DOROTHY LYNAS NEWS CODE OF THE DRAGON *Respect ...

DOROTHY LYNAS NEWS

CODE OF THE DRAGON

*Respect *Responsibility *Safety

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Dear Parents,

We would like to extend a warm “welcome back” to all students and parents with a special

greeting to new students and to our beginning kindergarten children. In addition we would like to

welcome new staff members:

The first week of the school year is now complete and the energy and enthusiasm is evident

everywhere! We appreciate your support in preparing your children for the transition into a new

school year and look forward to working with you to make your children’s year meaningful,

rewarding, and stimulating. To that end, staff is anticipating our first Collaboration Time

scheduled for the last Wednesday of the month, September 28th. We will dismiss at 2:00pm on

that day to allow staff the opportunity to explore areas of the revised curriculum together.

At Dorothy Lynas, we believe in actively promoting and fostering the growth of each child

toward becoming a happy, responsible and contributing member of our school and community.

The Code of the Dragon, our school Code of Conduct, is reviewed in class and will remain in

high profile throughout the year. A copy of the Code of Conduct is included in the opening pages

of each student agenda and can also be found on the school website under the drop down menu,

“About Our School”. Please review the expectations with your child(ren). We then ask that both

you and your child sign the third page of the agenda indicating that you have read it and agree to

follow the expectations within.

We would like to thank the school community for their quick response on Sunday to the

fire on the roof of the school, enabling the Fire Department to deploy trucks even before

the school fire alarms went off. We are thankful that no one was hurt and that the damage

was contained to the gym. Our Maintenance Department is working closely with the

Restoration Company to expedite repairs. They are currently drying out the flooring and

restoring those sections of the gym walls damaged by water and smoke. Roof repairs will

also be necessary. We do not yet have a definitive end date for the repairs. Meanwhile,

we are grateful for this sunny warm weather which facilitates outdoor PE classes!

In closing we encourage you to contact or visit the school if you have any concerns, questions or

accolades! Positive communication between home and school is an essential component of our

philosophy, and an open dialogue will enhance your child’s success at school. Through our

newsletters and bulletins, we will endeavour to keep you well–informed of our programs and

activities within the school. We look forward to a rewarding school year at Dorothy Lynas!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Arlie Thompson Ms. Megan Wheatley

Principal Vice Principal

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

Student Telephone Use

Students may use the school phone with their teacher’s permission for any important reason. They may not, however, use the phone to inform parents or friends of after-school plans. Students are asked to make their social arrangements the night before. If a student is ill, they need to come to the office. The office staff will then contact the parents. Student Cell Phones At Dorothy Lynas, students may carry a cell phone with their belongings, only with the express written permission of their parents. Please note that students may not make or receive calls during school hours. Nor may they use phones for playing games or text messaging. All cell phones must be turned off between 8:45 am and 3 pm. In keeping with the Protection of Privacy Act, no photos are to be taken at school using cell phones. Inappropriate use of cell phones during school hours will result in confiscation. Students who wish to bring a cell phone to school need to complete the Dorothy Lynas Cell Phone Contract which is attached to this newsletter. Students may make or receive calls before or after school off the school premises. Parents wishing to contact their children on an emergency basis may call the school office at 604-903-3430.

STUDENT PLANNERS FOR

SALE!

Student planners for

students in Grades 1-7

are available at the office for $5.00.

Dorothy Lynas School Calendar 2015-16

School Opens Sept. 6

Parents Welcome Sept. 9

PAC Meeting Sept. 19

Strings Parent Info Meeting Sept. 20

Student Photos 9:00am Sept. 21

Staff Collaboration Time: Sept. 28

(early dismissal 2:00pm)

FOS Parent Forum on Sept. 29

Revised Curriculum

Orange Shirt Day Sept. 30

Terry Fox Run Oct. 7

Thanksgiving Day Holiday Oct. 10

PAC Meeting Oct. 19

Shake Out Drill Oct. 20

Professional Day (no school) Oct. 21

Professional Day (no school) Nov. 1

Remembrance Day Holiday Nov. 11

Curriculum Training Day Nov. 14

(school not in session)

