Summit Says - Principal’s Message
We have had a fabulous first two months here at Summit Heights. Students are back into school routines and are adjusting well to the expectations of their new classroom, classmates and teacher.
We are very glad to see that our Summit families are getting back into the school routines as well, with more and more students arriving on time and prepared for the day. Thank you to the many parents and caregivers that are sending their child on time, with their lunch, appropriate clothes, agendas and homework items. We are noticing that less lunches and personal belongings are being dropped off to the office. It is really important that each student develops a sense of responsibility and independence early on in their school career to come to school prepared to learn.
Here are some of the school wide highlights of the exciting events that have taken place so far this school year:
Classroom Visits
I always begin the school year in September by going into every classroom and teaching a lesson. Although the lessons varied for each grade level, they all tied into Peter and Paul Reynolds’ book, Going Places. This beautiful picture book allowed the students to explore the themes of responsibility, appropriate behavior, responding positively to others and resolving conflicts appropriately. I truly enjoyed my time visiting the classes in September and setting the tone for an exciting and positive school year.
Anthony McLean
On September 18th Anthony McLean came and spoke to our students. As well as being an actor, he is the founder and director of iEngage, an organization that focuses on diversity, bullying and health & wellness. His presentation was upbeat and high impact! Anthony used audience interaction, comedy, pop culture and “freestyle” raps to keep students engaged. He distinguished between bullying and conflict;sending a clear message that not every conflict is an episode of bullying.
Terry Fox
On September 28th, Summit Heights was presented with our 20 year banner. Students were inspired by the presentation from the Terry Fox Foundation. On September 30th our students participated in Summit’s annual Terry Fox Run. We greatly appreciate the support of parents and guardians when donating to this cause.
Respect Assembly
Mr. Eschle’s class organized our school wide Respect assembly at the end of September. Through a series of dramatic performances, Mr. Eschle’s grade 5 and 6 students demonstrated the importance of treating one another with respect. Thank you to Mr. Eschle’s students for doing a wonderful job leading the September assembly!
Blue Jays
On October 2nd, after the Toronto Blue Jays clinched their first American League East title since 1993, students and staff came dressed in blue and white and their Blue Jays gear. We also ran a Blue Jays poster and poem contest allowing students to use their creativity to display their pride and excitement for the Jays.
Walk To School Day
Mrs. Marchiori and our Eco Team organized and ran a very successful Walk to School Day on October 22nd. It was wonderful to see everyone walking to school with their reusable mug. The Eco Team created a Sort Your Garbage game as a fun way to teach and review the difference between the green bin, recycling bin and garbage. Thank you Eco Team!
Responsibility Assembly
Ms. Bates’ and Mrs. Chan’s grade one students led our October Character Education assembly. The grade ones wrote a responsibility acrostic poem. The poem reminded the school about what responsibility means and how to act responsibly. Thank you Grade Ones for organizing a fabulous assembly!
Remembrance Day
On Wednesday, November 11, our school and people across the city marked Remembrance Day. Our students and staff commemorated Remembrance Day with classroom activities and a school assembly. We also had a Canadian Armed Forces naval officer visit Summit Heights. During Remembrance Day, our teachers made connections between global events and students' lives by promoting peace within our school community. On this solemn occasion, our staff, students, parents, and the wider community all joined together in a call for peace.
Office Reminders:
In our continuing efforts to keep safety a priority at Summit, we ask you to please ensure that you sign in and announce yourself at the office when you visit and/or volunteer at the school.
Safe Arrival (416) 395-2923
Please call the Safe Arrival line to report all student absences. The voicemail will accept messages at any time of day.
Helpful Hint:
Please label your child’s clothing, water bottles, and food containers.
Upcoming Important Dates:
December 10 / Grade 1 to 6 Progress Reports Go HomeDecember 10 / Festivals of Light
December 21 to
January 1 / Winter Holiday
January 11 / Parent Council Meeting
January 22 / PA Day
February 9 / Kindergarten to Grade 6 Term 1 Report Cards Go Home
February 12 / PA Day
February 15 / Family Day
Mrs. Bower and Ms. Dumitrache’s Class Learn about Different Cultures
Mrs. Bower and Ms. Dumitrache's class learned about practices in different cultures. They learned about God's Eyes and how they are used in both the Latin and Aboriginal cultures. They ward away evil and they also watch over you. Aboriginal families would tell their children that they had to behave, because God was watching.
The students used sticks that they had collected on one of their nature walks. They chose coloured yarn, and enjoyed creating something using natural resources. Zoey, Simon and Justin show off their beautiful God's Eyes!