MURRAY CENTENNIAL PUBLIC SCHOOL
654 County Rd 40
Trenton, Ontario
K8V 5P4
“A Caring School In A Caring Community”
Principal: Mary Ellen French, [email protected]
Vice Principal: Doreen Van Egmond, doreen_van [email protected]
Telephone (613)392-9238
Fax (613) 392-3660
Trustee: Cyndi Dickson, 613-475-4222
[email protected].
Please follow us on twitter! @murraybears
Secretarial Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. – 4:15p.m.
Superintendent of Student Achievement:
Joe Tompkins, 905-372-5667 or 1-866-760-9152 ext 352
[email protected]
School Council Chairperson: Jessica Francis
[email protected]
Murray Centennial’s Website: http://murraycentennial.kprdsb.ca
April 2015 Newsletter
Responsibility: I am responsible for my thoughts, words and actions. I am
accountable for my choices. I admit my mistakes and work to correct them. People can
depend on me to honour my commitments. I demonstrate active citizenship.
Principal’s Message:
With spring upon us, snow and ice have quickly given way to mud, and lots of it. At the request
of the Facilities Department of the school board which oversees the maintenance of our building
and our yard, students have been asked to stay off of most parts of the yard until the first grass
cutting. This will protect the early grass root growth and keep students safe as running on the
soft earth can result in ankle, knee and leg injuries, and the ruts caused by this activity can
create an unsafe surface when the field dries.
In April, we have several events planned, including raising awareness for Autism April 2nd,
celebrating inclusion April 8th, a Spelling Bee for Gr 4-8 April 9th, the Quinte Rotary Music
Festival April 13-15th, and the Intermediate Badminton Tournament April 22nd. Please see the
calendar for more details. April 12-17th is National Volunteer Week and to show our appreciation
at MCPS to our volunteers for everything they do in our school, all volunteers are invited to our
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast Friday, April 17th, 9:00-10:00 a.m. in the staff room. We will
honour our bus drivers at an appreciation breakfast April 20th, 9:30-10:00 a.m.
Looking ahead to May, we will be jumping rope for the Heart & Stroke Foundation Friday May
1st and celebrating Music Monday on the 4th. Please mark Thursday May 7th on your calendar
from 5:00-6:30 p.m. as we host a Family Math Night. Parents have the opportunity that night to
see Math in action, but they are the students. At the same time, students will be participating in
Math activities and enjoying snacks while their parents are engaged in Math learning. Thanks to
our School Council for writing the grant proposal which will pay for the materials for the Math
activities, the after-hours ECEs to supervise students, and the snacks. Also a heads up for May
that our School Council is organizing the bi-annual Fun Fair for Friday, May 22nd and they are
looking for silent auction donations; thank you to those who have sent in donations already! The
money from this year’s Fun Fair will be going in to our Playground Fundraising Campaign.
Thanks for your support for all of these activities and events!
Although it may seem early, we are quickly approaching the time in our school year when we
begin to look ahead to the next school year. At this point, we know that we will have the same
number of classrooms this fall as we have now (21). A great deal of thought goes into class
placements to ensure that we create balanced learning environments. We take many factors
into account, such as a mixture of academic abilities, a balance of genders (where possible),
and learning styles. At times we know we need to keep certain students apart to foster learning,
while at other times certain students would benefit from being kept together for the same
reason. If as a parent you wish to have input into your child’s class placement, please submit
your request to me in writing (by letter or email: [email protected]) by May 15th.
Please remember that requests cannot be guaranteed due to the factors just listed; also, we will
not have specific staffing information confirmed until sometime in June, possibly later.
On a final note, when the weather turns warm and trees begin to show signs of buds, some
inappropriate clothing choices tend to blossom as well. Please remind your child that we do
have a dress code here at Murray Centennial that includes keeping all underwear hidden,
midriffs and shoulders covered, and the tops of legs reasonably covered (see inside this
newsletter for more details). I do keep extra t-shirts and long pants on hand for those students
who somehow manage to escape from home wearing unsuitable outfits, although some
students choose to call home for a change of clothing. The dress code is posted in the school
and is attached to this newsletter for discussion with your child.
Mrs. French
Breakfast Program
The breakfast program continues to run every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Thank you to
all the dedicated volunteers who make this program possible; new volunteers are always
welcome and will definitely be needed for the 2015-16 school year as many of our volunteers
will be leaving us. If you have a couple of hours to spare each week please contact the office.