Photo Retakes 9:00am Nov. 15

Staff Collaboration Time: Nov. 30

(early dismissal 2:00pm)

Winter Vacation Starts Dec.19

School Reopens Jan. 3, 2017

Dorothy Lynas Band & String

Practices

Mondays

8:10-8:50 Beginning Band

8:50-9:30 Continuing Band

10:45-11:25 Beginning Strings

11:25-12:05 Continuing Strings

Thursdays

1:00-2:00 Beginning Band

2:00-3:00 Continuing Band

8:00-8:40 Beginning Strings

8:40-9:20 Continuing Strings

Registrations for Strings & Band is still possible. We

look forward to a wonderful year of music making in

orchestra & band this school year! New students are

very welcome! Please register online or at the School

District office. You may contact Ms. Douglas for

strings at [email protected] or Mr. Roumeliotis for

band at [email protected]. Withdrawals must be

submitted by September 30th

in order to receive a

refund minus the deposit.

Band and Strings sessions will begin Monday,

Sept. 12th

.

Labelling Every year a large donation of

unclaimed “lost and found” articles is

made to a charity organization.

Please label books, clothing, P.E. Bags

and materials.

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

Please see the Home/School rubric below for Grade level expectations.

INDEPENDENCE

The introduction to BC’s curriculum redesign states:

Today we live in a state of constant change. It is a technology-rich world, where

communication is instant and information is immediately accessible. The way we interact

with each other personally, socially, and at work has changed forever. Knowledge is

growing at exponential rates in many domains, creating new information and possibilities.

This is the world our students are entering…

The redesign of curriculum maintains a focus on sound foundations of literacy and

numeracy while supporting the development of citizens who are competent thinkers and

communicators, and who are personally and socially competent in all areas of their

lives. British Columbia’s redesigned curriculum honours the ways in which students think,

learn, and grow, and prepares them for a successful lifetime of learning where ongoing

change is constant.

To that end, we have been focusing on developing the skills of independence that students

will require in order to become creative, collaborative problem solvers in a global world.

Staff identified six areas of independence critical to success at school and developed rubrics

for each. The six areas are Instructions/Directions, Organization, Self-Advocacy, Code of

the Dragon, Problem Solving, and Home/School. Each rubric gives a profile of the

attributes/skills required for a specific area of independence from kindergarten to Grade 7 at

different levels of proficiency. These rubrics will be used with students as a self-assessment

tool, by teachers to determine how best to support students’ growth and will be shared with

parents to encourage support in the home. Please see the example attached (Home/School).

One of the goals for all students at Dorothy Lynas is to increase their skills in becoming

independent thinkers and learners. Early in the school year it is important to establish certain

routines, procedures and work habits to enable students to be successful. The school

welcomes the support of parents in building children’s independence, responsibility and

confidence as they begin the new school year. Younger children should be encouraged to

enter and exit the building on their own, carry their own backpacks and hang up their

belongings in the classroom independently. As children progress through the grades, they

are expected to assume increasing levels of responsibility: record assignments in their

planners, complete homework, meet deadlines, arrive on time prepared for the school day,

and, of course, be role models of our Code of Conduct! We hope that parents will help us

achieve this goal, by monitoring their child’s planner and homework, encouraging

independence and ensuring that their child arrives at school on time.

