HYLAND HEIGHTS E.S. Hawk Talk
January/February 2015
Principal, Mitch Zuk
519-925-3745, Attendance: Ext. 100
* Press ‘0’ to connect directly with the office
Dear Parents & Guardians,
Students and staff are entering their third week of the New Year! Happy New Year to our families and best wishes
for a safe and happy 2015.
Our teachers continue to focus intensively on Math, with each class undertaking initiatives around using hands-on
learning materials to problem solve, engage in critical and deeper level thinking, and using authentic real life
problem-solving situations in which to apply their thinking. Focusing on Math is a Board wide endeavor, designed
to increase provincial math scores on the grade 3 and 6 ministry assessment. Please take lots of time to work
through the activities our teachers are providing and model your own activities after these.
It’s difficult to imagine, but January and February mark the month when school’s begin the Kindergarten
registration process for the 2015-16 school year. With so much growth in our area, it’s important that families
register their children so that staffing allocations can be accurate. If you know of a family who needs to register
their children for September of 2015, please share the information contained in this newsletter with them. More
information regarding Kindergarten registration will follow in this Newsletter.
Teachers will be sending home First Term Reports on Friday, February 13th. Individual Education Plans will also be
updated at this time, containing term 2 goals and expectations. Please remember that for our students on IEP’s,
progress is reported on in the regular progress Report, not the IEP.
On Thursday, January 15 and Wednesday, March 4 our grade 4-8 students will be attending the Mansfield Outdoor
Education Ski Club and Centre for downhill and cross-country skiing, along with outdoor winter activities. Thanks to
Mr. Palmer and Mrs. Batchelor for organizing these events so that our students can take advantage of the great
Canadian winter!
Here’s to the winter!
Your feedback is always valued, appreciated and respected.
Mitch Zuk, principal
Grade 8 Parent Night at CDDHS on Thursday, January 29th @ 7pm
Staff at Centre Dufferin District High School invite Grade 8 parents & students to attend an information session in
the auditorium on Thurs. Jan.29th @ 7pm. This is a valuable opportunity to hear about course selections and what
your child can expect upon entering secondary school next September. While it may seem some distance away,
student course selections will be happening within the next month and this would be a helpful opportunity to hear
about options and expectations.
Grade 8 parents/guardians are also reminded that 1015 Grad Photos are scheduled for 9:00am on Tuesday, March 3.
PD Day on Friday,January 23rd
Assessment & Evaluation Day
*A reminder that there will be no school for students
on this day.
Rainbows Program at Hyland Heights
Hyland Heights will once again be offering our Rainbows Program beginning February 17th!
Rainbows is an international program for students dealing with any type of loss from death, divorce and
separation. The program will run once a week during a Tuesday morning recess for six weeks. Students will
work through a number of activities and discover that they are not alone.
If you and your child are interested in this program please fill out the section below. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact Tara at the school.
My child____________________________________________ in grade_______________
Child's Name
grade and teacher
would like to join Rainbows. The loss they are working through is____________________
Please return this form to Tara at 519-925-3745 ext 231
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Breakfast Program at Hyland Heights
Did you know that Hyland Breakfast Club is open to EVERYONE!!!
Breakfast Club is open from 8am to 8:45, every day. All students are welcome at Breakfast Club. We serve
bagels, juice, milk, yogurt, fruit, smoothies, and pancakes on some days. It's a great place to meet friends
and to spend social time before school begins. One of the best things about Breakfast Club is ....it's FREE!!!
Breakfast Club is located on the stage, just leave your boots at Tara's door and come up the stairs. We would
love to see you!
If you would like any information about Breakfast Club, please feel free to talk to Tara at the school.
The “Forest of Reading” book clubs have begun at Hyland Heights. These book clubs which
are organized by the Ontario Library Association, promote both reading for enjoyment and reading for
information. This year, the book clubs are being led by Mrs. Richardson, Ms. Mallany, Mrs. Rogers, and Mrs.
Bannon. Named after trees, the “Blue Spruce”, “Silver Birch” and “Red Maple” book clubs are open to all
interested students in Grades JK to 8. If you would like more information about these book clubs, please
speak to Mrs. Bannon or visit www.accessola.org and click on the “Forest of Reading” icon.
No Nuts at School!
Kudos to all the parents and students who so diligently ensure only foods with ‘no nuts’ are
brought in or sent to school. Thanks to you, HHES continues to be a safe school for all children.
