may newsletter

Cooperation: We work together towards shared goals and purposes.

Spring Break - May 19 to May 23, 2014

May Character Trait

ERNEST CUMBERLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

May 2014

Cumberland Chronicle

Mrs. Aileen Ross, Principal Mr. Michael Wilson, Vice Principal

A reminder to all of our families that our May Break will take place from May 19-23, 2014. We hope that everyone has a safe and happy break.

School resumes Monday, May 26, 2014

EQAO Testing—-Grades 3 & 6 May 27 to June 5

EQAO stands for Education Quality and Accountability Office and is the provincial agency that designs and tests Grade 3 and Grade 6 students in reading, writing and mathematics. Grade 6 provincial assessment will run on May 27, 28, 29 & 30. The following week, the Grade 3 provincial assessment will begin. It will run on June 2, 3, 4 & 5.

The EQAO tests give parents, teachers, principals and school boards information about how well students have learned the Ontario curriculum in reading, writing and mathematics.

The provincial standard is based upon The Ontario Curriculum for the students in Grades 3 and 6. The curriculum tells us where students should be at each level in their education. If your child isn’t working at the level they should be, EQAO testing can tell you and teachers what subjects to concentrate on. The tests do not count as part of a student’s mark. Students with special needs and some other students may receive special accommodations to help them with the tests. In some cases, certain students may be exempt.

Teachers have different initiatives to prepare their students for the EQAO test. Classroom teachers are helping to prepare their students for the test. There is no special preparation for the tests because they are testing skills in reading, compre-hension and writing that have been built up over time.

The scheduled dates are May 27 to June 5, 2014. We ask that you ensure your children are attending school on these dates, Please do not book ap-

pointments or vacations during this important time.


Kindergarten Registration

There is still time to register for Junior or Senior Kindergarten for next year. A Junior Kindergarten program is available in the Simcoe County District School Board for those who wish to attend. If your child was born in 2010, he/she is eligible to attend Junior Kindergarten this August. We greatly appreciate it when you register early. It makes it much easier to de-termine staffing and class allotments. JK’s, already attending our school, do not need to register for SK. However, children born in 2009, who are not attending our JK, do need to register for SK. Remember to attend the “Welcome to Kindergarten” session on May 7, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. with your child. You will have the opportunity to take part in interactive activities with your child in our classroom settings and discov-er how children learn best. We hope to see you and your child at this informa-tive meeting and look forward to preparing your child for the year ahead..

AUPS Closing Celebration - Thu, Jun 12, 2014

Full Day Kindergarten Construction

Please join us for the closing celebration of Alliston Union Public School, 25 Albert Street West, Alliston from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. There will be a silent auction, test drive a Ford and recycle your scrap metal to support the new school, games and activities for the kids, food, music and much, much more!

We’re excited to introduce the Full-Day Kindergarten Program at our school next year. To prepare for the program, there’s some construction work that needs to take place. We’d like to provide you with some information about what to expect. Our school will receive an addition and minor renovations. The construction has begun and the construction traffic has been routed through part of the kin-dergarten yard to the south of the building. You may have noticed the area has been fenced off. The construction traffic will not be accessing the property dur-ing student entry and dismissal times. The area where the construction is taking place will be sealed off from the rest of the school. We expect the construction to continue through the summer, and the new rooms should be ready for August 2014 for our new Kindergarten students.


Attendance Area Changes for 2014-15

With the New Alliston Union Public School opening in the fall of 2014, the attendance area for Ernest Cum-berland Elementary School will be changing. Please see the map below. You can view a colour copy at the school or on-line at: http://scdsb.on.ca/Schools/Lists/Schools/Attachments/11/Ernest-Cumberland-Attendance-Area-Changes-2014.pdf This will affect the families who currently attend ECES and live in the Devonleigh sub division.

School’s in for Summer


The Preparatory Program in summer school is where students can improve their Numeracy skills in an interactive and engaging environment. Students entering grades 7, 8, or 9 in September 2014 may be interested in attending summer school in order to prepare for the up-coming school year. The pro-gram runs Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, August 11-22, 2013. Sum-mer school sites are established in six locations throughout the county and lim-ited busing is available. Please visit www.student.scdsb.on.ca to access the online registration tool or contact your child’s teacher or school administrative staff for registration forms and information. You can also contact your local learning centre or visit www.thelearningcentres.com for more information.

Children’s Mental Health Week

Children’s Mental Health Week is May 4 to 10. One in five Ontario children and youth struggle with mental health concerns - that's about 500,000 kids. Chil-dren's mental health week is about promoting positive mental health, increasing the awareness of signs related to child and youth struggling with mental health problems, decreasing stigma and understanding how to access community supports that are available to improve well-being. For more information, visit http://www.kidsmentalhealth.ca/.

Our grade 7 and 8 students are walking on May 9th at 11:00 a.m. to raise awareness regarding Mental Health in Children and Adolescents and to de-crease the stigma associated with Mental Health concerns. We will be walking along the sidewalks of the main street in Alliston with the youth from our local elementary schools and with assistance from the Link crew from Banting Memorial High School, and other volunteers. The meeting places are G.A. Wright Field and Alliston Union Public School. Students and walkers are gathering at these locations at 10:30 a.m. to begin the walk at 11:00 a.m. We will walk to the Band Stand in the park where activities will take place and refreshments will be served thanks to the generous donations from McDonalds, Sobey’s and Zehrs.

Autism Parent Resource Kit

Please visit our website www.ern.scdsb.on.ca to access the Autism Parent Re-source Kit. It is a Government of Ontario publication.


Education Week - May 5 to 9, 2014

Education Week, May 5 to 9, is a province-wide celebration of student achieve-ment and excellence in education. It is an opportunity to recognize the work and accomplishments of Ontario’s publicly-funded schools. The theme for 2014, as set out by the Ontario government, is Achieving Excellence in Education. Many schools host special events during Education Week. Our school will be cele-brating this week by hosting the Welcome to Kindergarten session on May 7and the Mental Health Walk on May 9.

We are also working in celebration with Alliston Union Public School to bring a speaker, Sherry Campbell, to talk about supporting children’s resiliency to life’s set backs on May 5, 2014. Please see the flyer on page 13.

Proposed 2014-2015 School Year Calendars

On the SCDSB website (http://www.scdsb.on.ca/Schools/Pages/School-Year-Calendars.aspx) under ‘Schools’ – ‘School Year Calendars’, you will find the proposed 2014-2015 School Year Calendars, pending Ministry approval. These calendars were approved by the Board on February 26 (Modified Calendar) and March 26 (Regular Calendar), for submission to the Ministry of Education. They are awaiting final approval by the Ministry of Education (usually around the be-ginning of May).

Information Night for Newcomers to Canada

Have you recently arrived to Canada? Do you have children attending elemen-tary or high school? The Simcoe County District School Board’s Newcomer Welcome Centre is hosting an information night for parents who are new to Canada to assist them in navigating the Ontario education system and support-ing their child in school. The information evening takes place on May 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Barrie Learning Centre (located in the Bayfield Mall, 320 Bay-field St. in Barrie). For more information about the Newcomer Welcome Centre, visit http://www.thelearningcentres.com/learning-centres-programs/newcomer-welcome-centre or call 705-725-8360 x45151.

Parents: Boost your understanding of High School

Starting high school is a big deal for students, and for parents. Parent involve-ment is still important at high school. Students need their parents to transition to a mentorship role. Simcoe County District School Board high schools are full of caring adults who, like you, want the best for your child. We want to partner with you to help your child find their pathway to happiness and success. Find out more about high school at www.scdsb.on.ca/highschool. There you’ll find a copy of A Parent’s Guide to High School. You’ll also find links to information about the various programs and courses students have access to at SCDSB high schools.