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

ASPECT K/1 2/3 4/5 6/7

Readiness for

School/Home

-with support, arrives at

school with necessary

learning materials &

appropriate apparel

-arrives at school with

necessary learning

materials & appropriate

apparel

-arrives at school with

necessary learning

materials & appropriate

apparel

-arrives at school with

necessary learning

materials & appropriate

apparel

-with support, leaves

school with necessary

learning materials &

appropriate apparel

-leaves school with

necessary learning

materials & appropriate

apparel

-leaves school with

necessary learning

materials & appropriate

apparel

-leaves school with

necessary learning

materials & appropriate

apparel

-with support shares

messages between

home and school

-shares messages

between home and

school using

appropriate tools (e.g.,

agenda)

-with support, uses

agenda as a learning

and organizational tool

-uses agenda as a

learning and

organizational tool

-arrives on time and

leaves on time

-arrives on time and

leaves on time

-arrives on time and

leaves on time

-arrives on time and

leaves on time

-says good-bye to care

giver at door and

enters/exits on own

-says good-bye to care

giver and enters/exits

on own

-enters school grounds

on own; lines up

responsibly until the

bell

-enters school grounds

on own; lines up

responsibly until the bell

-after an absence,

brings home missing

notices with support

-after an absence,

brings home missing

notices with increasing

independence

-after an absence,

catches up on missing

work/notices with

support

-after an absence, seeks

out missing work/notices

to catch up

Electronics and Valuables at School Use of Personal Electronics at School

Parents are reminded that students should

refrain from bringing personal electronics such

as ipods, MP3 players and PDA’s to school.

Furthermore, students are reminded to leave

valuable personal items such as jewellery,

money, and toys at home. We cannot accept

responsibility for loss or damage of such items,

and their use at school creates difficulties.

Bikes/Scooters/Skateboards

Students have the Responsibility to ensure

their safety and the safety of others

by:

Walking bikes, scooters and

skateboards on school grounds

Using protective gear when riding

bikes, scooters, and skateboards to

and from school

Locking bikes, skateboards and

scooters to the racks provided

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

Dorothy Lynas Website and School Connects

Our school website is the major source for communication of school news. To view

our website click here and close login window.

The North Vancouver School District and Dorothy Lynas also use primary contact

emails for distributing school notices and newsletters. You may also view the

newsletters on the web page. (click here, close login window and choose the month

you wish to view).

In order to reduce paper and copying costs, please contact the office if you prefer to

receive the newsletters and notices by hardcopy.

Remember to check out the PAC Website at www.dorothylynas.com or through the

Dorothy Lynas website link.

Supervision

Before School

There is no formal supervision provided in the morning before school begins. Parents should

note that children who arrive early (i.e. before 8:45 a.m.) are not supervised except in situations

where they are involved in a sponsored activity such as band or a sports event. Parents are

kindly reminded to arrange for supervision at home or with friends.

Traffic safety continues to be a concern at Dorothy Lynas. We have witnessed

students being picked up and dropped off in the middle of the street and cars stopping and

parking in unauthorized and unsafe areas. Please take care to respect all traffic and

parking regulations. The staff parking lot is not to be used for drop off, turn around,

pick up, or as a pathway for students as this is a dangerous and congested area. The

staff parking lot is for staff vehicles only. Please remember that you need a Disabled

Parking Permit to use those spots in the parking lot. Thank you for your cooperation

in helping to create a safe school environment for our children.

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

The Callback System is a safety check that is in

place for your children. Parent volunteers and our office

staff monitor children’s absences and late arrivals. It is

important to use the Callback number (604-903-3435)

and leave a recorded message for our system to be

efficient and our information accurate. All students who

arrive late report to the office to sign in before going to

class. You will be contacted if your child does not arrive

at school and we have not been notified of an absence. It

is essential that we have your current home and work

telephone numbers as well as current emergency

contacts on file. Please notify us as soon as there are any

changes to this information. It is important that students

arrive at school in time to be in their desk and ready to

begin their work at 8:50 am. Large numbers of late

students slow down the important process of ensuring

that all students are accounted for and may also disrupt

the learning in the classroom. The first bell rings at 8:45

am and class begins at 8:50 am. We really appreciate

your help in ensuring that your children arrive on time

and ready to learn.

Clothing/Scents As part of our School Code, under the area of Respect we ask that students dress

appropriately. Further to that:

Students who wish to wear makeup are expected to apply it at home not in the

classroom unless under the supervision of a teacher for a school activity (e.g., dramatic

performance, Halloween).

