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The Key is We. Together we can “Dhu” amazing things.
Glen Dhu P.S.
October 2014
29 Fallingbrook St.
Whitby, Ontario
L1R 1M7
Principal:
Mrs. Carolyn Treadgold
Vice-Principal: Mrs. Deirdre Morgenstern
Website: www.ddsb.ca/school/glendhu
Twitter: @GlenDhuPS
Principal’s Message
Phone: (905) 668-8779
Fax:
(905) 668-8318
Thanksgiving
Holiday
Monday
October
13
School
is
Closed
What a fantastic start we had to our school year. September was a month where we
established routines, conducted diagnostic assessments that will drive programming,
initiated sports teams and music workshops, raised funds for cancer research through
an outstanding Terry Fox Run, celebrated gains in EQAO scores and conducted three
fire drills and a lockdown practice. We are excited to dig into October and the wonderful learning opportunities that await. This year we are working hard to have every student “irresistibly engaged” in their learning through inquiry based learning, rich tasks,
interesting and relevant content and the use of technology for both teaching and learning. Currently we have three laptop carts that are booked every period of every day.
In many classes, students are also encouraged to bring their own device as a learning
tool under the supervision of the teacher. If you have any questions or concerns,
please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or I can be reached at the
school (905) 668-8779 or via email, treadgold_carolyn@durham.edu.on.ca
2014—2015 is The Year of the Ally in the DDSB
October 20 – 24 – DDSB ALLY Week
Allies are people who are able to identify marginalization and barriers to equity of outcome, and are equipped to create change by acting together. For
the last twenty years, the notion of the ‘ally’ has been rooted in LGBTQ communities. Honouring the history of ‘allyship’, the notion of the ‘ally’ has
grown to include all communities where discrimination exists. “Allies include
men who work to end sexism, white people who work to end racism, heterosexual people who work to end heterosexism, able-bodied people who work
to end ableism, and so on. Part of becoming an ally is also recognizing one’s
own experience of oppression. For example, a white woman can learn from
her experience of sexism and apply it in becoming an ally to people of colour, or a person who grew up in poverty can learn from that experience how
to respect others’ feelings of helplessness because of a disability.”
GLEN DHU NEWS THIS MONTH
Municipal Elections -October 27, 2014
Glen Dhu P.S. Will Be Used as a Polling Station
Please note that our school will be used as polling station on Monday, October
27, 2014 for the Municipal Election. To accommodate this event we will have
front doors unlocked. Elections Ontario security staff will be in place in our school
to help assist with the efficient entry and exit of voters who will be visiting our building to cast their
ballots. We will take this opportunity to talk to our students about the election and democracy in our
community.
Reminder: Please be sure to sign in at the office each time you come to the school, even once the
secretary buzzes you in. It is important that we know who is in the building at all time. Thank you!!
LIBRARY NEWS…..FROM MRS. AIKEN
Book Fair
I am excited to announce that we will be holding a fall Scholastic Book Fair from Tuesday, November 18th until Tuesday, November 25. I've previewed some of the books
that will be available, and there are some terrific selections. More information will be
provided closer to the date. Stay tuned. We will be open late on Interview Night, so I
look forward to seeing you all there.
Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books is a shared initiative between school and public libraries. The program provides avid readers with the opportunity to be part of a competitive reading
team. Book lists were posted at the end of September by the public library, and each
school team (comprised of six students) is required to collectively read over 36 books.
As they read, students need to make note of important details that pop up throughout
the story. In April, schools compete against each other to determine who possesses the
most knowledge about the books on the reading list. If you'd like to learn more about
this exciting program, chat with me or visit a public library for more information. You
can check out the website for more information at www.bookbattle.ca. I'll be providing
an information session for students over the next few weeks, but if you think this team
might appeal to your child, please encourage them to come to the library and try it out.
2013 - 2014 EQAO Results for Glen Dhu P.S.
