Phew! I’m guessing your family is just as tired as the school staff after the first

week of school!

Welcome to another exciting year at Sir John A. Macdonald Public School! This

is a very exciting time for all of us as we open the doors to welcome back many

students and families, but when we also say hello to the many new families who

have joined us since last June. To all of our families, building on our successes from last year, we look forward to working together with you as we strive for

excellence for all children, and set the foundation for our school’s future.

As we move forward on our journey, parents play an integral role in the

education of children and we will look to you as partners in your child’s

education. When parents, staff and students view each other as partners in

education, a caring community is formed and student achievement and well-

being is supported. Together, we will build the foundation of a positive learning

environment!

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Together, our

collaborative efforts will ensure Sir John A. Macdonald P.S. is a school of

excellence!

Administrator’s Message

Greig Black

Principal

Heather Zaitlin

Vice Principal

Lindsay Bantis

Office Administrative

Assistant

Mary-Lena Gruppuso

Secretary

Kelsey Tseng

Secretary

Peter Tse

Superintendent of

Schools

905.940.7800

Billy Pang

Trustee

647.461.9965

Sir John A. Macdonald Public School

45 Murison Drive, Markham, ON, L6C 0J4

t. 905.888.5777 f. 905.927.2082

www: http://sirjohnamacdonald.ps.yrdsb.ca/

email: sir.john.a.macdonald@yrdsb.ca

twitter: @sjamps

September, 2016

Volume 5, Issue 1

The PRIME

SCHOOL DAY

TIMES

For all Students JK-8

7:50-8:00 a.m.

Yard Supervision

8:00 a.m.

Entry Bell

8:05-9:45 a.m.

Learning Block

9:45-10:15 a.m.

Recess

10:15-11:55 a.m.

Learning Block

11:55 a.m.-12:55 p.m.

Lunch (all students

outside from 11:55 a.m.-

12:30 p.m.)

12:55-2:35 p.m.

Learning Block

2:35 p.m.

Dismissal

Interested in joining the SJAM School Council? We’re always eager to welcome

new members interested in providing time and insight into helping shape our

school’s actions and future. The SJAM School Council holds 4-6 formal meetings

during the school year, so if you have an interest and some time we’d love to

see you! If you are interested, please complete the School Council

Nomination form found in your child’s School Start-Up Package and

return it to your child’s teacher right away. Forms were due by September 9th, but there’s still time to get yours in if you’re

interested! Mr. Black will contact all interested parties in preparation for our

first meeting, scheduled for Thursday, October 6th, at 6:30 p.m.

Interested in School Council?

Concerned about illegal parking and traffic

congestion around the school? Be sure to

read the City of Markham’s letter to all

parents at the end of this newsletter!

2016-17

Professional

Activity &

Training Days

(No School for

Students)

Monday, September 26,

2016

Friday, October 28, 2016

Friday, November 25,

2016

Friday, January 20, 2017

Friday, February 3, 2017

Friday, June 2, 2017

Thursday, June 29, 2017

11:05 a.m. DISMISSAL

FOR ALL STUDENTS

Friday, June 30, 2017

School Organization for 2016-17 and

Reorganization Possibilities

Every year all schools build a class organization model in May and June for the

following September. These models are based on all available information

regarding student registrations and projected enrolment numbers. Schools then

monitor the changes in enrolment that take place during the summer months, and

throughout September, then make changes to classes in accordance with Ministry

of Education parameters and Board guidelines. At the end of September we are

required to make any necessary changes to class organizations so that we comply with these class size parameters and guidelines,

At this time we are considering all student classroom placements

tentative. Many of our classes have exceeded the cap/target size, while

others are under enrolled, making reorganization in late September a

near certainty. If reorganization is required to comply with Ministry class cap

sizes, it may involve any of the following:

the hiring of additional teachers in order to open new classrooms

The creation of a new school class organization model

Moving the majority of students from their current class assignments to new

classrooms, compliant with Ministry limits

Changes to student and staff timetables

Later in September, should a reorganization be required, a summary of all changes

and our implementation plan will be communicated to students and families

affected by the changes.

Piano Lessons Continue at SJAM for All Students

Mr. Hutt will again proudly be offering piano class lessons at Sir

John. The $9.50 weekly 1 hour classes are non-profit with a

government tax credit. These lessons will instruct your children

in reading and writing music, ear and rhythm training along with

playing the piano. Lessons work towards a proper high school arts

credit.

By grouping the children in small classes at Sir. John after school on

Wednesdays, top quality low cost music instruction is provided in a friendly,

happy atmosphere. For J.K. to Gr.8 students. Beginner to advanced learning.

There are piano lesson report cards four times within the school year

along with, exams and a June recital. A free piano app for home

practice is available on line. A piano/keyboard is not needed to start.

Leave detailed messages anytime: 905-477-2762 To Register

and to get in-depth info: www.howmars.com username:

hutt /password: piano teacher Emails embraced:

mr.hutt.teacher@howmars.com

2016-17

School Holidays

(School Closed)

Labour Day

Monday, September 5,

2016

Thanksgiving

Monday, October 10,

2016

Winter Break

December 26, 2016-

January 6, 2017

Family Day

Monday, February 20,

2017

March Break

March 13-17, 2017

Good Friday

Friday, April 14, 2017

Easter Monday

Monday, April 17, 2016

Victoria Day

Monday, May 23, 2016

Assignment Name Room Assignment Name Room

Kindergarten Jennifer Solomon 137 RR/Prep Jason Ho 113

Kindergarten Shelley LeBlanc 136 Library Annelise Plummer 214

Kindergarten Catherine Karellas 135 FI Prep + FI SERT Natalie Mukherjee 210

Kindergarten Melissa Schapira 130 FI Prep Nicole Bower 210

Kindergarten Billie (Vasiliki) Pappas 129 Music Olivia Cote 115

Kindergarten Carole Chapkin 126 Prep – FSL Elena Damtsis 214

Kindergarten Catherine Liaghati 125 ELL /Prep Hashani Welikala 109

1 Nicole Facella 107 Prep – FSL Electra Vergas P3

1 Katrina Pecora 108 Prep Katherine Moore 214

1/2 Carol Fung 219 Prep Ashly Mathew 214

2 David Middleton 217 Educational Asst. Maya Ghelani

2 Stephanie Harmer 220 Educational Asst.—CYW Donna Franklin

2/3 Roxanne Huynh 204 Educational Asst. Yu Yee Wong

1 FI Diana Stefanescu 123 Educational Asst.—CYW Samantha Macdonald

1 FI Laura Stroud 124 Educational Asst. David Chan

1 FI Samantha Hendricks 221 DECE – FDK Susanna Choy 137

1 FI Johanna Saynor 222 DECE – FDK Janice Yee 136

1 FI Roxane Tapp 223 DECE – FDK Ping Liu 135

1 FI Dori (Dorothy) Koutlemanis 224 DECE – FDK Adrianna Ricciardi 130

1 FI Abner Agenor 228 DECE – FDK Heather Vaz 129

3/4 Jonathan Drooker 201 DECE – FDK Lori Caporicci 126

3/4 Jadas Lau 202 DECE – FDK Yantang (Rhiney) Chen 125

4/5 Kathy Nikopoulos P1 EOAA Lindsey Bantis 101

4/5 Cheryl Stam P2 Secretary Mary-Lena Gruppuso 101

5/6 Justin Janes 213 Secretary Kelsey Tseng 101

5/6 + Instructional Coach Shadi Yazdan P5 Lead Caretaker Ryan Ledger 118

6/7 + Instructional Coach Shahana Mirza P4 Caretaker Peter Gooding 118

7/8 Ashley Gibson-Dickinson 206 Caretaker Tanya Merker 118

7/8 Marc Hamilton 209 Caretaker Randy Tsomis 118

P/J SSC + SERT Amanda Loan 225 Vice Principal Heather Zaitlin 101

J/I SSC + SERT Joni Quintos 218 Principal Greig Black 101

CC-ASD Lindsey Mocherniak 120

2016-17 TENTATIVE School Organization

The following class organization is strictly tentative. In accordance with the Ministry of Education’s Primary

Class Size Reduction Strategy there may be changes to school organizations at any time prior to September 27, 2016.

2016-17 Staffing Parameters Related to School Organizations:

Primary classes are to be organized with a target/cap of 20 students per class (except in full day/every day Kindergarten)

Full day/every day kindergarten classes are to be organized with an aiming mark of 26 students per class, and not to exceed 30 students per

class

No primary class (including 3/4 combined classes) may be above 23, for any reason (full day/every day Kindergarten notwithstanding) – 23 only

with CEC approval

All J/I classes are to be organized to meet a class size average of 25.5

All classes are to be organized within guidelines: Grades 4-6 @ 25 +/- 5; Grades 7-8 @ 27 +/- 5

As we start another school year, we are very pleased to welcome all of our new and returning families. I hope you all

enjoyed the hot summer months and are looking forward to the start of school.

There is a lot to look forward to in the months ahead and many ways for families to engage with their child’s learning.

There is a strong connection between parent and family engagement and student achievement and well-being, and I

hope that you will find opportunities to get involved.

In the coming year, trustees will continue to focus on the priorities that we set out in our Multi-Year Plan: student

achievement and well-being; the delivery of effective and sustainable educational programs; and the responsible

stewardship of Board resources.

We know that partnerships with parents and families are essential to achieving these goals. However you choose to get

involved, know that you are making a difference to your child’s learning.

I wish you all the best for the upcoming school year.

A Message from Trustee, Billy Pang

The York Region District School Board is seeking

community members with financial expertise and

business knowledge to serve on its audit committee for

a three year term effective January 31, 2017.

The Audit Committee’s primary role is to assist the

Board of Trustees in fulfilling its duties related to

governance and oversight. The committee meets at least

3 times a year, plus ad hoc meetings as required.

Applicants must be a York Region resident and have an

accounting designation, as well as sufficient accounting

and senior financial management expertise to understand

public sector accounting and auditing standards.

Application deadline is Friday, September 23,

2016. For more information and to apply, please visit

the Board website.

YRDSB Audit Committee

Volunteers Needed

Did you know the York Region District School Board

has an app that enables staff, students, parents and

community members to quickly access information from

their mobile devices?

Get the latest up-to-date news, student resources,

school maps and contact information for trustees and

senior administration. Users will

also be able to access the Report

It tool, school year calendars,

transportation information and

much more.

To download the app, visit

www.yrdsb.ca or search

"YRDSB" in your app store.

YRDSB Mobile App

The York Region District School Board is on Twitter as part of an ongoing effort to enhance parent, family and

community engagement in public education. Followers of @YRDSB can expect to receive information about:

- Opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys

- Busing and transportation

- Student programs and events

- Board policy information

- Board meetings and agendas

- New content on the YRDSB website

- Board events and photos

- Media releases

Visit www.twitter.com/yrdsb to follow the York Region District School Board.

And of course, at the same time you sign up to follow @YRDSB, don’t forget to follow @SJAMPS for news and

updates specifically connected to our school and Jaguar Pride!

Follow @YRDSB and @SJAMPS on Twitter

To best ensure the safe arrival of all students we ask you to PLEASE NOTIFY THE SCHOOL IF A STUDENT

IS GOING TO BE ABSENT OR LATE. This will save a phone call to your home or office. We have an

answering service on at all times when the school is closed. If a child is going to be late or absent, or if a parent wishes

their child to leave school prior to regular dismissal time, a note should be sent on the day BEFORE the absence

whenever possible.

If a student is not in school and his/her absence has not been explained by a note or telephone call, school office staff

will take the following action:

- Call home.

- Call the parents at work.

- Call the emergency number listed on the student’s Emergency Form.

- Call the York Regional Police.

Safe Arrival Procedures at SJAM

Parents, Please Call to Report Your Child’s Absence

ALLERGY ALERT

Ensuring a Safe and Healthy School for All Children

We have students attending our school who have life-threatening allergies. It is important that all parents help to make

our school an allergy sensitive environment and minimize potentially fatal allergic reactions. In keeping with best

practices around the Board and issues of student health and safety, we are vigilant and insist that all food in the

school meets “nut-free” and “allergy-safe” guidelines.

ALL STUDENTS are asked to NOT bring any foods that may contain peanuts and/or nuts. In MANY

CLASSES we also ask for parents to consider not sending in other foods where severe allergies exist.

Classroom teachers will communicate this need to parents directly based on the individual situation in

their classroom.

Please check the list of ingredients carefully when selecting food for your children’s lunches and snacks. Please avoid

products that say “may contain peanuts/nuts”. Imported products have different labeling requirements, so please read

the labels carefully when sending these products to school. If you are unsure about a chosen product, please do not

send it to school. Thank you for your cooperation. Remember, we must all work together to keep children safe!

Your help is required to make sure your children arrive on time before 8:00 a.m. And start

their day by entering the school only through their assigned door. Beginning every morning at

7:50 a.m., student are supervised in the school yard by several staff members. Parents are

encouraged to make sure that their children arrive well before the entry bell rings at 8:00 a.m.

Be On Time! School Starts at 8:00 a.m.!

PHOTO DAY REMINDER

Tuesday, October 11th

is Photo Day for all students!

Legislative Services Department

City of Markham 101 Town Centre Boulevard, Markham, Ontario L3R 9W3

Website: www.markham.ca Tel: 905-477-5530 Fax: 905-479-7767 Page 1 of 3

August 2, 2016 To Whom It May Concern, Children’s safety is an important priority for the City of Markham. We are reaching out to all Markham schools to bring to their attention the significant number of complaints the City receives each year regarding parking and unsafe vehicular activity in school zones throughout our municipality. In October 2015, the City implemented the Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS). Under AMPS, the City’s Parking Enforcement Officer are permitted to issue a Penalty Notice (or “parking ticket”) for failing to comply with Markham’s Parking Control By-law, and serve it using a variety of methods. This means, that Officers may conduct enforcement in Markham school zones by recording the licence plates of vehicles, without stepping out of their vehicle, and mail Penalty Notices to the registered owners of improperly parked vehicles. Individuals that receive a Penalty Notice (regardless of how the Notice is delivered) will be required to pay within 15 days or dispute it by following the instructions on the back of the Notice. With the new school year just around the corner; I wanted to inform Markham schools that the City’s Parking Enforcement Team will resume active enforcement efforts beginning late August 2016. I ask for your assistance in sharing the information in this document with the parents of your students as well as students who drive to school and to remind them of the requirement to park in the permitted areas of your school only. Enclosed you will find a list of common parking violations and general parking information, which is intended to assist the parents/caregivers of your students and your students, in ensuring they walk, bike and drive safe! With your assistance and support, we can help ensure Markham’s school zones are safe for all students and residents. For additional information regarding the City’s AMPS program visit the City’s website or contact Daniel Vincent, Parking Control Supervisor at dvincent@markham.ca or by phone at (905) 477-7000 extension 4262. If your school requires additional parking for special events such as graduations, parent-teacher interviews, school plays or performances, please contact the City’s Parking Administration Office at parkingadmin@markham.ca or by phone at (905) 477-7000 extension 2050. Sincerely, Kimberley Kitteringham City Clerk Enclosure

Page 2 of 3

Common Parking Violations Many schools send out parking regulation reminders to parents/caregivers and students via email or school newsletters. In addition to these methods, students who drive to school may benefit from reminders during school announcements and assemblies. For primary and elementary schools, teachers can plan a “field trip” to show students the signs and explain their associated meaning. Students that are made aware of parking signage at an early age are more likely to relay this information to their parents, grandparents and caregivers. Drivers should be reminded park in permitted areas only, which includes:

1. The school parking lot; or, 2. Streets that do not have prohibited parking or prohibited stopping signs posted.

In addition to the most common parking violations listed below, drivers should ensure that they are not stopped or parked so as to block a fire hydrant, intersection, bus stop or private driveway.

Fire Route

These signs are posted to alert drivers that the area is a Fire Route. Fire Routes are the roads, laneways, or driveways that provide access to a building and may also include areas within a parking lot. A driver is in violation of this parking regulation if he/she is stopped or parked in a Fire Route even if their engine is running, hazard lights are flashing, or there is someone in the car. When this sign is displayed, drivers are permitted to immediately drop off/pick up individuals – there cannot be a delay. For example, when a parent is dropping off their child to school, the child should get out of the vehicle and the parent should immediately

drive away. Similarly, when a parent is engaged in picking up their child, the child should already be waiting at the curb for their parent. After the child gets into the vehicle, the parent must then immediately drive away. When this sign is displayed, drivers are not permitted to:

1. Sit and wait in the car for their child (even for a few minutes); or 2. Leave their vehicle (even to quickly drop off their child’s lunch).

Prohibited Parking These signs are posted to alert drivers that parking is prohibited. A driver is in violation of this parking regulation if he/she has stopped the vehicle but the engine is running, hazard lights are flashing, or there is someone in the car. When this sign is displayed, drivers are permitted to immediately drop off/pick up individuals – there cannot be a delay. For example, when a parent is dropping off their child to school, the child should get out of the vehicle and the parent should immediately

drive away. Similarly, when a parent is engaged in picking up their child, the child should already be waiting at the curb for their parent. After the child gets into the vehicle, the parent must then immediately drive away. When this sign is displayed, drivers are not permitted to:

1. Sit and wait in the car for their child (even for a few minutes); or, 2. Leave their vehicle (even to quickly drop off their child’s lunch).

Page 3 of 3

Accessible Parking These signs are posted to alert drivers that a parking spot is reserved for individuals with Accessible Parking Permits only. Drivers are not permitted to park or stop their vehicle in these spots unless the driver has a valid Accessible Parking Permit and it is properly displayed. The permit must also be used by the person it was issued to.

Prohibited Stopping These signs are posted to alert drivers that stopping is prohibited. They are often posted on surrounding streets from schools and may indicate the times of day that a driver is not permitted to stop their vehicle - drivers must continue to drive with the flow of traffic. When this sign is displayed, drivers are not permitted to:

1. Stop their vehicle to let people in or out of their vehicle; or 2. Sit and wait for their child to get into the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How close to the curb should drivers park? Drivers should park within 6 inches or 15 centimetres away from a curb; however, the City’s Parking Enforcement Officers exercise discretion and will typically only issue a Penalty Notice to a vehicle that is parked more than 12 inches or 30 centimetres away from a curb.

2. How close to an intersection can drivers park? Drivers should park more than 30 feet or 9 metres away from an intersection.

3. How far should drivers park away from a fire hydrant? When parking their vehicle near a fire hydrant, drivers should maintain a distance of 10 feet or 3 metres away from the fire hydrant.

Common Parking Definitions

Below you will find some of our common definitions from the City’s Parking Control By-law # 2005-188. The complete Parking Control By-law can be found online at the City’s website. “Fire Route” means any roadway, driveway, lane, ramp or other means of vehicular access to or from a designated building which is designated as a fire access route by the City’s Fire Department and shall include any part of a parking lot set aside by visible markings or markers for the purpose of vehicular movement. “Park” or “Parking” means the halting of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when halting temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading goods or passengers. “Stop” or “Stopping” means the halting or leaving of a motor vehicle, even momentarily, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or of a traffic control sign or signal.

Choose to walk, bike, bus orpark and walk a block ...or two!

If you live within walking distance

to a school, it is recommended

that families choose an active

travel mode such as walking or

biking to get to and from school.

If you are outside walking

distance, consider having your child

take the bus. On occasion, if you

decide to drive, parents are

encouraged to park legally close to

school and walk the last block or

two with their child.

Be par t of the solution! Children benefit from active, safe school travel each day!

And don’t forget these too:

- www.yrdsb.ca- www.ycdsb.ca

The Regional Municipality of York17250 Yonge StreetNewmarket, Ontario

L3Y 6Z1

Telephone: 905-895-1231Toll Free: 1-877-464-9675

www.york.ca

Here are some useful

websites to check out:

- www.saferoutestoschool.ca

- www.schoolbuscity.com

- www.yrp.ca

Walk Safe.Drive Safe.Be Safe!

How Can You Help ImproveTraffic Conditions Around Schools?

An increasing number of schools throughout York Region are encouraging students and their families to use active travel toschool such as walking or biking instead of driving.

Active and Safe Routes to School programs promote increased physical activity, reduced traffic congestion, better air quality and great opportunities to get to know your community and neighbours better!

Physically active children are healthier, able to maintain a healthy body weight, stay focused and learn better at school.

Schools are not designed for high volumes of vehicles. By driving children to school, drivers may be creating dangerous traffic conditions around schools. Schools are areas with multiple distractions for both drivers and pedestrians.

WALK Safe DRIVE SafeParents can be great role models for their children. Teach them about pedestrian safety as soon as you start walking with them.

In order to safely cross a street on their own, children need three important skills:

1. Be able to decide on a safe crossing route2. Realistically assess a vehicle’s speed3. Judge safe gaps in traffic in order to cross the street

These skills are usually not developed until children are between 9 and 11 years of age. Until then, adult supervision is needed.

(Parachute Canada 2013. National Injury Prevention Organization.)

The real penalty for not obeying trafficregulations is that you may risk thesafety of children!

BY-LAWS AND FINES VARY BY MUNICIPALITY. CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MUNICIPALITY FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Signage commonly seen near York Region Schools

COMMUNITYSAFETYZONEFINES

INCREASED9 AM - 4 PM

MON-FRI

9 AM - 4 PM

MON-FRI

FIRE ROUTE

VEHICLES WILL BETAGGED AND /OR

TOWED AWAY

7 AM - 9 AM3 PM - 7 PM

MON-SAT

D O N O T P A S S

W H E N L I G H T SF L A S H I N G

MAXIMUM40

km/h

Drivers must observe signage and watch for reduced speed limits. Fines may be doubled.

Supervised Crossing. Cross the street here. Obey the Crossing Guard.

No Parking allowed at the specified times.

School Area- observe speed limit.

No Parking in Fire Routes. These need to be clear for emergency vehicles. Fines range from $100 to $200.

No Stopping sign means no stopping at all the times specified; except to obey police or danger on the road.

Prepare to stop for a school bus at any time. Fines range from $400 to $2,000 with six demerit points for a first offence.

Booster seats are required by law until your child is 4’-9”, 8 years old or 80 lbs.

Drivers please be aler t whenever driving in a school community. Here are some drive safe recommendations:- Observe all road signage- Follow posted speed limits. School zones usually have reduced speeds so drivers can safely stop to allow children to cross the street- Avoid U-turns, backing up or making three point turns- Watch for vehicles, pedestrians, bikes, scooters and stopped school buses- Observe placement of cross-walks, traffic lights and road signage- Seek out legal parking areas near school for days when you plan to park and walk a block

For older children walking to school, it is important to consider their safety. Encourage them to walk with a walking buddy. More pedestrians actually heightens driver awareness, which can result in slower speeds.

• Stand well back on the sidewalk until ready to cross the street• Use cross walks and intersections with crossing guards if available• Make sure vehicles travelling in all directions have come to a complete stop and the road has no visible moving traffic before crossing• Always make eye contact with the driver• Walk, do not run• Walk beside bikes or scooters, do not ride while crossing the road• Do not wear earphones or text while walking

Teach Your Child toCross the Road Safely