October Newsletter

PWS UPDATE

Park West School Newsletter

Phone:  (902) 457-7800   E-mail:  parkwest@hrsb.ns.ca     Website:  parkwest.ednet.ns.ca

 Principal:  Mr. D. Carter          Vice Principals:  Ms. M. Chiasson     Mr. B. Melanson 

     

October 22, 2012

 

Receive the PWS Update electronically!  You can receive the PWS Update electronically via e-mail.  If you wish to be among the first to receive the latest editions of our school newsletters by having it sent to your e-mail address simply e-mail your request to Mr. Carter at dcarter@hrsb.ns.ca  The PWS Update is published approximately every two weeks. 

 

8:25:  that’s the time school starts in the morning.  Our students need to be here on time. When students arrive late for school (either in the morning or after lunch) they are disrupting school and classroom routines, missing out on receiving classroom instruction and important information.  Arriving on time allows them the opportunity to prepare for learning (getting their materials organized, removing outdoor wear, going to lockers, etc.).  Entrance bells ring at 8:25 am and 12:50 pm.  Students should be on school grounds and ready to enter the building at those times.  We are striving to teach our students the value of time management, punctuality, respect for others, and good citizenship.  We are preparing them for life.  Our society values punctuality. 

 

Safety First:   Guidelines for vehicular traffic on our school grounds:

·          Obey the speed limit of 15 km/hour.

·          Stop for pedestrians at all times.

·          Be aware of crosswalks.

·          Drop off students at curbside in the DROP OFF ZONE.  This is for QUICK drop-offs and pick-ups ONLY. 

·          Do not drop-off or pick-up students in the middle of the school driveway or traffic loop.  Use the Drop Off Zone. 

·          Do not park in the DROP OFF ZONE or traffic loop, unless in one of the four designated parking spots. 

·          Only park in VISITOR PARKING areas.  Lots of visitor parking is available on the south side of our building. 

·          Do not park in the Fire Lane. 

·          Do not drive or park in the STAFF parking lot.

·          School buses always have the right-of-way.  At no time should vehicles impede the movement and parking of school buses on school property. 

 

Safer School Zones:  Effective September 1 in Nova Scotia, to help make school zones safer, the speed limit was reduced to 30 km/h in areas where the approaching limit is 50 km/h, when children are present. Where the speed limit is higher than 50 km/h, drivers will continue to be required to reduce speed to a maximum of 50 km/h when children are present. The reduced speed limit applies at all times when children are present in the school area. Children present is defined as being (i) on the highway in the school area , or (ii) outdoors, within 30 metres of the highway, in the school area. This reduced speed limit will be in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year when children are present in the school area.  Speed fines and penalties are dependent on the degree at which the motorist is above the reduced speed limit in the school area.

 

A Safe School:  In an effort to keep our school safe and secure we continue to closely monitor individuals entering our building during school hours.  Anyone (that includes parents, other family members, maintenance workers, volunteers, and other visitors) entering our school during school hours MUST report to the office to register.  At this time you may be requested to register in our Visitors Sign-In Book and wear a “visitor” ID tag.   All permanent staff members at Park West now wear official HRSB photo ID tags.  Substitute teachers, volunteers, and visitors are provided with appropriate ID tags as well.   Any individuals found in our school without an ID tag and/or authorization may be questioned.   Other than normal student entry times, entry to the building is via the main doors only.  We appreciate your support and cooperation as we strive to maintain a welcoming yet safe and secure facility for our students and staff. 

 

Diamond Jubilee Medal:  A new commemorative medal was created to mark the 2012 celebrations of the 60^th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada. The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal is a tangible way for Canada to honour Her Majesty for her service to this country. At the same time, it serves to honour significant contributions and achievements by Canadians.  To be eligible for this honour, a person must have made a significant contribution to a particular province, territory, region or community within Canada, or an achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.  During the year of celebrations, 60 000 deserving Canadians will be recognized.  Two members of the Park West community were nominated and recently received the medal at a ceremony in Halifax.  Congratulations to Mr. Glenn Anderson and Ms. Anne Hebb…two outstanding members of our community who have been honoured for their achievements and significant contributions.  We’re proud of you! 

 

And the winner is…….   The Haliwards is a volunteer based community awards project in the Halifax Regional Municipality entering its third year. Throughout HRM there are people who strive to make their community just that little bit better. It’s the person who gives her/his time to raise money for charity; the mother who has sacrificed her life to care for a sick child; the person who has stood up for what he/she believes in, just because it felt right; or the person who has done everything she/he could to make your life just that little bit easier. These are the people who make up what we know as a community today. The aim is to give the people of HRM a chance to offer their thanks to individuals or groups for the extraordinary things they do, whatever that may be.  The Haliwards awards have no boundaries – that’s what makes us unique. In everyone’s life there is someone who’s extraordinary.  We are proud to announce that a member of our Park West family has won a Haliward this year.  Congratulations to Ms. Lynn Anderson who received her award at a ceremony on October 18.  Lynn is a member of our PTA and works tirelessly to support us and raise money for our school. 

 

Email Subscription:   Parents are welcome to sign up for email subscriptions. You can receive newsletters, notices, school closure announcements via email instantly on your computer and/or phone. Go to Parkwest website (www.parkwest.ednet.ns.ca ) and click on E-Newsletter Subscription on the left hand shortcuts. Add your email on the Follow by Email and begin to receive school information instantly!

 

Why Not Walk?   October 2012 is International Walk to School Month.  The Active & Safe Routes to School (ASRTS) Committee at Park West School celebrates walking to school as it gives children, parents, school teachers and community leaders an opportunity to be part of a global event as they celebrate the many benefits of walking.  Walkers from around the world walk to school together for various reasons — all hoping to create communities that are safe places to walk.  For more information or to help with the ASRTS Committee, please contact Kelly Greenwood at klgreenwood@eastlink.ca or by phone at 802-4046.  During Walk to School Month, and throughout the year, it is important to remember Tips for Walking Safely to School.  Walk together.  Younger children should always walk with an adult.  If your parents say that you can walk to school on your own, remember these tips:   1. Walk with a friend when possible.  2.  Ask your parents to help you pick a safe route to school.   3.  Stick to the route you picked with your parents. 4.  Don’t let friends talk you into shortcuts that are more dangerous.   5.  When you are near the street, don’t push, shove, or chase each other.  6.  Never hitchhike or take rides from people not arranged by your parents.  7. Be seen.  Remember, drivers may not be able to see you well. Always wear bright-colored clothes and if it is dark or hard to see, carry flashlights or wear reflective gear.  8. Look for traffic.  Watch out for cars and trucks at every driveway and intersection on your walk to school. Look for drivers in parked cars. They may be getting ready to move.  Cross the street safely:  1. Stop at the curb or edge of the street.  2. Look left, right, left and behind you and in front of you for traffic.  3. Wait until no traffic is coming and begin crossing.  4. Keep looking for traffic until you have finished crossing.  5. Walk, don’t run across the street.  Obey traffic signs, signals and adult school crossing guards.  Safe Walking.

 

Tired of making sandwiches?  The Park West School cafeteria serves a variety of hot tasty healthy meals for our students to purchase at lunchtime. Daily specials include:  grilled cheese and tomato soup; beef & macaroni bake; baked chicken with rice and veggies; meatloaf with mashed potatoes; sloppy joes; roast beef dinner; sweet & sour chicken balls with rice and egg roll; chicken cacciatore; lasagna; mini hamburgers and taters; chicken fajitas; meatballs with rice; baked ham and scallop potatoes; shepherd’s pie; and chicken fingers.  Lots of other choices are available.  Hot lunch specials are from $3.75 to $4.50.  Other cafeteria offerings include:  cheese pizza ($3.50); garlic fingers with donair sauce ($3); nachos and dip ($3); hamburgers ($2.25); cheeseburgers ($2.75); chickenburgers ($2.75); veggies trays ($2.25); fruit cups ($1.25); and chicken ceasar wraps ($3.75).  An assortment of freshly made sandwiches are available (egg salad, chicken salad, ham & cheese, and tuna salad) for only $3.25, and salads (garden or ceasar) for $3.35.   During the cold winter months hot homemade soups will be served daily for only $3.25.  Drinks include:  bottled water ($1.25); 100% pure fruit juice (.55/$1.50); milk (.35); and chocolate milk ($1.25).  A variety of snacks for sale include:  baked chips ($1.50); Crispers ($1.50); Rice Krispie squares (.60); and cookies (.60).  The cafeteria opens at 8 am for pre-ordering and for breakfast.  Toast, bagels, and bacon/ham/cheese on toast are available for those who didn’t get to eat at home.  Two copies of the menu are sent home to all students in grades primary to three every month; one to keep and one to use as an order form.  Menus will soon be available on our school website.   To request a menu, place an order, or if you have any questions please contact our cafeteria operator, Jane Scrymgeour, at 440-7352 between 8 am and 12:45 daily. 

