February - Teston Village Public School

Principal 

Mr. David Nimmo 

Vice Principal 

Ms. Gwen Emmerson 

Superintendent of Schools 

Mrs. Dianne Hawkins 

(905) 764-6830 

Trustee 

Mrs. Anna DeBartolo 

60 Wellington Street West, 

Aurora, Ontario L4G 3H2 

(416) 898-9653 

Inside this issue: 

Black History Month 

Character Corner 

Child Care Centre 

Snuggle Up and Read 

AOK Program 

Health Corner 

ECO Corner 

Literacy Corner 

Parenting Corner 

JK Registration 

Yearbook 

Winter Carnival 

Sport News 

Inclement Weather/ 

Bus Cancellations 

Breakfast Program 

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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.testonvillage.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.ca 

From the Office: 

Happy February! During February we recognize Valentine’s Day, 

which originated from the kind acts of St. Valentine many years ago. 

Today celebrate the day to show those around us that we are friends 

and that we care about them. Remember to do something nice for 

someone! Later in the month we also have Family Day, a day for fami- 

lies to spend quality time together. 

February 2012 

We also celebrate Black History Month during February. Throughout 

the month we will be show casing the accomplishments of the Black 

community through the years. This year the students and teachers 

involved in black history month have decided to focus on the African 

influence on the world - more specifically, how music has shaped culture. 

On Tuesday, February 14 th , 2012 we have arranged for an South 

African drum group called “Hoza” to share their experience of growing 

up in apartheid through interactive web, moving pictures, drumming 

and song. 

Junior Kindergarten registrations for September 2012 are now being 

accepted at the office. Starting this September, Teston Village Public 

School will change to the full day / every day Kindergarten program 

for both Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten students. 

Only students living within the Teston Village Public School boundary 

will be able to attend this program. The Board policy will not allow 

for Transfer students to attend a full day / every day program. If 

you know someone in the community that has a 3 year old that will be 

starting school in September, please encourage them to come to the 

school and register NOW! 

WE ARE NOW ACCEPTING KINDERGARTEN 

REGISTRATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2012.

Teston Village Public School Page 2 

CHARACTER CORNER 

This months focus is: Initiative 

We act without being prompted by others. 

We are eager to do what needs to be done 

without having to be told to do it. We 

take the first step towards the achieve- 

ment of a goal. 

Upper Canada Child Care Centre 

Conveniently located within Teston Village P.S. 

Providing quality child care for children ages 18 

months - 12 yrs 

Before and after School Programs 

Alternate Day child care available for kindergarten 

Nursery Programs 9 - 11:30a.m. 

Accepting Subsidized care 

Please call Stephanie at 905-417-4920 

February is Black History Month in Canada 

Black History Month was begun by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 

to promote awareness and understanding of African American 

history and experiences around the world. 

Since 1976, it is observed every year in the U.S. and Canada in 

February. Black History Month is an opportunity to share the 

historical and present day contributions of African Canadians 

to our country and the world. It is also a chance to recognize 

diversity and equality. 

Throughout the month, daily morning 

announcements will commemorate 

these significant contributions. We 

will also celebrate with a presentation 

and assembly on February 14/12. 

SNUGGLE UP AND READ! 

Students and Parents of children in JK- Grade 2 are invited to come “Snuggle up and Read” on Thursday, March 1 st , 

2012 from 6:00-7:30pm. 

Come with your family and enjoy some discussion on reading with your children. We will also share 

some of the tools we use in our primary classrooms. 

Babysitting will be provided and we encourage all children to wear their pyjamas. 

Don’t forget your teddy bears! 

AOK Program 

Offered at Teston Village P.S. - Tuesday & Thursday’s 

9:30 - 11:30 am 

Program offered in Rm. 131 

A program offered to parents, grandparents, and child care providers designed for children from birth - 6 years of 

age. The program offers opportunities to develop social skills through interaction with other children the same age, 

listen to guest speakers, borrow resource material, meet new people in the community and socialize with them. Come 

take a break and enjoy. There is no charge for this program. Please remember to sign in at the office.


