September to December of 2005

September 7, 2005

Principal’s Message

Welcome back to a new school year!  We are entering into our fifth year as a middle school and are projecting 620 students, about the same number as last year. The staff has spent numerous hours during the summer preparing  classrooms and materials for the new school year. We have a number of talented new staff joining the “team” this year. Two changes in the office have Ms. Paulette Collier taking over the Vice-Principal duties from Mrs. Batryn and Ms. Joanne McMillan assuming the secretarial duties for Ms. Maureen Andrew who retired September 1st after 31 years of service. To our teaching staff we have added M. TJ Klim, M. Charles Laudadio, Ms. Sarah Goerzen, Mrs. Emily Woelders, Mrs. Darlene Cotten and Mrs. Karissa Longpré. To our Resource Program we welcome Mrs. Tereyl Baye and Ms. Nicole Forbes.

Vice-Principal’s Message

I would like to take this opportunity to express how very thrilled I am to be part of the Chief Dan George Middle School community this year. Chief Dan George School is renowned in the Abbotsford School District as having fabulous students, a very dedicated and talented staff, as well as a very committed and supportive parent community. I take great pride in being able to work with such a dynamic group of people this coming school year. Please feel free to come in to say hello and give me the opportunity and great pleasure of meeting you.
                       
Thank you,   Paulette Collier

Attendance

One area that assists the school in maintaining a safe and secure environment involves our attendance policy.  It is essential that students and parents work with school staff to ensure that we have accurate data regarding student attendance.  Parents are asked to call the school office in the morning to report the absence of their child. Students who are late to school must check in at the school office and have their school planner stamped.  The stamped planner is needed to gain entry into class. We are a closed campus. Students who are required to leave the school during school hours must bring a note from home and  wait in the school office until they are picked up by an adult family member or friend. That adult must sign the child out of the school. Please assist us in ensuring that we maintain an accurate attendance tracking program. In addition, the school is a closed campus.

School Goal

The School’s Planning Council has carried over last year’s reading goal and added a second related to school climate.  The reading goal is formally stated as “To maintain and/or improve reading comprehension in the language of instruction for English, Early French, Late French and French Immersion by June 23, 2006”  and is supported by numerous strategies that staff will undertake through the school year. The second goal is formally stated as “To improve school climate and culture through middle school practices, specially: a) increase student time on task and protect instructional time, b) promote school spirit, c) increase use of inter-curricular thematic units, d) promote a safe and healthy environment”. Such important goals require that our students receive support at home to reinforce the work that is being done at school.  Your assistance plays a critical role in your child’s development and success.  We look forward to working with you to support your child.

Extracurricular Athletics

Thanks to the good work of many teachers and parent volunteers the school has supported a large number of athletic extracurricular opportunities over the last four years.  With each new season of play we will be seeking parent involvement in supporting our extracurricular program.  The first season of play will involve cross country running, swimming and volleyball.  We are blessed with a number of teachers who will coach these teams.  Mr. Richards and Mr. McTaggart will oversee cross country. Mme. Veldhoen, Mr. Laudadio and Ms. Janzen will oversee our swim program.  Volleyball coaches will include Mr. Schmor, M. Constant, Mlle Longpré, Ms. Landry, Mr. Piper and others. We will, however, require additional support from the parent community in working with some volleyball teams.  If you are able to assist with volleyball or another sport, please contact P.E. Coordinator and Athletic Director Mr. Jeff Piper. 

Code of Conduct

The school and school district have adopted a formal code of conduct.  Behavioral expectations are outlined in each student planner.  Please spend time with your child in the first week of school familiarizing yourself with the information found in the first few pages and sign page 8 to indicate that this has been done. 

Dress Code

With the new school year starting it is necessary for all students to familiarize themselves with our school dress code.  Although the school does not have a formal uniform policy we do expect that students are dressed appropriately for a middle school learning environment.  Please take some time to review the dress code standards that are listed in the front of the student planner. 

Open House

You are invited to a BBQ and Open House at Chief Dan George Middle School on Thursday, September 15th.  The school will be open from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.  Classroom visits, to meet the teachers and talk about the year’s  activities, are scheduled as follows:
    Grade 6:    5:00 - 5:45 p.m.
    Grade 7:    5:45 - 6:30 p.m.
    Grade 8:    6:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Of course you will then be free to use the rest of the time to eat and socialize with other parents, students and teachers.  Dinner consists of a burger,  chips and a drink for your eating pleasure (by donation)  served up by Mr. Lilly our Home Arts teacher  and members of our Student Leadership Team.  We would appreciate a donation of $3.00 per person if possible, or $10 per family (immediate family only please) to cover the cost of food and beverage.  Also, please note that beef as well as veggie burgers are available. We hope that you can take the time to visit the school and make new connections or renew previously developed connections with the staff.

Fund raising opportunities

Various groups have established regular fundraising activities throughout the school year.  We will endeavor to keep fundraising to a minimum, however we recognize that some groups rely heavily on such initiatives to assist in supplementing the costs associated with special opportunities.  The student leadership team is “kicking off the year” with a chocolate almond fundraiser.  Teacher Mr. Lilly is spearheading this event and you will receive information about the sale in the next few days.  Some upcoming fundraisers that you can look for include a school band chicken fundraiser and a P.A.C. “Entertainment Book” drive and magazine and Christmas items sale through QSP.

Spirit Day, Friday, September 9th - Wear School Colors

We want to encourage all students and staff to wear school colors or school athletic wear this Friday. School colors are maroon, navy and silver.

Bus Passes

As in previous years we will be selling City of Abbotsford Bus Passes in the school office. The cost this year is $28.00 per month per pass. A bundle of four passes (for September, October, November and December) is also available this month only. Cost for the 4 months is $85.00 (which works out to $21.25 per month). If you wish to purchase the bundle package please come into the office and purchase prior to September 16th. We cannot accept orders after this date. Thank you.

