Laurelwoods Elementary School
Newsletter
June 2014
PRINCIPAL NEWS
Once again, we find ourselves saying, “Can you believe it is June already? Where did the year go?” June, the
last month of the school year, will have many fun activities; therefore, please post the school calendar on the
fridge and look for notes coming home.
As this school year is quickly coming to an end, I would like to thank all of the volunteers, lunch supervisors,
School Council members as well as the entire staff at Laurelwoods for everyone’s hard work and dedication to
benefit all of the students at the school. The dedication of the entire school community has “wowed me” in my
first year at the school. I would, also, like to recognize our intermediate students who have taken on various
leadership roles within the school.
This past month, Shawna Brailsford was honoured at an Upper Grand District School Board ceremony as an
“Everyday Hero”. Mrs. Brailsford was honoured for all of her hard work supporting the kindergarten students as
well as for performing the Heimlich maneuver on a student who had food caught in her throat at lunchtime.
Congratulations Mrs. Brailsford!
As the school year ends, we have to say goodbye to some staff members. Our grade 3/4 teacher, Mr. Kirk, our
grade 5/6 teacher, Mr. Lobb and one of our early child educators, Mrs. Majeski, will be leaving us at the end of
June. On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank each of these educators for his/her hard work this year.
I wish everyone a fun-filled, safe and amazing summer and I look forward to hearing about the children’s
adventures in September. To our graduating grade eights, from all of us at the school, we wish you the best of
luck as you start high school at Westside. I hope that you look back fondly on your years spent here at
Laurelwoods!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Walker
Summer Reading
Summer is quickly approaching and while your school library might not be open during summer break, your
child can access our digital collection 24/7! Help your child keep their reading skills strong this summer with
eBooks and audiobooks from Overdrive accessible through UG2GO.
Students can login to Overdrive using their Windows network login. Digital books can be enjoyed on a
computer, tablet, smartphone or eReader device. Read right in the internet browser or download using the free
OverDrive app. At the end of the lending period, titles automatically expire so there are never any late fees.
Our digital collection can be accessed anywhere in the world, as long as there is an internet connection.
Visit our digital collection at https://www.ugdsb.on.ca/ug2go and make sure your student starts summer
vacation off right! Look for the Overdrive button under the Read section of UG2GO.
2014 School Organization
Moving??
Another administrative task that we begin to
explore at this time of year is determining the 2014
- 2015 school organization and the make up of
classes for next year. Teacher collaboration occurs
around determining student placement for the
subsequent year. Teachers spend a considerable
amount of time determining the best possible
placement for each student. Teachers have the
expert knowledge about how your child learns, their
learning style and work habits, and what kind of
social groupings foster their growth.
Although the staffing process and student
placements begin at this time of year, teaching
assignments, school organization and student
placements will not be finalized until the second
week of September. We continue to work towards
minimizing disruptions to class organization;
however, student registrations in August may result
in changes to class placements. With this in mind,
class lists for September will not be available until
the first day of school.
We appreciate your trust and understanding in our
professional judgment in the student placement
process.
Based on our student numbers, as determined by
the UGDSB’s District Staffing Committee we are
expecting the following class organization for our
2014 - 2015 school year.
Kindergarten A
Kindergarten B
Grade 1
Grade 1/2
Grade 2/3
Grade 3/4
Grade 4/5
Grade 5/6
Grade 6
Grade 7/8
Grade 7/8
Grade 7/8
FOI—”In keeping with privacy legislation and to
keep our children safe, the Upper Grand D.S.B. will
no longer publicly post class lists or make class
lists available to parents.” - S. Krueger, Freedom of
Information Co-ordinator for the UGDSB.
Hats and Sunscreen
We have experienced
some unpredictable
weather lately! We remind
parents that students are
outside for 30 minutes and 25 minutes for recess
breaks each day. We strongly recommend that
parents take appropriate precautions to protect
your children from the harmful rays of the sun.
Students are encouraged to wear hats, sunscreen
and sunglasses when on the playground.
Just a reminder that if you know you
are moving over the summer, please
call the office and let us know. It helps
when we begin to make up our draft class lists to
know who is attending or not. Any changes to your
child’s information can be updated by speaking to
our Office Coordinator, Karen Gardhouse.
Medication
If you have medication for your child
at school, please stop in at the end
of June to take it home for the
summer. In September, forms will
once again need to be completed to have
medication administered at school. Thank you for
your assistance.
Lost and Found
Please remember to check out our Lost and Found
items before leaving at the end of June. Any
unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity
the first week of July. As well, over the course of
the year a various assortment of school items find
their way home. Should you come across any
items: ie. textbooks, library books, physical
education equipment, school team jerseys, etc.,
please forward them to the school.
Final Report Cards
Reports will be sent home on
Wednesday, June 25th. Page three of
the report card, which must be held in
each student’s Ontario Student Record
file, needs to be returned by Friday, June 27th.
Thank you for your help in meeting this quick
return.
Milk Tokens
Milk tokens are available through your
child’s classroom teacher or the school
office. The tokens are sold in bundles
of 20 tokens for $17.00. Students can
also pay $1.00 cash by putting the coins
directly in the milk machine. SAVE $0.15 on each
milk by purchasing tokens.
Cookie Days & Ice Dawgs
Mrs. Jordan’s class would like to
thank all of the parents and
students who supported our
Cookie & Ice Dawg Days! We are
now sold out for the year.
“A Night at the Oscars”
Grade 8 Graduation
Our grade 8 students will be
celebrating their graduation night on
Wednesday, June 25th. Pictures may
be taken at 6:30 p.m. outside or in the front foyer,
and the ceremony will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the
gymnasium. There will be a reception with cake,
punch and refreshments directly following in the
library. Graduates will receive their invitations
shortly, and are asked to return their RSVP with
their number of guests to Mrs. Jordan. Graduates
should try to limit their guests to five; to be sure that
there is room for everyone. Grade 7 students are
invited to the graduation dance, and are asked to
come to the gym at 8:00 p.m., (directly following the
ceremony), to help put away chairs. Parents may
pick up their child at 10:30 p.m.
Graduation Barbeque
Mr. Walker and the Intermediate
Division Staff are hosting a
graduation barbeque for the grade
8 students and their classmates in
grade 7. The lunch will take place
on June 26th, so students will not
need to bring a lunch on that day.
Grade 9 Orientation Barbeque
at Westside Secondary School
Mark your calendars! Our graduates
are invited to an Orientation
Barbeque at Westside Secondary
School on Wednesday, August 27, from 9:00 a.m. 2:00 p.m. At this time, students will be given their
timetables for classes, and their lockers. There will
be team building games led by Link Leaders, who
are older students from Westside. Students will be
mailed their invitation over the summer with specific
details about the day.
Track & Field
Athletes for our county track and
field day were determined during the
month of May. The teams have been
working hard at practicing and
getting ready to represent Laurelwoods. The Track
& Field meet will be held at the ODSS track on
Thursday, June 12th, with a rain date of Tuesday,
June 17th. Students will be bussed to ODSS from
Laurelwoods in the morning. All students will need
to be picked up at the track following their events.
We look forward to a day of fun and active
participation with all our athletes. Good Luck
Laurelwoods!
Laurelwoods Has Talent!
Students will begin auditions for the
Talent Show during the first week in
June. Thank you to parents who are making sure
that all costumes and lyrics are appropriate for a
primary audience. Our show is scheduled for
Monday, June 23rd at 11:25 a.m. in the gym.
Parents are welcome to come and enjoy the show.
Library Circulation
With the end of the school year quickly
approaching, it is important to get all
books back to the library for final
inventory. All books out must be returned to the
library by June 9th, 2014. We appreciate your
assistance in helping your child(ren) return their
books and your attention to current overdue
notices.
Dufferin Youth Festival of Arts
At the recent demonstration of the
arts in Orangeville, Laurelwoods
was well represented by the
Primary and Chime choirs. Mrs.
Moritz volunteered every Thursday
at Laurelwoods to teach many
students how to play the chimes as well as to
develop a greater understanding and appreciation
for music. We are fortunate to have such a
dedicated volunteer that contributes to extracurricular activities. Congratulations to our Primary
and Chime choir members for a job well done and
thank you Ms. Neil for supervising our choir
members at the Festival!
O.P.P. Kids (Knowledge, Issues, Decisions,
Supports) Graduation
On May 14th, our grade six students gathered
together to celebrate the completion of the OPP
KIDS program for this school year. The students
received congratulations from officer, Constable
Nancekivell and Peter & Lana Whyte from McIntyre
Media. Constable Nancekivell who organized and
taught the program to our students recognized
special accomplishments they all made throughout
the duration of this program. A special thank you
goes out to McIntyre Media for their continued
support and contribution to the O.P.P. Kids
program.
