Kortright Hills Public School 23 Ptarmigan DriveGuelph, OntarioN1C 1B5(519)827-1601Fax (519)827-9251 Kirk Runciman, Principal Anne Bonnar, Office Co-Ordinator Julie Young, Vice Principal Rosemary Coghlin, Administrative Assistant Newsletter for December, 2012 From the Principal’s Desk Now that we have turned the calendar to December, it’s almost time for the holiday break! We look forward to seeing many of you at our Family Fun Day on Saturday, December 8th, helping our school community celebrate the holiday season. With only a few weeks to go until the holidays begin, the entire staff of Kortright Hills Public School wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday and all the best for the New Year! The holiday break begins on Monday, December 24th and school resumes on Monday, January 7, 2013. If you are looking for Christmas presents for that student who is hard to buy for, remember BOOKS make great gifts. Ten good reasons why books make the best presents: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Books don’t have to be assembled. Books don’t need batteries. Books never come in the wrong size or colour. Books don’t need spare parts. Books don’t need to be serviced by a dealer. Books don’t need watering or fertilizer. Books don’t need extension cords. Books don’t have zippers that break. Books don’t bite, scratch or kick. Books don’t go out of style. Wellness Fair A great big thank you to our School Council for organizing the Wellness Fair that was held in our school gym during the evening of Wednesday, November 14th. Over 250 people attended the interactive event that brought together more than twenty community agencies offering helpful personal and family information to the fair’s visitors. Congratulations and thank you on a job well done! Snowballs With the cold weather comes the falling of snow. Snow is a very fun part of the winter season for our students, however, it can generate trouble if it is not used appropriately. Please help us remind our students that snow stays on the ground at school, and if they pick up snow, they pick up trouble! Kirk Runciman Principal A Warm Welcome from the Library Have you completed your Christmas shopping yet? Books make great gifts! The Scholastic Book Fair arrives Thursday, December 6th. Students will be visiting the Library on Friday for a preview, and sales will begin on Saturday, December 8th during the Family Fun Day event, continuing until Wednesday, December 12th. Saturday,December 8th Family Fun Day 10:00am-1:00pm Monday,December 10th 8:50am-10:50am 2:30pm-3:20pm Tuesday,December 11th 8:50am-10:50am 2:30pm-3:20pm Wednesday,December 12th 8:50am-10:50am Thanks in advance for supporting our Literacy fundraiser which will help us to continue to provide a variety of books for students to access through the Library, as well as providing our staff with high quality resources and literacy materials to support learning in the classroom. A special thank you to the parents and students who have volunteered to help with the Book Fair. I couldn't do it without each one of you! Thank you! Sheila Morgan - Teacher Librarian sheila.morgan@ugdsb.on.ca School Stuff Lost and Found Our lost and found has reached capacity! Items will be on display in the main foyer on Saturday, December 8th during our Christmas Family Fun Day. Please take a look to see if any of your children’s lost clothing has been found. Any items remaining after Friday, December 14th will be taken to the Salvation Army. Before and After School Supervision The playground is supervised by staff beginning at 8:25am Students should not be arriving before that time unless they are going to a supervised activity (e.g. sports practice). If your child walks to and from school, he/she should leave the school immediately after the bell at 3:20 and proceed directly home. Morning Attendance Please help your child to be at school when the bell rings – 8:45am for Intermediates, 8:50 am for JK – 6 students. This minimizes disruption for classrooms during learning time, and it places the value of time management on students – a life-long skill. Please also remember to have your child check in at the office, if he/she is late. If the announcements are on, he/she will need to wait quietly in the front foyer until announcements are finished to check in and receive a late pass. Dropping Students at School Recently a number of parents have been taking their students to their classrooms after the morning bell has rung. This is a reminder that parents need to drop late students off at the office to report in and get a late slip from the office. This assists us greatly with our Safe Arrival Program – thank you for helping to keep our children safe! Inclement Weather It is the parents’ responsibility to determine whether or not it is safe for their child to leave for school in inclement or severe weather. A parent must be aware of the following: • 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. • While we have an excellent transportation system, buses may be delayed in the morning due to traffic, poor road conditions, mechanical breakdowns, etc. To ensure your child is not stranded at his/her pick-up point, please make sure he/she knows what to do and where to go if the bus is more than 15 minutes late. Listen for messages on your local radio station for the City of Guelph - Yellow Card. Bus/Taxi Cancellations During times of inclement weather, please listen to our local radio stations: 1460 AM CJOY, 106.1 Magic FM or 900 AM CHML, 107.9 FM CJXY, Oldies 1090 AM, 105.3 FM CHYM, 1150 AM CKOC, 102.9 FM CKLH, 820 AM CHAM, CKCO-TV for school transportation cancellations. Information on bus/taxi cancellations and school closures are also posted on the Upper Grand District School Board’s website: www.ugdsb.on.ca. If your child(ren) regularly travel(s) by bus, parents DO NOT need to inform the school when the buses are cancelled. If, however, your child(ren) regularly walks to school, you are asked to leave a message on the 24 hr attendance line (519 8271601 ext. 200) for any absence or late arrival. PLEASE NOTE: On days when buses/taxis are cancelled, unless otherwise informed, the school will be open and a regular school program will be offered. Also, if parents of bus students drive their child(ren) in the morning, they must also pick them up at 3:20 p.m. Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten Registration will take place during the week of February 4th to February 8th. To register for Junior Kindergarten your child must be four years old on or before December 31st, 2013. To register for Senior Kindergarten (if your child is new to our school) he/she must be five years old on or before December 31st, 2013. If you can’t register during this week, please call the school office at 519-827-1601 to arrange an alternate time. You must bring your child’s birth verification and his/her immunization record and proof of address to register. Holiday Food Drive Kortright Hills students have decided to help fellow citizens of Guelph who are less fortunate by sponsoring a holiday food drive this year. Collections for the Food Drive will begin Monday, December 3rd and will continue until Wednesday, December 12th. All nonperishable items will be very much appreciated. Old Magazines If anyone has any old magazines they would be willing to donate to the school for a class project in January, please drop them off at the office at your convenience. Playground Safety Our play structures are now closed for the season. They will reopen at the beginning of April or when the ground thaws out in the spring. Safety Patrollers & Winter As the chilly weather fast approaches, the school safety officers provide hot chocolate as a special treat to street patrollers on duty. In order for students to take advantage of this special offer, they must bring in an insulated mug with a lid, to be kept at school until the March Break. Please bring in your mugs after the Christmas Break. From the Guelph Police Department Wednesday November 21, 2012 Traffic Complaints Addressed Around Area Schools The Guelph Police School Safety Office has received numerous complaints from elementary schools with regard to the safety of their students before and after school. The primary problems are congestion of vehicles in bus loading zones, areas that prohibit vehicle parking and stopping, and excessive speed in school zones. School Staff and Guelph Police work diligently to ensure the safety of students. However, without the help of parents and caregivers obeying all sign in the areas of the schools, it is virtually impossible to make sure all students arrive safely. Each school has a Safety Patrol Program. The students who volunteer for this very important job and assist students to cross safely are also at risk. We ask that parents walking students to school, please cross with the Safety Patrollers and wait for them to cross students. This will educate younger students to cross with the Patrollers when they start walking on their own. “No Stopping” and “No Parking” signs are posted in the areas that are designated school crossings. If vehicles are parked or stopped in these areas, patrollers cannot see around them. This puts all students at risk. Please park in designated areas for drop off. The Guelph Police are asking that all parents and caregivers who drive or walk their child/children to and from school, to please make sure that all signs on the roadway and parking lots are obeyed and to cross with the Safety Patrollers. If we all work together, we will decrease the odds of a child being seriously hurt or killed. REMEMBER IT’S BETTER TO LOSE ONE MINUTE IN LIFE…. THAN TO LOSE LIFE IN A MINUTE Winter Active... Smoke-Free Movies - Monday, December 10 2012 Are You Ready For The Season? Be involved in your children’s winter activities and make if fun and safe for everyone. Are your kids being hooked by Hollywood? Last year in Ontario 88% of movies with smoking were rated G, PG or 14A. A new study showed that smoking or implied smoking in child and youth rated movies rose 34% from 2010 to 2011! Follow these tips to keep the family safe: 1. Dress for the weather. The outer layer should be waterproof. 2. Wear the right gear. Helmets should be worn for skiing, snowboarding, skating, and tobogganing. 3. Practice snow safety. Make sure children don’t play in snow banks near the road, as snow ploughs may not see them. 4. Watch for frostbite. Signs of frostbite include tingling, numbness, burning and/or changes in skin colour. If you suspect frostbite go inside immediately, take off wet clothes and replace them with warm ones. Call your doctor if the area remains discolored or numb. For more tips on kid’s safety check out Why is smoking in movies an issue? The more children and teens see smoking in movies, the more likely they are to start smoking. How is smoking linked with movie ratings? Currently, the Ontario movie rating system does not consider smoking when assigning a movie rating. By making changes to the current rating system, young Ontarians could be protected from a life-long tobacco addiction. What can I do? To learn more about smoking in movies visit smokefreemovies.ca or visit the Hooked by Hollywood Facebook page every Thursday for updates on newly released smoke-free movies. From the Health Department Health - What a good feeling! 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's an alternative called FluMist®. 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. Because FluMist isn’t publicly funded, there is a cost of $20. Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health 1-800-265-7293 www.wdgpublichealth.ca info@wdgpublichealth.ca Bullying: It’s Up to Everyone to Stop It! From School Council Bullying is: The Family Fun Day will be held on Saturday, December 8th from 10am-1pm. This year proceeds raised from our raffle table will go to support Kids Ability. There will be a bake table, a Gingerbread House draw, refreshments, entertainment, a craft table, and the Scholastic Book Fair. This is also when poinsettia orders can be picked up. It will be a wonderful event, so please come out to support a great charity and have fun while doing it! We are always looking for volunteers to help out at these events, so please contact us if you are interested in volunteering at the Family Fun Day. • Being mean to others, on purpose, to hurt them or their feelings • About power and control • Occurring every seven minutes on elementary school playgrounds and most often happens while others watch • Does not stop when children are left to deal with it themselves What to Do If a Child Is Being Bullied; • Believe what they say, listen and try to understand their feelings • Involve children in community activities to help them make friends • Contact the school to talk about the problem and get support Communication is important, talk to your child about bullying and be sure to let the school know as soon as possible if you suspect your child is being bullied. Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season We would like to thank everyone who helped make our Wellness Fair a big success on November 14th. We had over 250 people attend the Fair. There were 17 organizations providing information, Andrew FordKHPS alumnus and 2012 Olympian, healthy snacks and lots of fun. Thank you so much to our student and parent volunteers who worked hard to make it happen! We are offering Mabel’s Labels as our ongoing fundraising initiative. If you would like to purchase labels as well as support your school, please visit our website at www.kortrighthills.mabel.ca to place your order. DECEMBER 2012 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 3 Day 2 4 Day 3 Mad Science 9 10 5 Day 4 6 Day 5 Book Fair Arrives Gr 6’s VIP Bullying/Cyber Bullying & Internet Safety VIP+ Gr. 7’s Drugs & Criminal Activities VIP+ Gr. 8’s Social/Mobile Internet Safety & Sexting 7 Gym Unavailable After Lunch Today BOOK FAIR Day 4 13 14 15 Day 4 20 Day 5 9:00 a.m. Christmas Assembly Mad Science Day 2 11 Day 3 12 Day 5 Day 1 Book Fair Previews Day 1 8 FAMILY FUN DAY BOOK FAIR Mad Science 16 23 17 Mad Science Day 2 18 Day 3 19 Christmas Hat Day (Santa, Elf, Reindeer….) Silver, Blue & White Day (Think Snowflakes Tinsel & Sparkles) Dress Like a Christmas Tree Day 24 CHRISTMAS EVE 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 26 BOXING DAY Christmas Eve P.J. Day 27 CHRISTMAS BREAK - SCHOOL IS CLOSED 30 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE 1 NEW YEAR’S DAY CHRISTMAS BREAK - SCHOOL IS CLOSED 21 Day 1 9:00 Christmas Assembly 22 Red, Green & White Day 28 29 ‘December 2012 Community News’ 23 Ptarmigan Drive, Guelph, ON 519.837.0974 Email: khng@bellnet.ca or Website: www.khng.ca Join us in the Community room for social/meetings 3rd Thursday of each month PLEASE NOTE: KHNG next meeting Thursday January 17th, 2013 @ 7:00 pm. UPCOMING SOCIAL/RECREATIONAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS: KHNG Annual Holiday Social: Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group 5th Annual Holiday Social Let’s Celebrate This 2012 Holiday Season As A Community, Greeting New Neighbours, Enjoying Good Food & Fun Childcare available so you can enjoy a night out, details listed at bottom of flyer. 2012 Holiday Social Is Hosted By KHNG & Tuesday December 4, 2012 6:30 - 7:00 pm meet & greet 7:00 - 9:00 pm Full Buffet Dinner Limited tickets available purchase today!! $20.00 per person (tickets must be paid for in advance – cash or cheque) Contact khng@bellnet.ca to order and pay Pick up your tickets Mon to Thurs 3:30 pm to 5:30pm Attention Parents: A Movie night will be offered in the community room for your children. A Holiday Movie, Pizza, Popcorn and Drink will be available $5.00 per child. Pre-registration for this service is required. Email today if you are interested. Happy Holidays!! KHNG Friday Movie Night in the Gym: Feature Presentation: ELF Join Us Friday December 14th, 2012 in the gym; doors open at 7:00; movie to begin at 7:30 pm; suggested donation of $1 per person would be appreciated; bring your lawn chairs, blankets or sleeping bags; tell your friends, families and neighbours, popcorn and refreshments available for a small fee. We are looking for volunteers to assist us with this event, if you are interested Email: khng@bellnet.ca 26TH GUELPH SCOUTING GROUP: Interested in joining BEAVERS, CUBS, SCOUTS, VENTURES…REGISTER NOW for the 2012/2013 Scouting year. All sections due to begin the middle of September, contact us for dates. Registration forms are available on our website www.26thguelph.scouter.ca The 26th Guelph Scouting Group sections meet at Kortright Hills Public School gym: Mondays 6:30-7:30 Beaver Scouts ages 5-7 meet Wednesdays 6:30-8:00 Cub Scouts ages 8-10 meet Tuesdays 7:00-8:45 Scouts ages 11-14 meet Mondays 7:00-9:00 Venture Scouts ages 14-17 meets For program details and further scouting information contact Paul or Leone 519-821-6948 or Email 26thguelph@w.scouter.ca or visit our website www.26thguelph.scouter.ca KHNG SOCIAL/MEETING DATES: Consider getting involved with your neighbourhood group. Mark your calendars and join us for our next social/meeting date Thursday January 17, 2013 @ 7:00 pm in the Community Room (side entrance of KHPS) all are welcome to help plan our next community