Final June 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 

     

June 24, 2013

 

Farewell: Regrettably, the Park West School community is bidding a fond and sad farewell to some of our staff.   We thank them for helping to make a positive difference here at Park West School.  We wish them well in their future assignments and endeavours.  We’re going to miss them.  The following ‘members of our family’ will not be returning in the fall:   Ms. Scott-Dominix (EPA)…Mr. Chute (EPA)…Ms. Gazely (EPA)…Ms. Ng (grade primary)…Ms. Henneberry (grade primary)…Ms. Little (grade 1)…Ms. Mackay (grade 5 / resource)…Ms. Lucas (grade 2)…Mr. Mrezar (grade 5)…Ms. Jenkins (grade 6)…Ms. MacKinnon (resource)…Ms. Murray (grade 7)…Ms. Morgan (grade 9)…Mr. Thibault (grade 9)…Ms. Fortune (Jr. High French)…Ms. Pashkoski (phys. ed./ art)…Ms. Dickison (early literacy)…Ms. Tulloch (learning centre / resource)…Ms. AuCoin (grade 6)…Ms. Ward (learning centre)…and Ms. Ryan (secretary). Congratulations to Ms. Little and Ms. Tulloch.  Both were recently appointed to Vice Principal positions at other schools for the 2013-2014 school year.    

 

Proud to be Canadian!:  Wednesday, June 26 is “Canadiana Day” at Park West.  We’re celebrating Canada Day early….and showing our pride in being Canadians.   On that day please wear the colours and symbols of Canada to school.   

 

Assessment and Evaluation Day:  Thursday, June 27 is Assessment and Evaluation Day.  There will be no school for students on that date.  

 

Last Day of School:  The last day of school will be Friday, June 28.   All students will be dismissed at 10:00 am. 

 

Yearbooks:  A few 2012-2013 Park West School Yearbooks are still for sale.  The price of the Yearbook is $25.00 and is available through the school office.  Once these last few are sold this one-of-a-kind book will never be available again.  If you didn’t order one….this is your last chance.  Get yours now while supplies last!

 

Lost & Found:  After student dismissal on June 28 all remaining items in our Lost & Found will be bagged and donated to charity. 

 

Late Registration:   The school office will be open for registration on Tuesday, August 27, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.  Children who live within the Park West School boundaries are eligible to attend this school.  If new neighbours with elementary/junior high aged children move into the area over the summer please encourage them to register on this date.  Proof of address, a birth certificate, and a Nova Scotia health card number are required to complete registration. 

 

Are you in the Right School?  Only children who reside within the Park West School boundaries with parents or legal guardians are eligible to attend this school.   Addresses provided to the school may be investigated if there is suspicion the information is not accurate.  If a child registered at and/or attending Park West School is found to be not residing in our area his/her parents will be directed to register at the appropriate neighbourhood school.   This includes students who were living in our area and moved out of bounds during this school year, but remained at Park West to finish the year. 

 

Are You Moving?  If your children attended Park West this year, but you’ll be moving away over the summer, please inform us as soon as possible.  We need to know if they won’t be here in September.  Call Ms. Ryan or Ms. Hayes (our office administrators) at 457-7800 or email us at parkwest@staff.ednet.ns.ca

 

Summer School:  Need another chance to succeed at a course?  Summer School may provide that opportunity.  Junior High students who do not meet the outcomes for Mathematics or Language Arts may be recommended by their teachers to attend summer school.  For more information refer to the Halifax Regional School Board's website www.hrsb.ns.ca

 

School Supplies:  School supply lists for all grades will be posted on our school website and on the school office window during the summer months.  Please don’t stress if you can’t find specific brands, colours, sizes, etc. requested on the supply lists.  Just do the best you can.  All school supplies in quantities for the entire year do not have to be brought to school on the first day. 

 

Class Lists:  Due to reasons of privacy and confidentiality we are no longer permitted to publicly post class lists.   Students will be assigned to their new classes when our doors open for a new school year on September 4^th. 

 

Back to School:  Students return to school on Wednesday, September 4th at 8:25 a.m.  Next year we are hoping all students (and their parents) will make it their priority to be on time for school on a regular basis.   

