Victoria Terrace P.S. News
500 Victoria Terrace · Guelph, ON · N1M 2G5
Phone: 519-843-2720
FAX: 519-843-1558
Principal: Mrs. K. Kowch
Office Co-ordinator: Mrs. D. Wilson
December 2015
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
With the beautiful weather we’ve had this fall, it’s hard to believe that December has come upon us so
quickly, which means that the holidays are just around the corner! The last three weeks of school before
Christmas are always exciting ones, with lots of special activities planned. Our annual Jingle Mingle is on
Thursday, our Christmas Food Drive will be taking place from December 3rd - 17th, and we have two special
school skating trips and three days of carolling planned for the last week of school. We are all looking forward
to sharing in the upcoming festive season in VT style!
Happy holidays,
Mrs. K. Kowch
HEALTHY SNACKS
Thank you to all parents who are sending in healthy snacks in their children’s lunches. These snacks usually
come in recyclable containers that go home and are reused. Fresh fruit, cheese & crackers, yogurt and veggies
are some of the great foods that children are filling up on, feeding their brains, and in turn, helping children
learn better at school!
SOGGY WET CLOTHES - YUCK!
We had a taste of our Canadian winter season in the great outdoors this week and no
doubt, you saw some bigger laundry needs as well! It is important that children come
to school prepared for all weather conditions, in order to comfortably spend 25
minutes for two recess breaks outside. You may wish to send your child with extra
pants, socks and mitts that can be kept in their backpacks in case of need, during wet,
muddy or snowy weather. It is also important that students have appropriate footwear
for both indoors and out.
WE ARE STILL COLLECTING. . .
Pop can tabs: The wheelchairs that are purchased from the sale of these tabs can make a tremendous
difference in the life of a person who requires one.
Old markers, highlighters, dry erase markers, mechanical pencils and pens: We have a collection box for
these items, and Staples will recycle them for us, and help reduce our VT waste and improve our ecological
footprint!
Milk bags -- which get sent to a group at St. Andrew’s Church who weave mats for third world countries.
JINGLE MINGLE
School Council is excitedly preparing to present another fun Jingle Mingle evening for the
Victoria Terrace community on Thursday, December 3rd, 2015, 6:30pm-8:00pm.
•
6:30 -7:00 pm, GYM: Holiday sing-a-long
•
7:00 -7:45 pm, CLASSROOMS: Craft making
From the gym, students and parents will be free to head to craft stations where they will have separate
areas with unique crafts to create and enjoy. Students will have the opportunity to spend 15 minutes in
each of six different craft centres, led by Council Members and staff.
6:30 – 7:45 pm, ROOM 5 – Flick for Freedom, Bring your quarters to test your “flicking” capabilities,
and the opportunity to win one of two LEGO kits.
6:30 - 7:45 pm, ROOM 2 -- Santa’s Workshop, Come and buy a toy for a toonie! All monies raised from
this will go to a donation to the Groves Memorial Hospital.
6:30 - 7:45 pm, FOYER: There will be snacks and apple cider so please lug-a-mug. Parents are asked to
provide a pan of squares, a dozen cookies or their favourite baked good treats for the snack
table. Please remember that due to food allergies, we cannot accept baking that contains nuts or tree
nuts. Please label your container.
•
7:45 pm GYM: Draws for baskets -- good luck!
The gift basket draws continue to be a great success. The night of Jingle Mingle, you may purchase 25 tickets
for $5.00. You use these tickets to choose the basket (or baskets) you would most like to win by putting a
ticket in the container beside the basket.
The Book Fair will also be open in the library -- take this opportunity to start your Christmas shopping with the
gift of reading, and the proceeds from the sales will go to support our own VT library.
We hope to see all of our families to share some holiday fun and cheer!
SCHOOL CAROLLING
During the last week of school before the holidays, classes will gather in the gym to sing some fun holiday
songs and Christmas carols. Parents and non-school aged children are welcome to join us
for any or all of the scheduled sing-a-longs.
Mon., Dec. 14
11:15 am
Wed., Dec. 16
1:45 pm
Fri., Dec. 18
9:30 am
th
th
th
CHRISTMAS FOOD DRIVE
Starting December 3rd and continuing until the 17th, the VT elves will be going room to
room every morning, collecting items to be included in Christmas food hampers. All food
will go to the Fergus Food Bank, and hampers will be created and delivered before
Christmas to families who need them. Please send nutritious, non-perishable foods (cans,
boxes, plastic jars and packages).
This year we would like to throw out a challenge to families in helping to vary the types of items collected for
the hampers. For this purpose we will be targeting certain foods during each week beginning with:
December 7-11: A Christmas meal: stuffing mix, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, dry gravy mix, canned
fruits, cookies, crackers, sugar, tea, coffee, fruit cups, applesauce, etc.
December 14-17: Breakfast and snacks: pancake mix, dry cereal, instant oatmeal, jam, peanut butter, honey,
crackers, cheese spread, jello, pudding, boxed cookies, ketchup, microwave popcorn, granola bars, juice
boxes, noodles, sauce, etc.
