September marks the beginning of a new school year, and at HongDe Elementary, we are thrilled to kick off this exciting month filled with events, celebrations, and learning opportunities. From our first day back in the classroom to special cultural days and community events, here’s a look at what’s in store for our students and families this September.

📅 Sep 2 – Labour Day

As we prepare to dive into the new school year, we get to enjoy a well-deserved holiday. Take the time to relax with family and friends before we jump into the hustle and bustle of school life.

📅 Sep 3 – First Day of School

Welcome back, HongDe students! We’re eager to see your bright smiles and begin a fresh academic year together. During our first school assembly, Principal Ms. Brittany Conlon introduced the virtue of the month— Courage —which we’ll be focusing on throughout September. Our students will learn how to practice courtesy every day, and we’ll celebrate our successes at the end of the month’s assembly.

📅 Sep 9 – Picture Day

It’s time to say cheese! Make sure to come to school with your best smile for Picture Day. These photos will capture the joy of a new beginning and mark this special moment in your child’s school journey.

📅 Sep 11 – Fire Drill

At HongDe, safety always comes first. We’ll be practicing our fire drill procedures to ensure that all students know what to do in case of an emergency. It’s an important part of keeping our school community safe and prepared.

📅 Sep 17 – Mid-Autumn Festival

We are excited to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, a beloved cultural event that brings families and communities together. Students will learn about the traditions of the festival, enjoy mooncakes, and decorate beautiful lanterns as part of the festivities.

📅 Sep 19 – Terry Fox Run

Let’s lace up our shoes for the Terry Fox Run, where we come together to honor a Canadian hero and support cancer research. This meaningful event allows our students to learn about courage, perseverance, and the importance of giving back to the community.

📅 Sep 20 – Pro-D Day (No School)

While students take a day off, our teachers will be hard at work preparing for the upcoming lessons and planning ways to make this school year a success. Enjoy the long weekend, students!

📅 Sep 26 – Parent-Teacher Conference

Our Parent-Teacher Conference is a valuable time for parents and teachers to connect and discuss the progress of their children. We encourage all parents to participate in this important opportunity to work together for student success.

📅 Sep 27 – Orange Shirt Day

On Orange Shirt Day, we will stand in solidarity with survivors of residential schools and honor their stories. Students are encouraged to wear orange as a symbol of our commitment to reconciliation and remembrance.

📅 Sep 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (No School)

As part of our commitment to education and reconciliation, we will take this day to reflect on the ongoing journey of healing with Indigenous communities. It’s an important time to remember and honor the past while working towards a better future.

The Virtue of the Month: Courage

This month at HongDe, we’re focusing on Courage—the bravery to try new things, face challenges, and stand up for what’s right. Whether it’s learning a new skill, speaking up, or showing kindness, courage comes in all shapes and sizes. Let’s encourage our students to embrace courage in and outside the classroom this September!

Stay tuned as we dive into the theme of Courage on our social media and blog throughout the month!

We’re looking forward to an incredible month ahead. With a focus on courtesy, meaningful events, and a strong sense of community, September promises to be a fantastic start to the school year at HongDe Elementary!