Friday 29 April 2016

Spring has sprung.....finally!!!!



Hello OT Community.


It is with sadness that I share news of the passing of one of our students.  Ben Yacula, a grade 12 student, passed away earlier this week.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and  extended family at this very difficult time.  They are in our thoughts and prayers.

Being respectful of the privacy, and wishes, of the family we do not have further information to share at this time.  As additional details emerge (around memorial services, etc.) we will share with our school community.  Thank you for your understanding.







As it appears that winter has relinquished its hold on Oakville I'm sure we're all pleased with the longer days and warmer weather.  Here at school it does also mean a reminder to students, and their care-givers, that despite the warmer weather OTHS is in fact a high school and not a beach club.  Thank you for reminding your children that school is a work place and that clothing should always be appropriate for such a location.  Thanks for saving the beach wear for special occasions.....at the beach!

As you read this blog post you may also be aware of some other news coming from school:

a) Report Cards have been issued (sent home with students) today (Friday, April 29th).  If you do not receive a report card at home....please review with your child and don't hesitate to contact the main office.

If you have any questions for a staff member please contact them directly via e-mail to set up a personal appointment (or electronic communication) to review your questions and concerns.


b) Following long deliberations I have communicated to the board my decision to retire effective the end of this school year.  After 30 years with the HDSB I am looking forward to pursuing new adventures in the years to come.  It has been my pleasure working here at Oakville Trafalgar High School.  Working with your children, and the staff here at OT, has been a tremendous opportunity for me.  I thought it might last another couple of years, however - as you well know - life sometimes presents interesting twists and turns.  I will definitely look back with appreciation and thanks to all those families who have extended such warmth and support over the past two years.  Over the next two months I will definitely continue to enjoy supporting our community and working with your children.  OTHS is truly an outstanding school !


c) ATRIUM renewal continues....  This past weekend our Atrium saw the second (of four) phase completed with the painting of the hand rails around the Atrium.  When viewed together with the new flooring the Atrium is beginning to reflect a clean, more modern look.  Over the course of the next few months look for information from our Parent Council around the most significant phase of Atrium renewal - painting of the entire Atrium (from floor through ceiling).  The painting is actually Phase Four however due to the significant cost involved our Parents Council is considering a fundraising initiative toward this project.  Our original estimate for the painting work was priced at approximately $34,000.00.  Keep your ears and eyes open for a Parent Council message a bit later this spring.


KEY DATES IN MAY

Tuesday, May 3rd           Parent Connections
Thurs, May 5th - 13th     AP Exams taking place at school
Wednesday, May 11th     Springfest
Thursday, May 12th        Parents' Council Meeting
Thursday, May 19th        Senior Prom
Wednesday, May 25th    Blood Donor Clinic


OTHER NEWS

Spring Sports are well underway!

It's great to see our Red Devils Teams competing across Halton.  OT students are out representing our school and we're looking forward to continued success in a number of sports.  Congratulations go out to our Red Devils Baseball Team - the first baseball team in a number of years - for victories in their opening two games of the season.  Way to go guys.  Keep it up.

Thanks also to the many staff (and parent volunteers) without whom inter-school sport would not be possible.  On behalf of all of us thank you for the additional time and commitment you make for OTHS students.


ARTS Updates:

A few OT staff and students are down in the Big Apple this weekend!!!  A number of students are exploring New York City - seeing a show; touring the sites; and experiencing the City that never sleeps.  Hopefully staff will encourage some sleep!

Our Musicians are getting ready to head off to Nationals in the next little while.  Good luck to all up in Ottawa.  Thank you for continuing to represent OT so well.

JUNE EXAMS - students received copies of our June exams schedule today.  Please check these dates carefully and make your calendars!!!  It won't be long before they're here.

All the best.



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