530 Prospect Street, Box 430, Palmerston, ON, N0G 2P0
519-343-3520
“Be The BEST That You Can Be”
“Fais De Ton Mieux”
2012-2013
Newsletter #1
September 4, 2012
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to Palmerston P.S. for the 2012-2013 school year! Hopefully, everyone has had a sensational summer
and is eager to return to see their friends and meet their new teacher.
My name is Wilma Shannon and I am delighted to be the next principal at this school. I look forward to working
with the office team of Tracey Kuchma and Cindy Richenback, as well as the staff, students, parents and community of
Palmerston P.S. I spent my teaching career in North Wellington and I taught for three years at this school. My five
children all attended French Immersion at Palmerston P.S. I have worked as an administrator at Credit Meadows E.S. in
Orangeville, at John Black P.S. in Fergus, and at Minto-Clifford P.S. in Harriston. I look forward to meeting many of you at
our school’s Open House on September 20th from 6:30 to 7:30. Please feel free to drop by the office to say hello and
introduce yourself if you are in the school.
I want to thank our entire staff for their efforts in preparing for our students’ arrival. During the summer our
custodiaN team has worked hard to prepare our school building for the upcoming school year and our teachers have
been in throughout the summer to get classrooms and programs ready for their students. Some roof repairs were
completed and solar panels were installed on the gym roof. Our second portable has also been set up. Mrs. Richenback
has everything organized in the office for the school start-up. I am pleased that she will be getting some administrative
office assistance from Ms Lorie Black, since our school population continues to grow.
If you are new to this school or community, please consider joining our active and hard-working School Council.
This group is dedicated to supporting our school and students and we truly appreciate the support they provide for
Palmerston P.S.
MEET THE TEACHER &
PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
Thursday, September 20, 2012
6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
See you there!
CLASSES
English Classrooms
French Immersion Classrooms
JK/SK
JK/SK
Gr. 1
Gr. 1/2
Gr. 3
Gr. 3/4
Gr. 4/5
Gr. 5
Gr. 6
Gr. 7
Gr. 8
JK/SK
JK/SK
Gr. 1/2
Gr. 1/2
Gr. 3
Gr. 4/5
Gr. 5/6
Gr. 7/8
-
Sp.Ed. Library Planning
Phys. Ed.
Core French
Resource
Mrs. L. Verbeek /ECE Ms K. Pfeffer
Mrs. K. Harwood/ECE Ms. K. Robinson
Mrs. M. Pratt
Mrs. H. Bastedo
Mrs. M. Fairbrother
Ms P. Pletsch/Mr. D. Grieves
Mrs. M. Stroeder
Ms T. Williamson/Mr. F. MacLean
Miss B. Horton
Mrs. J. Langeraap
Mr. J. Cox
-
Mrs. N. Bullock
Mrs. A. Pipe/ECE Ms E. Andrews
Mrs. S. Haanstra
Mrs. K. Estabrooks
Mrs. C. Harrison
Mrs. J. Black
Ms J. Lange
Mrs. S. Spruyt
Mr. J. Novikow
Ms J. Hendy
Mrs. M. Doig/Mr. F. MacLean/Ms T. Williamson/Mr. D. Grieves
Mr. S. Walls
Mrs. S. Butchart
Mrs. T. Kuchma/Ms K. Robertson/Ms C. Brown
SCHOOL HOURS
8:30 a.m.
8:55 a.m.
10:35 a.m.
10:50 a.m.
11:15 a.m.
12:55 p.m.
1:10 p.m.
1:35 p.m.
3:15 p.m.
Supervision begins (outside)
Students enter classes
Nutrition Break
Outside Recess
Classes Resume
Nutrition Break
Outside Recess
Classes Resume
Dismissal
Punctuality is very important. If a student is late, important information and routines are missed. Also the
class is disrupted by students coming in late.
PAPERLESS COMMUNICATION
This newsletter will is the only one we will mass produce for all parents this school year. We are trying to
become more environmentally friendly as well as save some of our budgeted monies. Starting with our October
newsletter we will only send hard copies to parents who still request them. Our newsletters can now be found on our
website at http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/palmerston/index.aspx. If you would still like a hard copy of our newsletter please
call Mrs. Richenback and let her know.
