We have a Blog! Page 2

Important Dates Page 2

Eco, Basketball & Music Page 3

Literacy: Questioning Page 5

Music Update/EQAO Info. Page 6

School Council Page 9

March 2016 Glenn Gould Public School

675 Vellore Park Ave Vaughan, ON L4H 0G5 Phone: 905-417-4517

Fax: 905-417-4540

Ms. H. Kardassopoulos

Principal

Mrs. A. Bruno Vice-Principal

Mrs. A. Lombardo E.O.A.A.

Mrs. R. Costa Secretary

GG Website: www.glenn.gould.ps@

yrdsb.ca

Mr. D. Legere Lead Caretaker

Mr. M. Del Casale Mr. J. Millen Mr. J. Ryan

Caretakers

Mrs. Linda Aversa Trustee

647-462-0921

Mr. Paul Valle

Superintendent CEC West

905-764-6830

Stacy Dimitropoulos

School Council Chair

Tina Gandhi School Council Co-Chair

Inside This Issue…..

YORK REGION DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD

Administrators’ Message Many years ago British scholar and educa-tor James Britton wrote, “Reading and writ-ing float on a sea of talk”. This evokes a powerful image of the role that oral lan-guage plays in learning. Researchers in education, for the past few decades, have demonstrated to educators that students who speak and listen well are more likely to become good readers and writers(Ontario Ministry of Education, 2006) A student’s ability to effectively communicate (i.e., speak and actively listen) with his/her peers and adults impacts both his/her learning and his/her social relationships. The social conventions for oral language vary according to context. The manner in which students listen, speak with and re-spond to friends differs from how they might carry on a conversation with peers in more formalized settings, such as discus-sion groups in a classroom setting. The students are learning to listen to one an-other. One of the factors that influences the interpretation of a message is body lan-guage. Both auditory and visual cues im-pact on the meaning of what is being said, so students need to be able to interpret these messages. Intonation (i.e., tone of voice), gestures and eye contact “contribute to, shape or change the mean-ing of a message.” The statement “You can play with us...” means something vastly different if accompanied by the rolling of eyes. Unintentionally the message may come across as meaning “No we don’t want you to play!” As we work with stu-dents to help them understand oral lan-guage, you can do the same at home. Here are some suggested tips:

Place value on attentive listening (e.g., use body language to indicate that you are paying attention to a speaker or paraphrasing what you heard to con-firm understanding

Body language is something that you can practice at home with your child. This includes discussing the meaning of different body postures, facial expressions, tone of voice and eye contact. For example, children often find it easy to say what is ex-pected of them, but if their feelings conflict with what they are saying; body language will oppose their words. Body language that contradicts verbal com-munication includes: Unfriendly body posture or gesture (e.g., arms crossed) and high pitched or a strained tone of voice.

As educators it is our role to support stu-dents in resolving conflicts and provide them the tools to respond in effective ways. Effective communication is at the core of their learning and we need to teach them these skills in the classroom and out-side. We also need to help students manage their emotions during the conflict proc-ess. This is not always easy when your child comes home extremely upset with a situation that occurred at school, as it can be emotional for child and parent alike. Some of the important life skills we want to teach our children is self-advocacy, resilience, confidence, and independence. To support children in de-veloping these skills and to resolve issues in an appropriate way requires listening to our child and asking many questions. At the school, this is our first plan of ac-tion. Second, ask your child to provide as much detail as possible (e.g., Did you tell a teacher? What did you tell the teacher? Who was with you? What did the teacher say? When you got to the office what hap-pened? Then what happened? etc.). This often helps in understanding the bigger picture or getting the entire story from your children and in the process you teach them how to become more effective communica-tors.

(Ontario Ministry of Education, 2006a)

Glenn Gould P.S. Page 2

Glenn Gould Public School has a Blog!

Our school is proud to announce that Glenn Gould Public School now has a Blog! We will post news, notices, re-minders and school happenings on a regular basis on the blog. All you have to do is log in once, add your email address and it will automatically email you every time something new has been posted. The blog also features Google translate which allows you to access the information in your first language. Please visit our blog at:

glenngouldyrdsb.blogspot.ca

Add your email address here and hit

submit! Do this one time and get

every post emailed straight to you! Hit select language and pick

your first language. It will

automatically translate our

post into your first language!

