Greetings Martindale families (Crossing Park School)
We are back in a rhythm of safe, happy, learning after both a labour disruption and autumn break. We realize that this has been a slightly abbreviated year, and our job is to help students get back to learning with a focus on fundamentals and good routines.
As I've mentioned in past messages, parents and guardians play a big role in student success. The goal is always "one year's worth of growth". There will be ups and downs but supporting students to be their best selves is the role. Everyone is unique and each path is different, but progressing and growing is the common goal. Teachers and support staff offer expertise through their formal training, but you can support through some simple ways:
- Make sure students come to school often and on-time whenever possible.
- Academic success: Regular attendance is linked to academic achievement. By Grade 3, students with good attendance are more likely to read at grade level, and by Grade 9, it is a better predictor of graduation than test scores.
- Future opportunities: Consistent attendance is a critical life skill that opens doors to future employment.
- School's role: The CBE has a regulation on attendance that outlines responsibilities for students, parents, and staff.
- Parental involvement: Parents are expected to report absences and lateness to the school, and the CBE will work with families to resolve attendance problems.
- Impact of absence: Missing just 15 days of school per year can result in missing a full year of education before high school. Being 10 minutes late every day can mean missing 6 days of instruction in a year.
2. Work with teachers and the school- communicate and be open to professional suggestions. We all want the same thing- safe, happy, learning! When we communicate and work as a team we can help students as the adults and professionals.
3. Ask your child what they're learning and read together if/when possible. Reading is always a very useful way to support academic growth- new words and ideas expand thoughts and vocabulary.
4. Helping reinforce basic expectations. When students pay attention, ask for help when needed, complete tasks, they really to grow and achieve new heights!
Again, we are really happy to be back doing what we love with students we love supporting. We look forward to seeing many of you on Thursday and Friday (parent- teacher conferences). If you cannot make these times work, please connect with teachers and we are happy to have conversations at times that work for everyone.
Sincerely,
Andrew Bews
Principal