Eramosa Public School
5757 Fifth Line ✧ R.R. 1 ✧ Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0
Telephone 519-856-9529 ✧ Fax 519-856-4239
Website: www.ugdsb.on.ca/eramosa
Newsletter
Katrina Plazek,
Principal
November 2015 - Issue 3
Sheri MacKenzie,
Office Co-Ordinator
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK…
During the last few years there has been considerable research into the brain and how children learn.
You may have heard your child come home and talk about “Growth Mindset”, or how learning something
difficult helps your brain grow connections. Carol Dweck is a researcher and she has studied the brain
of people/children who consider intelligence static and pre-determined (Fixed Mindset) versus
people/children who believe that, with effort and perseverance you can learn something (Growth
Mindset). In the video featuring Carol Dweck
at: http://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve she talks
about the importance of praising the processes that go into learning, such as effort, the strategies used,
focus, perseverance and improvement. She shows an interesting scan of the brain activity of the two
mindsets. She suggests that children who realize that they may not have learned something yet
achieve their goal if they stick with a task, even though it is uncomfortable. She claims that this creates
children who are hardy and resilient. You will notice in our front hallway when you visit that we are
posting Eagle tickets that focus on student kindness (which also affects brain development) and
perseverance. Helping children is an enormous task but together we can do great things. It is a
reminder for all of us, to try something different that may be a challenge!
Our Halloween dance was a lot of fun for everyone who attended and we were so pleased to see
everyone. Thank you to EPSAC for planning and arranging this evening!
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back on Saturday night and enjoy the extra hour of sleep!
Mrs. Plazek
PROGRESS REPORTS AND INTERVIEWS
The Board will continue to monitor the current situation and its impact on elementary
students. For updates please visit the UGDSB board website at www.ugdsb.on.ca.
**BUS DELAY AND CANCELLATION SUBSCRIPTION SERVICE**
If you would like to receive an immediate email notification about when your child’s bus has been
cancelled or delayed, go to the following website and register. To subscribe, follow the directions
at https://www.findmyschool.ca/subscriptions/login.aspx.
If you have trouble registering please call 519-824-4119.
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Thank you for keeping all contact information, including work numbers and emergency
contacts, up to date. If you’re not available during the day, please make sure that the
person you name as the emergency contact is usually home. When there is an
emergency or students are sick, they need to go somewhere where they can be
comfortable, rest and not pass on their illness to classmates.
PARKING LOT SAFETY
Our parking lot is a busy traffic zone every morning. To ensure the safety of all the children at the
school, please take your time in the parking lot and follow some simple precautions.
If you choose to drive your child(ren) please:
• Park along the west or south side of the parking lot (the edges with the bike rack or dumpster).
• Walk with your child(ren) around the perimeter of the lot (not across the middle) to the area in
front of the school where bus students leave their backpacks.
• Please do not drop off your child(ren) in the centre of the parking lot or have them walk
unescorted through the lot.
• Please reserve the handicapped spot for people who require this designated location.
• When exiting the parking lot, please yield to our school buses. They require a
large area for turning.
• The best time to drop off your child(ren) is between 8:30 – 8:40 am, at which time
our first buses have unloaded. Please help us protect our environment by turning off your
car engine in our parking lot and not idling while you wait.
• Please watch for any child running in the parking lot at any time.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Please join us on November 11th, 2015 at 10:30 am for our Remembrance Day
Assembly. The Royal Canadian Legion has once again provided poppies for the
students to wear at our assembly. Please feel free to send in a donation on
November 11th. Our Canadian men and women fought and died so we could live in
freedom. We will always be grateful for their sacrifice.
EMERGENCY SHELTER
In the event of an emergency that requires a full school evacuation such as a fire, the emergency
evacuation location will be at the Thatcher Farm, just south of the school. Thank you once again, to the
Thatcher family for their contribution to the safety of our students!
FOOD BANK COLLECTION
We had an amazing Thanksgiving food drive this year. Together we collected
431.6 pounds of food and toiletries for the East Wellington Community Services
worth over $1079. Thank you Mlle McLeod for inspiring the grade 5/6 class as
well. The coordinator from EW-CS was very thankful and it is gratifying to know
that we have helped our neighbours who struggle for various reasons to put food
on the table. The jars of baby food are a poignant reminder that children
sometimes have to go to bed hungry, and our drive has helped many families provide food for their
families.
ANTIBULLYING WEEK
The Upper Grand District School Board has designated November 16th – 20th as our board’s Bully
Prevention Week to coincide with the province. During this week the students will be involved in many
school activities designed to continue to educate our students about empathy, dealing with conflict and
making our school environment safe for everyone. On Tuesday, November 17th wear Pink to show you
are opposed to Bullying.
PICTURE DAY FOR STUDENTS
Picture day for students will take place on November 3rd. Please return your picture envelope and
payment on that day. Retake day will be on December 1st at 9 am.
“CRAZY HAIR SPIRIT DAY”
Students and staff will be participating in a “Crazy Hair Day” on November 13th. Wear your weirdest,
wildest, wackiest hairdo!!
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
This is a reminder that any medication that is administered at school (epipens, puffers, Tylenol, Advil,
antihistamine, etc.) must be stored at the office and a Consent for Oral
Administration form must accompany the medication. Prescription
medication must have the name of the child on it and come in the original
container for storage in the office. This safety measure is in place to ensure
that all of our students are safe. Please call the office if your child needs
medication because of illness or if you have any questions.
ONTARIO PHYSICAL EDUCATION SAFETY GUIDELINES
The Ministry of Education is committed to working with all members of the education sector, including
parents, to help ensure that all children and youth in Ontario are able to succeed and lead safe, healthy,
productive lives. The Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines (OSG) are now available to
teachers, coaches and parents, free of charge. Please visit the website at: http://safety.ophea.net for
more information.
HEAD LICE
The health unit has additional information for you to refer to on their
website http://www.wdgpublichealth.ca. Frequent checks at home are recommended. If your children
develop lice, please let us know so that we can send home a notification to all students in the class.
This diligence will help to stop the spread of this pesky critter.
LAMONTAGNE DELIVERY
Thank you for supporting our LaMontagne fundraiser that will help support technology purchases!
Orders will arrive before the end of November. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to purchase
additional technology that is very well used in the classroom! Your support was very much appreciated!
PHOTOS FOR THE YEARBOOK
If you have pictures from any school event that takes place this year, please send
them into the school on a data stick with your name on it (we will return it)! Mrs.
McKnight and Mrs. Knierim need pictures for the yearbook. Pictures from the Terry
Fox Run, Halloween Dance, etc...are all welcomed. Thanks for your help!
HEAD INJURIES - CONCUSSIONS
Head injuries can take place at any time of the year. If any of the following symptoms occur, a
physician/medical attention should be consulted immediately:
• Abnormal drowsiness
• Persisting vomiting or nausea
• Confusion as to time, place or name
• Severe headaches
• Abnormal twitching of limbs
• Squinting, crossed eyes, double vision
• Dripping of fluid from nose or ears
• Weakness of an arm or dragging of a foot or leg
SAVE THE DATE - CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA AND POINSETTIA PICK UP!
EPSAC Breakfast with Santa and Poinsettia fundraiser pickup will be December 5th from 8-11am. This is
a wonderful community event. Please join us! More details to follow.
Poinsettia orders are coming home. Please return orders and payment (cheques payable to Eramosa
Public School Advisory Committee – EPSAC) to the school by November 20th at the very latest. All
poinsettias must be picked up on Saturday Dec 5th at the Breakfast with Santa event at the school.
NOVEMBER’S ENVIRONMENTAL THEME: AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is a big problem. But we can solve it. Know that all over the world, steps are being taken to
stop the damage to our environment from air pollution. Scientists study the damaging effects and make
recommendations. Governments write laws to control emissions. Canada has a Clean Air Act. And the
good news is that recently Ontario became the first province in Canada to no longer make electricity
using coal-fired power plants! Perhaps most importantly, teachers in schools and universities are
educating our youth to understand the problem and make a difference.
