Guthrie Public School Newsletter
May 2025
Principal’s Message:
What busy and exciting times we are having at Guthrie! During the month of April we celebrated Earth Day by learning about how we can take care of the environment and we made our school yard sparkle with a school yard clean-up day. The students did a great job in making our yard look great! Our school yard is still recovering from the ice storm and we are slowly opening more areas of the yard as the fallen trees are cleaned up. Students are doing a great job of staying away from out of bound areas!
This week is Education week as well as Mental Health Week and we will spend some time talking about how we can all take care of ourselves to promote mental wellbeing through being mindful, physical activity, creating connections with others, being grateful, and being kind toward others. The leadership team has planned activities throughout the month of May that promote mental health and well-being. The month of May will be a busy one as we look forward to many special events that will get us moving including Track and Field, Yoga in the yard, Dance with Moving Art, and Basketbeats for our Intermediate students.
Towards the end of May we will begin to think about class placements for next year. Please be aware that a great deal of time and effort are spent in organizing class placements for the following year and there are many variables that are considered in the process. If there are unusual circumstances for which you wish to make a request for class placement, please put your request and reasons in writing and send them into the office or email to [email protected]. Requests will be considered but we cannot promise that such requests can be granted. Please submit all requests by the end of May.
Dianna Wright-Drzazga Lisa Aldersey
Principal Vice-Principal
Important Dates at Guthrie:
May 2 PA Day – students do not attend school today
May 5 Parent council, 6:30pm in library
May 7 Yoga in the Yard; Yearbook order DEADLINE (link: https://online.edgeimaging.ca/ search for “Guthrie” in Yearbooks)
May 8 Math Road Rally, Caribou Math Contest
May 13 Rugby Regionals
May 14 Gauss Math Contest
May 16 Spirit Day – Everything But a Backpack Day
May 19 Victoria Day Holiday (no school today)
May 20 Grade 3s to Simcoe County Museum
May 21 Rugby Counties
May 22 Welcome to Kindergarten Night 4:30 to 5:30pm
May 27-29 Grade 3 EQAO
May 28 Guthrie Track & Field (Rain-date May 30)
June 2-4 Grade 6 EQAO; Grade 7s to Kandalore; Grade 8s to Brock
June 5 Spring Carnival 5PM – 7:30PM (Rain-date June 12)
June 6 PD Day (students do not attend school today)
June 9 Jump Rope for Heart (Rain-date June 13)
June 10 Track & Field at Eastview
June 12 Kindergarten End of Year celebration
June 20 Report Cards home
June 23 Grade 8 Graduation
June 26 Last Day of School for students
Please join us in welcoming Frankie to Guthrie!
Frankie is a miniature schnauzer. She has been working as a Canine Ambassador therapy dog through Sweet Charity for the past seven years. Frankie will be working out of the office starting this week with her handler, Mr. Norris. Mr. Norris has been assigned as additional Principal coverage here at Guthrie to assist Mrs. Wright and Ms. Aldersey as a number of our students transition to the new school.
There are many benefits to having a therapy dog working with us in our school:
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Creates a welcoming, warm environment in our school
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Helps improve student well-being through reducing stress, anxiety and conflict
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Improves communication between students and staff, reducing student anxiety, mood and stress, reducing student problem behaviour, helping improve focus and ability to get work done
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Enhances the school environment as the dog and the handler promote positive socialization and calm interactions
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Reflects the understanding of the human canine bond and the therapeutic benefits that this relationship can provide to our school community.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if you have any questions about Frankie and her role within the school.
SAVE THE DATE!
Guthrie's Fun Fair, happening June 5th!
The below information is for SCDSB families for the month of May
Days of Awareness 2024-25
Please review the days of awareness calendar on the SCDSB website at scdsb.on.ca/about/equity_and_inclusion.
2024-25 SCDSB Student Census
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to creating a culture of belonging, engagement, and success for all. As part of this commitment, we are conducting the 2024-25 SCDSB Student Census so that we can learn more about the students and families that make up our school communities. Information from the census also helps us to determine how to best utilize resources and plan appropriate programming, learning opportunities, and events.
Parents/guardians of children in Kindergarten to Grade 6 will receive an email invitation to complete the census on their child or children’s behalf. Students in Grade 7 to 12 will be provided with the opportunity to participate in the census during class time between May 6 and 30.
The census is confidential and voluntary.
If you would like more information about the census, please visit scdsb.on.ca/census. If you have questions regarding the SCDSB Student Census, please contact the Research and Decision Support department at [email protected].
Indigenous Education flag
The SCDSB’s Indigenous Education department is excited to announce the new Indigenous Education flag. This flag was created by Indigenous members of the SCDSB’s Indigenous Education department in collaboration with local Indigenous community members. This flag will be raised at all SCDSB schools and the Education Centre from June 16 to 20 to celebrate National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is also the summer solstice. Families and community members are invited to join in recognizing and celebrating the vibrant cultures and histories of Indigenous Peoples.
The flag represents the rich cultures and contributions of diverse Indigenous Peoples in Simcoe County and includes symbols such as:
- the Medicine Wheel to signify First Nation communities
- the Infinity symbol to represent citizens of the Métis Nation
- the Inukshuk to symbolize Inuit communities
Surrounding these symbols is sweetgrass, signifying unity and respect among Indigenous Peoples.
Every Child Matters flags will be respectfully acknowledged during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 in recognition of survivors and our deep commitment to reconciliation in education, honouring survivor’s legacy, and truth.
To learn more about Indigenous education in the SCDSB, visit: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/indigenous_education
Parenting Unplugged: A Session for SCDSB Parents/Guardians
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites parents/guardians to join the upcoming session of the Connected Parenting learning series, hosted by the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC). This in-person event, facilitated by counsellor and coach Ulrica Jobe, will focus on effective strategies for discussing technology with teens, setting boundaries without conflict, and finding a healthy balance between screen time and face-to-face interactions.
Date: May 20
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: SCDSB Education Centre
For more information and to register, visit scdsb.on.ca/connections.
Math at Home blossoms with new activities this May
Families looking for ways to support their child(ren) in learning math are invited to try Math at Home, an online resource featuring games, problems, and number talk activities that reflect the math your child may be learning at school each month.
In May, activities in school and on Math at Home may include grade-level tasks related to collecting, sorting, organizing, comparing, and displaying data.
Visit scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome to support your child’s math learning at home!
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 the Simcoe County Regional Science and Technology Fair.
Ever wondered what’s involved in creating an award-winning project for the Simcoe County Regional Science & Technology Fair? Join us as we follow two SCDSB students on their journey from start to finish as they prepare their projects for the 2025 Science Fair: youtube.com/watch?v=VNK-_fZ3GkQ&t=2s.
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 an 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/ kindergarten
Kindergarten orientation
Kindergarten orientation sessions will be held throughout the SCDSB in the spring of 2025. These sessions provide families with the opportunity to engage with their school community as their children prepare to enter school. Learn more about the sessions and find out when your child's school is holding theirs: scdsb.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=210982&pageId=8385299.
Licensed summer school 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 over the summer holidays. 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.
Summer learning programs in the SCDSB (elementary)
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) continues to support student achievement and well-being throughout the summer months by providing a range of elementary summer learning programs. This summer, the SCDSB is offering programs for students in Grades 1-8, as well as multilingual learners and students with learning disabilities who use assistive technology at school. The programs will focus on foundational reading and math skills. They will be delivered through both a virtual synchronous learning format (Google Classroom) and in person at West Bayfield Elementary School in Barrie, Regent Park Public School in Orillia, and Worsley Elementary School in Wasaga Beach. The programs will run from July 7 to 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily.
Interested families are asked to contact their children’s school principal for further details and registration information. Registration opens on Monday, April 28 and can be accessed through the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/summer_learning. The deadline to register is Friday, May 16.
Join the SCDSB for a virtual special education information series
During the 2024-25 school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting virtual special education outreach sessions to assist parents/guardians in learning more about programs, supports, and ways that we work together to support students with special education needs.
