Greetings Ardagh Bluffs Families,
Welcome to the 2023-2024 school year! We would like to extend a warm, welcome-back to school message to both our new families and returning families. Mr. Kirwan and I are both excited to be returning to Ardagh Bluffs Public School this year. We had an exceptional school year last year and are ready and eager to continue our collaboration with the Ardagh Bluffs community and staff.This year, it is our pleasure to introduce some new permanent staff members to the Ardagh Bluffs PS team. Please join us in welcoming: Ms. Basile (EA), Mr. Kearney (Grade 5/6), and Ms. Myers (Grade 4/5). Please also give a warm Ardagh welcome to the following long term occasional staff who will be filling in for staff on leave including: Mrs. Quach (Grade SK/1), Mr. Logan (Grade 3), Ms. Mihan (Grade 3), Ms. Manchisi (Grade 6/7), Ms. Laplante (SERT), Ms. Dumont (Intermediate Core French), Ms. Stewart-Brown (0.3 Grade 1) and Mr. Taylor (French Immersion Planning Time). Even though our school has been closed to students over the summer months, much activity has been happening at Ardagh Bluffs PS. Under the leadership of our Head Custodian, Mrs. Graham, the custodial team has done a phenomenal job with summer clean up. When you visit the school you will see that it is sparkling and gleaming, ready for a new school year.
School staff are eager to see students back at the school and planning has begun for the resumption of many of our regular school activities. To begin, we will look forward to our Terry Fox Run Day on September 21. We will also recognize National Indigenous People’s Day on September 29th, which includes Orange Shirt Day. Please watch your email for updates regarding school events as our team collaborates to bring various activities and events to our school and community.
Mr. Kirwan and I believe that an effective school is built on positive relationships between the school and community and we have been very appreciative of all of the School Council’s efforts and support of our school. If you would like to get involved in the School Council Executive, please complete a School Council nomination form. These forms will be sent home electronically on Friday, September 8th. All School Council meetings are open to the public, so parents/guardians can attend even if they are not formal members of the School Council. Our final meeting of the 2022-2023 School Council will be held on Wednesday, September 20th from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and our School Council Election and first meeting of the 2023-2024 School Council will be held on Wednesday, October 4th from 6:00-7:00 p.m.
In terms of upcoming dates, Friday, September 22nd is a scheduled Professional Activity Day, which means there will not be school for students. Turnaround Day will take place on Wednesday, September 27th in the Simcoe County District School Board. Please remember that class placements for students are tentative until this date and class organizations can change based on the number of students enrolled at our school (e.g., we could gain classes, lose classes or move students between classes to balance class sizes). If there are changes to be made, staff and students will begin in their new classes on September 27th. We will notify you of any changes in advance of this date and will work with our families to minimize disruption as much as possible during this annual process.
We are looking forward to another exceptional year of learning, leadership and community building at Ardagh Bluffs Public School. Please be sure to say hello when you see us in the Kiss and Ride / Bus Lanes each morning and afternoon. We are also always reachable by phone or email at the school for inquiries requiring administrator support.
Yours in learning,
Ms. Robinson and Mr. Kirwan