Peter Greer Elementary School 10300 Sherman Drive

Lake Country, B.C. V4V 1Y8 Phone: 250-870-5129

Principal: Mr. J. Minkus Vice Principal: Mr. N. Elliott

On Wednesday, April 10, the Central Okanagan Public Schools Board of Education approved the reassignments of five Vice Principals from across the district. We were sad to learn that our very own Nathen Elliott was one of them. Effective July 1, 2019, Mr. Elliott is reassigned to Central Programs. Central Programs & Services is comprised of three different Ministry regis-tered schools. All three overarching schools exist to support SD23 schools in meeting the unique needs of students who may struggle in finding success in traditional school settings, by providing alternative options and choices in their programming.

Although Mr. Elliott possesses many skills that would be valuable in any school, it was determined that his strong skill set in connecting with young people (one of the crucial elements in helping students reach their learning potential) was a desired attribute required to continue the many suc-cesses of this alternate program. In the three years that Mr. Elliott has been at École Peter Greer, he has indeed had a very deep impact on the school community. He has worked tirelessly during this time to enhance the lives of many students, families, and staff members. His mere presence in the school has helped shape the positive cul-ture of our school. He is the embodiment of community spirit. He knows virtually every student by name and they know and love him as well. Mr. Elliott is a 'treasure' in so many different ways ... endless energy, promoter of STEM and Design Thinking, nurturer to both parents and students and a critical link between our school and the community. I'm not sure that "NO" is in Mr. Elliott’s vocabulary as he is always ready and willing to help. We wish him all the best in his new adventure!

May 2019

Alandra Caruth baked a cake to share with students in her class who brought a donation for the trees and benches ‘Green Up’ project we would like to add to our school playground. She col-lected $40.05! Thank you Mrs.Martin's class for your dona-tions and a BIG thank you to Alan-dra for her fundraising!!

Wild Schools Day PGE’s first Wild Schools Day was a huge success! Students engaged in outdoor play to develop eco-literacy and environmental stewardship around the school and in the Clearwater Greenspace. A huge thank you to the following for making this an awesome day for our kids: * Parent volunteers for supporting students throughout the day. * Our amazing grade 6 leadership team for all of their hard work in preparing for the day and lead-ing the transitions between stations. * Our staff for organizing Wild Schools Day and sharing their outdoor enthusiasm with the stu-dents.

Peter Greer Elementary School 10300 Sherman Drive

Lake Country, B.C. V4V 1Y8 Phone: 250-870-5129

Principal: Mr. J. Minkus Vice Principal: Mr. N. Elliott

MESSAGE FROM YOUR ADMIN TEAM Once again, our community proves to be the most

generous of all. Mrs. Dion’s Grade 4/5 class raised $504.50

with their Candy Bag Sale. WOW!!! The money will be donat-

ed to the Green Up PGE Fund. Thanks to all the students, par-

ents and staff who helped!

On April 10th and 24th, we hosted the first two, of

three, Early Learning for Families (ELFF) event. ELFF is a pro-

gram for families of 3 and 4 year old children designed to

improve their success in literacy at school and to build con-

nections between home and school. This year’s theme fo-

cused on the importance of social-emotional learning, nu-

meracy, and structured play as foundational skills for success

at school. We provide dinner for the whole family, including

siblings, learn together while the children engage in classroom activities, give each family a “goodie bag”

for home, and families will also have an opportunity to win some door prizes too! Thanks to our K teacher/

coordinator Cheryl Mazey for taking the leadership in planning and hosting this annual event, and to Teach-

er Helga from the Strong Start Centre and Grade 1 Teacher Tracy Cramer for all the assistance!

Now that we can count on more sunshine and warmer afternoons (maybe!!), you will be seeing the

Intermediates honing their Track and Field skills every day after lunch. Thanks to a group of willing teachers,

we are once again providing an array of track and field experiences for grades 4, 5 and 6. Each student will

be exposed to many new skills that they can apply to our fun Apple Bowl Track and Field Meet slated for Fri-

day, May 6. If you are not aware, this is the day when we take all intermediates to participate, along with

Oyama Traditional School, in a fun, light-hearted track and field experience at the Apple Bowl, where good

sportsmanship, honest effort and teamwork are more important than talent. Students looking for a competi-

tive experience may be chosen to attend the School District Track Meet on Thursday, June 6. We will be al-

lowed to send two boys and two girls from each grade in each of the events. There is also an additional

competitive opportunity for students offered by Okanagan Athletics Club. They are hosting a “Twilight

