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 March, 2012
From the Principal’s Desk
A tremendous amount of school spirit was on display
at the February 26th Guelph Storm
hockey game where more than 230
parents and students enjoyed a
lovely rendition of O’ Canada, sung
by our Primary Choir. Led by Mrs.
Gray and Mrs. Phelan, the choir did
an outstanding job representing our
school, and everyone in attendance was very proud of
their efforts. It must also be noted that the 230
people who attended the game represents the
largest number of tickets sold by the Guelph Storm
to a school for the purpose of supporting its choir.
Thank you parents and students and congratulations,
choir!
Kirk Runciman
Principal
Twelve Things Kids Say They Wish Their Parents
Would Do!
1.
Please make me work for my allowance and
special privileges but give me a break to do
the fun stuff I really love.
2. Watch for a while before correcting me maybe I will self-correct and then be sure to
tell me about the growth you see in me.
3. Correct and give me praise in private - it’s
embarrassing when you do it in front of
others.
4. Encourage me to try new things and remind
me that mistakes are part of learning.
5. Tell me what you like about me and then give
me a chance to do things on my own.
6. Share your excitement about the world with
me.
7. You could always apologize and say you’re
sorry when you mess up.
8. Help me be organized with my belongings and
school work.
9. Let me know that you understand and
acknowledge my feelings.
10. Spend some time with me doing my kind of
fun stuff.
11. Treat me as if I were your best friend’s
child.
12. Even though I am a kid, include me in the
choices about the things that impact me.
In the journey of being a parent, it’s important to
stop along the way to reflect about parenting skills
and how important it is to remember that you are
your child’s first teacher!
How will my child learn math?
Children learn math best through activities that
encourage them to:
•
explore;
•
think about what they are exploring;
•
solve problems using information they have
gathered themselves;
•
explain how they reached their solutions.
Children learn easily when they can connect math
concepts and procedures to their own experience.
By using common household objects (such as
measuring cups and spoons in the kitchen) and
observing everyday events (such as weather patterns
over the course of a week), they can "see" the ideas
that are being taught.
An important part of learning math is learning how to
solve problems. Children are encouraged to use trial
and error to develop their ability to reason and to
learn how to go about problem solving. They learn
that there may be more than one way to
solve a problem and more than one
answer. They also learn to express
themselves clearly as they explain
their solutions.
A Warm Welcome from the Library
Library News
Our library continues to be a very busy place. It is
fantastic to see the library filled with students
reading and talking about Forest of Reading books
during our conference times every morning. The
Forest of Reading program will continue until late
April when students who have read the minimum
number of books will be invited to vote for their
favourite. If you are interested in learning more
about the program or blogging about the books,
please visit the Forest of Reading pages on our
library website. http://goo.gl/sDTuU
The "Nearly World Famous" Dufflebag Theatre
group performed for the students and staff on
February 17th. Students from Kindergarten through
Grade 8 were treated to a retelling of the classic
tale "The Three Musketeers". The interactive
storytelling performances had students and staff
joining in the fun! Many thanks to parents for
supporting us in sharing this educational theatrical
opportunity with our students.
Author Visits
Some of our primary students enjoyed a visit from
author Magdalena Sterbik in February. The
students enjoyed listening to her new book, "Lily and
Blue", and learning about living in the Barbados. A
copy of the book was autographed and donated to
our library by the author.
In March, we will welcome two authors. On March
8th, local Guelph author Renna Bruce will visit our
Kindergarten through Grade 3 students and
introduce her series of fun and educational books
starring "Jazlyn J". Renna Bruce has also generously
offered to donate some of her "Jazlyn J" books to
our library collection!
Grade 3 through 8 students will have the opportunity
to meet Deborah Ellis, the internationally acclaimed
author of a number of award-winning titles for
children, including the "Breadwinner" trilogy, and
current Red Maple nominated "No Safe Place". A
peace activist and humanitarian field worker,
Deborah Ellis has traveled the world to meet with
and hear the stories of children marginalized by
poverty, war, and illness. Students who are
interested in reading some of Deborah Ellis' books
(both non-fiction and fiction) prior to the author's
visit have been invited to join a special book club.
Our library currently has 37 copies of books by
Deborah Ellis.
For more information about the authors visiting
Kortright, please check out our library website.
http://goo.gl/yaB7y
Don't forget to pick up a book to read during the
March Break!
Sheila Morgan
Teacher Librarian
Library Website: http://goo.glyaB7y
School Stuff
March Break
Please remember that March Break
for students is from Monday, March
12th to Friday,
March 16th.
See you on Monday,
March 19st. Have a restful and
enjoyable week.
A Job Well Done!
Congratulations to all staff and students on the
successful lockdown drill that occurred on February
10th. Keep up the great work!
Student Absence
Please do not send your child to school
when he/she is not feeling well.
Students who don’t feel well, don’t
learn well. If you are keeping a child
home for any reason, please contact the
office with that information before
9:00 a.m.
We have also had numerous parent notes requesting
that their child remain inside at recess time as (s)he
is still getting over being ill. In some cases there is
a need for them to stay indoors, i.e., broken limb.
Also, there are times when a doctor’s note is
required stating the reason why your child has to
stay indoors. It is not always possible to supervise
these children during recess and it is expected that
all children will go outside at recess. Please consider
keeping your child at home an extra day so (s)he can
recover and return prepared for the full school day.
If you have changed your personal information
(address, telephone numbers,
etc.) please inform the school
office ASAP.
Allergies
Many students suffer daily from allergies. Reactions
to allergic substances vary from relatively mild
irritations, such as itchy eyes,
sneezing, scratchy throat, etc., to
potentially fatal conditions where
the sufferer experiences breathing
problems and/or anaphylactic shock. A
student who is allergic to peanuts often
falls in this second category. There are
students at Kortright Hills P.S. who react to nuts.
Please be aware that there may be restrictions in
your child’s class to protect a
student with such an allergy. We
ask you to abide by any
restriction(s) that may be imposed
in these cases and in the case of
nuts or nut products, we ask that
you avoid sending any to school.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Sabrina’s Law
Sabrina’s Law, an Act to Protect
Anaphylactic Pupils came into
effect January 1, 2006. Each
student with a life-threatening allergy
must have a detailed Life Threatening Illness
Management Plan. All staff have copies of these
plans and have training in the administration of the
epi-pen. Parent volunteers must be aware of these
plans as well. If you are volunteering in a classroom,
please check with your child’s teacher about any
students who have a Life Threatening Illness
Management Plan.
Visitor Reminder
Adults entering the building are asked to come to
the office and sign in. If you are staying to
volunteer or as a visitor for an event,
please pick up and wear the
appropriate badge from the office.
Adults in our building who are not
wearing a visitor’s badge will be
asked to return to the office to sign in.
To keep disruptions in the classrooms to a minimum,
parents picking up students are asked to come to the
office and wait for their children to meet them. If
children are reminded in the morning when to come
to the office to meet a parent and the teacher has
been made aware of the absence, this will go a long
way to keep the disruptions in the classroom down.
If you need to give your child the rare, forgotten
lunch or binder, please drop it off at the office and
we would be happy to make sure they receive it.
Finally, parents needing to speak to a teacher are
asked to phone ahead and request an interview time.
Thank you for your cooperation with this initiative as
we endeavour to keep our students safe.
If you have any questions or concerns, please
contact the office.
Kindergarten Registration
If your child will be new to the school
and you have not had a chance to register
for junior kindergarten as of yet, please
do so as soon as possible. In addition, if
you have a new neighbour, please pass on this
message to them so that they register quickly.
Dressing Warmly
We try to go outside for each recess and we do
monitor the weather carefully. Our
students need fresh air and love to play
outside. Thank you to all parents for
providing hats, snowsuits, scarves, mittens
and footwear for your children. A change of socks
and mittens is also very helpful with our often muddy
playground. Shoes must be worn at all times. Please
provide your child with a pair of indoor running
shoes! Our floors do get wet.
Safety, Safety, Safety!
The front of the school is a very busy place between
8:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. and 3:35 p.m.
Buses, cars and students are prominent during these
times and parents are reminded to respect the
safety measures that are in place. The
parking lots of the school are not to be
used as drop off points for our students.
Parking is available in designated areas
along Ptarmigan Drive, Merganser Drive
and Mallard Court. Parents are also reminded to
have their children cross at the cross-walk at the
front of the school should they be picking up on the
other side of the street. We have also had some
drivers doing U turns without making sure that it’s
clear. Please use extra caution when dropping off
your children on Ptarmigan.
Traffic Facts
•
•
•
Approximately 115 children are killed each
year due to pedestrian injuries.
Approximately 1,800 children are
hospitalized each year due to pedestrian
injuries.
Most traffic injuries occur at
non-intersection locations, ie.,
darting out into traffic.
PLEASE CHOOSE SAFETY OVER CONVENIENCE
TO KEEP OUR STUDENTS SAFE!
