JUNE JOTTINGS

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JUNE JOTTINGS
30 June Avenue
Guelph, ON
N1H 1H6
Phone: 519-824-4560 Fax: 519-824-9520
Principal: Ms. C. Kay
Office Coordinator: Mrs. D. Roosenboom
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission at June Ave. P. S. is to teach skills that assist each child in his/her academic,
social and emotional development. We do this by using all our available resources and
expertise through team collaboration and planning. We do this so that all children can learn
and achieve their potential.
January 2016
NEWSLETTER NO. 5
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
Happy New Year and Welcome Back!
Thank you to everyone for their Christmas cards and kind holiday thoughts. I trust that
everyone had some special family time with loved ones and we are now ready to tackle the
last part of winter and the end of term one.
Starting a new year is exciting and offers a chance to start fresh with renewed
enthusiasm, the real secret to success. A key way to build success in your child is to stay
involved with your child’s progress. We value your partnership to support the learning of
your child as we recognize that parental involvement reinforces the importance of school.
Teachers regularly welcome volunteers to their classrooms for a variety of supporting
roles; listening to students read, practicing skills, helping with special tasks,
accompanying on filed trips, the list is endless. If you have some time throughout the day
or even just over a nutrition break, please consider giving your time to help out in the
school. You will benefit from this experience and as well as helping out our students.
Sincerely,
Chris Kay
Children Learn What They Live
If children live with hostility,
they learn to fight
If children live with ridicule,
they learn to be shy.
If children live with tolerance,
they learn to be patient.
If children live with encouragement,
they learn confidence.
If children live with praise,
they learn to appreciate.
If children live with fairness,
they learn justice.
If children live with security,
they learn faith.
If children live with approval,
they learn to like themselves.
If children live with acceptance, and friendship,
they learn to find love in the world.
Family Literacy Day
Since the year 2000, January children and adults have celebrated Family Literacy day by
participating in activities that promote reading and learning as a family activity. This
special day communicates the important message to child and parents in our community
that the reading and learning activities we engage in as a family contribute to the
development of good communication skills.
Plan to join June Ave on January 27th, as we celebrate with activities involving language
and math that your child can bring home to share with the family. We will conclude the
day with some snuggle up and Read time so send along a favourite stuffed animals or
blanket for snuggling with while we do independent and partner reading as a school. More
information will follow in once activities and timing is confirmed.
Take time to enjoy a good book and
celebrate Family Literacy Day!
RECORDING SCHOOL EVENTS AND PRIVACY
Parents, family and friends who personally record school events and then subsequently
post them on social networks like Facebook or You Tube is not respectful of the privacy
rights of all those parents, staff and particularly students whose images they share
without their knowledge or permission.
Please remember our Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy.
VISITORS TO OUR SCHOOL
Just a reminder, that anyone visiting our
school must check in at the office.
Whether you are dropping off homework,
lunches or other items it is important
that we know who is in the building. For
the safety of our children
please honour this request.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
JUNE AVE PUBLIC SCHOOL
THE GIVING TREE
Our school community can be very proud of
the bounty of food and non-perishable
items donated for the food bank. Students
were proud to add to their families’ gift
under this tree and know they were helping
families in need at this time of year. Thank
you to Ms. Pennesi and the students of the
Free The Children Club.
INDOOR SHOES PLEASE
Parents are asked to send indoor shoes which can double up as running shoes for physical
education.
We want students to be prepared for school and in the event of an
emergency when we have to exit the school building. This is a good
time of year ask your child if their shoes still fit. The students do
lots of growing in the four months they’ve been at school!
WANTED!
Junior/Senior Kindergarten Students
for September 2016.
The Kindergarten years is a 2 year blended program offered to students who are 4 years
of age by December 31 in any given year. With first and second year students blended
together for “Play Based Learning” children spend their days learning and growing
together and senior kindergarten students, aged 5 by December 31, learn valuable
leadership skills working with younger classmates.