Meet” on Friday, May 24th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. It’s open to all ages from 9 years old and older. This meet is

perfect for those wanting to compete or for those wishing to learn more about Track and Field. There will be

coaches at each event to help athletes that want some pointers and guidance. Sign up will begin at 4:30

pm with the first events beginning at 6pm. A meet entry fee of $10 applies to club members and stu-

dents. An entry fee of $13 applies to those that are not members of BC Athletics or do not attend a local

school. More info is available at http://okac.ca/twilight-meet-series

On April 18th, our school sent a team of student to compete in the SD 23 Battle of the Books. Congratula-

tions to the students who participated. They were great ambassadors

of Ecole Peter Greer. Job well done with great effort, attitude, and

commitment throughout the year:

Carter Fisher

Keely Malahoff

Peyton Brett

Abby Lawrence

Claire Lawrence

May 2019

ECOLE PETER GREER ELEMENTARY

ISSUE 8—May 2019

IMPORTANT DATES FOR MAY & JUNE May 1 Expo of Awesome at UBCO 12:00—3:00 pm May 2 J’MCA French Cultural Day for SD 23 FI Intermediate Students May 3 Strong Start Closed Today Bake Sale at lunch May 6 Apple Bowl Track & Field Meet with Oyama May 7 Ms. Martin’s to Okanagan Gymnastics Centre May 8 Cultural Performance: Axe Capoeira (Brazilian Music & Dance) Cross Country Running Meet @ PGE 3:00 pm Early Learning for Families—Session 3—5:30 pm—7:00 pm May 14 PAC Meeting 6:30 pm—7:30 pm May 15 Grade 3 Across the Lake Swim at YMCA Cross Country Running Meet @ DRE 3:00 pm May 16 Fire Drill #5 @ 1:10 pm—1:25 pm Yearbook Orders Due May 17 Strong Start Closed Today Mme Eagleton & Mme Fowler/Starling to Kangaroo Creek Farm May 20 Victoria Day: Schools Closed May 22 Grade 3 Across the Lake Swim at YMCA May 23 Kindergarten Orientation 9:00 am May 24 Maker Day 12:00 pm—2:30 pm May 29 Grade 3 Across the Lake Swim at YMCA May 29-31 Grade 6 Gardom Lake Trip June 3 Grade 6 Immunizations & Measles (MMR) Catch-up Grades 1—6 June 4 Sexual Health Education Grade 4—6 ORL Summer Reading Club Visit GESS Grade 6 Parent/Student Information Night 6:00 pm June 5 Sexual Health Education Grade 4—6 June 6 District Track and Field Meet @ Apple Bowl June 7 Family Fun Night 5:00 pm—7:00 pm

Grade 6 Parent and Student Information Meeting

at George Elliott Secondary School George Elliot Secondary School will be holding a Grade 6 Parent and Student

Information Night on Tuesday, June 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Creekside Theatre.

The presentation will be approximately one hour in length and will provide in-

formation to parents, and their child, regarding your child's transition from ele-

mentary school to George Elliot Secondary School.

Light refreshments and coffee will be provided in the foyer before the infor-

mation session.

ECOLE PETER GREER ELEMENTARY

ISSUE 8—May 2019

Classroom Placement in September We will be holding student placement meetings in mid-May to arrange classes for September. Your child’s current teacher plays a significant role in making these decisions as does next year’s teachers, Administra-tion, and in some cases, staff from support services (i.e. Learning Assistance Teacher, Counselor, Resource Teacher). The development of class lists is given a great deal of time, careful thought and understanding with the knowledge teachers have of each student and what will be in the child’s best interest. Because teachers see how students function in a classroom every day, they are confident that they can make a suitable placement for your child. There are many factors that are taken into account in the process:

Academic achievement

Class size, composition and balance between boys and girls

Student special needs

Learning and teaching styles

Social groupings

Teacher and School Based Team recommendations

Instructional groupings

Previous placement history It should be noted that there are a number of additional factors, including changing enrolments, Provincial class size and composition legislation, and budget restrictions, that may make the placement of students a very complex issue. Therefore, parent requests will be accepted as input, but should not be considered as the driving force behind placement decisions. Our goal in creating each classroom composition is to provide the best possible educational placement for the students within the various constraints of the system within which we function. We appreciate your understanding of this very important issue. We will re-assess the class and school organization after the August registration period as we become aware of any enrolment changes that have taken place over the summer. As is the case every year in all schools, teaching assignments and class organizations are subject to change in the fall. Class lists will be posted on our website and at the front of the school on the Friday before the first day of school in September. In this process, the Principal has the ultimate responsibility under the School Act for the final decision regarding placements of students. Please Note: Parents hold on to your child’s year end report card! You will need it to obtain your child’s P.E.N. number. Class lists will show student P.E.N. numbers only. Due to the Freedom of Information Act, we are no longer allowed to post names.

