2015-2016

General Information School Hours

8:36 a.m.– 11:55 p.m.

12:44p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Morning recess: 10:10 a.m.- 10:25 a.m.

Lunch Hour: 11:55 p.m.- 12:44 p.m.

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Before School Program Hours: 7:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m.

After School Program Hours: 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

It is important to note that all children in the school building prior to 8:15

a.m. and after 3:15 p.m. will be placed in our Before or After School Pro-

gram to ensure adequate supervision. Regular morning supervision begins

at 8:20 a.m. and after school supervision ends at 3:15 p.m.

If your child is going to be late or absent from school, please phone our

school office at (403) 526-2392. It is our policy to check on all absences.

Please ensure that your child has a healthy attendance record and arrives

on time to ensure maximal learning throughout the year.

Important Phone Numbers

Connaught School ………………………526-2392

Connaught School Fax ………………….526-2140

Superintendent of Schools……………… 528-6729

Student Services………………………... 528-6742

District Administration………………… 528-6700 Health Unit ……………………………... 502-8200

Speech Language and Hearing Services…528-8175

Connaught School E-mail: conn@sd76.ab.ca

Connaught School Web Page: www.connaughtschool.ca

M.H.S.D. No. 76 Web Page: www.sd76.ab.ca

Principal Mme Deni Neigum

Vice Principal Mr. Tim Johnson

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Sandy McIntosh

Administrative Assistant Mrs. Holly Schulze

KA Mme Karen Franchetto

KB Mme Kate Bohrn

KC / Learning Coach Mme Dianne Spencer

KE Mrs. Jo-Ann Schmaltz

1A Mme Joanne Hamel

1B Mme Leslee Canadine

1C Mme Crimson Madsen

1E Miss Sophie Douvis

2E Mrs. Carrie Maxwell

2A Mme Carolyn Weiler

2B Mme Ellen Macpherson

2/3E Miss Jennafer Yuhas

3A Mme Joanne Kennedy

3B Mme Sandra Mason

3E Mrs. Jackie Schuett

4A Mme Tiffany Rasmussen

4B Mme Diane Cartier

4EA Mrs. Cheryl Scholly

4EB Mrs. Terryann Syverson

5E Miss Brittney Banks

5A Mme Rachel Vossler

5B M. Andrew Haddon

5/6E Mr. Rick Glasspell

6E Miss Ashley McDougall

6A M. Neermal Hosanee

6B Mme Esther Bernard

Music / Core French M. Derek Metcalf

Library Tech Mrs. Kim Rickert

Educational Assistant Mrs. Debbie Foley

Educational Assistant Mme France Boschee

Educational Assistant Mrs. Charlynn Kennedy

Educational Assistant Mrs. Sharon Weiss

Educational Assistant Mrs. Eryn Kowalchuk

Head Custodian Mr. Jim Stelter

Custodians Mrs. Lindsy Bonogofsky , Mr. Allan Lawson

Au Chapeau Preschool M. Corey / Mme Maureen

After School Coordinator Miss Holly Hunter

Ecole Connaught School Calendar of Events 2016-2017

August

29 District PD Day 30 School Planning Day 31 First Day for Students

September

2 School Wide Assembly 5 Labour Day – No School

14 Welcome Back BBQ 16 PD Day – No School 28 School Council

29 Feature Student Assemblies 30 Terry Fox Run

October

5,6 Goal Setting Conferences 5,6 School Pictures 7 PD Day – No School

10 Thanksgiving Holiday 11 School Wide Assembly 21 Fall Family Dance

26 Feature Student Assemblies, School Council 28 PD Day – No School

31 Halloween Activities

November

10 Remembrance Day Assembly 11 Remembrance Day – No School

18 PD Day – No School 21 Report Cards

29 Feature Student Assemblies 30 School Council Meeting

December 16 PD Day – No School

21 Christmas Concert 23 Early Dismissal, Assembly

24 Christmas Holidays until Jan. 8

January 9 Classes resume

20 PD Day – No School 25 School Council Meeting

27 Winter Carnaval 30 Feature Student Assemblies

February 16 School Wide Assembly

17 PD Day – No School 20 Family Day – No School

21 In Lieu Day – No School 22 In Lieu Day – No School 23,24 Teacher’s Convention – No School

28 Feature Student Assemblies

March

13 Report Cards 15,16 Student Led Conferences 17 PD Day – No School

27 Spell-A-Thon Assembly 29 School Council 31 Feature Student Assemblies

April

12 Spelling Bees 13 PD Day – No School 14 Eater Holidays until April 23

24 Classes resume 26 School Council

27 Feature Student Assemblies 28 School-Wide Assembly

May

17 Spring Carnival

19 PD Day – No School 22 Victoria Day – No School 24 Feature Student Assemblies

25 School Wide Assembly 31 School Council Meeting

June

9 PD Day – No School * (Connaught Only) 27 Grade 6 BBQ

28 Family Breakfast / Fun Day 29 Awards Ceremony and Last Day for Students (Early Dismissal)

30 Last Day for Teachers

École Connaught School Mission Statement

Our mission at École Connaught School is to guide and engage students in

becoming respectful, responsible, global citizens who have a love for learning in a safe and caring environment with a strong focus on academic and personal growth in English and French Immersion

programs.

École Connaught School Goals

1.To improve student learning in numeracy and literacy through critical thinking. 2. To Improve student learning through enhanced assessment practices. Our school community is committed to the following:

Maintaining a school environment that enhances the academic and personal growth of

each child. Guiding student success in English and French Immersion programs.

Providing engaging learning activities which complement and enhance the curriculum. Building social and academic skills through cooperative learning. Promoting a multicultural and bilingual learning environment. Developing a caring, responsible and respectful school environment through school-

wide implementation of Tribes. Supporting positive behaviour among all students Communicating effectively with parents and the school community Offering cultural, artistic and musical experiences to all students

In addition, our school is committed to modeling an instilling the values of Caring, Re-

sponsibility and Respect.

Welcome ~ Bienvenue

School Rules

THINK ….

Be Kind / Sois Gentil Be Safe / Sois Sain et Sauf

Be Responsible / Sois Responsable Be Respectful / Sois Respectueux

Be Truthful / Sois Honnête

BE YOUR BEST!!

School-Wide Discipline Policy

At École Connaught School we are very fortunate to have students,

families and staff who share the same values regarding student disci-

pline. We believe in supporting positive behaviour in all of our students

through recognition and positive reinforcement. We also believe in a

NO TOLERANCE policy for behaviours that threaten the physical or

emotional safety of our staff and students. We teach our students the

importance of following our school rules through group work, discus-

sion, modeling and school-wide assemblies. Students and families are

encouraged to report any concerning behaviour to the school staff or

administration. If your child is involved in a serious offence such as:

*fighting

*bullying

*severe defiance

*harming others

*vandalism

*making threats

*swearing ...you will be contacted by the school administration to discuss logical

consequences for unacceptable behaviour and invited to participate in a

plan to support and teach important positive behaviour skills.

Supporting Positive Behaviour at Connaught School

Supervison

Outside supervision is provided

starting at 8:20 a.m.., during recess and at lunchtime. The Before and After School Pro-

gram is provided for students who require supervi-

sion outside of the regular school day. (7:00 a.m.-

8:20 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. )Students who are

at school before or after the regular supervised hours

will be placed in this program at a fee of $4 per hour per child.

Playground Expectations

Students are expected to go outside at recess and at noon hour once they have finished their lunch.

It is important that all children are dressed for the

weather.

Our cold and inclement weather policy will be

enforced as needed by the staff during the school day. Students who are appropriately dressed will

have the choice of an optional recess if the tem-

perature is colder that –20 C. If the temperature

is below –30 C all students will be kept inside.

