1965 Naskapi Drive • Gloucester • ON • K1J 8M9 • Telephone: (613

1965 Naskapi Drive • Gloucester • ON • K1J 8M9 • Telephone: (613)744-2597 • Fax: (613)744-1215
Principal:
Julie Morris
School Council Co-Chair: Patricia Johnston
Administrative Designate: Erin Way
School Council Co-Chair: Jen Elliott
Office Administrator:
Thelma Murphy
Superintendent of Schools: Neil Yorke-Slader
Office Assistant:
Carole Bouros
Trustee: Sandra Schwartz
Chief Custodian:
Ken Donovan
OCDSB Office: (613)721-1820 Web Site: www.ocdsb.ca
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Newsletter #2
Principal's Message
The season of Autumn has arrived and we have
already had a great start to the new school year.
Many activities have taken place and we are looking
forward to eventful and exciting months ahead. The
grand opening of our new play structure generated a
mountain of excitement! Thank you to our
wonderful School Council for their tireless work, in
collaboration with the City of Ottawa and the
OCDSB, to enhance our school yard and student
play. A special mention goes out to Sarah
McLennan and Cyndi Demers as lead parent
coordinators! Bravo et merci beaucoup!
November/December 2015
Proposed Kindergarten and Early Immersion
Program Changes
Proposed changes to French instruction for
Kindergarten and Primary Early French Immersion
are being discussed presently at several public
consultation sessions. Your opinion matters.
Detailed information may be found and feedback
may be shared directly at the following link:
http://www.ocdsb.ca/sch/Consultation/Pages/FrenchInstruction-for-Kindergarten-and-Primary-Early-FrenchImmersion.aspx
Luv2Groove Dance Workshop
Students were fully engaged in our new
Luv2Groove dance workshops. Thank you to Miss
Woods for the introduction of a wonderful new
interactive learning opportunity! Parents and guests
enjoyed a dynamic student performance.
W.I.T.S.
What is WITS? It is a teacher-led, literacy based
program that brings together schools, families and
communities to create responsive environments that
help children deal with bullying and peer conflict.
WITS teaches children to Walk away, Ignore, Talk
it out and Seek help when faced with peer conflict.
The acronym also provides a common language that
children and the adults around them can use to talk
about and respond to problems. We will encourage
students to use their WITS skills to deal with
problems and hope you will too!
Teachers perform a skit at our school’s WITS
assembly. Students enjoyed seeing their teachers
resolve their conflict by choosing to Talk it out.
Grade 2/3 students organized a flash mob during
recess. Everyone was intrigued by the sudden
gathering of students performing rhythmic
percussion to the Cup Song. Bravo les amis!
Extra Snacks
We would like to remind parents to send a
nutritious lunch for the first Nutrition Break, as well
as sufficient healthy snacks for the afternoon.
Children are busy and active during the school day
and benefit from good healthy meals. Also, please
make sure that you do not send any snacks with
peanuts or any nuts, especially if marked “may
contain nuts”.
Extended Day Program (EDP)
Please call the office to let staff know if your child
will not be attending the after-care program as
scheduled. Occasionally a student may be in
attendance for the school day but not attend our
extended day program because of an appointment or
after school activity. It is essential for staff to know
when a child will be absent from our EDP.
Returning Forms and Money$$
Just a quick reminder to parents/guardians returning
forms to the school: remember to complete all the
information on the form, such as your child’s name,
homeroom teacher and grade. This is especially
important when sending in money for lunches, milk,
field trips, etc. Please attach the money securely to
the form. Thanks for your attention to this detail!
Labour Relations
We remain optimistic that there may be some
progress and a resolution to the current ETFO and
OSSTF strike action in the near future. In the
meantime, we are ensuring that our schools remain
safe and positive learning centres for students.
Updated information can be found at this link:
http://www.ocdsb.ca/med/Labour_Relations/Pages/
default.aspx
Associate Director Visit to Le Phare E.S.