Front Door will be Locked During School Day

Our front doors will be locked during the school day starting September 2, 2014. Last summer, front door intercom and video technology was installed at our school. The same technology was installed at all elementary schools in our school board. The technology was funded by the Ontario Government as part of a program called Safe Welcome. The intention is for all elementary schools in Ontario to have front entrance doors locked during the school day. We plan to start using the system September 2, 2014. Our doors will be locked during class time only. To access the building during this time, you will need to ring the buzzer. Staff in the office will be checking the monitor and buzzing visi-tors in. It’s one more way we can monitor who is visiting our school. It will help us ensure all visitors sign in at the office. Our primary teachers will be showing their classes the new technology—we are

calling it a doorbell. We will also make an announcement for all students so they

know they will need to use the doorbell if they arrive late for school, or return to

school after an appointment. We wanted to make sure you were aware of this

security enhancement at our school. As always, if you have any questions,

please contact the principal.

How to become a School Board Trustee

A new Board of Trustees will be elected during the 2014 Municipal Elections on Oct. 27, 2014. Public school supporters who would like to become a Simcoe County District School Board Trustee can submit their nomination papers at the lead municipal office now. Information on running for Trustee, including a list of areas and lead offices, is available at www.scdsb.on.ca. Click on ‘Board’ and ‘2014 Election’. Trustees are directly accountable to the community. They: • maintain a focus on student achievement and well-being, and participate in

making decisions that benefit the entire board • establish policy direction • annually approve the budget to ensure that financial resources are allocat-

ed to achieve the desired results • prepare for and participate in all committee and board meetings • respond to the concerns of parents and others • The Simcoe County District School Board has 11 elected trustees and one First

Nation Trustee appointed by the Chippewa's of Rama and Beausoleil First Na-

tions. The First Nation Trustee alternates every four years. Chippewa's of Ra-

ma First Nation will appoint the next First Nation Trustee.


Permissions & Informed Consent

Permissions and Informed Consent - Social workers in schools The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all students. Consistent with that goal, the SCDSB provides consultation and counselling services on-site by both SCDSB employed registered social workers as well as approved community service agencies for students in both elementary and secondary schools. These support services are governed under the guidelines of the Education Act, Child and Family Services Act (CFSA), Personal Health Information Act (PHIPA), SCDSB’s APM A8550, Protocol for Collaborative Agreements with External Agencies or Individual Practitioners in the Areas of Regulated Health Professionals and Paraprofessionals and Regulated Social Service Profession-al and Paraprofessionals, as well as the Ontario Ministry of Education’s PPM 149, Protocol for Partnerships and External Agencies for Provision of Services by Regulated Health Professionals. Consistent with age-of-consent guidelines as laid out in the CFSA, a student 12 years-of-age and older can provide informed consent as to whether he/she wishes parent/guardian/caregiver be informed and involved in the process how-ever, the student’s wishes will prevail. As a best-practice, SCDSB social work-ers and community partners are expected to encourage students to involve their parent/guardian/caregiver in the process. For students 11 years-of-age and un-der, parent/guardian/caregiver informed consent is required prior to any service being provided to a student, regardless of provider. Personal health information (subject to limitations as set out on the consent form), may only be shared with SCDSB staff who are working directly with the student (i.e. classroom teacher, principal, guidance counsellor, etc.) on a limited ‘need to know’ basis. The SCDSB collects and uses personal health information only as is reasonably necessary for the purpose of planning and delivery of ed-ucational programs and services. Please contact the school principal if you would like additional information about the services available to support your child. A copy of the SCDSB’s PHIPA Statement is available on request through the school as well as posted on the SCDSB’s website (www.scdsb.on.ca).

First Rider Program

Due to the construction at Ernest Cumberland the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium has had to move the location of the Firit Rider Pro-gram that is scheduled for August 13, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.. The location has been moved to the current Alliston Union school on 25 Albert Street West., same date and time.

School Council Meeting

Please join us for the next School Council Meeting on Monday, May 26, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. in the library.


