·1 There are currently 305 students enrolled at the school.

·2 The staff dinner provided by a committee of parents lead by Kelly Emery on the Parent Teacher Night went very well and was greatly appreciated by staff.

·3 December was a busy month for the school with several special activities including a food drive and the well attended Christmas Concerts. It was noted that parents also enjoyed the opportunity to attend these.

·4 Currently Grade 8 teachers are assisting students with planning and preparation for Grade 9, information has also gone home, and tours of schools (Open Houses) are next week. For more info for students heading to highschool, see the Ministry of Education website at: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/students/jobs.html

·5 Grade 3 & 6 students will be preparing for a writing a pre-test before EQAO. It will be a smaller version of the test and will be marked and evaluated for learning needs of the class prior to the administration of the EQAO. Skill gaps identified will be practiced prior to EQAO. This has been tried in other School Boards with success.

·6 Angela Corso of the Womens’ Centre will be doing a variety of age-appropriate presentations to students on Personal Safety, Anger Management etc.

·7 The next PA Day Feb 1, will have a Math focus for teachers.

·8 Bill 212 the Safe Schools Act is changing. It will be amended to allow for school administration to take action when students inappropriate behaviour takes place off school grounds but directly affects school life for students. This will allow schools to take action on cyber bullying or bullying on off-campus but school routes etc. For more info on this bill, see the Ontario Ministry of Education website at this link: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/act.html

·9 2^nd term report cards will go home on March 27^th.

·10 DPA (Daily Physical Activity) program officially started today, Grade 8 students have been trained to bring a series of exercises with music to the younger classes. This takes place 3 times per week for 20 minutes mid-day. This is intended to encourage fitness, but also help children re-focus on studies.

·11 Internet Safety Presentation – North Chatham Elementary schools are joining forces to offer this to parents – Scott Mills, Toronto Police officer will be presenting info on the dangers and possible safe guards for children using the internet. January 21, Tecumseh School, 6pm, light meal provided. Presentations will also occur for Grade 6-8 students at the school. School Council Members are asked to provide 5 dozen desserts, donations can be left in the office on January 21 during school hours.

·12 A letter is going home regarding home placements for Korean students. Another trip is planned to Korea for 10 days this summer for a few GDPS students. The cost is approximately $2000.00. There will be an information night on January 23^rd.

·1 Breakfast Club: Beth Blommers has been working on this program with Elaine Lewis from the Health Unit. There is a need for volunteers, preferably a core group who can be counted on once a week, 2 volunteers per day are needed between 7:50am-8:30am. Please contact Lynn Sulman at the school or Beth Blommers Coordinator if you are interested and able to assist.

·2 Food will be healthy and filling and the program is intended to promote healthy eating and allow children to focus on school work during the day.

·3 Food day options have expanded to include spaghetti and garlic bread, and chicken fingers and fries. Order forms have gone home and must be returned with cash or cheque by January 21^st. Food provided by Andy’s Place.

·4 Counters are needed on Tuesday January 22 at 6:30pm in the Library – to tally orders and count funds.

·1 Ann Robinson reported that the committee is still working on this event and are considering a masquerade theme, classes will be involved prior. A silent auction is being considered. This will be a fun family event with lots of special activities and also a fund-raiser. Information will follow in the monthly newsletter.

·2 Mr. Noel is planning a Carnivale event Feb 25-29 involving the whole school with fun arts and sports activities related to French education with the Carnivale Theme.

·3 Sue Cummings and Diane Duncan shared plans for Family Literacy Day on January 25^th, for the primary and junior classes including book swaps, poster contests, special guest readers including Greg Hetherington, radio personality from CKSY. Sue Cummings is seeking volunteers for group activities re: reading and writing.

·4 This is a nationwide initiative to increase literacy and involvement in the home as well as school. Chatham-Kent has a higher than provincial average low-literacy rate.

·5 Students are encouraged to bring in children’s books and magazines that they are no longer using, and they can swap for free ones they are interested in.