Help Needed!!

We need parent helpers for our sewing classes every Thursday (no experience necessary!). If you can volunteer for the morning (8:15 - 11:00 am.) or afternoon (12:40 - 2:30 p.m.) or both, please call or see Mr. Lilly at the school. We also need parent helpers in the Library. If you can donate any time it would be very much appreciated.  Please leave a message for  Mr. Lilly. Thank you!

Calendar for September and School Newsletters

A calendar of events for September is attached to this newsletter. Please keep this as a reference for various events and activities.  We will provide you with monthly calendars throughout the school year.  With the exception of the first week of school, we will send out newsletters from the school office twice per month (i.e. every second Friday).  If you are not receiving newsletters please consult with your child.  They will be issued by homeroom teachers during the afternoon homeroom. Newsletters are also available on our web site and we can also emailed to you. If you would like them emailed, please send your address to donna_hollanti@sd34.bc.ca. Calendars and newsletters are also available at the office counter in the event that you do not receive one. For more information about Chief Dan George Middle School events and activities visit our website at

www.cdgms.com 

Food Service

As in previous years students will have the opportunity to purchase food items from two sources, the Pit Stop and the Den. The Pit Stop is the school store that sells a variety of single items during nutrition break and lunch such as soup, hotdogs, bagels, etc. The Den is a full hot lunch meal opportunity that runs out of our Home Arts Room. Lunches can be pre-purchased at $3.00 per lunch which includes salad and milk, or $4.00 at the door (full details to come home soon). The Pit Stop will open on Monday, September 12th. The Den opening date is yet to be announced.

School Meal Program

The primary purpose of the School Meal Program is to provide meals to students who come to school hungry.  The program is intended to help feed children from homes where parents are struggling to provide food for their families (i.e., Social Assistance recipients, low income earners, families who are experiencing financial hardship due to work shortage, medical reasons, etc).  Documentation and studies have proven that children who are well nourished are better able to learn, become healthier and demonstrate improved overall performance.  The School Meal Program is funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development and through contributions from parents.  While we rely on parent contributions to keep the program running, no needy student will be turned away because of an inability to contribute.  Students receive a nutritious cold lunch consisting of milk or juice, a sandwich or similar entrée and fruit or dessert.  Our meals are monitored regularly and approved by the Ministry of Health. If you feel that your child/ren qualify to be placed on the School Meal Program, please contact your school office or the School Meal Program Coordinator, Helen Duval, S.B.O., 859-4891, Local 251.

Locker Use

The Abbotsford School District has adapted more formal expectations around locker rental and use in its schools. This year parents and students must sign a waiver and return it to the school to be eligible to use our school lockers. The locker use form is attached to the registration form (mauve) which you should have received today as well. Please return to the office as soon as possible. Thank you.

Traffic Congestion

Having two choice programs available at this school (i.e. Early French Immersion and Late French Immersion) increases the number of students who are driven to and from our school in private vehicles. Traffic flow can be an issue on some days. We would ask that you exercise patience and understanding during the  busy periods that exist 15 minutes before and after school. Also, unless your child is directly involved in extra-curriculars, we would appreciate it if you could pick up your child by 3:15 p.m. daily. Thank you.

Car Pooling

If you’re interested in carpooling from the Marshall and McKenzie area, please call Susan at 604-853-9412 to coordinate this.

September 2005 Calendar

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September 22, 2005

Friday, September 23  District wide Professional Development Day

<>All public schools in Abbotsford will not be holding classes tomorrow, Friday, September 23rd.  All staff will be participating in a variety of Professional Development activities on that day.

Staffing
We were very fortunate in our summer hiring of new teachers and support staff and have added experience and enthusiasm to an already strong team.  We have one last vacancy to fill for the upcoming school year.  Grade 8 P.E. teacher and Athletic Director Mr. Jeff Piper has recently accepted a classroom position at Eugene Reimer Middle School for the balance of this school year.  We wish him well in his new challenge.  A replacement for Mr. Piper will be announced next week. 

Extracurricular report
We are barely three weeks into the school year and already a number of our extracurricular sports programs are up and running.  Cross country coaches Mr. Richards, Mr. McTaggart and Mrs. Bunbury have over 60 students participating this season.  The team will participate in four consecutive Wednesday afternoon meets at Clearbrook Park beginning September 21st.  Our swim team began practices this week.  There are presently over 50 students training at Matsqui Recreation Center under the direction of coaches Mme Veldhoen and M Laudadio.  Six volleyball teams are beginning practice with the Grade 7's beginning play this week.  Our Grade 8 program will once again be guided by coaches M Buki (girls) and Mlle Janzen (boys). The grade 7 program will be overseen by the school administration with Mrs. Collier directing the boys squad and Mr. Dudzik the girls team.  The Grade 6 teams will practice at lunch under the direction of Mr. Schmor, M Constant, Mrs. Finch and Mrs. Reimer with the possibility of some exhibition games being arranged next month.

Policy # 11-100 Drugs
Last year the Board of School Trustees passed "Policy 11-100 - Drugs".  It contained a comprehensive district strategy to more effectively educate children about the dangers of illegal drugs.  The policy outlines a range of proactive interventions which school personnel will use to assist students in living a healthy and drug free lifestyle.  More information will follow in upcoming newsletters regarding the new policy.

Safety Concern
If you drive your child to school please use the school drop off and pick up loop. Please use our loop instead of letting your children out on the street to walk across Riverside Road and onto school property.  This puts your child at "risk" when they have to cross without a cross walk in front of vehicles travelling down the street.  Also, if your child walks to school each day we ask that you sit down with them and insist that they use the cross walk at the corner of Gladwin and Riverside Road instead of cutting across Riverside at all points along the street.  Thank you!

