Principal: Mrs. Margaret Fair
Vice-Principal: Mrs. Lorilee Woelcke
February 2016 Newsletter
In February we celebrate our accomplishments as readers and writers.
Literature is always an important part of the school day and highlights
language, imagination, thinking and the love of reading. This love of reading is
also shared and celebrated through strong partnerships with families.
On Friday, February 12th at 9:30 am we have an Assembly presented by
Grade 4 students. This assembly is followed by Family Reading Time at John de Graff.
Families are invited to read with their child or grandchild following our assembly. You
can bring a favourite book from home – or choose a book from the classroom libraries.
We hope many families can join us for our reading and writing celebration – or if
schedules don’t permit, families will celebrate reading and writing at home.
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Some of our classes are celebrating 100 days of school this month. Here is a poem
that Jackson B. in 1C wrote:
100 IS A LOT
100 Frogs, 100 Blocks
100 Markers, 100 Clocks
100 Letters, 100 Words
100 Candies like Nerds
100 Bins, 100 Boxes
100 Animals, 100 Foxes
100 Seeds, 100 Trees
100 Books, 100 Bees
100 Chairs, 100 Bears
100 Fruit like Pears
100 Names, 100 Bottles of Glue
100 Colours like Blue
Upcoming Dates to Remember at John de Graff School
Friday, February 5
Monday, February 15
Friday, February 19
Wednesday, February 24
No School – Coordinated Day
No School – Louis Riel Day
Hot Lunch
Early Dismissal – 2:45 pm
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION is open
for all children born in 2011. This means
that your child must have had their fifth
birthday on or before December 31, 2016.
This year our Kindergarten registration will
take place beginning March 7 at 8:00 a.m.
(regular school hours for the reminder of
the week).
In order to register your child, you must bring 2 pieces of identification regarding
proof of address as well as 1 piece of identification regarding your child’s proof
of age (e.g. birth certificate or Baptismal certificate). This information is very
important and must be presented at the time of registration. Please pass this
information to any neighbours or friends who have children ready for
Kindergarten, but do not receive this newsletter. Thank you for your help.
In-Division Out of Designated School Boundary
Parents/Guardians do have the ability to make a request that their child attend a
different school from the one designated by their home address by the school
division. In-Division out of Designated School Boundary requests for students
living within the River East Transcona School Division will be accepted starting
March 7, 2016. Request forms can be obtained at any school in the division;
however, parents must hand in the form along with the registration at their
designated school. The designated school will then notify the school of choice
about the request. Applicants will be notified as to whether or not they have been
accepted into the school of choice. For further information, please consult your
school principal and the River East Transcona School Division policy JFBA. Your
designated school can be found by using the “School Locator” on the RETSD
website (retsd.mb.ca).
Grade 5 students Moving to Grade 6!
There are information sessions held at Middle Years schools during February.
Most of our students have Valley Gardens Middle School their designated school
for Grade 6. Their Open House is February 9th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at Valley
Gardens Middle School. (see poster at the end of the Newsletter)
Information and registration packages have been sent home with Grade 5
students this week. If you have any questions, please call us. All registrations for
Grade 6 are to be returned to John de Graff.
SNOW DAY
We have planned a SNOW DAY for Monday, February 22nd. The students will participate
in several activities outside on the playground and have a few activities inside.
All students should come to school dressed appropriately.
(2 layers for the legs, winter boots, a winter jacket, warm mitts or gloves, and an ear band
or toque).
We’re hoping for good weather and parents are welcome to come out and watch all the
activities. Please ensure your child can enjoy all the activities by being properly dressed
for Snow Day.
Mr. Feir, Mr. Serbin
Physical Education Teachers
INTRAMURAL ACTIVITIES
The gymnastics program has terrific participation with a blend of grade 4 and 5 students.
The students will be demonstrating their skills at the end of March at River East
Collegiate. Participants will be notified of our scheduled performance at the end of
February. Practices will continue on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:10 right up until the
performance date.
The grade 3 gymnastics club also has very good participation. Students are still welcome
to join the grade 3 gymnastics program if they’re interested.
