General Lake Craft and Gift Show Kicks off the Holiday Season

General Lake Craft and Gift Show Kicks off the Holiday Season
On Saturday, November 26, General Lake Public School opened its door to the community for their very first Craft and Gift show. It was a great success, with a steady stream of visitors including parents, students and teachers beginning their holiday shopping with us. Special thanks to the Parent Council for offering this unique experience to the school. Also thank you to the vendors for offering their services. The list of vendors includes Jennifer Hennick-Scentsy, Epicure-Stacey Johnston, Melissa's Jewelry & Accessories, Lake Studio, Gold Canyon Candles, Amanda McGilligan Belliveau, Stylin Lil Stinkers, Cassabella Creations, Pampered Chef Uppercase Living- Tiffeny Holdom, Silpada-Heidi Tingley, Some Crafty Sher-Eve's Creations, The Toy Nook, Cuddle Me Blankeys, Whyte Chocolate, Discovery Toys- Lianne Galaj, Val's Crocheted Creations, The Pampered Angel Avon-Jacqueline Labao, Joann Guennette- Sock Monkeys and More, Lia Sophia Jewelry, Clips N Hips, Beyond Wonderland Creations, Just Jewelry-Elizabeth Jankovic, Partylight Shelly Philpott, Twisted Sister Art Beverly Lavesseur, Pretty Cute Hair Clips, Kay's Gifts, Perfectly Flawed Jewelry Design & Creations. Also a Big Thank you to all the businesses that donated to our Door Prize Baskets: Shelly Philpott-Partylight, Cherished Pet Gifts, Kim The Happy Crafter, Jacqueline Labao-Avon, Twisted Sister Art Bev, Discovery Toys-Lianne Galaj, Silpada Heidi Tingley, Bea Jewelled, Lake Studio, Truely Yours Hand Made Jewelry, Epicure -Stacey Johnston , John A Butler Photography, Stylin Lil Stinkers, Cassabella Creations, Sher-Eve's Creations, Scentsy-Jennifer Hennick, Gold Canyon Candles- Amanda McGilligan Belliveau, Lexi Lee Phototgraphy, Smilinfly Photography, The Pampered Angel, Melissa's~Jewelry & Accessories, Clips N Hips, The Toy Nook, Some~Crafty Perfectly Flawed~Jewelry & Creations.

Mental Health Experts Reach Out to Parents in Renfrew County

Mental Health Experts Reach Out to Parents in Renfrew County

November 28, 2011
Experts in children and youth mental health would like to invite parents in Pembroke and Renfrew County to a free information session the evening of December 6th to discuss suicide, depression, and bullying.
Renfrew County, like many other communities, struggles with these issues. Parents have many questions and want guidance. In this evening event, will provide a two-hour Q&A with a panel of experts focusing on warning signs, practical tips and “how to” talk to your teen. Audience members will be given many opportunities to be heard – they can ask questions of the panelists at the session, submit their questions in writing at the event, or pre-submit their questions on-line. There will also be opportunity for Q & A in French for those attending.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Greg Lubimiv, the Executive Director of the Phoenix Centre for Children and Families.
Members of the panel will include:
· Dr. Ian Manion: Clinical Psychologist and Executive Director of the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child & Youth Mental Health. Dr. Manion is an internationally recognized leader in child and youth mental health, active researcher on youth depression and suicide, and co-founder of Youth Net.
· Dr. Phil Ritchie: CHEO psychologist who specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, urgent care, disaster response and helping parents build resilient teens.
· Karen Poole: Chief of Social Work at The Royal and ASIST trainer who focuses on suicide prevention.
· Dr. Tina Daniels: Associate Professor, Psychology Department, Carleton University. Dr. Daniels has developed and implemented anti-bullying programs and primary prevention programs locally and internationally. She also helped found the Ottawa Anti-bullying Coalition.
This event is brought to you by Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB), Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB), and Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO), the Phoenix Centre for Children and Families, The Royal and The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).
Advanced registration is recommended at http://www.cheo.on.ca/en/suicide_depression_bullying.
You can also pre-submit questions to the panellists by following this link.
Details:
When: Tuesday December 6th, 2011 6:30—8:30pm
Where: Fellowes High School (FHS)420 Bell Street, PembrokeAuditoriumFree parking


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For more information, please contact Ann Fuller, Director, Public Relations, 613-737-7600 ext 2658 or afuller@cheo.on.ca

VOW OF SILENCE NOVEMBER 30

General Lake Volleyball Teams Do Us Proud!!!

On Wednesday, November 23 the Grade 7/8 Boys Volleyball Team had their tournament at Bishop Smith Catholic High School. Cortlin Dockin, Warren Thomson, Liam Jobe, Canyen Kyle, Alex Power, Matt Wallace and Taylor Reed showed great sportsmanship throughout all six games played. They showed positive 'Laker' spirit all day and did us proud. On Thursday, November 24, the grade 7/8 Girls Volleyball Team had their tournament at Champlain Discovery Public School. Erin Stacey, Grace McLean, Taylor Sullivan-McElroy, Jade Clouthier, Madisonne Walsh, Darryl Sullivan-McElroy, Jeris Chalmers-Wein played four close games. All players represented General Lake well showing lots of school spirit and team encouragement, with lots of laughs, throughout the day.
Way to go General Lake Volleyball teams!

