ERAMOSA PUBLIC S CHOOL
5757 Fifth Line h R.R. 1 h Rockwood, ON
N0B 2K0
Telephone 519-856-9529 h Fax 519-856-4239
Website: www.ugdsb.on.ca/eramosa
NEWSLETTER
Ka trina Pla zek, Principa l
Contents:
March 2013
- Issue 7
Principal’s Message .......
Page 1:
Principal’s M essage
Bus Safety Reminders
Page 2:
EPS AC N ew s
D .A.R.E. Program
H um ane Values Presentations
S trengthening Families
Black H istory M onth
Page 3:
Child Abuse Prevention Policy
Page 4:
Forest of Reading
Push The Button Fire Cam paign
Eatrightontario Information
Technology Refresh
Ryan Laird Presentation
H ealth U nit Information
Inserts:
M onthly Events Calendar
Kids M ental H ealth Posters
Fetal Alcohol Disorder Poster
“Push the Button” Poster
Black H istory M onth Posters
Portable Technology
M ISSIO N ST A T EM E N T
“In a caring climate of
honesty, respect and
enthusiasm, Eramosa
Public School teaches and
facilitates the development
of independent thinking
and problem solving skills
to ensure that every student
reaches his/her potential to
be a responsible, flexible
and confident life long
learner.”
There are times when you sit back and reflect
on life’s small fortunes, because there are
wars on our planet and meteorite pieces just
showered the earth. We are truly lucky to be
able to raise our children in freedom, to be
able to feed them and to know that they will
grow up to be happy, successful members of
society. This would not be possible without the
collective efforts of many, many people and
this message is a thank you to every person
who contributes to our school environment no
matter how big or small. Parents make
healthy lunches, pack extra socks and mitts,
sign the slips, support fundraisers and help
children with projects and homework. We
appreciate every volunteer who helps us to
take students on field trips, volunteers who
spend their free time listening to children read,
and so on. The parents on our school council
organize many activities to help raise funds to
support the initiatives of the school and to
bring community members together for social
events, like our recent Valentine Day pasta
dinner and silent auction. Volunteers
contributed salads and pasta sauce. Even our
bus drivers contribute items to our events and
they don’t even have children in the school!
Neighbours have come in and donated flags
and another neighbour donated tape measures
which we have put into bins for teachers to
use. Your efforts mean a lot and they help us
to do better things for all the children. We do
not have our recognition breakfast for
volunteers until June, but please know that
your efforts are appreciated year round!
BUS SAFETY REMINDERS
Ma rtha Kucyla , Office Co- Ordina tor
is a transfer point for students from four
other schools.
We have routines in place that depend
upon your participation to ensure the
safety of all students at these busy times.
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 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 of any
age in the centre of the parking lot or have
them walk unescorted through the lot.
- Please reserve the handicapped spot (to
the right of our walkway) for people who
require this designated location.
- When entering and exiting the parking
lot, please yield to our school buses. They
require a large area for turning and
backing into their designated spots. If
you are picking up your child after school,
please arrive at 3:25 so the parking lot can
be available to our buses when they start to
arrive at 3:40.
The best time to drop off your child(ren) in
the morning is after 8:30, at which time
most of our buses are here and the lot is
more open.
Thank you for your understanding as we
work together for the safety of all.
Parking Lot Safety
Our parking lot is a busy
traffic zone before and after
school. In addition to our Eramosa children
coming to and from school, our parking lot
Bus Delays, Cancellations and
InformationParents can access information about
specific routes and delays at
http://www.stwdsts.ca. Parents are able to
~Page 2~
sign up for email alerts regarding bus cancellations or
delays.
Please note that bus drivers and school staff are not
authorized to approve any temporary or permanent
changes to children’s bus routes. For the safety of all,
any questions or requests of this nature need to be
directed to Wellington-Dufferin Student Transportation
Services at 519-824-4119.
smoking, alcohol and some drugs like marijuana. The
focus of the DARE program is a 4 step decision making
process that helps students make good decisions about
peer pressure and what they would do in a given
situation. Thank you to Constable Bortolato for teaching
our children valuable life lessons.
