February 2015 School Newsletter

Winona Elementary School
EMAIL: [email protected]
301 LEWIS RD.
WINONA, ON L8E 5H1
TEL: 905.643.4141
FAX: 905.643.4666
www.hwdsb.on.ca/winona
PRINCIPAL: Mr. B. Berketa
VICE-PRINCIPAL: Mrs. K. Koop
FEBRUARY 2015
Principal’s Message
REPORT
CARDS
Go home on
February 12th
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE:
***************
PD DAY
FEB. 13th!!!
NO SCHOOL
FAMILY DAY
FEBRUARY
16TH!!!
NO SCHOOL
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GRAD PHOTOS
Wed.
Feb.
25th
******************
JK/SK
REGISTRATION
2015-2016
FEBRUARY 2nd
JK are children born
in 2011/SK are children born in 2010
In this busy world of ours I know how hard it to juggle many things and still be able to read the school
newsletter and the many other forms of communication that come from the school. I would like to thank
all our families that are able to keep up to date. Just
like many households our school is a busy place too.
On February 12 your child will receive their term 1
report card that will communicate their learning
skills and levels of achievement from September until the end of January. Celebrate the successes and
areas of improvement with your child and work with
your child and your child’s teacher to develop a plan
in areas where your child is struggling. School staff
will be engaging in professional development on Friday February 13. Best wishes for a safe and enjoyable long Family Day Holiday weekend!
REPORTS
Teachers have been working on the 1st term report
card. Unlike the Progress Report in November, this
report “captures achievement of expectations at two
points in the school year that contain grades
or numerical marks, along with descriptive
comments and feedback related to the learning skills.”
You can review the “Growing Success” document and other related information on the Ministry of
Education website www.edu.gov.on.ca.
The report cards will be coming home on Feb.12th. .
TRAFFIC
When dropping off or picking up students please ensure that you are obeying all driveway and parking
lot signage as well as following staff direction to
maintain the flow of traffic. Patience is essential at
these times as we are moving over 850 students into
or out of the building as well maintaining the flow of
many vehicles and buses.
Remember that the Kiss & Drop area is not
a parking or standing area as it also serves
as a fire route. The driver must remain with
the vehicle and must move out of the area
immediately after safely unloading their
child(ren). Please do not compromise safety
for convenience!
********************************
EMERGENCY CLOSURE
The decision to close our schools is made in
conjunction with our colleagues at the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board
based on relevant information at that time.
School Boards across Ontario have varying
polices about the cancellation of schools. At
HWDSB, the cancellation of transportation is
linked to the cancellation of School and Board
Administrative Operations. The cancellation of
transportation immediately triggers the closure
of our schools.
The board’s Hotline # 905.521.2535
Just a reminder to review with your child(ren)
the instructions re: an emergency closure that
you provided to the school earlier in the year.
It may be a problem to phone out of the
school in an emergency and we are asking
that you listen to the Stations indicated: 102.9
FM, 95.3 FM, 820 AM, 1380 AM and 1150
AM.
Your child’s
teacher should
have a copy of
the plan you
signed. The
above stations
are also the
ones used indicating in the early morning if
there is inclement weather and the schools
are closed. As well CHCH channel 11 runs
the information across the bottom of their
screen early in the morning as well.
Page 2
Winona Elementary School
Fifth Disease
What is it?
Fifth Disease is an illness caused by the human parvovirus B19. It is a mild rash that usually affects children
but it can occur in adults.
In healthy persons, the illness usually goes away on its own. Once a person gets the parvovirus infection, he or
she develops immunity, which means that they are protected against another infection. About 50% of all adults
have been infected sometime during childhood or adolescence.
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms of Fifth Disease can begin within 4-20 days after infection with parvovirus B19. About 25% or more
individuals will have no symptoms. Symptoms are usually brief and mild and may include:
“Cold-like” symptoms (e.g. fever, tiredness, runny nose and headache, sore throat) 7 to 10 days before the rash
on the face appears.
