Sept 2009 News

Robertson School “A community of learners—working together” Robertson School 550 Robertson Street Winnipeg, MB R2X 2C4 Ph: 589-4745 Fax: 589-7293

Robertson Roadrunners

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE WELCOME TO ROBERTSON ! the best students, the best staff and the best school. and for the start up of school….

YAHOO! The addition and renovations are complete…an awesome new look with a new gym (huge!) a new library (beautiful and bright!) a new computer lab, Autism room plus the renovations….. a new office area, staff room, kitchen area and grooming room, plus offices for CGC and meetings. A huge thank you to RED LAKE CONSTRUCTION for their excellent work with the project and Calnitsky Associates for the beautiful design. Also, thank you for the assistance and funding from Public Schools Finance Board and the Winnipeg School Division.

We would like to welcome students, staff and parents back from our summer break. Everyone is looking forward to the new school year with a great deal of learning and activity taking place. We are all excited for our new facility (plus new room numbers throughout the school !). We would also like to welcome and introduce our new staff for this year: Ms Carol Nichols – half time Librarian Ms Tania MacKenzie – rm. 151 – grade 2 job share with Ms Pam Peden. Our school priorities for the upcoming year are: 1) To work to sustain our caring, inclusive and healthy community and 2) To work to develop and strengthen instructional practices in Math and Literacy with ICT. Our in-services held this year will focus on these topics.

We value and appreciate all differences and are a community of learners, working together. In keeping with inclusion and best teaching practices for all children, most of our students from the Special Education program are in age appropriate classrooms with educational assistant support. Also, educational support is always available for all Robertson students who need it. We have two resource rooms (rooms 137 & 132) and also have Reading Recovery taking place in the morning and afternoons. This year we will also have a new Parent Room. It is in room 148 – across from the Nursery Room. Please drop in to see what is available for the parents/guardians in our school. Our annual Walk-a-thon takes place on September 25th and, in advance, I would like to thank you for your support. The money raised goes towards grade 6 camp, field trips, plays, software, books, etc. The kick-off assembly is on Thursday, Sept. 17th in the afternoon. MEET THE TEACHER EVENING SEPTEMBER 17TH 6:30 – 7:30

You will have a chance to tour the school, meet your child’s teachers and get a passport for fun. With your passport you will travel through our great halls following the instructions, meet the staff and your neighbours plus get a family portrait sometime during the evening if you wish. Please join us. Last year the school was crowded with excited children and parents at every turn! Parent Council is a great way to get involved in your child’s schooling and is a wonderful way to connect with the school. I encourage you to think about joining. We meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Our Parent Council chairperson, Bonnie Janzen, would love to hear from you. Don’t forget the annual BBQ - October 1st . Sept. 17th – Meet the Teacher night Sept. 21st – Picture day Sept. 25th – Walk-a-thon October – The official opening of our new addition and renovations. Pam Ball

PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION /DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER

When dropping off or picking up children, please observe the No Stopping and No Parking signs posted around the school.

Robertson staff supervise the playground and play structure from 8:40 to 8:55 in the morning and from 12:40 to 12:55 during the lunch hour. Please be aware that students who arrive before these times will be unsupervised.

What’s “Block Parent”? The Block Parent Program provides immediate assistance to those in distress, particularly children, through its safety network of police-screened homes. Our volunteers also work closely with police and educators to provide safety education programs in the community. Become a Block Parent today and help make your community safer.

We do not provide supervision for students inside the school before the 8:55 and 12:55 bells. Except for rainy or very cold winter days, students are expected to wait outside until the bells ring. We remind students and their parents that, except for extreme weather days, students are expected to go outside for recess and they must dress for the weather.

Contact your local police or call 284-7562 for more information.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS Name ____________________________________________________

Phone number _____________

Child’s name

___________________________________________

Grade

_____

___________________________________________

Grade

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___________________________________________

Grade

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I would like to volunteer to work with students in the resource program.



I would like to be called to help with parent council fund-raising events.



I would like to help on hot lunch days.

Robertson School

Getting to know our neighbours is one of the best ways we can build community and deal with our concerns.

• • • • • • • • • •

SAFETY

What are you concerns about our neighbourhood? Community spirit? Safety? Recreational opportunities for children and teens? Protecting our trees from Cankerworms? Vandalism and crime?

Our school will once again be practicing our emergency preparedness plan. All schools are mandated to have an intervention plan in the event of an unsafe situations.

Keeping our streets litter-free? Seniors’ issues?

ROBERTSON-MYNARSKI RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION Addresses any issues brought forth by community residents Works with our schools, politicians, police and the city

Being prepared for an emergency, and knowing how to respond appropriately and calmly should one occur, helps to reassure frightened students and staff.

Our area is Arlington to Fife/ Mountain to Inkster. • • •

There are lots of ways to get involved: Get on our e-mail list for news, information, Break and Enter reports, etc. at [email protected] or [email protected] or phone 582-9190 Tell us your concerns, share your ideas, report crime Come to a monthly meeting During the school year, our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at Robertson School at 7 P.M. Robertson-Mynarski Residents association is You! Join in!