Thank you to President’s Choice for sponsoring our breakfast program!

ECOLE PETER GREER ELEMENTARY

ISSUE 8—May 2019

As of May 2019, our projected enrolment is 460 students. The tentative teaching staff and class configuration is as fol-lows. We are just starting the staffing process. English Program Kindergarten Kim Payne Grade 3/4 TBA (maternity leave for Letourneau) Kindergarten/1 Cheryl Mazey Grade 3/4 TBA (posting) Grade 1/2 TBA (posting) Grade 4/5 TBA (temp) Grade 1/2 Audra Britton Grade 4 Caitlyn Knox Grade 1/2 Nicole Dawson Grade 5/6 Matt Olson Grade 2 Cathleen Martin Grade 5/6 Nicole Krastel Grade 3/4 Louise Caillaud Grade 5/6 Clint Maltais French Program Kindergarten Robyn Cassan Grade 3/4 Jennifer Dewolf Kindergarten/1 TBA (posting) Grade 4/5 TBA Grade 1/2 TBA Grade 5/6 Mme Catton Grade 2/3 Cassie Jones James Minkus Principal TBA Vice Principal TBA Teacher-Librarian / ELL Cheryl Elsworth Speech & Language Pathologist Dana Guthrie PE/Prep/Support Sandie Lavigne Aboriginal Advocate Danielle Petryshyn Learning Assistance/Support Lindsay Reynolds Counsellor Lenora Flato Resource Teacher (Special Needs) September Smith Administration Assistant Emma Sarbit Prep/Support TBA Classroom Support (0.5)

Blended Classes As the school year draws to a close, some parents may find that in the coming school year, their child will be placed in a "mixed-age, split or blended" classroom. There is a great deal of research showing both pros and cons, but the reality is, blended classes are in every school and at every grade level across Canada. Here are some considerations of blended classes:

Achievement is the same as, or better than, the academic achievement of children in same-grade classrooms. Mixed-age classrooms do not negatively affect student achievement, and students in these classrooms have sig-nificantly more positive attitudes toward school, themselves, and others (Stone,1998; Veenman,1996).

There is a wide range of academic, social and emotional abilities within any grade grouping. Currently, students are assigned to a classroom based on their age and not based on academic achievement, ability or social/emotional factors. In every classroom, there are students who may be reading at one, two, even three grade levels higher or lower than the grade they are assigned. Blended classes can often have less of a range of abilities because stu-dents are sometimes grouped homogenously. If you were to ask any Primary teacher in a straight classroom with one grade level, how many reading levels they have in the classroom at any given time during the year, they will probably say they have at least 3-4 different reading levels. This is why all Primary classrooms have leveled read-ing resources from levels 4 – 17. This allows teachers to match each student's needs to an appropriate level. If you were to ask a teacher in a 'split' or 'blended' class the same question, they will probably say they have a smaller range of reading levels because students are grouped more closely together when building classes so that it is eas-ier to facilitate both grades.

The newly revised curriculum focuses on each student’s needs and skills as opposed to grade level content. In fact, the new curriculum has 30% less content than in the past and focuses on 6 core competencies that are built in to every grade. With the focus on skills and core competencies, grade configuration is not a significant factor in stu-dent achievement. Engaging students in personalized, deep learning is our goal and blended classes lend them-selves to this approach.

ECOLE PETER GREER ELEMENTARY

ISSUE 8—May 2019

Other Considerations of Blended Classrooms

Instead of looking at a classroom of students ‘assigned’ to a specific grade due to their birthdate, think of

the classroom as simply a group of students, all at different levels of ability, needs and strengths. Children develop a sense of family with their classmates. They become a "family or community of learn-

ers" who support and care for each other. Older children have the opportunity to serve as mentors and to take leadership roles.

Children are more likely to cooperate than compete. The spirit of cooperation and caring makes it possi-

ble for children to help each other as individuals, not see each other as competitors. This is consistent with our school’s Play is the Way program designed to help student develop strong decision making skills and bell well adjusted individuals.

