Welcome to the WOM School Council!

What's New?

Updated February 21, 2011

Our February newsletter has been published.

Terrific Toonie Tuesday

The generosity of the entire WOM community around Toonie Tuesday has been overwhelming.  The results are now in; drum roll please....

Including 5% pledge donations from both Mr. Taniguchi and Ms. Graham, as well as a very generous donation of $250 from Student Council, in total the WOM community raised an AMAZING $2522.00 for The Education Foundation of Ottawa.  Thank you to all staff, students and parents who contributed to a program that is about helping kids throughout the city and to the parent council for sponsoring and supporting this important event.

Thank you to Louise and Mr. Taniguchi for their tremendous effort supporting Toonie Tuesday, and for all the pennies counted.

Kanata North website

Kanata North parents have created kanatanorthschools.com with their concerns regarding staff recommendations for the Accommodation Review.

Parents in Kanata South have information at kanatasouthschools.com.

Panel Presentation on Worrisome Teen Behaviour

Thank you to the presenters at the Tuesday, February 21 Panel Presentation.

Here's the presentation on Worrisome Behaviour by school psychologist, Brenda Ferguson, and the handout on resources.

The Ottawa Police Services has tips at their site regarding teens and technology.

Dan Van Mourik recommends a book we have in our resource library:  Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers by Gordon Neufeld and Gabor Mate.

Crystal Bay

The principal of Crystal Bay school sends his thanks to the WOM community for their support.  We've contributed to funds for the purchase a Smartboard for one of their Intermediate classrooms.

Parents' Meeting:  Kanata South Accommodation - Wed. Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. at Superstore

Slides from the meeting.

Parents supporting the ARC recommendation for W.O. Mitchell to continue to be a grades JK-8 school held a meeting on Wednesday, February 15th, at 7:30 p.m., at Real Canadian Superstore, 760 Eagleson Rd.  These parents support the ARC's recommendations to keep WOM JK-8, at least until AY is renovated to support a 7-12 model. 

Parents are encouraged to contact trustees and register to speak at the March 8 meeting.

More information on the Kanata South Accommodation Reviews is available here and the OCDSB Kanata South Elementary Accommodation site and Kanata South Schools.

Cathy Curry's blog has some answers to questions she's received about the Kanata South proposals.

2012 Power the Purple Challenge – Transforming Youth Mental Health

Two Events at WOM
Panel Presentation on Worrisome Behaviours in Teens – February 21st, 6:30
Celebrate How Special You Are – February 29th (throughout the school day)

The 2012 Power to the Purple Challenge is Royal Ottawa Hospital program focussed on raising awareness, inspiring conversations and transforming youth mental health throughout February 2012. The challenge engages schools, corporations, and individuals to raise awareness and funds in support of D.I.F.D. and youth mental health. D.I.F.D (Do It For Daron) was created by friends and family of Daron Richardson who lost her life to suicide at the young age of 14. D.I.F.D. is inspired by hope for a future where young people will reach out for help without fear or shame. In addition to the panel presentation on February 21st, WOM would like to support youth mental health by celebrating the unique and special person in all of its students on the unique and special day that is February 29th.

Contacting OCDSB Trustees re Kanata South Changes

If you're interested in sharing your feedback about the proposed changes to WOM and other Kanata South schools, please contact the school board trustees and ARC via email, at kanatasouthelemarc@ocdsb.ca.  This email should be used, rather than individual trustee emails.  This will allow the trustees to read email regarding WOM and other issues more effectively.

Kanata South Schools Website

Please see the Kanata South Schools' website for further information about the proposed changes to WOM, including the petition to support Kanata South ARC's recommendations, and NOT the OCDSB's staff recommendation to remove grades 7 and 8 from W. O. Mitchell Elementary School.

Media on Kanata South Program Changes

Please see this article from yourottawaregion.com, containing comments from Cathy Curry, our trustee.  Contact the trustees through kanatasouthelemarc@ocdsb.ca if you have an opinion to share.

From "Ottawa school board recommends 7 to 12 model for Kanata high schools":

Curry cited many concerns from parents throughout the meeting. However she said she is satisfied families and parents have been listened to, despite staff’s departure from ARC proposals.

“Overall I’m comfortable with what staff have recommended, but I understand there will be angst in the community,” Curry said.

She said staff have taken many of the north ARC’s “special considerations” into account. These include creating separate wings for the younger students and running the younger grades on a separate schedule.

“People could be quite consoled that they were listened to,” Curry said.

Contacts regarding Kanata South Program Changes

If you have concern's about the OCDSB staff recommendations to move grade 7 and 8 from WOM to Glen Cairn, here is what you can do:

Contact the Board Trustees, including our own Trustee, Cathy Curry, via this email:  kanatasouthelemarc@ocdsb.ca  All trustees will receive a copy.

Contact our MPP Jack MacLaren at www.jackmaclarenmpp.com

Register as a delegate. All this means is that you can speak at the "special committee of the whole" meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on March 8, 2012 at 133 Greenbank Rd. To register, contact Maureen Strittmatter at maureen.strittmatter@ocdsb.ca or at 613-596-8211 ext.8641. You also need to provide her with a written statement on the issue before 4:00 p.m. on March 1st.

Kanata South-Boundary/Grade/Program Review

Here is the agenda for the 31 January 2012 Special Committee of the Whole, Public, Kanata South Accommodation Review meeting.

Senior board staff presented their recommendations to trustees for the Kanata South Bounday/Grade/Program review.  This recommendation includes a significant change in grade structure for WOM for 2013.

The first work was done by members of the public and their recommendation had students at our feeder schools (John Young and Roch Carrier) attend other schools for the immersion program in grade 7 and 8.  The latest recommendations for the trustees to consider from staff suggests that all schools (except Katimavik) in the south become K-6 dual track sites.  Our 7s and 8s would go to Glen Cairn which would become a satellite site for AY Jackson as a new 7-12 High School.  This recommendation would not be in place until September 2013.  They also recommend extending our boundaries.  Our population is forecast to change from 665 to 650 for next year and then drop to 467 in 2013.  (note - Staff and the ARC recommended Earl of March go 7-12 in both of their reports.)

Much more discussion and water needs to go under the bridge before the trustees make their final decision April 24, 2012.  The next meeting will be Thursday, March 8, 2012, with a deadline for submission of Thursday, March 1, 2012.
Kanata South staff recommendation

Kanata North staff recommendation

It is important to remember that this is only one of two recommendations made to trustees.  They have the final say and could come up with something completely different in the end.

More info is available in our OCDSB section, January 31 2012 Special Committee of the Whole, Public, Kanata South Accommodation Review meeting

Panel Presentation:  Worrisome Behaviours in Teens

WOM is hosting a Panel Presentation:  Worrisome Behaviours in Teens
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 6:30 p.m.
(This will be followed by the monthly School Council Meeting.)

The panel presentation will feature our social worker, Dan Van Mourik, our school psychologist, Brenda Ferguson,  and a member of the Ottawa police service.

All parents are invited to attend.

OCDSB Parent Involvement Committee

The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) is currently seeking eight (8) Parent Members to serve on its Parent Involvement Committee (PIC). The PIC works with parents, school councils and community partners to foster parent involvement and community engagement in support of student success.

For more information on how to join PIC, please visit the PIC website.

MASC Awards

MASC's commitment is to provide schools and communities with experiences of artistic excellence, and creativity and encourage understanding and give vivid demonstration of Canada's cultural diversities.  MASC is hosting their 14th annual MASC Arts Awards.  Five winners, from grades 6-8, will receive a scholarship to pursue studies in their art discipline from: The Ottawa School of Speech and Drama; Ottawa School of Art; The School of Dance; The Ottawa Folklore Centre; or mentorship with a local author or poet.  More information is available at their website and the nomination form. Maybe you know someone who could benefit from this award.  Nominations are due on March 1, 2012.

