Distr ict School Board of Niagara

From the Principal’s desk. . .

This has been an interesting last few days of January due to the extreme cold weather we have been having. I feel like this is unprecedented, with so many consecutive days with no transportation. We are looking forward to a return to normal next week. January wrapped up with an exciting Kindergarten Open House. We welcomed

that may have children born in the year 2015, please encourage them to visit us at Greendale if they weren’t able to attend the Open House. We will be happy to give them a tour and assist them with registration for next year.

You may notice a few changes to the school this month as our old portable is being removed, and we are in the process of refreshing some areas of the school. Thanks for your continued support through these winter months.

GATOR GAZETTE FOR FEBRUARY 2019

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH Congratulations to the following students who were selected as “Students of the Month” who demonstrated optimism which is having a positive attitude, the resiliency to bounce back from adversity, and hope for the future. We do our part to make the world a better place.

KDG1 Brittney F., Madison S. ........... 3/4 Cheyanne C., Robbie D. KDG2 Brady N., Adrianna G., Arianna N. 4-1 Ammerah E., Aliyah N. KDG3 Max W. 5-1 Noah G., Brielle L., Octavia M., Randy N. 1-1 Lennon B., Ayra S., Logan W. 6-1 David B., Abby V. 1/2 Allie D. .. 7/8M Gabriela D., Eden M., Kristine N. 2-1 Hayleigh C., Damon M. 7/8H Dayna P., Hannah P., Makenzy Z. 2/3 Elijah D., Kristian G. FSP Ayesha M., Ricky N.

The character trait for March is improvement. Teachers will be reflecting on the past 5 months of school and recognizing students who have demonstrated marked improvement in their academic work as well as their learning skills.

DID YOU KNOW ... Greendale is a very busy place with so many activities for students to participate in. Currently, we have the following

clubs, sports and activities being offered to our students:

~Games Club

~Lego Robotics

~Silver Birch Reading Club

~Red Maple Reading Club

~Intermediate Basketball for both girls and boys

~Me2We

~Dreambox Club

~Prodigy Club

~You’re the Chef Club

~Kindergarten Helpers

~Calendar Helpers

~Recycling Helpers

~Milk Helpers

~Sign Changers

~Tech Team

~Student Council

Page 2 February 2019

FRONT DOOR USE IN THE MORNING

Our front doors are to be used by our guests and parents throughout the day. Students arriving prior to the morning bell are expected to enter through their divisional doors unless they are accompanied by a parent. Parents are reminded to please sign in at the office and wear a visitors badge while you are in the school. The badge lets our students know that you are a “safe” visitor at Greendale. Let’s work together to keep our students feeling safe!

TERM ONE REPORT CARDS

On February 8, you will receive your child’s term one report card. In determining letter or percentage grades, teachers look at assignments, tests, demonstrations and projects for evidence that your child is learning the curriculum. Learning means more than just knowing facts. Students must also show an

and applying what they have learned. They must also demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills. All work is reviewed with special attention given to the quality of work at the end of a unit of study or term. As well as looking at tests or assignments, teachers talk to, and observe your child in the classroom to gather as much information as possible before making a decision on a final grade.

KINDERGARTEN COMMUNICATION OF LEARNING

On February 8, the Kindergarten Communication of Learning reporting document

developed by the Ministry of Education will be sent home for our Year 1 and Year 2

Kindergarten students.

The new Kindergarten Communication of Learning reporting document will provide

to

;

and Problem Solving and Innovating.

Since September, our Kindergarten educator teams have been observing and documenting a wide range of evidence of

each child’s thinking and learning within a play environment. The documentation gathered will reflect your child’s key

about how we will support your child’s new learning at school as it relates to the Kindergarten Program’s

expectations.

We recognize and appreciate your continued support throughout the year.

GRADE 1 FRENCH IMMERSION On line applications began Jan. 7. Go to www.dsbn.org and

2018 at John Marshall for students going into Grade 1. Registration closes Feb. 20 at 9 am. If you have any

at janice.slade@dsbn.org or call 905-358-3711.

PARKING LOT CONCERNS

We have a great parking lot for parents to enter and exit with ease. Unfortunately, we have had some parents who during busy times of the day are exiting through our entrance on Montrose Road. We are requesting that parents please use the exit on Greendale Avenue. This will keep the flow of traffic moving one way which makes it much safer for our students.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAY / FAMILY DAY

FMonday,

these days.

Gator Gazette for February 2019

PROMOTING GOOD ATTENDANCE ~ ALL WINTER LONG

Every winter, bad weather ~ snow, slush, freezing temperatures or even heavy rains in warmer climates ~ can present challenges to getting children to school. So do the colds, fevers and earaches that often come with the winter months. 1. Develop back up plans for getting your children to school in bad weather. a.

car that can manage the snow. b. Form a “walking school bus” with other families to get students to school

safely. c. Join other families in a snow shovel brigade to clear the sidewalks closest to

the school. d. Ask if school administrators have developed plans for transporting students. 2. Keep your children healthy. a. Dress them warmly for the cold weather. b. Stress the importance of eating a good breakfast every morning. c. Stress hand washing, particularly in the winter months. Send your child to

school with a small bottle of hand sanitizer. Research shows that something as simple as hand washing can improve attendance.

d. Talk to your doctor or school nurse about when a sick child should come to school. Most health providers allow a child to attend with a cold, but not with a fever.

Source: www.attendanceworks.org

Page 3

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU TO...

~ The LaPlante family for their donation to the breakfast club.

~ parents who regularly or periodically volunteer in our school. We appreciate all you do!

