The Principal's Newsletter

Rosemary Hills Primary School    

Notes from the Principal:

It’s hard to believe that fall has arrived.  The next few months of school are very important for parents and children.  Children, with parent and teacher support, will continue to focus on their learning.  Parents should help children remember that we are working very hard on the Rainbow Big 6 expectations.

Our gratitude goes to all of the parents who attended our Volunteer Training sessions.  This has been an ongoing effort between the PTA and our school staff, and we are excited about having such super parent support in all of our classrooms.  Many thanks to Ms. Bernard, Ms. Brown, Ms. Johnston, and Ms. Raines for all of their hard work in planning, organizing and presenting the training.  Also, a big thanks goes to those who pitched in on School Beautification day.  Their work can be seen all around the school, including the attractive new landscaping around the front of the building as well as the science courtyard.  Super Saturday was a huge success and it was great to see so many of you at the Open House on Columbus Day.

The children are very excited about celebrating Halloween at Rosemary Hills.  Our students will participate in the annual Halloween parade at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31, 2008, and the classroom parties will follow.  Please be on the lookout for a flier with additional information.  Also, please see other parts of this issue of the Rainbow for information on upcoming RHPS events, including Parent-Teacher conferences, the Book Fair, and Thanksgiving Baskets.

We are lucky to be able to offer many after school activities to our students.  It is important that you remind your child and your child’s teacher (in writing) of the activities that s/he is participating in each day.  Make sure that your yellow emergency form information is current so we can reach you if there is any confusion.  Should your child’s plans’ change after the school day has started, please call the office to notify us.

By this time, your children may have told you that we have been practicing fire drills, code blue and code red procedures.  We have successfully completed 3 fire drills, 1 code blue drill and one code red drill.  The children have taken these practices in stride and are very serious about following directions and learning the routine.  If you visit the school during one of our code blue or code red drills, you will find a blue or red sign on the front door advising you that we are conducting a drill and you will not be allowed to enter the building until we have concluded the drill.  If you are already in the building, you will be expected to participate in the drill and will not be able to leave until the exercise in concluded.

As cooler weather has arrived, children are wearing warmer clothing.  Dress your child in layers to accommodate the changes in temperature.  During the winter months, the children will be going outside for recess whenever possible, so make sure your child comes to school prepared with a winter coat, hat, gloves and boots when necessary.  Unfortunately, the Lost and Found is beginning to grow.  Please continue to DISCREETLY label all of your child’s possessions so we can return them to you.

Finally, I would like to remind you of some upcoming events.  There will be no school for students on November 3^rd, Professional Day, and November 4^th, Election Day.  The next PTA meeting will be on November 10^th in the All Purpose Room.  Parent conference days are November 11^th and 12^th.  These are early dismissal days; students will be served lunch and dismissed at 1:00 p.m.  If you have not already done so, contact your child’s teacher to schedule a conference time.

Sincerely,

Ralph Viggiano, Principal