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COOKSTOWN CENTRAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
http://ckt.scdsb.on.ca
May 2015
Henry Legge
Principal
Phone Number 705-458-4461
Stephanie Jacklin
Vice-Principal
Safe Arrival 705-458-4461x1
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Spring is trying to arrive but Mother Nature seems
to just be teasing us with wonderful days mixed in
with cool wet ones! Please continue to dress your
child appropriately for all weather situations as we
will attempt to be outside as much as possible.
As we begin the month of May there are many
exciting events! May 4 – 8 is Education Week and
we will be celebrating all the wonderful
accomplishments and successes here at Cookstown
Central that both our students and staff have made
during this school year. The kick off will include
displays of student work along with in class
discussions on successes that have been seen. Our
Pitch In event on school property and throughout
the community to make a difference is on Tuesday.
During this week we will also be raising awareness
of the importance of a healthy mind and the wellbeing of each one of us as we take part in activities
to support Mental Health Awareness Week. Our
culminating event will be a walk Friday afternoon
to show our support for the 1 in 5 Canadians that
suffer from some sort of mental illness. Finally it is
that time of year again to practice our safety
protocols which will include fire drills, tornado
drills and lockdown scenarios. This will ensure
that our students and staff know what to do in case
of an emergency. All of the above are monitored
by emergency services to ensure our standards and
practices meet the highest quality. Safety is our
primary concern for our community and together
we can make a difference.
Next School Council Meeting
The next school council meeting will take place on
Monday, May 4th at 6:30 p.m. in the library.
Important Dates
Jump Rope for Heart
May 1st
Mental Health Awareness Week May 4th – 8th
Education Week
May 4th – 8th
Pitch-in Day
May 5th
Pitch-in Day Rain date
May 7th
Dare Graduation
May 7th
Volunteer Tea
May 12th(10:15-11am)
Victoria Day Holliday
May 18th
School Track & Field(Jr)
May 20th
Track & Field Rain date
May 22nd
Grade 8’s to Kandalore
May 20th to 22nd
EQAO –Gr. 3
May 25th to May 28th
EQAO – Gr. 6
June 1st to June 4th
Character Assembly
May 29th
Welcome to Kindergarten
June 3rd (1:50 p.m.)
BookFair
June 10th and 11th
Primary Spring Concert
June 11 (2:15 & 7:00 p.m.)
Kdg. (SK) Graduation
June 17th(2-3p.m.)
Grade 8 Graduation
June 26th (6:30p.m.)
@ Banting
Are You Moving?
Please call the school if your family will be moving
out of the area before September 2015. We
appreciate the advance notice so that we can
organize our classes for the next school year.
Please call the school office at 705-458-4461 with
this information. Thank you.
Volunteer Tea
On Monday, May 12th at 10:15 a.m. Cookstown
Public School will be recognizing all of our
wonderful volunteers that have made a difference.
We hope those invited can join us.
Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week is May 4th to 8th .
One in five Ontario children and youth struggle
with mental health concerns – that’s about 500,000
kids. Children’s Mental Health Week is about
promoting positive mental health, increasing the
awareness of signs related to children and youth
struggling with mental health problems, decreasing
stigma and understanding how to access
community supports that are available to improve
well-being. For more information, visit
www.kidsmentalhealth.ca. Our school is
recognizing this week by having a Walk for Mental
Health on Friday May 8th.
School Organization 2015-2016
Annually The Simcoe County District School
Board uses its staffing formula for teacher
assignment to schools. Within the parameters of
those assignments, Principals organize their schools
based on available staffing and the number of
students projected for the following September.
Tentative assignments are made in May, but not
confirmed until the end of September, after all
students have been accounted for, including
families moving into and out the school area.
Classes are of course set up for the first of
September, but often significant movement needs
to take place because of reorganization late in the
month.
Should you have what you believe to be a
significant academic reason to request a particular
placement for your child, please send such requests
IN WRITING to the school office for
consideration no later than Friday, May 15th.