A reminder while the product ‘pea-butter’ may be a healthy alternative at home, Upper Grand
DSB prohibits this product in schools because it looks, smells, and tastes so much like peanut
butter, it is difficult to tell the difference. Monitoring of this food compared to the real thing would be
incredibly challenging. Students may also feel they are being given a mixed message about nuts and students
with life-threatening allergies and develop a false sense of security.
Medication Taken at School
It is the policy of the Upper Grand District School Board for a medication form to be completed for students
requiring medication at school. The Board’s interpretation of medication includes Tylenol, allergy medication
and any prescribed oral medicines. We require a parent signature on the form before any medication can be
administered here at school. Please request a form from the office, by either calling the school or sending a
note. Please do not send medication to school with your child.
Please ensure that the medication is in its original container, labeled, with your child’s name, and
accompanied with clear instructions. Parents may also come to the school office to administer medication
directly if preferred.
Technology at School
A reminder that students are not to be using cell phones, cameras, or to be texting during school
hours. If your child must carry a cell phone for communication to and from school, it is to be kept in
your child’s school bag and turned off during school hours. Texting or phone calls should take place
outside of the school day. Communication with parents during the school day should be coming
directly through the office. We want to maximize instructional time, reduce unnecessary disruptions or
distractions, as well as ensure safety and privacy for everyone.
Cell phones used during the school day will be taken from students and returned at the end of the day.
Further infractions may result in phones being taken and returned to parents. We appreciate students’
cooperation and parents’ support in following these expectations.
Winter Weather & Bus Cancellations
During times of inclement weather, please listen to: 1460 AM CJOY,106.1 MagicFM, 99.1 FM CBC, NewsTalk
570 AM, 96.7 FM CHYM, 98.1 FM CHFI, 680 AM CFTR, 92.5 KISS FM or watch the
A Channel News or CKCO-TV television news for school transportation
cancellations.
Parents can also check the Transportation website (http://www.stwdsts.ca/) A
message will be recorded on information mailbox #501 when cancellations occur. Simply call the school and
request extension #501. If for any reason your child/ren are remaining at home when busses are cancelled
and your children are not bussed, please call to report your child’s absence in mailbox # 100. As part of our
safe arrival program, the school is required to ensure all students are safe and accounted for. Receiving a call
about your child’s absence allows us to more quickly identify if there are children who are not accounted for.
Given the volume of calls that come in during this time in the morning when weather is questionable, you
may find some frustration with a busy signal when trying to get through. Please keep trying.
Indoor Footwear
Please ensure that your child has a second pair of shoes to wear inside, and boots or alternate footwear for
outside. The floors can be very wet during the winter season and in the event of an emergency evacuation or
fire alarm, students must have footwear on to leave the building. It is unsafe for children to be without shoes
and outdoor shoes worn inside cause both dirty and slippery floors. Our custodians are working incredibly
hard to make our school sparkle and indoor shoes help with this immensely!
Family Literacy Day 2015
Family Literacy Day is January 27th. Stay tuned for information about how we will be celebrating this day as a
school! ABC Life Literacy Canada is encouraging Canadian families to have "15 Minutes of Fun" learning
together. Learning can happen at any time. Practicing literacy together every day has tremendous benefits
for both children and parents. Here are some great ways to get started:
• Read a “wake up” story in the morning (after reading your bedtime story the night before).
• Search online for fun places to go in your community. Pick out a spot for your next family day trip.
• Make up a new recipe together and post it online.
• Tell knock-knock jokes together while doing the dishes.
• Create a story with your family: take turns writing one sentence at a time, then read the whole story aloud
when you’re done.
• Write a review of a book you read together as a family. Send it to the author through email or snail mail.
• Organize a book swap at your school or with your friends.
• Track your trip to school, the park, and the grocery store on a map. Find a different route to take to each
place.
• Learn to play a musical instrument. What about the ukulele?
• Write a note to include in a grown-up’s lunch – ask them to write back!
• Make a popsicle stick model with your family.
• Write your names graffiti-style using chalk on your sidewalk – you may need to shovel first!
• Play a board game together.
• Look up the words to your favourite song online. Have a sing-off with your friends!
• Count how many steps it takes to get from your bedroom to your kitchen. Find out who in your family has
the most steps to a snack!
From: http://abclifeliteracy.ca/fld/15-minutes-of-fun
2015-2016 Kindergarten Registration @ Hyland Heights E.S.
Kindergarten Registration for the upcoming school year is quickly approaching. Children born in 2011 are
eligible to begin Junior Kindergarten in September, 2014. Children born in 2010 who are not already
attending an elementary school are eligible to begin Senior Kindergarten in September, 2015. Kindergarten
Registration will take place at
Hyland Heights E.S. from February 2nd - 6th, 2015,
Between 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. and 2:15 - 4:00 p.m.
At the time of Registration, parents are required to complete the "Student Admission Form" and the
"Immunization Data Form" which can be found on our Board website
(www.ugdsb.on.ca/admissionandregistration) in PDF version. These forms can be completed by you and
brought into the school at Registration time or we will have blank copies available for you to complete.
Thank you for your cooperation and assistance in registering your child during the dates listed above. This
allows the Planning Department to determine staff needs for our schools as well as Transportation Services
to meet the transportation needs of your child.
If you know of a neighbour or friend who presently does not have children at Hyland Heights and lives
within the school boundaries, please give them the above information or ask them to contact the school.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at 519-925-3745.
The following documents are required to register your child. Please remember to bring supporting
documentation with you.
1. Proof of Birth Date - i.e. Birth Certificate/Canadian Citizenship, Permanent Resident Card. If you have
not already done so, please apply for your child's birth certificate as soon as possible as there may be a
delay. Parents must provide proof of birth date before a child can legally attend school. The following
website allows parents to complete their Birth Certificate Application on-line or print off a blank
application - http://www.cbs.gov.on.ca/mcbs/english/4U4V5Z.htm
2. Proof of Date of Entry, if born outside Canada: school official and parent must complete the
“Confirmation of Pupil Eligibility for English as a Second Language” form available at the school.
3. Proof of Address - i.e. driver’s license, purchase/rental agreement, bank statement, hydro bill, used to
identify where a student lives for placement within the 2014-15 school boundaries. Please see our
Board website at www.ugdsb.on.ca/admissionandregistration for boundary map and registration
information.
4. Custody Order Documentation (if applicable), should be provided and viewed by the
Principal/Designate.
5. Life Threatening Medical Information (if applicable).
Are you interested in having your child attend a French Immersion Program?
The French Immersion Program for students living within our school boundaries continues to be offered at
Princess Elizabeth Public School. To obtain information about this program, please consider attending a
parent/guardian information night on Thursday, January 29 in the Princess Elizabeth PS Library, from 7:00
– 8:00 p.m. Babysitting will be provided. The purpose of this meeting is to provide information to families
who may be deciding between the English and FI programs. All interested families who reside within our
boundaries are welcome to attend. Hopefully this will help in their decision making for Kindergarten
registration.
Supporting Children in Identifying, Describing, Understanding, and Resolving Conflict
As part of our continued efforts to promote a cooperative,
collaborative, and inclusive environment for all students at school and beyond,
it is helpful to expand their awareness and vocabulary that should be used to
identify and explain what is happening when unpleasant situations arise.
Sometimes the word ‘bullying’ is used to describe a situation that was
unpleasant or upsetting, but doesn’t necessarily fall into the category of
‘bullying’. While unpleasant, ‘conflict’ can also be a normal part of friendships
or relationships and calls upon adults to teach students how to describe,
understand, and resolve this conflict through the use of problem-solving skills or adult supported conflict
resolution, depending on the severity of the conflict and upset that has resulted. Below is an insert from a
Ministry of Education pamphlet for parents. The expanded version can be accessed through the following
website. http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/multi/english/BullyingEN.pdf
Is conflict the same as bullying? (Ministry of Education pamphlet)
Bullying is typically a form of repeated, persistent, and aggressive behaviour directed at an individual or
individuals that is intended to cause (or should be known to cause) fear and distress and/or harm to another
person’s body, feelings, self-esteem, or reputation. Bullying occurs in a context where there is a real or perceived
power imbalance.
People may sometimes confuse conflict with bullying, but they are different. Conflict occurs between
two or more people who have a disagreement, a difference of opinion or different views. Conflict between
students does not always mean it’s bullying. Children learn at a young age to understand that others can have
a different perspective than their own, but developing the ability to gain perspective takes time and the
process continues into early adulthood. In conflict, each person feels comfortable expressing his or her views,
and there is no power imbalance. Each person feels able to state his or her viewpoint. How people deal with
conflict can make it positive or negative. Conflict becomes negative when an individual behaves aggressively
by saying or doing hurtful things. Then the conflict is an aggressive interaction.
Conflict only becomes bullying when it is repeated over and over again and there is a power imbalance.
Over time, a pattern of behaviour may emerge where the person who behaves aggressively in the conflict
may continue or even make it worse. The person who is the recipient of the aggressive conflict may feel less
and less able to express his or her point of view and feel more and more powerless. That is when negative
conflict may turn into bullying. A school will respond to bullying and conflict differently. For example, in the
case of a conflict, a staff member may try to have the students come together to tell their side of the story
and help them resolve the situation together. In the case of bullying, a principal will consider progressive
discipline, which may include suspension or expulsion.
January-February 2015 HYLAND HEIGHTS E.S. CALENDAR
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
26
Pita Day
27
Family Literacy
Day
28
Pizza Day
30
February
2 (Smoothie Day)
Feb 2-6 Kindergarten
Registration (for
students to begin
September 2014)
3
Kindergarten
Registration
Continued…
9
10
4
Kindergarten
Registration Continued…
Pizza day
Grade 7+8 Vaccinations
29
Gr 8 Parent
Information Night at
CDDHS @ 7pm
*A great opportunity to
learn about course
selections and student
5
Kindergarten
Registration
Continued…
16
Family Day Holiday
- No school for
students
17
(Smoothie Day)
School Council
meeting @ 6:00
January 19
Smoothie Day
20
21
Pizza Day
22
CDDHS Arts Info Night
(visual, music, drama)
@Centennial Hylands ES
7:00pm
8:45 Kindergarten
Outdoor Education trip
11
Pizza day
12
9:00am Floride
Varnishing (Day 1)
18
Pizza day
19
23
PD Day (all day):
Teachers are working on
assessment and
evaluation. No school for
students.
6
Kindergarten
Registration Ends Today
13
9:00am Floride
Varnishing (Day 2)
Term 1 Achievement
Reports go home.
20
23
Pita Day
24
25
Pizza day
26
27
January Environmental & Character Education Theme
Save water – be RELIABLE in your conservation efforts
In terms of environmental awareness, you should know that water is our most precious resource. Over 70% of
our Earth's surface is covered by water (we should really call our planet "Ocean" instead of "Earth"). Although
water is seemingly abundant, the amount of fresh water available for us to drink is only 3%. The message we
need to learn is that, as the population of the Earth increases, we need to be very careful to not pollute our
water sources and to use it very wisely.
We all can make a difference in protecting our most precious resource – water. Water conservation is a big
challenge, but every little bit helps, so don't think that what you do doesn't matter. Demonstrate your
reliability in conserving water by using the following ideas: Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Install
water-saving devices such as low-flow showerheads and toilet dams or low-flush toilets. Shorten your shower
by a minute or two and you'll save up to 500 liters per month. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your
driveway. Wash your cars and bikes with a bucket of water and sponge, instead of a hose that wastes around
15 litres of water per minute if left running. Use a rain barrel to collect rain water to water your plants instead
of using precious tap water. It’s OK to let your lawn go dormant during the summer and let the rain water it
naturally. Water conservation needs to be a way of life, not just something we think about once in a while. If
we all do our part in conserving water, we can make a huge difference for the environment.
Don't waste water – its more valuable than you think. - Let’s go green, everyone!
Transitions and Transition Planning
While it may feel like it is early in the year to think about transitioning to the next school year, many plans are
well underway to ensure that students have a successful transition. For students that are changing schools,
such as Grade 8s moving to secondary school, visits may have already begun. Such transitions can be very
stressful for students, just as it can be stressful for adults to move houses or change jobs. With careful
planning and a collaborative approach toward supporting the transition, this stress can be minimized.
New requirements from the Ministry of Education came into effect in September 2014 requiring all students
with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to have a transition plan. This plan includes goals and actions to meet
each goal, and considers the strengths and needs of the student. Some goals may address smaller transitions
throughout the day, such as moving from recess to the classroom or from one activity to another, or larger
transitions, such as moving from one school year to the next, or from one school to another. For many
students, the supports provided to the whole class are all they need to have a successful transition, which
means they may not need a specific transition plan goal and actions on their IEP at this time. However, for
students that have challenges with transitions -- large or small -- a plan should be in place.
