flag pole door - Ross Doan Public School

York Region District School Board September 2011
Ross Doan Public School
Administrative Staff
Principal
Mrs. Bernadette Smith
Office Staff
Mrs. Cathy Eden
Ms. Rose Kipling
Phone: 905-884-4022
Fax: 905-884-4025
www.rossdoan.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.ca
Superintendent
Mrs. Karen Friedman
Phone: 905-884-4477
Trustee
Ms. Carol Chan
Daily Schedule
Entry Bell 8:55 a.m.
Instructional 9:00-10:40
Recess 10:40-11:10
Instructional 11:10-12:50
Lunch 12:50-1:50
Instructional 12:50 - 3:30
Dismissal 3:30 p.m.
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Happy New School Year! We hope that you and your family had an enjoyable and welldeserved
summer break. I would like to thank all the dedicated staff members of Ross
Doan for all the preparatory work and you, the members of our school community, for
your continued support as we work together to ensure a healthy, safe, and engaging
school environment for all our students. I am thrilled to be joining such a dynamic team
of educators and being a part of the Ross Doan community.
We welcome several staff joining our team at Ross Doan this year.
Ms. Kipling, our new Secretary, who will be here on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and
alternate Fridays.
Mr. Leibrecht and Mrs. Leonard who will be sharing the teaching of a grade 4
class.
Ms. Malik, Long Term Occasional Teacher for Ms. Goldberg who is currently on
maternity leave.
Ms. Waiser (Reading Recovery) and Ms. Pyle (Grade 1) who will be taking on Ms.
Khaira‟s responsibilities while on maternity leave.
During the first few weeks of school, we will establish a safe and supportive learning environment
where students will be made aware of our curriculum expectations, School
Code of Behaviour, and routines. We are supporting our students to set goals for themselves
as learners and as individuals in our community. You will notice on the bulletin
board outside of the main office that we are introducing school-wide goals that we will
work toward together to achieve as a collective. Our September Goal is Meet & Greet
which will support our effort to continue building an inviting and welcoming environment
for all. Please review the information that is outlined in the Student Agenda that
will be distributed by the end of next week. Thank you for supporting us in implementing
our rules and procedures and for showing your children that you value education and
that you believe in them.
We anticipate a great year ahead as we continue working with your children in diverse
ways. Throughout the year, we will keep you updated and informed through our
monthly school newsletters, school website, school council minutes, school sign, and
classroom newsletters of all the news and events at Ross Doan. Stay tuned!
Lastly, on behalf of the staff at Ross Doan, I would like to thank you for entrusting your
children in our care. We will do our best to help your children reach their potential and
have a successful 2011/2012 year at the school.
Sincerely,
Bernadette Smith
Please remember that the first place to visit at school is the office. The only way that we can assure the
safety of all students is with your full participation! A “Sign-In” binder is located in the office, and requires
all visitors or volunteers to sign in when entering the building. Please sign in at the office and obtain a
“visitor” badge so that you can quickly be identified by staff in the halls. Going directly to your child‟s classroom
only causes crowding and confusion in the hallways. Make arrangements to meet your children at their specific
entry/exit doors. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and makes it easier for staff to identify anyone who
should not be in the school. Thank you!

