September 6th, 2016

September 5, 2016

Dear ARK Families,

Welcome back! I hope that you all had a wonderful summer with many opportunities to rest, relax and enjoy family life. We want to begin by welcoming everyone – our returning families as well as the new ones who have moved into the community this year. We would also like to extend a really warm welcome to all of our new and returning staff this year.

AR Kaufman Public School is the best!! The staff has worked hard to create a learning environment to excite and engage our students. They are dedicated to the highest level of education for each child and consistently work in partnership with you so that your child’s needs are met each day. If you have a concern or a question, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. As a staff, we continue to work towards our School Improvement Plans focusing on optimizing learning and achievement for all students.

We look for support from you in ensuring that your child’s routines are in place at home. Regular bedtimes, scheduled evening times for homework review, exercise and healthy eating habits all make a difference in your child’s success.

School Organization: Please be aware that the school organization is based on projected enrolment. In September, this model depends on the actual number of students attending school. If the projection does not match the actual number of students attending ARK, we may need to re-organize. Should this come to pass, we will do our best to minimize disruption to students and families. We appreciate your understanding, flexibility and support during this process.

School Advisory Council: We do value your participation and engagement in school activities. It sends an important message to your child when you take the time to support them in all their school endeavours. Specifically, I would like to encourage you to join the School Advisory Council. We discuss issues concerning student learning and well-being and meetings are usually held once a month. The first meeting is scheduled for September 20, 2016 at 9:30 AM.

Prescription Medication:  If your child(ren) requires prescription medication at school, please come to the school office to complete the required forms. Non-prescription medication cannot be sent to school with your child, or administered by school personnel. All medication must be kept in a secure cupboard in the office.

Planners: Once again this year, we are requesting a $5.00 contribution for Student Planners. School funds will subsidize the difference in the cost of this valuable organizational tool. Please read through all information in the front of the planner with your child.

Forms: T To ensure the safety and security of our students we need to ensure that we have up to date information. Please take the time to carefully complete, sign and return these forms by Monday, September 19, 2016. These will go home with your child this week.

Complete, sign and return:

  • Student Data Verification Form – update or change any information – sign and return
  • Student Personal Information Form –read, sign and return – blue
  • Do Not Ride Form – bus students only – read, sign and return – green
  • Volunteering – Building Partnerships in Our Community – if applicable and signed by volunteer – orange

Keep at home:

  • Peanut Allergy letter (pink) – to keep at home
  • Balanced School Day (yellow) – to keep at home

All other forms can be found on our school website – http://ark.wrdsb.ca/.

Thank you in advance for your co-operation in reading and completing the enclosed forms. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call the school at 519 745 7312.

We welcome all your suggestions, questions, and comments. Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Mrs. P. Kaur                                      Mr. S. Finn

Principal                                            Principal