GORDON PUBLIC SCHOOL, 468 Thorold Road West, Welland ON, L3C 3W6 MARCH 2016

T. D’Alessandro Principal

905-734-3730

G. Watson Vice-Principal 905-734-3730

W. Hahn Superintendent 905-641-1550

S. Barnett Trustee

905-734-7110

March

IS:

PERSEVERANCE

Month

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents, Well, we certainly have been fortunate to have an overall fairly mild winter thus far. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we may have an early and warm arrival of spring. Our school and board wide anti-bullying day was a great success! Literally a "Sea of Pink". Although we put an emphasis on this day in February, everyday is an anti-bullying day. Also of note was our first bilingual science fair along with our winter carnival. Both events allowed our students, staff and community to see the great things that occur at Gordon each and every day. On a personal note, it has been almost two full years since I arrived at Gordon. I have been so im-pressed with the commitment to Gordon by the students, staff and community. This is truly a special place and I could not be more proud to be a Grizzly! Thank you so much for your continued support both personally and professionally. Sincerely, Tony D'Alessandro Proud Principal of Gordon Public School

http://gordon.dsbn.org

Our recent Open House was a huge success! We are

continuing to accept registrations for Kindergarten.

If you know anyone that has a child turning 4 or 5 in 2015, we’d love to welcome

them to our Gordon family!

March 14—18

No school!

Enjoy your week off!

We know you have many different priorities competing for your attention each day. To respect those de-mands, we’d like to help you save both time and effort. Beginning February 29

th, you’ll be able to approve

permission forms and pay for school items, such as fieldtrips and school spirit wear, online. It takes just five minutes to register for this service. You will be able access the service by visiting our school website and clicking on “School Cash Online.” There, you’ll find more information about the system, links to registration and support. You can use School Cash Online with confidence; it is a safe and secure portal. Using School Cash Online, you may never have to search for spare change again! That is, unless you’re looking for coffee money. Thanks for your support.

Gordon School Rocks!

During the week of February 15th, the grade 1 to 6 students were treated to two exciting days of Rocks and

Rings. This is an introductory activity to the Olympic sport of Curling. Students were engaged in a variety of activities and relays in the gym that allowed them to learn the basics of the game. Judging from the smiles on the students faces, fun was had by all!

VISITING? SAY HI AT THE OFFICE!! Whenever you are coming to Gordon, please be sure to stop in the office first to say “HI!” The safety of every student in this school is important to us. As a part of our Safe School policy all visitors MUST sign in at the office.

Mad Science, the world’s leading provider of educational and entertaining science pro-grams for children is coming to Gordon School. Their mission is to spark the imagination and curiosity of children everywhere by providing them with fun, entertaining and exciting activities that instill a clear understanding of what science is really all about and how it affects the world around them. They use exciting activities and spectacular demonstrations to capture the atten-tion and imagination of children around the world. Students from Grade 1-6 and teachers will be thrilled on 26/Feb/2015 at 1:45 PM when Mad Sci-ence comes to the school to do a Spectacular Science show. The assembly will be edu-cational, entertaining and also the kick off to the Mad Science Club. The Club is a 6-week sci-ence enrichment program offered to the students. Students who join the science club will go on a voyage of discovery designed to support the On-tario Science and Technology curriculum. They will explore various topics in science including Optical Illusions, Sonic Sounds, Tantalizing Taste, Harnessing Heat, Lights Colour Action and

Magnetic Magic. The Club will take place on Tuesday, Mar 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26 from 3:25 PM - 4:25 PM. For those of you who have been in the Mad Science Club before, this is a different club than last year with exciting experiments, cool demonstrations and amazing take home activities.

www.niagara.madscience.org

Share the joys of summer with a Fresh Air child! The Fresh Air Fund is always looking for a few more special families to discover the difference they can make in a child's life while enriching their own families sum-mer experience. Summertime is Fresh Air time for thousands of New York City children who visit volunteer host families in the Northeast, Unit-ed States and Ontario, Canada through The Fresh Air Fund's Volunteer Host Family Program. The Fresh Air Fund, an inde-

pendent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences in the country to more than 1.8 million children since 1877. Volunteer host families open their hearts and homes to New York City children during the summer. Host families live in the suburbs, small towns, or rural are-as, and wish to share the pure joys of summer with their New York City friends. Fresh Air children love to run barefoot through the grass, catch fireflies at night, swim in the lake, and gaze at star-filled skies. Through the eyes of Fresh Air children, families often rediscover the beauty of their own communities. For more information on how you can sign up to become a volunteer host this summer, please contact Jeannete Murphy at 905-563-9993murphykj@cogeco.ca or Christine Ferrusi 905-541-1828 christine.ferrusi@friendlytown.org or visit www.freshair.org. Like us on Facebook - The Fresh Air Fund of Ontario, Canada

Gordon Grizzlies – Area 2 Champions!