What are some of the ways we can reduce air pollution? Planting trees is a great way to help filter our air
and make it clean. If cars are producing too much carbon dioxide then trees will help convert it back into
essential pure oxygen. Also, use a push mower instead of a gas-powered mower, or use a snow shovel
instead of a power snow remover. Bike and walk more, and look into purchasing a more fuel-efficient
car. If you buy locally produced food, trucks won't need to make as many far away deliveries and use as
much fuel. You can even help indoor air quality by growing plants indoors, especially spider plants, the
peace lily, or bamboo palms to help take toxins out of the air inside.
Scientists are also working on how to use energy in a cleaner way. For one example, an alternate fuel
source that emits fewer greenhouse gases than conventional fossil fuels comes from an unexpected
source - vegetable oil! Type "Run Your Car on Vegetable Oil " into Google and find out the pros and
cons of this alternative fuel source.
Slogan of the month: Keep our air healthy - plant a tree!
Movember Wear a Moustache – Spirit Day
During the month of November, Mr. Ellis is going to grow a moustache. On the last day of November he
will shave it off. Students will have the opportunity to purchase a sticker moustache for $1 (loonie) and
wear it for the day. All proceeds will be donated to the Movember Foundation which helps support
research in the areas of men’s cancer research and mental health.
FROM THE UGDSB PROGRAM DEPARTMENT - MATH ANXIETY
M-A-T-H... A four-letter word that can bring on headaches, sweaty palms, stomach aches and/or
tears. A four-letter word that can begin a verbal battle and end with wounds. A four-letter word that can
be dreaded, leaving one confused and hoping for non-existence. What is it about math that can cause a
child to be afraid? Attitudes.
As a parent/caregiver, you are an invaluable partner in your child’s mathematical education; you are the
first educator in your child’s life. Recent research has shown that an adult’s feelings about math and
what they say can have an impact on how a child thinks about math and themselves as mathematicians.
Below are some verbal tips to help support you in curbing math anxiety in your child:
Instead of...
Try...
“You are so smart!”
“You have worked so hard to learn all those math
facts.”
“I hated math as a child,” or “I
was never good at math.”
“I am not sure of the math you are working on. Can
you explain it to me?”
“Oh, looks like you made a
mistake here.”
“You made a mistake. That is wonderful! Your brain
just grew from the learning that just happened!”
“This problem is way too hard
for me to help you with.”
“I think you should try this problem without my
help. This would be a great opportunity for your brain
to struggle so it can grow!”
“Let’s see… Joe started with
15, and now he has 5, so
what is 15 take away 5?”
“What do you think this problem is asking you? Can
you restate it in your own words?”
“That is the right
answer. Good for you!”
“How do you know you are right?” “Does that answer
make sense to you? Why or why not?” “Is there
another way to solve this problem?” “Explain how you
got your answer.”
“That is the wrong answer.”
“You are not good at math
either, just like me.”
“With hard work, you will get better at math. Don’t
give up.”
“You have to learn to know
these answers quickly.”
“Take the time you need to figure out the answer. It is
more important you understand how to get the
answer then knowing it quickly.”
Words have the power to inspire a child to become the mathematician he/she is capable of being.
Adapted from:
What’s Math Got To Do With It? by Jo Boaler
http://yano.co.uk/2012/05/dont-let-maths-muddle-you-2/
https://www.youcubed.org/fluency-without-fear/
TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH - ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
DUFFERIN-GUELPH–WELLINGTON
Here is a quick guide to accessing mental health services in our communities. Hope it is helpful for you
and your family.