Students, staff and parents/volunteers are expected to wear clothing that shows respect

for the learning environment.

Students, staff and parents/volunteers are expected to avoid clothing with

inappropriate or offensive language, symbols or pictures.

Students, staff and parents/volunteers are expected to wear footwear that will allow

them to participate safely in all school activities.

Dorothy Lynas is a scent-free school. Staff, students, and parents/volunteers are

expected to support this initiative out of respect for those who are sensitive or allergic

to scents.

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

The Dorothy Lynas Staff

Principal Mrs. A. Thompson

Vice-Principal Ms. M. Wheatley

English

Div. 1 Grade 7 Ms. A. Denny

Div. 2 Grade 6/7 Mrs. K. Lonneberg

Div. 3 Grade 5/6 Mr. D. Hogan

Div. 4 Grade 4/5 Mr. W. Shynkaryk

Div. 5 Grade 4/5 Mrs. T. Badesha

Div. 6 Grade 3/4 Mr. K. Williams

Div. 7 Grade 3 Mrs. R. Desrocher

Div. 8 Grade 2 Mrs. S. McMullin

Mrs. K. Barnett

Div. 9 Grade 1/2 Mrs. P. Stewart

Div. 10 Grade 1 Mrs. L. Reid

Div.11 Grade K Mrs. C. Manness

Div.12 Grade K Mrs. B. Karmali

French Immersion

Div. 1F Grade 7 Mme A. Lalonde

Div. 2F Grade 6 Mme M. Wheatley

Mme L. Wang

Div. 3F Grade 5/6 Mme R. Quiring

Div. 4F Grade 4/5 Mme G. Miles

Mme L. Wang

Div. 5F Grade 4/5 Mme T. Langer

Mme L. Wang

Div. 6F Grade 3 Mme M. Orellana

Div. 7F Grade 2/3 Mme C. Fraser

Div. 8F Grade 2 Mme S. Voth

Div. 9F Grade 1 Mme L. Labreque

Admin. Assistant Mme. J. Woodruff

Office Assistant Mrs. T. Shaw

Office Assistant Ms. S. Patten

Supervision Mrs. S. Reid

Supervision TBA

ELL Mrs. F. Dickson

ELL Mrs. K. Barnett

LST (Eng) Mrs. K. Compton

LST (FI & Eng) Mme S. Viragh

Music Mr. C. Drew

Library Mrs. K. Patterson

Library Mrs. J. Reader

Band Mr. K. Roumeliotis

Strings Ms. E. Douglas

Counsellor Mrs. M. Brady

HRT Miss R. Tevendale

SLP Ms. N. Braund

BSW Mrs. C. Kuban

LSW TBA

PSY Ns. N. Hearle

FNSW Ms. M. Spooner

EA Ms. F. Haran

EA Ms. C. Hack

EA Mrs. L. Hortal

Custodian-Day Mr. R. Tan

Custodian Mr. D. Goze

Custodian Mr. R. Revita

Mme M. Parin

Div. 10F Grade 1 Mme L. Davidson

Mme M. Parin

Div. 11F Grade K Mme S. Howe

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

Tuesday, September 6, 2016 First day of school-8:45-11:00am

Wednesday, September 21, 2016 Student Photos at 9:00am

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Staff Collaboration-2:00pm dismiss

Monday, October 10, 2016 Thanksgiving Day-school not in session

Friday, October 21, 2016 Province-wide Professional Day-school not in session

Tuesday, November 1, 2016 School Professional Day-school not in session

Friday, November 11, 2016 Remembrance Day-school not in session

Monday, November 14, 2016 Curriculum Training Day-school not in session

Tuesday, November 15, 2016 Photo Retakes at 9:00am

Wednesday, November 30, 2016 Staff Collaboration-2:00pm dismissal

Friday, December 16, 2016 Last day of school before school closes for Winter vacation

