South Dorchester Public School 48614 Crossley Hunter Line

Belmont, ON., N0L 1B0 Phone: 519-765-4090 Fax: 519-765-4547

email: southdorchester@tvdsb.ca

website: https://southdorchester.tvdsb.ca facebook: https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn

twitter: @sdstampeders

Superintendent: P. Sydor Principal: S. Thompson Administrative Secretary: T. Bechard

September 2019

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE… Welcome Back Stampeders!

We are excited to see the positive energy in our school building once again. We will be continuing to provide electronic copies of our newsletter each month. If you require a paper copy, please let the office know. We are excited to meet our families in person on September 26th at our Meet the Family event. This event will be held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Please join us for a wonderful evening of friendship and allow us to know more about you and our students. This year we will feature three food trucks, brought to us by our fabulous hot lunch committee. The trucks will serve food items such as gourmet grilled cheese, pizza and shave ice desserts!

We welcome new faces to our staff this September: Mrs. Wintermute, filling in for Mrs. Wilson in

Kindergarten Ms. Bryant, filling in for Mrs. Powers in Grade 4 Mrs. Pimlatt and Ms. Brine are leading our new

Kindergarten classroom We encourage regular communication between home and school. Our two main methods of communication with you will be via student planners (which have yet to be delivered to us…) and School Messenger. There is no need to sign up for Messenger. It is connected to your Parent Portal email. School Messenger is also the electronic platform we are using for reporting student absences. We have a number of other ways individual teachers and the office can communicate information to you: These include our school Twitter (@sdstampeders) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn) accounts.

Teachers are no longer permitted to use third party apps such as SeeSaw and Remind due to privacy concerns. We also encourage you to call us and/or meet with us in person if you have specific questions or concerns about your child at school. We are partners in your child’s education and the more we can work as a team, the better the outcomes for our students. I look forward to seeing you on September 26th! Sherry Thompson, Principal * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MEET THE FAMILY NIGHT

Our Meet the Family evening this year is on Thursday, September 26 from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m.

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SUPPORTING STUDENTS WITH PREVALENT MEDICAL / HEALTH CONDITIONS IN SCHOOLS

To ensure children with potentially life-threatening medical conditions remain safe while attending school, TVDSB requests Parents/Guardians update the necessary medical information on the Parent Portal so that an Individual Plan of Care (IPOC) for the student can be reviewed by the school’s administration. Medical conditions considered potentially life-threatening may include:

1. Asthma 2. Anaphylaxis 3. Epilepsy 4. Type 1 Diabetes 5. Any other potentially life-threatening condition

that could result in a medical incident* (discuss with your school administrator)

Parents/Guardians can provide important information about their child's life-threatening or prevalent medical

condition by logging into the TVDSB Parent Portal and clicking on the following tab: Student Medical Information. Parents are asked to complete the electronic form, which will be automatically sent to Mrs. Thompson.

Once an Individual Plan of Care is submitted, the school administrator will then review the information. Parents/Guardians may be contacted for further information, if required.

Parents/Guardians who cannot access the Parent Portal on the Internet should contact the school office.

Please note that Parents/Guardians are expected to be active participants in supporting the management of the student’s prevalent medical condition(s) while the student is in school. It is the responsibility of Parents/Guardians to inform the school of such conditions to ensure the student's safety at school.

*A medical incident is a circumstance that requires an immediate response and monitoring, since the incident may progress to an emergency requiring contact with Emergency Medical Services – 911.

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VOLUNTERS Parents are always welcome to volunteer in our school, in their child’s class, on field trips, or to hand out Hot Lunch. In order to volunteer we ask that you have an up to date Vulnerable Sector Screen Check done with the OPP. If you need to get your Vulnerable Sector Screen Check done or updated please talk to Mrs. Bechard in the office. If you would like to volunteer in your child’s class, please send a note with your child to their teacher. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

SAFETY REMINDERS When entering our building, please remember to report to the main office. If you are remaining in the school, you must sign in the book at the office. If you are at the school to pick up your child or to deliver an item, Mrs. Bechard will arrange that for you at the office. If your child is leaving early, it is also necessary for you to sign him/her out at the office for safety reasons. Reminder to parents, please do not walk between the busses when you are picking up or dropping off your child. For your safety and the safety of your child we ask that you use the sidewalks in front of the school.

We also ask parents not to drive through the bus laneway between 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and between 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Parents, if you are dropping off or picking your child up at the beginning or end of the day, we ask that you park in one of the two parking lots located at the east or west ends of the school. Thank you for your cooperation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

NUT ALLERGIES As you know, within our school community we have students who have a life-threatening allergy (anaphylaxis) to peanuts and tree nuts (e.g., almond, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, etc.). While anaphylaxis has the potential to cause severe reactions and death, risks can be significantly reduced through effective management strategies and emergency procedures.

The best way to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to these students is to ask for the co-operation of the parents/guardians and students within our school community. We would ask respectfully that families enjoy peanut/tree nut-containing products at home only (please do not send to school in snacks or lunches).This includes peanut butter or products with peanuts/nuts listed in the ingredients. In addition, if you are sending in food to celebrate a special occasion or event, we ask you to again be mindful of sending in items that are peanut/nut free.

When in the school, you will see signs up around the building indicating that the school is a peanut and nut safe environment. Our staff is trained yearly in the administration of Epi-pens in the event of an emergency, and will be trained again in September (as mandated by Sabrina’s Law).

Although we realize that this request creates an inconvenience for you when packing your child's snacks and lunches, we join the parents of the allergic students in expressing our deepest appreciation for your family’s efforts to make South Dorchester a safe place for ALL students to learn and play.

Please don’t hesitate to call the school if you have any questions or require clarification. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PERSONAL ITEMS Please be advised that students bring personal items to school at their own risk. Toys, baseball gloves, electronics, items of clothing, etc. are at risk to be lost, damaged or stolen. All items including clothing should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Students and parents are encouraged to check the Lost and Found regularly.

TERRY FOX South Dorchester Public School will be participating in this year's Terry Fox School Run for cancer research. We are proud to continue the legacy of one of our country’s greatest heroes. We hope you will join us and support this wonderful cause by donating to our Terry Fox School Run fundraising page at: http://www.terryfox.ca/SouthDorchesterPSBelmont On Thursday, September 26, 2019 South Dorchester students will walk a route around our school from 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. in support of Terry Fox Run for Cancer Research. We will also be doing Toonies for Terry Fox on Tuesday, September 24, 2019. Please send a toonie with your child. Thank you! The future of cancer research has never looked brighter! #terryfoxliveshere @theterryfoxfoundation #terryfoxschoolruns * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

STAMPEDER SPIRIT DAYS

Blast from the Past Spirit Day – Friday, September 13

Students are encouraged to dress from an era in the past such as the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or the 90’s. Let’s have some fun!

Orange Shirt Day - Monday, September 30, 2019

Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission (SJM) residential school commemoration event held in Williams Lake, BC, Canada, in the spring of 2013. It grew out of Phyllis' story of having her shiny new orange shirt taken away on her first day of school at the Mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually. The date was chosen because it is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools, and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. It also gives teachers time to plan events that will include children, as we want to ensure that we are passing the story and learning on to the next generations.

Orange Shirt Day is also an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. Show your support and wear orange on this day! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

HEAD LICE Spring and Fall are the seasons when head lice commonly infest school aged children. Please check your own child weekly. If you find evidence of head lice please inform the school. We have information about treatment. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS

Welcome back Stampeders, staff and families! Hope everyone had a great summer and we are looking forward to another great school year at South Dorchester Public School! To all of those parents asking how they can get involved in the 2019-2020 school year, please see below the numerous ways to get involved in the activities going on at South Dorchester Public School:

The Parent Advisory Council (“PAC”) provides a forum for parents, educators, students and the community to actively participate in the improvement of student achievement by supporting the learning environment, providing opportunities for parent engagement and increased communication for the South Dorchester Public School community. The PAC meets the first Monday of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The first meeting will take place on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the library. Everyone is welcome. If you are interested in becoming a Parent Member, all you need to do is simply fill out the Parent Representative Form, which will be sent home with the youngest and only students. For those of you who are interested in taking on an Executive role (Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary or Treasurer), please complete the Elected Officer Form (also being sent home). Please note that there are many Executive roles open this year due to various circumstances. If you are interested in either becoming a Parent Member or taking on an Executive role, please return all forms to the school by Friday, September 20, 2019.

Division Reps are parent volunteers on PAC that help other parents address any questions, concerns or feedback that they may have with respect to their child’s education. We need volunteers to promote and support parental involvement by channelling communication between the PAC and the school community.

Hot Lunch Committee organizes the hot lunches that are offered to our students each Wednesday

and Friday. Join the committee or volunteer as your schedule permits. We are currently looking for volunteers to hand out the food. If you are interested, could you please send a message to sdpshotlunch@gmail.com.

Fundraising Committee deals with all our

fundraising initiatives with the support and assistance of the entire PAC. We are currently working on our fundraising goals for this year (to be further announced in the next newsletter) and we are seeking volunteers to help us carry out those fundraising goals.

Those parents who do not wish to participate in our fundraiser but wish to to make a donation instead may do so by sending a cheque to the school.

We hope to see many of you out at our next PAC meeting on October 7th! The Parent Advisory Council

FROM THE HOT LUNCH COMMITTEE

Hot Lunch will start September 18, 2019 Introductory letter and ordering information has already been emailed to parents. We are always looking for volunteers to hand out hot lunch, if you are interested please email: sdpshotlunch@gmail.com Thanks, Tara, Amy and Mallory * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

St. Thomas Site Administrative Office 1230 Talbot Street

St. Thomas, ON N5P

1G9

Woodstock Site 410 Buller Street Woodstock, ON N4S

4N2

Packing a Healthy School Lunch

A school lunch should give children the energy and nutrients they need to learn, be more alert and do

well at school.

