Dear Thomas B. Riley Families,

Focus on Completing Tasks at School

One of the areas we are continuing to work with students on is completing work during the school day and using the time wisely that is provided in class. In order to engage in meaningful assessment, teachers are required to assess what each student is capable of completing independently as part of their daily work. Some of our students have told us that they would rather use class time to socialize with their friends because they can just complete their work at home. As a school we are helping them to adjust this perspective, because if all work is completed at home then there is no guarantee that the assessments teachers are completing are accurate. We ask for your support in this manner by having a conversation with your child about the importance of using class time for task completion. Failure to complete some of these work tasks during the school day will have an impact on their final grade.

We recognize that homework is one component of our TLC Program. This is separate from the work assigned in class.

Lockdown Practice This Thursday

We will be holding our first lockdown practice this Thursday directly following lunch. If you need to pick up your child for an appointment please do so before lunch. No parents or students will be permitted in to or out of the building during this practice Lockdown. Thank you for your attention to this.

Powerschool Late/Absences

We ask that all parents/guardians are regularly logging into Powerschool to check your child’s attendance in terms of absences and lates. The percentage of time missed in class will also show for you on your child’s first term report card.

It is important for academic success that students are attending each period of the day. Absences over 10% are considered to be chronic absenteeism. The school office staff will be beginning to follow up with families regarding attendance rates if there is a concern. An attendance improvement plan may also be necessary to work in collaboration with you to remove barriers for their continued success.

Jacket Racket

If you have any new or gently used jackets aged 12 up to adult size that you would like to donate to our school for use by our students, please bring into the office any time in the next few weeks and we will ensure it finds a nice new home. Gently used or new boots, hats, and gloves will also be graciously accepted.

Athletic Updates:

• Intramurals in the gym will be starting this week during the second half of lunch. Grade 9's on Tuesdays, Grade 7's on Wednesdays and grade 8's on Thursdays.  
• Boys Soccer Game today HDC@TBR – home game starting at 4:30pm
• Girls Soccer Game tomorrow (Oct 11) SF@TBR – home game starting at 4:30pm
• Boys Soccer Game Thursday (Oct 12) TBR@SF – Away game starting at 4:30pm
• Senior boys basketball game at Valley Creek Wednesday October 11^th 4:30-7:30pm 
• Senior girls basketball game at H. D. Cartwright Thursday October 12^th 4:30-6:30pm
• Senior girls and boys basketball feeder tournament at Robert Thirsk High School Friday October 13^th 4:30-8:30pm  

Sincerely,

Tiffany Austin

Principal, Thomas B Riley School