~ our thoughtful early childhood educators, Mrs. Maitland and Mrs. Lipiec who work with our youngest students.

~ , Mrs. Lacroix,

.

~ our hardworking caretaking staff who keep the school clean during these messy winter months.

~ our Intermediate Basketball Coaches Mr. Mason, Ms. Rutherford, and Mr. Harriman , Ms. Dick.

~ Ms. Woltz and Mr. Mason for organizing our Blue Spruce, Silver Birch Clubs

~ all Greendale teachers who attend workshops after school to enhance their programs.

If your child is ill, or going to be away, please use the SafeArrival

. You may also

option.

in this matter.

PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION It has come to our attention that we occasionally have children who arrive at school prior to the 8:40 a.m. bell. Teacher supervision begins at 8:40 a.m. and as such parents must understand that students who arrive prior to 8:40 a.m. are expected to remain outside. The exception to this would be if a student arrives for prearranged teacher support, a sports practice or is accessing the Breakfast Club (a program that is open to all students). Should there be inclement weather (i.e. rain or extremely cold temperatures) then students will be directed to enter the school, but not prior 8:40 a.m. We appreciate your understanding in this matter as we continue to strive to make Greendale both a safe and welcoming school.

A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY WISH TO MR. GLAUSER … ON FEBRUARY 13TH AS HE TURNS HALF A CENTURY—THE BIG 50!!!

Page 4 February 2019

MAD SCIENCE CLUB

Mad Science, the world’s leading provider of educational and entertaining science programs for children is coming to Greendale Public School! They will be getting kids excited about science with fun, entertaining and exciting activities and demonstrations.

Science show. The assembly will be educational, entertaining and also the kick off to the Mad Science Club

will go on a voyage of discovery designed to support the Ontario Science and Technology curriculum. The topics will be different this year than when Mad Science was last at the school. The Club will take place on

and Scouts and Guides.

TRY AT HOME ACTIVITY - ZOOM BALL

Materials:

• Two 1 litre plastic pop bottles • Scissors

• Optional: Coloured construction paper • Masking tape

• Ribbons • Two plastic ring six pack holders

• Two 2.4 metre strings • An adult helper

1. Ask your adult helper to cut the bottoms off of the two plastic pop bottles.

2. Fit the bottles together so there is a neck on either end. Tape the bottles together to form a football shape.

3. Cover the bottles with construction paper and ribbon if you want to decorate your zoom ball.

4. Take the six-pack holders and cut the rings apart to make four two-loop handles.

5. Thread the two strings through the bottles.

6. Tie a set of handles to the ends of each string.

7. they are tight. Slide the zoom ball to one end. When it is at your end snap your hands apart to send the zoom ball back to your friend. To catch the zoom ball, keep your hands together.

EXPLANATION:

The pushing action of the strings sets the zoom ball in motion. When the zoom ball reaches the other end of the strings, an opposite pushing action, your friend snapping the strings, stops the ball for a moment and then sends it in the reverse direction.

KINDERGARTEN NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!

Do you have any pants (size 4 to 6) or tops (size 4 to 6) for boys and/or girls around your house? If so we would love you to donate them for spare clothes in our kindergarten division. Please send them in to the school. We appreciate your help!

Gator Gazette for February 2019 Page 5

ME TO WE

Food, and Happiness. They will be sold for $10.00 plus a (20-25 cent processing fee) on cash online. Half of all proceeds will go to the “Mamas” in Kenya who make the bracelets. Making bracelets is their livelihood and this has given them a means to provide

in Greendale Me To We have chosen as their focus country). Samples will be available outside the library during break so the students can choose which bracelet(s) they would like to order. There are 8 bracelets to choose from and they are also quite fashionable!

Thank you for your support. Sincerely

Josh (Me to We club member)

DIRECTOR’S ARTISAN CARD CONTEST

Her reindeer e-card will be available soon on the DSBN's website.

ME TO WE

who go unheard and whose rights are not upheld. For a 24 hour period, the students in Me to We will go silent to raise awareness for those who don’t have a voice because of bullying.

AFTER SCHOOL CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

To help with end of day safety for our students, we are asking that if you are coming for afterschool sporting events to please use the gym doors. It helps to limit the amount of interruptions for our students in their learning environment. Thank you for your co-operation.

Page 6 February 2019

DSBN SCHOOL CLIMATE SURVEY 2018-2019 Information for Parents

What? The DSBN School Climate Survey is an opportunity for students in Grades 4-12 and parents to provide information about their experiences of well-being, acceptance, inclusion and school safety. It is a web-based survey that is designed to be anonymous. A summary report will be available for schools to use for goal-setting and planning purposes. Why? A supportive, accepting, inclusive and safe school creates an environment for students to do their best in the classroom and beyond. Hearing the student and parent ‘voice’ is key to the development and imple-mentation of school and board level improvement plans. When? Where?

The DSBN will be surveying all parents from February 8th to March 8th, 2019. The parent survey will be available via a “School Climate Survey” link on the school’s website.

All DSBN students in Grades 4 to 12 will be surveyed from February 1st - March 8th, 2019. Students will be surveyed in school.

Questions? If you require further information, please contact your child’s school.

We value your voice and we thank you in advance for your participation!

Page 7 February 2019

What’s new with vaping?

Health Canada has just released new graphics about vaping.

Before the talk: GET THE FACTS.

Feel free to contact me if you want more information or are interested in

hosting an information session. ☺

Each month stayed tuned as I will be sharing updates from the world of Niagara Region

Public Health with you.

PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION