January 28 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 

     

January 28, 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. 

 

Oh Canada!  Recently the Historica-Dominion Institute challenged students in grade 7 to 12 from across Canada to participate in a mock citizenship exam through its’ Canadian Citizenship Challenge. Ms. Kelly Murray, a teacher here at Park West, accepted the challenge for her three classes of grade 7 social studies students.  Students were asked to study Discover Canada, the same Canadian Citizenship guide given to newcomers studying to become citizens. New Canadians must pass the citizenship exam in order to become Canadian citizens, and The Institute believes that all Canadians should be able to answer questions about their home and native land.   In December all three classes of students wrote the exam.  We have just been informed one of those classes has won the Classroom Grand Prize, with the highest class average in all of Canada.  Congratulations to Ms. Stewart’s grade 7 class!   The Historica-Dominion Institute will host a Canadian Citizenship Celebration assembly here at Park West on February 19th to honour Ms. Stewart’s class.   This once in a lifetime celebration includes a citizenship reaffirmation ceremony, delicious treats, and speeches from inspirational leaders.   For more information on the Canadian Citizenship Challenge visit:  www.canadiancitizenshipchallenge.ca\\

 

Pennies for Books:  During the month of February Park West School will be participating in the Annual Pennies/Coins for Books Campaign.  This campaign is sponsored by Tattletales Books Store in Dartmouth.  Starting on February 1 students (and their families) are invited to donate pennies and coins to raise money to buy new books for our library.  Money will be collected in classrooms.  The two classes that raise the most money will win a prize.  Checkout Tattletales website to find out more about this annual  campaign and ways you can help make it a success.   www.tattletalesbooks.ca.  On Saturday, February 9, 8 am – 8 pm, Tattletales will be hosting a “Cash Mob” event in support of schools’ Pennies/Coins for Books Campaigns.  For every $20 regular priced purchase (before taxes), Tattletales will apply $5 to our school coin total.  Just identify yourself as a Park West School supporter. 

 

Coffee House: On February 21 from 7-8:30 pm Park West School is pleased to be hosting another Coffee House performance event for grades 6-9. This event highlights many disciplines in which Park West’s students perform, such as dance, song, spoken word, martial arts, magic, and instrument playing, to name a few. This unique opportunity provides a chance for students to take risks outside of the classroom and develop confidence, artistic expression, and an appreciation for the arts. Parents and students are encouraged to come out and support their children and classmates. Admission to the event is $2.00 per person or $5.00 per family. Coffee, tea, juice and baked goods will be available for purchase. Proceeds from this event will go toward the art program at Park West School.

 

February is Registration Month:  We’re getting ready to prepare for the next school year already!  Registration for students entering grade primary in September 2013 will take place February 1 to 28.  New primary students must be five years old on or before December 31, 2013 and live within our school boundaries. Parents must provide a birth certificate, N.S. health card number, and proof of address when registering.  Registration can be done at the school office Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.  Contact Ms. Hayes or Ms. Landers (our admin assistants in the school office) or Mr. Cobean (our Guidance Counsellor) at 457-7800 for more information or to make an appointment.  Please pass the word around the community so everyone gets registered on time.  Our staffing allotment for next year depends on the number of students registered by the end of February.  PLEASE NOTE:  only students who live within the Park West School boundaries are eligible to attend this school.  As our school and class sizes continue to grow we will be monitoring this situation VERY carefully.  If any of our students are found to be living outside our boundaries it may be necessary for them to leave Park West and register at the school serving the neighbourhood in which they live.   Parents may apply to have out-of-area students attend Park West by first registering at their neighbourhood school, obtaining an HRSB “Out-of-Area” form from that school, and submitting the completed form to Park West on or after April 1, 2011 at 8:00 am.   Decisions regarding acceptance of out-of-area students at Park West  for the 2013-2014 school year will not be made until the end of June.

