Ross R. MacKay Public School 35 Trafalgar Road, R.R.# 2 Hillsburgh, ON N0B 1Z0 Website: http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/rossrmackay Phone: (519) 855-4957 Fax: (519) 855-6901 Principal: Mr. P. Huddleston Office Coordinator: Mrs. E. Lantz Principal’s Message Dear Parents & Guardians: We have indeed had a very wintery February, with cold temperatures and significant amounts of snow falling at one time. We are hopeful that March will bring a promise of longer, sunnier days and warmer temperatures, as we welcome Spring on March 21st. As well, we hope many families will be enjoying the joyful benefits of snow or an opportunity to escape to warmer climates, over March Break. First term Report Cards were sent home in midFebruary, and we hope that parents found some time to chat with their child(ren) around the accomplishments and the specific areas of improvement for second term. If you have questions about how to help your child become a stronger student, please contact your child’s teacher to make an appointment to come in or perhaps make a call to address a particular concern. We know that when students see how home and school are working together to support them, their effort tends to increase. Over the winter months we have collected many ‘lost and found’ items. There is a lost and found bin; one located in the front foyer. All items not picked up will be given to charities after March Break. If your child is missing something, please take a moment to come into the school to look for the item. March, 2015 Teachers are working with students to deepen the conceptual understanding of Mathematics. Math problems can be found in just about every activity we undertake. If we challenge our kids to use their math skills in daily activities, we are helping them develop a better understanding of Mathematics. Turn long drives over March Break into fun math challenges: km per litre of gas, kms to go until destination is reached, invent ways to save $ on your trip, look at change from money given to a cashier…..so many opportunities for kids to be challenged! Enjoy your March Break and we look forward to hearing about the adventures on Monday, March 23rd. Yours Sincerely, Mr. P. Huddleston March Break March Break begins on Monday, March 16th until Friday, March 20th, 2015. Classes resume on Monday, March 23rd. Pink Shirt Day On Wednesday, February 25th, students and staff wore pink shirts to demonstrate their belief that bullying must stop. Message from the Lunch & Milk Program Hello Everyone.... Sports at Ross R. MacKay Our Junior Volleyball Team gained tremendous skill and demonstrated terrific teamwork throughout the season. Congrats to our team who played at Erin PS on Feb. 10th. Well done students and thank you coach Miller. We have almost made it! This cold winter is almost behind us. I don't know about you, but I am welcoming spring and summer with open arms this year. This snow can go. So can the bitter cold. Can't find your child's Lunch Order Form? Or need an extra one? There is now a sleeve outside the office (on the School Council Bulletin board) for those needing a Lunch Order Form. The School Council Bulletin Board also posts current and upcoming menus and dates, as well as Breakfast Club information. APRIL ORDER DUE DATE IS: Friday, March 13th, 2015 (by 3pm) Thank-you to all families who participated in our Live Free From Hunger program. Many students chose to live free of video games and television, while staff gave up coffee, sweets, and junk food! Thank-you for helping to keep our breakfast and snack programs continuing for students at Ross R. MacKay. Kindergarten Registration If you have not already registered your child for Kindergarten for September 2015, please drop into the office to pick up the necessary forms or print them from the Board Website. Eligible students for the JK Program must be four years of age on or before December 31, 2015. Just a note: ALL April Lunch Orders MUST be in by the due date. NO orders will be accepted after the March Break. So, to ensure you don't miss this deadline - PLEASE GET YOUR ORDER IN ON OR BEFORE THE DUE DATE. Late on orders? Or always forgetting what the Friday lunch is? Then "Like" my page on Facebook. You will receive reminders for Lunch Order due dates, "Lunch of the Week" notifications, and other school updates. Just search "RRM Lunch & Milk Program" page on Facebook to get your notifications. Be sure to share this page with fellow parents/guardians within the school. Have a Magnificent March and be safe over the March Break! Cherie Jardine Lunch & Milk Coordinator Ross R. MacKay Public School 519-827-4556 Important Information from Wellington-DufferinGuelph Public Health: Dates to Remember Your Child's Immunization during a Disease Outbreak For school attendance, parents are required by law to provide proof of their child's immunization to Public Health. To find out what vaccines are required and if your child's immunization records are up-to-date, please call1-800-265-7293 ext. 4396. You can also book an appointment for your child's immunization at any Wellington-Dufferin Guelph Public Health location. If you've