opening parent letter Aug 2010 - Retsd.mb.ca

Arthur Day Middle School
43 Whitehall Blvd.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R2C 0Y3
Phone : 958-6522
Fax : 222-4865
Doug Nowicki, B.A.(Hons.), B.Ed., M.Ed.
Principal
Jim Hoddinott, B.A., B.Ed., PBCE
Vice-Principal
August, 2010
Dear Students/Parents/Guardians:
We hope that you are having a great summer! This newsletter contains some important
basic information regarding school issues and our school opening, which is on Wednesday,
September 8, 2010.
A very special welcome to all students who are new to Arthur Day, and in particular, to our
Grade 6 students who are entering middle years for the very first time. We offer a warm
welcome to our returning students as well. We look forward to your continued positive
leadership and enthusiasm.
As always, we expect our students to work hard, to participate in school activities and to develop
their unique talents and skills. At the same time, we expect all students to be co-operative and
respectful. By working towards that goal, we believe that everyone will have a rich and
rewarding experience as valued members of the Arthur Day school community.
We are performing a staggered start once again this year. The purpose of this is to ease the
transition of students into our school as we review our school-wide positive behaviour system.
Classroom teachers will be taking students on a tour of the building on the opening day to review
expectations. Please see the next page for opening day procedures.
We will be hosting a MEET THE TEACHER “SUPPER” for all parents on Wednesday,
September 15 th from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. During the evening, you will have the opportunity to
enjoy a Pizza Supper & drink, meet your child’s teachers and ask questions. We encourage you
and your child to attend this evening, and look forward to meeting you.
For additional information about Arthur Day, please visit our website at www.ad.retsd.mb.ca.
Our staff is looking forward to a new school year and the opportunity to work with our students.
Yours truly,
D. Nowicki J. Hoddinott
Principal
Vice-Principal

OPENING DAY PROCEDURES
(Staggered Start)
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Day 2
8:30 a.m. - Grade 6 students enter the school
10:00 a.m. - Grade 7 students enter the school
12:30 p.m. - Grade 8 students enter the school
****POSTING OF CLASS LISTS****
In accordance with FIPPA (Freedom of Information and
Protection of Privacy Act) and for the safety of our students,
class lists will not be posted on the Doors before the start of
the school year.
Class lists will be posted inside the school on Wednesday,
September 8.
ARTHUR DAY STAFF

I. TEACHERS – HOMEROOMS * Indicates Team Leader
II.
III.
IV.
GRADE 6: Mr. Harmacy* (Rm. 207) Mrs. Collins (Rm. 206)
Mrs. Bilenky (Rm. 210) Ms. Kehler (Rm. 209)
Mr. Hupe (Room 210) Ms. Redekopp (Rm. 208)
GRADE 7: Mr. M. Edwards* (Rm. 202) Miss Biehl (204)
Mrs. Kurnell (Rm. 201) p.m. Mr. Hildebrand (Rm. 205)
Mrs. L. Edwards (Rm. 201) a.m. Ms. Heintz (Rm. 200)
GRADE 8: Mr. Dasch* (Rm. 203) Ms. Cruise (Rm. 220)
Mrs. Folkers (Rm. 203) Mr. Zaroda (Rm. 219)
Mr. Bateman (Rm. 221)
TEACHERS - SPECIALISTS
Mr. Kushnier - Phys. Ed./Outdoor Ed. Mr. Loewen - Woods
Mrs. Bilenky - SN/Resource Mr. Furst - Plastics
Mr. Graham - Band/Art Mrs. Schnepf - Foods
Mrs. Sitarz - SN/Resource Ms. Starkell - Clothing
Mr. Forbes* - SN/Resource Mr. Oliver - Graphic Arts
Mrs. Heidman - Phys. Ed. Mr. Murray - Counsellor
Ms. Hebert - SN/Resource Mrs. Peters - Art
SUPPORT STAFF
Paraprofessionals
Mrs. Brooks Mrs. Robert Mr. Carevic
Ms. Zimmerman Mrs. Capar Mrs. Krause
Office Staff
Library Clerk
Mrs. Shave Miss McParland Mrs. Tremblay
Custodial
Mr. Parisien
ADMINISTRATION
Principal – Mr. Nowicki
Mr. Butler
Vice-Principal – Mr. Hoddinott
Important Information for Students and Parents of Arthur Day Middle School
Arthur Day is your school and, as a student, you have rights and responsibilities. You have the
right to an excellent education and the enjoyment of participating in the many extra-curricular
activities the school offers. You have the responsibility to be a good citizen of the school, as
well as to respect the right of each individual to be allowed the same opportunities. Having
rights and responsibilities will enable Arthur Day students to learn to be contributing members of
society.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
OF ARTHUR DAY STUDENTS
Respect to Self and Others
As a student at Arthur Day, you have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. You are
expected to behave responsibly, be considerate, dress appropriately, and work diligently at all
times.

