Amy Morocco Principal

905-734-3208

Tom Reynolds Vice-Principal 905-734-3208

Wes Hahn Superintendent 905-641-1550

Sue Barnett Trustee

905-734-7110

Our school goals for this school year include: Literacy: * Building confidence, risk taking, and a community of readers and writers

* Students thinking about reading and communicating their thinking using implicitly & explicitly

* Students being able to develop ideas organize and revise their writing

* Teach & learn about the process of reading

Numeracy: * Building a community of mathematicians - celebrating mistakes, explaining our thinking,

justifying our answers, being risk takers, and building confidence

* Students being able to solve multi-step math problems and reflect about the process

* Teachers develop a deeper understanding of assessment as, of, and for learning.

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE June 2017

Every child can learn mathematics. Mathematically literate students understand and value the mathematical information they

encounter in the world outside school, and have the knowledge and confidence to make sense

of this information.

To be successful in many occupations and function well in today’s knowledge-based

economy, the ability to process and interpret data, communicate effectively and apply

mathematical reasoning is essential.

Mathematics students are problem solvers Math involves solving problems and investigating mathematical patterns and relationships. A

successful problem solver questions, investigates, and explores new situations to gain new

understanding of a problem.

Mathematics students persevere Students who persevere through a problem when the answer is not readily available have a greater chance of success. Students are encouraged to recognize that there is probably more than one way to solve a problem and that there might be more than one correct answer.

2

y=mx+b

Mathematics students apply what they have learned

Students need to be able to apply mathematics

to everyday situations and recognize that

mathematics is present in the world around them.

Students who are able to make links with their prior

knowledge to help solve unfamiliar problems have a

greater chance of being successful in mathematics.

Mathematics students communicate effectively

Students need good communication skills to explain

mathematical ideas, listen to other people’s

interpretations, and to use those ideas to increase their

own understanding. Students who know the answer but

cannot

communicate their solution strategies, usually have a

limited amount of knowledge and are likely to be

unsuccessful when working with new or more involved

problems.

Mathematics students have solid foundational skills

Certain mathematical skills have to be automatic in order to successfully investigate relationships and solve problems. Students must have a thorough grounding in basic skills and concepts e.g., the ability to perform simple operations such as multiplication and division - as a foundation for more advanced exploration and problem solving.

2

y=mx+b

2

y=mx+b

Do engage in math related home activities;

Play games - Chess, Checkers,

Cribbage, Bridge, Euchre, Memory Games, Backgammon

etc

Make puzzles.

Involve your child with shopping.

Engage in the mathematics of cooking and baking.

Plan and execute home renovations.

Do explore your child’s thinking process:

Why did you…?

What can you do next?

Do you see any patterns?

Does the answer make sense?

Tell me in a different way…

What would happen if…?

Do appreciate the value of not knowing

and use these occasions as opportunities for growth rather than anxiety.

Develop strategies and resources for getting help with the problems.

Do encourage your child to experiment with different approaches to a problem. We learn a lot from our errors when we examine them.

Source: EduGains, Ministry of Education of Ontario

Dreambox Learning

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are so proud of the Diamond Trail Families for embracing Dreambox

Learning at home! Children think it's a fun adventure game, but parents know

it's a highly effective and individualized math program. We would like to

encourage you to continue the Dreambox Quest throughout the Summer of

2017!

Just to remind you, Dreambox Learning provides your child with a deeply

personalized online math learning experience that differentiates content, pace,

and sequence. This adaptive program meets your child at the mathematical

level they are at and guides students to a deeper understanding and increased

achievement in mathematics. This program is perfect for all learners. Consider

this program to be your child's personal “math tutor” that will provide just the

right lessons at the right time.

Diamond Trail PS continues to be fortunate to have a school Dreambox Learning

Math license for all our students. This program has been purchased by DSBN as

a highly proven strategy to help better students achievement in mathematics. In

our classroom, students have access to the program on a daily basis. We try to

ensure that all students are on this program between 15-20 minutes per day.

However, this is not always possible due to scheduling. We strongly encourage

you to allow your child to continue their access to this amazing program at

home for them to get the most out of the program. Students can access

Dreambox Learning 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The current license allows

all of our students access until the end of October 2017.

How to Access Dreambox Learning From Home

Using a laptop or computer:

https://play.dreambox.com/login/42cv/diamondtp

Using an iPad:

download the free app from the app store and put in code: 42cv/diamondtp

Review our child's academic progress with a Dreambox Parent Account. Please

follow these steps to create your free parent account:

Go to http://play.dreambox.com/login/42cv/diamondtp

Have your child login to their profile just as they would at school.

Click Setup Parent Access at the bottom of the page.

Follow instructions to create a new login and password.

Read terms of use and privacy policy, and then click “submit”.

Log into your home account after set up:

Go to http://play.dreambox.com

Enter your email address and password.

To see student progress, click the “Parent Dashboard” button.

Students will be able to go on all summer long!!!

Students can use Dreambox on a desktop, laptop, or iPad and student

progress will be synced across all devices. Please be advised that this program

is tailored for each individual student to complete on their own. It adjusts as

they play based on their abilities. If you assist or help, the program will begin to

give your child games at a level that becomes frustrating.

For more information please feel free to contact the school.

Our Tree Planting Day! Authored By: Ciara Krsul—Mrs. Bridgeman’s Class

On Friday, May 12th, the entirety of Diamond Trail’s staff and students participated in a day of planting! We planted 16 trees, and 48 shrubs, thanks to a project called Planting 4 Change, funded by Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment and the Trillium Foundation! Much thanks to all the parent volunteers for helping provide soil and mulch and food, because without them, we may not have been able to go through with this important project. One of the best parts about the day of planting, was that EVERY student in DTR that attended had a part in the project by digging, planting, watering, mulching, measuring and more, which makes it even more personal to all the students and staff of Diamond Trail. Many students also may have learned some interesting things about planting, making it a fun learning experience.

At the end of the day, we celebrated with hot dogs, drinks, popcorn and enough cupcakes for every student! (Thanks to one of the parents from Diamond Trail for baking them.) Planting the trees and shrubs represents our commitment to the environment, and we will continue to measure the trees to see how they are doing in terms of health. We hope to add logs and rocks to make an outdoor learning space. Once the trees are big enough, Diamond Trail will have its own miniature forest! Once again, HUGE thank you to all the staff, students and parents that helped out, and to Mrs. Bridgeman for the amazing work that she did to bring this awesome project to Diamond Trail Public School.

Makerspace at Diamond Trail! Regularly , my class does something called Makerspace. Makerspace is when students can create anything they want with a plan. By a plan, I mean a fantastic idea filled with creativity. Students in my class can sew, use Legos or just about anything to create something cool, snap circuits, stop motion animation and so much more. My personal favorites are sewing and programming the robots to do many different tasks . Some of the things that I’ve made recently, are a mermaid tail out of fabric, pencil cases, phone cases out of hot glue, and many other things. Speaking for myself , I really enjoy Mak-erspace and I know many others in my class do too. Recently, we got a 3D printer for our classroom! Some of the students in our class have made a truck, a house and the Eiffel Tower by using the 3D printer. Not only is Makerspace a dedicated time to make things, but it also gives a chance for students to be creative and find their inner passion, that could lead to amazing possibilities in the future. If Makerspace was introduced into all classrooms I think most students will have a huge interest in Makerspace like my class does. Authored By Cassandra Paul-Vannatter - Mrs. Soto’s Class

DIAMOND TRAIL PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER HOURS

Summer Hours

Monday 12:30 to 5:00

Tuesday 12:30 to 5:00

Wednesday 12:30 to 5:00

Thursday 3:30 to 8:00

Friday Closed

Saturday 11:00 to 3:00

APPROPRIATE DRESS CODE

FOR WARM WEATHER

With the warm weather approaching we would ask that you please review appropriate dress with your child while at school. You can refer to our school’s Code of Conduct on our website and/or your child’s agenda. EXTRA CLOTHING: In effort to limit calls home and interruptions at work we encourage parents to consider providing your child with extra socks etc. during this time of year. Although we try to make appropriate decisions not to let the students play in the field when it is extremely wet, sometimes accidents happen. SHORTS: If students are wearing shorts, we request that the shorts be worn to at least the length of your son/daughters arms (to the tips of their fingers) while they are at rest at the side of their body. SLEEVELESS TOPS: If sleeveless tops/halter tops are being worn to school the width of the straps must be equal to the width of your son/daughters three fingers. Dressing for success means that no staff member or student should be showing undergarments/underwear at anytime. If the dress attire is not appropriate then the individual will be asked to change their clothing and/or clothing will be provided.

Reminder to families that we have supervision beginning at 8:35a.m. and students should

not be arriving on school property prior to this for their own safety.

STUDENT PICK UP & DROP OFF

DOGS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

While we love dogs, it is also the Policy of the DSBN that pets are not to be

accompanying families on the school property when they drop off and pick up their

children. Unless the dogs are kept in the cars, please refrain from bringing your dogs to

the school. Don’t forget to leave a window open for our pet friends!

SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLERBLADES

Long-boards, skateboards, rollerblades, etc. are not permitted on school property as

per the Diamond Trail School Code of Conduct. If these items are brought to school the

school is not responsible if they are lost or stolen. They are to be fastened up and used

off of school property only.

BICYCLE SAFETY

As the nice weather approaches we are aware that students are anxious

to ride their bicycles to school. It is important to remember the

importance of bike safety and proper use of the safety regulations and school

practices when travelling to and from school.

Walk your bike at busy corners and on school property

Obey all traffic signs and signals

Drive on the right hand side of the road

Drive single file on the road

Carry parcels in your carrier

Never ride with two on a bicycle

Be sure to give correct hand signals when you are going to stop or turn

Lock your bike to the bike rack, preferably with a combination lock

Stay away from parked bicycles during the day

Safety helmets are required by students riding to and from school

Please carry your scooters when you get to the school

LUNCH DAYS Our last lunch day is over for the year.

We want to thank Tracey and Sherri for

organizing our lunch days this year.

Reminder to all parents/guardians: DO NOT PARK in the school bus loading zone, we have many parents pulling up and dropping their child/ren closest to front door, this is for BUSSES ONLY so please use other parking areas. We have received many complaints recently and we are asking for your cooperation in this matter.

ALLERGIES!!! Please be advised there are a number of students attending our school this year with severe allergies which can cause an anaphylactic reaction. An anaphylactic reaction is an allergic reaction so severe that in some cases, it can be life threatening. At this time, we are insisting that no products containing nuts be sent to the school and if these products are consumed at home that students wash their hands and brush their teeth thoroughly prior to arriving at school. It is crucial that we work together to ensure the safety of all students.

Dragons Den ASSEMBLY FRIDAY, JUNE 2nd @ 11:30 am.

Snack Shack Thursdays Reminder: the snack shack is open every Thursday during both breaks in room 108. All items are $1 and the selection includes a variety of baked chips, popcorn, goldfish, trail mix and more!! Proceeds are used to assist the class with their trip. Thank you for your continued support. The last day for snack shack is June 29.

The Sun is Back! The sun is shining and it’s time to get outside to

play! But before you run outside, make sure you

remember your 5 S’s…

Slip: on some clothes that will protect your

skin from the sun (loose-fitting and tightly

woven are best).

Slop: on some sunscreen that is at least SPF

30 and filters UVA & UVB rays (broad-

spectrum). Put sunscreen on 20 minutes

BEFORE you go outside, so it can soak in.

