Did you miss Registration Day for Kindergarten on Jan. 26?

If you did, you can still come in to register at any time! In fact, we would prefer that you register now as opposed to later in the year or in the summer. Registrations now determine important programming and staffing decisions and the earlier we receive this information, the better. So, if you have a child or know of a child born in 2012 that is eligible for the Early Learning Kindergarten program, please come into the school to pick up a registration package. All you need is the following:

• A birth certificate
• Proof of Address (a driver's license, tax bill, etc.- anything with your address on it)
• Custody documents (if applicable)

Please note that we no longer require immunization records for registration. The Porcupine Health Unit now manages this part of registration and provides this to us. If you have any questions, please call the school at 705-272-3246.

Character Education Assembly

In January, we had our first Character Education Assembly of the 2015-2016 year. We celebrated the character trait of initiative and recognized those students who had Perfect Attendance in January. Congratulations to the following students who demonstrated initiative:

• Ryanna Matthews
• Kael Jansen
• Ava Stewart
• Larissa Hookimaw
• Makayla Vallier
• Christopher Swartz
• Belle Vincent
• Sascha Huard-Beauchamp
• Indira Hannet
• Alyssa Chapleau
• Mehzeya Etherington
• Maya Louvelle
• Madison Walsh
• Leanna Blackburn

We also recognized attendance and will do so at each of our upcoming assemblies. Coming to school everyday is important. It demonstrates responsibility, initiative and enthusiasm for learning. Students who are good attenders often have better academic success. Thank you to all parents and caregivers who ensure that students get to school each and every day! At our assembly, each perfect attender was entered into a draw and lucky winners won Cochrane Crunch game tickets, school lunches and Tim Horton's gift cards. Congratulations to all and especially the winners of the draws.

Northern Fruit and Vegetable Program

Our school receives weekly shipments of different fruits and vegetables. The purpose of this program is to promote healthy eating and to have kids try different vegetables and fruits that they may not try otherwise. In February, we will have the following fruits and vegetables:

• Week of Feb. 1: Cauli-florets and dip, pineapple
• Week of Feb. 8: Apple sauce, celery and dip
• Week of Feb. 15: No delivery this week
• Week of Feb. 22: Carrot sticks, dried cherries
• Week of Feb. 29: Cauli-florets and dip, cantaloupe

School is much more than just academics! Ask your child about the following activities offered at our school this month:

• Robotics Club
• Environmental Club
• Walk Across Canada
• 5/6 Volleyball
• Board Games and Reading
• 7/8 Basketball
• Band

Term 1 Reports

Term 1 Report Cards will be coming home on Feb. 8. On Monday, February 8th, students will be bringing home a Term 1 Report Card. For each subject that was taught in Term 1, your child will be receiving a letter grade (Grades 1-6) or a numerical grade (7/8). JK/SK students will receive comments. If a subject is only being taught in Term 2, the teacher will check NA for not applicable to this report card. A comment will also be given for each subject that describes your child’s strength and some next steps to support learning in Term 2.

Teachers look at a variety of sources such as assignments, day-to-day observations, tests, student-teacher conversations or conferences, demonstrations and projects for evidence that your child is learning the curriculum. This learning means more than just knowing the facts. Students must also show an understanding of what they are learning by communicating and applying what they have learned. They must also demonstrate critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills. All work is reviewed with special attention being given to the quality of the work at the end of the unit of study or term. As well as looking at tests or assignments, teachers talk to and observe your child in the classroom to gather as much information and evidence before making a decision on the final grade.

Teachers will also report on the development of learning skills and work habits which are very important for student success. These six skills (Responsibility, Organization, Independent Work, Collaboration, Initiative and Self-regulation) can be demonstrated by the student in all subjects as well as during daily routines and activities at school. They are evaluated using a four-point scale (E-Excellent, G-Good, S- Satisfactory, N-Needs Improvement) and teachers also include a comment about your child’s strength and some next steps for continued growth.

We encourage you to contact your child's teacher should you have any questions and/or concerns relating to the report card.

Family literacy day