IWK "Positive Psychology for Kids and Teens"

Though part of our roles as parents, educators, and health care professionals is to hlep children, youth, and families overcome their problems, in reality, most problems are best overcome by building skills, stregnths, values and virtues and most of all strong relationships. You are invited to join Dr. Vicky Wolfe, IWK Psychology Pratcie Chief for a free community information session titled: Positive Psychology for Kids, Teens: Building Blocks for Happiniess and Resilience, and Positive Well Being. All are welcome to attend.
Monday December 3, 2012   7:00-8:30 pm.
Parker Reception Room - Main floor

International Pot Luck Nov 29th

Hello Park West Parents

On Nov 29 there will be an International Potluck at Park West School. Each year it is an evening filled with great food and this year our entertainment will be the Greek school dancers, a Chinese Lion dance and a Dabke dance. I am looking for volunteers who would be willing to help set up for the dinner and serve food on the night from 5:30 till 6:30 pm. Clean up volunteers are also needed. Please feel free to contact me at glennanderson@ns.sympatico.ca or 443-1942. Looking forward to an awesome night of food and fun!!!! Thanks

Lynn Anderson

Nov. 15th 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 

     

November 15, 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.  Parents whose children who are chronically late for school will be contacted by teachers and school administration. 

 

HRSB School Closures: 

It’s that time of year again when we experience cooler weather and begin to think about those unwelcome winter storms that often disrupt our daily routines, and occasionally even close schools.  The Halifax Regional School Board encompasses a widespread geographic area, so weather conditions can vary considerably.  Sometimes all schools within the School Board are closed due to extreme weather conditions.  At other times only selected schools, or “families of schools”, are closed.  Decisions on school closures and/or bus cancellations are posted on the board’s website at www.hrsb.ca , on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HRSB_Official, recorded on 464-INFO (4636) and communicated to all local radio stations. You can also receive notice of school and bus cancellations by e-mail or text message by following the link on the front page (left side) of the HRSB website. Announcements regarding school closures will be made (as close to 6:00 am as possible) in the morning before school commences.  If school is cancelled after students have arrived at school and classes have begun for the day an announcement will be made before 11:30 am.

 

Possible  Announcements Pertaining to Park West School

1.     All schools feeding into Halifax West High School or the Halifax West FAMILY of schools is closed.  2.     All schools in the Halifax Regional School Board are closed. 3.     School buses are not running, but schools are open and it is at the parents’ discretion as to whether or not to send their children to school.

 

In the event of extreme weather conditions you are encouraged to use your judgment when it comes to your child coming to school that day.   The safety and well-being of our students is a prime concern.  If a large number of our students are absent on a given day major assessments will be rescheduled and the introduction of new work will be minimal.  You are requested to ensure your children be aware of the arrangements associated with their dismissal when Park West School is cancelled during the day and students must be dismissed early; especially if they are to go to an alternative address or to wait at school to be picked up.   If schools are closed, then EXCEL (all programs) is cancelled.   Students who would normally receive early morning, lunch time, or after school care would be affected.   Also, all school functions and use of school facilities for that date are cancelled as well.   Ultimately, the building is closed.  By now all parents should have returned to their child’s teacher the completed form with information for dismissal in the event of an early closure during the school day.  Teachers need this information so they can dismiss your child according to your wishes.  Please ensure this information is always up-to-date and that your children are familiar with the arrangements. 

 

We Are Family:  The Halifax Regional School Board believes that each school should be an “environment that values and celebrates diversity and generates acceptance and respect among all members of its school community.”   Part of our school vision is to be more inclusive and to nurture a culture of acceptance.  To do this, we, as a school community, must continue to recognize and value diversity, respect differences, and increase understanding.  We need to know one another. We do not have to necessarily share beliefs and culture, but we can respect the beliefs and traditions of others (our friends and neighbours) and participate TOGETHER in observances and celebrations (such as Eid, Diwali, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Lunar/Chinese New Year).  One of the most treasured characteristics of the Park West community is our diversity.  Let’s celebrate it every chance we get.

