Elmvale DistrictHigh School

EDHS Monthly Newsletter- March 2024

Posted on 03/08/2024

The Eagle Eye

Elmvale District Highschool Newletter

March Edition  |  2023-2024

 

School schedule:

 

Important Dates:

March is Bangladeshi and Hellenic History Month

Upcoming Events at EDHS:

Mar. 11- 15    March Break- No School!

Mar. 19         Saint Patrick’s Spirit Day- Wear Green

Mar. 21         Home School Connection (Parent Teacher Interviews). For Secondary Students. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Mar. 28         Easter Spirit Day- Wear spring colours

                      Easter Egg hunt at lunch

 

Principal's Message:

In the next few newsletters, I want to shed light on some of the things we do to support our students beyond academics. In last month’s newsletter I spoke about our various food programs and how we try to provide additional nourishment for our students. This month I would like to share some information on the things we do to support student mental health and well-being.

• Did you know that EDHS has a Student Success Team made up of teachers, Guidance counsellors, Social Workers, the Attendance Councillor and School Administration? This team meets once a week to discuss the needs of individual students and tries to come up with plans for those who may be struggling either academically or socially/emotionally.
• Our Guidance Counsellors are always meeting with students, helping them select appropriate courses, plan pathways and offer guidance around important life choices.
• We have a social worker who meets with students on Tuesdays and Thursdays. (Students must be referred to the social worker by staff and students must not have availability to social work outside of the school).
• Our Attendance Counsellor works closely with the Student Success Team and families to encourage hesitant participants to come to school.
• Our Addictions Nurse meets with students, as does our community social worker from KINARK, at least once a week.
• At EDHS we are fortunate enough to have an Indigenous Graduation Coach, a Graduation Coach for Racialized students, and a Graduation Coach for 2SLGBTQ+ students. These coaches are amazing advocates and skilled practitioners who provide extended support for students within the school community.

We recognize that mental wellness is crucial to academic success. We also know that finding metal health supports can be challenging. Inside this newsletter we have included a list of community services and supports you can access as necessary.

Take Care.

M

P.S. On April 16th from 6:30 to 8:00pm EDHS is hosting an event called - Mental Health Matters: A Conversation with Families. The event is sponsored by EDHS School Council and will be held in the Rotary Room at the new Wasaga Beach Recreation Centre. Food and refreshments will be provided. The focus of the conversation is what we do as a school community to support mental wellness. We will have students, teachers and mental health professionals share their insights and expertise with families interested in learning more about what we do to support your student.

 

Mark Ruzylo (he/him)

Principal

Elmvale District High School

P: 705-322-2201 ext. 42054 | C: 705-790-7574 | [email protected]

 

Collection and use of personal student information (Elementary):

As students progress from elementary school to secondary school, important personal student information which eases each student’s transition to secondary school is shared. Sharing this information 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.

 

School Climate Survey:

During the month of March, all students in Grades 4 to 12 will be asked to complete an anonymous and confidential online SCDSB School Climate Survey about their school experience. Participants will not be asked to provide their name or any other identifying information because all surveys are anonymous.
The survey results will provide valuable feedback to staff related to the SCDSB Strategic Priorities.
Similar to prior SCDSB school climate surveys, the questions cover a range of topics, such as:
•    excellence in teaching and learning;
•    mental health and well-being;
•    diversity, equity, and inclusion;
•    community; and,
•    experiences of school safety and bullying.

STUDENT SURVEY
A sample version of the student survey is available on the SCDSB website. The online survey is completed while students are at school and takes 15 minutes or less to complete.
We understand that some students in the SCDSB may not be able to complete their school climate survey on their own and may require the help of staff. A modified version of the survey is available for students who require this assistance to complete their survey.

QUESTIONS?
School staff will be available to answer any questions or concerns a student may have. Questions about the 2023-24 SCDSB School Climate Survey can also be directed to [email protected].
The information that is collected will be used to help guide our schools in creating and maintaining safe and supportive learning environments for all students. Thank you for your support!

