Dear Sidney Families, 

The Grinch, on his attempt to stop Christmas... 

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, 

Stood puzzling and puzzling: “How could it be so? 

“It came without ribbons! It came without tags! 

“It came without packages, boxes or bags!” 

And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore. 

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! 

“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. 

“Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” 

After my first four months at Sidney elementary, I truly feel that “a little bit more” is a Sidney Hive motto! Staff, parents, students, community, and everyone connected to our beloved school, wholeheartedly give a little bit more every day. From our first community event, the Halloween dance hosted by PAC, I knew that I had landed in a special place! The incredible community feel fostered by parents and students; and the time and energy invested in this event was incredible. Our family movie night, featuring the Grinch movie, was yet another terrific community activity; and the above quote from the movie made me smile, as I thought about the many ways that we all work together to support students. 

Over the first term, the staff truly gave a little bit more in order to find ways to support each and every child’s learning journey. I know that you will join me in celebrating each step taken by your child(ren) to reach their personal learning goals in term one, as highlighted in their first term reports. Next term, we will ask students to commit even greater focus, as they zero in on areas for growth; and you can trust that Sidney staff will be right there beside our students to cheer them on, as they give just a little bit more over term two! Indeed, supporting students in making a choice to get 1 percent better each day may seem insignificant in the moment, but over the span of moments that make up a lifetime, these choices set a path for continued success (James Clear, author of Atomic Habits).  

Wishing you a wonderful winter break and some time to reflect on the many successes of 2024. 

With gratitude for your valuable partnership, 

Mrs. Mary Lynn Heron 

Principal