Eric Graves Memorial Junior High School
APRIL, 2015 NEWSLETTER
School Email: egmjh@hrsb.ns.ca
School Website: www.egmjh.ednet.ns.ca
Principal’s Message
After one of the worst winters in recent history, I think spring
has finally sprung. It will be nice to see the grass again!
Last Friday the students received their second term report
cards. Overall, the students did very well and should be proud
of their accomplishments. The Honor Roll will be ready by the
end of the week and posted outside the office. We’re asking
for your parental support in encouraging your child to remain
focused for the last term of the year. This seems to be the term
where students start to think “it’s over” but it is really the term
students need to concentrate on finishing the year strongly.
Parents are reminded of Parent-Teacher Visitations on
Wednesday, April 22nd – (afternoon 1:00 – 3:00 and evening
6:00 to 8:00 pm) Please drop by the school and meet with your
child’s teachers to discuss their progress. There will be no
school for students that day as teachers will be working on
Professional Development in the morning.
Due to a serious family illness Mrs. Gomes will be on an
extended leave and will not be returning this school year.
Mr. Harnish will be the teacher filling in for Mrs. Gomes.
Although he just started in the position this past Monday, Mr.
Harnish has already begun to get to know his students. He has
also had an opportunity to meet with Mrs. Gomes and discuss
the curriculum for the rest of the school year. If you have any
questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at the
school.
Grade 9 Big Cove Trip
Our Grade 9 students will be leaving for Big Cove in just 7
weeks. Ms. Syms and Mr. Ingram spoke to the grade 9
students this past week about the trip and encouraged those
who had not signed up yet to do so now.
For those students who have already signed up and paid the
deposit, the final payment of $50.00 is due to the office
tomorrow. For students who would like to attend but have not
signed up yet, please be sure to have your signed permission
form and total ($150.00) into the office by next Thursday,
April 17th.
**If there are any parents concerned about payments please
give me a call and we will work it out so your child can attend.
Our Big Cove Parent Information Night will be held Thursday,
May 7th at 6:30 p.m. All parents are encouraged to attend.
Karen Dale
Principal
Getting to Great Surveys
Getting to Great surveys will go live on April 20th, 2015.
Students (4-12), parents/guardians (P-12) and classroom
teachers (P-12) will participate in the survey again this year.
The perception data gathered through this survey is an
essential aspect of the Continuous School Improvement
process and in ensuring all students and teachers have a voice.
Destination Imagination
The DI season wrapped up this year with the final tournament
at Auburn Drive on March 28th. EG had 5 teams competing
and 1 alumni team from Prince Andrew. All teams had a great
day of fun and competition presenting their challenges with
some great results. The Gr. 7 Improv team (Kaitie Fitzgerald,
Xavier Fitzgerald, Timmy Mann, Dexter Sargent and Julia
Phone: 435-8325
Safe Arrival: 435-8325
Cuthbertson) placed 3rd in their category, the Gr. 9 Service
Learning team (Sarah Kate Cuthbertson, Mikhalya Attlesey
and Sam Kavanagh) placed 2nd in their category and the Gr. 7
Fine Arts team (Zack Liu, Emma Goulden and Emma Hawes)
also placed 2nd in their category.
Thanks to all of the students for their hard work and dedication
this year. See you next DI season!
Masterchef
The Masterchef Eric Graves’ “cooking club” has been a huge
success with more than 33 students participating! Students
have been learning various cooking techniques while trying
out some new recipes. Ms. Fairbairn would like to thank all
students for their enthusiasm for the club and also Ms. Newell
for assisting in the kitchen. Bon appétit!
Tigers’ Got Talent! 2015
Featuring Eric Graves’ very own vocal group:
“The Tiger Tones”
April 30th at 1:00 p.m. in the gym!
All students, friends and family are welcome!
Play an instrument, tell jokes, do a trick, perform a skit, sing,
dance or something completely off the wall! (I mean, literally.
Parkour club I am talking to you!)
*1 performance per person, 2 minutes max*
*All musical performances have to supply their own
accompaniment*
Sign-up sheet on Ms. Hann’s door (106)
Sign up before April 16th!
Mandatory rehearsal is Thursday, April 23rd at lunch.
SHOW US WHAT YOU GOT!!!
Free the Children - Adopt a Village
As a result of a student initiative, Eric Graves has entered a
new campaign with Free the Children. Adopt a village works
with people in developing countries to help them to become
more self-sustaining. Over the next several weeks each class at
Eric Graves will be launching their own fundraising project in
a school challenge to come up with unique and fun ways to
raise money for this great cause. The campaign is centered on
raising money for the 5 Pillars of Development (education,
water, health, income and food security)
If you have questions about this campaign talk to our student
organizer Ryan Bowers or Mr. Ingram or check out more
information at:
freethechildren.com/get-involved/adopt-a-village/
Phone Book Delivery – As part of our campaign to raise
money for Adopt a Village students and parent volunteers will
be delivering phone books to the Portland Hills / Portland
Estates area on Saturday, April 18th. Volunteers will gather
at the school at 9:00 a.m. and spend the morning delivering the
books. We are in need of volunteers to put the books in bags
on Friday after school and to deliver books on Saturday
morning. If students or parents are interested in helping out
please contact Mr. Ingram or simply show up at the designated
time and be ready to work!
