UPPER GRAND
District School Board
530 Prospect Street, Box 430, Palmerston, ON, N0G 2P0
519-343-3520
“Be The BEST That You Can Be”
“Fais De Ton Mieux”
2014-2015
Newsletter #10
June 1, 2015
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE
June will be a busy month. In June our students will be participating in the North
Wellington track and field meets and in baseball tournaments. Our Grade 8 students look forward
to their trip to Ottawa and their graduation. Some special class trips are planned and we will be
asking for parent supervisors.
BIKE SAFETY
A number of students are now riding bikes to school. Please ensure that you have reviewed
the appropriate safety rules with your child and provided him or her with a properly-fitting helmet
and lock. Please remind your child to walk their bike on school property.
YEAR END BBQ AND MOVIE
On Thursday, June 4th, the School Council is planning an evening with food and fun for everyone. The
BBQ and bake sale will be held at the Lions’ Park Pavilion from 5:30 to 6:30. The family movie starts at the
Norgan Theatre at 7:00 p.m. The support of our Palmerston families is amazing and we look forward to seeing
many of you at this event. Thanks to everyone who is contributing their time and energy to help us raise funds
that will be used to support all of our students’ learning and enrich everyone’s school experiences. This is an
enjoyable community event for our families to meet or renew friendships. Please join us if possible.
P.A. DAY
There will be a Professional Activity on Friday, June 5th . There is no school for students.
PLAYGROUND UPDATE
It is great to see our students participating in activities and being active at recess. You could help by
sending your child with his/her own ball, skipping rope or game. Please ensure the equipment is safe and
clearly marked with your child’s name. Soft playground balls, soccer balls, and basketballs are all popular.
Please remember that students are not permitted to bring skateboards or scooters to school or to use them
on school property.
LOST AND FOUND
Our Lost and Found items in the box in the centre foyer is full and the end of the school year is fast
approaching. Students and parents are urged to check for lost items regularly. At the end of June, the
remaining items will be packed for donation to charity. If you or your children find any school materials or
library books while cleaning up rooms or backpacks this summer, please return them on the first day of school
in September.
NOTE FROM THE OFFICE
If your child has medication that is stored at the Office, please arrange to pick it up by 4:00 p.m. on
Thursday, June 25th.
DOG VISITORS
Please remember to “Stoop and Scoop” and remind your friends with dogs who use our
playground to do the same. Thanks for helping to keep our playground a safe and enjoyable place for
our students to play.
A THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
The staff and students would like to thank all the hard-working volunteers who give up their own time
to help us at Palmerston Public School. Parents and community members come to our school to help with grill
cheese, hotdogs, breakfast program, reading, in class activities, class trips, and classroom jobs. Without these
people many of our special activities would not be able to happen. Thank you so much for being part of the
Palmerston Team.
Also, thanks to Barb Wakeford who worked tirelessly at making our flower beds look beautiful.
2015-16 SCHOOL CALENDAR
Attached is the School Calendar for the 2015-16 school year.
SPIRIT DAYS
Thursday, June 25th is Hawaiian Day.
CLASSES FOR THE YEAR 2015-2016
We are not able to share tentative teacher and student placements until September 8th.
YEAR END CLASS TRIPS
Teachers have been busy arranging class trips for their students:
June 9th & 10th
June 15th to 18th
June 17th
June 18th
June 18th
June 18th
June 19th & 24th
June 23rd
JK/SK trip to Guelph Lakes
Grade 8 Ottawa trip
Grade 7 students are going to the Science Centre
Ms Horton’s Grade 6 students are going to The Museum
Ms Lange’s class is going to Elora
Grade 4 students are going to Medieval Times
Grade 1/2 students are going to Grey Roots Museum
Grade 3 Camping Day
IT'S THAT TIME...PLEASE RETURN ALL THINGS BELONGING TO PALMERSTON P.S.
With the end of the school year quickly approaching, it is important to get all books and equipment
back so we can have a fresh start in September 2015. It takes a few weeks to get all books and equipment
back, so any assistance you can give your child in helping them find items belonging to Palmerston Public
School would be appreciated.
All library books must be returned to the Library by June 8th. If your child brings home an overdue note,
please help him/her locate and return the book(s) in question. If she/he has lost or misplace a library book,
the replacement fee is $5.00 and up for a paperback, $10.00 and up for a hardcover. Library notices will soon
be sent home at the beginning of June.
If you find any schoolbooks or equipment at home over the summer holiday, please have your child
return them to the school. The replacement of textbooks is quite expensive and we are happy to have items
returned, even late.
Thank you!
PARENT RESOURCE WEBSITES
Did you want to find information about simple steps to your child’s success? Did you know that there
are many simple things you can do at home to support your child’s education?
You can view the text form for “abc123 reach every student” website by logging in on the following site
in English http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc123/eng/index.html and in French
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc123/fre/index.html
PARENT COUNCIL
Starting this September Parent Council meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month. Parent
Council is always looking for new members.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
As summer approaches it is time to start thinking about what I can do as a parent to support my child’s
continuing education throughout their holidays. Upper Grand District School Board now allows for home use
of a student’s assistive technology. Please ask your child’s teacher about the “HOME USE OF ASSISTIVE
TECHNOLOGY PROTOCOL” form if you would like your child to bring their assistive technology home for the
summer.
Some programs that your child might want to use over the summer:
1.
Ontario Ministry of Education: Discover quick and easy tips that can be part of your everyday life and
will help your child's learning.
Learn more: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc123/eng/tips/
Watch video podcasts: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc123/eng/podcast/
2.
http://www.readingrockets.org/calendar/summer
This resource was designed to assist in helping students’ from losing progress in their reading skills
over the summer months. This link provides resources, articles and activities to encourage kids to learn,
read and have fun in the summer.
3.
https://webapps.ugdsb.on.ca/ug2go/
UG2GO, the virtual learning commons for the Upper Grand District School Board. UG2GO provides
24/7 access to quality online subscription databases and websites for the UGDSB community.
4.
Centre of Equitable Library Access:
http://iguana.celalibrary.ca/iguana/www.main.cls?surl=CELA-Home&theme=celadefault&lang=eng
Over 200,000 items available in accessible formats - approximately 85,000 items from CELA and an
additional 120,000 items from US based Bookshare.
TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH JUNE 2015 –
SUCCESSFULLY SHIFTING FROM SCHOOL TO SUMMER
It is an exciting time of the year. The weather is getting warmer, days are getting longer and summer is
just around the corner. School is wrapping up and it is time to think about how to have a good transition from
school routines to summer vacation. You and your family may be looking forward to summer as a break from
the routine and as an opportunity to have some summer fun. The challenge lies in shifting gears to a
different routine and a schedule that may change as often as every day or every week, depending on
your summer plans.
The shift from school year to summer break represents a transition phase for all children and
youth, easy for some, but more challenging for others, particularly those children and youth who
experience anxiety or have difficulty with transitions. The regular routine of school may be a much
needed structure in their lives that is sometimes missing in the summer. School can provide a consistent
schedule and social contacts, which can be helpful and supportive for children with certain mental health
concerns. Summer can be unpredictable and isolating. The potential unstructured nature of the summer, at
times, can increase underlying anxiety. The loneliness and isolation can contribute to feelings of depression.
So a good transition to summer is important and can lead to a more positive, fun summer experience.
Here are some practical tips to make a smooth transition from school to summer!
Post the summer schedule. Have your child or youth contribute to a family calendar. Together,
you can determine what to put on the calendar. Hang the calendar in a central location. Be sure to note
blocks of unscheduled time as well; that way, you can anticipate free time to use as you wish – even if
it’s just to enjoy a break in the action.
Be prepared to be spontaneous. Keep a running list of places and people to visit when time
permits and the mood strikes. Summer – free from homework and tutors – is a good time to stop by the
library, bike trail, or concert-in-the-park that you can’t seem to get to during the school year.
Revamp – but don’t eliminate – your child’s daily routine. A daily routine gives most kids a sense
of structure and security.
Prepare your child for their scheduled activities. If possible, visit the locations where they will be
during day camp or day care in advance. Have your child talk to counselors, caregivers, as well as other
kids who have enjoyed those same situations and settings.
Encourage summertime learning. Summer outings may present opportunities for your child to
learn about history, geography, and nature. Look for “teachable moments” and encourage her to listen,
read, take photographs, collect postcards, and keep a journal of her adventures. This type of learning can
boost the self-esteem of a child who struggles in school.
Get outside and enjoy the summer. Try to limit the amount of time online, watching TV, or playing
video games. Be active and get plenty of sleep and exercise. Being outside, such as going for a walk or playing
in the park, elevates our mood and makes us feel less anxious.
Hope you have a wonderful, relaxing, fun summer. However, if you find mental health challenges to be
increasing or causing more difficulties over the summer, seek out mental health or addiction supports for your
child/youth, you and your family.