All Call for Parent Helpers
If you’re interested in being available for any field trips please call the office. Quite often we are short of parent supervisors and would like to keep a database of interested volunteers. Thank you.

PAC ATTACK
I would like thank all the parents who came to Monday’s meeting. It was great to meet everyone. We now have a parent rep. for CPF-French Advisory Council Rep.: Susan Asaph who you can email at sasaph@telus.net.

We are offering a Red Cross Baby-sitting Course which is available to the first 20 students who register - if enough interest is shown we will offer another session in the new year. If you are interested please complete the form below and return to the office. Spaces go quickly.

Any questions do hesitate to phone or email, 604-854-3630 or irving-s@shaw.ca
                            Sandi Irving,
                            PAC President

=============================================================================


Red Cross Baby Sitting Course Registration
Please complete this form and return with payment to the office (first come, first served).

This course will be offered by Petersen’s First Aid on the following dates: October 11, 18, 25 and November 1st, 2:40 - 4:40 p.m. (classroom tba).

Cost of the course is $35 (cheque payable to Petersen’s First Aid or correct change please).


Student Name: ________________________________________    Teacher: _____________________


Parental Signature: _____________________________________    Phone: _______________________


Logo Contest - Summer Project?
Chief Dan George Middle School's chess club is looking for a logo for their team. The logo should have either the school's entire name plus chess club, or CDGMS Chess Club somewhere on or near the logo. Contest is open to all students registered in our school, parents, and staff. Prize will be a $50 dollar certificate from Future Shop. Deadline for submission is September 30, 2005.

Wolf Den Lunches
It’s that time of year again complete with supplies, backpacks, books, pencil cases and school lunches.  If children do not eat well in the middle of the day, their energy levels drop, affecting their ability to concentrate and learn.  A lunch that’s fast to prepare, as well as nutritious and something they’ll eat, is a daily challenge. 

To help you with this challenge, we are again going to open the “Wolf Den” at lunch beginning next  Monday, September 26th.  This program is separate from the “Pit Stop” Canteen which continues to offer a variety of lunch options in the Multi-Purpose Room.  “The Den” will help you safeguard the health and well-being of your children by serving  a hot nutritious lunch each school day at an affordable price.  We hope to teach and model good nutrition habits in our school that will last a lifetime with our students.

The “Den” Daily Menu
    Monday        Hamburger (oven baked, not fried), salad, milk
    Tuesday        Chicken strips, salad, milk
    Wednesday        Chicken burger (oven baked), salad, milk
    Thursday        Chicken strips, caesar salad, milk   
    Friday        Chili dog, salad, milk

We would like to make these nutritious lunches available to everyone so we are offering each lunch for $4.00 or $3.00 if prepaid.  The students may pay cash every day or you can prepay  and an index card will keep track of your child’s credit.  This way your child does not need to bring money to school each day and the money you send can only be used in the “Den”, guaranteeing that your child is eating a good hot nutritious lunch.  If you wish to prepay for lunches, please send a cheque or cash to the office (any multiple of $3 over $12.00) and a card will be made up. If you have any questions please call Mr. Lilly or Mrs. Hollanti at 852-9616.


Drug and Alcohol Prevention Worker & First Nations
DID YOU KNOW?? 20% of the population aged 15 and older in British Columbia smoke? Now that we are settling into the new school year and the students are settling comfortably in their classes I find this the perfect opportunity to introduce myself.  I am the drug and Alcohol Prevention Worker at Chief Dan George (emphasis on prevention).  At Chief Dan George we believe in promoting positive peer relationships and enhancing a school climate that encourages positive behaviors.  This of course includes a commitment to staying drug-free.  I am anticipating a fun year ahead and looking forward to working with your children during the coming year.  Please feel free to contact me at the school if you have any questions or concerns regarding the drug and alcohol program.

In addition to my duties as Drug and Alcohol Prevention Worker, I also oversee the First Nations Program. Students involved with this program have the opportunity to take part in field trips and cultural presentations:  storytellers, art demonstrations, beading, weaving, etc.  These students also have school presentations available to them during regular school hours of operation.  This program also allows for the enrolled students to have assistance in One-on One mediation, small group assistance, life skills training and cultural program.  If your son or daughter has Canadian ancestry that includes Native Indian (status and non-status), Inuit, and/or Metis and  has not received a  Parent Consent Form, please contact the school at 852-9616 and leave your son/daughters name at the office.

                            Sincerely,
                            Susan Lynch
                           
Part Time Childcare Needed Immediately in McMillan area of Abbotsford
Single parent must travel for work 6 to 8 days per month and requires someone to care for two boys age 10 and 11 during parent’s absence.  This position could be a part-time live-in situation, or the boys could stay at your home while father is away.  Some of the responsibilities include: preparing meals,  coordinating homework and other school related activities, getting the boys off to school in the mornings and being there for them when they get home in the afternoon.  Some weekend work may also be required if dad has to travel over a weekend. Interested applicants please contact John at 778-908-2325.

Interested in Carpooling?
If you’re interested in carpooling from the upper MacLure area call Judy 604-852-3708 or 778-241-4366.

Go Fast & Furious
For kids of all ages who love skating fast! Come and try out the sport for free twice this month!
    When:               Monday and Friday 4:00- 4:45pm
    Where:               Abbotsford Recreation Centre
    What to bring:           We’ll provide the skates, you provide the helmet, knee and shin guards &                     gloves.
Then, you’re hooked sign up for the season! Call now so they can get skates ready for you! Saya @ 604-852-4004 No judges... just you, the ice and the clock!

