Laurelwoods Elementary School
Newsletter
May 2014
Education Week - May 5th – 9th
“We are the Future/Nous Sommes L’Avenir”
PRINCIPAL NEWS
Education Week, this year, is May 5th to 9th. The theme is “We Are The Future/Nous Sommes
L'Avenir”! Education week is a time to celebrate our achievements and reflect on the learning and
growing that our students have achieved.
In honour of this week, our students will be participating in many different activities. The entire school
will be involved in Music Monday on May 5th with a school wide assembly. Our Primary Choir and
Chimes Choirs will be participating at the Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts on the morning of May
7th. The following week, each division will participate in an Arts Day with artists from the community
teaching our students new skills. Thank you to our School Council for its financial support. This
financial contribution ensures that our students are able to take part in and enjoy these enrichment
opportunities.
As we move into the month of May, we are definitely seeing some bigger smiles as the children are
back on the playground structures. In addition, many students are enjoying the various activities in
the yard-the basketball nets, soccer fields, and the four-square games are all being used regularly.
We remind the students that it is important to play safely and fairly with their peers as well as share
the equipment with others to ensure that our yard continues to be a fun and safe place to play.
With the warm weather approaching, please remember to have your child prepared with a hat, sun
screen and appropriate clothing for track and field, field trips and outdoor gym classes. Also, we
expect students to dress in clothing that is appropriate for their age group. Shorts and skirts must be
a reasonable length and undergarments should not be visible.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Walker
Victoria Day Holiday
There will be no classes for students on
Monday, May 19, 2014.
Reminder - there will be a 1/2 Day P.D. Day on
June 6, 2014 – students will attend classes in the
morning only.
2014-2015 School Organization:
Another administrative task that we begin in late
May and into June is determining the 2014-2015
school organization, and the make-up of classes.
We would like to inform parents about how we
approach this important task.
First, our in-school staffing committee receives a
tentative school organization from the Board’s
District Staffing Committee. This school
organization is based on the expected student
enrolment and the number of teachers that are
allocated to our school by the Upper Grand District
School Board’s Staffing Committee.
Next, our staff collects data on each student which
is then used at grade level placement meetings.
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.
We appreciate your trust in our professional
judgment in the student placement process.
Riding Bicycles to School:
A reminder that permission
from parents must be granted
before riding bicycles to school.
These forms are available in the
main office at the school.
Students are expected to wear
mandatory head gear. Bicycles are to be parked in
the bicycle racks located at the front of the school.
At the end of the day, students who ride bicycles
are dismissed after the last bus has departed from
the school.
EQAO Grade 3 and 6 Provincial
Assessment of Reading, Writing and Math:
This May and June, Grade 3 and 6 students across
Ontario will be assessed by the “Education Quality
and Accountability Office” in reading, writing and
mathematics. The EQAO assessments require
students to participate in the assessment over six
one hour sessions. This year our grade 3 and 6
students will complete the assessment during the
first block of the day on May 27th - June 3rd . Our
teachers and students are working hard to prepare
for these assessments, and we sincerely
appreciate your support in limiting student
absences during these periods.
School and provincial results of this assessment
will be made public in the fall. Individual student
results are also released to parents at that time.
The data from these assessments is one source of
information to assist schools in the evaluation of
their School Improvement Plan.
Help Your Child Do Well on Tests:
1. Make sure your child gets a good night sleep
before every test.
2. Provide a light, healthy breakfast on test day.
3. Have your child dress comfortable and arrive at
school on time.
4. Send your child off to school with confidence
building words of praise.
5. Remind your child to carefully read directions.
6. Tell your child to check his or her work before
submitting the test.
Moving??
If you know you will be moving over
the summer please inform the school.
This helps us to plan for the fall.
Hats and Sunscreen:
We are expecting warm
weather in the near
future! We remind
parents that students are
outdoors for recess and on occasion for physical
education class. We strongly recommend that
parents take appropriate precautions to protect
their child(ren) from the harmful rays of the sun.
Students are encouraged to wear hats, sunscreen
and sunglasses when on the playground.
Cookie Days & Ice Dawgs:
For the remainder of the year,
we will be selling Terra Cotta
Cookie’s Ice Dawgs for $2 each,
at first break on Tuesdays. These ice cream
sandwiches are two cookies filled with vanilla ice
cream and still meet the standards of the Food &
Beverage Healthy Food Policy.
Grade 8’s, Mark Your
Calendars:
Our graduating students are invited
to a grade 9 orientation barbeque on
Wednesday, August 27th. The event will be run by
some of the Westside staff, and student Link
Leaders. Along with some fun group building
games, students will be given their timetables,
assigned lockers, and will tour the school to find
their classes. Further details will be sent to you in
the mail this summer.
