Wednesday French Club Starts Again!!

January 14th, 2013

Dear Parents / Guardians

The General Lake School and School Council are pleased to announce to you that our Free French Club for all students for grades 1-8 is back.

Starting Wednesday February 6th the French Club will host different centers like: Reading, Crafts, a Treasure hunt, Workout, Technology and much more. Snack is included. Parents will be responsible for picking up their children at the appropriate time. Our first once a month French movie will be held Wednesday February 27th from 3:40 to 5:00 pm popcorn included. Parents are welcome to both events.

Wednesday Movie dates: February 27th, 2013 --- March 27th, 2013 --- April 24th, 2013. Time: 3:40 to 5:00pm. Parents will be responsible for picking up their children promptly at 5:00pm.

Wednesday Centers dates: February 6th, 2013 -- February 13th, 2013 -- February 20th, 2013 -- March 6th, 2013 March 20th, 2013 -- April 3rd, 2013 -- April 10th, 2013 -- April 17th, 2013.
Time: 3:40 to 5:00pm. Parents will be responsible for picking up their children promptly at 5:00pm.

If you want your child to attend the French Club after school activities please fill out the attached form and return it with your child by Monday January 28th. If you have any questions regarding the French Club please contact the school at 613-687-2404.

Thank you!

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General Lake Public School

1900 Borden Avenue

Petawawa Ontario K7H 2T6

Phone: 613-687-2404 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            613-687-2404      end_of_the_skype_highlighting / Fax: 613-687-2405

Apprendre le Français est Amusant !

Parental Consent Form
General Lake French Club

Please complete one form per child and return it to school by January 28th, 2013

Name of student: _________________________________________________

My child will attend Wednesday movie from 3:40 pm to 5:00 pm on:
February 27th, 2013 
March 27th, 2013 
April 24th, 2013 
I will be responsible to pick him / her up promptly at 5:00 pm on those dates

My child will attend Wednesday centers from 3:40 pm to 5:00 pm on:
February 6th, 2013                            March 20th, 2013 
February 13th, 2013                          April 3rd, 2013 
February 20th, 2013                          April 10th, 2013 
March 6th, 2013                               April 17th, 2013 
I will be responsible to pick him / her up promptly at 5:00 pm on those dates

I have read the details of this activity and I am familiar with the nature of this activity in which my son/daughter will partake. In the event that he / she will not attend those dates I will be responsible to inform the school. Remember to mark those dates and times on your calendar or in your child’s agenda.

Parent / Guardian signature: ________________________________________

Date: ___________________________________

Hot Lunch Program - February & March

General Lake Public School

1900 Borden Avenue

Petawawa Ontario K7H 2T6

Phone: (613) 687-2404 / Fax: (613) 687-2405

General Lake Hot Lunches

January 21th, 2013

Dear Parents / Guardians

Enclosed you will find an order form to purchase lunches at the first nutritional break.

Remember to pack extra food to complete your child’s lunch. Please include payment in full by
cash or cheque payable to General Lake Public School with the exact amount and return it with
your child at the latest Thursday January 31st, 2013.

This month, we will be replacing the two cancelled lunch from December 21st, 2012 and January
11th, 2013. If you have ordered previously on those dates, please do not re-order. Your child’s
hot lunch order from December 21st has been forwarded to February 22nd and hot lunch order from January 11th has been forwarded to February 8th. Thank you for your understanding.

Please do not mix hot lunch money with other school programs (milk, Scholastic etc).
Return this form to the school with your child in a sealed envelope or Ziploc bag, to avoid
losing money. If payment is for more than one child, please fill out one form per child and
send the forms together with one child. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to
contact a member of General Lake School Council at 613-687-2404.

*No refund* will be given if your child is absent from school on a hot lunch day.
All Proceeds will go towards supporting programs in our school

Thank you for your continuous support!

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General Lake Hot Lunches Form

February 2013 & March 2013

** Due date: Thursday January 31st, 2013 **

Child’s Name: ___________________________________________________________________

Teacher’s name: _________________________________ Room Number: ________________

Friday February 8th ** # of cheese pizza slices: _________@ $2.00 =___________
** Please do not reorder if you ordered in December (to replace pizza order from January 11th)
Friday February 15th # of cheese pizza slices: ________ @ $2.00 = _____________
Friday February 22th ** # Chicken Pitas: ____________@*$3.00 =_____________
** Please do not reorder if you ordered in December (to replace pita order from December 21st)                                  No lettuce ⃝ No sauce ⃝

Friday March 1st # of cheese pizza slices: ____________@ $2.00 = _____________
Friday March 8th # of cheese pizza slices: ____________@ $2.00 = _____________
Friday March 22th # Chicken Pitas: _________________@ *$3.00 =____________
No lettuce ⃝ or No sauce ⃝

TOTAL $=_____________

Payment may be made by cash or cheque payable to General Lake Public School. Please fill out one form per child, and return the form with your child the latest Thursday, January 31st, 2013. If
payment is for more than one child, Please fill out one form per child and send the completed forms together with your child in a sealed envelope or Ziploc bag. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact a member of General Lake School Council at (613) 687-2404.

Agenda - January 16th

GENERAL LAKE SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING

Wednesday January 16, 2013

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

General Lake School Library

AGENDA
1) Welcome and Introduction

• Minutes from last council (review and approval)
• Agenda (review and approval)

2) Old Business / Updates

• Mme Spencer (Feedback for swimming, skating, curling)
• Field trip
• Teacher’s Wish List
• School Council Blog
• Masc
• Anxiety in Children and strategies by Mr Lubimiv (February 21st)
• Jer’s Vision
• Literacy evening (January 24st)

3) New Business

• Treasury Report
• Principal’s Report
• The importance of recess
• Walk so they can Talk

4) Committee Fundraising Report

• Spring fundraising

5) Public comments or questions

6) Agenda Items for next meeting

7:00 pm Adjournment

MINUTES - December 14 Meeting

GENERAL LAKE SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING

Wednesday December 14, 2012

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

General Lake School Library

AGENDA

1) Welcome and Introduction

Attendance: Adelle Bemister, Lindsay Allan, Claudia Major, Sarah Perras, Debbie Legault, Lizanne Lacelle,
Regrets: Mrs. Brown, Mrs. White, Mme. Lapierre, Mrs. Godin

Minutes reviewed- motion to accept (Mme. Major), seconded (Mrs. Allan)–motion passed
Agenda-motion to accept (Mme. Major), seconded (Mrs. Allan)

Mme. Lacelle wishes to add one issue to the agenda under new business, the naming of the new school

Motion passed

2) Old Business / Updates

Mme Spencer (Feedback for swimming, skating, curling)
Postponed until further notice

Teacher’s Wish List
Mme. Lacelle has received all wish lists. Notes that teachers required more economical          information regarding fundraising, budget, and council involvement as well as clarification on which types of items are acceptable
Refine the list of motioned items

School Council Blog link
Mrs. Bemister has started school blog and sent Mme. Major the link, www.generallakeschoolcouncil.blogspot.ca.
Continue to promote and advertise the blog in January

Masc
Recommendations for MASC presentations are put forward. Top selections voted by council include 1) Aboriginal Experience 2) Masabo 3) Leslie McCurdy 4) Greg Frankson or Celtic Rathskallions
Availability will now be determined. Further information regarding presentation dates will be passed through Mme. Major

Informative letter School Council
As requested by parents seeking more information regarding parent council, this informative sheet has been sent home as of today, December 12 2012.
No Action 

Anxiety in Children (tentative date)
The council indicates a preference for the Phoenix Centre presentation for parents regarding Childhood Anxiety and Anxiety Disorders to occur on a Thursday evening, within the month of February 2013.
Mme. Major will find out the availability of Mr. Lubimiv

Field trip
The council discusses field trip funds and the possibility of transferring un-used funds for covering field trips for the next school year if not used this year
No Action

Jer’s Vision
Decisions regarding the presentation of Jer’s Vision continue to be discussed. A vote will be held at the January meeting
Mme. Lacelle will acquire feedback from Mr. Diaz’s presentation in Westmeath and Mrs. Perras will contact Mr. Diaz regarding tentative dates

3) New Business
Treasury Report
The council revisits the idea of matching funds raised at the Christmas Craft show with funds from the council. Mrs. Bemister motions to accept, Mrs. Perras seconds. Profit totals to be calculated for next meeting
Postponed
Inquiry as to whether the Treasurer’s Report will be available on the Parent Council Blog.
Postponed

Principal’s Report

1)Progress Reports have been sent home
2)Anti-Bullying Week was a success
3)The school Christmas concert will be held on Friday, December 14th.
4)Construction on Borden Avenue will result in road closures on Dec.12 and 17th


Literacy evening (January 27, Family Literacy Day)
An evening event is discussed for Literacy week. A tentative date of Thursday, January 24th from 4:30-6:30 is offered. The council agrees upon a lasagna dinner and agrees to a Dr. Seuss theme.

Mme. Major will contact Moncions to order food and request the same cost as last year in support of literacy. Mme. Major will also contact volunteers for this event.


