Welcome back Pine Grove P.S. families!
We are thrilled to be back at school, starting a new year. A warm welcome to our new Principal, Greg Brown. Mr. Brown encourages you to come by the office to say hello. We also have a few new faces among our teaching staff. Leigh-Anne Chittle is teaching grade 2, Jenna Shae is teaching grade 3/4, Jennifer Zingaro in special education, and Queenie Ho is teaching music. Welcome back to Daniella Giordana who is our Reading Recovery teacher for the year.
We value the strong partnerships we have with our families and the community. Ongoing and open communication between home and school is essential to your child’s success. We also encourage our parents to become involved in the life of the school by taking the opportunity to attend School Council Meetings, volunteer in the library and/or classrooms or attend school trips. Look for upcoming dates and invitations in future monthly newsletters, the school message board located as you drive into the school and/or from your child’s teacher. We look forward to seeing you in the school.
SCHOOL ORGANIZATION
We have organized classrooms based on the most recent enrollment and following Ministry/Board regulations and guidelines. There may be further changes in the next few weeks depending on actual numbers of students in the building. We will keep you informed as we move ahead.
A word about combined classes:
Some of your children are in combined classes. This is a result of there being a cumbersome number of students at particular grade levels. Sometimes, there are too many students to form one class, but not enough students to form two classes. In these situations, students from two different grade levels are grouped together to form a combined class.
Educational literature shows that children in combined grade groupings function at a level that is comparable to children in a straight grade. Student achievement is not compromised. In addition, the research suggests that multi-age grouping is associated with a more positive self-concept and an enhanced attitude towards learning.
When we consider students for a combined class, the following criteria is considered:
- a balance according to gender
- work habits, maturity, co-operation
- a balance of ability, interests, and talents
- social or behavioral considerations
- ESL or Special Education needs
- Learning styles of the students
The placement of your child in the higher grade of a split class does not mean that your child has not met curriculum requirements. If your child is in the lower grade, they are not necessarily ahead of their peers in a straight grade.
Educational research supports many benefits for students in combined classes, including:
- the development of independent learning skills
- students learn from each other
- the enhancement of social/emotional development
- leadership opportunities for students
Rest assured, your child’s education will not be compromised by being placed in a combined class.
School Hours and Disruptions
Parents, guardians and students are reminded to be aware of school entry, recess and dismissal times. We encourage students to be on time for school, as late arrivals cause disruptions to a class that is already in session. If your child will be absent, or late, please contact the school. Additionally, if a student needs to leave early for an appointment, please send a note to your child’s teacher that morning with the details thus eliminating the need for the office to have to call into the classroom and disrupt the class. Where possible, arrangements should be made ahead of time.
Freedom of Information
The York Region District School Board recognizes and highlights the significant achievements of our students through a variety of sources—front hall displays, school and board publications, as well as in the media and on our computer web site, special fundraising events that attract media attention, recordings and displays for events such as graduations and seasonal celebrations. We believe this recognition is essential to enhance our students’ self esteem and to foster a positive school environment. To enable us to be in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act we request that those parents/guardians who do NOT want their child(ren)’s accomplishments recognized, work displayed or photographs and videos taken for this purpose, please notify Mr. Brown in writing. Please discuss with your child the detailed information included in the Guide To The 2015-2016 School Year brochure provided by the Board regarding the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act .
Anaphylaxis Safety
School staff and parents are responsible for creating safe and healthy environments for students. This is an additional challenge for schools attended by children with allergies, especially life-threatening allergies. While we take every step to create a safe environment, school staff and parents can take important steps to minimize potentially fatal allergic reactions as there are implications for the whole school, not just individual classrooms. Several of our students have severe allergic reactions if they come in contact with certain allergens. Even a trace amount or airborne particles can trigger a reaction. In order to ensure the health and well-being of these students we have a Peanut and Nut Sensitive Policy in our school. Please ensure that your child does not bring in any nuts or nut products. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and commitment to everyone our school community.
Bus Transportation
The only children allowed on school buses are those eligible as per the transportation policy. Students using Board transportation are responsible to the bus driver and school administration for her/his conduct while traveling on the bus. In the event of inappropriate behaviour, bus privileges may be withdrawn. It is recommended that parents wait with their child for the bus as well as meet the bus upon the child’s return. Children in Kindergarten will NOT be let off the bus in the event a parent/guardian is not there to meet the bus. The child is returned to the school and you will be phoned to come and get your child. As school buses may be at full capacity, students must ride on the bus to which they are assigned. Students are not allowed to ride on a friend’s bus. Students will not be permitted to phone home to request permission to ride on a friend’s bus.
All YRDSB students in Grades JK-3 who live within 1.2 km of their school are not eligible for transportation.
All YRDSB students in Grades 4-8 who live within 1.6 km of their school are not eligible for transportation.
Contact schoolbuscity.com for information regarding your child’s bus route and bus stops.
Recording School Events and Safety
School events and performances are wonderful experiences during which your child has the opportunity to showcase his/her talents and achievements. The photographs and videos you capture will provide memories for a lifetime. To respect the privacy of others, please do not post personal photos or videos publically , such as on YouTube or Facebook. Even if your Facebook account is private only to friends, that still infringes upon the privacy of others such as parents, staff and particularly students whose images appear in your photos without their permission or knowledge.
Outdoor Activity
All students are required to go outside twice a day. Please make sure your child comes to school dressed appropriately to go outdoors. All students should have an outdoor pair of shoes or boots, as well as an indoor pair of shoes to wear in the classroom and for physical education. Children go outside for all recesses unless the weather does not permit it. Students who are ILL SHOULD NOT COME TO SCHOOL until completely recovered as indoor supervision is NOT provided during recess.
