April - Queen Elizabeth II Public School

April 2015 Newsletter
Survey Says….
I have a calendar on my wall that is displayed in three month increments and I know Spring, at least officially if
not out my window, is here when I get to April/May/June. With so much to do every day it doesn’t quite feel like the
home stretch but we are well into our second and final term.
I want to share some very positive findings from an anonymous Mental Health Survey that we recently received
that some of our students participated in. This 44 page report included the results from 87 questions on topics such as
do you feel safe, do you feel you have someone at school to help if you need it, do you feel connected, do you every feel
alone, threatened or bullied and what causes you stress and how do you deal with it.
The majority of our students (75-90%) feel very good about themselves, their personal safety at school and online and feel connected in a positive way to our school and community. We were very encouraged by these results and
thank all of the students who participated.
Mr B Hodgson, Principal
Family Movie Night – April 2nd
We are hosting another Family Movie Night here at 6:30pm on Thursday, April 2nd in the gymnasium, featuring
the family comedy “Hop.” The cost is $2.00 a person and includes a can of pop and a bag of popcorn to enjoy during the
movie. All students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and proceeds from this event will go towards the
Grade 8 field trip.
Accessible Parking
There are two accessible parking spaces in the school parking lot immediately to the west of our school
entrance. These spaces are marked with blue paint and accessible parking signage mounted to the school yard fencing.
Out of respect for all of our community members who need this kind of access, we ask that only vehicles with a valid
permit make use of these spaces. It is not appropriate, nor is it legal, to use these parking spaces for any other reason.
EQAO
This year, our Grade 3 and 6 students will write the mandatory provincial EQAO assessment of reading, writing,
and math between May 25 and June 5, 2015. Please help your child do their very best by marking these dates on your
family calendar, avoiding appointments or vacations that will cause your child to be absent, and maintaining a positive
attitude about this opportunity for your child to shine! The data that the EQAO generates is used by our teachers, school
administrators, school boards, and the Ministry of Education to ensure that all students are receiving the highest
possible quality of education in our province.
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Equity and Inclusive Education
The LKDSB is dedicated to providing an equitable and inclusive environment in our schools for students, staff,
and families. As one method, we have created an Equity and Inclusive Education newsletter which is available to the
public. To find our most recent newsletter, please go to: http://www.lkdsb.net/Board-Info/equity.htm.
As part of the Board’s EI Initiatives, every school in the LKDSB had a team of teachers and administrators attend
a “Safe & Accepting Schools Workshop through Egale Canada Human Rights Trust.” This professional learning
opportunity deepened the team’s understand of issues related to inclusion, and will benefit our entire school
community: students, staff, and parents.
Jump Rope for Heart
This year our school will hold our annual Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart events. Both events will be
held in the afternoon on May 15, 2015. The entire school will be very active that day and weather permitting we will be
outside for a couple of hours enjoying fresh air and exercise. Please feel welcome to join us from 1:55-2:55 outside!
This fun, healthy physical activity is also a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and school and we
thank you in advance for your continued support with this annual event. We will have a short kick off assembly on April
30th at 2:05pm.
Immunizations – from the Public Health Unit
CK Public Health vaccination clinics for Grade 7 & 8 students will continue at Queen E this month to protect
against Hepatitis B, Meningococcal, and HPV. Nurses from the Health Unit will be at our school Tuesday, April 21. These
vaccinations are a continuation of vaccines provided earlier in the year. If you would like your child to receive these
immunizations and have not completed a consent form this year, please call the Health Unit at 519-355-1071 ext. 5900.
Chatham-Kent Public Health is also doing their annual review of elementary student immunization records. You
may have received a notice in the mail or a phone call from public health requesting missing vaccine information be
reported to them. If public health has not received the requested information by May 28th, 2015 your child will be
suspended from school. It is your responsibility, as a parent, to report these shots to public health. Immunizations
provided by your health care provider are not automatically reported. If you have any questions about the recent
changes about meningitis, pertussis (whooping cough) and varicella (chicken pox) protection, please call our
immunization intake line at 519.355.1071 ext. 5900. To report any shots to Chatham Kent Public Health phone
519.355.1071 ext. 5900, fax 519.355.0848 Attention: VPD Team, or go online: https://www.chathamkent.ca/vaccinations.
Allergy Alert
Due to severe, life-threatening allergies at our school, we ask that parents not send the following foods, or
foods containing these ingredients, to school to protect the safety of all members of our school community: nuts
(including peanuts and tree nuts), strawberries, and shellfish. We recognize that this is an inconvenience for some
families, but thank you in advance for respecting the health needs of others. For great suggestions on nut-free lunches,
visit www.eatrightontario.ca.
“Remind” – Text Message Updates
Our school has been using a program called “Remind” all fall to send out timely reminders of important school
news. It’s free, completely private, and we never see your cell phone number or send out spam. To join us, text @38389
to 709-800-8928 – it’s that easy!
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April 2015
Queen Elizabeth II Public School
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Bus Cancellations
Our school is located in ZONE 8.
Please listen to local radio or
www.schoolbusinfo.com for
information about bus
cancellations due to weather.
5
6
Easter
12
19
7
Easter Monday
(no school)
13
20
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
3
Saturday
1
2
4
Tacos & carrots
Family Movie
Night: “Hop”
6:30pm $2.00
8
9
10
11
16
17
18
23
24
25
Good Friday
(no school)
Spaghetti
14
Gr 2/3 “Class of the
Month” Sub Day
with CKSY
21
15
Gr 7&8
vaccinations
Grilled Cheese
Subway combos
22
Lights Out Canada
26
27
28
29
30
Pizza & Juice
Jump Rope for
Heart Kick-Off
assembly
2014-2015 School Calendar
September 1:
September 2:
September 19:
October 13:
October 24:
November 21:
Dec 22 – Jan 2:
January 30:
Labour Day
First Day of School
PA Day
Thanksgiving Monday
PA Day
PA Day
Christmas Holidays
PA Day
February 16:
March 16-20:
April 3:
April 6:
May 18:
June 8:
June 25:
June 26:
3
Family Day
March Break
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Victoria Day
PA Day
Last Day of School
PA Day