School Council
Thanks to everyone who came out to cheer on our
primary choir at the Feb. 26th Storm game. A total
of 231 tickets were sold to Kortright Hills students
and family members. Our choir’s inspiring
performance spurred the Storm to victory,
defeating the Kitchener Rangers by a score of 6-3.
Angela Krueger has been instrumental in leading the
way towards obtaining a $1000 Grant from Toyota
Evergreen Learning Grounds. These funds will be
used to “spruce up” our kindergarten area. If you
wish to be a part of the Kinder “Garden” team,
please contact Angela directly at
akrueger@golden.net . Thank you Angela!
Mabels Labels is an ongoing fundraising initiative for
the school. Please visit the school’s personal
website: www.kortrighthills.mabel.ca to place your
order.
Please mark Thursday, June 7th on your calendars as
KHPS’s annual Ice Cream Social.
The next Parent Council meeting is scheduled for
Monday, March 26th at 7 pm in the library.
Everyone is welcome!
March 2012
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
Day 3
FRIDAY
2
Day 4
SATURDAY
3
Guelph Music
Festival
9:00 – 12:00
4
11
DAYLIGHT
SAVINGS
TIME BEGINS
18
5
Day 5
9:00 Kindergarten
Vision Screening
6
Day 1
9:00 Kindergarten
Vision Screening
7
Day 2
11:00 Safety Patrol
Review
1:00 Tech Club
Junior Basketball
12:40 Mad Science
1:00 Drama Club
12
13
14
9
Day 4
Gr 3’s Scientist in the
Classroom
10
15
16
17
St. Patrick’s Day
MARCH BREAK - SCHOOL IS CLOSED
19
Day 5
26
1:00 Tech Club
20
Day 1
1ST Day of Spring
1:00 Tech Club
25
8
Day 3
9:00 VIP Gr 6’s
Internet Safety
Author Visit for
Gr’s K-3
Day 5
27
Day 1
21
Day 2
22
Day 3
23
Day 4
24
29
Day 3
30
Day 4
31
12:40 Mad Science
1:00 Drama Club
28
Day 2
9:15 Author Visit
Gr’s 3-8
12:40 Mad Science
12:45 Gr 3& 4’s to
River Run
Health
March 2012
What a good feeling!
March is Nutrition Month
Parents – there are only about 75 more lunches to go! Are you getting tired of preparing lunches? Are
you running out of ideas? Here are resources to help you:
Go for 4! fact sheet and Canada’s Food Guide available from your school nurse or
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Video clips on preparing healthy lunches from The Dietitians of Canada:
http://ww2.dietitians.ca/HLTG/HLTG_web/content/english/videos.aspx
Healthy eating resources at www.wdgpublichealth.ca
Make sure you pack lunches that have all four food groups in Canada’s Food Guide:
At least one fruit or vegetable
One serving of milk or milk products (like cheese or yogurt)
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph
Publiceggs)
Health
One meat or alternative (like
sunflower seeds or hard- boiled
1-800-265-7293
|
www.wdgpublichealth.ca
One whole-grain item
info@wdgpublichealth.ca
When we improve what we eat, we can make a big difference to our health and well-being for years to
come.
KHNG Neighbourhood Calendar
March 2012
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1
Fri
Sat
2
3
9
10
16
17
23
24
30
31
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
4
5 KHPS Teacher
Workshop 9am to 3pm
6
Kindergarten
Vision Screening
9am to 12:40pm
Photo Club
7:00 to 9:00 pm
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
11 Daylight Saving
Time Begins
18
12
KHPS Teacher
Workshop 1-3pm
No KASP March
Break
No KASP March
Break
20
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
26
Ventures Meet 7-9pm
26th Scout Group
Committee Meeting 7pm
15
Home Daycare Support
Group 9:30-11:30am
No KASP March
Break
No KASP March
Break
KHNG Meeting
7:00pm Community Room
Home Daycare Support
Group 9:30-11:30am
First Day of Spring
22
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
27
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
ADVenturer Meeting
7-9pm Dean Post
21
Ventures Meet 7-9pm
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
14
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
25
8
Home Daycare Support
Group 9:30-11:30am
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
13
19
7
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
28
Home Daycare Support
Group 9:30-11:30am
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
29
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
Happy
St Patrick’s Day
‘March 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 March 15th, 2012 @ 7:00 pm.
