Tetherball is alive and well at Cleveland, with many students sometimes playing a game during recess and/or lunch. The rules used on our playground seem a bit different than in my day (when did I get old enough to say “in my day”?). I remember one hit only, no touching the rope, no grabbing the pole, and no holding the ball.

Today students seem to have fun playing tetherball without all those rules, and they don’t seem to need them. There are lots of smiles, they take turns playing, and they are having fun. That is one of the benefits of play – having fun.

Children can often find ways to have fun in a game without a set of rules, but there are times when rules do have a place. In a game of tetherball, where there are only two people playing at once, it is easier to be a bit flexible with the rules. When the games start to include groups of children, a few simple rules can often help in avoiding problems.

Take soccer. An easy to remember rule is no hands allowed (unless you are goalie). Any deviations from that rule and people get upset.

Recess and lunchtime behavioural problems (fights, arguments, exclusions, etc.) often start after someone decides to change the rules of a game, or have rules that are different for people they like. Changing rules during a game, or rigging a game against someone, creates unnecessary problems for all players.

So, boys and girls at Cleveland, some hints for playing a few key recess games are:

• For soccer – no hands allowed (unless you are goalie) and pass
• For football – two-hand touch (not two-hand shove) and pass to everyone
• For tag – no time-outs to avoid being tagged (why play tag if you can’t be it?) and chase everyone.

Not all games need rules, but when rules are in place, please stick with them.

• Play Fair
• Play Nice
• Let Everyone Play
• & Play Safe

Take care

There are many great things about an working in an elementary school, and one of them is seeing students help out outside of their class. Teachers and staff find ways to encourage students to take advantage of many small or large leadership opportunities that enrich a school culture.

If you were in the school at the start of the day, you may have heard Davis speaking on the public address system making today’s announcements. Student announcers provide the school with updates about upcoming events in school, welcome staff into the building, and can even share some news – today we heard how the Lions won their last football game.

Many of our grade 7 students are helping out in the primary classrooms during the lunch period. With eight primary classes and 3 Kindergarten classes, our adult supervisors appreciate the help that our lunch monitors provide. Lunch monitors help the classes stay calm, assist with opening a thermos, encourage children to eat their whole lunch, and occasionally help clean up spills.

Some students help out in the library, some help out as peer monitors, and many help out when their friends are hurt.

Student leadership is very important in any school, and we value it even more when students willingly and actively contribute to the school culture by being leaders.

Thanks to all the students who have already made leadership contributions this year, and thanks to those students who will be leaders throughout the year.

Take care.

The first week has come to a close, and the students have helped to ensure that this will be another wonderful year at Cleveland School. Today we had some mini-assemblies, where Ms. Carla Orr (Vice-Principal) and myself met with all students in grades 1 to 7, reviewed our Code of Conduct, discussed the positive things we have witnessed over the past week, shared thoughts on student leadership, and thanked the students for their positive energy and making us feel welcome.

Students are getting along well, and new students are making friends and learning the Cleveland culture. According to one student; “Girls rule and boys…” (I didn’t quite hear the whole thing). At least they were all smiling while it was said.

Next week we will be looking ahead to: getting ready for Grade 6 Outdoor School, our Welcome Back assembly, student photos, and our CPAC Welcome Back Social on Thursday night. I hope to see all families there.

Take care

The inner courtyard at Cleveland was one of the first “Wow” moments I had when I toured the school after being appointed Principal here in July 2011. I was immediately drawn to the garden path and wondered what herbs were in the herb garden. There are benches for sitting and reading, and a variety of plants that I hope the students can help me identify.

The courtyard is accessible to students during recess and lunch, and sometimes during class time. Students can walk out of our library and find a quiet place to read. How cool is that!

Schools often have hidden gems, and I am so pleased to have one as peaceful as this so that students can find a quiet space in their day.

If you can’t find me in my office or in a classroom, I may just be hiding away on a courtyard bench reading a good book (if I can get away with it).

Take care.