Weekly Update: January 22 & 29, 2015

Hello Robina Families,

It sure is great to be back! I really enjoyed all the updates from your children on what has been happening in their worlds since I last saw them. The classrooms were all deeply immersed in curriculum this week and it was great to see continued excitement in the students' learning. No January blues for these kiddos!


REPORT CARDS

Report cards went home on Thursday, January 28. Please check your child's backpack to ensure you have received one. If you have any questions regarding your child's progress, please contact your child's teacher at any point during the year.

ASSEMBLIES

We are continuing to work on the MANNERS theme in our assemblies. The students and I had a great discussion about "other" types of manners in the small assemblies after reading the hilarious book, "Whoopi's Big Book of Manners" by Whoopi Goldberg. The grade 3 and 4 students are starting to work on anti-bullying projects during their Tuesday assembly time. Quite a few students have asked if they can bring their own devices to work on these projects and they are certainly welcome to. They will still be on the Black Gold network and all applicable filters on in place. This led to a great discussion on Digital Citizenship which we continue to expand upon in order to ensure the students are acting in a safe and responsible manner while working online. The students can use the chromebooks or the tablets at school as well. Those not doing digital projects will be working on some anti-bullying posters that will be posted around the school throughout the month of February.

STUDENT OF THE WEEK

Photo coming soon

BEACH DAY

The students had lots of fun dressing up for Beach Day. Here are some photos for your enjoyment:



CLICK HERE for more Beach Day photos


KINDERGARTEN AND PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION



Please register your child for Kindergarten of PreKindergarten (PK) as soon as possible. This helps us with planning our numbers for the fall. There will be a parent meeting in early April to go over more specific programming information.

CLICK here for KINDER registration information

CLICK here for PreK registration information (Registration form is the same one as for Kindergarten) Please click on the preK symbol at the bottom of the link for added information.

WINTER WALK DAY: February 3rd

RBES will be taking part in Winter Walk Day in collaboration with the Town of Devon. Students will be walking through the Devon trails with their classes, enjoying fresh air, exercising and celebrating the beauty of winter. This will be followed by hot chocolate provided by the Town of Devon outside on the tarmac. 

We ask that on this day, students are dressed for the weather: with snow pants, winter boots, gloves and a toque. Please login to Powerschool to fill out the appropriate permission form.

We are also looking for parents volunteers to help make and serve the hot chocolate for us. If you are available to volunteer, please email Ms. Angell at tarynne.angell@blackgold.ca .

If you would like to volunteer to walk with your child’s class, please let your child’s classroom teacher know. 

Itinerary for the event:

1:00 - 1:30 Students walk through a set path with their class. 
1:30 - 1:45 Hot chocolate on the back tarmac. 
1:45 to 2:15 Back in the classrooms to wrap up and pack up as it is early dismissal. 

**Permission forms must completed before February 2

LINK TO POWERSCHOOL

February is “Act of Kindness” month at Robina Baker

We are encouraging everyone to do random acts of kindness. Students can write down acts of kindness that they received and enter them into a special box they have in their class. At the end of the month, we will be sharing some of the acts of kindness at the assembly, as well as posting some on the bulletin board.

YEARBOOK update

The printing company for our yearbook is doing a reprint since they were responsible for putting the wrong date on the cover. They should be in for us to distribute in a couple of weeks.

FLU AND COLD SEASON

If your child is really sick, please keep them at home. We have had a high number of flu cases and end up phoning home for you to pick your child up. We want to keep our school environment as healthy as possible. Thank you in advance for your help with this.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE

Monday, February 01, 2016: Popcorn sales

Tuesday, February 02, 2016: Popcorn sales

Wednesday, February 03, 2016: Popcorn day, Winter Walk, Early Dismissal

Thursday, February 04, 2016: Teachers Convention

Friday, February 05, 2016: Teachers Convention

Monday, February 08, 2016: Skating Week

Monday, February 8 - 12: Movie tickets on sale before school and at lunch

Friday, February 12: FAMILY MOVIE night

Have a wonderful week,

Weekly Update Jan 15 2016

Student of the Week

School Fees Due

Please stop by the office and pay any unpaid school fees.

