École King George Public School 72 Lemon Street, Guelph, Ontario N1E 2H5 Phone: 519-822-1911 Fax: 519-837-0034 www.ugdsb.on.ca/kg Principal: Randy Dewey Vice-Principal: Carla Anderson Office Coordinator: Gail Mainprize mai 2016/May 2016 Message from the Principal On Monday we had a Professional Development Day. Teachers are passionate about the work they do and the students they support. Our staff spent the morning being trained in Health and Safety. The afternoon was spent on Ministry initiatives such as student learning needs. Last week we attended a Parent Involvement Committee Meeting with two of our King George parents. The guest speaker talked about the role that schools play in children’s lives and the differences between Parent Engagement and Parent Involvement. Reading this newsletter, interacting with teachers, and supporting your children are all ways that parents are engaged in the school. Thank you for doing this and for being an integral part of the school community. Education Week is a time for students, staff and members of the community to celebrate student achievement and teaching excellence. This year’s theme is “Lead, Learn and Inspire”. We invite you to join us for our Evening of Arts and Music on May 11 th at 6:30 pm. It is our hope that our students will “Lead, Learn and Inspire” you as you tour the school to view our fabulous art displays and take in our musical talents in the gym. M. Dewey and Mme Anderson Volunteer Appreciation Day ~May 20th We would like to express our sincere appreciation for all of the work and effort our volunteer parents and community members have contributed toward our school and school activities. We truly value and are grateful for all that you do! King George is very fortunate to have such dedicated individuals to volunteer their time. At this time, we’d especially like to thank our School Council for all that they have done for us this year! We would like to personally thank our volunteers at our Volunteer Breakfast that will be hosted at 8:00 am on May 20 th in the library.
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École King George Public School 72 Lemon Street, Guelph, Ontario N1E 2H5
Principal: Randy Dewey Vice-Principal: Carla Anderson Office Coordinator: Gail Mainprize
mai 2016/May 2016
Message from the Principal On Monday we had a Professional Development Day. Teachers are passionate about the work they do and the students they support. Our staff spent the morning being trained in Health and Safety. The afternoon was spent on Ministry initiatives such as student learning needs. Last week we attended a Parent Involvement Committee Meeting with two of our King
George parents. The guest speaker talked about the role that schools play in children’s lives and the differences between Parent Engagement and Parent Involvement. Reading this newsletter, interacting with teachers, and supporting your children are all ways that parents are engaged in the school. Thank you for doing this and for being an integral part of the school community. Education Week is a time for students, staff and members of the community to celebrate student achievement and teaching excellence. This year’s theme is “Lead, Learn and Inspire”. We invite you to join us for our Evening of Arts and Music on May 11th at 6:30 pm. It is our hope that our students will “Lead, Learn and Inspire” you as you tour the school to view our fabulous art displays and take in our musical talents in the gym.
M. Dewey and Mme Anderson
Volunteer Appreciation Day ~May 20th We would like to express our sincere appreciation for all of the work and effort our volunteer parents and community members have contributed toward our school and school activities. We truly value and are grateful for all that you do! King George is very fortunate to have such dedicated individuals to volunteer their time. At this time, we’d especially like to thank our School Council for all that they have done for us this year! We would like to personally thank our volunteers at our Volunteer Breakfast that will be hosted at 8:00 am on May 20th in the library.
Online Homework Help The FSL Homework Tool box is a website that supports parents who have children in a French Immersion program and who wish to assist their child with homework in French. It also is a resource for FI students who require an accessible reference tool to help with homework. The link is as follows: www.fslhomeworktoolbox.ca
Primary and Junior Assessments of Reading, Writing
and Math
The EQAO (Education Quality Accountability Office) testing will begin on May 25th through May 27th for our Grade three students and on May 30th through June 1st for our Grade six students. Thanks in advance to parents for avoiding interruptions on these dates and sending healthy lunches to school with your children.
So Long Madame Grenier…Welcome Back Madame Lenz Mme Grenier will be completing her maternity leave coverage and Mme Lenz will be returning. We wish Mme Grenier all the best in her future endeavours and welcome the return of Mme Lenz on May 24th.
Tornado Drills
From early April to late October, we must be on the watch for severe thunderstorms and tornados. The school has an emergency procedure in place, and will be having periodic drills to reinforce these routines. If you have any questions or concerns about our emergency procedures please contact M Dewey.
On April 8th, two teams of students from King George participated in the Skills Canada competition held at Centennial and College Heights High Schools. The teams demonstrated great school spirit, were cooperative, kind and willing to share their materials with other schools. Each team had a challenge and a time limit to complete the task. The construction team was required to build/frame a garage with a working door. The finished product is on display in the front foyer. The Lego Mechanics team was required to build a snow removal vehicle that was efficient and safe. Both teams placed 4th overall in their respective events. We are very proud of the way these students carried
themselves, competed throughout the day and look forward to expanding our events to take more students next year.