4) Committee Fundraising Report

Gift and Craft show was a successful event with 32 vendors in attendance. Profit totals to be calculated for next meeting.
Total profits from event to be totaled for January meeting


5) Public comments or questions

The naming of the new school is discussed. The committee for the new school seeks community involvement in selecting a name and color for the school.
Mme. Major will send home a notice to parent’s informing them that they may get involved. Council members are encouraged to get involved.


6) Agenda Items for next meeting

Mme. Major motions for adjournment, seconded by Mrs. Bemister, 7:00

Hot Lunch Program January 11, 2013

Due to the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) political protest school closure this Friday January 11, the scheduled Pizza Lunch will be postponed for a later date. The date will be announced on the School Blog and by the Sunday Night automated message. 

Thank you for your understanding.

People for Education Information Bulletin

Contracts imposed, Bill 115 repealed, and more education news. | forward

 

	The contracts are imposed - what will happen now? Until August 31, 2014, most teachers and school staff – including school secretaries, library technicians, educational assistants, early childhood educators, custodians, trades locals and more – will be working under contracts imposed by the Minister of Education. Even principals and vice-principals will be required to take three unpaid days off in the second year of the contracts. Teachers' federations have reacted in various ways: The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) has announced its members will walk off the job for a one-day protest on Friday, January 11, and both ETFO and the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation (OSSTF) have asked their members to continue to decline to supervise extra curricular activities. To read more about the contracts - who is affected and how - click here. In this newsletter we explain some of the other effects.

Teacher-hiring rules changed Bill 115 and the new education contracts also included a new compulsory province-wide process for hiring long-term occasional and permanent teachers. From now on, new teachers will be hired more on the basis of their seniority and less on individual principals’ judgment.  Up to now, the process for hiring new teachers differed from board to board, and some have complained that the process was insufficiently "transparent" and left too much up to principals. On the other hand, Catholic, Public and French school trustee associations, as well as Ontario's principals' councils have raised strong objections to the new process. To read the step-by-step process for hiring new teachers, click here.   Bill 115 Repealed At the same time contracts were imposed, the Minister of Education announced that Bill 115 will be repealed before the end of January. Repealing the Bill will not affect the contracts, but it will mean that the contracts cannot be extended beyond 2014 and that no new Minister of Education will have the extraordinary powers the Bill granted. The lawsuit challenging the Bill’s constitutionality will proceed. To read the Ministry of Education press release about repealing Bill 115, click here.

	Are extra curricular activities in jeopardy? For how long? Both ETFO and OSSTF have suggested their members continue to withdraw from supervising extra curricular activities for the time being. There is no disruption of extra curricular activities in Catholic and French-language boards because those teachers agreed to the provincial contract before it was imposed. ETFO and OSSTF are meeting this week to decide whether the "pause" in extra curricular activities will continue, and if so, for how long. Students and parents are very concerned about the loss of this vital component of a broadly-based education. Research shows that students who participate in extra curricular activities are more engaged in school, and thus more likely to be successful. To read more about the research on extra curricular activities, click here.

	School spirit matters! How will it be affected? While the current labour situation should have no direct impact on students in their classrooms, there is a possibility that it may create divisions within school communities. Those divisions can have an impact on the overall “climate” of a school, which in turn has an impact on student success. Numerous research reports have said that positive and collaborative school cultures are a key component of strong schools and strong school systems. While the imposition of contracts may bring stability to schools, it may also damage the collegial learning communities that teachers, principals, support staff, parents and others have built up over the years. To read more about what the research says, click here.

Will a new Premier and a new Cabinet make a difference? At the end of January, Ontario will have a new Premier and a new Cabinet. This may leave the door open to new and more positive talks with all parties involved - school boards, teachers, principals, support staff, the province (and even, perhaps students). New talks could focus on ensuring that future negotiations are more effective, that all relevant points of view are heard, that there is clarity about whether negotiations are to happen at the local or provincial level, and, most importantly, that for the next two years students are able to attend vibrant, effective, activity-filled schools.   What can I do? Join the conversation in our online community – this lively discussion now has over 215 comments and almost 13000 views! Share this newsletter!

       

Donate to People for Education Now more than ever, it's vital that we advocate for our schools. People for Education is your strong voice for public education! Make a donation now, to support our work, through Canada Helps’ safe, secure website. You will receive a tax receipt. People for Education is a registered charity. No. 85719 0532 RR0001

EVENTS FIND MORE EVENTS

	Jan. 29 – Toronto Join Trustees Pamela Gough and Chris Glover to discuss the impact of Bill 115 on students in the Toronto school board. Annie Kidder will be the keynote speaker. Read more		Jan. 30 – Online Community Living Ontario Webinar Mini-series: Advocating for Better Education—what are your rights? Read more		Feb. 6-8 – Markham Best Start Resource Centre, 2013 Annual Conference. Focused on strategies and solutions related to family, maternal, newborn and child health. Read more		Feb. 19 – Ottawa Join the Ottawa Catholic District School Board and Ottawa Catholic School Parents’ Association for their spring Director’s Forum. Read more