When planning lunches keep these tips in mind:

Include a variety of foods each day. Rather than buying pre-made lunch kits, make your own healthy lunch kit with divided

containers and small bite-sized cheese cubes, left over chicken chunks, whole grain cereal, veggie sticks or fruit slices.

Offer hummus or other dips with cut up veggies like cucumber slices, zucchini sticks and pepper strips.

Fill whole wheat or multi grain wrap/pitas/tortilla shells with your child’s favourite foods like hummus and grated carrot or shredded cheese and beans.

Send water to drink – it is the best choice for all of us.

Keep in mind that children who help to prepare their lunch are more likely to eat it! Even small

children can help decide between two different veggie or fruit choices and count crackers into

reusable containers.

For more ideas, tool and resources to support packing healthy lunches, check out Packing Healthy

School Lunches and Snacks or visit www.unlockfood.ca and search for ‘Packing Healthy School

Lunches and Snacks’.

Adapted from www.brightbites.ca

In partnership with you school Public Health Nurse

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2

Labour Day

Holiday

3

First Day of Classes

4

5

6

7

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4

8

9

10

11 12 13

Spirit Day – Blast from

the Past

14

Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9

15 Hot Lunch Orders Due by 12:00 p.m.

16

17

18

Hot Lunch Pizza

19

20

Hot Lunch

21

Day 10 Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4

22

23

24

Toonies for Terry Fox

25

Hot Lunch

Pizza

26

Terry Fox Run – 2:30 pm

Meet The Family BBQ

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

27

P.A. Day

28

Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8

29

30

Spirit Day –

Orange Shirt Day

Upcoming Events: Monday, October 14 – Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday, October 17 – Picture Day – Colledge Studios

Friday, October 25 – P.A. Day

Day 9

SEPTEMBER 2019

September 6, 2019

School Council (PAC – Parent Advisory Committee) Information

What is School Council (PAC)?

The School Council is a representative advisory body within the school.

The purpose of School Councils is, through the active participation of parents, to improve pupil achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents.

Who can be a member?

Parents and guardians of students enrolled in the school. This group has to be the majority of the members on a council

The school principal Teacher on staff at the school One or more student(s) Support staff member at the school (non-teaching) Community representative(s)

All members of PAC shall place the overall interest of the students and the school first.

They shall maintain a school-wide perspective on issues and participate in PAC meetings (4 to 6 per

school year).

The members act as a link between the Council and the broader school community.

The members try to encourage the participation of people within the broader community.

2019-2020 PAC Elections Timelines

September 6 Information package published (September Newsletter)

September 30 Nomination forms due to Mrs. Thompson

October 7 PAC Election and First PAC Meeting

Sincerely,

S. Thompson, Principal

September 6, 2019

PAC Nomination Form for Elected Officer

The School Council is an important part of South Dorchester Public School. We are looking for new volunteers

and welcome back existing volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for an elected position on PAC,

please complete this form and return to the school.

Candidate declaration forms must be received by Sherry Thompson, Principal of South Dorchester Public

School, on or before September 30, 2019 for the 2019 – 2020 PAC election to be held on October 7, 2019.

____ I wish to declare my candidacy for an elected position on PAC. I understand the role and responsibilities

of an elected officer of the School Council as described in the Board Policy.

I am interested in declaring for the position of:

______ Chair ______ Co-Chair ______ Secretary ______ Treasurer ______ Fundraising Chair

Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: _____________________________________________________________

Cell Phone: _______________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address: ____________________________________________________________

I am the parent/guardian of: _____________________________________________

I am an employee of Thames Valley District School Board. _____ Yes _____ No

Do you object to having your name/home phone number published on the School Website or the School

Newsletter? _____ Yes _____ No

Candidate’s Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________________________

Nomination Form received by the school on ________________________________________ .

September 6, 2019

PAC Parent/Guardian Representative Form

The School Council is an important part of South Dorchester Public School. We are looking for new volunteers

and welcome back existing volunteers.

The role of Parent/Guardian Representative includes the following:

Participate on any committees established by the school council

Contribute to the discussions of the School Council around key school issues

Solicit the views of other parents and members of the community to share with the School Council

Liaison between parents and staff of South Dorchester Public School

If you are interested in volunteering as a Parent/Guardian Representative on PAC, please complete this form

and return it to the school.

Forms must be received by Sherry Thompson, Principal of South Dorchester Public School, on or before

September 30, 2019. First Meeting/Elections to be held on October 7, 2019.

____ I wish to act as a parent/guardian representative on School Council. I understand the role and

responsibilities of an elected officer of the School Council as described in the Board Policy.

Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________________________

Home Phone: _____________________________________________________________

Cell Phone: _______________________________________________________________

E-Mail Address: ____________________________________________________________

I am the parent/guardian of: _____________________________________________

I am an employee of Thames Valley District School Board. _____ Yes _____ No

Do you object to having your name/home phone number published on the School Website or the School

Newsletter? _____ Yes _____ No

Candidate’s Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________________________

Parent/Guardian Representative Form received by the school on ___________________________________ .