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 May, 2013 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. Open House! Be sure to visit the school for our Education Week Open House. On Monday, May 6th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the school will be open for you to visit your child’s classroom as well as the library for our Scholastic Book Fair. Also appearing will be the School Band. Be sure to stop in! Grade 3 and Grade 6 EQAO Grade 3 EQAO testing dates have been set for May 27th to May 31st, while the grade 6 students will be assessed from June 3rd to June 6th. 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 Lost and Found Once again the Lost and Found is filling up quickly. Please take inventory of your children’s clothing to see if anything is missing. If so, be sure to check the Lost and Found! School Organization For the 2013/2014 School Year Our tentative school organization for the 2012/2013 school year will be as follows: Kindergarten (X5) Grade 1 (X2) Grade 2 (X2) Grade 2/3 Grade 3 Grade 3/4 Grade 4 (X2) Grade 5 Grade 5/6 Grade 6 (X2) Grade 7 (X2) Grade 8 (X2) 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 The Scholastic Book Fair will arrive on May 1st, with class previews on May 2nd & 3rd. The book fair will be open for sales May 3rd - May 8th (Cash, cheque, debit, or credit card). This is a fantastic fundraiser for our library... 70% of all sales are returned to the school to purchase new books for our library! It is also a great opportunity to pick up some great books to keep your family reading over the upcoming summer holidays. Hope to see you there! Book Fair Hours • Friday, May 3rd • 2:30 - 4:00 pm • Monday, May 6th • 8:00 - 10:00 am & 2:30 - 7:30 pm • Tuesday, May 7th • 8:00 - 10:00 am & 2:00 - 4:00 pm • Wed., May 8th 8:00 - 11:00 am The Forest of Reading program concluded in April with participating students invited to the library to vote and celebrate! Many thanks to all of the families who provided "blue" treats for our Blue Spruce parties. The older students enjoyed an ice cream sundae after they voted. The Forest of Reading books are now available for all students to borrow from the library - 60 new titles, all written by Canadians! All of the books can be viewed on our school website ( http://goo.gl/sDTuU ). In many categories, the votes were very close! The winning books (according to Kortright Hills students) are... Blue Spruce (K-Grade 2) "Kate & Pippen" Silver Birch Express (Grade 3 & 4) "Dalen & Gole" Silver Birch (Grade 5 & 6) Fiction ~ "A Tinfoil Sky" Non-fiction ~ "No Shelter Here" & "Shannen and the Dream for a School" Red Maple (Grade 7 & 8) Fiction ~ "This Dark Endeavour" Non-fiction ~ "Real Justice" & "You Just Can't Help It!" Our "Parent Resource" section is growing again! Please feel free to drop by and check out our selection of books on a variety of topics that may be of interest to parents or to read with your children. Our newest titles include... Silly Books to Read Aloud What to Do When you Grumble too much (series) The Feelings Book 10 Mindful Minutes The Myth of the Perfect Girl The Boy's Body Book The Girl's Body Book The Organic Family Cookbook Raising our children, Raising Ourselves Unconditional Parenting Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids Hold on to Your Kids Growing Up Brave It's time to search for books! Just a reminder that all library books need to be returned by June 6th so that inventory can be completed. Notices for any books that are not returned by this date will be sent home, including replacement costs. As you are doing your spring cleaning, please keep your eyes open for any missing books and send them to the library! Thank you for your continued support, Sheila Morgan Teacher Librarian sheila.morgan@ugdsb.on.ca Library website: https://sites.google.com/a/ugcloud.ca/khpslibrarylearning-commons/ School Stuff Safety on the Playground With the warm weather arriving and the opening of our playground structures, this is a good time to remind everyone - students, parents, staff and yard supervisors - of the rules that help make these structures fun and safe places to play. Our playground is designed for users aged 13 and under and we do not provide supervision, maintenance and inspections outside of school hours. Board policy determines that the equipment is off limits from November 1st to March 31st, and at other times as determined by the school administration. This includes periods of freezing temperatures, when there is freezing rain, if the ground cover is frozen, or if there is a build up of snow and ice. Rules for students: • No pushing • No running on play structures • No fighting • No eating while on the playground equipment • No throwing sticks, stones or other objects The following are not allowed on the equipment: skipping ropes, ropes, scarves or loose drawstrings on children’s clothing. We have also been advised by our insurance company that children should