Outdoor Winter Day Activities 

Can’t keep the children indoors another minute? Send them out with these ideas for fun 

activities out-of-doors. Dress them warm and let them get some fresh air and exercise. 

They’ll come back in hungry and ready for some quieter activities. Here goes: 

1. Make a snow angel by lying on your back in the snow and spreading out your arms to the side then 

moving them up and down. Get up carefully and see your angel with wing prints. 

2. Build a snow fort or an igloo. 

3. Build a snowman. Give him a carrot nose and a hat. 

4. Take a walk and look for animal tracks. 

5. Play chase, tag, or hide and seek. 

6. Shovel snow. 

ECO Corner: Brought to you by the T.V.P.S. ECO Club 

Our ECO Tip for this month is RECIPE for a Litterless Lunch! 

Many of our students come to school with lunches that contain a lot of packaging and waste that ends up in the garbage. 

When packing a lunch for your child, please follow the tips below. It is much better for the environment by reducing 

packaging waste like tin foil and plastic. It will save money for you as well! 

Pack 

A reusable lunch bag (canvas or nylon bag) 

Reusable containers for sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, etc. (Plastic or Tupperware) 

Reusable drink bottle or Thermos 

Real forks or spoons (silverware), not plastic 

Healthy snacks (apple, orange, banana) 

Do Not Pack 

No plastic or paper bags 

No plastic wrap, tin foil, wax paper, styrofoam 

No single use cans, bottles, or cartons (drinking boxes) 

No over packaged snacks 

The T.V.S.P. Eco Club and the environment thank you for your help in reducing excess packaging in your child’s lunch! If 

you would like your purchase a reusable canvas Teston Village EcoBag for your child’s lunch, they are still on sale from 

Mrs. Halperin for $2.00 each and can be used over and over again. 

Reminder: You can drop off your old batteries, cell phones and printer cartridge in the box outside the office called 

“Think Recycle”. We will properly recycle and dispose of these items for you and we also receive some money from this 

organization for our school. Bring in these items…….it is good for the environment and helps our school !


ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING: 

Motivating Learners 

Recent thinking changes the way in which assessment can 

motivate students to want to learn. According to those who 

study the human brain (see, for examples Caine & Caine, 

1997; Jensen, 1998), we all have an natural desire to learn; 

we are born with motivation. Learning is required for sur- 

vival. The brain is built to look for information, put it to- 

gether with other information, understand it, remember it, 

and use it at the appropriate times. 

According to these researchers: 

Motivation to learn is 

supported when the 

learner: 

We look for learning situations 

where things in the first list are 

true, and avoid learning situations 

where those in the second list 

occur. 

Has a sense of control 

and choice 

Gets frequent and 

specific feedback on 

performance 

Works with tasks 

that are challenging, 

but not threatening 

Is able to selfassess 

accurately 

Encounters learning 

tasks related to 

everyday life 

The following conditions 

tend to drive 

away motivation: 

Force 

Threats 

Rewards or 

Punishments 

Comparing one student 

to another 

Infrequent or vague 

feedback 

Limiting Personal 

Choices 

Responsibility without 

authority 

THE REALITY OF BULLYING 

Roughly one in three students in Grades 7 to 12 report having been 

bullied 

at school. Just under a third report having bullied someone else. 

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 2004 

Is it possible that my child is bullying others? 

Children who physically bully other students may also come home 

with bruises, scrapes, and torn clothing. They may suddenly have 

more money to spend than usual or new possessions that they 

would normally not be able to afford. They may also "talk tough” 

about other students. 

Children who bully sometimes do so at home as well as at school. 

Look and listen within your own household. Are there signs that 

one of your children is being bullied by a sibling? 

Bullying behaviour can develop as a result of major changes, 

losses, or upsets in a child’s or teen’s life. Have any of your children 

recently had this kind of experience? 

Think about how problems and conflicts are dealt with in your 

home. Do you talk through issues as a family? An important way to 

discourage bullying is to be a good role model and show your kids 

how to sort out difficulties without violence or aggression. 

