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Letter to Families Jan 16th 2023

Posted On Monday January 16, 2023

Dear Pine Ridge Families;

 

As we wrap up our first week of 2023, I would like to share some important information items.  Please also take a moment to review the attached documents.

 

Student Well-Being Support for Exams

 

DDSB Child & Youth Workers will be visiting schools next week to offer support with student well-being as we head into exams. Our worker will be offering one period workshops on Wednesday, January 18th in the Guidance office for grades 9-12 students around mindfulness techniques, study tips and stress management. If you feel that this would benefit your child, please have them sign up using the links below:

 

Period 4 - Gr 9 link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1YstNt3M6HTePbU-JPUpWsknBGfbYextUTW-Z5K0dxlU/edit

Period 3 - Gr 10 link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1p4dKDgTN7uhYbcR7O9EmWhbBnWieegCZwqAqKNZRyao/edit

Period 2 - Gr 11 link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1CgoumhF3rflJaVDCZNj-xizY88X4xUs8cZwP6pjCprM/edit

Period 1 - Gr 12 link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1MMzkeA3JM0W3NTbyi718uoFQhKh47a9Xjsl-LV4PYfE/edit

 

Students should communicate in advance with their classroom teacher to ensure that they can miss part of the class on Jan. 18th .  There will also be a lunch time drop-in for students that cannot attend during the designated period during the day.

 

Learning Preference for the 2023-2024 School Year:

 

On Monday, January 16th the DDSB will be sending out e-mails to families for all students attending school for the 2023-2024 school year.  The email will contain instructions to visit the Parent Portal if you would like to modify your child’s learning preference for the 2023-24 school year. Families will have from Monday, January 16 until Friday, January 27, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. to change their learning preference. If you are satisfied with their current mode of learning, no action is required.  

Course Selections for 2023-2024:

Course selections will be opened from February 14th to March 2nd in myBlueprintfor all students.  More information to support this process will come in the near future.  Stay tuned!

 

Grade 8 Parent Information Night:

 

Next week we will be hosting our Grade 8 Parent/Guardian Transition Night here at Pine Ridge Secondary School.  The event will be held on January 19th at 6:30pm in our Pine Ridge cafeteria.  This evening will include an information presentation as well as tours for our incoming grade 9 students and families.

 

School Climate Survey:

 

The Positive School Climates department, in collaboration with Inclusive Student Services, Equity, and the Accountability and Assessment departments, have created School Climate and Well-Being Surveys for students, parents/guardians and staff for implementation in DDSB Schools. The School Climate and Well-Being Surveys have been created to allow schools to assess their Well-Being goal(s), and to assist Positive School Climates Teams to gather data to inform their planning in the development of Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plans and School Learning Plans. 

  • Please note that IP addresses will not be collected.
  • Participants need to complete the survey in one “sitting”. While taking the survey, participants are able to go back to previous pages and update existing responses.
  • The surveys will be open from Monday, January 9, 2023 – Tuesday, February 28, 2023.
  • Computer access for those parents/guardians who do not have access to a computer can be made available at the school for those that require it (please call the school in advance) or you can complete at a local library.
  • Participation is voluntary.
  • When completed, parents/guardians MUST click “Done” at the end of the survey. The survey will then automatically redirect to the DDSB homepage.

 

Link to Parent Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CWB22-23Par232

 

Sex Trafficking Education and Prevention Program:

 

The Positive School Climates Department (PSCD) of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) is committed to the safety and well-being of all students. As part of this commitment, we have developed a long-standing relationship with Victim Services of Durham Region (VSDR), who has been providing staff and student education on the topic of Youth Sex Trafficking.

 

The PSCD is pleased to share with you this opportunity hosted by VSDR, for parents/guardians to participate in an educational opportunity Sex Trafficking Education and Prevention Program (January 2023) on Thursday, January 26th, 2023 from 6 to 8 pm – Online via Zoom.

 

Please see attached flyers and/or register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sex-trafficking-education-and-prevention-program-january-2023-tickets-488848116877

 

Best Buddies is returning to Pine Ridge!

 

Best Buddies is a national charitable organization that works in collaboration with schools to help break down barriers and promote inclusivity by providing guided 1:1 friendship opportunities between students in the mainstream and those in small class settings.  The small class students (Buddies) are offered supported access to peers for positive friendship experiences.  Mainstream students are provided with opportunities to learn about others’ strengths and needs while also gaining volunteer experience.  The ultimate goal is for the relationships that begin at school in a structured and supervised environment to extend beyond the classroom, and possibly beyond the school, becoming lasting, life-long connections.  Students who are interested in learning more about Best Buddies and considering joining, should come to the information session scheduled for Wednesday, January 18 at lunch in Room 2065.  The staff advisors for the group are Ms. Hopper and Ms. Ng. Mr. Koumaris will be the point person for the Developmental class. 

 

 

This coming week our boys basketball teams play 2 home games on Monday and Wednesday as well, our Girls Volleyball team is headed to O’Neill for more games.  We wish all of our athletes the best of luck!  As always I would like to take a moment to thank all of the staff who volunteer their time every day to support all of the amazing events, clubs, sports and activities that run throughout the school.

 

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

 

Sincerely,

 

Michelle Monk

Principal