Wismer What’s Happening Wismer P.S. 905-471-5526 Principal Mr. Rory Sullivan [email protected]Vice-Principal Ms. Gillian Patrick [email protected]Administrative Assistants Ms. Brenda Dru Ms. Shenaz Sunderani Ms. Janice Leung Lead Caretaker Ms. Edda Dickinson Trustee Mr. Allan Tam (416) 898-9607 Superintendent Mr. Dan Wu (905) 940-7800 School Website www.yrdsb.ca/schools/wismer.ps Follow us on Twitter! @WismerPS A MESSAGE FROM ADMINISTRATION The Importance of Setting Goals for Learning Progress Reports will be sent home mid-November, and this is an excellent time for families to sit down and establish learning goals with their child(ren). Students have had the time to settle into their new classroom learning environments, understand learning expectations, and establish appropriate routines. Establishing learning goals for a successful year is an important element of supporting your child’s development of responsibility and independence as a learner. Take the time to discuss with your child and his/her teacher, their strengths and needs a learner, and identify clear and achievable goals for improvement. These goals can be academic, focused on wellness, or a combination of both. Setting a learning goal is relatively easy. The difficulty arises in putting forth the effort and energy to obtain your goal(s). We also know that the rewards, and our sense of self, are greatly enhanced when we commit to a goal and achieve it. As with all learning, the greater the commitment, the greater the outcome, and goal setting is an excellent way to develop responsibility and independence. When setting a goal, think of the following; • Make the goal specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goal) • Create a plan and celebrate as you go along • Expect setbacks but stay the course • Involve family, teachers, and friends as supports • Reflect on a regular basis what is working and what is not • Adjust your actions to support positive outcomes Work with your child to set a goal(s). Model goal setting at home by setting a personal goal for yourself, and demonstrate to your child how commitment and effort result in success. Engage in regular conversations about how your child is achieving his/her goal, and support them along the way. Partners in Education, Rory Sullivan, Principal Gillian Patrick, Vice Principal
The Importance of Setting Goals for Learning Progress Reports will be sent home mid-November, and this is an excellent time for families to sit down and establish learning goals with their child(ren). Students have had the time to settle into their new classroom learning environments, understand learning expectations, and establish appropriate routines. Establishing learning goals for a successful year is an important element of supporting your child’s development of responsibility and independence as a learner. Take the time to discuss with your child and his/her teacher, their strengths and needs a learner, and identify clear and achievable goals for improvement. These goals can be academic, focused on wellness, or a combination of both. Setting a learning goal is relatively easy. The difficulty arises in putting forth the effort and energy to obtain your goal(s). We also know that the rewards, and our sense of self, are greatly enhanced when we commit to a goal and achieve it. As with all learning, the greater the commitment, the greater the outcome, and goal setting is an excellent way to develop responsibility and independence. When setting a goal, think of the following;
• Make the goal specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART goal)
• Create a plan and celebrate as you go along • Expect setbacks but stay the course • Involve family, teachers, and friends as supports • Reflect on a regular basis what is working and what is not • Adjust your actions to support positive outcomes
Work with your child to set a goal(s). Model goal setting at home by setting a personal goal for yourself, and demonstrate to your child how commitment and effort result in success. Engage in regular conversations about how your child is achieving his/her goal, and support them along the way.
Partners in Education,
Rory Sullivan, Principal Gillian Patrick, Vice Principal
This annual event raises awareness in our students and staff around bullying and the impact it has both on individuals as well as the broader learning environment. During Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, our schools focus on promoting a safer learning environment for all students.
While YRDSB schools engage in bullying awareness and prevention every week of the school year, we recognize this time as a valuable opportunity to raise awareness in parents and the local community. It is important to note that everyone has a role to play in bullying prevention. Schools that have bullying prevention and intervention strategies in place foster a positive learning and teaching environment that supports well-being and helps students reach their full potential.
Providing caring, safe and supportive learning environments are at the heart of all of the York Region District School Board’s efforts to promote student achievement, well being and success.
PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS
Parent teacher interviews will take place during the evening on November 13th and the morning of November 14th. Parent-Teacher interviews are an important part of the partnership between home and school. It will give you a snapshot into your child’s strength and next steps as a learner. This year we will be using an on-line booking system to schedule the interviews. More information will be sent home with your child(ren)on Monday November 3rd. SUBSCRIBING TO WISMER COMMUNICATIONS As a result of Canada’s new Anti-Spam legislation, parents must subscribe on our website to receive electronic communications of a commercial nature, including newsletters advertising school Book Fairs, Dance-a-thon, or other fundraising initiatives. Stay up to date with electronic communications from Wismer. There are two ways to subscribe:
1. Go to our website http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/wismer.ps/ and submitting your e-mail address in the box provided on our home page.