not wear bicycle helmets on the play structures. You should also know that in the event of an injury, students and staff are reminded that the injured person should not be moved, and a supervisor must be notified immediately. We make safety at play our major concern, and will be reminding our students and staff on a regular basis about the playground rules. We hope that you will reinforce them at home with your child. Extra Socks, Dry Pants and Shoes Students are reminded to bring extra socks, mitts, rubber boots and rain pants to school at this time of year. Although we always encourage our students to stay out of the water, and sometimes even change our play areas to accommodate this need, the mud puddles are just too inviting for some of our little ones. A pair of indoor shoes is also a necessity for all students, as the floors are often wet following recess. 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) 8271601. 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: • • • 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. 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. Grade 8 Fundraiser On Saturday, May 25, the Grade Eights will be hosting a trunk/garage sale. Spaces in the parking lot will be available for rent to parents or members of the community. Stay tuned for further details. Remember, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure. Grade 8 Graduation The graduation ceremony for Grade 8 students will be on Tuesday, June 25th at 6:00 pm in the Kortright Hills P.S. gymnasium. Following the ceremony, there will be a reception and dance for the graduates. This year our theme is “Under the Sea”. Any questions may be forwarded to Mme. Franco at diana.franco@ugdsb.on.ca. 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. A great experience and fun time was had by all! Jump Rope for Heart Jump Rope for Heart will be held on Friday, May 24th. Information packages will be sent home on the day of our kick-off assembly May 15th . Bicycles 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. Fundraiser for Afghan Women Please come out and support the students' Square Dance Fundraiser. All money raised will be donated through the charity Canadians in Support of Afghan Women (CSAW) in support of our school in Afghanistan. The students at the Afghan school need even the most basic supplies like paper, pencils, and desks. So, bring your family and come join the fun. A professional square dance caller will teach us how to do it! WHEN? WHERE? TIME? HOW MUCH? Wednesday, May 8th Kortright Hills Gymnasium 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m. $10 each for the first three tickets and $5 each for each additional ticket. Tickets are available at the school or from Sheila Zanyk skzanyk@gmail.com So, put on your best cowboy boots or cowgirl hat and come support our worthy cause while having lots of fun!! From the Health Department As the weather gets warmer, remember to stay safe in the sun. Before you and your child head outside, check the UV index on The Weather Network or Environment Canada websites. When you go outside, wear sunglasses, hat and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). If the UV index is 6 or more (high), also stay in the shade. Keep in mind that babies and children burn more quickly from the sun. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months old, but is safe to use on children. For more information about sun safety, visit Health Canada at www.healthcanada.gc.ca Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health 1-800-265-7293 www.wdgpublichealth.ca info@wdgpublichealth.ca From Your Local Lunch Lady May’s Healthy Tip! SPRING IS THE PERFECT TIME FOR WALKING As babies, we know that life is not about sitting it’s all about walking! But as we get older, why do we stop walking and spend so much time sitting, even though we know we should be more active? WALKING • It’s free • It’s low impact • Anyone can do it • Can be done year round JUST A FEW of the BENEFITS of WALKING • Reduces stress and improves your mood • Clears your head and improves your focus • Helps you sleep • Boosts your immune system • Reduces the risk for diabetes • Contributes to a healthy heart • Slims you down • Can be done as a family activity SO GET OUT THERE AND TAKE THAT FIRST STEP! From School Council School Council would like to extend a huge thank you to all those who purchased flowers and plants from our Spring Flower Fundraiser. The date for pickup will be on Thursday May 9th in the school gym from 3:306:00pm. The Ice Cream Social plans are well under way. We are pleased to announce that Andrew the Absolutely Normal will be returning to wow us with his circus act, and he is bringing along an associate so we will have twice the fun. We will be having professional face painters this year, so start thinking about what design you want! There will be new games and activities, along with pizza and treats. We are also pleased to announce that we will be offering nut-free ice cream treats this year. Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday June 6th from 5-8pm and come out to celebrate another successful year at Kortright! We are still running our Mabel’s Labels fundraiser. We’re gearing up for the summer months, and Mabel’s is offering a camp promotion for all of the labels your kids will need for summer camp. Do you know anyone with kids starting Kindergarten this year? Let them know about our Mabel’s Labels fundraiser, and they will be all ready for school this September. Please visit the website at http://kortrighthills.mabelslabels.com. We are looking for someone to fill the position of milk coordinator this September. This person will be in charge of ensuring that the correct amount of milk is being ordered each week for the school milk program, as well as training the student milk monitors. If you are interested in taking on the position, please contact Sue Campbell at pscampbell@rogers.com for more information. As always we are looking for new faces on School Council. If you are interested in helping to determine how best to spend funds raised by school council, organizing and/or volunteering at events, helping to run food programs and otherwise helping to ensure that students and staff have a successful year at Kortright Hills, please think about joining School Council. Meetings are held once a month on Mondays in the school library. All are all welcome to attend. The next School Council meeting will be held Monday, May 27th at 7:00pm in the school library. MAY 2013 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY 1 Day 4 Mad Science THURSDAY FRIDAY 2 Day 5 Book Fair Junior Floor Hockey Tournament 3 Intermediate Badminton Tournament SATURDAY Day 1 4 BOOK FAIR PREVIEWS 5 6 Day 2 9:00 Skills Career Fair Int. 6:00 Education Week Open House 7 Day 3 8:45 River Run Gr 7&8’s (Miss Caledonia) 8 Day 4 Mad Science 6:30 Square Dance 9 Day 5 10 Day 1 9:00 Junior Bicycle Rodeo 11 16 Day 5 9:00 Gr 7 & 8’s Vaccine 17 Day 1 18 23 24 Day 5 25 9:00 Centennial Transition Meeting BOOK FAIR EDUCATION WEEK 12 13 Day 2 9:00 VIP Grad. Gr 6’s 14 Day 3 15 Day 4 2:45 Jump Rope for Heart Kick-Off Assembly Mad Science 19 20 VICTORIA DAY SCHOOL IS CLOSED 21 Day 2 22 Day 3 Day 4 9:00 Guelph Humane Society Visits 9:00 Grade 6 Mansfield Trip Jump Rope For Heart Special Olympics Mad Science 26 27 Day 1 28 Day 2 29 Day 3 30 EQAO Testing Window Mad Science Day 4 31 Day 5 June 1 Welcome to School The Lunch Lady believes that we must all work together to create healthier eating environments for Canadian kids. HEALTHIER HABITS START YOUNG! That is why we are proud to have designed a program especially for “LITTLE LUNCHERS” to get them off to a good start at school WE CAN HELP Kids love Lunch Lady! They have a chance to enjoy a special lunch prepared just for them that is ordered off a fun menu. We offer specially balanced smaller portioned lunches designed specifically for children from Kindergarten and Grade 1. We offer kids friendly favourites , made with high quality ingredients that meet the nutritional standards set by the Lunch Lady. Every choice is a good choice. Your Lunch Lady Guelph 519-824-4747 Little Lunch portions are smaller, reasonably priced, and appropriate for younger students with smaller appetites Here is an example of the Little Lunches currently offered at your school. Check out our menu and our online order site to see what else is available and of course, you are welcome to order from our regular menu. After all, who knows your child better than you! Spaghetti and Mini Meatballs – fruit – 100% juice Just $4.75 guelph@thelunchlady.ca Grilled Cheese Fingers – fruit – 100% juice Just $4.75 Learn more about us at www.thelunchlady.ca Our meals are prepared in your community in a commercial, fully inspected and insured facility operated by your local Lunch Lady Lunch Lady staff [all have Police checks] remain at the school during the lunch distribution to make sure everyone is looked after. We always carry spare lunches and can offer an on the spot solution in case of any mix up. And then, we’ll phone you later to try to figure out what happened and make sure it does not happen again. Our menu is fully compliant with PPM150. We believe that it is a good idea to establish nutritional standards for food sold to children at school. Everyone wins when the meals offered at school support the curriculum being taught in the classroom. Customer service is our focus. We know that you are counting on us. We can also accommodate children with additional special food needs or allergies. Just call us! Sincerely, Lunch Lady Guelph Tuesday, April 30, 2013 Annual Guelph Police Bicycle Ticket Program The 15th Annual Guelph Police Bicycle Ticket Program will begin Wednesday, May 1st, 2013 and will run until Thursday August 1st, 2013. This program is designed to promote awareness to Guelph youth of the benefits of wearing bicycle helmets