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Urban academy news

Weekly Update | January 29, 2021

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January 29, 2021

Dear UA Parents,

It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of January, that went fast! The month did finish on a high as I proved myself as a competitive gaga ball player in the Grade 4 game at lunch today. Small wins can be good for the soul, even when the competition is 9-year-olds.

I would like to commend our parent community for your cooperation with the changes to the parking lot this week. After the first afternoon pickup and morning drop-off, it seems that we have been able to re-establish the routines. For those using the roundabout to drop your children off, please make sure that your students have all their belongings with them in the car so they do not need to get out and open the trunk to get their things. These little actions will really help the efficiency of the parking lot. Additionally, I do need to remind everyone that if you are parking in the neighbourhood, please adhere to the parking signs and do not park in permit-only spots or across driveways or laneways. Let’s make sure we are respecting our neighbours. Next week we will see scaffolding with a roof installed between the gym and the old 100 Braid Street building. This will be in place throughout the construction project as part of the procedures to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

A BIG thank you to our PAX who organized the Staff Appreciation Day on Tuesday. For many days leading up to Tuesday, there were lovely notes posted in the roundabout, and after school, on Tuesday all UA staff members were given a gift box filled with treats that I know everyone thoroughly enjoyed. I know mine did not last long after I got home, very tasty. It can’t be underestimated how a little appreciation can lift spirits, and the appreciation board has now been divided up throughout the school so that staff can continue to read the notes of gratitude!

Yesterday was #BellLetsTalk Day which focused on removing the stigma about talking about mental health. This has been accentuated this year as more and more people are coping with depression, anxiety, and mental health in general. These issues can affect everyone, young and old. It is really important, as we head into the spring knowing we are still months away from the restrictions being lifted and the vaccine being widely distributed, that we care for each other. Reach out to family, check in with friends. We are working hard to keep things as normal as possible at UA for our students. This is possible because our teachers and staff are as committed as they are to all UA students. But it is important to remember that when staff members leave the school they are balancing their own personal lives and the various challenges that we are all dealing with. Our team is doing great work under difficult circumstances, and for this, I can’t thank them enough.

I would like to send out one more big thank you to Mrs. Brandie Cristales who had her last day in JK today. She has been an asset to UA throughout her time here. Thank you, Brandie, and good luck in your future endeavours.

Yours in education,

Mr. Slinger

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