YouthReach:

Information provided by YouthReach

 

Reminder: Absence reporting system for SCDSB Schools (Elementary):

call 1-888-885-8065 to report an absence

This school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) launched a new Safe Arrival system at elementary schools. This system supports us in continuing to improve our home-to-school communication process and streamlines absence reporting. To report a student absence, call 1-888-885-8065. Callers will be prompted to identify the school before leaving a message. Parents/guardians should include the student’s name, teachers’ name, dates, and reason for the absence. When schools do not hear from a parent/guardian, and a student is absent, the school will call home to find out the reason for the absence. If you have questions about the system, please contact the school office. 

 

Reminder: Absence reporting system for SCDSB Schools (Secondary):

call 1-888-885-8065 to report an absence

This school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) implemented a new absence reporting system at secondary schools. This system supports us in continuing to improve our home-to-school communication process and streamlines absence reporting. To report a student absence, call 1-888-885-8065. Callers will be prompted to identify the school before leaving a message. Parents/guardians should include the student’s name, teachers’ name, dates, and reason for the absence. If you have questions about the system, please contact the school office.

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.

 

Parent's guide to assessment, evaluation and reporting (Secondary):

Learn to navigate the world of assessment, evaluation, and reporting with this new guide for parents/guardians. Created to support parents/guardians understanding of assessment, this guide was designed to effectively empower you to actively engage in your child's educational journey. The guide has been posted to the Simcoe County District School Board’s website and can be accessed via the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2urcm2tm

Registration now open for summer e-learning (Secondary):

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 e-learning (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.  

 

Promoting personal computer use at EDHS:

One of our goals this year is to encourage and support student access to technology. As we enter Semester 2, digital/virtual learning is very much a reality. Accessing information electronically is key to meeting with success in school. Those students who have their own technology e.g., a Chromebook or laptop, have a significant advantage over those students who do not. While EDHS does provide access to computers, this access is limited. Over the next few months, we are asking that, where possible, students bring their own technology to school. This will allow them greater access to virtual learning environments, enhance the classroom experience, and provide access to a multitude of supports and resources. Your support for this initiative is greatly appreciated.   

 

April PA day (elementary only):

Due to the solar eclipse set to occur in our region, the Simcoe County District School Board has made the decision to move the elementary school PA Day originally scheduled for April 26, 2024 to April 8, 2024.

 

March cyber awareness topic: Backup your data:

Why does backing up your data matter? Data loss can happen unexpectedly due to various reasons: hardware failure, accidental deletion, or even cyber threats. By regularly backing up your data, you create a safety net that allows you to recover important files and memories. 

 

Access the ECNO cyber awareness tip sheet to stay informed about this month’s topic and explore additional resources: https://ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ECNO-CAM-Calendar-23-Aug3023_BackupData.pdf

 

Let’s make March a month of digital preparedness!

 

New grade 7/8 mental health literacy modules support student mental health and wellbeing:

As of January 2024, the Ministry of Education introduced a series of three modules per grade to support the existing mental health literacy expectations within the grades 7 and 8 Health and Physical Education curriculum. This series of three, 40-minute modules per grade will be delivered by educators to support the existing mental health literacy expectations within the Health and Physical Education curriculum. They’re not new learning – they offer ways to enhance the delivery of the existing curriculum and focus on mental health literacy.  

 

This learning will help equip students with inclusive, culturally responsive, evidence-informed knowledge, skills, and strategies to support their mental health and well-being. They align with and support the work we do in the Simcoe County District School Board to support student mental health.  

 

The modules were informed by extensive consultation with parents/guardians, students, cultural, and community organizations.   

 

There are important reasons to bring these modules into the classroom:

• Students want to learn more about mental health at school (https://smho-smso.ca/online-resources/hearnowon-2021-student-voices-on-mental-health-final-report/).

