Principal’s Message Mrs. Varalli October 2017 Celebrating Gratitude Thank you to all of the parents who came out to the Parent Orientation Nights. It was wonderful to see so many supportive and enthusiastic parents ready to learn everything they could to help their child to be successful this school year. Starting school for the first time, such as our Toddlers, moving to a new grade or if you are new to Wheatley, it can be challenging for parents and children alike. But researchers like psychologist Angela Duckworth and Carol S. Dweck have found that children do better in school and are more successful in their lives when their parents teach and encourage them to be positive about challenges. Sometimes, we as parents work hard to help our children avoid difficulties and frustrations so that our children don’t fail but rather experience success. However, each time that we take the struggle away we also take the opportunity for them to learn to persevere when things are difficult. So, let’s work to teach our children to work hard, do their best, and have a positive attitude. This month’s Upper Elementary guest speaker, Adam Shoalts, is an excellent example of perseverance. Adam spent three months solo canoeing in the Arctic. We are eager to hear all his stories. Parents are invited to attend his presentation. October is upon us and the focus this month is on Thanksgiving and celebrating the importance of gratitude. We encourage our students to reflect on how fortunate they are and be grateful for what they have. It is our tradition to help the needy in our community during this special time of the year. This month’s Grub Day toonie will go to support Community Care. Lower and Upper Elementary students will be receiving their mid-term report on October 27. Online sign up will be available for Parent-teacher Conferences taking place on Thursday, November 2nd. My door is always open, and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to come by for a visit. Happy Thanksgiving and have a wonderful October!