New Minas Elementary School Newsletter
34 Jones Road, New Minas, Nova Scotia, 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:
Secretaries: Mary Gammon
Brenda Davison
E-mail:
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we enter our second month of school, I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the entire school community for their positive contribution towards a successful start up.
This year our school population is 279 and I can assure you that all of our learners have quickly adapted to their new routines and are in full school mode!
Thanks to our student leaders and staff advisors for providing leadership in the following areas as we begin another busy month: Green Club, Garden Club, X-Country Running, Choir, PALS, tech Crew, Assembly Leaders and Breakfast Program. We look forward to providing something for everyone throughout the year.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Michelle Muise for all her leadership with regards to our Food Programs these past few years. Michelle has been a dedicated volunteer who provided such an important service to our school community. Thanks to all the other parent volunteers who have assisted with our Breakfast Program for these past few weeks. I am happy to report that Kathy Palmer and Kim Ross have taken on the breakfast program coordinator position for this school year. Please note that we are still in need of additional volunteers on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Thanks, as well, to the many parents who attended our Parent Orientation on September 17th. It is always affirming to have such strong attendance at our Parent Teacher Meetings. We look forward to continuing this relationship over the coming months.
Our annual PTA Corn Boil was another wonderful opportunity to bring our school community together to
celebrate the beginning of the school year. Denise, Erin, Jenn, Catherine and Carrie did a wonderful job organizing this event with the help of our grade 5 students and parent volunteers. Thanks to all the families who supported our corn boil!
Sincerely,
Eric Trahan, Principal
PTA Corner
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the corn boil last evening! The corn boil is the first PTA event of the school year and is meant to be a time to welcome new and returning families and staff.
Our Fall Fundraiser is just beginning! You should have already received a catalog. Please take a look at what is available as this fundraiser is different from previous years. If there is anything you or anyone you know is interested in, please follow the instructions given and have everything returned by October 13th. Remember that the money raised by the school goes towards various things that improve your child’s time at NMES!
The PTA executive for this year are:
President: Erin Patstone -
Vice-president: Carrie Surette-
Treasurer: Catherine Nathanson-
Secretary: Jenn McFadden-
Please feel free to contact us with question, comments or concerns regarding PTA related topics.
At the next PTA meeting, on Oct. 8th at 7pm, we will be having a special speaker in to discuss detection and treatment of lice.
Remember to follow ‘New Minas Elementary PTA’ on Facebook to know what’s going on with us!
Parking and the Drop-Off/Pick-up Loop
Thank you so much for your cooperation in using our Drop-Off/ Pick-Up Loop in a manner that is most safe for our students and their families. For the safety of the children, please drop off and pick up in the lane beside the sidewalk (NOT the passing lane) and drive slowly. Moving your car as far forward in the loop as possible will allow traffic to flow more freely and permit more cars to drop-off or pick-up students safely and efficiently.
Please note that there is NO PARKING in the loop between 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:00-3:00 p.m. Extra parking is available at Mark’s Work Wearhouse and there is a crossing guard there to help your children cross the street safely. Thank you for your co-operation!
Drive Away Hunger
Farm Credit Canada Kentville is conducting a food drive in Kings County to raise food and funds for local food banks. The FCC staff will be bringing a tractor to NMES on October 22nd to pick up food donations. Bags will be put in each classroom to collect any items donated by families.
Safe Arrival Program
Please call the school if your child will not be attending school or will be late because of an appointment. 902-681-4900
Volunteers
If you plan to volunteer or go on class trips at New Minas Elementary School, all volunteers are required to have a Criminal Records Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check. See the office for the appropriate forms. Parent/guardian(s) who have had these checks done in the past are required complete the CRC & CAR every three years.
Cross Country Running
Good Luck to all of our cross country runners who will be running at upcoming meets! Our next races are:
October 8 – New Minas Elementary School @ Lockhart Ryan Park
October 15 – Kings County Academy @ the Ball Park
Donations
Thanks to the following businesses and community members for their support of our students, staff and programs: Sunrise Rotary Club, Atlantic Superstore, Walmart, Bell Aliant and Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers, Walmart, Louis Millett Centre, New Minas Fire Dept., Nancy Levy, Dorothy Richards, Catherine Vey.
School Closures
The Annapolis Valley Regional School Board, as well as individual schools, may be subject to unforeseen closures due to storms, maintenance problems, etc.
All such closures are usually announced on the local radio stations in the morning. In the event of inclement weather developing during the day, further notification will be given by radio as to the expected time of dismissal.
Please make sure your children know where to go when instances arise where there is an unplanned early dismissal or unforeseen school closure.
Please return the “Unplanned Early Dismissal Form” along with any other important information to your child’s teacher ASAP.
Bus Schedule and Dismissal Procedures
If your child is going to be getting off at a bus stop that is different from their usual stop, the school board, through the driver, will require a written note which must be stamped by the school office.
If you are making special arrangements other than the normal dismissal arrangements for your child, please be sure to let your child’s teacher and/or Ms. Levy know at the office. If we do not have written confirmation or a phone call from you, we will dismiss your child as usual. Please note that we will not accept a note from one parent for another parent’s child.
Treaty Day
Treaty Day, held annually on October 1st, celebrates the signing of the 1752 Treaty of Friendship and Peace as well as marks the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia. In 1986, Grand Chief of the Mi'kmaq Nation, Donald Marshall Sr., invited all Mi'kmaw to “observe October 1, 1986 and every year thereafter as Treaty Day to commemorate the unique and special relationship that exists between the Mi'kmaq and her Majesty”. The purpose of Treaty Day is to promote public awareness about the Mi’kmaw culture and heritage for all citizens of Nova Scotia. Every year, events are held in Halifax to celebrate and remind citizens of the importance of the Treaty of 1752, including a parade, cultural showcase, feast, and award ceremony. For a schedule of events please visit the Tripartite Forum at: http://www.tripartiteforum.com/
Back to School Safety and Planning for Emergencies
Now is a good time to review a few back-to-school safety tips with your children and their schools.
As school doors open, traffic gets a little heavier. People are back from holidays, school buses and public transit are on regular routes, and more people are walking, cycling or driving to school.
Here are two safety reminders to help with the transition back to this busy time of year:
Review your family emergency plan and check emergency kit supplies
Sit down with your children to talk about different kinds of emergencies and review your family emergency plan. Talk about what to do and where you will meet if you are not together when an emergency takes place. Involve your children in preparing an emergency kit or checking your emergency supplies to make sure you have key items on hand and check expiry dates on batteries and food. Use this list as your guide. Fall and Spring are also good times to check and replace batteries from your fire alarms.
Watch for children walking, cycling and coming off school buses
Children are small and easily distracted, and for drivers, this can create dangerous situations on the roads. Be vigilant and alert behind the wheel. You never know when a small child might step out from between parked cars or off a sidewalk. Your fast reflexes might be needed to prevent an accident.
Community Events
KEYSS 2015 – October 7th at New Minas Elementary School
Kings Early Years Screening for School
Screening Clinic For 3 Year olds
Any 3-year-old living in Kings County can be registered to attend a KEYSS clinic.
-We offer you valuable information on child development, preschool behaviours and school readiness skills.
-We assess your child’s development, hearing, speech and vision.
- We help you learn about healthy living, physical activity and child safety.
- We provide information about programs and services in Kings County that may be useful for your family.
Children born in 2012 are encouraged to attend. Parents can register by calling
902- 678-6111 or register online at www.valleychilddevelopment.ca
Mini Monster Sale
SATURDAY, October 3, 2015
New Minas Fire Hall
6 Jones Road, New Minas
gently used & new items: for baby,
toddler & pre-school
Clothing up to 6x toys large & small
strollers toddler beds tutus highchairs
booster seats skates cribs change tables
books exosaucers jolly jumpers bedding sets
bassinets outdoor gear sled movies
development/learning dvds bikes shoes/boots halloween costumes & more the above is an example of items that may be at the sale
ONE DAY ONLY!
10am to 1pm
admission $2 children under 12 free
questions email:
minimonstersale@hotmail .com
Wolfville Skating Club – We are now accepting registration by mail for CanSkate, Pre-CanSkate and Jr. StarSkate programs. Our first session is October 3 at the Acadia Rink. For more information about the programs, fees, registration form, etc. please see our website: http://www.wolfvilleskatingclub.ca
FALL programs are about to begin at the Annapolis Valley Chapter of Autism Nova Scotia!
Pre-School Drop-In (ages 5 and under), Fridays, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Kingston, starting October 16th.
School-Age Social Group (ages 6 to 12), Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Kingston, starting October 13th.
School-Age Arts & Crafts (ages 5 to 12), Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Kentville, starting October 1st.
Teen Social Group (ages 13 and up), Mondays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Kingston, starting October 19th.
Adult Social Group, Mondays, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wolfville, starting Oct. 5th.
Caregiver Support Group and Coffee House, first meeting Thursday, October 22nd. 6:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m., Kingston.
For more info, contact Sandy at 902-242-2019 or
Our new Autism Centre is also open for drop-in during regular office hours. Come and check out our gym, sensory room and resource library!
565 Main Street, Kingston
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Afterschool Childcare
Certified Early Childhood Educator with 10 years experience offering childcare in home. If interested, please call Kim Crocker at 902-365-5356.