Pringdale Proud

Pringdale Proud
Principal: Mrs. W. Proestos
http://schools.tdsb.on.ca/pringdalegardens
Superintendent: Mr. D. McLean
Trustee: Mr. D. Smith
November 2011
Principal’s Message
We have had a very successful start to our school
year this Fall. Fortunately, due to increased enrolment
in the primary grades we were able to add a Grade 3
class to our roster, and I had the pleasure of hiring
Ms. Williams for that class. Now we have settled into
the routines of the school year, and exciting
classroom programs are in full swing.
We have had many events and achievements since the
beginning of the school year. Staff and students have
already come together for several major events; our
opening assembly on the first day of school, the Terry
Fox Walk, Curriculum Night, and our first STAR
Awards Assembly, just to mention a few.
Children and many staff members have begun
participating in extra curricular events such as
Kilometre Club, Cross-Country, and Band. In fact our
Cross-Country teams have run in several meets with a
number of students performing extremely well.
Please read the following pages to learn about how
they did.
I know that many more activities are about
to begin. The boys and girls are encouraged
to listen carefully to daily announcements
for clubs or teams they might enjoy.
Teachers and support staff at Pringdale
Gardens are highly dedicated to
professional growth that supports student
success. As a result, they have committed
to work together to focus on the
following initiatives and projects during
this year: Literacy, Numeracy, Technology,
Safe and Caring Community, Physical
Education & Health and the Arts.
Very soon, on November 15 you will receive a
Progress Report Card for your child. A reminder to
you, this is a mid term glimpse of how your child is
progressing to date. You will have an opportunity to
meet with your child’s teacher during the Parent/
Teacher Conference times on November 17 & 18 to
discuss his or her progress. Then at the end of Term 1
Dates to Remember
November 3
November 11
November 15
November 17
November 18
November 22
November 23
November 24
November 24
November 25
STAR Assembly
Remembrance Day
Progress Report Card goes home
Parent/Teacher Conference in evening
Parent/Teacher Conference in the a.m.
Vision Screening—follow up
Vision Screening—follow up
Photo Retake in the p.m.
School Council Meeting at 6:15
Hug a Bear Day
in February, you will receive a full Report Card. In the
meantime, if you have questions about your child’s
development or progress, please feel free to contact the
teacher before then.
I was very pleased to see so many parents come
to our first School Council Meeting on
September 29th. Paul Blackwood, our
Community Support Worker, was in
attendance. He will be working with the school
administration, school council, and our parents
throughout the year. Paul and I have sent out a
parent survey to determine topics and events that
are of interest to parents. If you haven’t completed
the survey yet, please do so and send it to school
with your child. The information we gather will
help us plan workshops, activities and events for
parents.
We are planning our traditional festive movie for the
morning of December 8 (possibly Happy Feet 2 or
The Muppets) subject to weather and availability. So
mark this date on your calendars. More information to
follow.
Again, please take the time to read through this month’s
Newsletter to find out about the learning and achievements
taking place at Pringdale Gardens.
Wanda Proestos, Principal
School Parking Lot
At Pringdale Gardens, we have a real challenge because of
our location on a major, busy roadway, and because we
have a number of school buses that pick up students each
morning. Our parking spots are reserved for school and
school Board staff. Therefore, for the safety of the
children we strongly encourage you to walk your
children to school.
If you must drive and drop off your child, do not block
the bus drop off by the north side of the school. Stop on
the east side of the lot by the recycle bins, and drive
away. Do not stop to watch your child play until the
bell rings as this will block the flow of traffic to the point
that cars will not be able to even enter the parking lot.
For the safety of all the children, we need you to comply
with this request.
School Pick Up
Parents please remember, when you arrive at the school to
pick up your children, you must wait outside for them.
When parents walk down the hallway and linger outside
classroom doors, they disrupt the classes. Remember
when you come to the school, you must check in at the
front office, sign in and receive a visitor’s pass.
Snack Program—Great NEWS!
We are always in great need when it comes to funding our
snack program. This week we received a generous
donation of $1000 from Mrs. Pettingill in support of this
program. This gift will go a long way to help bring healthy
snacks to our children. We are grateful
and truly appreciate Mrs. Pettingill’s
thoughtfulness.
School Safety Tips For Parents and Children
The following are some wise safety tips from Bill
Campbell, Police Liaison Officer:
1. Work out a safe route to school with your children.
Choose the quickest way with the fewest street crossings
and use intersections with crossing guards. Stay away
from parks, the creek, vacant lots, fields and other places
where there aren't many people around.
2. Please walk children to school. It is safer than driving
your child to school due to the traffic problems in the bus
zone and while exiting our school parking lot.
3. Whenever possible arrange for children to walk to and
from school with a friend, brother or sister. Try not to let
them walk alone.
4. Be sure that your children know their home phone
number and address, the number of their parents work
place and/or a relative and how to use the 911 number for
emergencies.
5. Remind them to never talk to strangers or accept rides
or gifts from strangers.