Students are expected to follow all school rules

while playing on the playground. Minor infrac-tions will be dealt with on the playground in the

form of reminders, role playing, walking with a

supervisor or making an apology. Major infrac-

tions such as fighting, swearing or defiance will

result in an immediate referral to the office. Students are expected to remain in the play-

ground area and are not permitted to use the front

of the school during recess.

If students choose to bike, scooter, or skateboard

to school it is expected that these will be locked to the bicycle compound. Students are not per-

mitted to use these items on the school grounds.

Lunch Hour Procedures

Starting at 11:55, all students eat lunch in their

classrooms and are supervised by either their

homeroom teachers or hallway supervisors and lunch monitors.

Microwaves are available in most class-rooms and in the student kitchen.

Once students have finished eating and have cleaned up their lunch, they are to remain in their desks until 12:10. At this time those who have finished their lunches will be invited

outside.

All students are expected to be outside or en-

gaged in an alternate activity by 12:20. At 12:44

all students will return to their classes for the

start of afternoon instruction. Hot lunches are provided for students once per

month. Watch for dates in our monthly newslet-

ter or on our school website.

A free lunch program is provided by the Medi-

cine Hat Food Bank for those in need.

A student kitchen is also available which has a variety of foods and snacks for purchase includ-

ing milk, juice boxes, yogurt, noodles and

canned pasta.

Noon Hour Activities (12:20—12:45)

We are pleased to offer a variety of programs and

activities for our students during the activity portion

of our lunch hour which include:

-Choir -Handchimes

-Running Club

-Chess Club

-Bike Club

-Me to We

-Intramurals -Wellness Club

Students will need to listen to announcements for

information about signing up for different lunch hour

activities.

**If you plan on taking your child from school

during the lunch hour, please make sure to sign

them out at the school office.

We promote a NUT-SAFE environment for our students. Please check the labels

carefully and do not send and items to school with your child that contains nuts. Your cooperation is appreciated.

School Fees

Kindergarten Fee…………….$110.00

Grade 1-6 Fee…………………$100.00

A large portion of the school’s budget, which is used

for purchasing student supplies, (pencils, pens, rulers, notebooks, etc.) comes from these instructional materi-als fees charged to parents at the beginning of each

school year. All school fees are due by September 30th. Cheques can be made payable to CONNAUGHT SCHOOL. Fees may also be paid online with a credit

card through our school or district website using SchoolCash. To complete this you must know your

child’s student number which can be found on the attendance report from the June report card. You can also contact the school office to inquire about your

child’s student number. It is important to stay up to date with your child’s school fees as they carry over from year to year.

Emergency Procedures

Connaught School has a CRISIS RESPONSE PLAN that provides for the safety of your children. Fire drills and lockdown drills are practiced throughout the year

and the school staff is trained in First Aid. In most emergencies your child will remain and be cared for at the school. In the event of an emergency

affecting the school that prevents entry into the building such as a broken gas, water main or fire, all

students and staff will be moved immediately to MEDICINE HAT HIGH SCHOOL. We ask you to follow the procedure below if you hear

rumours of any school emergency: 1. TURN ON YOUR RADIO OR TELEVISION.

2. DO NOT TELEPHONE THE SCHOOL. This will tie up limited phone lines.

3. DO NOT COME TO THE SCHOOL UNLESS YOU ARE REQUESTED TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD. Any emergency involving the school may

mean emergency vehicles and disaster workers must be able to get to the building.

In the event of necessary communication, an e-mail will be sent out to all parents, a phone message will be

sent to the emergency contact number you have provid-ed and we will attempt to use social media as warranted by the situation.

Accidents

School rules are enforced to minimize the number of

accidents that occur but in the event of an accident, school staff are trained in first aid and are prepared to

give assistance of a basic nature. If a child is injured more seriously or is quite sick we will contact the par-ents or emergency contacts. If required, an ambulance

will be called or transportation will be provided to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital by a school administrator.

Electronic Devices

Technology can be a great support to student learning and students are permitted to bring electronic devices if there is an identified educational need and permission

from the teacher. It is expected that students will use electronic devices as they are intended for classroom

use. Any inappropriate use of technology will result in it being taken away and picked up by the parent or guardian. Students and parents need to be aware of the

risks involved in bringing personal devices to school. Any incidents of cyber-bulling will be taken seriously and will involve the school resource officer.

Communication

We believe communication between home and school is very important. Most classroom teachers use agendas as the main form of communication. Each

classroom teacher also has various methods of commu-nication such as folders, weekly notes, monthly news-

letter, email and teacher websites. As a school, most of our communication is done through email, our school website (www.connaughtschool.ca), Facebook and

Twitter. It will be important to visit our school website to sign up for monthly newsletters and view the calen-dar. Throughout the year pictures are also posted of

many of our school events. As a parent, if you have requested that paper copies come home with your

child, these will be provided for special events and school notices.

Our school and district follow a policy called “Healthy Interactions”. In the event of a parent concern regard-ing a staff member, it is important that the staff mem-

ber is contacted directly. If a reasonable solution can-not be met, the administration may be contacted to help

resolve the conflict. We strive to do our best and al-ways keep what is best for kids at the forefront of our decision making.

Important Information

School Programs/ Special Events

Before and After School Program Connaught provides a before school supervision pro-

gram from 7:00 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. and an after school supervision program from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Fees are set at $4.00 per hour per child and are prepaid on

the 1st of each month. Forms and information are available at the school office.

Kindergarten Program The Connaught School Kindergarten provides an excel-

lent transition to the more formal and academic school-ing provided in later grades. Children have the oppor-tunity to learn through play and discovery as they are

actively involved in learning literacy and numeracy skills that will prepare them for their educational fu-

tures. We offer full-day alternate Kindergarten pro-grams in both English and French Immersion. The clas-ses follow the same schedule as the rest of the school

and students are eligible to ride the bus and access be-fore and after school care.

French Immersion Program We are proud to offer an early entry immersion pro-

gram at Connaught School. In this program the stu-dents follow the Alberta curriculum using French as the main language of instruction. Students from Kinder-

garten to Grade 2 receive all of their instruction in French and from Grade 3 on, English Language Arts is introduced. Children leave our school with a high level

of proficiency in both languages and an increased sense of confidence and independence. Students may enter

the program in Kindergarten or Grade One and may transfer in from another immersion program at any time. If you have any questions about French Immer-

sion please feel free to contact the school administra-tion.

Library Program In the library, the teachers with the help of the Library

Clerk, help the children learn to use the library to find the information that they need for school projects and recreation. Classes are regularly scheduled for a book

exchange each week. Students are encouraged to visit the library often and books are available in English and in French. All library materials are on loan for one

week. Fees are charged for lost of damaged books.

AMA Safety Patrol Students in grades 5 and 6 can join the school patrol team. Students patrol the crosswalks both before and

after school. Training is provided in the Fall and per-mission forms are sent home with all interested stu-dents.

Music Program Connaught School offers a quality bilingual music pro-

gram to all of the students in the school. The children in grades 1-6 have scheduled classes in the music room twice a week. Kindergarten students will visit the mu-

sic room once per week. As an extension of the music program, students are also provided with musical

opportunities during the lunch hour. K-Kids program

The K-Kids is a service club that meets after school on Tuesdays. It is open to all students in the school. A staff member serves as a coordinator and supervisor and a

member of the Kiwanis Club serves as a consultant. Otherwise, all the work and decision-making is done by

the students. They take on a variety of service projects to improve the quality of the school and the communi-ty. K-Kids are great leaders in the school and are an

important part of school life. There is a $2 registration fee to become a member.

Sports Club This club meets on Wednesdays after school from

3:00—4:00.and is open free of charge to all students in grades 4-6. Various sports are introduced such as vol-leyball and basketball. Time is taken to work on gen-

eral fitness, basic skills and rules of play. Parents are more than welcome to attend and help with coaching.

Carnaval Each year during the last few weeks of January we cel-

ebrate Connaught’s Carnaval d’Hiver or Winter Carna-val. Students learn about the history of the Quebec Winter Carnaval through stories, videos and lessons.

Many activities are planned that boost the spirits of students and families during the cold of winter.

Christmas Concert / Family Night Every second year our school puts on a Christmas Con-

cert in which all students participate or hosts a Family Night. This is a special event which helps our school community celebrate the spirit of the holidays together.

Feature Student Assemblies Each month students from each classroom are recog-

nized in a special assembly in the gym. We celebrate what is unique about them and learn about each child as

a way of building community. Parents are invited to attend.

Me to We This service club is open to grade 6 students who are interested in making a difference in the community and

the world.

School Advisory Council This parent group is a vital part of our school commu-

nity. The school council advises the school staff about programming and events that will enhance the educa-tional experience for students. The school council also

supports many school events such as Skate-A-Thon, Spring Carnival, Spell-A-Thon, school dances and our

famous Christmas basket raffle. Fundraising projects throughout the year support fine arts presentations, field trips, the music program and improvements to the

school gym. Meetings are held the last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 in the school library. School ad-ministration and staff members attend as well to pro-

vide input and information on educational and school issues. All parents are welcome to attend and babysit-

ting is provided in the gym. Volunteer Opportunities

Many opportunities exist throughout the year for par-ents and other family members to help out around the school. Please contact your child’s teacher about be-

coming a room rep for school council or helping out in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to become in-

volved in the school and share in the educational jour-ney with their children.

Kagan Cooperative Learning Our school and district have embraced this engaging and sound instructional method of building classroom

unity and enhancing learning. If you have any ques-tions about cooperative learning or would like to ar-

range to view a lesson, please contact your child’s teacher or the school administration.

TRIBES Our staff is also trained in TRIBES learning communi-ties which is a process for developing positive school

environments that promote growth and learning. It is based on the four agreements of Attentive Listening,

Appreciations, The Right to Pass/Participate and Mutual Respect.

Learn to Ski Program All of the students in grades 4-6 have the opportunity to participate in the Learn to Ski Program. Each year the

students and staff go to Hidden Valley Ski Resort in the Cypress Hills for a day filled with lessons, learning and

some winter fun. Parents are welcome to participate in this trip as well. Watch for information to come home in January.

Skating Programs From October to March all of our students participate

in a skating program at the Moose Recreation Centre. Teachers walk the students over to the rink and students

skate for about an hour. Watch for specific times in the

school newsletter or in your child’s agenda. Parents are always welcome to participate and to help tie skates.

All students require a helmet. Some skates and hel-mets are available at the school for student use.

Swimming Program During the month of June our students have access to

Hill Pool. Classes walk over to the pool and participate in a fun swim time. Parents are welcome to help super-vise as needed for some of the younger classes.

Outdoor Education Each year our grade six students participate in an over-

night Outdoor Education experience in Elkwater. This is a great trip filled with physical activity, learning

about nature and having fun. Information will come home with grade six students in the spring. Parents are needed to help cook and supervise during the trip.

Elementary Athletic Association Throughout the year, students in grades 4-6 will have

the opportunity to participate in tournaments with other elementary schools. Grade 6 students participate in

volleyball and handball tournaments, grade 5 students play soccer and floor hockey, and grade 4 students at-tend an informal games day. All students are able to

participate in the cross country runs which are held twice a year. There will also be track meets for all stu-dents in grades 4-6 near the end of the year.

Au Chapeau Preschool Program

Connaught School offers a preschool program for three and four year olds. Although the focus of this program is on building French language skills, the program is

open to anyone. The three year old children attend two mornings per week and the four year olds attend three mornings or afternoons per week. For more infor-

mation about this program or to register you can con-tact the office.

E.P.I.C. EPIC (Encouraging Positive Informed Choices) is a

new program designed by the Medicine Hat Police Service which builds on the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program that was previously deliv-

ered in schools. Lessons are given to students in grade four and grade six. Topics include tobacco and friend-

ship at the grade four level. Grade six students learn about alcohol, tobacco, marihuana, online bullying and refusal skills.

Special Services Speech and Language Services

Speech services are provided as needed to identified students in the school. Through the Regional Collabo-rative Service model we have an on-site speech lan-

guage pathologist several days a week. If you have any concerns about your child’s speech or language devel-opment please talk with your child’s teacher. Some

typical concerns include: unclear speech sounds, poor grammar and sentence structure, inability to express

ideas clearly, stuttering or difficulty following direc-tions.

Mental Health Services Positive Mental Health is an essential foundation for student success and well-being. We have access to a

mental health worker at least once a week at school. If you have concerns about your child’s mental or emo-

tional well-being you can contact your child’s teacher or Mme Neigum to discuss making a referral. Services are also available outside of school at the Provincial

Building. Occupational Therapy

The role of an occupational therapist is to help ensure the children have control over their bodies for optimal

learning. This could include difficulty with fine motor coordination, gross motor coordination, hyperactivity or low activity. An occupational therapist helps to pro-

vide activities and strategies to ensure that students are at a “just right” state for learning. A referral can be made through the school by talking with your child’s

teacher, the learning coach or administration.

Behaviour Support Just as some students struggle with reading, some stu-dents struggle with demonstrating positive behaviour

both at home and at school. Strategies and support can be provided through a behavioural consultant. If your child could benefit from some support in this area you

may be contacted by your child’s teacher or the school administration. You may also contact us with concerns

in this area. Physical Therapy

At times some students need the support of a Physical Therapist to help with exercises and movements. This support is typically for more serious developmental

delays or identified coordination difficulties.

School Resource Officer Our school has access to a member of the Medicine Hat Police Service to assist with supporting positive behav-

iour in our school and community and working with students to make positive choices.

HUG (Helping Us Grow)

Our school is fortunate to offer a HUG program to en-hance mental health services for each classroom. Stu-

dents participate in sessions as a class about worrying, anger, social interaction and friendship. Fun group

sessions are also offered after school. Collaborative Planning Circle (CPC)

Several times a year the school Learning Coach, ad-minisration and classroom teachers sit down with the school collaborative team to determine the best way to

meet student needs throughout the school. The collabo-rative team consists of a speech language pathologist,

an occupational therapist, a mental health worker, a behavioural consultant and a physical therapist or school resource officer as required. Together ideas and

strategies are shared to support student growth and suc-cess. Parents are often invited to sit in on these meet-ings. For more information on this process you may

contact the school learning coach, Mme Dianne Spen-cer or the principal, Mme Deni Neigum.

Mentorship Program Connaught School participates in the Big Brother / Big

Sisters Mentorship Program. Students who participate in this program have an adult mentor who visits with them once a week during school time or a teen mentor

through partnership with Medicine Hat High School. Permission forms and other consents are required for

this program. Parking

Parking is available for parents on the street at the front and back of the school. Please be aware of the off limit bus lanes on 1st Avenue and 9th Street. The staff park-

ing lot is reserved for school staff only. Please do not use this as a drop-off or pick-up zone.

School Access Access is available through the front doors. All other

doors are locked during instructional time. Lost and Found

Throughout the year many items are lost or left behind. Please make sure to label your child’s belongings so

that items can be returned to their classroom. Lost and found bins are located beside the gym and upstairs across from the library.

Wifi Access / Social Media Free wifi is available on school grounds by accessing

the MHSD Guest account.

Visit our FACEBOOK page

Follow us on TWITTER

École Connaught School 101—8th Street, SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, T1A 4L5

Telephone: (403) 526—2392 Fax: (403) 526—2140 E-mail: conn@sd76.ab.ca Web page: www.connaughtschool.ca