Victory Public School

February 2023 Newsletter

Posted January 26, 2023

Winter is certainly upon us and it’s cold out there!  It has become a tradition at Victory to embrace our great Canadian winter weather and celebrate it with a Winter Carnaval.  Our grade one to six student’s Carnaval will place on February 3rd.  M Elrick has put together a variety of outdoor centres based on coureur des bois and Quebec carnival activities.  This is a great opportunity for outdoor learning/play and engaging in French cultural activities.

February is Black History Month in Canada, which provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of black Canadians and reflect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of Canada’s black community. Black history is taught all year long, but this month it is highlighted.

We have a number of clubs that have been running at school both last month and for the month of February.  Please see what clubs are available for students to join.

Co-Curricular Activities for January and February

Our ECO Team has been working hard under the guidance of Mrs. Ferris. On Friday, February 3rd, we will be recognizing Sweater Day (the indoor temperature will be turned down by 2 degrees).  National Sweater Day is a way to learn about the importance of saving energy and to inspire you to use less energy all winter. Heating accounts for 80% of residential energy use in Canada. If all Canadians lowered their thermostats by just 2 degrees Celsius this winter, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 4 megatons – that’s equivalent to taking nearly 700,000 cars off the road!

National Sweater Day is about thinking differently about how we use energy, where our energy comes from and how we can play an important role in fighting climate change by using energy wisely. It is designed to help raise awareness about renewable energy and change behaviours around energy consumption in Canada.

Ideas for your family to celebrate Sweater Day

Turn down your thermostat and wear a sweater on Feb 3rd – and every day this winter!

Ask your children to brainstorm with you about ways to save energy at home. Make a pledge to implement as many as you can. For extra ideas go to:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-use-less-electricity-home

Read a children’s book on conservation such as:  Why Should I Save Energy? by Jen Green.  Encourage lots of questions and find the answers together.

Health Squad

Hello from the Victory Health Squad! Our Squad is made up of an awesome group of students in grades 4-6. We meet every Day 4 at first recess in Room 8. Currently our Health Squad is running a 21 Club where each month teachers as well as a specific grade of students are invited to the gym to play a friendly basketball game called, “21”. So far our squad has invited as well as had the pleasure to play with staff (December) and grade 6s (January). Next up will be the grade 5s (February) and then the grade 4s (March). We are also in the midst of planning yoga classes for students in grades 1-6 with a local yoga instructor, more info to come! ~ A. Cauley, E. Doyle, A. Kukovica

Congratulations Ms. Sabinsky

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Ms. Sabinsky on her retirement and wish her all the best in this exciting next chapter.

Best Wishes and Welcome Back

We wish Mdle Brodie all of the best and are grateful for all of the deselecting, cleaning and refreshing the library, not to mention getting us geared up for Forest of Reading!  Thank you for sharing your creativity and knowledge with all of us.

We welcome back Mme Caswell as she returns to her Teacher -Librarian and Planning Time Teacher roles.  We are looking forward to working together with her again beginning on February 6th.

Vive l’hiver!  Vive le Carnaval!

On Friday, February 3rd, we will have our Winter Carnaval for grades one to six.  This is a full day event, with many outdoor activities.  Please dress your child appropriately on this day.  The plan is to be outside most of the day. If you can help volunteer it would be most appreciated!  If you can spare an hour or two, let the office know, or contact M. Elrick at [email protected].

Also, each family at Victory is asked to bring a block of ice to make sculptures.  Imagine filling a bucket half way with water, adding some blue KoolAid, and leaving it outside overnight!  Now that’s a neat block of ice!  Any size or shape or colour is welcome.  Please bring the block of ice and leave it by the creative play structure at the beginning of the day on February 3rd.

Thank you!

Kindergarten Winter Carnival

The Kindergarten Winter Carnival will take place on February 9th from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Please help us by freezing some containers (e.g. empty yogurt, margarine or sour cream containers) with coloured water and bringing them on the morning of Feb 9^th. You can give them to the educators at the Kindie gate. Also, if you would like to volunteer for this event please let a kindergarten staff member know.

ECO Team

The ECO Team continues to work hard with battery collection.  This challenge continues throughout the year.  Please continue to send in batteries and ensure that button cell and 9V batteries have been taped.  Thank you for all of your help!  Two important upcoming dates: February 3rd is Sweater Day (indoor temperature will be turned down by 2 degrees) and February 1st is Winter Walk to School Day.  Lots of UGDSB schools participated in Walk to School Day in October. Did you know that there is also a walk to school day in February? Let’s keep the momentum going!  February 1st is Winter Walk Day across Canada. It’s the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to get outside together and stretch those legs! Walk to school or at school for daily physical activity, a healthier environment, safer streets, making friends and…having fun! Walking helps kids get those 60 minutes of daily physical activity they need. It’s also a great cure for those winter blues and helps students concentrate better in class.

As a parent you can help your child learn about walking or riding to school safely:

• Be a good role model. Demonstrate road safety rules with your child (e.g. looking both ways when crossing the street).
• Plan a walking or riding route. Assess potential hazards with your child. Encourage your child to stick to the route.
• Remind your child about personal safety. Point out the houses of people you know where they can go for help if needed.
• Adopt a buddy system. Walk with a “walking buddy” – a sibling or a friend.
• Ask that electronics like iPods and cellphones be put in their bag while walking to school. Pedestrian safety is compromised by texting, earphones and cellphone conversation.
• Talk about the rules of the road and pedestrian safety.

Let’s Go Green Everyone!

Term 1 Report Cards

Report cards will be accessible online on February 16th, 2023

Pink Shirt Day

On February 22nd we will be celebrating Pink Shirt Day.  Staff and students are encouraged to wear anything pink and discussions of inclusion and standing up against bullying will be taking place.

Lockdown Drills

This month and early next month we will be having two lockdown drills.  These are mandatory in all UGDSB schools as a preventative measure.  Teachers will be discussing the drills with classes in an age appropriate way prior to the drills.

Allergies

The issue of students with allergies and anaphylaxis (severe reactions to allergies) has been a concern in schools for many years.  Some allergic reactions can be mild, while others can be life-threatening if appropriate measures are not taken promptly.  Our Victory community has been very supportive in helping all students have a safe and inclusive learning environment.  We appreciate your continued support in this area.

Vehicle Traffic Around Victory

We have noticed an increase in traffic congestion around the school in recent weeks. Wherever possible, we encourage families to enjoy the fresh air and exercise that comes with walking to and from school.

If you are dropping off or picking up your child by car, please respect the No Parking and No Stopping signs on streets adjacent to Victory. Some streets allow parking on one side only, and some have restrictions for stopping during school hours. Parking is allowed on some side streets and on the laneway along Exhibition Park.  Although this means a few extra minutes of walking time, we request that drivers make the safer choice by parking or stopping in these locations.

Please do not park in the bus parking zone or on the street directly across from this zone.

If you are picking up a child during the school day, we remind you to check in at the office. Please remember that the only door open during instructional hours is the one facing Exhibition Street.  Thank you!

Safe Arrival Program

If your child is going to be away, please phone the school at 519-822-6931 and let us know, stating the reason for absence.  Please remember that if a student is too ill to participate in the outdoor recess sessions, he/she/they should not be attending school that day.

Fun and Safety in the Snow

We have been delighted to see students playing outside in the winter – getting fresh air, exercise, and having so much fun!  We monitor the weather conditions including the wind chill factor when deciding if we will be going outdoors for recess.  Please ensure your child is always prepared with clothing for outdoors play.

To adventurous and creative children, snow is the ultimate plaything, but it can also be dangerous. Every year children who live in northern climate zones are injured or killed while playing in snow. Here are some tips to stay safe:

• Do not tunnel into snow banks, or build roofed snow forts. Tunnels can collapse, trapping and suffocating children.
• Do not play around roadside snow banks. Snow plow operators and other drivers may not see youngsters playing near the road, or be able to control their vehicle in a sudden stop.
• Do not play under roof lines – falling snow and icicles can cause serious injury.
• Young children should always be supervised when playing outside.
• Older children who can play outside independently should always be with a friend who can call for help.
• Check with an adult before venturing onto rivers, lakes, streams or ponds.
• Wear a helmet when tobogganing, and avoid hills with hazards such as trees, fences and rocks.
• Do not slide down snow banks in the parking lot.  This is not a safe area to play.

Lost and Found

Our Lost and Found box is filling up again! If your child is missing any articles of clothing, please ask him/her/them to take a look in our Lost and Found box.

Lost items will be displayed in the lower level hallway during the first week of February. Unclaimed items will be donated to charity.

Inclement Weather Information

This winter has been one of unpredictable weather. To keep in touch with bus cancellations and the occasional school closure during or after severe weather, please visit the Upper Grand District School Board web-site at www.ugdsb.on.ca. For bus information, scroll to the bottom on the page and click on ‘Bus Cancellations’. This is also announced on local radio stations:  1460 AM CJOY and 106.1 FM CIMJ. These stations provide regular updates, throughout the day, of local weather conditions and any school bus/taxi operating problems as well as school closures.  By Board policy, it is the parent’s responsibility to determine whether or not it is safe for their children to leave for school in inclement or severe weather.

