Guthrie P.S. Newsletter
February 2025
Principal’s Message:
Winter weather has certainly hit us this year and we have had lots of cold and snowy days. Please ensure that your child comes dressed for the cold weather as we enjoy time outside every day. We are looking forward to Winterfest at Guthrie, which will be taking place on Wednesday February 26th with our inclement weather day on Friday February 28th. Students are encouraged to come dressed for outdoor fun on this day!
During the month of February we are recognizing both Black History Month and Chinese Heritage Month. As a kick off to Chinese Heritage Month, we celebrated Lunar New Year at Guthrie and students had the opportunity to take part in many fun and educational activities along with their learning buddies. We hope that your child shared with you some of the things they learned about on this day!
Report cards are coming home this month on Friday February 14th. These reports reflect the ongoing assessment that has taken place throughout the term which includes items such as tests, projects, conferencing, and presentations. Teachers also use the provincial achievement chart categories of Knowledge and Understanding, Thinking, Application, and Communication to assess student work. If you have questions about your child’s report card or wish to learn more about the assessment process, please contact your child’s teacher or go to https://www.ontario.ca/page/student-assessment-evaluations-and-report-cards.
Finally, we are looking forward to our Health & Wellness Family Fun Night that is coming up on Thursday March 6th. We are planning many fun outdoor activities for families to take part in! The night will also include a brief student presentation about Health and Wellness and a book fair. We hope to see many families out so please mark your calendars. More details will be shared in the coming weeks!
Mrs. Wright-Drzazga and Ms. Aldersey
(Principal and Vice-Principal)
Important Dates at Guthrie:
Feb 3 Parent Council meeting, 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome!
Feb 5-26 Guthrie Read-A-Thon (link: School Cash Online )
Feb 10 Jeremy Fisher Music Performance – Grades K-3
Feb 10-12 Candy-Grams for sale
Feb 13 Grades 5-8 to Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Feb 14 Valentine’s Dance; Report Cards home; Candy-Grams delivered
Feb 17 Family Day holiday
Feb 24 David Lane “Humming to Throat Drumming” Grades 4-8
Feb 26 Winterfest (snow-date: Feb. 28)
March 4 Pancake Day! Students, please bring a fork from home.
March 5-7 Book Fair in the Library
March 6 Mental Health and Wellness Night,
Grad photos
March 10-14 March Break
Pancake Day is coming!
Staff and students are excited to celebrate Pancake Day on March 4th, when the sweet smell of pancakes fill the hallways and classrooms at Guthrie.
A great big Gryphon “Thank You!” to the many families who have donated supplies for the day! If there are any families still wishing to donate, we would be very grateful to receive maple syrup/pancake syrup.
Sweet thanks to our generous families!
Read-A-Thon!
Guthrie Public School is proud to launch our first Read-A-Thon. Our Read-A-Thon Fundraiser is scheduled to take place from February 5th-26th. This exciting event will encourage students to read while raising funds for our Library. We have some exciting events, including a “Masked Reader” competition and bookmark reading pledges. All funds raised will be directed to various areas including STEAM and the library.
Today, the students received a bookmark to record their reading each night and a pledge sheet. Students are asked to read for 15-20 minutes each night for 14 nights. Please return the pledge sheet to the school even if no money was raised. This is just a reminder that students are not to go door to door seeking donations.
Donations to support the Read-A-Thon can also be made to school cash online.
Thank you in advance for your support.
The below information is for SCDSB families for the month of February.
Days of Awareness 2024-25
SCDSB days of awareness calendar is available on the SCDSB website at scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion
Inclement weather and bus cancellation information reminder
All information regarding cancelled buses in Simcoe County is posted on the Simcoe County Student Transportation Consortium (SCSTC)’s bus information website at main.simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. Our school is in the CENTRAL zone. When buses are cancelled, schools remain open for student learning, unless otherwise noted. School staff are expected to plan for such emergencies in order to transition students who are unable to attend due to inclement weather to their online platforms (Google Classroom and/or SCDSBhub [Brightspace by D2L]) and continue with academic programming. It is always a family decision whether or not it is safe for their child(ren) to leave for school under severe weather conditions.
The SCSTC and bus operators try to make the decision to cancel school buses before 6 a.m. and make every effort to post announcements before 7 a.m. Inclement weather cancellations are effective for the whole day and buses cancelled in the morning will not run at the end of the day. You can follow the SCSTC on X @SCSTC_SchoolBus for bus cancellations and other information. You can also subscribe to receive bus delay notifications here: scstc.ca/Subscriptions/Login.aspx.
Black History Month
Every February, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) celebrates Black History promoting equity, positive identity affirming experiences, and opportunities for Black students, staff and families. Initiatives are integrated into teaching and learning year-round. Visit the SCDSB website to learn more scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion.
Chinese Heritage Month
Did you know, Bill 183 received Royal Assent in the province of Ontario in 2024 which proclaimed the month of February Chinese Heritage month. AS outlined in the Act, February was selected because it is an important month for the Chinese Canadian community because the Lunar New Year occurs during the winter season. The Lunar New Year is a significant cultural observance and celebratory time for Chinese Canadians as it signifies a new beginning and heralds the upcoming arrival of spring.
The students and staff of the SCDSB represent a rich diversity of faith, tradition, heritage, culture, and beliefs. Learning about, recognizing, and/or celebrating heritage days/months helps to build a culture of belonging and engagement. Learn more about Chinese Heritage month here: ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-183.
Indigenous Graduate Appreciation Pilot announcement
The SCDSB’s Indigenous Education department is thrilled to announce the Indigenous Graduate Appreciation Pilot. This initiative celebrates the cultural pride of the distinct Indigenous Nations in Simcoe County. We invite Indigenous students in Grade 12 who go to school in Midland, Orillia, and Barrie to join us in creating their own beaded graduation cap and ribbon shirt or skirt. Participants will receive supplies and instruction to create these items for their graduation ceremony. This program honours our students’ cultural heritage and fosters a sense of belonging and achievement within our community.
To register, connect with your Graduation Coach for Indigenous Students or sign up here: forms.office.com/r/FA7ARxB8aB
SCDSB families invited to explore math games and activities at Family Math Nights this February
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites you to participate in a Family Math Night on either Feb. 18 (Chris Hadfield PS, Bradford) or Feb. 20 (Ardagh Bluffs PS, Barrie). These events will offer a variety of engaging math games and activities for families with children from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Drop in anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. to explore numerous math stations, each staffed by SCDSB teachers. You'll leave with valuable math tools and resources to support your child's learning at home. Families are welcome to attend either event, regardless of whether their child attends that school.
Register to attend: forms.office.com/r/PE0K5e1Zjm
Up, down, east, or west – these activities will put your math skills to the test!
Have you tried Math at Home? Math at Home is an online resource for parents/caregivers of SCDSB students from pre-school age to 16!
In February, activities in school and on Math at Home may include describing and comparing locations of objects using positional and directional language, and performing movements such as reflections and rotations.
Visit scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome to support your child’s math learning at home!
Kindergarten registration for September 2025 is open!
Kindergarten is the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning, and we want your child to begin their journey in a SCDSB school! Do you have a child who is turning four in 2025? If so, we invite you to register your child for Kindergarten. To register online or for more information visit: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten
Subscribe to Kindergarten Connections!
Will your child be turning four in 2025? If so, the SCDSB invites you to Kindergarten Connections! This is a monthly enewsletter informing families of everything they need to know about preparing their child for school, as well as registering them for Kindergarten in the SCDSB. To learn more and subscribe, visit the Kindergarten page on the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten
How is your infant, toddler, or preschool child developing?
Is your child meeting their milestones? Age-appropriate speech and language skills are critical to your child’s ability to read, write, and be successful in school as well as to their ability to engage with their peers. Free services are available to support you with your child’s development. Preschool Speech and Language programs are located across the County of Simcoe. Call 705-739-5696 or 1-800-675-1979 to complete a developmental screen. The earlier we work together the better!
Licensed March Break school age child care programs
Child care programs for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are provided by independent, third-party child care operators in some SCDSB schools. To support your child care needs, some operators offer child care on PA days and holidays including over the March Break (March 10-14). Registration in advance is required. Please contact the child care operator directly to discuss fees and to register. More information and contact numbers can be found at: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/childcare_before_after
EarlyON Child and Family Centres
The Simcoe County EarlyON Child and Family Centres are excited to offer in person and virtual programs that help prepare children and parents/guardians for Kindergarten. Parents/guardians and children will have the opportunity to interact together in a variety of school readiness activities.
To register for a program in your area visit: earlyonsimcoenorth.ca/GRFK.
New EarlyON Child and Family Centre located in Thornton
Empower Simcoe’s EarlyON Child and Family Centre is excited to announce they opened their new location in Thornton on Jan. 13, 2025. This centre will operate up to six days a week, with programming one evening a week and every other Saturday. For more information about EarlyON Child and Family Centres visit empowersimcoe.ca/earlyon-child-family-centres/.
Check out the SCDSB News video series
The SCDSB News is a weekly video series highlighting positive events, initiatives, and learning happening within school communities across the SCDSB. Follow the SCDSB on social media to catch all of these weekly episodes, and check out our recent video below featuring a day in the life of a Kindergarten student in the SCDSB!
Ever wondered what a day in the life of an SCDSB Kindergarten student looks like? Watch as we join Zeyan through his day in Kindergarten at Harvest Hills Public School! Kindergarten in the SCDSB focuses on building daily routines, independence, and meaningful relationships, and is filled with a variety of play-based learning activities. Watch now: youtube.com/watch?v=APGLV_zv0Qw.
Character recognition nominations
Do you know a student, staff, or volunteer that demonstrates good character within the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB)? The Character Recognition Awards Evening, happening in May 2025, recognizes students, staff, and volunteers who demonstrate good character in their daily lives.
Each year nominations from schools, work sites, and the Education Centre are received, highlighting the good character of our students, staff, and volunteers. From this group, randomly selected nominees are invited to the Education Centre in a celebration of those who exemplify the SCDSB character attributes.
The nomination process is open until Feb. 28, 2025. Recommendations must be made by filling out this form: tinyurl.com/yt3jmcde.
Registration now open for summer eLearning!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school courses in July 2025 (eLearning) and travel for credit courses in both July and August for current high school students, Grade 8 students entering secondary school, or adult learners who are interested in earning a new credit or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online learning skills, earn missed credits, or fast-track preparation for graduation or post-secondary in just four weeks. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily.
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
EDUTravel programs are offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe. For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of commitment, please visit: edutravelforcredit.com.
Summer eLearning opportunities for students entering Grade 9!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2025. Current Grade 8 students wishing to reach ahead and earn a credit before high school can now register through their elementary school principal. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily. Available courses include:
CGC1W – Grade 9 Geography
PAF1O – Grade 9 Personal Fitness
CHV2O & GLC2O – Grade 10 Civics and Careers
CHC2P – Grade 10 Applied History
CHC2D – Grade 10 Academic History
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
Understanding the language report card mark
Student achievement in language will be reported as one overall grade or mark on the term one report card.
The mark will reflect a student’s integrated learning across the four strands:
- Strand A, Literacy Connections and Applications
- Strand B, Foundations of Language
- Strand C, Comprehension; Understanding and Responding to Texts
- Strand D, Composition; Expressing Ideas and Creating Texts
The grade will be accompanied by supporting comments that will indicate the student’s strengths, describe growth in learning, and identify next steps for improvement.
For more information regarding the revised Language curriculum, visit dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/key-changes-language to view a guide for parents/guardians on the Ministry of Education website.
February cyber awareness topic: Being kind online
In our increasingly connected world, it's crucial to treat others with respect and empathy, just as we would in person, when we engage with others online. This month's tip sheet provides practical tips on how to be kind online, such as thinking before posting or sending messages, and being quick to report any harmful behaviour.
It's important to engage in conversations about these topics to ensure everyone understands the impact of their online actions and how to foster a positive digital environment. Open discussions can help reinforce good habits and make sure we are all contributing to a safer, kinder online community.
Access the ECNO Cyber Awareness Tip Sheet for February to stay informed about this month’s theme and explore additional resources: ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ECNO-CAM-24-Infosheets-E-_Part2.pdf.
Outdoor fun!
Outdoor activity has great benefits for your overall health. You can be active while outside connecting with nature. Find fun and easy ways to fit movement into your day by choosing physical activity that you enjoy. Whatever you choose works towards 60 minutes a day, every day. For more information, visit Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines: csepguidelines.ca/guidelines/children-youth. Contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 1-877-721-7520 or visit simcoemuskokahealth.org with questions or for more information.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.