February 2016 newsletter

Attendance
(519)748-1874
Principal Perspective
District Support Visit: Celebration of the Learning and Achievement of Students and Staff!
Last month St. Timothy’s staff participated in the WCDSB District Support process. This is an important school review
that takes place every 5 years. The District Support process consists of a formal sharing of evidence linked to school goals
and strategies that have been listed as the most likely strategies to improve student learning over time. The goals and
teaching strategies were developed after a careful review of student /school data and are listed in the School Improvement
Plan for Student Achievement (SIPSA).
St. Timothy’s staff works collaboratively, making full use of school board consultants, professional learning networks/ resources/ research and professional activity days to work on the learning goals and strategies. It is important to remember
that this work is not an exact science but rather a commitment towards trying researched instructional approaches in a
cohesive manner to determine if improvement can be enhanced in student learning and achievement data over time.
The District Support visit was held on January 12th. It involved a great deal of work on the part of all staff, especially the
teaching staff, to prepare for the many principals, consultants and senior administrative staff who participated in the visit
and review.
I was very proud of our team and I know our presentation was met with appreciation and acknowledgement for the substantial gains we have made since the last support visit. We are currently waiting for our report which I expect will outline
next steps for our SIPSA plan going forward.
When available, our final District Support presentation and report will be shared with the St. Timothy Catholic School
Council.
I am more than happy to answer questions parents may have about the District Support process or the results.
Thank you to everyone who ensured the day was hallmarked by school pride and an obvious dedication to the students and
their ongoing learning, achievement and well-being!
Go Tigers!
A special note of Thanks:
I wish to add a personal note of thanks to Phil Leger who has returned as principal until this darn knee injury has rehabbed after surgery! (Hopefully soon) I am so happy he is willing and able to cover for me! The students and staff are so
happy and delighted to see him back at the school! Thanks Mr. Leger!
I am thinking of the St Timothy’s school community and staying in touch!
Happy February! Happy Valentine’s Day xo
God bless you as you begin the Holy liturgical season of Lent.
Sincerely,
Pam Garbutt
PARENTS PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A NEW PD DAY CREATED BY MINISTRY—FEBRUARY 26!!
To visit the St. Timothy School Website, go to: http://sttimothy.wcdsb.ca
Page 1
Feb. 2 -
Gr. 8, SK Graduation Photos
Feb. 3 -
Pizza Day
Feb. 9 -
Shrove Tuesday, Pancake lunch
Feb. 10 -
Ash Wednesday, Liturgy
Feb. 12 -
Valentine’s Day Celebrations
Feb. 15 -
Family Day, no school
Feb. 18 -
Report Cards go home
Feb. 24 -
School Confessions,
afternoon
Feb. 26 -
PD Day, No School
Snowsuit Drive
Hello Tiger families! We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Knights of
Columbus and all the families that donated new or gently used items to our snowsuit
drive. Because of this overwhelming generosity, our Tigers will be warm and dry this
winter. We are always accepting donations to replenish our supply. Please do not
hesitate to contact your child's teacher if you are in need of warm items for your child.
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to
them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the
body, what good is that? - James 2:15-16
On behalf of the school council, we would like to wish you and your family a happy and blessed New Year. We begin the year by celebrating St. Timothy’s feast
day on Tuesday January 26th. Students will learn more about the life of St.
Timothy and be served hot chocolate with marshmallows to enjoy outside during
the lunchtime recess. Pancake Tuesday is also right around the corner on February 9th. Once again, students will be served a delicious lunch of pancakes,
maple syrup and berries. Supplies are provided by School Council. If you are
able to volunteer for Pancake Day please fill in the form sent home.
As always, please remember that School Council represents you, the parent community. We welcome any feedback or suggestions you may have!
Page 2
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATIONS
Kindergarten registration for the 2016-2017 school year kicks off Monday, February 1, 2016 in Waterloo Region’s 46
Catholic elementary schools -- providing the Region’s youngest citizens with a chance to benefit from a nationally
respected 180 year tradition of education excellence. Registrations run until Friday February 26, 2016. Parents are invited
to contact their local Catholic school directly for individual registration dates and times.
