Kortright Hills Public School
23 Ptarmigan DriveGuelph, OntarioN1C 1B5(519)827-1601Fax (519)827-9251
Kirk Runciman, Principal
Anne Bonnar, Office Co-Ordinator
Kim Kowch, Vice Principal
Rosemary Coghlin, Administrative Assistant
Newsletter for May 2012
From the Principal’s Desk
As the weather turns more spring-like, our thoughts
turn toward the end of the year. However, before
we get too far, there are many activities planned and
educational opportunities yet to be experienced.
The last two months include EQAO, track & field,
ultimate frisbee, special school visits, trips, School
Council’s Ice Cream Social, report cards and Grade 8
graduation. We hope you will join your child in some
of the many activities between now and the end of
the year.
Grade 3 and Grade 6 EQAO
Grade 3 EQAO testing dates have been set for
May28th to May 30th, while the grade 6 students will
be assessed from May 31st to June 4th. It is
expected that the assessment of Reading, Writing
and Mathematics will take approximately two hours
each day.
SMART START FOR EQAO:
* avoid absences to the greatest extent possible
* reschedule appointments
* ensure your child gets lots of sleep
* provide healthy food and snacks
* eat a good breakfast
* give hugs and pats on the back
* be positive
School Organization
Our tentative school organization for
the 2012/2013 school year will be as
follows:
Primary:
4
1
2
1
1
2
1
JK/SK
Grade 1
Grade 1/2
Grade 2
Grade 2/3
Grade 3
Grade 3/4
Junior:
1
2
1
1
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 5/6
Grade 6
Intermediate: 1
2
1
Grade 7
Grade 7/8
Grade 8
This organization is tentative and may change in
September depending upon our enrollment at that
time.
Kirk Runciman
Principal
A Warm Welcome from the Library
Forest of Reading
Congratulations to all of the
students who participated
in our Forest of Reading
programs this year!
All students in
Kindergarten, Grade
One and Grade Two
read ten nominated
picture books and were invited to celebrate at Blue
Spruce parties. A huge "Thank You" to all families
who provided a variety of delicious "blue" snacks
for our parties! Our students voted and decided
that "Giraffe and Bird" by Rebecca Bender was their
favourite, followed closely by "Kiss Me, I'm a Prince"
by Heather McLeod. Our votes will be added to
those of students across the province and we will
find out the winner later in May.
Eighty Grade 3 - 8 students read a variety of
nominated books and celebrated at ice cream sundae
parties last week. According to Kortright students,
the following books deserve to win an award:
Silver Birch Express - "The Time Time Stopped" by
Don Gilmour & "Tales of Ti-Jean" by Jan Andrews
Silver Birch Fiction - "Undergrounders" by David
Skuy
Silver Birch Non-fiction - "Highway of Heroes" by
Kathy Stinson
Red Maple - "Thunder Over Kandahar" by Sharon E.
McKay
Grade 3 - 8 students who completed the Forest of
Reading program have been invited to attend the
award ceremonies being held at the Festival of
Trees on May 15th and 16th. The trips to
Harbourfront in Toronto will also provide the
students with the opportunity to meet the authors
and participate in a variety of literacy activities. All
students are encouraged to drop by the library and
check out one of the nominated books!
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming!
Students and families are invited to
visit the library and browse a large
variety of great books. It's a great
time to stock up on some books to
enjoy over the summer. Did you know that for
every $10 you spend at the Book Fair, $6 comes
directly back to our school? (Provided we meet our
goal of $3000 or more in sales.) In addition, since
this is our second book fair this year, we will be
able to select an additional 10% in free books
from the Book Fair!
Your support of this vital literacy fundraiser is key
to our obtaining new books and resources for our
library and classrooms. In particular, I am planning
on using the proceeds of the book fair to purchase a
variety of non-fiction books to update our Social
Studies and Science curriculum areas.
Book Fair Hours
Friday, May 4th
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Monday, May 7th
8:00 - 10:30 am
2:00 – 7:00 pm
Tuesday, May 8th
8:00 - 10:30 am
2:30 – 4:00 pm
Wednesday, May 9th
8:00 - 10:30 am
As always, thank you for your continued support of
our library programs!
Sheila Morgan
Teacher Librarian
Library Website:
https://sites.google.com/a/ugcloud.ca/khpslibrary-learning-commons/
School Stuff
Information Changes for September
To assist us with enrolment projections
for September, please inform the
office if you plan to move out of the
Kortright Hills attendance area.
Should you know of any families
moving into our area and who are
planning to attend school here in
September, please ask them to call the school at
(519) 827-1601.
With the return of good weather,
more of our students are riding
their bikes to school. It is
important that you share safety issues with your
child of safe riding on the streets. If your child
rides his/her bike to school,
please remember that a helmet
and a lock are necessary.
Students are to walk their bikes
on school property.
Summer Clothing & School
Hopefully we have seen the last
of snow for many months. As the
temperature rises, we ask you to
remember that students must
dress appropriately for school.