Congratulations to our intermediate boys basketball team for an outstanding season. The team captured the Area 2 championship by posting an undefeated regular season and playoff round. Well done Griz-zlies! Not only did the team improve their skills as the season progressed, but they always represented Gordon School with class and sportsmanship. Team members include: Jon K, Isaac B, Ben C, Jared J, Tim S, Nick T, Gabe D, Micah P, Dom C, Dom M, Cooper M, Dylan C and Brandon R. Hats off to Mr. Clark and Miss Moore for guid-ing the boys to a fabulous season!

Intermediate Girls Basketball The intermediate girls basketball team had an excellent season, and were the Area 2 Consolation champi-

ons! Team members were: Tawny C., Sommer S., Kassie M., Bev W., Ella T., Emilie P., Emily B., Emma B., Kyleigh G., Lily C., Klaire M., Karli S. Coaches: Mrs. Gaspich and Mrs. Rush

DO YOU HAVE A COMMUNITY

CONTACT OR OWN YOUR OWN

BUSINESS?

Gordon Public School is throwing our 2nd

annual- Fun Fair on Thursday May 12th,

from 5-8 pm, raising money to add

technology to our wonderful school. We are

looking for donations for our Penny Sale,

Silent Auction and game prizes! Monetary

donations or gift certificates or services are

all gratefully accepted!

APRIL 15TH - P. A. DAY

The elementary school year calendar has been tweaked

slightly. As a result, your children will get to enjoy a

PA Day on Friday, April 15, 2016. We’ll also send out

a quick reminder closer to the

date, but wanted to give you a

heads up so you can begin plan-

ning.

If your children currently access

before and/or after school care,

your provider will contact you

with information about availabil-

ity closer to the date.

CLASS CHARACTER - Caring ACADEMIC

1-1 – MRS. FILION Thea H. Dev S.

1-2 – MRS. GASPICH Ava D. Aiden C.

1F – MLLE SAUVE Edie J. Rachel M.

2F – MR. VERWEY Annelise V. Evie S.

2-1 – MS. DEGELMAN Taylor N. Jakob D.

2/3 – MRS. ROSITO Katie K., Hayden H. Brianna M.

3-1– MS. MOORE Mason D. Summer S.

2/3F – MME. BENSON McKenna B. Lorelei D.

4-1 – MRS. HUDAK Calli C., Naomi C. Brody G.

3/4F – MME. GARDINER Holden S. Olivia G.

4/5– MRS. COHOLAN Benjamin H. Colby D., Samantha K.

5/6– MS. DaCOSTA Abigail A. Lauren M.

5F – MLLE STICKLES Enya D. Mikail R.

6-1 – MRS. SLAGHT Aiden W. Alexander H.

6F – MLLE CHATEL Avery N. Cameron S.

7-1 – MR. CHARLES Hannah R. Joshua D.

7F – MR. MUNDERICH Avery T. Caitlyn G.

8F – MRS. TIMLOCK Sommer N. Abigail G.

8-1 – MRS. RUSH Kristina V. Rebekha L.

French Core Braden G. Isaac W.

EXTRA CLOTHES

We highly recommend parents to provide extra socks and

perhaps pants and shoes during this time of year. Although we try to make appropri-

ate decisions not to let the students play in the field when it is extremely wet, some-

times accidents happen. Proving students with an extra set of clothing will eliminate

calls home and interruptions at work.

JANUARY RECOGNITION RECIPIENTS

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES

There may be times during the school year where inclement weather or other situations could cause transportation cancellations or school closures. At times when student transportation has been cancelled and schools remain open, the decision of whether or not to have children in school on that day rests with the parent or guardian. Should you decide not to send your child to school in the event that transportation is cancelled but schools remain open, or if your child is ill or late, please ensure that you call your child’s school to inform them of your child’s absence. A key resource in any emergency is the DSBN Emergency Information form that you filled out at the beginning of the school year. Please let the school know of any changes in contact information or procedures you wish to be followed throughout the school year. For secondary schools it may become necessary to cancel late buses. Notice will be provided via school announcements and on the websites and subscription features by 11:30 a.m. Information about transportation cancellations and school closures will be available as soon as it is available through the following channels: Websites: www.dsbn.org www.nsts.ca

Subscription Features: DSBN Facebook or Twitter NSTS Transportation Delay or Cancellation Alerts

Phone: Niagara Student Transportation Services 905-346-0290 Voice Auto Attendant

Television Stations: H – Hamilton CTV Toronto CityTV Breakfast Television Cogeco Channel 10

Radio Stations:

CKTB (610 AM) St. Catharines CHRE (105.7 FM) St. Catharines

WAVE (94.7 FM) Hamilton CHTZ-FM (97.7 FM) St. Catharines

CKOC (1150 AM) Hamilton CKEY (105.1 FM) Niagara Falls/Fort Erie

CHML (900 AM) Hamilton K-LITE-FM (102.9 FM) Hamilton

CHAM (820 AM) Hamilton GIANT FM (91.7 FM) Welland

Y-108(107.9) Hamilton

SPIRIT WEAR! BE PROUD TO BE A GRIZZLY!