Character Education for January-  Manners

We continue to learn about the importance of manners and how manners show respect.  This week we talked about how to show good manners at the dinner table.  Some of the students got to practice using good table manners.

Upcoming Parent Fundraising Activities

SAVE THE DATES:

POPCORN DAY -February 3rd, 2016. Bags are $1.00 each, if your child wishes to order, please send their money to school between Feb. 1-3.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT...Kick off Family Day weekend with a night out together on Friday, February 12, 2016.   Tickets will be $5 per family and will be for sale at the school (ticket sale dates and movie title and time will be announced in coming weeks).  We will be presenting a movie in the school gymnasium.  

*** Please note, there will be a cash only concession available for those who enjoy some movie snacks with the show ***

Feel free to invite your friends and families to join us at this event as well!

FAMILY DANCE HELPERS NEEDED:  We are currently organizing the school dance, and looking for a few people willing to volunteer your time at the event while your kids boogy the night away with their friends and classmates.  Some positions will include supervising the door prize table, supervising the candy guess / greeting table, set up crew, take down crew, concession table, announcer (required a few times throughout the evening).

FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:

Some of our fundraising committee members are moving on next year (their kids are graduating out of RBES), and we would love to have some new volunteers to join the committee now, so that they have some experience before the next school year begins.  

Everyone works as a team on this committee, there is a lot of support.  Please consider donating some of your time, or even just attend a meeting to see what we are all about, and then make a decision about how much or how little you are able to give.  A morning to help make popcorn, a few hours to help at the dance, or you may be a leader, helping to plan and organize a fundraiser...everyone can help in some way or another.

*** Please contact us at rbesfundraising@gmail.com if you are able to help in any way.  We are friendly, I promise!....and look forward to meeting you :) ***

Our next Fundraising meeting is on February 17, 2016 at the school, starting at 5:30pm.

Feel free to stay for the Parent Advisory Council meeting that same evening, starting at 7:00 pm.

Town of Devon Information

Happy New Year to you all. First info email of the year and, as usual, lots to share – apologies for the length! J

For families who are struggling to access these programs financially, please follow this link to find out about how you can access the Participation Fund:  

For all other non-Town of Devon programs, you can also apply to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program here:http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en/

Child and Youth Programs

Check out the attachment or this link: http://www.devon.ca/Portals/0/Docs/CED/FCSS/2016%20Winter%20What's%20On%20Under%206s.pdf  for all the winter programs for under 6s in Devon!

Don’t forget – Local Youth Experience, free for ages 11-17. http://www.localyouthexperience.com/

All programs and opportunities to register can be found here: http://www.devon.ca/Residents/Programs/tabid/85/Default.aspx

Preschool Yoga, Music and More

This is a fun parented class for 2 & 3 year olds that promotes motor, mental and social skills by fostering an enjoyment of movement through music, dance, yoga, song and more. Your children will enjoy an upbeat positive program that enhances your child's coordination, creative movement and language skills. The wide variety of activities keeps the little ones engaged and learning. Parents participate to encourage the little ones to follow.

Program Code: 0203PYM162\

Date: Wednesdays, February 3–March 23

Time: 9:30-10:15am

Location: Community Center

Age: 1-3 with parents (other siblings welcome)

Cost: $70

Registration Deadline: January 27

Sportball Parent & Child

You’ve made the team! Sportball Parent & Child focuses on physical literacy and social exploration as toddlers learn fundamental sport skills and participate in creative motor games, songs, rhymes, stories, bubble time and more. Children are challenged according to their individual skill level and grownups are taught techniques to help toddlers refine motor skills while developing social skills.

