Principal’s Message:
In addition to our focus on Math, we have had been working on the area of student voice. As a board we have been looking at the work of Russell Quaglia. His research suggests that when students have a voice they are 7 times more likely to be successful. Our school has worked hard to emphasize student choice in classrooms academically and our style of classroom management is a democratic one where problems are often discussed in a whole class format. As a result of discussions with students, we are becoming more conscious of offering extra-curricular options for students that are in addition to the regular things like competitive sports. The chess club, Me to We, and Spirit Club are examples. We would like to try to offer other “non-sport” extracurricular activities.
This year we had a group of Intermediate students participate in a student voice symposium in November. We are engaging them in discussions about how to better include student voice in our work as educators. We have also had intermediate students attend the School Council meetings each month in order to have student representatives at the table. Students have also worked with me to write and submit a grant proposal to support non-traditional extracurricular activities at Sprucedale PS. It is through collaboration between staff and students we can continue to make our school a better place.
March Playground Fundraising Update
Oh, so close…….
Donations continue to come in as Sprucedale Public School and the Shakespeare Community work together to raise enough money to build a new playground. We are just about there…… check out one of our preferred designs on the Sprucedale PS website. https://avonmaitlandschools.ca/sprucedale/
We have recently had some generous donations from a couple of families and a very supportive local business. Our thanks go out to……
The West Family
Our sincere appreciation goes out to Brenda, Gary, Danielle and Adam West for their generous donation to the Sprucedale Public School Playground fund. The West family are strong supporters of the school and community. Dylan and Sophie West, Danielle and Adam’s children, are the third generation to attend Sprucedale Public School. Gary West was sitting in a desk on the day Sprucedale Public School first opened its doors. Adam and Amy, Gary and Brenda’s children, also spent their elementary years learning at this fine establishment. The West Family will receive permanent recognition on the playground site as gold supporters.
Jeff & Cathy Sparling – Shakespeare Mills Inc.
Our thanks go out to Jeff and Cathy Sparling of Shakespeare Mills. Although Jeff and Cathy do not have children at Sprucedale Public School, they feel it is important to be good neighbours and a strong community supporter. Shakespeare Mills Inc. will have permanent recognition on our playground site as Silver Supporters. Shakespeare Mills can be reached at 519 625-8219 for all of your agricultural feed needs.
Deanna and Craig Jacobs & Family
Our thanks go out to Deanna and Craig Jacobs for their generous donation to the playground fund. The Jacob’s sons, Carson and Dylan, currently attend Sprucedale Public School and their little sister Grace will be joining the boys in 2018. The Jacobs Family will have permanent recognition on the playground site as Silver Supporters.
For those still wishing to make a donation…..
Playground donations can be made online at CanadaHelps http://bit.ly/SprucedalePLAY using VISA, Mastercard and American Express. You are 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 or more will receive print recognition and donations greater than 500 dollars will receive permanent on site recognition.
Message from YMCA for after school program:
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 and
If you have interest in our YMCA PA Day Programs, please contact Alenka Watson at 519-273-9622
Thank you
Community Events:
March Break Camp at Stratford Perth Museum. March 13 – 17, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. To register, contact Kayla Droog at 519-393-5315 or