Raised, red rash on the face that will look like a “slapped cheek”; this rash is more common in children than
adults.
The “lace-like” rash will spread to the rest of the body after 1 to 4 days (first on the chest and back, then the rest
of the body). It may be itchy and last about 7 to 10 days. After the rash fades, it may continue to come back for 1
to 3 weeks when exposed to sunlight or heat.
Joint pain, joint swelling or both, are more common in adults, than children. The joint pain usually lasts 1 to 3
weeks, but can last longer. Usually this goes away without any long-term problems.
Is Fifth Disease Contagious?
Yes. Fifth Disease is passed on through contact with infected nose/throat secretions when the person coughs or
sneezes. It is most contagious early on, when “cold-like” symptoms are present, before the rash and joint pain.
Once the rash appears the person is likely no longer contagious. People with weak immune systems may be contagious for a longer period of time.
Fifth Disease can also be spread through blood or blood products. A pregnant woman infected with the virus
may pass it to her baby.
Can Fifth Disease Be Treated?
Fifth Disease is usually mild and will go away on its own. Treatment of symptoms such as fever, itching, joint
pain and swelling is usually all that is needed. At this time, there is no vaccine or medicine that can prevent
parvovirus B19 infection.
What is Recommended?
Pregnant women who have come in contact with a person diagnosed with Fifth Disease should talk to their
healthcare provider. About 50% of women are already immune to the virus, and these women and their babies
are protected from infection and illness. Fifth disease is usually not a problem for pregnant women and their
babies. However, the virus may cause harmful effects to the unborn child in less than 5% of all pregnant women
infected with parvovirus B19 (more common during the first half of pregnancy).
People with weakened immune systems (e.g. leukemia, HIV, cancer, organ transplants) and people with blood disorders who have had contact with someone diagnosed with Fifth Disease, should talk to their health care provider.
These individuals are at a greater risk for serious complications from Fifth disease.
Women of childbearing age who are concerned can have a blood test for parvovirus B19 antibodies, which would
show immunity to the virus.
Since people are contagious before they develop the rash, staying home from work, childcare centres or schools is
not helpful in reducing the spread of Fifth Disease.
Individuals with a fever should remain home until the fever goes away.
Please notify the school office if you suspect your child has Fifth Disease.
Concussion Awareness
Concussion: Is the term for a clinical diagnosis that is made by a medical doctor or a nurse practitioner. Educators,
school staff, or volunteers cannot make the diagnosis of concussion. The definition of concussion below is adapted
from the definition provided in the concussion protocol in the Ontario Physical Education Safety Guidelines.
A concussion:
· is a brain injury that causes changes in the way in which the brain functions and that can lead to symptoms that
can be physical, such as: headache, dizziness, cognitive (e.g., difficulty in concentrating or remembering); emotional/ behavioural (e.g., depression, irritability) ; and/or related to sleep (e.g., drowsiness, difficulty in falling asleep)
· may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, or neck or by a blow to the body that transmits a force to
the head that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull;
· can occur even if there has been no loss of consciousness ( in fact most concussions occur without a loss of consciousness); and
· cannot normally be seen by means of medical imaging tests, such as x-rays, standard computed tomography (CT)
scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Parent Responsibilities:
- In the event of a suspected concussion, ensure child is assessed as soon as possible by physician/nurse practitioner, on the same day.
- Cooperate with school to facilitate Return to Participation and Return to Learn.
- Follow physician/nurse practitioner recommendations to promote recovery.
- Be responsible for the completion of all required documentation.
- Support your child’s progress through recommended Return to Participation and Return to Learn guidelines.
- Collaborate with school to manage suspected or diagnosed concussions appropriately.
- Report non-school related concussion to Principal (Return to Participation/Return to Learn guidelines will still
apply).
Page 4
Winona Elementary School
WINTER WEAR
also a break from the structure of
the classroom.
Cold Weather and Outdoor Play
Time spent outdoors is an integral
part of the school day. There are
great benefits when children experience fresh air, exercise and time
spent time outside. Outdoor play is
Depending on the season, preparing
for outdoor play in Canada can
mean anything from applying sunscreen to wear mittens and a hat.
During winter, it’s important that
children come to school prepared for
the cold. Students should wear
boots, mittens/gloves and hats and
it’s a good idea to pack extra mittens, socks, etc. in case they are
needed.
judgment to decide whether to send
students outside for recess. However, HWDSB asks Principals to follow the City of Hamilton recommendation that individuals stay inside
when the temperature drops below 15 C without wind chill. Questions
or concerns regarding winter outdoor play should be directed to the
school Principal. Parents are encouraged to go to hamiltonschoolbus.ca to check
for any potential
transportation
delays.
Principals can always use their
How Does Snow-Clearing Work Around HWDSB Schools?
With winter ahead, parents may be interested in some of the following information about snow
clearing around schools in Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB). Note that staff,
contractors and the City of Hamilton share this responsibility. We urge all visitors to our schools to
use caution when grounds may be slippery.
The City of Hamilton is responsible for clearing snow and ice from sidewalks directly in front of schools. Clearing
sidewalks in front of schools is a top priority for the City. It may take up to 24 hours after a snow event for the
sidewalks to be cleared. To report a sidewalk fronting a school that needs to be cleared please call 905-546-CITY
(2489).
HWDSB staff will clear, salt and/or sand walkways from the city sidewalk to the school; school steps and portable
steps; walkways to the portables; ramps to schools and portables; an area outside of entrances and Fire Exit Doors;
and________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Fire Exit stairs and ramps.
HOW TO
CHANGE
AUTHORIZED
PARENT/GUARDIAN
BUS STOP
Facing more than 5 cm of snow, approved contractors will plow parking NAMES
lots and AT
sidewalks.
Before schools starts,
New
Transportation
Parent’s
Portal
on
Transportation’s
website
at:
www.hamiltonschoolbus.ca
contracted staff will salt and sand the parking lot when HWDSB Facilities staff deem it necessary. If required,
to change
the JK/SK
Head Caretakers may also salt or sand parts
of the parking
lot.authorization list.
Note that playgrounds will not be ploughed or cleared. However, Head Caretakers will inspect playgrounds and
will sand and/or salt isolated areas that have become slippery due to changing temperatures.
As always, we urge students to take extra caution when walking or playing on school property that may be
slippery. Principals may decide, dependent on weather and playground conditions, to have indoor recess and
lunch/nutrition breaks.
HOW TO
CHANGE AUTHORIZED PARENT/GUARDIAN NAMES AT BUS STOP
New Transportation Parent’s Portal on Transportation’s website at: www.hamiltonschoolbus.ca
to change the JK/SK authorization list
1st DAY of
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR
MONDAY FEBRUARY 2nd
(9:00 a.m.—2:30 pm)
JK are children born in 2011 / SK are children born in 2010
Please bring: * Birth Certificate * Health Card *Immunization
* Proof of Address
_______________________________________________________________________________________
MUSICAL NOTES
Lots of performing has been going on in the music room, which means quite a lot of
instrument sign-out. Unfortunately, quite a few students are not adhering to the
contract signed earlier in the school year. Please ensure to take note of these
particular items:
*Instruments are to be returned the FOLLOWING SCHOOL DAY BY THE 8:30 BELL.
*If you are absent, your instrument still needs to be returned to the school.
*All materials borrowed must be returned (mouthpieces, books, messenger bags)
Until further notice, instrument sign-out is closed until all borrowed items are returned.
Glee rehearsals have begun again and we are in full swing! Each Monday, break two, we'll see you there!
Band has begun again too, every Tuesday and Thursday at first break, 10:30 bell.
We are preparing for music festivals already!
Until next month, musically yours,
Mrs. N. Elliott
Winona Elementary School
Page 6
LIBRARY NEWS!
Thank you for all your support with the Winona Library. The library now has some new
Graphic Novels available for Grades 1- 8 and many new non-fiction books have been added to
our collection. Primary students are thoroughly enjoying the new Forest of Reading Books
each week. Please remember to return your child's book one day prior to their library day!
Our first Winona Book Exchange was a huge success, on Literacy Day. Thank you to all the
families that donated books. There was a magical feeling in the library with all the students receiving new
books. There were so many kind friends sharing tickets and thinking of other people in their family. What a
great community we live in! After students had exchanged book for book, we did not have any books left over
for students to purchase books for 25 cents. We apologize for any inconvenience. We will be having our annual
Scholastic Book Fair with Night at the Museum.
Happy Reading, Mrs. Kingdon
**********************************************************************************************
SPORTS CORNER
The Wildcats have had a another busy and active month at Winona! Thanks to all of the teacher coaches and
parent volunteer drivers for their efforts.
The Indoor Track team has been practicing diligently in preparation for the February
24 meet. They will also be participating in a special Pan Am Fitness Challenge, along
with some other grade 7 and 8 students at Orchard Park on February 18... good luck
runners! (S. Durfey)
The Senior Boys Basketball team has had a terrific start to their season! The boys are
currently undefeated, with one game left before playoffs. Playoff games are every
Tuesday until the finals take place at the beginning of March. Keep up the great
work, boys! (Ms. Bodi and Miss Hogan)
The Senior Girls Basketball team is also yet to beat! With 4 wins and 0 losses, they are hoping to finish first for
the playoffs. They too play every Tuesday until March. Way to go, girls! (Mrs. Lindsay, Mrs.
Dale and Miss Williams)
Thanks to School Council, the gym has new equipment! The gym now has new floor hockey
equipment and nets, new basketballs, volleyballs and soccer balls. Thank you to Ms. Trathen for
organizing this.
Stay tuned for more information about co-ed basketball for grades 4,5 and 6 as well as tryouts for the upcoming
Junior Girls and Junior Boys Basketball tryouts (season starts March 5).
Happy winter and stay active in this cold weather!
February 2, 2015 February 8, 2015
February 2
February 2015
March 2015
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February 3
Day 1
Day 2
Kindergarten Registration Begins
8:30am - 2:50pm 2H, 2A and 2E - Scientists in School
1:05am - 1:30pm Sr. Girls Basketball practice
10:30am - 11:10am Gr. 7/8 Band (Music Room)
10:30am - 11:05am Sr. Boys Basketball Practice
12:50pm - Indoor track
3:00pm - 4:30pm Robotics (Intermediate Pod)
3:45pm - 4:45pm Sr. Boys Basketball Game @ Winona
5:00pm - 6:00pm Sr. Girls Bball game (Winona)
February 4
February 5
Day 3
Day 4
8:30am - 2:50pm 2DM, 2FT, 2/3P - Scientists in School
10:30am - 11:10am Gr. 7/8 Band (Music Room)
10:30am - 11:00am indoor track and 20/20 challenge
10:45am - 11:10am 20/20 challenge
1:05pm - 1:30pm Sr. Girls Basketball practice (home)
12:50pm - 1:10pm NB 2- indoor track
3:00pm - 3:55pm Sr. Boys Basketball Practice
3:00pm - 4:30pm Robotics (Intermediate Pod)
February 6
February 7
Day 5
10:30am - 11:10am indoor track and 20/20 challenge
1:05pm - 1:30pm Sr. Girls Basketball practice
2:00pm - 3:00pm Roots of Empathy-Hogan
