Ross Doan News www.rossdoan.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.caOctober 2, 2014

Office Staff

Superintendent

Trustee

Daily Schedule

Kindergarten Schedule

School Goal

Share, care and play fair

Character Trait

Respect

Message from Principal Bernadette SmithGreetings Everyone,

We’re off to a great start to the 14/15 school year. Students are now settling into their classes and staff is busy working on developing positive, inviting, and meaningful learning environments. At this time, teachers are conducting several different types of assessments to identify students’ levels of ability in reading, writing, and mathematics. The information gathered through these assessments will inform instruction that follows. We thank you all who were able to join us for Meet The Teacher Night to learn more about our school and get familiar with your child’s new learning environment. Your input, feedback, and involvement is welcomed and appreciated.

EQAO scores for schools have recently been released. Below you will see the percentage of our grade 3 students who achieved a level 3 or 4 in the areas of reading, writing, and mathematics.

These scores represent a snapshot of student achievement in one point in time. There are many factors that influence student achievement that we keep in mind as we analyze these results including transiency of students, second language learners, students with special needs, attendance, demographics, and many other factors. As a staff, we analyze the data provided as we work through school improvement processes. For more information about this provincial assessment, please visit www.eqao.com

Student mental health and well being is a defining factor influencing academic achievement. This year, we are able to offer more refined individualized and small group social and academic skills support through the efforts of our Literacy Coaches and Special Education Teachers. More information will follow as students are selected to participate in these sessions. I encourage you to maintain open and consistent communication with your child’s teacher so that we will be better able to address any needs that arise and together work towards success for all.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

Ross Doan News - October 2014

Toonies for TerryCongratulations Ross Doan PS!!

We have raised over $2400 for the Terry Fox Foundation!! All students will be rewarded with a movie and popcorn event. Details to follow soon.

Thank you to all who donated and/or ran...way to go Ross Doan PS!!!!

Positive Climate For Learning-PC4L

Last school year we began our school initiative, “What’s your Magic?” Our journey began when magicians IncrediBrent and Super Sarah came to Ross Doan PS. They taught us about the power of confidence and the importance of developing a positive sense of self. Their magic show captured the attention of our students and staff and sparked an idea for further school wide opportunities. From there teachers engaged students in a variety of activities to help them determine their strengths, passions, and what their talents are. One strategy was to use Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences or 'smarts' as a way of understanding themselves as well as other people. The 'smarts' are categorized as follows: Art, Body, Word, Math, Music, People, and Self 'smart'.

We learned that we are all talented, passionate, and SMART and that we all have MAGIC! We are now working together to understand and appreciate that everyone learns in different ways and that we all have different 'smarts'. We are continuing to work on creating a healthy learning environment for all. Together, Ross Doan PS has found their Magic. Our journey continues…..

Ross Doan News - October 2014

Library News

Our Scholastic Book Fair was a HUGE success! It was so nice to see families visit the library during Meet the Teacher Night. Thank you for supporting the library and promoting the love of reading! The Book Fair will be open on Monday, October 6th during the day to do one final purchase.

I would like the children to give me feedback regarding the books in the library, since they are the one’s reading the books. I have created an online student request form that you could help your child fill out. Here is the link: http://goo.gl/8DuWSa

You are also able to access Ross Doan library’s search engine from home. Here is the link: http://goo.gl/YWi93x

Happy Reading!Mrs. Khaira

Tech Talk

Did you know that our school has a subscription to the online math program, IXL? IXL has hundreds of games and activities that connect to the Ontario curriculum expectations for grades JK-12. There is also an app available for iOS, Android and Kindle devices. You can access this resource from home with the following login information:

username: rdoan670password: 123

ixl.ca

Ross Doan News - October 2014

Some Safety Reminders

Critical to the safety of our students is the need for all of us to follow the rules and routines of our school. We ask that when you are dropping off your child in the morning, that you use our Kiss N Ride area if you are driving and appropriate entry/exit door when walking. As well, please refrain from entering the building from the main doors and walking your child to his/her classroom. If you need to come into the school, please begin your visit at our main office and sign in there. You will receive a Visitor Badge which you are asked to wear while in the school. We thank you for your continued diligence and support with these safety matters.

Health & Hygeine

As we enter into the colder months of winter, we want to do our very best to reduce the spread of illness and other ailments in our school. Please consider/review the following routines with your children:

❖ wash hands regularly❖ cough in your sleeve (inside elbow)❖ use a kleenex to wipe nose if runny❖ check your child’s head regularly for lice or nits to reduce chances of this

situation occurring❖ dress children appropriately for weather❖ have extra clothing available in your child’s bag in case of accidents at

school

Ross Doan News - October 2014