Kortright Hills Public School
23 Ptarmigan DriveγGuelph, OntarioγN1C 1B5γ(519)827-1601γFax (519)827-9251
Kirk Runciman, Principal
Anne Bonnar, Office Co-Ordinator
Julie Young, Vice Principal
Rosemary Coghlin, Administrative Assistant
Newsletter for March, 2013
From the Principal’s Desk
In only a few weeks the winter season will
be in the rear view mirror and spring will
be upon us. In advance of spring of
course is the March Break, from March
11th to March 15th. Whether traveling during the
holidays or enjoying a “staycation”, the entire staff
of KHPS wishes our school community a safe, happy
and healthy March Break.
I came across this article which a friend sent to me
a few years ago. As you know being a parent is both
a wonderful yet challenging experience. I found
that each time I read these “wishes” one or two
strike home. Read them at your leisure; perhaps put
them on the fridge - it is fascinating to learn what
children wish their parents would understand.
Kirk Runciman
Principal
Twelve Things Real 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.
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;
3. Correct and give me praise in private - it’s
embarrassing when you do it in front of
others.
•
think about what they are exploring;
•
4. Encourage me to try new things and remind
me that mistakes are part of learning.
solve problems using information they have
gathered themselves;
•
explain how they reached their solutions.
5. Tell me what you like about me and then give
me a chance to do things on my own.
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
Our library continues to be a very busy place!
Several boxes of new books recently arrived,
including a variety of fiction, non-fiction, and graphic
novel selections. Students have been enjoying the
new titles. Thank you to School Council for
continuing to support our library, as well as parents,
students, and staff who support our Adopt-A-School
program and Scholastic Book Fairs. Our students
and staff appreciate your support in allowing us to
keep our library filled with engaging and up-to-date
books for all grade levels.
Suggestions for new books are
always welcome. You may use the
following link to submit requests.
http://goo.gl/DJgKN
Forest of Reading programs will
continue until late April. Students
who are participating in the Forest of Reading
programs are asked to please return books as soon
as they have finished reading them so that other
students have access to the books too. We do have
multiple copies of all of the novels, but the program
is very popular and we have over 130 students
participating (Grades 3 - 8). If families wish to read
the books together (shared reading or read aloud),
that is absolutely encouraged!
To view the books for each program, please visit the
library website Forest of Reading page. Links to the
blogs are also posted on the library website
( http://goo.gl/sDTuU ) or can be accessed through
UG2GO ( https://www.ugdsb.on.ca/ug2go ).
Have a relaxing March Break!
Sheila Morgan
Teacher Librarian
sheila.morgan@ugdsb.on.ca
Library website:
https://sites.google.com/a/ugcloud.ca/khps-librarylearning-commons/
School Stuff
Please remember that March Break
for students is from Monday, March
11th to Friday,
March 15th.
See you on Monday,
th
March 19 . Have a restful and
enjoyable week.
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.
Moving?
We are in the process of preparing for
the next school year. An important
starting point is to determine our school
population. Families who are moving out of our school
community before September, 2013 are asked to
contact the office (827-1601).
Thank you for your assistance.
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, i.e.,
darting out into traffic.
PLEASE CHOOSE SAFETY OVER CONVENIENCE
TO KEEP OUR STUDENTS SAFE!
Handicap Parking
A number of our families have regular
need to park in the designated
handicap parking spots on both sides of the school.
Each spot is clearly identified. When you park in the
school lot please check that you are not parking in
one of these spots.
Safe Arrival
Notifying the School of a Student
Absence
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 school office staff
will continue to try to contact parents until one is
reached. This takes an inordinate amount of time
and often stretches the office staffs’ ability to
carry out other duties. Please assist us in speeding
this process up and calling when you know if your
child(ren) is/are going to be late or
absent. Messages can be left by phoning
the school (519-827-1601) and choosing
extension 200. Please DO NOT leave a
message about your child’s absence on the teachers
voice mail. Please send any notes or information
about absences to the office.
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
he/she 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 he/she 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.
Lost & Found
If your child is missing any clothing items, please
remind him/her to check the lost and found box by
the front entrance. Parents are welcome to check
the box as well. Items will be available during
the month of March, and anything
unclaimed will be donated to a
charitable organization over the Easter
weekend.
Dressing Warmly
Although we continue to experience some cold
weather, 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.
Valuables / Electronic Devices
As our society becomes more and more
technologically advanced, we are
noticing that many students are
bringing valuable items to school.
Students are highly encouraged to
leave iPods, game boys and MP3
players at home for safe keeping.
These items are attractive and we cannot be
responsible for theft or loss of such items. We
recommend that parents make informed decisions
with their child(ren) whether expensive items should
be brought to school.
FYI
Interested in sharing your ideas and stories about
assisting with your children’s
education in the school,
classroom and home?
The Upper Grand District
School Board wants to know how
parents are involved in their
child’s education and ways
schools can improve parental involvement. Come have
your say at a Focus Group on Wednesday, March
6th from 6:30-8:30 in the Kortright Hills PS library.
Refreshments and babysitting will be provided. For
more information and to register, e-mail Angela
Krueger at akrueger@golden.net.
School Council News
The School Council would like to let
you know that we will be once
again doing a Spring Flower
fundraiser. This will happen just
in time for Mother’s Day, so start
planning your gardens early. Get your Spring planting
done while also helping to raise money for school
programs!
The final installment for the Food Programs will be
deposited on April 2nd, 2013. As well, a reminder that
our school is participating in The Lunch Lady
this year. Parents can sign their children
up online at any time at
www.thelunchlady.ca in order for them to
receive hot lunches once a week. Keep an eye
out for Special Event Lunch forms in your child’s
backpack in the near future.