 

Early French Immersion for New Grade Primary Students:  If your child will be entering Grade Primary in September 2013 you may apply to have her/him in the Early French Immersion Program at Ecole Rockingham School, or any other elementary school in HRSB offering that program.  Park West School does not offer Early French Immersion.  You are welcome to attend an Early French Immersion Information Meeting at Ecole Rockingham School (library) on February 21 at 7 pm.   

 

Reminders to Drivers at Park West:

·         The speed limit for vehicles on school property is only 15 km per hour.

·         Students should be dropped off in the drop-off zone in the traffic loop and ONLY at curb side on the right hand side.   Please do not stop in the middle of the road and to allow students to disembark from vehicles.

·         Please do not hinder traffic flow by parking in the drop off zone or stopping in the middle of the road to allow students to disembark.

·         Students should be ready to exit a vehicle as soon as it pulls over to the curb in the drop off zone.   They should exit the vehicle quickly so the vehicle can move on and not impede traffic flow. 

 

Happy Chinese/Lunar New Year:  Many people of Asian descent will be celebrating Chinese or Lunar New Year on February 10th.  Chinese New Year is the longest and most important festivity in the Chinese calendar. The origin of Chinese New Year is itself centuries old and gains significance because of several myths and traditions. Chinese New Year is celebrated in China and in countries and territories with significant Chinese populations, including Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mauritius, Philippines, and also in Chinatowns elsewhere. Chinese New Year is considered a major holiday for the Chinese and has had influence on the lunar new year celebrations of its geographic neighbours.  Within China, regional customs and traditions concerning the celebration of the Chinese new year vary widely. People will pour out their money to buy presents, decoration, material, food, and clothing. It is also traditional for every family to thoroughly cleanse the house, in order to sweep away any ill-fortune and to make way for good incoming luck. Windows and doors will be decorated with red colour paper-cuts and couplets with popular themes of "good fortune" or "happiness", "wealth", and "longevity." On the Eve of Chinese New Year, supper is a feast with families. Food will include such items as pigs, ducks, chicken and sweet delicacies. The family will end the night with firecrackers. Early the next morning, children will greet their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy new year, and receive money in red paper envelopes. The Chinese New Year tradition is to reconcile, forget all grudges and sincerely wish peace and happiness for everyone.  According to the traditional Chinese calendar 2013 is the year of the snake.  Park West School wishes all families celebrating Chinese or Lunar New Year a happy holiday. 

 

8:25:  During the past week 70 – 80 students per day (in grades primary to nine) have been late for school in the morning.  Most are arriving 10 – 20 minutes after the 8:25 bell rings.   When asked why they are late for school, many reply they “slept in”.  Most others have no excuse to offer.  Having so many students arrive late for school on a daily basis is causing a major disruption to our school and classroom operations.  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 are chronically late for school will be contacted by teachers and school administration.  We seek your assistance to ensure our students arrive at school on time. 

 

Dropping By For a Visit?  For the safety and security of the students and staff at Park West School we must insist that all parents and visitors to our school sign in and obtain a visitor pass at the office before proceeding through the building for any reason.   Parents and visitors must only enter the building through the main doors and immediately report to the office.    Adults found in our building without proper identification displayed (school visitor pass) will be questioned.   It is not always necessary for parents to accompany their children to their classrooms.  We encourage parents to allow their children opportunities to develop and demonstrate their independence (to find their classrooms, remove backpacks and outerwear, put on indoor footwear). 

 

Welcome to the Family:  We need a name for our new Park West School mascot…a black panther. Our students met her/him for the first time on Friday at our school assembly.   The panther is now part of the Park West family and will be a frequent visitor to our school and attend school events.   Sadly…..our panther is nameless!   All students are invited to use ballots to suggest names for our new mascot.  The ballot box is outside the library in the main lobby.  Ballots are being accepted until Friday, Feb. 1. 

 

Relocation Site:  In the unlikely event we have to vacate our school building during the day all students and staff will be evacuated to the Canada Games Centre on Lacewood Drive.  We would walk there in classes using paths, and accompanied by teachers and school staff.  Parents, guardians and our community would be informed of the relocation (via telephone and media) and instructed to pick up children at that site.  We strive to be prepared for all emergencies and urgent situations. 

 

It’s Flu Season:   Many students and staff and getting the flu and other illnesses.  If your child is displaying symptoms of being sick (such as coughing, sneezing, head ache, diarrhea) please keep him/her at home until feeling better.   Students should not be coming to school if feeling unwell and possibly infecting others.  Everyone is encouraged to practice safe and preventative hygiene by washing hands often and covering mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing.  Skin to skin contact and touching surfaces that have been in contact with an ill person are the biggest ways flu and colds are transmitted to people.  Let’s stay healthy. 

 

March Break:  March Break is coming soon.  All schools in Nova Scotia will be closed for March Break the week of March 11 – 15. 

 

Dates to Remember:

January 31	Junior High Ski Club skiing at Martock	3:00 pm
January 31	Grade 9 Orientation Session at Halifax West High School	morning
February 5	Jr. High Strings Concert at Park West	7 pm
February 7	Jr. High Dance   ($5.00; appropriate dress required)	6:30 – 8:30
February 14	Junior High Ski Club skiing at Martock	3:00 pm
February 15	PD Day for teacher       (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)
February 19	Citizenship Challenge Celebration Assembly	10:30 am
February 20	SAC and PTA Meetings	5:45 and 7 pm
February 21	PWS Coffee House	7 – 8:30 pm
February 21	Grade 9 Trip Payment due   ($200)
February 22	Junior High Student Forum
February 28	Junior High Ski Club skiing at Martock	3:00 pm

 

Strings Soiree

String Program Fund-Raiser

Entertainment and Refreshments Tuesday, Feb. 5th at 7:00 pm
Tickets $7 at the door.

Tuesday January 22 2013

Due to the weather all schools in HRSB including Park West are closed today.
Call storm line 464-4636

January 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 

     

January 4, 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. 

 

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 are chronically late for school will be contacted by teachers and school administration. 

 

A Canadian Winter:  The Halifax Regional School Board does not have an official policy on wind chill/cold weather with regards to students being sent outside for recess and lunch breaks, or whether or not students are kept outside in the morning prior to the first bell.  However, schools are provided with information to assist them in making decisions at individual school sites.   Generally speaking, when the temperature reaches -10 C or below we assess the appropriateness of sending children outside.  We also consider wind chill factors. Wind chill is the cooling sensation caused by the combined effect of temperature and wind.  Environment Canada advises there is an “increased risk” of frostbite and hypothermia with a wind chill below – 27 C.  School administration consults the Environment Canada weather website frequently and uses common sense in determining whether or not students should be outside on a given day.  We also consider the length of time students will be outside, their activity level (heat generation), and exposure to wind and sun (the sun does have a warming affect, even during the winter months).  Whenever possible we do like to see our students being given the opportunity to get outside at some point during the day to get some exercise, fresh air, and have the opportunity to socialize with friends, rather than being confined to their classrooms for extended periods of time.  Student safety, health, and well-being are always paramount.   Parents are encouraged to dress their children appropriately for the weather and possible outdoor play, just as they would at home.  Canadian winters are cold.   Please ensure your child is dressed for it. 

 

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 •               All schools feeding into Halifax West High School or the Halifax West FAMILY of schools is closed. •               All schools in the Halifax Regional School Board are closed. •               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.

 

Hot Homemade Soup…and more!  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. 

 

Farewell:  It is with regret that we announce that Carolyn Pirri (one of our administrative assistants/secretaries) will be retiring from her position here at Park West in the near future.  Her last day of work will be Friday, January 11.  Ms. Pirri is an integral and beloved member of the Park West team.   She will be missed immensely.  We wish her all the best in her retirement and future endeavours.

 

Be the Change:  The Maritime Dance Academy will be here at Park West on Tuesday, January 15, at 1 pm, to present their 50 minute production of Be the Change to our students in grades primary to six.   Along with toe tapping upbeat musical numbers comes the story of standing up for what you believe in, even when the right thing to do isn’t always the easy thing to do.  The showcase of dance features popular music from today’s generation that focuses on kindness, compassion, and integrity.  Dancers will guide the audience through an “anti-bullying” themed show with music and dancing that will make the whole audience want to get up and join in.  Some of the cast members are Park West students.  This presentation is being paid for using funds from student fees (collected at the beginning of this year).   Parents are invited to attend. 

 

Our Students Have a Voice:  Approximately every six weeks this year our school administration team will be conducting Junior High Student Forums.   Each Forum is an opportunity for the principal and two vice principals to meet with two student representatives from each junior high class to discuss school issues of concern to junior high students.  Possible topics and issues to be discussed at the forum include:  how to get students to school on time; consequences for being late; plagiarism; code of conduct; appropriate student dress code; cell phone use at school; the impact of suspensions and alternatives; ideas for school-based activities; PEBS; expectations at school dances; what’s working at junior high; suggestions for changes for improvement to our school…and other issues relevant to our junior high students.   Administrators may consult with them on specific issues, new school policies being developed, or new initiatives.  All student views and perspectives will be valued and respected, and may be considered by school administration and staff when making decisions, and developing school policies and procedures.  Open, honest, and respectful two-way conversation will be encouraged at all times during the Forums.  The two student class reps will be different for each Forum.  Prior to each Forum they are expected to seek feedback from their class peers on concerns and issue for junior high students at Park West.  After each Forum the reps will report back to their classmates.   Our next Forum will be held on January 11^th. 

 

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.  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 January 11th will be donated to charity.

 

Dropping By For a Visit?  For the safety and security of the students and staff at Park West School we must insist that all parents and visitors to our school sign in and obtain a visitor pass at the office before proceeding through the building for any reason.   Parents and visitors must only enter the building through the main doors and immediately report to the office.    Adults found in our building without proper identification displayed (school visitor pass) will be questioned.   It is not always necessary for parents to accompany their children to their classrooms.  We encourage parents to allow their children opportunities to develop and demonstrate their independence (to find their classrooms, remove backpacks and outerwear, put on indoor footwear). 

 

Inside Early?  Sometimes students are permitted to enter the school building early in the morning (only after 8:10 am, but before 8:25 am) due to inclement weather or severe temperatures.  On these occasions they must use the main doors and remain in the lobby area until directed to go to their classrooms.  This includes those students whose classrooms are in the “chalets”.   Parents who enter the building and wait with their children must follow this same procedure and may not proceed through the building without first obtaining authorization from the office. 

 

Safe and Sound:  Park West School is served by four crossing guards who work hard to help keep our students safe as they walk to and from school.  There are three on Langbrae Drive and one on Radcliffe Drive.   Please remind your children/our students to practice safe walking and street crossing by using crosswalks under the direction of the guards.   Also, we expect all our students to be kind and respectful to the men and women working at our crosswalks. 

 

Grade 9 Trip Payment Due:  The next payment for the grade 9 spring trip to Montreal is $200 and due on January 18^th.  Please make all payments to the office. 

 

Dates to Remember:

January 11	Junior High Student Forum
January 15	Maritime Dance Academy performance (grades P – 6)          - you’re invited to attend with us	1 pm
January 16	SAC / PTA Meetings	5:45 pm / 7:00 pm
January 17	Junior High Ski Club skiing at Martock	3:00 pm
January 18	Grade 9 Trip Payment Due ($200)
January 24	PTA Family Bingo	6:30 – 8 pm
January 25	School Assembly	Morning
January 31	Junior High Ski Club skiing at Martock	3:00 pm

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR