Calvin Park Public School
November 2016 Update
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Calvin Park Families,
There has been a lot of learning and fun happening at Calvin Park over the last number of weeks and all of our staff feel fortunate to learn with such a great group of students every day. Calvin Park is a great place to be.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF TERRITORY
The Limestone District School Board is situated on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee. We acknowledge their enduring presence on this land, as well as the presence of Métis, Inuit and other First Nations from across Turtle Island. We honour their cultures and celebrate their commitment to this land.
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION MONTH
November is Indigenous Education month. Different activities have been initiated around the school to have students learn more about the history of indigenous people in Canada and in the local area.
We have recently hung a new treaties map in our hallway which has generated a lot of interest by students. We are all treaty people.
We have students who have used Gord Downie and Jeff Lemire's new book, The Secret Path to initiate a conversation about Indigenous history and current issues in Canada.
Some of you may have noticed at our Remembrance Day assembly or will notice moving forward, that at public gatherings, we will recite the Acknowledgement of Territory.
All of these efforts are the beginning of our attempt to do our part in ensuring the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report are implemented. As Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne told some of our students directly in a face-to-face conversation earlier this month, we need to ensure that moving forward we make decisions so that no one has to apologize for our actions in the future. The Premier's comment fits with our commitment to be a fully inclusive school and is a reminder that on our journey there, we still have work to do to ensure our school is a safe and caring place with high expectations for every person, all the time.
PROGRESS REPORTS
Earlier this week, you received your child's Elementary Progress Report. The intent of the Progress Report is to help students and parents/guardians gain a better understanding of
students’ strengths and next steps with respect to learning skills and work habits, and understand ways to maintain or improve current progress in different subject areas across the curriculum, over time. We are hopeful that this communication will contribute to the establishment of a culture of learning and improve students’ opportunities
for achieving success. We know that working together to support your child's learning contributes to their success. Please contact your child's teacher if you have questions about their progress or are looking for ways to support at home and at school.
A VISIT WITH THE PREMIER
On November 3, our Grade 8 students in the Challenge Program went to Queen's Park in Toronto to observe Question Period and take an historical walk guided by local historian, Arthur Milnes and Premier Kathleen Wynne. In a personal and powerful tour, students learned about historical political figures, their contributions to the development of Ontario and Canada and why it matters today. Students received a free copy of the book, Canada Always about the life of former Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, written by Arthur Milnes, courtesy of Manulife Financial. Local MPP Sophie Kiwala stopped by the Government Caucus Room to meet with students. We are very appreciative of this unique opportunity and thank everyone involved for making it happen.
REMEMBRANCE DAY ASSEMBLY
Thank you to our students and staff in our LEAP program for helping to organize our annual Remembrance Day assembly. It was a wonderful display of respect by students to our veterans and current Canadian Forces members. Thank you.
A special thanks to WO Chris Price & Lt. Col Sean Hackett for serving as our official guests, sharing what Remembrance Day means to them and for offering students the opportunity to think about the sacrifices that many people have made on behalf of all of us.
Lest we forget.
LOOKING AHEAD
In the next few weeks, many students from across our school will be practising to perform in our annual Coffee House event. As details are confirmed, we will share information with you. Tentatively, the LCVI Cafeteria is booked December 20 and 21 for two evening performances of cross-program talent.
Don't forget to check out the video below of our students engaged in learning through the Limestone District School Board's Outdoor Education Centre at Gould Lake.
Please remember to check our website at calvinpark.limestone.on.ca and follow us on Twitter @CalvinPark_LDSB for the latest information about our school.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Steve Hedderson, Principal
Mathematical Thinking
Remembering Through Lyrics
Number Talks
Number talks are short discussions among a teacher and students about how to solve a particular mental math problem. The focus is not on the correct answer, but on all the possible methods of finding the answer. Each student has a chance to explain their method, and everyone else will learn from other people's methods. They are helpful in building a student's schema for mathematical thinking.
Financial Literacy: Today & in the Future
LEAP Take T.O.
Future Leaders?
School Council Executive & Next Meeting
Your voice matters. Consider joining our School Council. Everyone welcome.
Our next meeting is: Monday, November 21 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 221.
2016-17 Executive
Chair: Melissa Hudson
Secretary: Hilary Wollis
Vice-Chair: vacant
Treasurer: vacant
Community Rep: David Wilson
Members-at-Large: Linda Baumann, Beatriz Sugarman, Jill Waugh
Teacher Representative(s): Mrs. Boyce, Mrs. Leeman & Mr. Wartman
School Council Pizza Fundraiser
Students can order pizza up until Monday, November 21 as part of a School Council fundraiser. Students have a choice of cheese or pepperoni pizza from Pizza Pizza. 1 slice is $3 or 2 slices for $5. Profits from sales will go into the 2017 Grade 8 Graduation fund to help off-set the costs of graduation.
Thank you to our School Council for organizing this fundraiser!
Motivating Minds: Change Maker
A Challenge Program student-driven production in the LCVI-Calvin Park Cafeteria that includes:
- Spoken Word & Monologues
- Expressive Dance with Props
- Visual Art Canvas Painting
- Stop Motion Animation
Donations will be accepted at the door to help cover production costs. Any profits will be redirected to the Gord Downie and Chanie Wenjack fund: https:downiewenjack.ca
Everyone is welcome to join us for an evening that will Motivate & Inspire!
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2016, 06:30 PM
153 Van Order Drive, Kingston, ON, Canada (LCVI Cafeteria)
Calvin Park Public School
Calvin Park Public School is the largest Grade 7 & 8 school in the Limestone District School Board. #CalvinStrong #WeBelong
Email: calvp@limestone.on.ca
Website: calvinpark.limestone.on.ca
Location: 153 Van Order Drive, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: 613-542-2796
Twitter: @CalvinPark_LDSB