David Marquis, Principal
Brenda Sherry, Vice-Principal
OCTOBER 2014
Lindsay Redpath, Office Co-Ordinator
397 Stevenson St. N, Guelph ON, N1E 5C1
Tel: (519) 763-7374 Fax: (519) 763-6344
Principal’s Message
Wow, it’s difficult to believe, but September has already come and gone! What a
beautiful month it has been. We have enjoyed a very smooth start-up with all students
and staff settling in nicely. I feel confident saying that EVERYONE has enjoyed the
beginning of this new school year. Time flies when... we’re having FUN!
September was busy, many classes have already been on trips, and all classes have
been experiencing exciting classroom instruction and activities. The learners and staff
at École Edward Johnson are now into full swing for what promises to be a fantastic
2014-15 school year.
On September 16th, we had our first School Council meeting of this year. It was great to
see so many parents come out to learn about what is going on at Edward Johnson and
to offer input into the many ways that Council supports our school. The research is
clear: increased parental involvement results in increased student achievement.
Thanks to all who were able to join us!
As we begin October, I am pleased to say that we are all getting ready for another busy
month ahead. Special events this month will include “la journée super-héros”, a visit
from the Guelph Hydro Safety team, a PD day on October 24th, Thanksgiving is
October 13th, Photo Day is on October 27th and of course, Halloween on October 31st.
Here’s to a great October!
David Marquis
School Greening and New Play Spaces for our Students
After much hard work and planning, we are pleased to announce that phase 2 of the
Earthscape playground project initiated by School Council in 2013-2014 is complete.
On September 18th, the temporary fencing was removed and students eagerly accessed
the re-designed section of their playground. On behalf of the students, we thank
parents for all your fundraising last year and especially those who donated their time in
late August to be part of the watering team ensuring that trees and sod would flourish.
In addition to 3 new soccer pitches, the project includes a performance stage, seating
areas, naturalized sandbox, balance beams, tether ball posts, tag posts as well as
walking pathways. Truly great spaces to be shared by all! Thank you School Council!
Twitter at Edward Johnson
This is a reminder that École Edward Johnson is now on Twitter. Currently, we count
98 followers and growing daily. Follow us at @EJ_PS for news about our school, as well
as helpful links about learning, school events, and community resources. Of course, we
will continue to provide our website updates and regular newsletters as well.
Please be advised of the UGDSB Transportation Policy:
It is the responsibility of parents to determine whether or not it is safe for their children
to leave for school in inclement or severe weather.
a) When a bus does not travel a route in the morning due to fog, ice or snow conditions,
it will not travel that route in the afternoon.
b) If parents elect to drive their children to school, they are responsible for their
childrens’ pick-up at dismissal time.
Individual Education Plans
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a written plan describing the special education
plan and/or services required by some students with accommodated or modified
programs. These plans are based on a thorough assessment of the student’s strengths
and needs which affect the student’s ability to learn and demonstrate learning. An IEP
will contain instructional accommodations and/or modifications of a student’s program to
assist in achieving learning expectations. IEPs for students reflecting accommodations
will only be sent home once, at the beginning of the year. On the other hand, IEPs
reflecting modifications will be sent home at the beginning of each term and will outline
the student’s learning goals for the term. If you have any questions regarding your
child’s Individual Education Plan, please speak with one of our resource teachers or Mr.
Marquis for further information.
School Photo Day
Photo Day at École Edward Johnson will be Thursday, October 27th. Please try to avoid
any appointments for your child on this day so that all our students can have their
individual photos taken and most of all, be part of the traditional class photo. We’ll
expect everyone to be wearing their smiles to school on the 27th!
Terry Fox Walk
September 24th was our Toonies for Terry Walk. Students and staff participated in a
school-wide assembly under the direction of Madame Caudarella and Madame Pelchat
which was followed by an outside run to recognize and support the fight against cancer.
Our students raised $1085.85 to help support the battle against cancer. Well done
Eagles!
Colder Temperatures
As we approach the colder winter season, we remind you to please assist us in helping
your child be prepared for the weather as it can be quite cold on some days, especially
early morning with the recent frosts. Students need to dress warmly for the outdoor
recess periods. For some of our little ones, a change of clothes (socks) can also be
necessary when those rainy day puddles come into play.
Allergy Reminder
Please be reminded that we do have students at our school who are severely allergic to
peanuts and nut products. We ask for your continued support in
creating an environment that is as allergen-free as possible.
Student Lunchroom Behaviour Expectations and Responsibilities
1. Stay in your seat unless given permission
2. A hall pass is needed to use the washroom or drinking fountain
3. Clean up your eating area and put your garbage away
4. Use an indoor talking voice
5. Stay in your designated classroom
6. Leave in an orderly fashion when dismissed by monitors
7. Listen to Lunchroom monitors and supervisors.
School Council
Being a member of School Council is an excellent way to have input into our school’s
activities and becoming involved in your child’s school life. School Council members
take lead roles in numerous projects to enhance the learning environment at school.
Our first meeting was held September 16th. Please join us on October 20th at 6:30 pm
for our next meeting. Hope to see you there!
Parent Involvement at School
There is a great deal of information and research that talks about Parent Involvement in
Schools. There are Parent Involvement Committees, Parent Advocacy Groups, Parents
for Education, Parent Councils as well as many other parent organizations in which you
may become involved with. In today’s world – parents are pressed for time. So what do
you say when you get that request from us, your children’s school, to volunteer? How
can you fit it all in this school year? How do you stay involved in your child’s education,
manage all of your other responsibilities and carve out even a minute for yourself?
The good news is that the research about Parent Involvement has shifted. While we
used to talk about parents being in the schools (which we still love to see happen), it
now talks about ways that we can work together to support your children’s well being
and learning. John Hattie (2009) suggests that you can best support your children’s
learning by talking with them. When you do this, he suggests that children will be more
successful at school. As the start of the 2014-2015 school year begins, make it a daily
habit to talk with your children about their day at school. Other than the traditional,
“What did you do at school today?” try these questions to get more than the typical
“nothing” response.
What helped you learn today?
What was hard for you today?
What are you going to try to do differently tomorrow?
What questions did you ask today?
What questions could you have asked?
What are you interested in learning more about?
As your children’s teachers, early childhood educators, educational assistants, principal,
office and custodial staff, we value and want your support. Support however comes in
many shapes and sizes. Being involved means being a partner in your children’s
education. It means talking and working with your children’s teacher to ensure your
children are coming to school each and every day this school year ready to learn.
Support means being a listener, asking questions, mentoring, being a coach, talking
about school and being a co-learner (Building Parent Engagement 2011). Parent
Involvement means holding high aspirations and expectations for our children. (Hung &
Ho, 2005) Expect the best from your children, hold the bar high and, this school year,
when you ask, “What did you do at school today?” don’t accept “nothing” as a response.
There’s a lot going on in school and as partners in your children’s education, we want
you to know about our day at school!
Student Punctuality
Being on time is an important life skill that we encourage all our students to display.
When students arrive on time, they receive an overview of the day’s activities and allow
the teacher to efficiently complete the general housekeeping activities such as taking
attendance or the collection of forms and money. They hear the announcements which
inform them of general school information and are a part of the opening
exercises. Being on time also eliminates unnecessary disruptions to
classes. We appreciate the effort made by most students to be on time.
Punctuality is a benefit for the students as well as a courtesy to others.
Reading Tutor
The Ministry of Education continues to provide funding which allows us to offer extra
assistance in reading for students in our primary and junior grades. Again this year, we
have hired a reading tutor who will work one-on-one with specific students for twenty
minutes two times a week here at our school. Our reading tutor is Madame Appleton
who is experienced in this role and is excited about the idea of helping our students
improve in reading.
Helping My Child Be Successful
Helping your child reach his or her full potential at school begins by being actively
involved in his/her learning at home. By being involved, you encourage good learning
habits and support your child in making good choices about his or her future.
As a parent, you are the most important influence in your child’s life and when it comes
to formal education, you play a key role in student success. One of the best ways to
ensure success is to READ, in any language and at any age. You can also help by
talking to your child about his or her day, helping to create homework routines and by
ensuring that your child is prepared for school each day. Being well rested, properly
dressed and having nutritious food allows your child to be ready for a busy day.
Getting involved can be challenging! Work and family responsibilities often conflict with
school. Language, transportation, as well as cultural or financial issues can also be
barriers. By communicating with the school for assistance when needed, or speaking
with your child’s teacher, everyone can find a level of involvement that can work.
BE A PARTNER
IN YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION
Mathematics as Problem Solving, Communication, and Reasoning
Everyday children go about their daily lives exploring and discovering things around
them, and by doing so they’re exposed to the world of mathematics. And since
mathematics has become increasingly important in this technological age, it is even
more important for our children to learn math at home, as well as in school.
Attitude is Important
How do you as a parent feel about math? Your feelings will have an impact on how your
children think about math and themselves as mathematicians. Take a few minutes to
reflect on these questions:
Do you think everyone can learn math?
Do you think of math as useful in everyday life?
Do you believe that most jobs today require math skills?
If you answer "yes" to most of these questions, then you are probably encouraging your
child to think mathematically. Positive attitudes about math are important for your child's
success.
Helping your child learn to solve problems, to communicate mathematically, and to
demonstrate reasoning abilities are fundamental to learning mathematics. These
attributes will improve your child's understanding and interest in math concepts and
thinking.
A problem solver is someone who questions, investigates, and explores solutions to
problems. They stick with a problem to find a solution and understand that there may be
different ways to arrive at an answer and attempt different ways to get there. You can
encourage your child to be a good problem solver by involving him or her in family
decision making using math.
To communicate mathematically means to use words, numbers, or mathematical
symbols to explain situations; to talk about how you arrived at an answer; to listen to
others' ways of thinking and perhaps alter their thinking; to use pictures to explain
something; and to write about math, not just give an answer. You can help your child
learn to communicate mathematically by asking your child to explain a math problem or
answer. Ask your child to write about the process she or he used, or to draw a picture of
how he or she arrived at an answer to a problem.
Reasoning ability means thinking logically, being able to see similarities and
differences about math concepts in different domains and make choices based on those
differences or similarities. You can encourage your child to explain his or her reasoning
behind answers and encourage them to ask themselves, “Does this make sense?” As
you listen, you will hear your child sharing his or her reasoning.
School Handbook
Our school handbook has been uploaded to our school web site. The handbook
includes school routines and guidelines as well as our Code of Conduct. We ask that
you please read and review this document with your child. Being informed about our
school will help everyone know what is expected and what needs to be done.
.
PLEASE HELP US KEEP OUR STUDENTS SAFE!
Online French Homework Help
www.FSLHomeworkToolbox.ca
Visit this website to find a user-friendly resource for:
-Parents with children in French Immersion
-Learners and educators in other FSL programs
-Students in French Immersion who need help with homework
-General tips for learning French
-Popular French books and music
Learning French is fun! At FSL Homework, you will unlock the toolbox and discover a
world of resources to help you in learning French.
Environment Club at Edward Johnson
Starting October 9, for grades 4,5,6, we will starting our environment club. Participants
will do announcements, practice skits, and do multimedia presentations in order to
promote environmental stewardship through litterless lunches. A school wide Litterless
lunch challenge will be undertaken in November, and the environment club will be
organizing an assembly to kick off the event. For those who attend the club regularly,
there will be a field trip in the spring to further promote the importance of reducing,
reusing and recyling. Please come and join us
Healthy Eating
Preparing lunches day after day can be a challenge!
Make sure you pack lunches that have all four food groups in Canada’s Food Guide:
Include at least:

One fruit or vegetable,

one serving of milk or milk products (like cheese or yogurt)

One meat or alternative (like sunflower seeds or hard- boiled eggs)
 One whole-grain item
Here are resources to help you:

Canada’s Food Guide available from your school nurse or
www.wdgpublichealth.ca

Healthy eating on a budget. Visit http://www.mhp.gov.on.ca/en/healthyontario/healthy-eating/eathealthy-budget.asp

Healthy eating resources at www.eatrightontario.ca
When we improve what we eat, we can make a big difference to our health and wellbeing for years to come.
October 2014
Celebrate International Walk to School Day
Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Walking is good exercise. It’s a way to increase physical activity among children.

Walking keeps the air clean. It reduces the number of cars on the road, which
ultimately reduces air pollution

Walking enhances stamina and gives more energy. Children who walk are more
alert and ready to learn.

Walking relaxes a child, lessens anxiety and tension.

Walking to school empowers children thereby fostering independence.

Walking is economical. You will not need to fill up your legs with gas.

Walking is educational. You will better admire all the beauties in your
neighbourhood.

Walking is fun and a great way to meet new friends.
Great Job!
There is no question that everyone loves a compliment. Our confidence grows, we feel
happy and motivated, we get a sense of accomplishment. But what if the only feedback
we ever received were statements like ‘great job’? Okay….what we did was good, but
how do we get better? What do we need to improve? What, specifically, about what we
did was ‘great’? One of the things Educators are working on in Ontario is looking at how
to go beyond the “great job” and “good try” feedback to give more of what’s called
Descriptive Feedback to students around their learning. The goal of giving descriptive
feedback is to improve student learning in a specific and targeted way. The most
effective time for students to receive descriptive feedback is during the learning process
so that they can take the feedback given to them and move their learning forward or
improve on what they are doing. Often descriptive feedback takes the form of a strength
what the student is doing well, and a next step what they need to work on next. Usually
the feedback is based on “Success Criteria”, which is a list of criteria that have been
written, in collaboration with students, and posted for students and teachers to access
throughout the learning. The goal is for students to always know how to be successful.
Definitely Educators are going to be the main people giving students feedback.
However, classrooms are also including opportunities for students to give each other
descriptive feedback and time for students to self-reflect on their learning and where
they are based on the Success Criteria. This is part of students taking ownership for
their learning and improvement with the Educator there to provide descriptive feedback
and coaching along the way. In the words of leadership expert, Dr. Ken Blanchard,
“Feedback is the breakfast of champions”. With descriptive feedback students know
precisely what they have done well and what their next learning goal is. It is through
giving specific, targeted feedback that Educators can help each student reach their
goals and celebrate success. Heather Dyer, Elementary Curriculum Leader