Please see the following email sent home to parents earlier this afternoon: Good afternoon, Just a few updates and reminders. First, at Christina Gordon we use many means to communicate to parents. We try to regularly update our website: christinagordon.fmpsdschools.ca, as well as our classroom website: www.ashleybarrington.com. We regularly send mass emails to parents on important matters and we also use Instagram for both the school (@christinagfmpsd) and our classroom (@bogfrogm). However, the best way to keep informed in a timely manner on events happening or other important matters is to like us on Facebook at: Christina Gordon Public School or follow us on Twitter at school (@ChristinaGFMPSD) or in our classroom (@MsBarringtonCG). The school currently has 608 likes on Facebook and 544 people following us on Twitter, but we know we have lots of parents who are still not doing either. They are both great ways to stay informed. Secondly, at our last School Council meeting on November 26th, Council approved the implementation of a Drop Off Zone as a means to alleviate some of the parking concerns around the school during morning drop off times. We will implement this as of Monday, December 4th.Traffic will still enter the school parking lot from Parsons Creek Drive as they currently do, but those willing and able to follow the guidelines of the Drop Off Zone may proceed to the Bus Lane, keeping left and strictly following the guidelines attached in this email. Please note that this is only for morning drop off. In order for this to work, it will be necessary for vehicles involved to move efficiently through the line, therefore in cases where parents must get out of the vehicle to get children out of seats or carseats, we would ask them to park as they normally would and avoid the Drop Off Zone. Please note we will be reevaluating this Drop Off Zone from time to time to determine its effectiveness and whether it should be continued.  On a related matter, please note that the Bus Lane (inside the fence closest to the school), with the exception of those using the Drop Off Zone, is for busses only between the hours of 8:15-9:00 am, 11:30-12:30 pm, and 3:00-3:45 pm. Please also remember that supervision does not begin until 8:30 am, so we ask that parents not drop students off until they are able to be properly supervised at this time. Thank you. Thirdly, if you haven't already heard, there is an Angel Tree in the atrium and we have about 50 tags left. The gifts are due back at school by next Friday, December 8th. Please email me if you would like your student to bring home a tag. Thank you so much.This is Christina Gordon's 2nd Annual Angel Tree Project for the Salvation Army. As we try to instill citizenship into our students, we strive to make meaningful contributions that can locally help our community. The Salvation Army and families around Fort McMurray are very thankful for what our schools do to help. On Angel Tree is located in the atrium. On this tree are Angel Tags. Each tag represents a local child in need during this season. The tag will indicate the gender of the child, their age, their size, and provide some ideas for gifts that the child would like to receive. If you would like to help out with this project, please take a tag, purchase a gift for that specific child, and place it unwrapped, in a gift bag with the Angel Tag tied or taped to the front of the bag. Please bring or send the gift back to Christina Gordon and place it under the Angel Tree. They will be delivered to the Salvation Army and given to those specific children. Also, please involve your student as well and help them realize the importance of giving to others without expecting anything in return. Tags will be available until December 6th. Thank you in advance for your support to this important cause. For more information, please email Ms. Grisch at: [email protected]. Finally, please make sure that all ski forms are returned to the school on Monday, December 4th. As an extension of our Physical Education program, students in Grades 4-6 will have the opportunity to participate in two days of skiing at the Vista Ridge Ski Hill. Our first ski date is December 11th, 2017. Our second ski date will occur January 15th, 2018. Grades 4-6 students will have the opportunity to ski. Snowboarding will not be taught until Grade 6, unless students are experienced (level II or III) snowboarders with their own equipment. Lessons are mandatory for all students on all ski days regardless of ski level or ability. Please review the yellow parent permission form carefully, and ensure that BOTH SIDES are completed. This information will assist in getting students through the rental shop in a timely fashion and is important for skier safety. All payments, student travel waivers, and yellow parent permission forms must be received by December 4th. Cheques should be made payable to Christina Gordon Public School. Refunds will only be provided if a student is unable to participate due to medical reasons. Skiing is an optional activity, and should the cost create any hardship for any family, please contact the office and arrangements can be made in confidence. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school directly at 587-276-2017. Thank you everyone! As always, please let me know if there are questions or concerns in regards to any of the above, - Ashley Barrington, Grade 4/5 Classroom Teacher
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