MISSION Captain Michael VandenBos P.S.

STATEMENT
Flying High for Excellence
OUR SCHOOL
COMMUNITY WILL
CREATE A SAFE
AND MOTIVATING
LEARNING
ENVIRONMENT
THAT EMPOWERS website ~ http://www.vandenbos.ddsbschools.ca/
STUDENTS TO SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
BECOME
SUCCESSFUL
LEARNERS AND CURRICULUM NIGHT
TO ACQUIRE THE Everyone is invited to join us on Thurs., Sept. 24th from 7- 8 pm. Students are en-
SKILLS NEEDED
TO BECOME couraged to bring their parents to meet their teacher and visit the classroom. This is an
RESPONSIBLE evening to get acquainted with your child’s teacher, and is not intended for parental
CITIZENS OF interviews. Should you require an interview, please arrange a mutually convenient time
TOMORROW
with your child’s teacher. We hope to once again have a great turn-out for this event.
3121 Country Lane
Whitby, Ontario Character ~ A Foundation for Your Future!
L1P 1N3
Month Character Definition
Safe Arrival Line Trait
4pm to 8am
905-665-2001 September Teamwork I work cooperatively, valuing the opinions of other, towards a common
goal. I encourage others to participate.
Monique de Villers
Principal October Responsibility I am reliable and dependable to do my work. I take responsibility for
what I say and do. I think before I act, understanding there are conse-
Chris vanderMeer quences for my actions.
Vice Principal
December Respect I treat other people the way I want to be treated. I am courteous and
Monica Porteous polite. I listen to what people say. I don’t insult, ridicule or name call. I
Carolyn Copithorne protect property and the environment.
Admin. Assistants
January Perseverance I am determined and work hard to finish what I have started even if it is
John Bowyer difficult. I complete all tasks to the best of my ability. I do not give up
Superintendent when faced with challenges.
905-666-5500
February Optimism I have a positive attitude. I look at challenges as opportunities for learn-
Anne-Marie ing. I have hope for the future.
Laginski
Admin Officer March Kindness I am sensitive to others to people’s feelings. I help others in need. I am
905-666-5500 never mean or hurtful with my actions or words. I am charitable.

John Dolstra April Integrity I always try to do what’s right, even when it is difficult. I am true to be
905-668-9595 my very best self. I live up to high ethical standards.
Christine Winters
905-430-6050 May Honesty I am truthful and sincere.

June Empathy & I respect and understand the feelings of others. I act with kindness and
Courage compassion. I face my fears with confidence - being brave. I face chal-
lenges directly.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 Page 2

We are urgently looking for people to take on the role of lunch

supervisors. This job is a one hour paid position which includes
monitoring students while they have lunch in their classrooms
and to monitor the schoolyard at noon. If you can spare even
one day a week it would be most welcome. A tuberculin test and
a police check are required. Applications may be picked up in
the school office.

Student registration forms were sent home on the first week of school. Please
ensure you send in your child’s form to the school asap. The information on this
form allows the school to have updated/accurate information about your child.

If there are any special arrangements for your child of which the school needs
to be aware, please ensure that the school administration and office personnel
have an updated copy of court orders for access or custody signed by an Ontario
Court Judge. We must have a copy on file if you wish us to carry out the direction
stated in the Order. The school will continue to provide information on a child’s
progress when requested by a non-custodial parent who has legal access. Your
prompt attention regarding this matter would be greatly appreciated.

29 .... Pizza Day

SEPTEMBER
30 .... Kdgn Pizza Day
16 .... Pizza Due
16 .... LEEF - Gr. 7 OCTOBER
18 .... Lunch Lady 10 .... Thanksgiving Holiday
21 .... Earth Rangers Presentation
24 .... St Donat Info ~ 6pm
24 .... Curriculum Night ~ 7-8pm
24 .... Ottawa Trip Info ~ 8pm
25 .... Spirit Day - House Colours
25 .... Terry Fox Run
SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 Page 3

Durham District School Board's

Accommodation Review for Central Whitby
Receives Ministry Approval

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has received the required Ministry of Education approvals to proceed with
implementation of the Accommodation Review for Central Whitby. The Ministry has granted approval to spend
$17,545,000 from Board Pupil Accommodation Reserves for construction expenses required to complete the projects
outlined by the Central Whitby Accommodation Review process.

