DCJA January Newsletter

As we begin the new year, we are excited to share updates, events and highlights from the DCJA School Community in our monthly Newsletter.

January is a time for fresh starts and we look forward to a wonderful winter semester filled with learning, growth and connection.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope you enjoy reading about all the great things happening at our school, as well as some important upcoming events.

Like always, we encourage families to follow us on X in order to stay up to date on the happenings in and around our school! Follow us @dcja_nl.

As many of you know, our school community was saddened over the holiday season by the loss of one of our bus drivers, Mr. Bert Bennett. Mr. Bennett was more than just a bus driver at our school, he was also a cherished member of our school family who greeted each day with kindness and care, making every student on his bus feel safe and valued. In memory of Mr. Bennett, the students and families in the Winterland area collected over $800.00 to donate to the DCJA Breakfast Program. This cause was deeply meaningful to Mr. Bennett. Pictured below are some students from the area presenting their donation to a member of Mr. Bennett's family.

Thank you to the families and students for their generous contribution and for honoring Mr. Bennett’s legacy in such a meaningful way. Your kindness and support are a testament to the impact he had on our community and we are grateful for your thoughtful gesture.

As winter temperatures continue to drop, we want to remind everyone of the importance of dressing warmly for outdoor activities. Students will continue to go outside each day for lunch, so it is essential that they are dressed appropriately for the cold weather. Please ensure that your child has a warm jacket, gloves, a hat and warm pants to wear while playing outdoors at lunch. Furthermore, outdoor footwear is required.

Your cooperation in helping students stay warm and safe is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy and prepared for the winter season!

Wednesday, January 22, 2025 marks the annual Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative, promoting awareness, acceptance and action with a strategy built on 4 key pillars:

• Anti-stigma;

• Care and access;

• Research; and,

• Workplace Leadership.

Staff and students are encouraged to wear blue on this day to recognize the importance of this initiative.

For those students who have ordered popcorn, January Popcorn Day's will take place on the following dates:

Primary Popcorn Day - Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Elementary Popcorn Day - Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

Every year, the NLTA Janeway Day provides an opportunity for children in this province to help other children. Since 1986, students and teachers have donated more than $1,284,000 to The Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre.

The NLTA Janeway Day will take place on Friday, February 14, 2025. Students are encouraged to wear their pyjamas and make a small monetary donation to this worthwhile cause.

There will be no classes for students on Friday, February 21, 2025, as well as Monday, February 24, 2025, to accommodate the scheduled Mid Winter Break.

When students return to school on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, it will be Day 7 on the schedule.

Pink Shirt Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about bullying prevention. Staff and students are encouraged to wear pink shirts to show solidarity and support for those affected by bullying.

Pink Shirt Day will take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. The DCJA Acceptance Group will be planning activities to recognize this important day and we look forward to participating with them!

If staff or students would like to order a pink shirt, they can do so by visiting this link. All shirts will be sent to the school for distribution. Please note that orders are due by Monday, February 3, 2025 at 11:45 PM.

In today’s busy world, it is important for children to learn how to relax and manage stress, even at a young age. Relaxation techniques can help children cope with everyday challenges, improve focus and support their overall well-being. By teaching students simple methods to calm their minds and bodies, we can help foster emotional resilience and create a positive environment for growth.

We encourage you to explore some of these relaxation tips with your child. Together, we can support their development in a healthy and holistic way!