Jack Donohue Public School
101 Penrith Street, Kanata, Ontario, K2W 1H4
613-271-9776, fax 613-271-7331
Office Administrator: Lorri Huppert Principal Paddy McCavour
Office Assistant Chouy Johnston Vice Principal Shannon Smith
Office Assistant Lise Bishop Superintendent Laura McAlister
Chief Custodian Chris Trottman
Message from the Principal & Vice Principal
Welcome back and Happy New Year from all of us at Jack Donohue Public School!
I hope everyone had a wonderful and enjoyable holiday. Students have arrived
back and settled in quickly. They are busy working on a variety of new curriculum
initiatives.
We are well into the second term, having started in November, and are hopeful
students are working diligently towards the goals they set for improvement.
New and wondrous things to Jack Donohue this January are several teachers. Ms.
Thomson has joined our Intermediate team of teachers to teach Grade 7and is
filling the intermediate wing with music, leading the band, and busily involved in the
school musical. Mr. Speed has safely arrived from Australia along with his
neighbour Ms. Colley from New Zealand. They will be teaching our grade 6 and 2/3
classes for the coming year. They have quickly melded into our staff and are busy
exploring their surroundings and looking for adventures while sharing information
about their homelands with students. Mme George joined us in mid December in
our grade 4 Early French Immersion class and Mr. Haanpaa has just this last week
joined us to teach the Grade 8 Early French Immersion class. Mme. Medugno is
retiring the end of this month and we wish her well.
Mrs. Hollingsworth is now home for the duration of her pregnancy. We welcome
Mrs. Smith to the office as our VP in for Mrs. Hollingsworth while she is off enjoying
her family.
In first term 17 students achieved the honour roll certificate, and 4 students
achieved the Principal’s award certificate. Outstanding! Many more of our students
will, I’m sure, achieve these awards this term. We appreciate the support you
provide your child in monitoring/helping with homework, and in having them
healthy, rested and prepared for classes with the necessary materials. In working
together we can prepare them to be responsible, more independent and ready for
high school.
Our report cards will be coming out in March.
The EMME club is still running in the mornings from 8:00 am on for Grade 6, 7 & 8
and the morning support for Primary French students has also been a great
success. I would like to thank all the teachers for giving so generously of their time
and to Mrs. Stalkie for being there every morning for all our older students.
Our musical production, Jack and the Bean Stalk, is getting under way with many
students interested in sharing their talents and being involved in the production.
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Message from the Principal & Vice Principal
It was a great way for our intermediates to come back from the holidays
and increase their school spirit. Special thanks to Mrs. Johnson, Ms.
Thomson, Mr. Eisenhauer and Mrs. Therrien for all their time and energy in putting
together such a great experience for our students. Many other staff members are
also involved in various aspects of the production which we will share as they
develop.
On the final days leading up to the holiday, students participated in many charity
activities. We are proud of their kindness and generosity.
Our Students Council has busily worked throughout the term both in the school
supporting student activities and in the community through a variety of fund raisers.
Thank you to Mrs. Purchase for all her time and work along with the great team of
student council representatives.
Mrs. Purchase, teaming with Mrs. Tessier, has undertaken several new
environmentally friendly initiatives around the school with our Green Club.
You may have seen on the news our students learning about composting and
worms. We now have several worm stations throughout the school to help us in
decreasing our organic waste. We will be using money we have saved from being
energy conscious towards the purchase of blenders to help in breaking down the
organic matter for our worms to eat. Mrs. Purchase shares an enormous
knowledge base with our students, teaching them how to be ambassadors to our
Earth. She is also starting up our Solar Powered Car team and has taken on the
enormous task of hosting the races in May here at Jack Donohue where schools
from across our District will come to compete. A huge thank you to Mrs. Purchase
for all her work promoting respect for the environment.
Another new endeavour starting up this year for some of our junior students is the
Young Entrepreneur’s progam. Under the guidance of Mrs. Tessier this year a
group of our grade 5 students will be setting forth to create, develop, and market a
new idea. How exciting to work with a business contact and Mrs. Tessier to
develop a new idea and see it through to completion.
This term we look forward to providing another opportunity for parents in the
Primary division to come in and learn with our teachers how to support and develop
their child’s reading skills in our PRINT program. Mrs. Harten, Mrs. Lyon, Mrs.
Harrision and Mrs. Tessier have put in many hours with several groups of eager
wonderful parents and look forward to another opportunity to support student
learning through sharing their knowledge.
At our next Parent Council meeting, Tues. Feb. 8th, Mrs. Allardyce, Ms. Therrien,
Ms. Maxsom, Mme Laviolette, Mrs. Cardill to name a few will be talking about Math
and helping parents to understand the marking and assessing of math skills. Hope
to see you there.
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100
J.D.P.S. 100 Days of School - February 11th,
Student Ambassador All Grades 1 & 2 students are invited to display
their collection of 100 items in the gym from 3:00-
Program 3:35. All community members are welcome to visit
these collections during this time. Individual
Ambassadors will be starting our "Let' s classes will be celebrating this day by integrating
Read" program in February. This program 100 day activities in their day.
will run 2 recesses a week. Students from
primary grades will be invited to sit with an Nominate an Outstanding Teacher
Ambassador to share a book together. This s
The Premier' Awards for Teaching Excellence
is a great bonding experience for our recognize outstanding teachers, and school and board
younger students and their older peers, staff. Do you know an exceptional educator? Nominate
while also developing their love of literature. one for a Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence.
Perhaps it’s someone who…
February is Black History Month. Our
Inspires kids to read and to love reading; to write and to
Ambassadors will be contributing research love writing; and to communicate with more than just
and information to commemorate people words
from our history to display in the halls. Look
out for some interesting biographies! Teaches students to be good citizens, by encouraging
them to think locally and globally and showing them the
importance of strong values
4th Annual
Supports struggling students – helping encouraged kids
Valentine’s Day Cake
to get back in the game and motivating them to aim high.
and Cupcake Raffle
s
These are just a few of the ways Ontario' educators
Get out your recipes and donate a make a difference in the lives of students, families and
cake or cupcakes for our Friday, communities across the province. But they aren'thet
February 15th raffle. Come and view only ways.
the amazing cakes donated to our Share your stories of how that special teacher made
school. Every class will have an learning come to life. How that support staff member
opportunity to come down and view made a difference for students. Or when that school or
the cakes and purchase tickets. board leader rallied a community to make a difference in
the lives of their kids.
Lucky winners will bring home their
Visit www.ontario.ca/teachingawards to learn more and
prize that same day. download a nomination form. Nominations close
January 28, 2008.
If you are available to help out at this
event, please contact Angela Callow,
the JDPS Volunteer Coordinator, at
613-271-8813 or email
iacallow@hotmail.com
Dressing for Winter Weather
With the colder winter weather now here, please check how
your children are dressed when leaving for school. Children
should be wearing a winter coat, hat, mitts, snow pants and ! !
boots. They should also have a pair of indoor shoes for in-
s
school use. Label your children' clothing items with their
name; it will keep them together longer. "#
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2008-2009 Junior & Senior Kindergarten
At time of registration please bring with you:
Registration
- Proof of age in the form of a birth certificate,
Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten
baptismal certificate, registration of birth card,
registration period this year, is from
landed immigration papers if required or passport.
Monday, February 4th to - Bring your child’s Ontario Health card.
Friday, February 11th, 2008 - Bring your child’s immunization record.
To be eligible for Junior Kindergarten, children must be Registration cannot be completed without all
four years old by December 31, 2008. To be eligible for of these forms of identification.
Senior Kindergarten, children must be five years old by
December 31, 2008. If your child is already attending Students enrolled in Junior Kindergarten this year
our JK program you do not need to register for SK. do not have to re-register for Senior Kindergarten.
Elementary Student Transfer Application Period
Tues., Feb. 19 to Tues., Feb. 29, 2008
Students may apply, space permitting, to transfer to a school of their choice under our student transfer policy
and procedures. The guidelines and transfer process are outlined in policy P.077.PLG Designated
Schools/Student Transfers located in the Policies section on our web site and in corresponding procedures
PR.568.PLG Designated Schools/ Student Transfers – Elementary and PR.569.PLG Designated Schools/
Student Transfers – Secondary, found in the Procedures section. If parents/guardians would like a student to
attend a school other than his or her designated school for the following school year, they (or the student if the
age of majority has been reached) must complete a transfer form and return it to the receiving school principal
during the application period noted below. Students who are not attending their designated school are not
entitled to transportation. Student Transfer Forms are available at all schools.
The Elementary Student Transfer Application Period is Tuesday, February 19th to Tuesday, February 29th,
2008.
Students requesting a transfer for grade 9 should complete the Secondary Student Transfer Form available at all
secondary schools. Students must register at their designated school pending approval of their transfer request.
It is very important that transfer requests be made from Tuesday, February 19th to Tuesday, February 29th for
accommodation planning purposes.
Senior Kindergarten Immersion Program
As parents of a Junior Kindergarten student, you will soon be asked to fill out a form letting the school know which
of our two programs you will be choosing for your child in September 2008.
Mme Crosby and M. Eisenhauer will be hosting an information session on the Senior Kindergarten Immersion
program on Wed. Jan. 30th, from 6:30 – 7:30 in our Library. They will be available to answer any questions you
might have.
If you cannot attend this meeting you are also welcome to contact Mme Crosby/M. Eisenhauer at school. They
are available for phone calls between 12:00 and 1:00 or you may phone and leave a message with your phone
number and they will be happy to return your call.
West Carleton’s
For parents of Grade 3
Parent Night for Grade 8 Parents & Students
students, there is a
Middle French Immersion
WC annual Grade 8 Parent Info Night
Information Session at
and open house will be on
Katimavik P.S. Thurs., Feb.
Tues., Feb 12 @ 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
7th, 7:00 in the Katimavik
In the Cafeteria
Gym. Information was sent
WC Guidance staff will be visiting us soon, giving program information,
home with your Grade 3
options sheets and an invitation to attend their information and Open House.
children.
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Winter Activity Days - Skiing
As part of our winter activity week, our school has planned two days of skiing
or snowboarding at Mount Pakenham on February 12th and 13th. On this
trip, students will be introduced to the sport of downhill skiing and snowboarding and all
students will receive a lesson each day based on their ability. Snowboarders must already
be experienced, but will still receive a lesson each day. Cost of the trip will range from $37
to $81. …………………………………………………………………………Mr. T. Storms (Gr. 4)
All skiers & snowboarders must wear a certified ski helmet.
Winter Activity Days Non-Skiing
Tuesday, Feb. 12 - students will be going to Merivale Bowling Lanes in the
morning and then to the Rideau Canal Skateway in the afternoon for some
outdoor skating and taking in various Winterlude activities.
Wednesday, Feb. 13 - students will be going to the Nepean Sportsplex for the
day. In the morning, they will be curling and skating, while in the afternoon,
students will go swimming
To get on the ice, students must have skates (hopefully sharpened) and must
have a helmet with a chinstrap. A hockey helmet is preferred, but any kind of
helmet can be used.
Permission forms were handed out already but if you require one, please stop by
the office and pick one up. As always, we will be needing parent volunteers to
come on the trip. There is no charge for volunteers and they are most welcome to
bring skates (and a helmet) and join in the fun ..………………..Mr. P. Laughland
(Gr. 8)
Primary Winter Days News from Student Council
Coming in March
The primary division will be hosting their JDPS - Spirit Day
Winter Day activities in March – Lots of fun
things to come. Stay tuned for more Wed. Feb. 6 Story Book Character
information.
Come dressed as your favourite story book
Movie Time
character.
French
Canadian Watch for more fun stuff coming from your
Lunch Outdoor Student Council.
Games
February Activities 2008
Jan. 31 Pizza
Feb. 3 Grade 3F & 3s from 2/3F – National Art Gallery
Feb. 6 Spirit Day – Dress like your favourite Storybook Character
Feb. 7 Pizza
Feb. 7 Chinese New Year – year of the rat
Feb. 8 P.D. Day – NO SCHOOL
Feb. 12 Winter Activity Days Gr. 4-8 – Skiing, Bowling, & Skating on Canal
Feb. 12 Grade 8 Information Night West Carleton H.S. – 6:30-8:30 in their Cafeteria
Feb. 13 Winter Activity Days Gr. 4-8 – Skiing, Skating, Curling & Swimming
Feb. 14 Pizza
Feb. 15 Valentines Cupcake and Cake Raffel
Feb. 18 Family Day – NO SCHOOL
Feb. 21 Pizza
Feb. 28 Grades 1A, 1B, 1C to Science & Technology Museum
Feb. 29 Grades 1FA, 1FB to Science & Technology Museum
Feb. 29 Grade 7 & 8 dance – 2:00 p.m.
Rehearsals are underway for JDPS’ upcoming musical performance of
“Jack and The Beanstalk.” Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 had the
opportunity to audition to be part of the cast. The performance will take
place during Education Week. An evening performance is scheduled for
May 1st at 7pm. Mr. Eisenhauer, Mrs. Johnson, Ms. Therrien and Miss.
Thomson are directing the production.
Important Tip - Don’t do this
INCLEMENT WEATHER
As winter is now upon us, it is expected that students will come to school properly dressed to withstand the cold or
snowy weather.
On mornings when the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board announces that buses will not be running due
to inclement weather, please tune into one of the radio or television stations listed below for this important
information:
CFRA 580 AM/ KOOL 54.9 FM/
MAGIC 100.3 / CBC RADIO 91.5 FM
CHEZ 106.1 FM/ THE BEAR 106.9 FM
CHRI 99.1 FM CJOH TV-NEWS/
CBC TV-NEWS/ NEW RO TV-NEWS
When the buses are not running, the schools remain open and the teachers will be in attendance. If parents
choose to drive their children to school, it is important to remember that they must also pick them up at the end of
the day or earlier if weather conditions worsen. When there are no buses in the morning, there are no buses
for the rest of the day. When the school is officially closed due to the weather or other emergencies, students
and staff will not attend.
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School Newsletters are very important. Our newsletters are your line to what is happening in
your child’s school. We will do our best to keep them informative and concise. We would
like you as parents/guardians to help your child understand the importance of bringing them
home to you. We intend to send a newsletter home once a month. Each month we will draw
three names from our “I Took It Home Contest” tear-off forms. A prize will be awarded to the
winners. We are hoping to see a 100% return of tear-off forms for every newsletter.
Please drop by the office and pick up your prize.
I TOOK IT HOME CONTEST – Newsletter #6
Please sign the tear-off portion and return it with your child to indicate that you have
read this newsletter. Three slips will be drawn from all those returned and a prize will
be given to the lucky students.
Student’s Name:
Teacher:
s
Parent/Guardian' Signature:
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