while riding their bike through positive reinforcement. While officers are on proactive patrol, when they see a child wearing their bike helmet, they will stop the youth and reward them with a ticket for a free, NEW Dairy Queen “Smoothie®” courtesy of Dairy Queen Guelph. The child will then be eligible to win a free bike, courtesy of George Vettor Cycle, on August 1st, 2013. The program is geared towards children aged 4-13 years old. In the first 14 years of this program the Guelph Police Service has issued over 15,434 tickets to the youth in Guelph and given away 28 free bikes. Each year, a male and female winner is chosen. Follow the Guelph Police Service on Facebook and Twitter www.facebook.com/gpsmedia or @gpsmedia Media Enquiries – 519-824-1212 ext 7253 ‘May 2013 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 May 16th, 2013 @ 7:00 pm. KHNG Plant Swap Back by Popular Demand!! PLANT SWAP 2013 3RD ANNUAL KHNG COMMUNITY PLANT SWAP & 26TH GUELPH COMPOST FUNDRAISER SATURDAY MAY 4th – 9 AM to 2 PM rd Drop off your plants Friday evening May 3 between 6 pm & 7 pm Labeling materials will be available, come back Saturday morning to pick a new plant for your garden. KHNG Community Room (side entrance of KHPS) 26th Guelph Compost Fundraiser, to raise money for Scouting youth & leaders to attend a Canadian Jamboree in Alberta July 2013. Pre order some of the good stuff by emailing khng@bellnet.ca. $3.00 PER CUBIC SQAURE FOOT BAG OF COMPOST PLANT SWAPPING IS EASY, SAVES YOU TIME, MONEY & IS GREAT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT! DONATE A PLANT - RECEIVE A PLANT! 26TH GUELPH SCOUTING GROUP: Interested in joining BEAVERS, CUBS, SCOUTS, VENTURES…REGISTER NOW for the 2012/2013 Scouting year. 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 May 16th, 2013 @ 7:00 pm in the Community Room (side entrance of KHPS) all are welcome to help plan our next community events Annual June BBQ, Nostalgic Movie In The Park (August) and other upcoming recreational/family events planned for 2013. KHNG UPCOMING EVENTS/SOCIALS MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND: KHNG Meeting – Thursday May 16th, 2013 – come out and help plan upcoming events, new members welcome Plant Swap/26th Guelph Compost Fundraiser – May 4, 2013 – visit our website for details KHNG Annual BBQ – Saturday June 22, 2013 – details to be announced soon. KHNG Movie in the Park – Monday August 12, 2013 with a rain date of Wednesday August 14, 2013– details to be announced Pre Order Pumpkin for Fundraiser – date and time to be announced Pumpkin Fundraiser – dates and times to be announced KHNG Booonanza – end of October 2013 KHNG Holiday Social – End of November or Early December 2013 (details to be announced) Movie in the Gym Night – Late November or Early December 2013 (details to be announced) KHNG COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES: 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 Racquets, 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 July 2013. 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 July 2013, deadline for e-mailed submissions June 15, 2013. 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 May 6, 2013 KASP (KORTRIGHT AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM): “KASP Spring Session – Children Everywhere” Tuesday April 2nd to Thursday June 27th, 2013 (13 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 Fall Session Sept to Dec 2013 pre-registration package will be available early June, watch for details. KHNG Neighbourhood Calendar May 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed 1 Thu 2 KHPS Mad Science 12:40 to 1:40 pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 5 6 7 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 8 Photo Club 7:00 to 9:00 pm 12 13 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 9 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KHPS Mad Science 12:40 to 1:40 pm 15 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm Ventures Meet 7-9pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 3 Plant Swap Drop Off Community Room 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm 4 KHNG Plant Swap & 26th Scout Compost Fundraiser 9am to 2 pm 10 11 17 18 24 25 26th Guelph Group Committee Meeting 7-9pm 16 KHPS Mad Science 12:40 to 1:40 pm Sat KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 14 Fri KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KHPS Student Vaccinations 8:30 to 1pm KHNG Meeting 7:00 pm 19 20 NO KASP PROGRAM 21 22 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm Victoria Day 26 27 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 23 KHPS Mad Science 12:40 to 1:40 pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 28 29 KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm 30 KHPS Mad Science 12:40 to 1:40 pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm Ventures Meet 7-9pm KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE 31