HillcrestSchool News

A Newsletter for Parents and the Hillcrest Community January 2012

Happy New Year to all. We hope that 2012 is filled with the best for our Hillcrest families.

Welcome to Mrs. Kaitlin Hogenbirk who is joining our staff. Mrs. Hogenbirk will be in the 7-8FI Homeroom and will also be teaching 7-3 Mathematics and Science.

Welcome to the unpredictable weather of January! As we waver between snow and rain, dressing children for a day at school with outside play time becomes quite a challenge! If possible, tucking an extra pair of mittens and socks in backpacks is a snugly idea!

Calling all volunteers!

Any parents, grandparents or community friends who would be able to spare a couple of hours a week are invited to come to the school to read with young students. Please contact Catherine Houston at the school (extension 511) if you are available. Days and hours are flexible--we would love to have you!

It is a good time for parents to consider replenishing school supplies for their children. You might like to ask your child how any or all of the following (as applicable) are "holding up": glue sticks, pencils, pens, pencil crayons, markers.....

Electives

Once again we will be offering an elective program to our Grades 4 through 8. Electives will be held on the following Wednesdays:

February 1, 8, 15 and 22nd.

If one of these days must be cancelled (due to a snow day for example), the make up day will take place on February 29th. A form will be coming home with the cost of your child’s elective this week. Payment is due prior to January 20th.

There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

~ Albert Einstein

January’s Virtue: Integrity

Integrity is standing up for what you believe is right, living by your highest values. It is being honest and sincere with others and yourself. You are integrous when your words and actions match. You don’t fool yourself into doing what you know is wrong. You fill your life and your mind with the things that help you to live a good, clean life.

“In matters of style, swim with the current, in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”

Thomas Jefferson

Grade 9 Parent Orientation Meeting

Grade 8 Parents and Students are invited to attend an information evening at WestHillSecondary School for those students planning to attend WHSS in grade 9. This event will be held on Monday January 23rd, 2012 starting at 7:00 pm. Parents of grade 8 students along with their child are invited to attend. There will be a short presentation in the gym followed by 3 classroom sessions where each family will be given the opportunity to gain information on elective courses as well as information to aid them in selecting the pathway for their compulsory courses.

We are really excited about this evening and look forward to meeting all of our future grade 9 students. If you have any questions, please contact the guidance office at

519-376-6050 x 235 for more information.

BREAKFAST: Start the Day Strong

Donations to our Breakfast program are always appreciated.

Volunteers are welcome; an hour a week would be great. Please call Martha Carroll at the school.

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Hand Held Technology Expectations

Cell Phones & Digital Cameras- Must be left in lockers

during school hours

iPods/MP3’s- Use only before or after

school, during Nut Breaks

or in art classes

Failing to follow these expectations?

Cell phones and cameras will be taken by teachers. Cells will be returned at the end

of the day, cameras will be returned when your parents come to retrieve them.

iPods & MP3 Players or other tech. devices will be taken and held for the day. If they are taken a second time, your parents will be contacted about the violation of the expectation.

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Kiwanis Music Festival

Any student in Grade 7 or 8 who wishes to participate in the Owen Sound Kiwanis Music Festival, which takes place in April, should get an entry form from

Mr.Crawford as soon as possible. Students can play solos, duets, trios, quartets or ensembles. Students who play solos will need to provide their own piano accompanist to play with them at the Festival. The entry deadline is Friday, Feb. 10. For further information on rules and fees, check out the Kiwanis Website Students who play solos and hope to win a scholarship for their performance must play in two different solo categories.

Grade 8 Graduation:

* Grade 8 Grad photo will be taken on January 23rd and January 24th2012.

*Graduation is on Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 7pm at the Bayshore.

Reminders for Safe Arrival

Parents are reminded to call the school if your child is going to be absent or there’s a change to after school arrangements. Please leave a message in the general mailbox (ext 100) with your child’s full name, class, and reason for the absence/change.

Allergy Alert!

HillcrestElementary School will be kept free of PEANUTS and Nut Products.

When the Buses Can’t Run

Reminders

IF YOUR CHILD RIDES A BUS:

Parents do not need to call the school to explain your child’s absence

Parents who are able to safely transport their children, to and from school, are asked to send a note informing the school about who will pick the students up at the end of the day and state the time the pick-ups will occur, if it is earlier than the 3:15 dismissal (which would be the latest pick up time)

IF YOUR CHILD DOES NOT RIDE A BUS:

Students who are able to safely come to the school are expected to attend

Parents of students who are unable to attend school must call the school

Students who come to school are expected to remain for the whole day unless a parent/guardian phones and advises the school of a change in plans (e.g. early pick-up due to deteriorating weather)

FOR ALL STUDENTS:

Valuable learning opportunities will be provided for our students with lessons that include literacy, numeracy, physical activity as well as art, music and technology. Class groups will be organized according to the number of students and teachers who are able to safely get to school

DO NOT DROP YOUR CHILD OFF AT SCHOOL BEFORE 8:30 A.M. AS THERE IS NO SUPERVISION UNTIL THAT TIME.

Early Dismissal Days

Students will be dismissed at 1:15 p.m. on these days. Buses will depart from the school two hours earlier than the regular departure time. They are:

March 28, 2012 & May 9, 2012

Next PD Day – Friday, February 3, 2012

All the Best in 2012!