Primary Canada Day
Our Canada Day Activity Rotation
for the primary division will be on
Thursday, June 26th. The
students will participate in various Canada themed
activities from 11:10 am - 1:10 pm. We will have a
picnic lunch at the Amaranth Township Office at
1:15 pm.
Laurelwoods Dress Code
The warm spring weather and summer
temperatures are here. Students are expected to
dress in an appropriate manner that is conducive to
a proper learning environment. Clothing should be
neat, clean and appropriate for school.
· no clothing or accessories associated with gang
affiliation or offensive in nature are allowed
· dresses, skirts and shorts are to be an appropriate
length, no shorter than the tips of their fingers
when they are extended at their side
· no straps, less than five centimeters, halters or
strapless tops in grades 4-8
· no bare midriffs or undergarments should be
exposed
· no hats are to be worn in classrooms
· students who are considered to be inappropriately
attired will be asked to change
· all students must have a pair of non-marking
indoor shoes and appropriate outdoor footwear
· students are expected to dress appropriately for
personal safety and weather conditions
School Bus Code of Conduct
1. Remain seated with belongings on
your lap.
2. Face the front at all times
3. Refrain from eating or drinking
4. Obey the bus patrollers and bus driver
As we near the completion of the 2012-2013 school
year, students often begin to demonstrate their
excitement for the summer holidays. Unfortunately,
this excitement can lead to distractions while riding
on the school bus. Please take time to review the
importance of bus safety at all time with your
son/daughter. In addition, in past years on the last
day of school some students have had the
understanding that engaging in a water fight is an
acceptable activity. Please be aware that throwing,
spraying etc. water on the school bus is NOT an
acceptable activity and can affect bus safety.
On the playground........
• play in the designated boundries
• play safely, fairly and
appropriately
• use appropriate language
• avoid any physical contact games, rough play, or
play fighting
• share playground equipment
• respect playground equipment
• leave stones/rocks on the ground
• get a hall pass to use the washroom
• enter/exit through the appropriate door with
permission
• respect the environment
• refrain from use of personal sports equipment (i.e.
roller blades, skateboards, scooters)
September 2014-2015 School Day Schedule
8:45 am – Entry
8:45 am – 10:25 am Instructional Time
10:25 am – 11:10 am – BREAK/Snack (students
have snack 15 min. /outside
30 min.)
11:10 am – 1:10 pm Instructional Time
1:10 pm – 1:55 pm BREAK/Snack (students eat
Lunch 20 min.outside
25 min.)
1:55 pm – 3:15 pm Instructional Time
3:15 pm - Dismissal
Play Day
The teachers are planning Playday
activities for part of the day on
Thursday June, 12th. Please be sure
that your child is wearing sunscreen
and a hat and brings a bottle of water.
142nd Grand Valley Fall Fair –
September 19, 20, & 21, 2014
The theme this year is “A Taste of Autumn!” The
Grand Valley Agricultural Society invites all families
to come out and enjoy all that the Fair has to offer –
something for everyone! Join in the Parade on
Saturday or bring your pet to the Pet Show on
Sunday. There are too many events to
list…Fairbooks will be available in June from local
businesses, or visit the website at
www.grandvalleyfallfair.ca to view the entire
fairbook and read about more information.
See you at the Fair!
Student Council
Girls Basketball
It has been a great year for Student Council! We
held food drives, spirit days, promoted anti-bullying
awareness and raised over $500 for Me to We.
Proceeds will be going to help support the
education initiative of building schools, making
them accessible for all children in developing
countries. We also raised $300 in small change for
Big Change! Future social activists in the making!!
Thank you to the Laurelwoods Community for
supporting our goals
Mr. Johnson would like to congratulate the girls who
were on the basketball team on their awesome season,
in which they only lost one game (their first of the
season), and went on to win the rest of their games, on
their way to being Champions!
During the season, the girls were 5-1 in the qualifying
round. This earned them a first place bye in the playoffs.
Their first game in the playoff round was against
Parkinson. It was a difficult game for our girls, but they
persevered and came out of it with a win. Next, they
played an undefeated Princess Elizabeth team and won
as well, limiting the other team to only 9 points! With this
win, the girls earned the right to play at Westside in the
Championship game against another undefeated team,
Princess Margaret. It was a well-contested match
against a determined Margaret team. Once again, our
girls held a team to under 10 points, earning a
Championship victory with a 10-8 win!
Our
girls
showed
great
team
camaraderie,
sportsmanship and determination to win this year. Mr.
Johnson is proud of all the team members and would
like to say thank you to them for making his coaching job
an easy one! Well done ladies!
Free Teeth Cleaning
The Public Health Department if holding a free
teeth cleaning for children and youth up to 17 who
cannot afford dental care and have no dental
insurance.
Grand Valley – July 15th – 18th
Grand Valley & District Community Centre
Services include cleaning, fluoride, sealants and
brushing/flossing instruction. To book appointments
please call the Dental Intake Line:
1-800-265-7293 ext. 2661.
P. A Day
There is a 1/2 Day P.A. Day on June 6th. Students
will be dismissed at Noon. The last day of school
will be Friday, June 27th, 2014.
Win a Dairy Queen Gift Certificate
After your family has read this newsletter, please sign and detach this coupon. “Our family” must include at
least one parent/guardian who has read the newsletter. This coupon must be placed in the yellow mailbox in
the front hall of the school. A ballot will be drawn from the yellow mailbox each month indicating the winning
family for the month. This month’s draw will be held on Friday, June 27th, 2014.
Our family has read the newsletter corresponding to this draw.
Family Name: ____________________________
Child’s Name: ____________________________
Parent’s Signature: ________________________
June 2014
Sun
1
Mon
2
Tue
3
Wed
4
5
Junior Swimming
Pita Lunch
Hot Lunch
EQAO - Gr 3 & 6
8
9
10
Gr. 4’s to Island Lake
- Habitats
15
16
Gr. 5 Scientist in
School
Dufferin Waste
Presentation
22
23
24
25
Grade 8 Graduation
Gr. 8 Graduation
Rehearsal
Report Cards go
home
29
30
BOARD
HOLIDAY
Sat
7
Spring Fling
5:00 p.m. to
8:00 p.m.
P.A.
DAY
13
Track & Field
O.D.S.S.
Play Day
Grade 3 trip to
Dufferin Museum
Hot Lunch
Student Volunteer
Celebration
Fri
6
12
Eric Walters
Presentation
Jr. / Interm.
17Gr. 3 Swimming 18
Gr. 3 Swimming
Talent Show
11:25 a.m.
11
Gr. 3 Swimming
Junior Swimming
Pita Lunch
TRACK & FIELD 1500 m
Junior Swimming
Gr. 1/2 trip to
Highlands Nordic
Track & Field
Rain Date
Thurs
19
14
Spirit Day wear a tie
Gr.1/2 Scientist in
School
Pizza Day
20
SK Graduation - 1:30
21
Pizza Day
Parent Council
Mtg. - 7:00
26
Primary Canada
Picnic
27
28
Last Day of
School
Assembly
Gr 7/8 BBQ
PARENT COUNCIL CORNER
SPRING FLING
Date: THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014
Time: 5:00 – 8:00 pm (rain or shine)
We look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s SRPING FLING!
It’s sure to be a great family night with lots of fun activities for everyone.
• Silent Auction
• BBQ
• Community Involvement
• Class “Gift Baskets”
• Ice Cream Sundaes
• Plant Sale
• Carnival Games
• Prizes
• Face Painting
*** NEW THIS YEAR – A CAKE RAFFLE ***
Next Parent Council Meeting:
THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2014
We will be confirming how much money was made during Spring Fling and other fund
raising activities throughout the year – and then making decisions on how these funds will
be allocated and which projects to support in the following school year (2014/2015). As
always - your participation is encouraged.
Traditionally I take the opportunity in the June newsletter to personally thank all of the
parent volunteers (and their families) for their tremendous efforts over the last 10months. Their dedication and allegiance to LES is heart-warming and helps to ensure that
our children have the best school possible where the learning experience is rich and
rewarding.
But as this school year comes to a close it is also time for me to say “farewell” to
Laurelwoods. I will be graduating along with our daughter and must leave the Parent
Council torch behind in the hopes that parents with younger families will step-up to the
plate and carry on. It has been a tremendously rewarding experience and I have
thoroughly enjoyed working with the students, teachers and parents. A sincere and
heartfelt “Thank-You” to everyone who has been part of the team – you made my job easy
and a true pleasure.
Adieu,
Judy Cusiter
Chair, Parent Council