 

Community International Potluck Dinner:  At Park West School we value our diversity and strive to recognize important holidays celebrated by our community, and develop a better understanding of the rich cultures represented at our school.  Most celebrations include food, and involve families and friends eating a special meal together.  We would like to welcome all members of the Park West School community to attend an important community event…..as we share a meal together to celebrate our rich diversity and special occasions being observed by our families at this time of year.   A Community International Potluck Dinner will be held at Park West School on Thursday, November 29, 5:30 – 7:00 pm.  Please attend and bring your favourite family-size dish to share (enough to feed a family).  Desserts and/or entrees (main dishes) are welcome.  For more information please contact Lynn Anderson (443-1942 or glennanderson@ns.sympatico.ca), Farhana Kanth (800-0371 or farhanakant@hotmail.com), or Joseph Attya (jattya@staff.ednet.ns.ca)

 

No Child Without:  The Canadian MedicAlert^® Foundation is a charitable organization which is the leading provider of emergency medical information services linked to customized medical bracelets and necklaces.  They are pleased to be able to offer MedicAlert memberships to students (from age 4 to their 14th birthday) through the No Child Without^® program at Park West School.   The financial support of the Government of Canada and Lions Clubs allows students to receive the MedicAlert membership for FREE.   They are currently active in 224 school boards representing 6046 schools. New schools are enrolling every day!   For more information and to register your child visit www.nochildwithout.ca

 

Show Business:  After much consideration we have decided the school musical production will be deferred until next school year, 2013-2014. Due to the addition of 2 new classrooms there is a lack of space to produce a school-wide musical. We are presently offering drama class for grades 5-9 students on Thursday afternoons.  Discussions are taking place for a smaller scale alternative to the musical, such as a coffee house, talent show, etc.  We thank you for your understanding and support.

 

Happy Diwali:  This past week (Nov. 13) some members of our school community celebrated Diwali (which means “row of lights”).  Diwali is a five day festival and is considered to be the Hindu New Year.  The festival celebrations begin with a cleansing of homes and people, and new clothes are put on.  Many Hindus now send Diwali cards, similar to ones with good wishes sent at Christmas time.  Happy Diwali!  (taken from Celebrate! The History and Folklore of Holidays in Nova Scotia, by Clary Croft).

 

Christmas Concerts:  Our elementary Christmas concerts will be held on December11 and 12, with a storm date of December 13.  Lord’s-a-leaping?  Swans-a-swimming?  Join our students as they celebrate the season kid-style in this delightful musical revue.  The Twelve Days of Christmas highlights a special treat for each day of the holiday season.  From decorating the tree and faxing a letter to Santa, to caroling and going on a sleighride, there’s something for everyone in this dazzling 45 minute spectacular.  Included in the revue will be musical celebrations of Eid and Hanukkah. We want ALL students and their parents in the Park West Family to participate in this special community event.  Let’s all celebrate our special holidays TOGETHER, regardless of our beliefs and cultural background.  The performance schedule for classes is as follows:

 

Tuesday, December 11  (1:15 pm and 6:30 pm)	Grades:  primary, two, four, six *grade 6 students are expected to be committed and participate in both concerts on this date.
Wednesday, December 12  (1:15 pm and 6:30 pm)	Grades:  one, three, five

 

Afternoon concerts (1:15 pm) will be general seating on a “first-come” basis (no tickets are required for admittance) for anyone who wishes to attend.  Performing students will each be issued two tickets only for the evening concerts (6:30  pm).  This is necessary to accommodate all parents who wish to see their children perform with their classes. We are working hard to accommodate as many family, friends and community members in our audiences as possible with limited seating capacity in our gymnasium.   Please understand that we must adhere to very strict regulations imposed upon us by the Fire Marshal.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to accommodate and be fair to all.  Unfortunately extra tickets will not be available from the school.  There will be no waiting list this year.  If you would like an extra ticket perhaps a neighbour or friend might kindly pass along an unused one to you.  Tickets will be issued to students on Monday, December 10.   Out of respect for all performers we request audience members to remain for the length of the entire concert (only about one hour). Babysitting services are not provided by the school.   If you wish to bring children to the evening performances tickets will be required for their admission and children will be expected to remain in their seats with parents.  Children will not be permitted to sit on the floor at the front of the stage.  Parking on the school grounds for evening performances will be limited.  Doors will not open for audience members and performing students until 6:00 pm for evening performances.  A free-will collection will be accepted at the door to assist us with concert expenses and support our school’s music program.  See you there!

 

We Need Important Information from You:  By now all students should have returned to their teachers:  (1) updated registration forms;  (2) Closure of Schools/Early Dismissal forms. 

 

This & That:

Ø  When we are experiencing inclement weather (i.e. heavy rain or extremely cold temperatures) students will be permitted to enter the school building early through the main doors only after 8:15 am and 12:40 pm.  Students who go home for lunch should not arrive back on the school grounds before 12:40 pm.  For safety and security reasons all exterior doors are kept locked, except for the main doors. 

Ø  Students are able to remain at school for lunch ONLY if they are registered in the program.  Students may not randomly stay at school for lunch at any time if they are not registered.  This includes days when the weather is inclement or parents cannot be at home on a specific day.  