Don’t forget your ears, nose and feet if you are

wearing sandals! Lips should also be protected

with SPF 30 lip balm.

Slap: on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your

face, ears and neck

Seek: shade when outside between 11am-4pm

Slide: on some sunglasses that have 100%

UVA & UVB filters.

Attention moms, dads, coaches and caregivers:

sun damage can happen quickly, so make sure

youth remember sunscreen for lunch break, gym

class, track and field, and/or any activity.

Summer Information From June 29 to August 28, Diamond Trail School will be closed for summer vacation. For parents new to kindergarten information will sent directly to your home the end of June with details about starting school. For transportation inquires please visit www.nsts.ca or call 905-346-0290. For other DSBN information please visit www.dsbn.org or call 905-641-1550 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. We thank you for your cooperation.

Nutrition Program/Breakfast Club/Special Lunches Our Nutrition Program and Breakfast Programs is offered to the students at Diamond Trail. Our breakfast program begins at 8:40am so please do not send your children in until this time. Our nutrition program is held daily during our first nutrition break. Students are provided with healthy snacks. These snacks are available for all students; however students may choose to bring their own ‘nut free’ snacks. The snacks provided are from 3 food groups usually consisting of a grain, fruit/vegetable and dairy.

BREAKFAST and SNACK PROGRAM Reminder

Our breakfast and snack program will finish on June 8 for the school year. That means breakfast and morning snack will not be served the last two weeks of school (from June 19 - June 29). Our breakfast program and snack program has been a huge success this year. We serve an average of 70-100 breakfasts every morning and we serve approximately 250 morning snacks everyday. This would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. We are so very thankful to have such a dedicated group of volunteers. The work they do with our breakfast and morning snack program has a direct impact on the learning that happens in the classroom. Please take the time to thank these people when you see them in school or in the community. They are all involved in some aspect of the buying, planning, preparing, delivering and/or cleaning of our programs. Thank you; Rose Colombe, , Devon Keddy, and Kelly Davis. We would also like to thank our Educational Assistant Team for helping with Breakfast Club in the morning everyday—Mr. Thompson, Ms. Boichuk, and Mrs. Gauthier.

Gr. 8 Beach Volleyball Tourney at Eastdale The Grade 8's travelled to Eastdale to participate in a Family of Schools beach volleyball tournament. They divided up into various teams with students from Princess Elizabeth and Plymouth. After a long day of volleyball, the students were treated to a hearty meal prepared by Eastdale's culinary students. Fun was had by all and the students represented DTR in a way that made everyone proud.

Grade 8 Grad

Grade 8 graduation will be held on Tuesday, June 27th at Diamond

Trail gymnasium. The ceremony will begin promptly @ 6pm with the

presentation of graduation certificates, followed by all awards. Im-

mediately following the ceremony parents and grads are invited to the

main foyer of the school to celebrate with a light snack.

If you are a parent (guardian) of one of our grade 8 students, please

plan on attending our ceremony and enjoying this event.

The Great Book Round-Up Howdy Folks,

The end of the school year is fast approaching and it’s time to round up all those books

and haul them back into ye olde school house. Y’all know those books sure can be

troublesome critters - known to be hiding behind dressers and under beds. I reckon

they’re fixin’ to trick you by hiding with the other books on your book shelves too. Git

your kin to ROUND UP and fetch them books and drag them on back to the

school. Y’all don’t want Mrs. Khan to cause all manner of fuss or have a conniption

now. Thank y’all for the help!

CONFLICT VS BULLYING

Normal Conflict or Bullying? How to tell the Difference

Conflict is a normal part of life. And learning to deal with it helps kids master the social skills they will need as adults. But bullying is

not normal even though many people mistakenly believe it is a "rite of passage" for kids as they grow up. In fact, there are some distinct differences between bullying and peer conflict. Being able to identify these differences will help parents and teachers know

how to respond.

