Dear Thomas B. Riley families,
Congratulations to Ms. Prasad – Edwin Parr Award Winner for CBE
Every year, outstanding teachers who are new to the profession of teaching are eligible to be nominated for the Edwin Parr Award in recognition of their contributions to students and the school community. This year, Ms. Hanna Prasad who teaches Foods and Drama at Thomas B. Riley School is the recipient of the local CBE award. She is also still eligible for the provincial award as well.
Ms. Prasad brings so much enthusiastic energy to our school. Her love of teaching, sincere kindness, and genuine care for all students and staff is exemplary. In addition, her willingness to coach basketball this year and lead up our upcoming school musical demonstrates dedication and commitment to fostering extra-curricular experiences for all students.
In just one year, Hanna has already left a lasting impression on her students, colleagues, and the school as a whole. She is truly a deserving recipient of the Edwin Parr Award.
CUPE Strike Action – Reminders and Updates of Volleyball Policies
Thank you for your patience as we navigate unchartered waters in this recent CUPE strike, which is affecting our typical school operations and athletics teams. There are a few updates since last week’s communication that are listed below. These are consistent in all CBE schools:
- Volleyball will continue, however games must be finished by 6pm and every person must fully exit the school by 6:30pm. All students must be picked up by 6pm, with no exceptions.
- There will be no student spectators while the strike is in place.
- A new update from our athletics chair as of this Feb 28, 2025 is that siblings are allowed with a parent/guardian as long as they remain under the direct supervision of the parent/guardian.
- All spectators must remain in the main gym. All other areas of the school outside of the main gym are off-limits to all spectators. Washrooms are for athletes and coaches only and are not open for public use during the strike.
- No food or drink is permitted in the gym.
We are thankful we are able at this time to finish off our volleyball season. We remind students and parents that respectful communication and adherence to the above expectations is appreciated and part of the code of conduct for student athletes and all spectators. We are all doing the best we can under the circumstances. Your patience, understanding, and kindness at this time is very much appreciate by all staff, coaches, and athletes.
School Council Meeting – Online
At the direction of CBE, all school council meetings are moved online via teams for the duration of the CUPE strike. This week on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 we hope that you can join us for our next council meeting. We will be sharing important updates with you about staffing and school organization. In addition, you will be able to provide input around our school development plan, school fees, and our updated video surveillance system.
Please use this link to connect: Join the meeting now
Wednesday March 5, 2025 at 6:00pm
School Learning Conferences
We have received a few inquiries about School Learning Conferences, which will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in the evening and Friday, March 21, 2025. Feel free to mark your calendars for this event.
The school is awaiting further direction from CBE as to whether these will be allowed to continue in person or whether they will need to move online due to the ongoing CUPE strike action. As soon as this determination is made, we will share more information with you.
Students Coming in Late after Lunch
As the weather warms up we are noticing a significant increase in the amount of students coming in late after lunch with food items they purchased off campus. The expectation is that if students are leaving campus, that they are arriving back to school by the 12:00pm bell. In addition, food items are not permitted in the school after this time, particularly if they are sticky drinks such as Slurpees and pop. All food purchased outside the school at lunch is to be consumed prior to re-entry. Students are also expected to return to class on time.
Repeated instances of late arrivals after lunch will result in phone calls home and possibly progressive disciplinary action including losing the privilege of leaving campus over the lunch hour.
Quiet Place for Fasting over Lunch
During Ramadan, many of our students will be fasting during the school day. Out of respect, students who are fasting may use the school learning commons during the lunch hour for quiet activities where food and drink are not permitted. This will begin on Monday, March 3, 2025 until Spring Break for the duration of Ramadan.
Winsport Field Trip – Room 5 and 6
There is a Winsport field trip for all students in Rooms 5 and 6 on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. Thank you to the many parents who are coming to volunteer and support our students in this. We appreciate all of your work in making this day happen. As a reminder, this is a mandatory field trip for all students and all staff in these rooms are attending at Winsport. If students are unable to attend this trip, they must remain at home.
Upcoming Events this Week:
*Musical rehearsals will be moved to lunch hours during CUPE strike. Students will know when to attend based on morning announcements each day.
Monday:
- Sr. and Jr. Boys Volleyball Practice 2:45pm-3:45pm (before game)
- Boys Volleyball Game SPB @TBR (Home) Jr Team (4-5pm) Sr. Team (5-6pm)
Tuesday:
- Room 5 and 6 Winsport Field Trip
- Creative Writing Club 11:25am-12:00pm
- Sr. and Jr. Girls Volleyball Practice 2:45pm-3:45pm (before game)
- Girls Volleyball Game SPB @TBR (Home) Jr Team (4-5pm) Sr. Team (5-6pm)
Wednesday:
- Dungeons and Dragons Club 11:30am-11:55pm in Room 1
- No volleyball games
- School Council Meeting @6pm on teams
Thursday:
- Grade 9 Student Leadership meeting 11:00am
- Fun Lunch – Edo Japan
- Grade 7 Study Hall 11:20am-12:00pm
- Pride Club 11:20am-12:00pm
- Model UN Team Practice 11:30pm-12:00pm
- No volleyball games
Friday:
- Pep Rally 11:00am-12:00pm
Have a great week!
Sincerely,
Tiffany Austin
Principal, Thomas B. Riley School