This week at Auguston Nov. 28 - Dec. 2
(updated Dec. 1)
Winter Weather
Please leave some extra time to get to school!
(from https://www.abbyschools.ca/node/14579)
During the late fall and winter months, weather conditions might cause a school or schools to shut down. The Superintendent of Schools has authority, on behalf of the Board, to temporarily close a school or schools. This decision is made in consultation with management and supervisory staff who have checked first-hand on the driving conditions, walking/sidewalk conditions, and general condition of buildings and accessibility to sites. A number of factors go into a school closure decision, including: student and staff safety, the conditions of roads near schools, school grounds, school bus routes, and whether facilities are fully operational.
Any district-wide or partial-district closures will be decided and communicated by 6:30 A.M. In the event that there is winter weather but schools remain open, it is the parent’s decision, based on their assessment of the relative safety of travel conditions, as to whether or not their children attend school.
Details and official announcements/updates are always distributed via the below platforms; please connect with us online.
District/School Websites (www.abbyschools.ca);
Our "Abby Schools" app, available for download from the iTunes Store or Google Play; and
Twitter (@AbbotsfordSD), Facebook (@AbbotsfordSD) and Instagram (@AbbotsfordSD).
How are District Sites and Road Conditions Assessed during Winter Weather?
Beginning at approximately 3:00 A.M., a crew from our Facilities Team begin investigating road conditions and conditions at district sites. Unpredictable conditions can be a result of the varying elevations within Abbotsford. For this reason, road assessments take place across the city.
District crews analyze estimated time that it will take for snow and ice to be cleared from parking lots, sidewalks and busses. Other concerns include fallen or low-lying trees, power failures, accidents and traffic flow. Sidewalks that have excessive snow due to street snow removal are also a safety concern, especially along corridors where students would normally walk to school.
Once area assessments are complete, the Facilities Team meets to compare their observations. A recommendation is then made to the Superintendent of Schools by 6:00 A.M..
How does the District decide to announce a Snow Day?
Once a recommendation is received, the Superintendent of Schools makes a decision based on the information provided, taking into account the safety of students and staff as a primary concern. If a decision is made to close schools, a district announcement is immediately placed on the School District website, Abby Schools app and social media sites, and shared with local media.
Snow Days are only ever announced on a day-by-day basis.
Opt-In to Receive Text Messages
In the event of a school closure, the district will also send out an automated message from it's messaging system, SchoolConnects (formerly Synervoice). Parents/guardians and staff who want to also receive text messages from the Abbotsford School District must opt-in by texting the word JOIN to 56360 from the mobile phone they wish to receive text messages on.
Sledding
The kids were pretty excited to see the snow today! If students choose to bring sleds, they will be allowed to use them. However, they will have to be stored outside (not in the school) so they are bringing them at their own risk. The wetness of the floors the sleds bring creates a slipping hazard on floors so they must be kept outside. The hill above our school field is open to all students, with the hill beside our gym being open to Gr. 5’s only and only if they are using helmets and sledding on single sleds (no doubling up). There is a container and basketball post that we will do our best to keep the kids away from, however, there is always a risk when going down a steep hill. We will only open this hill if we feel it is safe to do so.
Road Salt
Please remind your children that coloured granules on the ground (blue or purple) are rock salt and are not to be put anywhere near their mouths! This is a chemical product that should not be ingested.
Christmas Concert
Preparations are under way in classrooms as students practice their songs and performances. Our goal is to share the digital file of our Christmas Concert with families on December 14th. More details will be coming soon – but from what I’ve seen of performances so far – it’s going to be a good one!
Update to SafeArrival
Please note it has been approved to increase the number of days a parent/guardian can excuse their child through SafeArrival. Parents/guardians can now report up to 5 consecutive days absence through the SafeArrival portal: max 5 days.png
Retake Photo Orders
Proofs from Retake Day have now been sent home and orders can be placed online. Order due date is Thursday, Dec. 1*.
This year, in an effort to be more environmentally friendly, school photo order forms will not be sent home. Instead, students will only receive a proof sheet with their codes to view and order their retake photos online. Order online when you receive your child's proof at edgeimaging.ca/order. Any questions can be directed to Edge Imaging Customer Care at 1-888-416-3343.
*Please note that parents can order either their child's original OR retake photo. Each proof will have a separate online ordering code. Once the retake due date of Dec. 1 has passed, then parents will need to pay a minimal shipping fee to have their package shipped to their home.
Yearbook Art Contest
Calling all artists, doodlers and everyone in between…the Yearbook Committee is inviting you to enter our very first Cover Art Contest! The theme is Our School Year Through the Seasons and the contest will be open until Friday, December 2.
A couple rules:
1. All entries must be submitted on standard letter sized paper.
2. Please print your name, grade and teachers name neatly on the back of your paper.
A winning piece will be selected from each grade to be published as the cover page for the yearbook! Winners will be announced on December 15. Good luck!
Auguston Food Drive
For the month of December, our school will be collecting donations for the food bank. Being able to give back to those in need by collecting food bank donations is an annual tradition here at Auguston and we are glad to be able to help out once again.
Starting on December 1, please send any donations to your child(ren)’s classrooms as we are going to be keeping track of which class can bring in the most, with a pizza party for our top two classes.
Please make sure any donations are dropped off prior to December 15 (first thing in the morning) as the bin will be picked up that day.
Currently, the Archway Food Bank is serving over 1000 households a month. While unique items such as baking supplies or condiments are appreciated by our families, with the high number of community members accessing services, it can be difficult to ensure equitable distribution for everyone.
Please consider donating these most needed items:
- Canned Beans
- Dry Pasta
- Canned meats
- Peanut Butter
- Canned Tomatoes
Touque & Mitten Tree
There will also be a tree set up in the office for donations of touques & mittens for kids in need.
School Photos for the Yearbook/Website
We are looking for some parent volunteers to take photos at school events, recess, assemblies, activities, etc. for the yearbook/website. Please ensure you have completed the Volunteer Process.
If this interests you, please reach out so we can get you started! Please contact the PAC at augustonpac@gmail.com or the school office at auguston@abbyschools.ca.