Parents Make a Difference
Evening sessions for parents at Yale Secondary in their Theatre - 7:00 pm
Tuesday, October 25th:
“Drug Awareness” Kevin Murray Abbotsford Police

Tuesday, November 29th:
“Raising Successful Students”
District 34 Staff

Tuesday, January 24th:
“Internet Safety”
Merlyn Horton 

Tuesday, April 4th:
“Boys and Girls Learn Differently!” Bruce Ivany

For more information contact: Jolene Davies 604-851-4580


Scouting
Do you have a child who loves adventure and the outdoors? Has your child ever tried Scouting? 2nd Abbotsford Scouts is currently taking registrations for the 2005-2006 year. Beavers (5-7 yrs) meet Thursdays, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm at St. Matthew’s Church. Wolf Cubs (8-10 yrs) and Scouts (11-14 yrs) both meet Wednesdays, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm at McMillan School. We are also taking orders for Famous and Delicious Scout Popcorn until Oct. 31, 2005. Delivery will be on or before Nov. 30, 2005. This mqakes a tasty treat or a great gift. To register, or for more information, please contact the Registrar, Diane Brusse, at 604-853-8389.

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October 27, 2005

Your support and understanding
We have come through a difficult time and wish to thank the school community for the understanding and support it has shown.  It is gratifying to see the attention and focus that staff and students have shown from the outset of school reopening on Monday.

Staffing Update
In a previous newsletter we indicated that Athletic Director/P.E. Coordinator Mr. Jeff Piper posted into a teaching position in another Middle School in Abbotsford in the middle of September.  We are pleased to welcome Ms. Laura Stevens to our Grade 8 English teaching team and are fortunate that Grade 8 teacher Mr. Colin McTaggart will assume the duties of Athletic Director/P.E. Coordinator for the balance of this school year.  In addition, we are happy to announce that Ms. Juliet Usher is the successful candidate in posting into a maternity leave for Late French Immersion teacher Mme Veldhoen. We are thinking of Mme Veldhoen and wish her well. Further, Mr. Grant McAvoy is on an educational leave through to Christmas.  All the best to him in his studies. The classroom portion of his teaching responsibilities will be filled by Mrs. Darlene Cotton, who presently teaches part time in our Learning Services Team. This is such a wonderful fit for us and we appreciate her stepping up into this additional role. The Tech Ed portion of Mr. McAvoy’s assignment has been assumed by a very well known and experienced Tech Ed teacher, Mr. Grieve. A big welcome to our additional staff!

STAR Reader Assessment
As part of our ongoing focus on developing Reading Comprehension skills all students will partake of a computer based  reading assessment in the next few weeks.  Results will be provided to teachers and students to assist in gauging progress and planning for the coming months.

F.S.A. Results
Each May all Grade 7 students in the province write a series of assessments in the areas of reading comprehension, writing and numeracy.  Results have been forwarded to our school recently. Our overall results are comparable to previous years and place us above the district and provincial averages in reading comprehension and writing. Results are as follows:

Percentage of students meeting or exceeding expectations are:


 Our School District Province
Reading Comprehension 79% 78% 77%
Writing 93%
91% 90%
Numeracy 82% 85% 83%


Reporting Process (Report Cards)
Some adjustments will be made to our reporting process for the first reporting period.  More information will follow in the next newsletter.

Art Starts
On the morning of Friday, November 4th we have arranged for the first presentation of our two Art Starts experiences for this school year.  The group Uzime Taiko will expose our students to a  one hour musical/drumming presentation.

PAC ATTACK!
• Our next meeting will be Monday, November 7th at 7:00 p.m. We hope to see you all here!
• Thanks to Susan Trithardt for rearranging and reorganizing the Baby-sitting course during the teachers job action, THANKS Susan!
• Thanks to Maureen Small for doing last Friday's Bingo and Jeannine Landriault for organizing all the helpers for Bingo!
• The school district is looking to see if any parents are interested in sitting on a committee for the school calendar, if so the first meeting was tentatively set for Tuesday, October 25th at the Board office, but if you are interested after this date please phone the board office at 604-859-4891 for more details.
• There is a DPAC meeting  TONIGHT at 7:00 at the School Board Office. The UCFV will be there to talk about becoming a University and how DPAC/PACs can help. Everyone is welcome.
• PAC Christmas Fundraiser - Our P.A.C. has extended the deadline to return Q.S.P. Christmas fundraiser forms to Monday, October 31st.

Municipal Election
Voting for City Mayor, Council and School Board will take place on Saturday, November 19th.  Our school's gymnasium will be used as a polling site on that day.  The polls open at 8:00 a.m. and will close at 8:00 p.m.  Please remember to exercise your democratic right and vote.

Extracurricular Report
The Cross Country Grand Prix series completed the fourth of four races  Tuesday,  October 18th.  The first three races were used to decide on overall team and individual standings while the fourth race was run as a "stand-alone" with individual winners receiving recognition at the site.  Victoria Thomas was the fastest Grade 7 girl on that day while Amelia Ritchie was the fastest Grade 8 girl.  Sixty of our students represented the school in this series of races.  Many thanks to coaches Mr. Richards, Mr. McTaggart and Mrs. Bunbury for coaching this group this year.  Our Grade 8 Swim Team will be participating in the Fraser Valley Championships qualifying meet on November 10th in Surrey. Our Grade 7 and 8 volleyball teams will participate in an end of season tournament. These will be scheduled for the first and second week of November.  Basketball practices will begin at the end of November.

Bike Registry
We have rescheduled our Bike Registry day to Wednesday, November 2.  A representative of the local Police Department will be in our multi-purpose room  during the lunch period to register bikes on that day.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Our annual Remembrance Day ceremony is planned for Wednesday, November 9th at 10:15 a.m.  We have invited the Legion Color Guard to assist us in the assembly and will have presentations from our school band and various classes in the school.  Parents are welcome to attend.

School Compensation Days and Remembrance Day Holiday
The first two School Compensation Days are Thursday, November 10 and Monday, November 14, with the Remembrance Day holiday taking place on Friday, November 11.