Book Fair ~ Parents and Families Welcome!
Giving students easy access to fun, engaging reading material is the best way to spark the love of reading! Our Scholastic Book Fair is like a mini travelling bookstore: it brings books right to our school. Our library receives over 50% of our sales in credit towards Scholastic products. These funds are used to purchase a variety of resources - French, English, fiction, non-fiction, student and teacher requests. The Book Fair will begin Friday, May 27th to Wed. June 1st.
2016-2017 Class Placement Our planning for next year has already begun with class organizations being completed and student placements being made. This process takes many hours with teachers and staff considering many factors such as caps on class size, gender ratios, academic strengths and needs, personalities, learning styles, behaviour, and friendships. Please understand that we do not accept requests for class placement. This can make class building very difficult and hinder the process that we have in place. If your child has an exceptional circumstance that requires consideration, please email me directly at: [email protected]
Warm Weather Clothing As the warm weather arrives, many of us delight in putting away our winter jackets, hats, boots, scarves and mittens! With this change in wardrobe, we ask parents to remind students of appropriate dress for school. All students are expected to dress in a manner appropriate for the learning/working environment. Appropriate dress is free from symbols of hate, gang membership, violence, rebellion, death, abuse, cigarettes, drugs, alcohol, racism or discrimination, obscenities, put downs, political or sexual messages, or anything detracting from a positive learning environment. School is a public institution where expectations may differ from personal choices. Muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, lowscooped necklines, bare midriffs or backs are inappropriate. Shorts and shirts must be a reasonable length. Undergarments
should not be visible. Jewelery or apparel (such as large chains, spiked bracelets) that present a safety hazard or distraction should be avoided. Baseball caps (or any hats) need to be removed upon entering the school. Fashion trends change over time. Any decision regarding clothing will be considered by school staff.
Congratulations!
We would like to recognize two of our King George students. Our Grade 7 student, Emma G. was the recipient of the Citizenship Award at the Educational Student Support Gala for her kindness and caring, her respectfulness and contributions to a positive school climate. Congratulations, Emma!
We would also like to congratulate another Grade 7 student, Maeve B-M. Maeve's First Nations Legend "The Three Daughters" has been chosen for inclusion in this year's Etch Anthology. The Etch Anthology is the annual collection of teen writing that Vocamus Press publishes in cooperation with the Guelph Public Library. Hats off to a job well done!
Positive Parenting Workshop
Our School Council has organized a Positive Parenting Workshop. All parents are welcome to attend. This
workshop takes place on May 26th from 6:30 – 8:00 in the King George Library. There is no need to RSVP, just show up.
Lost and Found We have accumulated a few items over the winter months. If you have misplaced a blood pressure cuff or an iPhone, please come in to the office to claim them. Our Lost and Found box also contains a number of items that belong to students. If you have a chance to come and take a look through the box, chances are that a few items will go home to their owners.
Junior Ultimate Frisbee Team Tryouts Practices and try-outs for the Junior Ultimate Frisbee Team will take place before school on the soccer field from 8-8:30, on May 2, 4 and 6th.
Feedback Welcome on Draft Policies
The Upper Grand District School Board is welcoming public input on draft policies. Currently open for consultation are
draft policies and procedures for school accommodation and boundaries, community partnerships, smoke-free
environment and asthma friendly schools, with input due by May 11, 2016. There is also a new draft policy and
procedures for the handling of public concerns, with an input deadline of May 30, 2016. Please review the draft
documents and submit online feedback at www.ugdsb.on.ca/policy.
Floor Hockey Tournament
This year, King George had the pleasure of hosting the Junior Floor Hockey tournament. During the day four schools, John Galt, Arbour Vista, Aberfoyle and King George engaged in friendly competition.
With a great start and great teamwork our students finished first after the round robin. They won the semi-final game and were very excited to play the final
against Aberfoyle. After half-time, they were losing four nothing, but they found the courage and motivation to come back in the game and tie it up. This led to an incredible penalty shot round that seemed to never end….however after a lot of shots, a lot of tension, loud cheering and with a great team spirit, King George finally won the game! For the second year in a row, King George remains the Junior Floor Hockey champions.
Well done and Congratulations Knights!!
Family Fun Night
Save the date! Our Family Fun Night will be taking place on Wednesday, June 1st! Planning is underway and we look forward to seeing all of you there!
Moving In? Moving Out? IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that if you are planning a move to another school this summer, or know of someone moving into our school area for the 2016-2017 school year, that you notify the office as soon as possible.
