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

December 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 

     

December 7, 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. 

 

HAPPY HANUKKAH:  Hanukkah, translated as “dedication”, is an eight-day celebration in the Jewish community which begins on the twenty-fifth day of the Jewish month of Kislev (November/December).  This year Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 8.   The celebration continues through to nightfall on December 16.  It recalls an event which took place in 165 BC (in the Gregorian calendar) when the Maccabees triumphed over the Greek forces of Antiocus IV.  The celebration is also known as the Festival of Lights.  When the Jews entered the temple they found only enough oil to light the lamps to last one day; but the oil miraculously continued burning for eight days!  To celebrate each family lights an eight-candle holder called a menorah.  One candle is lighted on each of the eight days.  Traditional foods include potato pancakes called latkes and children play a game with a dreydl (a four-sided top).  (taken from Celebrate! by Clary Croft).   Happy Hanukkah to those in our Park West family who will be celebrating this special holiday. 

 

Let’s Feed Nova Scotia:  To help us celebrate Hanukkah at Park West School we are asking all students and their families to donate household light bulbs (Festival of Lights), a bag of potatoes (latkes), and/or a bottle of cooking oil (oil in the lamps) to Feed Nova Scotia.  All donations will be accepted at the school until  Monday, December 17.  Let’s show Metro Halifax the Park West School community cares and shares. 

 

Christmas Concerts:  Our elementary Christmas concerts will be held on December 11 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.  This is a great opportunity to family members (such as grandparents) and friends to see the concerts.  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 have been issued to elementary students (2 each) performing in the concerts.  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.  Visitor parking is available on the side of the building adjacent to the path.  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. 

 

And…something else:  Self-identification is important to our school system and to our students. It is essential to know who our students are and which communities we serve. It will help us to understand how our demographics are changing and how best to support our students and schools. We are encouraging all parents and students to identify their Ancestry and Aboriginal Identity.  This week all Park West parents/guardians should have received self-identification forms and a letter from our Acting Superintendent (Judy White).  Please complete the form and return it to your child’s teacher at your earliest convenience.   Thank you for helping us gather this valuable information. 

 

HAPPY KWANZAA:  Kwanzaa is a relatively new holiday. It was founded in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga with the hope of educating his people about the African-American struggles and their rich cultural heritage.  The holiday lasts for seven days beginning on December 26.  It binds the African harvest customs and the social history of African North Americans.  The word Kwanzaa is derived from the East African Swahili phrase “Mantunde ya kwanza” which means “the first fruits.”  The second “a” was added to give the word seven letters which corresponds to the seven symbols, the seven principles and the seven days of Kwanzaa.  For this celebration, families and friends gather at meal time.  The unity cup is passed from person to person with each one saying something positive about the African-American (or Canadian) community.  Next, the candles of the kinara are lit and the principles are recited.  Everyone talks and dances as the family joins together to rejoice in their heritage.  The celebration is organized around five fundamental activities:  ingathering of the people, a special reverence for the Creator and creations, commemoration of the past, re-commitment to one’s highest ideals, and celebration of the good around and within each other. 

 

O Christmas Tree: The Christmas tree in our school lobby is bare!!!  Every student at Park West School, regardless of his/her faith, is invited to help decorate it.  Each student may bring from home one ornament (labelled with the student’s name and class, so it can be returned after Christmas) to place on our school Christmas tree. Your ornament can be homemade, have special meaning for you and your family, be a favourite, or represent your culture or heritage.  Beginning on Monday, December 10, students will be invited to the lobby sometime during the day to help trim the tree.  If all students participate, by the time we’re finished the tree should have over 800 ornaments on it!  Drop by to see it when you visit the school during the Christmas season. 

 

Gobble Gobble:  A traditional Christmas turkey dinner will be available for all students registered in our lunch program to purchase from our cafeteria on Wednesday, December 12 at lunch time.  Dinner includes:  slow roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing, seasonal vegetables, gravy, and dessert.  Price:  $8.00   This special turkey dinner must be ordered in advance from the cafeteria.   Students who usually go home for lunch can order a turkey dinner for take-out.  Contact our cafeteria manager , Jane Scrymgeour, in person or via telephone (440-7352) between 8 am and 12:45 pm daily to place an order.  

 

Grade 9 Entrepreneur Fair:  As part of their Social Studies program our grade nine students have been working hard on projects with the goal of becoming successful entrepreneurs.  With a start-up investment of $25, students have developed products to sell with the objective of making a profit.  Some students have chosen to use any profits to help offset the expenses of their Grade Nine Trip to Montreal.  On December 18 (10:30 am – 3:00 pm) come visit the Grade 9 Entrepreneur Fair in our gymnasium to see learning in action and make some purchases to support our student endeavours.  Products for sale will include Christmas ornaments, jewelry, games, fashion accessories, art, and various food items.  Prices will range from 25 cents to $2.00.  All grades primary to eight classes will have the opportunity to visit the fair to make purchases.    

 

 A Park West Christmas:   Thursday, December 20^th  has been declared Red and Green Day here at Park West School.  Students, staff and visitors to our school are encouraged to wear red and green clothing to celebrate the season.   Anyone with reindeer antlers, Santa hats, etc. may wish to wear them to school that day. 

 

Dates to Remember:

December 10	Junior High Student Forum	Morning
December 11 & 12	Christmas Concerts (grades P – 6)	1:15 pm and 6:30 pm
December 13	Concert storm day
December 13	Term 1 Report Cards sent home with students
December 18	Grade 9 Entrepreneur Fair  for grades P – 8	10:30 – 3:00 pm
December 20	“Red & Green”                          *Last day of school before Christmas holidays
January 3	Back to School      - please be on time	8:25 am

 

 

 

Parent Info of Grade 9 students

 

Thursday January 24th

Parent Information Evening at Halifax West for Grade 9 Parents
Time to be announced.

Bella Rose Theatre

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