New to Canada

Immigration Services in Guelph Wellington offer many great programs for our newcomer families.  If you know of a family that may benefit from this please pass the link along.

https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=dd052ee49d6fbf18d8a2cbc57&id=469a2dadda

Volunteers and the Protection of Privacy

Many parents and guardians help us daily by volunteering in classrooms, library and on field trips.  Their role is one of partnership with the employees of the Upper Grand District School Board.  In this helping capacity, it is understood that everyone in our school will follow the terms and conditions related to security and confidentiality of personal information, according to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  We welcome volunteer assistance whenever possible, and remind visitors that the confidentiality of any information heard or seen within the school must be respected. We also ask that photos aren’t posted on social media when taken during school events.  Please remember to ensure that you have submitted a recent (within 6 months) vulnerable sectors check and completed the Volunteer Information form prior to your volunteer day.

UGConnect Mobile App

Stay connected to your school with UGConnect

UGConnect is an easy way for parents/guardians to stay connected to their child’s school. It’s a one-stop resource for parents to find important information about their child’s school and the school board.

UGConnect has a number of handy features, including up-to-date information about school news, event calendars, and school closures. Push notifications will alert parents to new information in real time.

Parents can access and manage their SchoolCashOnline account through the app in a fully secure environment. UGConnect also ensures that board-wide news and your school’s social media accounts are right at your fingertips.

UGConnect is one of many ways that UGDSB staff work to keep parents informed.

Stay in the know…on the go!

http://launch.customschoolapp.net/uppergrand/ 

Concussion outside of school hours

A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. It can affect a student’s performance in both school work and physical activities. Rest is very important after a concussion because it helps the brain heal. While a child has a suspected or diagnosed concussion, full participation in school academic and physical activities can worsen symptoms and make for a longer recovery period.

In the best interest of your child, parents and guardians are requested to contact the principal when a suspected or diagnosed concussion occurs outside of school hours (i.e. during outdoor play, sports, or a car accident). The principal will work with you to develop a plan for an individualized, gradual return to full participation in school activities. For more information, visit www.ugdsb.on.ca/concussions.

Pediculosis (Head Lice)

Winter weather often brings along an increase in the number of reported cases of pediculosis (head lice) and this year is no different across the city.   Regularly checking your child for nits or lice is one of the best ways to avoid them spreading. If you find lice in your child’s hair, we highly encourage parents to treat it with an approved treatment, and bring them back to school when all signs of lice are gone.

More information about head lice is available at:

http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/head lice

Engaging Your Child in Science at Home!

As parents we have the wonderful opportunity and responsibility for nurturing our children’s growth.  Parents play a key role in the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of their child. As parents we can usually find time to read a story to our children, thereby instilling a love of literature, but we are often at a loss as to how to instill a love and appreciation for Science. Science encourages problem solving skills, curiosity and questioning, creative and critical thinking, observational skills and reinforces both literacy and math skills….and it’s FUN! Here are some ideas for fostering scientific skills in your children.

6 Tips to foster Scientific Thinking at Home

1-See science everywhere. Parents can take opportunities to ask “What would happen if …?” questions or present brainteasers to encourage children to be curious and seek out answers. Children need to know that science isn’t just a subject, but it is a way of understanding the world around us.

2-Lead family discussions on science-related topics. Dinnertime might be an ideal time for your family to have discussions about news stories that are science based, like space shuttle missions, severe weather conditions, or new medical breakthroughs. Over time, children will develop a better understanding of science and how it affects many facets of our lives. Movies and TV shows with science-related storylines are also great topics for discussion.

3-Encourage girls and boys equally. Many girls are left out of challenging activities simply because of their gender. Be aware that both girls and boys need to be encouraged and exposed to a variety of subjects at a very early age.

4-Do science together. Children, especially elementary-age children, learn better by investigating and experimenting. Simple investigations done together in the home can bolster what your child is learning in the classroom. Check with your child’s teacher on what your child is currently learning in class and what activities you can explore at home.

5-Connect science with a family vacation. Family vacations are a great way to explore science. It could be a hiking trip where you explore nature or a discussion on tides during a beach vacation.

6-Show excitement for Science!.

Moving?

If you know that you will be moving out of our school area before the end of June, or during the summer months, please call us at 519-822-6931.  This information helps us with our school organization and classroom planning for September, 2023. Thank you!

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner – use recycled materials to create your cards this year! 

Categories: News