March 2017 Newsletter

Principal’s Message

Natural Learning!

Over the past seven years, our Avon community has embarked on an ambitious project to transform our large, 3+ acre yard.What was once a barren middle school field is now home to hundreds of trees, long grassy areas,hills, gardens, a labyrinth, and gathering places. Four years ago we built the shade structure,last year the playscape was ready, and this summer our running track will be going in. It is thanks to your tremendous support that this space is becoming the creative,interactive place that it is. Whether you have offered time or resources, the combined effort to keep momentum going with these individual projects have pushed forward a vision that is bold and child-focused.Avon Eagles will be soaring down a permanent 200+m track next year if our efforts continue!Our students have become heavily invested in these projects, coming up with creative ideas to raise funds and design spaces. We see young children following butterflies and examining insects, tending gardens and testing climbing skills.

We invite you all to come and experience this space as it comes alive again in the spring. Your children will be exploring and challenging themselves with new learning at every turn!

Barbara Alken

Safety First!

With some nicer weather upon us, it is wonderful to see so many Avon students walking, biking, and riding scooters to school! Please remind your children to always stick to routes where they are crossing streets with a crossing guard. The cross walks where they can cross busy streets accompanied by a crossing guard are: Forman Ave. at Hibernia St.John St. at Douglas Ave.Huron St. at Huntingdon Ave. Huntingdon Ave. at Cawston St.

Remember to only send food within our allergy guidelines.No peanuts, tree nuts, kiwi fruit, fish, seafood, raw or under cooked eggs or anything made from these products.Thanks for your help keeping everyone safe and healthy!

Avon Eagles can help to get people all over the world talking about World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st! We can do this if we all wear #lots of socks! but not just any socks…brightly coloured socks, long socks, printed socks, 1 sock, 2 different socks… even 3 socks for 3 chromosomes. World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), observed on 21 March every year, is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. Down Syndrome International (DSi) encourages our friends all over the world to choose their own activities and events on WDSD to help raise awareness of what Down syndrome is, what it means to have Down syndrome, and how people with Down syndrome play a vital role in our lives and communities. Recognizing World Down Syndrome Day helps to create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well-being of people with Down syndrome. Each year the voice of people with Down syndrome, and those who live and work with them, grows louder. “The aims of World Down Syndrome Day are to promote awareness and understanding, seek international support, and to achieve dignity, equal rights and a better life for people with Down syndrome everywhere.” Muttiah Muralitharan, Record breaking Sri Lankan cricketer, Patron – Down Syndrome International “Activities and events held on World Down Syndrome Day can have a tremendous impact, showcasing the abilities, talents and accomplishments of people with Down syndrome. I encourage you all to tell the world what you are doing to celebrate this important day.” Liam Neeson OBE, Oscar nominated actor, Patron – Down Syndrome International It’s easy enough to participate – just stick your hand in your sock drawer and see what comes out! Bright and colourful socks, striped, mismatched, long – just as long as you’re making a statement. Show your colours and get involved with World Down Syndrome Day. Take pictures wearing your cool socks and hashtag #RockYourSockWDSD2017 and post on media pages for everyone to see the love, support & awareness you are raising. When someone asks you, “Why are you wearing those crazy socks?!!!” tell them you are wearing them for someone you know with Down syndrome!

Roses are red, Violets are blue, Avon loves baked goods, and running races, too!

The Valentine’s Day bake sale was a wild success! Yummy treats were sold before each nutrition break and after school on February 14th to countless eager customers. DJ Creations (Devan and Jasmine) contributed to the event by selling their festive finger knitted scarves. Altogether, just over $500 was made towards our 200 m outdoor track! Thank you so much to all the families and staff members who provided delicious home baked goodies, and to all the children and parents who supported this event by purchasing yummy treats. Hats off to Ms Taylor’s class, and Ms Houston’s grade 3’s, who read and followed recipes, learned meaningful money skills and absolutely shone with their customer relations skills!

Avon School Council

“The Purpose of a School council is to help improve student achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents.”

Next meeting:  Monday, March 27, 2017, 6:30 – 7:30 pm in the library

Scents at School

We have members of our school community who are very sensitive to scents. If you are coming into the school (volunteering, parent teacher interviews, performances, etc.) please be aware and refrain from using perfume.

Community Closet

If your child has outgrown any clothes, shoes or boots that are still in good condition, please consider donating these clean items to Avon’s Community Closet! All donated items stay at school and go to friends at Avon who can benefit from their use.  Please see Mrs. Allen or Ms. Smith if you have items to donate.  Thanks!

Inclement Weather

The weather at this time of year can change very quickly and conditions on our playground shift with the weather.  It is very helpful for children to have an extra pair of pants and socks in their backpacks in case there is a wet or muddy spill outside.  Remember that temperatures are also moving quickly up and down throughout the day.  It is best for them to have their backpacks filled to be prepared for whatever will come!

YMCA News

Hello YMCA Families,We hope everyone who made it to our Pre Registration for 2017-2018 last month had a positive experience. We will be able to confirm spaces soon with a phone call and confirmation on your September deposit.If you have interest in our before and after school programs and would like to inquire, please contact Jenn Davis or Ashley Rose at 519-271-0480 or by email at [email protected] and [email protected] If you have interest in our YMCA PA Day Programs, please contact Alenka Watson at 519-273-9622 or [email protected]

Thank you

March Break Camp – March 13 – 17th

Come celebrate everything winter has to offer.  Each day will feature indoor and outdoor adventures, including snowshoeing and skating (weather permitting), crafts, games and more!  Bring warm outdoor boots and clothing and your own nut free lunch and snacks!  Limit of 30 children per day.

9:00 am – 4:30 pm daily

$35/day or $160/week

Pre-registration required.

To register, contact Kayla Droog:  519-393-5315, [email protected]