events Friday Movie in the Gym Night (December and January), KHNG Holiday Social and other upcoming recreational/family events planned in the New Year. KHNG UPCOMING EVENTS/SOCIALS MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND: KHNG Holiday Social – December 4, 2012 - Creekside Restaurant at 6:30 pm, Tickets must be purchased in advance Movie in the Gym Night – December 14, 2012 – Doors open at 7pm; Movie to start at 7:30pm; Feature Presentation “ELF” Movie in the Gym Night – January 11, 2013 – details to be announced KHNG Meeting – Thursday January 17, 2013 – come out and help plan upcoming events, new members welcome WinterFest – February 3, 2013 – details to be announced KHNG COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES: RINK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: KHNG is endeavoring to have an ice rink in Mollison Park this winter. As you may recall there has been a rink out by the ball diamond on and off over the years. With Mother Nature’s assistance we would like to have a rink for all to use these coming months – hockey games, pleasure skating, families skating and KHNG upcoming WinterFest in February 2013. As such we are seeking individuals who would be willing to spend time building and maintaining the rink. If you have an evening or two a week that you could spend flooding the rink or clearing snow we would like to hear from you. Email khng@bellnet.ca if you are interested or sign using this link www.SignUpGenius.com/go/5080F4EAEAE2FAB9-rink Hope you can help to create a rink for the community this Winter. KHNG LOOKING FOR USED TOYS: KASP (Kortright after School Program) is in need of some toys for games and sport activities. We are reaching to you, the Kortright Hills Community to see if you could donate any used items that you no longer need. Balls (soccer, football, basketball, tennis balls, dodge balls, volley ball), Badminton Raquets, Birdies, mini sticks, the balls for scoops and balls or similar balls, Skipping Ropes, Frisbees, Hockey Sticks, Hockey Nets, Games, Lego, Toys/Toy sets, Sand Toys and any outdoor other toys. Email khng@bellnet.ca if you can donate any of the listed items for our KASP children to play with during the program. KHNG WEBSITE: Visit www.khng.ca to view our website Check it out!! Register and become a member. Our site offers, current events, current programs, monthly calendar, discussion forum, quarterly newsletters and minutes of our meetings. Become a member, register now!! Join KHNG on Facebook - surf over to http://www.facebook.com/groups/304228836299974/ and join the group. It’s a great place to share ideas, photos and link with other neighbours. KHNG NEED VOLUNTEERS: We need volunteers to assist with KASP “Kortright After School Program” and planning of social/events. Get involved and share your ideas and talents to help bring our community together. For further information contact Leone our Neighbourhood Support Coordinator by email khng@bellnet.ca KHNG ELECTRONIC MAILING LIST: Join KHNG mailing list to receive newsletters/posters of recreational and social events within your neighbourhood. E-mail Leone, KHNG Outreach Coordinator to add your e-mail to our electronic list. KHNG COMMUNITY ROOM: Are you looking for a place to hold a community meeting, start a club, provide a workshop, have an idea for adult or children programs and would like to share your time/ideas with the neighbourhood? E mail KHNG to find out more information and/or to book the use of our community room. KHNG QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER: KHNG also sends a newsletter out four times a year, next issue March 2012. If you wish to advertise your business (sponsorship fee will apply), share your favourite recipe with your neighbours, write an article of interest, you are a student looking to offer your services (ie: babysitting, cutting/raking the lawn or garden work) and wish to put your ad information in our newsletter E-mail khng@bellnet.ca. This is a great way for Kortright Hills Neighbourhood to come together by sharing thoughts, talents and services available, neighbours helping neighbours. Next KHNG newsletter is January 2013, deadline for e-mailed submissions December 15th, 2012. 