The Grove
THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS, AND UPDATES FROM NEWTON'S GROVE SCHOOL
IN THIS ISSUE
Actively Practicing Gratitude
You Are Invited: Upcoming Events
Share Your Extraordinary: Parent Referral Program
Kat’s Cafeteria FAQ
Music Program News
Celebrating our International Students
Family Matters
Birthdays with a Twist
Grove One-Day Camps
Key Dates
Actively Practicing Gratitude
Although the vibrant colors of the fall season are starting to fade and the crisp air has arrived, the anticipation of holiday gatherings with family and friends is just around the corner with the December Break only 6 weeks away!
During the months of September and October we have spent time as a learning community reflecting and practicing Gratitude November will be no different! In a world that often moves at a fast pace, November will provide us a moment to pause and continue to focus on gratitude
At Newton’s Grove we believe that gratitude isn’t just something to celebrate one day a year; it’s a practice we can weave into our daily lives, fostering a community that is thoughtful, connected, and resilient. In our classrooms, hallways, and shared spaces, we have been encouraging our students to recognize and appreciate the kindness of others, the support they receive, and the opportunities they’re given each day
you are invited!
Remembrance Day Assembly
Stepping Into Senior School
Join us for our school's student-led Remembrance Day Assembly on Thursday, November 7, at 10 AM. This special event will honour the brave individuals who fought for our freedom and allow us to reflect on their sacrifices. We warmly invite parents to attend as we come together as a community to pay tribute and show our gratitude. Your presence will enhance this meaningful ceremony as we remember and recognize those who have served
All Grade 6, 7, and 8 students and parents are invited to learn more about our awesome Senior School!
Join us on Wednesday, November 13, at 5pm-6pm
Parent-Teacher Interviews
Join us for Parent-Teacher Interviews on November 7 from 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM and November 8 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM This is an invaluable opportunity for parents to connect with their child's teachers, discuss academic progress, and gain insights into their learning experiences
We encourage all families to participate, as these conversations play a crucial role in supporting your child's success. Your engagement makes a difference! Booking is available through Edsby.
DID YOU KNOW WE HAVE A PARENT REFERRAL PROGRAM?
We know that every parent, guardian, caregiver, and student has their own unique, extraordinary experience from the moment they become a part of our Newton’s Grove community
We would like to invite you to share your very own Newton’s Grove extraordinary with your friends and family who may be interested in joining us, whether you prefer to share privately (anonymously) or to be named as the sharer of your Newton’s Grove experience
Q&A: Kat’s Catering
What is the website for the cafeteria?
You can find the Kat’s Catering website at katscatering.ca
How can I order a Cafeteria Card for my child?
From Kat’s Catering website, go to Cafeteria Cards > Application and follow the instructions.
Your child can come to the cafeteria counter and place an order and pay by cash or cafeteria card. How can my child order lunch or snacks on their own?
How can I order a birthday lunch for my child?
Birthday lunches can be ordered by calling or texting Nia at 647-922-1339. The Birthday Lunch Menu can be found on the Kat’s Catering website.
You can find the Menu on the Kat’s Catering website or in the Kat’s Catering Edsby group. Where can I find the cafeteria menu?
Do you have any halal options at the cafeteria?
How can I order lunch or snacks for my child?
You can go the Kat’s Catering website and place an order for lunch and/or snack Please make sure the order is placed before 11am
How can I order lunch or snacks for my child?
You can go the Kat’s Catering website and place an order for lunch and/or snack. Please make sure the order is placed before 11am.
What happens if my child loses their Cafeteria Card?
Call or text Nia at 647-922-1339 and let her know your child’s name Your child’s card is registered under their name Cards are most often turned in by other students If however, the card is not found and needs to be replaced, the lost card will be voided and any funds on the lost card will be transferred to the new card A card replacement fee of $6 will be applied
Are there any vegan options at the cafeteria?
Yes, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some options include pasta, falafel, tofu, quinoa and vegetable samosas. We also carry vegan mayo and many other vegan condiments.
How can I order the Weekly Special online for my child?
Orders can be placed through Online orders via the Kat’s Catering website The Weekly Specials can be found by clicking on More or scrolling to th b tt f th
For any other questions please call or text Nia at 647-922-1339.