Mrs. Demysh
HUMANE VALUES PRESENTATIONS
School Buses on the Road Whether on a city street, highway or county road, and
regardless of the speed limit and the number of lanes,
motorists travelling in both directions must stop
when approaching a stopped school bus with its
upper red lights flashing. A flashing stop arm will
swing out while passengers are boarding or leaving the
bus. (The only exception is on highways separated by a
median, in which case traffic coming from the opposite
direction is not required to stop). Once all passengers
have boarded, the STOP arm will fold away. Do not start
moving until the red lights have stopped flashing and the
bus begins to move.
On February 15th, Anthea and her golden retriever, Levi
visited Eramosa Public School where each class was
given a developmentally appropriate presentation geared
to their grade level, which focused on the humane
treatment of animals. Some of the topics included how
to touch pets safely; how the preservation of habitat is
essential to the survival of the species; wildlife
rehabilitation; and exploring the debate over the use of
animals in the circus by reenacting a town hall debate.
Financial contributions to help the Humane Society were
gratefully received.
The penalty for not stopping is significant:
First offence: $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points
Each subsequent offence: $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit
points and possible jail time up to six months
Thank you for keeping student safety as your first
priority when you see a school bus on the road.
STRENGTHENING FAMILIES
(MOUNT FOREST HEALTH TEAM)
EPSAC NEWS
Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the
Valentine Day pasta dinner and silent auction. Thank
you to everyone who was able to cook, help collect or
donate items for the auction, contribute salads or pasta
sauce, helped with set up or clean up, etc. With your
support we were able to raise approximately $1900
which will help fund initiatives that support student
learning in numerous ways. A great time was had by all!
Thanks for supporting the Elmira Poultry fundraiser.
This fundraiser helped to raise approximately $1390.00!
D.A.R.E. PROGRAM
DARE is a 10 week program for the grade 6's run by
Officer Bob Bortolato. It is a multimedia program that
includes a student booklet, power point presentations,
and videos. Students learn about the dangers of
A flyer went home inviting families of children aged 711 to participate in their free “Strengthening Families”
program. Applications are still being accepted. If you
would like more information about this program or to
register, please contact the program co-ordinator Elsa
Mann at 226-343-522 or elsamann1@gmail.com.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February has been designated as Black History month.
Awareness of human rights struggles is one of the first
steps in helping children understand the history of
citizens in Canada and in our world. The Upper Grand
District School Board is committed to helping all
students feel valued and included in our schools and
communities. Included in this newsletter is a brief writeup about Africaville, recommended reading and on-line
resources for further investigation.
Lincoln Alexander died recently but left a lasting legacy
being Canada’s first Black MP (1968), first Black
Cabinet Minister (1979-1980), first Black person to hold
the position of Lieutenant Governor from 1985-1991,
was the Chancellor of the University of Guelph from
1991-2007, was appointed a Companion of the
~Page 3~
For more information regarding the Child Abuse
Order of Canada and to the Order of Canada and was the Prevention Policy and/or Programs please contact
Chairman of the Race Relations Foundation from 1996- Katrina Plazek, Principal or Alyssa Follick, Child and
2003. The 20th anniversary motto of Lincoln Alexander Youth Counsellor.
Public School reads, “It is not your duty to be average.
It is your duty to set a higher example for others to
follow. I did. You can. You will.” Through education our
PERSUASIVE WRITING IN THE GRADE
children will realize a better world.
2/3 CLASS
Recently, many students from Mrs. Semanyk’s class
personally delivered letters to persuade me to make
changes at Eramosa Public School. I wrote back to let
the students know that all the ideas were seriously
The Upper Grand District School Board places a high
considered. Giving descriptive feedback when I wrote
priority on the safety of our students. The Child Abuse
back, it was mentioned that by adding details, their
Prevention Policy is evidence of our commitment to this writers ‘voices’ were evident. The structure of the
priority. The following is a quote from this policy:
persuasive writing, including signal words, was also
helpful in helping organize their ideas. Ideas ranged
“Every citizen in the community shares a responsibility from having an outdoor ice rink which transformed into
for our children. School officials and teachers share this a pool in the summer, to having a school mascot, to
collective community responsibility for creating safe and having special food days. One of the entries is included
nurturing environments for children. Under the Child
and I let the students know that they were very
and Family Services Act, this responsibility includes the persuasive. Well done!
legal requirement to report to the local Children’s Aid
Society any suspected child abuse or other situations
Friday, January 18 th 2013
where a child may be in need of protection. Teachers
and other Board employees have a special opportunity to Dear Mrs. Plazek,
Hi my name is Anna from grade 3in Mrs. Semanyk’s class. I am 8
know and understand children during their most
years old. I’m writing you this letter to ask you if we can maybe
influential years of development. They are in a unique
have a ice cream day and chocolate day. I think you should except
position to be able to see early signs of maltreatment,
this because the teachers will get ice cream and if they don’t want
and to know or hear about the abuse and neglect that is ice cream they can get a chocolate bar instead of ice cream. the
teachers also will get ice cream because all the teachers are so nice
often suffered by children.”
CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION POLICY
AND PROGRAMS
As required in the Policy, we will be teaching ageappropriate lessons to help our students identify abuse
and protect themselves from abusive situations. The
goal is to provide children with the tools they need to
keep themselves safe. The lessons cover a broad range of
safety issues including bullying, stranger danger and
abuse by a known and trusted adult.
During the month of April students in grades one and
three participate in lessons from the Red Cross C.A.R.E
kit and while grade five students will be taught the
“Touching” Child Abuse Prevention program by their
classroom teachers with the support of the Child and
Youth Counsellor. There is no formal program in grade
two, four and six, although the safety concepts are
reviewed by classroom teachers informally
We encourage you to discuss with your child at home,
the concepts taught in the Child Abuse Prevention
Curriculum.
apically the principle witch is you and did a great job making this
school the best school on earth. The second reason why you should
agree to this is because we would only get 3 kinds of ice cream so it
would not be so much to pay for. The third reason why you should
agree to this is because I will stay after school and help you print
the forms for you to give the kids so they can give their parents and
the parents can see it. The next reason why you should agree to this
offer is because if the kids parents don’t agree to the ice cream then
the person can have a chocolate bar instead also if a kid dose not
like the flavers of the ice cream they can have a chocolate bar but
they can only get a chocolate bar if their parents say no or they
don’t like the flavers of ice cream that there are. Then the next
reason that you should agree to this is because we would only have
it once a year so this school would still be a heathy school cause you
have to be healthy In your life. The next reason why you should
agree to this and that it’s a good idea is well because if the classes
ran out of pencils then I would by the pencils for the teachers but
my parents would have to agree to it. Then another reason is kids
can have one of the 4 kinds that are out. The final reason why you
should agree to this is the kids will work harder cause they’ve had a
great lunch. That is why you should agree to having a ice cream
and chocolate bar day .
Sincerely,
Anna
~Page 4~
FOREST OF READING 2013
The Forest of Reading programme is in full swing here
at Eramosa PS. Kindergarten to grade 2 students are
enjoying the Blue Spruce books as part of their library
time. Primary teachers are also incorporating these
books in their language arts curriculum. Silver Birch is a
voluntary program that many of our grade 3 to 6 students
are enthusiastically participating in. These students
choose from three categories, Fiction, Non-fiction, and
Express. The students complete a Reader’s Journal for
each of the books that they read. A student must read
five of the books in order to participate in a province
wide vote on April 22. Many thanks to Susan
Robichaud, who has been assisting with the programme
this year.
Mrs. L. Turk
in this newsletter have been written to ensure the safety
of all school students, staff and community. The decision
to send additional technology is the decision of the
parents/guardians.