6. If a parent or caregiver is not at home after school, have
your children check in with a trusted neighbour as soon as
Beyond Pringdale
Trustee David Smith
Ward 19, Scarborough Centre
5050 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M2N 5N8
Tel 416-397-3104
[email protected]
they arrive home.
7. Remind children to let parents or guardians know ahead
of time if they are planning to stay late after school. Teach
them to get permission first if they want to play at a
friend’s home.
8. Let your children know that if they see anyone that
makes them uneasy or something that does not seem right,
such as - a stranger hanging around the school, a bigger
kid bullying smaller children, or vandalism, tell a teacher,
parent or the police.
9. If your child is over 10 years of age and has to spend
time at home alone after school, review rules for locking
doors and windows and answering the door or telephone.
Have the child call you to make sure that they have arrived
home safely. Make sure that they do not tell anyone that
they are home alone. Agree on rules for inviting friends
over or going to a friends home when there is no adult
home.
10. And last but not least, take the time to listen
carefully to children's fears, feelings and things that
make them uneasy or afraid. Tell them to trust their
instincts. Take their concerns seriously and talk with them
on a weekly basis.
STAR Students
September: Fairness
Mrs. Bower’s class: Lesia, Seeralan, Alia, Sarah
Mrs. Khazanchi’s class: Ivana, Omarion,
Christina, Katrina
Mrs. De Vos’s class: Sanjjana, Bobby
Mrs. Aitken’s class: David, Khalila
Ms Wells’ class: Sahar, Risiban, Pavinaya
Ms Leibovitch’s class: Sharon, Isaiah
Mrs. Iadipaolo’s class: Raheem, Mathanki
Ms Butler’s class: Venish, Sakisan,Teddy, Carina
Ms Jones’ class: Anthony, Meera, Omar
Ms. Williams’ class: Thaksanya, Abishakan, Makayla
Mrs. Providence’s class: Matthew, Makayla, Christopher
Ms Edwards’ class: Gabrielle, AbdulaAhad, Jahinthan
Ms. Cappadocia’s class: Gariel, Jazmin, Alyssa
Mrs. ‘tMannetje’s class: Navathes, Varsha
Mr. Vaccaro’s class: Abissan, Deandrea, Tia, Hisham
What’s happening at Pringdale?
Young People’s Theatre
On September 27, 2011 our class went to the Young People’s
Theatre. At the beginning there were 4 people in sweaters with
hoodies on and they looked freaky to me and they looked like they
were going to steal the place. The funny part was the girl was in a
shiny black shirt with a bunny head. It was hilarious, everybody
laughed so hard. The cool part was the girl was acting like a
mannequin and did not blink. The other scary part was there were
two people with no heads.
By Humira, Grade 4/5
My Cross Country Experience!
On Thursday, October 20th, 2011 I was very excited and nervous
being at the cross country city finals. There were lots of kids and the
fields were wet and swampy. When I
started to run my heart was beating fast
and I couldn’t catch my breath. The kids
in front of me were slipping and sliding
but I kept on running to get to the finish
line. Even though I placed 89th, I
enjoyed taking part and finishing the
race. I would like to thank Mr. Yorke,
Ms. Moore and Ms Jones for making me
feel comfortable.
By Lily, Grade 3
Young People’s Theatre
I was excited to go to Young People’s
Theatre because I didn’t really know
what was going to happen. I liked the
part where the actor was in a rabbit head
playing with a baby skateboard. I also
liked where a lady was acting like a doll.
It was kind of freaky. This lasted one hour which was too long for my
opinion, but I loved the show.
By Gabrielle, Grade 4/5
Cross Country
On the day of the cross country finals, Mr. Yorke drove us in his car.
While he was driving, Mrs. Moore showed us a map of the route we
were running in. I started to feel nervous and excited. On the map
we had to go north of the ski hill to go to the starting line. When we
got to the finals there was a lot of mud everywhere. When it was my
turn, I was very nervous. I was excited too. When I got to the small
hill, I slipped in a small hill in the mud. I also helped six kids that
tripped over me. They said thank you and I ran as fast as I could run.
When I got to the finish line, I was very happy that I reached it. Lily’s
mom gave me some skittles. When we got into the car, we got
timbits from Mr. Yorke. I really liked it. I also had a lot of fun in the
city finals.
By Teddy, Grade 3
The Young People’s Theatre
Ms. Edwards’ class and Ms. Providence’s class went to the Young
People’s Theatre. My favourite part of the theatre was the beginning
it was really cool. The people were doing all kinds of gymnastic stuff
and I thought it really cool how they made those pictures. It was also
cool when a girl was acting like a mannequin. It was sort of creepy,
but fun.
By Shadman, Grade 4/5
Scientists in School
On Thursday, October 13 a scientist came to our school. Her name
is Scientist Kim. We did experiments. The best one I liked is the
bubble experiment. We needed a cup, a straw, soap and corn syrup.
It was so much fun. Scientist Kim did a magic trick with vinegar,
baking soda, and popcorn seeds. She put the baking soda in water
and put the popcorn seeds inside and put the vinegar in and the
popcorn seeds started to dance.
We made freezies. We used salt and ice to make it. We had cups
so we put the freezies in the
middle of the cup. We put in the
first pack of ice and then we put
another pack of ice in the cup.
Then we put another cup of salt
in. Then we put the last pack of
ice and then we put the last cup
of salt in the cup. After recess
we ate the freezies. I had lots of
fun doing the experiment.
By Sharon and Arvalan, Grade 2
The Young People’s Theatre
(YPT)
On Tuesday, September 27, my
class went to Young People’s
Theatre to watch a play. The play
was about paint and dance. The
best part I liked in the play was when the people came in their
hoodies, like they were stealing and I liked the part when the people
were a negative image on the screen.
By Abdul Ahad, Grade 4/5
Dentist Visit
During my class trip to the dentist, Jennifer was my tour guide. I
learned many things. Dentists look into our
mouths to see if there are any cavities in
your teeth. Floss is a thread you put it in
between your teeth. Fluoride is a paste you
put it in your mouth and it will make your
teeth strong. We saw a special chair that
goes up and down and it goes sideways. It
goes up and down so the doctor doesn’t
need to bend and it will be easy to see the
patient’s teeth. When the dental assistant wants to clean our teeth
she gets a water sprayer and a little vacuum to dry the teeth. After
the tools are used, the dental assistant puts them in a special
machine that washes them so they are clean for the next patient.
T h e as s i s ta n t m a ke s t h e p at i en t c om f or tab l e .
By Mathanki, Grade 2
More of what’s happening at Pringdale...
Cross Country Story
The cross country team and I went to Thomson park. I was really
excited. I was tired at first but as soon as we hit the bus stop I was as
excited as water mammals. I wanted to just run as fast as I could.
When we got to Thomson park, Ms Jones went to look for a spot for
us to sit. When she came back she
showed us the spot, we decided it
was okay. Then we set our bags
down, some people sat down and
the rest went to play football. The
part that I personally found funny is
when Ms. Jones and Mrs. Moore
were playing football with us and
Daniyal kept on intercepting Ms
Jones throws. Then it was time for
us to start to run. I had to cheer them
on. Then it was our grade 6 race. I
was so happy I ran my hardest and
came in 100th place. My reward was
pizza!
By Malcolm, Grade 6
The Young People’s Theatre
The trip to the Young People’s
Theatre was really great. The dance was even awesome. There
were 4 people dancing. It was scary, nice and delightful. They were
being creative and flexible. The part that I most liked was when they
covered their heads and walked around. I just wondered how they
could see through that? I thought the play was inspiring.
By Shaline, Grade 4/5
Our Dentist Visit
During our class trip to the dentist. Jennifer was my tour guide. I
learned many things. Dentists use braces to keep our teeth straight.
X-rays are pictures of our teeth and gums. We got to sit on a special
chair. The dentist uses a drill to clean out all the cavities in your
teeth. Fluoride is a toothpaste that makes your teeth stronger. A
mirror can help the dentist to see your back teeth. The water sprayer
washes out all the germs.
By Cory, Grade 2
Fall Poetry
If I was a tree I’d say don’t cut me down.
If I was a leaf I’d say tree stop dropping me down.
If I was bark, I’d say stop stepping on me.
If I was a branch I’d say stop breaking me.
By Sumeya, Grade 3
Poetry
If I were a tree I’d say I wish I could go to the stars and touch the
moon.
If I were a leaf I’d say I wish I had a friend.
If I were a piece of bark I’d say I wish I wouldn’t get broken into
pieces of wood.
If I were a branch I’d say wind don’t blow me off.
But I’m not any of those things so I’ll
say I would love to be any of these
plant parts.
By Hanojan, Grade 3
Plants
Some of the grade 3’s are planting
plants
Some of the students plants have not
even grown so we decided to plant
again. So the students won’t be sad or
mad. Only 5 students in Mrs. Butler’s
class plants have grown and in Mrs.
Jones class all of the students plants
have grown. Tthey got to take their
plants home. The plants look good. So
next time always make sure you look at
your plant before taking it home.
By Ashaureah, Room U4
Pirate Day
Pirate day was on September 13. We had
Pirate day because we wanted to dress
up. Mr. Baker took a picture of people
who were pirates. In Ms Butler’s class
everyone was a pirate. Guess what? Ms
Butler’s class won. Ms Butler’s class got
to watch a video called Hercules. They
even got to eat popcorn. The teachers
were pirates too. The teachers did a great
job. We had fun.
By Kavinayan, Grade 3
Terry Fox Walk
Greetings! My name is Venisha and I am
in grade 3. On September 30 we went for the Terry Fox walk. We
had to remember Terry Fox because he raised money for cancer
patients. When my class went for the Terry Fox walk, we walked for
a long time before we came to this place like woods. When we were
walking on a bridge we saw two creeks on either side of us. Some of
us were so excited. When I was doing it I felt good inside because I
was doing something good. It was also fun because we discovered
a lot of things in nature and we got a lot of exercise.
By Venisha, Grade 3