Please follow the guidelines listed below:
•
•
The rules of the Safe Arrival program state that
the school must know why a student is
not present on any particular day.
This means that office staff will
continue to try to contact parents
until one is reached. Please assist us
by notifying the office, either by
calling or sending a note to the school
office (519 827-1601 ext. 200) if your child(ren)
is/are going to be late or absent.
Morning Attendance
Bicycles
•
Safe Arrival - Notifying the School of a
Student Absence
protect yourself from the harmful ultra violet
rays of the sun by wearing hats, long sleeve
tops and applying sun screen,
clothing must be free of symbols of hate,
gang membership or images that portray
violence, death, abuse, alcohol, cigarettes,
drugs, racial or obscene words, political or
sexual statements.
muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, low scooped
necklines and shirts exposing the mid-rift
should not be worn at school.
Keep clothing meant for the beach at home and
remember to have children wear comfortable,
conservative clothing to school.
Please help your child to be at school when the bell
rings – 8:45 for Intermediates, 8:50 for JK - 6.
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.
Online Tip Sheet for Students
The Privacy Commissioner of Canada has launched a
series of new tools to help
teachers and parents communicate
with young people about the privacy
risks associated with online
activities, and help students better
protect their information online. The
tip sheet offers 12 practical tips for parents who
want to talk to their kids about privacy in the online
world. The tips include some simple ideas and advice
that parents can use to help limit the risks to their
children’s personal information, while still allowing
them to benefit from and enjoy their time online.
http://www.youthprivacy.ca/en/tipsheet.html
Grade 8 Graduation
The graduation ceremony for Grade
8 students will be on Tuesday, June
26th at 6:00 pm in the Kortright
Hills P.S. gymnasium. Following the
ceremony, there will be a reception and
dance for the graduates. Any questions may be
forwarded to Mme. Franco at
diana.franco@ugdsb.on.ca.
Lost and Found
We have many, many items in the lost and found box.
If your child is missing any clothing
items, please remind him/her to
check the hall by the front entrance.
Parents are welcome to
check this area as
well. Items will be available this
week and next, and anything
unclaimed will be donated to a charitable
organization.
Body Sprays
In response to the growing number of children and
adults who are sensitive to strong scents such as
those found in body sprays, we are
requesting that students refrain from
using them in school. We request
parents assist their child(ren) in
choosing body sprays that do not contain
strong scents.
Special Olympics
Once again this year, Kortright Hills students will be
participating in a Special Olympics
Track and Field Meet. The focus of
this event is friendly competition and
companionship. It will take place on
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 at St. James
School on Victoria Road. In the event of rain,
the Olympics will be held on Friday, May 25th,
2012.
Earthkeepers’ Program
Our Grade 5 students participated in the
Earthkeepers’ program offered by the Board again
this past April. Earthkeepers is a 3-day intensive
program designed to give grade 5 students a better
understanding of the interconnectedness of living
things and how what we do affects many other
systems of life. It was held in Eden Mills on April
13th, 16th & 17th.
A great experience and fun time was had by all!
From the Ministry
The Ontario Fun Pass is back, and it’s packed with
great money saving coupons for Ontario kids! Use
these coupons for a free child’s admission when
accompanied by a paying adult at 22 terrific Ontario
attractions. Plus, families will save $2 on a daily
parking permit at over 300 Ontario parks.
Starting in June, the Ministry of
Tourism, Culture and Sport will
offer the Ontario Fun Pass online at
www.ontariofunpass.com. Just type in
your child’s last name and school board, print the
coupons and redeem them at any of the participating
Ontario attractions. It’s that simple!
The Ontario Fun Pass – Your child’s ticket to the
world of history and science, art and nature.
Get out and play in Ontario this summer!
School Council
School Council met on Monday April 16th.
The Kinder “garden” project is well underway.
Thanks to all the parents who have donated their
equipment and time. Keep
watching – rocks and plants will
soon be added, with completion
of the entire project scheduled
for the end of May. Anyone
interested in being part of the garden maintenance
team over the summer is asked to contact Angela
Krueger by e-mail at akrueger@golden.net.
The Ice Cream Social is scheduled to take place on
Thursday, June 7th (rain or shine) – mark your
calendars! If you would like to be part of the
planning committee, please join us for the next
meeting - Monday, April 30th at 6:30 in the school
library. The success of the event is dependent on
our volunteers, so come on out and help make the
evening a success! Keep your
fingers crossed for lots of
sunshine on the 7th.
You have hopefully received information home about
the Spring Flower Fundraiser. Flowers are being
supplied by Waterloo Flowers and they have
provided a beautiful assortment to
choose from. All completed order
forms (with payment) are due back to
the school by Wednesday , May 2nd.
Plants will be available for pick up on
Monday, May 7th between 3:00 and 6:30
pm in the school gym. What a great idea for
Mother’s Day!
The next council meeting is scheduled to take place
on Monday, May 14th at 7:00 pm in the school library.
Hope to see you there!
