Bm CONTRIBUTED FAMILIES IN STATE OF EMERGENCY, LEARNING FOUNDATION SAYS SHERRI ARMSTRONG armstrongs@haltonlearning foundation.ca With the price of food and other necessities ris- ing beyond many people's ability to afford them, the Halton Learning Fou nd tion (HLF) is sounding th alarm on students ‘who need some financial sup- September, HLF has pro- vided emergency financial support for a record num- ber of students of the Hal- ton District School Board (HDSB) — 30 per cent more than last year at this time —and the charity's busiest weeks still lie ahead. “We need ongoing fund- ing to continue to support kids' basic needs for food, GEORGETOWN 8 Guelph Street 905.452.7400 Corporate La winter clothing and school supplies, and to help en- sure all students are in- cluded in learning oppor- tunities," said Lesley Mansfield, CEO of HLF. "Every day we hear from teachers and princi- pals about families who are barely § getting by this fall. fin strug- tee can have a direct im- pact on students' ability to learn — whether it's due to alack of nutrition, alack of technology to complete school work, or perhaps be- cause they need prescrip- tion glasses that the par- ents can't afford." HLF takes requests from educators in the HDSB on behalfof students in need. Teachers and prin- cipals are sharing that many more families this year are spending a dispro- portionate amount of their income on housing and utilities, leaving little left for food, clothing, school supplies and other necessi- ties. One man, recently im- migrated with his is fam’y from South shared with HLF othat ‘3 per cent of his salary is used to pay rent and utili- ties. "We are participating i in some food banks church to get food and an er supplies," he said. "Un- fortunately (it) is not enough. Two of my chil- aren have nutrition prob- lems." This season, HLF is ask- ing the community to con- sider making a No Student Left Behind gift to help a Halton tit Eliminating Financial Barriers to Education HLF image The Halton Learning Foundation is seeking donations for families in need. earning Foundation student Ete inourcom- munity. Do! in trib- ute toa favourite teacher, friend or family member are welcomed and an e- card may be sent to the re- cipient to let them know about the generous gift made in their name. “We believe that if we improve the health and well-being of students, they will do better in school,” said Mansfield. "If kids do better in school, it can lead them toa better fu- ture." For more information or to donate, please visit nos- tudentleftbehind. Source: Halton Learn- ing Foundation LOCKYER +HEINie BARRISTERS + SOLICITORS NEWS VIRTUAL KINDERGARTEN EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE The Halton District School Board is 5 welcoming future student families to avirtual kinder- ten! shdsb.ca to learn more making the first school experience a peppy one. At this site, olds can explore a inden. garten classroom to see what their future class- room might look like next September. ee, are vid: eos to watch, view and fun ‘autvities for kids. Parents/guardians can learn about the kindergar- ten program at the HDSB, play-based learning, com- munity resources in Halton Empowering Clients. Enriching the Community. Brampton Office (Main) 350 Rutherford Road S., Suite 320 905.452.7400 CALEDON EAST 15955 Airport Road, Suite 201 905.584.4545 A Full Service Firm, Including Family Law, Employment, Real Estate, Wills & Estates, Estate Litigation and Civil Litigation. gor 2m, ‘6 & fa 4 TON rod www.lhiaw.ca Georgetown Hospital aes Graham Paine/| Metroland Kindergarten registration will held in January. equieoeq ‘Aepssnu, rh and before and-after school = Families can also. come package from the 8 dren's book. 2023 and will be by appoint- ment only (in-person and/ or virtual) through the school your child will at- tend. Further information will be shared in the new year. To begin kindergarten in September 2023, children must be four years old by Dec. 31, 2023 for Year 1 Kin- dergarten and must be five years old by Dec. 31, 2023 for Year 2 Kindergarten. Proud Supporter of the Proud Georgetown Hospital member of