École Laura Secord January 2013 - Winnipeg School Division

February 2013
École Laura Secord
960 Wolseley Ave.
204-786-4796
Heather Stanus,
Principal
Nelia Husack,
Vice Principal
Inside this issue:
PAC Minutes 2
2013-2014 Registration 3
Traffic Safety, Movie Night,
Bus & School Cancellation
French Week Activities,
Concours d'art oratoire
Winnipeg Music Festival,
School Musical “Rats”,
Volunteer News
Code of Conduct 7
UNESCO 8
Middle School Open House
Dates
4
5
8-10
Calendars 11-12
:Looking ahead:
• Friday, Feb. 1, Registration
Day for all new students
• Friday, Feb. 1, Fun Food
Day
• Monday, Feb. 4, NO
SCHOOL
• Monday, Feb. 18, No
School - Louis Riel Day
• Feb. 19-22 - French Week
• Monday, Feb. 25 - Reports
Home
• Friday, March 1, Fun
Food
• Wednesday, March 6,
Music Festival
6
A proud member of the UNESCO Associated Schools Project Network
École Laura Secord
Extra special thanks to our dedicated patrols who have braved the cold and wind during our frigid
Winnipeg January weather! They are a reliable, cheerful group who help to keep our students safe
day after day. Please be sure your children arrive on time so they can cross the streets with the patrols.
The patrols are off duty once that second bell rings at 9:00 and 1:00.
We will be celebrating the wonderful traditions of the French culture and history during the week of
February 19 – 22. Jacques Chenier will be performing for all classes and we will end the week with
a school-wide assembly with all students participating in a sing-along of French folksongs. Students
and staff are welcome to dress as voyageurs for our assembly. Both the French Immersion and the
Basic French students will participate in the “Concours d’art Oratoire”, the division-wide French
speaking competition in March.
Report cards will be sent home on Monday, February 25. You will receive a checklist with student
marks for each subject as well as an anecdotal report specific to your child. An overview of the
themes and skills your child’s class has been working on will be included as well. Please remember
that you do not have to wait for a reporting period if you have questions or concerns regarding your
child. You may contact your child’s teacher at any time. Simply call the school and leave a message
for the teacher and they will return your call.
Many of the Junior High/High Schools visited throughout the month of January and February in order
to share information with our grade six students regarding their grade 7 programs. This is an
important decision for families and we wish you well as you investigate these options.
Registration for families new to Laura Secord at all grade levels begins on February 1. Registrations
can be taken between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. As always, we will register students who live within
our catchment areas first. Students who reside beyond our catchment areas will be placed on a wait
list. All students presently enrolled do not have to re-register. Parents/guardians will be receiving a
form asking if their child will be returning to the school for the 2013 – 2014 school year.
Thank-you to many of our teachers who provide extra-curricular clubs and activities during the lunch
hour. The Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Award group (MYRCA), volley-ball , UNESCO Leaders,
Knitting and Speed Skating are all happening this month.
Student ambassadors attended the international student conference at the University of Winnipeg in
December. They will be sharing a meaningful activity they learned during the conference with the
other students at our school based on the UNESCO pillars and human rights. We will be deciding on
a fundraising activity to address a global need as well this term.
Heather Stanus, Principal
February 2013
Administrator’s Greeting

Laura Secord PAC Mee�ng Minutes
January 15, 2013
In attendance: Robyn Andrews (co-chair), Wendy Thiessen (lunch program coordinator), Nelia Husack (viceprincipal),
Kyla Stewart, Garett Surcon (secretary), Gerrit Theule (past chair), Sarah Foers (co-chair), Zilla
Jones, Jenifer Gerard, Darren Wesselius, Heather Stanus, Monica Bock, Melissa Tichborne, Lee-Ann Baldwin
1. Principal’s Report - H. Stanus provided an update on school activities which is available on the school
website. Also discussed was the Dreambox Math Program available for Grade 1 & 2 students and the
updated school safety plan.
2. Volunteer Coordinator Update - K. Stewart provided an update on behalf of the volunteer coordinator
T. Brown. Volunteers are still needed for the Kindergarten Hearing Screening and the upcoming Movie
Night. It was also noted that Fun Food generally needs more room volunteers each month. Please
contact PAC if you are able to assist at any of these events.
3. Bike Rack - R. Andrews gave an update on the proposed new bike racks. Quotes are being evaluated
and installation is expected in early spring.
4. Holiday Fundraiser - This year’s holiday fundraiser is now complete and was a great success. Thank
you to everyone.
5. Spring Picnic - This year’s picnic is planned for early June. A picnic coordinator apprentice volunteer
is needed, please contact PAC if you are interested.
6. Lunch Program Budget - W. Thiessen provided an update on Lunch Program and presented the
2012/13 budget. Laura Secord’s Lunch Program is among the largest lunch programs in the city. This
years budget, recently passed by PAC executive, is projecting a deficit, primarily caused by higher
staffing levels.
7. Upcoming PAC Activities - Fun Food will be held January 18th. December’s Fun Food raised approximately
$811. Family Movie Night will be held on February 7, 2013. This year’s movie is Ice Age
3D.
8. Treasurer’s Report - S. Foers discussed the budget on behalf of R. Martin. PAC is projecting a break
even budget for 2012/13.
Attending PAC meetings is a great way to stay connected with the school and work toward positive
change in the community! The Next PAC meeting will be on March 19, 2013 @ 7:00 pm. All are welcome
and encouraged to attend. Please call 783-1780 Ext. #3 and leave your name for more information.
2

2013/2014 Registration
Nursery/Kindergarten Program
Registration for Nursery/Kindergarten programs will
be accepted beginning Friday, February 1, 2013 for
the 2013/2014 school year. Parents/guardians are
advised of the following:
All students who reside in the École Laura Secord
School catchment area will be registered on a first
come, first served basis.
Parents/Guardians will be asked for a preference of
either morning or afternoon, however there is no
guarantee that we will be able to accommodate all
requests.
Students must be 4 years of age by December 31,
2013 to be eligible for the Nursery program.
Students who are enrolled in the Nursery program
must reside within the Winnipeg School division
boundaries for the duration of the year.
Proof of age (e.g. Birth Certificate or Passport) and
verification of address (e.g. valid driver’s license)
are required at the time of registration for all programs.
A copy of your child’s Manitoba Health
Card is also mandatory.
The Nursery Program is taught in English only. The
Kindergarten program is taught in either French or
English, depending on family preference.
Gr. 1 – 6:
There are three program options at these grade levels
– English, Alternative and French Immersion. Each
program has a different catchment area. These
catchment areas can be accessed on the Winnipeg
School Division main website. If you require assistance
in determining your catchment area. Please
call the school and we will assist you.
English Program:
The English program classes are either single grade,
combined or multi-grade classes, depending on enrollment.
French Immersion Program:
The entry point for the French Immersion program is
either Kindergarten, Grade 1 or Grade 7 (at another
school). The French Immersion classes are either single
grade or combined classes, depending on enrollment.
Alternative Program:
The entry point for Alternative classes is usually
grade 1 or grade 4. The Alternative program consists
of either grade 1,2,3 multi-grade classes or grade
4,5,6 Intermediate classes. Space considerations can
limit entry into the Alternative program.
Applications for these three programs will be accepted
on a first come, first served basis, beginning
on Friday, February 1, 2013.
Note:
Applications for students who reside outside of the
École Laura Secord School catchment area will be
put on a wait list until resident students are registered.
The timing concerning when the wait list is
addressed is at the discretion of the school.
A note to current École Laura Secord School
families:
Students who are already registered and attending
École Laura Secord School need not re-apply
from year to year. Parents/Guardians will receive
a form asking if their child will be remaining
at the school in the same program. We ask
that you return these forms promptly as they will
be used to create the 2013/2014 classes.
3

