Welcome Back - What to expect

Welcome Back - we are so excited to see all the students back and meet all the new students

Grade 8 student's

First day Wednesday September 8th early dismissal at 11:48am

Students are to meet on the learning stairs when the bell rings

Busses will be running regular Schedule (three hours early for pick up)

Grade 9's

First day on Thursday September 4th full day

Students are to meet on the learning stairs when the bell rings

Busses will be running on regular schedules

Hello QJS families and students,

September is just around the corner, and we are looking forward to welcoming all of our new and returning grade 8 and 9 students to a year of learning, connecting and growing.  We hope you’ve all had a chance to enjoy some of your favourite summer activities under the relatively smoke-free skies.  As summer winds down and the start of the school year approaches, we wanted to share some important information and upcoming events with you. Below is a quick look at what the first week looks like, plus a glimpse at our school timetable this year, as it has changed. Please keep an eye out for later this week or early next week for more information. Our website will also be updated soon and will be a great place to find information about school events and important dates.

A Focus on Learning

Please take the time to speak with your children about their role as a student in the classroom (ready to learn, respectful communication, be ok with taking a risk and making a mistake).  Every child and adult is a contributor to their learning environment, and we are looking to create calm and respectful spaces for students and staff, where learning can flourish.  Discussions and reminders at home about effort, taking responsibility, and communicating appropriately help to create or reinforce those calm and respectful spaces.  Behaviors (individual or collective) that don't support or promote an acceptable learning environment will lead to follow-up and consequences.  By working together and promoting the same messaging about what it means to be a student in a class, our students will be more successful.

The first week at a glance: 

Monday, September 1st - Labour Day (No School)

Tuesday, September 2nd - NI Day (School staff in session- no school for students)

Wednesday, September 3rd - Grade 8 Orientation am only - No school for grade 9s

• Wednesday evening, we are offering an information session for parents from 6:15-7:15.

Thursday, September 4th - First full day of school for both grade 8 and 9 (regular day)

Friday, September 5th - Regular Day

Wednesday, Sept 3rd - First day of school for grade 8 students ONLY:

Upon arrival, grade 8 students will enter the school and check in with a staff member at a table associated with their Pod.  They will be given their locker number, combo, and a nametag with POD information.  If they don’t know their pod, no worries.  There will be an alphabetical list with students' names, indicating their pod number and helping adults to figure it out. At the bell, students will go to the large indoor learning stairs near the office for a warm welcome, some important information and then be organized into their pod groups where they will meet their teaching team and familiarize themselves with their classes and lockers for the remainder of the morning. The grade 8s will be dismissed at 11:47, and buses will be running on their normal routes as advertised by the transportation department.  Please have a plan for your child if they are not taking a bus.

Thursday, Sept 4th - Grades 8 and 9 attend:

Returning grade 9 students can check in with their Humanities or STEM classes from grade 8 which will be in the same location as last year.  In most cases, this will be the teachers they had in grade 8.  Any student who is new to the school or unsure of where to go can check in at the office. Grade 8 students will report to their Pod/class as per their teacher's directions the previous day. (Advisory classes will not take effect on the first week)

Parent information night: (Wednesday, September 3rd, 6:15-7:15)

We invite you to join us at the school for some basic information about how the school works and to learn about opportunities for your child. You will also have a chance to check out the physical space of the building if you aren't already familiar with it.

Timetable: (See table below)

Our timetable will be different than last year and will consist of two different structures. 

• Twice a week (Monday and Friday), students will have six 50-minute blocks
• Three days a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), students will have four 75-minute blocks.

Concession: (Cash only)

Our concession will be starting on September 4th and should be offering a variety of snacks, drinks and a meal daily.

We look forward to working with you and your families!

Sincerely,

Dean Morrow

Principal