March, 2017
School News
MATH - MODERN LEARNING - MENTAL HEALTH
Over the past month of February, both staff and students continue to build upon our skill sets in all three areas of our York Region District School Board foci: Math, Modern Learning and Mental Health.
Math Inquiry and Problem Solving through Games and Puzzles
We are committed to best practices at Blue Willow Public School. As partners in education, we are building student knowledge and capacity of foundational math concepts through critical thinking, games, and puzzles. Ask your child about MATH and encourage your child to share some strategies at home!
Snuggle Up and Read
Yet another successful event at Blue Willow P.S.!
Over 100 people attended the literacy focused evening to celebrate reading and well-being through family engagement and community building. The excitement of the evening began with two Reader's Theatre performances by our Drama Club, followed by several read-alouds by our teachers and DECEs. Our families chose two book sessions of their choice to attend with their children. Key reading strategies were modeled and shared for parents to observe and engage in at home. Feedback from our parent surveys indicated that the event was well-planned and a welcomed opportunity to enjoy reading together. What a wonderful way to build our future, "one branch at a time"!
YRDSB Student Survey 2017
Student input is important to us. In order to support improvement planning, the York Region District School Board will be conducting a survey to collect feedback from students across the system. The administration of the survey this school year will occur between March 20 and April 28, 2017. The student survey will include questions related to math, modern learning, mental health and well-being, equity, and school safety.
Restorative Rooms
As Modern Learners, we value collaborative learning environments where deep, authentic and relevant learning prepare our students to be future ready. We continue to build strong relationships with staff, students, and our families to build healthy learning environments. Our Growth Mindset and Restorative approach to challenges, influence our behaviours and build resiliency when facing adversity. These strategies support our children with every aspect of learning and growing. We also continue to support students to independently solve social conflicts using positive restorative skills and strategies in the library every Monday and Thursday during recess.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Throughout the month of February we continue to collaborate with some of our community partners to further develop Modern Learning and Mental Health strategies. Our Healthy Schools Leaders have been successful in supporting student learning by organizing healthy snack bins for every class. Students now have access to delicious fresh fruits and vegetables at any time.
HEALTHY SMOOTHIES
As part of our HEALTHY SCHOOLS initiative and in collaboration with our community partners META Centre (http://www.metacentre.ca) and York Region Food for Learning (foodforlearning.com), META centre volunteers will be preparing Healthy Smoothies throughout the year for our students to taste and trial. This initiative strives to build awareness of healthy food choices to fuel a healthy body and mind. Each class will have the opportunity to try a healthy green smoothie, and complete a survey to rate the smoothie. Classes will be notified of their upcoming smoothie date and students will be encouraged to record a reminder in their agendas.
Healthy Schools Team
Together with York Public Health and Food for Learning, our Healthy Schools Team have stocked EVERY classroom with healthy fruits and vegetables to support student success! Students now have access to healthy snacks at any time of the day!
We encourage parents and guardians to include more fruits and veggies in every meal, in order to ensure every child meets the five to six serving recommendation each day.
YORK REGION POLICE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Officer Toni will be visiting our Grade 6 classes to lead the Values, Influences and Peers (VIP) Program. Officer Toni will deliver a series of presentations, which will focus on building a healthy sense of belonging and well-being for everyone. During these sessions, students will review proactive strategies on how to build and maintain healthy relationships through positive choices.
One of the ways parents and guardians can support healthy routines and fulfill learning potential is to encourage their child(ren) to begin the day on time. Families are strongly encouraged to support their children to arrive to school prior to the start of our school day at
8:25 a.m.
MARCH 2017 Calendar
Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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1
Day 5
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2
Mental Health Myth Busting Workshop
(Gr.7)
Camp Wenonah Presentation 6-7pm
Day 1
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3
Day 2
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6
Day 3
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7
Day 4
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8
Managing Stress Workshop (Gr. 8)
Day 5
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9
Day 1
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10
Officer Toni - Gr. 6 VIP Program
Tacky Tourist Day
School Spirit Day
Day 2
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13
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14
MAR
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15
CH
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16
BRE
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17
AK
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20
Day 3
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21
Day 4
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22
Day 5
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23
Day 1
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24
Day 2
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27
Day 3
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28
Day 4
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29
Surviving High School
Gr.8 Workshop
Day 5
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30
INTERNET SAFETY PARENT INFORMATION WORKSHOP
by Telus (6:30-7:30pm)
Day 1
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31
Blue Willow DAY
Day 2
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Community News
Internet Safety Workshop for Parents on Thursday, March 30, 2017
from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Join us for an informative workshop on internet safety brought to you by our School Council in collaboration with TELUS. Registration is FREE! Please click here to register.
Next School Council Meeting
Monday, May 8, 2017 in our Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
All Welcome!
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Board News
Parking Reminders:
When parking in school and Board parking lots, please ensure you are parked in an appropriate designated parking space and obeying any parking signage. Failure to do so may result in a parking ticket. Our schools are busy locations, and the safety of all our students is paramount.
Here are some tips to help you:
 Arrive early to ensure enough time to find an appropriate parking spot
Students must be signed-out at the office, in order to leave the premises
If there are no appropriate legal parking spots available, please find appropriate legal parking on nearby streets.
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As the season changes, the weather tends to be unpredictable throughout the school day. Please ensure that your child(ren) are prepared for outdoor play and activity during recess times with appropriate outdoor wear for the weather. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to stay informed of Bus Arrival times by checking your child(ren)'s bus status under Late Bus report on www.schoolbuscity.com.