Beginning in February, we will be registering children for our kindergarten group. If you
or someone you know in the neighbourhood has a child who is or will be 4 years old by
December 2016, please encourage them to register in the office. Formal registration will
take place February 1 - 5, 2016. Please remember that you have to
register in person and you must show your child’s birth certificate
(or other form of birth verification), their immunization record
(yellow card) and show proof of address.
Student Safety -School Lockdown Drills
In the interest of student safety, the Upper Grand District School Board had directed
all schools to conduct at least one Lockdown drill each school year. A lockdown is used
when it is suspected that an intruder has entered the school and poses a threat to the
safety of our students and staff. Detailed procedures have been developed in
conjunction with our local police services and provided to all schools as part of our
emergency procedures manual.
June Ave will practice the first of 2 drills to be conducted this year on Thursday,
January 21 at 2:30 pm.
In a lockdown, students and staff are directed to secure areas where doors can be
locked and the children are kept out of sight (such as classrooms and portables) No one
may leave their secure area until they receive an “all clear” from the authoritieis.
Please note that during a lockdown no one will be able to enter or leave the building. In
the event of a real lockdown, only emergency responders (police etc) will be allowed to
enter the building.
The end of the DRILL will be announced over the PA; however, in a real lockdown, classes
will be released, in person, by the emergency responders.
Lockdown drills are just one way, along with regular fire and tornado drills, that help us
continue to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Students will become familiar
with lockdown drills as they are with Fire and Tornado Drills which we are also required
to do each year.
Teachers will explain the procedure and purpose of our lockdown to students prior to our
first event on Thursday, January 17th, 2016. After the drill, teachers will de-brief with
students to reinforce it was only a practice and the reason for it.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the drill please contact Miss. Kay. She
will gladly clarify this safety practice for you.
Recess/Lunch in Extreme Cold
Unless the wind chill temperature, and conditions on our playground prove prohibitive and
unsafe for outdoor play, recess will continue, although sometimes shortened to balance
the need for fresh air and exercise with safety and health considerations. These breaks
also provide teachers; valuable preparation time for the next learning block, meeting with
and supporting students requiring extra help, time to communicate with parents as well as
time for networking with colleagues. Please consider that if your child is too ill to go out
for recess, they are probably to ill to be at school.
Parents and guardians should be aware that frigid temperatures present a risk of
frostbite within minutes of skin being exposed. Environment Canada warns that when the
temperature is between -28 to -39°C, exposed skin can freeze in just 10 to 30 minutes.
Parents and guardians should ensure their children are dressed properly for frigid
temperatures.
PARKING
As we enter a new year we are anticipating the presence of snow resulting in
growing high banks along June Ave. This dramatically reduces the visibility in
a high volume traffic area, in front of the school. To ensure the safety of
walkers, especially our students, parents are reminded that parking is
permitted further along June Ave toward Kathleen and Brentwood. Additional
parking is available behind the school at the end of the catwalk. For the safety of our
students, your children, we respectfully ask that you observe and obey the No Parking
areas.
Our student patrols need to be able to see up and down the street to ensure
the safe crossing of our students, and the buses that provide transportation
for our students need a clear area in which to safely load and unload our
students. Please be aware that the Police and By-Law Officer will have an added
presence in our school zone area, especially at drop off and pick up times, to ensure the
safety of our school community. Thank you for your cooperation when choosing safety
over convenience.
PARENTS make the difference
This is the time of year when we attempt to make out New Year’s resolutions stick.
Why not consider taking on a reading resolution that’s easy to make stick? Here are a
few suggestions that are easy and fun, will help encourage your child to become a
better reader.

Read with your child every day. Reading aloud is the most important thing you can
do to encourage a love of reading. As you read, you also help build your child’s
vocabulary and interest in reading.

Make a comfy place for your child to read away from the television and computer

Show interest in listening to stories by having your child read aloud to you. You
can be the worker; doing the dishes, folding laundry (any quiet, still task) and your
child can read to you. Respond to their reading by chuckling at the
funny parts, commenting when expression is used and asking them
to reread when it doesn’t sound right. They’ll know you are listening
and that what they’re reading is of interest to you too.