Our revised Parent/Student Handbook for 2012/13 can also be found on our school website.
UPPER GRAND DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD WEBSITE
You can go http://www.ugdsb.on.ca to get information regarding our Board including school year calendars,
school bus cancellations and school closures.
TRIPS THAT DON’T REQUIRE TRANSPORTATION
Short, supervised walking trips may take place occasionally off the school property as part of the school’s
curriculum (for example, searching for insects or leaves). Please sign and return the attached Blanket Consent Form for
each child for these trips. If the form is not signed your child will not be able to take part in these walking trips. For any
trips requiring transportation, you will receive other permission forms.
MILK
White and chocolate milk will be for sale at both nutrition breaks starting Monday, September 10th. Milk tickets
may be purchased at the office for $7.00 for a sheet of 10. Tickets may not be purchased individually.
PIZZA
Order forms for pizza will be going home later in September. Orders will be taken on September 26th for either
the full year or the first term. Orders for the second and third terms will be taken in December and March. We will be
having pizza on Tuesdays at the second nutrition break. The first pizza day will be Tuesday, October 2nd.
HOT DOG/GRILLED CHEESE DAYS
The first hot dog day for this year is Wednesday, September 19th. All hot dog/grilled cheese days will be on
Wednesday. We really need more volunteers. If you can help with our hot dog/grilled cheese days please contact Karen
Goddard at 519-343-5677.
PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION BOOKS
All classes will be using communication books on a daily basis to keep parents informed. Students in Grade 1 to
Grade 8 are asked to purchase Palmerston Public School Agenda Books at the cost of $7.00 each.
Our School Improvement Plan includes keeping parents informed through classroom newsletters and
communication/agenda books.
TERRY FOX RUN/WALK/JOG
Palmerston Public School will be participating in a school wide “Terry Fox Run” on Thursday, September 27,
2012 at 1:35 p.m. The intermediate students will walk/run down the White’s Junction Trail, while the primary and
junior students will walk/run around the perimeter of the school. We are asking that all our students support this
worthwhile cause and help find a cure for cancer. We will once again be running the “Toonies for Terry” campaign.
Students are asked to bring in a toonie. There will be an ice cream party for the class that raises the most money.
SNACK BIN PROGRAM
The Snack Bin Program is Back!!!
Palmerston P.S. is thrilled to be able to offer our nutritious snack bin program running 5 days a week again!
However, our invaluable program is always accepting donations and in need of dedicated volunteers to make it
successful! If you are able to contribute your time before school to help stock our bins for each classroom, we are happy
to have you! As well, we welcome in-kind donations in the form of food. If you would like to donate nut-free groceries
to our program here are some
healthy options:
Whole grain cereals & crackers
Raisins & dried fruit
Cheese strings
Yogurt tubes
Fresh fruit/veggies (carrots, apples, cucumbers, bananas)
We look forward to providing all of our students with nutritious snacks to support and help fuel them in their
day!
ADMINISTRATION OF ORAL MEDICATION
Whenever possible, medication for pupils shall be administered at home. A Parent/guardian may administer
medication during school hours. Every attempt is made to arrange times with the least possible disruption to all
concerned. The administration of all oral medication by school personnel must have the written authorization of the
parent/guardian before administration. This consent must be authorized on the Consent for Administration of
Prescription Medication 5305-1. The parent/guardian must deliver to the Principal the required medication in a
“tamper-proof” container. The container must have a pharmaceutical sticker attached indicating the name of the child
and directions for the administration and storage of the medication. Administration of medication by school personnel
will be recorded and retained in an Oral Mediation Log. All medication will be kept in a secure location with only
authorized staff having access to the stored medication.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEEDS YOU!!
Everyone is invited to attend school council meetings. Meetings are usually the last Monday of every month
from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All meetings are open to anyone in the community. Come to as many or few as you like.
We do not delegate responsibility, everyone is a much appreciated volunteer. We discuss any issues that may come up
involving the school. We get updated on current events in the school, including planned guest speakers and trips. We
advise the school staff of our opinions. We also work on fundraising and how that money can be spent to better help
the school. The first meeting is on Monday, September 24th, in the school library. We hope to see you there!