Mental Health Agencies:
Child and Youth Services in Dufferin
• Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS)
o To access Addictions, Mental Health and Crisis Services
 Call 519-941-1530
o Talk in Clinic on Tuesdays 1:00- 7:00, just drop in to access services
 655 Riddell Road, Orangeville
o http://dcafs.on.ca/
Child and Youth Services in Guelph/Wellington and Adult Services in Guelph/Wellington/Dufferin
•
Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington Dufferin Branch (CMHAWWD)
o
To access Addictions, Mental Health and Crisis Services
 Call HERE247 at 1 844 437 3247 (1 844 HERE247)
 www.here247.ca
o
Walk in Clinic for Children/Youth on Tuesdays, 1:30- 7:00, just drop in to access services
 485 Silvercreek Pkwy, Guelph
http://www.cmhawwd.ca
o
Family Health Teams
-
•
•
•
•
•
have counselling supports as well as medical services paid for through OHIP
Dufferin Area Family Health Teams
o http://dafht.ca/
o 519-938-8802 ext. 314
Guelph Family Health Teams
o http://www.guelphfht.com/
o 519-837-4444
North Wellington Family Health Teams
o www.mmfht.ca (Minto-Mapleton);Telephone: 519-638-2110
o www.mountforestfht.com (Mount Forest); Telephone: 519-323-0255
Centre Wellington Family Health Teams
o http://uppergrandfht.org/
o Phone: 519-843-3947
East Wellington Family Health Team
o http://www.ewfht.ca/
o Erin: 519-833-9396; Rockwood: 519-856-4611
Community Support Lines
• Guelph Wellington Child and Youth Sexual Assault Abuse Team (CYSTAT) 519 400 1263
o For access to supports, referrals and crisis response for: children who have been sexually
abused, children who exhibit sexualized behavior and youth who have sexually offended
•
KIDS LINE
o 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616
o For referrals, prenatal, parenting and child development questions
o Speak with a WDG Public Health nurse
o Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. - 4:15 pm
Agencies using Variable Fees
Family Counselling and Support Services (Guelph-Wellington)
o No one is turned away due to income or inability to make payment
o Walk in Clinic Wednesday, 1-7pm, just drop in to access services
o http://www.familyserviceguelph.on.ca/
o 519-824-2431
• University of Guelph Couple and Family Therapy Centre
o http://www.cftcentre.uoguelph.ca/index.shtml
o Fees range from $5 to $75 per hour
o 519-824–4120 ext. 56335
• Dufferin-Peel Catholic Family Services
o No client is refused services because of an inability to pay
o http://www.cfspd.com/contact.html
o 1-888-940-0584
•
Private Services (for information purposes)
• College of Psychologists
o To find a registered psychologist by city or postal code see:
o https://members.cpo.on.ca/public_register/new
• Therapists in Guelph
o http://www.theravive.com/cities/on/counselling-guelph.aspx
• Therapists in Orangeville:
o http://www.theravive.com/cities/on/counselling-orangeville.aspx
Note: Costs for some services may be provided through Employee Assistance Programs or benefit
packages at parents’/guardians’ workplaces.
Dr. Lynn Woodford, Psychologist is the Mental Health and Addiction Lead for Upper Grand District
School Board
Follow me on twitter: @drlynnwoodford
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS! SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1ST
Sunday, November 1st – Turn your clock back 1 hour at 2:00 am. An extra hour after Halloween evening
will be much appreciated!
LIBRARY NEWS
Bedtime Stories (All Ages)
Wear your pjs and snuggle up to our quiet evening story time for families. Please register.
Mondays, November 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 6:30pm - 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, November 10, 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm
Snow Much Fun (All Ages)
Join us for an afternoon with winter stories, crafts, and games! Please register.
Friday, November 27, 1:30 pm
Rockwood branch library
85 Christie Street Rockwood, ON
519.856.4851 • www.wellington.ca/Library
Eramosa Public School
November 2015
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
3
4
5
7
Hot Dog Day
Take our grade
9 children to
work day
6
Pizza Day
Daylight
Savings Time
Ends 2am
Photo Day
8
9
10
Pita Day
15
16
No Time For That
Anti-Bullying
School
Presentation
11
Remembrance
Day Ceremony
10:30
School Council
Meeting 7pm in
the Library
Diwali
17
18
12
*Hinduism/Sikhism
19
13
14
Pizza Day
“No Tippy
Tappy” Soccer
Event – 12:45-3
Spirit Day
“Crazy Hair
Day”
(Royal
Distributing
Centre – Marden)
20
21
Ontario Bully Prevention Week
-Louis Riel Day
Hot Dog Day
Pizza Day
*Aboriginal
Poinsettia
orders due
Wear Pink Day
22
23
24
Pita Day
29
25
26
Pizza Day
27
28
P.A. DAY
No School for
Students
30
Movember “Moustache”
Spirit Day
(bring a loonie –
to buy a tattoo
moustache)
***SAVE THE DATE*** EPSAC’s Breakfast With Santa and Poinsettia pick up will take place Saturday, December 5th
Photo Retake Day – Dec. 1st 9am