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