Family Groups

Last Friday, we gathered together in our Family Groups, picking up where we left off last spring. Family Groups are mixed groups of students from all grades and the French Immersion and English programs. Each Friday, groups meet in the same classroom with their animal groups. The animals are based on Indigenous teachings of the Medicine Wheel. Teachers rotate through the groups and teach lessons related to Social Emotional Learning, Indigenous ways of knowing and outdoor learning.

Family Groups are another way that our staff works together to help students feel that they belong and are connected to our school. Learning with other children and adults helps students increase their self-confidence and builds more friendships. Ask your child which animal group that they are in and what they have learned in Family Groups!

The Importance of Regular Attendance

Regular attendance at school lays the foundation for students' future success. Missing a few days or arriving late may not seem like much but it all adds up to missed instructional time. Young children learn best first thing in the morning so teachers usually teach reading, writing and math before lunch.

Here are some examples of teachers' schedules at JJ so you can see what students who arrive late are missing:

Here are some of the short-term and long-term benefits of regular attendance:

• By Grade 3, students with regular attendance are more likely to read at grade level.
• By Grade 6, regular attendance is a predictor of high school completion.
• ​By Grade 9, regular attendance is a better predictor of graduation rates than test scores.
• Students who attend daily are less likely to fall behind in school.
• Concerns with school attendance may indicate other challenges in a student’s life.
• Regular school attendance is an important life skill on the path to graduation and future employment.​​

More information can be found here: CBE Attendance

Teachers and school administration are happy to work with families to improve students' attendance. Please connect with us if you would like to meet with us!

Gymnastics Continues at JJ This Week:

Help your child participate safely by:

▪ Dressing in clothing that allows freedom of movement (no special uniforms or leotards are required) – sweatpants/jogging pants/leggings and a t-shirt work best. Tight fitting clothing is preferable instead of loose fitting or baggy clothing as they may get caught on equipment when climbing.

▪ Removing all jewelry (please leave at home). This includes watches, rings, necklaces, dangling/hoop earrings etc.

▪ Tying long hair back. Please provide hair elastics.

▪ Students will be actively moving, so please do not wear footed tights and no dresses or skirts.

Here's what's coming up at JJ: