Co m e G r ow Wi t h U s !
Oc to be r 2 0 1 5
V A L L E Y F A R M P. S . N E W S
PRINCIPAL’S CORNER
We are already midway in the month of October. A colourful time of the year, leaves changing and cooler
temperatures. Our students had a great first month back to school as they continue to enjoy the wonderful
learning opportunities and extra curricular activities provided by our staff. Students are involved in volleyball,
flag football, soccer, cross country and various clubs. Our Cross Country team did very well at Lakeridge; a
few champions will return to the blazing trail!
Thanks to the families who attended our annual BBQ and Open House. We had a great turnout. It was good
seeing our returning and new families. Students did an amazing job in showing their parents their learning in
the classroom. They used the Interactive Learning Walls to showcase what they are learning. We also thank
our secondary school students who were our volunteers in the classrooms. We had a few community agencies
who attended and added to the welcoming spirit here at Valley Farm.
We had our first fire drill. The students did an amazing job in evacuating their classrooms in a timely and
safe manner.
Traditionally, we had to reorganize our classes. Our classes do comply with Ministry class size guidelines.
Thanks to the parents and students who were contacted to make this reorganization a smooth and seamless
one. We do have a few new faces on staff. Welcome to Nicole Scott, Grade 4, Melissa Betts, Grade 3, Stephen Orr, grade 5/6, Robert Todd, Grade 4/5 and Tania Radonjic, Grade 1 who is currently on maternity leave.
Welcome back Mrs. Susan Walo! She has had a baby girl!
Our Volunteer of Distinction recipient this year is Mrs. Akram. She gives generously of her time volunteering in SCC fundraising activities and class events. On Thursday October 29th, she will be recognized at the official ceremony at Sinclair Secondary School. Thank you Ms. Akram for all that you do at Valley Farm. Your
warm and willing spirit is much appreciated by our students.
BELL TIMES
We would like to remind students and parents of the bell times and emphasize the importance of arriving on
time. When students are late, their entrance into the classroom disrupts the learning of others. Students are also
missing valuable information when they arrive late to class. If you need to take your child for an appointment,
please come to the office and sign them out. The sign in/out book is at the front counter in the office and this is
necessary so that we know where students are at all times during the school day.
A gentle reminder that it is imperative to pick up your child in a timely manner when school is dismissed.
Start time: 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 11:15—12:15 p.m.
Dismissal: 3:00 p.m.
MAKE YOUR FIRST STOP AT THE OFFICE
To ensure our student’s safety and security while at school, we request that all visitors and parents sign in at
the office upon arrival. Vistors/parent in the hallways who have not checked in at the office will be asked to do
so. A reminder of our security system at the front door. Visitors to the school will have to contact the office by
the front door buzzer to gain entry. We thank you for your cooperation.
V a l l e y F a r m P. S . N e w s
Page 2
SCC MEETING
The SCC meeting was held on Tuesday October 6th at 6:30 pm in the
library.
We had our annual elections:
Chair: Jennifer Gray, Co-chair: Dena Ramdhan
Secretary: Tanya McMorran
Treasurer: Rebecca Martin
Teacher Rep: Aaron Holt
It was great to see some new faces!!
TERRY FOX RUN
Thank you to everyone who helped make our annual Terry Fox Run a
success on Friday October 2, 2015. It was wonderful to see our entire
school active and keeping Terry's Marathon of Hope alive. We couldn't
have asked for better weather.
Thank you Valley Farm community for helping in
the fight against Cancer.
DURHAM
DISTRICT
SCHOOL BOARD
Success in learning to
meet the challenges
of the future.
Superintendent of Education,
John Legere
905-666-6486
[email protected]
Administrative Officer,
Eleanor McIntosh
905-666-6366
[email protected]
n.ca
REGISTRATION FORMS
Student registration forms were sent home in September. Please complete
these forms for each child in your family and return these to the office. The
forms must be filled out on both sides with accurate information to ensure
the safety of your child(ren).
CUSTODY & ACCESS ORDERS
If there are any special arrangements for your child(ren) which the school
needs to be aware of, please ensure that the school administration and office
personnel have an updated copy of court orders for access or custody,
signed by an Ontario Court Judge. The school provides information on a
child’s progress when requested by a non-custodial parent who has legal
access.
Trustee Chris Braney,
905-509-2426
[email protected]
Trustee Paul Crawford,
905-852-0575
[email protected]
V a l l e y F a r m P. S . N e w s
Page 3
PHOTO DAY
Our photo day will be on Tuesday October 20th. For best results, brightly
coloured clothing should be worn. The JK/SK classes will have their pictures
taken in the morning.
DATES TO REMEMBER
October 16th– HPV Clinic
October 19th– Federal Election: Polling Station in the Gym
October 20th– Picture Day
October 29th– Volunteer of Distinction Ceremony, DDSB Board
Office, 7pm
October 30th– Hallowe’en
November 11th– Remembrance Day
November 20th– PA Day
Contact Us!
Valley Farm Public
School 1615 Pepperwood Gate
Pickering, Ontario
L1X 2K5
Phone: 905-428-6337
Fax: 905-686-9254
ps_valleyfarm@durha
m.edu.on.ca
Mrs. F. Gurdin,
Principal
Mrs. E. Ferris
Vice-Principal
Mrs. R. Martin,
Office Administrator
Ms. Shehan,
Administrative
Assistant