• This learning helps students develop skills that support positive mental health.
• Mental health learning supports learning in all other areas.  
• This learning can encourage conversations and help students in need reach support.  
• As caring adults in the lives of young people, we want students to be well!  

 

Feel free to watch the introductory video that provides more information: https://vimeo.com/857720241/3877843c8c?share=copy.

 

Join us! A learning series for parents/guardians with Pine River Institute:

Mental health and well-being continues to be a key strategic priority within the SCDSB. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Centre for Family Initiatives at Pine River Institute (CFI@PRI) to provide several curated learning sessions focused on student mental health and well-being to SCDSB families, staff and within the SCDSB’s broader school communities.

There are eight webinars in the learning series specifically planned for parents/guardians and other caregivers during this school year. 

 
March 28, 2024     Building parents' resiliency
April 18, 2024        Vaping, weed, and alcohol 

 

We hope you save these dates in your calendar and join us for these learning opportunities. For more information and to register, please visit the SCDSB website: https://bit.ly/3jGaC74.

 

Pine River Institute is a live-in treatment centre and outdoor leadership experience for youth aged 13 to 19 struggling with addictive behaviours and often other mental health issues. Combining therapy with a fully-accredited education program, PRI reinforces the healthy life skills required for a successful future. CFI@PRI extends PRI’s knowledge, experience and evidence-informed treatment approach to families and care providers in the community to support youth mental wellness and prevent the need for more intensive interventions.  Learn more about PRI by visiting their website at www.pineriverinstitute.com

 

2024/2025 School year calendar changes (Secondary):

At the Simcoe County District School Board meeting held on Wednesday Feb. 28, the Board of Trustees voted to pass the 2024-25 School Year Calendar. There are dedicated days in the School Year Calendar, at the end of each semester, to accommodate Culminating Tasks and Feedback, Recovery, and Improvement Days.

Please note the following changes that will occur for the 2024-25 school year:

Semester One

• Culminating Task days will occur on January 22-27, 2025; Feedback, Recovery, and Improvement Days will occur on January 28-30, 2025.

Semester Two

• Culminating Task days will occur on June 17-20, 2025; Feedback, Recovery, and Improvement Days will occur on June 23-25, 2025.

There are no changes to the current, 2023-24 School Year Calendar. All Culminating Task Days and Feedback, Recovery, and Improvement days remain the same for the 2023-24 school year.

Additional information about the details of the 2024-2025 expectations will be shared directly with staff prior to the end of the school year.

 

Math @ home- Parent and caregiver series:

It’s back! The SCDSB math team is pleased to offer virtual sessions for parents and caregivers of SCDSB students. These sessions focus on practical and fun ways to support children with their mathematics learning and engagement at home. The first 200 registrants will receive a Math @Home kit of resources to use at home. Participants must pre-register for each of the sessions.

Games to support your child’s math learning @Home
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 7 to 8 p.m.
This session is for parents, caregivers, and their children. Playing games at home is a great way to support child(ren)’s math development. In this session, several games will be explored, and participants will have the opportunity to try the games with their children during the session. The guided portion of the session will be 45 minutes in length followed by 15 additional minutes for further game play or to ask questions of our math facilitators. Bring your child(ren) and your math kit to this session! 

 

Participants must pre-register. Registered participants will receive a kit of hands-on resources that will be sent to the school indicated on the registration form. Use this link to register: https://bit.ly/24MathAtHome. If you couldn’t attend the previous sessions, visit the Math at Home page on the SCDSB website to view past sessions: www.scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome.

 

Foster families needed in your community!:

Children in our community need you! There is an urgent need for foster homes in Simcoe Muskoka. Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is looking for diverse foster care providers who understand children's needs. The needs are diverse and range from babies to teens. Open your home to a child/youth and receive training, support, and between $85 and $155 per child and per day. Do you know anyone who may be interested? Visit https://familyconnexions.ca/fosterconnexions/ to inquire, apply, and for more information. You may also call 705-726-6587 ext. 4.

 

Information provided by Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions

 

Engaging in literacy during March break:

Local libraries offer many fun and engaging activities for families during March Break. Visit www.simcoe.ca/lists/locations/libraries.aspx for a list of libraries in Simcoe County. You will find a link to access each library's website to view their upcoming events. The Barrie Public Library is offering a puppet show at their downtown location. Make sure to check out what your local library has to offer during March Break!

 

Interested in learning more about the ways that the SCDSB supports students with special education needs and their families?:

Join us for a virtual special education information series
During the 2023-24 school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting virtual special education outreach sessions to assist parents/guardians in learning more about programs, supports, and ways that we work together to support students with special education needs. 

Reading strategies
March 19
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
April 16
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Every day mental health strategies
May 14
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Participants are asked to register in advance. Information to access the sessions will be shared via email with individuals who have pre-registered. Learn more about each session and how to register on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/special_education/special_education_outreach_sessions.  

 

Sleep (Elementary):

Help your child get a good night’s sleep by:

 

• Setting a consistent bedtime and wake-time for your child (even on weekends). Children aged 5 -13 need at least 9-11 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.
• Encouraging your child to establish a relaxing bedtime routine that includes reading, taking a bath, or listening to music.
• Setting up a sleeping space with your child that is cool, dark, and quiet. 
• Keeping technology out of your child’s bedroom – it interferes with natural sleep cycles.
• Discouraging caffeinated products, as they may interfere with your child’s ability to fall asleep.
• Being a role model by making sleep a priority in your own life!

 

Looking for more information? Call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-5720 to speak with a public health nurse or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

 

Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

 

Sleep (Secondary):

Help your teen get the sleep they need by encouraging:

 

• A consistent bedtime and wake-time (even on weekends) that allows for at least 8-10 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night.

• A relaxing bedtime routine – showering, music, getting ready for the next day. 
• A sleeping space that is cool, dark, and quiet.
• Them to put away technology in the hour before bed as it interferes with natural sleep cycles. 
• Them to limit their daily intake of caffeine as it may interfere with the ability to fall asleep.

  

For more information, call Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-5720 to speak with a public health nurse or visit www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

 

Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit

 

Mental health promotion strategy of the month- Tense and Relax:

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 Tense and Relax. This strategy helps children and youth develop the skills to notice how their body feels when they are tense and relaxed, and to learn how to relieve tensions and to self-regulate. 

 

To practice Tense and Relax at home, together with your child, model this relaxation practice and work your way down your bodies, slowly tensing and relaxing each of your muscles. Discuss with them how each area of their body feels before the exercise, and then discuss how it feels afterwards. Have your child get comfortable; this exercise can be done when standing, sitting, or lying down. Children can be encouraged to: bring their shoulders up to their ears, hold for a count of 3, slowly relax for a count of 3, and repeat; push their arms down towards to floor, hold for a count of 3, slowly relax for a count of 3 and repeat, squeeze their hands into fists, hold for a count of 3, slowly relax for a count of 3 and repeat; squeeze their stomach in as if trying to fit between a fence, hold for a count of 3, slowly relax for a count of 3 and repeat; push their feet down to the floor, hold for a count of 3, slowly relax for a count of 3 and repeat. 

 

Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4mQm0hux1Q&t=1s to watch a video that guides you through a Tense and Relax muscle relaxation exercise. 

 

See our elementary (https://smho-smso.ca/online-resources/sel-posters/) and secondary (https://smho-smso.ca/online-resources/sel-posters-for-secondary/) social-emotional learning poster series for a tense and relax classroom poster than can be used at home. 

 

Follow along the Mental Health and Well-being social media accounts (@SCDSB_MHWB) to see how well-being is being supported in our schools.

 

Mental health information:

 

Crisis lines and other mental health resources: