2018-2019

General Information School Hours

8:37 a.m.– 11:55 p.m. 12:46 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Morning recess: 10:10 a.m.- 10:25 a.m.

Lunch Hour: 11:55 p.m.- 12:46 p.m. Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

YMCA Before School Program Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. YMCA After School Program Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

It is important to note that all children in the school building prior to 8:15 a.m. and after 3:10 p.m. will need to be registered with the YMCA Before or After School Program to ensure adequate supervision. Regular morn-ing supervision begins at 8:20 a.m. and after school supervision ends at 3:10 p.m.

If your child is going to be late or absent from school, please phone our school office at (403) 526-2392. It is our policy to check on all absences. Please ensure that your child has a healthy attendance record and arrives on time to ensure maximal learning throughout the year.

Important Phone Numbers

Connaught School ………………………(403) 526-2392 Connaught School Fax ………………….(403) 526-2140 Superintendent of Schools……………… (403) 528-6729

Student Services………………………... (403) 528-6742 District Administration………………… (403) 528-6700 Health Unit ……………………………... 403) 502-8200 Speech Language and Hearing Services…(403) 528-8175 Connaught School E-mail: conn@sd76.ab.ca Connaught School Web Page: http://connaught.mhpsd.ca/ M.H.S.D. No. 76 Web Page: http://www.mhpsd.ca/ Mme Neigum Cell Phone…………………(403) 878-6668

Principal Mme Deni Neigum

Vice Principal Mr. Tim Johnson

Vice-Principal Mrs. Dianne Spencer

Sr. Administrative Assistant Mrs. Tamara McCuaig

Administrative Assistant (PM) Mrs. Lynn Deis

KA Mme Lisa Wittevrongel

KB Mme Kate Bohrn

KC Mme Theresa Phillips / Mme Karen Franchetto

KE Mrs. Jo-Anne Schmaltz

1A Mme Amie Guerrette

1B Mme Leslee Canadine

1C Mme Crimson Madsen

1E Miss Sophie Douvis

2/3E Mrs. Christina Konrad / Mrs. Jackie Schuett

2A Mme Carolyn Weiler

2B Mme Ellen Macpherson

2C Mme Carrie Musoleno

3A Mme Joanne Kennedy

3B Mme Sandra Mason

3C Mme Renae Quinlan

3/4E Mrs. Terryann Syverson

4A Mme Tiffany Rasmussen

4B Mme Courtney Mason

4E Mrs. Cheryl Scholly

5E Mrs. Kimberly Bludon / Mr. Tim Johnson

5A Mme Rachel Vossler / Mme Dianne Spencer

5B M. Andrew Haddon

6A M. Neermal Hosanee

6B Mme Esther Bernard

6E Miss Ashley McDougall

Classroom Support Teacher Mrs. Carrie Maxwell

Music Ms. Sara Neufeld

Library Tech Mrs. Kim Rickert

Early Literacy Assistant Mrs. Valerie Turcotte

English Language Assistant Mr. Mario Bigras

Educational Assistant Mme France Boschee

Educational Assistant Mrs. Charlynn Kennedy

Educational Assistant Mrs. Sharon Weiss

Educational Assistant Mme Cecile Boezennec

Educational Assistant Mrs. Nicole Simpson

Head Custodian Mr. Warren Osmond

Evening Custodians Mr. Dale Gehring, Mr. Allan Lawson

Au Chapeau Preschool Mme Bigras/ Mme Maureen

Ecole Connaught School Calendar of Events 2018-2019

September

3 Labour Day – No School 4 First Day for students 7 School Wide Assembly 19 Welcome Back BBQ 26 School Council Meeting 28 Terry Fox Run Day

October 3,4 Goal Setting Conferences 3,4 School Pictures 5 PD Day – No School 8 Thanksgiving Holiday 9 School Wide Assembly 19 Fall Family Dance 24 School Council Meeting 26 School PD Day – Connaught Only 31 Halloween Activities

November 9 Remembrance Day Assembly 12 PD Day- No School 19 Report Cards 28 School Council Meeting

December 7 PD Day – No School 19 Christmas Concert 21 Early Dismissal, Assembly 22 Christmas Holidays until Jan. 6

January 7 Classes resume 25 Winter Carnaval 30 School Council Meeting

February 1 Kindergarten Registration 15 PD Day – No School 18 Family Day – No School 19 In Lieu Day – No School 20 In Lieu Day – No School 21, 22 Teacher’s Convention – No School 27 School Council Meetings

March

15 PD Day – No School 18 Report Cards 20, 21 Student Led Conferences 27 School Council Meeting 28 Spell-A-Thon Assembly

April 15 Spell-A-Thon Test Day 18 Spelling Bees 19 Good Friday – No School 20 Easter Holidays until April 28 29 Classes Resume

May 8 Kindergarten 2019-2020 Orientation 17 PD Day – No School 20 Victoria Day – No School 29 School Council Meeting - AGM 31 School Wide Assembly

June 6 Kindergarten Celebration 25 Grade 6 BBQ 26 Family Breakfast / Fun Day 27 Awards Ceremony and Last Day for Students (Early Dismissal) 28 Last Day for Teachers

Gr. 6 PAT Schedule

May 7th: French Language Arts (A) May 9th: English Language Arts (A) June 10th: French Language Arts (B)

June 11th: Math (A) June 12th: Math (B)

June 13th: English Language Arts (B) June 17th: Science

Please also refer to our school website, newsletters and weekly principal messages for other special events and activities that are planned throughout the year.

École Connaught School Mission Statement

Our mission at École Connaught School is to guide and engage students in becoming respectful, responsible, global citizens

who have a love for learning in a safe and caring environment with a strong focus on academic and personal growth

in English and French Immersion programs.

École Connaught School Goals

1.To improve student learning through enhanced collaboration with a focus on literacy. 2. To improve student learning through enhanced assessment practices. 3. To create and maintain an optimal learning environment for students and staff. Our school community is committed to the following: Maintaining a school environment that enhances the academic and personal growth of

each child. Guiding student success in English and French Immersion programs. Providing engaging learning activities which complement and enhance the curriculum. Building social and academic skills through cooperative learning. Promoting a multicultural and bilingual learning environment. Developing a caring, responsible and respectful school environment through school-

wide implementation of Tribes. Supporting positive behaviour among all students Communicating effectively with parents and the school community Offering cultural, artistic and musical experiences to all students

In addition, our school is committed to modeling an instilling the values of Caring, Responsibility and Respect.

Welcome ~ Bienvenue

School Rules THINK ….

Be Kind / Sois Gentil Be Safe / Sois Sain et Sauf

Be Responsible / Sois Responsable Be Respectful / Sois Respectueux

Be Truthful / Sois Honnête BE YOUR BEST!!

School-Wide Discipline Policy

At École Connaught School we are very fortunate to have students, families and staff who share the same values regarding student discipline. We believe in supporting positive behaviour in all of our students through recognition and positive reinforcement. We also believe in a NO TOLERANCE policy for behaviours that threaten the physical or emotional safety of our students, staff or visitors to the school. We teach our students the importance of following our school rules through group work, discussion, modeling and school-wide assemblies. Students and families are encouraged to report any concerning behaviour to the school staff or administration. If your child is involved in a serious offence such as:

*fighting *bullying

*severe defiance *harming others

*vandalism *making threats

*swearing … you will be contacted by the school administration to discuss logical

consequences for unacceptable behaviour and invited to participate in a plan to support and teach important positive behaviour skills should these behaviours persist.

Supporting Positive Behaviour at Connaught School

Supervision

Outside supervision is provided starting at 8:20 a.m.., during recess and at lunchtime.

Playground Expectations

Students are expected to go outside at recess and at noon hour once they have finished their lunch. It is important that all children are dressed for the weather.

Our cold and inclement weather policy will be enforced as needed by the staff during the school day. Students who are appropriately dressed will have the choice of an optional recess if the temperature is colder that –20°C. If the temperature is below –30°C all students will be kept inside.

Students are expected to follow all school rules while playing on the playground. Minor infractions will be dealt with on the playground in the form of reminders, role playing, walking with a supervisor or making an apology. Major infractions such as fighting, swearing or defiance will result in an immediate referral to the office and alternate re-cess plans.

Students are expected to remain in the playground area and are not permitted to use the front of the school during recess.

If students choose to bike, scooter, or skateboard to school it is expected that these will be locked to the bicycle compound. Students are not permitted to use these items on the school grounds.

Lunch Hour Procedures

Starting at 11:55, all students eat lunch in their classrooms and are supervised by either their homeroom teachers or hallway supervisors and lunch monitors.

Microwaves are available in most classrooms and in the student kitchen.

Healthy snack and lunch items are available daily for purchase in the student kitchen.

We also offer a Brown Bag Lunch program daily sponsored by the Food Bank which can be accessed by any students who are in need.

Our School Council organized two hot lunches per month. This is run through our school website using the Munch A Lunch program.

Once students have finished eating and have cleaned up their lunch, they are to remain in their desks until 12:10. At this time those who have finished their lunches will be invited outside by an announcement from the office.

All students are expected to be outside or engaged in an alternate activity by 12:20. At 12:46 all students will return to their classes for the start of afternoon instruction.

Noon Hour Activities (12:20—12:46)

We are pleased to offer a variety of programs and activities for our students during the recess portion of our lunch hour. Students will need to listen to an-nouncements for information about signing up for different activities throughout the year. **If you plan on taking your child from school during the lunch hour, please make sure to sign them out at the school office.

We promote a NUT-SAFE environment for our students. Please check the labels carefully and do not send and items to

school with your child that contains nuts. Your cooperation is appreciated.

School Fees

Kindergarten Fee…………….$60.00* Grade 1-6 Fee…………………No fee *Kindergarten fees are due September 30th.

Emergency Procedures

Connaught School has a CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN that provides for the safety of your children. Fire drills and lockdown drills are practiced throughout the year and the school staff is trained in First Aid. In most emergencies your child will remain and be cared for at the school. In the event of an emergency affecting the school that prevents entry into the building such as a gas leak, broken water main or fire, all students and staff will be moved immediately to MEDICINE HAT HIGH SCHOOL. We ask you to follow the procedure below if you hear rumours of any school emergency: 1. TURN ON YOUR RADIO, TELEVISION, CELL

PHONE or COMPUTER. 2. DO NOT TELEPHONE THE SCHOOL. This will

tie up limited phone lines. 3. DO NOT COME TO THE SCHOOL UNLESS

YOU ARE REQUESTED TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD. Any emergency involving the school may mean emergency vehicles and disaster workers must be able to gain access to the building.

In the event of necessary communication, an e-mail will be sent out to all parents, a phone message will be sent to the emergency contact number you have provided and we will attempt to use social media as warranted by the situation.

Accidents

School rules are enforced to minimize the number of accidents that occur but in the event of an accident, school staff are trained in first aid and are prepared to give assistance of a basic nature. If a child is injured more seriously or is quite sick we will contact the parents or emergency contacts. If required, an ambulance will be called or transportation will be provided to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital by a school administrator.

Electronic Devices

Technology can be a great support to student learning and students are permitted to bring electronic devices if there is an identified educational need and permission from the classroom teacher. It is expected that students will use electronic devices as they are intended for classroom use. Any inappropriate use of technology will result in it being taken away and picked up by the parent or guardian. Students and parents need to be aware of the risks involved in bringing personal devic-es to school. Any incidents of cyber-bulling will be taken seriously and will involve the school resource officer.

Communication

We believe communication between home and school is very important. Most classroom teachers use agendas as the main form of communication. Each classroom teacher also has their own unique methods of communication such as folders, weekly notes, monthly newsletter, email and teacher websites. As a school, most of our communication is done through email, our school website (http://mhpsd.ca/) , Facebook and Twitter. This year we will also be communication through a program called Freshgrade to update parents about their child’s progress with literacy. It will be important to visit our school website to sign up for monthly newsletters and view the monthly calendar. Throughout the year pictures are also posted of many of our school events. As a parent, if you have request-ed that paper copies come home with your child, these will be provided for special events and school notices. In addition a weekly email will be sent from Mme Neigum, our school principal to update you on school events and activities.

Our school and district follow a policy called “Healthy Interactions”. In the event of a parent concern regarding a staff member, it is important that the staff member is contacted directly. If a reasonable solution cannot be met, the administra-tion may be contacted to help resolve the conflict. We strive to do our best and always keep what is best for kids at the forefront of our decision mak-ing.

At any time if you have questions or concerns we encourage you to contact us. Our staff is willing and able to sit down and work with parents to solve any problem that may arise during the course of the year.

Important Information

School Programs/ Special Events

Before and After School Program Connaught provides a before school supervision program from 7:00 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. and an after school supervision program from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fees are set at $4.00 per hour per child and all bills are to be paid by the 15th of the next month. Forms and infor-mation are available at the school office each Fall. Kindergarten Program The Connaught School Kindergarten provides an excellent transition to the more formal and academic schooling provided in later grades. Children have the opportunity to learn through play and discovery as they are actively involved in learning literacy and numeracy skills that will prepare them for their educational futures. We offer full-day alternate Kindergarten programs in both English and French Immersion. The classes follow the same schedule as the rest of the school and students are eligible to ride the bus and access before and after school care on the days that they attend. French Immersion Program We are proud to offer an early entry immersion program at Connaught School. In this program the students follow the Alberta curriculum using French as the main language of instruction. Students from Kindergarten to Grade 2 receive all of their instruction in French and from Grade 3 on, English Language Arts is introduced. Children leave our school with a high level of proficiency in both languages and an increased sense of confidence and independence. Students may enter the program in Kindergarten or Grade One and may transfer in from another immersion program at any time. If you have any questions about French Immersion please feel free to contact the school administration. Library Program In the library, the teachers with the help of the Library Clerk, help the children learn to use the library to find the information that they need for school projects and recreation. Classes are regularly scheduled for a book exchange each week. Students are encouraged to visit the library often and books are available in English and in French. All library materials are on loan for one week. Fees are charged for lost of damaged books. AMA Safety Patrol Students in grades 5 and 6 can join the school patrol team. Students patrol the crosswalks both before and after school. Training is provided in the Fall and permission forms are sent home with all interested students. Music Program Connaught School offers a quality bilingual music program to all of the students in the school. The children in grades 1-6 have scheduled classes in the

music room twice a week. Kindergarten students will visit the music room once per week. As an extension of the music program, students are also provided with musical opportunities during the lunch hour. K-Kids program The K-Kids is a service club that meets after school on Tuesdays. It is open to all students in the school. A staff member serves as a coordinator and supervisor and a member of the Kiwanis Club serves as a consultant. Otherwise, all the work and decision-making is done by the students. They take on a variety of service projects to improve the quality of the school and the community. K-Kids are great leaders in the school and are an important part of school life. There is a $2 registration fee to become a member of this club. Sports Club This club meets on Wednesdays after school from 3:00—4:00.and is open free of charge to all students in grades 4-6. Various sports are introduced such as volleyball and basketball. Time is taken to work on general fitness, basic skills and rules of play. Parents are more than welcome to attend and help with coaching and supervision. Carnaval Each year during the last few weeks of January we celebrate Connaught’s Carnaval d’Hiver or Winter Carnaval. Students learn about the history of the Quebec Winter Carnaval through stories, videos and lessons. Many activities are planned that boost the spirits of students and families during the cold of winter. The games day at the end of January marks the grand finale of this event. Christmas Concert / Family Night Every second year our school puts on a Christmas Concert. This year we will host a Family Night during which all families are encouraged to come and cele-brate the spirit of the season with us at the school. Feature Student Assemblies Each month students from each classroom are recognized in a special assembly in the gym. We celebrate what is unique about them and learn about each child as a way of building community. Parents are invited to attend.

Me to We This service club is open to grade 6 students who are interested in making a difference in the community and the world. Students meet at lunch hour. Students also attend the We Day celebration that is held in Calgary. School Advisory Council This parent group is a vital part of our school community. The school council advises the school staff about programming and events that will enhance the educational experience for students. The school council also supports many school events such as Spell-A-Thon, school dances and our famous Christmas bas-ket raffle. Fundraising projects throughout the year support fine arts presentations, field trips, the music program and improvements to the school gym. Meet-ings are held the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 in the school library. School administration and staff members attend as well to provide input and infor-mation on educational and school issues. All parents are welcome to attend and free babysitting is provided in the gym. Volunteer Opportunities Many opportunities exist throughout the year for parents and other family members to help out around the school. Please contact your child’s teacher about helping out in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the school and share in the educa-tional journey with their children. Kagan Cooperative Learning Our school and district have embraced this engaging and sound instructional method of building classroom unity and enhancing learning. If you have any questions about cooperative learning or would like to arrange to view a lesson, please contact your child’s teacher or the school administration. TRIBES Most of our staff is also trained in TRIBES learning communities which is a process for developing positive school environments that promote growth and learning. It is based on the four agreements of Attentive Listening, Appreciations, The Right to Pass/Participate and Mutual Respect. Learn to Ski Program All of the students in grades 4-6 have the opportunity to participate in the Learn to Ski Program. Each year the students and staff go to Hidden Valley Ski Resort in the Cypress Hills for a day filled with lessons, learning and some winter fun. Parents are welcome to participate in this trip as well. Watch for information to come home in January. Skating Programs From October to March all of our students participate in a skating program at the Moose Recreation Centre. Teachers walk the students over to the rink and students skate for about an hour. Watch for specific times in the