Program Code: 0123SPC162

Date: Saturdays, January 23-March 26

Time: 9:00am-9:45am

Location: Robina Baker Elementary School

Age: 2-3.5yrs (Accompanied by parent)

Cost: $155/10 sessions

Registration Deadline: January 16

Sportball Coach & Child

This program will help kids ages 3 and up develop independence and build confidence by attending classes “all by themselves.” Coaches engage younger children with creative storylines and special themes and connect with older kids as leaders and mentors. Parents and caregivers are asked to remain outside during Coach & Child classes to minimize distractions and encourage kids to participate on their own.

Program Code: 0123SCC162

Date: Saturdays, January 23-March 26

Time: 10:00am-11:00am

Location: Robina Baker Elementary School

Age: 3.5-5yrs

Cost: $155/10 sessions

Registration Deadline: January 16

Sportball Multi-Sport

Refine, rehearse, repeat. Multi-Sport classes are the heart of Sportball programming. Coaches focus on the basic skills common to all sports, like balance, coordination, stamina and timing in a fun, supportive, non-competitive setting that emphasizes teamwork. Each class focuses on one of eight different popular sports: hockey, soccer, football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, golf and tennis.

Program Code: 0123SMS162

Date: Saturdays, January 23-March 26

Time: 11:00am-12:00pm

Location: Robina Baker Elementary School

Age: 5-7yrs

Cost: $155/10 sessions

Registration Deadline: January 16

Red Cross Babysitting

This is a child care course for ages 11-14 who may be responsible for the care and supervision of younger children. Topics include: business basics, caring for different ages and stages of children, creating safe environments, and how to handle emergencies.

Program Code: 0129RCB142

Date: January 29 (please bring a bag lunch)

Time: 9:00am-4:00pm

Location: Community Center

Age: 11-14 years

Cost: $25

Registration deadline: January 22

Snacks will be provided

Adult Programs

Games Nights

Gather your families and friends and enjoy an evening out at the Devon Community Centre for a drop in games night. Check out the huge variety of board games to play from old family favorites to new puzzles and cooperative games! All ages are welcome to attend. Refreshments are provided.

Location: Claypool Room, Community Centre

Cost: FREE

Drop-in Badminton (18+)

Drop in for a friendly pickup game! No need to register. Badminton runs weekly, unless the school is closed or the gym is booked for a school event.  The schedule is posted on the community calendar at www.devon.ca  All abilities welcome. 

Date: Tuesday nights

Starting: January 5

Where: Robina Baker Elementary School, 1 Jasper Court South

Time: 5:00-7:00pm

Cost: FREE

Zumba Gold (Low Impact)

Zumba Gold takes the Zumba formula and modifies the moves and pacing to suit the needs of the active older participant, as well as those just starting their journey to a fit and healthy lifestyle. Zumba is known for the zesty Latin music (like salsa, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton); the exhilarating, easy-to-follow moves; and the invigorating, party-life atmosphere. It’s a dance fitness class that feels friendly, and most of all, fun!

Program Code: 0914ZUG162

Date: Mondays & Wednesdays January 4-June 22 (no class Feb 15, Mar 28, & May 23)

Time: 5:30 – 6:15pm

Location: Braun Hall, Community Center

Cost: 10 punch pass $45 – includes GST

*Punch Pass valid for any 10 classes from January 4 – June 22

Events and Workshops Coming Soon…

January 25 – Indoor Winter Walking - Are you a senior or someone with a physical impairment?

Do you need a space to walk indoors away from the ice and snow?

FREE indoor walking spaces available, open:

Mondays, 10am – 12 noon, community centre

Wednesdays, 1 – 3pm, community centre

Fridays, 10am – 12 noon, Leduc #1

You can drop in anytime between these hours.

This is provided as a space to walk and is not a set program.

Participants are responsible for their own safety.

Just turn up and start walking!

Sessions run until mid-April or snow melt (whichever is sooner)

Please note – participants must remove outside footwear (call 780-987-8325 for info)

January 27 - Connecting Devon - The Town of Devon is launching an exciting community planning process called Connecting Devon. We're looking forward to hearing your ideas about the future of our community. Get involved by coming to our first event on January 27. Drop in any time at the Community Centre from 6-9pm and enjoy a hot dog! There will also be a chance to win a prize by completing a questionnaire. To learn more and to sign-up for project updates, visit our website at www.devon.ca/connectingdevon.

Winter Walk Day – Feb 3 (sign up today)

Family Day – Feb 15 (free activities at the Devon Lions Campground )

Pink Shirt Day - February 24

We encourage everyone to wear something pink to show that we are all working together to prevent bullying in our schools, in ourcommunities and online. Pink Shirt Day comes from two Nova Scotia high school students, who decided to take a stand against bullying in their own school.

Top ways to get involved:

·         Wear a pink tee / shirt to show support

·         Make a donation to support anti-bullying programs or to a local community group that supports children and youth

·         Have a special discussion group to talk about anti-bullying and ideas to support each other

·         Make time to ask your friends if they are doing ok

·         If you are being bullied or know someone who is – talk to a parent, friend, teacher or other trusted person or call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or www.kidshelphone.ca  

What is Family and Community Support Services?

FCSS or Family & Community Support Services is a free and confidential preventative program designed to support individuals and families that may need guidance or help with some of the things life throws at them, and by working in partnership withcommunity groups and organizations, schools, and regional colleagues and agencies we are able to assist with, among other things:

Outreach support for families – a completely free service for families who are experiencing difficulties (or just have questions)on a variety of topics, including (but not limited to): self-esteem, depression, peer pressure, parent-teen conflict, prevention of drug and alcohol misuse, parenting, anger management, healthy dating, empowerment and bullying. In-home outreach support for families experiencing particular issues

Subsidized counselling (where eligible) - starting at $20 per hour for a limited number of sessions (determined by need and application type). Families who earn less than $75,000 and individuals earning $50,000 or less. Options are through Karunia orFamily Counselling Centres .

General referral / guidance to reach other services (such as employment insurance, housing, food, mental health), form filling, short courses on a variety of topics, in-school complementary services, support for seniors, early childhood and communityconnections, among many other things.

Old or young, financially stable or not, single or family… Lots of people help at some point and whether it is for you, a family member, colleague or a friend we are here to offer assistance in a non-judgemental way and aim to help get you to the service you need quickly.

For these services and more information, please call 780-987-8325 or email fcss@devon.ca

Weekly Update January 9 2016

Happy New Year!

We hope all of the Robina Baker families had a restful and enjoyable holiday break.  We are all excited to be back at school.  January is a busy month, full of a lot of exciting events.  Mrs. Kloschinsky is still off, but hopes to return soon.

Skating is next week ! Monday to Thursday. January, 11-14

Please make sure you fill out the online field trip form. Thank you to the volunteers who are helping with skating on the ice and tying laces.  To find out when your child's class is going, you can find the schedule for the week.  All students must have CSA approved helmets.  The rink is encouraging all parent helpers to wear helmets.  If you need a helmet, we do have a few available at school.

Student of the Week Winners for January 9. 2016

Character Education Topic for January- Manners Matter

This month we are focusing on Manners.   Each weekly assembly we will learn why it is important to show respect and use manners.  We will talk about how manners matter and how they are helpful. This week we read the Berenstain Bears, Saying Please and Thank You and talked about how and why we use words like please and thank you.

A few Important Upcoming Events

Grade 3 Cultural Afternoon for India- Friday, Jan 15, 2016

RBES Fundraising Meeting- January 13, 2016 at 5:30pm

Report Cards - Our reports will be going out on January 28, 2016

PD Day on Friday, January 29, 2016


Reminder that the first Wednesday of each month is early dismissal at 2:21pm


Volunteers Needed in the Library- if any parents are interested, please contact Mrs. Webb. 

Blast from the Past: Pajama Day, December 18, 2016