Traffic Safety
Parents, please help keep your children
safe.
Would you please reinforce safety messages with your
children? Children should be reminded that at this time
of the year, vehicles often have a difficult time stopping
suddenly on slippery streets. When walking to school
or leaving school, children should cross at intersections
with the school patrols.
Parents are also asked to obey traffic regulations and be
extra careful at all times when in school zones.
Parent Council News
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Movie Night! Laura Secord Parent Council is hosting
a free family movie night on February 7th starting at 6
pm. All students are invited to attend and must have
an adult supervise them during the event. Parent
Council will have a canteen open with concessions
starting at 75 cents. We require 5 parents to sign up
for 1 hour shifts to monitor hallways to ensure safety
and help in the canteen. Contact Tawny Brown via email
at volunteercoordinator@gmail.com to volunteer
for this great event.
Supervision on Fun Food Days! We hope your family
is enjoying the winter season and finding ways to
enjoy the outdoors for some winter fun. During this
cold season we require Parents for Fun Food Days
who can supervise the kids outside as well as in the
classroom. We know the temperatures are cold but
we cannot continue to host monthly Fun Food Days
unless we have adequate supervision outdoors.
Thank for your continued support of Fun
Food.
Come out and join us at the Next PAC meeting on
Tuesday, March 19th at 7pm in the Staff Room.
During the school year there may be times when
school bus transportation is cancelled due to inclement
weather or poor driving conditions, but schools
will remain open.
School bus transportation for all school divisions in
the City of Winnipeg is cancelled when the wind chill
reaches -45° C by 6:15 a.m. based on the Environment
Canada readings at the Winnipeg Airport. The temperature
readings can be found at the Environment
Canada website:
(http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca).
Bus and School
Cancellation
When bus transportation is cancelled in the
morning, it will not resume later in the day
even if weather conditions improve.
The following media outlets are contacted in the early
morning to ask that they broadcast and/or post the information:
89.3 CBC FM; 990 CBC AM; CKSB 89.9 FM
(French); CJOB-680 AM; Power 97-FM; 1290
CFRW; 99.9 BOB-FM; FAB94-FM; 92 CITI FM;
102.3 CLEAR FM; CKMM Hot 103; QX 04 FM;
CTV News; City TV; Winnipeg Free Press website
Speed Skating
The skating races will be held at the MTS Centre on
Wednesday, February 27th from 7-9 p.m. More information
to follow.
4

Festival du Voyageur &
French Week Activities
Festival du Voyageur at École Laura Secord and
French Week begin on Tuesday, February 19th
through to Friday, February 22nd. A school-wide assembly
on Friday February 22nd will end the fun
week.
Voyageurs were known for their colorful sashes,
bright red tuques, checkered shirts and moccasins.
Students are encouraged to add a piece of voyageur
clothing for every day of the week to complete their
voyageur costume by Friday.
Tuesday, February 19th
• Journée de la tuque - Tuque Day
Wednesday, February 20th
• Journée de la ceinture fléchée - Sash Day
Thursday, February 21st
• Journée de la chemise à cavreaux - Checkered
Shirt Day
Friday, February 22nd
• Journée du Voyageur-Voyageur Day
• Wear your entire Voyageur costume
• French assembly at 9:15 for all students
Hé Ho et bon festival!
Le concours d'art oratoire 2013
Le concours d’art oratoire is a public-speaking event,
which has become a yearly event for many schools
across the province, including École Laura Secord
School. Classroom, school and then divisional level
competitions lead to the provincial competition.
Participating Grade 3-6 French Immersion students
choose a subject of interest and compose and prepare
an enthusiastic presentation. The speech may be designed
to inform, to convince, or to amuse the audience.
The presentation must be the student's original
work and committed to memory.
Students in the Basic French program are also invited
to participate in this event. They are asked to recite a
French poem selected by the Concours Coordinator.
École Laura Secord School’s Concours d’art oratoire
is taking place on Thursday, March 7th beginning at
9:30 in the school gymnasium for
French Immersion students, and
on Wednesday, March 13th at
9:30 in the library for Basic
French students.
UNESCO has been working on making a tree of
UNESCO. This tree will resemble human rights and
the pillars of UNESCO. Right now our art teacher,
Ms. Rallison is building the tree, so hopefully we can
start putting leaves on the tree by the spring. We have
also been making people that resemble all the human
rights that a child needs to live. Soon all the classes
that want to participate will learn about some new human
rights.
- Malay (Rm. 304)
5