Ø  Students using bicycles, scooters, and skateboards MUST wear helmets.  It’s the law. 

Ø  We must insist that parents refrain from sending birthday cakes, treat bags, etc. to school on their children’s birthdays.   Individual students’ birthdays will not be celebrated in classrooms during the school day.  Teachers are not able to host birthday parties and celebrations for individual students in their classrooms.  These celebrations should happen at home.  What happens in our classrooms is governed by strict guidelines from the N.S. Dept. of Education.  Time has to be dedicated to address curriculum outcomes.  As well, we must also abide by strict Healthy Food in Schools Policy guidelines.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. 

 

Dates to Remember:

November 21	SAC and PTA Meetings	5:45 and 7 pm
November 28	Junior High Dance  -  $5	6:30 – 8:30 pm
November 29	International Community Pot Luck Dinner  - please plan to attend and bring a family sized dish to share.	5:30 – 7 pm
November 30	Assessment/Evaluation Day   (no school for students)
December 3	Fine Arts Christmas Concert (band, choir, strings)`	6:30 pm
December 11 & 12	Christmas Concerts (grades P – 6)	1:15 pm and 6:30 pm

 

 

 

Nov 5, 2012 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 

     

November 5, 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.  Parents whose children who are chronically late for school will be contacted by teachers and school administration. 

 

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, family members, maintenance workers, volunteers, and other visitors) entering our school during school hours MUST report to the office.  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 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.   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. 

 

Let’s Talk About Student Progress: Parents and Teachers will meet to discuss student progress on Wednesday, November 14 (12:30 – 3:30 pm and 5:30 – 7:30 pm).  Our students will be dismissed for the day on November 14 at 11:35 a.m..  There will be no classes for them in the afternoon.  Teachers, including specialists (French, music, band, resource, phys. ed., guidance, learning centre, EAL, etc.), will be available to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress.  Elementary teachers will meet in their classrooms with parents by appointment.  Parents of elementary students have the opportunity to request appointment times with their child’s teacher.  Junior High teachers will meet with parents in the gymnasium on a first-come/first-served basis.  Jr. High parents are encouraged to take advantage of the availability of afternoon meeting times when possible, as the evening tends to be busier.   To accommodate all parents most appointments will be for ten minutes each.  If more time is required to discuss your child’s progress then a longer appointment can be made for another time.  We look forward to seeing you.  More information (including appointment request forms) was sent home with elementary students last week.  Elementary parents:  please book your appointments now. 

 

In Remembrance:  To commemorate Remembrance Day, to honour our Veterans, and to appreciate and celebrate peace in a meaningful way, Park West will be hosting a Remembrance Ceremony on Thursday, November 8, 10:30 am.  The assembly will feature special music, student participation, readings, and a special time to remember those who have sacrificed for us.   Parents and community members are invited to this special event.  We are encouraging those who are veterans, in the military, members of police forces, members of Girl Guides of Canada and Boy Scouts of Canada, or others who wear an official uniform to wear them if attending.  All students are requested to wear Red and Black on that day.  The Royal Canadian Legion has provided us with poppies for this occasion.  Students and visitors are invited to buy a poppy at the office by making a small monetary donation. 

 

SAC News:  We have some new members on our School Advisory Council.  Congratulations to Craig Poirier (recently elected as our new chair for 2012-2013),  Sheetal Ajay (the newly elected parent rep), and Panos Giannopoulos (grade 9), Helena Fernandez-Murray (grade 8), and Nicole Fakhory (grade 7) our newly appointed student reps from junior high).   Our SAC also includes staff members, community members, and our administrative team.  Staff members new to the SAC this year are Mr. Banks and Ms. Tulloch.  The SAC meets six times a year.  A huge Park West thank you to our outgoing chair, Glenn Anderson, for his outstanding leadership, support, and commitment to our school and community. 

 

Parent Concern Protocol:

•               If you have a question or concern regarding your child, the channel of communication begins with your child’s teacher, or the teacher with whom you have the concern.   A teacher deserves the first opportunity to address your concerns.   Communication can be done via telephone or email, or make an appointment to meet in person.

•               If an issue cannot be resolved at this level, please contact the Principal or Vice Principal. 

•               Parent concerns related to school administration/operation issues should be addressed with the Principal or Vice Principal.  Mr. Carter, Ms. Chiasson and Mr. Melanson are very approachable and are happy to address your concerns.

•               Email, telephone calls (we have voicemail), and meetings by appointment work best for effective communication.

•               Minor discipline issues are handled by teachers. Major issues are addressed namely by our Vice Principals. 