Kindergarten Registration: Welcome to a
Wonderful Journey of Learning
Is your child starting school in 2015? We invite
you to register your child now for Kindergarten
which begins this fall. Upon registration, you will
receive our “Welcome to Kindergarten” package.
To be eligible, your child must be four years of age
by December 31, 2015. Please call 705-458-4461
for further information.
For Kindergarten registration, we will require proof
of your child’s birth date (i.e., original Canadian
Birth Certificate, Certificate of Canadian
Citizenship, Canadian Passport, Permanent
Resident Card/Record of Landing, or Statement of
Live Birth – long version) and proof of your child’s
address (i.e. a utility bill). We will also request
his/her record of immunization.
Families of Kindergarten students new to Canada
or Ontario are asked to contact our “Newcomer
Welcome Centre” at 705-725-8360 ext. 310. We
look forward to welcoming your child to a
wonderful journey of learning.
Welcome to Kindergarten Meeting
If you have a child registered for JK in September,
you and your child are invited to a Welcome to
Kindergarten meeting on Wednesday, June 3, 2015
at Cookstown Central Public School at 1:50 p.m.
You will receive a Welcome to Kindergarten bag
with magnetic letters and numbers, books, crayons,
scissors, paper, play dough and more!
Teachers will share fun activities you can do at
home with your child.
The Eye See Eye Learn Program
Dear Parents/Guardians of students entering Junior
Kindergarten in September 2015:
Your child is eligible to participate in the Eye See
Eye Learn program – an initiative new to the Simcoe
County District School Board. This program
provides comprehensive free eye exams by local
optometrists to Junior Kindergarten students. The
eye exams are covered under the Ontario Health
Insurance Plan (OHIP) when parents show their
child’s health card. There is no out-of-pocket cost
for the eye exam and if your child requires a pair
of glasses, he or she will receive them free of
charge courtesy of the participating Eye See Eye
Learn sponsors.
The Eye See Eye Learn program was developed to
raise awareness among parents about the importance
of having their children’s eyes checked upon starting
school. The Ontario Association of Optometrists
recognizes the important link between eye health
and learning, and recommends comprehensive eye
examinations for all children entering Kindergarten.
Students entering Junior Kindergarten in the
2015-2016 school year are eligible to participate
between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016.
For more information about this initiative, please
visit www.eyeseeeyelearn.com or contact
Superintendent Anita Simpson at 705-734-6363 ext.
11357 or asimpson@scdsb.on.ca
Rubber Boots
The Kindergarten classes are engaged in outdoor
learning and with spring quickly approaching we
will be exploring in a new season. In order to keep
our Kindergarten students engaged and dry we are
asking for gently used rubber boots sizes 11 to 3.
Thank you for supporting our outdoor learning.
The Kindergarten Team.
Reminder!
When entering the school parking lot please
remember that the driveway is one way from north
to south. Far too many vehicles enter from the
wrong direction creating the potential for accidents
to occur. Thank you for your cooperation.
Jump Rope for Heart
If you haven’t returned you Jump Rope for Heart
Pledge envelopes, please do so by Friday, May 8th .
Thank you!
Track and Field
As part of our Phys. Ed. Program, every child in
Grades 4-8 participates in training for Track &
Field. Emphasis is on participation, improving
skills and fitness and having fun, rather than
competition. Most students should be able to
participate – even if it is walking instead of running!
If there are medical reasons that will limit your
child’s involvement, please send a note outlining the
condition and what precautionary measures are
required. Students using “puffers” should carry
them daily. Training sessions are underway during
class time, weather permitting. Students must come
“dressed for action” with T-shirts, shorts, sweat suits
and running shoes.
Our Junior Track & Field Day is scheduled for
Wednesday, May 20 with a rain date of
Thursday, May 22. This exciting day will
commence immediately after opening
announcements. Students are to dress appropriately
for action, complete with hats and sunscreen!
Students are asked to bring their own water bottle,
lunch and nutritious snacks.
Our Intermediate students will not have a specific
day for a Track & Field meet but will compete
within class time.
The Area Meet will be held on June 11th at
Tosorontio Public School with the rain date being
Tuesday and our representatives will be selected
based on performance during our Track & Field
Day/events.
