Welcome to February in, what has been to date, a remarkably mild winter.  Even though the weather has been warm, we encourage parents to make sure their child(ren) are well-prepared for the weather.  It is even more important when it is wet that students have a change of clothes, mitts etc.  Although we strongly  direct students to stay out of the water and mud, accidents do happen.

       I am very proud of the Oxbow Student Council and the Oxbow Social Action Committee, both under the guidance of Ms. Kilty Schwandt.  This year they have continued to take on a leadership role and develop habits in responsibility and good citizenship.  Did you know that over the last few years, Oxbow students and families have saved enough money to purchase a well in a 3rd world country?  Closer to home, Oxbow has contributed to the Ailsa Craig and area food bank, the Mittens for Breast Cancer Research fund and more.  Most of the projects are brought to the attention of the Social Action Committee by the students themselves.  It is this spirit of giving that helps to make our students so great!  Well done Oxbow!  Read more about Oxbow’s Social Action Committee later in this newsletter.

      The school renovation is getting really exciting and the new wing will be ready for occupancy by March Break.  Hopefully, movers will be in over the holiday to move furniture and the classes in portables (except for the grade 3’s) will come back to brand new rooms.  We will have a bit of inconvenience as the construction team moves inside the school to redo the last 2 classes and our new Learning Support room.  It will all be well worth the inconvenience.  We give a big ‘thumbs-up’ to Dickson Partnership Architects and Bronnenco Construction Ltd; they have been amazing to work with and the new wing is looking awesome.

       Please take time to read information from the School Council and Home and School included in this newsletter.  Also, check out the Oxbow website for meeting notes.  If you have ever wanted to join either committee, or even just attend meetings when you can, you are most welcome.

Wishing everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day and enjoyable Family Day!