Coyotes Rock!

What a fantastic week we've had, Coyotes! The energy around Kars on the Rideau Public School was absolutely buzzing. We packed so much excitement into just a few days, from the incredible performances at Coyotepalooza (thank you Student Council!) and the band performances (thank you M Millen and Ms. Holvey!) to our inspiring Pride Walk (thank you everyone!). It was wonderful to see so many of our new, incoming Kindergarten students at the Kindergarten Lemonade Social (thank you kindergarten team!), and Spirit Week (again, thank you Student Council!) brought out some truly creative outfits! We even wrapped up the year with our final, fantastic edition of Coyote News (thank you Coyote News Team and Michelle Morgan!). We truly have amazing students and staff!

Exciting News: Our New School Logo Has Arrived!

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our revised and updated school logo! This new design is a true representation of our collective spirit, and what makes it even more special is that it was chosen by you!

After much anticipation, the winning logo was selected based on the votes from our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive parents.

You'll start seeing the new logo on all our official communications, website, and merchandise soon (keep an eye out early in September to purchase new KOTR swag!). We're excited for this fresh new look to represent our school community, and we extend a huge thank you to everyone who participated in the voting process!

Looking Ahead: A Busy Week Next Week!

Get ready for another action-packed week at KOTR!

• Our Grade 8s will be leaving their mark on our school community as they work on the Legacy Mural down Coyote Trail. We can't wait to see their artistic contributions!
• Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated KOTR Family Fun Fair is happening on Thursday, June 19th. Get ready for a day of fun, games, and community spirit!
• Good luck to our athletes competing in the Intermediate Track and Field - Board Finals! Bring home those ribbons, Coyotes!
• Our Grade 8s are also looking forward to their exciting trip to 5 Star Camp. We hope they have an incredible time!
• EF5/6A and EF5A will be embarking on their field trip to the Science and Technology Museum.
• Our Grade 1s are also heading to the Science and Technology Museum for their field trip. Get ready for some amazing discoveries!
• And finally, our Grade 2s will be enjoying a trip to the Museum of History.

Be a "Tiny Teacher" for the Roots of Empathy Program!

We have an exciting opportunity for a volunteer family to join our Roots of Empathy Program! This program is a cornerstone of our efforts to foster kindness and understanding in our students, and it's truly impactful.

What is the Roots of Empathy Program?

The Roots of Empathy program brings a local parent and their baby (our "Tiny Teacher"!) into a classroom with a trained instructor. The program's main goal is to increase empathy – helping our students understand how others feel. Research consistently shows that children who participate in this program become more caring, kind, inclusive, and helpful, and they exhibit less aggression and bullying. The positive effects are long-lasting!

What's Involved?

We're looking for a family with a baby who will be between 2-4 months old when the program starts in early October. The volunteer parent and baby will visit a classroom nine times (once a month) throughout the school year. During these visits, everyone gathers around the "Green Blanket" to observe and learn from your baby's development. Students learn about their own emotions and each other's by watching your baby's emotions unfold. They'll celebrate exciting milestones like rolling over, clapping, and sitting up!

If you're interested in becoming a Roots of Empathy family, or if you know someone who might be a perfect fit, please reach out to Stephanie Thomson at stephanie.thomson@ocdsb.ca. It's a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved!

That's a jam-packed update, Coyotes!

What a week it's been, and it looks like the excitement isn't slowing down! We're so proud of all our students, and we're looking forward to another fantastic week filled with fun, learning, and community spirit. Don't forget to mark your calendars for the Family Fun Fair next Wednesday – it's going to be a blast!

Take good care,

Erin and Lara

Principal and Vice-Principal

Kars on the Rideau PS