Vow of Silence November 30

Around the world, children are silenced because they are denied the right to education, forced to work as child labourers, or made sick becuase the water they drink is contaminated with bacteria. Free the Children’s ‘Vow of Silence’ is taking place on November 30 at General Lake Public School to raise awareness for Children’s rights.
The following is the steps your child must take to participate.
STEPS to take part
Step 1: Sign up on Monday, November 28
Step 2: Go home and research further at http://www.freethechildren.com.
Step 3: Find something black to wear
Step 4: Have something (safe) ready to put an X over your mouth (lipstick, face paint)
Step 5: Let your teachers know you will be doing this next Wednesday and will not be able to communicate (you can take notes and work on assignments but you cannot communicate with anyone)
Step 6: Pick up a fact about Child rights to put on your shirt from Ms Legault on Wednesday morning
Step 7: Participate on Wednesday by:
· Wearing black and fact
· Marking your mouth with an X
· Staying silent from communication for whole school day... Silent means NO:· Talking · No E-mail No text messaging · No phone · No sign language
NO COMMUNICATION
Step 8: Gather at the end of the day at 3:30 in front of the school on Wednesday to collectively regain your voice and debrief the day... do not communicate until we are all back together.
Step 9: Explain to your classes on Thursday What you were doing and Why...

Go silent and stand up for children's rights!

We Day This Weekend on CTV!

Watch the Inspiration of WE Day this weekend. Tune in to one of the two specials hosted by Nina Dobrev and Joe Jonas. Saturday November 26 7:00 pm CTV and Sunday November 27 7:00pm on CTV 2. Watch the one-hour We day television special that looks at special moments from both this years Toronto and Vancouver We day. Watch speeches and performances by world renowned leaders and celebrities including Craig and Marc Keilburger, Nelly Furtado, Rick Hansen and more. See if we can see any of our very own grade 7/8 students from General Lake from their September 27 visit.

People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I
don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world
are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want,
and, if they can't find them, make them.

-- George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish Playwright

A Record Breaking Book Fair

Thank you everyone for coming to the General Lake Book Fair and supporting our school. We made over $5400.00 in total sales, which means that your support has helped our school raise $3200.00 worth of books for our classrooms and library. A special thank-you to our parent volunteers, whose hard work and dedication made the Book Fair possible: Adele Bemister, Lorrie Lavoie, Claudia Major, Melanie Murray, Virginia Rich, Sarah Perras, Jocelyn Pachal, Cheryl Bedard and Karen White. Our appreciation also goes to our Educational Assistants, Robin Van hoof, Sherry Blaedow, Sherry Priebe, and Chris Kinney who volunteered on interview day. One last thank you to the organizers of the event, our very own teachers, Mrs. Jean Robillard, Mme Katherine Kossatz, and Mme Katie Ouellette. Congratulations also to Braedon Pachal from Mme Turgeon's class who was the winner of the Family Event Door Prize of $25.00 in books for his family, as well as $25.00 in books for the classroom.

The work an unknown good man has done is like a vein of water flowing
hidden underground, secretly making the ground green.

-- Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881) Scottish Writer

General Lake Craft and Gift Show.

General Lake Public School welcomes everyone to the up and coming Craft and Gift Show this Saturday, November 26, 2011 10:00am until 4:00pm. $1.00 per adult and kids are free. Entrance fee donated to the school. Door Prizes to be won.

Caribou Math Competition at General Lake

On November 16, 2011 students from Grade 3 to 8 participated in the online Caribou Math Competition for the second time this year. Here is our top students for this month: In grade 7/8: Matt Hare (1st); Jada McInnis (2nd); and Brianna Pomeroy (3rd). In Grade 5/6: Gabe Layden (1st); Jenna Gaumond (2nd); Kale Robbins (3rd); and David Caron (4th). In Grade 3/4: Bethany Marquardt (1st);Rebecca McDonald (2nd); Nikko Easter (3rd); and Taylor Sheppard (4th). Congratulations to all of our students for working hard and demonstrating their best effort in completing the test. Practise tests are available at http://www.brocku.ca/caribou/practice_test_login.php. Our next scheduled competition is Wednesday, January 18th, 2012. Registration forms available from Ms. Legault.

MARIA HAWKINS WOWS GENERAL LAKE

General Lake stands up to bullying

What an absolutely spectacular week at General Lake with our Anti-bullying Campaign. Students in Grade 7 and 8 classes led the initiative conducting mini-workshops to all the classes about the problem of bullying. Daily announcements filled the airways about the importance of standing up when you see someone being bullied and posters fom Mme Yakabuskie's and Mme De Abreu's class filled the halls with a clear message that bullying hurts. Teachers reinforced the message in their daily lessons in the classes and students participated in an art activity promoting the message that our 'hands do not hurt'. During an assembly on Thursday, teachers and students raised their right hand and took the Peace Pledge together promising to promote peace and understanding and create a safe environment in our school. For a grand finale, parents and students attended a special performance by entertainer Maria Hawkins provided by the Parent Council. We even had a visit from our Superintendant Ms. Debra Rantz solidifying the message that we can have fun and not have anyone hurting. It was truly an inspirational week and sure to be the beginning of a powerful stand together the community has made. Thank you to everyone for making this day possible. Together we can Be the Change!

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they
are.

-- Malcolm Forbes (1919-1990) American Publisher

Nov 3 Newsletter Items

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Research shows that one of the most educationally powerful connections on improving student achievement is the alignment of the parent and teacher intervention. To this end, we would like to share with you our goals for this year.
At General Lake Public School, we have been working hard to help students become better at learning. By setting clear goals and showing students exactly what success looks like (both in writing and by showing examples), we are helping students to focus and to think about their learning. Descriptive feedback specifically tells students what to do as a next step. Descriptive feedback can come from teachers or peers. The ultimate goal is for students to reflect on their own learning and determine their next steps.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
The fall progress report will be sent home on Monday, November 14th. The Parent/Teacher Interviews will be held on Frida,y November 18. At this time, your child’s teacher would like the opportunity to meet with you to discuss his/her progress and to set goals for the remainder of the school year

Operation Snowsuit
Starting immediately, General Lake will be collecting new and/or gently used snowsuits and footwear on behalf of the Renfrew County Child Poverty Action Network. Students may bring in clean and in good repair snowsuits and footwear so we may ensure that every child living in our community has appropriate clothing and footwear for our severe Canadian winter. We will be collecting until November 30.

General Lake School Council Update

The General Lake School Council would like to Thank everyone for their participation in our Lamontagne Fall Fundraiser. We are extremely pleased to announce that we sold over $8,800 in merchandise, with 50 percent coming back to the school as profit. A very special Thank you to three of our top sellers : Liam Walcott, first place seller; Ethan Lebourveau, second place seller; and Madison Spitzig, third place seller.
~The General Lake School Council would like to invite you to a Family Night on ~November 17th to participate in an awesome concert by the Blues Lady Madame Maria Hawkins.
We look forward to seeing you on November 17th.
Next meeting will be Monday, Nov 7 @ 6:00pm in the School library.
Keep sending your Moncion receipts.
Remember to have them stamped.
Thank you!

Do we have mathematicians in our school?

Do we have mathematicians in our school?

Every individual has an inner mathematician hidden inside themselves waiting to be let loose. Children are born mathematicians and constantly seek to construct knowledge as they interact with their environment and with others. As adults, it is important that we treat our children as mathematicians. Here are some helpful hints for all adults, parents, teachers, included:

1. Mathematics problems take time and children who are afforded this time begin to think as mathematicians.

2. Children need to be allowed to use their own method to solve a problem; there are many ways to arrive at a solution.

3. Children become excited by their own thinking ability.

4. Problems can have more than one solution and many different ways to arrive at a solution.

5. Social interaction promotes the development of young mathematicians because they are required to prove their answer and all the steps they used to arrive at the answer.

6. Math is not in the manipulative, it is in the child’s mind.

At General Lake, we will be actively promoting our mathematicians throughout the current school year and encourage parents to at home. We will endeavour to provide additional information and helpful hints that will support you as parents to develop this 21st century skill.

GENERAL LAKE STUDENT ON HER WAY TO KENYA

Sarah Anne McGarry, a student at our own General Lake Public School, has been invited to take part in an exciting Leadership and Volunteer program in Kenya. The program is hosted by Me to We Trips. Me to We Trips is dedicated to helping young people realize their full potential through leadership, education and development. Sarah will have the opportunity to volunteer in the local community and make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteer opportunities include: school-building or working on a Free the Children development project such as clean water, teaching in the classroom, and playing and interacting and meeting children and community member in rural communities. The cost of her trip is almost $5000.00 which includes all expenses, airfare, guides to ensure safety, accommodations and meals. Through generous sponsors, she has collected around $2700.00. You can read more about the trips at www.metowe.com/trips. Sarah will be leaving for Kenya in late July, 2012. Congratulations Sarah on embarking on such a noble cause.

General Lake Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school. What better way to promote reading to our students than by supporting this important literary event.
We invite your entire family to participate by purchasing the latest and greatest in children’s books. Did you know that every $10.00 you spend at the Fair up to $6.00 goes directly back to our school? Your support of this vital fundraiser is key to our obtaining new books and resources for our library and classrooms.
You’ll find hundreds of quality books at our Book Fair with a wide assortment for all reading levels. Watch for the Book flyer that provides a few of the many books available to purchase at our Fair.
The flyer also contains a special Family Event Draw ballot that parents can deposit at the fair. You could win $50 in books -$25 for your family PLUS $25 for your child’s classroom!
Mark your calendars! Hope to see you there!

Bookfair Dates/Times: Monday, November 14 to Friday, November 18 from 9:20 am until 4:15 pm. Thursday, November 17th 5:00 pm to 6:00pm.
Location: Library