Older children model more sophisticated approaches to problem solving, and younger children are able

to accomplish tasks they could not do without the assistance of older children. This dynamic increases the older child’s level of independence and competence.

Children are invited to take charge of their learning, by making choices at centers and with project work.

This sense of "ownership" and self-direction is the foundation for lifelong learning. Blended classrooms promote a positive school culture because the older students have learned the rou-

tines of the school and they are in a position, through daily classroom experiences, to model, mentor and help support the younger students. They “show them the ropes” so to speak (a very powerful influence, more so than adults).

Another benefit of blended classes is that they create more options for teachers and administrators when

it comes to student placement. For example, some years we may have only two classrooms for a partic-ular grade level but need three classrooms to make them educational sound. So we create three blend-ed classes.

ECOLE PETER GREER ELEMENTARY

ISSUE 8—May 2019

Our Intermediate Leaning Community at Peter Greer is based on the principles of the OECD's work on inno-vative learning environments. This past year we had a grade 4,5 & 6 community of four classrooms. For next year, we are anticipating a grade 5/6 community with three classrooms.

The OECD has identified six domains of school and classroom-based activity to foster innovation and pro-mote learner agency. Learner agency is the capacity and propensity to take purposeful initiative—the oppo-site of helplessness. Young people with high levels of agency do not respond passively to their circumstanc-es; they tend to seek meaning and act with purpose to achieve the conditions they desire in their own and others’ lives.

What you see in this type of learning environment: Regrouping of educators and teachers. Regrouping of learners of mixed age and abilities. Rescheduling of learning. Widening of instructional skills and mixes of pedagogies. Collaborative planning, orchestration and professional

development. Inquiry Learning

In order to transform learning the most important cultural shift that must occur is the creation of cultures in schools where both adults and children are seen as learners who have deep agency and ownership over the learning that they do. Let us be clear: It is the modern learner's newfound capability to take full control of his or her learning that is THE educational shift of our times.

Richardson and Dixon

There’s a fine line between trying to get students excited about our interests, and involving students in learning that is based on their interests. While the former can generate engage-ment (which is often times short lived), the latter approach starts with the students and prioritizes what makes each and every one of them unique. As a result, they are the designers of relevant learning experiences that tap into their intrinsic motivation.

Ross Cooper

ECOLE PETER GREER ELEMENTARY

ISSUE 8—May 2019

Immunizations Students in grade 6 are immunized at school for Hepatitis B, HPV, and Varicella. These will hap-pen on June 3, 2019. Parent letters, consent forms and vaccine information are sent home be-forehand. Immunizations are given at school to those students who have returned a completed and signed consent form. Your child will get a record after their immunizations. Keep your child’s immunization record in a safe place. They may need it later for school or travel to other countries.

Interior health will also provide catch-up immunizations for students who missed them and this year they are also offering free immunization for Measles.

ECOLE PETER GREER ELEMENTARY

ISSUE 8—May 2019

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL NEWS

Elections for our 2019-2020 PAC executive will be taking place on Tuesday June 11th at 6:30pm in the library. Child minding is available. Contact the PAC: pge.pacpresident@sd23.bc.ca Family Fun Night - Save the Date: Family Fun Night will be here before we know it. It’s happening on Friday June 7th ! If you'd like to help out please email us at pge.pacpresident@sd23.bc.ca Thank you to the following Executive for their service this past year: President: Stephanie Lawton Past President: Susan Medynski Vice-President: Secretary: Kristen Dion Treasurer: Roslyn Hazen Hot Lunch Coordinator: Natasha Long and Jen Jones COPAC: BC Fruit & Veggie Program: Craig Catton and Carlene Evans Yearbook Stephanie Lawton, Jen Jones and Caitlin Harper Members at Large Adria Misfeldt, Brittany Yeast Noon Hour Clubs: Social Media: Roslyn Hazen Volunteer Coordinator: Roslyn Hazen Spirit Wear: Lindsay Roberts Canadian Parents for French: Crystal Dobmeier Additional information and upcoming events, can be seen at our Facebook page at Peter Greer Elementary Parent Advisory Council.

