April - Clinton Elementary

Clinton Elementary School
5858 Clinton Street, Burnaby, BC V5J 2M3
Tel: (604)664-8660 Fax: (604)664-8757
Website: http:/Clinton.sd41.bc.ca
Principal - Ms. L. Magri ~ Vice Principal - Ms. L. McNary ~ Head Teacher - Miss D. Sakic
Newsletter No. 8
April 17, 2015
Principally Speaking…
Dates to Note:
April 27 - Pro-D Day
May 14 - 2:00 pm Early
Dismissal
May 15 - Pro-D Day
May 18 - Victoria Day
June 5 - Pro-D Day
June 12 - Sports Day
June 19 - Gr. 7 Leaving
Ceremony
June 25 - Last day of
school
Students need to acquire many fundamental skills in order to become responsible productive
members of the larger community. As parents and educators, it is important to help our children become effective problem solvers and wise decision-makers. We need to encourage
our children to become caring and compassionate people, while at the same time teaching
them the skills necessary to survive in an ever-changing world. This is indeed a huge agenda
– an agenda that requires time, commitment, competency and working together towards a
common vision. The importance of community is so eloquently stated by the following quote –
“It takes a whole village to raise a child”.
Indeed, it does take a whole village to raise a child. The power behind these words comes
from the understanding that collectively, we can make a difference in the lives of the children
that we teach. When thinking about raising a child, it is important to stop and be reflective.
We need to ask ourselves some very important questions. What kind of people do we want
our children to be? What are the values that we hope to instill in our children as they journey
through life? How might we best achieve our common vision?
In his book The Four Agreements Miguel Ruiz offers a powerful code of conduct that can help
us be good role models for our children. The Four Agreements outlined in his book are:
1. Be impeccable with your word. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using
the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others.
2. Don’t take anything personally. Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and
do is a projection of them.
3. Don’t make assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really
want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and
drama.
4. Always do your best. Your best is going to change from moment to moment; it will be different when you are healthy as opposed to sick. Under any circumstance, simply do your best.
As simple as these Four Agreements seem, they are indeed very hard to up-hold. Having
them as a guiding light, however, points us in a direction where we can lead with dignity and
grace. Talk about these Four Agreements with your children. Use words that they can understand and relate to. When we all begin to use the same language, the message is much more
purposeful. Remember, we are our child’s first teacher.
L. Magri
Principal of Clinton & Glenwood
Photo Day - Reminder
Please mark your calendar — Thursday, April 23rd - Class pictures, Fun Grad and panorama shot (weather depending).
Also, group/team photos recently photographed are now posted outside the Fishbowl (on the window closest to
the office). The cost is $7.00 each. If you would like to order photos, please pick up an order form from the office. Please return completed order form along with payment to the school office by Friday, April 24th.
Professional Development Days 2015/2016
September 18, 2015
February 19, 2016
October 23, 2015
April 25, 2016
November 27, 2015
June 3, 2016
Track & Field
We are proud to announce that “Track and Field” is up and running at Clinton again this year.
We have had a great turn out for both our grade 4/5 and 6/7 track teams. The school community would like to thank Ms. Rai, Ms. Chang, Ms. Eng, and Ms. Gabas for coaching our students
during morning practice times and track and field events. The final Awards Track Meet has
been scheduled for Thursday, May 7th from 9:30-3:00 p.m. at Swangard Stadium. Parent and
community members are welcome to attend.
Early Dismissal - Thursday, May 14 - 2:00 p.m.
All students K-7 will be dismissed at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14th to provide collaboration time for teachers to begin the class loading process for September 2015.
Welcome to Kindergarten
Clinton School will be hosting a “Welcome to Kindergarten” orientation on Thursday, May 21st from12:53 - 3:00
p.m. All students registered to begin kindergarten at Clinton School in September 2015 are invited to attend
along with their parents or guardians. All families are asked to meet in the library for a brief introduction at
12:53 p.m. Following the introductory remarks, students will be escorted to the gymnasium where they will have
an opportunity to rotate through a variety of activity stations. Parent-teacher conferences for September 2015
will be scheduled at the end of the session. We hope to see you there!
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Class Placement Procedure
At Clinton School we recognize that class placements for September can be a stressful time for students and parents. It is
a very challenging task for staff and administrators. In June
the school staff work together to organize classes for the
following September. We meet to discuss each child at
length to ensure that all known factors are discussed and
taken into consideration before a decision on class placement is made. We feel confident that student placement
decisions made in June will be respected as these have been
done in a consultative manner with educators who know and
work with each child.
Classes are organized in the best interest of each student
given the various constraints. Decisions are based on our
best professional judgment; parental input is valued and taken into consideration whenever possible. This is best done
through consultation with the child’s classroom teacher
around the components of the classroom setting that they
believe would best compliment each child’s learning. This
will continue to be the process that will be used for the next
school year.
The Principal will accept written requests only under extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances are those
that pertain to sensitive issues or concerns that parents feel
must be communicated solely to the Principal. These written
requests should be sent to the Principal and must be received by June 1st. Special request forms may be picked up
at the main office. Extenuating circumstances do not include
a preference for a specific teacher, a straight grade class
over a split grade class, or placement with a close friend.
oritized, but act to support placement decisions for the
whole child and whole school.
OBJECTIVES:
To arrange classes:

