PLES Family Forecast Dec 8-12

Porter's Lake Elementary School Family Forecast Dec 8-12

This Week at a Glance

Principal’s Message

Dear Families,

Today was our first real taste of winter weather with cold and snow, and overall, students did very well!

Here’s a quick review of our winter day processes:

• Students will be outside unless the windchill is -20°C or below (please ensure they are dressed for the weather).
• Sliding on the hills is allowed feet first if students are wearing snowpants.
• Playing in the snow is fine, but no snowball throwing.
• We have extra hats available, but no extra mitts.
• If a student isn’t dressed appropriately, Admin will ask them to stay inside for safety.

Morning Drop-Off Reminders:
With winter weather, mornings are getting hectic. To keep everyone safe:

• Use the drop-and-go lane for quick drop-offs.
• Do not drop students in the middle of the loop.
• Do not park in the drop-off lane (please park on the road and walk in).
• Do not block bus drop-off areas.

Take care,
John Fry
Principal
Porters Lake Elementary

 

Holiday Bazaar

The Holiday Bazaar is a fun way for Porters Lake students to shop for loved ones while raising funds for school events. Families donate new or gently used items, and students shop class by class, choosing gifts for $1 each. Items are wrapped on-site by volunteer “elves,” making it a special experience! We aim for each child to purchase up to three items, depending on donations. Popular items include jewelry, books, toys (no stuffed animals), kitchenware, games, candles, and gift bags. Donations can be dropped off starting Dec. 2 and no later than Dec. 17. On shopping day, please send gift tags, a list of names, and a reusable bag. Volunteers are needed for setup, wrapping, and cleanup—no criminal record check required. Click this link to volunteer: https://volunteersignup.org/H3KXB

Inclement Weather and School Cancellations:

Did you know? HRCE takes great care when making the decision to alter the regular operations of schools and school buses in the event of severe or inclement weather.  

It is HRCE’s goal to communicate any changes to the regular operations of schools and/or buses as close to 6:00 a.m. as possible. A 6:00 a.m. announcement could be: 

• All schools are delayed in opening by two hours and bus pickups are delayed by two hours; or
• All schools are open, but some or all busses are not operating for the day; or
• Some schools (either individually or by family) are closed for the day; or
• All schools are closed for the day.  

 If weather deteriorates, or is forecasted to worsen throughout the morning, an 11:00 a.m. announcement could be: 

• Bussed students will be picked up two hours earlier than their regular dismissal time; and
• Walking students will be dismissed at their regularly scheduled lunch hour.  
   

How will I find out? 

• By email to the addresses in PowerSchool
• By text message, if you have opted-in. If you aren’t sure if you have opted-in, text Y to the following number: 978338
• On the HRCE website
• On Instagram  
   

It’s important to always have a plan in place for childcare in the event of any cancellation. Please remember: As a parent or guardian you always have the choice of whether or not to send your child to school. 

For more information on how HRCE manages during inclement weather, visit hrce.ca/families/cancellations. 

SchoolsPlus is here to support you

SchoolsPlus is a confidential, free service available in every school in Nova Scotia. Our goal is to build positive relationships between families, schools, and communities.  Parents, guardians and students (12+) can self-refer to SchoolsPlus 12 months a year! Just contact the SchoolsPlus Facilitator at your school. 

Call 902-464-2000, ext. 2331 or email schoolsplus@hrce.ca. Learn more about SchoolsPlus here.

Upcoming Dates

• Dec 15: Holiday Concert (Grades P–2)
• Dec 16: Holiday Concert (Grades 2/3–6)
• Dec 19: Last Day Before Holiday Break
• Jan 5: First Day Back After Holiday Break