UPCOMING SOCIAL/RECREATIONAL EVENTS AND PROGRAMS:
KHNG Proudly Presents:
KASP (Kortright After School Program)
When I Grow Up!!
Who:
Students from JK* — Grade 6
What:
11-week Educational After School Program
Where:
Kortright Hills Community Room
When:
Mon, Tue, Wed &/or Thurs 3:20 – 5:30pm
January 9 to March 29, 2012
(NOTE: no program Mon Jan 23rd PD Day; Monday Feb 20th Family Day or March 12-16 due to March Break)
Cost:
$11/session, $44/week
Please make cheques payable to Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group
During each 2 hour session we will have a snack, educational activities, active games and free play!
Themes are career-based (e.g. Doctors, Dentist, Zoo Keepers, Artists, Chefs/Bakers etc.)
*JK and SK students will be escorted to the community room after school by a KASP staff member.
Parent/Student Volunteers Needed!
Please email if you are able to volunteer in the program for any or all of the sessions.
To view a register form, please visit our website: www.khng.ca or
email khng@bellnet.ca and one will be sent to you
Spaces still available!!
Registration for the Spring Session April 2, 2012 to June 28, 2012 will be available in March,
watch for details
FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT IN THE GYM:
KHNG Friday Movie Night in the Gym - Feature Presentation to be announced!
Mark your calendars to join us Friday April 13, 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
KHNG SOCIAL/MEETING DATES:
Consider getting involved with your neighbourhood group. Mark your calendars and join us for our next social/meeting date
March 15th, 2012 @ 7pm in the Community Room (side entrance of KHPS) all are welcome to help plan our next community
event Movie in the Gym night, Earth Day, Plant Swap and other upcoming recreational/family events planned for the Year.
KHNG UPCOMING EVENTS/SOCIALS MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND:
KHNG Social/Meeting - Thursday March 15/12 – join us to plan upcoming events and socials 3rd Thursday of each month
Movie In the Gym Night – Friday April 13/12 – Doors open 7pm, Movie begins 7:30
Feature Presentation to be announced
Earth Day – Saturday April 21, 2012 – join your community to clean up green spaces and parks within
Kortright Hills Area
Plant Drop off for Plant Swap – Friday May 11, 2012 (time to be announced)
Plant Swap – Saturday May 12, 2012 – bring a plant, take a plant
KHNG Annual BBQ – Saturday June 23, 2012
Nostalgic Movie in the Park Night – Monday August 13, 2012 (Rain Date Wednesday August 15, 2012)
Pre Order Pumpkin for Fundraiser – date and time to be announced
Pumpkin Fundraiser – Friday October 26, 2012 and Saturday October 27, 2012
KHNG Booonanza – Sunday October 28, 2012
KHNG Holiday Social – End of November or Early December 2012 (details to be announced)
Movie in the Gym Night – Late November or Early December 2012 (details to be announced)
KHNG COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES:
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!!
KHNG NEEDS YOU TO VOLUNTEER: 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. Call or e-mail Leone 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? Call or 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 April, deadline for e-mailed submissions, March 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 interested in digital photography? This 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.
KASP (Kortright After School Program):
“KASP Winter Session WHEN I GROW UP” begins Monday January 9th to Thursday March 29th, 2012 (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.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE “KASP WINTER SESSION” LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE!!
REGISTRATION FORM AND LETTER CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE WWW.KHNG.CA OR EMAIL
KHNG@BELLNET AND ONE WILL BE SENT TO YOU.
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.
NEW KORTRIGHT HILLS RUNNING GROUP: Kortright Hills is looking to form a running group.
Interested in joining your neighbours, spouse or family for a run, contact Chris by email
chris_robb34@yahoo.com or KHNG: khng@bellnet.ca your name and email address.
We are gathering a list of interested participants and will contact you to discuss further dates and times.
26TH GUELPH SCOUTING GROUP: Interested in joining BEAVERS, CUBS, SCOUTS…
Join now and take advantage of our reduced rate. The 26th Guelph Scouting Group still has room for more
youth. Each section meets in the school gym at Kortright Hills Public School on the below dates.
Beaver Scouts ages 5-7 meet Mondays 6:30-7:30
Cub Scouts ages 8-10 meet Wednesdays 6:30-8:00
Scouts ages 11-14 meet Tuesdays 7:00-8:45
Venture Scouts ages 14-17 meets Mondays 7:00-9:00
For program details and further scouting information contact Paul or Leone 519-821-6948 or email
26thguelph@wellington.on.scouts.ca or visit our website www.26thguelph.scouter.ca