JOHN DE GRAFF
SCHOOL NUTRITION POLICY
John de Graff School recognizes its responsibility in cooperation with the home and community to encourage healthy
lifestyles. We acknowledge the importance that nutrition plays
in the overall development and performance of each individual.
John de Graff School believes that the food served in schools should reinforce
good nutrition as emphasized in the Manitoba Physical Education/Health Education
Curriculum, as well as Canada’s Food Guide.
Nutrition plays a significant role in growth and development. Healthy eating
provides resistance to health problems and tooth decay. It is important for
children to have food that is nutritionally well balanced. Good food habits in early
years are vitally important.
The school plays an important role in the promotion of healthy eating habits.
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A healthy diet helps children be more attentive and ready to learn.
Eating breakfast is important for children’s concentration and thinking at
school.
John de Graff School will continue to promote healthy eating and active living
through classroom nutrition education and physical education. We will consider
good nutrition in decisions involving food and drink at John de Graff School as this
is in the best interests of our children and our school community. We also
encourage the eating of nutritional foods during classroom and school functions.
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School community members will be encouraged to bring food belonging to
one or more of the four food groups of Canada’s Food Guide to Healthy
Eating for class parties, recess snacks and lunches.
School groups will be encouraged to offer healthy lunch choices on special
lunch days.
Our school will offer a milk program on a daily basis.
Food selections must omit foods outlined in regulation JLCG-R2- Anaphylaxis
Avoidance Strategies.
Treats may be offered occasionally at special events, but healthy food
choices (Items from Canada’s Food Guide; food that is low in fat, sugar, salt
content) will be available most of the time.
Parents can teach children to eat well through discussions about healthy eating and
life style choices. John de Graff School will communicate with parents about good
nutrition through classroom communication and newsletters. Healthy bodies lead
to healthy minds.
At Lunch time – the Staff talk to students about their lovely healthy lunches!
Thank-you to parents for packing great lunches!
MAKING THE MOVE
Planning has begun for the final phase of “Making the Move,” RETSD’s initiative to
reconfigure all schools in the division into early (K-5), middle (6-8), and senior years (9-12)
groupings.
Beginning in September 2016, schools within the Miles Macdonell Collegiate catchment
area will be grouped this way:
Early Years (K-5) at Angus McKay School, Lord Wolseley Elementary School, Neil
Campbell School, Polson School, Prince Edward School
Middle Years (6-8) at John Henderson Junior High School, Munroe Junior High School
Senior Years (9-12) at Miles Macdonell Collegiate
To find out more, click the “Making the Move” link on the division website at
www.retsd.mb.ca
RIVER EAST TRANSCONA SCHOOL DIVISION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
2015-16
Colleen Carswell - Chair
Jerry Sodomlak
John Toews
Rod Giesbrecht
Eva Prysizney
Vacant
Brian Olynik - Vice Chair
Peter Kotyk
Michael West
Ward
Ward
Ward
Ward
Ward
Ward
Ward
Ward
Ward
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
204-222-1486
204-999-1409
204-663-0475
204-667-7130
204-668-3501
N/A
204-667-7130
204-668-4181
204-990-3228
RIVER EAST TRANSCONA SCHOOL DIVISION
Administration office
589 Roch Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R2K 2P7
204.667.7130
If school buses are cancelled…
If buses in RETSD are cancelled, an alert message will be posted by 6:15 a.m.
on the home page of the division’s website: www.retsd.mb.ca
If you don’t see a notice, then you know buses are running.
Major radio stations will also announce bus cancellations.
Read more transportation information by going to:
http://www.retsd.mb.ca/Transportation/Pages/inclementWeather.aspx
If your child(ren) will be absent from school as a result of
bus cancellations, we ask that you still contact the school
at 204-669-1280 to report the child’s absence.
Thursdays 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. from
January 21 – March 17, 2016
In the John de Graff Library
We will be continuing with the “Preschool Stay and Play Drop In
Program”. No registration required. Join in the fun where we will
be making crafts, reading, singing and enjoying healthy snacks
while meeting other preschool families.
Our Community Connector, Mrs. Alodia Gabac, hosts our
Stay & Play.
Night Owls at John de Graff
Best enjoyed by children ages Birth to Five.
Wednesdays from February 3 – March 9, 2016
5:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
Parents and children will have a hoot at Night Owls as they
spend quality time together playing with toys and games,
reading interesting books, singing, participating in an art experience and munching
on a healthy snack.
This is organized by Mrs. Alodia Gabac, our Community Connector.
Parents and Preschoolers are invited!
NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY
February is We Love to Read and Write month! At John de Graff we always love
to read and write but this month is extra special. We will be having some special
guest readers visiting us throughout the month.
Books are not the only things to read! We can read the newspaper, a magazine,
instructions, signs, greeting cards, Valentines and recipes. Here is a recipe for play
dough that you could read with your child to make something fun together! (Needs
adult supervision)
PLAY
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DOUGH
1 cup white flour
½ cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup water
Mix the first 4 ingredients together in a
pot. Add water and mix well. Cook over
medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5
minutes. Dough will become difficult to stir
and form a “clump”. Remove from stove.
Knead for a few minutes. Add food coloring
or Kool-Aid powder to color if you want.
This dough will last for a long time in an air
tight container or zip bag.
GRANDPARENTS DAY
On Tuesday, April 26th at 9:30 am, we will be
hosting our Grandparents Day at John de Graff
School. Grandparents (or a special family member)
are invited to:
A short welcome in the gym
A visit to their grandchild's classroom or
classrooms if there is more than one
grandchild in the school
A snack with their grandchildren in the gym
We are also inviting families to send us a "grandparent photo" to include in our
presentation. Please send photos to Miss Fraser, [email protected], as the
Grade 5 students will be organizing the slideshow. Photos can be sent in an
envelope with the child’s name on the back of the photo or preferably emailed to
Miss Fraser. Photos should be sent by Wednesday, April 20th please.
We will be having a planning meeting on Tuesday, March 22nd at 8:30 am at John de
Graff in the Music Room. If you are a Grandparent of a child at John de Graff
School and want to help with organizing this event, you are invited to this planned
meeting.
COLD WEATHER GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS
Please note the guidelines that we follow for winter weather and
specific wind-chill conditions.
-17C to –25C
Normal winter clothing generally adequate.
Pleasant conditions for most outdoor activities cease.
-25C to –27C
Warm winter clothing recommended. Most outdoor activities
unpleasant without facial protection. Exposed flesh will freeze with
prolonged exposure. Shortened recess period may be warranted.
NOTE: FOR WINDCHILLS LISTED BELOW, STUDENTS USUALLY
REMAIN INDOORS FOR RECESS
-27C to –34C
Warm clothing is essential. Facial protection is recommended.
Outdoor activities are not recommended.
Exposed skin will freeze in 10-15 minutes. Indoor recess advised.
Below -34C
Facial protection essential. Extremely dangerous for outdoor
activities or travel. Avoid going outdoors unaccompanied. Skin will
freeze in less than 10 minutes.
Below –42C
Conditions for outdoor travel such as walking becomes dangerous.
Exposed skin areas will freeze in minutes.
-wind-chill appears in forecasts at –25oC
-wind-chill warnings issued at –40oC
Weather Information:
Phone 204-983-2050 (recording updated hourly)
Environment Canada Info Line for temperature and wind-chill factor.
Internet Address... www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca
Dressing warmly and staying dry are essential to prevent frostbite. Children should wear:
 A hat
 A neck tube or other covering for the face (covering the mouth and nose)
 Mittens or gloves
 Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
 Warm and water resistant proper fitting outerwear and boots
OUR CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2015-2016:
Friday, February 5
Tuesday, February 9
Friday, February 12
Monday, February 15
Friday, February 19
Monday, February 22
Wednesday, February 24
No School - Coordinated Day
PAC Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Assembly at 9:30 a.m. Presented by Grade 4
No School - Louis Riel Day
Hot Lunch
Snow Day held at John de Graff School
Early Dismissal at 2:45 p.m.
Monday, March 7
Tuesday, March 8
Monday, March 14
Thursday, March 17
Friday, March 18
Kindergarten Registration Begins
PAC Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Report Cards go home
Parent Teacher Student (PTS) Conferences Evening
No School - Coordinated Day
PTS Conferences in a.m.
School Professional Learning p.m.
Last Day of Classes before Spring Break
Thursday, March 24
Monday, April 4
Wednesday, April 6
Tuesday, April 12
Tuesday, April 12
Tuesday, April 19
Friday, April 22
Tuesday, April 26
Wednesday, April 27
Thursday, April 28
Friday, April 29
First Day of Classes after Break - Day 5
Early Dismissal at 2:45 p.m.
Spring Photos
PAC Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Election - Gymnasium being used
No School - Coordinated Day
Grandparents' Day at 9:30 a.m.
Assembly at 9:30 a.m.
Presented by Grade 3 & Ms. Hare's Grade 3 & 4 Class
Volunteer Tea at 2:00 p.m.
Hot Lunch
Tuesday, May 10
Wednesday, May 11
Monday, May 23
Thursday, May 26
Friday, May 27
PAC Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Early Dismissal at 2:45 p.m.
No School - Victoria Day
Kindergarten Open House from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Kindergarten Open House 9:15-10:00 a.m. &
1:00-1:45 p.m.
Hot Lunch
Tuesday, June 14
Monday, June 20
Wednesday, June 22
Friday, June 24
Thursday, June 30
PAC Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Assembly at 1:00 p.m. Presented by Kindergarten
Hot Lunch
Grade 5 Farewell at 1:00 p.m.
"Celebration" Assembly - All classes at 9:30 a.m.
Early Dismissal at 2:30 p.m.
"Celebration" Assembly - All classes at 9:30 a.m. Early
dismissal at 2:30 p.m
GETTING TO AND FROM SCHOOL
We have had some extremely cold weather and some extremely slippery
conditions, which means we also have many families driving children to school.
We particularly ask that drivers adhere to the City of Winnipeg traffic and
parking signs and the school requests of:
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Driving slowly
Watching for patrols crossing students
Not entering the parking lot at all at bus times/when patrols and safety
pylons are out.
Parking information:
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Parking in the parking lot is for staff only, except on special occasions such
as the Christmas concert.
Before and after school hours (before 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.) – Dawn and
Dusk parents may park along the sidewalk to drop off/pick up students
Parents who are bringing students early for Patrols or a School Club activity
may “Stop, Drop and Drive” through the parking lot. We request that you
stop and drop off your child, but do not actually park. This will make it
easier to get your child to school on time and it will also keep parking spots
clear for the staff.
Students are never to be walking in the parking lot or in the back lane
adjacent to the parking lot
Please do not park in the back lane at any time.
Please, at all times, give the buses the right of way, and do not block their
entrance off of Louelda, their exit onto the back lane or their drop off area
in front of the school. Passing a school bus that is stopped with the flashing
lights on can cause you to receive a large fine.
** Please drive very slowly around the school – especially in the parking lot area**
Walking to and from School
... is great exercise and we regularly remind students to watch for cars, cross
streets carefully, listen and adhere to the patrol directions and not talk to
strangers or get in anyone’s car. Thank-you to our families for helping with these
safety rules.
Thank you!!
FUNDRAISING
Our Parent Advisory Council is currently doing a fundraiser campaign – selling
Nestle Chocolate Bars. The profits for fundraising done by PAC is given to the
school. This year they have helped to fund:
 Arts programming
 Whiteboards for students to use for practising spelling and math
 Recess games and toys
 Patrols & student helpers (milk & leadership teams)
 Grade 5 camp
In past years they have purchased cameras, phys-ed equipment, musical
instruments and paid for special learning presentations.
This benefits all students at our school! We thank families for helping with this.
The fundraising box of chocolates was:
 Sent home Monday with the oldest child in the family
 Contains 30 chocolate bars at $3.00 each (total value $90.00)
 Contains an envelope to return the money to school in
Please return the money collected and any unsold chocolate bars by Friday,
February 19th.
Please do not have children sell bars door to door.
Thank you again for your support of school endeavours!