So that each student is in a positive learning situation

So that each teacher has a manageable teaching assignment
INSTRUCTIONAL CRITERIA
Classes are arranged to maximize the learning potential of all
students

Learning styles

Areas of strength and ability
POSITIVE SOCIAL GROUP CRITERIA

Friendships

Peer Conflicts

Boy/Girl Ratio

Positive Leaders

Social needs
HISTORY, EQUITY, RECOMMENDATION and REQUEST CRITERIA

In June and again in September, staff will meet to discuss

each child at length to ensure that all known factors are discussed and taken into consideration before a decision about
class placement is made. Staff who are part of the process
include the principal, head teacher, current classroom teacher/s, next year’s classroom teacher/s at that particular grade
level (if known), support staff including counselor, E.L.L.
teachers, learning assistance teachers, and other staff where
appropriate. Much thought and effort goes into the placement of each child.
Previous Experience
Previous educational experiences of both teachers and
students is considered
Teacher Recommendations
These are a priority when placing students
The following desirable criteria are not intended to be exclusive of any other, but to act as a guide for consideration and
discussion when placing students. These criteria are not pri-
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2015/2016 Planner Design Contest
Students were invited to submit their design for next year’s student planner cover. A shortlist was compiled out of
over 200 entries and the staff voted for their favourites. The winning design for the intermediate planner is Anna
Kut from Division 1– grade 7. The winner for the primary planner is Celina Gandhi from Division 11– grade 1.
Congratulations to Anna and Celina! Thank you to all the students who participated! Clinton definitely has spirit!
Anna Kut - Grade 7
Celina Gandhi - Grade 1
Summer Session
Summer session registration is now open. Burnaby School District students require a PEN number for a tuition-free
course. All Clinton students have their PEN number inside their planner.
3 ways to register:
1.
Online www.burnabycce.ca - April 7- July 3
2.
By Phone 604-296-6902
April 13- June 30: Mon-Fri 9:30am - 4pm
July 2-3: Thurs & Fri 9am - 3pm
3.
In Person - Administration Office 5325 Kincaid Street (International & Continuing Education Building)
April 20-23: Mon - Thurs 9am - 3pm & 5pm - 7pm
April 24- June 26: Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm
June 29-30: 9am - 3pm & 5pm - 7pm
July 2-3: 9am - 3pm
Have You Moved?
Are you moving or have you moved? Did you remember to update your information with the office? Please remember to let the office know if you will not be returning to Clinton in September.
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PAC Update...
Clothing Drive
Reminder to bring in your used or new clothes, jackets, purses, towels and linens. Drop off your bagged items to the
undercover area by Wednesday, April 22nd. Thank you!
Community Announcements
FAMILY GAMES NIGHTS
Raise a Reader by playing board games together! “Screen Free” week is coming up May 4th to May 10th ... get your family ready! Drop in at the following locations this spring to play some of your favourite board games! For ages five and up.