Backwards Day - Friday, May 2, 2014

Shake up the day-to-day humdrum with Backward Day! Try walking back-wards, talking backwards, and doing everything the wrong way round.

Breakfast Club

The breakfast club is up and running. It is held in room 219 from 9:15 to 9:30 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning. It will be a simple break-fast, cereal, milk and fruit.

Keep This Date Open - Sat. May 10, 2014

Keep this date open for the 2nd Annual ECES Spring Fling. It will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Again this year it will include a student talent show, silent auction, yard sale, BBQ lunch for sale, Mr. Rapin’s Outdoor Fun, Animal Information Session by Lansilot Acres and many more surprises!

Canadian Tire Money

We are accepting donations of Canadian Tire Money that will be used to pur-chase activity toys for students to play with during activity breaks..

Next Step: Literacy Council of South Simcoe

Next Step, the Literacy Council of South Simcoe provides free skills upgrades for adults seeking employment, greater independence, high school credit, post-secondary credit and apprenticeships. We also help brush up skills for entrance tests such as the police force and the Armed Forces. Need computer skills? We do that too. Call 705 435-5624, or visit Next Step across from the Circle Thea-tre.


Jump Rope for Heart 2014

Ernest Cumberland is taking part in the Heart & Stroke Jump Rope for Heart event this year. Jump Rope for Heart is a unique and fun event from the Heart and Stroke Foundation that gets our kids physically active and raises vital funds to reduce the devastating effects of heart disease and stroke.

Students have brought home their pledge packages on April 15th and they are due back Friday May 2nd. Our goal is to raise $8000.00 as a school community to help this worthy cause.

In Heart & Stroke Jump Rope for Heart, students participate in fun skipping and jumping challenges. Leading up to event day, kids are encouraged to raise funds (pledges) and in return earn thank you prizes for their individual fundrais-ing efforts. Each student is given a collection envelope they can use to raise pledges from family, friends, and neighbours. For safety reasons, we suggest students do NOT go door-to-door. All distributed pledge envelopes must be re-turned—even if no pledges are received.

We are collecting the money prior to the event, so that the incentive order can be placed and received before the event. This will enable us to distribute the prizes to the students at the completion of the event.

Now Students can fundraise online at JumpRopeForHeart.ca! Sponsors donat-ing online will receive an automatic tax receipt and a $5 kick start to their fund-raising.

Our Heart & Stroke Jump Rope for Heart Event Day is on May 13, 2014. Spon-sor sheet and Collected Pledges must be returned by: Monday May 5, 2014. Thank-you in advance for your support.

Safety on Wheels

Helmets for under 18 years old – it’s the law! But there is more to kids and wheels than helmets. Helmets do a great job of preventing head injuries in minor crashes and falls. To avoid having crashes, children also need:

• To know the rules of the road and how to watch for traffic.

• A bike with working brakes and inflated tires.

• Equipment that is the right size.

• To cycle in safe places – on the sidewalk until 10 years old and then only on streets with lower speed limits.

Safe riding and wheeling adults and older youth who are examples to learn from!


Dress Code

One of the things that always happen when spring arrives is that students get out their summer clothes. We see a significant increase in flip flops, tank tops, shorts and muscle shirts appearing in and around the school. We usually have to remind students that there are appropriate places for some items of clothing that they wear… but it may not be at school! For example; short shorts are not really appropriate at school. How short is short? Well, we don’t use a ruler to measure them but generally speaking if the tips of a student’s fingers extend below the hem of the shorts, then the shorts are probably too short. Tank tops and muscle shirts are acceptable to wear in Phys Ed class but they should not be worn outside of the gym. There is a myth that the “three finger rule” indicates if the straps on a top are more than three fingers wide the top is acceptable. Think lasagna straps not spaghetti. Our students have been told that the expecta-tion is that clothing provides “an uninterrupted line of clothing covering the body from the top of the shoulders to mid thigh”. Displaying undergarments is unacceptable and tops should have appropriate necklines that are not too revealing and there should not be inappropriate graphics or expressions on the top. The choice of footwear is somewhat more flexible, but it must be appropriate to the class. Sandals may be appropriate in Math class but they are not appropriate for Phys Ed or Science class.. If you have any questions or concerns, please refer to the diagram or contact the Principal or Vice Principal.

Are you moving?

We realize that it must seem early, but believe it or not, planning for the next school year has already begun! It is very helpful for us to have an accurate en-rolment projection. If you are moving in or out of our attendance area, please let us know as soon as possible. We appreciate your consideration as it really facilitates the organization of classes and staff allocation.


Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school May 7 –12, 2014. Students will have the opportunity to preview books along with scheduled class visits to purchase books during the week.

Please be a responsible Pet Owner

Every spring we look forward to melting snow and seeing grass again. If you are a typical dog owner then there is something else you see a lot of after snow melts… poop. It’s tempting to just leave it there; after all it’s biodegradable and just fertilizer, right? Did you know that in the Town of New Tecumseth you are responsible for the removal and sanitary disposal of any excrement? Should you fail to do this it could be enforced through a by-law that carries a fine. There are some really good reasons for owners to scoop.

Health Factors. A dog’s waste can expose humans to some pretty nasty conditions including; adenovirus, parvovirus, giardia, roundworm, whip-worm, tapeworm, hookworm, and coccidia. Children, especially, are susceptible to these diseases. Additionally, dog feces attract flies and other unwanted pests. Not to mention, it makes walking hazardous - who would want to slip in a pile and injure themselves?

Environmental Hazard: Spring run-off or heavy rainstorms dilute dog waste and wash it into streams and sewers. The dog waste contributes to the bacterial content of rivers, polluting parks and waterways, and degrading the natural environment for fish, wildlife and people. As society strives to be “green” dog waste is quickly becoming a large problem for urban centres.

Responsibility: If we all clean up after our dogs, public opinion of dogs and dog ownership will be much more positive. When you stoop and scoop, our school yard, sidewalks, and green spaces are much cleaner and therefore nicer for everyone to enjoy.

Effects on other pets: Parasites and some other viruses are transmitted from pet to pet through fecal matter. Your dog could contract something as serious as parvovirus or many different internal parasites from anoth-er dog’s mess. If everyone cleans up after their pets the spread of these organisms will be much less prevalent.

Student Drop Off and Pick up

Ernest Cumberland Elementary School aims to provide an open, welcoming and safe environment for all. We believe that all parents/guardians and volunteers play a valuable role in the life of the school.

We require all visitors in our school to follow our Safe School Procedures. This will assist in ensuring the safety and well being of our children, families and staff. All visitors are expected to report to the office upon entering the school to announce your presence and request assistance. Visitors to the School must sign in and out at the office and obtain a visitor tag. For the safety of everyone, we cannot have visitors in the halls or outside classrooms.

Lunches, clothing, homework, etc... that are dropped off at the school of-fice should be clearly labelled with your child’s full name and their class-room teacher’s name We will notify your child that their belongings are in the office for pick up at break times.

Messages for students: Please advise your child before school starts of

after school arrangements. After school arrangements need to made from home prior to school starting. If your child needs to stay after school unexpectedly he/she will be permitted to use the telephone.

Students arriving late: We have quite a number of students arriving late

and signing in at the office. Please remember that late students interrupt the class in progress as they enter the classroom and this is very disrup-tive to other students. Parents are asked to say good-bye to their chil-dren at the office. If the student is uncomfortable walking to their room alone, we will assist.

Picking up students during instructional time is also very disruptive to the

class and other students. As a courtesy to the teacher and classmates, please try to arrange pick up times during breaks (Morning: 11:10 - 11:50 and Afternoon: 1:30 - 2:10) If it is necessary for you to pick up your child, please come into the school office and your child will be called to meet you. You are required to sign your child “in” and “out” dur-ing school hours.

Dismissal time: Please be considerate at the 3:50 dismissal time and pick

up your child on time. The teachers and office staff are extremely busy at this time and cannot supervise children nor provide appropriate child care services.

Thank you for helping us with these practices and assisting us to lessen inter-ruptions in the classrooms and your child’s learning.

Cumberland Crusader

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is required by law to keep an up to date immunization record on file for every student who attends elementary or secondary school in Simcoe County and the District of Muskoka. Unfortunately the health unit does not receive immunization information directly from doctor’s offices, therefore parents need to contact the health unit each time students re-ceive a vaccine from their health care provider to update their record. If a stu-dent’s immunization record on file with the health unit is not up to date, the health unit will mail a notice requesting immunization information or proof of a valid exemption. If the information requested is not provided, the student may be suspended from school. If a student is due for immunizations, an appoint-ment can be made with their health care provider or at a health unit immuniza-tion clinic by contacting Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520. Parents can now provide updated immunization information to the health unit online at: www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/immsonline. For more information visit the immunization page on the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520. Do you or your child need an immunization, but do not have a family doctor?

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit offers immunization clinics in all local offices. It is important that you and your child keep your immunizations current. To book an appointment for an immunization clinic, please call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit


Sun Awareness

Sun protection is important for children. It only takes one bad sunburn in child-hood to increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Here are some sun safety tips: • Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Remember to apply

the sunscreen 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. Always follow label in-structions.

• Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin – nose, ears, back of neck, tops of feet, etc. Remember to reapply every 2-3 hours and after perspiring.

• Use a sunscreen even on cloudy, hazy or foggy days. • If possible, avoid being in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Harmful sun

rays are most intense at this time. • When outside look for shade, stay under a tree, or use an umbrella. • During outdoor activities, wear loose, long sleeved shirts and pants, a large-

brimmed hat and sunglasses. • Remember to apply SPF 15 lip balm.

Water is the #1 Beverage It is important for learning and concentration that students stay well hydrated. Children should be encouraged to drink water continuously throughout the day. Drinking fountains are not always accessible, so send water to school with your child every day. The benefits of hydration are not the same from pop, juice, fruit drinks/beverages. Water is the best option and should be encouraged.


West Nile Virus

Try to stay indoors when mosquitoes are most active (dusk to dawn). When you do go outside, wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and use a repellent. When using insect repellent be sure to follow the manufacturer’s rec-ommendations. When choosing a repellent, consider a product that meets your needs, and only use personal repellents that are registered in Canada. Never use a product la-beled as an insecticide on your body. Make sure you: • Read repellent label carefully before using • Apply the repellent sparingly on any exposed skin (not underneath cloth-

ing), • Avoiding your eyes. If you do get repellent in your eyes, rinse with water

immediately • Spray in well ventilated areas • Are not sensitive to a product by applying repellent to a small area on your

arm and waiting 24 hours If you suspect you or your child may be having a reaction to the repellent, stop using the product immediately, wash the treated area, and seek medical atten-tion.


Screen Free Week—May 5-11, 2014

Over the past few decades, Canadian homes have faced a screen invasion – television, video games, computers, and cellphones. Inactivity is linked with many health risks, so reducing screen time can help children maintain a healthy body weight, learn new skills, and increase self-confidence. Screen Free week challenges students and their families to stop watching TV, playing video games and surfing the internet for an entire week. It also encour-ages everyone to get moving and increase their physical activity. Children and youth should limit screen time to less than 2 hours each day. Find ways to be active at lunch or before and after school by:

• Walking or biking to school • Going for a family bike ride • Playing a game of tag at the park

Try unplugging from the screen and discover something new! For more information you can call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 and speak with a public health nurse or click on the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.



Quality Time Our days are so full, how do you find quality time with your child so they feel safe, secure, and loved? Quality time doesn’t have to be a long time! Spend frequent, small amounts of time with your child doing things you both enjoy. This can be a chat in the car, or a quick game of chase in the park. It is taking advantage of times together to be affectionate, show interest in your child, and teach new skills along the way. Your child will be more likely to show the same caring qualities to others. Some Ideas!

