The Eagle Eye
Elmvale District High School Newsletter
June Edition | 2023-2024
School schedule:
School Day: 8:50 a.m - 3:25 p.m
Elementary lunch: 11:20 a.m - 12:30 p.m
Recess: 2:10 p.m - 2:35 p.m
Secondary lunch: 11:35 a.m - 12:40 p.m
Principal's Message:
Welcome to the June newsletter. Hard to believe that we are here already. The year has flown by! Although there are only a few weeks until the summer holiday there is still a lot happening at EDHS. Perhaps the most exciting of the upcoming events is our Grade 8 Graduation and Grade 12 Commencement. The planning for these momentous events is well underway and we look forward to celebrating your students’ success in the coming weeks.
This week the commencement committee began the process of reviewing scholarship and bursary applicants and were reminded of the incredible support our students receive from the community. Over thirty-one businesses contribute to our commencement awards and these financial contributions help students in their secondary pursuits. Community support, however, is not limited to commencement. At EDHS we are the beneficiaries of incredible generosity from local businesses, community service organizations, town council, and numerous individuals. The number of people who volunteer their time to help with things like the school musical, the student exchange and fall fair events is truly wonderful. As principal I am grateful for these contributions as they go along way in making this school a special place for students to learn and grow.
As we close out the 2023/2024 school year, I would like to thank everyone who helped make this an incredible year - it does take a village to raise children.
Mark Ruzylo
Principal
Elmvale District High School
he/him
Important Dates:
June is... Filipino Heritage Month - Italian Heritage Month - National Indigenous History Month - Portuguese History and Heritage Month - Pride Month.
Days of Awareness:
June 6
Poson (Buddhism)
June 8
World Oceans Day
June
11- 13
Shavuot (Judaism)
June
16
Father’s
Day
Martyrdom
of Guru Arjan Dev (Sikhism)
Waqfatu’Arafat (Islam)
June
16- 20
Eid-al-Adha (Islam)
June
19
Juneteenth
(American)
United
Empire Loyalists’ Day
June
20
Litha/Summer
Solstice (Wicca)
World
Refugee Day
June
21
National Indigenous Peoples Day
June
23
Pentecost
(Eastern Orthodox Christianity)
June
27
Canadian
Multiculturalism Day
June
30
All
Saints Day (Eastern Orthodox Christianity)
Upcoming Events at EDHS:
June 7
Elementary PA Day
June 8
Senior Visual Arts Students- An Exhibition of Elmvale Youth Art. At the Stonebridge Plaza from 1:00-4:00pm
June 12
Athletic Banquet- 5:30-9:30 pm in cafeteria.
June 14
Prom 5:30-9:30 pm
June 21
Elementary Reports Issued
June 24-26
Feedback, Recovery, and Improvement Days. (Secondary)
June 26
Grade 8 Graduation @ 6:00 pm
Secondary- Last Day of School
June 27
Secondary PA Day
Elementary- Last Day of School
Secondary Commencement @ 5:00 pm
June 28
PA Day- All Students
July 5
Secondary Reports Issued
Online learning graduation requirement and opt-out options
Students are required to earn two online learning credits to graduate from secondary school, beginning with every student who entered Grade 9 in the 2020-21 school year. The online learning graduation requirement now also applies to adult learners, beginning with those that entered the Ontario secondary school system in the 2023-24 school year. The graduation requirement is intended to support students in developing familiarity and comfort with learning and working in a fully online environment, as well as developing digital literacy and other important transferable skills that they will need for success after secondary school, including in post-secondary education and the workplace.
Opting out
- Parents/guardians may choose to opt their children out of the mandatory online learning credits required for graduation. To opt out, a parent/guardian must submit the Secondary Online Learning Graduation Requirement Opt-out Form. Exemption from the online learning graduation requirements may be requested by:
- the parent/guardian of the secondary student
- students who are 18 years of age or older
- students who are 16 or 17 years of age and have withdrawn from parental control
Check with your local school if you have questions regarding the registration or opt-out process.
Keep connected with our school and with the SCDSB
It’s important to get accurate information about what’s going on at your school and at the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB). Here are some ways to do that:
- Sign up to receive SCDSB media releases by clicking the ‘Subscribe’ button at scdsb.on.ca.
Follow the SCDSB on Twitter (@SCDSB_Schools), Facebook (facebook.com/SCDSB) and Instagram (instagram.com/SCDSB)
Feedback, Recovery, and Improvement days (for secondary only)
At the end of each semester, all secondary schools will run feedback, recovery, and improvement days for students. Culminating assessments such as portfolios, essays, examinations, and interviews will take place during instructional days and will be returned to students with feedback.
The last day of regular instruction for students in Semester Two is Friday, June 21. The period from Monday, June 24 to Wednesday, June 26 is reserved for students to receive feedback from an assessment, to rescue or recover a credit, or to improve on an area of missed expectations. Teachers and support staff will communicate with students who will benefit most from attending this opportunity; however, all students will be invited to attend. There will be no new instruction these days. Feedback, recovery, and improvement days are an opportunity for students to work closely with their teacher if they require feedback, recovery, or an opportunity to improve on an area of missed expectations.
Registration now open for summer eLearning!
Create flexibility in your timetable and earn a credit! The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2024 for current high school students or adult learners who are interested in creating flexibility in their schedule, earning a new credit, or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online learning skills, earn missed credits, or fast-track preparation for graduation or post-secondary in just four weeks.
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
The SCDSB also supports secondary students in participating in a variety of EDUTravel credit programs in July and August. EDUTravel programs are offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe. For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of commitment, visit: www.edutravelforcredit.com.
Grade 8 students – register now for summer eLearning! (elementary)
Earn a reach-ahead credit with summer eLearning in the SCDSB! The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2024. Current Grade 8 students are invited to complete a reach-ahead credit, creating flexibility in their high school timetables!
For summer 2024, courses available to students entering Grade 9 are:
- CGC1D - Issues in Canadian Geography
- PAF1O - Healthy Living and Personal Fitness Activities
- CHC2D - Grade 10 Academic - Canadian History since WWI
- CHC2P - Grade 10 Applied - Canadian History since WWI
- CHV2O/GLC2O – Civics/Careers
eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily. Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
Use of student information to transition from elementary to secondary
As students progress from elementary school to secondary school, important personal student information is shared which eases each student’s transition. Sharing this information also improves our ability to program effectively to benefit all students. The collection and use of personal student information for such purposes is authorized under the Education Act. Please note that all information used for the transition process is limited, secure, and protected at all times. Please contact Scott Young, Superintendent of Education, if you would like more information about the transition process at Elmvale District High School.
Subscribe to Community Connects!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is excited to launch Community Connects, a new bimonthly newsletter for the SCDSB community. Our shared goal with this new tool is to keep our community partners and stakeholders informed while nurturing relationships that are built on accountability, trust, and transparency.
To learn more and subscribe, visit the Community Connects page on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/community/community_connects.
Learn a new language for free with the SCDSB!
Children in Grades 1-8 can learn to listen, speak, and write in a new language or extend their knowledge of their first language through the Simcoe County District School Board’s (SCDSB) International and Indigenous Languages Elementary Program. Offered virtually on Saturday mornings, the program includes 2.5 hours of instruction each week, at no cost. Languages offered are based on sufficient enrolment and instructor availability and may include Farsi, Russian, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, and Indigenous languages.
To learn more and preregister for the program, visit www.thelearningcentres.com/programs/IILE. Program start dates will be established once minimum enrollment is reached.
Communications survey
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and your child’s school communicate with you through a variety of methods. We want to ensure that you are receiving information in a timely and consistent manner and that you know where to access information relevant to your child’s education at the SCDSB. Please take a moment to complete this: https://www.research.net/r/SCDSBcommunication. Your feedback will help shape the communications strategy for the 2024-25 school year at the SCDSB.