chosen not to immunize your child, you must have a notarized statement of medical exemption or a statement of conscious or religious belief on file with Public Health. Please contact Public Health at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4396 to arrange for your child's exemption to be on file if you have not already done so. If the Medical Officer of Health declares an outbreak of a disease in your child's school and his/her immunization record is not up-to-date with Public Health, or you have an exemption on file, your child will not be allowed to attend school for the entire duration of the outbreak. • Wednesday, March 4, 2015 Scientist in the School (Grade 1/2) • Friday, March 6, 2015 Skating (Grades 2/3 and 5/6) • Friday, March 13, 2015 Skating (Grades 2/3 and 5/6) • Monday, March 16, 2015 Friday, March 20, 2015 March Break (No school for staff and students) • Tuesday, March 17, 2015 St. Patrick’s Day • Tuesday, March 24, 2015 Outdoor Education Centre Maple Syrup (Grade 1) • Thursday, March 26, 2015 Grade 6 Photo Day Dancers Special Education Workshops for Students & Parents To find out more about Special Education Workshops for students and parents, please visit Ross R. MacKay Public School’s website at: http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/rossrmackay/index.aspx School Closure If schools are closed for any reason, extreme cold weather, etc., or if busses are cancelled, the Board publishes this information to its website. As well, the following radio stations will broadcast information: 1460 AM CJOY 106.1 MagicFM 99.1 FM CBC News talk 570 AM 96.7 FM CHYM 98.1 FM CHFI 680 AM CFTR 92.5 KISS FM Alternatively, watch the A-Channel News television news for school closures, or click the ‘School Closure Info.’ link for information supplied directly by the Upper Grand District School Board. Concussion Outside of School Hours? Parents are reminded NOT to bring their children to school if it is closed to students. A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. It can affect a student’s performance in both school work and physical activities. Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain heal. While a child has a suspected or diagnosed concussion, full participation in school academic and physical activities can worsen symptoms and make for a longer recovery period. In the best interest of your child, parents and guardians are requested to contact the principal when a suspected or diagnosed concussion occurs outside of school hours (i.e. during outdoor play, sports, or a car accident). The principal will work with you to develop a plan for an individualized, gradual return to full participation in school activities. For more information, visit www.ugdsb.on.ca/concussions. WOWSTER! What an AMAZING time we had at the FROZEN DANCE PARTY! It was so good to see all of you who could make it out. You were all FABULOUS out on the dance floor. From the Uptown Funk, Cotton Eyed Joe, and the Michael Jackson, as well as many more.... The moves were AWESOME! Even Mr. Huddleston pulled some amazing dance moves! Not sure if anyone else noticed, but I caught him a few times rocking it out, on the stage and on the dance floor, during a few songs. Congratulations to all those who won prizes in our dancing contests! And to all of those who managed to do the worm. I must say, you are ALL a talented bunch! I would also like to say thank you to those who dressed up as Elsa and other costumes. You all looked wonderful! I think for it being such a successful night, we might just have to plan another dance? What do you think? I would like to remind, not only students, but parents, that events like this - we love to hear feedback. This way we can make improvements where needed. But also see if the events we plan are something you wish for us to do again. I'm excited to say, as the DJ that night, it made me SO HAPPY to see so many of you having such a fun time. Not only the student body, but parents even, getting on that dance floor and making it a night to remember! Thank you for all your support making this a SUCCESSFUL fundraiser! Ross R. MacKay Hawks (and parents)...... YOU ALL ROCK!!!!! Cheri Jardine Upcoming Special Education Workshops for Students and Parents Here are some upcoming dates for both Wellington County and the surrounding area for families looking for opportunities and information about Special Education. Some upcoming dates for Wellington County: Indoor Playground Family Event with Autism Ontario - Wellington Chapter Time: March 1st, 9:00am-10:00am Location: Funmazing Play Centre (Imperial Rd. N., Guelph) Registration: Visit http://goo.gl/rdZ6sg Contact: Jennifer Dent, jennifer@autismontario.com or (226) 748-3372 Families are invited to come out and enjoy Funmazing Play Centre in Guelph. We will have full, exclusive use including play structure, arcade games, Piñata pit, and a car track! Don’t forget to bring socks (Caregivers included). Registration is required. This event is open to children with ASD, their siblings and caregivers only. Spaces are limited. Some upcoming dates for the surrounding area: Understanding the Impacts of Learning Disabilities March 25, 2015, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.Learning Disabilities Association Toronto District ,121 Willowdale Avenue, Suite 100, Toronto, Ontario M2N 6A3 This workshop will focus on understanding the impacts of LD on children and their families and will offer strategies for how to help children cope at home, school and play. Fee: Members: $10, Non Members: $15, Registration at the Door: $20 Solutions for Learning - Minds That Matter Conference (March 26, 2015)The Learning Disabilities Association of Halton hosts their 4th annual Solutions for Learning Conference, Thursday March 26th, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel and Conference Centre Parents, educators and associated para professionals will gather together for this full day of sharing and learning about learning disabilities and/or ADHD. Multiple speakers and breakout sessions offers something for everyone. Breakfast and lunch included. Complete registration details, program description and information about hotel accommodations can be found on the website: www.ldahalton.ca. Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto Understanding the Impacts of Learning Disabilities March 25, 2015, 7-8:30pm Learning Disabilities Association Toronto District, 121 Willowdale Avenue, Suite 100, Toronto This workshop will focus on understanding the impacts of LD on children and their families and will offer strategies for how to help children cope at home, school and play. Fee: Members: $10, Non Members: $15, Registration at the Door: $20 The Autism Compass: Your resource roadmap to help you navigate your ASD journey Sunday, March 29th from 11am -3pm at The Abilities Centre, Whitby Feeling lost and unclear as to what Autism is and means for your child? No clue what is available for them? Want to understand what they’re entitled to? Look no further! This FREE Event is here to help you on your Autism Journey! Offered by Autism's Angels and Autism Ontario-Durham Region. Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto Education Law for Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities April 8, 2015, 7-8:30pm Learning Disabilities Association Toronto District, 121 Willowdale Avenue, Suite 100, Toronto Anne Irwin is a lawyer who focuses her practice on representing children in the area of education law. She is dedicated to informing parents about education law to enable them to better advocate on behalf of their children in the school system. In this workshop parents will learn about various aspects of education law, including the rights of “exceptional” children under the Education Act, and how the Human Rights Code protects students with disabilities. Fee: Members: $10, Non Members: $15, Registration at the Door: $20 Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto Bullying Prevention April 22, 2015, 7-8:30pm Learning Disabilities Association Toronto District, 121 Willowdale Avenue, Suite 100, Toronto It is important for parents to recognize the signs of bullying and take action to ensure kids are protected. This workshop will help parents understand bullying from a child’s perspective, present the warning signs to look out for, provide strategies to improve communication with their children and discuss proactive steps parents can take to keep kids safe. Fee: Members: $10, Non Members: $15, Registration at the Door: $20 Kids Ability Sleep Solutions for Tired Parents May 20, 2015 Kids Ability, 500 Hallmark Drive, Waterloo This workshop will focus on understanding anxiety and sharing strategies to support you and your child in managing circumstances that are challenging for your child Free http://www.kidsability.ca/en/EventArchive Learning Disabilities Association of Toronto Successful Transitioning May 22, 2015, 7-8:30pm Learning Disabilities Association Toronto District, 121 Willowdale Avenue, Suite 100, Toronto Mitchell Curci has worked in the area of special education for over 35 years. He currently supports LDATD as a Community Outreach & Education Advocacy specialist. This presentation is designed to help parents better understand the transition process of students with exceptionalities as they move from elementary to high school and then on to post-secondary. Fee: Members: $10, Non Members: $15, Registration at the Door: $20 Your Input Can Change the Future! This is an exciting time in Ontario as we work together to develop a new system of services and supports for children and youth with special needs and their families. We would like to hear from parents, caregivers and service providers who support children and youth as we develop a new system in our area that includes: • coordinated services for children with multiple or complex needs • making occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy services more integrated from birth through the school years. How? Visit our website below for information on: • Focus groups March 2 – 10, 2015 - how to register, locations and times • If you can’t attend a focus group, how to complete our survey between March 6 – 22, 2015 http://dufferinwellingtonspecialneedsstrategy.weebly.com/ or call 1-888-372-2259 ext 1588