February 8
Brandon Berketa [Staff]
1
2015-02-01 1:53 PM
February 9, 2015 February 15, 2015
February 9
February 2015
March 2015
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February 10
Day 1
Day 2
10:45am - 11:10am Sr. Girls Basketball practice
Lisa R at Instructional Coach Meeting
1:05pm - 1:30pm 20/20 challenge
10:30am - 11:10am Gr. 7/8 Band (Music Room)
3:00pm - 4:30pm Robotics (Intermediate Pod)
12:50pm - 1:10pm indoor track
1:05pm - 1:30pm 20/20 challenge
February 11
February 12
Day 3
Day 4
10:45am - 11:10am Sr. Girls Basketball practice
Report Cards Sent Home
12:50pm - 1:10pm indoor track NB.#1
10:30am - 11:10am Gr. 7/8 Band (Music Room)
1:05pm - 1:30pm 20/20 challenge
12:50pm - 1:30pm indoor track followed by Sr. Girls bball practice
2:10pm - 3:10pm HPL Visit Grade 2 (Library)
3:00pm - 4:30pm Robotics (Intermediate Pod)
February 13
February 14
PA Day- No classes
February 15
Brandon Berketa [Staff]
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2015-02-01 1:53 PM
February 16, 2015 February 22, 2015
February 16
February 2015
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February 17
Family Day - No classes
Day 5
9:00am - 2:00pm HCA Trip - 1Da, 1St. 1W
10:30am - 11:10am Gr. 7/8 Band (Music Room)
12:50pm - 1:30pm indoor track and 20/20 challenge
3:00pm - 4:30pm Robotics (Intermediate Pod)
February 18
February 19
Day 1
Day 2
9:00am - 1:00pm Fitness Challenge- gr. 7, 8
9:00am - 2:00pm 3W and 3M to Dundas Conservation
10:45am - 11:10am 20/20 challenge
10:30am - 11:10am Gr. 7/8 Band (Music Room)
1:05pm - 1:30pm 20/20 challenge
3:00pm - 4:30pm Robotics (Intermediate Pod)
February 20
February 21
Day 3
10:30am - 11:10am indoor track and 20/20 challenge
1:05pm - 1:30pm Sr. Girls Basketball practice
February 22
Brandon Berketa [Staff]
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2015-02-01 1:53 PM
February 23, 2015 March 1, 2015
February 23
February 2015
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February 24
Day 4
Day 5
3:00pm - 4:30pm Robotics - Open House for Parents
8:00am - 5:00pm Indoor Track Meet- gr. 6, 7, 8
10:30am - 11:10am Gr. 7/8 Band (Music Room)
1:30pm - 2:30pm Kdg/Pri Assembly
3:00pm - 4:30pm Robotics (Intermediate Pod)
February 25
February 26
Day 1
Day 2
Gr. 8 Grad Photos
10:30am - 11:10am Gr. 7/8 Band (Music Room)
9:00am - 2:00pm 3S and Pelletier To Dundas Conservation Area
11:10am - 12:10pm Jr. Assembly Per. 4&5
1:05pm - 1:30pm 20/20 challenge
February 27
February 28
Day 3
1:05pm - 1:30pm 20/20 challenge
March 1
Brandon Berketa [Staff]
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2015-02-01 1:53 PM
Wayne Joudrie
Interim Director of Education
TEL: 905-527-5092 EXT: 2297
FAX: 905-521-2539
January 20, 2015
Parent Voice Survey 2014/2015
Dear Parent / Guardian / Caregiver,
We would like to invite you to participate in our annual Parent Voice Survey. We are interested in your
feedback and how we can better support you and your children at Hamilton-Wentworth District School
Board.
As Parents/Guardians/Caregivers, you play a vital role in HWDSB. Your engagement and involvement in
your child's education allows us to know your children better. As a result, our schools become rich and
positive places to teach, learn and grow because we are partners in your child's education.
We understand that your main contact with us is through your local school(s). Please complete this survey
with your child(ren)’s school in mind. If you have children attending more than one HWDSB school, please
select one school to focus on for this survey. At the end of the survey, you will have the opportunity to
complete the survey again for a different school.