Recently we received the results of the Primary and Junior EQAO Assessments that were conducted in May and June of 2014 with our students in grades three and six. We are very pleased
with the results. Working in collaboration with our School Improvement Team, all teachers and
board staff, we have analyzed the data in order to plan for the coming year. We will continue to
utilize strategies that have brought about improvements and have identified next steps to improve growth areas. All students who wrote the assessment will have their individual scores
sent home during the first full week of October. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to speak with either your child’s teacher or administration.
Primary Reading
Primary Writing
83%
75%
+12%
-5%
Primary Mathematics
87%
+22%
Junior Reading
Junior Writing
Junior Mathematics
81%
84%
59%
+1%
+14%
-5%
Next Steps
As part of the continual school improvement cycle, and through work outlined in our School Improvement
Plan, we will implement the following strategies in the 2014 - 2015 year to continue to improve student
achievement and close the achievement gaps:
- continue to deepen our implementation of Comprehensive Literacy and Numeracy, and add to the
range of rich and engaging resources that reflect our community and meet the needs of all learners
- staff will continue to deepen their use of teaching math through the 3 part lesson plan to support problem solving, communication and deeper understanding of mathematical concepts
- continue to implement an inquiry-based model of learning to engage students in their learning in a
meaningful way
- focus on the use of descriptive feedback that is linked to Success Criteria and the use of Performance
Boards (Bump it Up Walls) that support student self-assessment and improvement
- carefully review the data of our Junior students in the area of Mathematics to determine specific areas
of concern and then develop a plan for improvement.
- create an intervention plan for each student who is not achieving at Provincial standard
- continue to deepen the use of technology as both a teaching and a learning tool
We have developed our School Improvement Plan, based on the data included in the EQAO Assessment as
well as other school data. Staff has reviewed the data and, collectively, assumes responsibility for closing
achievement gaps and promoting high levels of achievement for all students.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Thoughts for parents….
Kids are happier when they attend school on a regular basis
Getting to school on time provides opportunities for your child to…..
connect with friends, make new friends and play
get to know their teachers and other school staff
walk into the classroom as part of the group
Did you know.…
Play time is very important for developing key relationships
Being on time every day helps to build self-esteem and a sense of belonging
Three things to do to help get your child to
school on time….
talk to your child to develop a morning routine that works for them
talk as a family about what will work for everyone so your family can start their day on a
positive note
if your child is struggling to get to school on time, talk to your teacher
The Terry Fox Run
On September 24th, Glen Dhu P.S. held our Annual Terry Fox Run. Students in Mrs, Talman’s class used this opportunity to develop their skills in
writing a recount.
On Wednesday, September 24, it was the Terry Fox Run.
First we got a large sticker to say who you are running for. I ran for my
grandpa. We also got a tattoo. I put mine on my cheek but the 2 corners got
ripped off. The last thing we got was a card to get the hole punches in. After that
we went to the Glen Dhu Field. We got in our house colour. I am in the white
house. After that we practiced our cheer. Our cheer is, “We’re white, we’re white,
we fly like a kite. We’re white, we’re white, we’re going to fight!” I love our cheer!
Then we went to our house colour table. Next we started to run. I sprinted with
Elizabeth then Dustin caught up with us. Then I got to my house colour table. I
got my first hole punch. Yay! At the end we got apples.
When it was done I felt happy because I raised money for cancer!!!
By Alyssa (Grade 3)
On Wednesday, Sept. 24 the whole school did the Terry Fox Run and it
was on the soccer field. We all ran to raise money for cancer research and the
Terry Fox Foundation. It was organized by Mrs. Robson and Mrs. Kossatz in the
afternoon from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
First we got stickers, tattoos, and cards. We sat in our spirit house colours. The house leaders taught us cheers. We all started at our spirit house tables and got a punch every time we went around. We started when the music
played. After the run was over, we all got an apple to eat. We ate them on the
pavement. We we had our apples we went inside because there were bees. After we finished our apples we got ready to go home.
I had a lot of fun and I did 10 laps!
