Trustee Message

June 2016 Trustee Greetings for school newsletters

Message from our Trustee

As the school year comes to a close, I would like to thank you for all that you have done to help make this school year a successful one for our students.

We share a common goal - to give our young people every opportunity to reach their full potential, and we all have a role to play in supporting that goal.  However you choose to get involved, your engagement and support make a difference. We know that good schools become better schools when they are connected with families. 

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of our students, families, staff members and community partners, we are creating a welcoming, caring and inclusive learning environment that fosters student achievement and well-being.

As we move into summer, I encourage you to seek out opportunities to continue and complement the learning that takes place throughout the school year.  That could mean taking a nature walk, visiting a museum or reading a book.  Whatever your plans are over the next few months, I hope you have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable summer.  

Administrators Message

We are almost in the final stretch of the school year as June has arrived. I'd like to take an opportunity to remind our parents and guardians about sending their child(ren) to school with a reusable water bottle so that they can stay well hydrated during the warmer days ahead. Also consider sending them with a hat and light loose fitting clothing and putting sunscreen on your child prior to school so that they are well protected from the sun. Please remember to send your children in running shoes for outdoor play too because open toe footwear like flip flops can result in unwanted injuries, like stubbed toes. They are best left for lounging around the house or for days at the beach.

Here is a friendly reminder of upcoming events:


June 2nd: Welcome to Kindergarten at 4 - 5:15 pm in the library and gym.

June 7th: Track and Field for gr. 4-8 students all day.

June 8th: Parents Reaching Out grant presenting a Free Science and Math Night for students and parents at Pine Grove - starting at 6:15-8;15 pm. See previous blog post for RSVP details or reply ASAP to:  Mary Ierullo by Wednesday June 1, 2016 at                                  sardellitti@icloud.com  

June 9th; Jump Rope and Hoops for Heart event date.

June 13th: Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon Event - noon to 1 pm in the Pine Grove library. Invitations will be sent out shortly to those parents or guardians who volunteered your time at some point during the current school year. Thanks so much!

June 14th: End of Year BYOB - Bring Your Own Blanket picnic at Pine Grove P.S. click the link for more information. https://www.smore.com/6ndn0-join-us-for-the-byob-picnic?ref=email-content#w-0150208771.

June 15th: Area Track and Field  meet at Maple HS for qualified gr. 4-8 students.

Summer is also fast approaching and many parents may be wondering about summer programs that engage their children in both learning and fun. York Region District School Board has the answer with the Summer Institute (SI) program. The closest location to Pine Grove P.S. is Woodbridge P.S. located at Burwick and Kipling (hwy 7/Kipling). For online registration click: http://www.yrdsb.ca/Programs/summer/si/Pages/Summer-Institute-Registration.aspx


If you know a parent or guardian that hasn't signed up for the Pine Grove Blog please direct them to: www.pinegrovepublicschoolblogspot.ca.


Sincerely,


Greg Brown
Principal

Thornhill Village Festival

May Eco-Update

This months Eco theme is to "Reduce Our Water Footprint". At Pine Grove we are mindful of remembering to shut the tap off and use less water whenever possible. In your homes we can do simple things like remembering to shut the tap off when brushing our teeth, use the washing machine when we have a full load, we can also ensure that our dishwashers are full before they are in use, and as the weather warms up we should try not to water our lawns during peak hours. Our grade 8 students actively participated in analyzing their personal water use at home.  They learned to recognize how fortunate we are to have clean water and its importance to preserve and sustain what we have.

In addition, the Eco team would like to thank Nancy Taylor and Reena Poncho for taking time out of their day to clean up our front garden on Monday, May 9th. Our school community members diligently groomed our native plants and perennials, and they kindly donated hostas and mums to our school. We look forward to having our Ontario Eco Schools Assessors visit us on Thursday, May 12th.

Thank you once again for continuing to protect our planet.

Ms Avsec and the Eco Team

Pine Grove’s Grade 8 Quebec City Graduation Trip- A Cultural Experience

Pine Grove’s Grade 8 Quebec City Graduation Trip- A Cultural Experience by our own gr. 8 students A.B., A.D. & Mrs. Avsec

This year, Pine Grove’s graduating class experienced a four day trip to the beautiful city of Quebec, full of fun, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime. It is safe to say that the trip was a huge success, as the students learned and experienced the one-of-a-kind French-Canadian culture.

After an eleven-hour bus ride, students arrived at their overnight accommodations in the Hotel Palace Royal, giving them just enough time to settle into their rooms with their roommates. Just after that, they were whisked away to a long-awaited dinner along the St. Lawrence River. Afterwards, students were able to experience a guided tour of Old Quebec City, and attended a multimedia presentation about the city’s great history at the Museé du Fort. The fun never ended after that!

The next day, students attended a historic tour of lower Quebec city, and learned more about the city’s vast history. After students were given free time to explore the lower town on their own, they headed to the Canada’s head military base, La Citadelle, and learned more about the many wars and battles that changed the course of our entire country. Students also explored a different perspective of history by attending a tour of a Huron First Nations village. To end off the day, they went bowling and enjoyed time with their friends.

The day afterwards was spent exploring the Beaupré Coast. Students visited a woodcarver’s studio and were told about the legends and stories of Quebec. The artistic theme was continued when they made their way to a copper shop and museum, and even got to try making their own copper art themselves! The students then had a guided tour of the beautiful St. Anne Basilica church, where they witnessed the classic architecture of the New France era. The last stop before dinner was at the gorgeous Montmorency Falls, where plenty of pictures were taken right above the 84 metre roaring waterfall. The last night in Quebec ended with a long anticipated grade eight dance back in the hotel.

Before the students left Quebec City the following morning, they had an early breakfast at the luxurious Chateau Frontenac. Then, the class boarded the bus once more, heading back to Ontario with lasting memories, and further knowledge on our great country.