school newsletter or in your child’s agenda. Parents are always welcome to participate and to help tie skates. All students require a helmet. Some skates and helmets are available at the school for student use. Swimming Program During the month of June our students have access to Hill Pool. Classes walk over to the pool and participate in a fun swim time. Parents are welcome to help supervise as needed for some of the younger classes. Outdoor Education Each year our grade six students participate in an overnight Outdoor Education experience in Elkwater. This is a great trip filled with physical activity, learning about nature and having fun. Information will come home with grade six students in the spring. Parents are needed to help cook and supervise during the trip. In addition, this year all of our grade five students will be participating in a 3-day trip to Waterton. Elementary Athletic Association Throughout the year, students in grades 4-6 will have the opportunity to participate in tournaments with other elementary schools. Grade 6 students participate in volleyball and handball tournaments, grade 5 students play soccer and floor hockey, and grade 4 students attend an informal games day. All student will have the opportunity to participate in the cross country run. There will also be track meets for all students in grades 4-6 near the end of the year. Au Chapeau Preschool Program Connaught School offers a preschool program for three and four year olds. Although the focus of this program is on building French language skills, the program is open to anyone. For more information about this pro-gram or to register you can contact the office. E.P.I.C. EPIC (Encouraging Positive Informed Choices) is a new program designed by the Medicine Hat Police Service which builds on the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program that was previously delivered in schools. Lessons are given to students in grade four and grade six. Topics include tobacco and friendship at the grade four level. Grade six students learn about alcohol, tobacco, marihuana, online bullying and refusal skills.

Special Services Speech and Language Services Speech services are provided as needed to identified students in the school. Through the Regional Collaborative Service model we have an on-site speech language pathologist several days a week. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech or language development please talk with your child’s teacher. Some typical concerns include: unclear speech sounds, poor grammar and sentence structure, inability to express ideas clearly, stuttering or difficulty following directions. Mental Health Services Positive Mental Health is an essential foundation for student success and well-being. We have access to a mental health worker at least once a week at school. If you have concerns about your child’s mental or emotional well-being you can contact your child’s teacher or Mme Spencer to discuss making a referral. Services are also available outside of school at the Provincial Building. (403) 526-3500 Occupational Therapy The role of an occupational therapist is to help ensure the children have control over their bodies for optimal learning. This could include difficulty with fine motor coordination, gross motor coordination, hyperactivity or low activity. An occupational therapist helps to provide activities and strategies to ensure that students are at a “just right” state for learning. A referral can be made through the school by talking with your child’s teacher, the classroom support teacher, or administra-tion. Behaviour Support Just as some students struggle with reading, some students struggle with demonstrating positive behaviour both at home and at school. Strategies and support can be provided through a behavioural consultant. If your child could benefit from some support in this area you may be contacted by your child’s teacher or the school administration. You may also contact us with concerns in this area. Physical Therapy At times some students need the support of a Physical Therapist to help with exercises and movements. This support is typically for more serious developmental delays or identified coordination difficulties. School Resource Officer(SRO) Our school has access to a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service to assist with supporting positive behaviour in our school and community and working with students to make positive choices. You will be invited to be part of the process if the SRO will be meeting directly with your child.

HUG (Helping Us Grow) Our school is fortunate to offer a HUG program to enhance mental health services for each classroom. Students participate in sessions as a class about worrying, anger, mindfulness, social interaction and friendship. Fun group sessions are also offered during the lunch hour. Mentorship Program Connaught School participates in the Big Brother / Big Sisters Mentorship Program. Students who participate in this program have an adult mentor who visits with them once a week during school time or a teen mentor through partnership with Medicine Hat High School. Permission forms and other consents are required for this program. Parking Parking is available for parents on the street at the front and back of the school. Please be aware of the off limit bus lanes on 1st Avenue and 9th Street. The staff parking lot is reserved for school staff only. Please do not use this as a drop-off or pick-up zone as this poses a safety risk for our students and staff particularly at the start of the day and during dismissal. School Access Access is available through the main front doors. All other doors are locked during instructional time. Lost and Found Throughout the year many items are lost or left behind. Please make sure to label your child’s belongings so that items can be returned to their classroom. The lost and found bin is located beside the gym and small items are kept in the office. Wifi Access / Social Media Free wifi is available on school grounds by accessing the MHSD Guest account.

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École Connaught School 101—8th Street, SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, T1A 4L5

Telephone: (403) 526—2392 Fax: (403) 526—2140 E-mail: conn@sd76.ab.ca Web page: www.connaught.mhpsd.ca