Monday 7 December 2015

Holiday Greetings




Wishing all OTHS families the best at the holidays.  I hope everyone is able to have a great two week break from school and that you are able to enjoy time with your family and friends over the holidays.

Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hannukah, or Sir Isaac Newton's Birthday (December 25th)......or simply taking the holiday to relax and enjoy friends and family......from my family to yours.....Happy New Year.


15th Week Reports

As we approach the 15th week of semester one all staff will be e-mailing home a 15th Week Report for any student in danger of not passing their credit.  If a staff member feels that any student is 'in danger' they will be receiving a 15th Week Report.  Typically these reports are not sent out for any student with a grade above 60% however it is at the discretion of the teacher.

As with any update from school, should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to make contact with your child's teacher (e-mail usually is the most efficient manner to communicate with staff) and follow-up as required (e-mail conversation; face to face meeting; etc.).

Dates: 15th Week Reports are to be e-mailed home by the end of day on Wednesday, December 16th.



Student Updates

This past month OTHS student William Leathers participated in an amazing musical experience in Jamaica!  William was invited to participate in a benefit concert in Kingston.  Here is a portion of his re-cap:

Recently, I was invited to Jamaica for a performance for a benefit concert at Devon House in Kingston. This was my first trip to Jamaica and this performance was one of the best musical experiences I've ever had. I had the privilege of performing with one of the most iconic band leaders, Mr. Desi Jones. He was the band leader for legends such as Bob Marley, and now Jimmy Cliff, some of the Marley kids, etc

As some parents may know William is an acclaimed musician with too many accolades to mention.  Here are a couple of articles highlighting the Devon House Benefit, including one with some background information on William and one re-capping the evening.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20151113/quickies?qt-article_image_video=0

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/entertainment/20151125/excellent-benefit-concert-devon-house


Congratulations William!  You continue to amaze and astound all who have the benefit of your musical gifts.


Rebecca's Gift

Over the next two weeks OTHS students will be asked to consider donations to Rebecca's Gift.  The RDC has identified Rebecca's Gift as the main focus of charitable giving this holiday season.

Rebecca's Gift provides support to families in crisis working with the Children's Aid Foundation of Halton.  This year alone the  has over 200 children 'in care' with an additional 500 young people in need of support.  Your support and generosity at this time is especially helpful.

Over 70% of the children are between the ages of 13 and 18, so gifts for teens are especially welcome.  On-line donations can be made at http://www.haltoncas.ca/Donate/donate.html   Click on the Canada Helps link in the centre; Funds: Select Holiday Program; and then please indicate "For Rebecca's Gift" in the message box.  Charitable receipts are generated by CAFH.

Thank you for considering how you might be able to support Rebecca's Gift.

NOTE: A synermail message was sent home last Friday (Dec. 4th) in regards to Rebecca's Gift.


Early Dismissal

On the final day of classes before the Holiday break we will dismiss 90 minutes early as in previous years.  We will have a modified schedule on that day.  While all classes will run they will be shorter (fewer minutes per class) and in a different order:
8:15-9:20 a.m.   -  Period 1
9:25-10:20 a.m.  - Period 2
10:25-11:20 a.m.- Period 5
11:25-12:20 p.m.- Period 4
12:25-1:20 p.m.  - Period 3

Note: The cafeteria will be closed on December 18, 2015

Please have a wonderful and safe holiday season.