Vaughan Public Library

Pierre Burton Library Visit

Tracey Morrell, the Librarian from the Pierre Burton Library visited Pine Grove on the 23rd and 25th of February.  She read one of the Forest of Reading books, Sam's Pet Temper by Sangeeta Bhadra and discussed the book with the students.  Students were captivated by the main character Sam who had to wait for everything on the playground and how his temper got the best of him.  They were able to connect with the main character and see that we need to be patient in the daily encounters with friends at school.  In addition, all students received Vaughan Public Library applications, please check your child's backpack for the library application or visit www.vaughanpl.info.

Parent Supports

Administrators Message

Winter is in full swing and some colder temperatures have come along with that. Please be mindful of our temperature swings that seem to be part of this years season. Check the weather daily on an app on a portable device or computer and please send your children wearing the appropriate clothing; boots, hats, mits, snowpants, jackets and scarves. Students will regularly go outside for recess to get exercise, fresh air and to burn off some energy that helps make them better more focused learners in the classroom. 

Throughout the first term, students have had many opportunities to be engaged outside of the classroom during recess and after school extracurricular activities. Some of those activities include; Eco-club, knitting club, Yoga club, junior and intermediate boys and girls volleyball and intermediate boys and girls basketball, healthy schools initiatives, reading clubs, student leadership, and school spirit days, to name a few. These opportunities allow students to engage in interest based activities and teams; some that focus on participation and others that are more competitive in nature. These activities help students develop a better sense of health and well-being by helping them develop a sense of commitment, dedication, responsibility, and sportsmanship.

Your child brought home their First Term Report Card on February 18th. It's important to sit down and share your thoughts about your child's progress so far.  Please pay particular attention to the learning skills section as this directly relates to many skills required to be successful and achieve higher grades. Discuss their strengths and praise them. Take time to discuss their needs as well and brainstorm ways to better support them so that they can improve for Term 2.  Remember, these learning skills are life skills, which, when mastered, will support students to future success regardless of the academic/career pathways they choose.

We would like to acknowledge that Ms. Loopstra will be on leave indefinitely. We would like to welcome our new Retired on Contract (ROC) VP, Mr. Al Mainprize, who joins us for the near future. He comes with a wealth of knowledge and expertise and will be in the Pine Grove office supporting students and the school 2.5 days per week. We would also like to bid farewell to Ms. Nancy Redman who completed her contract at Pine Grove on January 29. We bid her farewell and wish her a joyful continuation of her retirement.    

Please remember to communicate your child's absences in a timely manner prior to the day starting at 8:25 am. Parents have the option to leave a message after hours on school voicemail or call first thing in the morning at 8 am when our office opens. If you know that your child will be absent in advance please let the office ASAP. Thank you to those parents who do this consistently! We need to make sure that all of our students are accounted for in a timely manner each and everyday. 

Greg Brown

Principal 

A Message From Public Health

Student absences have increased recently within several schools in York Region, related to illnesses with respiratory and enteric symptoms.

To protect staff, students and families from getting ill, remember to:

·        Stay at home when you are sick, and keep your child home if they are sick

·        Keep healthy by eating healthy foods, being physically active and ensuring your immunizations are up-to-date, including the seasonal flu shot

·        Avoid close contact with people who are sick

·        Wash your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available

·        Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand, and throw away used tissues immediately

·        Avoid touching your face

·        Clean and disinfect common surfaces

Symptoms of respiratory and/or enteric illness can include:

·        Headache

·        Chills

·        Fever (over 38 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit)

·        Muscle aches and fatigue

·        Runny nose

·        Sneezing

·        Sore throat

·        Watery eyes

·        Loss of appetite

·        Nausea and vomiting

·        Diarrhea

If you or your child are sick and do not improve, contact your health care provider.

Many viruses are commonly active at this time of year, for example norovirus and influenza (flu). Both viruses are very contagious and can be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces, such as door knobs or eating utensils. For more information, read the norovirus and flu fact sheets online at the following links:

Norovirus fact sheet

Flu fact sheet

February 2016 Trustee Greetings

Message from our Trustee

Although winter still feels far from over some days, we are now halfway through the school year.  With report cards coming home, this is a good time to review progress and celebrate what your children have learned both inside and outside of the classroom. This is also a good time to set goals for the months ahead.

One of our goals set out in the Board of Trustees’ Multi-Year Plan is to “continuously increase student achievement and well-being through a culture of caring and learning.” Developing this supportive culture includes engaging parents/guardians and other members of the school community in public education and working together to create safe and supportive school environments that enable students to thrive.

As parents/guardians, there are many ways you can get engaged in your child’s education and support their learning, including talking with them about school, communicating with teachers, attending school events or school council meetings, and volunteering in the school. However you get involved, know that you are making a difference.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I wish you all the best an enjoyable and successful second term.

Reminder - Skate Night Coming This Saturday...

Please remember that all students and children need to wear a helmet or they will not be permitted to skate.

Concessions, i.e., Terra Cotta Cookies will be available Saturday evening for purchase too!