We are seeking your views about our progress in specific areas:
• Student Achievement
• School Climate
• Parent Communication
• Parent Engagement
The survey is available on our website at www.hwdsb.on.ca/feedback, or paper copies can be requested
from your child’s school.
The survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete. There are no right or wrong answers. The results
from all parent surveys will be grouped together and only the combined findings will be shared. We
are interested in hearing your opinions and suggestions. Please complete the survey by Friday,
February 20, 2015 at 4pm.
Thank you for taking the time to help us with this survey, and to offer input into your child’s
educational experience.
Kind Regards,
Wayne Joudrie
Interim Director of Education
Heart and Stroke Corner – February 2015 Edition
Tip of the Month
Winter provides a wonderful opportunity to get active and discover the great outdoors…don’t hibernate! Participate! Although
Canadians tend to be less active in the winter that might change if they knew physical activity actually boosts the immune system.
What really helps people become and stay physically active all winter long is the pure enjoyment of it. Review these tips and pick one
or two that you would like to try with your family: * Create a 3-D family portrait. Build a snowperson look-alike for each family
member. Make a family of snow angels. *Build snow castles, mazes, or snow sculptures *Go tobogganing. Remember the helmets!
*Plan a family game of snow pitch (slow pitch in the snow) or neighborhood game of Capture the Snowball. *Use food colouring in a
spray bottle to create a hopscotch game on the snow. *Enjoy the winter wonderland while hiking nature trails or walking on a beach.
*Try skating on an outdoor rink. *Snowshoeing and cross country skiing are wonderful family outings. You can rent equipment at some
outdoor activity centres or parks.
Recipe of the Month
Food W ith Heart
Put even more love in your family’s meals and snacks with these fun ideas! Make some
heartfelt food!
Carrots: Peel a carrot, cut a small v-shaped notch down the length of the carrot and then slice
crosswise. Voila — carrot hearts! They’re great for dipping, throwing in a stir-fry or simmering in a soup.
Apples: Cut a big round slice from a green and red apple. Using a small heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a heart
shape from each and switch them into the other slice.
Muffins: Cut a small heart out of a piece of paper. Place over a homemade muffin and dust lightly with cinnamon sugar.
Remove paper.
Rice: Lightly coat the inside of a heart-shaped cookie cutter with cookie spray. Place on a dinner plate and fill with
cooked rice. Carefully remove cutter.
Ice cubes: Using a heart-shaped ice cube tray (most kitchen stores stock them around Valentine’s Day), freeze milk,
yogurt, juice, pureed fruit.
Melon kebabs: Cut chunks of watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe into heart shapes with a cookie cutter; skewer
one of each melon onto a popsicle stick.
Pizza: You can shape pizza dough into a heart then get your gang to arrange the toppings in a heart shape too.
Question of the Month
Q: “My son would be happy if every meal was pasta and tomato sauce. He doesn’t like meat or beans. Should I be concerned about
his protein intake?”
A: Kids need carbohydrates, proteins and fats for healthy growth and development. Protein helps the body make and repair cells – in
fact, every cell in the human body contains protein. Your son’s pasta with tomato sauce more than covers his carbohydrate needs. But
it is not enough to meet his daily requirement of protein if that’s all he likes to eat. The good news is that there are lots of high-protein
foods to choose from, even if meat is not your son’s favourite. Protein-rich foods are found in the “Milk and Alternatives” and the “Meat
and Alternatives” food groups in Canada’s Food Guide. These are also all high-protein foods: milk, cheese, yogurt, nuts, seafood, eggs
and tofu. Here are some tips to get protein into your son’s favourite food:
*Blend silken tofu or pureed chicken into his tomato sauce * Make a rose sauce with tomato and greek yogurt
* Add cubed cheese to hot pasta and let your son have fun with the melty strings