 

School Fees:  Based on feedback we have received from parents and after consultation with our School Advisory Council and Parent-Teacher Association the student fee structure for Park West School has been revised.  The following school fees are suggested for 2012-2013:

Grade:	Fees cover:
Primary   $25	·          Subsidy towards class trips and/or in-class activities (egs. Guest speaker, Mad Science workshop, special craft project) ·          School presentations:  guest speakers and performances (egs. Neptune Theatre, Symphony Nova Scotia, Mermaid Theatre, Terry Kelly) ·          School Activities:  Field Day, Multicultural Festival, etc.  ·          Personalized items:  deskplate, name tags, labels for school supplies, photos for classroom activities.
One – Six   $25	·          Subsidy towards class trips and/or in-class activities (egs. Guest speaker, Mad Science workshop, special craft project). ·          School presentations:  guest speakers and performances (egs. Neptune Theatre, Symphony Nova Scotia, Mermaid Theatre, Terry Kelly) ·          School Activities:  Field Day, Multicultural Festival, etc.  ·          School agenda for each student
Seven – Nine   $25	·          Subsidy towards class trips and/or in-class activities (egs. Guest speaker, Mad Science workshop, special craft project). ·          School presentations:  guest speakers and performances (egs. Neptune Theatre, Symphony Nova Scotia, Mermaid Theatre, Terry Kelly) ·          School Activities:  Field Day, Multicultural Festival, etc.  ·          Combination lock for locker
Athletic Fees   *fee will be according to the team sport	Athletic fees for team members will be determined based on the expenses associated with each sport.  Students chosen to play on school teams will each be responsible to pay the fee to cover these expenses for the team.   Athletic fees will pay for: ·          Referee fees ·          Subsidize transportation expenses ·          School athletic association memberships ·          Venue rental expenses ·          Tournament and event fees
Band Fees   $20	Band fees will be charged to each band student in grades 6 – 9.  Band fees will pay for:  ·          Entrance fees for festivals and events ·          Subsidize transportation expenses ·          Enhancements (eg. special musical arrangements) ·          Guest clinicians or presenters

 

During the school year our students participate in many extra-curricular activities to enhance learning and their overall school experience.  We promote and provide these learning experiences and opportunities because we believe they are important for intellectual, emotional and social development.  They enhance the learning experience, and are often fun.   Many of these activities can only be provided at an extra cost to the school and our students.  Therefore, we are requesting funds (school fees) from parents to help defray the costs so we can provide these opportunities and experiences for our students.  In most cases student fees will only partially cover the cost associated with certain activities; in particular the class trips in which your child will participate during the course of school year.  School fees will be used to subsidize class trips. Sometimes it will be necessary to charge additional fees to cover the entire cost of trips.  Some classes take more trips than others.  Some trips cost more than others.   Bus charters (even when using Stock Transportation, the school board bus provider) have become extremely expensive.  For instance, to charter one bus to go from our school to the Nova Scotia Museum on Summer Street in Halifax costs approximately $200.  That does not include the fee the museum charges.   We are requesting school and band fees be paid in September by the end of the month, if possible. Athletic fees may be paid throughout the year as team participants are selected.  It is not our intention to cause any of our families undue hardship.   Fees may be paid by cash or cheque.  Please submit fees in an envelope with the name and class of the student.  Receipts will be issued.  Student  fees are now due. 

 

Dates to Remember:

October 25	PTA Hallowe’en  Family Dance	5:30 – 8:00 pm
October 26	Conference Day   (no school for students)
November 8	Park West Remembrance Ceremony   (you’re invited to attend)	10:30 am
November 9	PD Day   (no school for students)
November 12	Schools closed to commemorate Remembrance Day
November 13	School photo retakes
November 14	Parent-Teacher Conferences  (to discuss student progress)	Afternoon/evening
November 29	International Community Pot Luck Dinner	evening
November 30	Assessment/Evaluation Day   (no school for students)
December 3	Fine Arts Christmas Concert (band, choir, strings)`	Evening
December 11 & 12	Christmas Concerts (grades P – 6)	Afternoon/evening

 

 

 

Class Changes

 

Park West School

206 Langbrae Drive    Halifax, Nova Scotia     (902) 457-7800  www.parkwest.ednet.ns.ca

Mr. D. Carter, Principal            Ms. M. Chiasson, Vice Principal          Mr. B. Melanson, Vice Principal

 

Dear Park West Parents and Guardians:

 

We recently received some good news! Park West School is receiving two additional teachers to alleviate the large class sizes at the grades primary to three levels.

This is a result of the Nova Scotia government’s recent initiative to reduce class sizes in grades primary to three to 25 or less.

To accommodate the two new teachers and classes, and to reduce class sizes, will mean some changes for staff and students at our school.

Some classes will have to be reconfigured, some teachers assigned to new grades, and some students moved to new classes.  The addition of two teachers means we are able to eliminate all combined-grade classes and reduce many class sizes.

Our new configuration will look like this:

3 Grade Primary classes

3 Grade One classes

3 Grade Two classes

3 Grade Three classes

3 Grade Four classes

3 Grade Five classes

3 Grade Six classes

Teachers and administration will collaborate to re-assign students to new classes when necessary.  We will use the same criteria for placing students which we use every spring when designing classes for the next school year.  We will give consideration to gender, learning styles, socialization, and learning opportunities.

If your child will be affected by this change we will make personal contact with you in the next few days to inform you of his/her new placement.  We aim to have all changes made and new classes up and running on Monday, October 22.

We appreciate these necessary changes are difficult.  However, as teachers and caregivers we know the long term benefits of these changes.

We seek your support in making this transition a positive experience for your child.  Thank you for your support, patience and understanding.

Sincerely,

Park West Admin Team

(Mr. Carter, Ms. Chiasson, Mr. Melanson)

First Aid and Babysitting Course

Learning Opportunity

October 26 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Safechoice Safety is offering our St. John Ambulance Canada programs at Park West School

 

Youth First Aid for Grades 3,4,5,6

 

What Every Babysitter Should Know Grades 5,6,7,8

 

Rate is 40.00 per student/tax included.

Funds are due at Main Office by October 23, 2012-- no personal cheques permitted.

Safe Choice Accepts cash, certified cheque or money orders made out to SAFE CHOICE SAFETY

SAC Parent Rep Election Notice

Park west school

School Advisory Council (SAC)

Notice of ELECTION of PARENT REPRESENTATIVE

October 9 – 12, 2012

 

“The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a legally recognized body composed of the principal and representatives of teachers and support staff, students, parents, and community members who work together in an advisory capacity to increase the quality of education being provided by the school. The fundamental purpose of the school advisory council is to ensure that all students receive the best possible learning opportunities by engaging all partners in an ongoing process of problem solving and shared decision making.”  Our SAC has a vacant position for a PARENT MEMBER.  That individual must have a child presently attending Park West School.  The term is for three years.  The expectations include attending six meetings per year on a Wednesday evening at 5:45 pm to 7:00 pm.  Nominations have closed for this election.  There are four candidates.  A brief bio for each candidate is provided below. 

 

The election will take place during the week of Tuesday, October 9 to Friday October 12.  Any Park West parent may drop by the school office to vote on those dates during office hours (8:00 am to 3:30 pm).  Voting closes on October 12 at 3:30 pm.  Only one ballot per parent. 

 

The candidate who receives the most votes will be the new SAC parent representative for a three year term.  The successful candidate will be announced in the next PWS Update.  For more information contact Craig Poirier (SAC Chair) at sacpws@staff.ednet.ns.ca

 

 

Sheetal Ajay is the parent of one Park West student and has lived the Park West community for two years.  She currently works with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) review office.  “School is a very important part of a community and as a parent I feel it is our duty to support the school and be part of its functioning.  I would like to be the voice of all the parents who support this school and work with the school to make sure that all the standards that are set are achieved.”

 

Devin Cameron is the parent of one Park West student, has lived and worked in the Clayton Park area for the past 13 years and is interested in becoming more involved in the school .  “I have a balanced, reasonable mind and would like to gain a stronger understanding and appreciation of my child’s school.  I would also value the experience of being an SAC parent member.”

 

Kelly Greenwood is the parent of two Park West students and is a 15 year resident of Clayton Park West.  She has been active in the Park West PTA for the past 7 years and has chaired the Active & Safe Routes to School Committee (ASRTS) at the school for most of that time.  Her career is in the private practice of law in the areas of corporate and commercial transactions, real estate transactions and estate planning and administration.  “I want to be a Parent Representative on the SAC to be more involved in the school, and to contribute to the ongoing and continued success of the many students at the school.  My community background and professional skills will help me contribute to the Parent Representative role in a meaningful way.”

 

Farhana Kanth is the parent of two Park West students and has lived in the Park West School community for four years.  A former dentist by profession with a Masters of Health Administration (MHA) from Dalhousie University, she has been working as a Senior Policy Advisor in healthcare for the past five years.  Her informal volunteer activities include mentoring of new MHA students and providing help, support and advice to new immigrants in the community.  “I want to serve as a parent representative on the SAC as I want to be more involved in the school that my children attend and contribute to the education and overall development of the children in the community.  I believe that I have a lot to offer based on my education, professional experience and last but not the least my enthusiasm.”