http://www.psd70.ab.ca/schools/ParklandVillage/Pages/Default.aspx

Parkland Village School - December 2014

Leadership Corner Christmas break is quickly approaching and I can’t believe how fast the time has flown by! The last day of school for Parkland Village students is December 19th and classes resume on January 5th. After being here for a few months I want to take a moment to honour the amazing community that this school is a part of. It is abundantly apparent to me how staff, parents, and the community all work together to do everything possible to meet the needs of our children. I also want to honour the tireless work of staff and parents in doing what is best for our students and thank everybody who contributes to our school community. This school community is a powerful example of how effective communication and collaboration between the home and school can have a powerful impact on our students and your children. I continue to look forward to working with you and invite you to continue to contact me with your feedback, input, questions, or any concern you may have. We have a busy month leading up to Christmas with a variety of things happening here at the school. A couple of items to note are the report cards and the Family Fun Night. Thank-you to everybody who also took the time to give us the feedback about Family Fun Night vs. Christmas Concert. We appreciate your feedback and are now excited to offer a Family Fun Night on December 18. There are going to be a variety of family fun activities including horse sleigh rides, jumpy castles, and gingerbread decorating. It is going to be a fantastic evening of family fun for parents and their children. I hope to see everybody there! Another item that I wanted to share is the work being done by our staff in four key priority areas. Innovative Teaching & Learning Student Leadership & Ethical Citizenship Student & Staff Wellness Technology Integration Each staff member is participating on one of these collaborative teams. Each team is working together to advance their priority area for our school. Our goal is to make this the best year yet by working together in each of these areas to maximize the positive impact we can have on our students and school community. I want to say thank-you to our Student Leadership & Ethical Citizenship collaborative team for starting the “Kind Every Time” initiative in our school. On November 23, our grade 1-4 students participated in a presentation all about kindness. This launched our 21 day challenge for our students to be proactively kind. I think the timing was impeccable leading into Christmas season. Although it can be a busy season (and lets be honest, sometimes stressful), I think it is important during this time to reflect upon how we can encourage one another through simple acts of kindness. I hope that we all take the time to honour and appreciate our family and friends during this season with simple acts of kindness. Our best wishes to you all during the Christmas season from the staff at Parkland Village School. May you and your families be truly BLESSED this season!

November Empathy Awards CLICK Theo H. Ethan S. Kindergarten—M/W Brogan B. Morgan N. Kindergarten—T/T Allison B. Deegan S. Grade 1A Petra C. Kinsley F. Brooklyn K. Grade 1B Raynen B. Dallas M. Grade 1/2 Sawyer O. Madison P. Westley T. Grade 2A Brooklyn B. Calvin F. Grade 2B Ryan L. Dylen W. Grade 3 Shaylyn C. Amy J. Makayla P. Jayson R. Grade 3/4 Victoria P. Tristen B. Grade 4 Kayla G. Cassy H. Lauren R.

Congratulations! December’s Theme is:

Compassion

Report Cards The report cards go home on December 8 as part of the comprehensive reporting process. There are no interviews following this report card but if you have any questions regarding your child’s progress, please contact your child’s teacher. If you have any general questions or feedback about the report card, please contact your classroom teacher or Mr. McNaughton at 780-962-8121. Cold winter nights are the perfect time to play . . .

Memory Games Great for Improving Children’s Memory Skills Concept of memory game Memory game can also be referred as concentration game, which helps one to improve their memory by concentrating and focusing. Such games help one to improve their memory and are scientifically proven to be productive. Playing memory games can be just perfect for the kids as they help improve the brain power. It has been said that humans use only a couple of thousands of neurons within their brain in their whole lifetime. While playing a memory game one may be able to use up to billions or even trillions of such neurons.

Benefits of playing memory games for kids As mentioned before, playing memory games can be really helpful. Memory games actually provide a healthy exercise to your child's brain. Hence it is advisable that the child gets these exercises at an early age.

Some benefits include:  Memory games are known to increase the concentration power of your brain within no time if played regularly. 

Memory games keep your child's brain active all the time.  Thus a child who plays memory games regularly may actually stay away from diseases like Alzheimer's or even amnesia as their memory is enhanced and the hormone secretion is balanced with growth of new neurons.  Memory games provide a positive effect on a child's mind.  Memory games are totally safe, healthy and free from violence unlike other games which leave parents worried.  Memory games are being specifically designed to work wonders on your child's mind and brain.  Memory games are designed for children specifically in the age group of 3 to 18 years.  Memory games boost up your child's brain functionality and overall enhances their reasoning and cognitive skills.  Memory games may help your child to improve their academic performance. Article from Study Village website. Page 2

Giving Tree This year our leadership team has decided to have a giving tree. We will have a Christmas tree in the school foyer just like years prior, except this year students can decorate it with new or homemade toques, mitts, and scarves. Anyone in the community who needs some warm clothing is free to take from the tree and what is left is sent to a homeless shelter.

Rainbows Program Parkland Village School is excited to continue the Rainbows program this year. Rainbows has been successfully offered here and a number of schools in Parkland School Division the last number of years. This program is meant to provide additional support, build skills and hope for children who have experienced loss or significant change in their lives and is being made available to grade 1-4 students in our school. If your child is part of a single, combined, or stepfamily, or has experienced a death or permanent loss of a loved family member, this experience will be an opportunity for him/her to share their feelings with a peer support group and a trained facilitator in a safe non-judgmental confidential setting. If you feel this program would benefit your child or if you would like more information about the program, please call the school at 780-962-8121 or email [email protected].

COLD WEATHER REMINDER During cold weather, please be certain that your child comes dressed with hat, scarf, mitts or gloves, well enough to spend time playing outside during recess and lunch hour. On cold weather days, it is best if students plan on arriving at school close to bell time in the morning and afternoon. When it is extremely cold, students stay in their classrooms during recess. Students are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. and asked to go directly home or to the babysitters. In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, please check our website: www.psd70.ab.ca/schools/ParklandVillage/Pages/Default. aspx or listen to your local radio station to see if busses are running. Even though busses are running and school is open, the final decision to send your child to school rests with you the parent. If you, as a parent, think the weather conditions make it unsafe for your children to attend school, please keep them at home.

P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E S C H O O L D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 H T T P : / /W W W . PS D 7 0 . A B . CA /S C H O O L S / P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E /P A G E S / DE F A U L T . A S P X

“Family Fun Night” For the 2014-2015 Christmas season Parkland Village School will be hosting a “Family Fun Night” at the school on Thursday, December 18th, at 5:45 p.m. for Group 1 and 7:00 p.m. for Group 2. We are hoping for a fun filled evening where you can spend quality time with your family Icing and Decorating a Christmas Tree, making a Christmas Craft, riding the Horse Sleigh or jumping in the Bouncy Blowup. We are busy planning the exciting events for that night. All of our school families and their immediate family members are invited to attend. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. We will be showcasing a “Winter Wonderland” in Mrs. Gerhardt’s room this year. Please take the time to see the wonderful displays our students have created during Genius Hour for this event All of our school families and their immediate family members are invited to attend. A note has been sent home to indicate the number of participants in your family that will be coming to the Family Fun Night and the time you prefer. If you have not responded, please R.S.V.P to Louise @ 780-962-8121 ASAP.

Christmas Food Hampers Each class will be collecting nonperishable goods for our community Christmas Hampers and for the food bank. The goal this year is to get 1000 food items. If the school reaches this number the whole school will enjoy a movie with popcorn. In addition, the class with the most items brought in will receive a Subway party. Items urgently needed are: peanut butter, pasta sauce, pasta and juice. Canned goods, canned tuna, dried goods, crackers, sugar, tea/ coffee, rice, toys, etc. All items will be gratefully accepted. All food items must be in on or before December 15, 2014.

Grade 1-2 Vampires Artwork

Parkland Village School Halloween Celebrations

P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E S C H OO L D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 H T T P :/ /W W W . PS D 70 . A B . CA /S C H O O L S / P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E /P A G E S / DE F A U L T . A S P X

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RCMP—Students Basketball Game 2:00 p.m.

Pancake Brunch

CHRISTMAS DAY

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NO Hot Lunch

“Family Fun Night” Please join us for a fun night. 5:45 p.m.— 8:00 p.m.

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Hot Lunch

All Library Books are to be handed into the library.

Dental Check-ups

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CHRISTMAS BREAK

Spirit Assembly Compassion 9:40 a.m. Fancy Dress Day

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Dental Check-ups

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Jan 1

First day back after the holiday’s is January 5th, 2015

Join us for Christmas Caroling in the gym 8:40—9:05 a.m. ALL WEEK Deadline for food hamper items.

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Dental Check-ups

Report Cards Go Home

Dental Check-ups

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Jan 2

BOXING DAY

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Pajama Day

Last Day before holidays.