Summer resources for Mental Health and Addiction supports:
Your family physician and family health teams in Guelph, Wellington, Dufferin are excellent resources.
Summer School: Mental Health and Addiction Nurses will be available for drop in supports at UGDSB Summer
School locations at JF Ross CVI and Westside SS.
Canadian Mental Health Association WWD: Tuesday Walk In - 1:30-7:00, 485 Silvercreek Parkway, Guelph.
To access Addictions, Mental Health and Crisis Services: 1 844 HERE 247 (1 844 437 3247) for Children and
Youth in Guelph/Wellington and for Adults in Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin. http://here247.ca/
Dufferin Child and Family Services: Tuesday Talk In – 1:00-7:00 pm, 655 Riddell Road, Orangeville.
To access services for Children and Youth in Dufferin: 519 941 1530. http://dcafs.on.ca/
Family Counselling and Support Services: Walk-in, Wednesday, 1-7, sliding scale, based on ability to pay, but
will not turn anyone away. 109 Surrey St E, 519 824-2431.
KidsHelpPhone 1 800 668 6868. http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/
Dr. Lynn Woodford is the Mental Health and Addiction Lead for Upper Grand District School Board
Follow me on twitter: @drlynnwoodford
June’s Environmental Theme: CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Caring about the environment is all about “doing”. So get out there and start doing all the things
you've learned about this year. It's time for all of us to start Living Green 365 days a year and make a
commitment to environmental stewardship, so we can keep our Earth healthy!
Caring about our planet means being educated about our planet. Learn as much as you can. Earth
needs smart people to take care of it! Be curious, ask questions, gather knowledge and find solutions. You
need to understand what the problems are in order to fix them.
Every one of us is important when it comes to caring for the Earth and protecting it for the future. An
advocate is someone who publically speaks or writes or does actions to support an important cause. What
kind of “Earth Advocate” are you? Choose from the following list:
A) Activist: I want to help others to change their habits to help the Earth. I want to host an event or
make a website that encourages others to Live Green. I want to write letters to our government to ask
them to make positive changes.
B) Motivator: I will help others change their habits by being a role model that others can follow. People
will see me living green and making a difference and be motivated to do the same.
C) Educator: I will research environmental issues and tell other people what I learn. I will be curious
and ask questions and gather knowledge and find solutions to environmental problems that I will share
with others.
So decide what kind of “Earth Advocate” you are. You can be more than one type!
Slogan of the month: Live Green 365 days a year!
21st CENTURY LEARNING
The world we live in is rapidly changing, information and technology-intensive, globalized world. While
this may seem overwhelming at times (particularly to those of who entered this world well before this was
true), it is also rich with the potential for redefining learning in ways that were previously unimaginable.
To best equip today's learners with the 21st century knowledge and skills they need today and for their
futures we must respond by:
• Engaging students as partners in their own learning
• Harnessing the capacity of technology to engage learners and to optimize and amplify student learning
and achievement
• Emphasizing and teaching important higher-order skills such as critical thinking, communication,
collaboration, creativity and entrepreneurship
• Supporting educators in preparing our students for a rapidly changing, technology-driven, globalized
world
Answers to the questions of: How do I do that? and What does that look like? are being discovered now
and in real time. Educators, students, schools and parents are acting as co-learners as they inquire together
about how to effectively and responsibly navigate learning in modern environments. As we are discovering,
inquiry leads to more questions and requires a mindset that sees failures as iterations.
In the co-learning contexts, adult stakeholders are responsible for modelling a growth mindset and being
lifelong learners. Students and children may know more about how the technology works and what is out
there, but adults asking guiding questions to help students become critical consumers and responsible
creators in the digital world are the key in navigating today’s learning in a safe and effective way.
Keywords to search to enhance your own learning: “21st Century Competencies” “digital citizenship” “growth
mindset”, “SAMR”, “TPACK”
Sources referenced: About 21st Century Learning in Ontario http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/21stCenturyLearning/index.html
Jen Apgar
KNOWLEDGE VS. WISDOM
With the end of the school year on the horizon, it’s a natural time to reflect with your child about their
learning. As they get feedback on their work, it can be easy to stay focused on the grade they’ve earned. But
help them to remember that there’s so much more than just the number or letter that describes their
achievement. Here are some suggestions to help guide conversations with your child to get them thinking
more deeply about their learning:
Questions to get started (based on Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle)
• Why do you think you’re learning about this/to do this? If you want to have a more broad
discussion about school in general, be direct and ask your children why they think we should go to
school in the first place. It’s a great question for not just your young thinker, but to everyone around
the table. When I’ve asked this question in classrooms throughout our board, I’ve heard a range of
response, from "To learn facts", "To get ready for high school" and "To learn the basics" to "For making
friendships", "To learn about the different ways we learn" and "To better understand the world".
