CHARLES BOWMAN PUBLIC SCHOOL http://charlesbowman.kprdsb.ca (905) 697-1777 (905) 697-1558 Fax 195 Bons Ave, Bowmanville, On L1C 0L3 APRIL 2015 NEWSLETTER Stephen Fisher, Principal, [email protected] Peter Knierim, Vice-Principal, [email protected] Kim Hancock, School Council Chair, [email protected] PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Cyberbullying Many parents have expressed concern to teachers or to myself about computer usage, specifically, Facebook. For those of you with older children, you know that Facebook is a social networking program. While it is very motivating for many students to engage in this type of reading and writing activity, it is a double-edged sword. While most students send innocuous messages to each other, others engage in vicious, cruel, vile and/or profane interactions. There is a perception of invisibility when using the internet and young people are often careless about their words, believing that s/he cannot be caught. Hiding behind the anonymity of the internet emboldens some students who feel free to say things on a computer screen that they would never say face to face. The term “cyberbullying” has been coined to describe the sending or posting of harmful or cruel text or images using the Internet or other digital devices. Most cyberbullying originates on home computers, often right under the noses of unsuspecting adults. Parents, who foot the Cathy Abraham, Trustee, 905-987-1833, [email protected] Sarah Bobka, Trustee, 289-356-2133, [email protected] Shelly Roy, Supt. of Student Achievement, 905-623-4687, ext. 221 [email protected] bill for their children’s electronic toys, often remain oblivious of the dangers for misuse. It is important for parents to get and remain involved in the use and possible abuse of computer technologies. Although the school can support you, parents remain on the front lines for protecting children at home. Stay involved with your child’s online experiences. Parents have a moral, as well as legal obligation to ensure that their children are engaged in safe and responsible behaviour, including online behaviour. Here are some strategies parents can implement:     Learn about new technologies. If you are unfamiliar with the internet, now is the time to start surfing the Web. Learn the many ways that children can bully electronically through social networks, instant messaging, emails, blogs, digital photos and videos, twitter; Keep the computer in a public place in the house. Periodically check on what your child is doing; Watch out for secretive behaviour as you approach the computer, such as rapidly switching screens, and for  attempts to hide online behaviour, such as an empty history file; Be up front with your child that you will periodically investigate the files on the computer, the browser history files, and your child’s public online activities; www.responsiblenetizen.org/cyberbullying/ www.bullying.org Class Placements for 2015/16 As we get closer to the end of the school year, I know many people start to think of where their child will be in the following year. Requests for particular teachers will not be gathered because it is very difficult to honour such requests, and we as a staff spend a lot of time dividing up classes and looking for best fit for student and teacher for the following year. Agency Fair. It will be on Thursday, April 16th from 7 – 9 p.m. in the Charles Bowman gym. There will be many different agencies such as Resources for Exceptional Children and Kerry’s Place here to offer support and assistance to parents in the community. EQAO PARENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers are needed to scribe for individual students in grade 6 and 3 during EQAO If you are available to help our Special Education Resource Teachers (SERTS) during the last week of May and the first week of June, please call the school and speak to Jenny Gardiner or Tara Bond. FROM THE LIBRARY If you have a request for your child to be placed in a class with a particular student, we will gather these requests and do our best to honour them. Please hand these requests into the office, in writing, by May 30th. You can also email them to me at [email protected] The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school from April 22nd – 29th. This is a great fundraiser for the library since we are able to keep a percentage to spend on new materials. Information about the hours and the Classroom Wish List Program will be sent home later this month, along with flyers containing a preview of some of the exciting titles available. The Book Fair will also be open on April 23rd from 5:30-6:30 p.m. SAFE ARRIVAL SCHOOL COUNCIL Thank you to all parents and guardians who do call in to the school when your child/children are ill or out for appointments. This enables the attendance to be completed in a timely manner and then we know that all of the students at Charles Bowman are safe. Please note that call answer is always on for your convenience. AGENCY FAIR The Charles Bowman Special Needs Parent Committee has once again organized an School Council wants families to “Save the Date” – April 23. During that evening we will feature an Anti-Bullying Magic Show for parents and children to come together and enjoy a fast paced, funny magic show that delivers an inspiring message about understanding and overcoming bullying. Kim Hancock School Council Chair Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, April 28, 2015 @ 6:30 pm in the School Library. All parents and community members are welcome to attend! Agendas and meeting minutes can be found on the School Website under School Council. If you would like to receive a paper copy of the newsletter and haven’t already notified us, please call the school. Thank you. COMMUNITY NEWS Come Try Ringette Free event for ages 4 and up. Come and try ringette on Saturday, April 11th at 12:00 noon, Oshawa Legends Arena, Pad 2, everyone welcome. Pre-register at www.cometryringette.ca Equipment required: helmet, skates & gloves, and enthusiasm, we supply the rest. For further information contact Megan Campbell at [email protected]