 

Is Something Missing From Your Life?:   Is your son or daughter missing boots, sneakers, a GAP hoodie, a ball cap, an umbrella, a lunch bag, Tupperware, spoons, gloves, pants………?   We have a mountain of lost & found items here at the school.  Everything is on display in our “lost & found” area in the back stairwell.  Feel free to drop by to take a look for yourself.  You might be amazed by the ‘lost treasures’ you’ll find.   Whatever is left over after Nov. 14 (Parent-Teacher Day) will be donated to charity.

 

Come to the Movies:  The parent fundraising committee for the grade 9 spring trip to Montreal is hosting a Movie Night on Thursday, November 8 (6:30 – 8 pm).  Doors open at 6:15 pm.  The movie being presented is RIO.  Admission is $2 per person.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.  Popcorn and water will be available for $1 each.  

 

Grade 9 Trip Reminder:  Completed permission forms and the $200 deposit are due to the office by Tuesday, November 6 for all students who wish to participate in the spring trip to Montreal. 

 

HRSB School Closures:  The Halifax Regional School Board takes great care when making the decision to alter the normal operations of schools in the event of severe or inclement weather. Decisions on school closures and/or bus cancellations are posted on the board’s website at www.hrsb.ca , on Twitter at www.twitter.com/HRSB_Official, recorded on 464-INFO (4636) and communicated to all local radio stations. You can also receive notice of school and bus cancellations by e-mail or text message by following the link on the front page (left side) of the HRSB website. If you are interested in learning more on how decisions regarding closures and cancellations are made, visit http://www.hrsb.ns.ca/content/id/1137.html .

 

Photo Retakes:  School photo retakes will be done by our school photography company, Lifetouch, on Tuesday, November 13 (morning).  Class photos for the following will also be re-taken at that time:  P Ng; P Henneberry; 1 Casford; 2 Lucas; 3 Smith; 4 Jones; 5 MacDonald/Mackay; and 5 Curry. 

 

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); chicken burgers ($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. 

 

At Park West School we’re working on:  (1) getting our students here on time – school starts at 8:25 am; (2) getting our students and their parents to use the crosswalks and sidewalks on our school grounds; (3) ensuring our elementary students walk, not run, in the hallways; (4) encouraging students who eat lunch in the cafeteria to clean up after themselves (not leaving garbage on their tables and on the floor); (4) encouraging students to dress appropriately for the weather – it’s starting to get cold. Students spend time outside playing while at school during the day; (5) getting students to not litter on our school grounds; (6) encouraging our students to show pride and respect by stopping and standing at attention during the playing of our national anthem every morning; (7) improving student achievement in mathematics and literacy (reading and writing) through the goals in our School Improvement Plan. 

 

Park West School on TV:  During the month of October the Nova Scotia Teachers Union (NSTU) ran a Teachers Make a Difference Recognition Campaign through CTV Bell Media.  A 15-second ad ran throughout programming on CTV during the month of October encouraging students to go to the NSTU website and nominate a teacher who has made a difference in their lives. Up to 10 nominated teachers will be chosen for recognition by the NSTU.  For each recognized member, a donation of $300 will be made towards the school/campus breakfast or library program.  During the month of November a series of four 60-second vignettes will be broadcast on CTV during Morning Live, Live at Five, and The X Factor which will focus on the following themes in addressing why teachers make a difference in the lives of their students: 1. Lifelong learning;   2. Care and compassion;   3. Extracurricular/volunteer activities;   4. Cutting edge/innovation in learning. We’re excited that Park West School was chosen to participate in the filming of these television ads.  Filming took place here at the school for two days last week. Some of our staff members and students will appear in these ads (speaking or being interviewed, or simply appearing in the background).   Ms. Ng’s grade primary class, Ms. MacDonald;s/Ms. Mackay’s grade 5 class, and Mr. Beattie’s grade 9 class will be featured.   Watch for Park West in these ads on CTV during the month of November. 

 

Dates to Remember:

November 8	Park West Remembrance Ceremony   (you’re invited to attend)	10:30 am
November 8	Movie Night  (grade 9 trip fundraiser)	6:30 – 8 pm
November 9	PD Day   (no school for students)
November 12	Schools closed to commemorate Remembrance Day
November 13	School photo retakes	morning
November 14	Parent-Teacher Conferences  (to discuss student progress)	12:30-3:30 & 5:30-7:30 pm
November 29	International Community Pot Luck Dinner  - please plan to attend and bring a family sized dish to share.	5:30 – 7 pm
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)	1:15 pm and 6:30 pm