Welcome Back Family Handbook

The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time for all of our school community. While students are eager to return, renew old friendships, and begin new ones, our staff have been diligently preparing to engage your child(ren) with a variety of strategies that will guide them through the learning process. Our staff is committed to unlocking the potential in every student to help them be successful. As we finalize our preparations, we do so with the vision of CHE in mind: "Learning and Growing Together."

We are ready to welcome back all of our students, teachers, and staff for another fantastic school year!

Please take a few moments to look through this very important newsletter and familiarize yourself with our school and upcoming events. Let's have a GREAT year!

CHE Family Handbook 

ALLERGIES

We are a scent-free school. Please be mindful when using hair products, hand sanitizer, perfumes etc.  Please note that there may be more items added to the below allergy list.

We have many students with severe, life-threatening allergies and we must ensure our school is free of:

Nuts (including peanuts, tree nuts and nut products)

Eggs

Peas

Sesame Seeds (including products containing sesame oil, seeds, tahini, and hummus)

*Please alert your child’s teacher as soon as possible if your child has any serious medical conditions or life threatening allergies. There is also a place for this data on the student data sheet.

We ask that families refrain from sending in food items which contain any of the above products. The district has determined that given the similarities in appearance, texture and taste of Soy Butter products, they are also restricted in our schools where a student has a peanut allergy.

Please help keep everyone safe by following this policy.

STUDENT CELL PHONES

Technology resources are intended for educational purposes. Your cooperation with this is greatly appreciated.

• Students in grades K-6 = cell phones are NOT permitted in school. If your child needs to carry one, they must keep it in their locker. This will reduce distractions and students can focus on acquiring foundational learning skills. Cell phones may be confiscated by staff and held until the end of the day.

• Students in Grade 7 who bring a personal electronic device to school must switch it off and store out of sight during instructional hours. Students can access their devices during recess and lunch breaks.

Individual exemptions to the policy may be provided for medical and educational reasons.

Responsible Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy

1734378803122.pdf

INDIGO lOVE OF READING fOUNDATION

We are beyond thrilled to share that Cowan Heights Elementary has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation! This incredible support will help us transform our school and classroom library collections, to better reflect the diverse and evolving needs of our students.

Our vision is simple but powerful - we want every student to see themselves in the stories they read, to feel inspired, and to develop a lifelong love of reading. With this funding, we will create a space filled with books that celebrate different perspectives, spark curiosity, and encourage exploration.

Right now, we are hard at work making plans to bring this vision to life. We can’t wait for our students to dive into a collection where everyone belongs and every story matters. Stay tuned as we begin this exciting journey!

A huge thank you to the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation for believing in our school and in the power of literacy. They will make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students for years to come!

KINDERSTART

For parents registering their children for KinderStart for Sept 2025 (and Kindergarten in Sept 2026), registration begins on May 12 at 9:00 am (8:30 am in Labrador). For more info on when registration opens, visit https://www.nlschools.ca/studentsfamilies/kindergartenregistration.jsp

Library Book Reminder

We kindly ask families to help students check around at home for any school library books that may still be signed out. Returning our books ensures everyone has access to great reads! Thank you for your support in keeping our library collection complete and ready for all students to enjoy!

Early Dismissals

Changes to Early Dismissal Procedures

All K-6 parents must reach out to their child’s homeroom teacher via email on the day of an early closure to ensure that each teacher has accurate dismissal instructions. This communication will help ensure that each student is safely and appropriately dismissed. Family circumstances can change and it is important that your child’s teacher has the most up to date information to ensure all students are dismissed safely. The Early Closure Form filled out at the beginning of the year will no longer be used to determine dismissal instructions.

It is important to note that the school has a limited number of phone lines, and it will be challenging to reach us by phone in the event of an early closure. Email communication to your child’s homeroom teacher is the most effective way to convey your dismissal plans.

Check your email inbox often on early closure days, as your child’s teacher will be sending an email with specific details, including the scheduled time for buses to leave the parking lot. This information will assist you in determining the best plan for your child’s dismissal.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping us ensure the safety of all students during unexpected early closures. Thank you for your cooperation and support during this time.

Ronald McDonald House Pull Tab Collection 

We have started a Pull Tab Collection Program here at Cowan, to support the Ronald McDonald House in St. John's.  Just another little way for our students to contribute to a meaningful cause while also caring for the environment.  By collecting pull tabs from cans, we help RMH provide a home away from home for families with a sick or injured child.

This does not take away from our recycling drives - tabs must be removed from the cans.  Families can save up their tabs in a container or ziplock bag and then just drop off their tabs in our LLC.  At the end of the year we will deliver the collected tabs to the Ronald McDonald House.  

We almost have our first container filled!!!

Kiss and Ride

After careful consideration, the new busing announcement from NL Government, and our June Pilot

we have decided to suspend Kiss and Ride services for this school year.

We ask families to:

1. Utilize the Bus System: All students are now eligible for bus transportation (please note you must be in our school zone and register with on the Parent Bus Portal). We encourage you to take advantage of this convenient and safe option.

2. Utilize Family Parking: You may park in one of our two lower parking lots and either let your child out to walk to their entrance or walk with them.

Our main goals are to:

• Improve Safety: Reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

• Improve Time on Task: Ensure staff and students can start their day on time and with minimal delays.

• Reduce Traffic: Alleviate congestion on the surrounding streets for smoother traffic flow.

We understand that many of you cherish the daily interactions during the Kiss and Ride service, as we do. Rest assured, we will continue to be present at the main entrances to greet students each morning once the buses have cleared the lot.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we strive to enhance the safety and efficiency of our school operations. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.