Thanks to everyone who donated to the Toonies for Tummies Program as 100% of the monies
raised comes back to our local community programs, including The Breakfast Club here at
Murray!
Murray Centennial sends many thanks to all who have donated to our program.
Huge Thanks Again
The Lions Club of Brighton have been very generous to Murray Centennial. A donation of
$500.00 has been given to our school program. Murray Bears say, “Thank You”!
Speeches
The results are in…….the top-three Junior Speakers overall are:
3rd – Karter G. – “Atlantis”; 2nd – Reagan J., “Harry Potter”; and 1st place went to Lucas K. who
spoke on “Duck Tape”.
Legion representatives from Murray will be Gr. 4: Reagan J. and Ryan K.
Gr. 5: Karter G. and Amy R. and Gr. 6: Lucas K. and Emily P.
Congratulations to the following Intermediate Speakers: Gr. 7: 1st Melissa L. – “Hockey
Parents”, 2nd – Tori T. – “Basketball”; Honorable Mention– Jaxen B. – “Middle Child”
Gr. 8 Winners: Elise H. – “Mental Wellness”; 2nd – Addy W. – “Youngest Child”;
Honorable Mention – Emily L. – “Slogans”. Congratulations to all who participated.
Legion Results
Congratulations to Lucas K. for first place, speaking on “Duck Tape” and to Reagan J., second
place for “Spells and Curses”. Well done!
Murray Students Have Success at District Foul Shooting Competition
On Saturday, February 7, four Murray students competed at the district level in the Knights of
Columbus Foul Shooting Competition. The results are as follows:
Karly M. won gold and will attend the regionals for 11 year old girls.
Owen K. won gold and will attend for the 12 year old boys
Alex G. won gold and will represent for the 13 year old boys.
John D. was the top Murray shooter of the day but lost a close one in overtime and placed
second. Well done Murray Bears!
Kindergarten Registration
If you have or know of a child who will be starting kindergarten in September 2015, please come
in to the main office to have them register as soon as possible. The following is required:
Birth Certificate
Proof of Address
Immunization Card
Junior students must be at the age of 4 by the 31st of December 2015 and Senior Kindergarten
must be age 5 by the same date. It is very important that we have these registrations as soon
as possible to be able to know for the staffing for September.
Grade 8 Grad Trip
Thank you to everyone who supported our grade 8’s in their fundraising efforts selling fudge and
chocolate bars. Statements of money owing have been sent home with each student going on
the Ottawa trip. Final payments are due by April 3rd. Please contact Mme Larry with any trip
questions.
Graduation date is Tuesday, June 23rd. More information will follow.
We Asked, You Said
The results of the Tell Them From Me Survey indicate that we have much to
celebrate!
We asked: Tell us about some of the things you really like about your school.
You Said: "I really like how our school is always very caring always wanting to know if someone
is okay when they get hurt. I never feel left out at our school with the teachers, students or
anyone who goes to our school. My school is an amazing place to learn in and be at!”
Students feel they have someone at school who consistently provides encouragement and can
be turned to for advice. Students feel teachers are responsive to their needs, and encourage
independence with a democratic approach. Students feel accepted and valued by their peers
and by others at their school.
We say: Developing well-rounded students with lifelong goals is our mission.
We also have concerns!
We asked: Tell us about your emotional health. To what extent do you experience feelings or
display symptoms related to anxiety.
You Said: “I have intense feelings of fear, intense anxiety, or worry about particular events or
social situations.”
We say: Let’s help students identify their stress and learn to use strategies to decrease their
levels of anxiety. Let’s create an environment where students develop more confidence in social
situations.
Brighton Soccer Club
Information for soccer registration please contact the Soccer Club office at
613-921-6366 or email [email protected]
Brighton Baseball Association
Online registration is available on www.brightonbaseball.ca or call at 613-474-4355.
In person registration dates are: April 16 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Frankford Minor Softball Registration
April 11 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Location: Frankford Lion’s Centre. Ages: 4-6 T-Ball and
Learn to Play Skills. Ages 7-17 are team/league play co-ed.
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Brighton Tennis Club
Thursday April 23 – 4:00 – 7:00 pm and Saturday April 25th – 9:30- 12:30 pm
Brighton Municipal Bldg. Cost: Juniors $35.00 Adults $70.00 and Family $115.00 (+OTA
fees). All junior memberships include 8 hours of lessons with one of our two pro’s. Lessons will
begin early May. Friday evening for 9 years and older and Saturday mornings for 5 to 8 year
olds. There is a special court time on Friday afternoon/evening reserved for our Junior player
during the summer time.
Wooler and District Recreation Association (WADRA) Registration
Registrations for Soccer, T-Ball, and 3 pitch will take place at the Frankford Arena on the
following dates:
Tuesday, April 7th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Saturday, April 11th from 9:00 to 12:00 pm
Tuesday, April 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
As in past years, the league will play on Tuesday night at the Wooler fields. It provides Soccer
and T-Ball for children aged 3-5 years old. Soccer and 3-pitch for children aged 6-8 years old.
Cost for the season is $50.00 per child and includes the jersey, picture, trophy and year-end
BBQ.
Murray Centennial Public School is looking for Donations!
The staff and students have come to the School Council requesting funds for outdoor
equipment as well as funds to purchase materials for some new clubs that will be
offered at Murray. After making a donation for the club start-up the members of the
Council felt we could ask the Murray community for donations of materials maybe
already being unused around your home that could be donated to help out. Purchases
of new equipment by the Murray community are also welcome.
Items being requested are as follows but are not limited to this list. If there is an item
you are not sure about please feel free to contact the school. Thanks in advance for
your support
Outdoor Equipment
Club Materials
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Tennis balls
Footballs (Nerf/soft style only)
Skipping ropes
Basketballs
Soccer balls
Hockey sticks
Snow block molds
Any other outdoor equipment
(No hard Frisbees please)
The Book Fair is COMING!
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Board Games appropriate for ages 8-12
Arts and crafts materials
Lego
Scrapbooking materials
The Book Fair is COMING!
It’s that time of the year again! The Book Fair is coming to
Murray Centennial at the end of the month, right before
Easter.
The dates will be Tuesday, March 31 to Thursday, April 2.
No April Fools!
As has become our tradition, we will stay open late on the Thursday night (until 6:30) so
that parents who work during the day still have a chance to get those last minute books
for Easter as well!
Volunteers welcome. Please contact Mrs. Walker Hope!
Jump Club at MCPS!
Even though the snow banks are piled high outside, talk has already started
about Jump Club getting going this year. If you did not get a chance to see
the Precision Rope Jumping Club that was featured on Rick Mercer last
month, please click on or enter the following link on your computer and be
amazed.
http://bit.ly/1LSg8c4
http://safeshare.tv/w/KsjasgwUCq
When Mrs. Walker Hope applied for and received funding from GoodLife Fitness for a
Jump Club at Murray last year, this is where she could see the Club going in the future
– being able to do routines for demonstration and just having a lot of really active fun!
Last year, we had over 70 students coming out to Jump Club after school on
Wednesday nights. Thankfully, we also had several staff members, especially Mrs.
Johnson, and parents who came out to help. Each session started with a snack and a
warm-up, followed by a lesson on a new skill and then the students were off and
jumping!
Here’s the dilemma for this year.
Although Mrs. Walker Hope is recovering from the concussion she received last year,
she is still not able to take on extracurricular activities so if the Jump Club is going to
happen this year, we will really need volunteers who can commit some time. Some of
the jobs are as simple as handing out snacks and tidying up, organizing ropes, turning
long and double dutch ropes and packing up gear at the end of the hour. If you think
you could spare some time in April and May on a Wednesday afternoon between 3:45
and 4:45 pm, please contact Mrs. Walker Hope @ [email protected] or
send in a note. Sadly, if we don’t get enough volunteers, Jump Club will have to be put
on hold for this year.
Thank You! Thank YOU!
Our CookieGrams campaign was a
great success and we now have 10
Kobos in the Learning Commons that
will not only be used during library time
but will be able to be signed out by
classrooms to do Literature Circles and
Digital Listening Centers. We have enough money to put at least another 20 high
demand books on the Kobos. That means there will be 10 copies of a popular book
available in the Learning Commons all for the price of one!
A huge thank you goes out to all the Library Scanner Cupids who bagged and
organized the CookieGrams and made deliveries on Feb. 13, Jaxen and Jacob for all
their CookieGram announcements and the cookie bakers – Mrs. Ashmore,
Mrs. Alexander and the boys, Mrs. King, Mrs. Simpson and Mrs. Mills-Mellor.