When planning for any transition, the student’s physical, emotional, and learning needs are considered. As a
parent, your collaboration with the school team is crucial to make sure that the needs of your child are fully
understood, and that actions taken at home and at school will ensure a successful transition. Physical needs,
such as changes made to a washroom for a student in a wheelchair, may be part of a plan, just as visits and
pictures of a new school may be helpful meeting the emotional needs of a child. A student’s current teacher
will also share successful strategies and accommodations with next year’s teacher, this will help the new
teacher prepare for the learning needs of the student.
As a parent, you can play an important role in transition planning for your child, you know your child best.
Whether planning for next year's new classroom, or for a new school, working together with school staff to
provide visits to the new school, talking about the transition in a positive way, and looking at pictures of the
new teachers and building may give the reassurance that your child needs. Preparation is crucial for
transitions to be successful, and a team approach between home and school is key.
More information about transition planning from the Ministry of Education is available. The new rules for
transition planning for students with special education needs can be found at:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/extra/eng/ppm/ppm156.pdf. The Ministry also has a resource guide for transition
plans with a focus for secondary students available at the following
link: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/transiti/transition.pdf
Information About Drug Abuse
Homewood Community Addiction Services (CADS) offers support to youth, ages 14 to 24, who are interested
in making changes regarding their substance use or gambling, or who require support in coping with the
effects of someone else’s substance use or gambling.
Colin McVicker is available to speak with youth in local high schools or at the Homewood CADS office,
located at 155 Delhi Street, Guelph, ON. Services are confidential and free. To contact Colin, please call
519.820.6406 or 519.836.5733, extension 2396.
Services for youth are also available at our Orangeville and North Wellington offices (519.942.2361) or our
Fergus office (519.787.7015.)
Below are some common misconceptions surrounding drug use:
• You have to use daily to have a problem
• There is no risk to marijuana use
• Things can only get better when the one with the problem gets help
• Substance abuse doesn’t affect anyone other than the one using the drugs/alcohol
When deciding if there is a problem with the substance or gambling pattern, often the question
becomes…”Do I control it, or does it control me?”
CADS has a Social Worker who provides support and education to parents concerned about their teen’s
substance abuse, safety and well-being. Substance abuse puts great strain on parents, who benefit from
support and education to better understand substance abuse and to develop the knowledge and skills for
coping with challenging behaviours. Your role as a parent continues to be very important during the teenage
years. It may seem as though your teen is “tuning you out,” but studies show that parents have a significant
influence on their teens when it comes to alcohol and drug use. Parents want to train their children to take
care of themselves in the world. It is important to encourage growth and independence through boundarysetting, communication and being a good role model. To access support call the main office at the number
above.
TIPS FOR HELPING YOUR CHILD STAY DRUG-FREE
• Accept the role of parent as your responsibility - let others be their friend
• Make parenting a priority - be there
• Educate yourself about substance abuse and problems facing youth today
• Be aware that many people in the community put children’s buying power above children’s well-being don’t expect the community to reinforce family values
• Don’t assume that the parents of all your children’s friends have the same rules you do - some have different
rules, some have no rules at all;
• Give clear messages about your expectations - be specific about how you expect them to behave as part of
Homewood HealthTM
• Clearly state the consequences when child fails to follow family rules - consequences are not negotiable
• Enforce stated consequences when the family rules are broken – children who don’t follow family rules
today may break society’s laws tomorrow
• Believe that children want rules to guide them – allow them to feel you are the “bad guy”
• Remember that teenagers need parental supervision as much as toddlers do - it’s just a different kind of
supervision
• If necessary, love your children enough to let them hate you - for a while
• Know that children are never too big for a hug - even when they are grown
Caron Treatment Center 12/08/2012
INFORMATION ABOUT PRESCRIPTION PAIN KILLERS
What parents need to know
More than two-thirds of students (67%) using opioid painkillers non-medically reported getting the
medication from home.
How can parents prevent problems?
Education and controlled access can help reduce the risk of opioid misuse, especially by youth. Model safe
and appropriate use of medication and other legal substances you use, such as alcohol.
What are signs of an overdose?
Opioids slow down the part of the brain that controls breathing. Signs of overdose include slow breathing,
bluish skin and coma (the person won’t “wake up.”) If you suspect an overdose, call 911 immediately.
WHERE CAN I GET HELP?
Homewood Community Addiction Services at 519.836.5733 or HERE 24/7 at 1.844.437.3247
Lynn Woodruff, UGDSB Mental Health Lead