GORDON PUBLIC SCHOOL, 468 Thorold Road West, Welland ON, L3C 3W6 MARCH 2015

T. D’Alessandro Principal

905-734-3730

G. Watson Vice-Principal 905-734-3730

W. Hahn Superintendent 905-641-1550

S. Barnett Trustee

905-734-7110

March

IS:

PERSEVERANCE

Month

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents,

What a tremendously cold month of February! Hopefully the worst has passed and we can

look forward to warmer temperatures soon!

I would like to thank the over 100 families that attended our “Family Fun Night”. What an

absolutely tremendous evening of fun and learning! It was absolutely marvelous to see over

300 people join us that night!

Please have a look at our school calendar this month. Our School Council is organizing a

“Kids in the Kitchen” night. Simply sign up and send in the form by March 5th. This is a

FREE event. We hope to see you there!

Our board wide anti-bullying day was a great success! It was literally a “Sea of Pink”. Al-

though we put an emphasis on this day in February, every day is an anti-bullying day.

Coming soon…

NEW SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR! Forms will be coming home showing off our new designs

for spirit wear. A web link is on our website to access order forms also. We are very proud

to be the home of the “Grizzlies”. Let‟s show everyone our „swag‟!

Have a safe and enjoyable March Break!

Tony D'Alessandro

Proud Principal of Gordon Public School

http://gordon.dsbn.org

VISITING? SAY HI AT THE OFFICE!! Whenever you are coming to Gordon, please be sure to stop in the office first to say “HI!” The safety of every student in this school is important to us. As a part of our Safe School policy all visitors MUST sign in at the office.

Mad Science, the world’s leading provider of educational and entertaining science programs for children

is coming to Gordon School. Their mission is to spark the imagination and curiosity of children every-

where by providing them with fun, entertaining and exciting activities that instill a clear understanding of

what science is really all about and how it affects the world around them. They use exciting activities and

spectacular demonstrations to capture the attention and imagination of children around the world.

Students from Grade 1-6 and teachers will be thrilled on 27/Feb/2015 at 11:15 AM when Mad Science

comes to the school to do a Spectacular Science show. The assembly will be educational, entertaining and

also the kick off to the Mad Science Club. The Club is a 6-week science enrichment program offered to

the students.

Students who join the science club will go on a voyage of discovery designed to support the Ontario Sci-

ence and Technology curriculum. They will explore various topics in science including Optical Illusions,

Sonic Sounds, Tantalizing Taste, Harnessing Heat, Lights Colour Action and Magnetic Magic.

The Club will take place on Tuesday, Mar 24, 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28 from 3:25

PM - 4:25 PM.

For those of you who have been in the Mad Science Club be-

fore, this is a different club than last year with exciting experi-

ments, cool demonstrations and amazing take home activities.

www.niagara.madscience.org

EXTRA CLOTHES

We highly recommend parents to

provide extra socks and

perhaps pants and shoes during this

time of year. Although we try to

make appropriate decisions not to let

the students play in the field when it is

extremely wet, sometimes accidents

happen. Proving students with an ex-

tra set of clothing will eliminate

calls home and interruptions at work.

Our recent Open House was a huge success! We are

continuing to accept registrations for Kindergarten.

If you know anyone that has a child turning 4 or 5 in 2015, we’d love to welcome

them to our Gordon family!

March 16—20

No school!

Enjoy your week off!

Share the joys of summer with a Fresh Air child!

Fresh Air summers are filled with children running barefoot through the grass, gazing at star-filled skies or swimming for the first time. Join our New York City host families who will host Fresh Air children at their summer homes next summer, and share the beauty of your community with a Fresh Air child!

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Each summer, over 4,000 inner-city children visit suburban, rural and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Volunteer Host Family Program. Fresh Air children are boys and girls, from six to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children on first-time visits are six to 12 years old and stay for one or two weeks. Children who are reinvited by host families may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18 and can enjoy extended trips. Over 65 percent of all children are reinvited to stay with their host families, year after year.