The survey will be open from May 27 to June 14, 2024. Participation is voluntary and anonymous, as we are not collecting any names or contact information.
Identify the signs
To quote the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), “too much tech and too little talk could delay communication development”. In collaboration with Screen Time Action Network, ASHA has developed a series of informative handouts for parents/guardians about healthy screen time habits for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers: identifythesigns.org/resources-for-families/.
Information provided by Speech-Language Pathologist, Early Identification & Education, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
Homestay hosts needed for international education program
When international students are welcomed into SCDSB schools, our programs and community benefit, and local students get life-changing Canadian experiences that positively shape their world views. Without you, the SCDSB can't deliver this exciting program. You can help by inviting international students to stay with your family while they study in our community.
To support homestay families, the SCDSB has partnered with the Canada Homestay Network (CHN), a not-for-profit, family-run, Canadian business that's been a leader in homestay since 1995. CHN provides cultural and first-language support to hosts 24/7, and an allowance to help offset expenses.
What you provide:
1. Access to nutritious meals and snacks
2. Utilities, internet, and laundry access
3. A private bedroom, desk, and closet
4. A patient, caring, and friendly Canadian family home atmosphere!
For more information about being a Canada Homestay Network host, please visit: whyihost.ca.
Spend a fraction of your time on math!
New math problems, games, and activities are added to Math at Home monthly! Visit www.scdsb.on.ca/MathatHome to find fun, engaging ways to support your child in learning math.
Looking for ways to continue supporting your child’s learning at home during the summer months? Visit Math at Home for summer learning inspiration and ideas throughout the summer too.
Kempenfelt Rotary Kids Fishing Day
The 24th annual Kempenfelt Rotary Kids Fishing Day will take place at Heritage Park on June 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each child will receive a complementary fighting rod, bait, food, drinks, and a snow cone. For more information visit: letsfish.ca/.
Shelter in place
SCDSB schools and worksites have established safety procedures which are in place to keep students and staff safe in emergency situations such as a shelter in place. A shelter in place is used when there is an environmental or weather-related situation, like a chemical spill outside the building, or a major storm. During a shelter in place, activities will continue inside the school, but students and staff will not be allowed to leave the building, including for bussing or pick-up by parent(s)/guardian(s).
It’s important for you to know that the safety of our students is our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, as always, please contact the school.
Mental health promotion strategy of the month - Gratitude Moment
Well-being is a Strategic Priority in the Simcoe County District School Board, and our mental health and well-being department provides monthly strategies to support student and family well-being.
This month’s strategy is Gratitude Moment. Viewing the world and relationships through a lens of gratitude can help children and youth intentionally notice the positive elements in their day and shift the balance towards optimism, even when facing a challenge. To practice Gratitude Moment at home, model to your child/youth how to express a gratitude. Explain what it means to be grateful or thankful. Share something you are thankful/grateful for as an example and in turn, have your child share something they are thankful/grateful for. Repeat this practise as often as you would like. Practicing Gratitude Moment can be done any time of the day or at regular times, such as at mealtime or before bed. Consider writing down the ideas and posting them in your home or creating a gratitude jar.
See School Mental Health Ontario’s (SMHO) social-emotional learning poster series (with audio) for a Gratitude Moment poster that can be used at home: smho-smso.ca/online-resources/easy-and-fun-mental-health-activities-for-home/.
Find more easy and fun mental health activities to do at home here: smho-smso.ca/online-resources/easy-and-fun-mental-health-activities-for-home/.
Follow the Mental Health and Well-being social media accounts (@SCDSB_MHWB) to see how well-being is being supported in our schools.
Sora summer reads
Sora Sweet Reads 2024 has begun and will run until August 26. This program is designed to encourage students to keep reading all year long. View a collection of free, simultaneous-use ebooks (and select audiobooks) that range from Kindergarten to Grade 12. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/3bt3e8uv
Outdoor play
Active play does more than help kids to achieve the 60 minutes of physical activity they need every day, it supports their development in many ways – especially when the play is outdoors, self-directed, and fun. This allows kids to test boundaries and problem-solve, develop social skills and resolve conflict, and learn to control their emotions and behaviour.
Active play outdoors in the fresh air and nature also helps to improve mood and lower stress. Support your child to play outside with friends in the neighbourhood and at your local park as much as possible.
For more information, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is in need of foster care providers and fundraising support. Listen to a recent podcast discussing these topics: gnpmidhurst.com/b/jasmine-botter--lisette-gagne-of-simcoe-muskoka-family-connexions.
Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions actively works to eliminate systemic barriers and provide accommodations based on respecting the dignity of every person regardless of their identity. They believe in keeping children and youth in their community, circle of support, and geographic location when an alternative place of safety is required.
Contact [email protected] for any fundraising questions, or visit this page to inquire about fostering: familyconnexions.ca/contact/.
Information provided by Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions
Stay safe in the sun
It only takes one bad sunburn as a child to increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Follow these sun safety tips to keep you and your family safe this summer:
- Check the daily UV forecast. When the UV index is three or higher protect your skin as much as possible. Limit your time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when harmful UV rays are present even on a cloudy day.
- Cover up. Wear a wide brimmed hat that shades the face, neck, and ears and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes covering as much of the body as possible.
- Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply a generous amount to uncovered skin. Reapply after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Don’t forget a sunscreen lip balm.
- Seek shade or bring your own.
- Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses or prescription eyeglasses with UV-protective lenses.
Avoid using tanning beds or deliberately trying to get a suntan and avoid getting a sunburn. Remember no tan is a safe tan! Use sources of vitamin D that are safer than exposing yourself to UV rays such as cow’s milk, fortified plant-based beverages, fatty fish like salmon and sardines, margarine, egg yolk, and fortified yogurt.
For more sun safety tips, visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 to speak with a public health nurse.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Information for the 2024-2025 school year
First Day of School
Secondary students who have timetables, are to go directly to their classrooms. Timetables are located in the Student Portal. Homeroom lists will be posted in the front foyer. Students with first period spare are to go to the library. Students without a timetable are to go directly to the Guidance office to make an appointment. Elementary students are to go to the cafeteria where they will be called by their homeroom teachers. Remember class begins at 8:50 am. Please make sure your student(s) arrives prepared at least 15 minutes before the bell.
Communication
E-mail is the preferred method of school-to-home communication so please be sure to keep your email address updated with us to receive important information. Check our website elm.scdsb.on.ca for current school news. Staff email addresses are listed on our website elm.scdsb.on.ca
School Cash Online
This is the method of payment for all school related activities including sports, field trips, student cards and dances. To set up an account go to https://simcoecounty.schoolcashonline.com/. Once your account is created, you can add your student(s) by using their student number which can be found on your child’s report cards or contact our main office for assistance.
Mandatory Forms
Forms are only available through School Cash Online and must be received by the school electronically by Monday, September 9th. Failure to return these forms may result in your child not being able to participate in an activity or to use technology. The forms required are: Permissions and Acknowledgements, ICT Agreement, and Student Accident Insurance waiver. All students participating in extra-curricular activities or out-of-province field trips must have either student accident insurance (available through Old Republic Company at www.insuremykids.com) or be covered under another existing health and dental coverage plan.
Student fees offset the costs of various enrichments to the school experience. The $25 fee includes a Photo ID Card which is mandatory to participate in clubs, dances, and other activities such as buy-outs and various themed fun days. Fees are due by September 30th and are paid via School Cash Online.
Lockers
Students will be issued a locker on the first day of school and may bring their own combination lock from home. We also provide locks for purchase on School Cash Online for $11. Locks with keys are NOT permitted.
Attendance
To report a student absent, late, or request early dismissal, please call 1-888-885-8065 or email [email protected]. Parents/Guardians of students in grades 9-12 who are marked absent from school without notification from home will receive an automated phone call at the end of the day. The Safe Arrival system for students in grades 7 and 8 calls Parents/Guardians when a student is absent from school without notification.