Proposed Harmonization of School Buses

Although the report in its entirety should be considered, some pivotal changes under consideration are highlighted below:
i)      Travel time is being reviewed and it is proposed that OSTA articulate that a preferred one-way travel time maximum of 45 minutes for students shall be the targeted standard. There will be exceptions to that standard for road and weather conditions and to take into account travel for students who live in remote areas or who choose to attend specialized programming. The current OCDSB standard is 60 minutes; though the vast majority of students are transported under the 45 minute threshold currently (indeed most are transported under 30 minutes).

ii)     Transportation Eligibility is being reviewed with the following walk distance standard being considered:
        JK-SK   .8 km
        Grades 1 – 8    1.6 km
        Grades 9- 12    3.2 km
This would represent a lowering of the OCDSB walk distance for Grades 7 – 8 students (currently 3.0 km). The manner in which secondary students are transported (currently those living and going to school within the Urban Transit Area do not receive yellow busing and may utilize OC Transpo) will be considered in subsequent reviews.

iii)    Changes in the criteria to establish Hazards is being considered.

iv)     Changes in transportation eligibility to and from caregivers is being considered.

OCDSB School Council Information and Updates

OCDSB School Council Information and Updates

In this update, you can find information on the following topics:
Upcoming Events:

• OCDSB Presents Leonard Sax:"Facebook Ate My Daughter ... and My Son Won't Stop Playing Call of Duty..."-NEW
• Ottawa Police in Partnership with OCDSB Information Session: "Teens and Technology: Sexting, cyberbullying, safety and Mental Health"-NEW
• CHEO Connect in partnership with OCDSB Session Four: "Children 1-5: Terrified Toddlers and Precious Preschool Years"-NEW
• CHEO Connect in partnership with OCDSB Session Five: "Children 9-13: The In Between Years"-NEW
• Churchill Alternative School Council and Dovercourt Recreation Centre host Dr. Gordon Neufeld
• Presentation by Dr. Neufeld on Preschoolers and Young Children
• OCASC Information Session on IPRCs
• Free Arts Advisory Committee Presentation
• Free Evergreen Workshops

• OCDSB 2012 Community Member Recognition Awards
• Premier's Safe School Award
• YMCA-YWCA Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Education and Leadership Centre
• General Information:
• Homework Help
• Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence
• People for Education Newsletter

Bridlewood Spring Sports

Registration for Bridlewood Spring Sports is starting. 

On-line registration will open on February 1st and will close on February 29th, 2012 at www.bridlewood.ca
One “in-person” registration on Monday, February 6th from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic School.

The sports will include T-Ball, Coach Pitch, and Soccer, for children grades JK – 6 and Ultimate Frisbee for grades 7 & 8.  All games played in Bridlewood parks.  The cost per child starts at $40 for 1 child/sport.  Registration is on a first come first served basis.

Non-members of the Bridlewood Community Association (BCA) will be required to purchase a 1 year membership at a cost of $10.00 per family.

For more info, please see the Bridlewood Community Association website, www.bridlewood.ca, under Sports, Spring Sports.  Here's the Spring Sports flyer and their February Newsletter.

WOM School Council would like to invite you to save the date for our upcoming seminar for parents.  You are invited to register at any time.

Bullying

 Supportive ways to help our children

Thursday, March 29, 2012
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

hosted at W.O. Mitchell Elementary School
80 Steeplechase Dr.

Keynote Speaker

Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre

Please register to attend the presentation at seminarseries@womschoolcouncil.com

Childcare is available. Please let us know if you will need childcare when registering for the presentation.

WOM Fall Craft Fair Looking for New Ideas and Organizer

The WOM School Council is looking for ideas and suggestions from parents on the WOM School Council Fall Craft Fair. The craft fair will be heading into its 12th year and next year we want to change it up to make the experience a little different.  Please share your ideas by sending an email to chair@womschoolcouncil.com

We are also looking for a volunteer to run the event for the 2012/13 school year. If you are interested in taking on this very great community event and fundraiser please contact the school council chair at chair@womschoolcouncil.com

Parent Resource Centre

The Parent Resource Centre helps to provide parents and caregivers programs, workshops and parenting help.  Here's their early learning winter newsletter.

School Council Info and Updates from the Board

Here's an update from the Ottawa Carleton School Board's site, including info about

• Consultation on Special Education Classes, Programs and Services for 2012-2013-New
• NCASC Information Session on IPRCs-New
• Presentation by Dr. Neufeld on Preschoolers and Young Children-New
• Homework Help
• Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence
• CHEO Connect in partnership with OCDSB: Session Four
• People for Education Newsletter
• YMCA-YWCA Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Education and Leadership Centre
• Premier's Safe School Awards
• Free Evergreen Workshops
• Manotick Public School Aviva Community Challenge
• Free Arts Advisory Committee Presentation

Awards

Our congratulations to our principal Heather Graham on being the recipient of the United Way’s Growing Up Great 2011 Meeting Fundamental Needs Award, which recognizes her work in the Healthy Active Schools Program. We also congratulate teachers Sue Brown (Director) and Debbie Pratt (Producer) Elementary School Event (Performance) Award for their production of Beauty and the Beast.