Parent Volunteers for Junior Track and Field
Parent volunteers are necessary in order for our
Junior Track and Field Meet to run. Your help is
always greatly appreciated. If you have not
previously made contact with Mrs. Bridgeman,
please email her at jbridgeman@scdsb.on.ca and she
will get back to you.
Junior Boys Basketball
The Junior Boys Basketball team had a solid season
this year! The boys improved a great deal from the
beginning of our season in March and ended up
winning, in a tie, the consolation championship at
Baxter P.S. last Thursday. Great passing, layups
and a solid defense enabled the boys to come back
from early losses in the morning to a win and a tie in
the afternoon. All the boys are to be commended for
their efforts and good sportsmanship!
Junior Girls Basketball
The Junior Girls Basketball team worked hard this
season making it to the Zone finals, falling one
game short for the win. The girls worked very hard
and showed great sportsmanship throughout the
season. Well done girls!
Primary Spring Concert
Please join us for our Primary Spring Concert
(Grades 1-3) on Thursday June 11th at 2:15 p.m. and
7 p.m. Concert details and ticket information will
be sent home later this month.
There will also be a BookFair taking place in the
library during this time so please feel free to come to
the library and check it out!
Pitch-In!
Our school will participate in a Canada-wide effort
to keep our communities clean. All students, JKGrade 8, will keep our community and school clean
by picking up garbage on the morning of Tuesday,
May 5th (rain date: Thursday, May 7th). Garbage
bags and some latex gloves will be given to the
school from the Town of Innisfil. Children are
encouraged to bring some gloves from home as
well, should they have any. Kindergarten through to
Grade 2 and the Developmental Skills class will
remain on school property. Grades 3-8 will have
designated areas in the community. Safety
procedures will be reviewed with all students.
Registered parent volunteers are welcome to assist
the classes. Pitch-In will begin at 9:30 a.m. Come
out and help keep Innisfil clean!
Dress Code
As the warmer weather approaches it is a good time
to remind everyone of the school dress code as
published in the school agenda: Students are to
wear clothing that is neat, clean and appropriate to
the school environment. Clothing that is
provocative or carries an unacceptable message or
slogan is inappropriate. Clothing must provide
adequate coverage – no bare midriffs, shoulders
should be covered and shorts should be of an
appropriate length. We ask for parental
understanding and support as we encourage students
to make appropriate choices. See our website for
more explanation on what is acceptable.
Grade Three and Six Assessment
Grade 3 and 6 students will be participating in the
province wide Education Quality and Assessment
Office (EQAO) assessment from May 27th to June
4th. The assessment requires students to participate
for up to 2 blocks each day over the four days for
Grade 3 then Grade 6. Grade 3 students will
participate in the EQAO assessment from May 25th
to May 28th and the Grade 6 students will
participate from June 1st to June 4th. This year the
assessment package contains four separate
booklets; math investigation, reading, writing and a
multiple choice booklet, which encompasses all
three subject areas. In our partnership with parents
to help their students achieve success, we have
created a list of things parents can do to ensure that
each student has a positive experience when writing
the assessment:
BEFORE THE ASSESSMENT
 Mark the assessment dates on your
calendar at home
 Discuss the assessment with your child;
ask about activities that are being done
in class to prepare for the test
 Help your child feel comfortable by
letting him/her know that we only want
them to do their best
DURING THE ASSESSMENT
 Support your child by discussing the
daily assessment activities
 Avoid making appointments on
assessment days as attendance is crucial
 Ensure your child has a good night’s
sleep and is well rested and has a great
breakfast!
As we continue to work together as a team in your
child’s education we can help students see the
assessment as an important and positive part of
their learning experience.
Learning Advantage
Learning Advantage is once again providing the
opportunity for parents to purchase workbooks for
students. Flyers with order forms were sent home
this week. If interested, please order the book for
the grade that your child will be in next year.
These resources are designed to help bridge
academic learning from June to September and
reinforces the past year’s learning. Please return
orders and money to your classroom teacher.
Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week is May 4 to 9. One
in five Ontario children and youth struggle with
mental health concerns – that’s about 500,000 kids.
Children’s mental health week is about promoting
positive mental health, increasing the awareness of
signs related to child and youth struggling with
mental health problems, decreasing stigma and
understanding how to access community supports
that are available to improve well-being. For more
information, visit http://kidsmentalhealth.ca/. Our
school is recognizing this week by discussions in
class, quotes on announcements and a school-wide
walk on Friday, May 8th.
Do You Need More Information?
Mental health Week is a designated week created
by The Canadian Mental Health Association
(CMHA) to talk, reflect, engage and celebrate
mental health for all. The theme of Mental Health
For All represents the right of every Canadian to
enjoy and have the best possible mental health. It’s
this attitude that represents ways in which all
Canadians can actively protect and preserve their
mental health at home, work and in their own
community. CMHA develops policies and delivers
programs and services through its 10,000
volunteers and 135 branches across Canada every
day. Learn more by visiting
www.MentalHealthWeek.ca
Education Week – Celebrating Public Education
Education Week, May 4 to 8, is a province-wide
celebration of student achievement and excellence
in education. It is an opportunity to recognize the
work and accomplishments of Ontario’s publiclyfunded schools. The theme for 2014, as set out by
the Ontario government, is Achieving Excellence in
Education. Students will discuss and celebrate their
successes throughout the week.
Parents: boost your understanding of High
School
Starting high school is a big deal for students, and
for parents. Parent involvement is still important at
high school. Students need their parents to
transition to a mentorship role. Simcoe county
District School Board high schools are full of
caring adults who, like you, want the best for your
child. We want to partner with you to help your
child find their pathway to happiness and success.
Find out more about high school at
www.scdsb.on.ca/highschool. There you’ll find a
copy of A parent’s Guide to High School. You’ll
also find links to information about the various
programs and courses students have access to at
SCDSB high schools.
Proposed 2015-2016 School Year Calendars
On the SCDSB website (www.scdsb.on.ca) under
‘Schools’ – ‘School Year Calendars’, you will find
the proposed 2015-16 School Year Calendars,
pending Ministry approval. These calendars were
approved by the Board in February for submission
to the Ministry of Education. They are awaiting
final approval by the Ministry of Education, which
usually occurs in early May. The finalized
calendars will be posted on the webpage above
once they are approved.
Your Child’s Immunization Record
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is
required by law to keep an up to date immunization
record on file for every student who attends
elementary or secondary school in Simcoe County
and the District of Muskoka. Unfortunately the
Health Unit does not receive immunization
information directly from doctor’s offices,
therefore parents need to contact the health unit
each time students receive a vaccine from their
health care provider to update their record. If a
student’s immunization record on file with the
health unit is not up to date, the health unit will
mail a notice requesting immunization information
or proof of a valid exemption. If the information
requested is not provided, the student may be
suspended from school. If a student is due for
immunizations, an appointment can be made with
their health care provider or at a health unit
immunization clinic by contacting Your Health
Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
The Health Unit offers immunization clinics in all
local offices. You may contact the above numbers
to book an appointment. Parents can now provide
updated immunization information to the Health
Unit online at
www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/immsonline. For
more information visit the immunization page on
the health unit’s website at
www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Your
Health Connection.
Do you or your child need an immunization, but
don’t have a family doctor?
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offers
immunization clinics in all local offices. It is
important that you and your child keep your
immunizations up to date. For more information or
to book an appointment please call Your Health
Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
Additional information is also available at
www.simcoemuskokahealth.org
Message from your Local Health Unit: Prevent
the bite from mosquitoes and ticks
West Nile virus is spread to humans by the bite of
an infected mosquito. Lyme disease is an infection
caused by a bacteria spread by the bite of an
infected blacklegged tick. It’s important you and
your family take precautions to reduce the chances
of being bitten by a mosquito or a tick. Steps to
protect yourself include:


Wear long pants and a long sleeved shirt
Wear closed footwear and socks. Tuck
your pants into your socks.
 If hiking or spending time outdoors, check
for ticks on exposed areas of your skin or
clothing.