Forms will be available on-line on February 29th, and are due on March 11th! Our preferred way of payment is to use School Cash Online.

This is where you will find the order forms and can make payments for your t-shirts, toques, hoodies and more! For sizing see the office.

http://gordon@dsbn.org

Saving cents makes sense! Simmer up a pot of scrumptious soup.

There’s nothing like the aroma of homemade soup simmering on the stove on a

cold day. Fill the pot with your favourite vegetables, whole grains and legumes for

a healthy fibre-filled meal in a bowl. The combinations are endless! Make your

own stock using vegetables; chicken, turkey or beef; water; garlic and spices. A big

pot of soup can cost little and go a long way. Cook a pot of soup on the weekend to

enjoy for lunches or simple weeknight suppers.

Source: www.dietitians.ca

Simple Carrot Soup (source: Karen Le Billon author of French Kids Eat Every-

thing, www.karenlebillon.com)

60 ml (4 tbsp) olive oil

1 large onion, diced

1 kg (2 lbs) carrots

1 litre (4 cups) of water

salt to taste

5 ml (1 tsp) dried parsley and/or dill (optional)

Saute chopped onion at low temperature for at least 5 minutes, or until golden.

(This is the secret of the soup! So don’t rush.)

Add carrots (peeled or unpeeled, you decide) and raise the temperature to medium-

high heat, and saute for 2 minutes.

Add water. Cook at a gentle rolling boil until carrots are soft (about 8 to 10

minutes). Remove from heat, add herbs, and puree until smooth. If you like a thin-

ner soup, add more water until it’s just right.

Immunizations Immunization begins in early infancy and continues throughout life. Your child will receive the majority of his or her immunizations between the ages of two months and six years of age. Please take a moment to check your child’s Immunization Record (yellow card) to be sure his or her immunizations are up-to-date. Immunizations work best when given on time. For more information on childhood immunization, including the immunization schedule, speak with your doctor or visit www.health.gov.on.ca. If you have further questions, please call the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at

Niagara Region Public Health at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7425 to speak to

a public health nurse.

MAKING SAFE LUNCHES AT HOME

Packing lunches for school takes time and energy but taking the time to follow these tips could prevent a foodborne illness in your family.

CLEAN

Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water before preparing any meal. Make sure you routinely clean countertops, utensils and any lunchboxes or lunch bags. Raw fruits or vegetables can be contaminated with bacteria. Wash them with clean water and a

scrub brush before eating.

KEEP COLD FOOD COLD Foods like meat, chicken, seafood, eggs and dairy products must stay cold to stay safe. Use

frozen freezer packs to keep food at or below 4C (40F). Use an insulated lunch box/bag and keep it away from heat sources. Place freezer packs be-

tween food that needs to stay cold. Refrigerate items the night before to get your lunch box/bag off to a cool start.

KEEP HOT FOOD HOT

Hot food must stay hot at above 60C (140F). Use insulated contain-ers and keep them closed until ready to eat, or take your food cold and reheat it in a microwave.

Please keep in mind that any leftover food items coming home in your child’s back pack can carry bacteria or have the ability to support bacterial growth. These bacteria can grow rapidly to harmful levels when food safety precautions are not followed. If these items have not been properly stored, place them in your green bin, do not consume them.

Prom Project Niagara 2016 – Free Formal Wear Opportunity

Prom Project Niagara is a one day fun free formal wear extravaganza for girls and guys! Students can select their perfect head-to-toe look for their prom, formal, or graduation for FREE! This year, we are offering Prom Project Niagara at:

• Thorold Secondary School

• Beamsville Secondary School

• Fort Erie Secondary School

If you know of a student who could use this program, please join us on Satur-day, April 9

th, from 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at one of our locations.

Inviting all students who are in need of formal wear for their special day! For more information on Prom Project please call 905-641-2929 ext. 37712, email efn@dsbn.org or visit www.efnniagara.ca

VALENTINE’S DAY RAFFLE WINNERS: Charlotte M. (Gr. 4) Taylor N. (Gr. 2)

PINK SHIRT DAY

February 24

Gordon Grizzlies Jumped the days away on Feb. 8 & 9! Everyone participated and some collected

pledges for Heart & Stroke.

Gordon’s “Oh Canada” Choir!

Gordon students skating before the game