Principal Message

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!  I hope that everyone is enjoying their amazing break and you are enjoying the winter weather with skating, tobogganing and outside fun.

We want to remind you that students will return to school starting on Monday January 5.

I also want to remind you to PLEASE send your children with ALL the appropriate clothes needed for a winter’s day as we will be going outside to enjoy the beautiful winter wonderland. 

Our annual TLC Information Night will be hosted in-person on January 8 in the school gym at 6:00pm. This presentation is for families who are interested in attending our school for the 2026/27 school year and want to learn more about our amazing program.  If you have friends or family interested, please be sure to let them know about this evening. Expressions of Interest Forms will be accepted through School Engage (details in the presentation) starting on January 12 until noon on Feb 10, 2026.  This is also a reminder for current families who have children who will be starting Kindergarten next year.  Please be sure to complete your new School Registration for the Kindergarten child (found on your current MyCBE PowerSchool account - School Engage link) and the Expression of Interest forms and submit them to the school via email before noon on Feb 10, 2026. 

We are looking forward to some amazing fieldtrips in the coming months.  If you have not yet completed your Volunteer Clearance, please connect with the office to ensure that this process is complete in the event that you are able to come and volunteer for some of these experiences. 

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement as we strive to be the best school for your children.

Sincerely,

Andrea Taylor

School News

VOLUNTEER of the MONTH:

Congratulations to Rahel Mehari who has won 2 movie tickets.  Thank you for your commitment and dedication to volunteering at our school to make it great!

Character Education

This month, our Character Education focus is Perseverance—the ability to keep trying even when something feels hard or frustrating. At school, we see perseverance when students use their decoding strategies to sound out new words instead of giving up, practicing a new math strategy more than once, trying again after making a mistake, or working to solve a problem with a classmate. On the playground, it looks like learning how to use the monkey bars, practicing a new game, or working through a disagreement with patience and effort. At home, perseverance might mean finishing chores, practicing reading or piano even on tired days, or learning a new skill step by step. In our wider community and world, perseverance helps people reach goals, overcome challenges, and care for others when things are not easy. Learning to persevere builds confidence, resilience, and a strong belief in “I can try again”—important life skills that will support our children in school and throughout their lives.

Truth and Reconciliation Commitment

As we move into January, our focus continues to be on strengthening unity and a shared sense of purpose across our school. Through a variety of classroom and playground activities, students will have opportunities to contribute to the Le Roi Daniels community, build meaningful connections, and deepen their sense of belonging. We want students to know that every member of our school community plays an important role in our shared journey of learning and personal growth.

One of the activities students and staff will participate in is the Belonging Heart Wall. Each student and staff member will decorate a heart with their name and symbols that represent their identity, culture, passions, and strengths. These hearts will come together in a shared display that celebrates who we are as individuals and as a community.

January 2026 Cultural Celebrations

New Year’s Eve/Day – December 31/January 1

New Year's Eve is one of the largest global celebrations because it marks the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar before the New Year. In Canada, people celebrate the coming of the new year in many ways. Counting down seconds before midnight on New Year's Eve and watching fireworks are very popular ways to celebrate. January 1^st is the first day of a new year. This date is commonly known as New Year's Day and is a statutory holiday in all Canadian provinces and territories.

What Is Mahayana New Year?

Mahayana New Year is celebrated by many Buddhists who follow the Mahayana tradition. It marks the start of the new year and is  a time for reflection, gratitude, and hope. People celebrate with prayers, meditation, and acts of kindness. It’s a time to renew their commitment to peace and compassion. Happy Mahayana New Year to those who celebrate!

What Is Orthodox Christmas?

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7 by many Christian communities around the world. It honors the birth of Jesus Christ with church services, prayers, and festive meals. Families come together to share love, joy, and peace, and to remember the special meaning of Christmas. Merry Orthodox Christmas to those who celebrate!

What Is Lohri?

Lohri is a popular festival from Punjab, India, celebrated in January. It marks the end of winter and the harvest of crops. Families light a big bonfire, sing songs, dance bhangra, and share treats like popcorn and sweets. It’s a joyful time of togetherness and thankfulness.  Happy Lohri to everyone celebrating!

What Is Makar Sankranti?

Makar Sankranti is a festival celebrated in India to mark the harvest season and the change of seasons as the sun moves into a new part of the sky. People fly colorful kites, eat sweet treats like tilgul, and celebrate with family and friends. It’s a time for gratitude, joy, and new beginnings. Happy Makar Sankranti to those who celebrate!

What Is Pongal?

Pongal is a harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, India, usually in January. It gives thanks for the sun, rain, and crops that help feed us.  Families cook a special dish called Pongal, decorate with kolam (colorful designs), and enjoy music, dancing, and time together.  Happy Pongal to all who celebrate!

What Is Vasant Panchami?

Vasant Panchami is a festival from India that celebrates the arrival of spring and honors Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning. People wear yellow clothes, fly kites, and take part in prayers and fun activities, especially in schools.  Happy Vasant Panchami to everyone celebrating!

School Council News

Hello Parents!

Happy New Year. We hope you all had a wonderful time with your families, creating wonderful memories with your families during the Holiday Season.

We had our last Parents Council meeting on November 18th online, thank you to all who attended this meeting. Our next Council meeting will be held online on January 20th, 2026 @ 6:00pm. Please watch for an email from Mrs. Taylor on how to register to receive the meeting link. We hope to see more parents at our next meeting as parent(s) participation is the key to the success of Parent Council. This is a great way to connect with other parents and learn about the activities that are happening throughout the school. 

Upcoming events - Fun Lunches:  

Wednesday January 14th, featuring Boston Pizza which is posted on Healthy Hunger (healthyhunger.ca). Please note that Kindergarten students attending on Tuesday/Thursday, should not order. As a reminder, please be sure to read the ingredients on Healthy Hunger to ensure it meets your child’s dietary restrictions prior to ordering. This one is a make up date from October, which was canceled due to the strike.

Thursday January 29th, featuring Edo Japan which is posted on Healthy Hunger (healthyhunger.ca). Please note that Kindergarten students attending on Monday/Wednesday, should not order. As a reminder, please be sure to read the ingredients on Healthy Hunger to ensure it meets your child’s dietary restrictions prior to ordering.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you at our next council meeting.

Rebecca Garrie, Co-Chair

Grace Ebade-Abu, Co-Chair