RDPS Tentative School Organization
Kindergarten A Mrs. Argintaru
Kindergarten B Mrs. Pearl
Kindergarten C (M/W) Ms. Snyder/Ms. Gold(LTO)
Kindergarten C (T/T) Mrs. Colucci-Sarra
Grade 1 Mrs. Settle
Grade 1 Mrs. Wride
Grade 1/2 Mrs. Wengle
Mrs. Khaira/Mrs. Pyle(LTO)
Grade 2 Mrs. LaMarche
Grade 2 Ms. Margel
Grade 2/3/Literacy Mrs. Rayner
Grade 3 Ms. McKenzie
Grade 3 Ms. Goldberg/Ms. Malik(LTO)
Grade 3/4 Mrs. Knight
Grade 4 Ms. Saldov
Grade 4 Mr. Leibrecht
Mrs. Leanord (LTO)
Community Class Ms. Grimas
Support Teaching Staff
Library / Prep Mrs. Blackman
SERT Mrs. Gibeau
SERT / Prep Ms. Gruson
Reading Recovery Mrs. Khaira/Ms. Waiser (LTO)
ELL/ Reading Recovery/ Mrs. Pomerantz
Literacy
Prep-Arts Mrs. McDougall
Prep Ms. Pijper
French Mrs. Saiphoo
ESL/Prep Mrs. Sebben
Caretaking Staff
Lead Custodian Mr. Arkwell
Caretaker Mr. Britnell
Caretaker Mr. Lehoux
Support Staff
Educational Ass‟t Ms. Mackie
Educational Ass‟t Mrs. Hildebrandt
Educational Ass‟t Mrs. Hartley
Child and Youth Worker Mr. Hehn
Educational Ass‟t Mrs. Woock
Primary Class Size
Listed below is our „tentative’ school organization. Direction from the Ontario Government aimed at reducing class sizes in
the primary grades has established strict limits on the number of students that may be included in each classroom from
Junior Kindergarten (JK) to Grade 3.
Each School Board in the province will have to meet Ministry expectations. In general, on a board-wide basis, 90% of primary
classes must have 20 or fewer students, and only 10% may have up to 23. In addition, while classes in grades 4-8 will not have
a hard cap, each school board will be required to demonstrate a regional average of approximately 26 students to one
teacher.The changes will enable more attention to the individual needs of each student and better learning environments for all
Meet the Teacher Night
Please set aside the evening of Tuesday, September
27th as we will be hosting our Meet the Teacher Night
from 6:00pm – 7:30pm.
Holidays and Observances
We recognize and appreciate the diversity within our community.
Please let your child‟s homeroom teacher know if your child requires
any accommodation. For instance, if your child is fasting we have
designated a fasting classroom during lunch time. Visit the following
site for the YRDSB calendar of Holidays & Observances.
http://www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/pdfs/a/cat/com/ethcalendar.pdf
Weekly Cycle
This year, we have moved from a Day 1-5 cycle to a Monday–Friday
cycle across all grades. As well, kindergarten students will be having
recess at the same time as the rest of the students in the school. Kindergarten
students will have their own designated enclosed area for
play on the tarmac area at the back of the school building.
Student Safe Arrival Program
We will be sending home the Student Registration Verification forms.
We ask you to please review, revise and return to the school as soon
as possible.
As part of our student Safe Arrival program, please ensure to let the
office know if your child will be absent from school or leaving early.
We have a sign in/out book on our front counter for parents to sign
their children in/out when they pick up or drop off throughout the
day. Also don‟t forget about our 24 hour absence recording line
that can be reached at 905-884-4022 or if it is an appointment that
has been made in advance, please let us know in the office and we
can make a note of it.
In order to continue to ensure safety of all our students, we remind
all visitors to the school including parents to please sign in at the
office when entering the building. If you are here to pick up your
child, we will call your child from the office and your child will meet
you there.
Ross Doan Public School

No Peanuts, Tree-nuts or Nut by-products or Sesame products at Ross Doan P.S.
School staff, students and parents are responsible for creating a safe and healthy environment for all of our students. While it is
impossible to create a risk-free environment, together we can take steps to minimize potentially fatal allergic reactions.
What can you do?
Terry Fox Run — Wednesday, September 28
We will be having our Terry Fox Run on Wednesday, September 28th to raise money for
cancer research. The raindate will be on Monday, October 3rd. This year, we are asking students
to participate by bringing in spare change. Starting on Monday, September 19th we
will be starting with any spare nickels. On Tuesday, September 20th , we are asking for any
dimes. On Wednesday, September 21st, quarters; Thursday, September 22nd ,
loonies. Monday, September 26th toonies and finally on Tuesday and Wednesday
September 27th and 28th, any bills and/or cheques that you wish to donate.
We hope to get underway by 10:20 and be finished by 10:40.
▪ Try to make your child understand that they should not share their lunches/snacks. The children at risk may also be made
aware, on a regular basis, that they should not take any food other than what has been sent by a parent or guardian.
▪ Remember to pack lunches/snacks that are free from products which contain nuts or nut by-products. Avoiding peanuts
and/or nuts is not enough for anyone who has an allergy. Even tiny amounts of peanut and or nut residue on
containers, utensils, jars, etc can be harmful.
▪ Ensure that you are not sending products which read “May Contain” traces of peanuts/treenuts to school.
▪ We respectfully ask that children wash their hands thoroughly before arriving at school.
If your child has a severe allergy, please contact the office staff . You will be required to fill out a medical care plan and provide
the school with two Epi-pens. One is to be kept in the office, the other is to be kept with the child at all times.
Freedom of Information (Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act-MFOIPOP)
Throughout the school year, your child‟s identity and other information may be shared beyond the classroom and
the school. Special fundraising events may attract media attention. Recordings and displays for events such as
Arts Nights, seasonal celebrations, etc. are some examples. Please notify the school in writing if you wish to
restrict the use of your child’s personal information (e.g. display of work in the hall, newsletters, photos,
interviews by press etc.).
Safety Week— September 19-23, 2011
Photo Days
Wednesday, October 5th
and Thursday, October 6th
(T/T/alternate day
K students). A
schedule will follow
closer to the date.
At Ross Doan, our students will engage in classroom discussions, highlighting the safety related themes including safety in the
classroom and community. Safety needs to be on our minds all year round, but as the school year begins, it‟s especially important
that students be reminded that staying safe requires awareness and planning.
Fire Drill
We will conduct our first Fire Drill during Safety Week so ensure that all members of Ross Doan school are aware of procedures
including emergency exit doors during a fire situation. As per board policy, we will conduct 6 fire drills during the school year.
Lockdown Procedure
In addition to learning about safety issues, all school staff and students will participate in a ‟Lockdown‟ drill, intended to practice
school responses to emergency situations. This „Lockdown‟ drill replaces our former „Code Red‟ drills. The purpose of the
„Lockdown‟ response is to minimize risk to students and staff to the presence of an armed or dangerous intruder or other similar
violent threat within the school. Please discuss with your children to support us in preparing them for this experience.
Bus Evacuation
Our school will be participating in our annual bus safety and evacuation program on Oct. 13 & 14.
The students will review the rules of the bus and learn about the safety features on the bus. They
will also take part in an emergency evacuation through the rear door of the school bus.
Ross Doan Public School

Entry and Exit Doors
The following doors have been designated as the consistent entry and exit doors for your child. Parents
are reminded to drop off and pick up their children at the following doors. Parents dropping
off/picking up their child(ren) at the Family Day Care are reminded to use the east doors (flag pole
doors).
Respective K Doors South East doors by tar- South doors nearest play- South West doors
All Kindergarten Students Mrs. Wengle
Ms. Pyle/Ms. Settle
Mrs. Wride
Mrs. Margel
Mrs. LaMarche
Mrs. Rayner
Ms. Malik
Ross Doan is an Eco School
Thanks to all our environmental initiatives over the past year, Ross Doan P.S. achieved GOLD Eco
Certification last year. Congratulations!
Each year we must reapply for certification to maintain our status as being a school who promotes environmental
education and actions. Ross Doan also recycles printer cartridges, cell phones, pop tabs and eyeglasses
not only within our school but for our entire community. If you have any of these items please drop them off outside
of our office in our drop box.
We look forward to our school community‟s continued efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle in 11-12. It is our goal to
have as many families as possible subscribe to our email list (we‟re calling our GREEN LIST) to send home our
School Newsletter and our School Council Newsletter and not send home a printed copy to reduce our paper consumption.
Certainly families who do not have access to email and/or wish a paper copy will be provided with a
printed copy. Please write a note to your child‟s homeroom teacher if you wish to request a paper copy of our
school newsletter. The electronic email distribution list is confidential as only office staff will have access to your
email address. Thank you in advance for your support as we continue to make a difference together for our students
and our environment!
Join Ross Doan Public School’s ‘GREEN LIST’ for 11-12
If you are interested in receiving e-newsletters from our School and School Council please complete the information
below and return to the office. (You can also register via our school website www.rossdoan.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/
- just follow the prompts after you click on subscribe to e-newsletters on the right hand link).
First Name______________________ Last Name_______________________________
Child(ren‟s) Name(s)_______________________________________________________
Email address___________________________________________________________
Mrs. Leonard/Mr. Leibrecht
Mrs. Knight
Mrs. McKenzie
Ms. Saldov
Ross Doan Public School

If you are interested in being a paid
lunch assistant and supervise the
students during the lunch period on
either a full or part-time basis, please
contact Mrs. Eden or Ms. Kipling at
905-884-4022.
Milk & Pizza News
For eco reasons and to simplify our
milk program we will not
have milk tickets this year as
last year. Please stay tuned
for information on the milk
program.
We will continue with pizza
lunch this year. Information
will follow.
Movie Committee Members
We are hoping to continue offering our
students/families movie afternoons
/evenings at Ross Doan PS. Profits raised
have supported Computer technology
equipment for our students in the past.
We need to seek additional support from
our parents for organizing / setting up our
movie nights. Please contact Mrs. Smith at
905-884-4022 if you are able to support this
worthwhile cause. Any and all help would
be appreciated.
School Council
Birthday Treats
Due to new Ministry Health
R e g u l a t i o n s , e d i b l e
birthday/special occasions treats
will no longer be allowed at Ross
Doan Public School.
Please do not send any treats
with your child to share with
his/her class.
Special pencils or erasers are a
great alternative for students to
share.
At this time of year we are looking towards creating our School Council for the 2011-2012 school year.
Nomination forms will be sent home on Monday, September 12. If you or someone you know might be
interested in being a part of the School Council, we ask that you kindly complete and return the form to
the school office no later than Friday, September 16.
Please join us for our School Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the school
library.
Ross Doan Public School

The parking lot is for staff
and those who have
meetings in the school.
Please use the Kiss N Ride to drop off
children in the morning. Drive around the
parking lot to the right and stop at the Kiss
N Ride area located at the pavement to the
left of the parking lot entrance. Release
your child to the staff on duty and proceed
out of the parking lot.
Use the east school door (flag pole
door) to drop off and pick up your
child from daycare. Park your vehicle
in designated parking areas on
Weldrick Road.
Our bus loop is to be used by
school vehicles only.
There are No Parking signs
located along the bus loop.
Cars that are parked in this
area will be tagged or towed.
Officers regularly visit our
school to enforce the law.
Ross Doan Public School

September 2011
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
4 5
11 12
18 19
Labour Day
Moon Festival
- Our choir performs
at Richmond Hill
Centre for the Performing
Arts
Safety Week Begins
10:15 Fire Drill
6
First Day of School
JK—9:00– 10:40
SK—All Day
7
JK—9:00– 10:40
SK—All Day
1 2 3
8
JK&SK full time
13 14 15 16
20
25 26 27
7:00 School Council
Meet the Teacher
Night
6:00—7:30
21 22
28
Terry Fox Run
Rosh Hashana
Begins
Safety Week Ends
12:30 Lock Down
Drill
9
11:10 Welcome
Back Assembly
JK&SK full time
Nomination forms
for School Council
due to office today.
23
29 30
P.A. Day
10
17
24