Issue #7
“Anything is Possible”
March 2015
Fallingbrook had a great time celebrating
Dr. Seuss’ Birthday! Many students of all
ages dressed up as a Seuss character to
honor Dr. Seuss’ 111th birthday!
Fallingbrook students will read on a boat,
We will read with a goat!
We will read on a train,
We will read in the rain!
We will read with a fox,
We will read in a box!
We will read with a mouse,
We will read in a house!
We will read here or there,
Fallingbrook students will read ANYWHERE!
NEW
WEBSITE: http://www.ddsb.ca/school/
http://fallingbrook.ddsbschools.ca
Fallingbrook P.S.
The primary division celebrated by
reading some of the many favourite
books and doing literally centres and activities. They
were able to show their creativity and had the
opportunity to think like Seuss!
Principal: Mr. J. Knox
Vice-Principal: Mrs. K. Joseph
Administrative Assistant: Mrs. C. Hoover/Mrs. D. Baird
Trustees:
Mrs. K. Zeppieri 905-668-7782
e-mail address: [email protected]
Mrs. C. Winters, 905-430-6050
e-mail address: [email protected]
Awards of Recognition
At our Recognition Assembly in February, we celebrated and recognized our fantastic
Fallingbrook students.
The Literacy Award is given to a student in each class,
to recognize their growth, progress, effort and/or
achievement in the area of Literacy.
Awards were given to: Alexander G., Kieran L.,
Douglas G., Aiden J., Imran B., Daphne W., Jewelianna D., Mary K., Samantha H., Justin L.,
Saibah K., Durva P., Brandon G., Sierra H., Sam M., John M., Nasya W., C’era O., and Ethan P.
The Numeracy Award is given to a student in each class to recognize their
growth, progress, effort and/or achievement in the area of Numeracy.
Awards were given to: Tyler G., Jayden L., Heath D., Rhys M., Zachary N.,
Daniyal H., Aidan B., Claire A., Ayden W., T.J. M., Grace N., Graham B.,
Monica S., Katerina C., Alisha V., John M., Matt L., Sophie B., and Ethan P.
The Student of Character Award is given to a student in each class to
recognize their consistent demonstration of positive character traits in
and around the school.
Awards were given to: Keira S., Somaya G., Isaac L., Alexis B., Hana S.,
Allisyn B., Jahlissa S., Diana W., Bridget M., Gabriella D., Sahil D.,
James M., Jordan C., Gabrielle O., Kendra H., Ramsya A., Magdalena T., and Callum H.
The Learning Skills Award is given to a student in each class, to recognize
their consistent display of positive Learning Skills.
Awards were given to: Jenna S., Brookelyn K., Matthew C., Monita R.,
Amanda M., Scarlett M., Ryan C., Abby S., Ryan M., Danish H., Mursal A.,
Elizabeth C., Sean L., Alexandra T., Emily F., Josh H., and Evan D.
Page 2
FALLINGBROOK P.S.
How we do Kiss ‘n Ride at Fallingbrook!!
DO drop your kids off at the Kiss’n Ride—always on the right passenger side.
DO let our staff help your kids to get safely inside.
DO stay in your car and follow the traffic flow.
DO NOT pass another vehicle—just take it slow.
DO look and listen to what the bright orange pylons and yellow signs say.
DO use the South parking lot if you need more time to see your child off
for the day!
… and that’s the Fallingbrook safe Kiss ‘n Ride Way!!!
Safe Schools
In accordance with Fallingbrook's Safe School Policy, we remind parents to use the
front entrance and to report to the office immediately when visiting the school. If you
have to drop off items for your child, please deliver them directly to the office and we
will notify your child to prevent interruptions during
classroom instruction time.
If you are volunteering in the school, please sign in at the office and use the “Visitor” or “Volunteer”
tags to identify yourself while in the school. Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Thank you for your
support in this important matter.
Safe Arrival > > > call (905) 668-5211
Thank you for your diligence in calling the school and leaving a message when your
child is absent. Your help with this process allows the office to finish this very important safety procedure quickly and efficiently. Together we make a difference!
In Case of an Emergency
In case of an emergency, the school may need to contact parents. For this
reason, it is imperative that you report any and all changes in your home, work or cell
phone numbers as soon as possible to the office. It is also just as
important to keep “emergency contacts” up to date.
Page 3
FALLINGBROOK P.S.
Did you know??? ...
Owning a dog will make your life better?
People who own dogs have healthier lives because they get fresh air and exercise every
day when they walk their dog. Dogs are very entertaining because you can play games
with them and they make funny faces that make you laugh. Since
dogs are protective and bark a lot, they will warn their owners if
strangers are around and will try to keep them safe. By far the
best advantage of having a dog is that they love you unconditionally and are
always happy to see you. For all these reasons dogs definitely make lives
better.
Written by: Charlotte C.
BE ON TIME
Please be reminded that first thing in the morning the yard is supervised between 8:35—8:45 am. The
children enter the school at 8:45 am and classes begin at 8:50 am. Try to avoid being late. It creates a
back-up in the office and disrupts classes and your child’s learning. We also remind parents not to drop
student’s in the yard prior to 8:35 am as there is no supervision. Thank you for your continued support.
REMINDER: FIRST STOP IS THE OFFICE
To ensure our student's safety and security while at school, we request that all visitors make the office their
first stop upon arrival. Visitors in the hallways who have not checked in at the office will be asked to do so.
Parents/Visitors should not go directly to their child’s classroom without having made a stop at the office
first to check in.
***CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS***
We understand that sometimes you may forget to remind your child of a change in his/her after school
routine, or to put his/her lunch in their backpacks. Unfortunately, when we are asked to get a message to
your child, this interrupts the entire classroom and the learning day. Unless it is a medical or family
emergency, we cannot interrupt the classroom.
Therefore, please try to do the following:
 Write any changes to your child’s after school routine in the agenda (or send a note)
 If your child’s lunch is being brought in as a late delivery, please instruct your child to go to the office to
pick it up at recess or at the beginning of lunch.
Thank you for working with us to achieve the best learning environment for your
child.
Page 4
FALLINGBROOK P.S.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
Do you know what day Thursday, February 5th was?
It was the
day of school!
100 days of your child:
 learning new things about themselves and the world around them
 sharing ideas
 working cooperatively with peers and adults
 problem solving
 having fun with old and new friends
For you as a parent it meant 100 days of:
 lunches and snacks
 the alarm clock ringing
 getting your child to school on time when we were all a little tired, grumpy and not feeling our
best
 watching your child grow, mature and learn
CONGRATULATIONS, you are now over half way through the school year and half
way through the cold, snowy winter months. Remember to have a back-up plan for
getting your child to school in the event of bad weather and dress accordingly. Stay
healthy and attend school every day because… ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Page 5
FALLINGBROOK P.S.
Music News…
Students have been busy making music at Fallingbrook PS with their voices,
their instruments and with technology. In late January, the Intermediate
classes have been composing their own music and working with our
computer lap-tops and computer lab to publish their compositions using a
software program called "Finale." Mrs. Warner is pleased with how well the
students followed the creative process, and how professional their published
music looks. A job well done indeed!
Our Junior and Intermediate Choir performed at the "Choirs Canada Festival" held at the Pickering
Town Centre on February 25th, and represented Fallingbrook very well. As a result of their
wonderful performance, they have been invited back to perform for the Finals held on Saturday
March 7th. Special thanks to our choir’s accompanist Heather Wang. Good luck to our musical
singers!
In April, the following students will be representing Fallingbrook PS at the Durham Elementary
Honour Band: Heather W., Owen P., Matthew L. Students representing Fallingbrook for the
Durham Elementary Honour Choir are Sahar K, and Arzika K. Congratulations and good luck
go to these wonderful students as they prepare music to play in the massed band of over 120
students or sing in the massed choir of over 80 students representing schools throughout the
Durham Board. Rehearsals will be held at Glen Dhu and the concert will be held at Eastdale
Collegiate.
Our annual Spring Concert "Swing into Spring" is scheduled for Monday May 4th. Students are
working toward presenting a quality program for our Fallingbrook Community. Please mark the
date on your calendar as we feature music of our Choir, the Grade 8 Concert Band, Grade 7 Concert
Band, and other special performances from our talented students. Rehearsals for our Grade 7 and
Grade 8 students have started this month and will continue until our Concert date.
Page 6
FALLINGBROOK P.S.
How do teachers determine my child’s grades?
Teachers look at assignments, tests, exams, conferences,
discussions, demonstrations and projects for evidence that
your child is learning the curriculum. This encompasses
more than just knowing the facts. Students must also
show an understanding of what they are studying by
communicating and applying what they have learned. They must also demonstrate critical
thinking and problem-solving skills. All work is reviewed with special attention to the quality of
work at the end of a unit of study, term, or semester. Students learn on a continuum of time and
experience in the classroom. It may take a student several practice tries to demonstrate final
learning (e.g. a student is not penalized for the starting point of understanding, nor are marks
averaged along the way. Our goal is to reflect the final learning the student is able to demonstrate
at the end of a unit, a project, or a course of study).
(Excerpt from… Growing Success, Ministry of Education of Ontario, www.ontario.ca/EDUparents)
Skyloft Skiing and Snowboarding
Our Ski and Snowboarding club for 2015 season has been
awesome! We have one more night and hopefully the conditions
will be just as good! We have had lots of snow, the students have
had a great time, and there has been lots of parental support!
Thank you to all of the parents that have come out to Skyloft to either ski/snowboard or offer
support.
Ski/Snowboard Club Members:
Greg A.
Ethan B.
Julia C.
Sebastian D.
Arzika K.
Holly M.
Ben R.
Thomas A.
Katerine C.
Nigel C.
Sarah D.
Liam M.
Pranna M.
Eesa S.
Charlie B.
Joey C.
Emily C.
Andrew F.
Bransen M. Lewis N.
Malik S.
Ava B.
Madeline C. Dareen D.
Paige F.
Cohen M.
Shivam P.
Bisera T.
Olivia B.
Todd C.
Ryan D.
Sarah G.
Sam M.
Rachel P.
Noah V.
Nolan B.
Daniella C.
Sahil D.
Emily G.
Johnny M.
Kamayu R.
Brianna W.
Jake W.
Jake W.
Liam W.
Bradley W.
Page 7
FALLINGBROOK P.S.
FALLINGBROOK FUN FAIR MAY 14TH, 2015
What do you get when you donate to the Fallingbrook Public
School’s 2015 Fun Fair?
FREE ADVERTISING with an auditorium full of potential customers, the NAME OF
YOUR BUSINESS published in Fallingbrook’s Fun Fair Program, not to mention
PROMOTING your business by sponsoring a game…All wrapped up into one fabulous
evening of Games, Raffles, BBQ, Prizes and a huge Silent Auction!
By participating in this COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER your donation will be used to fund
programs and educational materials at Fallingbrook Public School, such as:
Books/Classroom Enhancements
Cultural Activities/Materials
Outdoor Play Equipment
Computer Technologies and Programs
Anti-Bullying Workshops
P.R.O.P.S.(Peers Running Organized Play Stations) Program
Your generosity will help promote NUMERACY, TECHNOLOGY, LITERACY,
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND THE ARTS at Fallingbrook Public School.
You can help us purchase the necessary equipment for our students to become the citizens
who will contribute to the community - just like you!
What can my business donate to the Fallingbrook Public School Fun Fair?
You can donate in many wonderful ways:
Money to buy prizes which will sponsor one of our games
(Sponsor a Game and your company’s name will be displayed in recognition of your
generosity)
Gift Certificates
Gift Baskets filled with items for our Silent Auction
Large items from your business for our Silent Auction
Smaller items for Game Prizes
Who do you contact with your generous donations?
Lindell Cummings-Fun Fair Chairperson at
(905)666-9092 or email [email protected]
If you have a donation, a question regarding our event or require your donation be picked
up, please contact Lindell Cummings or Fallingbrook Public School (905)668-5211.
Donation Deadline is May 4th.
2014/2015 Family Learning Series
Join us for our Family Learning Series! Presentations and discussion opportunities through DAFRS and DFN have
been ongoing for ten years. It is a wonderful way to stay informed and meet other families.
Planning: finding and designing support that works
Tuesday March 24th, 2015
6:30—8:30 pm
Finding good, reliable supporters is not always easy. Finding a supporter that will go beyond just
“hanging out” and support your family member to be authentically involved in meaningful
activities within their community can be a challenge. Please come out to listen to the
wisdom/strategies that other parents have gained along the way. There will be an opportunities to
hear helpful information and gain new ideas, to ask questions, and to take away a resource package
that we hope will assist you the next time you are ready to hire.
Grandview Kids Tape a Toonie!
Grandview Kids Tape a Toonie was a great success!!
Thanks for your tremendous support. Grandview Kids has currently
raised $9,430!!! This amount is increasing with toonie donations still
being made to Grandview Kids.
Congratulations to the Top Fundraising School, St. Mary’s Secondary School, who raised a
whopping $1,095.45!! They will be awarded with a Grandview Kids Ability Awareness Presentation
and a special visit from some of the Oshawa Generals Players!
As a token of their thanks, they will mail a Certificate of Appreciation which will
include the amount raised by our school.
March is Nutrition Month!
Children 4 to 8 years old need 5 servings of vegetables and fruit each
day.
Children 9 to 13 years old need 6 servings of vegetables and fruit each day.
According to Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide, Health Canada.
Page 9
FALLINGBROOK P.S.
Pizza Days
Upcoming Pizza Days…
March 24th
April 21st
May 19th
June 16th
DAFRS March Family Focus is here!
Greetings!
The count-down to spring is on, and with new growth in the air now is a great time to check out the
learning opportunities in the March issue of DAFRS Family Focus! Inside this edition we touch on
Janet Klees’ workshop “The Support Role – the wind beneath my wings”; up-coming spring
workshops and information sessions; and an invitation to like-minded families for an exciting
international conference where we are presenters. Click here for the March 2015 DAFRS Family
Focus!Our March Family Learning Series is Planning: Finding and Designing Support that
Works. We’ve moved it from the beginning of the month back to Tuesday, March 24, 2015 so
everyone has a chance to join us. Click here for more information on March’s Finding and
Designing Support that Works!With visions of warm spring sunshine and bright peeking tulips,
contact Heather Minors Family Support Coordinator Durham Association for Family
Respite Services 20-850 King St W, Oshawa, ON L1J 8N5
10 Tips to reduce energy use throughout the year:
Consider using LED’s to replace existing light bulbs
Unplug appliances when not in use (e.g. coffee maker, toaster)
Lower the thermostat by 4-5 C (7-9 F) when sleeping and when no
one is at home
Turn off computer monitor or computer when not in use
Unplug chargers for phones, iPads, etc.
Wash laundry in cold water
Hang laundry to dry or select a lower drying setting
Clean or replace furnace filters periodically (consult the manufacturers manual for frequency) - a dirty filter reduces airflow and
forces the furnace to run longer to heat your home
Always wash a full load in the dishwasher and air-dry dishes on the
“energy saver” setting
Turn off lights when leaving a room
Page 10
FALLINGBROOK P.S.
World Autism Awareness Day is observed on April 2nd every year since
2008. It was designated by the United Nations General Assembly adopted
on December 18, 2007. One of the four main components is to raise
awareness of Autism on all levels of society. Autism is a pervasic disorder
that affects tens of millions globally.
What is Light It Up Blue?
Light It Up Blue (LIUB) is a unique global initiative to help raise awareness
about the growing public health concern that is autism. Light It Up Blue was launched by Autism
Speaks in 2010 in support of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD), which takes place on April
2nd. Iconic landmarks around the world Light It Up Blue in celebration of World Autism Awareness Day to show their support.
We can show support by wearing blue on World Autism Awareness Day.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Training
A wide range of FREE, professional and educational workshops are available
through Kerry’s Place Autism Services. All ASD Training initiative focuses on increasing knowledge and
skills of respite workers, families and agency staff about Autism Spectrum Disorders and Respite Services.
To access the training schedule for all of East Region (Durham, Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes and
Peterborough) and to register for any workshops, visit…
https://secure.kerrysplace.org/community
Managing Asperger Meltdowns
This interactive workshop will help participants to understand the most common causes and triggers of meltdowns in
children and young adults with Asperger’s Disorder. Prevention strategies as well as intervention strategies will be
reviewed and discussed. The process of assessing and determining the meltdown cycles of individual children and
creating suitable intervention plans will be discussed.
Presenter: Sara Smallwood
Location: Trent University—Oshawa Campus, 55 Thornton Rd S—Room 110
Date: Wednesday March 11, 2015
Time: 12:30 pm —3:30 pm
Register here:
https://secure.kerrysplace.org/community
Page 11
FALLINGBROOK P.S.
Pink Shirt Day: February 25, 2015
On February 25, students and staff wore a pink shirt of clothing to send a powerful message that
discrimination related to homophobia, trans-phobia, and sexism will not be tolerated anywhere.
This Anti-Bullying Day grew from a student protest against an incident of bullying in a Nova Scotia
high school. This positive social action was initiated by David Shepherd and Travis Price, who an
incident of homophobic bullying, where a male student was called a homosexual for wearing a pink
shirt on the first day of school.
For more information: Official Pink Shirt Day website
http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/2012/01/27/2012-pink-shirt-day-psa/
Boys Basketball
The boys basketball team has
been selected. Our unique
team of grade 6’s and one
grade 4 will be working toward
area supremacy in March and
April.
Congratulations to Shy, Malik, Dylan,
Connor, Deontre, Connor , James, Lewis,
Isaiah, Tyler and Graham.
Stay tuned to this great group of athletes
as the season progresses.
Falcon Folk Dancers!
Fallingbrook’s folk dancing club is in the
groove with an enthusiastic team of
students ranging from grades 3-8!
Practices take place in the gym on
Wednesdays at 11:50. We are learning a
variety of dances, both modern and
traditional, in preparation for our
performance at the annual Durham Folk Dance Jamboree at
the Iroquois Centre in May. This event takes place over 4
days involving schools from across the entire region.
We hope to see many of your there as we enjoy a fun night of
music, dance, and school spirit! Stay tuned for more
information about the Jamboree.
Dates of Significance for March 2015
March 2-20
March 5
March 6
March 6
March 8
March 17
March 21
March 21
March 25
March 29
Page 12
Ala: The Bahai Fast
Purim
Holi (Hinduism)
Women’s World Day of Prayer (WDPIC)
International Women’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day (Irish)
Naw-Ruz (Bahai)
United Nations International Day for the
Elimination of Racism
International Day of Remembrance—Victims
Of Slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade
Palm Sunday (Christian)
March 9
March 13-20
March 21
March 24
March 26
Ski/Snowboard Club
March Break
World Down Syndrome Day
Pizza Day
Grad Re-takes
FALLINGBROOK P.S.