“We thank the Ministry of Education for its swift approval of the Durham District School Board’s Accommodation review,”
says Chair of the Board, Larry Jacula. “As we move into this implementation phase of the process in Central Whitby, we
look forward to the many improvements these changes will bring to our students and staff.”

With the Ministry’s approval, planning will begin for the building of a new elementary school on the existing Leslie
McFarlane PS site. Students from Leslie McFarlane PS will now attend Pringle Creek PS. “While the accommodation
review process in Central Whitby has resulted in some changes for our students, it has also brought about some exciting
opportunities and we look forward to implementing these important recommendations for public education at the Durham
District School Board,” says Whitby Trustee, Christine Winters. Ministry of Education approval now allows the DDSB to
begin to build additions at Captain Michael VandenBos PS and at Pringle Creek PS. Timelines, tenders and plans will
shared in the fall of 2009.

“Ministry approval and funding of the work and related expenditures is great news for the Durham District School Board,”
says Whitby Trustee, John Dolstra. The funding and approvals will ensure we continue to provide the best quality educa-
tion for all students in Whitby including the growth of our French immersion programs,” Dolstra adds.

Background

On May 26, 2009, Trustees of the Durham District School Board approved the recommendation of the Accommodation
Review Committee for Central Whitby involving six schools. The ARC recommended that three of the schools, in need of
significant repair, be closed or consolidated including Florence M. Heard Public School, Leslie McFarlane Public School,
and Palmerston Avenue Public School. Three additional schools, Captain Michael VandenBos Public School, Jack
Miner Public School, and Pringle Creek Public School, were approved for program moves. Subsequently, the DDSB’s
approved plan was submitted to the Ministry of Education for final approval.

For additional information on the proposed timing of the Central Whitby accommodation solution please see the time-
lines as posted on the DDSB Website in the Staff Report, March 2009 - Section 7.2.3 - Scenario One Implementation.

The Durham District School Board is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and
Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The Board employs more than 7,000
teaching and educational services staff. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the Board
accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of
continuing education and adult credit courses. More information about the DDSB can be found on the Board's Website
at www.durham.edu.on.ca
SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 Page 4

10 Ways to Improve Your Child’s School Performance!

1. Take the time to talk to your child about their school experience.
2. Ask questions that encourage thought and reflection.
3. Make connections between your experience and your child’s.
4. Encourage them to socialize with their peers.
5. Work with your child when they complete homework. Guide, don’t complete.
6. If they are struggling, talk to the teacher for ideas and strategies.
7. Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast.
8. Get them to help make their lunch. They will be more likely to eat when they have some owner
ship.
9. Reinforce their learning by making real life connections.
10. Role model the joy of learning. Remember, we value what we pay attention to – take the time to
pay attention to your child’s learning.

Dear Parents:
CANADIAN This year marks the eleventh anniversary of the
TIRE $$$ Campbell’s Labels for Education program,
and with your help, Captain Michael VandenBos
can make this year the best ever! The Labels for
Education program is a great way to earn FREE
merchandise for our school, and label collection
and redemption is so easy.

Participation in the program is simple – save

labels from eligible Campbell products and send
them to the school. Products eligible for re-
demption in the program include:

• Campbell’s condensed soups

• Campbell’s Easy Cooking Sauces
Once again we • Campbell’s Chunky soups and chilis
will be collecting • Gardennay
• Campbell’s Soup at Hand
Canadian Tire • Campbell’s Ready to Enjoy soups
$$. All donated • Healthy Request soups and microwavable bowls
Canadian Tire $$ • Prego sauce
• Campbell’s Ready to Use broth
will be used to • Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers
purchase sports • V8 beverages and soups
• Habitant soups
equipment and
• Pace salsa
other gym
Select Campbell’s Foodservice Products qualify for redemption.
supplies at
Let’s amplify our efforts by asking friends and family to collect labels on
Canadian Tire. behalf of our school!
Please send in Don’t forget to visit www.labelsforeducation.ca for a complete listing of eli-
Canadian Tire $$ gible products and more information about the program.