Pictures and Retakes
Student cards and picture packages were issued to students earlier this week. We have scheduled a Picture Retake Day for Tuesday, November 8th (morning).  Students who wish to have retakes done must bring their complete original picture package to the school on that day and give it to the photographer before a second picture can be taken. 

Grade 6 Shots
Forms for Hep B, Chicken Pox and Meningococcal C shots from our Health Unit went home with our Grade 6 students  yesterday. Please return them by Monday, October 31st. Thank you.

Division 22 Recycles
Division 22 is continuing with its recycling program this year.  Last year our school placed third in the province wide recycling competition.  This year we are looking forward to a first place finish. 
 
Each division has been supplied with a recycling container for returnable beverage containers.   In the first four weeks of school we collected 1,224 containers.  THAT IS AWESOME!!  Our first bottle drive will be in November.  Be sure to save your pop cans, juice boxes, foil pouches, beer cans or bottles, wine bottles or alcohol bottles (glass and plastic) and donate to the drive.  Thanks for all your support.

Spirit Day & Halloween Pep Rally
Monday Oct 31st is another CDG Spirit Day and will also be our first Pep Rally of the year. Students are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes to school that day, rather than Friday, as classes and teachers will be judged for participation. The dress code is still in effect, so make sure that costumes comply with our school standards. There will be a competition between classes and students that day, and the winners will be front and center in the Pep Rally. For safety reasons we would appreciate students not wearing masks that conceal their identity . As well, in an effort to be respectful of others, we ask that  there be no blood, no guts, no gore.

Quebec Trip Fundraising
Any families  interested in participating in fundraising for the Grade 8 French trip to Quebec (May 13th - 19th) are  asked to contact Twila @ 604-852-2859 or Susan @ 604-853-9412 for further information.

November 2005 Calendar

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November 9, 2005

Upcoming Dates to Note
November 10        Compensation Day - No School
November 11        Remembrance Day - No School
November 14        Compensation Day - No School
November 24        Parent Teacher Conferences after school and evening
November 25        Pro D Day - No School

School Compensation Days and Remembrance Day holiday
A reminder that schools in Abbotsford will not be open on Thursday, Nov. 10 and Monday, Nov. 14 due to School Compensation Days as the result of longer school days this year.  In addition, Friday, November 11 is a Remembrance Day holiday.

Term one reporting
Plans for term one reporting have been finalized.  Students who are in jeopardy of not receiving course credit in term one will be provided with "I" (i.e. Incomplete) packages in the next few days.  Those students will have a limited time period to complete requirements for first term or will be issued a failing grade on the first term report.  School wide parent teacher interviews will be scheduled on the afternoon and evening of Thursday, November 24th. This will be twelve days before report cards are  issued on Tuesday, December 6th. Due to the volume of interviews that will be conducted, the interview times will be kept to 10 minutes.  If more time is required you are able to make those arrangements at another time with your child's teacher(s).  Also, if you are not able to meet with your child's teacher on November 24th and still request a meeting those arrangements can be made on an alternative afternoon with your child's teacher.

All students received a  form outlining parent teacher conferences  with a request to have it returned to the school in a timely fashion for interview bookings to be made.  Once the form is returned to the school an interview time will be provided and that information communicated back to you.

Remembrance Day assembly
Once again an extensive program was presented today, Wednesday, November 9th to honor hundreds of thousands of Canadians who have served our country in peace and in war.  Many thanks to all those students and staff who contributed to today's presentation.  In this, Year of the Veteran, please take a moment to reflect and remember the contribution and sacrifice of our Canadian Veterans.

Student of the Month for October
Congratulations to Cody F. who is our “Student of the Month” for October. Cody was nominated for his exceptional work habits, behaviour, leadership, attitude and academic success in Math and Science.  Not only does he do extremely well academically (100% in Science and 96% in Math), but he is a model student that sets positive examples for his classmates, is always willing to help those struggling, and takes on numerous extra credit assignments to challenge himself. Congratulations Cody!

Winter Is Coming
With so many students driven to our school each morning many may not be dressed as appropriately for the weather as they need to be.  At lunch time, students are going outside wearing only a t-shirt or light sweatshirt expecting this to keep them warm.  When asked to put a coat on a great number of students respond by saying that they did not bring a coat to school.  Please encourage your child(ren) to come equipped with a coat, hat, and gloves as the weather gets wetter and colder.  Thank you!

Music News
All band students are currently selling Poinsettias for the Christmas Season.  The orders are due by 9 a.m. on Friday November 18th and the pick-up date is Wednesday November 30th from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. from the Multi-purpose room.  The pick-up date for the “Chicken and More” fundraiser is Thursday November 17th at 3:00 p.m. from the Multi-purpose room.   The Music Department  Christmas concert is Wednesday December 14th at New Life Church on Delair Road.  (more details to come)  Please mark your calendars with these important dates.

Municipal Election
A reminder to exercise your democratic right during the  municipal election slated for Saturday, November 19. Our school's gymnasium will be one of Abbotsford polling stations this year.

New basketball court and hoops
Maintenance staff completed a project to add another paved playing surface on our grounds to allow for a second basketball court area.  Many thanks to the District Maintenance Department for arranging the paving and for our school's P.A.C. for funding the new basketball hoops.

Family Photo Opportunity
For our family community, Chief Dan George has arranged for Jostens Photography to come to the school during Parent/Teacher Conferences and take family portraits.  Your "sitting" fee is FREE.  At a studio you would pay anywhere from $50 - $100.  As well, Josten's 8 X10 photos are approximately $15, while studio costs can be anywhere from $30 and up.  This is a great deal and we are offering it to you.  Come on out for Parent/Teacher Interviews (Nov. 24) and get your family photos taken.