French Immersion Central Okanagan Public Schools French Immersion program accepts 5 and 6 year olds at the beginning of their formal schooling. French immersion is intended for non-French speaking students who wish to develop a high level of proficiency in both official languages. Students enrolled in French immersion study the same BC curriculum as students in the English-language program. The major distinction between the English-language program and French Immersion is that the language of instruction and communication in the im-mersion component is French. The BC curriculum is instructed in French from kindergarten to the end of grade 3. French Immersion is a program that can offer your child: a fun, effective and challenging way to learn French at an early age, the opportunity to learn the same curriculum as the regular English program, in French; an opportunity to participate in rich French cultural learning experiences; a bilingual fu-ture. Generally the BC curriculum is instructed in French from kindergarten to the end of grade 3. From grades 4-7, 50-80% of the BC curriculum is taught in French. In Secondary School, from grades 8-10, 50% of the BC curriculum is taught in French, in grade 11, 25% of the curriculum is taught in French, and in grade 12, at least 12.5% of the curriculum is taught in French.

ECOLE PETER GREER ELEMENTARY

ISSUE 8—May 2019

2019-2020 Calendar Days in session: 191 Number of days of instruction: 184 Number of non-instructional days: 7 Summer Pro D Day for Teachers August 27, 28 and 29

Schools Open September 3 (11:00 a.m. dismissal)

Administrative Implementation Day October 11 – students do not attend

Thanksgiving Day (Schools Closed) October 14

Parent-Teacher Conferences October 17 - 12:30 pm dismissal

Parent-Teacher Conferences October 18 - 12:30 pm dismissal

Teacher Professional Development Day October 25 – students do not attend

Remembrance Day (Schools Closed) November 11

Last Day of School before Winter Vacation December 20

Winter Vacation (Schools Closed) December 23 – January 3

Statutory Holiday January 1

Schools Reopen after Winter Vacation January 6

Parent-Teacher Conferences February 6 - 12:30 pm dismissal

Parent-Teacher Conferences February 7 - 12:30 pm dismissal

Family Day (Schools Closed) February 17

Staff Professional Development Day February 21 – Students do not attend

Last Day of School before Spring Vacation March 13

Spring Vacation (Schools Closed) March 16 – March 27

School Reopens after Spring Vacation March 30

Good Friday (Schools Closed) April 10

Easter Monday (Schools Closed) April 13

Victoria Day (Schools Closed) May 18

Last Day of School for Students June 25 - Regular Dismissal

Administrative Day June 26 – Students do not attend

Schools Close June 26

Bell Schedule

Classes in Session 8:30 a. m. (8:25 warning bell)

Lunch 11:00 a.m.

Classes in Session 12:00 p.m.

Recess 1:25 – 1:40 p.m.

Dismissal 2:30 p.m.

ECOLE PETER GREER ELEMENTARY

ISSUE 8—May 2019

Safety is our number one priority here at Peter Greer Elementary. As such, we would like to re-mind our parents of a number of security precau-tions in place:

All outside doors remain locked during the

day, except the front entrance door, which is visible to the office. The side entrances and classroom doors are sometimes “blind spots” - we ask that parents please respect the need for security and NOT flip the doors to allow access and if you see them open during the day, close them.

All visitors are asked to report to the office,

sign in and out, and wear a visitor’s badge. Playground supervision takes place in the

morning (8:00—8:30 am), at lunch (11:00—12:00 pm), at recess (1:25—1:40 pm) and after school (2:30—2:45 pm).

Independent students waiting for parent pick-

up during the day are asked to wait in front of the school or on the playground. Parents who will be late to pick up their younger child, please call the office so we can arrange for them to wait in the foyer.

Strangers in the hallway are approached and

asked if they ‘need help?” This can help iden-tify potential intruders.

Safety procedures (fire drill, earthquake drill,

lockdown drill) are practiced regularly. A lock-down procedure will immediately take place in the event that the school perceives danger in the school or on the school grounds.

Parents are asked NOT to use our student

washrooms—please ask at the office to use our staff adult washrooms.

Students are reminded that if they see an

adult in the washroom, even a parent, they should leave and return to class.

All classroom doors can be locked from the

inside during a lockdown.

Are You Moving? In order to make accurate plans for next year’s school organization, we need your assistance in confirming student enrollment for September. If you know you will be moving between now and the end of summer, please call Mrs. Smith in the school’s office and write a brief note to your child’s teacher at your earliest convenience.

Thanks from

the Heart Our Fruit and Veggie Snack Program has become a well appreciated part of our healthy eating initiative. Our thanks to Craig Catton and Carlene Evans for keeping things up and running so smoothly. With this program, our Tower garden and now the outdoor garden boxes, don’t be sur-prised when your child/ren start leading you to the produce aisle and start filling your shopping cart with these nutritional gems.