From the Pr inc ipal ’s Desk

The Stampeder Express

Smith Publ i c S choo l

Special points of interest:

Principal’s

Message

EQAO

Sports/Clubs

School News

Calendar

Upcoming Events

May 2015

18 Oakes Rd N, Grimsby, ON L3M 4B1 (905) 945 -8014 Email: smi@dsbn.org

Smith School as an

educational communi-

ty strives to challenge

our students to reach

their academic and

social potential. Par-

ents and teachers work

collaboratively to pro-

vide students with the

necessary tools and

skills for individual

growth. We are com-

mitted to creating

learning experiences

that will lead to life-

long mutual respect.

Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction to foods,

insect stings, latex and medications. We are aware that some of our students are known to be at risk of anaphylaxis. If you have a child that is at risk, please ensure that your child’s

homeroom teacher is aware so we can work together to create an emergency action plan. Please remember that Smith School is a scent free school. Thank you!

Principal’s Message

April was a busy month here at Smith and we are looking forward to a

number of events as we move into May. Extra-curricular activities are in

full swing and our school Track & Field meet is scheduled for Wednesday,

May 6th. Please dress for the weather and have lunch, snacks and drinks on

hand throughout the day.

As you know, our students have access to two very exciting computer

programs from home. Dreambox and Prodigy are math-based programs that

are currently being accessed by most of our students here at school and

also from home. We are seeing positive results from this additional

practice and are encouraging students to continue their efforts with these

programs. Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions.

EQAO Update – A reminder to our grade 3 and grade 6 students about our

upcoming assessments. Testing for these students will take place between

May 25th and June 5th. Please ensure that all grade 3 and grade 6

students are present during this time. Appointments and trips should be

scheduled around these dates. This assessment is a wonderful opportunity

for our students to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and should be

viewed as a celebration of their efforts and success. Please don’t hesitate

to contact the school if you have any questions about this process.

C. Madill

Page 2 The Stampeder Express

Gymnastics Results:

Madison F 6th Floor

Ashlyn C 6th Mat

Alex A 4th Vault

Hoda A 5th Vault

Rielly D 5th Floor

Elizabeth C 6th Floor

Summer-Lynn S 6th Bench

Kate C 6th Floor 3rd Vault

Hayley W 2nd Bench 1st Floor 2nd Mat

Courtney B 4th Floor

Victoria C 5th Floor 6th Mat

Joelle G 5th Floor 5th Mat

Olympia M 6th Floor 4th Mat 4th Vault

Taylor S 2nd Mat

Crimson W 4th Bench 1st Vault 3rd Mat 6th Floor

Georgia B 2nd Floor 4th Mat

Delaney M 4th Floor 4th Bench 4th Mat

Shannon M 2nd Floor 4th Bench 2nd Mat

Claire Y 6th Mat 2nd Vault

Rachel T 5th Bench

Aries M 1st Floor 1st Mat 4th Vault

Mariah N 5th Vault

Colby H 6th Mat 2nd Bench

Sawyer M 3rd Bench 4th Vault

Quinn W 3rd Bench

Tyler S 6th Bench 1st Vault

Stephen T 6th Mat 5th Bench

Tyler H 5th Bench 6th Vault

Seth L 6th Bench 5th Vault

Tyson M 5th Vault

Jarden D 6th Vault

Pearson P 1st Mat 1st Bench 1st Vault

Kian M 2nd Mat 2nd Bench 1st Vault

Hunter H 6th Mat 6th Bench 5th Vault

Bryson C 6th Mat 3rd Bench 5th Vault

Kade M 6th Mat 1st Bench 4th Vault

On April 16th & 17th, the Boys and Girls Gymnastics teams competed at BDSS in our annual meets.

Mrs. Haynes and Miss Gretsinger were very proud of all our gymnasts.

The following students received recognition for their talents:

Chess Club News

Students in grade 1-8 met twice a week since January to learn, practice, and master chess. We had about 60 stu-

dents in our club. It was great to see their enthusiasm and skills improve throughout the season. Four students from

each grade level who placed in the top 4 for their grade level represented Smith at the DSBN Chess Tournament

on April, 2nd held at Nelles Public School. There were 237 chess players from across the Niagara Region at the tour-

nament. The following students represented Smith at the tournament: Caroline H., Max M., Matthew R.S., Taylor S.,

Dylan A., Zain A., Jamie C., Tyler S., David H., Josh F., Shahrukh K., Sammy Y., Kian M., Mason S., Djuro Z., Bryson C.,

Cameron C., Denver I., Josh P., Quinn A., Kade M., Justin R., Ethan T., James H., Wesley L., Oscar L., Isaiah Y., Sava

B., Jonah B., and Michael-Oliver M..

*The students in bold won their table at the tournament and received a medal at the tournament.

A huge thank you goes out to Miss Gretsinger for organizing the chess tournament.

Many thanks to the parents who drove team members to and from the tournament.

We are looking forward to next year!

Miss Gretsinger & Ms. Raaflaub

‘Keep your head in the game’ this summer with LEARNING ADVANTAGE Workbooks

Smith PS will be making available a summer activity workbook called "Learning Advantage" later in the month of May. "Learning Advantage" is a fully coloured 192 page activity book designed to reinforce and maintain Kindergarten to Grade 7 students' academic learning skills over the summer months. There is one 192 paged activity book per grade level from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 7. All major units and 3 summer fun units in each book are aligned with the Ontario curriculum expectations. In addition to the summer months, the books can be used all year long from September to the following June. All books have parent information pages, evaluation forms, follow up activities and a family focus. A full lineup of French immersion books is also available. The cost of each book is $19.05 plus GST ($20 total). This is a savings of about $4 compared to retail and online prices. You can visit www.learningadvantage.ca to download a free unit of the book you would like to order for further review.

An order form and information sheet with more details about the “Learning Advantage" program will be sent home to all parents within the next few weeks. Please direct questions to Mary-Jo Montalban mmontalban@cogeco.ca

**Please note: the order form does not state a due date for orders - Orders are due back to the school June 4th. The books ordered will be delivered to the school before the last week of school.

Congratulations to the Intermediate Badminton Team members, namely, Chloe K., Rachel T.,

Bakhtawar K., Claire Y., Iain N., Bryce A., Maxim L., and Carter P. The team played in an Area 3

tournament at South Lincoln HS. All team members showed great determination. A special

mention to Chloe and Carter for placing 3rd, Rachel and Claire for placing 4th and Bryce and

Maxim who placed 1st! Way to go Stampeders!

Ms. Flynn

Page 4 May 2015

Fundscrip Information Fundscrip is a great way to raise money for the school with the flexibility of purchasing household items. How does it work? All the information you need can be found on the FundScrip website: www.Fundscrip.com. Simply enter the invitation code G4S46E to register. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Hobbs, melissa.hobbs@sympatico.ca Money raised through Fundscrip is going towards fundraising for Smith PS. Thank you for your support!

September is closer than you think! We’re already looking ahead to the new school year and will soon begin the process of organizing next year’s classes. In

developing our new class structure, our goal is to ensure your children have an outstanding educational experience and the

opportunity to develop lasting friendships with their classmates.

Much like a family, our classes work best when they include members of differing interests, abilities and perspectives. This

gives students the opportunity to learn from and about each other. These experiences help to open students’ minds to new

ideas and new possibilities, allowing them to test limits and develop their true potential.

To do this, it’s important for us to look at a number of factors, including:

Learning Style: We consider how students learn best and what kind of classroom environment will best support their needs.

Ability, Interests and Talents: All children are unique and have their own set of strengths and abilities. Having a grouping

of students whose strengths complement each other will help enhance everyone’s learning.

Relationships: We aim to create groups that allow for strong friendships to develop and an environment for effective

learning.

Parent Input: As parents, you have a unique perspective on your children and their school experience. If you have any

information that could help inform our decisions please send it in to the office, in writing, to my attention prior to Monday,

June 1st.

Your input will be considered in relation to the criteria listed above.

Thanks for your support!

Craig Madill

Planning Today to Energize Education for Tomorrow

DSBN Trustees are supporting student success by revitalizing our public schools. An important part of this process is the role of Accommodation Reviews.

On March 26, 2015 the Ministry of Education released revised Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines (PARG) and the DSBN has revised the Accommodation Review Policy to align with the new Ministry Guidelines.

You are invited to provide your comments on this new policy. From May 6 to June 3, 2015 please go to www.dsbn.org and click on the “Accommodation Review Policy Feedback” button. You may also provide comments via mail. Please send to Lora Courtois, Superintendent of Planning, District School Board of Niagara, 191 Carlton St. St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7P4.

YMCA of Niagara Summer Care for 3 & 4 Year Olds YMCA Child Care will be offering a new weekly program this summer for 3 and 4 year olds in designated licensed centres (3 year olds must be born in 2011). Designed to keep your child engaged in play-based learning throughout the summer, YMCA Summer Care provides a safe and nurturing environment for children to develop into confident, caring and happy individuals. For more Information on locations and fees, please visit www.ymcaofniagara.org

Smith School Website: http://smith.dsbn.org/

Upcoming Events

June 1 - 5 EQAO Grade 3 & 6 June 15 - 17 Shakespeare Presentations Grade 6 - 8

June 8 - DSBN Track Meet June 17 - Intermediate 3 Pitch

June 10 - Junior 3 Pitch June 18 - Intermediate 3 Pitch Rain Date

June 11 - Junior 3 Pitch Raindate June 18 - Intermediate Trip to TO

June 12 - PA DAY - NO SCHOOL June 23 - African Lion Safari Trip Grade 1–3

June 24 - Report Cards go home June 24 - Primary Play day

June 24 - GRADE 8 GRADUATION - CONGRATULATIONS!!

June 26 - PA DAY - NO SCHOOL - Enjoy your Summer!

New Kindergarten Bus

Ride 12:15 pm

(Happy Mother’s Day ~ May 10th)

01 (Day 2) Silver Birch

Celebration of Literacy

7:30 AM

04 (Day 3)

05 (Day 4)

06 (Day 5)

SMITH School Track and Field Day

07 (Day 6) Sub Lunch

New Lunch Envelopes go home

Gr 4,5,6 PALS TRIP TO BROCK

08 (Day 7)

11 (Day 8)

School Council Meeting 6:15 PM

12 (Day 9)

13 (Day 10)

Lunch Order

Envelopes Due Back by 2PM

14 (Day 1)

Pizza Lunch

Last Day Milk Block

15

PA DAY

NO SCHOOL

18

VICTORIA DAY

NO SCHOOL

19 (Day 2)

Volunteer

Appreciation

Assembly 9am @Smith School Gym

New Milk block

Begins (last one)

20 (Day 3)

21 (Day 4)

Pizza Lunch

22 (Day 5)

Regional Track and Field @ NOC

Battle of the Books

Tournament 9 AM

25 (Day 6)

26 (Day 7) 27 (Day 8) 28 (Day 9)

Pizza Lunch

29 (Day 10)

May 4 – 8 EDUCATION WEEK

EQAO TESTING Gr. 3 & 6

May 25 - June 5