Ariana
Western University Honour Band was a great experience, and I am thankful I was able to participate I loved meeting new people and being able to work with them for the first time The teachers and environment were wonderful, and the days spent rehearsing were very enjoyable It was exciting hearing the students at Western play for us as they are truly great musicians I am grateful for the opportunity to attend this event
Khushman
The opportunity to be able to play with different musicians in the Western Honour Band was a great learning experience, as well as a chance to interact and challenge myself with different pieces of music. Interacting with other students from different high schools and being a part of the honour band was a remarkable and memorable experience for me I learned so much from the band directors and sectional teachers about the history of music and I truly had a great time
Music Program News
On October 11 and 12, eleven of our incredible musicians from Grades 8 - 10 participated in the Ontario Band Association/Western University, Honour Band This event brought together students from all over the province for two days of Master Classes and Wind Ensemble workshops, all finishing with an incredible series of concerts The musicians gathered at the Don Wright Faculty of Music to work extensively with Dr. Colleen Richardson as well as some of Ontario's most distinguished music specialists. This two-day event was a phenomenal opportunity for musical enrichment.
here are some of the student comments about the event.
The Western University Honour band was really great! I met lots of people who I became friends with and am still in contact with today On top of that I built better relationships with my peers who I originally knew from school It was amazing meeting new conductors and seeing the different ways they conducted Everyone was lovely Another upside to this was I got to see a lot of the campus, which was really interesting, and gave me an idea of what university was like I met many students who were studying at Western, along with amazing flute students, which was really inspiring
Megan
Global Voices: Celebrating Our International Students
On Friday, November 1, our international students embarked on an exciting field trip to the Royal Ontario Museum, immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Canadian culture Guided by the enthusiastic Mrs Tan, Mr Cherif, and Mrs Wloka-Patterson, students explored fascinating exhibits ranging from indigenous history to natural history, gaining a deeper understanding of Canada’s diverse heritage The trip was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with their peers and share their experiences, creating lasting memories and friendships along the way!
FAMILY MATTERS: TIPS FOR HOME
HowcanIconnectmeaningfullywithmychildabouttheirschoolday?
Asking open-ended questions at home about school is a powerful way to increase communication, build trust, and encourage conversation with your child Open-ended questions go beyond yes-or-no answers, prompting your child to reflect, share their feelings, and expand on their thoughts Here are a few key benefits: 1 Promotes Deeper Thinking 2 Encourages Communication
A question like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Can you tell me about something you learned that was surprising?” opens the door for rich conversations and helps strengthen your relationship with your child
Open-endedquestionsinviteyourchildtothinkmoredeeplyabouttheirexperiences andtoarticulatetheirthoughts,fosteringself-expressionandcriticalthinking
They encourage your child to share more than surface-level responses, helping you to understand your child’s day, relationships, and emotions. This can be especially valuable when your child might otherwise respond with "fine" or "okay" if asked closed questions
3 Builds Trust and Openness
Regularly asking open-ended questions shows your child that their thoughts and feelings are valued. It establishes a safe space where they feel comfortable sharing, which builds trust over time.
4 Helps Identify Struggles and Celebrations
Open-ended questions can reveal if your child is struggling with something academically, socially, or emotionally, as well as celebrate moments of joy and achievement It can help you provide support or encouragement where needed
5 Models Curiosity and Empathy
Asking these kinds of questions demonstrates curiosity and empathy, which children can learn to adopt in their own interactions.
FAMILY MATTERS: TIPS FOR HOME
Want to Host a Birthday Party with a Twist?
A friend of mine shared this great website for Birthday Party planning that allows your child to:
Collect their birthday gift as a monetary sum that allows them to purchase items they really want 1. Seamlessly and effortlessly donate a portion of their birthday gift (monies) to a charity of choice 2.
Here’s how it works:
Your child chooses a charity they feel strongly about Guests log on to the website and contribute the equivalent of their birthday gift as a monetary gift
Your child receives a portion of the donation The charity receives the rest Depending on the donation, your friends will receive a tax receipt as well!
No School?! No Problem!
This Friday (November 8th) and on Monday, November 11th, when school is out, we’ve got you covered! We are excited to offer our Grove One-Day Camps to our Newton’s Grove students and others within our community For just $95 per day, register your child for this multi-activity Grove One-Day Camp that will keep them active and engaged with a blend of basketball, soccer, dodgeball, STEM, arts & crafts, and other activities
wed, nov 6th , 12pm via zoom
The Insight Exchange, Book Club
wed, nov 6th
take your kid to work day (grade 9)
key dates
mon, nov 11th no school
wed, nov 13th, 5pm stepping into senior school: middle school families
remembrance day service
thu, nov 7th, 10am parent-teacher interviews
thu, nov 14th photo retake day
thu, nov 7th, 4pm-8pm & fri, nov 8th, 9am-3pm
sun, nov 10th deca regional competition
fri, nov 15th fashion friday
tue, nov 19th, 5pm a glimpse of music from the classroom: jk to grade 4
Event Icon Legend
& CHILD
Cheri Grogan
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Eva Diab PRINCIPAL
& GUARDIANS
Should you have any questions or suggestions, our doors are always open to you!