 

Reminder to all School Volunteers:   The HRSB Student Protection Policy is now fully implemented.  All individuals who wish to volunteer in the school on a regular basis must complete Police Records and Child Abuse Registry Checks before being able to do volunteer work in our schools.  Forms will be available from the school office in September.   Previously completed Police Records and Child Abuse Registry Checks are valid for one year.    For more details visit the HRSB website at www.hrsb.ns.ca

 

For More Information:  For information during the summer months don’t forget to check out:

·          the Halifax Regional School Board website at www.hrsb.ns.ca

·          the Park West School website at www.parkwest.ednet.ns.ca

 

Office Hours:  The school office will close for the summer months on June 28.   It will re-open with regular hours (8:00 am – 3:30 pm) for the new school year on September 4^th.

 

We Need Them Back:  Students and parents….please make sure ‘our stuff’ gets returned before the end of the year.  We’re looking for textbooks (they’re expensive!), team uniforms (our athletes need to look good!); and overdue library books (many of them are missing from our shelves!).    PLEASE return them to us before you leave. 

 

2013-2014 School Year Calendar:  Are you making plans for next year?  Are you planning Christmas vacation?  Do you need to know the dates for March Break?  The HRSB School Year Calendar for 2013-2014 is now available at www.hrsb.ns.ca

 

Final Report Cards:  June report cards will be issued to students on June 28th (the last day of school this year).  Report cards will not be issued early to any student.  If students are absent on the last day of school parents have several options:

1.  Provide the teacher with a self-addressed stamped envelope for the student.  The report card will be mailed on June 28.  

2.  Teachers will forward all unclaimed report cards to the office on June 28 following student dismissal.  They will be available that day ONLY for parents to pick up in person from the office until 3:00 pm.   After that date and time report cards will not be available to be picked up in person at the school until the last week of August.   School personnel are not available to provide report cards during the summer months. 

3.  Parents may provide a teacher with a signed letter of consent authorizing an individual (egs. a sibling, family member, friend) to claim a report card for an absent student on June 28 before 2:00 pm.    Without this letter report cards will NOT be issued to any person other than the student or parent.  

 

A Message from the WE Club:  We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude for supporting the WE Club’s Change for Change campaign. We were overwhelmed with your generosity and we admire you for advising your children to be involved in such a rewarding action.  With your support we collected over $1,100.00 the money will be sent to help with the clean water projects in Moyamba, Sierra Leone. We are so proud of you all and very lucky to have such a supportive and giving community.  

 

School & Community Garden Update:  The garden is blooming!  The Primaries have planted potatoes, carrots, beets, beans, peas, pumpkins, strawberries, and blueberries.  The incoming Primary students planted sunflower seeds at Primary Orientation.  Please feel free to come visit the gardens over the summer months and ry some of the strawberries and pull some weeds! Thanks to the Park West PTA,  NS Dept. of Agriculture and the HRSB for providing grants for our school garden.  Special thanks to the following businesses who have also helped support our garden:  Ocean Contractors (John & Karen Flemming), Cypress Landscaping, Picket Fence Homes (Robert & Paulette Kraitzek), and 4Evergreen Landscaping (Nadine & Garrie Gordon). 

 

Staying for Lunch Next Year?  In accordance with the Education Act of the Province of Nova Scotia all students may remain at school for lunch without fees.  However, all students who wish to remain at school over the lunch period must be registered for the lunch supervision program.  Registration forms for 2013-2014 were sent home with all students (grades P  – 8) in May.

 

School Fees for 2013-2014:  Based on feedback we received from parents, and after consultation with our School Advisory Council and Parent-Teacher Association, the student fee structure for Park West School was revised for the 2012-2013 school year.   For the next school year we have once again reviewed the fee structure and lowered the fees at all grade levels.  The following school fees are suggested for 2013-2014:

 

Grade:	Fees cover:
Grade Primary   $20	·          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:  desk plate, name tags, labels for school supplies, photos for classroom activities.
Grades 1 - 6   $20	·          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
Grades 7 – 9   $20	·          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.  ·          Junior High Special Events:  Scavenger Hunt, Olympics, etc.
Athletic Fees   *fee charged will be based on 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.   In September homeroom teachers will be collecting fees and issuing receipts.  Fees may be paid by cash or cheque.  Please submit fees in an envelope with the name and class of the student. 

