NOVEMBER
NEWSLETTER
ST. MICHAELS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL
JUNIOR SCHOOL
820 Victoria Avenue
Victoria, BC V8S 4N3
Phone: (250)-598-3922
Volume 6, Issue 3
November 1, 2012
Dear Junior School Parents:
It has been a busy and productive month of October at the Junior School!
The Junior School Barn Dance was an outstanding success and a wonderful way to build community. Congratulations to the Parent Auxiliary Barn Dance Committee (Allison Fowler (Chair), Alison Davis, Heidi Jacob, Kate
Campbell, Liz Butterfield, Moira Taylor and Shelley Miller). The committee worked tirelessly to ensure the event
was enjoyed by all. We raised $7,146.99!
The Open House for prospective parents was very successful and well attended. Thanks to our Junior
School Parent Welcome Committee for their support. As well, I’d like to congratulate our Grade 5 Student
Ambassadors who took visitors on tours throughout the day. We are looking forward to the Admissions
Information Evening for Prospective Parents which will be held on Thursday, November 15 (6:30-8:00 pm).
The Kindergarten admissions process has begun, so if you know of any families who are interested in having
their child attend Kindergarten in 2013-2014, please have them call Mrs. Cook or Ms. Piazza.
The recent homeroom teacher Parent-Teacher Interviews ran smoothly and the faculty and I thank parents for
their commitment to being engaged in their child’s education. There will be Parent-Teacher Interviews for specialty
teachers (art, French, P.E., etc.) in January.
Junior School Remembrance Day Service –Wednesday, November 7
On Wednesday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m. we will have our Junior School Remembrance Day Service.
Parents of Grades 2 and 5 students are invited to attend. The Grade 2 children will be reciting a poem and
several of the Grade 5 children have roles in the Service. The Grade 8 String Ensemble will also perform with
the Grade 5 Choir. All Junior School students are asked to wear their #1 uniform (long-sleeved white shirt, tie,
sweater/blazer, etc.) for this formal occasion. Please note: the children will receive a poppy to wear at the
service and we ask that they please bring a toonie for the donation tin.
Mid-term Break – Thursday, November 8 (11:45 a.m.) until Tuesday, November 13 (8:20 a.m.)
Please note that school ends on Thursday, November 8 at 11:45 a.m. for the mid-term break for all SMUS
students. Please arrange to pick up your child promptly. Buses will run at noon.
There will be an After School Care half day camp on November 8 (for those who have pre-registered). There
will be no After School Care from November 9-12. School will resume on Tuesday, November 13, at 8:20 a.m.
Grade 4 & 5 Strings Concerts—Tuesday, November 20th & Monday, November 26
The Grade 5 Strings Concert will occur on Tuesday, November 20, at 11:00 a.m. The Grade 4’s Debut Strings
Concert will take place on Monday, November 26, at 8:30 a.m. These are very important performances for our
Grade 4 and 5 students. It will be the first time the Grade 4 students will have played together as a whole class.
As always, parents are encouraged to join us.
Math Mania—Thursday, November 22, 2012
This year, Math Mania will be at the Middle School (tentatively from 6:30-8:00). Math Mania presents a variety of
interactive demonstrations, puzzles, games and art such as soap bubbles, ‘get your goat’ (Monty Hall game), the
penny game, the set game, the ‘Game of 24’, kaleidoscopes and hexaflexagons, Nim, Tower of Hanoi, the
amazing sorting network and a number of other mathematical puzzles and paradoxes. These activities are
designed to demonstrate to children, and their families, fun ways of learning both math and computer science
concepts. Further details will be forthcoming.
Parent Auxiliary Annual Christmas Gala—Saturday, December 1st
Mark your calendars! The Parent Auxiliary will be sending out information very soon.
Christmas Concerts in December, 2012
Wednesday, December 5 (6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday, December 12 (1:30 p.m.)
Thursday, December 13 (6:30 p.m.)
Carol Service at Christ Church Cathedral (K-12)
Primary Afternoon Concert and Grandparents’ Tea
Primary Evening Concert for Parents
(Please note that the December 5th Carol Service replaces the Chapel Christmas Service from previous years.)
Junior School Student Service Projects
The Coats for Kids drive continues and the Junior School is still collecting warm coats for children and adults in
need. Many thanks to the Grade 5 Service Committee for their organization. Deadline for collection this year will
be November 5, 2012. Thank you for your support.
The Grade 2 class will continue the annual tradition of baking and selling gingerbread. Proceeds will be used for
charity.
Looking ahead, the Junior School will begin a collection for the Mustard Seed as part of the Christmas food
drive. Please watch for further notices regarding the details of this collection.
Once again, the Junior School plans to support World Vision at Christmas. Please watch for further notices
regarding this project that encourages children to earn their donation by doing chores and jobs at home. We look
forward to the World Vision Assembly in late November.
Virtue for the month of November: Peacefulness (please see attached write-up from Ms. Lloyd)
REMINDERS TO PARENTS: Morning Drop-Off /Afternoon Pick-Up
Further to our recent email regarding parking issues, please remember also that you should not park in front (or
too close) to our neighbours’ driveways when you drop off or pick up your children. This is very frustrating for
those neighbours who need to get in and out of their driveways to work or take their own children to school. I
would appreciate your attention to this very important community building issue.
It is also very important that parents do not park in the driveways at the front of the school, as there are recycling
trucks and others who need access to the driveways during school hours. Before and after school there are
students and parents who need to walk on the driveway leading to the gate.
For safety reasons, please drop your children off no sooner than 8:10 a.m. when there will be teacher
supervision on the playground. Thank you for your help.
Allergies
Please remember that the Junior School is a “nut free” environment. We ask that families are sensitive to and
considerate of the students in your child’s class who have life-threatening issues.
Absence Due to Illness
The Ministry of Education Auditors require that we have a written note from the parent or physician whenever a
child is absent for 5 consecutive days, or more, due to illness. These notes are to be kept in the student file in
case of an audit.
Please also remember to phone (250-598-3922) or email to [email protected]. (as well as a copy to
your child’s teacher) each day when your child is going to be absent for any reason. It is important that we always
know that your child is safe and the reason for the absence for attendance purposes. Thank you for your help.
Holiday Extensions
Each year a number of families request holiday extensions around Christmas time. It is important for students to
participate in the school’s December activities. We understand that some trips abroad may be necessary and in
these cases, please request holiday extensions (at Christmas or at any time during the school year) in writing and
submit them to me well in advance. A reminder that school holidays are generous at SMUS and the faculty and I
would appreciate you adhering to the specific holiday dates. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.
After School Care
A reminder that in accordance with licensing regulations, registration forms need to be filled out and submitted to
Ms. Kray before your child can participate in or attend the After School Care Program. As there are limited spaces
each day, you must ensure that you notify the office or Ms. Kray by 2:00 p.m. should you wish your child to
attend. Also, please notify Ms. Kray by 2:00 p.m. if your child’s regular spot will NOT be needed that day.
Please note that if children are not picked up by 3:30 p.m. we are obligated, for safety reasons, to put them into
After School Care. Your account will be billed accordingly. If you have not registered them for After School Care, children
will need to inform the office and remain in the front hall until they are picked up, as there is no longer a teacher on duty in the Quad
area. We appreciate your support in this matter.
Please find an At A Glance attachment of November highlights to help guide you through the month. The Junior
School staff and I look forward to seeing you at many of the exciting events planned for November!
Best regards,
Nancy Richards, M.Ed
Junior School Director
SMUS JUNIOR SCHOOL
November 2012
At a Glance
Thurs., Nov. 1 (day 10)
Grade 4 Girls’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Fri., Nov. 2 (day 1)
PHOTO RETAKES (8:30 a.m.)
Grade 5 Boys’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Mon., Nov. 5 (day 2)
Chapel (#1 uniform) 8:30 a.m.
Grade 4 Boys’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Grades 2 & 3 Reading Buddies (3:20-4:45) at Sr. School Library
Tues., Nov. 6 (day 3)
Grade 5 Girls’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Wed., Nov. 7 (day 4)
Junior School Remembrance Day Service (11:00) in JS Gym
Pizza Day
Grade 5 Squash Club (4:00-4:45) at Sr. School squash courts
Thurs., Nov. 8 (day 5)
Grade 5’s to Senior School Remembrance Day Service
SCHOOL CLOSED at 11:45 for mid-term break
No sports
Friday, Nov. 9 to
Monday, Nov. 12
SCHOOL CLOSED
Tues., Nov. 13 (day 6)
Grade 5 Girls’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Wed., Nov. 14 (day 7)
Pizza Day
Grade 5 Squash Club (4:00-4:45) at Sr. School squash courts
Thurs., Nov. 15 (day 8)
No sports
Junior School Admissions Evening for Prospective Parents (6:30-8:00)
Fri., Nov. 16 (day 9)
Grade 5 Boys’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Mon., Nov. 19 (day 10)
Chapel (#1 uniform) 8:30 a.m.
Grade 4 Boys’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Grades 2 & 3 Reading Buddies (3:20-4:45) at Sr. School Library
Tues., Nov. 20 (day 1)
Grade 5 Strings’ Concert (11:00) in the gym
Grade 5 Girls’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Wed., Nov. 21 (day 2)
Pizza Day
Grade 5 Squash Club (4:00-4:45) at Sr. School squash courts
Thurs., Nov. 22 (day 3) Grade 4 Girls’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Fri., Nov. 23 (day 4)
Grade 5 Boys’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Mon., Nov. 26 (day 5)
Grade 4 Strings’ Concert (8:30 a.m.) in the gym
Grade 4 Boys’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Grades 2 & 3 Reading Buddies (3:20-4:45) at Sr. School Library
Tues., Nov. 27 (day 6)
Grade 5 Girls’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Wed., Nov. 28 (day 7)
Pizza Day
Grade 5 Squash Club (4:00-4:45) at Sr. School Squash Courts
Thurs., Nov. 29 (day 8) Grade 4 Girls’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
Fri., Nov. 30 (day 9)
Grade 5 Boys’ Sports Club (3:15-4:15)
St. Michaels University School‐Junior School Virtue of the Month for November PEACEFULNESS What does peacefulness mean to you? Peace in the world? Peace in our country and community? Peace in your family? Or peace in your heart? Reverend Fletcher shares a beautiful prayer with us regularly at our Monday morning Chapel, from the Chinese philosopher Lao Tse in the 6th Century BC: If there is to be peace in the world, there must be peace in the nations. If there is to be peace in the nations, there must be peace in the cities. If there is to be peace in the cities, there must be peace between neighbours. If there is to be peace between neighbours, there must be peace in the home. If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart. At the Junior School we are taking this message one step further as we implement recommendations of our school’s Health and Balance Team. As the world around us continues to become more complex and the demands upon us are many, various, and frequently competing, we are increasingly aware that children must learn to cultivate a sense of peacefulness in their hearts, minds and bodies. Teachers are in the process of establishing practices of mindfulness in their classrooms. Mindfulness assists us in bringing our purposeful and complete attention to the present moment so that each thought, feeling or sensation is acknowledged and accepted. To be able to access a sense of peacefulness whenever and wherever is a skill that will help children achieve and maintain emotional and psychological wellbeing, and ensure they are better able to realise their educational and life goals. We look forward, in the weeks and months ahead to sharing these ideas and practices with you, our parent community. Embracing peace does not mean that we avoid conflict. Conflict is a fact of life, and a healthy one as it leads to growth and change. How we respond to conflict makes all the difference. We can choose to respond to conflict in ways that preserve and strengthen relationships. Marshall Rosenberg advocates the use of non‐violent communication. In his book by the same name he describes the maladaptive patterns we most often resort to and encourages instead a language of compassion. NVC focuses our attention on our perceptions, feelings and needs, bringing a state of awareness to our communication that mirrors the attention we use when we practice mindfulness. According to Linda Kavelin Popov, “peace is giving up the love of power for the power of love”. She adds: “without peacefulness we feel we have to control everyone and everything”. A state of peacefulness gives us great freedom because we are not dependent upon our physical circumstances, events, or the acts of others for our well‐being. It means that we are calm within and maintain that peace and calmness no matter what others do, or what happens around us. Out of the mouths of babes…two years ago, here are some of the things our children said about peacefulness… Peacefulness is being able to be calm when conflict is happening around you. When you would rather be somewhere else, you can simply imagine you’re in a peaceful place and cope with the problem. Peacefulness is feeling love and warmth all around you. Peacefulness is listening to the wind and the birds. Peacefulness is being a peacemaker. Peacefulness is to be calm, when something overwhelming is happening or just being quiet for a few seconds and reflecting on what just happened. Peacefulness is being able to create a very quiet environment and feel good about yourself. It is also to be cared for and to care for someone. You should be quiet inside yourself. Peacefulness is inside you. You can’t see it but it’s always there. It’s quiet for some people. It’s different for everybody. For me it’s colour. Peacefulness is when conflict happens not to run away but know how to deal with it in a nice way. Everybody has conflict at some point in their life. Peacefulness is a quiet place in your heart. Peacefulness is watching a candle burn. Peacefulness is being free. Ask your children about what would peacefulness look like if… …your brother burst into your room and stepped on a model or painting you just finished? …there are children of another race or religion in your class and some of your class mates are making fun of them? …some children start teasing you and calling you names? In Ghandi’s words, let us “be the change we wish to see in the world”. Tessa Lloyd, Junior School Counsellor PREVENTING COLDS AND INFLUENZA (FLU)
Cold and influenza season is here. As the weather gets cooler and we move indoors, so do
germs. Children need reminders to decrease the risk of colds and flu in your house by:
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Washing hands often
Coughing and sneezing into their elbow
Not sharing facecloths or towels
Keeping hands away from nose and mouth
Not sharing food or drink with others
To help limit the spread of germs, please keep your child at home if he or she is feverish,
coughing a lot, has a thick yellow or green discharge from the nose, or is otherwise obviously
unwell.
Viruses cause colds and influenza. The most effective treatment for a cold is rest and fluids.
The influenza vaccine will protect against specific types of influenza. Antibiotics will not make a
cold or other virus go away faster. However, more serious infections can start out as a cold.
Call your doctor if your child has an earache, fever higher than 39o C (102o F), rash, is very
sleepy, very cranky or fussy, has trouble breathing or a cough that will not go away.
Handwashing is the most effective way to stop the spread of germs that cause colds, influenza,
diarrhea, and other illnesses. To wash hands properly:
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Wet hands under warm running water
Scrub with plain soap for a count of 20, all over hands and between fingers
Rinse under running water for a count of 10
Dry hands with a clean paper towel
Turn off taps with a paper towel
Remember to wash hands:
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Before and after eating or handling food
After using the toilet, handling pets, coughing, sneezing, or wiping noses
For more information contact:
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Your local Health Unit
HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 (a free call) or www.healthlinkbc.ca
Your doctor
Health Units:
Esquimalt
Outer Gulf Islands
Peninsula
Saanich
250-519-5311
250-539-3099
250-544-2400
250-519-5100
Child, Youth and Family Community Health
SN-HP-107-08-12 – Revised 2012-07-13
Salt Spring Island
Sooke
Victoria
West Shore
250-538-4880
250-642-5464
250-388-2200
250-519-3490
FEEDING THE LUNCH BUNCH
Lunch is an important time for children at school. The midday meal gives kids energy to
concentrate, learn and be active all afternoon.
Choose a food from at least 3 of the 4 food groups to make a balanced lunch.
Make lunch interesting. Mix and match any of these ideas for a tasty, healthy lunch:
Vegetables
and Fruit
 Celery and carrot
sticks or peppers
 Sliced cucumber
 Broccoli and
cauliflower “trees”
 Fresh, frozen or
canned fruit
Grain
Products
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Whole grain bread
Crackers
Mini bagels or buns
Tortilla
Roti or naan bread
Pita bread
Small muffins
Meat and
Alternatives
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Lean meat
Tuna or salmon
Chili
Tofu and soy based
products
 Nuts and seeds
 Bean spreads or
dips
 Eggs
Milk and
Alternatives
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Milk
Chocolate milk
Yogurt
Cheese
Fortified soy
beverage
 Cottage cheese
Kids are more likely to eat lunch when they help make it. Involve children in planning and
packing lunches. Young children can wash fruits and veggies and can choose from what is
offered. Older children can make their lunch with your help.
Pack a safe lunch
1. Wash your hands well with warm soapy water.
2. Keep hot foods hot in a thermos.
3. Keep cold foods cold with an ice pack.
4. Remind children to wash their hands before eating.
For more information contact:
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HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 and ask to speak to a Registered Dietitian or
www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian/
Cool Lunch Guide hwww.dietitians.ca/getattachment/a352adef-89f6-44c6-96b91328e7c6805f/Factsheet---Cool-Lunch-Guide.pdf.aspx
Child, Youth and Family Community Health
SN-HP-107-43-12 – Revised 2012-07-13
EATING TOGETHER, EATING BETTER
With busy schedules, it can be hard to arrange family meals regularly. Finding the time for
family meals is worth it. Children who eat with an adult almost every day:
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Make healthier food choices
- Eat more vegetables and fruit
- Eat less fat and “junk” food
Are more likely to maintain healthy growth and weight
Do better in school
- And have better language skills (use of words)
Are more connected to their families and friends
- And have better social skills (such as making friends)
Are less likely to engage in high risk behaviours
- Such as smoking, using drugs and alcohol
Have less risk of depression and suicide
Children and teens say eating together as a family is one of the things they like to do with their
parents. Eating together has benefits for the whole family.
Here are some ideas for getting started:
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Make family meals a priority. Schedule meals the same way you schedule other
activities.
Share any meal – breakfast, lunch or dinner.
To start, eat foods you usually eat. Just eat them together.
If children are old enough, have family members take turns choosing and/or preparing
the meal items. It doesn’t have to be fancy.
Keep talk positive and supportive. Focus on the good things that happened in
everyone’s day, such as things learned at school, holidays, good deeds done, a book
you are reading or a joke you have heard.
Make preparing a meal and cleaning up family time, too. Give everyone a job; even
young children can set the table.
For more information contact:
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Your local Health Unit
HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 and ask to speak to a Registered Dietitian or
www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian/
www.ellynsatter.com
www.bettertogetherbc.ca
Child, Youth and Family Community Health
SN-HP-107-35-12 – Revised 2012-07-13
BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE EARS
Ear infections or middle ear fluid occur in nearly two-thirds of all children by the age of three
years! Ear infections are the most common reason children see the doctor. Ear infections can
lead to fluid behind the eardrum, leading to a temporary hearing loss. When the fluid is gone
hearing usually goes back to normal. This can take up to three months. Frequent ear infections
can cause difficulties with pronunciation, language and learning.
If your child has an ear problem, be sure to let the teacher know. Ear problems can make it
hard for your child to hear, listen and learn at school. If the hearing loss persists, ask the
school’s Public Health Nurse to screen your child’s hearing.
For more information contact:
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Your local Health Unit Hearing Clinic
Hearing Clinics:
Victoria
West Shore
250-388-2250
250-519-3490
Child, Youth and Family Community Health
SN-HP-107-10-12 – Revised 2012-07-13
TOBACCO! TALK ABOUT IT
Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in Canada. According to the 2008
Adolescent Health Survey, 26% of students have tried smoking, some starting as young as 9
years old. Someone who uses tobacco can become addicted to smoking after only 2 cigarettes
or 1 wad of chewing tobacco. As a parent, you can help your child stay tobacco-free by talking
openly about the dangers of tobacco and addiction, even if you use tobacco. Parents are a
child’s greatest role models and the research has shown that you can reduce your child’s
likelihood of using tobacco just by talking with them.
How can you protect your children from second-hand smoke?
According to the 2008 Adolescent Health Survey, 28% of youth were exposed to tobacco smoke
inside their home or vehicle. Non-smokers exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to suffer
from asthma, colds, pneumonia, ear infections (children) and other respiratory problems. You
can protect the non-smokers in your house by:
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Talking with your children about the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Making your home and car smoke-free and encouraging your family and friends to do
the same.
Asking smokers to smoke outside and setting up a comfortable outdoor smoking section
away from open doors and windows.
Asking smokers to wash hands and remove jackets when returning inside after smoking.
Visiting only smoke-free places.
For more information contact:
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Your local Health Unit
HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 (a free call) or www.healthlinkbc.ca
Quit Now 1-877-455-2233 or www.quitnow.ca
Smoke Free Kids www.viha.ca/mho/tobacco/smoke_free_places_for_kids/
Tobacco Control Program www.health.gov.bc.ca/tobacco/
McCreary Centre Society www.mcs.bc.ca
Health Units:
Esquimalt
Outer Gulf Islands
Peninsula
Saanich
250-519-5311
250-539-3099
250-544-2400
250-519-5100
Child, Youth and Family Community Health
SN-HP-107-16-12 – Revised 2012-07-13
Salt Spring Island
Sooke
Victoria
West Shore
250-538-4880
250-642-5464
250-388-2200
250-519-3490