There are many other ways you can volunteer and make a difference at Palmerston Public including helping with
Breakfast Club, Environmental Committee, caring for flower beds, hot dog days, volunteering in a classroom, or even just
spending a few minutes reading to a child. A volunteer may be the difference in a child’s day, that makes a difference in
their life.
HEAD LICE
Please be alert for any outbreak of head lice and inform the school so we may take steps to allow other parents
to check their children.
Should you wish more detailed information on head lice than the school is able to provide, the WellingtonDufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit may be of some help, phone 1-800-265-7293 or www.wdgpublichealth.ca. Also, your
pharmacist will be able to advise on the shampoo treatments available.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Please note School Supply list attached to this newsletter. Teachers may be providing more specific information
for individual classes. Also keep in mind that supplies need to be replaced as the year continues.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Parents or guardians are responsible for expenses related to student injuries on school premises during school
activities. Accidents can and do happen and the costs involved might not be fully covered by Provincial Health Care or
employer group insurance plans.
The Upper Grand District School Board is empowered under the Education Act to offer Accident and Life
Insurance for students.
Information will be sent home beginning on September 10th with respect to Student Accident Insurance offered
by the Reliable Life Insurance Company. You should receive the Director's letter, an Acknowledgment to be signed by
parents (and returned to school) and a Student Accident Insurance application form (to be mailed directly to Reliable
Life). Reliable Life Insurance Company offers a variety of options, including family rates and multi-year plans, at
affordable prices. The cost must be paid by parents or guardian.
Subscription is directly through Reliable Life by mail or on line. Questions should be directed to Reliable Life at
1-800-463-5437 or www.insuremykids.com
For today's active children, especially those who participate in field trips, co-curricular and other school activities
outside the school day, Student Accident Insurance is valuable. You can find additional information on the Board’s
website at www.ugdsb.on.ca.
BOARD/SCHOOL RULES
The Upper Grand District School Board has banned skateboards, scooters and wheelie "Heelie" shoes from our
schools due to safety issues concerning their use on school property.
The Upper Grand District School Board supports the policy of no electronic equipment from home being used
during school time. All cell phones, I- pods, etc. must be turned off during school time. At Palmerston Public School we
recommend that no electronic equipment be brought to school as we will not be responsible for lost or stolen
equipment. If your child elects to bring his/her equipment to school then students must leave the electronic equipment
turned off and inside their backpacks.
FORMS TO BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED
Please ensure that the following forms are completed, signed and returned to the school as soon as possible:
1. Student information form which should have any information updated, eg. address, phone number, parent’s
work numbers, etc. – one for each student
2. Consent to Share Personal Information – one for each student.
3. Walking trips form – one for each student.
4. Lunch arrangements – one per family.
EMERGENCY YARD SUPERVISORS
We are looking for people who would be interested in filling in for our yard supervisors when they are unable to
be here for either the morning or afternoon break or both. It is a paid position. The times are 10:35 to 11:15 a.m. and
12:55 to 1:35 p.m. If you would be interested please contact Mrs. Kuchma.
PICK-UP/DROP-OFF STUDENTS
For student safety please do not use the front of the school to drop off or pick up your children. Drop off your
children along the fence to our playground.
September 2012
IWALK to School Day - Wednesday, October 10, 2012
There are many good reasons to walk or bike to school.
It’s fun to spend time with family and friends
It energizes your body and mind so you are ready to learn
It’s healthy
It’s good for the environment. Since there is less traffic, the air is cleaner
It’s economical. We save money on gas
It’s educational. You learn about road safety and about your neighbourhood
The community is safer when there are fewer vehicles and more people are walking and biking
Join in the fun; it doesn’t take much encouragement to get kids out and active! It’s what they love to do!
International walk to school day (IWalk) is part of the Active and Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) plan organized by
Green Communities Canada. For more information about the Walk to School initiative visit
http://www.saferoutestoschool.ca/
MONDAY
TUESDAY
3
4
LABOUR DAY
Day 1
5
WEDNESDAY
Day 2
6
THURSDAY
Day 3
FRIDAY
7
Day 4
Back to School!
10
Day 5
11
Day 1
12
Day 2
13
Day 3
14
Day 4
17
Day 5
18
Day 1
19
Day 2
20
Day 3
21
Day 4
28
Day 4
Grilled Cheese
24
Day 5
School Council Meeting
6:30 p.m. in Library
All Welcome!
25
Day 1
26
Pizza orders due
Meet the Teacher 6:30 –
7:30 p.m.
Day 2
27
Day 3
Terry Fox Run 1:35 p.m.
ATTENDANCE CHECK PROGRAM
2012 - 2013
☎
September 1, 2012
The Ministry of Education has a policy to assure that all schools in Ontario have a safe arrival monitoring procedure.
Palmerston Public School has for many years operated an Attendance Program. This program meets the requirements
of this Ministry policy.
The policy states:
•
•
•
Parents/guardians are responsible for their children’s safety. Safe-arrival programs are a mechanism that parents
and schools can use to account for any pupil’s unexplained failure to arrive at school.
Parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for communicating planned pupil absences or lateness to school
on a timely basis.
Parents, guardians and caregivers are responsible for providing the school with complete and current emergency
information.
Procedure:
Parent/Guardian
When your child will not be a school because of illness or for other reasons, you must phone the school before
classes begin (8:55 a.m. or 1:15 p.m.). Please dial 519-343-3520 and leave your message on voice mail by
pressing 100. Simply give your child’s name and teacher and the reason your child will not be at school. You
must contact the school each day your child is absent. However, if he/she is going to be away for a definite
period of time, please let us know the expected return date. It will then not be necessary for you to phone the
school each day.
Note: If you wish to take your child out of school for a few days for reasons other than illness, you are required
by legislation to get approval of the principal.
School
Our responsibility will be to phone you if your child has not safely arrived at school and you have not notified us
of his/her absence. We shall attempt to contact you as soon as possible at the phone numbers listed by you for
this purpose. If we cannot connect with anyone within a reasonable amount of time we will contact the police
to report the situation.
Student
Students who arrive at school late must report to the office to get a late slip. In this way the school knows that
the child has arrived safely at school. The secretary will revise the school attendance record to read “late” and
not “absent”.
PALMERSTON PUBLIC SCHOOL
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
We recommend that students purchase the following supplies for their personal use. Teachers may provide
more specific information for individual classes. Please replenish supplies during the school year.
ITEM
GRADE
large weatherproof backpack (Intermediates need a small bag to carry books between
classes)
1-3
4-6
7-8
X
X
X
crayons (24)
Gr. 2&3
pencils and eraser (at least 4 pencils to start)
Gr. 2&3
X
X
pencil case
Gr. 2&3
X
X
X
X
X
X
fine tipped markers (8)
X
X
ball point pens (red, blue)
X
X
X
X
highlighter
X
X
calculator (mandatory for Gr. 4-8)
X
X
small, clear 10 cm ruler
pencil crayons (8) (replace when necessary)
scissors (good quality)
Gr.2&3
X
duo tang covers
Gr. 2&3
1 pkg
1 pkg
1” - 1½" binder (no zipper binders)
Gr.1
1 Core
French
1 per
subject
1 pkg
2 pkg
X
X
geometry set (*need protractor and compass)
X
X
gym shorts and t-shirt
X
X
X
X
X
Gr. 2&3
X
X
lined and blank refill paper (200 - 300 sheets)
X
X
English Dictionary and French/English Dictionary
X
X
X
X
binder dividers
glue sticks (3) (replace when necessary)
non-marking gym shoes (preferably white) (primary - velcro preferred)
small pencil sharpener
Kleenex (1 box per child to be used by class)
Reminders:
- Whiteout and laser pointers are not permitted at school
- Put student’s name on everything in permanent marker
- Agenda Books for Grades 1 - 8 will be for sale for $7.00.
X
X
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2012
Procedure to Access your Child’s Transportation Information-September 2012
TF022
Go to www.findmybus.ca and login to this secure site with your child’s OEN number, school name, birth
date and house number. Your child(ren’s) 9 digit OEN number is located on their report card.
If your child is new to the school system and has been registered at a school prior to the end of June, a letter
will be sent the third week of August with the transportation information. If you are new to the area (not
registered at a school) call STWDSTS at 519-824-4119 for assistance. We are here all summer.
Bus Delay and Cancellation Subscription Service Available
We offer a subscription service that will notify the subscriber via email when your
child(ren's) bus has been cancelled or is delayed.
To subscribe go to: https://www.findmyschool.ca/subscriptions/login.aspx and follow the directions.
HAVE YOU CHECKED OUT OUR WEB SITE?
Go to:
www.stwdsts.ca
This website provides “one stop shopping” for all your transportation needs:
 Quick Links to Eligibility information & a list of reported Bus Delays
 School Information – including location, phone number, boundary maps
 School Calendars
 Transportation Policies, Procedures, & Forms
 Bus Cancellation information (November – March each year)
 Safety Information
 Official Bus Time
 A special link just for children
 Answers to common transportation questions
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Will My Child Be Assigned to a School Bus?
Transportation is assigned according to Board policy. Your child must live within your school’s attendance
boundary and live further from school than the Maximum Walking Distance assigned to your child’s grade level.
Refer to STWDSTS Policy 002 Transportation Eligibility or go to www.stwdsts.ca and click on “Are you
Eligible?” (yellow bus on left side). You can also access your child’s bus information by going to
www.findmybus.ca, selecting Student Login, and entering your child’s OEN number, house number and date of
birth.
May I ride with my child on the first day of school?
It is strictly prohibited for parents/guardians to board the school bus. Refer to Policy 005 –
Responsibilities of Parent and Guardians.
66 Arrow Rd, Unit B • Guelph, ON N1K 1T4 • Phone (519) 824-4119 • Fax (519) 822-9097 • Toll-Free 1-888-292-2224
What Should I Do If Our Address Changes Before September?
Be sure to contact Service de transport de Wellington-Dufferin Student Transportation Services (STWDSTS)
with your new address at 519-824-4119. We are open during July and August so please do not wait until
September to do this. Transportation requests received prior to August 24th, 2012 will be processed for the
first week of school.
Can My Child Receive Transportation From an Alternate Address?
Both your home address and the alternate/caregiver address must be within your school’s attendance boundary
and meet the distance criteria for transportation. Be sure to advise your school and contact STWDSTS with
this additional information. The alternate address must be used consistently 5 days per week and there must be
room on the alternate bus. Refer to Policy 034 - Transportation for Child Care
How Will New JK & SK Students Receive Their Bus Information?
Transportation information will be mailed after August 20th to Junior & Senior Kindergarten students who
are not currently attending school.
May a student temporarily ride another bus while parent or guardian are away?
All temporary transportation requests shall be refused, except under extraordinary circumstances where the
personal well being of a student is at stake. Refer STWDSTS to Policy 029 - Temporary Transportation
Requests.
How does courtesy transportation get assigned?
Available seats at existing stops, are assigned based on first the youngest of age (grade), then travel distance to
school. Courtesy assignments are not done prior to October 31st of each year. Refer to STWDST Policy
017 - Courtesy Transportation.
Can my child’s bus stop be changed?
Requests for changes to bus stops should be submitted in writing for consideration (Form TF033). Requests for
changes to accommodate parent/caregiver convenience or health issues will not be considered. No changes to bus
stops are considered during the first four weeks of school. Students are required to walk to/from bus stops to
catch their bus. Refer to STWDSTS Policy 009 – Walking Distances to Bus Stop
My children were enrolled at the start of the school year. When will their transportation
start?
Because of the large number of changes and new transportation requests bussing arrangements can take up to
5 business days at the start of the school year. After September most transportation arrangements can be
completed within 3 business days.
Who is responsible for my child’s safety prior to boarding the bus and after
disembarking from
the bus?
The parent or guardian is responsible their child’s safety prior to boarding the bus and after they disembark from
the bus. Refer to STWDSTS Policy 005 – Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians
66 Arrow Rd, Unit B • Guelph, ON N1K 1T4 • Phone (519) 824-4119 • Fax (519) 822-9097 • Toll-Free 1-888-292-2224
Sun. September 16,
2012
Palmerston Railway
Heritage Museum
(open start time between 8:00am
– 2:00pm)
Plan some quality “Family
Time” - Exercise and Raise
Important Funds for
Cancer Research
•
Run / Walk / Wheel / Ride
No Entry Fee - No Minimum Pledge
It’s a “feel good” event &
EVERY DOLLAR counts!!!!!!
Donation BBQ @ noon
For information or pledge sheets, call Kim 519-343-3129