Message from the Administration - Louis Riel School Division

Roger Lacroix – Principal
Andrea Kolody – Vice-Principal
SEPTEMBER 2009
Principal
Roger Lacroix
Vice-Principal
Andrea Kolody
Administrative
Secretary
Gisèle Laurin
Secretary
Nicole Dusablon
Parent Advisory
Council
Sandy Nemeth
St. Germain Daycare
Centre Inc.
Carol Jones
Executive Director
256-4757
Louis Riel School
Division
Board Office
900 St. Mary’s Road
Winnipeg, MB R2M 3R3
257-7827
Transportation
(Regular Inquiry)
Yvette Bourrier
253-2681 ext. 337
Message from the Administration
Welcome to our new students and families, as well as to our
returning St. Germain families. We join our staff in wishing
you the best during our new school year.
We would like to thank you for the opportunity to have met
with you and your child(ren) during the school opening
conferences. A good learning experience is built on a
cooperative effort between parent, child and teacher. Our
expectations for conduct and standards for academic growth are
high. With your participation in and out of school, we can look
forward to a productive, creative and fun year together!
LET’S STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE, LET’S BE THE BEST
WE CAN BE!
You are encouraged to visit our school website at
www.lrsd.net/schools/StGermain/ as it contains all the pertinent
information about our school monthly newsletter and our up to
date calendar for all school related events, closures, field trips,
etc... Under Programs & Services, you can link to “Core
Curriculum” which provides additional information by Grade
from Kindergarten to Grade 8. All communication via “Contact
Us” is directed to the administration and subsequently is
forwarded to the designated staff member.
Have a great month and we will see everyone at the Welcome
Back Barbecue on September 17 th .
Roger Lacroix
Principal
Andrea Kolody
Vice-Principal

NEW FACES ON STAFF
Bienvenue to Mme Ida Viselli (Grade 7), Mme
Stéphanie Labossière (grades K-3 physical
education), Mme Paulette Sabourin (Student
Services), Mme Lindsay Wowchuk (Kindergarten
teacher (a.m.)) and Mme Becki Gordon (additional
Band teacher), and Mme Danielle Quesnel,
educational assistant. Also, welcome to Lindsay
McDonald, student teacher with Mme Marcoux.
NEW STUDENT FACES
We convey a warm welcome to the 76 new Grades
K – 8 students and their families who have joined
the École St. Germain community.
ALI TAHA KA
CONTOIS-MOAR KAYLA KA
COYSTON HAILEY KA
DYCK CARSON KA
FOWKE JOEL KA
LABOSSIERE AIDAN KA
LACASSE CRAIG KA
MARIASH RANDALL KA
MARTINEZ DURAN CAMILO KA
MUSTEDANAGIC LEILA KA
PELLETIER MACORY KA
PERSAUD RYAN KA
PETERS KENNEDY KA
PETERS SHAELYNNE KA
RAMKISSOON RENISSE KA
RAMSEY LUKE KA
REMPEL JULIET KA
SOBKOW HANNAH KA
THOMPSON ADAM INGI KA
UNCIANO LANCE KA
ARNOLD TRISTAN KB
BOYD SYDNEY KB
BUCKMASTER PRESTON KB
DOWNEY ALYSON KB
EVANS JULIA KB
EVERTON ELENA KB
FORSCUTT KAELIN KB
FRIESEN CARLY KB
KENNING FAITH KB
KEYES RYA KB
LAGADI ETHAN KB
LAPLUME GABRIELLE KB
LEE-SAVAGE JADE KB
LEVEILLE ALEXANDER KB
PARSONS COLIN KB
PEDERSON BRADEN KB
PEDERSON CALEB KB
POULSON LIAM KB
SHANGREAUX KAEDYN KB
SUZIO VALIN KB
ADAMSON MATTHEW KP
AITKEN REECE KP
ALONGI DANTE KP
BROWN CHRISTINA KP
GOBEIL BREANNE KP
GRAY JACK KP
HO KYANO KP
HOROBEC-WAVER MORGAN KP
ILAGAN JORJA KP
KHAMVONGSA KHARSUN KP
KROEKER CADE KP
KULLMAN LAURYNN KP
LITMAN MEMPHIS KP
LUDWIG SAMUEL KP
OTTO CRISTIANO KP
PANTEL ALEXANDRE KP
POPKEY MALLORY KP
POSTHUMUS BENJAMIN KP
ROSHKA GRACE KP
SCHRODER CAMERON KP
SMEALL-MATTHES CASSANDRA KP
TU NICOLE-JAZMINE KP
WANG BROOKS KP
WEPRUK CHRISTOPHER KP
KAZENGA TETA 1K
LUDWIG JOSHUA 1K
KO EMMA 3L
WAT AUDREA 3L
WAT SEBASTIAN 4K
KNUTSSON COLE 4L
FREEMAN ALEXA 5K
GINN OWEN 7K
ORAM CHERILYN 7K
DESMARAIS STEPHANIE 7L
KO OLIVER 7L
[2]

UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Just a reminder to parents and students that there are
no classes on Monday, September 28 th .
PARENT VOLUNTEERS - PARENTS
REPORTING TO THE OFFICE
In accordance with the Divisional Fire Safety Plan,
all visitors, volunteers, and parents coming to spend
time in the building must report to the office to sign
in. Identification tags will be handed out to visitors.
Anyone wandering around the school without a
nametag will be asked by any staff member to
report to the office.
MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS
If a message is required for your son or daughter
due to an unforeseen reason during the school day,
we request that you leave a message with our
secretaries. These messages will be communicated
to the child’s teacher or the child at lunch or prior to
the end of the school day. This ensures
uninterrupted instruction time in classes. We
appreciate your support with regards to this matter.
ARRIVAL and DISMISSAL
Students are expected to report to their classrooms
between 8:17 and 8:27 a.m. to prepare for classes.
Students may enter through their designated
entrance when the bell rings at 8:17 a.m. In case of
inclement weather (when wind chill is higher than -
27 or rain), students are allowed to enter at their
respective doors before 8:17 a.m. Supervision is
provided at the front and back doors between 8:05
and 8:17 A.M. We do not provide supervision on
the north side before and after school. This area is
out of bounds for the students at these times. At
dismissal time, students are expected to walk home
or take the bus unless an activity has been organized
for them at school. *If picking up your children, we
request that all parents meet them outside at the
back of the school near their designated entrance
and exit. Parents, please do not make your way to
the child’s classroom to meet them unless you have
an arranged meeting with the teacher. Students who
[3]
take the bus or go to either the St. Germain Daycare
or Faith Children’s Centre use the front entrance
only. This protocol allows for better flow of
students exiting the classrooms and reduces
congestion in the hallways. We thank you for your
compliance in this matter.
N.B. SHOULD A STUDENT MISS THE BUS,
THE STUDENT WILL REPORT TO THE
OFFICE AND PARENTS WILL BE
CONTACTED.
SHOULD A STUDENT MISS THEIR STOP,
THEY WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO
SCHOOL BE PICKED UP BY PARENTS.
ATTENDANCE
Because of the direct relationship between
attendance and academic achievement, all students
are encouraged to attend school regularly. Students
must bring notes to their teachers for absences from
school.
LATENESS POLICY
Students are expected to be on time for all classes.
When a student arrives late, it disrupts the learning
environment for students and teachers. Students
arriving late must report to the office for a late slip
before proceeding to class. If lateness persists, the
administration will call the parents to discuss.
VOLUNTEERS ARE WELCOME
Parents are always welcome at the school. If you
have some time to contribute, we can always use the
help. Please contact the school at 254-0120 if you
wish to become a parent volunteer. All parent
volunteers must sign in at the school office upon
arrival.
HATS OFF TO…
A) Our caretaker, M. Trudel and our custodians,
Mme Armstrong and Mme Lacasse for all their
efforts prior to the first day of school. The
school both inside and out looked great!