Winnipeg Music Festival
Competition
École Laura Secord School Choir will be singing in
the Winnipeg Music Festival Competition again this
year. We will be performing at Westminster United
Church on Wednesday March 6, 2013 at 12.30 pm.
We are the first choir participating in the afternoon
class assuring our performance time. We will be singing
“On Your Bike” by Bob Chilcott and “Skylark
and Nightingale” by Audrey Snyder. Both of
these selections can be found on our 100 th Anniversary
CD A Century of Song which is available at the
school office with a suggested donation of $10.00.
Parents and friends are welcome to attend this performance
which is held at Westminster United Church
(Maryland and Westminster). There is a small
admission fee. Please watch for the permission slip
that will be sent home
later this month.
École Laura Secord School to present
“Rats! – the Story of the Pied Piper”
Auditions have been completed and the cast has been
chosen. Rehearsals have begun and plans are underway
for our 2013 musical production “Rats!” We will
present our musical on Wednesday, March 20 and
Thursday, March 21 in the school gym at 7.00 pm.
There will be more information in the March newsletter
about ticket distribution. There will be a small
charge for tickets for this event. If your child is a choir
member, please make sure to keep these two evenings
free so all the children will be able to participate.
VOLUNTEER NEWS
Volunteers are needed for various events throughout
the school year. The Volunteer Coordinator, Tawny
Brown is compiling a list of all parents who would
like to be volunteers. If you would like your name
added to the list, please visit:
laurasecordvolunteer@gmail.com
Parents on the list will receive information about
future volunteer opportunities via a monthly
e-mail which will include details and general updates
about upcoming events. This information
may not be included in the school’s monthly newsletter.
For more information, please call Tawny Brown at
204-772-4995.
École Laura Secord School
100th Anniversary Choir CD
Our 100th Anniversary Choir CD is available from the
school office throughout the school year.
Pick up your keepsake
Anniversary CD today!
$10.00 suggested donation
6

École Laura Secord School
Code of Conduct
The code of conduct has been designed to help students take responsibility for solving their own
problems in a dignified manner.
SCHOOL RULES
RESPECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
DO YOUR JOB
KEEP YOUR HANDS AND FEET TO YOURSELF
TAKE CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE THINGS IN IT
ACT SAFELY
Staff, students and family members must behave in a safe and respectful manner at all times and comply with
this code of conduct.
École Laura Secord School staff and administration support a safe and positive learning environment for all students
and staff. Our unique community offers numerous opportunities for learning about and fostering an appreciation for
one another. This must be nurtured and protected.
Every individual working in, studying in or entering this school must respect and comply with the following code:
⇒ Every individual in this school has the right to be treated with respect and fairness by all.
⇒ The uniqueness each individual in this school contributes is valued and accepted.
⇒ Bullying, abusing physically, sexually or psychologically – orally, in writing, electronically or otherwise will not be
tolerated. Students and staff must adhere to school policies respecting appropriate use of electronic mail and the
Internet, including the prohibition of accessing, uploading, downloading or distributing materials that the school has
determined to be objectionable. Access to computers, email and the Internet is for educational purposes only.
Cyberbullying involving Laura Secord students of any kind will be investigated and dealt with.
⇒ Discriminating on the basis of any characteristic set out in the Human Rights Code (race, nationality, ethnic group,
age, sexual orientation, religion, gender, marital/family status, socio-economic status, physical/cognitive challenges,
political beliefs) will not be tolerated.
⇒ Putdowns, slurs, jokes and other negative comments directed towards individuals or groups will not be tolerated.
⇒ Using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs at school will not be tolerated.
⇒ Gang involvement of any kind will not be tolerated on the school site.
⇒ Possessing a weapon of any kind (as “weapon” is defined in Section 2 of the Criminal Code of Canada) will not be
tolerated on the school site.
⇒ Students are expected to attend school regularly, be on time, bring all required supplies and completed homework,
and when finished for the day, leave the school grounds promptly.
⇒ Show common courtesy and respect to all; defiance of authority, abusive language and aggressive behaviour will
not be tolerated.
7

The UNESCO ambassadors are doing daily announcements
about the UNESCO Pillars of Learning.
We are currently focusing on the pillar,
“Learning to Live Together”. Learning to live together
means cooperation, sharing, respect and
empathy. - Anna
Learning to live together is about solving problems
peacefully. The first step to learning how to
solve problems peacefully is to listen to what other
people have to say, making mature decisions
and be calm and act safely. - Fallon
Learning to live together means respecting each
other and not bullying each other just because everyone
is different.
There is nothing wrong with being different because
that’s what makes us human. We must embrace
differences instead of making it a “bad”
thing.
How will these reasons affect our school? Well
for one, these are things we should be doing every
day. - Nic
Learning to live together helps when you listen to
the other person who is speaking and that causes a
way to communicate with others and that’s a way
to live together. - Annabelle
8

Gordon Bell High School
Open House
Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 5:00 - 7:00
Greeting and Information at 5:15 p.m. in the Cafeteria
Guided School Tours available to follow 5:15 - 7:00 p.m.
Grade 9 Middle Years Presentation in Room 320 at 6:00 p.m.
Other Highlights include:
Entertainment by our Choir, Band
Visual & Performing Arts
Sports & Phys. Ed.
Information and Communications Technology
Refreshments will be served.
EARL GREY SCHOOL
INFORMATION EVENING FOR
JUNIOR HIGH
WED., FEBRUARY 6, at 7:00
p.m.
3 rd FLOOR LIBRARY
Earl Grey School is holding an information
meeting regarding Gr. 7 & 8 programs for 2013-
14 on Wed., Feb. 6, at 7:00 p.m. We have both
an all-girls and an all-boys class at the Gr. 7 & 8
levels. We are able to provide some advanced
programming as necessary and we also provide a
small school environment with help for those
who need it. For further information or to come
for a tour, please call the school at 474-1441.
Earl Grey School is located at 340 Cockburn St.
N., corner of Fleet.
9

♦ High academic standards
♦ Dynamic, supportive parents
♦ Athletics (home of the Bulldogs)
♦ Large course variety (grades 7-12)
♦ Performing arts (théâtre, band, choir)
♦ Technology
New Phone Number/Address?
Have you recently changed your phone number
or address? Please notify the office at
(204) 786-4796 so that we may keep your
child’s contact information up-to-date.
Remember:
If your child will be late or absent...
please contact Call-back at
(204) 783-1780 Ext. 1.
FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
♦ Leadership class
♦ Les Jeunes Écocivistes (Environmental club)
♦ Enfants entraide (Humanitarian club)
♦ Spanish
♦ Intimate atmosphere
♦ Scholarships
PRESENTATION - A SHOWCASE OF STUDENT
⇒ Presentations of academic and co-curricular programs
⇒ Information and registration for new students
⇒ Expo-science (Science fair)
Collège Churchill
Open House
Wednesday, February 13th, 2013 at 6:30 p.m.
Please note: We will be offering a Late Immersion grade 7 class.
Our school newsletter is posted to
our website every month.
www.wsd1.org/laurasecord
Click on ‘news’
10

Remember: Please call 204-783-1780 ext. 1 if your child will be late or absent...
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
4 Day 3 5 Day 4 6 Day 5 7
11 Day 2 12 13
18
25
NO CLASSES
Professional
Development Day
SCHOOL
CLOSED
Louis Riel Day
Day 5
Reports Home
February 2013
19
Jacques Chénier
1:15 pm to kick off
French Week
Journée de la tuque/
Tuque Day
Grade 6’s visit to
Gordon Bell
20
26 Day 6 27
Journée de la ceinture
fléchée/Sash Day
Speedskating Races
at MTS Centre
7-9 pm
Movie Night
6 p.m.
1
Registration for all
new students
8
14 15
21
Journée de la chemise à
cavreaux/Checkered
Shirt Day
F r e n c h W e e k (February 19 - 22)
28
Day 6
22
FUN FOOD
Day 2
Day 1
Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Day 4
Day 1
Day 2
Journée du voyageur/
Voyageur Day
French Assembly for
all students 9:15 am
11

Remember: Please call 204-783-1780 ext. 1 if your child will be late or absent...
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
4 5 6
Music Festival -
12:30 pm
(Westminster Church)
7
Concours d’art
oratoire 9:30 a.m.
for gr. 3-6 French
Immersion
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
11 12 13 14 15
Day 2
18 19
PAC Meeting
7 p.m.
March 2013
20
Rooms 118 & 214
and English Int. to
MTYP
Intermediate
Musical 7 p.m.
21
Intermediate
Musical - 7 p.m.
25 26 27 28 29
1
Rooms 103, 110 &
213 to MTYP
FUN FOOD
8
22
Day 3
Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 1 Day 2
Spring Break
NO CLASSES
Day 1
Professional
Development Day
Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6
Last Day of
School before
Spring Break
Good Friday
12