Thank You

Shanters Shanters repaired all of our patrol vests over the summer. Thank you very much!

School Photos by

Lifetouch Monday, September 21st

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The “drill” begins with an announcement being made over the PA system using an internal code. A lockdown practice will take place which means the doors outside and inside are locked and everyone remains inside their classrooms as hidden in the rooms as possible. An announcement is made to notify everyone that we are in a safe environment again. Following this practice, staff will discuss the situation with the children. Also, just a reminder that should our building every have to be evacuated during the school year, our evacuation site is Andrew Mynarski VC School.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE Have you considered “Student Accident Insurance”? The bottom line is it’s a really good deal. It covers your kids 24-7, lasts for the whole year and it’s only $7.75! This isn’t a fund raiser, it just makes a lot of sense. Please take the time to read the information brochure which has been sent home.

Robertson School

WHAT IS THE LUNCH PROGRAM? Robertson School Lunch Program is run by parents and governed by the Parent Council. Every child who stays for the lunch program must bring their own lunch. • • • •

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Lunch Program is available for students in grades 1 - 6. Runs from September to June Lunch rooms are in alternating rooms for each grade and they switch every two weeks. Program provides microwaves for each grade (warm ups are not to be longer than two minutes). One milk is provided for each child if child chooses to have one during the lunch hour. All students staying at school for lunch are required to have a filled out registration form (whether they are full-time or part time) with a $5.00 registration fee. Note must be given to the lunch program if any full time student(s) are not going to be staying during the lunch hour.

LUNCH PROGRAM FEES

FULL TIME 1 CHILD - $23.00 PER MONTH 2 CHILDREN - $41.00 PER MONTH 3 CHILDREN - $50.00 PER MONTH

PART TIME $2.00 PER DAY (May pay in full for the year)

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We are still looking for staff to supervise students during the lunch hour. If you are interested, please come see Sherry or Cindy in room 140.

PAYMENT *THIS IS A PAID POSITION* Cheques should be made payable to Robertson School Lunch Program and dated for the 1st of every month when students are participating in the lunch program on a full-time basis. Receipts will be provided for monthly payments by the Lunch Program on the date that the payment is received. Part time students must pay $2.00 on the day that they are staying and the amount should not be left to accumulate. All money that is sent to the lunch program must be put in an envelope and clearly marked with LUNCH PROGRAM, students name, date, room # and the amount enclosed.

Robertson School

ROBERTSON SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL ‘WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE CHILDREN”

550 Robertson Street

589-4745

Dear Parents/Guardians, I would like to start off by saying that I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer. Our first Parent Council meeting is on Wednesday September 9th at 6:30 p.m. in the Library. As your new Parent Council we wanted to give everyone an idea as to what Parent Council is all about. What is Parent Council? First of all, we meet once a month to discuss any new events that are going on in and around the school and community. Information is shared with Mrs. Ball, Mrs. McKenna and our Lunch Program. Secondly, we plan and implement a number of fundraisers throughout the year. What do we do with that money you may ask? That’s an excellent question. The money goes to the students of Robertson School, your children and grandchildren. The staff at Robertson School have an opportunity throughout the year to request funds for field trips, class projects and class supplies. Parent Council does not pay for the full cost of all these wonderful things the children are involved in throughout the year, but we do help to offset the cost to the school and the parents/ guardians of the students. We thought you’d like to know what your fundraising has done for the students of Robertson School in the last school year: Books were purchased for the grade 1 and 2 students in room 42 Sensory equipment was purchased for the students in room 10 The grade 3 students went on a field trip to Oak Hammock Marsh Wildlife Haven made a presentation to the grade 2 students Room 3 and 10 went to the Corn Maze The grades 2 to 6 attended MTYP production of Snowflake Room 3 went on a field trip to Pizza Hut in Northgate Mall (this helps the students practice social skills) The Robertson Singers went by bus to St. Josephs where the residents were treated to the lovely voices of our choir The Nursery to grade 4 students went to see MTYP’s production of Frog and Toad Room 1 and 42 students went to the Manitoba Museum of Man and Nature Literacy based games for reading groups were purchased for the grade 3 students The grade 1 students went to the Museum of Man and Nature Dinosaur exhibit Kindergarten class purchased a puppet theatre for their room Room 2 went to the Museum of Man and Nature Dinosaur exhibit The grade 6 students attended a Flight Workshop Resource material was purchased for room 14 for the students in grades 4 to 6 The grade 5 students attended the Symphony Helped to offset the cost of grade 6 camp Grade 5 students attended the Imax Theatre to see Human Body The grade 5 and 6 students attended MTYP’s production of Spirit Horse Room 3 and 10 went to the Children’s Museum Grade 6 Farewell cake Page 5

Robertson School

Grade 6 students attended the Narcisse Snake Pits Grade 4 students went to Stonewall Quarry Room 1 and 42 attended the Winnipeg International Children’s Festival Kindergarten class went to Oak Hammock Marsh Grade 3 students attended Lower Fort Garry Room 3 went on a Farewell lunch to Pizza Hut Room 2 went to Morning Sound Farm

Parent Council is very proud to see all the wonderful things the students of Robertson School are able to see and do with our help. This does take some work and planning. We would love to see more new faces at our monthly meetings. Everyone has ideas and this is a great place to share those ideas. As you can see from above to be able to support these activities there is fundraising involved. The above activities came to a total cost of $8896.80. If you are unable to attend the meetings we ask that you try to take part in our fundraisers and ask family and friends to take part in them as well. We realize sometimes it’s a lot but we are trying very hard to limit our fundraisers without having to limit the activities we sponsor. We know that every child in the school benefits from our fundraising. Even if you do not wish to sit on Parent Council there are so many other ways that you can help out. We are in need of Volunteers for many things throughout the year. The Winter Concert, Hot Lunch days whether it is counting money a week before hand or helping to set up and serve, helping with a fundraiser or the Community BBQ. Feel free to call me anytime you like. I’ll do my best to answer any questions you may have. All of us on Parent Council are hoping to see many more new faces this year. We hope to see you at our next meeting. Everyone is welcome. Please remember there is free babysitting service if you need. Bonnie Janzen #338-3297

WALK-A-THON Friday, September 25th Prizes for the top three fundraisers are:

Bike (approximate value over $300.00) T.V./DVD Player Portable DVD Player

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Robertson School

Robertson School 2009 - 2010 Robertson Roadrunners

Tuesday, Sept. 8 Wednesday, Sept. 9 Thursday, Sept. 17 Thursday, Sept. 17 Monday, Sept. 21 Friday, Sept. 25

NO CLASSES - Administration Day First Day of Classes Walk-A-Thon Assembly (afternoon) Meet the Teacher night - 6:30-7:30 p.m. School Photo Day taken by Lifetouch Walk-A-Thon

Thursday, Oct. 1 Friday, Oct. 2 Monday, Oct. 12 Friday, Oct. 23 Monday, October 26

Parent Council B.B.Q. 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Grades 4-6 Math In-service - all day NO CLASSES - Thanksgiving Day NO CLASSES - S.A.G. Picture Retake Day - a.m. only

Monday, Nov. 2 Wednesday, Nov. 11 Thursday, Nov. 26 Friday, Nov. 27

NO CLASSES - In-service Day Remembrance Day - SCHOOL CLOSED 2:55 p.m. Early Dismissal - Parent Teacher Conferences NO CLASSES - Parent Teacher Conferences

Wednesday, Dec. 16 Thursday, Dec. 17 Friday, Dec. 18 Dec. 20 - Jan. 3

Winter Concert (2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) Winter Concert (2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) Last day of classes SCHOOL CLOSED - Winter Break

Monday, Jan. 4 Friday, Jan. 15 Thursday, Jan. 21

Classes resume NO CLASSES - In-service Day Community Conference

Friday, Feb. 12 Monday, Feb. 15

NO CLASSES - In-service Day NO CLASSES - Manitoba Louis Riel Day

Thursday, Mar. 18 Friday, Mar. 19 Friday, Mar. 26 Mar. 29 - Apr. 4

2:55 p.m. Early Dismissal - Student Led Parent Conferences NO CLASSES - Student led Parent Conferences Cultural Day Celebration / Last day of classes SCHOOL CLOSED - Spring Break

Monday, April 5 Thursday, April 15 Thursday, April 16

Classes Resume Gr. 4 - 6 Choir Musical NO CLASSES - In-service Day

Tuesday, May 4 Friday, May 7 Monday, May 24

Volunteer Tea NO CLASSES - In-service Day (Planning Day) NO CLASSES - Victoria Day

June 2, 3 and 4 Friday, June 18 Friday, June 25 Monday, June 28 Wednesday, June 30

Gr. 6 students to Camp (tentative) NO CLASSES - Administration day for staff Gr. 6 Farewell Gr. 1 - 3 and gr.4 & 5 Recognition Assemblies 11:30 students dismissal

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Robertson School

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER October 1 - Parent Council BBQ October 2 - NO CLASSES - Teacher In-service October 12 - NO CLASSES - Thanksgiving Day October 23 - NO CLASSES - S.A.G. October 26 - Picture Re-take Day (a.m. only)

Robertson Roadrunners

Mon

Tue

7

No School Labour Day

Day 5

14

Day 1

Wed

8

No School Administration Day

Day 6

15

Thu

Day 2

9

Day 3

10

Day 4

11

16

Day 2

17

Day 3

18

1st Day of Classes Parent Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Library

Day 1

WALK-A-THON kick-off! Meet the Teacher Night 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

N/K attend full time morning or afternoon

Day 4

21

Fri

Day 5

22

Day 6

23

Day 1

24

Day 2

25

WALK-A-THON

PICTURE DAY

(all money must be handed in by 1:00 p.m. for the prizes)

Day 3

28

Day 4

29

Day 5

30

REMINDER: We ask that all students and parents remain outside until the bell rings at 8:55 a.m. and 12:55 p.m.

(weather permitting) Thank you. Mrs. Ball and Mrs. McKenna