AND . . . Don’t forget our WARMING TREE which will be used to help our VT students stay warm and dry
during their outside play time. We will collect any warm outerwear: hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, toques,
headbands, socks, ear muffs, and neck warmers.
REMEMBRANCE DAY
Thank you to Mrs. Burns-Pinkney for organizing and the students for participating in a meaningful observance
of the sacrifices made to protect our freedom and way of life. Also, a big thanks to Daytona and Ashley who
represented the students of Victoria Terrace at the ceremony at the Cenotaph on November 11th.
PARKING
As we get closer to winter, we will see snow banks beginning to emerge along Victoria Terrace. At this time of
the year, it is even more important to keep the street in front of the school clear for the drop off and pick up
area between the two driveways. To ensure the safety of our students, parents are reminded that parking is
permitted beyond the second driveway on Victoria Terrace to Forfar Street. Additional parking is available on
Forfar St., Cameron St., and Glencoe Ave. Please be reminded that the parking lot is available to staff and
volunteers only. Thank you for choosing safety over convenience.
ECO WASTE AUDIT
The waste audit was successfully completed on Thursday, November 26th. Stay tuned for our Waste
Management Plan which will be update once all of the data has been tallied.
WHAT IS AN IEP?
An Individual Education Plan, or IEP, is “a written plan describing the special education program and/or
services required by a particular student.” (Ontario Ministry of Education, Individual Education Plans:
Standards for Development, Program Planning, and Implementation, 2000, p. 3). IEPs can be developed for
exceptional students (as identified by an Identification Placement and Review Committee), or based on
student need, regardless of identification. IEPs can address academic and behavioural learning needs; they are
written by teachers in consultation with parents, as well as students, where appropriate.
All IEPs must include a student profile which identifies the child’s name, their date of birth, teacher’s name,
grade, class placement (if applicable), relevant assessment information, relevant medical diagnoses, as well as
their strengths and needs (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2000, p. 6). IEPs including modified or alternative
expectations must include annual program goals.
IEPs must also list any accommodations that are required for the student to learn. Accommodations can be
environmental (e.g., a quiet place, a special chair), instructional (e.g., reading instructions aloud, breaking
tasks down into shorter steps and chunks), and for assessment (e.g., allow oral responses, allow more time
on tests). Some accommodations are offered to all students (e.g., use of graphic organizers), however, they
are essential for a student if listed on the IEP.
Modified and alternative IEPs include goals for each semester. Modified goals can be goals from a different
grade curriculum (e.g., for a child in grade 4 who is reading at a grade 1 level), or can be at grade level (i.e.,
when a child can do some grade level work but is completing fewer or less complex expectations). Alternative
IEPs can address behavioural goals and life skills. Report cards for children with alternative or modified IEPs
are based on the IEP expectations and goals.
For more information about IEPs please speak to your child’s teacher, principal, or consult the following
websites: The IEP Process: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/individu.html
The Individual
Education Plan (IEP), A Resource Guide
(2004):
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/guide/resource/
People for Education: Special Education Tip Sheet
http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Special-Education.pdf
CHROMEBOOKS IN ALL WELLINGTON COUNTY LIBRARIES
The Upper Grand District School Board now has Chromebooks for student use in all 25 public libraries across
the district. The program first launched in April at three pilot sites within the Wellington County library system
and has grown to include all 25 public library branches that serve our region. Each branch has been outfitted
with five Chromebooks that are available exclusively for Upper Grand students to access and complete their
homework and assignments. For more information, visit the board website at ugdsb.ca.
December's Environmental Theme: WATER POLLUTION
Water might seem like an endless resource. It covers more than 75% of our planet, but only 1% of the water
on planet Earth is fresh, usable, and drinkable. The rest is either saltwater or frozen. And now the 1% that is
drinkable is being threatened by pollution because of humans.
We need to conserve the water that exists on planet Earth. Did you know that almost 1 billion people do not
have access to clean water? That is really hard for us to understand because Canada's most valuable natural
resource by far is freshwater. While we have only 0.5% of the world’s population we have approximately 20%
of the world’s fresh water resources. But unfortunately Canada is also one of the highest fresh water users in
the world. Of 29 nations studied, only the United States uses more water than Canada on a per capita basis.
Canada’s consumption is an alarming 65 per cent above the average!
What are some of the ways we can reduce water pollution? At home, purchase environmentally friendly, nontoxic cleaning products. Or clean with baking soda, lemon or vinegar. Conserve fresh water by collecting
rainwater in barrels. Use it to water your lawn and garden or even indoor plants. Don’t pour chemicals or
paint or oil down the drain, and especially not into the storm drains on the street, as it goes directly back to
our rivers and lakes. Using natural products that are biodegradable, for example, is a great way to go. Most
importantly, don’t waste the clean water that we have. Turn off the taps when you brush your teeth, take
shorter showers, and know that lawn watering is now no longer cool!
Slogan of the month: Conserve our water - it's all we have!
TALKING ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH – DECEMBER 2015
31 Days of Taking Care of Ourselves
In December, as the days get shorter and colder, we all need to take some time to do something good for
ourselves. Taking a little time each day to take care of ourselves makes so much difference to keeping in good
mental health. You may choose to do some activities on your own or with your family or with a friend. Try one
or a few or try them all. Enjoy!
December 1 : One Minute – Take deep breaths, in and out, for one minute.
December 2 : Two Minutes – Smile at yourself in the mirror.
December 3 : Three Minutes – Listen to a favourite song.
December 4 : Four Minutes – Eat some fresh fruit.
December 5 : Five Minutes – Light a candle and quietly watch the flame.
December 6 : Six Minutes – Sit quietly for six minutes.
December 7 : Seven Minutes – Enjoy the taste of a holiday snack.
December 8 : Eight Minutes – Spend fun time with someone who a person or pet .
December 9 : Nine Minutes – Think of the best things that happened this week.
December 10 : Ten Minutes – Take some time out with a cup of tea. Sip slowly and enjoy.
December 11 : Eleven Minutes – Sing along with your favourite songs.
December 12 : Twelve Minutes – Send an email to a friend setting up a time to meet up during the holidays.
December 13 : Thirteen Minutes – Draw, paint or doodle.
December 14 : Fourteen Minutes – Go outside and breathe in the cool, crisp air.
December 15 : Fifteen Minutes – Read a favourite story.
December 16 : Sixteen Minutes – Call or skype with someone.
December 17 : Seventeen Minutes – Do something active: dance, walk, run, skip, play.
December 18 : Eighteen Minutes – Make a cup of hot chocolate and pay attention to the flavor and warmth as
you sip– add marshmallows if desired.
December 19 : Nineteen Minutes – Help someone else out who needs some extra help in the holidays.
December 20 : Twenty Minutes –Watch the sunset on the shortest day of the year.
December 21 : Twenty One Minutes – Enjoy the holiday decorations in your neighbourhood.
December 22 : Twenty Two Minutes – Reflect on traditions you have enjoyed or currently enjoy.
December 23 : Twenty Three Minutes –Make your favourite meal and enjoy every bite.
December 24 : Twenty Four Minutes – Enjoy a bubble bath or extra long shower.
December 25: Twenty Five Minutes – Take a walk to appreciate nature and being outside.
December 26: Twenty Six Minutes – Take a nap, lie down and take a rest.
December 27: Twenty Seven Minutes - Watch your favourite TV show that makes you laugh.
December 28: Twenty Eight Minutes – Spend time with friends or family.
December 29: Twenty Nine Minutes – Go to the library and take out a new book, CD or DVD.
December 30: Thirty Minutes – Take some time to do a hobby or something you enjoy that you have not done
for a while.
December 31: Thirty One Minutes – Make a list of all the things you were grateful for this year.
Dr. Lynn Woodford, Psychologist, is the Mental Health and Addiction Lead for Upper Grand District School
Board
Follow me on twitter: @drlynnwoodford
Be safe and have fun over the holidays!!
We will see you back at school on January 4th, 2016.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
December 2015
1
7
8
SATURDAY
BOOK FAIR is open in the Library:
December 2: 10:45-11:10
December 3: 10:45-11:10 & 6:30-7:45 pm
2
*Bring peanut free
squares and cookies for
Jingle Mingle
*10:45-11:10 Book Fair
6
FRIDAY
9
3
JINGLE MINGLE
Book Fair (Library)
6:30-7 Sing-a-long-Gym
7-7:45 Craft making
7:45 Gift Basket Draw
4
5
10
11
*Reports go home
*Pizza orders due
* 12:50-1:20 ECO
Team Christmas
potluck lunch
18
*9:30 Caroling
*Last day of school
for 2015. See you on
January 4th!
12
25
CHRISTMAS DAY
26
BOXING DAY
Please remember those less fortunate and donate food to our Food Drive this week for the Community
Food Bank. We would also appreciate mitts and hats for the Warming Tree in the front foyer.
13
14
*Dental Screening
JK/SK/Gr 2
*11:15 Caroling
15
9:15-10:15 Jr skating
10:30-11:30 Primary
skating
Fergus Sporstplex
16
1:45 Caroling
17
9:15-10:15 Jr skating
10:30-11:30 Primary
skating
Fergus Sporstplex
20
21
22
23
24
27
28
29
30
31
19
January Highlights:
January 4 – return to school
January 7 – JK and SK Vision Screening
January 7, 14, 21 – 5/6B curling
January 8 – Mad Science assembly
January 14 – School Council
Please remember to check the school’s website for the latest and greatest VT newsletter at http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/VictoriaTerrace/newsletters.htm.
If you require a hard copy of the newsletter, please send your request in writing to Mrs. Wilson at the office. Thank you for being GREEN!
Cookie Sales will be held in the foyer every Pizza Day for $1.00 each. Proceeds from cookie sales help benefit school programs. For more information on
the cookies, please visit www.terracottacookies.com.