By Finn (Grade 2)
Terry Fox Run 2014
Cross Country
On Thursday, September 18 Glen Dhu participated in the McLaughlin Mile Invitational Meet. There were 17
schools that we ran against! Our athletes ran exceptionally well! Our Grade 7 girls finished in 2 nd place!
On Friday, October 3rd all our grade 2 to grade 8 cross country runners participated in the D.E.A.A. Cross Country
Area Meet at Lakeridge Ski Resort. What an electrifying afternoon! Glen Dhu competed against 11 other schools in
our area. There were over 1200 athletes that ran that afternoon. Our school results were phenomenal!!!
It is quite the accomplishment to make it to Regionals. You have to place in the top 8 as an individual or your team
has to come in first or second place. Glen Dhu has 27 runners going to the Durham Regional Finals on Wednesday, October 15th.
Congratulations to the following runners who will represent Glen Dhu at the Regional Meet:
Grade 2
Jake O. – who placed 8th out of 150 runners in his race!
Our Grade 2/3 girls team who finished in 2nd place with 134 runners in their race!
Chloe G. – 4th
Keelyn M. – 11th
Selena D. – 16th
Lily P. – 30th
Maggie T. – 45th
Anaiya R. – 77th
th
Grade 4
Scott C. – 1st place!!!!! Out of 101 runners
Our Grade 6 boys team who finished in 1st place with 44 runners in their race!
Risto G. – 3rd place
Oliver C. – 4th place
Mitchell D. – 9th place
Colton H. – 18th place
Grade 6
Amy G.- 6th place out of 63 runners!
Grade 7
Jackson M. – 7th place out of 46 runners
Our Grade 7 girls team who finished in 2nd place with 44 runners in their race!
Kaylyn D. – 2nd place
Lauren I. – 6th place
Sophie M. – 8th place
Abby S. – 15th place
Mackenzie L. – 18th place
Bridget H. – 20th place
Grade 8
Justin P. – 7th place out of 43 runners
Our Grade 8 girls team who finished in 1st place!
Alyssa G. – 2nd place
Mitchelle C. – 6th place
Nikolina G. – 9th place
Toni O. – 15th place
Sara V. – 21st place
Grace D. – 23rd place
Mrs. Talman and Mrs. Robson
are extremely proud of all our
Cross Country Runners!
Thanks to all our parents for
their support and cheering us
on at the meet!
.
GLEN DHU IS A SAFE AND CARING PLACE
Enteroviruses
Recently, clusters of enterovirus, in particular EV-D68, have appeared in parts of the
US and now in Canada. Enteroviruses, such as EV-D68, are related to the common
cold virus and can spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing, by
close contact with infected persons or by touching a contaminated surface. In general,
Enteroviruses circulate and peak in the summer and fall months so it is not unusual to
see increased illnesses caused by Enteroviruses this time of year. We know that children with ongoing respiratory concerns, such as asthma, are more vulnerable.
We hope that by practising the following reminders we can keep our students and
staff healthy:
1.
“Cover your Cough” - cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue.
2.
Clean your hands often using soap and warm water or use an alcohol
based hand sanitizer. Wash your hands: before and after eating, after you have
been in a public place, after using the washroom, after coughing and sneezing and
after touching common surfaces.
3.
Do not share personal items (i.e. drinks, lip products, unwashed mouthpieces and musical instruments).
4.
Keep hard surfaces clean such as keyboards, doorknobs, tables, toys and
phones. Our custodial staff will be extra vigilant in disinfecting all high touch surfaces
in our schools.
5.
Stay at home if you are sick. Staying at home will help stop the spread of the
flu to co-workers, children and other people.
6.
Discuss getting a flu shot with your family doctor
Spirit Day—October 31
We will have some late autumn and Halloween fun on the afternoon of Friday, October 31st. Your
child’s teacher will provide details specific to each class, but students in Glen Dhu are invited to
wear a costume or orange and black clothing in the afternoon of this special day. Alternative activities will be provided for those students who do not wish to participate in Halloween festivities.
Please let your child’s teacher know in advance of October 31 if you do not wish for your child to
participate in the Halloween activities.
Halloween Safety Tips!
As the night is quickly approaching, there are a few important Halloween safety guidelines that
should be observed to ensure the night runs smoothly.
1. Be sure to keep the path leading up to your door free of obstacles as those with masks might
have trouble seeing in dim light.
2. Keep pets indoors on Halloween to protect them from hazards and prevent them from being
frightened or aggressive to visitors.
3. Consider using inexpensive safety glow sticks in your pumpkin.
4. Children should use a thick plastic container to avoid broken bags. Although tampering with loot
is rare, remind children that they must have their candy inspected by their parents or guardian prior to eating them.
5. Costumes— When helping a child pick out a costume, safety should be the main concern:
•Wear a light-coloured or bright costume, reflective tape or arm bands to increase visibility.
•Wear a costume that is properly fitted to reduce the chance of tripping.
•Select a costume that is constructed from flame-retardant materials.
•Make sure your vision is not restricted. Use make-up rather than a mask.
•Shoes should fit properly even if they do not go well with a costume.
•Glow sticks are an excellent method to increase a child's visibility. You might want to consider
creating a fun necklace with string to ensure they will want to wear it as part of
their costumes.
Have a safe and happy Halloween
It is International Walk to School Month
When driving near school buses, remember:
· It is against the law to pass a stopped school bus while its lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended.
· On undivided roadways, with no physical barrier or median, vehicles must stop on both sides of the roadway.
· Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to load or unload children. Motorists should slow down and
prepare to stop their vehicles.
· Red flashing lights and extended stop arms indicate that the bus has stopped, and children are getting on or off.
Motorists approaching from either direction must wait until the red lights stop flashing before proceeding.
Please share these tips with your children if he or she is walking to school or taking the school bus.
When walking to school:
· Cross the street at marked crosswalks and intersection whenever possible.
· Always stop at the curb or the edge of the road and look left, then right, and then left again before crossing. Continue looking in this manner until you are able to cross safely.
· With your parents, choose the quickest and safest route with the fewest street crossings.
· Use intersections with crossing guards when possible.
· If vision is blocked by a parked car or other obstacle, pedestrians should move out to where drivers can see them
and they can see other vehicles -- then stop, and look left-right-left again.
· Obey and follow all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard.
· Never cross the street against a light, even if you don't see any traffic coming.
· Walk your bike through intersections.
· Walk with a buddy.
Tips for parents and other motorists:
· Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
· Remember pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks; motorists must yield to them when turning. Stop for
pedestrians when making a right-turn-on-red or left-turn on full green, leaving enough room at intersections so that
pedestrians can cross safely.
Drivers must vigilantly watch the roadway at all times, and always follow the speed limit, which may be lowered in
designated school zones.
Drivers need to remember the unpredictability of children and be on the look out for all pedestrians.
And remember, make sure you and your passengers are buckled up properly. Seat belts are your number one defense in a crash.
PARENTS AS PARTNERS AT GLEN DHU
IEP Information Night
Wednesday, October 15 7 p.m.
While this evening is open to all parents, those with a child who has an Individual Education Plan will find it most relevant. Please join us while we help you understand what is included in your child’s IEP. We will walk through the contents of the IEP and help you understand the levels at which your child’s programming is designed.
We would appreciate it if you would call the school in advance of the evening to let us
know if you will be attending. Please leave a message with one of our secretaries, Mrs.
Hance or Mrs. Massicotte.
This workshop will be presented by Mrs. Maggs (SERT), Mrs. Morgenstern (Vice Principal
and SERT) and Mrs. Treadgold (Principal).
Homework Tips
Literacy Tip for our Younger Students
You may find the link below helpful.
