THE PRIORY POST ~ Thursday, February 8, 2024

The Priory’s mission is to nurture each child’s inherent curiosity, develop an enthusiasm for learning and encourage intellectual and creative initiative, preparing the child to be a responsible, tolerant and self-confident global citizen.

Dear Priory Families,


Last Friday, our Priory Panthers Tournament Teams dominated the NDS Tournament, impressing both opponents and spectators alike. With determination, both of our teams secured victory after victory, culminating in a showdown between Priory Panthers Team 1 and Priory Panthers Team 2 in the Championship game. In the end, it was a win-win situation for our Panthers, as they emerged victorious and took home the Championship title! One of the standout moments of the Tournament was seeing every single one of our players across both teams score at least one basket, showcasing their great skills and teamwork.


Feedback from other schools often highlights the excellence of our Athletics Program. However, the foundation of our success goes beyond just the program itself; it's the commitment of our beloved Phys Ed teacher and coach, Mr. Gentile, who not only continues to raise the bar for our Athletics Program but also instills essential values in our students—respect, perseverance, and teamwork. Mr. Gentile's passion is what truly sets The Priory's Athletics Program apart.


Congratulations to our Panthers on an outstanding performance at the NDS Tournament—we couldn't be prouder! Go, Panthers!

REMINDER: RE-ENROLLMENT FOR 2024-2025

We kindly request that you please take a moment to complete and submit the re-enrollment form by Friday, February 16 to ensure your child's place in our Priory School community. A $200 non-refundable registration fee per student is payable by e-transfer to payments@priory.qc.ca. This fee will be credited towards the second installment of your child's 2024-2025 tuition fees.


Your prompt action is greatly appreciated, as it helps us plan for the academic year ahead. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Valerie Chacra by phone at 514-935-5966 or by email at vchacra@priory.qc.ca.

Click here to fill out the re-enrollment form for the 2024-2025 Academic Year

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE PRIORY

Jr Winter Carnival


Our Junior Winter Carnival was filled with smiles and laughter from both children and teachers. On Friday, the children were divided into five teams, each named after an Arctic animal, and engaged in an afternoon of fun-filled outdoor activities. With banners and team posters in hand, our third-grade captains guided their teams through each activity. As the day wrapped up, the children enjoyed a tasty treat while sharing stories of their carnival adventures with each other. A heartfelt thanks to our organizing team and enthusiastic teachers. It was a Winter Carnival spent enjoying, supporting and being a part of a great community!

Sr Winter Carnival


Our senior students set off for Murray Hill on Friday for an afternoon of sledding with their Priory friends. It was the first tobogganing experience for several new students, among them a student from south western USA who had never been before and enthusiastically told teachers, "This is the coolest thing ever!" A big thank you to everyone involved in making this year's Winter Carnival a memorable event!

Cocoa to Go-Go


Our Priory Community embraced the winter spirit with PPA's Cocoa to Go-Go! A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Priory Parents Association (PPA) for the creamy, steamy cocoa and delicious donuts to-go-go!


What a perfect way to end our Winter Carnival!

A Trip to the Planetarium


Our Grade 3 students hopped on the city bus and went to the Montreal Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, as part of their science unit studying planetary forces and gravity. This hands-on experience allowed them to explore and understand the wonders of the universe, bringing their classroom lessons to life. 

100 Days Smarter!


One Hundred Days Smarter! Yes, we are! Our junior students celebrated 100 days of school with fun stories, crown-making, and hands-on math activities to demonstrate their understanding of the number 100. In a heartwarming twist to the day's events, our Grade 1 students arrived dressed as 100-year-olds. With their imaginative costumes they brought smiles and laughter, reminding everyone of the timeless joy of learning. As we look back on today's celebration, it's clear that our junior students are not just 100 days smarter, but also 100 days more curious, creative, and joyful in their learning journey. Everyone deserves 100 pats on the back!

Red Day


A Priory School tradition continues as we commemorate Valentine’s Day on February 14 as “Red Day” at The Priory. This heartwarming event is the ideal occasion for all of us to wear Valentine’s colours – red, pink, or purple - and let others around us know how much we care for our families, friends, teachers, and people in our community. Students are invited to trade their uniforms for casual attire and a toonie in support of Dans la Rue, a Montreal-based organization dedicated to meeting the immediate needs of homeless and at-risk youth. Let’s spread love, warmth, and support this Valentine’s Day!