to the office. Thank you for your ongoing support. Together with Campbell’s Labels for
Education – we can build a better school – one label at a time.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 Page 5

If your child is taking any type of oral medication (long term or short term) while at school, it is
necessary to complete a “Request for Administration of Oral Medication” form available from the
school office. Please ensure that the school is informed of any pertinent medical information/
allergies, etc. Medical forms and medication should be sent to the office as soon as possible. If your
child carries an EpiPen please complete a “Request for Administration of Medication by Injection in
Emergency Situations forms available from the school office. We strongly recommend that these
children have two (2) EpiPens and carry one EpiPen on their person and the other would be kept
inside the school.

We would like to remind everyone that there are children in our school with
severe life threatening food allergy to peanuts and other nuts. Anaphylaxis,
sometimes called allergic shock can lead to rapid death. Peanuts are one of the most
common triggers of anaphylaxis and the most likely of all food allergens to trigger a
full blown anaphylactic reaction. For this reason, any nuts or nut products including
peanut butter are NOT allowed at school.

THE MAGAZINE FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN IS

RETURNING THIS FALL!
Please save those publishers reminders and support your child’s education by
renewing your subscriptions through our school. (we accept all price discount
offers). IF YOU CAN’T WAIT UNTIL THEN, AND YOU WISH TO ORDER NOW, YOU
CAN LEND SUPPORT TO OUR SCHOOL ANY TIME OF THE YEAR BY ORDERING ON-
LINE AT www.qsp.ca (Code #9838) Remember, if you have a question regarding
your magazine orders, please call QSP Customer Service at 1-800-667-2536.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT!

Gartshore and Twin Streams. 7:50-8:05 and 2:50-3:10 - No lunch crossings.

Twin Streams and Country Lane. 7:55-8:10 and 2:50-3:10 - No lunch crossings

Country Lane and Constance. 8:00-8:20, 11:05-11:15, 11:55-12:05 and 2:50-3:10

Cochrane and Twin Streams. 7:45-8:05, 2:55-3:10 - No lunch crossings

Country Lane and Medland. 7:55-8:05 and 2:55-3:10 - No lunch crossings

SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 Page 6

WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD ARRIVE AT SCHOOL?

Morning: 8:05 to 8:20 a.m. (there is no supervision prior to 8:05 a.m.)
Lunch recess: 11:45 a.m to 12:05 p.m. (for students eating lunch @home or going off school prop-
erty to eat)
Students staying for lunch are not permitted to leave school property unless they have written
permission from parents/guardians. Written permission is needed every time students leave school
property. Students must give the written permission to Ms Porteous or Mrs Copithorne in the office before
they leave the school and must check in with them upon their return.
PLEASE DO NOT DROP STUDENTS OFF BY CROSSWALK FOR SAFETY REASONS

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS FOR VISITORS LUNCH HOUR & INCLEMENT

The safety of our students is always the focus at
Captain Michael VandenBos Public School. This is best
achieved when we all work together. When entering
the school for any reason, please make sure that the
office is your first stop. Please sign-in with one of
our secretaries and receive a visitor’s pass. This will
clearly identify you as an adult with appropriate busi-
ness at the school. Please remember that if you are
dropping a student off late or picking up a student
early, you must sign the student in or out at the of-
fice. Students will not be admitted to class without a
late slip. For parents/caregivers picking up children at
school dismissal, you can assist us by setting up a
meeting place outside the school with your children
rather than waiting inside the school. This helps keep
our halls clear and makes movement much easier and
safer for the students. This also has the added benefit
of teaching our students to be independent as they
use the appropriate doors to enter and exit the school.
WEATHER
If your child eats lunch at home (or
goes off school property to eat) and the
weather is inclement, your child should
arrive for his/her afternoon classes
shortly before 12:05 p.m… During
inclement weather our students located
in portables will spend lunch recess in
the building joining another class or a
specific location in the gym. We will not
be able to accommodate more students
and are asking that students arrive just
prior to the bell. Please make sure that
your child knows what to do on rainy/
very cold days!

STUDENT’S USE OF TELEPHONES

Captain Michael VandenBos has a very large student population and
many demands on its telephone system. Students are only permitted to
use the phones for emergencies. Forgotten homework, gym equipment,
and social planning are not considered emergencies. Please remind your
children to make all arrangements prior to leaving for school each day. For
parents of younger children, extra clothing kept in a bag at school can
compensate for those wet, muddy days when a change of clothing may be
necessary. Please, when possible, make your arrangements with your child
at home as getting messages to students is sometimes a difficult task.

STUDENT PICK UP
Please be reminded that if your child is going to be picked up (either early or at dismissal)
by anyone other than the authorized names the school has on file, the office/teacher must
be notified and the child must be picked up from the office. Children must be signed out in
the sign out book and late students must be signed in by the school secretaries.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 Page 7

If your child is going to be absent or late, please call the school to report his/her absence 905-665-
2001. Our answering machine will allow you to leave a message after school hours.

The SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM is designed to ensure student safety. In order for the program
to run as smooth as possible, it is imperative that all parents/caregivers follow the call-in procedure as
stated above. Families of absence students will be contacted if no notification call has been received
as to the reason for the student’s absence. Regular and punctual attendance is an important part of
ensuring success at school.

DON’T BE LATE ~ Please be on time for school everyday. Late entries disturb
the class and learning routines. Please emphasize the importance of “on time
arrival” as an essential “life skill”. School starts promptly at 8:20 a.m.

BUSSING ~ All bus routes, pick up and drop off locations are
established by Durham Student Transportation Services. D.S.T.S. will
continue to implement the policy of only transporting designated bus
students. The bus will not take home any student not on their bus route
for any reason. Students will not be dropped off at any stop other than
their designated stop for any reason. If you have any concerns over bus
issues, please call 905-666-6452 or the student hotline at 905-666-6979
(please have your child’s student number and birth date ready).
IMPORTANT REMINDER: If for any reason your child’s bus in
cancelled in the morning (e.g. inclement weather), the bus WILL NOT run
in the afternoon.

BIKE SAFETY ~ Please remember to walk your bicycles across road ways and on school property.
Also, make sure to lock bicycles securely on bike racks. REMNDER: It is required by law that anyone
under the age of 16 must wear a bicycle helmet.

DOGS IN THE SCHOOL YARD ~ Just a reminder that many students are
frightened of dogs and we request that you respect others and ensure our safety
by keeping your dogs at home. The students and staff thank you for your
cooperation in this matter.

Schoolhouse Playcare offers an exciting

before and after school programme for
children aged 6-12 years. Our qualified staff
provide a safe and stimulating learning
environment where your child can participate
in activities such as arts & crafts, science
experiments, building/construction and
physical activity. A variety of nutritional
snacks are also provided. We are located at
Captain Michael VandenBos P.S. and are
open from 6:45-8:15 am and 2:50-6:30 pm.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 Page 8
SEPTEMBER 16, 2009 Page 12

We will be creating school newsletters the first Wednesday of each month with
the exception of September which will have two newsletters.

To help facilitate our ECO school policy we are asking parents to go paperless and
check out our newsletter online. If you wish to still receive the newsletter by
paper please fill out the portion below and return to your child’s teacher

Student Name: _________________________________________

Teacher: ___________________________ Room # ___________

I would like to RECEIVE a hard copy

The yearbook committee is asking if you would allow your child’s picture to be
used for the yearbook this year. Please fill out below and return to your child’s
teacher. Thank you.

Please indicate YES □ or NO □

Student Name: _________________________________________

Teacher: ___________________________ Room # ___________