2. Complete the form that came home with your child in October asking for your permission to send you electronic communication.
Entering the school-aged children competition at the annual Markham Fair is a long-standing Wismer tradition. This year the Wolverines managed to place 3rd out of 68 schools, over 3400 entries. Many students took home a ribbon and prize money, including one best-in-show entry! Everyone who entered the Fair is a winner, of course! Congratulations! The families were beaming with pride. Our students are so talented; many produced creative pieces that did not win a ribbon but were exceptional! Many thanks to Ms. Sisti, Ms. Evans, Ms Kaderdina, Ms Sharma-Singh, Mr. Leung; Ms Bozinov & Ms Darlow and their Media class home room teachers, their students and the awesome Spelling Bee students.
BUTTERFLY RELEASE RECOUNTS From Ms. Smith's class On Monday we let go the butterflies. We did it in the woods. If
the butterflies stay in Canada, the butterflies will die so they have to go to Mexico. (Sophia) On Monday we released the butterflies and the butterflies will fly to Mexico. We set them free by the forest in the meadow. The butterflies went on our hands, then the butterflies flew away. (Desi) When the butterflies came out by the sumachs, the butterflies flapped their wings so fast. I love the butterflies! (Geethika) On Monday, we held the butterflies on our hands in the meadow and then we went to the park. (Karam)
WE DAY, THE MOVEMENT OF OUR TIME
Adshayah S., 7R We Day is the movement of our generation, inspiring youth to make the world a better place, and dedicating them to fulfill their potential as active citizens. We Day is a celebration of all the change-makers in the world and a chance to spark meaningful
action. Every year, in Toronto, at the Air Canada Centre, We Day brings together a series of world-renowned leaders, speakers and performers such as Malala Yousafzai to Chris Hadfield to Selena Gomez. You can’t buy a ticket to We Day; you earn it by taking on one global action and one local action. This year, We Day was held on Thursday, October 2nd, 2014 and 20,000 students, teachers and guests showed up at this event. The moment We Day started, everyone was excited to see how far this event would take them. Every year, We Day decides what general cause they will dedicate the year to. This year, they brought a new life to not a cause, but the word “empowerment.” Free the Children and We Day founders, Craig and Marc Kielburger believe that empowerment is at the heart of breaking down barriers that can change the world. This is the Year of Empowerment and the goal is to help 25,000 families develop the skills and resources to take charge of their future. This year the show was divided into four periods themed around empowerment: economic empowerment, technological empowerment, social empowerment and educational empowerment. Let’s call it Empowerment 101! Economic empowerment means access to the things that lead you to a fulfilling life, such as access to resources, jobs, food and school. It also means having the power to choose how you earn and spend your money. Technological empowerment has the power to change how we communicate, travel and access information. It gives us the power to share stories that matter, and connect with people from around the world. Social empowerment is the feeling that you belong to a community that shares your values, cares about you and has your back. We all need to create safe spaces that help us grow as humans, and educate ourselves about the world around us. Educational empowerment proves that education is the best investment you can make; education gives us the chance to explore topics and issues we care about. It gives us the tools to create our own path and create our own solutions to the problems facing the world. These four types of empowerment all mean different things, and help us change the world. So go out there and give back to this ancient Earth, because it’s the place we call home. SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY JAYWALKING Please be mindful of the construction that is happening on Mingay next door to Wismer. As you know, the East sidewalk is closed to pedestrians. Please ensure your child understands how to keep safe by crossing Mingay only at the stoplight at Mingay and Bur Oak.
