Sydenham Public School

<p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1ee4549a-34a3-4fd7-9d19-bb08fd215be4" alt=" Autumn November Newsletter Email Header 1 " width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sydenham Storm Updates</span></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teachers are currently writing progress reports which will go home on November 13th. Progress reports are a quick snapshot that focuses on learning skills and work habits. It shares initial progress towards curriculum expectations.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CROSS COUNTRY - We had so many Storm Kiddos participate in Cross Country this fall - it was so great to see our little school bring more runners than some of the bigger schools!</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BOO BASH - What a great turn out to our first BOO BASH! Thank you to our SAC, staff and student volunteers who made this event possible! Our next event is MOVIE NIGHT - check out the poster below!</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BAKER'S NEEDED! Each year, at our December Talent Show, our SAC organizes a bake sale...we need you and your baking skills! Put your thinking caps on now so that you are ready when the official call comes out late November/Early December! (We are asking that baking donations come with ingredient list so that our students/families with allergies/food restrictions can make informed and safe choices - thank you!)</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our attendance rate slipped below 80% for October - this is most likely due to some seasonal illnesses circulating - if students are feeling well enough to participate fully at school, and there is no fever, vomiting or diarrhea, they are welcome to be in class. If your family is going away on a trip, please connect with the office before your departure date! Thank you!</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to all who donated to Socktober and Terry Fox - we are so proud of our Sydenham Storm effort!</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7d195ecf-6557-41a5-8eef-73683f8882ef" alt="INFO INTra" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/271d8a93-1904-4eda-bbcc-1007200711e7" alt="Join us" width="153" height="153" style="width:153px;height:153px;display:inline-block;float:right"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Advisory Council </strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our next meeting is Monday, November 24th at 5:30 pm - babysitting provided! All Welcome!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Update on Learning:</span></h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LITERACY</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Another big focus in most of our classes this fall is reading fluency! This is something you can easily practice at home! When reading to your child try some of the following to support reading fluency:</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PRACTICE TOGETHER:</span></h4><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Model reading aloud:&nbsp;Read to your child with expression and clear phrasing to show what fluent reading sounds like and to make it enjoyable.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Echo reading:&nbsp;Read a sentence or passage with expression, and have your child repeat it back, mimicking your pauses and voice pitch.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Choral reading:&nbsp;Read a book or passage together at the same time. You can read slightly ahead so your child can follow your lead.</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Take turns:&nbsp;Read alternating sentences or pages to make reading a collaborative activity.&nbsp;</span></li></ul><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">REINFORCE WITH REPETITION:</span></h4><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Reread favorite books:&nbsp;Encourage your child to reread books they enjoy. Repetition builds confidence, speed, and accuracy without the pressure of new material.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Practice with familiar texts:&nbsp;Reread familiar short texts like poems, nursery rhymes, or song lyrics to help them get comfortable with rhythm and flow. It doesn't always need to be a story book or novel!</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MATHEMATICS</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathematical reasoning at home - try these examples below with your Storm Kiddo! It's all about the thinking and the discussion - not about who is right!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/7f31c2ef-1c61-40fb-8099-a622629af207" alt="reasoning" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d3ba094e-947c-4f71-b571-b1a6aa69739f" alt="mr1" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4743f390-d835-4527-b463-6eda3c6f6152" alt="Black And Beige Retro Playful Family Movie Night Cinema Event Instagram Post" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Calendar of Events</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://sydenhamps.limestone.on.ca/calendar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please click this link to our school's calendar of events </strong></b></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- we will keep this calendar updated with events happening at Sydenham. From time to time we will also give you a heads up in our newsletters - but in a pinch, you can always go to the calendar if you can't find the newsletter the info was in.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 3 - Intramural sign up in Ms. MacDonald's room.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 7 - Gr 7 Immunizations</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 8 - Intramural teams posted!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 10 - bus safety presentations in the last block</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 11 - Remembrance Day - Classes are walking to various events in our community and our primary classes are honouring our veterans in our garden and at our Flag Pole.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 13 - Progress Reports go home</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 13 - Family Movie Night in the Gym to support our Library 6 pm - adult required to attend</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 14 - PA DAY - no classes for students</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SAC Meeting - November 24 - 5:30pm - All Welcome! (Babysitting provided)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SAVE THE DATE - December Show - 17th at 6 pm - details coming soon!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mental Health Resources for Youth and Families</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/a40f3de6-2180-46e4-b2ba-b9d863c459f4" alt="Crisis Services Info EN 1152x1536" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><br></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/db1f6353-4491-4eb0-8823-48f95a371767" alt="2025 10 21 Student Census Social and Newsletter" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[The section below will be at the end of every newsletter - so if you have arrived here - thank you for reading our full newsletter - we appreciate you!]