PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

We have had a very productive month. There are so many interesting activities and events going on at Dr. Hamilton School and more to

come! Here are some of the highlights to share with our parent community…

DRAGONFLY CLUB

We have two new members in our dragonfly club. Their names are ZIP and Zoom! They are dragonfly stuffed animals that are flitting and

flying around to our "classroom of the week." Every two weeks a classroom of the week is being rewarded with the new mascots as another

way of promoting and rewarding positive behaviour throughout our building. The students were all involved in naming the dragonflies and are

very excited to have Zip or Zoom become a part of their classroom. How does this work??? Every two weeks there is a classroom of the

week picked. We have a dragonfly for the younger grades and a dragonfly for the older grades. The classrooms of the week are chosen

through our dragonfly draw which takes place every two weeks. The classes with the highest number of dragonfly tickets will be rewarded

with either Zip or Zoom to display proudly in their classroom for two weeks.

Grade 4 and 5 French Assembly

Our Grade 4 class with Mrs. Mehyden, our Grade 4-5 class with Mrs. Palahnuk and our Grade 5 class with Mrs. Baseraba/Mrs. Slater

presented a wonderful French assembly to our school on February 24th. Many thanks to Mr. Chan who was also supportive in helping with

French songs. We thoroughly enjoyed hearing about French culture and language. Our older students had an opportunity to inspire our

younger students as they, too, look forward to learning a second language in the future.

I Love to Read Month

There are so many parts to celebrate this month for I Love to Read. Many thanks to the committee of adults that arranged such

meaningful activities for our students, including a Super Hero Costume day, book mark making and a very special Grandparents Reading

session for those grandparents that were able to join us.

Student Led Conferences

We are looking forward to celebrating our Term 2 work with families in March. Information will be coming home to outline conference

times which are after school and the evening of Thursday, March 12, 2015 as well as the morning of Friday, March 13, 2015. As a reminder,

there is no classes for students on Friday, March 13, 2015. We are very excited to showcase all the learning our students are engaged in!

Musical Experiences

We have had some rich musical experiences for our students this term, including a visit from the RA Grade 8 Band, a trip to the WSO

performance, as well as several older students participating in the singing at that concert. Stay tuned for more information after Spring

Break about a morning musical experience we will be inviting families to. This will be held during a weekly assembly on Day 5, period 1 on

April 22 at 9:30 a.m. and will highlight the musical works in progress of our students on the Wizard of Oz.

Athletic Experiences

Not only have we continued with exciting Phys Ed Clubs and intramurals this month, including the after school soccer club and floor

hockey/spongee ball for Grades 1-5 during morning recesses, but we have a very dedicated team of students and teachers preparing for our

divisional Tumbling Rally. We look forward to our students presenting at River East Collegiate on the evening of March 18, 2015.

Librarian

We want to welcome Mrs. Klein into the library on days 2, 4 and 6, as Mrs. Klausen will be on a short term leave. Mrs. Klein will be joining us

as teacher librarian and is very familiar with our students and staff. She and Mrs. Klausen are already planning some great IBL topics for

students to be a part of with their classroom teachers. We look forward to having Mrs. Klausen join us once again in April.

Mrs. Ziprick,

Principal

DR. F.W.L. HAMILTON SCHOOL

NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 2015

3225 Henderson Hwy., East St. Paul, Manitoba R2E 0J2

Phone: (204) 661-2500

Principal: Mrs. T. Ziprick Email: tziprick@retsd.mb.ca

Learning how to read and write isn’t just for the classroom. Parents play an important role in supporting their young readers and writers. Most parents know that reading to children is important but attention to their children’s writing development is sometimes overlooked. In fact, reading and writing go hand in hand. When children practice writing a letter or word, they recognize that letter or word when they see it somewhere else.

Helping your child with writing

Read and talk about the writing your child brings home from school.

Have your child read their writing to you and comment in a positive way. For example “I really like the way you described this.”

Praise your child for trying to write words that are new and explain how to spell words which are causing them difficulty.

To help develop spelling and vocabulary, play word games such as I SPY, BINGO, SCRABBLE, BOGGLE, SCATTERGORIES and crosswords.

Make the writing of notes, phone messages, lists, letters and stories a normal part of family life.

Involve your child in completing forms.

Encourage your child to practice new words, say them, write them from memory, then check them.

Provide a dictionary and use it together. Remember that dictionaries are useful if your child has a knowledge of the alphabet and how a dictionary works (older students).

Support your children’s literacy development by making writing a part of everyday life. Find opportunities to link writing activities to reading. Proficiency in both areas will improve every time your child involves him/herself in writing at home or at school.

EMemo: Would you like to receive valuable school news and dates from Dr. Hamilton via email?

Send an email to the school mailbox at drh@retsd.mb.ca and indicate EMemo on the subject line.

Thank you!

Dr. Hamilton School is currently looking for an adult crossing guard for

approximately 40 min/day, before and after school, 5 days a week.

Please contact Mrs. Ziprick at the school office 204 661-2500, if you are interested.