Tigers’ Tails Athletics News
Field Hockey
Thanks to Denise Robinson for volunteering to be our logistics
organizer for this project.
Above and beyond – A special thank you to Ryan Bowers and
his grandmother who organized a table at a craft market at the
Rodd Grand Hotel in Yarmouth and raised over $200.00 for
our Adopt a Village campaign. Ryan has shown excellent
leadership in all aspects of this campaign.
World Knowledge Fair
Grade 7 students have started bringing in their projects for this
event. This is similar to a science fair only the topics are issues
that relate to Social Studies and impact the world today. Each
student was required to participate in this important learning
experience. Students were given instructions, a list of possible
topics and templates during class.
Students will be sharing their work with all other students at Eric
Graves on the afternoon of April 27th period 5.
Parents and other family members who are able to
come to the school that afternoon are welcome to
join us as students display their work.
Abenaki Aquatic Club
Early Bird Registration April 19th at IONA Church (90 Lucien
Drive) 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
See our website for all registration dates, and all membership
and registration information www.abenakiclub.org
Loving Hearts for Olivia – Yoga Fundraiser
(Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1419902018310875)
They are holding this event on April 26th – 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at
Stevens Road Baptist Church.
Cost – Donations Only!!
**T-shirts, sweatshirts and other items with the Trust logo will
also be on sale.
Students of the Month
Congratulations to the students listed below whom have been
chosen as the Student of the Month for the month of March,
2015. These students are chosen by their teachers as having
made an outstanding positive contribution to the environment
of the school and making that extra effort in their classroom.
Each student receives a certificate as recognition of their
achievement, and a small prize. Each student’s picture is taken
and displayed on our “Student of the Month” showcase.
701
702
Colby Arnold
Zack Lyu
801
802
Brandon Spicer
Shelby Wilhelm
901
902
Hannah Deal
Bryson Cowan
Top Tiger Program
The Top Tiger Program was started 3 years ago as a way to
recognize positive behaviour and contributions to the school
by our students. Each week teachers nominate students who
they feel are deserving of this recognition.
Our Recent Top Tigers:
Mar. 23 – Mar. 27 Ryan Bowers
Apr. 6 – Apr. 10 Hunter Pack
Congratulations!!!!
Congratulations to the girl’s field hockey team who placed
second in the championship game held on April 11th at
Armbrae Academy.
Coaches: Jessica Kimber, Deanna Kimber and Paula Syms
Members of the team included:
Susan Davis
*Chloe Arnold
Felicity Randle
Jenna Robinson
Alyssa Gillam
Colby Arnold
Sam Collins
Madelyn Richardson
Rhys Grady
Emma Hawes
Nora Adham
Madison Manuel (Goalie)
*Congratulations to Chloe Arnold who was named as a
tournament all-star.
Inter-Lacrosse
Girl’s Team
Coach: Tony Robinson
Leah Riehl
Taylor Bullen
Susan Davis
Elizabeth Leahy
Madison Manuel
Nora Adham
Colby Arnold
Chole Arnold
Jill Robinson
Alyssa Gillam Kaitlyn MacDonald
Sam Collins
Hannah Lewis
Madelyn Richardson
Boy’s Team
Coaches: Steve Morrisey & Brett Draper
Jack McGovern
Jakob Weeks
Dakota Morrisey
Ryan Murphy
Kyle Gouthro
Hughie MacLennan
Noah Campbell
Ryan Parsons
Tyler Evans
Tyler Stevens
Cameron MacLennan
Jake Carew
Colby Haggerty (Goalie)
Next Game:
April 16th OPA @ EG - Boys play at 3:30, girls at 4:30
Indoor Ultimate Frisbee
Coach: Paula Syms
This year we will be competing in Indoor Ultimate Frisbee.
Each grade level will have a co-ed team consisting of 7 to 10
players. Grade level tournaments will be:
Gr. 7 May 12th
Gr. 8 May 13th
Gr. 9 May 14th
Listen to announcements for try outs.
Track & Field / Softball
We are waiting on the thaw to see if we will be having both
track and field as well as softball. Mr. Sinclair and Mr. Howell
have volunteered to coach softball
Important Dates to Remember
April 20 – Getting to Great Surveys Go Live
April 22 a.m. – Professional Development (No Students
Present)
April 22 p.m. – Parent Teacher Interviews 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
& 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
April 23 – Combined Dance (EG & Ellenvale) at Ellenvale
6:30 – 9:00
May 5 – Immunization Clinic #3