School Wide Bottle Drive - November 28 - December 2, 2005
Division 22 will be organizing the first school wide bottle drive during the week of November 28 to December 2.  Please send in all of your recyclable beverage containers such as:  pop cans, juice boxes (all sizes), plastic water, juice or pop bottles (all sizes), foil pouch pacs.   All returnable alcohol containers will also be accepted - beer cans and bottles, wine and spirit bottles (glass or plastic), cooler cans and bottles.  Please note that we do not recycle ANY milk containers through the school due to lack of storage space.  The division bringing in the highest number of containers through the week will be treated to a super-deluxe, all you can eat ice cream party.  So, start collecting now and lets have Chief Dan George Middle School win the Provincial Wide Recycling contest for 2005/06.  
                                    Thanks for your support for Division 22.

Wolves Athletics
• Chief Dan George athletes continued to excel this fall.  Coaches Mr. Richards and Mrs. Bunbury point to the Lafarge Grand Prix Cross Country Series where  runners Amelia Ritchie (Gr. 8 Girls) and Victoria Thomas (Gr. 7 Girls)  took 1st place in their categories.  The Gr. 6 Boys and Gr. 8 Girls teams won 1st place in the combined grade level standings. 
• Volleyball teams from all grade levels have been playing for a month.  Grade 8 coaches Mr. Buki and Mr. Moerman have the girls and boys teams enjoying good seasons as they introduce them to more advanced systems of play.  The  Gr. 8 girls with team captain Leigh Lester go into the playoffs ranked 4th and the boys with captain Lee Johansen will likely be ranked 10th.  Grade 7 coaches Mr. Dudzik and Ms. Collier  ended their season at a  tournament  at Reimer Middle School  on Nov. 2 and Nov. 4.  Both coaches report that their teams competed well and showed remarkable improvement with the Gr. 7 Boys winning their division.  Grade 6 coaches Mr. Schmor, Mr. Constant, Mrs. Finch and Mrs. Reimer have entered their teams in tournaments over the coming weeks.
• Head coach Charles Laudadio has been working with swimmers twice a week for a month.  Third year swimmers Cody F., Tania B., Mariah G., Natasha O. and Jennifer T. have shown remarkable improvement and should look forward to a good season with the Mouat Swim Team next year.
• CDGMS Athletic clothing will be for sale after the Christmas Break so stay tuned.  We do have a limited selection of Athletic clothing for sale in the office before Christmas.  See Mrs. Hollanti in the  office for details. 

CPF CHAPTER MEETING
Mark Your Calendars!Canadian Parents for French (CPF) - Abbotsford Chapter will be holding it's next chapter meeting on Tues. Nov. 15, 2005 from 7 pm-8:30 pm at Centennial Elementary School. Municipal elections are coming! This important meeting will feature a Q&A session with the SD 34 School Trustee candidates. All parents, guardians and educators of students in French Immersion (FI) or those interested in French Second Language (FSL) opportunities in our schools are encouraged to attend. This is your opportunity to ask questions and to hear the candidates speak about their positions regarding FI & FSL programming in our district. CPF has submitted a questionnaire to the candidates. The questionnaire and the candidates' responses will be circulated at the meeting. To obtain advanced copies (responses available after Nov. 10), please send an email request to your school's CPF Rep or to dmaud@shaw.ca
 
** Meetings are in English and there will be refreshments and door prizes **


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November 23, 2005

Upcoming Dates to Note

Tomorrow, November 24th Parent/Teacher Interviews, after school and evening
November 25th Pro D Day - No School
December See attached calendar



Parent Teacher interviews and Term one reports
Staff are conducting interviews tomorrow afternoon and evening (Thursday, November 24).  If you were unable to schedule a meeting and still would like to speak directly to your child's teacher(s) please contact the school.  Term one reports will be issued on Tuesday, December 6.

Rollers in shoes and safety
In the last year or so a new product has come out on the market - running shoes which have small rollers in the heel.  We have noticed an increase in the number of students wearing this type of shoe recently and  although we recognize the "fun factor” we are concerned about safety in the hallways and around the school.  We would ask that parents not send their children to school with this type of shoe.  Thank you.

Extracurricular Report
• The Chief Dan George Grade 8 Girls Volleyball Team advanced through  the playoffs with three game sweeps of the Abby Middle and Hatzic girls teams.  Coach Mr. Buki applauded the play of all his  players.  Of special note are setters Shayla R., Carlanna T. and Femke M., servers Jessi H. and Leigh L. and spiker Katie P.  The girls will be playing in the AMSSAA Grade 8 Girls Final Four Tournament at Hatzic Secondary today, November 23rd starting  at 3:30. 
• Also involved in play this week were the Grade 7 Boys, who won the last tournament they played in, and the Grade 7 Girls home and away to Clayburn Middle School. Coaches Ms. Landry and Mr. Dudzik continue to praise their players for improved skills and team play.  Mrs. Reimer and Ms. Finch complete their season with the Grade 6 Girls Volleyball team on Tuesday with a tournament featuring Clayburn and Fraser Middle Schools.  The girls go into tournament play undefeated.  Good Luck!!
• Boys and girls basketball teams are beginning practices this week.  Stay tuned to announcements for your practice times.
• Natasha G., Carlanna T., Rajpreet G., and Jaslyen S. represented our CDG girls at a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on the weekend at Howe Middle.  The girls played hard against their competitors from all over the Fraser Valley ... some of them even in the 10th grade!  Well done, ladies!  A great kick-start to the basketball season. 
• At an upcoming assembly our school will be recognized by two organizations around health and fitness.  Our involvement in the “In Motion” initiative in Abbotsford has gained recognition from its coordinators and a large banner will be dedicated to the school by Mrs. Wendy Creelman, coordinator of the program in Abbotsford.  In addition, Constable Casey  of the Abbotsford Police Department will be awarding a trophy to our school for having the largest participation of any school in the annual Police Run. 

