October - Teston Village Public School

Teston Village Public School
80 Murray Farm Lane, Maple, Ontario L6A 3G1
Tel: (905) 417-0555 Fax: (905) 417-8368
E-mail: teston.village.ps@yrdsb.edu.on.ca
Website: www.testonvillag.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.ca
Principal
Mr. David Nimmo
Vice Principal
Mrs. Mary Oppedisano
Superintendent of
Schools
Mr. Robert Dunn
(905) 764-6830
Trustee
Mrs. Anna Debartolo
60 Wellington Street
West, Aurora, Ontario
L4G 3H2
(905) 727-0022
Ext. 2829
Inside this issue:
Newsletter - e-mail 2
Peanut/Nut Safe
Environment
Character Corner 2
Eco-club
From the Library
Literacy Corner 4
Breakfast Program
Food Drive
Maple Library Programs
Awards
Meet the Teacher Night 7
School Council 7
Calendar 8
2
3
5
6
From the Office:
Where did September go We would like to thank staff, students and parents
for their patience and understanding during our reorganization. A reorganization
of classes is the last thing we want to do, however in this case
we were 50 students short of our projection. This was a result of families
moving away, us not receiving as many new families into our community, as
well as a new housing complex not producing the number of students we
projected. Once again thank you to all. The changes all went very smoothly.
Our EQAO results have been published on the EQAO web site. At Teston
Village we committed to Improving Reading Comprehension through Assessment
for Learning, and we are pleased with our results this year. However,
our work continues as we learn from our results and take direction from the
Ministry from one year to the next. The results of our students at or
above the Provincial standard are as follows:
Grade 3 Grade 6
Reading 71% Reading 82%
Writing 95% Writing 87%
Math 90% Math 78%
Individual reports will be sent home in the near future to students now in
grades 4 and 7.
We will continue to use the newsletter as our main source of information to
parents. Please make sure you read it or have it read to you. Please know
that you are always welcome at Teston Village and we appreciate your support.
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated in Canada by many Canadians. Its roots
go back to before Canada was a country and farming was a major industry.
It was a time to give thanks for the years’ harvest.
Today people get together with family and celebrate
in their own ways.
On behalf of the staff Happy Thanksgiving!
October, 2008

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Teston Village Public School
Peanut/Nut Safe Environments
Teston Village Public School is a nut
safe environment. We appreciate
your support in working towards providing
a safe environment for all of
our students.
What do I do
The most important thing you can do is to avoid
sending any foods from home that may contain peanuts
and/or nuts. Check the ingredient list for
peanut oil, peanut butter, peanut sauce, peanut
flour, peanut meal, mixed nuts, ground nuts,
goober nuts, goober peas, artificial nuts and
granola nuts. There are many hidden sources of
peanuts/nuts in foods. Some examples include
cookies, chocolate, granola bars, some cereal bars,
and some vegetable oils and shortening.
How do I know if a food contains peanuts or nuts
• Read the labels to see if peanuts/nuts are
present.
• Check the list of ingredients each time you
buy a product. Remember, ingredients may
change.
• Look for “may contain peanuts/nuts” on
the label.
• Try to avoid products that do not carry a
list of ingredients.
• Imported, non-Canadian products have
different labeling requirements, so read
the label carefully when choosing these
products.
School starts at 8:15 a.m. sharp!
Thank you to the many parents who are
dropping their children off on time. Notices
will be sent home to advise parents
of student lateness and absence. This disrupts
the learning happening in class and puts your child
behind in their learning.
Please help us prepare your child for success by
having them at school and on time!
Good News:
Teston Village is going GREEN!
We are trying to use less paper here at the office!
If you would like the monthly newsletter
e-mailed to you please go to our website and
click on the link below:
Subscribe to Our Mail List
Opt-in/Opt-out
(Pop-up Windows to be enabled)
LUNCH ROUTINES REMINDERS
• Students without permission are
not allowed to go home for lunch
• Students going home for lunch are
to return back to school and not
stop at the park
• Students who are staying for lunch are to eat
in their classrooms and stay on school property
• Lunches should be dropped off at the office
Character Trait for October is:
Responsibility:
We are accountable for all our actions.
We follow through on our commitments.
SAFE SCHOOLS INFORMATION
• Doors are locked once students enter school
• All parents and visitors are to enter through
the front door near the office
• At no time should parents be in the hall
without checking in the office
• Your child's safety and protection is
most important to all of us, please help
us by following these tips

