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 2014 - Issue 3
Sheri MacKenzie,
Office Co- Ordinator
Message from the Principal…
As I drove around the town over the past weekend, one could see many Canadian flags
that were flying at half mast to honour the two Canadian soldiers who lost their lives
on Canadian soil just recently. We have many thoughts that go through our minds
and we can’t help but reflect on the importance of education and everything that
society collectively does to nurture our children in an effort to preserve a life that will
be healthy and peaceful for them and for generations to come. Raising our next
generation is no small feat and it requires the collective efforts of all of us together.
In Wikipedia, the butterfly effect in chaos theory is defined as “the sensitive
dependence on initial condition in which a small change in one state of a deterministic
nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state.” They go on to
describe how a butterfly flapping its wings might have an impact on a tornado
because of the small ripple of wind created by the wings two weeks earlier. As
parents/guardians and educators, the relevance with respect to our children is that
everything we do (teaching our children to analyze marketing strategies on the TV,
helping children understand how nutrition will affect their development, how the
actions of people can have a lifetime impact on the lives of other people; learning from
our mistakes; reflecting on nature and enjoying the quiet times) may have an impact
on how society unfolds.
When we commemorate Remembrance Day on November 11, 2014, we will again pay
tribute to all the fallen men and women who have sacrificed their lives. In our
moment of silence we will give thanks to those who have given their lives so that we
may live in a free and democratic society. The torch has been passed to us, and
together we can make a difference, one small action at a time.
Katrina Plazek
CSA APPROVED HOCKEY HELMETS
This is another reminder that it will be a mandatory requirement for all people skating (students,
staff and volunteers) to wear a CSA approved Hockey Helmet while skating on the ice. We are
hoping to have a couple of school wide skating days, so this is just a heads up for all families. We
hope to have many parents/guardians join us, and this is a new requirement for many of us.
PROGRESS REPORTS AND INTERVIEWS
Progress Reports will be sent home on November 12th. Interviews with teachers
can be scheduled on the evening of Thursday, November 20th from 4:00 pm-8:00
pm or on the PA Day November 21st between 9:00 am-3:30 pm.
***New this year***- Interviews will be scheduled online. You will receive a letter
shortly with detailed instructions on how to book your interview.
CONCUSSION PROGRAM
Over the past few months in the news we have seen the impact that repeated concussions can have
on a person later in life, ranging from memory loss to suicidal tendencies. Serious concussions can
lead to death if symptoms are ignored and untreated. A concussion is a brain injury that needs to
heal properly. Repeated concussions can have a serious impact on a person many years later. The
UGDSB and the Wellington Catholic District School Board have developed a concussion program
that will help families and school personnel work together to keep students safe.
A concussion is a brain injury that changes the way it normally works. It can be caused by a bump,
blow, hit or jolt to the head OR a fall or blow to the body that causes the head to move
rapidly (i.e. a fall off a ladder where the fall is stopped with the arms but the head jars rapidly
forward or backward, even though the head itself does not hit anything).
If your child sustains a concussion injury diagnosed by a medical professional during non-school
hours it is very important for families to notify the school so that a Return to Activity Plan can be
implemented at school.
All concussions are serious and most concussions occur without the loss of consciousness. The
recognition and response to concussions when they first occur can help aid recovery and prevent
further injury and death.
Included in this newsletter is a checklist of possible signs/symptoms to watch for. If one or more
of these are experienced, a visit to a medical practitioner should take place as soon as possible. It
is also important to know that signs and symptoms can occur hours later after an event and a
person with a suspected concussion should be observed carefully for 24-48 hours afterwards.
Danger Signs: A student should be seen immediately in an emergency department if (s)he has:
- one pupil (the black part of the middle of the eye) larger than another
- drowsiness or cannot be awakened
- a headache that gets worse and does not go away
- weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
- repeated nausea or vomiting
- convulsions or seizures
- difficulty recognizing people or places
- increasing confusion, restlessness or agitation
- unusual behavior
- loss of consciousness (even a brief loss of consciousness should be taken seriously)
At school if a child is experiencing concussion like symptoms, families will be notified and next
steps will be determined.
