ALLANDALE HEIGHTS PUBLIC SCHOOL
124 Bayview Drive, Barrie, 0N L4N 3P4
H.Smith
Principal
Telephone: 728-3601
Fax: 728-8882
http://all.scdsb.on.ca
@AllandaleKnight/@AllandaleVP
P.Hamilton
Vice-Principal
OCTOBER 2015
READY, STEADY, GO!
A big thank you goes to our students, staff and parents for a
fantastic start up. We are so proud of our students for their
enthusiasm and resilience. We are now settling into routines
and we appreciated your patience as we went through
some changes. Thanks to Mrs. Green and Mrs. Forrest for
coaching our cross country team who are doing a fantastic
job getting prepared and showing excellent sportsmanship.
We wish them luck as they participate in their race this
Friday at Sunnidale Park. Thanks to Mr. Charters for
coaching the Flag Football team and to Mr. Ffrench for
taking on coaching the Intermediate Boys Volleyball.
Positive comments keep coming our way with our students
demonstrating excellent character. Way to go Knights!
RE-ORGANIZATION BALANCES CLASS SIZES TO
SUPPORT YOUR CHILD'S SUCCESS
Each year our school starts off with a certain number of
classes and teachers - these numbers are based on
estimates made the previous spring about how many
students will be enrolled during the next school year.
As you may be aware, the Ministry of Education has class
size goals that all school boards are required to meet. When
the Simcoe County District School Board organized its’
schools in the spring, they adhered to this ministry
expectation. Each September, the board compares actual
enrolment numbers to the numbers projected by the board
in the spring. At times it is necessary to re-organize classes.
After re-organization, some students may move to another
class in order to balance class sizes. In some cases, it may
be necessary to move teachers to a new school. If your
child was affected by a change, you would have received a
letter with details following re-organization. Please be
assured that these changes will not affect the quality of
education your child will receive at Allandale. Our staff have
the skills, training and resources to work effectively with
students in a variety of settings.
WE NEED YOUR HELP TO KEEP STUDENTS SAFE AT
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
The safety of our students is our top priority. Arrival and
dismissal are busy times at our school. We need to work
together with parents/guardians and childcare providers to
make sure students are safe.
Here are key points to be aware of when planning pick up
and/or drop off of students:
 Supervision starts fifteen (15) minutes before bell
time and ends fifteen (15) minutes after bell time.
School staff will contact the parent/guardian,
followed by emergency contact, for any student who
is not picked up within this time. If late pickup
happens often, additional support services may be
involved.

If parents/guardians arrange for other people to pick
up their children, like a private childcare provider,
the parent/guardian is responsible to ensure the
alternate person/program is picking up on time.

Designated bus loading zones are out-of-bounds
during arrival and dismissal times, with the only
exception being Simcoe County Student
Transportation Consortium buses. Private childcare
providers will be asked not to use these areas.

Unattended vehicles must be parked in an
approved parking space with the engine turned off.
A full description of the Supervision, Arrival and Dismissal
Procedures is available at www.scdsb.on.ca – Parents –
Safe and Healthy Schools – Procedures.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK IS OCTOBER 4 TO 10 “HEAR THE BEEP WHERE YOU SLEEP”
Did you know that roughly half of home fire deaths result
from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most
people are asleep? Working smoke alarms save lives. If
there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you
need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. In fact,
smoke alarms can increase your chances of surviving a fire
by up to 50%.
The key message of this year's Fire Prevention Week
campaign, October 4-10, is to install smoke alarms in every
bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area, and on
every level of your home, including the basement. Larger
homes may need more alarms.
Make sure you and your family:
 Test smoke alarms monthly.

Change the batteries once a year.

Replace smoke alarms after 10 years.

Develop and practice a home fire escape plan with
everyone in your household.
For more information and fun resources for kids, visit:
www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week/forkids-and-families.
OCTOBER IS INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL
MONTH
Did you know that October is International Walk to School
month? It is a great way for children to get their
recommended 60 minutes of physical activity each day and
also gives parents and staff a chance to be part of a
worldwide event that celebrates the many benefits of
walking. Get in on the fun and try these activities:



Create a walking group/“bus” to and from school
Create a fun walking challenge for your school
community involving students, parents and teachers
Create and sign a Walk to School pledge
Check out the website at www.saferoutestoschool.ca for
more information. You can also call Health Connection at
705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 and speak with a public
health nurse or visit the health unit website at
www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
A REMINDER FROM THE HEALTH UNIT: KEEPING
YOUR CHILD’S IMMUNIZATION RECORD UP-TO-DATE
The Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) states that
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is required by law
to keep an up-to-date immunization record on file for every
student who attends elementary or secondary school. As of
July 1, 2014 ISPA has been updated and includes the
following vaccines:
 Varicella (chickenpox) two doses for children born
in or after 2010