Prom Project Niagara 2015 – Free Formal Wear Opportunity Prom Project Niagara gives young people the opportunity to select formal wear free of charge to attend their formals and grads feeling stylish, confident and proud. This year, we are offering Prom Project Niagara at:: Thorold Secondary School Beamsville Secondary School Fort Erie Secondary School If you know of a student in need who could use this program, please join us on Saturday, April 11

th, from

9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at one of our locations. Inviting all students who are in need of formal wear for their special day! No registration necessary. Transportation from Welland to Thorold Secondary School available. Space is limited and on a first come, first serve basis. Please contact your school secretary for more info. For more information on Prom Project please call 905-641-2929 ext. 54103, email efn@dsbn.org or visit www.efnniagara.ca

Congratulations to the Boys Intermediate Basketball Team coached by Mrs. Rush! They were consolation finalists at the E.L. Crossley tournament, and finished 4th out of 7 teams in league play. Division playoffs started on Feb. 28th. Team members are: Justin Z., Jordan H., Tim S., Jon K., Alex G., Alex S,, Isaac B., Hunter C., Jorden B., Jonah P., Brad M., Austin D.

The Intermediate Girls Basketball Team coached by Mr. Manella and Mrs. Gaspich, have won 4 games, lost 1, and tied 1. They played a tough semi-final game against Richmond to end

our season. The girls represented Grizzly spirit on and off the court and we are so proud of how much they improved over the season.

Team members are: Keana B, Emily B, Alyssa B, Beverly W, Tawny C, Mackenzie C, Emma B, Kassie M, Tayler M, Kennedy S, Ella T

PARKING

In an effort to increase student safety, we made some changes to our parking, bus zones, and parent pick up and drop off procedures. Our back parking lot off Clare Ave. will be reserved for staff parking and bus loading and unload-ing. Our buses will board immediately upon dismissal and depart Gordon at approximately 3:25 p.m. each afternoon. Parents dropping students off prior to the start of school may also use this lot if they wish. Our front parking lot off Thorold Road will be available for all parent and visitor parking. Students picked up or dropped off during the school day should enter/exit and sign in/out at the office. At the end of the day, Kindergarten students will exit out the Kindergarten door and students in Grades 1-8 will exit at the main office. Thank you for keeping our students safe!

PARENT PARKING CONSIDERATIONS

Please respect the areas designated No Parking and Handicapped only.

Please use the designated sidewalk and paths at all times.

Please be patient in our parking lot.

Be safe and watch for children at all times.

Consider parking away from the school (ie. side street) and walking

CLASS CHARACTER - Caring ACADEMIC

FDK1 – MRS. CLARKE LIAM D. ABIGAIL A.

FDK2 – MRS. FLETCHER JACK H., ELIZABETH M.

FDK3 – MRS. MUNDERICH BROOKLYN B., EDDY H.

1-1 – MRS. FILION DELILAH D. COOPER L.

1-2 – MRS. GASPICH BRENNAN G. HANNAH S.

1F – MLLE SAUVE HAILEY S. JENNA L.

2F – MR. VERWEY LILY M. AIDEN M.

2/3 – MRS. SODKE MS. DEGELMAN

HAYDEN H. AYDEN D.

3-1 – MS. KNOCKAERT KRISTEN K. BROOKLYNN C.

3 -2 – MS. MCLEAN MASON S. KYLIE P.

3F – MME. BENSON KAYA L. JENNAH-PATRICE L.

4-1 – MRS. HUDAK MAX P. SAIGE G.

4F – MME. GARDINER KIAN M., JULIA Q. IVY C.

5-1 – MRS. SLAGHT AIDEN W. NATHAN T.

5-2 – MR. SNOW BEN M. COREY B.

5F – MLLE STICKLES RENEE J. KATHARINE D.

6-1 – MR. MANNELLA VICTORIA S. DAVIN L., MICAH P.

6F – MLLE CORRIVEAU CONNOR G. JESSICA G.

7-1 – MR. CHARLES TALIA W. BRYCE D.

7F – MR. MUNDERICH SAMANTHA B. ABAIGAIL G.

7/8 – MRS. TIMLOCK DOMINIC D. SAMANTHA D., BRENDAN G.

8-1 – MRS. RUSH DAVEY L., JOSHUA M. JUSTIN Z.

JANUARY RECOGNITION RECIPIENTS

DO YOU HAVE A COMMUNITY

CONTACT OR OWN YOUR OWN

BUSINESS?

Gordon Public School is throwing our first

annual Fun Fair on Thursday May 7th,

from 5-8 pm, raising money to add

technology to our wonderful school. We are

looking for donations for our Penny Sale,

Silent Auction and game prizes! Monetary

donations or gift certificates or services are

all gratefully accepted!

YOU NAME IT….WE CAN USE IT

Easter Basket Raffle Draw! Beginning Friday March 27th tickets will be on sale for the baskets. Each basket contains an assortment of Easter treats. They will be on display in Room 20 and tickets will be on sale at first break each

day until the draw on Thursday, April 2nd. Tickets will be 50cents each or 5 for $2.00. Proceeds raised from this event support the efforts of the Gordon Spirit Team and their donations to EFN and the St. John

Ambulance Therapy Dog program.

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE ABOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER PROCEDURES

There may be times during the school year where inclement weather or other situations could cause transportation cancellations or school closures. At times when student transportation has been cancelled and schools remain open, the decision of whether or not to have children in school on that day rests with the parent or guardian. Should you decide not to send your child to school in the event that transportation is cancelled but schools remain open, or if your child is ill or late, please ensure that you call your child’s school to inform them of your child’s absence. A key resource in any emergency is the DSBN Emergency Information form that you filled out at the beginning of the school year. Please let the school know of any changes in contact information or procedures you wish to be followed throughout the school year. For secondary schools it may become necessary to cancel late buses. Notice will be provided via school announcements and on the websites and subscription features by 11:30 a.m. Information about transportation cancellations and school closures will be available as soon as it is available through the following channels: Websites: www.dsbn.org www.nsts.ca

Subscription Features: DSBN Facebook or Twitter NSTS Transportation Delay or Cancellation Alerts

Phone: Niagara Student Transportation Services 905-346-0290 Voice Auto Attendant

Television Stations: H – Hamilton CTV Toronto CityTV Breakfast Television Cogeco Channel 10

Radio Stations:

CKTB (610 AM) St. Catharines CHRE (105.7 FM) St. Catharines

WAVE (94.7 FM) Hamilton CHTZ-FM (97.7 FM) St. Catharines

CKOC (1150 AM) Hamilton CKEY (105.1 FM) Niagara Falls/Fort Erie

CHML (900 AM) Hamilton K-LITE-FM (102.9 FM) Hamilton

CHAM (820 AM) Hamilton GIANT FM (91.7 FM) Welland

Y-108(107.9) Hamilton

SPIRIT WEAR! BE PROUD TO BE A GRIZZLY!

Forms will be sent home March 2nd, and are due on March 13th! Sizing is available at Silvestri Sports

located at 68 West Main St, Welland. t-shirts, toques, hoodies and more!

The form is also available on our website.

Saving cents makes sense! Simmer up a pot of scrumptious soup.

There’s nothing like the aroma of homemade soup simmering on the stove on a

cold day. Fill the pot with your favourite vegetables, whole grains and legumes for

a healthy fibre-filled meal in a bowl. The combinations are endless! Make your

own stock using vegetables; chicken, turkey or beef; water; garlic and spices. A big

pot of soup can cost little and go a long way. Cook a pot of soup on the weekend to

enjoy for lunches or simple weeknight suppers.

Source: www.dietitians.ca

Simple Carrot Soup (source: Karen Le Billon author of French Kids Eat Every-

thing, www.karenlebillon.com)

60 ml (4 tbsp) olive oil

1 large onion, diced

1 kg (2 lbs) carrots

1 litre (4 cups) of water

salt to taste

5 ml (1 tsp) dried parsley and/or dill (optional)

Saute chopped onion at low temperature for at least 5 minutes, or until golden.

(This is the secret of the soup! So don’t rush.)

Add carrots (peeled or unpeeled, you decide) and raise the temperature to medium-

high heat, and saute for 2 minutes.

Add water. Cook at a gentle rolling boil until carrots are soft (about 8 to 10 min-

utes). Remove from heat, add herbs, and puree until smooth. If you like a thinner

soup, add more water until it’s just right.

Immunizations Immunization begins in early infancy and continues throughout life. Your child will re-ceive the majority of his or her immunizations between the ages of two months and six years of age. Please take a moment to check your child’s Immunization Record (yellow card) to be sure his or her immunizations are up-to-date. Immunizations work best when given on time. For more information on childhood immunization, including the immunization schedule, speak with your doctor or visit www.health.gov.on.ca.

If you have further questions, please call the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program at

Niagara Region Public Health at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7425 to speak to

a public health nurse.

Triple P Schedule (Parents with Children 2-12 Years

Old)

Parents with children aged 2-12 can sign-up for free parenting courses offered in one of several locations.

Topics Covered in the Children (2-12 year old) Sessions

Building positive relationships with your children

Dealing positively and consistently with problem behaviour

Encouraging behaviour that you like from your children

Planning ahead to avoid or manage difficult situations

Taking care of yourself as a parent

To Register

1. Find a location from the schedule below.

2. Call 905-688-8248 ext. 7555 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7555 (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) to

register for a Triple P course.

3. If you require childcare, call the childcare number for your course to register for a spot.

Childcare registration is separate from the program registration. You must call the number listed for your course

location to register for childcare. If you do not register for childcare, you will not have a childcare spot.

Eight Week Course Schedule

Location Date / Time Childcare Available

St. Catharines Ontario Early Years Centre -Walker Family YMCA

25 YMCA Dr.

Mondays

April 13 - June 1

6 - 8:30 p.m.

Yes, call 905-938-9392

Condensed Saturday Schedule

For parents unable to attend multiple evening classes, we are offering an alternative program on two back-to-

back Saturday mornings.

Parents will learn the same principles of positive parenting and will also be introduced to the strategies that will

help with managing misbehaviour.

Location Date / Time Childcare Available

Welland Ontario Early Years Centre - Central United Church

12 Young St.

Saturdays

April 11 - April 18

9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Yes, call 905-734-3563

Niagara Falls St. Patrick's Church

4673 Victoria Ave.

Saturdays

May 30 - June 6

9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Yes, call 905-357-2398

FOR PARENTS:

For further information on ADHD or the HOPE Support Group, or to receive notifications of schedules and updates, email

the Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region.

ADHD Resources Order an ADHD Resource Booklet

The "ADHD... now what?" booklet contains tips and strategies for you to consider, and a list of resources and organiza-

tions to assist you.

Learning Disabilities Association of Niagara Region

A community-based agency that works with school boards and other community-based agencies to improve services and

support for persons with learning disabilities.

HOPE (Helping Others Parent Effectively) Family Support Group

A support group helping parents of children with ADHD in Niagara for over 15 years.

Group meetings are held Wednesday evenings, 7 - 8:30 p.m.

St. Catharines Regional Child Care Centre 179 Carlton St., St. Catharines

(Next to St. Denis School)

Meeting Schedule Share what's working well in your family. Get suggestions for managing the challenges.

Date Topic

Mar 4, 2015 Parenting Children with ADHD

Mar 25, 2015 Managing Anger

Apr 15, 2015 What is a Psycho-educational Assessment?

May 6, 2015 ADHD Affects the Whole Family

May 27, 2015 Internet Safety & ADHD Concerns

Jun 17, 2015 Social Skills

FOR PARENTS:

VALENTINE’S DAY RAFFLE WINNERS: Natasha Gamble winner (grade4) Olivia Wogan ( grade 4) Kristen Montgomery (grade 6)

INTEGRITY WINNERS!

On February 18th, 4 players from the Niagara Ice Dogs visited Gordon.

To see more of the action visit the Bullet News Website, or visit this link:

http://www.bulletnewsniagara.ca/index.php?p=Sections&id=3843

Thanks to all who participated in our

Family Fun Night. Everyone enjoyed

the math stations and collecting great

ideas to do math with our families at

home.

PINK SHIRT DAY

February 25

I Am the Up Stander

By: Vaiden Fanelli, Grade 4

I am the up stander,

I wonder if the bully's afraid,

I hear her saying ,”thank you”

I see the bully threatening to hurt me,

I want bullying to stop once and for all,

I am the up stander,

I pretend I am a hero,

I feel very proud,

I touch the bullied's heart,

I worry he will hurt me someday,

I cry no more,

I am the up stander,

I understand that I am a hero,

I say stop bullying,

I dream of peace forever,

I hope there is an end to this madness,

I try to keep doing this

I am the up stander

Gordon Grizzlies Jumped the days

away on Feb. 19 & 20! Everyone got

their exercise and some collected

pledges for Heart & Stroke.