The VG Voice CASTING OUR NETS
KEY DATES February 2014
Wednesday, February 5 ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE Fowler Admin Jr. High Session for We enter into the month of February celebrating the feast Gr. 6 Parents 6:30 – 7:00 p.m. of the presentation of the Lord. This celebration occurs 40 days School Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. after the birth of Jesus. Thursday, February 6 NO CLASSES Teachers’ Convention With “Random Acts of Kindness” week following closely behind, V.G. students will continue to “Cast their Nets” by Friday, February 7 NO CLASSES Teachers’ Convention participating in the Heart and Stroke fundraiser “Jump Rope for
Friday, February 14 Heart”. For the next two weeks students will be practicing their th Valentine’s Day skipping skills, and on February 14 will be jumping to raise funds Wear red, pink, & white for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The Staff of VG challenge Jump Rope for Heart event all students and parents to perform one random act of kindness Monday, February 17 during this month, and to encourage others to pass it on! NO SCHOOL Family Day The final two weeks of February will be spent with our Wednesday, February 19 Pizza Day LTTA (Learning Through the Arts) artists working with students
Fowler Band performance to focus on, and develop their creativity skills. Through 1:30 p.m. instruction and experience, students will develop confidence,
Thursday, February 20 independence, collaboration and communication, as well as Friday Schedule strategies, skills and knowledge to use their creativity to show R.S. Fowler admin visits our Gr. 6 their understanding of curricular outcomes. students. The month of February will end with a Friends of V.G Friday, February 21 NO KINDERGARTEN organized family activity to spend a morning at Galaxyland. This rd EARLY DISMISSAL 12:00 Noon event will take place on Sunday, February 23 from 9:00 a.m. to
Sunday, February 23 12:00 p.m. Galaxyland Event We are looking forward to a fun-filled month to pass away 9:00 a.m. – 12;00 Noon the cold winter days ahead. Marina & Colin Wednesday, February 26 Gr. 6’s visit RSF Jr. High Fowler Open House
Friday, February 28 Assembly 8:45 a.m. Popcorn Sales – All Grades
Principal: Marina Lotoski Vice Principal: Colin Loiselle Ph: 780-459-7734 www.vg.gsacrd.ab.ca OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALISTS VISIT VG! Vital Grandin had the privilege of welcoming Olympic athletes in our WELCOME school to talk about and teach adapted sports. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Carrie Anton (Gold Medalist from the Sydney Olympics) visited Vital Loiselle and his wife, Grandin in December to introduce the sport of Goalball to our 5’s and Anne, on the birth 6’s. On Wednesday, January 22, 2014 she returned to meet the grade of their son, André 1-3 classes with Viviane Forest, a Paralympian who has won Gold Eugene on Saturday, Medals in two Summer Paralympic Games (Athens 2004, Sydney 2000) January 11th. He is in the sport of Goalball. At the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games in one lucky little boy Vancouver, Viviane also won a third Gold medal, three Silver and one to join such a loving Bronze in Alpine Skiing (25% of Canada's medals)! family. Students had fun learning a new sport in which they play Congratulations! without sight (with the help of blindfolds). They even got a
chance to touch the gold medals, and receive autographed
pictures! See our school website for more pics.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAMS FOR GRADES 3, 5 and 6 We are pleased to announce our participation with the Junior Achievement Program, a national program that connects schools with community leaders to help develop tomorrow's leaders. For over 58 years, as the largest youth business education organization in Canada, Junior Achievement has been inspiring and preparing more than 4 million youth to succeed in an ever- changing global economy. The three pillars of the program are financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Please check the website at http://jacan.org/
Our grades 3, 5 and 6 grades will be offered sessions on Wednesday afternoons starting January, and continuing into March.
Grade 3 - Students explore how their needs and wants are met through various jobs in the community. Grade 5 - Gives students the chance to look into what it takes to operate and manage a business through organization, production and marketing activities. Grade 6 - The entire class comes together to create a concept, organize themselves and run their own sales stand for a day.
We are grateful to the community volunteers, and excited for these unique experiences.
YEARBOOK Have you purchased your YEARBOOK yet? Visit School Cash Online to purchase a 2013/14 Yearbook for only $18. It’s that easy. Yearbooks will be distributed October 2014. If you are unable to purchase online, please see the secretaries in the office and they will be happy to assist you! Give your child a book of memories from Vital Grandin that they can fondly look back on in the years to come. Hurry-only 100 copies available so once they’re gone- they’re gone!
Principal: Marina Lotoski Vice Principal: Colin Loiselle Ph: 780-459-7734 www.vg.gsacrd.ab.ca 2013-14 YEARBOOK ART CONTEST The theme for the 2013-14 yearbook art cover is “Casting Our Nets…” If you would like to submit a piece of art to be considered for the yearbook cover, please hand it in to Mrs. Lotoski by Feb 10th. The design must be on an 8 X 11 piece of blank paper, and may only be black and white (use black felt, not pencil for the final copy). The yearbook committee will make the selection for the yearbook cover on Feb 14th.
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART – A VALENTINE’S EVENT DID YOU KNOW? Our school-wide campaign to fundraise for the Canadian Heart St. Albert Parish now and Stroke Foundation kicks off on Jan. 31 with a skipping offers Mass at 6:30 assembly. As a school we will practice skipping while collecting p.m. on Sunday pledges as a lead up to our Skipping Event day on Valentines Day.
evenings. Check out Stay tuned for more details to be sent home with each student. their website for more information. Supporting kids' health for more than thirty years, Heart & http://www.stalbertpa Stroke Jump Rope for Heart encourages kids to get active by rish.com/index.php/ma skipping rope while they collect pledges for heart disease and ss-times stroke research. The program gives children the chance to jump and play alongside 750,000 other kids in more than 4,000 schools
across Canada.
You can check out the website at: http://jumpropeforheart.ca
CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS AND CANADIAN TIRE MONEY We would like to remind you that the school collects Campbell’s soup labels and Canadian Tire money. The school redeems both these collections for various items that the children can use outside at recess.
STUDENTS ENTERING AND EXITING THE SCHOOL Just a reminder, students are to enter and exit the school by their grade-level student entrances/exits. If your child arrives at school after 8:30 a.m., she/he should use the main entrance and report to the office for a late slip.
PHILLIPPINES RELIEF EFFORTS We recently had a social justice project that was to raise money for the relief efforts in the Philippines. The Grades 5/6 and 6A students made rubber bracelets to sell & held a bake sale. They raised $845.45. Also, a Professor from Grant MacEwan with the Edmonton Science Outreach Network presented an amazing Science presentation. There was a collection taken for the presentation and we raised another $291.30. In P total our students collected $1036.75 for the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.
Principal: Marina Lotoski Vice Principal: Colin Loiselle Ph: 780-459-7734 www.vg.gsacrd.ab.ca
2014–2015 KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION
KINDERGARTEN PACKAGES Kindergarten packages are available now. Stop by the office and pick one up, or spread the news.
KINDERGARTEN PARENT INFORMATION MEETING Please join us on Thursday, April 10, 2014, 7:00 – 7:45 p.m. (in the kindergarten classroom Room 143) for a parent information session.
We encourage this session for parents only. Students will have the opportunity to attend the orientation session in June.
GREATER ST. ALBERT PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Our preschools are inclusive preschools offering great programming three half days a week for children of all abilities and interests. We provide a stimulating, literacy rich and play learning environment with high staff-child ratios. We are dedicated to providing an intensive intervention for children who require additional support in a preschool environment. Registration date for the following preschools will be:
Monday, February 3rd at 9 a.m. at Vital Grandin School Monday, February 3rd at 2 p.m. at Albert Lacombe School Tuesday, February 4th at 10 a.m. at Bertha Kennedy School
Your child should be four years of age prior to March 1, 2015 (i.e. will be attending kindergarten in September 2015). If you would like more information regarding this program please contact the school office or see our division website for more information. Children requiring early intervention/extra support can register by contacting Kate Watt@ 459-7734 (Vital Grandin School). Priority will be given to families in the school community. Come early as spots fill up very quickly!
Principal: Marina Lotoski Vice Principal: Colin Loiselle Ph: 780-459-7734 www.vg.gsacrd.ab.ca COUNSELLOR’S CORNER
Winter Fun = Winter Playtime THE GOOD OLD FASHIONED BOARD GAME… IS YOUR CHILD ASKING WHAT IS THAT?
In recent years the prevalence of video games has, in many cases, superseded the tradition of playing the “old fashioned board game” or game of cards with children. Child Psychologists have recently begun to acknowledge the importance that board games have on the child's development. Research shows that board games, which were originally meant to pass time are actually a healthy activity and nurture the brain's motor functions. The benefits of playing board games include several aspects of a developing child. Children will learn to improve social skills, becoming aware of others around them and learn to interact. Many games require children to exercise their problem solving skills, prediction, develop language, count pattern, use their memory (short and long term), math, practice taking turns, develop patience and realize that rules have a very real role in making things fun.
An integral component of the board game is that it naturally brings people together, in particular, family members. Many board games are now available in travel versions and a deck of cards has always been portable and can easily slip in a purse or be stored in a car for use when waiting for appointments, or activities to begin, such as hockey practice with the younger child in the bleachers. Carrying a deck of cards in your purse or the boggle game allows children to interact rather than immerse themselves in a handheld video game for extended period of time. Granted it is understandable how handheld games also are part of most people’s life, one could argue that it would be rare to hear, “oh my we haven’t played that in a long time”, when talking about a PS2. Taking the time to play a board game with a child allows for general dialogue about the day to come out and often reminds children to relate incidents that just come to mind when they are relaxed. There are many board games or card games that are not very long in nature and taking a few minutes can just provide a little less hectic break in the day. A games night one night per month, that is informal and may include Pizza (homemade or otherwise) can quickly become an affordable family tradition that can keep families close and builds strong memories. Many families mix this up with other families as they get older to keep growing children interested in spending time home on a Friday night which helps if their friend’s family is there also.
Most board games for children are based on chance; a roll of the dice determines the winner. Children take their games very seriously, and will be very happy when they win, and sad if they happen to lose. It is at this point where proper guidance by an adult is imperative, in order to associate the child’s experience in the game with real life situations. Teaching the child to deal with winning is not all that difficult, yet important. One should use the winning occasions to further talk about the less fortunate ones. However, the emphasis should be on the playing and not the winning and, time should be taken to talk, and most importantly to laugh, as it this that will ultimately most be remembered.
Building your own board game collection is often as simple as visiting Grandma’s house and seeing if your favourite game is still in the attic. Of course in the warmer months, the garage sale is one of the best places to pick up old standbys that never fade and frequently bring back a fond memory for a parent. Borrowing games from others and switching can also lead to a wider selection of course and teaches children to share and care for the property of others. Over the years the games will change, but once children reach milestone ages such as being able to play crib, then these quickly create cross generational play as many grandparents like to play crib or dominoes. One of the most important components of playing a game is to show a child that you value them and that you have time to just be with them. I encourage all parents to put down the cell phone, take a bit of break and to take the time to enjoy your children, but more importantly let them enjoy you and lastly remember “laugh” as it is after all “just a game”!
Principal: Marina Lotoski Vice Principal: Colin Loiselle Ph: 780-459-7734 www.vg.gsacrd.ab.ca
Parenting Tip of the Month
Enjoy the Laughter: When was the last time you just closed your eyes and listened to someone laugh?
• Try it with your child the next time you hear a giggle, hold it in your mind as the tones of that voice will change and it is often much harder to bring to mind than an image.
• Now ask your child to do it as well, so they also remember what you sound like when you laugh and when others in their circle of relationships laugh. • There is always time to learn to be serious, but many people forget to just let their children be silly, it is a good way to reduce stress and allows children to know that there are times for all emotions. • Adopt a family joke telling time, there are many books available for all ages for
appropriate jokes. • Remember to teach your children that just like personalities, families have different things they find funny, enjoy your family humour.
FOWLER INFORMATION SESSION AT VITAL GRANDIN SCHOOL will be held on February 5, 2014 @ 6:30 p.m. Administration from R. S. Fowler Jr. High will be holding an information evening for parents of grade six students. This will be an informal session with plenty of time for questions and answers.
SCHOOL COUNCIL Our next meeting is February 5, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the staff lounge. Come and join us for an evening of great discussion and a chance to meet other parents. If you are interested in what we have discussed at past meetings, check out the School Council link on the school’s website under Parents. Rachel Demeter, Chair
FRIENDS OF VG Our Galaxyland Rental is this month! We still have lots of tickets to sell. An order form is available at the end of this Newsletter. Ask everyone you know because it is such a great deal that most people are happy to have the opportunity. It doesn’t hurt to ask! If you sell 19 tickets you will receive a 20th one free! Tickets will be $10.00 per person (it is normally $33 per person to get into Galaxyland). Our tickets are good on Sunday, February 23rd, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (noon). Please note that everyone over the age of two needs a ticket, even if they don’t plan on going on rides.
The February popcorn date for the whole school is on Friday, February 28th. Still only 50¢ a bag.
Principal: Marina Lotoski Vice Principal: Colin Loiselle Ph: 780-459-7734 www.vg.gsacrd.ab.ca Join us for a fun morning at Galaxyland!
HUNDREDS OF TICKETS AVAILABLE
When: Sunday, February 23rd, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Who: ANYONE and EVERYONE. Ask everyone you know – you will be surprised at who will say yes! Any family that sells 19 tickets will receive their 20th ticket free!
Where: Galaxyland, West Edmonton Mall
What: A morning of rides, play areas and fun!
Cost: $10.00 per person (children 2 and under are free). Everyone needs a ticket, even if they don’t plan on going on any rides. Tickets need to be purchased in advance. Please make cheques payable to Friends of Vital Grandin.
Contact: Tickets can be purchased at the school office or sending in the form below. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Hansen at (780) 470-5895 or [email protected]
Student: ______Class: ______
# of Tickets Required: ______Amount Enclosed: ______
Principal: Marina Lotoski Vice Principal: Colin Loiselle Ph: 780-459-7734 www.vg.gsacrd.ab.ca ALBERTA SAFETY COUNCIL BABYSITTING COURSES will again be sponsored by the Community Information and Volunteer Centre. February 22 – 23, 2014 May 24 – 25, 2014 Community Information and Volunteer Centre @ Charles Gale Centre 10, 215 Carnegie Drive Minimum Age 11 ½ $55.00 (includes manual and course materials.) For pre-registration information call: 780-459-6666, register in person or register online at http://stalbertcivc.com/babysitting-courses/
Over 80 Professional and Amateur Cellists join together in support of Music Education in
EDMONTON EXTRAVAGANZA
EDMONTON CITY HALL
Sunday, February 2nd 2014, 2:30 P.M. A Free Musical Performance of Cello Ensemble pieces from the Overture to William Tell, Villa-Lobos’ Bachianis Brasilieras #1, and The Swan from Carnival of the Animals to Angry Birds and Boil Them Cabbage Down. Donations gratefully received will go to go to the Edmonton String Players’ Association, formerly the Edmonton Public School String Program
Principal: Marina Lotoski Vice Principal: Colin Loiselle Ph: 780-459-7734 www.vg.gsacrd.ab.ca JUNIOR SAINTS ATOMIC VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM
REGISTER ONLINE AT SAINTSVOLLEYBALL.COM
The St. Albert Volleyball Association began the Jr. Saints Volleyball Program in 2011. Targeted for elementary school athletes in grade 5 and 6, the junior program is an eight-week fun and instructional program targeted at athletes of any skill level who are interested in learning or advancing the fundamental skills taught in school. The program incorporates regular intersquad 4-on-4 gameplay.
The Jr. Saints Program includes the 8-week Atomic Volleyball Program, registration in the Volleyball Canada/Alberta Volleyball National Registration System, insurance, additional time set aside for skill development preparing athletes for junior high school team tryouts (or continued skill development for those entering grade 6 next year), a 6:1 instructor ratio and St. Albert Volleyball T-shirt. We had 65 atomic students during our spring 2013 sessions and will be offering two sessions again to coincide with the upcoming club season.
Location: Neil M. Ross Elementary School
Dates/Times: Pick from either session or sign up for both
Thursdays from 5:30-7:00 pm: March 6, 13, 20 & 27 April 10, 17, 24 May 1
Saturdays from 1-230pm: March 1, 15, 22 April 12, 16 May 3, 10, 17
Participants: Age 10-12 (grade 5 or 6)
Program Details: Atomic Volleyball focuses on fair play, skill development, teamwork and most of all a rewarding game-play experience. Its larger goal is to develop a passion for the sport in the younger players of the game! It incorporates principles established in the Canadian Sport for Life (CS4L) athlete development model for Learning to Train Stage athletes. In the Atomic program, the traditional 6 on 6 game has been modified. The game is played 4 on 4 to increase player involvement, increase the number of times each player regularly contacts the ball, and raise a young player’s confidence. During each session, time is spent equally on skill development and game play.
Session 1- Setting Skills: Overhead Passing and Back Setting Session 2- Passing Skills: Forearm Pass Session 3- Serving Skills: Underhand Serving and Overhand Serving Session 4- Attacking Skills: Spiking and Tipping Session 5- Defensive Skill: Blocking Session 6- Defensive Skill: Stride and Slide Session 7- Team Play & Tryout Prep Session 8- Tournament Play & Tryout Pre
Principal: Marina Lotoski Vice Principal: Colin Loiselle Ph: 780-459-7734 www.vg.gsacrd.ab.ca
February 2014 VITAL GRANDIN SCHOOL CASTING OUR NETS
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Fowler Admin Jr. NO CLASSES NO CLASSES High Session for Teacher’s Teacher’s Gr. 6 parents Convention Convention 6:30 – 7:00 pm
School Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Valentine’s Day Wear red, pink & white
“Jump Rope for Heart” event 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 LTTA artists NO SCHOOL Pizza Day Friday Schedule NO working with Div. Family Day KINDERGARTEN One students & Fowler Band R.S. Fowler teachers this Performance Admin visits our Early Dismissal week. 1:30 p.m. Gr. 6 students 12:00 Noon
23 24 25 26 27 28 Galaxyland Event Gr. 6’s visit Assembly 9:00 am–12:00 R.S.F. Jr. High 8:45 a.m. noon
Fowler Open Popcorn Sales – LTTA artists House 7:00 p.m. All Grades working with Div. Two students & teachers this week.
YEARBOOK PRE-ORDER FORM
2013 – 2014 YEARBOOK
$18.00
Payment can be made on School Cash Online
as of January 31, 2014
OR
Submit completed form to the Office
with payment – Cash or Cheque
………………………….………….……….
Student Name: ______
Phone Number: ______
Class/Grade: ______
Teacher: ______
Number of Yearbooks Requested: ______
Note: Only 100 copies of the Yearbook will be made available and will be distributed – October 2014.
Thank you for your support.
May your child enjoy these memories for years to come!