SAFETY AND THE WEATHER

The cold weather means we need to be prepared with proper outerwear each day we come to school. Mitts, toques, hats, scarves, ski pants, warm jackets and boots are required in order to make recess and lunch time comfortable for all the children. The children go outside 3 times during the school day unless the wind chill index reaches –27 C at administration discretion, as listed on Environment Canada at the Forks location.

INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR

Many times during the day as we walk through the school, we will see children choosing to sit on the floor while working on activities.

Our floors get very dirty when the students wear the same footwear on the playground and then inside the school. Please make sure that your child has two pair of footwear. One pair is to wear outdoors while on the way to and from school and one pair is to wear while inside the school. It is essential that the students have a pair of runners to wear in school. Runners allow the students to move safely in all areas of the school as they provide the best traction on the floors inside the school. It is important for students to change into runners as they enter the building in order to keep our school clean and our students healthy and safe.

BUS CANCELLATIONS

Important information about bus cancellations due to severe weather As of November 10, 2014

Beginning this winter, school divisions in metro Winnipeg will be using the temperature at The Forks as the indicator of severe weather. Previously, metro divisions checked the temperature at the Winnipeg airport.

The general rule is that if the wind chill is -45°C or colder at The Forks (as posted by Environment Canada at about 6:10 a.m.), all Winnipeg school divisions cancel buses for the whole day but schools usually remain open.

If buses are cancelled, an alert will be posted on the RETSD website home page. Major radio stations and local television will also announce busing cancellations.

As a reminder, afternoon Kindergarten students and those Grade 1-5 students going home for lunch should not be returning to school before

1:00 pm. This information has been shared with families during the Kindergarten Open House as well as being included in the DHLP user pay registration information. Thank you for your consideration in this area.

WINTER VIRUSES

With winter upon us and the flu season already a reality, we are reminded of the importance of preventive measures to help combat the spread of viruses and colds. Please help us emphasize

with your children the importance of hand washing with soap and water after using the washroom and before eating as one way of curtailing the possible spread of germs. If children are under the

weather, we encourage that they stay home and rest to also prevent the spread of the viruses.

AFTER SCHOOL PLANS

A reminder to our families that if your child is a bus student, please send a note in your child’s agenda or communication book each time they will not be taking the bus home, due to alternative arrangements. This helps avoid confusion for your child, for our staff and for the Transportation department. As well, Kindergarten parents, please contact Transportation each time your child will not be taking the bus home. Thank you for clearly communicating with classroom teachers and all parties involved.

STOP, DROP & LEAVE

We ask that when parents drop off and pick up their children to and from school that they park in the first loop off of Henderson Hwy. It helps to arrive a few minutes before the bells ring during the day so that you have ample time to find parking and then walk to meet your children. Please be advised that there is no drop off, stopping or parking in the bus loop at any time of day.

We need your assistance in not parking in our parking lot before, during or at the end of the day. There are no free spaces in the staff parking lot, as all spots are reserved and paid for by staff members.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION

Before school, teachers are on duty on the playground at 9:10 to supervise the students as they arrive at school. Please ensure your child (ren) do not arrive at school before this time as there is no supervision. After school, teachers are on duty until 4:15 to ensure all children are on their way home safely. Thank you for your co-operation.

Ms. Coppen’s Grade 1 Class

On Tuesday February 17th we travelled to the Manitoba Museum and spent

some time in the Science Gallery. We first participated in a ‘Sensational

Science’ presentation where we learned more about our 5 senses. We got

to test all five senses at some point in the presentation, some as a whole

group, some in small groups and some individually. After the presentation

we got some time to explore the rest of the science gallery. The “Matrix

Room” was very exciting and most students had a turn wearing slippers

and exploring the maze of mirrors.

TUSC

TUSC! Do you know what that stands for? Well, if you don’t, it stands for Totally Unique Speaking Club and it is a way for us

to share interesting information with our class. We have twenty-two fascinating and fun categories to choose from

including Demonstration, Commercial, Jokes and Riddles, many more, and an absolute favourite…Healthy Snack!! Once we

decide on a topic to present, we need to prepare and practice at home. We make our presentations exciting by using

visuals such as posters, pictures, PowerPoint and sometimes even props. When presenting, we try to remember to use eye

contact with the audience and lots of enthusiasm! TUSC is extraordinary because it helps you feel more comfortable and

confident doing presentations. If you’re a parent who has a child going into grade 5 next year and they’re nervous about

presenting in front of others, they shouldn’t be because TUSC is SUBERB!

Thank you for reading our shared write about TUSC!

The grade 5 students of Mrs. Slater and Mrs. Baseraba

Music News Dr. Hamilton visits the Winnipeg Symphony at the Centennial Concert Hall

On Wednesday, February 18, Mrs. Abrahams, Mr. Sobey’s, Mrs. Mehyden’s, Mrs. Palahnuk’s and Mrs.