	Feb. 26 – Mississauga National Canadian Safe Schools Conference 2013, featuring a keynote address from Gemini Award-winning CBC journalist Mark Kelley. Read more		Mar. 15-16 – Toronto Unleash the Noise! The first student-led mental health innovation summit in Canada. Read more		April 6 – Midhurst The Simcoe County District School Board’s fifth annual Circle of Learning Conference: Linking Parents to Student Success. Read more		Include your event! Do you have an education-related conference or event notice you'd like us to post? Send us the details and we will add it to our listing. Email us!

 

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Family Literacy Event January 24, 2013

Get Involved Parents/Guardians

Get Involved

Dear Parents / Guardians

Welcome to another exciting year at General Lake filled with many opportunities. We have a variety of ways for you to help and will do our best to find a place for all levels of commitment. If you can offer an hour a week, an hour a month, or an hour a year we want everyone to know that any time you give to the school is important, needed and appreciated. You are a vital part of the School Council here at General Lake.

Studies show that parental involvement in a child’s education is one of the most important factors in raising student self- esteem and academic achievement. We realize, however, that each of our families is unique – with its own priorities, needs, talents, and time constraints – and so we would like to try to provide as many different kinds opportunities for parental involvement as possible.

Please review the volunteer opportunities suggested below, and check any you are interested in – or tell us what you would like to do. Then return the form to the school.

 Book Fair (November 12 – November 17)                        
 Library
 Gift and Craft Show (November 17 )                              
 Classroom
 Friday hot lunches                                                          
 Field Trips
 Special events
 School Council
 Sports / Coaching


Parent / Volunteer Name(s): _______________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________________  Email:______________________________________
Best Day(s) to volunteer: (check all that apply)
Mon. ____ Tues. ____ Wed. ____ Thurs. ____ Fri. ____
Best time(s) to volunteer: Morning ___ Afternoon ___ Evening ____
Please provide us with any suggestions or comments here:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Your School Council would like to thank you for taking the time to fill this form out!

Parent Involvement in School Activities

Tips For Parents
From Your General Lake School Council

Whether it is attending a school concert, cheering on a school team, or participating in community events and meetings planned by your school council, parent involvement in school activities can foster a sense of community within the school. It can build stronger relationships between teachers and parents, and provide an opportunity for parent to connect with and support each other. School-based activities may not have a direct impact on student achievement, but they can be a fun and engaging way to build a stronger school community. When you can, take advantage of the opportunity to participate in school events to show your support for your children’s school.

The four key things that parents can do to help ensure their children’s success are outlined here:
1. Have high expectations for your children.
Let your children know that you think it is important that they do well in school. High parental expectations have the greatest impact on student achievement. When parents consistently express belief in their children’s potential and tell their kids that they expect them to succeed academically, students do better.

2. Talk about school.
Talk with your children about what’s happening at school – activities, programs and what they are learning. Surprisingly, this has a greater impact on academic achievement than monitoring homework, being at home after school for your kids, or limiting the time they are allowed to watch TV or go out during the week. According to our kids, we may not be doing such a great job in this area. In student surveys conducted by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), less than half of students in grade 3 (46%) report they talk to a parent or guardian ‘’every day or almost every day’’ about their school activities. By grade 6, that percentage drops to 38%.

3. Help your children develop a positive attitude toward learning and good work habits.
Some research shows that the greatest influence you can have on your kids’ chances for success in school lie in how you influence their attitudes, their sense of personal competence, and their work habits, including persistence, seeking help, and planning. So rather than trying to directly ‘’teach’’ your children, focus on helping them handle distractions and crises of confidence, praise them for effort and persistence and
demonstrate a positive attitude about school as a whole. Bit by bit, there are the attributes that will build solid foundation for ongoing success.

4. Read together (in any language)
Reading is one of the foundations of all education, and you can make a big difference by reading and talking about books and stories with your children. Reading with children is the best way to turn them on to reading. But this doesn’t mean that you should be forcing them to sound out the words. Instead of focussing on teaching your children the mechanics of reading, teach them to love reading. Make reading fun and enjoyable!

Here are some useful links:

www.generallakenews.blogspot.ca 
www.renfrew.edu.on.ca
www.edu.gov.on.ca 
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/getinvolved.html
www.peopleforeducation.ca
www.eqao.com
www.ontario.ca/homeworkhelp
tvoparents.tvo.org
www.kidsmentalhealth.ca
www.phoenixpembroke.com
org.kidshelpphone.ca
www.metowe.com