School Website: https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/jrwilcox

In this issue of the Wilcox Word:

1. Upcoming Key Dates
2. Summer School
3. Dressing for the Weather
4. Playground Revitalization - Update
5. Renewing School Entry Norms
6. Restorative Justice
7. SAVE THE DATE: J.R. Wilcox Heritage Fair - Tuesday April 30th, 1PM - 3PM
8. SAVE THE DATE: Dance N’ Culture - Friday May 3, 9:10AM - 10:00AM
9. Jump Rope for Heart - May 8th
10. Welcome to Kindergarten
11. SAVE THE DATE: Zara Moves Thursday May 9th
12. Simon Wiesenthal Centre Student Presentations, May 17th and May 24
13. School Year Calendar
14. Student Mental Health and Well-being Resources
15. Clothing Room
16. Autism Services, ABA Summer Camps - Surrey Place
17. Safe Arrival
18. Trustee Update

Upcoming Key Dates

Summer School

Registration is now open!

Click HERE to review available programs and registration process.

Dressing for the Weather

From time to time, it is necessary to hold indoor recess or a shortened recess due to inclement weather (rain, extreme cold or heat, severe icy conditions). This decision is typically made at the school-level depending on local conditions which can vary widely across the city.

JR Wilcox students know how to enjoy spring weather during recess.  To ensure they make the most of their unstructured learning time, we encourage them to come prepared for the weather.

We encourage families to read about the benefits of outdoor play:

TDSB - Why Take Learning Outdoors

Why Children Need to Play Outdoors - Now more than Ever

Families are invited to send an extra change of clothes in a bag labeled with their child(ren)’s name that can be kept at school.  Kindly remind students to make use of the clothing room should they need an item to keep them warm and dry throughout the school day.

Playground Revitalization - Update

We are currently in the beginning phase of playground revitalization.  Crews have demolished the staircase and are now preparing the area to build forms for the cement ramp.  This work is projected to be completed by early June 2024.  

UPDATE:

The gate and stairs leading to Door 6, as well as entry to Door 6 will be included in the construction zone.

Students in Ms. Wilson, Ms. Thackray, and Ms. Koziebroki’s class will meet their teachers by Door 6A. At the end of the school day, families can pick up their child(ren) in these classes in the same area.  Pictures of the new drop-off and pick-up locations are included below for your reference

Over the summer months (July and August), crews will complete the remaining work: digging up the field; installing a track around the field; installing slides along the east retaining wall, and a new play structure. Crews are working to ensure the revitalized school field will be ready for students upon our return to school in September 2024.

Renewing School Entry Norms

As a school, we have been discussing various ways to support student achievement and well-being.  Creating a consistent, predictable environment enhances student learning.  Our first step as a staff is to remind students of how to move through the school where they practice self-regulation techniques, affirming and respecting personal boundaries, and traveling as a whole group.

When moving through the school as a class, students will be reminded and expected to:

1. Form a single file line
2. Eyes forward
3. Keep belonging in hands
4. Calm & focused

To support our work at school, we encourage all families to speak with their child(ren) about the importance of these entry norms.

Restorative Justice

Relationship building is a key component to student achievement and well-being.  One of the many ways staff at JR Wilcox build positive relationships with all students is to implement a restorative practice approach to disagreements or conflicts that may occur during the school day (student to student, staff to student, etc).  

Why Restorative Justice?

• It is an anti oppressive approach to resolving conflicts, where student identity and feelings are affirmed and are active participants in conflict resolution
• Student voice is centered throughout the process
• Restorative justice focuses on (re)building relationships and repairing harm
• Conflict is viewed as an opportunity for growth
• Encourages open dialogue between all parties involved
• Seeks to address underlying factors
• Encourages accountability and making amends
• Empowers individuals who participate in the process
• Opportunity to practice critical thinking skills
• Teachers support students through the restorative justice process

Teachers have been working with students on practicing conflict resolution strategies in community circles.  We will then begin building a school wide conflict resolution strategy with all students, rooted in restorative practices. We look forward to sharing our student-generated conflict resolution strategy with the community in the near future.

SAVE THE DATE: J.R. Wilcox Heritage Fair - Tuesday April 30th, 1PM - 3PM

Kindly reach out to your child(ren)’s classroom teacher if you cannot attend and are interested in viewing the inquiry projects.

We will share a video update about the Heritage Fair Monday May 6th!

SAVE THE DATE: Dance N’ Culture - Friday May 3, 9:10AM - 10:00AM

Jump Rope for Heart - May 8th

Wednesday May 8th, students will participate in Jump Rope for Heart to get kids active, have fun, practice healthy habits, and teach the importance of giving back.  

Click HERE to make a donation.

Welcome to Kindergarten

Click HERE to register!

SAVE THE DATE: Zara Moves Thursday May 9th

School Advisory Council has organized a fun and engaging community event.  Zahra Moves will offer dance classes, workshops and lectures that educate people on the complexities and the beauty of Black dances from West Africa and the Caribbean.  More specific information, including start and end times to follow.

Simon Wiesenthal Centre Student Presentations, May 17th and May 24

Ms Baek has co-ordinated a number of on-site visits by the Simon Wiesenthal Centre on the themes of diversity, equity and inclusion for all.

• Friday, May 17: Digital Citizenship Workshops (Grades 3-6)
•  Friday, May 24: Simon’s Story (Gr. 4-6) & Lessons and Legacies of the Holocaust (Gr.7-8).

School Year Calendar

The TDSB made the adjustment due to potential safety concerns with regard to a rare total solar eclipse on that day that will put parts of Ontario into temporary darkness.  

Click HERE to view the updated School Year Calendar 2023 - 2024

Student Mental Health and Well-being Resources

Supporting students and fostering daily positive mental health and well-being in all school communities is a priority at the TDSB. Visit the MHWB website to access mental health toolkits, identity affirming resources, and information about a variety of wellness topics. Whether you need immediate support, or want to learn more about a particular topic, there’s information and support available.

Clothing Room

Clothing Room ready for families!

Special thanks to SAC Co-Chair Valarie Tih, Ms Paymaster and Ms Angus for organizing a special outreach to our community.  They have created a clothing room with donated items from our community.  Families can speak to their child’s teacher and the teacher will sign them up for a discreet time to come by and select a piece of clothing.

 Thank you to all our community for your donations!

Autism Services, ABA Summer Camps - Surrey Place

Don’t miss your chance to secure your spot in our ABA Summer Camps! This unique combination of ABA therapy and day camp gives your child the chance to experience the joy and adventure of summer camp with the clinical support to help them thrive!

Safe Arrival

Download the SchoolMessenger App to your mobile device.

Families are encouraged to download the SchoolMessenger App on their mobile device to receive school messages and report your child(ren) absence(s) with ease. 

Please visit: ttps://go.schoolmessenger.com/#/home

To report when your child(ren) will be absent please use the School Messenger App or contact the Safe Arrival Number at 1-833-250-2290.

Trustee Update

Click HERE to read Shell Laskin’s Weekly Update.

For more information about JR Wilcox please click HERE.

Thank you for your continued support!

Acting Principal:

Josie Efthymiadis