Slater/Baseraba’s classes went to downtown Winnipeg to see the Symphony in action, playing songs the students had

studied in music class as well as some other famous tunes. The concert started off with one of the WSO string

members, doing a wave with the audience, the choir and then the orchestra until finally, around the entire concert

hall! The theme this year was One Voice, also a song sung at the concert and celebrating the opening of the Canadian

Museum for Human Rights. They played Waving Flag as a singer had the students waving their arms in beat with the

music as well as the Superman Theme song. Julian Pellicano, the WSO conductor, educated students on the struggles

and hardships of Manitoba’s founding father, Louis Riel, as the choir song Chanson de Louis Riel. It all finished with

an enormous rendition of Sebelius’s Finlandia.

Big congratulations to: Madeline, Madison, Emma, Paige, Kayley

They were involved in the 200 voice children’s choir that actually got to sing on stage with the Winnipeg Symphony

Orchestra on February 19. We’re so proud of you all!

Artist-in-the-School: Len Udow

This year’s Artist-in-the-School, Len Udow, will work with all students in April and May on song writing. This two

week long workshop will also help students with their emphasis on writing skills and what good writers should do. A

HUGE thank-you to PAC for their financial support of this great event. Stay tuned for future details when students

will have a chance to showcase their work.

Music Website!

Teach the instruments of the orchestra, the basics of reading music, and listen to some of classical music's greatest

hits!

Website: www.sfskids.org

PHYSICAL EDUCATION NEWS

Exciting News

One of our goals in physical education this year is to run or walk enough kilometres to reach Paris, France.

We have accomplished this goal!! We have covered 6610 kilometres. We are continuing our journey back to Dr. Hamilton School for the remainder of the school year. It is my hope to encourage the children, staff and community to continue to be

active and lead a healthy lifestyle. On our return to the school the students will receive another charm which they will tie on

to their indoor runners as a reminder of the importance of being active. Thank you for your continued support. Remember to keep on moving!!!!

Fitness Club

On Wednesday mornings the fitness club has been meeting at 8:30 a.m. over the past several months. We have several members from grades 1--5. We work on cardio, agility, balance, strength, speed, core strength and overall knowledge of

conditioning. This club has really helped to keep our kilometres going throughout the winter months. Thank you to all members for making a commitment throughout the cold months to get to school early and to keep on moving and being

active. You are an inspiration!

Soccer Club

On Thursdays' after school from 4:00--5:00, 38 students along with Mr. Sobey, Mrs. Castor, Coach Emma S and Coach Aidan C have been learning new soccer skills, building team spirit and having fun. The club is coming to an end. I wanted to

congratulate all of the students involved. You have done a great job and we have seen your soccer skills grow. A special thank you to Mr. Peter Drazic who was able to join us and offer some great coaching as well and to Miss Emma Shing for

coming back to the school to help as well. Looking forward to hosting another session in the spring!

Tumbling Rally News

The tumbling rally group meets Monday and Friday at 12:40 in the gym. We are preparing for the divisional tumbling rally

which takes place on Wednesday, March 18. Please mark that date on your calendars!!! The gymnasts will be performing

a warm up to music, a series of skills and our own creative routine performed to the music "Happy!" The rally takes place at River East Collegiate. The evening performance begins at 6:30. Thank you to Mrs. Macey, Mrs. Baran and Mrs. Slater for all

of their time and help with the coaching of this amazing club!

Intramurals

Every day at morning recess there have been intramurals for all of our students in grades 1---5. I am able to offer all of

these exciting activities because of my wonderful leadership club. A very special thank you to all of the leaders in grades 4 and 5. You make a difference and I appreciate all of your time as referees, equipment set up and take down as well as

helping me to keep our students safe.

REMEMBER TO FEEL GREAT-----PARTICIPATE!!!!! Mrs. Castor, Phys-ed Teacher

PATROLS OF THE MONTH

For February are:

Kayley, Paige and Tyson

THANK YOU for doing a GREAT job!!

Fun Dates to Remember:

Wheelies - April 17th - 9:30 – 12:00.

Year-end Event – Lilac Resort – June 9th – 9:30 – 2:00.

March 12 Student Lead Conferences – evening

March 13 Student Lead Conferences – morning

No School - all day

March 23 Hot Lunch

March 27 Last Day of classes before Spring Break

April 6 Classes Resume – Day 5

April 8 Early Dismissal – 3:15 pm

April 14 PAC Meeting – 7:00 pm in the Library

April 24 No School – Co-ordinated Day

April 27 Artist in the School begins until May 8-

Len Udow working with all classes

May 13 Early Dismissal – 3:15 pm

May 18 Victoria Day – No School

May 20 PAC and AGM Meeting – 7:00 pm in the Library

2014

IMPORTANT DATES

SCHOOL TRUSTEES

Colleen Carswell Ward 1 221-1486

Jerry Sodomlak Ward 1 221-8464

John Toews Ward 2 663-0475

Ron Giesbrecht Ward 2 663-0475

Eva Prysizney Ward 3 668-3501

Wayne Ritcher Ward 3 663-6669

Peter Kotyk Ward 4 668-4181

Brian Olynik Ward 4 668-4181

Michael West Ward 5 663-1925

Kelly Barkman , 667-7130

Superintendent/CEO

Jason Drysdale, 667-7130

Assistant Superintendent of Schools

2014

IMPORTANT DATES