The Farewell Flyer
Wh i t b y
http://colfarewell.ddsbschools.ca
810 McQuay Blvd., Whitby, ON L1P 1J1 ~ 905-666-3901
February 26,2014
Principal: Mr. D. Black
Vice-Principal Mrs. M. Johnston
Number 7
Safe Welcome Program
You may have noticed a small video camera in our front door entry area, as well
as a television monitor in our school office. These are part of our "Safe
Welcome Program", which is designed to further enhance the safety and
security of our students and staff. All exterior school doors, including the
front door, will be locked during instructional time each day. When visiting the school, parents
as well as all other visitors, will be required to notify the office by using a "push to talk"
intercom system, located inside the front vestibule. Once the visitor is positively identified by
office personnel, the door lock will be released, allowing the visitor to enter the school and
report to the office. All visitors remaining inside the school and travelling from the office area,
will be required to sign in and wear a Volunteer/Visitor's Identification tag for the duration of
their visit to the school.
Toonie for Tucker Fundraiser
The staff and students at Colonel Farewell participated in a fundraiser for a Durham student
Tucker Williams who has been diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma and is undergoing extensive
treatment at Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto for the next few months. The community has
started a charity in honour of Tucker called Braver than Brave ( www.braverthanbrave.com).
Last week the staff and students at Farewell held a Braver than Brave buyout to raise money
for the Braver than Brave Charity. Students brought in $2.00 each day to watch the Canadian
Olympic Men's and Women's Hockey teams participate in the playoffs. The school raised over
$900 in 3 days. Ms. Brayley would like to thank everyone for their generosity and support, it's
amazing to see such kindness towards a child in need in our community.
Winter Break
Students will be dismissed on Thursday, March 7 at their regular time
(3:20 p.m.). Schools are closed for the Winter Break from March 7th
through March 14th. Students return to school on March 17th.
Skating At McKinney Arena
On Friday, March 28, 2014 from 1:00-2:00 p.m., students from grades 1-8 will be
participating in the second session of ice skating, at McKinney arena. To help ensure the safety
of your children, ALL students are required to wear a helmet, the helmet can be a CSA
approved helmet or another type of helmet (ie a bike or ski helmet). Gloves or mittens are
suggested as well as snow pants for the younger children.
Ice skates are not provided; and are NOT available for rent at the arena.
Especially for the smaller children, we will need parent volunteers (skaters and non-skaters) to
help in the change rooms and out on the ice. Parent volunteers are asked to meet us at McKinney
arena. Please let your child’s teacher know as soon as possible if you are able to help out.
Late or Absent
A friendly reminder, if your child will be away from school or will be late then please ensure you
call the school to let us know. When the school is not advised of an absence or late arrival, the
office begins a call back procedure to parents and emergency contacts. Many of these calls can
be avoided if parents leave a message on the answering machine. Thank you for your assistance.
Be On Time
Please be reminded that first thing in the morning the yard is supervised between
8:40-8:50 a.m. The children enter the school at 8:50 a.m. and classes begin at
8:55 a.m. Try to avoid being late. It creates back-up in the office and disrupts
classes and your child’s learning. We also remind parents not to drop students in the yard prior
to 8:40 a.m. as there is no supervision. Thank you for your continued support.
Building Confidence in Children — An Antidote to Bullying
One of the best gifts that we can give our children is a sense of self-respect and confidence. If
your child respects herself and has confidence, she will be less likely to be swayed by peer
pressure. If she feels confident, it will be much easier to say no when faced with situations
that go against her values. The courage to speak up and stand out occurs naturally when our
children are confident and have a high regard for the dignity of their own character.
How can we, as educators and as parents, help our children develop confidence? Donna
Habernicht, a professor of educational and counseling psychology, states that the one thing is
certain, it will not come by doing workbook exercises or wearing buttons that say, “I’m OK.”
According to Stanley Coopersmith, a well know authority on developing self-esteem in children,
there are four elements (listed in bold type below) that are important for building children to
demonstrate confidence and self-respect:
1. Help your child to feel significant to important people in her life
2. Help your child develop competence in many areas of life. All children need to perform
well on tasks that are important to them
3. Recognize your child’s accomplishments
4. Help your child set realistic goals for herself. Unrealistic goals tear down self-esteem
and confidence in children
5. Help your child develop power and control over her life, an essential skill for building
confidence in children
6. Communicate with love and support. Smile and be interested, look your child in the
eye, keep the distance between you close.
Pack Extra Clothing for Your Child
Due to our weather conditions of late, many students have needed a change
of clothes due to slipping in puddles and mud. For your convenience, please
pack some ex-tra clothing for your child to keep at school. This will prevent
us from interrupting your day and your child will be a lot more comfortable.
Dogs On School Property
While pets can be valued family members, we ask that you please leave your
dog at home during school hours. Even a puppy can have a “bad day”, and many
of our students feel unsafe around dogs, large or small. It is best to avoid
unnecessary accidents or uneasiness. Thank you for your cooperation and
understanding.
Moving? Changing Programs?
We are already planning for September 2014. If you are enrolling your child in the French
Immersion program or moving, please inform the school as soon as possible.
School Community Council Meeting Wednesday, February 26th @ 7:00 p.m.
All parents are invited to attend our next S.C.C. meeting, Wednesday, February 26th @ 7:00
p.m., in the library.
Our Board Contacts are:
Anne Taylor
John Bowyer
Administrative Officer for Whitby
Superintendent of Education for Whitby
905-666-5500
905-666-5500
[email protected]
[email protected]
Our Whitby Trustees are:
Christine Winters
Kim Zeppieri
905-430-6050
905-668-7782
[email protected]
[email protected]
March 2014
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
3
Grade 7 students
leave for St. Donat
Scientist In School-Gr. 1’s
a.m.-Grzegorczyk
p.m.-Yake
9
10
11
12
13
14
MARCH BREAK
MARCH BREAK
MARCH BREAK
MARCH BREAK
MARCH BREAK
17
18
19
20
21
22
Mathletes Gr.4-7
1:00 p.m. -One World
Schoolhouse
Presentation Gr.3-8
25
26
27
28
29
16
23
24
4
5
6
7
2
P.A. DAY
12:35-2:50 –
Skating@ McKinney
Gr.1’s - 8
30
31
p.m. -Red’s In the Hood
Performance-Gr.1’s-3
Scientist In School Gr.7’s
8
15