Before we get to November, we get two more days of October this week. We almost made it through the month with no snow!

Thanks to everyone for being mindful of new traffic patterns and congestion when the colder weather hits. We want to thank you for keeping our bus loop clear until after 9:15 am as we will continue to experience late busses with winter weather. It is fantastic when we all choose safety over convenience!

Tuesday is Halloween for those families who celebrate this holiday. Students are allowed to wear costumes to school on Tuesday October 31. They will be sharing their costumes with their buddy classes in person as well as virtually with the school during the admin read-aloud. If your child chooses to wear a costume, please ensure it is age appropriate, inclusive and that students can move freely in it. Please avoid having students wear masks that make it difficult to see and/or breathe and please leave all accessories such as wands and swords at home for the evening trick or treating time.

And Wednesday marks the first day of November! The third month of school already! Wednesday is also the day that our grade 2 students take their first out of school field trip to Storybook Theatre! So exciting!

Did you know that November is Hindu Heritage Month with Diwali, the festival of lights occurring November 12? What a great opportunity this month to learn more about the Hindu culture and their celebrations.

November also kicks off the Veteran’s Food Drive at Citadel Park School. This is our 3^rd annual Veterans Food Drive in honour of Stan McPhail.  Stan visited our school two years ago; he was a veteran of World War II who passed away last year. Stan had connection to our school as his daughter once taught here.  We recognize that our Veterans have been hard hit by the current economic situation and that there continues to be an increase in Veterans accessing the food bank. As a way of showing support for those who fought for our freedoms, we are collecting the following non-perishable food items for donation:

• Mayonnaise                      Gravy Packets
• Cereal                               Pudding Cups
• Canned Fish                     Canned Mushrooms
• Canned Chili/Stew            Granola Bars
• Evaporated Milk                Juice 1 L + Juice boxes
• Crackers                           Rice Packets
• Pancake Mix                     Hamburger Helper

Over the course of November, we will continue to highlight other items needed. Please visit the Veteran's Food Bank website for a full list of items required. 

Each year, schools must update their Digital Citizenship Plan. Citadel Park's plan has been updated and uploaded to the school website. To find out more information about digital citizenship, and to read our Digital Citizenship Plan, please use this link: Digital Citizenship at CPS

An important note to families that the CBE has added a fall break to the school calendar this year. This means that there is no school for students from Thursday November 9 to Tuesday November 14. Students will return to class on Wednesday November 15. Wednesday November 15 is also the date of the next School Council meeting beginning at 6:30pm.

Please see the commercial message sent last week regarding purchasing school 'swag' (hoodies and t-shirts). The deadline is November 8.

This week’s Fashion Friday will be camouflage or ‘camo’ as the young kids call it!