The Grove - Rebekah Santiago- Aug 24

The Grove

AUGUST 30, 2024

THE LATEST NEWS, EVENTS, AND UPDATES FROM NEWTON'S GROVE SCHOOL

IN THIS ISSUE Vice-Principal’s Welcome New Faculty Nia’s Eats Cafe

2024/2025 School Theme Key Dates Communication Is Key Cellphone Policy

My Vice Principal’s Welcome ...

I hope you all had a refreshing and enjoyable summer with your loved ones. Whether you’re returning or joining Newton's Grove School, we are thrilled to have you with us and look forward to a year filled with wonder, achievement, and meaningful connections.

My name is Rebekah Santiago, and I am honoured to step into the role of Vice Principal of the Junior School (K-5) for this upcoming school year. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of working with students in Grades 1-8, with a particular emphasis on primary education. These early years are vital as they lay the groundwork for your child’s future academic and personal success.

At Newton's Grove, our mission is to cultivate a supportive community that inspires students to achieve their goals and positively impact a changing world. With the dedication of our talented educators and your support, we create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Thank you for choosing Newton's Grove and being an integral part of our school community!

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New Faculty Welcome, Mrs. Hillocks and Mrs. Mordi!

Mrs. Sonja Hillocks will be teaching Grade 1 this year, bringing her enthusiasm and expertise to our students.

Mrs. Jennifer Mordi will be joining the Grade 5 Team, where her experience and dedication will contribute greatly to the students' growth and learning.

We are excited to have both of you on board and look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

Nia’s Eats

Who Needs Uber Eats, When We Have Nia’s Eats!

At Kat’s Catering, we are committed to providing healthy, delicious meals that fuel our students' minds and bodies throughout the day. Our team has been hard at work curating a diverse menu filled with flavourful, nutritious options tailored to meet a variety of dietary needs. Whether your child follows a vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal diet—or has any other dietary preferences—we’ve got you covered. Let us know your needs, and we’ll take care of the rest.

This year we’re excited to introduce a new salad/sandwich/bowl bar, where possibilities are endless. A detailed menu will be sent out next week. Also new this year we will be extending our weekly specials to include a soup of the week, a sandwich of the week, and a hot table special.

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Nia’s Eats Lunches and Snacks

Payment Options

Students can purchase lunches and snacks directly from the cafeteria during their designated nutritional breaks.

We offer several convenient payment options at the cafeteria: cash, credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.

If you prefer to order on behalf of your child, you may do so through the website www.katscatering.ca, before 10 a.m. each day.

Your child can also make use of the convenient Kat’s Catering Cafeteria Card. This card can be preloaded for easy purchases both in-person and online. To apply for a Cafeteria Card, simply complete the online Cafeteria Card Application Form. Card balances can be checked online and funds can be reloaded at any time.

Birthday Lunches We are delighted to continue the cherished tradition of Birthday Lunches! Make your child’s special day even more memorable by treating their class to a catered lunch. Orders can be placed via text to 647-922-1339. For a full list of options, please see the Birthday Lunch Menu on Edsby.

As a thank-you for celebrating with us, your child will receive a special birthday loot bag and a festive hat. Please place your orders at least 4 days in advance of the celebration date.

Please note that due to school policy, students in grades JK to 8 cannot have their cell phones with them between 8:30am and 3:30pm.

Students in these grades wishing to make purchases at the cafeteria, will need to use either cash or the Kat’s Catering Cafeteria Card.

We are eagerly looking forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones this year. Stay tuned for updates on weekly specials and other exciting news from Kat’s Catering on Edsby. If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to make this school year exceptional for everyone.

This Year’s School Theme Is: Gratitude This year our school-wide theme is, “Finding Daily Gratitude” in our teaching and learning. We look forward to sharing these moments of gratitude with the community in our weekly editions of, “The Grove”. We ask that you chat with your child about the benefits of practicing gratitude and why it is so important to practice daily.

key dates tuesday, sep 3rd first day of school & Coffee on the Court We invite you to join us for a fun-filled morning on the first day of school.

After dropping off your child, enjoy a cup of coffee and connect with new and returning parents, our Leadership Team, and other NGS staff members on the basketball court. It is a ‘Day 0’ Schedule.

wednesday, sep 4th Day 1 Schedule Begins Day 1 of our 8-Day schedule begins! On days your child has Physical Education, they may wear their gym uniform to school. Please remind your child to check their class schedule and ensure they have everything they need for a successful day. Let’s start this new cycle on the right foot!

friday, sep 20th fashion friday Fashion Friday typically takes place on the third Friday of each month. For these days, students are welcome to dress in casual clothing while still adhering to the school's dress code. For details on what’s considered appropriate attire, please refer to the school Handbook.

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tuesday, sep 24th: 5:30pm meet the teacher night Join us for Meet the Teacher Night to get to know your child’s teacher and learn more about NGS and the upcoming school year.

monday, sep 30th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Assembly, Orange Shirt Day The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation acknowledges the experiences of Indigenous peoples by reflecting on the history of residential schools; we encourage all students to wear an orange shirt to show their support. In the days leading up to this day, we will engage in discussions and activities designed to promote understanding, healing, and reconciliation, helping students appreciate the significance of acknowledging the past and fostering a more inclusive future.

Access o ur comp lete Fam Handboo ily k for all im p ortant school informatio n policies h and ere:

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Parent/Guardian-Teacher Communication Is Key! Effective communication between parents and teachers is crucial for supporting students' success. By posting daily updates on Edsby, teachers can keep parents informed about classroom activities, assignments, and any important announcements. We encourage parents to check Edsby daily to stay up-to-date and collaborate with teachers to ensure a positive learning experience for their children.

Should you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or our Principal, Mrs. Eva Diab.

Cellphones Students who bring cell phones to school must keep them turned off or muted during school hours and store them in their backpacks to minimize disruptions. NGS is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to these devices. If a student needs to use a phone while on campus, they can access a school phone in the office.

Rebekah Santiago I am very excited about the upcoming school year and deeply grateful for your partnership, which plays a crucial role in your child’s success. I look forward to working together to create the best experience possible for your child.