Inform| Enrollment Growth Funding

Due to an increase in student enrollment, and to address learning concerns, Clarence Sansom School has been provided additional funding.

As a staff, we examined class sizes and complexity when making decisions pertaining to the allocation of funding. We examined class sizes and specific learning/language needs of our students and determined that the grade 8 student population needed to be addressed. After weighing all the factors, we have determined that grade 8 students would benefit from a reduction in class size from an average of 35 students to approximately 30. As a result, we are creating a 7^th grade 8 homeroom, and some students will be impacted as we populate this new class.

The new schedule will not begin until the second semester (January 31, 2023). Families of students moving classes will be notified on Sunday January 28, 2024.

Please understand that this change demonstrates our commitment to smaller class sizes, personalized learning, and an emphasis on stronger student-teacher relationships. From a teaching and learning perspective, we see these changes as positive. We understand making this change mid-year is never ideal, however, we know this is in the best interest of student learning as our enrollment continues. Please know that teachers are working very thoughtfully in choosing which students to move into the new class.

Thank you for your support in this endeavor.

Inform| New Grade 8 Option

We are happy to announce that a new grade 8 option is being introduced in semester two. If students are interesting in changing one of their options to Computer Science 8, they can now do so by completing a yellow course change form. This form must be signed by a parent/guardian

See description below for the new option being offered:

• Computer Science is based on technology to help delve into the world of coding and building computer games.
• Students will work with block coding and some HTML code.
• Programs such as Playground and Scratch will be utilized to facility block coding.
• Students will also engage in a CBE- Microsoft Minecraft Challenge.

Invite| Mental Health & Anxiety (Grades K-6) | February 8 | 6:30pm-8:00pm

There is a lot of talk about children feeling stressed and having ‘more anxiety,’ but what does this really mean? As caregivers, it can be confusing to know if our efforts to support children are helping or even making the situation worse.  Join our AHS partners from the mental health literacy team, who will clarify the language around mental health, stress, and anxiety.   From there, learn ways to effectively coach children to understand their stress response and grow more resilient.  Know the signs for when further professional assessment and support may also be needed and what treatment could involve.  Leave with more clarity and strategies for supporting resiliency in elementary-aged children and how to boost your mental health.   

Meeting Link

Revised| Values Project Parent/Guardian Input

Over the course of this year, students and teachers have been exploring what it means to live in a good way at Clarence Sansom School. To do this, we have been asking students to reflect upon and tell us their personal values. Another way to think about this is to ask “What are the personal characteristics that you value the most?” or “What guiding principles do you follow, in order to make you a good citizen at Clarence Sansom School?”

We would like to invite our Scorpion families to be a part of this process.  Therefore, we are asking for your input by completing the survey at the link below.  Please take a minute (or longer) to discuss this topic with your family and submit your answer(s) using the link below.

Possible responses are as follows but not limited to, hard work, commitment to education, kindness, celebrating diversity, celebrating your culture, empathy, etc.  There are many ways to answer this question, what we want to know is what is most important to you and your family. 

Thank you for being a part of this work.

New Link:  https://forms.office.com/r/gtb...

Inform| Lester B. Pearson Grade 9 Tour

On January 29, 2024, we are taking all of our Grade 9 inclusion students to Lester B. Pearson for a tour in the morning. Grade 9’s must report to their homeroom classes by 8:30 am as we are leaving the school at 8:40 am sharp (after attendance is taken). 

Please be advised the process for trips within walking distance of the school has been simplified. As parents/guardians, you will no longer need to fill out a consent form for your child to go on a class trip that is walking distance from the school.

As with any field trip, we want to inform you about some common hazards involved with walking trips. Please note this list may not include all the hazards for a given trip:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Getting separated from the group
• Street crossings
• Pre-existing medical conditions and/or allergies
• Exposure to infectious diseases (e.g. COVID-19 virus, SARS, MERS, influenza).
• Weather (students must dress appropriately)

Students are designated to High Schools based on their home address on file. For information regarding the High School Transfer process, please refer to the CBE website.

If your child is not designated to go to Pearson, they are still expected to attend this tour to gain insight on high school. Please note that all our grade 9 teachers will be attending this trip.

Invite| Lester B. Pearson Open House

Grade 9 students and their families are invited to the LBPHS Open House on January 29, 2024. See brochure for more information. LBP Invitation-Open House.pdf 

Invite| Nelson Mandela Open House

Grade 9 students and their families are invited to the Nelson Mandela Open House on January 29, 2024. See brochure for more information. Grade9toursFLYER2024.pdf 

Inform| Report Cards

As in previous years, paper copies of report cards are no longer printed.  Semester 1 report cards will be available for viewing in your MyCBE / PowerSchool Account on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.

A MyCBE / Powerschool account provides parents/guardians and students seamless access to information and transactions using a modern and effective technology platform. Parents/guardians have online access to:

• View their children’s academic information (schedule, grades and attendance).
• Register for transportation and noon supervision.
• Pay fees and request fee waivers.
• Book school conferences.

 Sign-up for a MyCBE / Powerschool Account: CLICK HERE

Inform| Cafeteria 

This week’s menu:  

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
Turkey and Cheese Sandwich, Egg Salad Sandwich, Veggies and Dip, Vegetable Soup, 2 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Veggies	Turkey and Cheese Sandwich, Egg Salad Sandwich, Veggies and Dip, Vegetable Soup, Macaroni and Cheese with Salad	Turkey and Cheese Sandwich, Egg Salad Sandwich, Veggies and Dip, Vegetable Soup, Cheese Burger with Veggies	Turkey and Cheese Sandwich, Egg Salad Sandwich, Veggies and Dip, Vegetable Soup, Chicken Caesar Wrap

Important Dates

• Tuesday January 23: Jersey Day
• Wednesday January 24: LBPHS Grade Presentation
• Thursday January 25: Twin Day
• Monday January 29: Grade 9 Tour at Lester B. Pearson High School – Please see attached flyer
• Tuesday January 30: Report Cards live on PowerSchool and IPPs go home