Principal’s Message
With the arrival of June comes our last push to the end of the school year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers, support staff, parents, guardians and community members for the support they provided to ensure that each of our students had a successful school year. It takes the efforts of many to build the strong, caring and inclusive environment that we experience at Downie Central.
In the final month there is still lots to be done before we can fully turn our thoughts toward summer activities. Final assessments are taking place in all classrooms and it is important that students give their best effort to all assignments and activities as we edge closer to the final report card of the year. Also, it is the expectation that students conduct themselves according to the code of conduct here at Downie Central and that they continue to adhere to the rules of the classroom and the school. We all need to work together to make the final month of school productive, fun and positive for all members of the school community.
June is a busy month with a variety of activities, events and trips happening, so please ensure that you check planners and class calendars regularly.
Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a safe, happy and enjoyable summer. Take care, and I look forward to greeting all the students again in the fall.
Mr. B. Moir, Principal
September 2018 Class Organization
At this time of year, the principal, in consultation with the staff, considers the most effective groupings of students (class placements) for instruction, for all students, for the upcoming year. Principals and staff consider a range of factors, including, but not limited to, the academic, emotional and potential social benefits or concerns when placing a child in a given class. If you have a concern you wish considered regarding your child’s placement for next year, please submit it in writing by Friday, June 8, 2018 to the principal, Mr. Moir. Due to the transition of students in and out of the community during the summer months, student placements will be announced the first day of school in September. Thanks in advance for your understanding.
If You Are Moving Out of Downie Central School Area Next Year
In order for the school be begin setting classes for next year we need to know if students are not returning to Downie Central for the school year 2018-2019. Parents, please contact the office as soon as possible at 519-393-6196 if you are moving over the summer and your child(ren) will be attending a different school.
Character Corner for June – “Integrity”
Doing what is right and honourable.
“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everyone will respect you” Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching
The time is always right to do what is right.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Me to We Update
We will be holding a used book sale on June 19, 20, 21 and 22 in the library. Come pick up some summer reading for just 50 cents a book. If you have any used books in good condition that you wish to donate to our sale please send them in before June 19th. All proceeds will go towards our Me to We Health Pillar.
Last Day of School and Report Cards
The last instructional day for this school year will be Thursday, June 28th. Report cards will go home on Tuesday, June 26th and page 3 must be returned to the school by Wednesday, June 29.
Foundation for Education
We would like to thank the Foundation for Education. The Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides enrichment opportunities for our students and compliments what is taught in classes. The Foundation has provided several free workshops for our students this year.
Lost and Found
We have several items of clothing left here at school. The items can be found in the lost and found box. You are welcome to come and search for any missing items.
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.
Thank You to Our Wonderful Volunteers
An enormous “thank you” from students and staff to our wonderful volunteers! You have made such a positive impact with your dedicated time and energy.
P.A. Day
The next P.A. Day is Friday, June 8th
Track & Field
On May 17, Downie held their annual track & field event. Congratulations to all of the students who perservered in your different events and best of luck to those athletes moving on to our Regional Meet at Stratford Central on June 5th. Thank you to the parent volunteers, Dawn Turner, Pam Jackson, Sharon Weber, Amy Camden and the Gibb family for the loan of the pylons. Thank you to the staff for all of your hard work.
Stratford Central – Stratford Northwestern Renovations/Updates
Just a friendly reminder that if you would like to provide input regarding the changes coming to Stratford Central and Stratford Northwestern, there is an opportunity on the Avon Maitland District School Board website, yourschools.ca. There is also a form on the site for anyone who would like to register to join a sub-committee that will provide further input.
Stratford Public School Renovation Project – Update #1
Greetings from Stratford Northwestern and Stratford Central.
Stratford Central is slated for renovation during the 2019 – 2020 school year. The 2018 – 2019 school year will continue as usual. The project will be complete with Stratford Central re-opening in September 2020.
Project Scope
This project has been broken into 5 phases as follows:
Phase Timeline Description
Phase 1 May 2018-Aug 2018 Project kick-off. Funding announcement. School-based construction concept for Stratford Central to be developed based on programming needs.
Phase 2 Sept 2018-May 2019 Develop a Transition Plan involving moving students/staff and program from Stratford Central. Develop a plan to transition students/staff from Stratford Central to Stratford Northwestern and/or alternative locations.
Phase 3 May 2019-May 2020 Implement the Transition Plan from Phase 2.
Phase 4 Jan 2020-Aug 2020 Develop a Transition Plan involving moving students/staff and program back to Stratford Central.
Phase 5 Sept 2020 Re-Opening of “Stratford Central 2020”
Questions from the public will be addressed within each phase of the project.
Public input will be solicited within each phase of the project.
2019 – 2020 School Year
We understand that parents and students have questions and concerns regarding moving to Stratford Northwestern and possibly alternate locations for the 2019-2020 school year.
We will be addressing these questions beginning in September 2018. We will also be soliciting input from all our stakeholders (parents, students, teachers, trustees) regarding this transition at that time.
Our committee will continue to provide updates on the Avon Maitland District School Board website, as the project proceeds through its phases.
We are excited by the programming possibilities that this project presents for our students and look forward to working with our community on enhancing educational opportunities within both schools to help develop 21st century learners in the years to come.
Janice Richmond
Manager of Communications and Public Relations, AMDSB