Dear Families,

Student activities continue to abound at The Valleys. Intramurals are in full swing along with clubs, bands, choirs and groups. Family members of the players are always welcome at home sporting events - just sign in at the office.

We welcome the new grade six students and their parents to The Valleys. We wish the students every success and encourage their parents to become involved in activities and events at The Valleys.

We are pleased to be working again with grade seven and eight students and encourage them to continue their fine learning efforts and involvement in school activities throughout the year.

Our grade eight's will complete their option sheets for next year in grade nine and I have received several calls about attending schools other than T.L. Kennedy Secondary School, the "home" high school for the vast number of Valleys students. For those families living on the west side of Cawthra Road, south of Burnhamthorpe, east side of Molly, east side of Mississauga Valley Blvd., and north side of Silver Creek, your home high school is Applewood. T.L. Kennedy students may apply for "Optional Attendance" to Applewood or any other secondary school, however, these students are only accepted under special situations with extenuating circumstances. As for enrolling in the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board, please be aware of a change in Board policy for accepting non catholic students. Please call the Catholic Board for further information.

Our transition plan with T.L. Kennedy is going very well. I have had several meetings with the TLK principal to ensure that the move from grade 8 to grade 9 is as seamless as possible.

Finally, special congratulations to our trustee and vice-chair of the Board, Mrs. Ruth Thompson who was recently honoured by the Association of School Boards for her service to students and community. Well Done Ruth! Thank you.