PAC ATTACK


                                 Sandi Irving, PAC President


Student Valuables and Cell Phones
We have noticed an increase in students bringing cell phones or iPods to school.  We wish to reinforce our school policy around such items. The following is taken from our student handbook for this school year.

Students are strongly discouraged from bringing valuables including walkmans, radios, expensive shoes and clothing articles to school.  Cell phones are also discouraged, however, if parents make arrangements to permit their child to bring one to school it must be stored in the student’s locker during the day. They are only permitted to use after the school end of day and only to be used outside. Valuable items are brought to school at the owner’s risk;  the school is not able to cover losses.


Developmental Assets in Children and Teenagers
In recent years research has been done on factors that impact children's overall health quality, feelings of self-worth, and likelihood of engaging in risky behaviors.

A report released recently by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) identifies five key "assets".  They are parental nurturing, school engagement, peer connectedness, parental monitoring and volunteerism.  These have been found to have a direct, collective impact on everything from teen drug experimentation to overall anxiety and long-term wellness.  Of the young people with four or five assets, 83 percent reported having very good to excellent health.  That percentage fell to only 54% for those young people having zero or one asset. 

The findings, available at www.cihi.ca, draw primarily from Statistics Canada's Nation Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth.


Do you live in the Auguston area?
Several families in that area have contacted the school bus service provider and have been told that there is not enough interest in the Auguston area to bus children from there to CDG.  They beg to differ as there are several families who drive their children to the nearest available drop off point down Mckee Road by McKinley and many more yet who drive their children to and from school. If you are interested in bus service please email LL04@shaw.ca  or call  Lauralee Harasymchuk at 604-504-5556 so they can get an accurate count  and present this information to the bus service provider.  Also, if you are a  family who also has children attending any of the elementary schools along the return route from CDG to Auguston ie. Margaret Stenersen, Sandy Hill please call or email her. Thank you.


Abbotsford News
The Abbotsford News is looking for carriers in our school area to deliver the Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday editions of their paper. If you are interested phone the Circulation Department at 604 870-4595

1st term Bottle Drive - Monday, November 28 -  Friday, December 2, 2005
Division 22 will be organizing our first school wide bottle drive next week.  Please bring in all containers that are returnable for a deposit.  (While we do not encourage alcohol use, we do encourage the recycling of these beverage containers. )

This bottle drive will be a House Team AND Division Competition.  This year the school has been divided into the four following teams:

Team Red, Team Blue, Team Yellow, Team Green
Div 1 - Richards, Div 2 - Schmor, Div. 3 Goerzen, Div. 4 - Longpré
Div. 5 - Usher, Div. 6 - Constant, Div. 7 Bowley, Div. 8 - Landry
Div 9 - Finch, Div. 10 - Reimer/Sakai, Div 11 McIntyre, Div. 12 - Janzen
Div. 13 - Klim, Div 14 - Buki, Div 15 - Cervo, Div. 16 - Perron
Div. 17 - Laudadio, Div. 18 - Bonneau, Div. 21 - Schafer, Div. 19 - Goerke
Div. 22 - Howard, Div. 20 - Stevens



There will be a big all you can eat ice cream party for the division that brings in the most containers over all.  There will also be prizes for the House Team that brings in the most containers all together.  There will also be daily surprise incentives. 

So, please support our school and house competition by sending in your returnable containers next week during our Big Bottle Drive.
                            Thanks - Mrs. Howard and Division 22

French 8 trip to Quebec
The tour and the plane for this year's trip have been booked and the teachers are working hard on another fun-filled, action packed itinerary. They are hoping to have it finalized before Christmas. A reminder to parents that the first installment of $725 is due between November 28th and December 2nd. A sticker went home on November 9th to remind you of these dates. The second and final installment of $725 will be collected during the week of February 28 to March 3rd in the new year. We have a group of 72 students that have confirmed a place on this year's trip and we are looking forward to the experience. The French 8 teachers will be meeting with these students at least 5 times before we leave to discuss items such as room organization, proper etiquette and behavior while on the trip and the required use of French at all times. We want to thank parents for all of their support and their promptness in getting the payments in to the school.

French for Parents Workshops
The French for Parents Workshops are for Anglophone parents whose children attend a French Immersion program.  The workshops are designed to help parents learn French so they can help their children with French homework and activities. The instructor will help parents with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, and give them opportunities to practice French and be corrected when necessary.  Various materials will be used and many exercises will be based on the children’s school activities and homework. As well, in every class, homework, book and activities brought into class by the parents will be reviewed. We offer different level to best suit your skills.  Cost 85$ per person + 15$ workbook

AT SANDY HILL ELEMENTARY: 3836 Old Clayburn Rd ( 7 to 9:30 pm )
Beginner 1 :   Monday January 16th to March 6th

AT CENTENNIAL PARK ELEMENTARY : 2527 Gladwin Rd (7 to 9:30 pm)
Beginner 2:    Tuesday January 17th to March 7th     

Please register by January 12th 2006
For information and registration: 1-800-747-4825 or 604-708-5100 or frenchforparents@educacentre.com
Or visit our website at: http://www.educacentre.com/


December 2005 Calendar


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December 1, 2005


Important Dates:

December 5 - PAC Meeting 7:00 pm
December 6 - Report cards sent home
December 14  - Band Concert 7:00 pm
December 16 - Xmas Assembly and Dance
December 19 - 30 - Christmas Vacation
January 3 - School reopens


FEBRUARY SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS MOVED TO ONE WEEK LATER

At the November 28th meeting of the Board of School Trustees, the Board approved a change  of the local school calendar closure /compensation days
from: February 2 and 3, 2006 TO February 9 and 10, 2006.  The rationale is the move of the secondary school first semester exam schedule, as directed by the Ministry of Education, to facilitate another week of instruction,  Please make the necessary change to your family calendar. 