 Use a personal insect repellent that has deet
(following the manufacturer’s directions for
use). Apply it to your skin and outer
clothing. Avoid your eyes and mouth, as
well as cuts and scrapes.
 Put a tick and flea collar on your pet and
check them for ticks periodically.
When choosing a repellent, consider a product that
meets your needs, and only use personal repellents
that are registered in Canada. Never use a product
labeled as an insecticide on your body. For more
information about West Nile virus or Lyme disease,
visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s
website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call
Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-7217520.
School’s in for Summer!
The Preparatory Program in summer school is
where students can improve their Numeracy skills
in an interactive and engaging environment.
Students entering Grades 7, 8, or 9 in September
2015 may be interested in attending summer school
in order to prepare for the upcoming school year.
The program runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m., August 10-21, 2015. Summer school
sites are established in six locations throughout the
county and limited busing is available.
For registration information please contact your
home school or visit www.thelearningcentres.com.
Ontario Early Years Centre
OEYC Alliston Information for Cookstown Public
School newsletter for May 2015:
Are you home with little people and looking for
something fun to do? Drop by the Ontario Early
Years Centre in Alliston! The OEYC is a free
service for all adults with children 0 to 6 years of
age. Adults and children participate in activities
together. Children have the opportunity to play
with other children and participate in many
different types of programs and activities, which
promote early learning and school readiness, and
they are FUN for children and adults alike.
Do you have a child starting school in 2015?
Participating in activities at the OEYC is a great
way to help prepare your child for this exciting
transition.
Check out our website, www1.e3.ca or call 705
435-4308 for hours, directions and more
information.
Calling all adults home with pre-school children!
Join Debra from the Ontario Early Years Centre on
Wednesdays May 13th an 27th and Friday May 15th
at 10:30 am, at the Cookstown Library for an
early learning program for children 0 to 6 years of
age accompanied by an adult, that will include
literacy and sensory experiences, songs, crafts and
more. Fun, early learning for children!
Find the workshop locations, times and descriptions
on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/circle.
The Circle of Learning Parent Academy is hosted
by the Simcoe County District School Board’s
Parent Involvement Committee and made possible
with the support of the Ministry of Education
through a Parents Reaching Out Grant.
Working Together to Make Our Kids Successful
Presentation on May 7
Dr. Bruce Ferguson will focus on how the
community, school and family can work together to
support children as they develop and grow into
healthy citizens at this free event for all parents on
May 7th. Dr. Ferguson is a Senior Consultant and
the founding Director of the Community Health
Systems Resource Group at The Hospital for Sick
Children.
This event is free to all parents. It takes place May
7th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Liberty North in
Barrie (100 Caplan Ave.). Simultaneous language
interpretation services will be available for those
who request it. Registration is available at:
www.smcdsb.on.ca/families/parent_workshop.
AND/OR you can:
Join Marie at the Thornton Library Tuesdays
May 5th and 12th at 10am for an early learning
program for children 0 to 6 years of age
accompanied by an adult that will include literacy
and sensory experiences, songs, crafts and more.
Fun, early learning for children!
Circle of Learning Parent Academy – Free
Workshop May 13th on Resilience
As a parent/guardian, you were your child’s first
teacher and you are still his or her most important
Teacher. Your involvement in your child’s
education has an impact on success. The final
Circle of Learning Parent Academy event for this
school year, Resilience: Nine things kids need from
their families, schools and communities, takes place
on May 13th.
Community Events
Cookstown Community SPLASH PAD PICNIC
Taking place on Saturday, May 30th, 12 p.m. to 3
p.m. (rain date May 31st) at 20 Church Street,
behind the library. Please bring your garbage-less
picnic, blanket and lawn chairs. Enjoy an
afternoon filled with water fun, sidewalk chalking,
games & races for all ages, with our local volunteer
firefighters and auxiliary police, and be amazed by
Pick-Pocket-Magic!
Sponsored by: Cookstown and District Chamber of
Commerce, Cookstown Foodland, Volunteer Fire
Fighters, Auxiliary Police and Friends of the
Library.