February 2018 Newsletter
Principal’s Message
You likely have been hearing words like 21st Century skills, character, grit, growth mindset, resilience etc. both from educators and in the media. What all of these terms reflect is the importance of developing social and emotional skills in children. While schools certainly have academics as their key goal, it is widely acknowledged that students need to be socially and emotionally healthy for us to achieve these goals. These skills complement our academic work. Roger Weissberg from the centre of Collaboration for Social and Emotional Learning writes, “Teachers feel, and growing research supports, that it helps them academically, it improves school climate, it improves discipline, and it’s going to help them to be college and career – and life – ready.” As parents you can help your child by fostering them at home. Websites like Mindshift are a great resource for articles that discuss supporting students with a variety of needs.
Our board’s revised plan also acknowledges the importance of a student’s social engagement – a sense of belonging and participation in school life. The value of relationship is key to building a positive school climate. Our Healthy School Committee, comprised of a team of students, Ms. Goebel, Mr. McEwin, Ms. Horst – from the Health Unit, are working to make Sprucedale Public School and even healthier inviting place to learn. We also have our Me to We Team, our chess club, our sports teams and throughout the day you will see students of various ages paired off helping each other. Sprucedale students are expected to help each other and they always rise to the challenge.
Mr. Rauser
School Council
Our Elmira Poultry fundraiser order forms have been sent home. All orders are due back to the school by Thursday, February 8. Orders can be placed through SchoolCash Online as well by February 8. The delivery and pickup date is Tuesday, February 27 between 3:00 and 5:45. We do not have freezer space to keep any orders not picked up so PLEASE ensure you arrange to have your orders picked up on February 27.
The funds raised by students in grades JK to 7, will go towards school council initiatives such as ice cream and bussing for the year end swimming trip, year-end awards, snack program, etc.
Funds raised by grade 8 students will go directly towards the cost of his/her grade 8 trip to Camp Celtic.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, February 7 at 7:00 in the school library. Everyone is welcome to join us.
If anyone has any questions or concerns surrounding school council, life at Sprucedale or the learning done within Sprucedale, please let me know and I will do what I can to get you an answer. That is part of my function as School Council Chair.
Heather Johnston
Kindergarten Registration for September 2018
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.
School Crossing Guard Hours
The school crossing guard is available to help children cross the road from 8:30 to 9:00 in the morning and at 3:15 to 3:45 in the afternoon.
Pre-Registration for the After School Program – YMCA
Hello Families,
It is that time of year again, we are starting to pre-register for our September 2018 programs. Existing Internal YMCA Registration will be held at the school on February 22 at 4:30 – 5:45 p.m.
Available spaces will be opened to all other program registrations and waiting lists on March 12, 2018. If you have any questions regarding School Age Programs or Registration, please contact Jenn Davis, Ashley Rose or Krystle Linden at 519-271-0480 or Maggie Curtis at 519-273-9622
Our Kindergarten Ready, Set, Go! Summer Program will begin registration in February; please contact Jenn Davis or Ashley Rose at the YMCA 519-271-0480.
Next PA Day is February 2nd, and March Break March 12-16.
For PA Day information or registration, please contact Krystle Linden at the YMCA. 519-271-0480. We will be closed Monday February 19th for Family Day!
Nutrition Program at Sprucedale
At this time, we would like to recognize and appreciate all the families who have accessed the Donation to Sprucedale Nutrition Program on the SchoolCash Online system and those who have donated items. These donations are very helpful. Thank you!
A reminder that if you would like a tax receipt for donations $20 and over please notify the office so we can process this for you.
Community Event
Dear Perth East Families,
The Shakespeare Firefighters’ Association hopes you and your family had a safe and enjoyable holiday season! 2018 has certainly brought its share of weather challenges so far, and they could get more interesting.
Mark your calendars for Saturday February 24th, for our 3rd annual “wing night!” Not only do we fundraise for playground equipment and healthy lunches, but this year we are campaigning for our fire community. We are working towards a set of battery operated extrication tools, as well as financial support towards Camp Bucko which is a summer camp for kids who have suffered traumatic burn injuries. Please come support our efforts and have dinner cooked by us!
Wing Night
Saturday, February 24 530-8pm Shakespeare Optimist Hall
Tickets – $20 for adults, $10 for kids 6-12, kids 5&under free
Tickets are available from any firefighter, or you can contact me at 519-274-1215, either with a phone call or text message.
Stratford Perth Museum – March Break Program March 12-16 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
March Break Camp 2018 – A Day in the Life of…a Secret Agent, Space Explorer and more.
Recommended for ages 5-10
For more information contact Kayla Droog, Manager of Education 519-393-5315 or
Lost and Found
Our bin is filling up in the front entrance of the school. There are a lot of really nice pieces of clothing in there that need to be found by your child so they can enjoy them. As spring is approaching, the hoodies and sweaters that are layered in the bin will come in handy! Mittens, lefts or rights would love to be reunited to make a pair. Please ask your child to take a look for their belongings. If you are able to pop in to take a look, this would be helpful as well. At the end of June anything left here will be donated as extra clothing for school use or put to another use for someone in need of the items.
Dates to Remember
Friday February 2nd – PA Day Monday February 19th – Family Day
Tuesday February 20th – Report Cards come home
High School Registration and Course Selection Forms – Due Friday, February 16th
April to June Milk and Food Orders – Due February 26th for paper copies or February 28th online.
Elmira Chicken – Orders Due – February 8th
Elmira Chicken – Orders for pick up – February 27th at 3-5:45 p.m. We do not have freezer space – please ensure you arrange for your items to be picked up on this date and time.