Lord Roberts Junior Public School
165 Lord Roberts Dr. Scarborough, Ontario M1K 3W5 (phone) 416-396-6420
January 2015
Principal and Vice Principal’s Message
Susan MacDonald, Principal
Joanne Seal, Vice Principal
Happy New Year! Here’s hoping that 2015 brings everyone associated in any way with the Lord Roberts’ school and community much health and happiness! The saying, “It takes a village to raise a child”, is so true…and we are fortunate to have so many individuals in our Lord Roberts ‘village’ working together to raise amazing children andstudents.
I usually begin my January newsletters with comments about making New Year’s resolutions, and taking advantage of a ‘fresh start’ to support our efforts. In the spirit of our ‘It takes a village’ theme, I’d rather focus on the importance of those who are always there to help; our village, our team.Sometimes it’s an especially caring mother or father, a special teacher your child has connected with, a kind neighbour that quickly comes to the rescue, or our helpful school psychologist who puts you at ease.
It is no coincidence that ‘Teamwork’ is the character trait that the TDSB focusses on for the month of January. No one can be successful or accomplished without the support of others. The importance of the relationship between a student, a teacher, a parent and an administrator can never be underestimated. We all need each other! The work we can accomplish together at Lord Roberts JPS is so much better if we do it together.Happy New Year to all and thank you for being such an integral part of our ‘village’!
TDSB Winter Weather Guidelines
Children need an opportunity to get exercise and free play time outdoors, however, weather conditions sometimes warrant that indoor recesses, lunch periods and pre-entry periods be considered necessary for student and staff safety.
When the temperature and/or windchill factor indicates -28C or lower, children will remain indoors due to risk of frostnip or frostbite.
When the temperature and/or windchill factor indicates -20C to -28C, recesses may be shortened to 10 minutes and lunch recess to 20 minutes depending upon local conditions. Children should be monitored closely for signs of frostnip, frostbite or difficulty breathing.
Weather conditions change during the day. When necessary and if the weather is questionable, the school Principal and/or Vice-Principal will consult Environment Canada’s website.In addition, any staff member may voice weather concerns to the Principal for consideration prior to the next scheduled recess.
Winter Concert
Tuesday, January 27th
7-8:30 p.m.
The following classes/groups will be performing:
Primary and Junior Choirs
Dance Squad
Ms. Kapur’s Gr.6
Ms. Said/Ms. Hick’s class
Ms. Zhang’s Grade1/2 class
Ms. Avramis and Ms. Leventis’ Grade 2/3s
Mr. Kampouris’ Grade 3
Ms. McReelis’ Grade3/4
All Kindergarten Classes
What Are Your Children Playing?
Living in the technology age, we know that our children are introduced to many different images all the time. Our children are so savvy when it comes to the use of computers, iPads, iPods and gaming systems, they often teach us how to use them.
But as parents, it is very important that we observe and understand what our children are doing with all these electronics. We hear from many of our students that they are playing video games that are not designed for their age group. Many of our students report to us that they play video games that contain many images of graphic violence and cite titles that are rated for a mature audience.
Playing these types of video games has an effect on children. They do not have the cognitive functioning to fully understand these images and repeated exposure the violent images results in desensitizing children to violence. Also, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, playing violent video games leads to an increase in aggressive behaviour in children.
It is very important that you monitor your child’s choices. Your child should only be playing age-appropriate games while at home and while at the homes of friends and relatives. We all need to work together to keep our kids safe, healthy and happy.
Safety Patrollers
Safety Patrollers will begin patrolling the crosswalk in front of the school on Monday, January 5th. Please respect them by driving carefully and obeying the patrollers’ requests when walking with your children.
Private Bussing
There is a school bus service that transports many students that attend Lord Roberts Jr. P.S. This bus is NOT affiliated with Lord Roberts Jr. P.S. or the TDSB; it is a privately-run operation. It is important to understand that the school does not have any information as to the safety, licensing, background, etc. of this private business, the actual school bus itself, or any individuals affiliated with the driving or supervision of students while on the bus or supervising on school property. Although we certainly acknowledge that this service meets the transportation needs of many of our families, it is my obligation, as Principal of the school, to inform you that Lord Roberts Jr. P.S. and the Toronto District School Board hold no responsibility for this private arrangement that many parents have made.
Safely Driving Children to School
We would also like to inform parents that transport their own children or use private drivers that it has been reported to us that some students have not only traveled in vehicles without putting on seatbelts or using booster seats, but traveled in vehicles that are transporting too many children at a time.
The law requires anyone transporting children 4-8 years, 18-36 kgs (40-80 lbs.) in a motor vehicle to make sure they are using a booster seat. Motor vehicle seatbelt systems are built for adults not children. The booster seat helps put a child into proper position for the lap and chest portions of the seatbelt assembly.
In addition, children under the age of 13 are NOT allowed to sit in the front seat of cars with active air bags. This could result in death or serious injury to your child.
Please safely transport your children to school and check that your private driver is also following the law. We will be making a report to the Toronto Police with our concerns and providing license plate numbers when able.
Update re SynreVoice
Thank you to everyone for your patience as we all learn the new SynreVoice automated system.
When Attendance Calls are Delivered:
- Parents will be advised that the call is from the school, that it concerns a student in their household, in grade <student’s grade>, and the fact that the student is absent.
- The call recipient will then be prompted to press a key to indicate if they are AWARE or UNAWARE of the absence.
- If the parent is AWARE, then they will be prompted to press a key corresponding to the reason for the absence:
Key 1 for: Illness
Key 2 for:Doctor’s appt.
Key 3 for:Dentist’s appt.
Key 4 for: Family Matter
Key 5 for:Bad Weather
Key 6 for: Other
- If parents immediately answer that they are UNAWARE, they will be prompted to contact the school IMMEDIATELY at 416-396-6420. Parents will still have to confirm receiving the message to avoid being called back.
- Finally, the caller will be prompted to confirm receiving the message. Without this confirmation, the calls will repeat up to three times.
Helpful hints we have learned:
- If your child is absent for the full day, you will receive TWO phone calls, one to report a morning absence and one to report an afternoon absence.
- If you contact the office in the morning (before 9:00 a.m.) reporting a full day absence, we will input that information into the system and you should not receive any phone callsat all.
Late Arrivals
Please remember that the SynreVoice system will contact parents in the evening to report any late arrivals to school. These calls do not require a confirmation, but are meant to inform parents that a child has been late arriving at school. Students that do not enter school at the same time (8:40 a.m. and 12:25 p.m.) as all the classes enter the building are considered late. Teachers mark students late on their attendance until the morning announcements begin at 8:50 a.m. After that time, they will receive a late slip from Ms. Ford at Door # 5 or from the office if they arrive after 9:00 a.m.
Kindergarten Late Arrivals
Parents of Kindergarten students are reminded that late kindies are still asked to enter in their regular doors; they will be supervised by ECEs until 9:15 a.m. Late Kindergarteners are not to be using the front doors until after 9:15 a.m. Students that do not enter with their class will be considered late and marked accordingly by the classroom teacher, or by the office if arriving after 9:15 a.m.
Police Reference Checks for Volunteers
We have just been informed by the Toronto Police Services that the fee for vulnerable sector screenings required for volunteers has increased to $20.00 per request. If you have not yet completed a Police Reference Check and would like to volunteer in our school and/or on classroom trips, please come to the school office as soon as possible. If you provide us with $20.00 cash, we can submit the paperwork to the TDSB Police Reference Check office and save you having to obtain a certified check or money order.
Dental Screening
Feb 4-11
Toronto Public Health (T.P.H.) provides dental programs to children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8.
To identify children with oral health problems, a screening program is offered to students in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health requirements for mandatory health programs. The screening is an assessment by a dental hygienist using sterilized instruments. The dental hygienist will assess the need for topical fluoride, scaling, sealant and any other obvious dental needs.
As a follow up to the screening, only parents whose children are identified as requiring dental services will be notified. A note to that effect will be sent home with your child/ren for your information and action. You may also receive a phone call from T.P.H. dental staff to assist you in accessing care.
Please be advised that this screening assessment does not replace the dental examination done by a licensed dentist.
If you do not wish your child/ren to be screened, please inform the school.
For additional information, please contact us at the phone number listed above or visit us at childrenyouth.htm.
Dr. Hazel Stewart
Director
Dental and Oral Health Services
Children and Anxiety Presentation
At the School Council meeting on December 4th, Ms. Seal gave a presentation to parents on Children and Anxiety. The staff and parents that attended the meeting found the presentation very helpful and informative, and liked the idea that we show the presentation again, during the school day, so that more parents can attend.
If interested, please join us:
Children and Anxiety Presentation
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
9:00 a.m.
School Library
FUTURE DATES TO REMEMBER!
First Day Back to SchoolJan. 5, 2015
Children and Anxiety Pres.January 13, 2015
P.A. Day (no school for students)January 23, 2015
January Winter ConcertJanuary 27, 2015
Dental ScreeningFebruary 4-11, 2015
Principal Susan MacDonald
Vice PrincipalJoanne Seal
Superintendent John Chasty
Trustee David Smith
Office Administrator Patricia TarBush
SecretaryAdrienne Hickey
Head Caretaker Ross Mowat
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