News From the Tiger’s Den - March 2nd, 2024

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Posted on 2026-02-27 16:45:40.595 +0000 UTC

Dear Tiger Families,

2026March2 Welcome March! Here's hoping that the Spring weather is on it's way. We wrapped up February at school on Friday with the Odessa Winter Olympics outdoors. Students had the opportunity to participate in many fun outdoor competitions as part of a team. The teams consisted of students from a variety of different grades. This was a fantastic opportunity to make connections with other students and build on students' positive sense of belonging at school. Thank you to the School Council for providing a snack for all of the students at the break station. We loved the Oreos!

Last week, students also had the opportunity to participate in Dance Workshops that were organized by Mrs. Allen. All classes had an opportunity to participate and the engagement was excellent. We were very proud of our students for taking risks and trying something new.

We would like to welcome Ms. Danielle Coulas to the team at Odessa Public School. Ms. Coulas will be teaching in the Grade 5/6 classroom while Mrs. Brooks is on leave. She is joining us from JG Simcoe Public School where she was also teaching Grade 5/6.

The minutes of the February School Council Meeting are included below. I encourage you to take an opportunity to read through them. The School Council meets monthly and families are welcome to attend. School Council is an excellent way to hear first hand about what is happening at the school. We value the voice of all families and encourage you to consider attending.

As always, please reach out to us if you have questions or need support.

Take care,

K. Esford, Principal

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February School Council Meeting Minutes

Regrets: Katie, Kim, Chantal

Present: Emily, Courtnie, Stacey, Erin, Rachel, Courtney, Lindsey

Staff: Courtney, Krista, Derek

Principal’s Update:
- Mid -year screeners completed
- - Significant results of moving kids forward in reading
- Attendance letters sent out for those that have missed 10% of school or more
- New tiger mascot
- - Suggestions this week for names
  - Staff choosing short list of names from suggestions then kids will vote
  - Funded via charitable trust
Mr. Schneider - new gym equipment
- Scoreboard has not worked in quite some time
- Nevco - estimate of approx. $1540 for remote, receiver. Any electrical required would be via the board
- SAC will discuss
Winter Olympics for next Friday organized by Mme. Morrow
Dance workshops for next Monday organized by Mrs. Allen
Financial Report
- 13,$$$
- PRO Grant included
- $678 - prior PRO Grant workshop monies owed to OPS
- 2 carnival games purchased - basketball and skiball
FunFair
- Approx $4300 left-over grant + raised from last year
- Fun Fair Community Grant
- - Application in progress
  - Gathering quotes
- Date conflict w/ grade 5, ⅚, 6 trip
- Emailed Christine for date adjustments
- Food options
- - Low-cost BBQ
  - Kona Ice
  - Ginos Pizza
  - Soup Chef
- Foam party
- - Discussed whether to run via FoamPartiesKingston (Lucky Inflatables) or Fire Dept
  - Discussed potential of hosting another (school) day for the foam party - prevents kids from being wet and unable to use inflatables at the fun fair.
PRO grant Plans
- Gould Lake team available Monday/Tuesday/Friday evenings
- Aiming for April 21st. April 14 backup date
- - Archery - 10 kids at once -
  - Bucket Drumming
  - Team building activities
- Paint Night - Courtnie to reach out to Jen
- Sign-up form to know how many will be participating
Holiday Shop
- Can purchase items this year for next years
Future Fundraisers
- Halendas - has done well in the past
- Kernels Popcorn
Hot Chocolate for Winter Olympics celebration next Friday
- Not able to get enough volunteers to facilitate hot chocolate.
- Suggested alternatives - cookies as ‘medals’ (ex. Golden Oreos)
- Moving forward with $150 towards a treat of some sort