Community Communication - September 2024
Hello MPS families. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Alan Gouk and I am thrilled to be returning as Principal of Maryborough P.S.. I come to the position with 25 years experience in education. I would like to think that my door is always open and welcome any inquiries at any time. Please do not hesitate to reach out. The MPS team is looking forward to welcoming all our new students and returning students back to school on Wednesday September 4.
The First Day:
When students arrive at school, there will be grade level signs on the tarmac to show everyone where to meet
Once the bell has rung, teachers will collect students and take their new class into the school
There will be additional staff outside to answer any questions
On the first day, parents/guardians may accompany their child(ren) to their grade sign; after the first day, please drop off your child(ren) at the yellow line
If it rains on the first day, students will meet in the gym and organization will take place from there
Please understand that class assignments are final. Please do not call the school to have your child moved. Staff have spent a great deal of time developing classes based on a detailed set of criteria, focused on student learning and success. We take this process seriously and do our best to plan for the success of all students.
Schools have built classes based on their tentative organizations. Changes may be necessary in order that our Board remains compliant with Ministry parameters. Any changes would be implemented by Tuesday, September 17th. Principals do not have the option of changing the school organization that is set by the District Staffing Committee. Any changes will be communicated by the school.
Communication with the School:
A package of information will come home on the second day of school. Please complete the forms and return them to your child’s teacher as soon as you can.
Your child’s teacher will be providing specific information regarding how best to contact them
Communication from the school will be made primarily via our or our school website or UGDSB Communication tool (phone calls, or emails). Please make sure to update your email address with us if necessary.
School Supplies:
Below is a list of school supplies you may consider purchasing at the start of the year and replenishing as necessary throughout the year (i.e., at winter break) or as your children grow:
Knapsack or backpack for personal belongings
A water bottle and lunch pail
Outdoor and indoor shoes
Kindergarten & Primary Students: pencil case, pencils, erasers, glue stick, scissors, washable markers, crayons
Junior Students: pencil case, pencils/erasers, glue stick, scissors, pencil crayons, markers, a calculator, a protractor
Students may bring their own technological device (i.e., Chromebook) on the direction of their teacher
If Your Child Is Going to be Absent or Late:
Please call the office (519-638-3095 ext.100); there is voicemail that can be accessed 24 hours a day. Please leave your child’s name, class, and reason for being absent or late
We follow a safe arrival policy. If we are not informed of the reason for a child’s absence, we will call parents (home, cell, work). If we still cannot get a hold of someone, we will call emergency contacts.
If Your Child is Ill at School:
We will call to have someone come to pick them up
Calls will be made from the office (please do not text your child)
It is important that we have updated contact information and emergency contacts on file at the office in case we cannot get ahold of you
Dropping Off or Picking Up Students:
Supervision on the yard begins at 8:35. Students should not be on the yard before then
At the Start of the Day - Parents/guardians are expected to drop off their child(ren) at the yellow bus line. The parking lot is closed until 8:45 am for bus arrival. Please park along the road and walk your children to the bus line.
At the end of the day - Please wait at the yellow line for your child. Please park along the road, as the buses will be using the parking lot for pick-up.
If the school has not received a note or phone call from the parent/guardian, pupils will be sent home in the usual way. Please make end of the day arrangements in advance of the end of the day.
During the Day - parents/guardians may come into the Office to pick up or drop off their child(ren)
Students leaving during the day must be picked up by the front office so we can ensure their safe departure
September Dates at a Glance:
Sept. 11: School Council Meeting @ 7 in the learning commons
16 - 20: Book Fair,
19: Open House/School Council BBQ
20: Terry Fox
24: Junior Soccer Tournament
27: Rowan’s Law Day
30: Orange Shirt Day
Plans of Care/Medication:
If your child has health concerns of any kind, please tell your child’s teacher or the office and we will take the necessary health protection steps, including the possibility of creating a Plan of Care (i.e., Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Diabetes) to share with school staff who might interact with your child.
In order to take medication at school, a consent form must be given to the Office.
Pets:
At pick up and drop off, we strongly discourage you from bringing your pet to the school.There are students and adults who are allergic and/or not comfortable around pets. We appreciate your support with this!
Again, should you have any questions, concerns, or comments please do not hesitate to reach out to us. The MPS team is looking forward to a fantastic school year.