</span></h2><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How Do I Report An Absence?</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please use the Safe Arrival system to report your child's absence; if you need to call to report an absence, please call 1-855-257-9349 (see instructions below) </strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your child will be late, please report a full day absence and then we will sign them in when they arrive. </em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Computerized call outs occur around 9:30 for students absent with no reported absence in our system. This call out system is a mandatory safety feature to ensure you know your child is not at school and can follow up as needed. For this reason, if your child is late, it is important that they stop into the office so that Mrs. Thompson can change their absence to 'Late' so that you don't receive an unnecessary and worrisome phone call that your child is not at school</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How to report your absence:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Toll-free telephone</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Call&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1-855-257-9349</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2. School Messenger App</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Use your mobile device to download and install the free SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.com/#/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SchoolMessenger website portal</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, or from within the LDSB mobile app.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Select Attendance, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3.&nbsp;</strong></b><a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SchoolMessenger SafeArrival Website Portal</strong></b></a></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SchoolMessenger website portal</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Select Attendance, then Report an Absence and follow the prompts.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/2e88689c-2abb-4db8-b50c-c2792600b11e" alt="October 2025 Event Schedule " width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a83aa9c8-238b-4873-89fe-57d4d25fd541" alt="Orange and Black Simple Newsletter Email Header" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sydenham Storm Updates</span></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was so great to see everyone at Open House!! We know that this was just a short meet and greet with your child's classroom teacher. Please feel free to connect with us if you wish to chat further about your child's learning. </span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Many classes participated in activities in their classrooms about why we wore orange shirts yesterday. Please ask your child about the stories and activities they did to honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and to further their (and our) understanding of this important day.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit the School Day app/website to order hot lunches - we are trialling having hot lunches 3 days each week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) with orders being due on Sundays. We use the funds raised from hot lunch to assist in paying for experiential learning opportunities for our students such as field trips, guest speakers, materials for special projects and so much more!</span><img src="/images/d65c90d6-9059-4f00-8318-77e2d78e6363" alt="LEts Celebrate" width="100" height="100" style="width:100px;height:100px;display:inline-block;float:right"></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">89.5% of our Storm Kiddos were at school for a minimum of 90% of the school days in September! This is a great feat and we are so proud of you all for making this happen!! Read our Attendance Matters Section below for more information on how important attendance is.</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Storm Families are fundraising with a flurry for Terry Fox - please visit our school page to donate by clicking this </span><a href="https://schools.terryfox.ca/105038" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">TERRY FOX SCHOOL LINK!</strong></b></u></a></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/735c8914-a746-49c6-a1b7-830400bdc5e6" alt="Rain or shine" width="231" height="231" style="width:231px;height:231px;display:inline-block;float:left"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Rain or Shine</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We value and appreciate our time outside as a much needed brain break from learning. We will go outside for most recesses even if it is raining. In the event of heavy rain (or storm), we will call an indoor recess. October can often be rainy, so please consider having your child wear or bring a water resistant coat. Extra clothes in the backpack is a great idea in case there are muddy puddles to play in!!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Advisory Council Update</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our first meeting had an amazing turn out! Thank you to all who joined us! Our next meeting is Tuesday, October 21 at 5:30 pm - babysitting provided! and we will be discussing preparations for our Boo Bash on Friday, October 24, from 5:30-7pm. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Update on Learning:</span></h2><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LITERACY</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Staff are continuing to target word attack strategies as we work on developing reading skills for our Sydenham Storm Kiddos. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Soon information will be coming home with grades SK-2 students around the school board's early literacy screening strategy. Sydenham Storm Staff did this screening in the first three days of the school year - and as you know, Sydenham Storm Staff always go above and beyond - we are using this screening strategy across all grades as we mentioned in our September Newsletter. With this early screening, we have been able to identify and target each child's area of need. Using this early screening strategy and targeted intervention, we are already seeing growth and improvement in our Storm Students' reading skills. The graphic below shows some of those word attack strategies we are working on. We love to talk literacy! Reach out to any one of our amazing Storm Staff if you want more things you can do to support your child's literacy journey at home. </span></p></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><p class="editor-paragraph"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click Here for a copy of the document with clickable links</span></u><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> ----&gt;</span><ie-document data-lexical-document-id="da89e915-d4a9-4b26-9c90-e271f10cebd1"></ie-document></p></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e4045bd1-38e5-4b33-9dad-bac76b4848f9" alt="Oct lit" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">MATHEMATICS</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mathematical reasoning sounds scary - especially if you didn't like math or struggled with math growing up! But it is really about thinking - and we all think everyday!! We can practice this with our kids (AND help our kids to understand that thinking and talking about thinking is really what math is all about) by beginning to talk about things that don't seem like 'math'. Try this example below (second graphic) with your Storm Kiddo! It's all about the thinking and the discussion - not about who is right!