May, 2017
School News
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NEW COMMUNICATION ROLLOUT
This month we will be sharing our School Newsletter with our community in three modes: our school blog, Twitter, and our EDSBY platform. As always, we encourage you to contact the office with any questions or feedback.
MATH - MODERN LEARNING - MENTAL HEALTH
At Blue Willow P.S., we continue our commitment to the three York Region District School Board foci: Math, Modern Learning and Mental Health.
YRDSB SURVEY FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
We will be inviting parents/guardians to participate in a survey May 1-19, 2017. This survey provides an important opportunity for parent/guardian voice. Results will be used to guide planning to support student achievement and well-being.
You may complete the survey online or on paper. The online survey will be available in English. Paper surveys will be available from the school office in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Farsi, Gujarati, Hebrew, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Sri Lankan Tamil, Urdu and Vietnamese.
We value your input and encourage you to complete the survey. The information you provide will be anonymous, considered confidential and kept in strict accordance with all relevant legislation.
Information about how to access the online survey will be sent home with students at the end of April. Please contact the office at (905) 851-0043 if you have any questions.
DAY OF PINK ASSEMBLY
On April 12, 2017, our Spirit Committee of staff and students organized three grade-appropriate assemblies which promoted tolerance and acceptance, and helped to shed some light on some social justice issues.
Through advocacy, drama and dance performances, and powerful messages of acceptance, Blue Willow celebrated diversity and raised awareness against discrimination.
Together, we work hard to promote tolerance and stand united against all forms of bullying. We are proud of our community of learners and our commitment to well-being.
YORK REGION POLICE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Our Community partner, Officer Toni, continues to engage with our staff and students on building a healthy sense of belonging and well-being for our Grade 6 classes in the Values, Influences and Peers (VIP) Program.
MAY 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 1
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2
Day 2
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3
Day 3
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4
SPRING CONCERT 10:40 am / 7pm
Day 4
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5
Day 5
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8
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART ASSEMBLY
School Council
6:30-8:30pm Library
Day 1
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9
Day 2
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10
Day 3
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11
Day 4
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12
Day 5
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15
Day 1
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16
GRADE 7&8 VIP with OFFICER TONI
Day 2
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17
INTERMEDIATE TRACK AND FIELD
Day 3
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18
JUNIOR TRACK AND FIELD
Day 4
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19
TRACK AND FIELD RAIN DATE
Day 5
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22
VICTORIA DAY
No School
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GR.3/6 EQAO 23
GRADE 7 STRATFORD TRIP
Day 1
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GR.3/6 EQAO 24
GRADE 8 CAMP WENONAH DAY 1
Day 2
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GR.3/6 EQAO 25
GRADE 8 CAMP WENONAH DAY 2
Day 3
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GR.3/6 EQAO 26
GRADE 8 CAMP WENONAH DAY 3
CULTURAL DAY
Day 4
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GR.3/6 EQAO 29
Day 5
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GR.3/6 EQAO 30
Day 1
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GR.3/6 EQAO 31
Day 2
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June 1
GRADE 6 VIP with OFFICER TONI
Day 3
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June 2
P.A. DAY - No School
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*GR.3/6 EQAO See EQAO below for more information.
Upcoming Events:
Grade 8 Graduation - Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Senior Kindergarten Graduation - Wednesday, June 28, 2017
Parents as Partners ** Supervision begins at 8:10 a.m.
One of the many 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 (8:25 a.m.).
EQAO 2017
Between May 23 and June 5, 2017, Grade 3 and Grade 6 students will be participating in the Education Quality and Accountability Office’s (EQAO’s) Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary Division. In six one-hour sessions, students will complete a variety of assessment activities designed to allow them to demonstrate their skills and knowledge relating to reading, writing and mathematics as described in The Ontario Curriculum. The assessment is administered province-wide and is developed by Ontario teachers and assessment experts to reflect curriculum expectations. More information about the assessments and an understanding of what to expect are available on the EQAO Web site (www.eqao.com), click “Parent Resources” and then select “Primary Division (Grades 1–3) and Junior Division (Grades 4–6).”
Welcome to Kindergarten (WTK) programming provides a wonderful opportunity for families to engage with their new school and celebrate active play based learning that is the foundation for children’s healthy, optimal growth and development.
WTK offers resources and strategies for families in support of children and early learning. Our school will be hosting our WTK Family Orientation session on Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 5:30-6:30pm.
This initial WTK family and school engagement starts a relationship that needs to be nurtured in supporting children throughout their school experience. Dr. Michelann Parr, from Nipissing University’s Schulich School of Education, shares anecdotes, experiences, and practices related to family and school engagement in her most informative blog: “engaging families, engaging schools”. Learning to Play and Playing to Learn: Getting Ready for School is a wonderful booklet for families in helping their child prepare for a successful transition to kindergarten.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 5:30-6:30pm!
Talk Read Sing Play every day!
CLASS ORGANIZATION for the 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
As a staff, we will be starting our preliminary discussions regarding the placements of our students for next year. We meet as grade teams to discuss the creation of the most positive learning environment possible for each child. We plan according to each child's learning styles, skills, knowledge, attitude, and social and work habits. We also ensure that we are consistent with the Ministry of Education and York Region Board of Education guidelines, and we consider a range of performance levels as well as a balance between boys and girls.
Teaching assignments and school organization for next year will be finalized in June based on student enrollment at that time. As staff assignments have not been finalized at this time, requests for specific teachers cannot be accommodated. However, if you have information about your child's learning needs that we may not be aware of, please send a letter to Mr. Fisher by May 26, 2017, so that this can be included in the discussion. Thank you for your ongoing support!
Community News
Upcoming School Council Meeting
Monday, May 8, 2017 in our Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. All Welcome!
York Region Public Health News - Re: Immunization
In the 2017/18 school year, York Region Public Health will visit all elementary schools to provide school immunization clinics to Grade 7 students. The clinics offer vaccines for Hepatitis B, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and Meningococcal A, C, Y, W-135 at no cost.
Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, meningococcal vaccine is required for school attendance, unless an exemption is filed with public health. Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines are recommended, but not required for school attendance.
Parents of students entering Grade 7 in fall 2017 will receive consent forms in the mail in June. Please complete the consent form and return it to York Region Public Health to allow your child to participate in the immunization clinics. Detailed instructions can be found on the forms and accompanying letter. If the consent form is not completed, your child will not be able to receive vaccines at the clinic.
Parents and guardians who do not consent should still complete the forms and return them, indicating that you do not authorize York Region Public Health to immunize your child.
Did you know? If your child has missed a required vaccination on Ontario’s routine immunization schedule, he/she can receive the vaccine at one of York Region Public Health’s Community Immunization Clinics. These evening clinics are offered throughout the summer, giving students the opportunity to catch up before returning to school. Visit york.ca/immunizations and select Community Immunization Clinics to learn more.
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. Our schools are busy locations, and the safety of all our students is paramount.
Here are some tips to help you:
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LATE SCHOOL BUS REPORT
Parents and guardians are encouraged to stay informed of Bus Arrival times by checking your child(ren)'s bus status under Late Bus report on www.schoolbuscity.com.
Board News
