September 2015
Phone Number:
204-475-5242
Fax Number:
204-477-6166
GROSVENOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Inside this issue:
GSA NEWS
2-3
School Policy
4-7
School Calendar
8
Inserts:
•
Staff Listing
•
Student
Accident
Insurance
•
Safe Arrival
Info
•
WSD
Calendar
•
WSD
Divisional
Brochures
Picture Day
Tuesday
September 29th
Upcoming Inservice/No
School Days:
September 21st, 2015
October 12th/23rd, 2015
November 11th/20th, 2015
Administrative Message
Welcome back!
On behalf of the staff at Grosvenor School, I
would like to welcome all of our new families
to our community of learners. To our
returning families, we are delighted to have
your children back with us this year! There
was a wonderful buzz in the school leading up
to the first day back, and I can honestly say
that nothing beats the excitement of having
children pour through the doors on the first
day of school.
A special thank you goes out to our custodial
team, Darko Prstojevic and Swaran Dhaliwal
who did a phenomenal job in preparing the
school over the summer. I have never seen the
school look cleaner, and our floors are
gleaming!
Last year, our staff developed a new mission
statement for the school. If you have ever
been involved in this type of process, you will
appreciate the importance of each and every
word selected. The following represents for
us, what we believe our role to be as educators
in this school:
Welcome to our Grosvenor School family,
where everyone is valued and loved. We work
together to create a rigorous learning
environment that is respecul, inclusive and
collaborave. Our learners are engaged in
crical and innovave thinking through the
arts, inquiry, and creave problem
solving. With the building of strong leadership
and communicaon skills, our students are
developing as responsible and generous global
cizens.
We look forward to sharing our learning with
you through the course of the year.
We would like to welcome our new staff
members, Ms. Shannon McMurtry (Grade 1),
and Ms. Ka1e Dyck (Grade 6). As well, our
Grade 2 teacher, Catherine Banks will be away
on a leave un1l January/16, and Ms. Spencer
Janicki is teaching in our Grade 2 classroom
un1l that 1me. Our Educa1onal Assistant,
Shelley Connor, is away on medical leave this
year, and we would like to welcome Ms. Lisa
Hafenbrak to her role during this 1me.
We have set out a series of learning goals as a
staff, and will be working through professional
learning communi1es (PLCs), commi:ee work,
staff mee1ngs and professional learning 1me to
revisit and assess our progress. As ever, your
involvement in your child's educa1on is of
cri1cal importance to us. We welcome your
ques1ons and feedback, and invite you to email
or call your children's teachers through the
course of the year should you have a query or a
concern. We truly value your input, and I ask
that you drop by or contact me with a thought,
a ques1on, or an idea of what you might like to
see at Grosvenor School. Our strong
partnership will support our children’s learning
and experiences at school.
The new year awaits! We look forward to
seeing you at our Potluck Meet the Teacher
Night on September 17th.
Warm regards,
Andrea Powell
A Look-A-Head to October:
Oct. 7th
Fun Lunch
Oct. 12th
NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Day
Oct. 13th
Gr. 4 Hep B / Gr. 6 HPV Clinic
Oct. 13th
School Picture Day
Oct. 23rd
NO SCHOOL - SAG Inservice
Page 2
News from the Grosvenor School Association
The Grosvenor School
Association (GSA) welcomes you
back to school!
GSA meetings generally happen the first Tuesday of
each month. Our first meeting will be held:
DATE: October 6, 2015
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Grosvenor School Library
Please come and join us!
Welcome to all new and returning parents and
children to Grosvenor School. We look forward
to another exciting year!
A big Thank You to Cheryl S. and all those who
were a part of the summer watering team.
2015-2016 GSA Officers
Co-Chairs: Jen Bell and Kathy McNamara
Vice-Chair: Milli K
Secretary: John B.
Treasurer: Marcy S.
Members-At-Large:
Keith E. Allison D. Tracy F. Lesley P.
Sonia G. Cheryl S.
Contact GSA: kathyandjengsa@gmail.com
Principal: apowell@wsd1.org
October 6th Agenda
Approval of October 6th, 2015 agenda
Approval of June AGM, 2015 minutes
Principal’s report and recent school events
Teacher’s report
Chairperson’s report
Treasurer’s report
Grant Writing Report
Class Representatives Report
Lunch Program and ABC Program report
Upcoming events and volunteer requirements
About the GSA
The GSA is a parent governed association whose
mandate includes:
•
The ABC before and after school care Program: ABC
care is available before school (7:30am-9:00am) and
after school (3:30pm-5:30pm). All children must be
registered. ABC will be opened every day, including
inservices. ABC is not opened over winter, spring
and summer holidays.
• working with the school to prioritize school needs
and raising funds to support them
•
running numerous fun family events during the year
enriching our school culture and community
A Few Things to look forward to:
Meet the Staff, Potluck dinners, Farm 2
School, Fun Lunches, Winter
Extravaganza, Staff Appreciation,
Plants in Spring, June Fun Fair
Page 3
GROSVENOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
G.S.A. News (cont’d….
News from the Grosvenor School Association
“Meet the Staff Potluck Dinner”
When: THURSDAY, September 17th
Time: Potluck begins at 5:30 pm
Fundraising at Grosvenor School
The Grosvenor School Association works in conjunction
with Grosvenor School to identify both short and long
term fundraising goals for the school.
In the past school priorities have included supporting
MTYP, the Fine Arts evening and Artists in the Schools.
In order to continue to meet the needs of the school
community, the GSA has committed yearly between
$5000— $7500 for short term
goals.
Please join us! Come out, meet the staff, catch up with
those you know and welcome the new parents and
students to the Grosvenor Community.
Fundraising activities are:
•
Winnipeg School Division’s Children’s Heritage
Fund. Contributions are directed back to
Grosvenor School and a Tax Receipt will be issued
for donations over $10. For more information
visit: http://ww.wsd1.org/departments/
heritagefund.htm Forms will also be sent home
with students twice during the school year
(September and February) for your convenience.
Please bring a “nut free” main dish, side, or salad to
share with everyone. The Grosvenor School Association
will provide refreshments and dessert.
After dinner (an announcement will be made) your child's
teacher will be available in their classroom to provide
information about the academic program for the school
year, the learning day, and special events that will take
place over the course of the year. Itinerant teachers will
also be available for you to meet (Resource/Support
Teachers and Librarian/Computer Teacher). Please see
the attached staff list for teachers names and room
numbers.
*The GSA makes every effort to provide nut- free foods;
however we cannot guarantee that items are produced in
completely nut-free environments. Please be cautious.
Thank you!
Donations through the
•
We also have plans for two other fundraisers this
year. The first fundraiser is Farm 2 School,
which happens in late September, please see
insert within this newsletter for ordering
information. This is an opportunity to purchase
carrots, potatoes, onions etc. and is being
coordinated by Lesley P. The second fundraiser is
the Glenlea Plant Sale with order forms available
in February and plant delivery scheduled for late
May. Smaller Fund Raisers might include local
products at various times during the year and bake
sales.
Note: These fundraising activities are for the purpose
of enriching every child’s school experience. The
funds raised are separate from ABC, Lunch program
and school initiatives.
Page 4
GROSVENOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Patrols
Our patrols went through training sessions
in the Spring and are anxious to get to
work. They have an extremely important
job, and we hope to give them as much
support as possible.
Patrols are on duty at the following times;
8:40 am. - 9:00 a.m.
11:55 a.m. - 12:05 p.m.
12:40 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.
You can help the patrols by:
1. Only arriving at school when the patrols and
playground supervisors are on duty at 8:45 a.m.
and 12:45 p.m.
2. Only crossing at Guelph and Grosvenor, or Wilton
and the south side of Grosvenor, where patrols
are supervising.