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Teston Village Public School
From TVPS Eco Club:
The Eco Club (formerly called the Environmental Club) has started another new year and we have
many projects and initiatives planned for TVPS. Beginning October 6th, we will be collecting used
printer cartridges, old batteries and old cell phones from home so we can properly recycle and dispose
of these items instead of putting them in a regular garbage where they will simply sit forever in
a landfill. There will be collection boxes outside of the office and we encourage everyone to bring in their used
batteries, cell phone and printer cartridges to be properly recycled.
The week of October 13th will be litterless lunch week at TVPS. Many students come to school with lunches that
have lots of packaging that will end up in landfills. We ask that all students come to school instead with lunches in
recyclable or reusable containers instead of wasteful packaging. Please try not to use aluminum foil, plastic wrap,
plastic bags or disposable containers. Instead, we encourage you to pack sandwiches and snacks in reusable Tupperware
or plastic containers that can be brought home every night, washed and reused the next day. Instead of
buying disposable juice boxes, we encourage you to buy a plastic or aluminum water bottle for drinks that can be
reused daily. Again this will limit the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills. We will also be implementing a
Boomerang Lunch policy this week. In an effort to show families the amount of garbage that results from not
using reusable containers for lunch, all packaging left over from lunch will be sent home. The Eco Club hopes that
this will encourage TVPS families to try to send litterless lunches throughout the school year and make a difference
in our community.
Several members of the Eco Club will be attending a Regional Environmental Action Forum October 30th to learn
how we at TVPS can become more environmentally friendly everyday.
Stay tuned for more Eco Club projects in the months to come.
From Teston Village Library …..
Good News!
Students are borrowing books once again from the Teston Village Pubic School Library.
The pleasure of reading a good book from the library is one that can be enjoyed over and over
again by all of our students. To ensure that every child is able to select from the entire collection, we ask that
you help us by supporting the following library policies:
· Students are asked to borrow two books at a time.
· Students may keep a book for one week. If they are not finished reading their book at the end of the
loan period, they may renew it. Of course, a student may always return a book before the end of the loan
period.
· For lost or damaged books (those that cannot be used again), students will be asked to pay for their replacement.
The cost is $15 to $25 for a hardcover, and $6 to $10 for a soft cover book. Should a child
recover the book after paying for it, the payment will be refunded, as long as the book is in good condition.
Please encourage your children to take good care of their library books so that all students may share and enjoy
them. We think you will agree that it is a much better use of the library budget to purchase new books for our
students, rather than repair damaged books or replace books that were lost or damaged.

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Teston Village Public School
Teachers in all classes have been teaching students to choose “Just Right” books. Research shows that students
need a rich supply of books they can read with little difficulty. Therefore it is critical that teachers and
parents encourage and support students to choose “Just Right” books when reading independently.
A “Just-Right” book is one that they can not only read fluently, and with a high level of accuracy, but it should
be a book that interests them, and that they can understand and discuss.
In classrooms teachers have used the following as a guideline for helping students achieve this:
I PICK CHART:
I choose a book
P urpose- Why do I want to read the book
I nterest- Does the book interest me
C omprehend – Am I understanding what I am reading
K now – I know most of the words (2-3 errors, the book is “JUST RIGHT”)
Happy Reading!
Homework Tips for Parents:
Homework consists of meaningful, relevant and engaging tasks which reinforce learning from the
classroom, reading being a priority.
1. Show an interest in your child's homework. Ask about what your child is learning and about
the work to be done. What are you learning Why is it important
2. Be a role model -- take the opportunity to read a book or newspaper, while your child does his/her homework.
Reading or working together helps create a learning atmosphere.
3. Teach your child how to be organized. Be sure he or she has and uses a homework folder, or agenda.
4. Make sure your child has a specific place to do homework that offers ample lighting, minimal noise and
plenty of work space.
5. Eliminate as many distractions as possible during study time. Be sure all the right study materials are
there -- paper, pens and pencils, books, a dictionary, a desk, etc. Limit TV time, and do not allow it during homework.
6. Try to relate the homework to your child's everyday life. For instance, fractions and measurement can
be learned as the child prepares a favourite food.
7. Encourage your child to establish a regular time to do homework. Developing a schedule might help avoid
procrastination. Create a regular schedule, allowing for adequate study and free time.
8. Meet with your child's teacher to discuss the nature of the approach to reading, spelling and other topics
that your child is being taught. Avoid simply giving an answer. Instead, ask questions that let your child think
and see the problem in smaller, sequential steps.
9. Praise your child for successfully completing homework. Nothing builds self-esteem like praise from parents.
10. Share any concerns with your child's teacher about the amount or type of homework assigned. Be sure to
let them know if your child is having difficulty or if they are unable to do most of it by themselves.

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Teston Village Public School
Health Corner-Don’t Forget your Breakfast!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it contributes to health and wellbeing
in numerous ways - especially for children. But because we're often in a hurry to get
out the door in the morning, breakfast is the meal most often skipped by children and
adults.
The key to eating a healthy breakfast is planning. Keep easy-to-prepare, healthy breakfast
items on-hand. Plan a few extra minutes each morning to prepare and eat breakfast.
Healthy Snack of the Month
Quick and Easy breakfast Ideas:
• Oatmeal sprinkled with raisins, cinnamon or fresh fruit such as blueberries or strawberries
• Pancakes or waffles. Add unsweetened applesauce, low-fat vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt, fresh
fruit (try strawberries, banana slices, or blueberries) or honey
• Whole grain cereal with low-fat milk, topped with fruit such as banana or strawberry
slices, blueberries, raisins, or dried cranberries.
• Low-fat vanilla or fruit-flavored yogurt topped with unsweetened, whole grain cereal, and a
piece of fresh fruit, such as an apple.
• Whole grain breakfast bar, fresh fruit (try a banana), and low-fat milk.
BREAKFAST PR0GRAM
Beginning Monday, October 6th, 2008. Teston Village will be providing cold cereal
and toast to students who miss breakfast at home, or who arrive at school and are
still hungry.
This will give students the opportunity to start their day with a full stomach to maximize
learning.
Breakfast will be provided from 8:00—8:15 a.m. in the kitchenette.
FOOD DRIVE INITIATIVE
The Teston Village Student Leadership Association
is taking on their first initiative.
They are organizing their:
1st FOOD DRIVE which will be begin on
October 6th to October 17th.
Please bring in non-perishable items in support
of our efforts.
All items will be picked up
by the end of the day on
October 17th.
WATCH FOR MORE DETAILS!!
HALLOWEEN!!!!
A reminder to parents and students that Halloween
is coming. On Friday, October 31st
the children will be involved in activities that
are appropriate for their age. Teachers will be
sending home additional information indicating what they
have planned. If you are sending in any food items, please
make sure there are no nuts or nut products in them.
Following Halloween, we request that you carefully sort
the candy with your children. This is a good safety practice.
We also request that you remove any candy that contain
nuts or nut products. We have several students who
are severely allergic to nuts and nut products.

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Teston Village Public School
MAPLE PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS – September/October 2008
10190 Keele Street, Maple, Ontario L6A 1G3
(905) 653-READ (7323)
BORN TO READ
Tuesdays, 1:30 p.m.
Join us for an interactive program for parents and caregivers
with infants up to 18 months. We will share stories, songs,
rhymes and early literacy activities that you can continue to
enjoy at home! Please drop in!
TODDLING TO READ
Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.
This program features stories, songs, and action rhymes for
toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years, with their parents and
caregivers. Toddlers will enjoy lots of stimulation and activity.
Please drop in.
READY TO READ
Thursdays, 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a half-hour of stories, fingerplays and activities
for children aged 5 years and under and their parents and
caregivers. Come share great ideas for developing early literacy
skills and a love of reading. Please drop in.
RED CROSS BABYSITTING TRAINING
Saturday, September 27 th , 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Canadian Red Cross will prepare you for your first babysitting
job. For ages 11 to 16 years. Admission is $49.00.
Please pre-register at the Check Out Desk.
KIDS’ BOOK CHAT
Monday, September 29, 7:00 p.m.
Monday, October 27, 7:00 p.m.
Pick up your copy of the book at the library, read it, and then
come and let us know if you loved it or hated it! September’s
selection is Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis (books available now
at the Information Desk); and October’s selection is Diary of
a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules by Jeff Kinney (books available
Sept. 30 at the Information Desk). For ages 8-12.
SEKAI NO ANIME
Thursday, September 25 th , 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 rd , 7:00 p.m.
Can’t get enough anime Is manga the only thing you read Do
you love Pokémon, Yu Gi Oh and InuYasha Come and read the
latest manga, learn to draw anime-style and watch your favourite
episodes too! For ages 8-12. Please drop in.
THANKSGIVING STORYTIME
Monday, October 6 th , 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a fun-filled storytime featuring songs, activities
and fingerplays as we celebrate Thanksgiving! For children of
all ages, with a parent or caregiver. Please drop in.
FIRE SAFETY STORYTIME WITH FIREMAN RICK
Thursday, October 9, 10:30 a.m.
Join Fireman Rick as he visits Storytime to promote fire
safety and fire prevention for the whole family. Please drop
in.
HALLOWEEN IS COMING!
Thursday, October 30, 7:00 p.m.
Halloween is just around the corner! Bring the family and join
us for an evening of spooky stories, fearsome fingerplays and
scary songs! For all ages. Please drop in.
Oct 1st -
ATTENDANCE AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS TO
MS. MALIK’S CLASS
FOR BEST ATTENDANCE FOR THE
MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
GOLDEN GARBAGE CAN AWARD
CONGRATULATIONS TO
MR. GERNSTEIN’S CLASS
FOR THE CLEANEST CLASS FOR THE
MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
SIGNIFICANT FAITH DAYS
Rosh Hashanah
October 1st - Eid-ul-Fitr
October 9th - Yom Kippur
October 13th - Thanksgiving Day
October 28th - Diwali

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Teston Village Public School
TESTON VILLAGE PUBLIC SCHOOL
CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO OUR
2 nd MEET THE TEACHER NIGHT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7 TH , 2008
7:00 — 8:00pm
Come out and meet the staff, and other parents.
Coffee & Tea will be served.
COOKIES WILL BE SOLD FOR $1.00
PLEASE HELP SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL!!!!!!!
School Council
Just a reminder that the 1st School Council meeting will be held on
Wednesday October 15th,2008.
The election of the School Council Executive will be held at our first School Council meeting.
Once parents have been elected to the School Council, those parents will elect the Executive
of the School Council. Please join us and learn more about this year’s initiatives
October 15th, 2008 in the school Library 7:00—8:00 p.m.
Important Dates
October 03 - Pizza Day
04 - Food Drive & Eco Club Assembly
06 - Mr. Weisinger’s class at BORC
07 - Mr. Khan’s class at BORC
07 - Meet the Teacher night 7:00—8:00 p.m.
13 - Thanksgiving Day - No School
14 - Samosa Day
15 - Area Cross Country Meet
15 - School Council Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
15 - Mon/Wed Kdgn Trip - Pucks Farm
16 - Tues/Thurs Kdgn Trip - Pucks Farm
22 - Regional Cross Country Meet
23 - Gr. 1’s going to Round the Bend Farm
24 - P.A. DAY—NO SCHOOL
30 - Gr. 7 Hepatitis/Meningitis Immunization
31 - Good News Assembly
31 - Halloween
31 - Pizza Day