Meningococcal (meningitis)

Tetanus, diphtheria, polio and pertussis (whooping
cough) - at least 4 doses

Measles, mumps and rubella - after the first
birthday
The health unit does not receive immunization information
directly from doctor’s offices. Parents need to contact the
health unit each time students receive a vaccine from their
health care provider. If a student’s immunization record on
file with the health unit is not up to date, the health unit will
mail a notice asking for immunization information or proof of
a valid exemption. If the information requested is not given
to the health unit, the student may be suspended from
school. If your child is due for immunizations, an
appointment can be made with your health care provider or
at a health unit immunization clinic by contacting Health
Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520. Up-to-date
immunization information can be provided to the health unit
by a secure online form, mail, fax or by dropping off a copy
at a local health unit office. For more information, visit
www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
FREE MATH HELP FOR STUDENTS IN GRADE 7 TO 10
Homework Help is a free online math help resource for
students in Grades 7-10. Homework Help provides FREE,
live one-on-one tutoring from Ontario teachers, and is
funded by the Ontario government and administered by
TVO. Students can ask their math questions during chat
room hours, Sunday to Thursday, 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. For
more information and other math resources, visit:
www.homeworkhelp.ilc.org.
WASTE REDUCTION WEEK: OCTOBER. 19 TO 25
Waste Reduction Week aims to inform and engage
Canadians about the environmental and social ramifications
of wasteful practices. It strives to educate, engage and
empower Canadians to reduce, reuse and recycle waste.
Waste Reduction Week in Canada further provides
information and ideas to reduce waste in all facets of daily
living, creating the solutions to the many environmental
challenges we face including climate change, water
pollution and preservation of natural resources. Our school
is participating in this week by encouraging litterless
lunches. For more information about Waste Reduction
Week, visit: www.rco.on.ca/wrw_ontario.
VOLUNTEERS ARE APPRECIATED!
Volunteers wanted!! Allandale Heights relies on its’
volunteers to run many of our programs/services. (e.g.
breakfast program, reading, library, helping out with school
events etc.) Please let us know ASAP if you are interested.
Parents wishing to volunteer on class trips or drive
students to sporting events must have attended
training and submit a criminal records check.
STUDENT ENTRY ROUTINES
We thank all of our parents and guardians for their
co-operation with dropping their children off in the
appropriate areas in the morning. Ask your child about
boundaries on the yard. We have certain areas for different
grades and all students must remain in their assigned
zones. Please remember that the yard is not supervised
until 8:40 each morning.
DOG REMINDER
We have had a number of parents raise concerns about
dogs on school property. Many of our families have dogs
and other pets. Most of them are friendly and obedient
members of your families. However, in order to respect the
safety and sensitivities of all our families, dogs (leashed or
not) are not permitted on school property. This includes
puppies and purse pooches. Please help us to keep the
school property a safe and welcoming environment for all
our students, parents and staff.
TERRY FOX RUN
On Friday October 9th, our school will participate in the
Terry Fox walk/run. We look forward to seeing our students,
parents and staff running and walking for a great cause! We
ask that students bring a “Toonie for Terry” which will be
collected by volunteers each morning this week. Watch for
the total raised for the Terry Fox Foundation in our
November newsletter.
SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS AND OTHER WHEELS
We have many students who ride bikes, skateboards or
scooters to school. Once on property, the expectation is that
bikes are to be locked in the racks, skateboards or scooters
are to be parked. This is to ensure that no one is hurt.
Please follow these guidelines as it is nice to be able to ride
to school. Those who cannot follow the rules will be asked
to leave their wheels at home.
SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM
Please be sure to call the safe arrival line if your child is
going to be late or absent. This message service is
available 24 hours, every day of the week. The Ministry
also requires a note be sent to the teacher stating the
reason for absences after three days.
Call: 705 728 3601
Press: 1
Leave: child’s name and classroom teacher and
the reason for the absence.
BUS CANCELLATION INFORMATION IN CASE OF
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Although fall has just arrived, winter is just around the
corner in Simcoe County. With it comes the possibility of
severe weather, challenging winter driving conditions and,
as a result, possible bus and school event cancellations.
All information regarding cancelled buses in Simcoe County
is posted on the Simcoe County Student Transportation
Consortium’s bus information website at
www.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. Our school is in the
Central zone. When buses are cancelled, please remember
that schools are still open (unless otherwise noted) for
student learning. The Consortium, in conjunction with bus
operators, will make the decision to cancel school buses
before 6 a.m. and as such, will make every effort to post
announcements between 6 and 7 a.m. Parents should also
note that inclement weather cancellations are effective for
the whole day and buses cancelled in the morning will not
run at the end of the day. You can also subscribe to receive
bus delay notifications here: https://scstc.ca/Subscriptions
and you can follow the Consortium on Twitter
@SCSTC_SchoolBus.
SCHOOL COUNCIL UPDATE
Our first School Council meeting was held on Monday Sept.
21st at 6:00 pm. We met again Mon. Oct. 5th. Meet your
Allandale School Council for 2015-2016:
Co-Chairs: Lisa Robertson and Christine Miller
Secretary: Linda Thomason
Council Members: Bonnie Culligan, Kelly Derbyshire,
Nancy Young, Jay Malandrino, Robin Malandrino,
Mischa Crossman, Haidee Lopez
We look forward to having the following students join
us for a student report to school council as well as
providing a “Student Voice” section for our newsletter.
Student School Council Members:
Abi Derdall. Julien Annand, Reaba Mhlongo, Ben
LeMoine, Andrea Robertson, Wuliyah Hankey.
This wonderful group represents you in terms of acting in an
advisory role to the school administration team. All parents
are welcome to attend council meetings and we invite you
to join us at our next meeting which will be held on Monday
Nov. 2nd at 6:00. It is a great way to get engaged in what is
happening at Allandale.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE WAIVERS
By now you would have received a student accident
insurance form. Remember that participation in extra
curricular athletics or out-of-province field trips now requires
either the purchase of this insurance or a signed waiver
advising that the family has other coverage. To purchase
this insurance, complete the application form and return
with payment directly to Reliable Life Insurance Company or
apply on-line at www.insuremykids.com. The waiver is
available on the school website at http://all.scdsb.on.ca.
TECHNOLOGY
The rule for cell phones at school and on the yard is “Off
and Away”. The acceptable use of technology form has
been reviewed by the students. As per this agreement
computers and other technology are to be used under the
teacher’s direction for specific purposes. Failure to
comply with these rules will result in the privilege being
removed. Please ensure that your son / daughter has had a
mature discussion about respectful language and/or content
when using technology (Social Media such as Facebook
and text messages).
ALLANDALE KNIGHTS WEBSITE
Don’t forget about our website! Newsletters
and school news may be obtained by visiting
http://all.scdsb.on.ca. There are pages specifically for
students and parents. If there is something you’d like to see
on the site, please let us know. We are also on Twitter at
the following addresses: @AllandaleKnight and
@AllandaleVP. Check it out for updates and reports on
events.
MINI KNIGHTS PROGRAM….. Recognition for Random
Acts of Kindness at Allandale Heights PS
Our ‘Gotcha’ Program is back at Allandale Heights PS again
this year. When students and staff want to acknowledge a
‘random act of kindness’ they have seen, they can fill out a
Mini Knight Form and give it to the recognized individual.
The sheets are collected at the office and posted on the
halls of the school.
AGENDAS….. Incentive for Using Students Agendas
Every student agenda at Allandale Heights PS was
stamped on a random date for this school year. When your
son/daughter’s stamped day comes up, they are invited to
show off their agenda at the office. If the agenda has been
used daily as an organizational tool (assignments,
reminders and tests), then they will receive a small treat for
a ‘job well done’. Go Knights Go!
ymcaofsimcoe
muskoka.ca
OCTOBER – HEALTHY ACTIVE
LIVING!
You’re making a difference in the health
and happiness of your child. Kids who
have fun being active are more likely to
stay active for life. Learn more about
getting your child the quality coaching
and instruction they deserve. This
website summarizes the research and
best practices in kids sport, and gives
you a sense of what you should be
doing. Check it out:
www.activeforlife.ca
SNACK IDEA for after school: trail mix
of dried fruit, whole grain cereal, seeds,
and whole grain mini-crackers with juice
Visit EatRight Ontario for tips on healthy and delicious
eating
EatRight Ontario (www.eatrightontario.ca) is your first stop
for trusted information and advice on nutrition and healthy
eating. Their information and services help you improve
your health and quality of life through healthy eating.
EatRight Ontario allows you to ask nutrition-related
questions and receive feedback by phone or email from a
Registered Dietitian. Nutrition tools and links offer many
additional resources to support you in developing healthy
eating habits for you and your family, including ideas for
packing healthy lunches and snacks, unique fundraising
ideas and information on the Ministry of Education’s School
Food and Beverage Policy. Visit
www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/School-Health/Articles
today!