3. Encouraging your children to obey the patrols.
4. Not dropping students off on the corner of
Guelph and Grosvenor or in the handicapped
parking zone and bus loading zone.
Our patrols have a difficult job. They want to do it
as well as they can! Please Help!
Safe Arrival Program
The Safe Arrival Program will begin on Monday,
September 14th. We have a telephone answering
service that allows you to phone the school at any
time before 9:00 a.m. and leave a detailed message
regarding your child’s attendance.
Student Accident Insurance
(Reliable Life Insurance Company)
The 2015-2016 enrollment form for Student Accident
Insurance, (through the Reliable Life Insurance
Company) is enclosed in this newsletter.
The
enrollment form and the required premium are to be
placed in the envelopes provided and MAILED
DIRECTLY TO THE RELIABLE LIFE INSURANCE
COMPANY. Please do NOT return the forms to the
school.
The Insurance Plan is COMPULSORY for those students
who are enrolled in the LUNCH PROGRAM or the
A.B.C. Program. It is available to all other students as
well.
Medication for Students
This is to remind parents that when the school is asked
to administer any medication to a child, a series of
forms must be completed by the physician and the
parent.
The medication must be brought from the home by the
parent, guardian or other reliable adult.
The
medication container must have the dispensing
instructions noted on it and must have the official
label of the druggist. The container should be one for
school use - a separate container should be kept at
home. Students with asthma who bring inhalers to
school will be allowed to carry them with them at all
times.
Page 5
GROSVENOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Policies and Procedures
Over the years, Grosvenor School has developed the
following policies and procedures to ensure our
student’s safety and well being.
Electronic Devices
We ask that students not bring cell phones or electronic
devices to school, as we cannot be responsible for any
damage or loss.
Lost and Found
“NUT” Free School
We have students with life threatening allergies to
nuts. Parents do not send food with peanut butter
or any other nut product. Peanut butter
residue is easily spread to door handles,
water fountains, furniture, etc. If a child
with a peanut allergy touches the
residue, a severe allergic reaction may
occur.
Runners at School
Parents, we ask that all students leave a pair of
indoor shoes at school that they can change into
everyday. Students are expected to wear running
shoes in gym class.
Starting the Day at Grosvenor:
Grosvenor’s morning and afternoon routines are
designed to get the students into the building and to
their rooms in an orderly manner and ready to learn.
As we must ensure supervision in the school we ask you
to please remind your children that they must remain
outside of the school until the morning bell rings at
8:55 a.m. and the noon bell rings at 12:55 p.m.
Students in grades 1, 2 and 6 will line up at the main
front doors and students in grades 3, 4 and 5 will line
up outside the playground doors. They will be met by
their teachers. Students are not to be in the building
before or after school unless there is a school activity
supervised by a staff member or they are part of the
ABC program.
We start our school day at 9:00 a.m. sharp with the
singing of O Canada. Students are expected to enter
the school and remove coats and boots before entering
their rooms for the playing of O Canada. We would
like to ask all staff, students and visitors to stop where
they are, remove their hats, and stand at attention for
the singing of the National Anthem. We ask parents’
assistance with regards to this timeline.
The Lost and Found bin is located on the
main floor at the west entrance. While
every effort will be made to find the
owner of a lost item, if items are not
collected following display periods in
December, March and June, they will be donated to a
local charity.
After School Safety:
All students who are not in ABC, or with
parents/guardians, must go home at 3:30 p.m. after
school. We ask for your cooperation in ensuring that
your child goes straight home after dismissal and only
returns to the playground once they have checked in at
home and have your permission to return. THERE IS NO
PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION AFTER SCHOOL DISMISSAL.
Traffic Safety and the Handicap Loading Zone:
•
Please DO NOT stop or park in the Handicap Loading
Zone at any time, unless you have a handicap
parking permit. We have several families who rely
on this space.
•
Please do not drop off your children or park on
Guelph in the School Bus Zone between 8:00-9:00
a.m. and 3:00-4:00 p.m., in the handicap parking
zone on Grosvenor Avenue, or on the corner of
Guelph and Grosvenor.
Page 6
Policies and Procedures Con’t
What is the Education
Assessment Program?
The Winnipeg School Division’s
Education Assessment Program (EAP)
helps teachers to find out about each child’s
learning strengths and needs. Children are assessed
in their academic, social and motor skills. The
teacher is then able to program for the needs of all
students in their classroom, using the information
obtained from the EAP.
All students in Nursery to Grade 6 are assessed on
an ongoing basis.
For more information about EAP, please talk to
your child’s teacher, the school principal, or visit
the Winnipeg School Division Website.
Volunteering at Grosvenor
Volunteers are a valuable part of our school
program. Our community and school prides itself
on our fabulous volunteer base. There are many
opportunities for your to volunteer here at
Grosvenor School.
We would like for all parents to complete
volunteer forms this year for our volunteer
database. This way if you choose to join a field
trip or classroom event, we have your volunteer
form on file. Volunteer forms will be available at
our “Meet the Staff” evening, September 24th,
2015 at 5:30 p.m.
Party Invitations:
We discourage students from handing out
invitations during school time. Difficult
situations arise when one or more students
from a class are not invited to a party, and
we ask that teachers not be requested to hand out
invitations.
Play Structure Rules:
To establish consistent behavioral expectations of our
students, the Lunch Program, and the ABC Program,
the staff of Grosvenor School have established some
safety rules for our two play structures. We ask that
parents reinforce these expectations after school
hours when children are playing on the structures.
•
Keep the pea gravel inside the play structure
casements. Do not throw the gravel.
•
One person at a time on the monkey bars.
•
No standing on the top of the monkey bars or the
slide entrance covers.
•
Slide down feet first and do not climb up the
slides.
•
Do not climb or hang from the basketball or drop
the shot equipment.
•
Do not hang or jump from the wheelchair bridge.
•
Do not destroy or damage the garden plants or
trees.
•
Proper footwear should be worn; no bare feet.
Bicycles at the School:
If you are bringing a bike to school we ask you to
please dismount before entering the playground and
lock all bicycles on the bicycle stand.
Please note that the school is not responsible for lost,
stolen or damaged bicycles that are brought to school.
School grounds are often targets for professional
bicycle thieves. Even when bicycles are locked to a
stand, they can be stolen.
Please do not ride your bicycles, skateboards or
scooters on school property between the hours of 8:00
a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Page 7
GROSVENOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
Toys from Home:
Exercise is important for children’s health and learning. Comprehensive School
Health is a school priority and we want children to be actively playing during their recess breaks. Toys can foster sedentary activity and can create conflicts arising from
issues around sharing, trading and losing them. (This includes Pokeman and other
Trading Cards)
After discussions with Grosvenor staff and the G.S.A., we will continue to not allow toys from home during
school hours (9:00-3:30). This also applies to recesses and lunch time. Students may bring their toys to
the ABC After School Program, but the toys must remain in their backpacks until 3:30 p.m.
Grosvenor School provides students with recreational equipment that promotes active living and playground games are taught in their physical education program. When surveyed, all staff on lunch and recess
duty reported that they observed more active children and less conflict since we have become “Toy Free”.
News from the Winnipeg School Division
Grosvenor School
September 2015
Mon
Tue
Wed
1
7
2
8
Day 1
9
Day 2
10
Day 3
11
Day 4
of classes for
NO CLASSES
15
4
First Day
Day
Day 5
Fri
3
Admin
Labour Day
14
Thu
Day 6
students
16
Day 1
17
Day 2
18
Day 3
25
Day 2
Meet the Staff
Evening Potluck
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
21
Day 4
22
Day 5
23
Day 6
School Inservice
NO CLASSES
28
Day 3
29
Day 4
30
Day 5
School Picture
Day
Count Yourself In Day
24
Day 1