2011 Craft Fair and Silent Auction Update

We had 30 some crafters who took part in the fair this year and as always it turned out to be a huge success.  A huge thank you to our main organizer Brenda Verch, as well as the rest of her team: Tara Lee Forsyth, Pam Peters, Linda Paul, Samira Ayad Yedri and Bev Stonehouse who put together such a great event. 

By the end of the day, the canteen was sold out, the baked goods were gobbled up, the books were bought up, and the silent auction was well bid on and the first ever cake raffle was very popular.  We have some talented cake makers in our community and some winners who enjoyed each and every bite of their cakes.  We also had many canned goods donated to the food bank.

The Craft Fair team did an amazing job organizing a fantastic event. We are so fortunate to have a great parent community who take the time to help out with these great events to raise funds to enhance programming for all students at WOM.  We also had had many parents sign up to volunteer as well as student volunteers and many generous parents who donated items to the silent auction, bake sale, cake raffle and book sale.  Without our wonderful volunteers we could never pull off an event of this scale.

And how did we do?  Based on money raised from admission, approximately 320 paying adults/children came to the craft fair. This does not include children under 10, so our numbers are up in the 400-600+ visitors.  Over $4000 was raised to enhance programming for all students at WOM!  This wonderful event has grown into something the community enjoys coming to. 

We have a few photos here.  Thanks again Craft Fair team. Another successful year!

Domino's New Pizza Dough

Domino's pizza has had some feedback regarding the whole grain pizza dough that was introduced this year to meet the Ontario Ministry of Education's guidelines. They have reformulated their dough recipe to continue meeting the guidelines and to taste closer to their regular dough. Starting the week of November 29^th, they will be using their new dough recipe.

New Food and Beverage Policy
Please note the new food and beverage policy applies to all foods sold in schools. With lunches up and running we failed to relay important information to WOM families regarding our pizza lunches on the order forms. In order to meet the policy, our pizza slices have changed and our pizza is now served on whole wheat crust.  We are sorry if this has caused any inconvenience.  For any inquiries, changes, or any other issues, please contact our lunch coordinator at
lunch@womschoolcouncil.com

Policy - Ontario Nutrition Standards for Schools
The Ontario government has introduced a new School Food and Beverage Policy that includes nutrition standards for food and beverages sold in schools that was implemented at the start of this school year. The policy applies to food and beverages sold in school.  The new policy will help schools provide healthy menu items for all students and embody the principals of healthy eating outlined in Canada’s food guide.  The new policy will ensure food and beverages sold in school contribute to students healthy growth and development. For more information on the new policy, please visit the board website at the following link
http://www.ocdsb.ca/par/food_n_beverage/Pages/default.aspx.

School Council reports and meetings

The school council final report for the 2010-2011 year is now available.

The meeting dates for the upcoming year are: Sept 20 - elections, then Oct 11, Nov 8, Jan 10, Feb 21, Apr 10, May 8. There will be no council meetings in December, March or June.  The craft fair will be held on November 19, 2011, and WOMFEST on June 16, 2012.

Your school council will be going paperless this year. This saves paper and reduces cost.  Starting in October, all our newsletters and information will now be sent home via your inbox. Paper copies will be available in the office for pick up if you still wish to receive information in this way. Please sign up and stay up to date by creating your own account and stay informed while helping us go green. 

Bridlewood Home Hardware and WOM have teamed up
Here's how it works: When you shop at Bridlewood Home Hardware, please let them know you are from WOM, when you do HH will give 3% of your total pretax purchase back to WOM School Council that will go towards enhancing student achievement.  It's win win!

Kiss and Ride

School Council would like to remind all parents to use the kiss and ride for pick up and drop off of students.  The Kiss and Ride is supervised both before school and after school to ensure safety of our students.  We ask that you please refrain from using the side streets and staff parking lot for drop off and pick up.  With your help in using the Kiss and Ride we can keep our school a safer place.