B) Our office staff of Mme Laurin and Mme
Dusablon for their professionalism and making
the start up a smooth process. Bravo!
C) All the staff for being prepared for this new
school year and for their commitment in
ensuring a positive start with their students.
D) All parents for making the Opening Day
Conferences such a success and a smooth start
to the school year for all students.
PLAYGROUND SAFETY AND
SUPERVISION
At École St. Gemain, we have weekly inspections
of the playground. There is supervision in the
morning from 8:05 to 8:17 in the morning and at all
the recesses. There is no supervision after school
however, so parents are responsible for children
who use the playground after 3:00 p.m.
At dismissal time, students are expected to walk
home or take the bus unless an activity has been
organized for them at school. We ask parent
cooperation at this time.
SCHOOL PICTURES
patrols crossing areas. Your support will be truly
appreciated in assuring your children’s safety. We
thank our Grade 7 & 8 students who helped out
during the first week.
SCHOOL BUS
Just a reminder that the bus loop is to be used by
divisional school buses only. This great loop makes
it very safe for our students to load and unload and
also eliminates traffic congestion.
Please see the “Traffic Parking and
Safety” enclosure for more detailed
information.
ANNUAL WELCOME BACK
CARNIVAL & BBQ
We are looking forward to seeing
everyone on Thursday, September 17th
from 5:00 –7:00 p.m. The barbecue
supper and fair are hosted by the
Parent Advisory Council.
will be taken on
Monday, October 19 th
starting at 8:30 A.M.
P.S. Retakes on November 10, 2009
SCHOOL PATROL CROSSING
Our grade 5 and 6 school patrols are in place for the
2009-2010 school year. They provide assistance to
students at the designated street crossings near the
school. We are asking our community to support
their efforts and acknowledge their presence when
on duty. Parents and students are reminded to use
the designated crossing areas on their way to and
from school. We also are asking parents who drive
and pick up their children to never stop in the
[4]
REMINDER OF PROCEDURES
Administration of Prescribed Medication
The Louis Riel School Division acknowledges the
fact that certain students may require prescribed
medication during the school day in order to
function as near to their potential as possible.
School personnel are permitted to administer this
medication during school hours only if the parent(s)
or legal guardian(s) of the students completes a new
authorization form each school year as well as
whenever the physician changes the prescription. If
you require one of these forms, please come by the
office.

LUNCH PROGRAM
DIVISIONAL POLICY JLIAA
École St. Germain will again be offering a
supervised lunch program for all students this year.
As approved at the June meeting of the Parent
Advisory Council, École St. Germain lunch fee will
be:
$90.00 per child to a maximum of $270.00
This fee ensures that we are able to maintain 6-7
supervisors, canteen services for Grades 4-8,
supervision for Kindergarten student arrival at
noon, and additional supervision for activities
during winter months.
Please note that transported students must pay
the lunch fee as per Board motion.
Please submit a cheque for the full amount of
$90.00/year for each and every child per family or 2
post-dated cheques – 1 for $36.00, dated September
1 st , 2009 and the other for $54. dated February 1 st ,
2010. Please send in an envelope with the child’s
and teacher’s name on it before Friday, September
11, 2009.
MILK PROGRAM & CANTEEN
Please note that Grade 1 to 3 students having lunch
at school may purchase white or chocolate milk for
75 cents. Milk cards for 20 beverages can be
purchased at a price of $15.00. We also have a
canteen for students in Grades 4 to 8.
PEANUT SAFE SCHOOL
There are several children attending École St.
Germain who suffer a LIFE-THREATENING
allergy to peanut butter and nuts. Even exposure to
a tiny amount of this item could be potentially
serious and life threatening.
We the staff and parent community strive to provide
a safe environment for all our students. To this end,
we have reviewed the individual needs of our
students and the procedures and policies presently
in place. We can all play a role in preventing such a
dangerous and frightening situation at school.
Although the specific child and family must take
responsibility to avoid exposure, we can also help to
make the school environment safer.
We therefore ask your co-operation. We ask that:
You avoid sending all snacks or items
containing peanuts/nuts with your child
to school including food, snacks, or
chips cooked in peanut oil
You inform your child’s teacher before
giving food products to any children,
other than your own at school.
Many common areas, for example mini-gym,
computer lab, library, and music room must also be
safeguarded. We will therefore ask students who
forget and bring peanut butter/nuts to school to eat
their lunch in a designated area. We will then
ensure that the tables in this area are properly
washed.
It is imperative that we all teach children to respect
this very serious situation and discourage teasing or
threatening of the allergic child.
We recognize that this may be an inconvenience for
you, but please realize how important your cooperation
is. We would take the same care should
your child have such a health care need.
Thank you for your consideration and support in
this matter. As a school team, we will do our
utmost to ensure the safety of all students.
MUSICAL NOTES
All Grade 7 Band Students and Parents are asked
to attend the “First Lesson” night on either
September 21 st or 22 nd .
The evening will start at 7:00 in the band room at
École St. Germain where students will be then sent
to various rooms according to instrument. There,
they will be taught how to assemble, take care of
and play their particular instrument by specialist
instructors.
[5]

Please make every effort to attend one of the two
sessions offered. This is an opportunity for
instruction that cannot be duplicated in the band
room.
STUDENT SERVICES
The student services team provides assistance and
support to students through a consultativecollaborative
approach with the classroom teacher.
The team works collaboratively with teachers,
parents, administrators, other clinicians (Clinical
Services Unit: psychologist, social workers,
occupational therapist, etc.) and most importantly,
the students.
Referrals for services are generally requested by the
teachers, however, they may originate from the
parents, the administrators or from the student.
Parents are kept informed of the developments and
progress of their child once he/she is referred for
services. Services may be on a consultative basis or
direct intervention. In all cases, the aim is to keep
the students integrated in the regular classroom and
to provide programs to meet the needs of the
students to enhance learning and self-esteem. This
may be done individually as well as in small and
large groups. Our Student Services Team consists
of: Jeanne Rémillard (Resource / Early Reading
Intervention), Joëlle Émond (Counselling) and
Paulette Sabourin (Resource) on days 1, 3 and 5 in
the afternoon.
COUNSELLING PROGRAM
The counsellor works in the school within
classrooms, with small groups or on an individual
basis. Students may be referred by school staff or
can self-refer in order to be seen by the counsellor.
Parents may also contact the counsellor at the
school in order to request that their child be seen.
The counselling program’s objectives are to teach
students how to solve problems, make their own
decisions and communicate appropriately with
others. Students are taught to accept responsibility
for their own behaviour and to develop acceptance
and understanding for others. The counsellor,
Joëlle Émond, can be reached at school by calling
254-0120.
CLINICAL SERVICES UNIT
The Clinical Services Unit gives us valuable
assistance through key services such as:
Psychology, Social Work and Speech & Hearing.
These services are free of charge to parents. For the
2009-2010 school year, our psychologist is Gilles
Bisson, our social worker is Denise Poirier and the
Speech and Language Therapist is Pat Lumsden.
STAFF MEETING/EARLY DISMISSAL
DATES FOR THE 2009-2010 SCHOOL
YEAR
(2:00 p.m. dismissal)
4 th Tuesday of the month
September 22, 2009 Staff meeting
October 27, 2009 Staff meeting
November 24, 2009 Staff meeting
December 18, 2009 Last day of school before
Christmas Holidays
January 26, 2010
February 23, 2010
March 23, 2010
April 27, 2010
May 25, 2010
June 30, 2010
N.B.
Staff meeting
Staff meeting
Staff meeting
Staff meeting
Staff meeting
Last day of school
No staff meetings in December and June!
FRENCH IMMERSION RESOURCES
Check out the Canadian Parents for French website
to find great resources online. www.cpf.ca
Call the 233-ALLÔ Information number to learn
about Francophone activities in our community.
French for Life also has excellent resources for
parents.http://www.frenchforlife.ca/Parents.htm
[6]

SCHOOL SAFETY MAP WITH DROP OFF AREAS
The École St. Germain Parent Advisory Council, in conjunction with the administration,
are very concerned about the safety of our students when they are dropped off and
picked up at school. We are especially concerned about encouraging parents to be good
models through responsible driving. We know that our young people learn from our
actions and therefore, we recommend the following:
St-Timothy’s
Parking lot
Assigned
Parking only
Daycare
École St. Germain
John Forsyth Rd.
Loading
Zone
DROP OFF AREAS =
Drop off all children and pick them up in St. Timothy’s Church parking lot (the school
has received permission from the church) or visitors’ parking at the back of the staff
parking lot.
1. DO NOT ENTER THE BUS LOOP (between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m)
2. Drop off the children and pick them up in the loading zone.
3. Do not drop off the children in the day-care “drop-off” lots.
4. Avoid making U-turns and parking in places that obstruct the view of our patrols on
duty.
5. Do not drop off the children in Condominium parking lot.

NO CHILD WITHOUT
Free MedicAlert Membership for Students at Our School
The Canadian MedicAlert® Foundation has developed a program to protect children and provide
school officials with the help they need to address concerns about students living with chronic medical
conditions, allergies or special needs.
This program is called No Child Without. It was developed to ensure children across Canada from
Junior Kindergarten up to their 14th birthday receive MedicAlert protection at no cost to the parent,
school or Board of Education. The program follows the child should they move to another school in
Canada. There is a significant benefit to the school because No Child Without blends in with the
school’s safety plan and illustrates the importance of children’s health and safety.
As a national charitable organization, MedicAlert has been protecting people for 45 years through
customized medical identification. Over one million Canadians have chosen MedicAlert to provide
them with protection and peace of mind in case of a medical emergency.
During the school day, students can come in contact with up to five adults responsible for their care and
safety. Before and after school programs, recess, lunch and the classroom are often the responsibility of
different individuals.
In case of a medical emergency, children can be the most vulnerable because they are often too young,
too afraid or too hurt to express themselves. That is why parents often feel better knowing theirchildren’s
MedicAlert identification can speak for them if they’re not around
The program is being funded by the Canadian MedicAlert Foundation, Lions Clubs across Canada,
grants from the Government of Canada and corporate and local businesses.
Students receive a choice of a bracelet or necklet listing their medical conditions, allergies and or
medications with their identification number, a wallet card, access to the 24 Hour Emergency Hotline,
notification, of personal emergency contacts at the time of emergency and a follow-up with parents
after the emergency call is made to the Hotline.
No Child Without brochures can be obtained from the school office. If you choose to participate in the
program, contact MedicAlert directly after obtaining the brochure. Your child’s MedicAlert
identification and wallet card will be sent to you within two to three weeks.
If your child is already a member of MedicAlert, call MedicAlert directly to transfer your child to the
No Child Without program.
Visit www.nochildwithout.ca to learn more about the program.

Eight Steps Toward a More Satisfying Life
Want to lift your level of happiness? Here are some practical suggestions from University of California
psychologist Sonja Lyubornirsky, based on research findings by her and others. Satisfaction (at least a
temporary boost) guaranteed.
1. Count your blessings. One way to do this is with a “gratitude journal” in which you write down three
to five things for which you are currently thankful — form the mundane (your peonies are in bloom) to
the magnificent (a child’s first steps). Do this once a week, say, on Sunday night. Keep it fresh by
varying your entries as much as possible.
2. Practice acts of kindness. These should be both random (let that harried mom go ahead of you in the
checkout line) and systematic (bring Sunday supper to an elderly neighbor). Being kind to others,
whether friends or strangers, triggers a cascade of positive effects-it makes you feel generous and
capable, gives you a greater sense of connection with others and wins you smiles, approval and
reciprocated kindness-all happiness boosters.
3. Savor life’s joys. Pay close attention to momentary pleasures and wonders. Focus on the sweetness
of a ripe strawberry or the warmth of the sun when you step Out from the shade. Some psychologists
suggest taking “mental photographs” of the pleasurable moments to review in less happy times.
4. Thank a mentor. If there’s someone whom you owe a debt of gratitude for guiding you at one of
life’s crossroads, don’t wait to express your appreciation — in detail and, if possible, in person.
5. Learn to forgive. Let go of anger and resentment by writing a letter of forgiveness to a person who
has hurt or wronged you. Inability to forgive is associated with persistent rumination or dwelling on
revenge, while forgiving allows you to move on.
6. Invest time and energy in friends and family. Where you live, how much money you make, your job
title and even your health have surprisingly small effects on your satisfaction with life. The biggest
factor appears to be strong personal relationships.
7. Take care of your body. Getting plenty of sleep, exercising, stretching, smiling and laughing can all
enhance your mood in the short term. Practiced regularly, they can help make your daily life more
satisfying.
8. Develop strategies for coping with stress and hardships. There is no avoiding hard times. Religious
faith has been shown to help people cope, but so do the secular beliefs enshrined in axioms like “This
too shall pass” and “That which doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” The trick is that you have to
believe them.
Source: Time Magazine January 2005

Bullying Prevention – Everyone’s Responsibility
Students throughout the province are heading back to school with anticipation – excited to meet
their new teachers and re-connect with friends. For most young people this is a positive
experience; unfortunately for others, feelings of anxiety and fear as a result of bullying re-emerge.
Educators are committed to providing respectful, caring, safe learning environments. Parents play
a key role in these efforts. By working together, parents, educators and the broader community can
address bullying in an effective, sustained manner.
With September upon us, it is timely to gain a better understanding of bullying dynamics, and share
strategies to prevent and respond to it. Initiatives already in place include the Province’s enactment
of Safe Schools Legislation, the development of school division policies, and the implementation
of numerous program strategies and policies. Despite those efforts, problems such as bullying
continue to threaten the emotional and physical safety of some students. Bullying is a complex,
deeply rooted problem taking its toll on everyone affected by it. There is no one single solution to
bullying. It requires a continued, concerted effort by the home, school and the broader community.
What is bullying?
Bullying is an intentional, repeated assertion of power.
Forms of bullying:
• Verbal: name calling, nasty comments, false accusations, racist slurs, homophobic
comments, sarcastic put-downs, spreading vicious rumours, threats.
• Relational: excluding, isolating, ruining reputations, destroying friendships, ignoring,
and glaring.
• Physical: extorting, physical aggression – pushing, punching, kicking, beating, spitting,
pinching, biting.
• Electronic: hurtful emails, cell phone text messages, instant messaging, personal
websites and online polls.
Possible Warning Signs of Victimization:
• Prolonged unhappiness, anxiety, depression and/or outbreaks of anger
• Feelings of shame
• On-going sleep problems, poor appetite, stomach and/or head aches
• Low self-worth
• Unexplained injuries
• Damaged or missing possessions
• Requests for extra money

• Disinterest in school
• Reluctance to go to school
• Concerned about route to and from school
• Reluctance to spend time with friends
• Few friends
How to address bullying?
Parents
Often children are reluctant to report bullying because they think that it will make matters worse.
When parents engage in ongoing conversations about bullying, children are more likely to share
their own experiences or the experiences of others.
• Assure your child that bullying can stop when adults (parents, teachers, coaches, etc) are
aware of the problem.
• Recognize that it takes courage for your child to report bullying.
• Listen carefully to the details of incidents (who was involved, what happened, where did the
bullying occur).
• Work closely with your child’s school to address the problem. Contact your child’s teacher
first. Follow-up with the principal if necessary.
• Do not contact the bully’s parents. It can make matters worse. The school will contact the
children and parents involved in the situation.
• Do not suggest that your child ignore the problem. This strategy allows the bullying to
continue.
• Do not suggest retaliation. It could escalate the intensity of the incidents. It is not an
effective way to address the problem. Finally, your child may be disciplined for his/her
actions.
• Encourage your child to project confidence – stand tall, make eye contact.
• Help all children and youth develop friendships with caring, respectful peers. Focus on
students who are positive leaders among their peers.
• Help them identify adults who will listen, be supportive and help.
• Take every opportunity to build your child’s confidence. Accentuate his/her strengths.
Encourage participation in school and community activities.
• Establish behavioural expectations – make it clear that bullying is unacceptable.
• Model respectful, inclusive interactions with others.
• Encourage positive, caring relationships between your child and other adults. Bonding with
respectful adults is a significant protective factor.
• Continue to have regular contact with the school.
Educators
• Contribute to awareness and understanding of bullying dynamics through pre-service and
in-service training.
• Engage in on-going communication with parents.
• Share resources at the school and community level.
• Establish behavioural expectations – make it clear that bullying is unacceptable.

• Conduct surveys to determine the nature and extent of bullying.
• Implement a confidential, anonymous means to report bullying.
• Use survey data and reports to identify the students involved, as well as the time and
location of bullying incidents.
• Implement a visible, mobile, responsive adult supervision system.
• Intervene immediately when a bullying incident is encountered or reported.
• Track incidents of bullying.
• Work with parents to ensure that all children are safe at school.
• Provide support, counselling for victimized students.
• Determine logical, formative consequences for the bully.
• Avoid peer mediation. It is not appropriate given the imbalance of power.
• Determine the root causes of a bully’s behaviour.
• Implement appropriate interventions – focus on accountability, as well as developing
empathy and sensitivity.
• Consider restorative practices.
• If a student is engaged in bullying behaviours, teach him/her positive, respectful ways to
treat others.
• Follow up with parents of students involved in bullying.
• Empower all students by engaging them in regular classroom meetings about bullying.
• Bystanders play a critical role. If they are fearful, lack confidence and/or a safe, effective
means to intervene, the bullying is likely to continue.
• Work with students to build their confidence and establish a plan of action – share strategies
to help others, intervene in a safe manner and report incidents of bullying.
• Develop the leadership potential of all students.
• Pair older students with younger ones. Establish a buddy system between peers.
• Model respectful, caring interactions with other adults and young people.
• Develop positive relationships with students.
• Continue to engage in regular conversations with parents.
Bullying prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Parents, educators, students, members of the
broader community and the media have a role to play in addressing the problem. When there is
a long-term, coordinated commitment, we can make a difference and all young people will
thrive.
Submitted by Dr. Mary Hall, Director, Safe Schools Manitoba
www.safeschoolsmanitoba.ca

MOTHERS AND SONS
CONNECT
Based on the “Mothers and Daughters in
Touch” program
GAMES AND ACTIVITIES TO BUILD
THESE SKILLS:
• Communicating
• Problem solving
• Handling peer pressure
• Making healthy choices
A CHANCE TO EXPLORE:
• Values
• Growing up
• Trust
• Feelings
• Body image
• Self esteem
• Puberty
For moms and their 10-12
year old sons
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 30 TO
NOVEMBER 4, 2009
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
#6 - 845 DAKOTA ST.
Sign up now!
Space is limited.
Call Us To Register:
(204) 255-4840
Youville Centre is a community health resource
that offers nurses and other health care professionals who
will work with individuals, families and community groups
for better health. We offer a friendly atmosphere of trust,
hope, and respect. All information is confidential.

Parent Advisory Council News…
Welcome back to everyone from the École St. Germain Parent Advisory Council (PAC)! September is
always a busy time of year, but I hope that you will all take a moment to consider joining the fantastic
group of parents which forms PAC.
PAC exists to enhance our children’s educational experience through events such as the Fall
Barbeque, Movie Nights, the French Cultural Family Fun Night, and the Scholastic Book Fair. PAC
also funds student leadership programs, subsidizes the Grade 8 Farewell Celebration, helps purchase
items for the school, and guides the Keen on Green / Vert C’est Super landscape project (check out
the new picnic tables!).
You can join PAC at any meeting during the year. Please note that childcare is available, free of
charge, at these meetings. However, we ask for advance notice of your attendance so that we
can arrange for the babysitters to attend.
If you have any questions, or are interested in attending the next PAC meeting and require childcare,
please call the office at 254-0120 and leave your name and phone number. Someone from PAC will
return your call.
Our next meeting dates:
Wednesday September 16th, 7pm, in the library
Wednesday October 7th, 7pm, in the library
The Fall Barbeque is Coming!!
Our annual Fall Barbeque will be held on Thursday, September 17 th from 5 – 7 pm, rain or shine!
A pamphlet / food order form should be in your home any day.
There is a great turn-out every year for this event because it is SO MUCH FUN! It is a great chance to
touch base with your child’s teachers and friends, and other parents in the school. And let’s face it, it
is always nice when someone else does the cooking!
Please remember that events like this would never happen without volunteers. Please consider giving
a half-hour of your time to support this annual event.
QSP Magazine Fundraiser
Our first fundraiser of this year will be the QSP Magazine Fundraiser. Magazines can make perfect
year-long gifts for students from grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. More information will be coming
out in early October. If you are beginning to get renewal notices for your magazines, please wait to
renew through this fundraiser, as PAC receives a percentage of every dollar spent, and QSP will
honour any lower price offers you attach to your order.
Enjoy the craziness of September -- these moments pass by like water through your fingers

2009 - 2010 École St. Germain Calendar
September
8 Administration Day (am)
8 Opening Day Conferences (12:30 – 6:00 p.m.)
9 Opening Day Conferences (8:30 – 12:00 p.m.)
10 First day of classes (Grades 1 – 8)
17 Welcome Back Barbecue (5:00 – 7:00 p.m)
22 Staff meeting (2:00 pm dismissal)
28 Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
October
12 Thanksgiving Day (NO SCHOOL)
19 Photo Day
23 Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
27 Staff Meeting (2:00 p.m. dismissal)
November
6 Administration Day (NO SCHOOL)
10 Photo retakes
17 Student Progress Reports sent home
24 Staff meeting (2:00 pm dismissal)
24 & 26 Student Progress Conferences (evening)
27 Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
December
14 & 15 Christmas Concert - Tentative dates
18 Last day of classes (2:00 pm dismissal)
January
4 Classes resume
26 Staff meeting (2:00 pm dismissal)
February
12 Administration Day (NO SCHOOL)
15 Louis Riel Day (NO SCHOOL)
19 Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
23 Staff meeting (2:00 pm dismissal)
26 Student Progress Reports sent home
March
4 Student Progress Conferences (evening)
23 Staff meeting (2:00 p.m. dismissal)
26 Last day of classes before spring break
29 - April 2 Spring Break Week
April
2 Good Friday (NO SCHOOL)
5 Classes resume
26 Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
27 Staff meeting (2:00 dismissal)
May
14 Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL)
24 Victoria Day (NO SCHOOL)
25 Staff Meeting (2:00 p.m. dismissal)
June
18 Administration Day (NO SCHOOL)
29 Student Progress Reports sent home
30 Last Day (2:00 p.m. dismissal)
Updated information is available on
our web calendar. Visit
www.lrsd.net/schools/stgermain/N