 

Mr. Carter, Ms. Chiasson, Mr. Melanson, and the entire staff of Park West School thank you for supporting us in our efforts to provide your children with the best educational experience possible.   We’re proud of our students and our school.  We all look forward to working with you again next year.  We wish the families of Park West a summer that is safe, relaxing and filled with lots of fun.   See you on September 4^th.

 

 

 

BBQ winning 50/50 ticket number

Winner of BBQ 50/50
Ticket # 57436 please bring ticket to main office to claim your prize. Must be claimed by Monday June 24, 2013. Unclaimed prize will be returned to school after June 24.

May 6, 2013 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 

     

May 6, 2013

 

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. 

 

Safe Arrival Needs Your Help   Due to the lack of volunteers and demands on our office support staff our Safe Arrival program has not been fully operational.  We want to change that.  We feel this program is valuable, and helps to ensure the safety and security of our students.  With a fully operational program, supported by parent volunteers, it means that  each morning, a group of office staff and parent volunteers will work together to account for the safe arrival of all elementary students at Park West.  They will collect attendance from classes, write late slips and process voicemail messages from the Safe Arrival Absence line. There is one step in this process that we are unable to complete satisfactorily without volunteer help; that is ensure that every single student is accounted for each morning. We need the help of parent volunteers for just one hour each morning to help call parents or guardians if we do not know why a student has not shown up at school. Sometimes it can be something innocent like a parent forgot to call our Safe Arrival line to report the absence. Our fear is there will be a time when a student leaves home but doesn't make it to school for some unknown reason.  That is where Safe Arrival can be a valuable service. We can respond quickly and decisively if there is a problem.  That is a comfort we would all wish to have. Can you help us with this? We need just one volunteer each morning for about one hour beginning at 8:45 a.m. If you are interested in helping or would like more information please contact Ms. Brenda Hayes, one of our school secretaries, at 457-7800 or bhayes@hrsb.ca.  We want to get this program fully operational as soon as possible. We can only do this with the help of parent volunteers. 

 

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.   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 are also 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. 

 

Strike Up the Band:  Congratulations to the Grade 6/7 Band for their excellent performance at the Kiwanis Festival in April. They were awarded a Gold Standard of Performance. Well Done!  The Grade 8/9 Band recently went on a trip to PEI to visit and perform with the Englewood School Band. While there they also performed in a festival and enjoyed some of the local sights and activities. 

 

“I don’t sing because I’m happy; I’m happy because I sing”:  Our school choir, under the direction of music teacher Ms. Servant, recently participated in the Kiwanis Music Festival.  They received a bronze medal for participation.  They also received some positive feedback from the judge, as well as some suggestions to improve their singing.  The singers did a great job and enjoyed the experience.  Thanks to Ms. Servant for providing them with this valuable opportunity.

 

Upcoming Park West Music Events:

• On May 22 (1:15 pm) the grades primary to three classes will present a musical revue titled “The Best Pet Show Ever”, and the choir will present “We Only Have One Planet”.  This show will take place in the gym.  Parents and family members are welcome to attend. 
• On May 29 (6:30 pm) our annual Spring Fine Arts Concert will be presented in the gym featuring our students in the choir, band, and string ensembles.  Parents, family members and friends are invited to come out to enjoy the talents of Park West students. 

 

Grade 9 News:

·          Grade 9 Trip - 42 grade 9 students and 5 teacher chaperones, under the leadership of our principal Mr. Carter, will be visiting Montreal on June 1 – 5.  Regular programming will be provided at school for those grade 9 students not going on the trip.  

·          Exams - Grade 9 exams will be held on June 19 (English Language Arts and Science) and June 20 (Math and Social Studies).  Start studying soon. 

·          Farewell Grade 9’s - The Halifax Regional School Board strongly discourages graduation ceremonies and proms at the junior high level.  Most junior high schools do not conduct graduation ceremonies or formal proms.  Those events are reserved for high schools. At the end of this school year our grade nine students will be leaving us for high school.  At Park West we will be marking this milestone in a meaningful and celebratory way.  A “Grade 9 Farewell Celebration” is being planned for our departing students on the evening of June 24^th.  Students will meet at the school and be transported downtown for dinner and a boat cruise.  Tickets will go on sale soon.  This event is only open to grade nine students attending Park West School.    A “Grade 9 Farewell Closing Ceremony” will be held on June 26, 2:00 – 3:00pm, at the school.  Students and their families are invited to this informal event.  A reception will follow in the school library.   These events are supported with funds from student fees and our PTA. 

 

Checkmate:  Jerjis Kapra, a grade 2 student in Ms. Lucas’ class, won the recent Provincial Chess Challenge. He will be representing Nova Scotia at the Grade 2 level at the National Canadian Chess Challenge in Ottawa, held during the last weekend in May.  Here is a link to the results:    http://www.chesstalk.com/elo/pub/scr/tournois.php?no=8673

 

Grade 9 Montreal Trip:   An information meeting for student participants and their parents, with all the final details, will be held on May 15 at 8 pm.  Completed “Participant Information” and “Behaviour Compliance” forms are due back to Mr. Mrezar as soon as possible.  Please contact Mr. Carter if you have any questions or concerns. 

 

Some important dates for the 2013-2014 school year:

·          Late Registration (August 27)

·          Labour Day (September 2)

·          First Day of School (September 4)

·          PD Days – school closed (Sept. 30, Oct. 25, Nov. 8, Feb. 14, May 16)

·          Thanksgiving Day (October 14)

·          Remembrance Day (November 11)

·          Assessment & Evaluation Day – school closed (Nov. 29, March 21, June 27)

·          Christmas Vacation (December 21 to January 5 inclusive)

·          March Break (March 10 to March 14 inclusive)

·          Good Friday (April 18)

·          Easter Monday (April 21)

·          Victoria Day (May 19)

·          Last Day of School (June 30)

 

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 one of our Vice Principals, or the Principal.  

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

·          Matters of discipline are usually addressed by our Vice Principals.

 

Staying for Lunch Next Year?  In accordance with the Education Act of the Province of Nova Scotia all students may remain at school for lunch without fees.  However, all students who wish to remain at school over the lunch period must be registered for the lunch supervision program.  Once registered it is essential that student participation remain consistent with the registration information provided by parents.  We will strive to meet the HRSB supervision ratios of 1 monitor for every 25 students (elementary), and 1 monitor for every 100 students (junior high).   Ratios at the elementary level may exceed the recommended ratio if monitors are unavailable and the supervision space allows for additional students to be accommodated safely.  Lunch supervision will be provided by monitors, not teachers.  Once the cafeteria seating reaches capacity students may have to eat their lunches in classrooms.  Students may bring lunches from home or purchase from the cafeteria.   Full cafeteria service will be available to all students with sandwiches, soups, salads, drinks, snacks, and hot lunch choices for purchase.  Menus and order information will be provided in early September.  Students must register for the lunch program for next year (2013-14) if they wish to participate.  Registration forms will be sent home with all students (grades primary – 8) on May 13.  Completed forms are due back to teachers on May 16. 

 

New Primary Parents:  A meeting for parents of students entering grade primary in September 2013 will be held on May 22 at 6:30 pm in the cafetorium.  New grade primary students may participate in a Vision Screening here at the school on May 28 (by appointment) and in an in-class orientation session on that same date (2:45 – 4:15 pm).   More detailed information for parents will be mailed home soon.  If your child lives within our school boundaries and will be five years old on or before December 31, 2013, then he/she is eligible to attend grade primary at Park West School next year.  Please make sure you register at our school office as soon as possible. 

 

Dates to Remember:

May 8	Junior High Dance -  $5.00    *students must be present at school that day to attend the dance that night	6:30 – 8:30 pm
May 14	“Parents as Career Coaches”  - workshop for junior high parents	6:30 – 9 pm
May 15	SAC / PTA Meetings	5:45 / 7:00 pm
May 15	Grade 9 Trip Meeting	8:00 pm
May 16	PTA Family Dance	5:30 – 8:00 pm
May 17	PD Day – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
May 22	Primary Parent Information Meeting	6:30 pm
May 22	Spring Concert (grades P – 3 and choir)	1:15 pm
May 28	Primary Orientation (for new primary students)	2:45-4:15 pm
May 29	Spring Fine Arts Concert (choir, band, strings)	6:30 pm
May 30	School Assembly	1:00 pm
May 31	School Spirit “Decades Day” – students, staff and visitors are invited to dress for school in clothes from a decade of the past……50s, 60s, 80s….