OCDSB’s Associate Director, Norah Marsh,
interacts with students about their thinking and
learning during her September school visit.
Environment Club
Students are encouraged to bring waste-free lunches
by using washable containers, composting and
recycling. Although we know we cannot
completely do away with garbage, waste-free lunch
promotion encourages students and parents to think
about how we can reduce the amount of garbage we
dispose of. The idea of REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
AND RETHINK is one we can all agree on.
Remembrance Ceremony
Our Remembrance Day Ceremony is scheduled on
Wednesday, November 11th at 9:45 a.m. Parents
and members of our community are welcome to
attend.
Book Fair
Le Phare’s annual book fair will take place on
November 18th and 19th. We will need lots of
parent volunteers this year. Please call the school to
let us know if you could help on those days. The
library gets a book credit of a percentage of total
sales to purchase new resources. What a wonderful
opportunity to encourage the love of reading in your
child as well as support the Le Phare library.
Free Speaker's Series for Parents
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015 AT 7:00 P.M.
Understanding Concussions – Recognizing Signs
and Symptoms Nepean High School, Auditorium,
574 Broadview Avenue Learn about the diagnosis,
treatment and management of concussions in young
people with Dr. Michael Vassilyadi, Dr. Kristian
Goulet, Nurse Coordinator Gail Macartney, and
OCDSB staff. Our panel will help to inform parents
about how to prevent concussions and to recognize,
treat and monitor, the progress of recovery. The
OCDSB’s new procedure for concussions
management is now being implemented in schools.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2015 AT 7:00
P.M. Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds — Lets’ Get
Physical Longfields-Davidson Heights Secondary
School, Auditorium, 149 Berrigan Drive Physical
Literacy is more than just fitness and activity; it
encourages a complete understanding of the way
our bodies move, function, and contribute to social,
physical, and emotional well-being. Dr. Lloyd will
provide a historical perspective on physical literacy
and what it means for the reformation of physical
education. Hear practical examples of how we may
become physically literate in our own lives as
students, teachers, and parents.
Dressing for Weather
Now that cold, sometimes wet weather is here,
please make sure your child has warm mitts, a hat,
boots and rain/snow wear. Perhaps an extra pair of
pants and socks would be helpful for some of the
younger children!
Student Accident Insurance
Creating a caring and safe environment for our
students is our top priority. Unfortunately, despite
all reasonable precautions being taken, accidents
can still happen. Some injuries may result in
medical, dental or other expenses that are not
covered by provincial health care of employer
group plans. As a parent/guardian, you become
responsible for these expenses.
Student accident insurance is available for purchase,
on a voluntary basis, through Reliable Life
Insurance Company. Forms can either be picked up
from the school office or downloaded at
www.binks.ca, or you may apply online at
www.insuremykids.com.
The OCDSB encourages all parents/guardians to
consider purchasing this insurance. If your child is
involved in school related sports activities or is
participating in any field trips out of the province,
you may wish to seriously consider the coverage
options, which range from $13.00/year to
$31.00/year. This coverage is for the entire
calendar year and also applies outside of school
hours. If you have any questions, please call Binks
Insurance Brokers directly at 613-226-1350.
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Kids and Mental Health
One in five children in Ontario has a mental health
problem. Changes to your child’s mental health
may not be obvious.
Warning signs to look for:
• Mood swings and changes in eating habits.
• Headaches and sore stomach.
• Low energy and not sleeping well.
• Missing school and/or having trouble at school.
• Spending less time with friends and family.
• Wanting to be left alone.
• Feelings of anger and rage.
Remember:
• Listen to your child and trust your judgment.
• You are the best person to notice changes.
• Talk to your child’s teacher, he or she may have
seen some changes too.
• It’s okay to ask for help and talk to your family
doctor.
For more information on kids and mental health
please visit www.kidsmentalhealth.ca or
http://www.cheo.on.ca/en/cheomentalhealth.
Wash Your Hands and Be a Germ Stopper!
Everyone knows how bad it feels to be sick. Follow
these tips to help prevent the spread of germs:
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•
Wash your hands with soap and water for at
least 15 seconds.
Wash your hands after using the washroom,
changing a baby’s diaper, or touching animals,
before eating, before and after preparing food,
and when your hands look dirty.
•
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you can’t
wash your hands. Use a squirt the size of a
quarter (dime-size for young children) in your
palm, rub palms together, rub the back of each
hand and around each thumb, and don’t forget
your fingertips. Rub for at least 15 seconds
until dry.
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your
upper arm, not your hands! Throw the tissue
away and wash your hands right away.
Keep your hands away from your face to help
keep germs out of your body.
Stay home when you are sick, have a cough or a
fever.
Sports News
Congratulations to the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams
for a successful effort this year! Our Track and
Field participants also did well this fall, with several
of our students placing in the top 10 for their agegroup. Bravo! Thank you to our parent volunteers
and our incredible coaches: Daniele Bergeron,
Chris Kuhn, and Genevieve Ladouceur!
Bravo les amis:
Cross Country
1. Izsak Hill
2. Aaron Kim
3. Blake McAteer
4. Ezra Ng-A-Fook
5. David Pan
6. Ava Remillard
7. Spencer Holman
8. Emma Cripps
9. Isabelle St-Pierre
10. Kindra Roebuck
11. Emma Gervais
12. Sofia Berube
13. Noah Proulx
14. Aidan Ng-A-Fook
15. Paige Proulx
16. Chloe Proulx
17. Jazmine Remillard
18. Ethan Ong
19. Karson Miles
20. Carol Wang
21. Peter Wielowieyski
22. Gabrielle Stinson-Hazel
23. Emilie Gregoire
24. Khaida Abd-El-Aleem
25. Myrina Bromwich
26. Tayah Zahab
27. Calli Johnson
28. Alyssa Shufest
29. Maya Johnson
30. Jackson Boileau
31. Maizie Fitzgerald
32. Carys Tenthorey
33. Charlie Cameron
Boys Soccer
1. Aidan Ng-A-Fook
2. Spencer Holman
3. Adrian Clarke Thomas
4. Noah Proulx
5. Evan Ogston
6. Lincoln Hallock-Wakley
7. Ritvik Uppal
8. Ethan Ong
9. Esam Mukbil
10. Elijah Gibson
11. Eli Rinker
12. Nayan Kudesia
13. Georgio Stathopoulos
14. Pravesh Chuwan
15. Elham Haidari
16. Tyrell Louis-Charles
17. Peter Wielowieyski
18. Karidas Ariaratnam
19. Alex Grant
20. Malik Top
21. Peter Wielowieyski
Girls Soccer
1. Evangelina Zahab
2. Marissa Meilleur
3. Jessica DeLazzer
4. Irin Jeon
5. Maizie Fitzgerald
6. Alyssa Shufelt
7. Natalie Gregoire
8. Paige Proulx
9. Jazmine Remillard
10. Elina Ellis
11. Jasmine Pan
12. Donya Abu-Zeyada
13. Emily Atkinson
14. Adriana Houghton
Progress Reports
Progress Reports are scheduled to
go home on November 12th. Please
contact your teacher if you have
any questions or concerns in
regards to your child’s progress.
School Council News
A BIG thank you goes out to our outgoing
executive members, Sara and Ron Remillard, who
have served on the Le Phare School Council
Excecutive for many years. Congratulations to our
new and returning executive members this year!
Co-Chairs: Trish Johnston and Jen Elliott
Treasurer: Katie Campbell
Secretary: Sylvia Robbins
Monster Mash Ball
Students will be revealing their costumes this year
at Le Phare’s first Monster Mash Ball on Friday,
October 30, from 6:00-8:00 PM in the gym!
Everyone will enjoy pizza, drinks and lots of
dancing fun. Another huge ‘shout out’ goes out to
our School Council for organizing this exciting
fundraising event!
Please show your Halloween spirit during the
school day by wearing orange and black on October
30th!