Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year! I am very excited to be returning to Victor Lauriston as Principal this year.   I welcome back former Lions and all new families to the Victor Lauriston community.

At Victor Lauriston, we strive to:

• Create a family atmosphere where everyone feels welcome
• Provide a safe, learning environment
• Achieve academic excellence

We are a family oriented school where staff and students meet in Family Groups each month.  During Family Groups we celebrate all student accomplishments and learn more about good character development. These assemblies are usually held the first week of each month at 2:15 pm. Parents are welcome to attend.  The date will be included in our monthly newsletter.

A safe learning environment is important for the success of all students. At Victor Lauriston, EVERY INCIDENT COUNTS, meaning that every incident reported is investigated.  We also work to nurture each student’s self worth, and instill a feeling of pride and respect for each other by following the TRIBES agreements:

• Attentive Listening
• Appreciation/No Put-downs
• Right to Pass
• Mutual Respect
• Let Go, Move On

Striving for academic excellence is a key focus at Victor Lauriston. Our goal is to help each child reach his/her full potential in all areas. Achieving at a high level on a daily basis and on the Grade 3 and 6 provincial testing (EQAO) is important. Everyday the dedicated staff, including principal, vice principal, teachers, secretary, educational assistants, child and youth worker, and custodians, all work to ensure that our students have the best education possible.

In order to achieve our goals, we need the help of our school community. Parents can help by using the TRIBES agreements at home, supervising homework at night, reading with your child, and attending all school functions: Meet the Staff BBQ, School Council Meetings, Student-led Conferences, Education Week Activities, Track and Field/Playday, Literacy Night, etc. Please show your interest in your child’s education and support our hard-working staff.

We believe that working together as a team - staff, parents, and students, is the key to success. Remember that the Meet the Staff BBQ will be held on September 10^th and the first School Council Meeting will be September 21^st at 6:30 pm.

Feel free to contact the school if there is a concern or question, and plan to be involved in your child’s 2009-2010 school year.

S. Cook, Principal