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Jack Donohue Public School 101 Penrith Street, Kanata, Ontario, K2W 1H4 613-271-9776, fax 613-271-7331 jackdonohueps.ocdsb.ca Message from the Principal Class Placements for 2013/2014 The goal of classroom organization is to build a community of learners in every classroom, based on the best interests of the students. To ensure that both single grade and combined classes (classes consisting of students from more than one grade) are balanced in as many different ways as possible, staff take into consideration various factors; putting the academic and social needs of each student as a priority. Every class is a “combined” class in that all of them have students with a range of abilities. Combined grades are a reality in Ontario and here at Jack Donohue PS. Principal Cindy Alce Vice-principals Bruno Kondric Mary Jane Johnson Office Administrator Kelly Mills Office Assistant Lise Bishop Stacey Hearne Chief Custodian Perry Brown Superintendent Olga Grigoriev School Hours 9:15 – 3:45 Attendance Mailbox 613-271-9910, Press 1 Office Hours 8:30 – 4:30 Some of the criteria addressed in organizing classes include: • academic profiles • peer relationships • student strengths and needs • ratio of male to female students • number of students in each grade • social and emotional profiles The development of classes is a thoughtful process. If you feel you have a very special need that should be considered, or if there is additional information you can provide to best place your child, please contact the principal, in writing, by 18 March. All requests will be reviewed and considered. However, please note that not all requests can be accomodated. The OCDSB follows the philosophy of the Ministry of Education in recognizing the unique and special characteristics of every student. See the ministry’s resource document, Combined Grades: Strategies to reach a Range of Learners from Kindergarten to Grade 6 (2007) for more information. Our programs are designed to address individual student needs. Combined grades offer many positive experiences for children, and are created when the number of students does not allow for the establishment of appropriately sized, single-grade classes, or when the learning needs, stages of development and/or learning styles of students are more effectively met. Each student works towards the achievement of their grade specific curriculum expectations. When there are common concepts or skills, students will work together. Assessment, evaluation and reporting are grade specific. Current research indicates that multi-grade classes foster social growth and independence, practice in cooperation, respect for others, and increased motivation to learn. Older children act as models and guides for the younger children which gives the older children an increased sense of self-esteem and responsibility. Younger children adjust to school and routines more quickly by observing and imitating the older children. Both groups can learn from each other. Additional information can be found on the OCDSB Website: http://www.ocdsb.ca/med/pub/Publications%20%20Updated/Combined_Grades.pdf Additional information on Combined Grades can be found on Ontario Ministry of Education Website: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/combinedClassrooms/combinedClassrooms.pdf Should you have further questions about combined grades or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Cindy Alce 24 hour - School Attendance – 271-9910, press 1 School Organization for 2013-2014 We are in the beginning stages of planning for next year. If your child is not returning to Jack Donohue P.S. in September because you are moving out of our attendance area, please let us know as soon as possible as this information will help us plan for September. Even though the official registration period for kindergarten for September 2013 is over, ongoing registration is available. If you have a child born in 2009, please bring proof of age in the form of a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, permanent resident card, or Canadian passport and immunization information Also, if you are aware of new neighbours in your area, please encourage them to register as soon as possible. Extended Day Program We are very pleased to introduce the extended day programs at Jack Donohue September 2013. The extended day program will be offered to students in grades 1 through 6 in September. All students currently registered in SK to grade 5 should have received an application form. EQAO Testing Grades 3 and 6 Students The dates for the writing of EQAO for our students at JDPS will be between May 27th and June 6th in the mornings. Please try and book appointments for your children outside of these dates and times. Library News! Our Spring Scholastic Book Fair is quickly approaching. April 22 to 26 you will see the library transformed into a wonderful store of new books for sale. Mark the dates on your calendar for this special event. If you are able to help with the book fair, please contact Mrs. Johnstone in the library or email [email protected] Classroom News We are excited to tell you about a new component of our health unit for Mrs. Lyon’s Grade 2/3 class. Introduced by student teacher Liza Campbell, students fill out “Health Journals” where they log what they eat for each meal and snack, as well as their physical activities. Students have learned to identify daily (realistic) fitness goals (e.g., 200 jumping jacks) which are followed by doing the activity itself as a class as part of a mini morning fitness challenge. What has been most interesting is that the children themselves have been making their own observations of how what they ate has had an impact on their success rate at achieving their personal fitness goals. They are realizing that healthy meals have led to greater fitness success and smiles on their faces! Discussion has also taken place on the benefits of breakfast and learning. Amount of sleep will be added to their health journals and we will note if it has an effect on meeting fitness goals. It is so exciting to see their enthusiasm when they reach their goals. Outside Play With sunshine and milder temperatures, the snow and ice are melting in our school yard. Please ensure your child is dressed appropriately with splash pants and rubber boots. At this time of the year it is a good idea to pack extra pants and socks on the bottom of the backpack in case of accidental soakers! Important Dates March 11-15 March 29 April 1 Apr. 19 April 22-26 March Break Good Friday – no school Easter Monday – no school Earth Day Spirit Day – Support our Planet, wear blue, green, brown or Earth logo/slogan Book Fair 24 hour - School Attendance – 271-9910, press 1