Characteristics of Peer Conflict

There are a number of ways to identify peer conflict. First, when a conflict occurs, both people involved have equal power in the

relationship. And while both people are emotional and upset neither one is seeking power or attention. They just happen to disagree. Also, when people experience conflict they likely will feel remorse and take responsibility for what they did wrong. They just

want to solve the problem so that they can start having fun again. Lastly, conflict happens occasionally and is usually not serious or

emotionally damaging to either person.

Characteristics of Bullying

There are a number of ways that kids can be hurtful to one another but not all of it is bullying. Sometimes it is simply unkind behavior.

The best way to identify bullying is to realize that it is a deliberate act with the intention to hurt, insult or threaten another person.

There’s also an imbalance of power in the situation. Bullies usually exert control over other people either by intimidating them,

insulting them or threatening them.

Bullying also is repeated and purposeful and poses a threat of serious emotional or physical harm.

Typically, when bullying occurs, there is very little emotional reaction from the bully but the target is usually visibly upset.

Additionally, bullies may even get satisfaction from hurting people because it gets attention. Lastly, there is usually no remorse from

the bully and no attempt to resolve anything. Bullies are not interested in having a relationship with the intended target.

Differences in Addressing Conflict and Bullying

Conflict is an important part of growing up but bullying is not. Conflict teaches kids how to give and take, how to come to an

agreement and how to solve problems. But bullying only wounds kids.

When it comes to conflict, it’s good for kids to learn conflict resolution skills. These skills promote listening and working together to

come to an agreement that both parties can agree to. But conflict resolution is not appropriate for bullying situations. In fact, it can be

particularly dangerous and damaging to the target of the bullying.

Conflict resolution works based on the assumption that both people are in part responsible for the current problem and need to work it

out. In this situation, both kids make compromises and the conflict is resolved. Usually when kids have a conflict, it is best to allow

them the opportunity to work it out on their own.

But bullying is different. It’s about the bully making a choice to intentionally target another person. There is nothing to work out there.

Besides bullies usually don’t negotiate with others. They blame others. Even if an adult can extract an apology, the bully will often

retaliate when no one else is around. As a result, it is crucial that parents and teachers recognize the difference between conflict and

bullying.

When bullying occurs, the bully is fully responsible for the situation. And the bully bears all the responsibility for change. Forcing a target to participate in conflict resolution or mediation is not recommended. Instead, there needs to be an intervention process in place

that ensures the safety of the student being targeted.

For instance, bullies need to be told that their behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. They also need to experience conse-quences for their behavior. Likewise, targets of bullying need to be reassured that they didn’t cause the bullying and that they are not to

blame. They also should receive interventions that will help them overcome the negative impact of bullying so they can regain

self-esteem.

Summer HEAT 2017 We are pleased to offer SUMMER HEAT, a primary Summer Learning Program, again this year. The program will run from Monday, July 10th to Friday, July 28th for students entering JK to grade 4 in the fall of 2017. Kindergarten Kick Start is for students entering junior and senior kindergarten in the fall, while Funshine Kids is for students entering grades 1, 2, 3 and 4. This three week program is entirely FREE, but space is limited so please be sure to register early. Registration can be done online and will open shortly. The program will begin at 8:15 a.m. with break-fast provided, and it will end at 12:15 p.m. Students will be involved in a variety of learning opportunities throughout the morning, with a focus on literacy, numeracy and active living. We are excited about being able to offer this amazing program to our families. Check it out on the DSBN website at www.dsbn.org/summerheat Summer HEAT will be offered at the following sites:

St. Catharines - Edith Cavell, Connaught, Lincoln Centennial, Harriet Tubman Thorold – Prince of Wales

Welland - Diamond Trial, Princess Elizabeth Niagara Falls - Simcoe Street, Valley Way Port Colborne - De Witt Carter Fort Erie - Peace Bridge Ridgeway – John Brant Beamsville - Senator Gibson