Beaconsfield Middle School
630 Fundy Drive Saint John N.B. E2M 2S5
Phone: 658-5333
Principal: Mr. Art Sisk
NEWSLETTER
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Beaconsfield Middle School Events page!
APRIL 2017
Parents are advised of the following dates to take note of:
April 7 School Wide Oratorical Competition
April 12 High-5 Club Opportunity
April 14 Good Friday (No School)
April 17 Easter Monday (No School)
April 21 District 8 Oratorical Competition (Forest Hills School)
April 25 Grade 7 Immunization
April 28 Professional Learning Day (No Classes for Students)
April 29 Brent Kelly Memorial Run/Walk (Irving Nature Park)
As part of our efforts to make the school a safe and orderly environment for learning, students have been informed that compassion is not something that just happens, it must be learned. We teach each other compassion by treating others with respect. When we learn to respect others it is more likely that we will find people much more respectful to us. Bullying is not an issue when we learn to demonstrate compassion and respect.
Thank you to all parents that support their children with the term 2 celebration of learning and student led conferences that took place on Mach 30th and 31st. Both sessions were very well attended and this opportunity really set the stage for students to meet with success as we move throughout the remainder of the school year. For any parents or care givers that were unable to attend, teachers can be available at 8:00 or 3:00 on most days to support the student led conference process with you.
All parents are advised that the report card process will change for the school year 2017 – 2018. Preliminary information on the new reporting process was available through teachers during the recent reporting period and student led conferences and we have attached a copy of the Report Card Key with details about the scale and codes that will be used. More details will be available as we proceed towards the next fall.
The staff and students are progressing well with the school wide Math challenges designed to improve motivation and math results for all students. The staff of the school use professional development sessions to develop plans to help students gain a better understanding and appreciation for math. The teachers will be providing extra math opportunities to support student learning in a variety of forms. There are events such as the TWOKAM (Talk with Our Kids about Money) and the Math Olympics at UNBSJ as well as school based events planned as enrichment. These strategies and activities will target curriculum math skills so that students become more confident when facing more complex math challenges. Math concepts can be well supported at home by demonstrating how math is used in our daily lives. Students can help with day to day tasks that use math concepts such as shopping, cooking, measuring, estimating, using shapes, space, statistics, patterns, etc. It is our hope that Math becomes more appealing and students learn to appreciate the inherent challenges that math offers along with recognizing the importance of math in our lives.
It is common for the school to receive calls from parents regarding communicative diseases and these situations are taken very serious by staff members. As in past years we have received calls regarding concerns about head lice, scabies, pink eye, chicken pox, measles, etc. When these issues come to our attention, they are handled to the best of our ability with homes being contacted to request that the situation be investigated by health professionals and treatment provided before the student returns to school. Should there be an outbreak of a particular condition, a message will be sent home to families so that precautions can be implemented. Your support in communicating with the school regarding this situation is well appreciated.
Parents and visitors to the school are advised once again that the front of the school is designated as a bus loading area for students. Vehicles should not be parked in this area in the morning between 8:00 – 8:30 and after school between 2:30 – 3:00. All vehicle operators must also yield to all buses in the area and refrain from all movement while the buses display the red flashing lights. The school staff and Police will monitor this area to ensure the safety of all students.
The safety and privacy of all students is of utmost importance in schools and it is understood that cell phones are now part of everyday life as many parents want to be in contact with their children but the school district is obliged to implement a policy with regards to the use of cell phones, phone/cameras, cameras and musical devices in school. The expectations have been very well explained and reinforced to the students of Beaconsfield that cell phones, cameras and musical devices should not disrupt learning or impede the safety or privacy of students at any time. Any use of a camera or phone that comprises the privacy of another student or staff member will lead to immediate confiscation of the device and consequences up to and including a suspension from school. Parents will be required to pick up devices removed from students. The reason for this policy is that cell phones and cameras can be used to violate privacy rights of students, their families as well as staff members. This policy reflects the issue of safety and security of students as cited in the Education Act Information and Technologies (ICT) Use, Policy 311 and the Positive Learning Environment, Policy 703. Should you wish to contact your child during the school day, please call the school office at 658–5333. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated. To further support concerns about cyber safety Community Police Officer Constable Corey Jamieson of the Saint John Police Force has done presentations with all classes of the school and he can be available to support students and families with individual and community concerns.
