch base briefly with their teacher. Hope to see you there!

If you have a child born in 2019, please register for Kindergarten as soon as possible! We'll be hosting Kindergarten interviews in May, and registration now will ensure your child can participate in this valuable introduction to school.

Registration is done online and a link is available on our school website. Please pass this information on to friends and neighbours who might be eligible for kindergarten in fall. If you have any questions, you can call the school at 204-434-6165.

As the snow melts and puddles begin to form, we recommend that parents send an extra pair of socks and pants along with their child in their backpack each day. If your child happens to fall into a puddle, they would be able to change into dry clothes at school without calling home each time. Just something to consider as things get messy on the playground. Thanks!

When your child is unable to attend school, would you be willing to include the office in your communication? The preferred method is on the Parent Portal, which enters your request directly into our system. Another option is to email both the office (southoaks@hsd.ca) and your child's teacher together. Unfortunately a See-Saw message only goes to the teacher and then the office is not aware of your child's absence. Thanks very much!