Principal’s Message:
In this month’s message I would like to continue to share some ideas about learning mathematics.
It is my belief that well-meaning educators over the past whatever number of years have done the best they can with the knowledge they have. I loved school as a student and I still have fond memories of teachers who worked very hard to help me learn. That being said, I believe we now know better ways to teach and if we know better we have to do better.
For example, some children and adults are able to learn math facts through simple rote memorization. If flashcards and memorization works for you and your children, this is an appropriate way to learn math facts. However, what we have now learned (and probably the strongest teachers decades ago figured this out on their own), is that many children who have only memorized math facts simply forget their math facts after a few weeks if they are not practicing. For many students thinking about number relationships and strategies is a much better way to learn math facts. For example, to figure out what 9 times 7 is one might think that ten seven’s are 70 so 9 seven’s must be 7 less than seventy or 63. Focusing on the relationships involved in numbers in this way helps children move facts and number relationships into long term memory. Do you have certain number relationships that help you remember math facts?
Good math does not have to be rushed or done under the clock. As soon as undue time pressure is added, many people get the “fight or flight response” and their brain function reduces. When children and adults are relaxed, their brains work well, they can think of number relationships and learn math facts that will stick with them in the long term.
If you ever want to talk math, or any other subject, stop by and see me. Mrs. Taylor may have to radio me because I will likely be in one of the classrooms trying to learn with students and teachers.
School Council Report:
Wow!! Thank-you!! These two words sum up my thoughts about the success of our dance a thon held last Friday! It was a day filled with fun, laughter, lots of smiles and of course some awesome dance moves!! We raised $3400 towards our new playground. That is more than we ever thought we would raise. It just proves what we already knew – that we live in a very supportive community! Our Sprucedale Sabrecats worked hard to get sponsors and I can let you know that everyone lived up to their promise to dance, dance, dance!! Way to go Sabrecats!
We are getting really close to reaching our goal! We have added the $70,000 rung on our ladder to the top of the slide – it will not be long now and we will be at the top of that ladder and ready to slide down that slide to the installation of a new playground for our community to enjoy!
Our next meeting will be December 7 at 7:00 in the library – everyone is welcome!
Sprucedale Playground Fund Continues to Grow Through Generous Donations:
We have broken the $75,000 mark on our Playground Fundraising Slide and we are feeling more optimistic that with a solid final push we may be able to get new equipment installed for September 2017. Our thanks go out to every student and every parent, grandparent and friend who has contributed time and time again to help us chip away at our 100,000 dollar goal. Every donation counts and makes an impact. We would also like to recognize the following supporters:
The Schlegel Family
Clare and Catherine Schlegel have made a very generous donation to our playground fund. Clare Schlegel was a student sitting in Ms. Million’s grade one classroom when Sprucedale Public School originally opened. Catherine and Clare’s children Adam, Tobin and Benjamin all attended Sprucedale Public School and now Tobin and Erin’s two oldest children attend. The Schlegel Family donation will be recognized with permanent recognition on the Playground site as a Platinum Supporter.
Libro – Sharing the Pie
Libro gave our campaign a real boost in September as they made a major contribution and even brought some pretty tasty pie to share when they delivered the cheque!! Libro will be recognized with permanent recognition on the Playground site as a Platinum Supporter. There is a Libro Branch at 391 Huron Street Stratford Ontario. Libro can be contacted at 519 271-4883
Aikens Brewer Lumber
Our thanks to Jim Mayer at Aikens Brewer Lumber who was also an early supporter of our Playground Fundraising campaign. Aikens Brewer has supported us through a generous donation and by supporting the school and community through the promotion of events on its sign and the selling of tickets in the store. Aiken Brewers will be recognized with permanent recognition on the Playground site as a Gold Supporter. Aiken Brewers, a strong community supporter, has all of the materials for your building needs right here in Shakespeare.
Jay-Lyn Transport
A big thank you to everyone at Jay-Lyn Transport for supporting the Playground campaign. Their donation came in on the day of our Dance-A-thon and it really put the day over the top. Jay-Lyn Transport will be recognized as Gold Supporters and along with our Silver, Platinum and Diamond supporters will receive permanent recognition on the Playground site. Jay-Lynn Transport can be contacted at 519-320-0447.
Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd.
A shout out to Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd. who also gave the Playground Fund a strong boost on Dance-a-thon day with their most generous donation. Pioneer will be recognized with permanent recognition on the Playground site as a Gold Supporter. Melani Rich coordinated the donation for Pioneer and can be reached at 519-352-6350.
Memorial Donation to honour Stewart Anderson
A special thank you to Helen Anderson for her most generation donation to the Sprucedale Public School Playground Fund. The donation was made in honour of her late husband, Stewart Anderson, who was the first chairman of the Sprucedale Public School Board in 1965. Many Anderson’s have proudly attended Sprucedale Public School. Stewart and Helen’s sons Brian and Doug graduated in the 60’s. Their grandchildren Heather, Amber and Alex graduated in the 90s, and today their great grandchildren attend. Our thanks go out to Helen and her entire extended family. This memorial donation will be recognized through permanent recognition as a Gold Supporter on the playground site.
Roger and Cathy Park
A big thanks to Cathy and Roger Park for their generous donation to our playground campaign. The Parks were early contributors to the campaign and have continued to support both the school and the Playground campaign. Roger and Cathy will be recognized as Gold Supporters.
Jon Witzel Contracting Limited
Our thanks also go out to Jon Witzel of Jon Witzel Contracting Limited who has made a generous contribution to the Playground Fund to support the families he serves within the Sprucedale Community. Jon is a Silver Supporter who will also receive permanent recognition on the playground site. Jon Witzel Contracting is located at 985920 Perth Oxford Road, Tavistock N0B2R0. He can be reached by phone at 519 662-4239. He can be reached by email at [email protected] . Our thanks go out to Jon for contributing to our Playground fund.
Westlandyn Farms
Our thanks go out to the West Family for their generous donation to the Playground Fundraiser. The Wests’ were early contributors to the Playground Fundraising Campaign and will be recognized as Silver Supporters.
Schlegel Family
Our thanks also go out to Tobin and Erin Schlegel for their generous donation to the Playground Fundraiser. The Schlegel’s were early contibutors to the Playground Fundraising Campaign and will be recognized as Silver Supporters.
Your Neighbourhood Credit Union
We greatly appreciate the support of Your Neighbourhood Credit Union. The Credit Union will be recognized on the playground site as they are a Silver Supporter. Your Neighbourhood Credit Union is located at 6 Huron Road East in Shakespeare and can be reached at 519-625-8400.
Community Groups
I would be remiss if I did not mention the community groups who have and continue to support our Playground Fundraising. The Shakespeare Men’s Club, the Shakespeare Firefighters’ Association, the Opti-Mrs, the Optimists, the Shakespeare Athletic Association and the Shakespeare Presbyterian Church have all been major donors. The Community Dance that was held, the Firefighters’ Wing night, the support of the group in last year’s Spaghetti Supper have all helped us move forward and are just a few of the ways these community minded people have supported this playground campaign and the school.
Municipality of Perth East
We would like to also acknowledge and thank the Municipality of Perth East for allocating just under 23,000 dollars to this Community Playground Fund. Our thanks to Andrew McAlpine and the other members of council who advocated on behalf of Shakespeare and Community.
How to Go About Making a Donation
Playground donations can be made online at CanadaHelps http://bit.ly/SprucedalePLAY using VISA, Mastercard and American Express. You also able to mail or drop off at the school a cheque payable to the Foundation for Education – Sprucedale Playground on Memo Line. Cash donations are also welcome in the office. Any donation of 20 dollars or more will receive a charitable donation receipt. Donations of 250 dollars or more will receive print recognition and donations greater than 500 dollars will receive permanent on site recognition.
Message from After School Program
Hello Parents and Families! It’s already December! Please remember to pack warm clothing for your child, along with appropriate outdoor attire as our programs access outdoor play each afternoon. If there is any interest in our After School Program please contact Jenn Davis at 519-273-9622 or [email protected]
The Holiday Break will soon be upon us. Please contact Alenka Watson at 519-271-0480 or to enroll your children in the YMCA Christmas Break Program. Spaces are limited. Wishing all our families a safe and Happy Holiday!
Kindergarten Registration for September 2017
If you missed our Kindergarten Registration Day in November, please call the school and we can get you a registration package. Please tell any neighbours or friends that have a child who will be attending Kindergarten next September.
Grade 8 Secondary School Tours
The grade 8 tours will take place on Wednesday, December 7 at Stratford Central and Tuesday, December 20 at Stratford Northwestern. The students will travel to the high schools by bus at no cost. The Open House at Stratford Central will be on Monday, January 16, 2017 from 7 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. (snow date January 17). The Open House at Stratford Northwestern will be on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (snow date January 25)
Before and After School Survey
Families interested in Before or After School childcare programs, should complete the on-line survey no later than Friday December 9th. The survey is available on the AMDSB Website http://yourschools.ca/programs-services/kindergarten/
Should you require a paper copy, please contact the school.
We appreciate your assistance, as we determine the feasibility of offering such programs.
Junior Mixed Volleyball Tournament
Congratulations on a fun tournament for the Junior Mixed Volleyball team. Although coming up just a bit short on the scoreboard, the team showed huge gains in their volleyball skills. Their sportsmanship was admirable, as they cheered each other on enthusiastically. Mrs. Wagler is very proud of the following volleyball players – Erin, Rianna, Avery, Jack, Derek, Carly, Logan, Luke, Isabella, Kristen and Dylan.
Food and Milk Orders for January, February and March 2017
The food and milk orders forms, with payment, are due back at the school on Wednesday, December 7. On line ordering and payment is available until Friday, December 9.
Community Events
The Sprucedale School Community is invited to a Festive Christmas Open House at the Brocksden Country School Museum on Saturday, December 3rd at 2:00 – 4:00 with a carol sing, brief Christmas programme and refreshments. All are welcomed.
Help keep our roads safe this winter. Around buses and school crossings Remember…
Never Dash
Obey the Flash
You Shall not Pass!