Thursday, October 31st -​Happy Halloween!

Students and Staff are welcome to wear orange and black - no costumes please.

Halloween Safety Week! 

Here are some safety tips as found on the Caring for Kids website:

 Halloween Safety Tips

For parents:

• Do not use masks. Masks make it hard for children to see what’s around them, including cars. Try a hypoallergenic (less likely to cause an allergic reaction), non-toxic make-up kit instead.
• Make or buy costumes in light-coloured material.
• Place strips of reflective tape on the back and front of costumes, so that drivers can better see your child.
• Costumes should fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Avoid items such as oversized shoes, high heels, long dresses and long capes.
• Dress your child for the weather. Add layers if needed.
• Put your child’s name, address and phone number on their costume.
• Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult for trick or treating. By the age of 10, some children are ready to go trick-or-treating with a group of friends. 
• Keep in mind that gum and hard candy can pose a choking risk for young children.
• Remove make-up before bedtime to prevent possible skin and eye irritation.

If your child is going out without an adult:

• Make sure your child is in a group of at least 3 people.
• Give them a flashlight. A cell phone is also a good idea if you have one.
• Discuss in advance the route they should follow. Ask them to call you if they plan to go on a street that isn’t on the route.
• Set a curfew (and make sure they have a watch with them).
• Tell your children not to eat anything until they get home.

For children and youth:

• Carry a white bag or pillowcase for your candy, and add some reflective tape.
• Dress for the weather. Cold weather or water absorbent materials in the rain can be very uncomfortable.
• Bring a cell phone if you can, in case you need to make an emergency phone call.
• Always travel in groups. Be sure there are at least 3 of you at all times.
• Let your parents know where you’re going to be at all times.
• Don’t visit houses that are not well lit. Never go inside a stranger’s house.
• Use the sidewalk whenever possible. If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
• Don’t criss-cross back and forth across the street. Work your way up one side of the street, and then start on the other.
• If you have any allergies, tell the person who is giving out the treats. 
• If you have allergies that need an EpiPen, bring it with you and let your friends know what to do if you need it. 
• Don’t eat any of your treats before you get home. Once home, ask your parents to look through your treats with you to make sure everything is okay.

For homeowners:

• Turn on outdoor lights, and replace burnt-out bulbs.
• Remove items from your yard or porch that might trip a child.
• Sweep wet leaves from your steps and driveway.
• Use alternative to candles in your pumpkins, such as a flashlight or a battery-operated candle.
• Some children have food allergies. Consider giving treats other than candy, such as stickers, erasers or a small toy.
• Put out a teal-coloured pumpkin or a poster of one in your window to let children with food allergies know that what you're handing out is allergen-free (e.g., not food).

Howlfest update! Winner of the 50/50 100 square board was #21 purchased by Sarah! We have you phone numer and will call you on Monday. Please come to the office to claim your prize by Monday, November 4th. Video link is under Latest School Documents.

Howlfest Update #2! The lucky winning number of the 50-50 tickets draw is 345927. Please present the winning ticket at the main office before Monday, November 4th. Video link is under Latest School Documents.

Safe Arrival Information starting October 28th, 2019

Students will be bringing home a letter for families with information regarding a new and more efficient Safe Arrival Program. The letter provides the full details, and is available by clicking on the link. The steps listed below, which are also in the letter, outline how to install the SchoolMessenger app on your mobile device. GNMES Safe Arrival Letter.docx  Safe Arrival FAQs.docx

With SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child’s absence in advance using any of these 3 convenient methods: ​

1.     Using your mobile device, download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at https://go.schoolmessenger.com). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.

2.     Use the SafeArrival website, https://go.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.

3.     Call the toll-free number 1-833-294-4838 to report an absence using the automated phone system.​

​Monday, November 4th - Home & School Meeting at 6:00pm in The Den. New members are always welcome!