Graham Bruce Elementary School is ready to welcome our students to the school year 2024-2025!

Dear Graham Bruce Families,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year! We are thrilled to have our students back in the classrooms, ready for another exciting year of learning and growth. Whether you are returning or new to our community, we extend a warm welcome to each of you.

FIRST DAY / WEEK OF SCHOOL

Tuesday September 3rd | 9:00 – 10:00am:

• Grade 1 – 7 students who are NEW to Bruce (including Collingwood Gr. 4 students): Please report to the front door (on Tanner Street). Students will be greeted and then placed in a class with their peers. 
• Grade 1 – 7 students who are RETURNING to Bruce:  Please line up at your last year’s drop-off/pick-up spots and you will be guided to your classrooms by your previous teachers or designates. Due to some moves, the following divisions will go to different areas in the school and not their previous classrooms: 
  • Last year’s Div. 3 students will go to Room 007: Please line up in the undercover area.
  • Last year’s Div. 4 students will go to Room 102: Please line up by the purple playground.
    
  • Last year’s Div. 8 students will go to B-Deck: Please line up at the back of the school by the swing set.
  • Last year’s Div. 9 students will go to B-Deck: Please line up at the back of the school by the swing set.
• New Kindergarten Students: Please line up in front of Room 106's outside door on Tanner Street. Our Kindergarten Teacher will greet and meet with the new Kindergarteners and families in her classroom
• Last year Kindergarten Students: Please report to the front door and teachers will greet and lead you to the school library.

Wednesday September 4th | All day: 9:00am - 2:58pm:

• New Kindergarteners: Please refer to the Gradual Entry Schedule that was emailed to you. Family interviews continue. 
• Last year Kindergarteners: Line up at the front door.
• Grade 1-7: First full day of school. Please ensure that students have a snack, lunch and dress for the weather! For the duration of the week, students will report to last year’s Drop-off/Pickup spots or their new areas as explained above.

• As in the past, all students will remain in last year’s classes until all school organizations are considered, approved and authorized by the school board. Once confirmed, students will be moved to their new classes.

NEW FACES

We are excited to introduce some new members to our Graham Bruce family:

• Ms. Samantha Ho:  Kindergarten 
• Ms. Vanessa Callaway: Grade 2/3 
• Mr. Christopher Clinton: Grade 3/4 on Mondays and Tuesdays and Resource on Wednesdays/Thursdays and Friday mornings
• Ms. Amy Lo: Resource Teacher on Tuesdays/Thursdays and Fridays covering for Ms. Andrea Cheung.

WELCOME BACK

• Ms. Kelly Lee: Grade 3/4 on Wednesdays/Thursdays and Fridays
• Mr. Neil Hundevad: SSA

FAREWELL 

We say goodbye to Ms. Bridget Renaud, a valuable member of our school community for many years in her role of SSA and wish her all the best in her new endeavours.

SCHOOL POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND SCHEDULES

Please take a moment to review our updated school policies and procedures, which can be found on our website. Key highlights include:

• 2024-2025 Graham Bruce Bell Schedule
• 2024-2025 Graham Bruce Code of Conduct
• Graham Bruce Safe Arrival and Student Sign Out Procedures
• 2024 Graham Bruce Notice of Late Return
• 2024-2025 Graham Bruce School Fee
• 2024-2025 Graham Bruce School Calendar 

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

We encourage parents to get involved in our school community. Here are some ways you can participate:

1. Join the Bruce PAC: As a parent/Guardian at Bruce, you are a member of our school Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Our PAC is a great way to support our school and connect with other families. More information and meeting dates will be shared with you throughout the school year.
2. Volunteer Opportunities: We welcome parent volunteers for various school activities and events. PAC and School will share information with you throughout the school year.
3. Classroom Support: Teachers often need assistance with classroom activities. Reach out to your child’s teacher to see how you can help.

COMMUNICATION

We believe in open and transparent communication. Here are some ways to stay informed:

• School Website: Visit our website for the latest news and updates.
• Regular e-News and emails: Look out for our regular e-News and emails with the latest information and updates about our school community.

UPCOMING DATES

Tuesday, September 3: First day of school - 9:00-10:00am

Wednesday, September 4: First full day for Gr. 1-7

Wednesday, September 11: First full day for NEW Kindergarten students

Friday, September 27: Professional Development Day - School closed for students

Monday, September 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - School closed

LOOKING AHEAD

We have an exciting year planned with numerous educational and extracurricular activities. From field trips to science fairs, there will be plenty of opportunities for our students to explore and grow.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we can make this school year a memorable and successful one for our students.

Warm regards,

Armin Samiei | Principal
Graham Bruce Elementary School