You share the school with many other people. You are expected to help it function effectively
by treating both your fellow students and Arthur Day staff with courtesy and respect through the
display of a positive attitude and the use of language that is always appropriate.
Respect for Property
You are expected to treat the building and its contents with care so that those who follow you
will enjoy the same quality of opportunity that you do now. You are responsible for caring for
and returning all learning materials which are loaned to you by the school. You are also
expected to show consideration for others by ensuring that the building and the grounds remain
clean and tidy.
Classroom Responsibilities
Your classroom responsibilities are straightforward. You are at school to learn and that is your
job, just as it is the teacher’s responsibility to help you learn. You are obligated to attend all
your classes regularly, to arrive on time, to bring all necessary materials, and to be ready to
work. All assignments should be completed on time. Your behaviour should be helpful to the
learning process.
Out-of-Classroom Responsibilities
Your out-of-class behaviour should also reflect the expectations listed above. Whether you are
walking to and from school, enjoying free time, on a field trip, or participating in an athletic
event, you are a representative of Arthur Day and of Transcona and your behaviour should
always bring credit to yourself and to your school.
Lockers
Arthur Day provides lockers and locks for the convenience of students. Each locker user
assumes full responsibility for the condition of the lock, the locker and for its contents. Do not
give out your locker combination to anyone!
School hours are as follows:
SCHOOL HOURS
DOORS OPEN - 8:35 a.m.
CLASSES BEGIN - 8:45 a.m.
LUNCH PERIOD - 11:30 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
CLASSES CONCLUDE - 3:10 p.m.
STUDENT FEES
As per Divisional policy, all students attending Arthur Day Middle School will be charged a
student fee of $40.00 (cheques payable to Arthur Day Middle School). Student fees are used
for school agendas, locks, student cards, special events and miscellaneous expenses.
A family rate of $55.00 will be charged for any family with two or more students in our school.

Additional fees are applied to specific subject areas. A summary of each grade level’s student
fees are listed below:
Grade 6 Student Fees:
$40.00 includes a Student Agenda book.
$55.00 Family rate – more than one student in the same school.
Typical payment (if one child):
Band Students Art Students
Student Fee $40 $40
Portfolio Supplies $ 4 $ 4
Band/Art Fee $ 9 $ 9
Outdoor Pursuits Fee $ 8 $ 8
TOTAL $61 $61
House T-shirt (optional) ** $10 $10
Yearbook (optional) * $25 $25
Grade 7 Student Fees:
$40.00 includes a Student Agenda book.
$55.00 Family rate – more than one student in the same school.
Typical payment (if one child):
Band Students Art Students
Student Fee $40 $40
Band/Art Fee $ 9 $ 9
Outdoor Pursuits Fee $ 8 $ 8
TOTAL $57 $57
House T-shirt (optional) ** $10 $10
Yearbook (optional) * $25 $25
Grade 8 Student Fees:
$40.00 includes a Student Agenda book.
$55.00 Family rate – more than one student in the same school.
Typical payment (if one child):
Band Students Art Students
Student Fee $40 $40
Outdoor Pursuits Fee $ 8 $ 8
Band/Art Fee $ 0 $ 9
TOTAL $48 $57
House T-shirt (optional) ** $10 $10
Yearbook (optional) * $25 $25
The student fees will be collected the first week of school (preferably on the first day of classes). If
paying the family rate, please send a cheque with the oldest child, including all the siblings names
on the cheque. Send a note with the younger siblings explaining that the family rate has been paid
by the oldest child – listing name. Younger siblings would still pay their homeroom teacher for
band/art fees and additional yearbook (if required). All fees are payable to ARTHUR DAY
MIDDLE SCHOOL.
**House t-shirts can be used for intramurals, phys-ed classes and special events,

throughout the school year to develop school spirit.
* Please note that the yearbook is optional and not part of the student fees.
NOTE:
From time to time during the year, students will be asked for funds to help
defray or pay for field trips, excursions and fun activities. A note outlining
the event(s) will be sent home to keep you informed.
No locker fee will be charged. If a lock is lost or damaged, the student will be assessed a replacement
cost of $8.00.
SCHOOL PICTURES
School pictures will be taken Wednesday, September 15 th (a.m.).
ABSENTEEISM
Should your child be unable to attend school due to illness or medical appointment, parents are asked to
call the school at 958-6522 before 8:30 a.m. Our answering machine is always on after the school day
ends, so feel free to call in the evening as well. Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated, as we try
to keep track of the whereabouts of all of our students.
SCHOOL LUNCH PRIVILEGES
All students, with the exception of bussed students, are strongly encouraged to go home for lunch. If
your child stays for lunch he/she must eat in his/her designated area and at 11:55 a.m. must proceed to
one of the following:
a) a gym activity;
b) the library to read or do homework (visiting is not allowed);
c) a club or activity sponsored by a teacher; or
d) go outside and stay outside until 12:25 p.m. Students are expected to bring their
outerwear with them to their designated eating area
Students are expected to clean up their own garbage, papers, peels, etc.
There will be NO hall traffic from 11:55 - 12:25 p.m.
Any abuse of the lunch rules may result in a suspension of lunch privileges. The length of time will
be determined by the administration.
TRANSCONA SQUARE (Kildare and Wayoata)
The Transcona Square Mall shares the immediate neighborhood with Arthur Day. The businesses fulfill a
retail need, but also serve as a magnet for young people outside of school hours.
We encourage our students to avoid Transcona Square unless they are there to make a purchase. Also,
once they have completed their business, they are encouraged to leave the mall immediately. This will
not only benefit the merchants, but also contribute to the personal safety of the students.
We ask parents to discuss this matter with your children and set firm guidelines with them.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Early in September, parents will receive accident insurance forms. Parents are invited to enroll their
child(ren). You also have the option of applying for accident insurance from Reliable Life.
ARTHUR DAY MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT COUNCIL
Arthur Day has an active Parent Council which meets on a monthly basis in the evening. We encourage
all parents to participate. It is an excellent way to keep informed and to be involved in school life. Our
Parent Council Executive members for the 2009 – 2010 school were:
President - Sherry Hampshire
Vice Chair - Zoe Surgeoner
Treasurer - Sandy Moodie
Members-at-Large - Lorene Schipper, Caroline Roy, Joelle Berdon
If you are interested in serving our school community by joining our parent council, or want to
know more about these positions, please call the school at 958-6522. Your assistance is greatly
appreciated.
Our first Parent Council Meeting is Monday, September 20, at 7:00 p.m. Positions will be filled at
this time. We hope to see you there!
STUDENT DROP-OFF AND PICK UP
Thank you to all the parents who do not use the staff parking lot to drop off or pick up their child. This
keeps our students safe! Thank you for using the neighboring street, for this purpose.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Throughout the school year, our staff members offer students the opportunity to participate in a
variety of outdoor education activities. Some parents like to take advantage of these
opportunities by purchasing an activity as a birthday or Christmas gift for their children. Here
are some examples of potential outdoor education activities at Arthur Day. More information
will be sent home when the planning begins for these activities.
ACTIVITY WHEN APPROXIMATE COST
Hiking Late September $130.00
1-Day Skiing (all grades) Feb/March $ 80.00
2-Day Skiing (grade 7 & 8) Feb/March $ 200.00
Canoe June $ 130.00
Camp Stephens (grade 7) June $ 210.00
FUNDRAISING
Parent Council – will be selling Entertainment Books as a general school-wide fundraising
activity at the start of the year. They will also be selling Sobey’s Gift Cards in March.
The Band Parents – will be selling Show & Save Card and Coupon Books in September.
More information will be sent home when these campaigns begin.