Connon Nurseries
Between April 15 and June 15th, Connon Nursuries will donate 10% of each purchase
from Murray families back to Murray Centennial. Simply let Connon Nursuries know the
name of our school when making a purchase. They will track all the purchases between
the above time frame, and then they send us a cheque! Located at 956A Old Highway
#2, Trenton – 613-392-0402.
Chapters/Indigo Fund Raiser Still Works!
We’ve been able to keep our link open for the Chapters/Indigo Fundraiser for the
Learning Commons. If you’re going to shop at Chapters, please buy a gift card through
our school link and Chapters will donate 20% to our library. You can immediately use it
online or if you want to have a plastic gift card in hand, just print off the paper gift card
and exchange it in the store. Really easy! Your support is appreciated!
Our link is:
https://indigo.flipgive.com/f/49130
FACT SHEET on Measles
What is Measles?
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection, and usually lasts about two weeks. It can be
complicated by ear infections or pneumonia in one out of every 10 children. Measles can also be
complicated by encephalitis, an infection of the brain, in about one out of every 1,000 children.
Measles causes death in about one in 3,000 cases. Measles may cause a pregnant woman to have
a miscarriage or to give birth prematurely.
The disease is more severe in infants and adults over 20 years of age.
Before measles vaccine was used widely, almost all children got measles. Now, because of the
routine use of vaccine, very few children get measles in Canada.
What are the symptoms of measles?
Symptoms of measles include:
-fever
-cough and runny nose
-red and irritated eyes
-a red, blotchy rash that starts on the head and face then spreads to the rest of the body
How is measles spread?
Measles virus is airborne and spreads very easily from person to person. It is passed from an
infected person to others through coughing, sneezing and even talking. It can stay in the air up to
two hours after a known case of measles has left the room.
Once you come into contact with measles, it takes on average about 14 days for the rash to develop,
but may be as long as 21 days. A person with measles is able to spread infection from 4 days before
to 4 days after the onset of rash.
What should I do if I think that my child has, or I have measles?
If you suspect that you or your child has measles, contact a health care provider. Call ahead and let
the health care provider know you are coming and that you suspect measles. The health care
provider can then take precautions in their office. Other viruses can cause symptoms that are similar
to measles. The health care provider can order tests to confirm the diagnosis through blood,
nasopharyngeal, throat and/or urine samples.
Is there a treatment for measles?
There is no treatment for this viral illness other than supportive care.
Un-immunized persons more than 12 months of age, or persons who have received only one dose
of measles-containing vaccine and who have been exposed to measles, may be protected from
measles if they receive a dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine within 72 hours from
exposure.
If I had measles as a child, can I get measles again?
If you had measles as a child you are likely immune.
Measles can be prevented with immunization. Measles vaccine is given in the same shot with
mumps and rubella. This combined vaccine is called the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is part
of the routine vaccinations available free to all children in Ontario. The first dose of MMR vaccine is
given at 12 months of age and a second dose is now given at 18 months of age. Before 2005, the
second dose of MMR was given at 4 to 6 years of age. All children in Ontario require two doses of
measles-containing vaccine to attend school.
Adults who have not had MMR vaccine can be vaccinated as well. In general, adults born before
1970 are likely protected from childhood infection with measles. However, as extra protection,
adults likely to be exposed to measles who have never been vaccinated can receive a dose of MMR
vaccine. People traveling to areas where measles outbreaks are occurring should follow the
recommendations for that area regarding the need for a second dose of measles vaccine.
Is the MMR vaccine safe?
Yes, the MMR vaccine is very safe and effective. Most children will have no reaction. MMR vaccine
can cause a rash or fever in some children five to 12 days after the needle. This may last for a few
days. Occasionally, a high fever can cause a convulsion. The convulsion comes from the high fever
caused by the vaccine rather than the vaccine itself. Allergic reactions to the MMR vaccine are very
rare.
People who have serious problems with their immune system should not receive the MMR vaccine.
As well, women should not be vaccinated if they are pregnant and should not become pregnant
within one month after getting the MMR vaccine. The vaccine is safe for household members of
people with serious immune system problems and household members of pregnant women.
Breastfeeding women can receive the MMR vaccine.
Where can I get the MMR vaccine?