RYAN LAIRD PRESENTATION
On March 1st, Eramosa Staff and students are super
excited about having Ryan Laird, 2 time Canadian
Country Music Awards nominee visit our school. Ryan
grew up in Fergus, and now he is following his dream of
becoming a country music superstar.
In 2008, Ryan travelled to
Nashville where he spent his life
savings to put up a Billboard
across from Taylor Swift’s
publishing company that read,
“Hey Taylor. I love your music.
“PUSH THE BUTTON” FIRE SAFETY
Will you please produce my
CAMPAIGN
album? .... Ryan Laird.” She saw
it, read it, and in September of
Fire Safety is always important. Please test the alarms in
2012 he met Taylor at the
your home to make sure they are working by pressing
Canadian Country Music Awards
the button for 10 seconds. If it doesn’t make a VERY
in Saskatoon where she was
loud sound, it is time to replace the battery or the smoke
receiving a Generation Award and he was there as a two
alarm. This is a good time to review your two ways out
time nominee and presenter.
safety escape plan with your child. Please read the insert
included in this newsletter for more information.
Needless to say, we feel very fortunate to have Ryan
with us. He will share his music and also importantly he
will share his experiences about being bullied as he was
EATRIGHTONTARIO - WEBSITE
growing up! Check out his debut single on YouTube
“I’m Your Man” with Leah Daniels. Lucky us!
Everyone has questions on healthy eating, food and
nutrition. On this website you are able to have your
questions answered by contacting a registered dietician
by email or calling a toll-free number 1-877-510-5102.
You will also find useful articles, tips and recipes at
www.eatrightontario.ca. Check it out!
Here are the three easy ways to reach a Registered
Dietitian:
- Visit the website for articles, tips and recipes at
www.eatrightontario.ca
- Email the Email a Dietitian service
Call this toll-free number: 1-877-510-5102
TECHNOLOGY REFRESH SUMMER 2013
The UGDSB will be replacing all the school computers
at Eramosa this coming summer and they will be
providing a classroom set of mobile devices to be used
by students as well. The technology guidelines included
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
Friday
Saturday
KB DA Y
2
PIZZA D AY
March 2013
Calendar of Events
3
4
PM -R YA N LA IR D
PR ESEN TA TIO N
5
6
H OT D OG DA Y
7
8
A M - SK A TIN G TR IP
W H O LE SC H O O L
KA DAY
9
PIZZA D AY
7 PM - EPSA C
M EETIN G
P M - ST A FF &
T EA M P H O TO S
3PM R E C O G N IT IO N
ASSEM BLY
10
11
12
13
14
MARCH
17
18
19
16
BREAK
20
A M - SK A TIN G TR IP
W H O LE SC H O O L
SU B D A Y
15
21
22
KB DA Y
23
PIZZA D AY
12:30PM - GR EEN
LEG AC Y -PR IM A R Y
STUD ENTS
3PM R E C O G N IT IO N
ASSEM BLY
FU N SC R IP O RD ER S
DUE
GRADE 6 MANSFIELD TRIP
24
25
26
27
H OT D OG DA Y
FU N SC R IP O RD ER S
AR RIVE
31
APRIL 1
EA STER M O ND A Y
APRIL 2
SU B D A Y
28
G R . 3 T R IP H E A LT H Y E A TIN G GR AN D R IVER
RA CEW AY - ALL
DAY
APRIL 3
JO HN HO W A R D
PR ESEN TA TIO N
(#1 O F 4)
KB DAY
PIZZA D AY
29
30
G OO D FR ID A Y
EPSAC FAM ILY
G A M E S N IG H T
APRIL 4
APRIL 5
KA DAY
PIZZA D AY
Portable Technology - Eramosa P.S.
2012 - 2013
The use of portable technology is a very real part of our everyday lives, however it is
important to ensure that it is used to enrich the learning environment for everyone. There
are a number of existing and emerging technologies (ICT Information and Communication
technology) including interactive Whiteboards, storage devices, personal digital
entertainment devices (PDEs), MP3 players, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile
phones, laptops, desktops, tablet PCs, gaming devices, assistive and adaptive technologies,
digital cameras, scanners, smart cards and a range of content delivery methods.