Morning Supervision-Student Drop Off
Please be reminded that supervision at school does not begin until 8:20 a.m. Students should not be dropped off until after that time (unless they have a specific teacher supervised activity they are attending). If you must drop off your student, please do so after 8:20 a.m. Likewise, all students should leave the school grounds promptly after school end unless supervised by a parent. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe.
Concussion Awareness/Management Presentation Concussions can have a serious effect on a young, developing brain. Proper recognition and response to concussion can prevent further injury and help with recovery. Children and adolescents are among those at greater risk for concussions
due to body trauma at any time. Although falls and motor vehicle accidents are the leading causes of concussion, physical activity and sports can also cause a concussion. To address the risk of concussion and to assist parents and students to identify the signs and symptoms of concussion, the Board is presenting free workshops to increase awareness. Tuesday May, 10th 7- 8:30pm Norwell DSS, Library, corner of Main and Cumberland St, Palmerston Wednesday, May 11th 7-8:30 pm Centennial CVI, Lecture Room, 289 College Ave W, Guelph
Extended Absences
Please remember that if you are taking an extended vacation that will mean an absence of 15 or more consecutive days, you must contact the school office to ensure the proper paperwork is completed. Thank you for your cooperation.
Grade 8 Graduation Mark your calendars…Grade 8 graduation is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28th. More details to follow.
Jump Rope for Heart On May 20th at 11:00, our JK-Grade 2 students will be participating in Jump Rope activities outside. Our Grade 3-6 students will be participating at 1:25. Please ensure that students are prepared to be outside for an hour and have the proper footwork for skipping and outdoor activities. Our goal is to raise $5000 for Heart and Stroke. We will celebrate achieving our goal with a Super Hero Day! Please send pledge forms to your child’s homeroom teacher by May 20th.
Toonie Tuesday
Kids Helping Kids is this Board Wide initiative through The Free to Achieve Fund. Toonie Tuesday will be taking place on Tuesday, May 10th . In the past, we have taken advantage of this fund to help students take part in end of year trips. Students may wish to bring a Toonie to help kids in need in their own community.
Arts and Music Night On Wednesday, May 11th we will be hosting our Arts and Music Night. Doors will open at 6:30 pm and you are invited to tour the school and view the beautiful pieces of art that are on display in the hallways. Then venture to the gym to take in music by our bands, choir and ukulele group. We look forward to seeing you there.
School Council Corner
Our next School Council Meeting will be on Wednesday, May 4th at 6:30 in the library. Everyone is welcome to attend!
King George School Council Meeting Summary 05 April 2016 Supporting Education through Community, Communication and Innovation
Beth-QSP fundraising company -options available with QSP: cookie dough, magazine fundraiser, festival foods, organic veggies, fall planting bulb program, there are a few spring products -owned by Mickla foods in Concord; they also make the McMillan cookie dough -profit (avg 10$/order profit for subs); 35% on 15$, 40% past 336 orders Q-if one was going to do one, which would you recommend? -cookie dough, low impact -launching online (credit or paypal) or paper order form, everything is packed, popular -there isn’t a vegan option, but there is a gluten free and peanut free option available. -ingredient list is available Dates for school events -EQAO Gr 3- writing May 25-27; Grade 6 will write May 30 to June 1 -Gr 8 grad set to June 28 at 6:30
-Gr 8 trip set to go to Montreal and Ottawa. June 13-17 -Gr 7 trip not set but will be same week of Gr 8 trip -Gr 7/8 Stratford play to see MacBeth -Gr 6 June 8-10 Mansfield -letter from new principal of Couling school will be sent out to the students going there (46 students from here). Students can submit potential names for new school and bring their suggestions to a box in the office. - Mighty Motors Machinery show last year was very popular, put on by Victoria Terrace PS, 5$ /person or $20 for family of 4 or more June 4 from 10-2pm at Fergus Sportsplex. Carla Anderson–app overview -App was suggested as a means of communicating with parents and students, option was investigated. Same company as the one used by J. F. Ross -Links, events, home page, contact info for teachers etc, documents-handbook, code of conduct (word, pdf, excel) unlimited space, sponsors vetted by school. They would upload things from our current site, Pricing in CDN one time fee $2199, annual fee, $1500. They maintain everything. Somebody would have to type content to send to company. -pros and cons of having it were discussed. -inputting content into tv, announcement, twitter and listserv already being done. Writing electronic announcements easy or even easier than hand written announcement. -Other ways to connect? Other apps? Hard to commit when tech is changing so much? How does the listserv work? 450 people are on it. Newsletters, special events, council meeting. -parked for further discussion Quick update-Cathy Kim, Julie
a) June 1st fun fair. Have had one meeting, some planning, still finalizing. NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS b) spirit wear-another order? Possible, likely needs to be done earlier than Fun fair. c) Music night…all a go, Friday May 13th. Need volunteers set up tear down and taking money at the door and
doing tax receipts. Suggested donation $20, get a receipt for 25$ or over. d) French immersion review. Have had 4 meetings, comments welcome till April 15th to write feedback that will
go to the trustees. Decision will be made after that. There are 25 recommendations. Some still TBD. 5/8 trustees have to vote for the cap and decrease in French teaching time. All info on board website. Search FI review
Parking lot items
Brochure finalized $63 for B/W 500 copies, colour $329. 2 sided 8.5/11 folded into three. Motion (Tanya) to go ahead for it. Seconded by Julie, all were in favour.