Please join us for the upcoming session:
Every day mental health strategies
May 13
We all want our children to feel mentally well, grow up happy, and learn how to navigate life’s challenges. Virtually join members of the SCDSB Mental Health and Well-Being and Special Education teams as we share resources from School Mental Health Ontario (smho-smso.ca) to support students of all ages with their mental health.
Participants are asked to register in advance. Information to access the sessions will be shared via email with individuals who have pre-registered. Learn more about each session and how to register on the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/special_education/special_education_outreach_sessions.
Get caught reading this month!
This campaign seeks to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read. Here are some ideas to
start spreading the joys of reading at home:
- Read comic/graphic books together. These books are fun to read aloud together, especially when you take turns doing different voices. A curated list of comics and graphic novels can be found on Sora, the SCDSB’s digital library. To access the desktop version, visit soraapp.com/welcome or use the Sora app.
- Create a ’family picks’ book list. Ask family members and friends for recommendations of their most beloved and cherished books. As you read these books, encourage your child to discuss favourite characters, moments, and quotes with their family and friends. This is a great way to share a love of reading with others.
- Drop everything and read (DEAR). As a family, pick a schedule that works for you and drop what you are doing to read together.
- Visit your local library for events and to explore books.
May cyber awareness topic: Digital wellness – Using technology in a healthy way
As technology becomes a bigger part of our lives, it's important for families to use it in a healthy way. This month's tip sheet offers simple advice on managing screen time, building good online habits, and spotting signs of too much tech use.
Talking about digital wellness with your children can help them find a good balance with technology. Open conversations can make the topic less scary and ensure everyone uses technology in a way that supports their well-being.
Access the ECNO Cyber Awareness Tip Sheet for May to stay informed about this month’s theme and explore additional resources: ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ECNO-CAM-24-Infosheets-E-_Part8.pdf
The CANImmunize app
CANImmunize is a free mobile app to help parents/guardians easily track students’ immunization records all in one place. The app allows you to share your child’s immunization records directly with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU). Sharing your child’s record with the SMDHU using the CANImmunize app means that parents/guardians don’t have to go online and report to the SMDHU every time their child receives a vaccine; the app will do the work for you!
The CANImmunize app:
- sends reminders to keep your family up-to-date on routine immunizations.
- provides access from many devices, ensuring your records are always available, no matter where you are.
- ·offers a secure web portal for those who prefer managing their records online.
Once you have agreed to share your child’s record with the SMDHU in the CANImmunize app, the app will provide updates to the SMDHU each time you enter a new vaccine.
To create an account, visit CANimmunize.ca or download the app on IOS or Android. For more information, contact the Immunization Program at 705-721-7520 ext. 8827 or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520 or visit our website at simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
May PA Days
Please note that Friday, May 2 is a PA Day for all SCDSB students. Please refer to the 2024-25 School Year Calendar on the SCDSB website for more information: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/school_year_calendar.
Below is a summary of the activities planned for the May 2 elementary PA Day:
Length: Full day
Topic: Student engagement and well-being, mathematics, and literacy
Host: Simcoe County District School Board
Presenters/Facilitators: Learning modules created by Student Achievement and Mental Health and Well-being departments, school administrators, math leads
Student Engagement and Well-Being (100 min.)
Educators will learn about the benefits and foundations of student engagement in mental health promotion activities at school, practical strategies for supporting diverse student leadership styles, and creating environments that support student engagement. This learning is self-directed, and staff are encouraged to work in small groups to develop an understanding of the School Mental Health Ontario (SMH-ON) Student Engagement Toolkit.
Mathematics (100 min.)
Educators will deepen their understanding of how using concrete manipulatives and visual representations will support instruction in the areas of measurement and data, embedding cross strand connections from algebra and number. This learning will be facilitated by school administrators and/or math leads with a focus on collaboration and math conversation.
Literacy (100 min.)
This self-directed learning in the D2L online learning platform will focus on using assessment tools such as Words their Way and Acadience Early Reading to determine next steps in reading instruction for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8. Educators will have the opportunity to work together with their grade and/or division partners.