From the Guelph Police
What:
Where:
When:
Time:
Open House
Downtown Headquarters
Saturday, May 12th, 2012.
10am - 4:30pm
In our gymnasium we will have
interactive Traffic display
(breath devices, radars) with
MADD Canada (impaired goggles
and intoxaclock simulator), Guelph
Police historical display, interactive Identification
display (fingerprinting and a model crime scene),
interactive Communications display (911 call
experience), Tactical display (will have a vest, utility
belt and hat for kids to try on so bring your
cameras), Project Lifesaver display, Crime Stoppers
info booth and VIP booth
Traffic Display
10:00am – 4:30pm
Licks charity BBQ
10:00am - 3:00pm
Help raise money for Cops and Kids Xmas
K9 Demonstration
11am and 4:00pm
Bicycle inspection
10am
1pm
1am
1pm
Practice rodeo
– 12:00pm
– 3:00pm
- 12:00pm
- 3:00pm
Bring your bike to have it checked for all its proper
safety equipment and also practice some of the bike
rodeo skills with School Safety Officers.
Building Rappel
2:00pm
Tactical response unit will rappel off Police station.
Taser Demo
3:00pm
Check out a police cruiser.
We will draw for prizes for those citizens who
attend.
Fraud Crimes Unit Presents:
What:
Where:
When:
Time:
Fraud Presentation
CRESC Building 160 Clair Road
Tuesday, May 15
7:00pm
The Guelph Police would like to educate
the citizens of Guelph how to know about
the different scams in our city. Teach
people how to identify scams, report it and stop it
from happening!
Topics:
Fraud:
Internet/ Telemarketing Scams
Door to Door Sales
Identity Theft
Recognize it! Report it! Stop it!
Tech Crimes Unit Presents:
What:
Where:
When:
Time:
Facebook and Internet Safety
CRESC Building 160 Clair Road
Wednesday, May 16
7:00pm
It will include live demonstrations by investigators.
Since the demonstration will be done in our building
we will be able to use our internet connection to
show some of the sites we discuss in our live
presentations. It will really add to the
impact of the presentation.
For the presentations we request that
you contact us to advise that you are attending.
Contact can be made by email –
michael.gatto@police.guelph.on.ca or by calling 519824-1212 voice mail 7324.
These two presentations are to cover off the two
most common areas that people are being
victimized.
Knowledge is your best defense!
May 2012
SUNDAY
MONDAY
30
TUESDAY
Day 2
1
WEDNESDAY
Day 3
DAIRY EDUCATOR - PRIMARY
John Howard Society
Anti-bullying
Scientist in School
2
Day 4
9:00 Jump Rope for
Heart
R.A.K. – Random Acts
of Kindness Club
THURSDAY
3
Book Fair
FRIDAY
Day 5
John Howard Society
Anti-bullying
7
Day 2
Drama Club
8
Day 3
Gr 2/3 Art Club
Day 1
5
Gr’s 6/7Development Ups & Downs
12:45 SHARKS Swim Gr 4/5 & 5B
Grade 1 Art Club
1:30 SHARKS Swim Gr 3A & 2/3C
Gr 2/3 Art Club
6
4
Book Fair Previews
SAT
9
Day 4
10:00 War Horse –
Intermediates.
Emergency Preparedness
Day – Gr 6’s
10
Day 5
John Howard Society –
Anti-bullying
11
Day 1
9:00 Bicycle Rodeo
12:45 SHARKS Swim Gr 4/5 & 5B
12
Grade 1 Art Club
EDUCATION WEEK
BOOK FAIR
13
Happy
Mother’s
Day
20
14
Day 2
15
Day 3
8;00am Red Maple Trip
Drama Club
John Howard Society
Anti-bullying
21
VICTORIA DAY
SCHOOL IS
CLOSED
22
Day 2
John Howard Society –
Anti-bullying
1:30 SHARKS Swim Gr 3A & 2/3C
16
Day 4
8:00am Silver Birch Trip
9:00 Canada At War Trip
17
John Howard Society –
Anti-bullying
28
Day 1
Gr. 2’s - Scientist in
School
29
Day 2
Gr 7 & 8‘s Vacinations
Kdgn Pottery Workshop
Drama Club
E.Q.A.O. Grade 3’s
18
Day 1
19
12:45 SHARKS Swim Gr 4/5 & 5B
1:30 SHARKS Swim Gr 3A & 2/3C
Character Ed - HONESTY
23
Day 3
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
9:00 Gr 1 Trip
24
Day 4
John Howard Society –
Anti-bullying
Drama Club
27
Day 5
25
Day 5
RAIN DATE - SPECIAL
OLYMPICS
12:45 SHARKS Swim Gr 4/5 & 5B
1:30 SHARKS Swim Gr 3A & 2/3C
Grade 6’s to Mansfield
30
Day 3
City Track & Field – Int.
Kindergarten Pottery
Workshop
31
Day 4
June 1
Day 5
RAIN DATE - City Track & Field –
Intermediate
E.Q.A.O. Grade 6’s
26