Important Dates

March

14-18 March Break

25 and 28 Good Friday and Easter - No School

30 Regional Parent Symposium

Grade 8

Graduation

Photos

March 2, 2016

Boys please wear a

white shirt.

April

6 EQAO Night for Families

7 Welcome to Kindergarten Night

To report your child’s absence, Please call our

Attendance Line

(905) 417 - 4517

Option #7

Leave a message at any time!

Glenn Gould P.S Page 3

ECO Corner Boys Intermediate Basketball

March is an exciting month for the Eco Team. Join the fun by celebrating Earth Hour at home.

On Saturday, March 19th

turn off your lights from 8:30-9:30 p.m.

Earth Hour is a simple way to show that you want to be a part of the solution as it sends a powerful message that together we can make a difference. Together we can reduce energy consumption. Plan ahead and collect flashlights or candles and make it a fun night playing a board game or cards. Glenn Gould will be doing our part on Thursday, March 24th by turning off all non-essential power for one hour.

The Fruit Stand fundraiser was a great success!

We exceeded our goal of $150. Thank you for your support. The students enjoyed fresh, juicy clementines and bananas which are excellent healthy snacks that fuel our bodies. A big thank you to the Carpino family for their generous fruit donation.

The Boys Intermediate Basketball Team came together in December. Students making up the team were: Shahen (Team Captain), Abdullah, Fozil, Ched, Samir, Thanoj, Jordan, Mbretjon, Yusuf, Kishanth, Nur, Met, Amir, Andi, and Henry. The team worked hard during January and February to prepare itself for the Area Tournament, held on February 24th, at Tommy Douglas S.S. Unfortu-nately, organizers neglected to consult Mother Nature, and inclement weather saw the tournament cancelled, only to be suddenly re-scheduled for Thursday, Feb 25th. Initial confusion in hand, the Boys fought a tough game against an extremely talented Teston Village (who went on to take 4th place overall). Their next game was a must win scenario and the Boys fought incredibly hard, and walked away with a tie. Tie-breaker procedures were im-plemented and the Boys ended up on the losing end, thus ending the season. The coach (Mr. Le Neve) would like to thank the boys for their hard work and playmanship. They showed that they were made of sterner stuff in their final game. It was a tough way to lose but a great game.

Try-outs for the Intermediate Girls Basketball Team began in December with the wrap up of the Intermediate volleyball team. After a se-ries of try-outs in December and the beginning of January, the final team was selected. The team was represented by Joyce (Team Captain), Azana, Saba, Kathe-rine, Maliha, Tanisha, Sofiya, Pallavi, Hafsa, Manisha, Adiel and Visali. This season was a departure from prior sea-sons, with zone defense, double-teaming and full court presses being allowed. Suddenly the playing environment become very complicated. Time did not permit any exhibi-tion games; however, the girls showed up ready to play at the Tommy Douglas S.S. for the Area Tournament on Fri-day, February 26th. Along with 14 other elementary schools, the girls competed for the opportunity to appear at YRDSB Regional championship. Unfortunately, the rule changes and a rash of talented aggressive opposing play-ers made that goal unachievable, losing in pool play. How-ever, the girls had fun and were able to watch some great basketball. The coach (Mr. Le Neve) would like to thank the girls for their dedication, effort and spirit. It was a fun experience and a great deal of laughter.

Healthy Schools Girls Intermediate Basketball

Glenn Gould P.S Page 4

Public Health Announcement - Respiratory and Enteric Illness

Student absences have increased recently within several schools in York Region, related to illnesses with respiratory and enteric symptoms. To protect staff, students and families from getting ill, remember to: Stay at home when you are sick, and keep your child home if they are sick Keep healthy by eating healthy foods, being physically active and ensuring your immunizations are

up-to-date, including the seasonal flu shot Avoid close contact with people who are sic Wash your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and

water are not available Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand, and throw away used tissues immedi-

ately Avoid touching your face Clean and disinfect common surfaces Symptoms of respiratory and/or enteric illness can include:

Headache Chills Fever (over 38 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit) Muscle aches and fatigue Runny nose Sneezing Sore throat Watery eyes Loss of appetite Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea

If you or your child are sick and do not improve, contact your health care provider. Many viruses are commonly active at this time of year, for example norovirus and influenza (flu). Both viruses are very contagious and can be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces, such as door knobs or eating utensils. For more information, read the norovirus and flu fact sheets online at the following links: Norovirus fact sheet Flu fact sheet

Glenn Gould P.S Page 5

On February 18, we were visited by Junior Achievement and it was amazing. They taught our class about real-life experiences in the work place and how to work in a group. They also informed us that in a work space there are many people from different backgrounds and different cultures and we should respect their ideas and acknowledge each other. We were also taught not to put down somebody if we do not like their idea, but to help them enhance their knowledge and understanding about the topic. Mrs. Kala also told us about her own interesting experiences. Both of the instructors were very nice and helped us to understand how to work and respect everyone in a business place. By Zain S., Grade 6 Student

Literacy Corner: Questioning Questioning is a critical reading strategy that helps readers make meaning of literature by promoting critical thinking about what is being read. Questioning occurs as a natural part of your child’s reading routine in the classroom and at home. Children are encouraged to pose, discuss, and answer questions before, during and after reading. Questions can be answered by the child individually, after discussion with others, or in collaboration with a peer.

The following chart is a sample of what your child is seeing and learning in their classrooms in order to ask 3 different types of questions before, during, and after they read.

In our classrooms, we are focussing on inferential and critical questions in order to guide students to be able to make strong inferences while they read and to be able to think critically about different texts.

Juniour Achievement Visits the Grade 6 Students

Literal Questions

“On the line”

“Put your finger on it”

Inferential Questions

“Between the lines”

Critical Questions

“Beyond the lines”

A question where the answer is directly stated in the text.

A question where the answer needs you to think about what the author is implying by using:

picture clues

text clues

background knowledge

A question where the answer needs you to make a judgment or express a personal opinion using evidence from the text.

Question Starters: What are the elements of the story?

What are the problem and solu-tion in the text?

How are the characters alike or different?

What are the important facts?

Question Starters: What was the main idea of the text?

Why do you think the character was motivated in his/her actions?

How does…affect others?

Why do you think the author wrote this text or used this picture?

What do you think the picture is trying to tell us?

Question Starters: What conclusions can you draw?

What judgments would you make about…?

What is the author’s message?

What is the author’s bias?

Whose voice is missing?

Glenn Gould P.S Page 6

On Wednesday, February 10, The Senior Concert Band won TWO awards at the Ontario Band Association's Concert Band Festival. This is festival is held for elementary and secondary schools across the province (public, private, Catholic). The ensemble played in front of two adjudicators who gave them a Gold rating and an invitation to MUSIC FEST NATIONALS in Ottawa, based on how well they played their two pieces. Mrs. Eriksen and Senior Concert Band also received a "Rising Star" award. This par-ticular award was only given out to 5 schools from all across Ontario and was awarded to them based on the high level of playing and their exceptionally mu-sical performance. A special thank you to our chaperones: Mrs. Black, Mrs. Morriera and Mr. Iafrate. CONGRATULATIONS to all members of the Senior Concert Band!

Music Update

EQAO Information Night for Parents of Students in Gr 3 or 6

Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 6:30—8:00 p.m.

Come out and learn: What is EQAO? How do you support your child(ren)? What is my child being tested on (in relation to the curriculum)? How is EQAO assessed?

More information to follow.

Once again we are asking for your cooperation with drop off and pick up of students. At Glenn Gould PS we stress SAFETY OVER CONVENIENCE. Our Kiss N’ Ride remains as your safest way to pick up and drop off your child(ren) as it is supervised by staff. A few reminders for Kiss N’ Ride:

Use the sidewalk ONLY for drop off and pick up

DO NOT leave your car

Have bags and nap sacks on child’s laps to ensure a quick drop off Parents are expected to follow the direction of staff wearing yellow vests. Parents who choose not to use the Kiss N’ Ride are asked to follow street parking by-laws and to respect our neighbours by NOT BLOCKING DRIVEWAYS. Your required cooperation is appreciated.

Traffic Concerns

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Spring is around the corner and with that comes some “Spring Cleaning”! This is the time of year when overdue, lost or damaged book notices begin to come home to re-mind us of past library books that were checked-out, but remain missing from our collection. Please have a look at home with your children to locate any library books that need to be returned to the school. When books are lost or badly damaged, the child will be issued a replacement notice where they are required to pay to replace the missing copy, or they will need to provide a replacement with an exact duplicate of the book. Be proactive by searching for and returning any library books you may find lying around at home before a notice is issued! Students will have a chance to select library books prior to the March Break to ensure they have reading material to read over the week long break. March Break is also a good time to visit the local public library, like the Pierre Berton resource Library. You can par-ticipate in a March Break program, check-out additional reading material, access digital resources, or to simply sign-up for a membership. Daily independent reading and partici-pation in literacy activities should remain a part of the March Break. Many new books have recently been ordered for our library collection. Once the books arrive, they will be processed and prepared for our shelves. We have purchased many new “Big Books” for shared reading in primary grades, new titles from much loved au-thors (e.g., Rick Riordian, Robert Munsch, Abby Klein), and are working to replace some worn “overly loved” books as well. We look forward to our new additions and to continu-ing to add to our library collection in the coming months.

Library Corner

Glenn Gould P.S Page 8

Glenn Gould P.S. is accepting online

payments through School Cash ONLINE! Step 1: Register

Click on the School Cash Online button on our school’s website at

http://glenngould.ps.yrdsb.ca/ and select the “Get Started Today” button.

Complete each of the three Registration Steps

*For Security Reasons your password, requires 8 characters,

one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter and a number.

Step 2: Confirmation Email

A registration confirmation email will be automatically forwarded to

you. Click on the link provided inside the email to confirm your email

and School Cash Online account. The confirmation link will open the

School Cash Online site prompting you to sign into your account. Use

your email address and password just created with your account.

Step 3: Find Student NOTE: A STUDENT NUMBER IS REQUIRED This step will connect your children to your account.

Enter the School Board Name

Enter the School Name

Enter Your Child’s Student # and Last Name

Select Continue

On the next page confirm that you are related to the child, check in the

Agree box and select Continue

Your child has been added to your account

Step 4: View Items or Add Another Student

If you have more children, select “Add Another Student” option and

repeat the steps above. 5 children can be added to one parent account.

If you do not wish to add additional children, select “View Items For Students” option. A listing of available items for pur-

chase will be displayed.

NEED HELP? If you require assistance, select the GET HELP option in the top right hand corner of the screen or contact School Cash Online – Parent Help Desk at 1-866-961-1803.

Next Council Meeting: April 21, 2016 tentative date

School Council Newsletter

Spring is in the air!

With spring upon us, so is our Spring Fling Dance-a-thon. Our school dance-a-thon is not only a way for

school council to raise funds, it is also an opportunity to have our students shake off the winter blues and

keep active. As an added incentive, the class that raises the most funds per division will receive a free

pizza lunch. If we reach our goal of $5000 then the student who raised the most money will have an op-

portunity to be Principal for the day.

All funds raised are used to support our school in a variety of ways including purchasing technology such

as laptops, iPads, SmartBoards for the classrooms. We are asking that each student contribute a mini-

mum of $5 but please feel free to raise as much as you can. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Our second fundraiser for March is Pizza Lunch. Session 2 of pizza commences April 1st. As part of a

board wide mandate, we are moving towards only accepting online payments for pizza lunch. Reminder

emails and forms were sent home with instructions on how to register for School Cash Online. Please en-

sure that you have registered your children for School Cash Online to continue participating in future Pizza

Lunch Fridays. Pizza and a larger variety of snacks will continue to be sold each Friday in the Kitchenette

between 12:45-1:05. Cash only will be accepted.

SCHOOL COUNCIL HAPPENINGS

Spring Fling Dance-a-Thon

Our spring dance-a-thon will take place on Thursday March 10th. Pledge forms are due Wednesday March 9

th.

Pizza Lunch Fridays

Now selling pizza on Fridays!

Pizza orders for session 2 are due on March 4th.

Visit yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com to place your order. Pizza and snacks continue to be sold every Friday in the kitchenette between 12:45-1:05. Please send exact change. Prices are as follows: Cheese Slice $2.50, Juice $1.00, Snack Bag $1.50, Cookie $1.25 Important Dates for the Month of March: March 4, Pizza Lunch & Due date for pre-orders of pizza lunch session 2 March 9- Due date for dance-a-thon pledge forms March 10- Spring Fling Dance-a-thon

School Council

Chair: Stacy Dimitropoulos Co-Chair: Tina Gandhi Treasurer: Priya Shah Secretary: Susy Moreira

Pizza Lunch Lead: Aish Hasan Fundraising Lead: Trisha Sankarsingh

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