Buddy bench. Will be done in the spring in JK/SK yard. The idea is you sit on it if you are looking for a friend to play with. Kindergarten teachers are organizing with Meghan Wadley. May need to consider cement footing?
Greening committee- not much luck with natural structure design for cheap. Design process will likely take up the $4700 we have left. It would be nice to have a 3D design before we contact board. Looking at possible options. Engineering design needed in agreement with playground act and regulations.
Community garden potential? Lots of different ideas. Bus stop pot, donate food to foodbank, community veg garden, gr 5 class doing it as part of science?
Monthly Environmental Newsletter Inserts
May Environmental Theme: CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate Change refers to any changes in long-term weather patterns (temperature, precipitation, wind, storms) that have been caused by humans polluting the atmosphere with too many greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide. We need to act now, because who can argue with reducing pollution? Pollution can't possibly be good for us!
The world is tracking climate change. Weather and temperature has been changing too quickly over the past few decades, which seems to be caused by the industrial revolution here on Earth. We are sending too much pollution (from cars, trucks, factories, and power plants using coal) into our atmosphere. Over the past hundred years the temperature of the Earth has risen and this has caused many changes in nature. For example, species of plants and animals are either migrating or becoming extinct. Some seaside cities may soon be underwater from rising sea levels. We are having more severe weather patterns like tornadoes and hurricanes and ice storms. Drinkable water sources are drying up.
What can you do to help be part of the solution? Well, all of the things we have been talking about this year can help. It you buy less and reduce, then less energy will be used and less pollution will be sent into our atmosphere. If you don't waste electricity you help out too. If you walk or bike to school or carpool you are doing your part. If you buy locally you reduce the greenhouse gases emitted through shipping and this helps planet Earth too.
You can Google: "Top 10 ways you can stop Climate Change" to get more ideas on how you can help.
And finally, eat a fresh, local apple - Not only is it good for you, but greenhouse gases were not created in the processing, canning, freezing, packaging or long distance transportation, so local apples are good for the planet too!
Slogan of the month: Climate Change is not cool!
What is STEM and Why is it Important?
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The idea is to offer students tasks that integrate more than one subject area such as thinking about all the angles, measurements and calculations involved in building a structure that could stand up to the elements of our Canadian winters. STEM provides opportunity to focus on one assignment while applying knowledge gained in a number of subjects so knowledge gained in one area can be applied in another. Check out this link for more information (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlPJ48simtE)
Think of it like driving a car. We can’t just focus on braking or steering by themselves. We need to simultaneously think of acceleration, steering, signaling, braking and road signs all at the same time and ideally we’d like our students to have the same flexibility with their thinking across different subject areas.
Try this activity to promote mathematics, science, engineering and language. Using popsicle sticks, glue, tape, and elastics, design and build a device that will launch 3 marshmallows as far as possible using elastic bands. The elastic energy may be “loaded” by hand but the device must get all of its launching power from the stored energy in the elastic bands. Have fun and enjoy!
New Health Curriculum This year the new Health and Physical Education curriculum will be implemented in all schools in Ontario. Included in the
update are new expectations in the Human Development and Sexual Health component of the curriculum. This
education starts with children learning about themselves, their feelings, their bodies and about showing respect for
Does your child have an LD, ADD/ADHD or both? Here are some great resources to help you: 1. Work with your child to understand how they think and learn
2. Develop some strategies with your child to help them advocate for what they need to learn
(technology, accommodations to the environment or learning tasks)
Other great online resources include: The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, which has lots of good information on LD and ADD/ADHD issues, including topics about how to understand the IPRC and IEP, how to advocate for your child and topics related to specific LDs. http://www.ldao.ca/introduction-to-ldsadhd/what-are-lds/ The Learning Disabilities Association of Wellington County connects to the Ontario chapter, but provides links and information about workshops and activities that are being held in Wellington. http://www.ldawc.ca/ Our school board has also worked hard to address the needs of LD and ADD/ADHD students by providing SEA equipment, Google Read and Write training and targeted reading programs to help LD students access the curriculum and develop key academic skills. Connect with your child’s teacher to discuss all the supports that are available to your child!
