SUNDAY, SEPT 30

Good evening! Deb Legault here with your Sunday Night Message from General Lake Public School. This week at General Lake we will be having our practises for the Cross Country Run on Tuesday and Thursday morning at 8:30.  I will also be selecting our fastest runners to represent the team at our up and coming meet.  More details will be sent home with selected students as they become available.
On Friday, October 5 it is World Teacher Day.  Rarely does someone influence a person's life in a positive way like a teacher can. I would like to invite students this week to create a poem honouring their teachers.  Poems should be submitted by Thursday, Oct 4 to my office.  Students may be asked to read these poems either at our Character Assembly or over the PA during our morning announcements.
Also on Friday we will also be holding our Character Assembly at 2:45 recognizing our September students for their achievement in academics as well as effort in demonstrating responsibility.  As always parents are welcome to attend.
Also watch for information and forms to come home this week as the School Council continue to offer our hot lunches.  Forms and payment will be due on Friday, Oct 5.
Finally just a reminder that Monday, Oct 8 is Thanksgiving Monday.  I wish all of our families a safe and happy holiday.  Good night

Thank You La Montague

A big thank you to our fundraising provider, La Montagne, for providing our Snack program with a gift of 480 healthy peanut free granola bars.  Our snack bowl program has just begun for the new school year thanks to the work of Ms Robin and her team of student helpers. These bars are a welcome addition to our snack program which is primarily funded by the Breakfast for Learning incentive program.  Thank you La Montagne!

November 3 Pic Involvement Committee Symposium

Parent Involvement Committee Symposium – November 3rd at Fellowes High School The Renfrew County District School Board is pleased to announce that their joint application for funding with the Renfrew County Catholic School Board for a parent symposium was approved by the Ministry of Education. The symposium will be held on Saturday, November 3rd at Fellowes High School and is entitled, ‘Heart, Body, Mind and Soul’ and features former Olympian Silver Medalist and Canadian Figure Skating champion, Elizabeth Manley as the keynote speaker. While Ms. Manley experienced success during her illustrious figure skating career, many people are not aware that she also suffered from a debilitating mental illness. Ms. Manley will share her personal experiences and provide advice on how parents and educators can identify, support and minimize the long-term effects of mental illness.

Sunday Night Message Sept 23

Good evening

Deb Legault here with the Sunday Night Message from General Lake Public School.

Just a reminder tomorrow, Monday Sept 24 is a PA day.

Then on Tuesday morning at 8:30 I will meet our Cross Country runners as we train outside on the playground.  We also have a practice on Thursday morning, which will be optional, due to Picture
Day.

On Wed, Sept 26 is Picture Day for our Kindergarten to Grade 2 classes. Then on Thursday Sept 27 is Picture Day for our Grade 3 -8 classes, including Mme Turgeon's Grade 2/3 split.

On Thursday evening at 6:00 pm members of the School Council will meet in our library to discuss the up and coming Gift and Craft show.  All are welcome to attend.

Due to picture day, our Terry Fox Run had to be rescheduled for Friday Sept 28 which coincides with National Jersey Day.  Students are encouraged to wear their favourite team, club, or camp jersey shirt for house colour spirit points.  Students are also asked to bring a toonie for Terry to support the Terry Fox Foundation.  Students will participate in our Terry Fox run outside on our playground at 1:00 pm.

Finally our annual La Montagne fundraiser has begun. Catalogues were sent home with students last week. 55% of all sales will be returned to our school.  The funds generated from sales will go toward funding part of the school trips.  All orders should be delivered by Mid-November-just in time for the holidays.

Thanks everyone for your continued support and have a wonderful week.

General Lake Fall Fundraiser

General Lake
Fall Fundraiser
September 21, 2012
Dear Parents / Guardians,
Welcome to another great year at General Lake Public School!
The School Council is asking for your assistance and support in this fall fundraising with the "Lamontagne Collection 2012 Catalogues". 55% of all sales will be returned to our school. Lamontagne is also giving wonderful prizes for our top 3 salers: one 19’’ TV monitor with a built in DVD player (value $250.00), one electric scooter razor (value $225.00) and 2 tickets free parking included for an Ottawa Senators game (value $150.00) The funds generated from sales will go toward funding part of the school trips and will benefit our children. All order should be delivered by mid-November - Just In Time For The Holidays. Every penny…every dollar…we raise is important Here are some tips to help make this project a huge success: *Offer the Lamontagne Collection 2012 brochure to all your friends, co-workers, neighbours and family.
*Keep safety a priority: Never allow children to solicit orders door-to-door unless accompanied by a responsible adult. *Keep all orders forms in the collection envelope provided and make
all cheques payable to: General Lake Public School. All orders due by October 15, 2012 If you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of the School Council at 613-687-2404 *Thank You for Your Continued Support *

Sunday Night Synervoice

Good Evening. Deb Legault here with your Sunday night message from General Lake.