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in the fun. No registration required.
Wednesday May 6 - Cascade Heights Elementary School. 6Pm to 7:30pm
Thursday May 7 - Windsor Elementary School. 6pm to 7:30pm
Friday May 8
- Forest Grove Elementary School. 6pm to 7:30pm
- Twelfth Ave Elementary School. 6pm to 7:30pm
Thursday May 14 - Stoney Creek Elementary School. 6pm to 7:30pm
Sponsored by Burnaby Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services and Burnaby Public Library, with funding from Literacy
Now Burnaby and the Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader Campaign. This program is coordinated in conjunction with ”Screen
Free” Week May 4 www.bpl.bc.ca/kids
ROYAL SOCCER CLUB SUMMER PROGRAMS
The Royal Soccer Club is celebrating its 23rd annual summer soccer day camps. Open to boys and girls aged 5 to 13,
we offer 2 locations in Burnaby during July and August. Visit www.royalsoccer.com for more details or to register or
call 1-800-427-0536.
PLEASE JOIN US IN THE BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL CHILDRUN
ChildRun is turning 30! Please join us in supporting BC’s only children’s hospital by participating in ChildRun on May 31st,
2015.
ChildRun is a family fun event that raises funds for pediatric oncology research and treatment areas at BC Children’s Hospital. As Vancouver’s largest family fun run, runners and walkers of all ages and abilities will participate in either a scenic
5k route through Queen Elizabeth Park or a 1k Fun Run followed by a carnival celebration.
Many schools participate in ChildRun because it’s a wonderful way for kids to learn about community service by helping
kids from all over our province. Last year, over 60 school teams raised a combined total of more than $147,000!
Bring out your inner artist and help us design the 2015 ChildRun T-shirt by participating in The National Bank Artwork
contest. The contest is open to participants between 2 and 12 years old. Submit your design by April 20th, 2015. Please
visit www.childrun.com/artwork for complete details.
If you haven’t participated before we encourage you to join us this year. For more information about ChildRun, please
contact us at [email protected]
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Community Announcements (Cont.)
6
Community Announcements Cont.
7
8
- Urban Safari - Div. 9 & 11
- Div. 3 - Victoria
Fruit & Veggie Delivery mini peppers
31
26
25
24
19
18
Victoria Day
- No School
Assembly PM
28
Volunteer Tea
29
- PAC General Meeting 9am
- K’s to Zoo
- Movie Night
- Welcome to Kindergarten
12:53-3:00 pm
- Div. 5 & 6 Fort Langley
27
22
21
Div. 3 - Dragon Boating
15
Pro-D Day
- No School
- Grade 6 Immunization
- Hot lunch - Hot Dogs
8
30
23
16
9
2
1
- Handbell Choir Pres.– 1:30
pm Gym
- Hot lunch - Boston Pizza
Sat
Fri
20
- Spirit Day - Twin Day
- Class Loading - 2pm Early
Dismissal
- Pioneer Day - Div. 8
- Div. 3 - Dragon Boating
- Pioneer Day - Div. 8
- Band @ Seaforth am
Pioneer Day - Div. 7
17
14
- Earthquake Drill - evacuation
- All day track meet—
Swangard
7
Thu
13
- Div. 3 - Dragon Boating
- Me to We/Leadership
Bake Sale @ lunch
6
Wed
12
11
Gr. 4-7 Track Meet 9am-3pm
Fruit & Veggie Delivery mini cucumbers
- Battle of the Books - Finals
(Edmonds) 1pm
10
5
4
3
Tue
Mon
Sun
May 2015