Winter vacation December 19 to January 2

Tuesday, January 3, 2017 School reopens after Winter vacation

Friday, January 20, 2017 Curriculum Implementation Day-school not in session

Monday, January 23-27, 2017 Grade 6 Outdoor School

Wednesday, January 25, 2017 Staff Collaboration-2:00pm dismissal

Monday, February 13, 2017 Family Day-school not in session

Friday, February 24, 2017 District-wide Professional Day-school not in session

Friday, March 10, 2017 Last day of school before school closes for Spring vacation

Spring vacation March 13 to 24

Monday, March 27, 2017 School reopens after Spring vacation

Friday, April 14, 2017 Good Friday-school not in session

Monday, April 17, 2017 Easter Monday-school not in session

Wednesday, April 26, 2017 Staff Collaboration-2:00pm dismissal

Monday, May 8, 2017 District-wide Professional Day-school not in session

Monday, May 22, 2017 Victoria Day-school not in session

Tuesday, June 6, 2017 Swangard Track & Field Meet

Tuesday, June 27, 2017 Grade 7 Farewell-1:00pm (to be confirmed)

Wednesday, June 28, 2017 Last Day of school-3:00pm dismissal, report cards sent home

Thursday, June 29, 2017 School Professional Day-school not in session

Friday, June 30, 2017 Administrative Day-schools close for Summer Vacation

The above dates are available on the Dorothy Lynas Website.

School Hours for 2016/2017

First Bell: 8:45

Second Bell/Classes Begin: 8:50-10:25

Recess: 10:25-10:45

In Class: 10:45-12:05

Lunch: 12:05-12:35 (Play First) 12:35-12:55 (Eat)

In Class: 12:55-3:00

Dorothy Lynas 2016/2017 School Calendar

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

Student Telephone Use

Students may use the school phone during school hours with their teacher’s permission for any important

reason. They may not, however, use the phone to inform parents or friends of after-school plans. Students

are asked to make their social arrangements the night before.

If a student is ill, they need to come to the office. The office staff will then contact the parents.

Student Cell Phones

At Dorothy Lynas, students may carry a cell phone with their belongings, only with the express written

permission of their parents. Please note that students may not make or receive calls at school. Nor

may they use phones for playing games, listening to music or text messaging. All cell phones must be

turned off at school. In keeping with the Protection of Privacy Act, no photos are to be taken at school

using cell phones. Inappropriate use of cell phones during school hours will result in confiscation.

The school does not take any responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged cell phones. Phones must remain

in backpacks during the school day. They may not be used during a lock down or bomb threat.

Students may make or receive calls before or after school off the school premises. Parents wishing to

contact their children on an emergency basis may call the school office at 604-903-3430.

My child and I have read the above with respect to telephone and cell phone use at Dorothy Lynas and

agree to abide by these restrictions.

I give permission for my child _____________________________ in Division _______ to bring a cell

phone to school.

We agree that:

the cell phone will be turned off at school

the cell phone will not be used at school for any purpose

the cell phone will be stored in a backpack while at school

the cell phone will be given to a staff member during a lock down or bomb threat

Parent Signature Date

Student Signature

CODE OF THE DRAGON

RESPECT . RESPONSIBILITY . SAFETY

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435

LynnD.Miller, Ph. D., Lic. Psychologist (Colorado) is an Associate Professor Emeritus in the Education and Counseling Psychology and Special Education department at the University of British Columbia. She started her career as a classroom teacher, and then worked as a school counselor K-12. She held several research grants examining the effects of empirically supported approaches to child anxiety in the public school system. She consulted to the FRIENDS program, an evidence-based curriculum based on cognitive behavior principles, targeting anxiety. She conducted research on other models of anxiety prevention programs in schools, including Taming Worry Dragons, Skills for Social and Academic Success, Cool Little Kids, as well as an enhanced program for Aboriginal children. She completed her term as President of the Anxiety Disorders Assoc. of Canada, 2010-2014, and served as the President of the International Association of Marriage and Family Counselors (2004-2006).

School Telephone 604-903-3430 Callback Telephone 604-903-3435