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Jan 3

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performance Ms. Lynds class @ 9:30 a.m. Mrs. Pidhaichuk’s class @ 1:00 p.m.

Wonderland performance Mrs. Gerhardt’s class @ 9:30 a.m. M/W Kindergarten @ 1:00 p.m. Hot Lunch

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Alice in Wonderland performance Mr. Schumacher/Mr. Kotak & Mrs. Eidick’s classes @ 1:00 p.m.

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4 Alice in Wonderland

3 Alice in

2 Alice in Wonderland performance T/T Kindergarten @ 1:00 p.m.

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December 2014

THE MEANING OF PHYSICAL LITERACY In our increasingly sedentary society where less than 10% of children meet the recommended physical activity guidelines, it is vital that our children become more physically literate. This article discusses the definition of physical literacy and what it takes to bring physical literacy into the daily lives of our children. Equally, as adults, we need to do more to demonstrate physical literacy to our children; we can do this by being more active ourselves and acting as “physically literate“ role models. Literacy vs. Physical Literacy: Which is which? You have most likely heard the term literacy at your child’s school. Often it is strictly used to refer to reading and writing. Recently though, literacy has been used more broadly. For example, parents may want their children to be media literate or technology literate. When it comes to physical literacy, different definitions exist, but the most commonly accepted “Canadian” definition is from Physical and Health Education (PHE) Canada. PHE Canada is generally considered Canada’s leading professional organization for physical and health educators. The PHE definition is used widely in schools across Canada: Individuals who are physically literate move with competence in a wide variety of physical activities that benefit the development of the whole person. Physically literate individuals consistently develop the motivation and ability to understand, communicate, apply and analyze different forms of movement. They are able to demonstrate a variety of movements confidently, competently, creatively and strategically across a wide range of health-related physical activities. These skills enable individuals to make healthy, active choices throughout their lifespan that are both beneficial to and respectful of themselves, others and their environment. (PHE Canada) Let’s Break it Down! Let’s take a closer look at a few of the critical terms that are essential to the definition of physical literacy and consider what they mean:  Wide variety – Physical literacy is not about excellence in just one sport or activity; it’s about competence in a full range of activities, such as dance, gymnastics, outdoor pursuits, or general fitness and exercise activities. All of these are part of the puzzle and contribute to the development of a physically literate individual.  Confidence/Competence – These two terms are interrelated. Skill development improves confidence; in turn, the boost in confidence improves the actual use of those skills.  Health-related – This term refers to fitness, including strength, flexibility and endurance. These are not only important building blocks to all the other skills, but also to overall health.  Lifespan – Physically literacy doesn’t stop when a child leaves school! Just like reading and writing, physical literacy continues to be developed and improved. This physical development is for a lifetime; the health benefits continue well beyond a person’s formative years in school. Boosting Your Child’s Physical Literacy So, how can you help your kids to become physically literate? Here are some proactive suggestions:  Advocate for quality physical education at your school and ask your principal and teachers about their plans for developing and encouraging physically literate students.  Expose your kids to a wide variety of physical activity, such as dance, games, individual pursuits, outdoor activities, gymnastics, team sports and more. Don’t forget to lead by example; by showing interest in your kids’ physical activities and being involved in some choices of your own!  Make family decisions that improve and develop physical literacy. For instance, decide to go for a walk together after supper instead of turning on the television, computers or video games.  Find time for skill development, for your kids and yourself. If you are not comfortable teaching your own kids, enlist the help of neighbours, relatives and coaches. Let’s keep working on increasing the number of children and youth meeting the Canadian guidelines for physical activity. Help your kids become physically literate so they have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to improve their literacy – for life!

P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E S C H OO L D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 H T T P :/ /W W W . PS D 70 . A B . CA /S C H O O L S / P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E /P A G E S / DE F A U L T . A S P X

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Grade 1-2’s Remembrance Artwork and Writing

Grade 4’s Writing Postcards to Our Soldiers

We would like to “THANK” our special guests for being a huge part of our Remembrance Day Ceremony: Veteran: Veteran: Veteran: Veteran: Wreath Bearers:

Cpl Mulcahey Master Cpl. Milne Sgt. Papish Sgt. McBride Nathaniel C., Miya E., Ethan B. and Aaliyah D.

We would also like to thank Mrs. Eidick and her students for presenting a beautiful ceremony for our school community.

Our Lost and Found boxes are OVERFLOWING, please stop by the school and check to see if any of the items belong to your children. Items include jackets, hoodies gloves, toques, etc. If these items are not claimed they are donated to Good Will.

School Fees - Are NOW PAST DUE! Instructional Material Fee All Grades Agenda Kindergarten to Grade 4 Swimming Fee Grade 1 to Grade 4 Fieldtrip Fees Kindergarten to Grade 4

$57.00 $9.00 $40.00

ATTENTION PARENTS:

$24.00

Cheques are made payable to: Parkland School Division #70. Fees were due September 30th, 2014. All outstanding accounts will be sent to Division office February 1st, 2015

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ATTENTION PARENTS:

We are looking for someone who is interested in shovelling the sidewalks of Parkland Village School. The position offers $25 an hour. The snow will need to be shoveled on an as needed basis based on how much snow is falling; however, snow removal needs to be completed prior to 8:15 am when it snows overnight. There is a snowblower available for you to use, but if you love exercising in the morning, this is a great plan for you to get in your workout while picking up some extra spending money! Please contact the school for more details or if you are interested.

P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E S C H O O L D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 H T T P : / /W W W . PS D 7 0 . A B . CA /S C H O O L S / P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E /P A G E S / DE F A U L T . A S P X

A recent Canadian survey identified alcohol as the drug most widely used by Canadian teens between grades seven and nine. This suggests that you may want to start conversations about alcohol prior to your child entering junior high school. Grades four to six are a critical time for students as they figure out who they are and what is important to them. You do not need to talk directly about alcohol to start teaching and preparing students for choices they may need to make in the future. Resiliency and the ability to make positive health choices starts with connections to supportive adults, guidance by positive role models and positive peer connection. Chances are you provide these opportunities already but here are a few tips to consider: 

Provide time to talk about how to be a positive friend. Peer influence plays an important role when kids are faced with choices about alcohol later in life.

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Give your child a chance to be a mentor to younger students; it builds self-esteem.

 Encourage involvement in healthy extracurricular activities that your child is passionate about. Create an environment for communicating easily with your children by: 

Spending time with them, both at home and while taking part in activities outside the home.

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Choosing the right time to talk to your child and trying to be available when they want to talk to you.

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Knowing your children – their activities and interests – and getting to know who their friends are.

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Speaking calmly and being prepared for resistance when emotional or difficult topics come up.

 Not being resistant or emotional yourself. For more information about talking to your child, building self-esteem, enhancing resilience, and other topics for parents please visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/2434.asp.

To find an electronic copy of this newsletter, visit: www.albertahealthservices.ca/csh.asp P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E S C H OO L D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 H T T P :/ /W W W . PS D 70 . A B . CA /S C H O O L S / P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E /P A G E S / DE F A U L T . A S P X

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Parking and Traffic Safety at Parkland Village School PLEASE SLOW DOWN Parents, please help us take extra precautions to help keep all of our children safe by: Slowing down Parking in designated areas (Do not park in the staff parking lot) Walking your children across streets Keeping all vehicles clear of our school bus loading zone on East side of school Ensuring your children go to their designated doors where their teacher will greet them and welcome them into the building. (Outdoor supervision begins at 8:15 a.m.)

Only children that arrive late (after the 2nd bell at 8:35) are to enter the main doors to report to the office for a late slip.

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Parking Do`s and Don`ts

X Staff Parking

Please respect the NO parking signs on the East side of the school and North of the bus loading zone along the fence by the playground. You may load or unload between the two no parking signs but please do not leave your vehicle unattended. Bylaw enforcement officer’s are around and will hand out tickets. Please respect wheel chair access parking space in staff parking lot. Parking is available in the community center or along the East side of the school

facing North, and South of the school along the main road. Be extra careful not to block driveways. The map above shows the shaded areas where the best place to park is. Please avoid using the staff parking lot as we like to keep children clear of this area. Children can be difficult to see with cars backing in and out, especially with the narrow parking stalls we have. Please note the NO Parking zone in front of the detached portable on the Southwest side of the school parking lot. This is for emergency access vehicles only.

Parkland Village School staff would like to wish our families all the joy and happiness of the holiday season. See you January 5th, 2015!

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P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E S C H O O L D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 H T T P : / /W W W . PS D 7 0 . A B . CA /S C H O O L S / P A R KL A N D V I L L A G E /P A G E S / DE F A U L T . A S P X