FEBRUARY 2016
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Term 1 of 2016 is over and Report Cards and IEPs are on their way home February 11. The
Elementary Provincial Report Card is designed to ensure that all students in the public education
system receive a standard report card based on the expectations of the Ontario Curriculum.
Communication about your child’s achievement is intended to encourage students to set further
goals for their learning and to help parents/ guardians support learning at home. Please take
time at home to review your child’s report card with him/her. Asking questions such as, “What
learning are you most proud of this term?, “ and “What are your specific goals for improvement in
mathematics? How can I help you at home?” will help to start a constructive conversation about
the report card at home. Congratulations to all of our students on their hard work this term. We have seen
improvements from every student. If you have any questions about your child’s progress, please contact a teacher or
myself at anytime.
This month we will host several unique events at Rockwood Centennial P.S., including our Valentine’s Dance-a-thon,
Hip Hop dancing, Djembe African Drumming, Conservation trips, and Carnival. Please be sure to refer to Rockwood
Centennial’s monthly calendar for further important dates.
Lisa Doering
SNOW ON THE PLAYGROUND
Due to fluctuating temperatures, our playground can be very icy. We do use sand and salt on the paved areas,
but find that much of the play area can get covered in ice. Over the break it became a community skating rink.
Please assist us by reminding children to stay off the ice as much as possible and by sending children to school
wearing proper winter footwear.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
Kindergarten registration is the week of February 1-5, 2016. Students eligible for the Junior
Kindergarten program must be four years of age on or before December 31, 2016 and Senior
Kindergarten students must be five years of age on or before December 31, 2016. Our Office is open
from 8 – 4:00 every day. Parents must provide proof of birth date, proof of address and must also have immunization
records.
FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Every year Canadians are invited to take part in the festivities and events that honour the legacy of black
Canadians, past and present, during Black History Month. Black History Month exists to remind us all of
the rich contributions within our society from people of African and Caribbean decent, and of their ongoing struggle for
equity and social justice. This is a time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of black Canadians who,
throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation
we know today. It is also an opportunity for the majority of Canadians to learn about the experiences of black Canadians
in our society, and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history.
LIBRARY NEWS
Many students are reading some great Canadian stories, courtesy of this year’s Forest of Reading selections. Thanks,
once again, to our wonderful parent council for providing the funding for this worthwhile program that puts great books
in the hands of our student body.
Have you checked out UG2GO recently? All your child needs to get on this site is their school username and
password. You will find the link right on our school webpage. There are really useful links on the site: homework
assistance for Guelph Public Library members, audio and video book selections, and you can even search our library
database. Next time your son or daughter wants to surf the web, direct them to UG2GO for some valuable time online.
COLOUR HOUSE
Baby it’s cold outside and we are getting set to embrace it at this year’s Colour House Winter Carnival. The
afternoon of Tuesday, February 16th will be filled with bracelet making, crazy carpeting, mini-stick hockey,
sipping hot chocolate, snow sculptures, and an ice cube hunt. A huge thank you to Mme. McColeman, and
Mme. Chaves for helping Mrs. Benstead and Mrs. Soper to organize this year’s activities. Please ensure that your
child is layered and prepared to be outside for an afternoon of winter fun. We are looking for parent volunteers
to run our hot chocolate station the afternoon of Feb. 16. If you are interested, please email Mrs. Soper at:
valerie.soper@ugdsb.on.ca
JUNIOR VOLLEYBALL
Mrs. Benstead took the boys and girls Junior Volleyball teams to John F. Ross CVI for a tournament on
January 29th. Great sportsmanship was shown by both teams with our girls making it to the finals. Fun was
had by all, congratulations Renegades!!
CONCUSSION OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL HOURS
A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. It can affect a student’s
performance in both school work and physical activities. Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the
brain heal. While a child has a suspected or diagnosed concussion, full participation in school academic and physical
activities can worsen symptoms and make for a longer recovery period.
In the best interest of your child, parents and guardians are requested to contact the principal when a suspected or
diagnosed concussion occurs outside of school hours (i.e. during outdoor play, sports, or a car accident). The principal
will work with you to develop a plan for an individualized, gradual return to full participation in school activities. For more
information, visit www.ugdsb.on.ca/concussions.
FAMILY DAY HOLIDAY
The Upper Grand District School Board will be observing Family Day on Monday, February 15th and our
school will be closed. We hope you enjoy the day with your family!
NUTRITION PROGRAM
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016
Could you give up something for one day and donate a toonie or the value of that item to our
student nutrition program? Live without your coffee or dining out for a week or live without chocolate? Whatever you
choose, you will be helping kids “Live Free” from hunger and directly supporting Rockwood Centennial’s Nutition for
Learning Program. For some students, the snack program is their only food of the day. For others, it is an extra pick
me up that they need to get through the rest of their day. Please remember to send in a donation for what you are giving
up on March 4th.
This program is only possible with the support of Food and Friends, fundraising initiatives like the Live Free Program,
donation and our volunteers. Thank you to the following volunteers who help run our program
Making a donation is easy and safe- simply click the link below and then click the "Donate Now" button in the upper
right corner. Make sure to bookmark this page and come back often to check on our school’s progress!
http://childrensfoundation.donorpages.com/LiveFree2016/RCPS
Wellington County Library – Rockwood Branch
Bedtime Stories (All Ages); Wear your PJs and snuggle up to our quiet evening story time for families. Please
register. Mondays, February 1, 8, and 22, 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Page Turners Book Club (Grades K- 6); Read together and come to discuss at this parent-child book club. Please
register. Tuesday, February 9, 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Mix it Up! Art Workshop (Grades 1 - 3); Inspired by bestselling author and artist Hervé Tullet, this beautifully messy
workshop will be active, collaborative, and entertaining, no matter your skill level. Space is limited. Please register.
Saturdays, February 20, March 26, April 16, May 28, and June 18, 1:30 pm - 2:45 pm
Technology Open House (All Ages); Experience hands-on time with some fun new technology! From 3D printers to
robots, come see what the library has to offer. Drop in. Saturday, February 27, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Family Story Time: Leap, Frog! (All Ages); Join us for a special leap day family story time! Please register. Monday,
February 29, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
FEBRUARY 2016
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
2
3
4
5
Kindergarten
Registration
Kindergarten
Registration
Kindergarten
Registration
Kindergarten
Registration
Kindergarten
Registration
SATURDAY
6
School Council
6:30pm
7
8
9
10
11
Report Cards go
home
12
13
14
15
Family Day – No
school for students
16
Carnival
17
Gr. 4/5 Scientist in
School
18
19
20
26
27
Gr. 8 My Blueprint
due
21
28
22
23
24
25
29
March 1
Gr. 6 Camp trip
March 2
Gr. 6 Camp trip
March 3
Anti-Bullying
Presentation
Gr. 8 Grad Photos