What an awesome show of School Spirit we had on Friday with students displaying their house colours with pride.

Also what an amazing evening we had on Sept 13 with our Open House.  Thanks to all our families for coming out and visiting our wonderful classes and showing such tremendous support for our school and our community.  Special thanks to our School Council for assisting in making another successful event by organizing the community agencies to attend, as well as organizing the food for purchase.

Speaking of School Council, tomorrow, Monday September 17th, the School Council will meet for their first meeting of the new school year.  The meeting begins at 6:00 in the library.  All are welcome to attend.  Children are also welcome.

  Unfortunately due to the rain on Friday our school wide cheers had to be cancelled, but we will do this outside on the playground on Monday afternoon weather permitting.

On Tuesday and Thursday morning at 8:30 we will begin our Cross Country running for students in Grade 4 and up, under my supervision.  On Monday a permission form will go home with all interested students.  This  run is open to all students interested in staying in shape and setting goals for improvement and working towards their personal best. Parents are also welcome to join us as we sprint around the school.

Just a reminder that all parents volunteering in our school do need a criminal background check, so I encourage everyone to stop by the office to obtain the paperwork.  For parents residing on the Canadian Force Base, you will have to complete the Military Police CPIC form.


On Friday it is International Day of Peace.  We would like students to show recognition for this day by wearing their favourite peace signs. This may include shirts, hats, and jewelry.  Spirit points will be awarded for participation.

Finally we are asking parents to please remain outside the school entrance on rainy days.  With our increase in numbers due to our new all day everyday Kindergarten it becomes very congested and poses a safety risk in the event of an emergency during the rainy days. I apologize for this inconvenience and look for your understanding in this safety matter .

Also just a reminder that we are a peanut and nut reduced facility.  Please inspect carefully all food coming to school.  We thank you for all you help with this.


 Have a great week

September Newletter

Learn, succeed … etudier, grandir

www.generallakenews.blogspot.com

General Lake Public School

September 12, 2012

**** IMPORTANT DATES ****

Sept  13       Open House  4:30 p.m.-6 p.m.

Sept  17       School Council  6:00 in the Library

Sept  21       International Peace Day: Wear peace signs

Sept 24         PA Day

Sept 26-27  Picture day

Sept 27        Terry Fox Run

Oct 05        Character Education Assembly

Oct 08          Thanksgiving

Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Welcome to the 2012– 2013 school year!

The staff of General Lake Public School trust that you had a relaxing summer and look forward to a year full of wonderful learning experiences.

We would like to welcome and introduce the newest members of our team: Ms. Hansen is teaching Core English; Ms. Slepica Stewart is teaching in the Grade 1/2 class; Ms Butler and Mme Howard are teaching the French Immersion Full Day Kindergarten. 

A very special thank you to Ms. Cobus and her custodial staff who expertly prepared our school over the summer!!!

We look forward to meeting all of our families on Thursday September 13 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. during our Open House ( Please see flyer that was sent home for details)

Safe, Responsible and Caring Environment

Safe Arrival - The Ministry of Education has instituted a Safe Arrival Policy for students at school.  This means that when a student is absent, we require notification of the absence. If the school does not receive notification when a student is absent, a telephone call will be made to the student’s home to determine the reason for the absence.  You can greatly assist us by telephoning the school or informing the teacher of the absence.  If the child’s absence is planned due to an appointment or other commitment, please record it in the agenda.  Thank you for your support.

ANAPHYLAXIS ALERT

General Lake Public School is a peanut and nut reduced facility.  Please take this into account when planning your child’s lunches.  Parents are encouraged to become familiar with reading food labels as you shop (a snack-idea list with some “safe” products and “not safe” products will be available to help you in selecting food items).  We ask parents to avoid sending foods containing traces of peanuts/nuts/oils when making lunches. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in ensuring a safe environment for all students in our school. 