• How can you make this happen? In other words, how does your child think they do their best
learning? Help them to understand that it’s not about just doing what is being asked of them, it’s also
about thinking and asking questions.
• 
What will we see that shows us you’re learning? Children seem to struggle, at least initially, to
answer this one or at least to move beyond what they think we want to hear, such as “I will sit quietly”
or “I will raise my hand”. With time and a bit more prompting, however, I often hear from students
that what should be seen in classrooms is "Teachers and students working together", "Each person
feeling responsible for themselves and to each other" and "Pride in myself". Can your child describe
what should be seen at home that illustrates their learning?
What does it mean to learn?
Go back to why—no matter who you talk to when asking why we go to school, you inevitably end up talking
about learning. Do we all have the same understanding about what it means to learn? Don’t underestimate
your child’s ability to enter into a philosophical conversation. In talking to students about this, from
kindergarten through to Grade 8, I’m always amazed at the depth of their responses when asked questions
like
•
What is learning?
•
Is the point of learning different in elementary than it is in high school?
•
Who’s responsible for the learning? Is it just one person?
•
Do adults still learn?
•
Do you think it’s still important to learn even when you’re very elderly?
Knowledge vs. Wisdom
My favourite homework for students is to have them ask their family the difference between knowledge and
wisdom. I promise that this conversation will not only shed light into your child’s thinking but will also allow
your family to discuss values that are important to all of you. It’s also a great lead into the upcoming summer
holidays and the learning and wisdom that can develop with each day. As Miles Kington has said, “Knowledge
is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad”.
Andrea Higgins
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
Day 5
2
Day 1
3
Day 2
4
Day 3
5
8
Day 5
9
Day 1
10
Day 2
11
Day 3
12
Day 4
15
Day 5
16
Day 1
17
Day 2
18
Day 3
19
Day 4
22
Day 5
23
Day 1
24
Day 2
25
Day 3
26
Gr. 8 leave for Ottawa
Jr. Green Legacy tree
planning
Gr. 7 trip to Science Centre
Primary Play Day
Report Cards go home
Intermediate 3-Pitch
tournament
Lifeguard Safety
presentation
Pizza
Science Fair 11:30 am &
5:30 pm
Pizza
North Wellington Junior
Track & Field
JK/SK trip to Guelph Lakes
Pizza
Jr. Green Legacy tree
planning
Gr. 3 Swim to Survive
Pizza
Junior 3-Pitch tournament
Gr. 3 Camping Day
Swimming
Grilled Cheese
North Wellington
Intermediate Track & Field
Salad Day by donation
JK/SK trip to Guelph Lakes
Hot Dogs
Gr. 3 Swim to Survive
Gr. 8 Graduation 6:30 p.m.
Mrs. Bastedo & Mrs. Pratt
trip to Grey Roots
Swimming
Yearbook order forms and
money due
Gr. 3 Swim to Survive
Gr. 8 return from Ottawa
Gr. 4 trip to Medieval
Times
Gr. 6 trip to Waterloo
Museum
Ms Lange trip to Elora
Hawaiian Day
Swimming
Last Day of Classes
P.A. DAY
Gr. 1/2 FI trip to Grey
Roots
P.A. DAY
OUR FUNDRAISER IS RETURNING THIS FALL
AND YOU CAN HELP US!
YOU CAN ORDER MAGAZINES ONLINE ANYTIME:
GO TO www.QSP.ca and support our school.
USE GROUP ONLINE ID 3713302
If you have an inquiry please contact QSP Customer Service at 1-800-667-2536.
Thank you in advance for your support. We look forward to a successful campaign!
MINTO ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS ART WORKS BY STUDENTS OF
MINTO-CLIFFORD AND PALMERSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
OPENING RECEPTION: WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH 7:00 TO 9:00 pm
SHOW CONTINUES JUNE 10TH – JUNE 27TH WITH GALLERY GIFT SHOP OPEN
TOP FLOOR OF THE HARRISTON PUBLIC LIBRARY
88 MILL STREET, HARRISTON, ON