Bateman Bobcat Banner
Monday, September 12, 2022
Upcoming Events:
- Thursday, September 22, 6:30 - 7:30 PM: RBPS School Council meeting: details TBA
- September 25 - 27: Rosh Hashanah (Shanah tovah to those celebrating)
- Friday, September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Friday,October 7: PA Day (No School for Students)
- Monday,October 10: Thanksgiving Monday(No School for Students)
Welcome to the first Bateman Bobcat Banner of 2022/2023. Every 2nd Monday, we will share the Bobcat Banner via email and post a copy to the RBPS website. The Bobcat Banner will contain news about upcoming events at Robert Batemen, showcase special events and activities, and present other information we hope will be of interest to the Robert Bateman Community.
Welcome Back!
Thank you for all of your support in helping our first week back to school go so smoothly for our students. It was also good to welcome parents back onto the school property, and we look forward to many more opportunities in the weeks and months ahead to welcome parents into the school.
Safe Arrival and Dismissal
Parents are no longer required to wait for their children on the sidewalk; you are welcome to come to the front of the school to meet your children at the end of the day. Please do not cross the bus lane, but instead cross at either the north or south end of the school.
Please also remember that the bus turning circle is closed at the start and the end of the day, and only school buses and OSTA vans may enter at that time. Parents are welcome to park in the turning circle if they are picking up or dropping off students in the middle of the school day. The staff parking lot is for staff only at all times.
Arrival Time
Thanks to all the parents / guardians who support their child(ren) to arrive at school between 8:15 and 8:30 AM. Our opening exercises (O Canada and daily announcements) take place at 10:20, just before first recess, so that students can jump right into learning as soon as they arrive. When students arrive late, they miss the first part of the lesson, and interrupt instructional time. We appreciate your support in helping your child(ren) to arrive on-time.
Ongoing Assessment
As we welcome students back to school, teachers in all grades will give students opportunities to review and practice their academic skills after the summer break. In addition, teachers will administer a variety of assessments, to help us to learn more about our students. The data from these assessments allows us to shape instruction so it is most helpful for each individual student, and for the class as a whole. Frequently, our in-school Learning Support Team of Ms Shackleton, Ms. Flanders, and Ms Horning will assist teachers with individual and group assessment in their classes, particularly at the start of the year. Please note that these early assessments will not be reflected on students’ Progress Reports or Report Cards. This type of diagnostic assessment is also known as ‘assessment for learning,’ and is an important tool to improve student achievement. To learn more about assessment, evaluation, and reporting in Ontario schools, please review the Ministry of Education Growing Success document.
School Council
Please join us for the Annual General Meeting and first School Council meeting of the 2022-2023 school year. This meeting will take place on Thursday September 22, 2022 starting at 6:30 pm. Parents and Guardians are invited to attend, vote, and welcome to run for positions on the School Council. More information will follow shortly regarding the venue for this meeting.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On Friday, September 30, students and staff at Robert Bateman School will join people across Canada in observing National Truth and Reconciliation Day. We will hold an assembly, in addition to other activities throughout the week. Leading up to September 30th and beyond, students at RBPS will continue to learn about the legacy of residential schools and their aftermath, in an age-appropriate context. We will make use of age-appropriate resources provided by the OCDSB Indigenous Education team, and our librarian, Ms Green, continues to build our collection of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit resources. We will share more information on our upcoming activities as we get closer to September 30.
Student Accident Insurance
Creating a caring and safe environment for our students is our top priority. Unfortunately, despite all reasonable precautions being taken, accidents can still happen. Some injuries may result in medical, dental or other expenses that are not covered by provincial health care or employer group plans. As a parent/guardian, you become responsible for these expenses.
Student accident insurance is available for purchase, on a voluntary basis. Parents may apply online at www.insuremykids.com or call 1-800-463-5437.
The OCDSB encourages all parents/guardians to consider purchasing this insurance. The accident insurance coverage options range from $17.00/year to $33.00/year. This coverage is for the entire calendar year and also applies to accidents that occur outside of school hours. If you have any questions, please call Binks Insurance Brokers directly at 613-226-1350.