Week Ahead

December 18	Spirit Days – Festive Hat Day
December 19	Spirit Days – Grinch Day
December 20	Heathy Hunger Fun Lunch – Subway    Spirit Days - Dress like an HMS Staff Member Day    Last day to donate cereal for the Grades 5/6 Domino Challenge
December 21	Winter Solstice    Snack Shack    Door Monitors Lunch Party (board games)    Spirit Days - Dress like a Present/Gift Day
December 22	Spirit Days – Pajama Day    Last Day of Classes

 Upcoming Important Dates

December 26 -January 5	Winter Break - School Closed
January 8	Classes Resume
January 12	Kindergarten Attends
January 15	Non-Instruction Day, No School for Students
January 22	School Council

 

Principal’s Message

As 2023 comes to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you all for contributing to an amazing first part of the school year. We have already seen notable growth in our students not only academically, but also emotionally. We are all still feeling the lingering effects of the pandemic in one way or another. However, what we have observed here at Haultain Memorial School is that when a community comes together, so many amazing things are possible. It has been heartening to see our families around the school regularly; on school grounds before and after school, in classrooms, at school events, and at school council meetings. The HMS family includes all stakeholders such as staff, parents/guardians, Area support people and community members and we really do work as a team to lift up our students. I am proud of how we care for our children in a community minded way. Thank you for being such an important part of our family. On behalf of all of us here at the school, we wish you a wonderful and rejuvenating winter break. See you all in 2024! 

Cereal Box Domino Challenge | Mayors Annual Christmas Food Drive

The grade 5/6 classes are encouraging HMS families to donate to the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Food Drive in a creative way this year. They will be setting up a giant domino run using all the cereal boxes donated by December 20. Throughout the month, students will ideate, test their design, make adjustments and re-test the domino run. The grand finale domino run will be set up for the school to watch. The 5/6 students will be promoting a friendly competition between classes to see who can collect the most cereal boxes. The prize for the winning classroom will be a classroom Minecraft party. 

AARCS Charity White Elephant Sale

The HMS Community Service Club would like to thank everyone who participated in the White Elephant Sale in support of Alberta Animals Rescue Crew Society (AARCS). Thanks to those who donated items, volunteered and to those who purchased. The grand total raised is $195. This works out to be approximately $1/student in our school. Thanks everyone! 

Safety Precautions at Haultain Memorial School

The safety of all students and staff of Haultain Memorial School is of great importance. To that end, we have been working to establish appropriate safety measures for the various situations that may occur and affect our staff and students. 

Fire drills are a long-standing expectation of everyone who congregates in a setting such as a school. We are required to have a minimum of six fire drills each school year. Our students and staff treat each drill as though it was the real thing, and we are very proud of their performance during those drills. Teachers keep class lists with them during all drills and attendance is always taken. Parents or other visitors are expected to evacuate the building when the fire alarm is sounded. 

It is a reflection of the changes in our society that we must add variations to our safety drills. We practiced a drill known as a “lockdown” on December 12, 2023. The teachers instructed students regarding their role during the drill. They did a very good job of following the expectations during the drill. There will be one more drill in the spring. 

As we continue to refine our school safety procedures, other safety precautions we now have in place include:

• Locking All Doors
• Walkie-Talkies – have been purchased for communication when children are out in the school field
• A Fan Out Procedure – has been established to ensure clear and swift communication with parents in the event of an emergency.
• Visitors – are expected to register at the office
• Volunteers – must complete a security clearance and wear nametags at all times
• Substitute Teachers – are provided with emergency information upon entering the school.

Teachers are trained in first aid and have thoroughly reviewed emergency plans with the children. We appreciate your support in these very important matters.