École James R. Henderson
Weekly Update
Friday, November 13th, 2020
Dear Families,
We had a very special Remembrance Day week. There was an incredible and powerful display of artwork, writing, and innovative ways of getting our students involved in continuing to honour those who have served our country, as well as those who continue to serve. Although it was different not being “together," Mr. Nicholls and his Grade 7s put together a memorable and heart-felt slideshow that was enjoyed by each classroom cohort. We were so proud of how our students were thoughtful and respectful, and put their hearts into the activities they did to ensure that we never forget. Merci, Mr. Nicholls, et bravo, les Hawks!
At our Staff Meeting on Monday, Mme Creighton and Mme Kimmerer provided some professional learning about "Writer's Workshop"/"L'atalier des écrivains": this is a student-centered framework for teaching writing that is based on the idea that students learn to write best when they write frequently, for extended periods of time, on topics of their own choosing. Students are encouraged to take risks and make mistakes, teachers use mini-lessons and one-to-one conferencing to provide students with frequent check-ins and scaffolding. Through this approach, students develop confidence, are able to sustain their writing for longer periods of time, and feel like authors! Sharing work at the end of writing time is an important part of the writing process....we saw many proud students sharing their work with their peers this week.
Next week is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week. We will be having all of our students 'Take the Pledge', and (with appropriate COVID protocols in place!) sign their name to show that they are committed to being kind to each other, and to speaking up when they see or hear unsafe or unkind words or actions. Classes will participate in a variety of activities to discuss how we can work together to stand up against bullying and make our school a safer place. Thursday will be "Pink Shirt Day" all across the Limestone District School Board, so we hope to see many students wear their favourite pink shirt.
We have a new role to fill on our School Council and are looking for a parent or guardian who self-identifies or has a child who self-identifies to be our Indigenous Family Representative. We will “walk the path” together to define what the role might look like, and how we can support our school community's unique needs. Please connect with Mme Peart or Erica Benn (Parent Council Chair) if you are interested in discussing this opportunity.
We have some disappointing news about the Pointsettia Fundraiser: unfortunately, we are not able to provide home delivery of the pointsettias. Due to the uncertainty created by the possibility of COVID outbreaks, and the worry that this is a delicate, perishable product, we are making the difficult decision to cancel the fundraiser this year. We are truly sorry, as this is not just a "money-maker", but a very special school tradition. Thank you for your understanding, and we certainly hope that next year we can carry on this wonderful event.
Parent Council has been hard at work looking at fundraising that can be done safely during COVID, and has partnered up with "Mom's Pantry" to provide a fantastic opportunity for families to purchase high-quality food and baking items, while supporting the school. Please see detailed information below: we are very excited to see this fundraiser begin!
Have a safe and joyful weekend,
Mme Peart & Mrs. Davey
Upcoming Events
November 16th-20th: Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week
Wednesday, November 18th: Camo Day
Thursday, November 19th: Pink Shirt Day
Friday, November 20th: Progress Report Distribution; Hawks Day
Wednesday, November 25th: Mismatched Clothing & Patterns Day (plaid, polka dots & stripes)
Thursday, November 26th: "Choices at 9" Virtual Information Night 7:00pm (details below)
Friday, November 27th: Hawks Day
School Council Information
Our next School Council meeting will be on January 14th, 2021 from 6:45-8:45. We anticipate that the meeting will be held virtually, and will send out information for parents & guardians who would like to join in January.
Fridays have been declared Henderson Hawk Pride Day!
We have decided that EVERY Friday will be a Henderson Hawks Spirit Day! On Fridays, slip on some green and yellow clothing, footwear or accessories, and show how proud you are to be a Hawk!
Families who wish to purchase Henderson Hawks Spirit Wear: Check out all of the amazing clothing and accessories available at our École James R. Henderson School E-Store:
COVID-19 Daily Active Screening
COVID-19 Screening Tool
Parents and caregivers must review the following checklist with their child/student before sending them to school each day and before putting them on a school bus.
Please use the online COVID-19 School Screening Tool available in English and French (released October 1, 2020). You can print or download this version in English or French (by clicking on the top right). We are working on translations in additional languages. This new screening tool replaces what was provided previously (Sept. 21, 2020 version).
Stay up to date with LDSB Social Media!
LDSB Website https://www.limestone.on.ca/
LDSB Twitter https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB
LDSB Facebook https://tinyurl.com/wbhjtku
LDSB Instagram https://instagram.com/limestonedsb?igshid=1epyma6c0g5qd
James R Henderson Parking Guide
École James R. Henderson Public School
Email: jrhen@limestone.on.ca
Website: https://jrhenderson.limestone.on.ca/
Location: 361 Roosevelt Drive, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: 613-389-2330
Twitter: @JRHenPS_LDSB