• When your child wants to show you something, stop what you are doing and pay attention. Your child will feel accepted and appreciated.

• Give your child physical attention – hugs, cuddles, high fives, and being close to you.

• Praise your child when he does something you would like to see more of. Descriptive praise helps children learn and they are more likely to do it again.

• Teach new skills by showing the skill, then giving your child an opportunity to practice. A parent can assist a child to brush her teeth. Prompt the child, “We brush our teeth two times a day”. Follow with descriptive praise, “Great tooth-brushing, well done!”

• Look after yourself. Find time to do something you enjoy and unwind. It is difficult to be a calm, relaxed parent if you are stressed, anxious or de-pressed.

For more information you can call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 and speak with a public health nurse or click on the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or go to www.triplepontario.ca.

Sun Awareness

Sun protection is important for children. It only takes one bad sunburn in child-hood to increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Here are some sun safety tips:

• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Remember to ap-ply the sunscreen 20-30 minutes before sun exposure. Always follow label instructions.

• Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin – nose, ears, back of neck, tops of feet, etc. Remember to reapply every 2-3 hours and after perspiring.

• Use a sunscreen even on cloudy, hazy or foggy days. • If possible, avoid being in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Harmful sun

rays are most intense at this time. • When outside look for shade, stay under a tree, or use an umbrella. • During outdoor activities, wear loose, long sleeved shirts and pants, a large-

brimmed hat and sunglasses.

Remember to apply SPF 15 lip balm. For more information you can call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1

-877-721-7520 and speak with a public health nurse.

Smog and Kids

Poor air quality can affect children’s lung development and the damage could create respiratory disease into adulthood. Children exposed poor air quality and high levels of smog may suffer from: reduced lung capacity, more pneumonia, bronchitis and other lung infections, more asthma attacks and worse symptoms.

Warning signs that smog may be harming your kids include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest tightness and coughing

• Headache

• Eye, nose and throat irritation

• Aggravation of respiratory diseases (such as asthma)

• Low energy

If smog advisory is issued in your community reduce outdoor activity when smog levels are high and avoid exercising near high traffic areas – motor vehicles are the number one source of air pollution. If your child suffers from asthma or a res-piratory illness speak with a physician about how to manage their condition.

For more information about the smog and kids visit the health unit’s website at

www.simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.



McDonald’s Fundraiser

McDonald’s will donate $300 to our school for technology. This wasn’t one of our strongest events, but still a good turnout and those that attended were very positive. Thank you to all the staff, students and parents who attended as well as Ms. Beaudoin for arranging the volunteer schedule.

ERNEST CUMBERLAND

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Day 4 2 Day 5 �Backwards Day

�Gr 7 Scanlan Creek

�Jump Rope Pledge’s

Due

3 �County Wresting

Meet at Bear Creek

4 5 Day 1 �Education Week

�Screen Free Week

6 Day 2 7 Day 3 �Welcome to

Kindergarten 5:30pm

8 Day 4 9 Day 5 �Gr 7&8 Walk for

Children’s Mental

Health

10

�10am-2pm

Spring Fling

11 12 Day 1 13 Day 2 �Jump Rope for

Heart

1 Day 3 �ECES Track & Field

15 Day 4 �Gr 4 Tiffin CA

16 Day 5 �Jump Rope for

Heart Rain date

�ECES Track & Field

Rain date

17

18 19

VICTORIA

DAY

NO SCHOOL

201

SPRING

BREAK

NO SCHOOL

21

SPRING

BREAK

NO SCHOOL

22

SPRING

BREAK

NO SCHOOL

23

SPRING

BREAK

NO SCHOOL

24

25 26 Day 5 �6:30pm

School Council

27 Day 1 �Gr 6 EQAO




31

160 Eighth Avenue

Alliston, Ontario L9R 1A5

Phone: 705-435-0676

Fax: 705-435-0103

Website: http://ern.scdsb.on.ca

May 2014

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