The MMR vaccine is publicly funded and available at your health care provider's office or through
the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit immunization clinics.
For More Information
Contact the Hastings & Prince Edward Counties Health Unit, Communicable Disease Program,
at 613-966-5513 ext. 349.
References:
1. Heymann, D. L., (2008). . (19th Ed.). Washington, DC:
American Public Health Association.
2. Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care, Infectious Disease Protocol, 2009.
3. Public Health Agency of Canada, (2006). . (7th Ed.). Ottawa, ON:
Public Works & Government Services.
Control of Communicable Diseases Manual
Canadian Immunization Guide
When students are at work doing math tasks at school, it can look very different than
you may remember from your days in the classroom. One key difference is that there is
a lot more talk. And not it’s not just any talk – it’s math talk! There are two important
reasons for this change:
1) Researchers and teachers now know that students learn and become better at
math when they talk with others and explain their thinking or when they convince
someone that their solution to a problem makes sense.
2) The skills of working with others and the skills of communication will be needed
by students as they progress through school and beyond into the world of work.
As parents, you can help your child develop these important skills just by asking a few
simple questions each day. For example, if you say to your child, “Tell me why you
think that”, you are helping your child to become better at explaining his or her
reasoning. This skill is useful not just for math, but for many areas of daily life.
You can encourage math talk when your child is involved in homework as well. Have
your child explain what he or she has done to complete a task or problem. If your child
has done something in a different way than you would have done it, be patient. Try not
to jump in. Watch. Listen. Ask your child to show you again or ask, “Do you think that
will work every time?”
Try using some of the questions or prompts on this handy reference card along with
some of the activity suggestions below to help your child develop both better
communication skills and a deeper understanding of mathematics. And remember to
have fun!
Questions and Sentence Starters for Math:
 Tell me why you think that.
 I think that you are saying… (Try to summarize what your child has said, but have him or
her listen to be sure your thinking is right).
 What do you think will happen?
 Do you think that will happen every time?
 Can you repeat what you just said?
 Can you repeat what I just said?
 Can you add to what you just said (or what I just said)?
 Do you agree (or disagree) with me? Why?
 Take your time to think, I’ll wait. (count silently for at least 5-7 seconds before prompting
or asking anything else)
 Does this remind you of anything else?
 Can you show me again how you did that?
 Tell me what you are ‘seeing’ in your mind.
 What strategy did you use?
Activities to Try:
Investigation
Go to:
http://educ.queensu.ca/sites/webpublish.queensu.ca.educwww/files/files/Community/COC/CYBTTIM%20%20Curriculum%20Integration.pdf
Try the investigation on page 3, “Our Body Rules!” to see what kind of square each of your family
members are. Remember to talk first and try and predict what you will find out before you actually
measure each other.
Game
Go to:
http://eworkshop.on.ca/edu/resources/guides/Guide_Geometry_Spatial_Sense_456.pdf
On page 116 of this resource, you will find instructions for how to play ‘Check Mate’ (Game boards are
found on pages 115 and 116). Play this game with your child. Ask your child if they are ‘seeing’ the
game board in their mind (visualizing) to help them or what strategy they are using to find your rectangles.
Further Information
If you would like to know more about math talk in the classroom, go to:
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/inspire/research/bruce.pdf
If you would like to read more about how to help your child succeed in math, go to:
http://oame.on.ca/mathies/activitiesTogether.htm
April
SUNDAY
29
5
2015
MONDAY
30
6
TUESDAY
31
7
Easter
Monday
No School
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
2
3
Book
Fair
Book Fair –
6:30 pm
Autism
Awareness
Day
4
Good
Friday
8
9
10
11
Day of
Pink
Spelling
Bee
Gr. 4 -8
16
17
18
Volunteer
Breakfast
9-10 a.m.
April 17th
Gr. 7 & 8
HepB/HPV
clinic
23
24
25
12
13
14
15
National
Volunteer
Week
Begins
Quinte
Rotary
Music
Festival
Quinte
Rotary
Music
Festival
Quinte
Rotary
Music
Festival
19
20
21
22
Bus Driver
Breakfast
9:30 – 10:00
am
School
Council
Earth Day
Badminton
Tournament
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Notes: May 1 - Jumping Rope for Heart & Stroke
May 4 - Music Monday
May 7 – Family Math Night
May 22 –Fun Fair Night