Head Lice
Here is what you need to know:
 Check your child’s scalp once a week under good lightning
 Teach children how head lice are spread and how to avoid them
 Keep long hair tied back
 Do not share headgear such as hats, scarves, hair clips, helmets or headphones and do
not use other people’s pillows, towels, combs or brushes.
Surviving Winter
As we all know, winter WILL arrive and there will be cold and blustery days ahead. We
will undoubtedly have times when it is necessary to cancel student transportation
services due to bad weather. In some cases, the decision may be made to close schools.
Transportation
Transportation to and from school is provided by Services de transport de WellingtonDufferin Student Transportation Services (STWDSTS). STWDSTS has inclement
weather porcedures for school buses which are common to all five school boards in
Wellington-Dufferin region.
Information about bus cancellations along with school closures due to bus cancellation will
be posted on STWDSTS website by 6:30 a.m.
STWDSTS defines four division across Upper Grand for transportation services. Our
division is Division One (Yellow). An email will be sent ot those who subscribed to
STWDSTS dekays and cancellations. Otherwise, stay tuned to CJOY 1460 AM, Magic
106.1, CTV Kitchener/CKCO-TV, 570 News AM, CHYM 96.7 FM, Country 106.7, 105.3 Kool
FM, Oldies 1090 AM and 107.9 FM (Y108)
Remember: When buses are cancelled, June Ave is OPEN for those who can safely walk to
school. If busses are cancelled in the morning they will not run in the afternoon.
Students who are dropped off in the morning must be pick up at the end of the day.
Students are dismissed at 3:30 pm
Don’t Forget: If your child is a walker and will not attend school on a day when buses are
cancelled, please call the school each time to let us know that your child will not be at
school.
School Closures
Each morning, the general manager of STWDSTS will assess the temperature in all four
divisions of the UGDSB using Environment Canada’s Wind Chill Index by 5:15 am.
When the 7 am forecasted temperature is -35°C nor colder with wind chill, schools may
or may not be closed. The decision is a joint decision of the Directors of Education of the
Upper Grand and Wellington Catholic District School Boards with Board Chairs.
If the decision is made to close schools, an alert will be posted on the board and school
website, and local media will be alerted.
Winter Patrol Duty
At minus 25 Celsius (including the wind chill), safety patrol duty is reduced to
the last five minutes of the morning scheduled time and the first five minutes
of the afternoon scheduled time. Parents and patrols should check the local
radio stations or internet weather reports for temperature readings.
MATHEMATICS as a way of thinking
In the last few years, there has been some confusion around the “new” way of doing math.
It is important to note that today’s math includes all the same mathematical concepts and
facts as the “traditional” math, the only real difference is in the way students learn this
information. Today’s math focuses on understanding math ideas by encouraging discovery
and exploration through problem solving.
In our math curriculum, there are 7 mathematical processes: problem solving, selecting
tools and computational strategies, reasoning and proving, representing,
communicating, reflecting and connecting The goal of these processes is to help
students become more confident problem solvers.
Below you will find the processes broken down into questions. These questions are meant
to be used as coaching tools to help students with their mathematical thinking. Try them
at home. You may be surprised by the answers!
Solving the Problem
 What is the question and what do you need to do?
Selecting tools and strategies
 Will you need to add, subtract, divide or multiply?
 What tools or technology would help you?
Representing (Showing the work)
 How are you going to show your ideas? (graphs, numbers, words and symbols)
Reasoning (Making sense)
 Does your answer make sense? If not, do you need to fix or change something?
Communicating (Sharing it with others)
 How can you explain your answer in writing?
Reflecting (Making it personal)
 What worked and what did not? Why?
Connections (Seeing relationships)
 Does this problem remind you of anything?