Faith First Program


We are pleased to inform our families that our Faith First classes for students in Grades 2 and 6 will once again be offered after school. Students in Grade 2 who register for the Faith First Program will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Communion, while students in Grade 6 will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.


The six-week Faith First program, led by our Faith First animator and former Priory teacher, Ms. Sheila Waite, will begin on Wednesday, March 20. Classes will be held weekly on Wednesdays, from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. for Grade 2 students and from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m. for Grade 6 students. The cost of this program is $120 per student.


Important Dates:


  • Saturday, April 20: The Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession for both classes) will take place at Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Westmount.
  • Saturday, April 27: The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place at Ascension of Our Lord Parish in Westmount.
  • Sunday, April 28: The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist will be held at Ascension of our Lord Parish in Westmount.


To register your child for the Faith First Program, please send an email to Ms. Sheila Waite at sheilawaite@yahoo.com by February 23 at the latest, including your child's name and grade level. Additionally, please note that a copy of your child's Baptismal Certificate is required for registration.


If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Waite directly at (514) 913-1349.

STUDENT-LED CONFERENCES

Student-Led Conferences


Student-led conferences are an important part of the learning process as they encourage self-reflection and growth. During their conference, your child will serve as your guide, sharing areas of strengths and challenges encountered in the classroom.


In-Person and Dates


Unlike the fall, this term’s format will be in-person. Two or three families will simultaneously attend a twenty-minute session, with the teaching team present to facilitate and coach students as they walk you through their portfolios. Students are therefore expected to accompany their parents during the student-led conference.


Student-Led Conferences will be held on the following dates:

  • Thursday, February 29 (starting at dismissal at 3:30)
  • Friday, March 1 (during the day)


Please note: No regular classes will be held on Friday, March 1st. This day is dedicated to student-led conferences. Ped Day Daycare Services will not be available on Friday, March 1st.


Scheduling Student-Led Conferences


Student-led conferences can be scheduled online using the Dash system with your child's teaching team on a first-come, first-served basis from Thursday, February 22, at 12:00 p.m. to Monday, February 26, at 12:00 p.m. 


DASH Portal


Dash login information and user account details will be sent to our Priory families via email on Tuesday, February 20. For any assistance related to Dash or your user accounts, please contact Wanda Kozak at wkozak@priory.qc.ca or by phone, at 514-935-5966.

SPECIAL ePOST MOVING NOTE

We're committed to keeping you informed and connected to our Priory community with updates, achievements, and upcoming events. To ensure we capture the full week's activities and news, we will be moving our Priory ePost distribution day from Thursday to Friday, and we look forward to sharing our weekly stories and updates with you every Friday!

PPA INFORMATION AND NEWS

The Potter Boutique is open every Friday, after Assembly or email for an appointment.


Visit our Boutique: www.potterboutique.ca and explore our uniform collection.


Eva Sokol, Potter Boutique Manager at potterboutique@priory.qc.ca



Temporarily Closed For Inventory


Please note that during our inventory period, both the physical boutique and the online store will be temporarily closed. Specifically, we will be closed for inventory on Friday, February 16, starting at 10:00 a.m., and will reopen on Tuesday, February 20, at 10:00 a.m. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to serving you upon our reopening.

SKATING PROGRAM

Skating Program at The Priory


We're eagerly looking forward to launching our skating sessions at The Priory, yet Mother Nature seems to have her own plans, presenting us with a bit of a challenge due to weather fluctuations. Our commitment remains strong, and we are making every effort to ensure that the skating sessions can begin as soon as possible. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated. Stay tuned for updates, and let's keep our fingers crossed for perfect skating weather ahead!

Skating Schedule


  • Kindergarten KA - Tuesdays from 10:05-10:35
  • Kindergarten KB - Tuesdays from 11:55-12:25
  • Grade 1A - Fridays from 11:55-12:25
  • Grade 1B - Wednesdays from 11:55-12:25
  • Grade 2A - Thursdays from 11:55-12:25
  • Grade 2B - Fridays from 10:05-10:35
  • Grade 3 - Thursdays from 10:55-11:25
  • Grade 4 - Wednesday from 10:55-11:25
  • Grade 5 - Fridays from 12:45-1:15
  • Grade 6 - Fridays from 10:55-11:25

FRIENDLY REMINDERS

It's Heart Month


February marks Heart Month. By purchasing a copy of "My Heart's Helper" you are not only gaining insight but also contributing to a cause that can make a real difference in the lives of many children, like Jodi. All the proceeds from its sales will go directly to The Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, specifically to support the Children's Hospital cardiology department. Thank you for your support, and together, we can make a difference.