Registrations at St. Timothy School will be by appointment on the two following days: Tuesday February 23, 47pm, and Friday February 26 (PD Day) from 9-12. Please phone 519-748-1874 and speak with Mrs. Kovar to make
an appointment.
QuickFacts
Children born in 2012 are eligible for Junior Kindergarten.
Children born in 2011 are eligible for Kindergarten.
When registering your child to attend a Catholic elementary school you must be prepared to provide proof of the
child’s date of birth and either the child’s Catholic baptismal certificate or the Catholic baptismal certificate of at least one
parent or guardian.
If you are non-Catholic but wish to explore a Catholic education for your child(ren) please review the WCDSB
Admissions to Catholic Elementary Schools policy.
A complete list of WCDSB schools currently providing the Extended Day Program is available via the “Register for
School” link on the WCDSB web site. A complete list of WCDSB schools that will offer the Extended Day Program in 201617 will be web-posted in April 2016. Please call your school directly for information about the Extended Day Program.
LEGO ROBOTICS UPDATE
Lego robotics for junior students will be starting in February.
The Imagination Society Begins!
It started in a classroom a few weeks ago. An eager student requested that
St. Timothy start a writing club. Soon afterward, the Imagination Society was
born. This intrepid group of writers from Grade 5-8 meet every second
Monday at lunch hour to share and receive feedback on their latest creative
endeavours. They also provide feedback to one another using Google
Classroom. The Imagination Society will be: publishing stories for the entire
school to read, entering writing contests sharing their favourite books and
receiving advice from published authors. New members welcome.
Remember,
“The pen (or keyboard) is mightier than the sword.”
Page 3
Something new in the Library…
Winter is upon us, and for many, that means outdoor skating rinks, sledding, and building snow forts – but for others, it
can call to mind the image of curling up, warm and cozy, with a good book. There are so many books to choose from
in your library. Be sure to be reading one (or more) at all times!
St. Timothy also has a new school library technician. Mr. White is happy to be in, helping to connect everyone to
information they want, and reading stories to all. He is also looking for student artwork to hang in the library. Have
you drawn, painted, sculpted, or collaged together something wonderful? Bring it in to be displayed!
Forest of Reading
This year, St. Timothy has been registered for the Red Maple division (recommended reading level grade 7-8) in the
Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading program. Students are invited to read the books from this year’s
selection (currently on display in the library) and participate in online book discussions with other students across the
board, as well as vote for the novel they believe should win this year’s award.
Kevin White, Library Technician
Five Power Snacks for Kids
Power snacks include carbohydrate, plus a little protein and fat to be satisfying, as well as important nutrients such
as calcium and iron for growing children.
Cheese string and a piece of fruit: Low fat cheese provides a good source of calcium, protein and a little fat and
fruit is a good source of carbohydrate as well as vitamin C and potassium.
Hummus and baby carrots: Hummus is a made from chickpeas, which supply a good source of carbohydrate and
protein. Baby carrots are rich in beta carotene which is important for the eye health and enhances the immune
system.
Whole grain cereal and milk: This snack provides carbohydrate and fibre from the whole grains as well as
protein, carbohydrate and a little fat from the milk to keep a child feeling full and satisfied. Choose a cereal with at
least 4 grams of fibre per serving.
Trail Mix (whole grain cereal, dried fruit, and pumpkin seeds): The whole grain cereal and dried fruit
provide a good source of carbohydrate and fibre and the pumpkin seeds are rich in protein, iron and healthy fats.
This is a great energy boosting snack.
Tuna and whole grain crackers: Tuna provides an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Whole grain
crackers are a good source of carbohydrate and fibre. The small snack size tuna cans are perfect for a quick and
portable hunger fix to keep kids feeling satisfied.
Try this recipe as another great snack idea:
Pita Surprise
Ingredients:
¼ apple, chopped
ground cinnamon
1 mini whole grain pita
2 tsp shredded lower-fat cheddar cheese
Instructions:
Sprinkle chopped apple with enough cinnamon to coat evenly.
Cut an opening in the top of the pita, spoon apple pieces into pita. Spoon cheese on top of apples. Enjoy!
Page 4