Attention Parents of Intermediate Students:
Ms. Jordan and Ms. Martin would like to thank all of
the parents who responded to help us to prepare
for graduation. If you would like to lend a hand, feel
free to call us at school, or write us a note. The
grade 8 students have chosen the theme "A Night
at the Oscars" for their graduation night. The
ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 25,
2014. Students arrive at school at 6:30 pm to take
pictures of one another with their friends, and the
ceremony begins at 7 pm sharp in the gym.
Invitations will be sent home this month, with an
RSVP card to return to school so that we know how
many guests your child will have attend. We
suggest that each student bring no more than 5
guests, but please write on the RSVP if you would
like to bring more. Usually, it works out so that
there is enough seating for all who wish to attend.
Following the ceremony, a reception will be held in
the library. Grade 7's are invited to arrive at school
at 8 pm to help us stack the chairs in the gym, and
then may stay for the dance, which ends at 10:30.
We are all looking forward to this special night!
Confirm your Voter Registration:
Do you want to vote in the 2014 municipal and
school board elections? Are you a new resident or
have changed your residence since the last
election (2010)? Go to www.voterlookup.ca and
confirm that you’re on the voters’ list. It’s now up to
you. If you do not have the Internet, or don’t speak
English call MPAC at 1-866-296-6722 and help will
be available. We can also help you at our school.
Girls Basketball:
The girls’ basketball team finished their regular
season with a 5 and 1 record and is now into the
playoffs as the number 1 seed. They played
Parkinson on April 23rd and won 15 – 13 to
advance to the next round. In the next game they
beat PEPS who were previously undefeated 12 - 9
to advance to the finals at Westside on May 7th.
Music Monday!
In Canada for the past 10 years, the first
Monday in May has been dedicated as
music Monday. It is an annual event that
brings together thousands of students, musicians
and community members across Canada to
celebrate the gift of music in our lives. This year,
we have Heather Katz a local blues singer coming
in and a gentleman named Sebastian who plays
the xylophone. We also had some intermediate
students go around and teach some dance moves
to “The Happy Song” so the entire school will be
dancing at the assembly. Parents are welcome to
come and enjoy Music Monday with us at the
assembly from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.
Primary Storytelling Winners:
Community Service Hours:
Students are required to complete 40 hours of
community service to graduate from grade 12.
Graduating grade 8 students may begin
accumulating these hours as soon as July 1st,
2014. Consider discussing volunteer opportunities
with your child for this summer! The Upper Grand
District School Board has created a Community
Service Hours Manual that outlines eligible and
ineligible activities. A form will be sent home with
your child's report card for recording and tracking
you child's hours.
Grand Valley Minor Softball:
The Grand Valley Minor Softball
Association is looking for players
born in 2006 and 2007 to play at the Mite level.
The cost is $60.00. Please contact Alison Jordan
at 519-216-9406 or allie26@gmail.com for more
information.
On April 14th we held our annual Storytelling
Competition. Each primary class selected students
to share their story in the library. Parents,
grandparents, staff and students were entertained
with exciting stories. Congratulations to the top
storytellers: Noah, Lola, Evan and Ayda.
Eco Crew:
The Eco Crew is back and in full swing - sorting
and clearing in blue recycling and green
compost bins. Once again we had a generous donation
of white spruce trees donated from the Copernicus
Education company. Each student was given a tree to
take home and plant. Every little bit counts and every
tree planted contributes the oxygen that is essential for
survival of all life. The Eco Crew continues to focus on
the positive things that we can do! Thank you for your
support. "We're Green, We're Blue, We're the Eco
Crew"!
Grand Valley and District Hockey
Association Registration:
GVDMH is accepting registrations for the 2014 –
2015 season, they offer local league at the Mites
and Tykes level and Rep and Local league hockey
at the Novice, Atom, Peewee, Bantam and Midget
age group, where numbers permit. New lowered
prices are being offered and financial assistance
may be available, if needed. This season they are
also trying to establish an all girls, in house
development hockey for ages 6 -10 and 11-17
years old for $150.00. You can still register at the
Grand Valley Duck Race on May 24th, 2 - 4 pm or
contact coraleebell@hotmail.com. You can also
access our website at www.eteamz.com/gvmh.
Registration deadline for the 2014-2015 season is
May 31st. A late fee of $100.00 will apply for any
registration after this date. Postdated cheques are
accepted. GVDMH is also looking for potential
coaches! If interested, or for more information
contact j.church@sympatico,ca. Looking forward
to another successful season! Go Twisters!
Teddy Bear Clinic:
At the Headwaters Health Care Centre, medical
staff will perform check-ups on your child’s favourite
Teddy Bear, dolly or any other stuffed animals!
When: Saturday, May 3rd, 2014
Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 p.m.
Cost: One Twoonie per patient
Where: Headwaters Health Care Centre
There will be many other activities and attractions
along with FREE parking for anyone attending the
event. All proceeds will go towards the purchase of
much needed Medical Equipment.