Purchase "My Heart's Helper"
Connect with the MCH Foundation

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Join our After-School Program for specialized activities and exciting weekly themes, all thanks to our enthusiastic team of Laurus animators!


Please contact our After School Program Coordinator, Yasmeen Salehnia, for more information, by phone: 514-600-0504 Ext 1016 or email: afterschool@priory.qc.ca

After School Program Survey Results


Thank you to all the parents who took the time to participate in the After School Program Survey before our winter break. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we appreciate your willingness to share your thoughts and insights.


Based on the feedback from the survey, we are delighted to see that the majority of parents expressed overall satisfaction with the program. Your positive feedback on various aspects, such as the care, variety, and flexibility we offer, reaffirms our commitment to providing a safe and enriching environment for our children.


After reviewing the survey results with Laurus Lifestyles and considering the comments provided, we also understand that there are areas where we can make enhancements to the program to better meet the needs of our families. Based on your feedback, here are some changes we will be implementing:


  • We will offer a broader range of activities to cater to a wider spectrum of interests. 
  • We will offer differentiated activities to cater to specific needs.
  • We will offer some activities in French.


Thank you once again for being a part of our community and for sharing your thoughts with us.

Laurus Weekend Program


We are excited to gather your feedback regarding our tentative new weekend program.


Our program offers a diverse range of activities and educational workshops, all designed to create an enriching experience for our participants. Your input is invaluable in helping us improve and tailor our weekend program to meet your needs and expectations. 


Please fill out the Weekend Program questionnaire below. We look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Weekend Program Information and Questionnaire

Ped Day Reminder - No School


Friday, February 23, is a Ped Day. As a gentle reminder, on this day, there is no school for students.


Ped Day Daycare services


Laurus Lifestyles will be hosting a safe and fun-filled Day at The Priory School on Friday, February 23. Please use the link below to register.

Register for Ped Day Daycare Services ACCESS CODE: PRIORY2024

March Break and Summer Camp Program


We are excited to announce our March Break Camp. The camp will run from March 4th to March 8th, and from March 11th to March 15th. All Priory parents are entitled to a 10% discount.


Laurus also offers a Summer Camp which will run from June 24th to August 23rd. If you need any further information, please contact Laurus!

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Ms. Morrice, our Grade 5 students make a splash with their DIY tsunami experiment!

Important Upcoming Dates




Friday, February 9

  • Lunar New Year (year of the Dragon)


Tuesday, Feb 13

  • Choir with instrument petting zoo


Mon-Fri, February 12-16

  • PPA Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week


Wednesday, February 14

  • Valentine's Day (Red Day - wear red today)


February 16th to February 20

  • Potter Boutique Closed for Inventory


Tuesday, February 20

  • La classe de 3e recevra la visite de la maison autochtone


Wednesday, February 21

  • PPA Meeting in the Library
  • Grade 1 Field Trip to the Food Bank
  • Kindergarten Trip to St. George's for short plays


Thursday, February 22 to Monday, February 26

  • Schedule Student-led Conferences 


Friday, February 23

  • End of Term 2
  • Pedagogical Day - No School for Students


Tuesday, February 27

  • Anti-Bullying Day (Pink Shirt Day)


Wednesday, February 28

  • Priory Fair (Grades 3-6)
  • Report Cards available on DASH


Thursday, February 29

  • Student-led conferences - after dismissal


Friday, March 1

  • Student-led conferences during the day - No regular classes


Mon - Fri March 4-15

  • March Break

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Our Values


Caring | Community | Curiosity | Creativity | Respect

At The Priory, we believe that children should be allowed to be children: to play, sing, perform, discover, and explore their world in a caring and nurturing environment.


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The Priory School inc. ~ École Priory inc.

3120 The Boulevard Montreal, Quebec H3Y 1R9

www.priory.qc.ca Tel.: 514-935-5966