New Minas Elementary School
34 Jones Road, New Minas,
Nova Scotia, Canada, B4N 3N1
Phone: 902-681-4900 Fax: 902-681-4904
Website: newminaselem.ednet.ns.ca
Principal: Eric Trahan
E-Mail:
Vice-Principal: Diana Dunn
E-Mail:sE-Mail:
Secretaries: Mary Gammon & Brenda Davison
E-Mail:
Dear Parents/Guardians:
Our Project Fair Committee is in the early stages of planning our annual Fair.
I encourage parents and guardians to take advantage of this opportunity to promote the importance of inquiry and research at home. The skills that are acquired by taking part in the Fair go far beyond science, technology, mathematics, social studies and/or art. Students, for example, can also gain valuable experience in organization, design, public speaking, marketing and self-confidence.
OurProject Fair is also a great way for families to share personal experiences with their children and to get more involved in their education by working with them on a ‘hands-on’ project. Remember that whatever you do to support your child educationally, this interaction with you will help them grow emotionally, socially and academically. This in turn will foster enthusiasm and confidence about learning in general.
This year, our annual school-based Project Fairis scheduled for Monday, February 29thand Tuesday, March 1st. Please call the school if you are able to help judge a few projects between 9:00-12:00noon. Thanks!
Parents are invited to come to the school to view all the projects on Monday, March 1st between 3:00-6:00 pm.
Eric Trahan, Principal
Notes from the PTA
January has been an exciting month for the PTA!
To begin with, we are in the process of getting a WeDo Lego robotics set. Once we’re set up, we will be offering some after school times for children to learn to build and program Lego robots.
The PTA will be having another movie night. On FEBRUARY 12th, come to the school gym to watch The Minion Movie! We will be offering pre-ordered pizza again, as well as other concessions for purchase during the movie. We will be hosting the Scholastic Book Fair at the same time, so come ready to watch and read. We are in need of volunteers for these events!!!
Finally, remember that February 8th-12th is Staff Appreciation Week! Please join in with what the PTA has planned or show appreciation in your own way. Remember this isn’t just for homeroom teachers, all staff work hard to make our school amazing, so let’s show a little love <3
Please keep up to date with what the PTA is doing by joining the ‘New Minas Elementary PTA’ Facebook group or e-mail . And keep your eyes on papers your child brings home!
Primary Immersion Meeting
Thursday, February 25th is our Primary French Immersion information eveningfor parents at 7:00 pm in the music room. We invite all interested parents of primary aged students to come to this session as it is a wonderful opportunity to have any and all of your questions answered, to get information and to meet the staff.
Primary Registration
If you have a child who will be starting Grade Primary at New Minas Elementary School, or you know someone with a child who will be starting in September 2016, please phone the school so we can ensure they are registered..
Please note that thecut-off date for new primaries turning five is December 31stof the year they are to start school. Registration days for all new primaries will occur on March3rdand 4th.
We are happy to welcome all new families to our school!
Please be reminded that there will be noschool for Primary students on Thursday, March 3rd and Friday, March 4th due to Primary Registration. The following two classes will be affected: Mme Boudreau & Ms. Murphy
African Youth Talent Show 2016
The Annual African Youth Talent Show featuring NMES and surrounding school students will be performing. Wednesday, February 17th at 6:30 pm - Horton High School. Live performances with special guest – Shoulder To Shoulder. Free will offering will be accepted at the door.
School Counsellor’s News
“14 Days in December” initiative was a great success for its first year. In our classrooms there were lots of discussions and activities around the importance of and ways of peaceful living in our school, homes and communities. We were thrilled with the family participation in this project. Every family received a family peace package and we had a great percentage of families participate in our Family Peace Project, which were displayed in the gym. For every family who participated their name was placed in a draw for a $100 gift certificate from Boston Pizza. Congrats to the Williams family who won the draw and a special thanks to Boston Pizza for generously supporting this project.
Parent Workshop
Last winter at NMES we offered a very successful parenting workshop called “Howto talk so your kids will listen and listen soyour kids will talk”. This year it will be offered again but at Port Williams Elementary School on Wednesday nights Feb 3 – Mar 9 (6 evenings) from 6:30 – 9 pm. If you are interested you can register by calling 902-542-6074.
Newcomers
As a school over the next few months we hope to be welcoming new families from various areas of the world into our communities. Our school will be doing our best to help our newest student’s transition into their new home. We encourage families to have conversations around what it would be like to arrive in a new country and possibly not know how to speak the language. Ask them howthey think they would like to be welcomed. Conversations around what they might do to extend a welcome would be helpful. Everyone doing a little bit will make it a positive learning experience for all. Please call the school if you are able to help support our new students with tutoring and/or translation ie Arabic.
Coldest Night of the Year
Our school has registered for this fundraising event in support of the of the Open Arms outreach program. New Minas Elementary School has registered under the name Bluenosers. The NMES team plans to meet at the Kentville Fire Hall. Sign in between 4 – 5 pm. If you plan to attend, please register at cnoy.org. For more info, please contact Heather at 902-300-9473 or email at .
Donations
Thank you to NMES PTA, Swiss Chalet,
Elaine Squires, Amy Keddy and the Atlantic Superstore for their support!
Community Events
Nova Scotia Ombudsman
The Office of the Ombudsman Youth Services representatives are here to listen. You can tell us about things that concern or upset you. We help you understand your rights!
Call us: 1-888-839-6884 or,
Email us:
We are an independent organization who hear complaints about government programs and services. We learn about your problems in confidence and find ways to help.
Valley Community Learning Association
Do you find it hard to help your children with homework? Would you like to improve your reading and writing skills? Do you wish your math skills were stronger? Is your spelling a little too “creative”? Do you have trouble filling out forms?
The Valley Community Learning Association is committed to help adults reach their learning goals.
If you want to upgrade your skills, get your GED, or become involved as a volunteer, contact the Valley Community Learning Association (VCLA) at 679-5252, or toll free
1-866-898-7323.
All our programs are free!
Acadia Varsity Football & Valley Minor Football present:
Non-contact football skills Camp @ Kentville Indoor Facility every Sunday starting Feb 7th – March 28th from 11 am- 2 pm. Male & female students going into grade 2 up to students going into grade 9. Cost $40. Register online at valley_bulldogs.ca For more information contact Tony Smith:
Princess Child Attendant for New Minas 2016
Child Attendant, if your child is eight or nine years of age (Male of female) and is interested in becoming the Child Attendant for Princess New Minas, please contact; Erika Brown or Laura Huntley.
The child must live in the residentially area of New Minas and attend New Minas Elementary School. The Child must be able to attend as many events as possible during the reign of Princess 2016, especiallycoronation rehearsal, the coronation, and grand street parade.
Hyronomous A. Frog ---A Family Show at CentreStage Theatre
Hyronomous, an inept and lonely frog prince, lives in a bog in the kingdom of Spamelot. Hyronomous is bored and unhappy as a frog. He’s larger than the other frogs and hates the taste of flies. But what is he to do? Can life change for him or is he destined to live on a log in a bog? Suddenly life changes for Hyronomous when he meets Gloria, the Good Witch and his life will never be the same!
The cast includes Davina Melanson, Keira Melanson, Sophie van Exel, Charotte Crouch, Ethan VanMeekeren, and Cedric van Exel.
There are 2PM shows on February 3,14,20,21,27,28 in the Upper Performance Centre, 61 River Street, Kentville. Tickets are $7.00, call 902-678-8040 for reservations.
March Break Camp at Ross Creek
We are looking forward to a fabulous week at Ross Creek’s March Break Camp for children and teens. From Space Rangers to Unicorns, from Dragons to Whirligigs, there is something great for everyone aged 5-16. At Ross Creek we provide an amazing art day taught by professional artists and a great camp experience for kids on our 178 acres of camp and forest, led by our fabulous counselors. Whether searching for the Creekster, creating a masterpiece or making new friends, our workshops have something for every kid! We offer workshops in theatre, drawing, sculpture, dinosaurs, nature and science. Kids can come for a day or for a whole week of adventure and art. We cook lunch and snacks onsite and run our Camp bus around the valley for camper pick up. We also have bursaries for economically challenged families. For more information check our website: or call: 902-582-3842.
Female Introductory Hockey Camp
Learn the fundamentals of hockey in an all female, low pressure setting. Hosted by the Acadia University Axe women. Ages 9-13
Eight hockey sessions. Dates and times as follows; Jan 31st – 5:30-6:30pm, Feb 7th, 14th 5:30-6:30pm, Feb 17th 7:15-8:15pm, Feb 21st, 28th – 5:30-6:30pm, March 2nd, 23rd – 7:15-8:15pm. $100.00 All sessions at Acadia, full gear is required, some available through an ‘on loan program’ For more information or to register, Please contact
Dykeland Equestrian Centre
Looking for a physical and fun activity for your child(ren) who love horses? Consider enrolling them in our March break riding school. lessons, fun activities and meal(s). Information and registration form are available on our website (dykelandequestriancentre.weebly.com) or contact (902) 542-3054 for details.