More Children Can Get Free Dental Care:
More children will qualify for free dental care as of
April 1, 2014 due to changes to the Healthy Smiles
Ontario Program. The income thresholds have
changed and now include the number of children in
the family. This affects children and youth up to the
age of 18 who are residents of Ontario and
have no access to any form of dental
coverage.
Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts:
Miss Neil and Mrs. Moritz have been working hard
to prepare the primary choir and chimes choir for
the annual Dufferin Youth Festival of the Arts.
On May 7th, we will be heading to the Compass
Community Church in Orangeville where we will
perform and enjoy music, songs, and dances from
other schools. A permission form was sent home in
April. Please sign and return the form as soon as
possible. Also, we will be needing 4 parent
volunteers to ride on the bus with Miss Neil. If you
can help with this, please contact Miss Neil.
Arts Day at Laurelwoods:
We are looking forward to our annual Arts Day at
Laurelwoods. Local artists will be visiting our
school to offer students workshops in drama,
dance, music and visual arts. Each Division will
have their own half day of arts.
If you think a child may qualify for Healthy
Smiles Ontario, contact Public Health at
1-800-265-7293 ext. 2661. We will help you with
the application process and answer any questions.
For children and youth up to 17 who cannot afford
dental care and have no dental insurance there will
be a free teeth cleaning clinic at Grand Valley and
District Community Centre between July 15 – July
18, 2014. To book an appointment call the Dental
Intake Line at 1-800-265-7293 ext. 2661. The
services include cleaning, fluoride, sealants and
brushing/flossing instruction.
.
Win a Soccer Ball:
Junior Day
Intermediate Day
Primary Day
Monday, May 12th
Tuesday, May 13th
Thursday, May 15th
These Arts Days are funded by the generous
donation of our School Council and support from
the Dufferin Arts “Artists in the School” program.
We are all looking forward to a creative experience!
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. This
month’s draw will be on Friday, May 30th, 2014.
Family Name: ___________________________
Child’s Name: ___________________________
Parent’s Signature: ________________________
May 2014
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
1
2
3
Scientist in School
Ms. Gibson gr 4/5
RISE - Grade 7
Pizza Day
4
“We are the
Future”
5
MUSIC MONDAY
6
Pita Day
Ice Dawgs
Community Church
Scientist in School
Kdn
Basketball Finals
RIM PARK - Gr 8’s
EDUCATION
WEEK
11
12
Junior Arts Day
13
Intermediate Arts
Day
19
14
New JK’s visit
8
Parent Council
Meeting - 7:00 pm
15
Primary Arts Day
20
21
26
10
16
17
23
24
Pizza Day
22
Spirit Day - Twin Day
Pita Day
Ice Dawgs
25
9
Pizza Day
Hot Lunch Day
Grade 8’s Explore
your Future Day
Pita Day
Ice Dawgs
18
7
DYFA - Compass
Pizza Day
27
Pita Day
Ice Dawgs
EQAO begins for
Grades 3 & 6
Hot Lunch
28
Scientist in School
EQAO - Gr 3 & 6
JK/SK trip to Guelph
Gr 7/8 trip to Niagara
29
EQAO - Gr 3 & 6
30
Pizza Day
EQAO - Gr 3 & 6
Volunteer
Appreciation
PARENT COUNCIL CORNER
SPRING FLING – THURSDAY, JUNE 5
Preparations for Spring Fling are well underway. Please check your child(ren)’s back-pack in the coming
weeks for the flyers and additional information on how you can get involved.
In the meantime – we are in the process of soliciting items for the Silent Auction. If you own a business, work
for a great company or frequently do business with someone please consider asking them to contribute
something to our Silent Auction.
• a new item, or
• a gift certificate, or
• a gift basket
Simply drop the items off at the school’s office.
If you would like to be more involved with the Silent Auction, please contact Amanda King:
pairofkings@outlook.com
Home: 519-942-4637
Cell: 416-803-0964
2013/2014 YEARBOOK
YEARBOOK COVER CONTEST – and the winner is ……. Jade! Congratulations and enjoy your Dairy Queen Gift
Certificate! It was a tough decision though – there were so many wonderful submissions. Thank-you to
everyone who participated.
BUSINESS CARD AD – if you haven’t already done so, please submit your Business Card and payment of
$25.00 as soon as possible. What a great way to market your business and to support the production costs of
the yearbook!
The Yearbook order form will be sent home shortly.
Thurs. June 5
5:00 – 8:00 PM
SPRING FLING MEETING
Please join us if you’re able. We will be discussing and finalizing Spring Fling preparations.
Best wishes to everyone for a sunny and warm MOTHER’S DAY.
Judy Cusiter
Chair, Parent Council
519-940-3666, Ext 495