Character Trait for September is Responsibility

Daily Schedule

  9:00                       Yard supervision begins

                                Please do not arrive at school before 9:00

  9:20                       Bell Rings (Student entry)

  9:20 – 11:20          Instructional Time

 11:20 – 12:00         Nutritional Break

 12:00     2:00          Instructional Time

  2:00 –   2:40          Nutritional Break

  2:40 –    3:40         Instructional Time

  3:40                       Dismissal Bell

Staff Directory

Principal                       Ms. Lacelle

Vice Principal               Ms. Legault

Secretary                      Mrs. Gaudette

Assistant                       Mrs. Schutt

Kindergarten                 Ms. McKay                 

Grade 1/2                      Mrs. Slepica Stewart

Grade 2/3                      Ms. Norman    

Grade 4/5                      Ms. Ferguson               

Grade 5/6                      Mrs. Langille                

Grade 7/8                      Ms. Marquardt 

           

French Immersion

Kindergarten                 Mme  Howard                                                                Mme  Spencer           

                                        Mme Yakabuski

SK/Grade 1                     Mme Butler   

Grade 1                        Mme  Gibson               

Grade 1/2                       Mme  Kossatz             

Grade 2            /3                     Mme  Turgeon             

Grade 3 /4                      Mme  Bernardin                     

Grade 4/5                      Mme  Malette              

Grade 5/6                      Mme  De Abreu        

Grade 7/8                      Mme  Haddad              

Special Education          Ms. O’Donnell             

                                       Ms. Calver                

ARTS/Health                 Ms. Hiltz                       

Core French                  Mme Rattray               

Core English                 Ms. Hansen

                                        Ms. Graham

                       

Student Success Coach  Mrs. Richards

Educational Assistants

                                    Ms. Blaedow

                                    Ms. Priebe

                                    Ms. Hall

                                    Ms. Russelle

                                    Ms. Van Hoof

                                       Mrs. Kuehl

Support Counsellor        Mrs. Green

Custodians                    Ms. Cobus

                                    Mr. McCulloch

                                       Ms. Popkie

Planners

All of our grade 1 – 8 students receive planners. Teachers will enable students to use the planner to learn to schedule and set priorities.  The planner is also our main communication tool between school and home.  Please send notes in the planner and check daily for communications from your child’s teacher and notes of homework that should be completed.  This valuable tool is available at a cost of $8.00 each (Family rate $16.00).  You may send your money as soon as possible to the classroom teacher.

               

Important Information re: Bussing

Transportation inquiries regarding school attendance boundaries, bus routes, or bus pick up locations and/or times should now be directed to the address and telephone number below:

Renfrew County

Joint Transportation Consortium

999 Cecelia St.

Pembroke, ON K8B 1A4

Telephone Number: 613-732-8419

Fax Number: 613-732-2874

Web Site: www.rcjtc.on.ca

Email:  trans@rcjtc.on.ca (inquiry to include as many pertinent details as possible, i.e. student name, route #, school, contact information, etc.)

MEDICATION

Medication of any kind cannot be administered at the school unless a parent fills out a Consent Form for the Administration of Health Service and/or Prescribed Medication.  This form is available at the office.  Parents must  fill out a new form every school year, so if your child was receiving medication last year and you have not filled out a form you should do so a.s.a.p.  NO medication will be given to a child without this form.

                                               ^{Nutrition Breaks}

                         There are two opportunities for  

                         students to eat during the school day: morning and afternoon.

Students are to bring healthy food each day. Milk (white or chocolate) is sold each day at nutrition breaks for 75 cents. Please avoid nut products as some of our classrooms are nut free zones.

All food is to be eaten in the classroom. No food is to be eaten outside. “Garbage-less” lunches are encouraged. Students are expected to remain seated while eating and leave their spots tidy at the end of lunch. Carbonated soft drinks are strongly discouraged.

General Lake School Council – Parent Association 

Education is a partnership involving parents, students, and staff. When parents are involved in their children’s education, the level of student achievement increases. The role of the General Lake School Council – Parent Association is to work together with the school staff to improve the school community and learning opportunities. Some activities from previous years include fundraising for special events, drama and music presentations, hot lunches, and parent information nights. All parents are welcome to attend meetings.  

The first meeting will be on:

Monday September 17th at 6:00 pm

 in the school library. The Annual Report will be available and elections will be held at this time. All parents are encouraged to attend.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

We strongly recommend that all electronic devices (such as, but not limited to, cell phones, cameras, mp3 and video players, and e-games) remain at home.  Should a child choose, at his/her own risk, to bring such a device to school, it should be powered off and remain unused and placed in the student’s backpack upon entering the school.  When the school day is complete, the device should remain powered off until off school property.  Any improper use will result in confiscation by the office. It will be returned to the student at the end of the day. Repeated offence will result in confiscation and will be returned to the parent/guardian ONLY.  Due to Safe Schools, privacy and anti-bullying legislation, taking pictures, videos or text messaging with any device is strictly prohibited on school property.

 Sign-In Policy – As a safety precaution, and to avoid the disruption and interruption of the learning environment, we will continue to follow the protocol below for all visitors to the school, including parents.

• All visitors/parents must report to the office.  Visitors who need to go beyond the office into the school population will be given identification badges to wear and will be required to sign the visitor’s log and indicate the reason for the visit.
• Parents picking up children at the school will be asked to wait at the office in the parent waiting area.
• Appointments to visit a classroom or meet a teacher should be made ahead of time at a mutually agreeable time.
• Entrances, except the main entrance will be locked at all times.  Please note that we are anticipating the installation of a door bell system at the front door, so please stay tuned for further information.

Student Verification of Information

It is important that parents keep their child’s information up-to-date and current.   An information form for your child will be coming home the week of September 17. The office requests that parents check the information the school has on file.  Make changes if necessary and return to the school asap.  Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our    students safe with accurate records so that we can contact parents when needed.

Yard Supervision

Please note that our yard is not supervised until 9:00 am.  Students should not be arriving on the yard until that time.  Thank you.

Important News for Parents

A reminder that all parents/volunteers need a Criminal Background Check to help out at General Lake Public School.  To avoid disappointment it is recommended that parents apply for a CBC at the beginning of the school year.  There is a new form which the OPP requires from the parent/volunteer to complete, which is available through the school office.  It is suggested you apply for a CBC as soon as possible.  Once you have a CBC it is good with the Board for three years, but volunteers need to complete an Offence Declaration each year until the three year period is up.  Parents unsure of their CBC date can contact the school office.  Get your CBC now to avoid disappointment later when wanting to participate in school activities with your child.

A Message from the Renfrew County Joint Transportation Consortium (RDJTC)

 A video surveillance system, which may also include audio/sound recording, may be installed/activated on any student transportation vehicles during the school year.  This is one mechanism which can be used to monitor the ride to ensure everyone’s safety and compliance with all rules while on the vehicle.  Cameras could be positioned in various locations inside the vehicle, and may include outside as well.  A sign is posted within the vehicle informing that surveillance may be in operation.  Privacy is always respected according to RCJTC and Board policies.  RCJTC, school principal and/or vice principal may view any recorded video.  If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact the RCJTC at 613-732-8419.

 Richard Louv in Petawawa

Richard Louv, author of the national bestseller Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, will be speaking in Petawawa about the significance of healthy, active communities and the benefits of connecting with nature for children and adults.

September 15

Centennial Park, Petawawa 1:00—3:00 p.m.

Register at:  www.richardlouv.eventbrite.ca

MEDICATION

Medication of any kind cannot be administered at the school unless a parent fills out a Consent Form for the Administration of Health Service and/or Prescribed Medication.  This form is available at the office.   Parents must  fill out a new form every school year, so if your child was receiving medication last year and you have not filled out a form you should do so a.s.a.p.  NO medication will be given to a child without this form. 

Parents of students who are part of our medical protocol i.e. anaphylactic, should have received current documentation that needs to be updated.  If you did not receive a package containing your child’s information please contact the office.

Peacemakers Pledge

If Peace begins with me,

Then I solemnly promise

To promote peace here at school

In what I say and what I do.

I’ll begin with respect

By not allowing rumors to spread

Not gossiping or name-calling

Giving insults or rude remarks.

I’ll support those who are targets

And restrain myself from fighting

While expecting others to do the same.

I’ll be an example by doing the right thing.

Should I forget or decide not to keep the peace,

I promise to correct any mistakes and agree

To ask forgiveness and begin again,

Because peace begins with me.

Sunday Night September 9, 2012

Good evening, Deb Legault here with your Sunday Night message from General Lake Public School.
We had a great first week back.  We were so pleased to see the students back and excited to join their new classes.  It was also wonderful to see all the students showing their school and community spirit by  dressing in red on Friday and giving a cheer for our school.

This week we invite all parents and students on Thursday, September 13 after school from 4:30 to 6:00 to visit our school and meet the teachers.  The School Council will be on hand selling healthy pizza, drinks and pitas in the gym and some student leaders will be doing some face-painting.  We will also have members from various community agencies on hand to share information about their organization and how it can benefit you.

On Friday students will be asked to dress in their House colours and we will meet outside for the presentation of our House Team cheers organized by our intermediate leaders.  Teachers will let the students know their colours and record in their new agendas.
Speaking of agenda's they have arrived and students should be receiving them shortly, if they have not already.  The agenda is an excellent tool to be used to communicate information daily from home to school. The cost of the agenda is $8.00 per child to a maximum of $16.00 per family.

Our Kindergarten students have had a wonderful start adjusting to the new all day everyday school day and the routines and expectations of school life.  We would just like to remind everyone of the importance of having the students remain with their classroom teacher until the teacher dismisses them.  We want to ensure the safety of all of our students with this routine.

Finally for our parents of student aged 10 and up, on September 24 PA day St John's ambulance is offering a babysitting couse.  Details can be found on the school blog at www.generallakenews.blogspot.com.

Thanks again to all of our parents for helping us have a successful first week and we look forward to your continued support as we help the students maintain a positive attitude toward school and their learning.

Open House Thursday September 13th

You are invited to General Lake's Open House on Thursday, September 13, 2012 from 4:30 until 6:00 pm.  Vegetable and cheese pizza will be available for $2.00, Chicken pitas for $3.00 and drinks for $1.00.  Come on out meet the staff, visit your child's classroom, share a meal with other families and meet some of our community partners and learn what makes General Lake so unique!

Babysitting Course September 24th

St. John Ambulance is holding a Babysitting Course for youth aged 10+. This course is designed for youth who want to become a babysitter or may already be one. The Babysitting Course covers the responsibilities of a babysitter, safety tips for children of all ages, basic child care skills and what to do in case of an emergency. This course is also an excellent first aid course for every child! In fact, recently there was a child that saved his mom’s life when she was choking at dinner. This child learnt how to do first aid at a Babysitting Course! Each student will receive a St. John Ambulance babysitter's manual and certificate of completion at the end of the day. The course fee is $50 and is being held on the first P.A day of the fall semester, Sept 24th.

What Every Babysitter Should Know!

St. John Ambulance is holding a babysitting course near you!

Location:  310 MacKay St, Pembroke                                              Location:  470 O’Brien Rd, Renfrew

Date:       Sept 24, 2012                                                                       Date:       Sept 24, 2012

Time:      8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.                                                           Time:      8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Cost:       $50.00 per student.                                                             Cost:       $50.00 per student

For ages 10-15

Course Content Includes:

 

           Take Home Student Workbook 

           How to Make a Babysitter Kit

           How to do First Aid

           Hands on Practice

           How to Handle an Emergency

           Great Advice on Setting Rates and

           Finding Work

           How to Care for Children of All Ages

           Prevention of Injuries

           Keeping Children Safe

           What Questions to Ask Parents

           Preparation of a Simple Meal

           Learn Fun Games and Activities

 

A course that teaches you how to be the best babysitter you can be!

Parents prefer babysitters who have taken a recognized course and know how to take care of their little ones in an emergency.

Register Now At:

St. John Ambulance

Renfrew County Branch

310 MacKay St, Pembroke

Tel:  613-735-0772 or 1-800-519-8117

E-mail:  pembroke@on.sja.ca

POSITIVE QUOTE OF THE DAY

-----------------------------

There is a sense of exhilaration that comes from facing head-on the
hard truths and saying, "We will never give up. We will never
capitulate. It might take a long time, but we will find a way to
prevail."

-- Jim Collins, from his book, Good to Great

Monday, Sept 3: Welcome Back

Good evening.  Welcome back for the 2012-2013 school year at General Lake.  For our new parents, my name is Deb Legault and I am the Vice Principal of the school.  Every week, usually on Sunday evening at 6:00 pm, I send out a voice message to all parents letting them know about the up and coming events for the week at the school.  You can also access these at our school blog at www.generallakenews.blogspot.com.

Tomorrow, September 4, is the first day of classes. Students will enter the school and proceed to the gym. Senior Kindergarten students will meet in the front kindergarten yard and their teachers will come out to meet them.  I am asking the Grade 8's to arrive 10 minutes early at 8:50 to help out out with our opening day routines.  I will also be asking their help for the afternoon assembly to review school rules.

We will be offering white and chocolate milk for sale tomorrow.  Due to increases in the cost, we unfortunately have to raise the price to 75 cents a carton.

At 10:00 am some of our new junior kindergarten students will arrive for a short orientation, then they will be welcomed into their classes for the remainder of the day.  On Wednesday the remainder of the junior kindergarten students will arrive for their orientation and join their classes for the rest of the day.  On Thursday all the students in kindergarten will be together for the full-day, every day program.  Parents of junior kindergarten students should have received a letter notifying them of their orientaion and first day.

It is a busy week with classes getting to know each other, but on Friday we will hold our first School Spirit Day.  Students and staff are encouraged to show their appreciation to our friends and family in the military and wear red.  In the afternoon we will be meeting to form our house teams and hopefully get a group picture.

What an exciting week we have planned!  I look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow.