SCHOOL WEBSITE: http://www.sd61.bc.ca/school/mckenzie/

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of McKenzie School is, in partnership with parents and the community, to build a

strong foundation of knowledge, skills and attitudes in our students.

IMPORTANT DATES TO NOTE

Monday, December 2 Santa Shoppe opens for business until Friday, December 6

Wednesday, December 4 Choir performs at City Hall

Wednesday, December 11 PAC Meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 12 Choir performs at the Airport and at Gorge Road Hospital

Thursday, December 12 Crafts and Carols Night; Crafts-6:30 p.m.; Carols-7:15 p.m.

Friday, December 13 Special Food Day

December 16 to 20 Caroling with Ms. Brigidear in the morning

Wednesday, December 18 Choir performs at The Victorian Retirement Residence

Friday, December 20 Last school day before Winter Break

Monday, January 6 School reopens after Winter Break

CHECK THE MONTHLY CALENDAR ON OUR WEBSITE FOR THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION

A Message From Your Principal

Report cards are coming home today. (Cue the dramatic music.) Not to worry. First of all, just about everything in a report card is

done with and over. You can’t go back but you can go forward and report cards are great conversation starters. Here are a few

ideas to make the best of a conversation with your child and chart a course for the future. Don’t use just one idea, use them all

and look at the report card in a variety of different ways.

1. Don’t open it right away. Your child has most likely looked at it and is well aware of what is inside. Ask them to tell you what is

on the report card before you look at it. Even if you get the “I don’t know”, ask them to think about it or read it first and report

back.

2. Remember to talk about the positive aspects as well as the negative. Every report card has something to celebrate; make sure

this does not get lost in the discussion.

3. Look for evidence of “effort”. Outcomes can be over rated and a ‘B’ with “great effort” can be better than an ‘A’ with “no

effort”. In life, outcomes change with expectations but effort is always required!

4. Wait a few days and then make a plan. Pick a 1 or 2 goals for the next report card that are specific, realistic and can be sup-

ported on an on-going basis. Too often a goal like ‘study more’ or ‘work harder’ means nothing. It is too general. Identify a goal

and what it will look like if it is being pursued. For example: ‘Read more at home. I will read a chapter book for 20 minutes eve-

ry day after dinner.’

5. Out of ideas? Call or email your child’s teacher and make an appointment to talk about the report card and making achievable

goals for the future.

Read Jorgensen, Principal

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2013

SANTA SHOPPE

The Santa Shoppe will be open next week. On Monday students will have the op-

portunity to walk through the shoppe and make their list of gifts they would like to

purchase for family members. Shopping starts on Tuesday. The shoppe will also

open at lunch time and after school if parents wish to shop with their child. Items

range in price from 50 cents to $3.00. The PAC is sending home a “Shopping List” today—

please help your child list the people he/she will be buying for in order to make shopping

day a more worthwhile experience. Thank you!

Mr. J’s Book Pick

This is my fourth school as Principal and in every school this book has received

great reviews from parents and teachers. The 12 Keys are laid out in a simple,

easy to read format and the sequential nature of the book allows for a step by

step implementation with your child. The author helps remind us that ‘discipline’ is

not just about ‘punishment’ but practicing desired behaviours in order to follow

specific expectations. If you would like to have a copy, the school will be submit-

ting an order to Chapters Books on December 6. The cost is $15 and we would

be happy to order a book for you. Please send a note with $15 to the office and

we will include you in the order. If you would like any additional information please contact me at the school.

Inclement Weather Protocol

“We are now approaching the season when inclement weather may affect the safety and welfare of stu-dents. In particular, snowy weather has the potential to cause school closure or some School District 61 ser-vices to be suspended.

During inclement weather, information about schools will be updated continuously on the Greater Victoria School District 61 website at http://www.sd61.bc.ca.

Within the Greater Victoria School District, the Superintendent of Schools,

John Gaiptman, will provide media outlets with information about the status

of our facilities and transportation services by 6:30 a.m.”

MCKENZIE WINTER RAFFLE

On December 12th you could win a cash prize of $200 in our fundraising raffle! Five lucky winners will receive a cash

prize and the proceeds of the raffle will support computer renewal. Students receive prizes for the top ticket sellers

and the class that sells the most will be treated to a pizza lunch. The price is $1 per ticket or you can buy a whole book

for $10. Ticket sales started November 21st and the draw is on December 12th at Craft & Carol Night. Good Luck!

IF YOU HAVE ANY UNSOLD TICKETS,

PLEASE SEND THEM BACK TO SCHOOL A.S.A.P. SO THAT OTHERS CAN SELL THEM.

If your child is going to be absent from school for any reason please call:

Morning Call Back Line 250-479-3794

Where in the World is

Kenzie?!”

Check out Kenzie’s newest loca-

tion on the website for clues

and then fill out a tip sheet.

There will be a draw next week

from the correct answers!

CHOIR NEWS

Choir News - just a reminder of our upcoming performances:

Wednesday, December 4th

Victoria City Hall - 12:20 pm

Thursday, December 12th

Victoria International Airport - 12:00 pm

Gorge Road Hospital - 1:30 pm

Craft and Carols Night - 7:15 pm

Wednesday, December 18th

The Victorian at McKenzie - 11:45 am

New Photos

on the

Website this week!

Hint: Cable cars

Please note that the choir uniform is required

for all performances—McKenzie Choir T-shirt

and black bottoms.

Parents and other family members are welcome

to come and see our performances – it is great

to have your support!

Weather Reminder - please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for out

side recess times as we always try to go out for fresh air. Coats and good footwear are

a must, hats and mittens if possible!

KENZIE SAYS “WELL DONE!”

At the November Assembly, Kenzie Certificates were presented to

the following students:

Student Div. For…

Logan K. 7 Trying his best to follow classroom routines and guidelines.

David K. 7 Demonstrating great enthusiasm in all areas of learning.

Quinn S. 7 Being a great McKenzie School citizen.

Johnny S. 7 Great improvement and effort with his printing skills.

Devon W. 7 Being a super helper in the classroom.

Mae D. 7 Demonstrating excellent citizenship skills at McKenzie School.

Sienna M. 9 Showing consideration and compassion towards her classmates.

London R. 9 His creativity with art materials.

Sydney D. 9 Her patience - she waits with a calm manner for her friends.

Faith H. 5 Working hard to improve her reading and for her positive attitude towards school.

Loveneet K. 5 Her fine effort in all subjects and for her helpful attitude in the classroom.

Evan F. 5 Working hard to complete his assignments and improve his reading skills.

Dakota K. 6 Her positive attitude and for being such a responsible, hardworking student. Thank you!

Ava R. 6 Being a polite and responsible learner. What a great role model you are!

Jacob W. 6 His interest and enthusiasm for books and learning. What a great reader you are!

Gabriela R. 8 Trying new things and learning to work independently!

Liam M. 8 Working hard and trying his best in all he does!

Ryker V. 8 Being a kind and considerate friend to everyone!

Tia L. 3 Creating amazing stories for the whole class to enjoy!

Cassidy N. 3 All her hard work and dedication to learning and her great success in Math!

Daniel M. 3 His careful work, and his beautiful printing and handwriting.

Tyler B. 1 Sharing his knowledge and expertise when teaching the class a science lesson about salmon. Ter-rific work!

Aidan B. 1 His excellent work and effort on his science project about coal and steam engines. Well done!

Jennifer N. 1 The consistent work ethic she demonstrates in improving her Reading and Math. Super daily effort!

Jordyn V. 1 Her quiet leadership in the classroom. She is kind and thoughtful, works hard and sets a good behaviour example for others. Happy Birthday!

Asia B. 4 Her outstanding and amazing Creative Writing skills.

Jack K. 4 Mastering basic addition and subtraction facts.

Keely F. 4 Excellent work habits and reading skills.

Lukas R. 2 His creative sense of humour, creative writing and willingness to do all of his homework.

Gurleen B. 2 Her excellent spelling skills, kindness towards others and always doing her homework.

Allison M. 2 Her pursuit of excellence, willingness to help out, and her excellent Math skills.

1000X5 1000 Books by Age Five

Children’s Book Recycling Project Greater Victoria

Giving from the heart If every child checked the books they listened to as a baby or preschooler and brought one – three books to the pink

bin in the front entryway we could brighten the Christmas of more than 2000 children. Please continue to teach your

child to share the gift of literacy with those who may not have much to open this season.

Thank you

Sargent Ross, from the Saanich Police, talked to Mrs. Charlish’s class on their excellent performance during our recent Lockdown Drill. He told the students that our school’s Earthquake, Fire and Lockdown drills are necessary so that ‘we are ready and pre-pared.’ He complimented our whole school on a ‘job well done!’ Thank you to Sargent Ross for his help in our drill.

CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Please send a non-perishable “food” item to your child’s teacher for the Christmas

Hampers that will be distributed within our community. Deadline for donation is

Monday, December 16th. Collection boxes are located in each classroom. Food

items could include pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, juice, peanut butter, jam, rice, cof-

fee, tea, crackers, soups, granola bars, assorted tinned goods, etc. NO TOYS,

CLOTHES OR DECORATIONS PLEASE.

BC Healthy Kids Dental Program

Basic dental coverage is available for children through the Healthy Kids Program. Dependent children under 19 years of age may be covered for dental care if the family is approved to receive premium assistance for BC Medical Services Plan (MSP).

Children are eligible for up to $1400 of basic dental services every two years. This includes services such as exams, x-rays, fillings, cleanings and extractions. Some services are limited. For example the program does not cover orthodontic treatment. Healthy Kids may not cover all of the costs and there may be additional charges for each visit. Before treatment begins, confirm that your dentist is accepting children covered by the BC Healthy Kids Program, and what part of the services will be covered.

To use the services, take your child’s BC Care Card to the dental office and they will confirm coverage before each appointment.

To find out if your child is covered call:

1-866-866-0800 Press “4” and then “2”

(have your child’s Care Card Number handy)

Or access the website at www.sd.gov.bc.ca/factsheets/2005/healthy_kids.htm

For more information contact:

VIHA Child, Youth and Family Community Health Dental:

Victoria 250-519-5100

Esquimalt 250-519-5311

While installing projectors at our school this week, two Greater Victoria School District Audio Visual Techni-

cians stopped to talk to Ms. Brigidear’s Grade 5 class about careers in trades and technology.