It’s also important to explicitly tell your children that bullying is 

wrong. 

Well, at least my child isn’t involved in bullying… 

Everyone suffers when bullying occurs, and everyone can help to prevent 

it. In 85 per cent of cases, bullying takes place in front of witnesses. 

Bystanders usually avoid getting involved because they’re 

afraid they could become a target themselves or make things worse for 

the person being bullied. 

You can help your child understand that bullying is not acceptable and 

that he can help stop it by reporting it to an adult. 

How serious a problem is bullying? 

Bullying is never acceptable. It should not be considered just “part 

of growing up”. 

Research and experience consistently show that bullying is a serious 

issue, with far-reaching consequences for the students involved, 

their families and peers, and the community around them. 

Students who are bullied often deal with social anxiety, loneliness, 

withdrawal, physical illnesses, and low self-esteem. They can also 

develop phobias, take on aggressive behaviour, or slide into depression. 

Some students miss school, see their marks drop, or even 

leave school altogether. 

The path is also rocky for those who bully. Children and teens who 

learn to see aggression as power may stop caring about the difference 

between right and wrong in general. Eventually, they may 

become abusive adults.


Kindergarten Registration For September 2012 

Teston Village is now accepting Kindergarten Registration forms for Sep- 

tember 2012. Children who were born in 2008 are eligible for Junior Kin- 

dergarten. Children born in 2007 and not currently attending a public 

school are eligible for Senior Kindergarten in September. Registration 

forms are avail able on the Board’s Website: www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca or at 

the school office. 

As space is limited, some children may be required to attend a school outside their neighbourhood. Please note 

that all required documentation must be submitted and complete in order for your child to be enrolled. You and 

your child must also live within the school boundary. Again, space is limited, so please don't delay in having your 

child registered. 

The following documentation is required: 

Proof of Child’s Age (Birth Certificate or Passport) 

Proof of Residency (for child and parent/guardian) 

Citizenship and immigration status (for child and parent/guardian where applicable) 

Direction of School Support form (if applicable) 

Keep checking the web site and reading the newsletter for future information regarding 

kindergarten orientation. 

YEARBOOK REMINDER 

2011 - 2012 

Relive the magical year at Teston Village Public School 

with the Teston Village Public School Yearbook. 

Cost - $20.00 

Deadline - March 1, 2012 

See Mr. Durgana to order yours 

today!! 

STARTS 

FEBRUARY 3 

WELCOME TO 

MRS. McLAFFERTY 

We would like to welcome Mrs. McLafferty 

to our staff as our Acting Vice Principal at 

Teston Village while Ms. Emmerson is away 

an a temporary placement. 

Page 5


Teston Village brings you the annual Winter Carnival!! 

February 20th - February 24th 

As always there will be fun, winter festivities like: 

Blue Monday - Wear blue clothing 

Teston Tuesday - Wear Teston colours green and gold 

Wacky Wednesday - Come to school with wacky clothing and wacky 

hairstyles 

Snuggle up Thursday - Wear your pajamas to school with your bedtime teddy bears 

Carnival Friday - Dress up warm for outdoor activities in the snow 

Participate in these exciting days and show your Teston Winter Spirit!! 

Let’s go Tornadoes!!


Volleyball Champions – Yet Again! 

On Friday, January 27 th , the junior volleyball team had their area finals at Fossil Hill Public School. 

They faced immense competition throughout the day, and nearly lost in the semi-finals. But the team 

showed great perseverance, determination, and nerves of steel and ultimately pulled through. In the 

end, they won the final against Lorna Jackson and took home Teston’s 11 th banner. The junior volleyball 

team members are four-peat champions in the West, and all 3 volleyball teams have swept the West 

areas to be crowned the ultimate champions of volleyball! 

Mr. Chan and Ms. McIndoe would like to thank the following hard working athletes: 

Junior Volleyball Team members: Dania S., Adam, Josh, Komal, Naureen, 

Adnan, Shamail, Mustansar, Farhan, Chidalu, Imtiaz, Jeta, Mahnoor, Hafsa, 

Tamia, Khiraan 

Intermediate Girls Team members: Cynthia, Melanie, Saira, Naila, Basima, Javaria, 

Folasade, Tayyaba, Amina, Dania C., Dania S., Ezah, Cheya, Komal, Varisha 

Intermediate Boys Team members: Usama S., Saad, Saffir, Usmaan, Usama A., 

Usama M., Korby, Mushin, Zohaib, Mobeen, Chidalu, Josh, Adam, Ragheeb, Kevin 

They would also like to thank all the teachers, staff, and parents who have supported the volleyball 

program this year. 

Go tornadoes!


If conditions of the roads force cancellation of school 

bus service, the following local radio stations will be 

informed by 7:00 a.m. 

CKYC (590), AM 640, NEWS 680, CBC (740), CJBC 

(860), CFRB (1010), CHUM (1050), CJCL (1430), CHIN 

(1540), CKDX (88.5), CISS (92.5), CKAY (93.1), CHFI 

(98.1), CJEZ (97.3), CKFM (99.9), CHUM (104.5), Q107 

(107.1), SRC (90.3), CITY TV (CH #7 TV). 

Inclement Weather/Bus Cancellations 

COLD WEATHER IS HERE!!!!! 

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Parents have the right to keep their children at home in 

severe weather conditions. The school will remain open for 

parents who wish to drive their children. 

Please remember that if you drive in the 

morning, you will have to make arrangements 

for your children to be picked up at 2:35 p.m. 

If the buses are cancelled in the morning, 

they will also be cancelled in the afternoon. 

This is a reminder that ALL students are expected to go outside for recess. Please ensure that your 

child(ren) is/are dressed appropriately for Canadian winter. If your child is not well enough to be out at 

recess, he/she is probably too ill to be at school. 

A change of clothes would be helpful for primary children should they get wet during the day, they have 

something to change into. An extra pair of socks is especially encouraged. Please make sure all items are labeled with your 

child’s name. Our “Lost and Found” bin gets filled up quickly and belongings often go unclaimed. 

BREAKFAST PR0GRAM 

Teston Village will be 

providing breakfast to 

students who miss break- 

fast at home, or who 

arrive at school and are still hungry. 

This will give students the opportu- 

nity 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. 

Please make sure your child has a pair of indoor shoes for school. 

…..Important Dates ….. 

February 01 - School Council Meeting 7pm - Library 

03 - PA Day - No School 

06 - Graduation Photo Day 

13 - Boys Basketball Area Tournament 

14 - Girls Basketball Area Tournament 

14 - Report Cards go home 

20 - Family Day - No School 

FAMILY DAY 


NO SCHOOL 

GOLDEN GARBAGE CAN AWARD 

CONGRATULATIONS TO 

Ms. McIndoe’s Grade 3/4 Class 

FOR THE CLEANEST CLASS FOR THE 

MONTH OF JANUARY 

CONGRATULATIONS TO 

ATTENDANCE AWARD 

Mrs. Margel’s T/Th Kindergarten 

FOR BEST ATTENDANCE FOR THE 

MONTH OF JANUARY



Tel: (905) 417-0555 Fax: (905) 417-8368 

Website: www.testonvillage.ps.yrdsb.edu.on.ca 

eMail: teston.village.ps@yrdsb.edu.on.ca 

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 

1 2 3 4 

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 

Gr. 8 - Graduation Photo’s 

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 

19 20 21 22 23 24 25 

FAMILY DAY 

Valentine’s Day 

Report Cards Go 

Home 

Boys Basketball Areas Girls Basketball Areas 

26 27 28 29 

Gr. 1 - Scientist in School 

Gr. 2 - Scientist in School 

BUS ROUTES HOTLINE 

1-877-330-3001 

www.schoolbuscity.com 

Pizza Day - Whole School 

School Council 7pm 



National Flag Day 


Pizza Day / Tue/Thur KDGN 

Groundhog Day 




P.A. Day 

No School

February - Teston Village Public School

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