Our community of students benefited from a very powerful presentation from MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) Canada on Monday, March 27th. This was a very informative session that provided some very good information and tips about this very serious issue. Thank you to Mrs. Ackroyed for arranging this opportunity.
Parents should realize that the teachers at the school are available every day after school to help students get caught up on missed work or to clarify issues regarding assignments or assessments. The school is also very interested in arranging support for any student that requires additional help. It is our hope that these measures will help all students meet with success this academic school year.
Our grade 8 Students will be soon notified by mail as to the status of their placement and/or their placement on a wait list for high schools. This would mean that they really have to focus on learning and leading as they prepare for this transition into high school. It also means that we will be soon planning for our year end, ”Farwell” celebrations. We hope that parents will get aboard as soon as possible and help plan this great celebration.
The drama group has been working extremely hard under the direction of Mr. Lawrence with their upcoming production of “The Lizard of Oz” (written by Mr. Lawrence). The play is scheduled to take place in early May. As usual the production requires the assistance of many volunteers for stage design, props and costumes. Please contact the school if you are interested in contributing your time and/or resources.
A big shout out to Mr. Patterson for coaching the girls and boys basketball teams this school year. Both teams developed very well throughout the sport season and the girls progressed into the final rounds in their perspective division. Mr. Patterson has also offered to co-coach the volleyball teams with Miss Bouchie. With this type of leadership to support development, the players are sure to have a great season.
For all those interested in outdoor challenges, the Brent Kelly Memorial Race will take place this year on April 29th at 9:00 at the Irving Nature Park. Staff and students are strongly encouraged to participate in this event in memory of Brent. As most of you are aware Brent was a grade 6 student at Beaconsfield Middle School who passed away unexpectedly in 2004. The cost for this event is $25.00 (Families of 3 or more $60/family).
As part of the health curriculum students will be learning about human growth and development.
Topics taught will include: endocrine system, changes of adolescence, male and female anatomy and function, fertilization, and healthy relationships. Teaching a child about the facts of human reproduction is only one part of a growth and development unit. The development of a child’s attitudes, emotions, character and values is also important. Parents have the primary responsibility to provide guidance in these areas for their children.
By law, you may excuse your child from participation in classes that include content that is contrary to your religious or personal beliefs. Your child may be exempted from one or more lessons. We encourage you to contact the school before considering this option. If you have questions and/or concerns, please contact your child’s teacher. If non-participation is your choice, your child will be required to complete an alternative unit of study.
The school is always in need of Pat On the Back prizes. If you have any coupons, tickets, items or ideas that would be popular with our students, please let us know.
We are asking that parents help support a safe school environment by reminding your child/children of the following expectations:
- Confrontations between students are always a serious matter and must be addressed by all in our community. Please advise your child that physical confrontations or incidents of cyber bullying will be reported directly to school administration and the Police.
- Attendance at school is extremely important and we must all work closely together to ensure that students are in attendance as much as they possibly can. Please advise the school when your child(ren) is absence and provide a note or email for filing purposes.
- Students are strongly encouraged to remain after school to participate in school activities but hanging around the school yard after the 2:45 PM dismissal is not permitted. Students are to exit the school yard at immediately at dismissal.
- The school also works in partnership with Parks Canada Staff at the Martello Tower Historic Site adjacent to the school and students are not to be in that area unless under the direct supervision of school or park staff.
- Bikes and skateboards can be brought to school but students are never to use them in the school yard. Wearing of helmets for your safety is also necessary.
A Healthy Attitude is contagious, but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be A carrier. Tom Stoppard-British Playwright
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