Hello Arbour Vista families,
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, we find ourselves immersed in the beauty of autumn and the exciting learning opportunities that this month has in store for our students.
Faith Days During the month of November
Acknowledging and celebrating days of faith is an important aspect of many religious traditions and cultures. Different faiths have their own holy days, festivals, and observances that hold significance for their followers. During the month of November please see the days that will be acknowledged and celebrated by some members of our school community. Please note that there is diversity within faith communities and that no one list can represent all faith traditions or observances.
Date | Celebration | Faith/Religion |
October 31- November 1 | Diwali | Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism |
November 1 | Bandi Chhor Divas | Sikhism |
November 1 | All Saints Day | Christianity |
November 2 | New Year/Enlightenment day of Gautamswami | Jainism |
November 2 | Birth of the Bab | Baha’i |
November 3 | Birth of Bha’u’llah | Baha’i |
November 6 | Gnan Panchami | Jainism |
November 25 | Day of the Covenant | Baha’i |
November 27 | Ascension ‘Abu’l-Baha | Baha’i |
November 28 | First Day of Advent | Christianity |
November 24 | Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji | Sikhism |
November 27 | Birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji | Sikhism |
*Please note that November is acknowledged as Hindu Heritage Month.
We also acknowledge and share information with students about the following days of Significance, such as Treaty Recognition Week, International Inuit Day, Indigenous Veterans Day, Remembrance Day, Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, National Philanthropy Day, Louis Riel Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance and World Children’s Day
Racism, Discrimination and Inclusivity Letter from the UGDSB
LettertoParents_Oct28 (1) (1).pdf
November Communications Newsletter
The November Communications Newsletter is out! This is the monthly public-facing newsletter from the communications department, so please feel free to share with your communities.
In this month's issue we have information about:
Grade 8 Student Parent Info Nights
Download the new mobile app!
Parenting webinar on cellphones and vaping
And more!
A reminder that this is our public-facing newsletter and therefore can be shared with parents/guardians and the community. You can view the newsletter here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/communications-newsletter
The Upper Grand District School Board will begin exploring the possibility of expanding the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program in the district.
At the October 29, 2024, Board Meeting, the Board of Trustees approved recommendations related to the UGDSB’s IB program.
The approved recommendations include the potential expansion of the IB program to Dufferin and Wellington counties, and that the IB program at Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (GCVI) continue, with admissions starting in Grade 11. Students currently enrolled in Grade 9 & 10 IB classes at GCVI will continue and future IB program registrations will begin in Grade 11, starting with the 2026-2027 school year.
Trustees also approved that the Special Education Advisory Committee explore enrichment/gifted programming options for students in secondary school and that this include what is currently being offered within the UGDSB.
For background information on the IB program refresh, please refer to the June 4, 2024, report on the board website.
Exploring similar opportunities in Dufferin and Wellington counties aligns with the board’s goal of providing exceptional, adaptable and inclusive learning experiences for all students.
The board will continue to share information with the UGDSB community as this work continues. We look forward to engaging students, staff and families, as we plan for and design this refresh and modernization of the IB program, and sharing more news on enhanced supports for students entering Grade 9 next fall.
Treaties Recognition Week
Treaties Recognition Week is held annually during the first week of November. This year the week will take place from November 4-8, 2024. The annual event honours the importance of treaties and helps students learn more about treaty rights and relationships. By learning more about our collective treaty rights and obligations, we can create greater understanding and nurture these relationships.
School Council
School council will be meeting virtually on Tuesday November 5th at 6:30. The link to the meeting can be found on our website under “School Council”.
Danceathon-Professor Jamz
~a message from your Council~
The Danceathon is this Thursday! Thanks for all of your hard work in collecting donations towards the $10,000 goal to reduce the cost of the DancEd program for families. If you have not already done so, please return pledge envelopes to classroom teachers as soon as possible. Online donations can be submitted on School Cash Online until November 7th. Grades 1 - 8 students can purchase snacks during the Danceathon. Please send loonies and toonies if your child is planning to purchase snacks.
Students can make song requests on Professor Jamz website - https://www.professorjamz.com/arbourvista
If your child would like to glow under the black lights, please encourage them to wear neon or white clothing.
If the Danceathon is not suited to your child’s needs, an alternate space will be available. Please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher if they would like to use this space. All students will have the option to move to this space should they find themselves uncomfortable at the Danceathon. We're looking forward to a great day for everyone!
UGDSB UG Connect App
Please see this information below about the refreshed UGDSB mobile app. The app allows users to follow the news feed and events calendars of the UGDSB and whatever school(s) you choose to follow. Users can also sign up to receive push notifications from the UGDSB and selected schools. Download the new app today!
Make sure your UGDSB mobile app is up to date!
Download the new mobile app - it’s everything Upper Grand in your pocket. For the latest updates, please sign up for notifications!
Download for Android https://aptg.ca/V7pmln
Download for iPhone https://aptg.ca/370LCh
Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week
From November 18th to 22nd, the Upper Grand District School Board will be participating in Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (BAPW). During BAPW students, staff and parents/guardians are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effects on student learning and well-being.
For families who are dealing with a bullying incident there are many resources on the UGDSB website to support.
Resources and Links:
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan | Upper Grand District School Board
Get support with these mental health resources - Kids Help Phone
Please look to the school website for information on:
Wellness
Behaviour Expectations
Policy Updates
Have a wonderful week!
Mme Hare