STUDENT DISMISSAL
The Wismer dismissal bell rings at 3:20. At that time, it is expected that children are picked up by their family or caregiver, or walk home if they are old enough to take the responsibility. If you are unable to make arrangements to pick up your child at 3:20, please make arrangements through our after school care providers to have your child attend the after school care program. After 3:20, students may not play in the playground without supervision from their caregiver or family member. BUS DISMISSAL For our families that are provided bus transportation to/from school, we remind them of the importance of letting the school know if your child will be taking the bus home at the end of the day. You can do this by sending a note in to your child’s teacher or the office, or by calling the office to let us know. If your child is staying after school to participate in a school-based activity or school sports team, please send us a note as well (you may send one note to cover all of the dates if there are several participation or practice dates). This will help to ensure that we have a safe and efficient bus dismissal at the end of the day. HEALTHY SCHOOLS WALK TO SCHOOL WEDNESDAYS During the month of November, Wismer will be participating in “Walk to School Wednesdays”. We encourage all families to walk all or part of the way to school on Wednesday mornings. Walking to school promotes healthy active lifestyles and is ECO friendly. Congratulations for all Wolverines who make walking to school part of their daily routine. Get out there, get active, get social. RE-WIRED: RAISING KIDS ON TECHNOLOGY
With guest speaker Dr. Nasreen Khatri, Clinical Psychologist
Date: Wed Nov. 12 Time: 7:00 pm Location: Franklin Street Public School
Computers, gaming devices, multimedia players and smart phones…our kids are surrounded by technology. What impact does technology have on their cognitive, social, and emotional development? Is it changing the way our kids' brains work? What can parents do to ensure our children are not negatively affected by technology exposure?
Franklin Street P.S. School Council invites Dr. Nasreen Khatri, from the Rotman Research Institute and the Psychology Foundation of Canada, to explore all these questions. Please join us for an informative talk on what research shows about the effects of technology exposure on children's development.
Online registration required. RSVP on the Franklin St. school website: http://franklinstreet.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/
At the door, “pay what you can” donations will be accepted (suggested $5).
SEMINAR: PARENTING YOUR CHILD WITH ADHD York Region’s chapter of Learning Disability Association of Ontario is holding a seminar on parenting a primary school aged child diagnosed with ADHD. Where: Aurora Public Library: Magna Room Date: Monday November 24, 2014 Time: 7:00-9:00 pm Register: Pre-register at the Adult Information Desk, (905) 727-9494 ext 275 PARENT MEET AND GREET Are you new to the area? Do you speak Mandarin? Do you want to learn more about our school and community? November 20 1:30 to 3:00 "Meet and Greet" Newcomer Parent Session in Mandarin Wismer PS Library 家长见面会 您是新来的吗？您说普通话吗？您想更多了解我们的社区吗？ 11月27 1：30 到 3：00 “见面会” 新移民家长会议（普通话） Wismer PS 图书馆 MESSAGE FROM PARENT COUNCIL
Milk Program The milk program has started in our school! The parent council would like to say a big "Thank You" to the school administrators and parent volunteers who make this wonderful program available to our kids.
Parents Reaching Out grant The parent council has received a Parents Reaching Out grant to implement workshops to support parents. Stay tuned for updates on the workshop sessions!
November School Council Meeting
In place of the regular School Council meeting, in November there will be a public meeting with the town councillor to discuss the plans for the new park to the south of the Wismer property. The meeting will take place in the gym at 7:00 p.m. on November 20th. Please see flyer below from the City of Markham for more details.
HALLOWEEN AT WISMER IT WAS A SPOOKTACULAR DAY!
The Regional Municipality of York, 17250 Yonge Street, Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 6Z1 Tel: (905) 895-1231, 1-877-464-YORK (1-877-464-9675), Fax: (905) 898-5213
Internet: www.york.ca
Community and Health Services Department Public Health Branch
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Re: Protecting your family from respiratory illnesses
Cold and flu season is here and York Region Public Health would like to provide you with information on
protecting yourself and your family from common respiratory illnesses, such as influenza, enterovirus and
rhinovirus.
Respiratory illnesses can spread quickly from person-to-person when someone who is ill coughs, sneezes
or touches common surfaces such as taps, toys, light switches and doorknobs with unclean hands.
You can prevent you and your family from getting and spreading respiratory illness by:
Keeping healthy by eating healthy foods, being physically active and ensuring your
immunizations are up-to-date, including the seasonal flu shot available in early November
Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Washing your hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap
and water are not available
Coughing and sneezing into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand, and throwing away used
tissues immediately
Avoiding touching your face
Cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces
Staying home when you are sick
Symptoms of respiratory illness vary and can include: headache, chills, cough, fever (over 38 degrees
Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit), muscle aches and fatigue, running nose, sneezing, sore throat, watery
eyes and loss of appetite. Children may have other symptoms such as ear aches, nausea, vomiting and
diarrhea.
If you have a respiratory condition such as asthma, you can develop a more serious illness when you
catch a cold. If you or your child are sick and do not improve, contact your health care provider.
For more information about respiratory illnesses, you can visit www.york.ca/health or call York Region
Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-252-9933.