You can type in any of the Scholastic
books that your child may be interested in and check the GRL (guided
reading level) or grade level. Your
child’s teacher can let you know what
the best GRL would be for them if you
wish to order books. It will also help
you if you wish to do a search by level
alone and then find appropriate books
at the library or at a book store.
http://www.scholastic.com/bookwizard/
The Ontario Mathematics curriculum on… A Balanced
Approach
The Ontario Curriculum: Mathematics has been designed so that
students build their understanding of mathematics as they
progress from K to Grade 12. In designing lessons to help
students achieve the curriculum expectations, teachers employ
a balanced variety of instructional strategies including problem solving, direct instruction, investigation, assessment, and
practice. An important goal of the curriculum is that students
be able to apply the mathematics that they have learned in real
-world situations. To find out more about the Ontario Mathematics curriculum, please go to www.mathies.ca. At this website, you will find a variety of games, learning tools, activities,
and additional supports that have been specifically designed
to help students to achieve the expectations in The Ontario
Curriculum: Mathematics. There is also a Parents page that will
provide more information on how you can help your child to
succeed in the mathematics classroom.
Free Online Homework Help in French
Dear parents,
For the first time in Canada, Voilà Learning is excited to be able to extend
the Online Homework Help in French free of charge to ALL students registered in the Durham District School Board.
Last year, this program provided live homework help to hundreds of French
Immersion and Core French students across Ontario.
This coming school year, and thanks to the generous contribution from
the Ministry of Education, all students from the DDSB (Durham District
School Board) can benefit from the help of a French teacher online every
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4pm to 8pm.
REGISTER YOUR CHILD NOW
How Students register:
Parents have to register one time at the link below, after which, they will receive an email with one
click access to the online platform. http://voilalearning.com/english/online-tutoring-in-french
Video:
Online Homework Help in French: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Ufx6nn6lc
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we
provide enough for those who have too little.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
Dates of Significance for October 2014
** Please bear in mind that this is not meant to be an exhaustive list and there may be
tions and religious dates that are not addressed.
* - indicates observances that begin at sundown on the day prior to the date listed.
Women’s History Month
Islamic History Month
October 1 – International Day of Older Persons (UN)
October 2 – World Communion Sunday (Christianity)
October 3 - Hajj (Islam)*
October 5 – World Teachers’ Day (Unesco)
October 9 - 15 – Sukkot (Judaism)*
October 11 – International Day of the Girl Child (UN)
October 13 – Thanksgiving (Canadian)
October 13 – 17 – GLSEN Ally Week (American)
October 17 – Simchat Torah (Judaism)*
October 20 – 24 – DDSB ALLY Week
October 23–Diwali (Hinduism)
October 20 – Birth of Bab (Bahá'í)
October 31 – Hallowe’en (Celtic)
diverse celebra-
DHU DATES TO REMEMBER
Monday, October 13—Thanksgiving Holiday
(school is closed)
Oct. 10—Terry Fox Celebration Assembly
Oct. 15—IEP information night for parents with students who have an Individual
Education Plan 7 p.m. Library
Oct. 15—Regional Cross Country Meet (Lakeridge)
Oct. 18—Jr. Boys’ Soccer Tournament
Oct. 22—School Photo Day
Oct. 24—Flag Football Tournament
Oct. 27—Municipal Election (gym is closed to students)
Oct. 30—Hot Lunch Day
Oct. 31—Orange and Black Day
Other important school dates to note where your attendance is welcomed and
encouraged:
Nov. 11
Remembrance Day Assembly
Nov. 20
Parent / Teacher interviews (evening)
Nov. 21
Parent / Teacher interview (morning)
BOARD CONTACTS:
OUR WHTBY TRUSTEES:
Greg Island
(Administrative Officer)
905-666-5500
Island_greg@durham.edu.on.ca
Christine Winters
905-430-6050 fax: 905-666-6318
Winters_christine@durham.edu.on.ca
John Bowyer
Superintendent of Education (Whitby)
905-666-5500
Bowyer_john@durham.edu.on.ca
Kim Zeppieri
905-668-7782
Zeppieri_Kimberly@durham.edu.on.ca