RYAN LAIRD – “BIGGER THAN THAT” ANTIBULLYING ASSEMBLY
On Friday, November 14th, Ryan Laird is returning to Eramosa PS with a new “Bigger Than That”
Antibullying assembly for students (see the enclosed flyer). More
information will be coming home soon.
ANTIBULLYING WEEK
The Upper Grand District School Board has designated November 17th - 21st
as our board’s Bully Prevention Week. During this week the students will be involved in many school
activities designed to teach students about what bullying is, how to identify and report it and
where to get help.
**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.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Please join us on November 11th, 2014 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.
X-COUNTRY
The Eramosa Eagles Cross-Country Team truly soared high and fast at the Centre Wellington Cross
Country Meet in Fergus on Tuesday, October 14th. The rain when we first arrived didn’t dampen
our spirits as team members were prepared for the weather and only had to face a little rain and
mud as they competed with about 500 other runners. Our runners were determined
to run a personal best; for some this meant finishing, and others battling their
previous year’s nemesis all the way to the finish line. Runners set off from the
start line with great determination and exited the bush with big kicks for the last
dash around the baseball field behind the arena. Many of our large team finished in the top
twenty-five and we had several firsts and top 10 finishes. Many thanks to all of the parent
volunteers for their assistance to supervise our various age divisions, as we could not attend this
event without you! Congratulations to all!
From coaches Gold and McMorris
SOCCER
Eramosa P.S. was the host site for the UGDSB Jr Division D Soccer Tournament on Wednesday,
October 22nd. This year our soccer tournament grew to five teams as we welcomed Rockwood P.S.
as a new division member. Luckily we had a beautiful day with dry fields and lots of sunshine. This
year’s tournament was highly competitive with the top 4 teams all finishing within one point of each
other. Our newest addition came 1st with 10 points, Brisbane and Eramosa tied for 2nd with 9
points and Ross R. Mackay earned 8 points. The young team from Erin P.S. played with
determination throughout the tournament. Big thanks to our Eramosa linesmen and J.F. Ross high
school referees Emily and Leah and to Mrs. Bauman and Mrs. Glover for
running the “Eramosa Café.” Finally, congratulations to our soccer team
who played with fierce determination down to the final seconds of every
game. Wow! They were very exciting nail-biting matches to watch. Thank
you to Mr. Ellis for coaching this fine team and to Brooke and Riley for
taking on the role of team captains.
From Bev McMorris (Soccer Convenor )
FIRE DEPARTMENT VISIT
On Friday, October 17th, Firefighters from the Guelph-Eramosa Fire Department came to our
school with their teaching van and a fire truck to teach the students about fire safety. Several
important concepts were covered including the concept of “Stay Out and Keep Out”, knowing your
home address if you need to call 911, keeping safe in the kitchen, testing the door and door handle
for heat before opening, reviewing the fire safety plan at home and having a meeting place outside.
The Guelph/Eramosa Firefighters have asked all families to test their smoke detectors (one on
each level in the house) by “Pushing the Button”, and replacing the batteries on a regular basis. We
are thankful to our Fire Department for taking the time to teach our children important safety
concepts.
PARKING LOT SAFETY
Our parking lot is a busy traffic zone every morning. As our buses arrive, Eramosa children
disembark and are directed to the play area. At the same time, students in grades 7 to 12
transfer from one bus to another. We have routines in place that depend upon your participation
to ensure the safety of all students at this busy time.
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 after 8:30 am, at which time most of
our buses are gone and the lot is more open.
Please help us protect our environment by turning off your car engine in our
parking lot and not idling while you wait.
Thank you for your understanding as we work together for the safety of all.
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 to the family
for their contribution to the safety of our students.
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.
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 they can be comfortable, rest and not pass on their illness to classmates.
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.
SOCIAL JUSTICE CLUB
On November 18th, Mrs. Demysh will be accompanying members of the social justice club to a WE
day student pep rally featuring speakers and performers in Kitchener. This club is composed of
junior students who are interested in becoming active global citizens.
They will learn about social issues and become involved in projects that
turn their inspiration into local and global action. Stay tuned for more
information!