School Council is continuing to run our Mabel’s Labels
fundraiser. Please visit our website at
http://kortrighthills.mabelslabels.com to find labels
that will work for school, camp and daycare.
If you haven’t already, please
take some time to visit the
KHPS library and look at the
Parent Resource Lending
Library. The School Council has
purchased books on many
subjects that parents may be interested in. All
Kortright parents are encouraged to peruse the
shelves and borrow some books.
Planning is well underway for this year’s
Ice Cream Social. There will be
entertainment and many new games, so
be sure to mark June 6th on your calendar.
The next meeting of the School Council is on
Monday, March 25th, 2013 in the school library. The
meeting starts at 7:00pm.
All are welcome to attend.
March 2013
SUNDAY
MONDAY
25
TUESDAY
Day 5
26
WEDNESDAY
Day 1
THURSDAY
27
Day 2
28
6
Day 2
7
3
4
Day 5
9:00 Safety Patrol
Review & Recruitment
5
Day 1
12:40 Go Girls!
12:40 Mad Science
10
11
12
13
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Day 3
1
Day 4
9:00 Lock Down Drill
2
Day 3
LIBRARY CLOSED
ALL DAY
8
Day 4
1:40 Magazine
Presentations
9
15
16
14
MARCH BREAK
17
18
Day 5
19
Day 1
12:40 Go Girls!
20
Day 2
21
Day 3
22
24
25
Day 5
26
Day 1
12:40 Go Girls!
27
Day 2
28
Day 3
29
31
12:40 Mad Science
12:40 Mad Science
Day 4
GOOD FRIDAY
SCHOOL IS CLOSED
23
30
March 2013
March is Nutrition Month
Eat like a champion!
Soccer, dance, hockey, swimming… Whatever activities your child enjoys, feeling good is what
it’s all about. You need three nutrients in your diet for long-lasting energy; carbohydrates,
protein and some fat. Choose a variety of food from each of the four food groups from Canada’s
Food Guide, meals should contain at least 3 food groups and snacks should contain at least 2.
The more colour on your plate, the more vitamins and minerals you’ll take in.
Pack a Snack!
A small, mostly carbohydrate snack before a game or activity can give your child the energy they
need such as fresh fruit mixed with yoghurt and a couple handfuls of trail mix.
Stay Hydrated!
Not drinking enough water can slow your child down. Water is the best drink to have before and
after playing sports and games. Milk and smoothies can boost hydration too. Avoid other
beverages such as energy or sports drinks, juices and cocktails.
Stay Active. Eat Like a Champion!
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
1-800-265-7293 | www.wdgpublichealth.ca
info@wdgpublichealth.ca
‘March 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 March 21st, 2013 @ 7:00 pm.
Join KHNG for an afternoon of
Winter Carnival fun!
For a minimum donation of, $2 per
Family, you can enjoy an afternoon of
many family fun activities!
Concession items include pizza
$2/slice, pop $1 & popcorn
$0.50/bag!
All proceeds will be donated to
Kortright Hills Neighbourhood Group
KHNG Friday Movie Night in the Gym:
Feature Presentation: “KUNG FU PANDA”
Join Us Friday April 12, 2013 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; wear your
beach attire; 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. 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 March 21st, 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 (April), KHNG Clean and Green (Earth Day - April), Plant Swap/26th Guelph
Compost Fundraiser (May) and other upcoming recreational/family events planned for 2013.
KHNG UPCOMING EVENTS/SOCIALS MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND PLAN TO ATTEND:
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Winter Carnival – Saturday March 2, 2013 – 12pm to 3pm in the gym of KHPS; carnival activities for the whole family
KHNG Meeting – Thursday March 21, 2013 – come out and help plan upcoming events, new members welcome
Movie in the Gym Night – April 12, 2013 – Kung Fu Panda
Clean and Green (Earth Day) – April 20, 2013 – details to be announced
Plant Swap/26th Guelph Compost Fundraiser – May 4, 2013 – details to be announced
Community Garage Sale – May 12, 2013 – details to be announced
KHNG Annual BBQ – end of June – details to be announced
KHNG Movie in the Park – mid August – 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 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 2013, deadline for e-mailed submissions March 15th, 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 March 4, 2013
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” FOR REGISTRATION INFOMRATION EMAIL KHNG@BELLNET.CA
KASP spring session April to June 2013 registration package will be available early March, watch for details.
KHNG Neighbourhood Calendar
March 2013
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
Sat
2
KHNG & CYF
Winter Carnival
12 to 3pm KHPS Gym
3
4
5
6
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
Photo Club
7:00 to 9:00 pm
Big Brothers/Sisters
Go Girls/Pre Teen Group
12:40 to 1:40
7
KHPS Mad Science
12:40 to 1:40 pm
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
8
9
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
26th Scout Group
Committee Meeting 7pm
10 Daylight Saving
Time Begins
11
MARCH BREAK
12
MARCH BREAK
13
MARCH BREAK
14
MARCH BREAK
15
MARCH BREAK
16
17
18
19
20 KHPS Mad Science
21
22
23
Happy
St Patrick’s Day
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
Ventures Meet 7-9pm
24
25
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
12:40 to 1:40 pm
Big Brothers/Sisters
Go Girls/Pre Teen Group
12:40 to 1:40
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
26
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
Ventures Meet 7-9pm
Big Brothers/Sisters
Go Girls/Pre Teen Group
12:40 to 1:40
KHNG Meeting
7:00pm
First Day
Of Spring
27
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
28
KHPS Mad Science
12:40 to 1:40 pm
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
KASP 3:20 to 5:30pm
31 Easter Sunday
SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
29
Good Friday
30 Easter Saturday