Principal’s Message
As we head into the final stretch of the school year and the weather continues to improve, we have to constantly remind ourselves that there are still three months of school left, and busy months they are! The staff is providing many exciting opportunities for students to enrich their school experience through events such as intramural sports, class trips and activities. Our focus continues to be on student engagement and creating lessons and activities that provide opportunities for our students to communicate and collaborate, be creative, solve problems, and think critically. As always, I encourage you to talk to your child(ren) about school and the things he/she is learning and maintain open lines of communication.
EQAO Support
In the month of May our students in Grades 3 and 6 will be writing their provincial assessments which we refer to as EQAO. We are in need of volunteers to help with scribing for some of our students. If you are available to help anytime between May 22 – June 4, please contact Ms. Boogerman at the school via phone or email at: [email protected]
Bus Cancellations or Delays
To see if a school bus is cancelled or delayed or whether the school is closed, please visit the school bus website.
School Council Meeting
The next School Council meeting will take place Tuesday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. in the library. Childcare is provided and everyone is welcome to attend. Please contact Wendy Riehl the School Council Chair at [email protected] if you have an agenda item.
Update from the Library
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Downie Central. Come in and take a look at all the new books. When children read for enjoyment they develop the skills needed for lifelong learning. The book fair will be open:
- April 9, 10, and 11th 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- April 12th 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The book fair will be open on April 12th the night of our guest speaker. Come early and do some shopping before the presentation.
Forest of Reading
On April 24th the Primary division will be taking part in a Reading For The Fun Of It day to help celebrate our Canadian authors and illustrators. Mrs. Tweddle and a few of the Junior/Intermediate students will be showcasing this year’s Blue Spruce nominated books. Students will then get to vote for their favourite one.
Grade 8 Selling Frozen Yogurt
Grade 8 will be selling frozen yogurt starting April 9th as a fundraiser for their year end trip. The cost is $2.00 a cone/cup.
Me to We Update
The Me to We will be having a We Walk for Water day on May 17th. We are collecting large plastic containers (with lids) that the students can use to carry water. Our hope is that each student will have a plastic container that they are able to fill with water and walk around the perimeter of the school grounds. This is to help bring awareness that there are so many without easy access to clean water.
Intermediate Boys Basketball
At the tournament on March 8th the boys were undefeated during the all pool play games allowing them to finish 1st overall going into playoffs. They went on to win the semi-final game against North Easthope where they advanced to the finals against Central Perth. After a point for point game, the boys unfortunately lost by one basket with a score of 20-18. Thank you to Ms. Lange and Ms. Van Nes for coaching.
Intermediate Girls Basketball
The girl’s team had a great tournament March 8th. The team improved with each game and played well as a team. Thank you to Mr. Glover and Ms. Boogerman for coaching.
Allergy Alert
Downie Central is a Nut Free school. Please do not send any food items that contain nuts or may contain nuts.
Downie Central is also a Scent Free school, which means students, staff and parents should refrain from wearing scented products. Thank you for showing consideration for those with allergies.
Head Lice – Pediculosis
Please check your child’s head on a regular basis and contact the school if you discover the lice. If a student is discovered to have lice/nits at school, parents will be called to pick up their child, to treat with medicated shampoo and pick out each nit individually. School staff will re-check before re-admitting to class. When a case of head lice is found, all students in the class will receive a letter, so that parents can check their child’s head and help us prevent the spread of these critters. We handle all cases of head lice with confidentiality.
Some other resources that may be helpful are the Lice Squad which is located at 370 Oxford St. E. in London, the toll free phone number is 1-866-510-5423. The Nit Free Terminator comb is also very effective. There is also Shield 2 in 1 Shampoo & Conditioner that can be used as a preventative measure to repel head lice with the use of natural aromatherapy oils and it is gentle enough to use every day.
Character Corner
April – “Honesty”
Being Trustworthy, Sincere, and Truthful
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom” – Thomas Jefferson
“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“No legacy is so rich as honesty.” – William Shakespeare
“When in doubt, tell the truth.” – Mark Twain