26TH GUELPH SCOUTING GROUP NEED PARENT VOLUNTEERS: 26th Scouting Group is looking for parent volunteers to assist our leadership team with Beavers, Cubs and Scouts sections. If interested please contact Paul Schadenberg, 26th Guelph Commissioner for further information phone: 519-821-6948 or email: 26thguelph@wellington.on.scouts.ca. Join the adventure. KHNG PROGRAMS AVAILABLE: PHOTO CLUB: Are you interested in digital photography? The photo club is for you. We meet the first Monday evening of each month in the community room @ 7 pm. Bring your talent and share your photos with our group. Contact Gregg Parsons for more info 519-824-6107 or woodwatr@sentex.net and to also be put on our mailing list of meeting events. NOTE: Next Photo Club Meeting December 3, 2012 KASP (KORTRIGHT AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM): “KASP Winter Session – KASP Creative Arts!” beginning Monday January 7 to Thursday March 28th, 2013 (11 weeks). KASP is offered Monday to Thursday from 3:20 pm to 5:30 pm in the community room of Kortright Hills Public School. This themed program is offered to children in JK to Grade 6. Join us for a fun-filled 2 hour session consisting of snack, themed educational activities, active games and free play in the school gym or outside (weather permitting)! JK and SK students will be escorted to the community room after school by a KASP staff member. “KASP WINTER SESSION” REGISTRATION BEGINS EARLY DECEMBER, CHECK OUR WEBSITE WWW.KHNG.CA FOR DETAILS KASP Spring session April to June 2013 registration package will be available early March, watch our website for further details. HOME DAYCARE SUPPORT GROUP: If you are providing child care in your home in our neighbourhood, come to the community room on Wednesday mornings from 9:30-11:30 to meet with other caregivers and children. Call Carmel at 519.837.3351 for more information. (NOTE: Contact Carmel for details of when this group meets) KHNG Neighbourhood Calendar December 2012 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 9 3 4 5 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm Photo Club 7pm—9pm KHNG Holiday Social Creekside Kitchen 6:30 pm 10 11 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 6 KHPS Police Presentation 11:15 to 3:00 pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 12 13 KHPS Mad Science Program 12:40—1:40pm Ventures Meet 7-9pm Girls Hockey Assoc. 11am to 2pm Jen meeting with Aradhma 2pm to 4pm 23 Happy Holidays 17 18 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 19 Meeting 7-9pm 20 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 8 KHPS Poinsetta Orders KHPS Family Fun Day 10am to 1pm 14 KHNG Friday Movie Night at 7:30 pm “ELF” 15 21 22 Happy Holidays 28 Happy Holidays 29 Happy Holidays Last Day of KASP for 1st Session Ventures Meet 7-9pm KHNG Meeting 7pm 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day Happy Holidays 30 Happy Holidays KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 26th Guelph Committee KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 16 7 KHPS Mad Science Program 12:40—1:40pm 31 New Years Eve 26 Boxing Day 27 Happy Holidays Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group 5th Annual Holiday Social “creating a village in the city” The office of KHNG is located in the Community Room at Kortright Hills Public School 23 Ptarmigan Drive. Guelph, ON Let’s Celebrate This 2012 Holiday Season As A Community, Greeting New Neighbours, Enjoying Good Food & Fun Childcare available so you can enjoy a night out, details listed at bottom of flyer. 2012 Holiday Social Is Hosted By KHNG & Phone: 519.837.0974 E-mail: khng@bellnet.ca Our Neighbourhood Group meets 7:00 pm on the 3rd Thursday of the month in the community room at the school. Join us to plan our next event! Visit: http://www.khng.ca 115 Downey Road Unit 10, Guelph 519-821-7477 www.creeksidekitchen.ca Tuesday December 4, 2012 6:30 - 7:00 pm meet & greet 7:00 - 9:00 pm Full Buffet Dinner Limited tickets available purchase today!! $20.00 per person (tickets must be paid for in advance – cash or cheque) Contact khng@bellnet.ca to order and pay Pick up your tickets Mon to Thurs 3:30 pm to 5:30pm Attention Parents: A Movie night will be offered in the community room for your children. A Holiday Movie, Pizza, Popcorn and Drink will be available $5.00 per child. Pre registration for this service is required. Email today if you are interested. Happy Holidays