MACMILLANS DELIVERY
Thank you for supporting our school fundraiser. We will be able to purchase 3 Chromebooks with
the proceeds! MacMillans order pickup will be Thursday, November 27th, from 3-6pm. Please make
arrangements to pick up your orders on that day, as we do not have the space keep orders
overnight.
CALLING ALL PHOTOS!!
If you have pictures from any school event in September or October, please send then
into the school on a travel stick! Mrs. McKnight is starting to work on the yearbook.
She would like to start organizing and downloading pictures now instead of May!
Pictures from Cross country, Terry Fox, Halloween dance, soccer tournament, etc. would be
appreciated. Thanks for your help!
SAVE THE DATE!
EPSAC Breakfast with Santa and Poinsettia fundraiser pickup will be December 6th.
More details to follow.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS!
Sunday, November2nd – Turn your clock back 1 hour at 2:00 am. Don’t forget to change
the batteries in your smoke detectors as well!
ON-LINE BULLY REPORTING TOOL
Stop a Bully!
Did you know that in the majority of cases, bullying stops within 10 seconds when peers intervene
or don’t support the bullying behavior?
The Upper Grand District School Board takes all incidents of bullying seriously. That’s why we
developed an online bullying reporting tool. Stop a Bully gives students and parents 24/7 access
for reporting bullying. You don’t have to identify yourself – just your school – and your message
gets sent directly to your school principal for follow-up. We will follow up on your report.
You’ll find the Stop a Bully button on our school’s website and the board’s website
(www.udsb.opn.ca/stop-a-bully).
If your child is the victim of bullying or sees bullying behavior at school, please encourage him/her
to speak with someone at school or use the Stop a Bully tool. For more information, contact the
school.
FROM THE PROGRAM DEPARTMENT
A Parent’s How-To Guide for Helping Your Child in Math
Math education looks different than it did even ten years ago. Employers today cite that the
essential 21st century skills of problem solving, collaboration, logical reasoning and the ability to
think critically are the most important ‘look-fors’ when
interviewing candidates. In schools today, students are asked to
solve challenging mathematical problems that put more importance
on conceptual knowledge instead of procedural knowledge. This
leaves parents sometimes at a loss about their role and how to
best support their child. As a parent, you are an invaluable partner
in your child’s mathematics education; you are the first educator in
your child’s life. Research shows that when there is a high level of
family involvement, students do better in school. Below are some
tips to support your role as a mathematics parent.
Tips for Parents:
(adapted from Doing Mathematics with Your Child - A Parent’s Guide
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentGuideNum2012.pdf)
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find real-life experiences that encourage and engage your child to think and talk about
mathematics (shopping, sorting, construction, managing time and money, understand patterns
and trends, make predictions based on patterns, analyze data)
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encourage and provide manipulatives to explore mathematical concepts (toothpicks, popsicle
sticks, money, chocolate chips, etc…)
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be mindful of your attitude towards mathematics; strong, positive attitudes about math
increase a child’s ability to feel successful and to persevere with challenging math tasks
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encourage risk taking
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provide a supportive, relaxing environment
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build your child’s confidence by engaging them in math activities that will allow them to feel
successful
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engage in math activities or math talk in the language you are most comfortable with
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a math problem is not necessarily a word problem; don’t allow language to be the barrier to
the mathematical concept presented
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build on memorization of math facts by ensuring the understanding of the concept (What
does multiplication/division mean? When would we use it? Why would we use it? How did you
figure out that fact? How can you use one fact to help you figure out another?)
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familiarize yourself with the Ontario Math Curriculum
(http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/math18curr.pdf) in order to
understand what your child is learning and what is expected of him/her
Resources:
Homework Help (Gr. 7-10)
https://homeworkhelp.ilc.org
Math Activity Sites
*there are many more sites in the Doing Mathematics with Your Child
A Parent’s Guide referenced above
http://www.mathstories.com
http://www.hoodamath.com/games/
http://www.mathplayground.com
http://www.funbrain.com/teachers/subj_math.html
http://www.aplusmath.com
http://cemc2.math.uwaterloo.ca/mathfrog/main.shtml
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HEALTH UNIT NEWS
Get Your Flu Shot
The flu is a respiratory illness that spreads quickly from person to person. Common flu symptoms
include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, joint pain, and weakness.