11
18
25
10
17
24
31
4
3
Sun
Day 2
Day 1
Day 2
Day 2
BACK
TO
SCHOOL
Mon
Day 3
School Council
Meeting
7 p.m.
Day 3
Day 3
26
Day 2
Guelph Storm Visit
11:30.—12:30
19
12
5
Tue
Day 4
27
20
Family Literacy
Day
Day 3
Day 4
Day 4
Grade 5 & 6’s
to River Run Centre
13
6
Wed
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
28
Talent Show
P.M.
Day 4
Lockdown Practice
2:30 p.m.
21
14
7
Thu
January 2016
29
22
15
8
1
Pizza Day
Day 5
(no school)
PA Day
Pizza Day
Day 1
Pizza Day
Day 1
NEW YEAR’S
DAY
Fri
30
23
16
9
2
Sat
June Avenue Parent Council Minutes – December 8, 2015
People Present: Ronnie, Ruth F, Debbie R, Andrea M, Marnie T, Dave C, Erin S, Chris K
Regrets: Dana S, Lori H, Martha A
Special thank you to Marnie for hosting our meeting in her home!
Acceptance of November 2015 Minutes and Acceptance of December 8th Agenda - group
all in agreement for both
Treasurer’s Report – Lori was not able to be at the meeting so no financial information was
shared at this time. This will be revisited in January.
Principal’s Report 
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Teacher sanctions are over – everything is in full swing
RiverRun trips have started – Grades 1, 2, 4 and 5 have been so far
Holiday Carol Sing planned for the entire school last week on Mon, Wed, Fri
Westminister Woods drama production taking place Tuesday
December 11th Report Cards Go Home
December Staff Meeting – focus was on Inquiry Learning (Book Study – Natural
Curiousity)
Crimson Maple Tree planted on behalf of Mr. Roosenboom – special thank you to Pioneer
North and Dana for having this work completed
Grade 3 Green Environment Group – will be continuing to work on Eco School goals, waste
audits and Yard clean up. Boomerang lunch initiative will begin in January (less garbage at
school can lead to more money for school supplies). School will be supported by the
Environmental Lead Teacher at the Board. Ronnie is available to help this group on
Tuesdays and Thursdays as needed
Miss Kay is hoping for another placement round of McMaster Nursing students – main
focus would be on environmentally friendly and healthy lunches for kids
Teacher codes have been initiated for photocopying
Many teachers have already used their $100 and submitted claims
It was again brought up that parents would like all teachers if possible to book Scientists in
the Classroom ( make use of the funding provided by parent council)
Lunch program going well – offered Tues, Wed, Thurs and run by University volunteers
(approx.. 30 kids per day use this program – combination of need and want)
Superintendent Gary Slater was in for his Fall visit – commented on the “happy school
culture” of June Avenue – great news!
Reading Tutor this year is Marnie – June Ave was given 10 hours per week for Primary
students – more training/structure provided this year and hours to begin soon
Fundraising
Norcard fundraiser made approx. $2000 - but poor disorganization and customer service on
Norcard’s end – many missing items and backordered products . We will likely try
something new for next year to avoid future frustrations with Norcard. Thank you Dana for
all your hard work and to Martha for also helping to sort/hand out items.
 Bag2School bags will be picked up next week – phone message to go out to families to
remind them about the December 16th pick up date. There will be another pick-up in the
Spring.
 Terra Cotta cookie fundraiser started – kids happy with the cookies (they come on Fridays
at 2nd Break – same day as pizza). It was decided that we will try the Cookie Dough
fundraiser also through this company – order forms to go home Feb. 1rst and to be collected
after Family Day weekend.
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New Business
Mrs. Ford shared that some money will be requested in future to replace/supplement the
leveled text readers for Primary division – supports home reading program
 Issue was brought up by Andrea about leveled text reading support for Junior Division –
Fontas/Pinnell has a good Reading Benchmark Assessment Tool and costs $400. This issue
will be considered by staff and Miss Kay

Next Meeting: Tuesday January 12th, 2016 7:00 – 8:00pm All Welcome!
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