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/b6e16dbe-fd74-45bb-9468-2d5a468774dd" alt="Mathematical reasoning" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/6f52787c-89c9-4215-9428-2cd0fd91bd32" alt="MR PRactise" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Calendar of Events</strong></b></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><a href="https://sydenhamps.limestone.on.ca/calendar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please click this link to our school's calendar of events </strong></b></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- we will keep this calendar updated with events happening at Sydenham. From time to time we will also give you a heads up in our newsletters - but in a pinch, you can always go to the calendar if you can't find the newsletter the info was in.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Terry Fox Event - October 9 - 2pm</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PA Day - October 10 - No School - Teachers will be in professional development</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thanksgiving - October 13 - No School</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Picture Day - October 15</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cross Country @ Fort Henry - October 16</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Diwali - October 20</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SAC Meeting - October 21 - 5:30pm - All Welcome! (Babysitting provided)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Boo Bash - Friday October 24 - 5:30-7:00 - families are invited to join us for family and community building time organized by our amazing SAC committee! </span><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students must bring their grown up(s) with them as this is a family function! </span></u><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Wear a costume, black and orange, or your regular clothes-we just want to spend time with you!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ef6abd2a-a851-4e06-b40d-ed42bfeb3080" alt="attendance matters lost time" width="523" height="734" style="width:523px;height:734px;display:inline-block;float:left"></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Every Day Counts! </span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Did you know the impact of missing a day or two each month? Check out the info on the left! Each time your child is away or late, they are missing valuable learning time. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our school board's goal is to have every student at school for at least 90% of the school days. Our Sydenham Storm Staff may reach out to families to see if support is needed to help improve attendance if we start to see your child begin to dip below this goal line. This is not punitive! We want to help you and support where we can so that we can have every minute possible with your child and for their education!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If students are feeling well enough to participate at school, then they can come to school - even with a little sniffle or cough! Please refresh your child's memory on how to cover up a sneeze or cough when they have a little cold. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are very few reasons schools ask students to stay home - we do follow public health school health guide lines that ask students to stay home for fever, vomiting or diarrhea. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you ever wonder - 'Should my child go to school today?' - give us a call - we are happy to chat with you to figure it out together!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">[The section below will be at the end of every newsletter - so if you have arrived here - thank you for reading our full newsletter - we appreciate you!]</span></h2><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How Do I Report An Absence?</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please use the Safe Arrival system to report your child's absence; if you need to call to report an absence, please call 1-855-257-9349 (see instructions below) </strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your child will be late, please report a full day absence and then we will sign them in when they arrive. </em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Computerized call outs occur around 9:30 for students absent with no reported absence in our system. This call out system is a mandatory safety feature to ensure you know your child is not at school and can follow up as needed. For this reason, if your child is late, it is important that they stop into the office so that Mrs. Thompson can change their absence to 'Late' so that you don't receive an unnecessary and worrisome phone call that your child is not at school</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">How to report your absence:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Toll-free telephone</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Call&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1-855-257-9349</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2. School Messenger App</strong></b></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Use your mobile device to download and install the free SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.com/#/home" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SchoolMessenger website portal</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, or from within the LDSB mobile app.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Select Attendance, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3.&nbsp;</strong></b><a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SchoolMessenger SafeArrival Website Portal</strong></b></a></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Visit the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/account/login" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">SchoolMessenger website portal</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Select Attendance, then Report an Absence and follow the prompts.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>