The flu is more serious for the very young and elderly. They can get the flu from school-aged
children who don’t seem sick but may have a mild case. Get your free flu shot. It protects
everyone. Visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca to find a flu clinic near you.
If you don’t like needles, there is an alternative. FluMist is a nasal spray available for children and
adults ages 2 to 59. FluMist is not available at drop-in clinics. Call 1-800-265-7293 to make an
appointment. There is a cost of $20 for the vaccine.
TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH!
The UGDSB has launched a new website design that is more engaging and user friendly. The most
exciting part (at least from my perspective) is that there are now mental health and addictions
resources available on the website.
To find the resources, go to:ugdsb.on.ca. Click on the Parent tab, then click on the Mental Health
Tab.
There is also a Student tab with a Mental Health tab, which you can share with your children and
youth.
Once you are on site, you will find information about local mental health and addiction resources.
Children and Youth in Guelph Wellington: HERE 247 (1 844 437 3247).
Children and Youth in Dufferin: Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS) 519 941 1530
Adults in Guelph Wellington Dufferin HERE 247 (1 844 437 3247).
The page also has links to useful websites with information for parents about about mental health
and addictions.
There is an Access to Mental Health Resources document that provides more details about
counselling and supports in Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
The UGDSB Mental Health and Addiction Strategy Summary, as well as the full strategy are also
provided as links.
Hope these resources are helpful for you and your families.
THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR KID!
Connie Bender, Elementary Curriculum Leader
Many of our schools in Upper Grand, both elementary and secondary, are involved in Free the
Children’s Me to We clubs. If you aren’t familiar with Free the Children, it is an international
organization created in 1995 by Canadians Marc and Craig Kielburger. The mission of this
organization is to “create a world where all young people are free to achieve their fullest potential
as agents of change. This is done by empowering youth to become active and engaged citizens both
on a local and global level. Me to We clubs in our schools learn about local and global issues and
create action plans to educate others and become positive, active, agents for change.
In 2009, Marc and Craig Kielburger wrote the book, “The World Needs Your Kid: How to raise
children who care and contribute. This book was in response to requests from parents to engage in
conversations around how to embrace the Me to We philosophy at home. Marc and Craig take a
closer look at how to help raise participants in a world full of bystanders. As parents, we tend to
see this as an overwhelming task. Marc and Craig argue that in fact it isn’t. We often
underestimate how even very young children are capable of participating in discussions and actions
around how to make their community, or their very own family home, a better place. Regardless of
age, we all have something to contribute. They see the focus as needing to be on raising children
who are empathetic and caring because it allows them to build courage to take action regarding
their beliefs. This can translate into helping a friend on the playground who is be bullied to writing
letters to local politicians about climate change. Everyone can find something they are interested
in and passionate about. The world needs all of these voices and agents of change. So how do we do
this?
Most importantly children need strong family connections. In order to develop empathy and
concern for others, they need to experience concern and empathy from a trusted adult. In
addition, they need opportunities to engage in conversations around why we do some of the things
we do. Next time you shovel a driveway for your elderly neighbour or drop off a meal to friends
who has just had a baby, take a few minutes to talk with your children about why you are doing
that. Explain why you say, “Good Morning” to the neighbours as you head out in the morning or why
you go out of your way to smile at someone at the grocery store. Build those connections and talk
about those connections.
Marc and Craig emphasize “small actions, every day” with your children. They provide you with over
100 ways to do that. Here are just a few ways you can help to raise a child who is compassionate,
caring and an engaged global citizen:
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Connecting leads to caring. Set your alarm 20 minutes early each day so that you aren’t
rushed in the morning with your children. Checking in and connecting is a vital part of their
day. Help start the day on a positive note.
•
Let you children know that their efforts are important to running your household. Helpers in
the home are helpers in the neighbourhood. Responsibilities are good for all of us.
•
Make the back seat of your car a technology free zone. Take the lead and share with them
some details of you day. You might be surprised how much they share after some practice.
•
Make gratitude a habit. Have your children share something wonderful about their day at
the dinner table or just before going to bed. Focusing on the positive can help our children
be resilient.
•
Model random acts of kindness. Open doors for others, bake some muffins for your
grandparents or offer to babysit for a friend. The possibilities are endless and they don’t
have to involve money.
•
Step back so a child can step up. Remember to provide children with a chance to do the right
thing or solve a problem with a friend on their own first, and then be there to help them talk
through their choices afterwards. When they suggest a way to help someone else, honour
that thought and do what you can to support them in taking action.
For more information check out www.freethechildrren.com or go to your local library and borrow a
copy of “The World Needs Your Kid.”
“The greatest part of each day, each year, each lifetime is made up of small seemingly insignificant
moments. These moments may be cooking dinner, taking out the trash, stopping at a stop sign,
relaxing on the porch with your own thoughts after the kids are in bed, playing catch with a child
before dinner, speaking out against a distasteful joke, driving to the recycling centre with a week’s
newspapers. But, they are not insignificant, especially when these moments are models for kids.”
Barbara Coloroso,
November Environmental & Character Education Theme
Save energy – show your COURAGE by being a leader
Saving energy and reducing the use of electricity is necessary to help our planet. Electricity is a type of energy that
was discovered over 100 years ago. One of the most common ways to make electricity is by converting other
energy sources, such as coal, natural gas, and oil or solar, wind and falling water. Right now we get most of our
energy from nonrenewable energy sources, which include the fossil fuels — oil, natural gas, and coal.
Unfortunately the burning of fossil fuels to produce power causes air pollution an is linked to global warming and
climate change, which is the gradual, harmful, increasing temperature on our planet. But the good news is that
recently Ontario became the first province in Canada to no longer make electricity using coal-fired power plants!
And we as individuals can also help solve this problem by learning more about it and making energy conservation
one of our goals at school and home.
Did you know? Turning off the lights in one classroom for one hour keeps over two pounds of pollutants out of
the environment. Let’s remember to turn the switch off whenever we leave an empty room.
We all can make a difference in helping the environment. Demonstrate your courage in making a difference and
conserving energy by enforcing the following tips at home. Set your home’s thermostat a few degrees lower in the
winter or a few degrees higher in the summer. Your family will save money and reduce greenhouse emissions.
Turn off lights and all electronics (like computers, televisions, stereos, and video-games) when you leave a room.
Use machines like washers, dryers, and dishwashers only when there is a full load and after 8pm when energy
consumption is lower. Open your blinds or curtains on sunny winter days to let the sun shine into and warm your
home. In the summer remember to close them and keep the hot sun out. It takes courage to make changes to
your own habits and help others to do the same. But you have what it takes to be an environmental leader!
Global Warming is not Cool! - Let’s go green, everyone!
Eramosa Public School
November 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
-All Saints Day
*Christianity
2
Daylight
Savings Time
Ends 2am
3
-Ashura
*Islam
4
5
-Pita Day
6
-Dev Diwali
*Jainism
-Birth of Guru
Nanak Dev Ji
7
-Math Game
Friday
8
-Pizza Day
*Sikhism
9
10
11
-Remembrance
Day Assembly
10:30am
12
-Progress
Reports go
home
-Hotdog Day
-Birth of
Baha’u’llah
13
14-Character
Ed Assembly
9am
-Ryan Laird
Anti-bullying
Assembly 1pm
-Pizza Day
15
20
-Me2We Trip
Social Justice
Club
-Pizza Day
-Interviews
4-8pm
21
-Interviews
9-3:30 pm
22
27
-MacMillans
Pickup 3-6pm
28- Character
Ed Assembly
9am
-Pizza Day
*Baha’i
16
-Louis Riel Day
17
*Aboriginal
18- KA Vision
Screening-Wear Pink Day
-Pita Day
19
P.A. DAY
No School for
Students
Anti-bullying Week
23
24
-Photo Retakes
12:40pm
25
-River Run trip
5/6A 8:45am
30
-First Day of
Advent
-Martyrdom of
Guru Teg
Bahadur Ji
-Hotdog Day
*Christianity
*Sikhism
26
-Day of the
Covenant *Baha’i
-Ascension of
‘Abdu’l-Baha
*Baha’i
***SAVE THE DATE*** EPSAC’s Breakfast With Santa will take place Saturday, December 6th
29