The Acceptable Use of Digital Technology (Policy 318) states, “It is the Policy of the Upper
Grand District School Board to provide safe and secure digital technology for educational
and Board business applications. The primary purpose is to support the educational
learning experiences of students through research and communication opportunities, and
to enhance the business operating efficiencies for administrative purposes. This service is
a privilege, not an assumed right. All users must take responsibility for their own actions.”
The Home Use of Assistive Technology Protocol is applicable for those students to whom
this applies.
Cell phones may not be used by students at Eramosa PS to call or text anyone. Students
may not videotape or photograph other students unless there is an educational objective
that has been specified by a teacher. To respect freedom of information, video and photo
images taken at school functions are not to be posted in public domains by anyone without
prior permission.
The Principal has the authority to determine the specific rules for the use of technology in
the school and are subject to change. The Principal delegates authority to the specific
classroom teacher to use technology in their classroom to improve classroom instruction.
Not all teachers will use/permit the same degree of use of portable technology in their
classroom. Teachers will clearly outline when and if portable technology is permitted for
use in their classroom. These expectations will be clearly communicated to the students by
the teacher (supply teacher) on a teacher by teacher basis. This policy will be reviewed
with all students.
Examples of this might include:
- using calculator function on an electronic item
- using an electronic item to research a topic using an internet search engine
- permitting a student to listen to his/her MP3 player when his/her work is finished
If a teacher decides that a student is misusing his/her technology (using it inappropriately,
defying the teacher’s decision for example) in the classroom he/she will follow the
progressive consequence steps listed below:
1st offence - electronic item is taken to the office for the day and sent home at the end of the day
with the student; parent notified of inappropriate use by the teacher Date: ________
nd
2 offence - electronic item taken to the office by the teacher, the parents are phoned by the
teacher and a parent will be required to pick up the item from the office (incident
recorded by the teacher and the office). Date: _____________
3rd offence - electronic item is confiscated by the teacher and taken to the office - the student’s
privilege to bring the specific item to school is revoked - a letter will document that
this is the third incident. The parent will be asked to pick up the item. At this point
the teaching environment, the student’s learning (and/or the rights of others) is being
compromised. Date: _____________
The use of digital or photographic imagery equipment, including, but not limited to, cell phones,
PDAs and cameras is expressly forbidden in all school washrooms and change rooms. Failure to
observe this directive will result in the immediate confiscation of equipment and could lead to
prosecution by the authorities. At all times, personal technology equipment remains the
responsibility of the individuals. At no time will the Upper Grand District School Board be
responsible for or accountable for its loss, theft, inappropriate use, or any damage that may occur
while on school property. The decision to send this equipment rests solely with the parent/guardian.
Digital Respect is at the root of expectations regarding the appropriate use of technological tools.
Digital Respect is making a conscious choice to respect others when using any digital devices and
services. This includes everything from email to online social sites and mobile phones. Digital
Respect is using technology respectfully - that is - not for the purpose of harming others. Digital
Respect is often just “good manners”.
There remains little doubt about the power these new tools have to diminish personal
communication roadblocks, now there is never a reason not to be “available”. However just like
email, there are a number of social concerns that accompany any electronic communications tools.
Our expectation is that all staff, students, parents and guests of the UGDSB will comply with all
Board and School guidelines on practicing Digital Respect. What does Digital Respect look like?
For example:
- parents and staff will turn off their cell phones when they are in an interview/meeting
- parents will call the front desk to inform the staff responsible for attendance about an
unscheduled appointment
- no taking/posting of any photos on a social network site without the express permission of the
person(s) involved
This policy will remain in effect until further notice.
Please see the Acceptable Use of Digital Technology Policy #318 (and Handbook) and the Web
Publishing Policy #312 available on the Upper Grand District School Board Website for more
detailed information.