Thank you.

CRITERIA FOR HONOUR ROLL

Report cards will be issued next Tuesday, December 6. In the week following, grade group assemblies will take place and students will be recognized in front of their peers for outstanding academic work and effort in term one.  Students will receive a certificate of merit and will have their name posted with the names of all other Honor Roll students this term. 

The criteria for selection on the academic honor roll is as follows:

Academic Honor Roll:
A student must obtain a minimum of 2 "A's" and 2 "B's" in the four academic core subjects (i.e. Mathematics, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies).

Effort Honor Roll:
A student must have a minimum of 5 "O's" in their work habits marks, with the rest of them being “G’s”.


Chess Club News!

Chess Club started yesterday and will run every Wednesday at lunch.  Come out and enjoy the fun.


Wolf Den Lunches

We’ve made a few changes to our menu which we hope all will enjoy

Monday Chicken burger (oven baked, not fried), caesar salad, milk
Tuesday Chicken strips, caesar salad, milk
Wednesday Sushi, miso soup, milk
Thursday Chicken strips, caesar salad, milk
Friday Chili dog, salad, milk

These nutritious lunches are available to everyone interested for $4.00 or $3.00 if prepaid.  The students may pay cash every day or you can prepay  and an index card will keep track of your child’s credit.  This way your child does not need to bring money to school each day and the money you send can only be used in the “Den”, guaranteeing that your child is eating a good, hot nutritious lunch.  If you wish to prepay for lunches, please send a cheque or cash to the office (any multiple of $3 - $12 minimum please) and a card will be made up.

Sports

Last Wednesday afternoon/evening our Gr. 8 girls volleyball team played in the final four tournament for Abbotsford and Mission schools.  Our girls had to win two sudden death playoff games last week to get to this point. 

In their semi-final match our team faced St. John Brebeuf, a local Catholic high school and defeated that team 3 games to 1.  In the other semi-final match M.E.I. defeated W.A. Fraser Middle three games to zero. 

The final match was a classic.  Our girls lost the first game to M.E.I. 26 -24. (Games are to 25 where a team has to win by two points.   So this game essentially went into "overtime"). Our girls came back to defeat M.E.I. in five games. Our girls played exceedingly well against a very strong opponent and showed great poise in handling the pressure that came with the situation.  Kudos to coach Alex Buki for his good work with the team. 


CHRISTMAS ASSEMBLY AND DANCE

On Friday December 16, the last school day before the  Christmas break, a school assembly will take place before the lunch period.  Presentations will be made by the organizers of the Abbotsford Police Run and In Motion to recognize the school's heavy involvement in those initiatives.  The program will also include a performance by some members of our school band. In the afternoon the school has obtained the services of a professional music company to provide those students who wish the experience of a school dance. Students will have the option to participate in the dance opportunity or select from other options that will be available  in the school during that afternoon.  We are requesting a food donation at the door for those students who select the dance option.  All food items collected will be delivered to the Food Bank that same afternoon
.

PROTOCOL FOR DEALING WITH SNOW

Our first snowfall of the winter began on Monday evening,
November 28th.  By the morning there was enough accumulation to warrant some school district buses not running their daily route.  However, the snowfall, nor the temperature, was not sufficient to close schools. During the winter months we would ask that families tune in to the local radio stations (such as 98.3 STAR FM) on those mornings that snow conditions exist to check for any disruptions to bus service or school closures. 

Thank you

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December  9, 2005

Wolves Athletics

A very successful volleyball season has drawn to a close. We had 130 kids playing on school teams from grades 6 - 8. The Gr. 7 Boys Team coached by Ms. Collier won their season ending tournament without a loss against  middle schools from   Abbotsford. The Gr. 8 Girls Team coached by Mr. Buki won the AMSSAA Gr. 8 Championship with victories over St. John Brebeuf, Fraser Middle and MEI in the final.  
   
Basketball season is well under way with about 155 kids playing on school teams from grades 6 - 8. The Gr. 8 Boys and Girls Teams remain undefeated early in the season. Coaches Mr. Klim and Miss Janzen are very encouraged by the attitude and energy the boys play with. Of special note are Zach H., Hardeep G. and Josh F. who lead the team on offense and defense.  Ms. Schafer and Mrs. Goerzen are also looking forward to a great season with a group of very dedicated girls fresh off of a tournament victory at Mt. Sleese Middle School in Sardis this past weekend.  Jessi H., Megan M. and Jaslyen S. were named Tournament MVP’s.
   
Lunch time Intramural Floor Hockey has started with Gr. 6’s on Mondays, Gr. 7’s on Wednesdays and Gr. 8’s on Fridays. Students are welcome to show up after the eating period to play and earn points for their house team. Each player that shows up to play earns one point with double points for each player on the winning team.

Important Dates to Remember

December 14  - Band Concert 7:00 pm @ New         Life Church on Delair Road
December 16 - Xmas Assembly and Dance
December 19 - 30 - Christmas Vacation
January 3 - School reopens

ATTENTION FRENCH IMMERSION PARENTS!

A Quebec Trip Fundraising Meeting will be held on
Monday, Dec. 12 at 7:30 pm in CDGMS-Library.
Come learn how to send your child for free.
Everyone Welcome! Refreshments will be provided.
For more information: Contact Diane Brusse at
604-853-8389 or e-mail: dbrusse@telus.net.


Friday, December 16 - The Student Leadership Team will be hosting an afternoon dance in our school gym.  At the same time, students who don’t wish to participate in the dance will also have the option to select from other activities throughout the school including a movie (The Polar Express) shown in our multi-purpose room, access to our computer lab and a games room.  Those students who wish to attend the dance are asked to bring a food item to be donated to the Abbotsford Food Bank.

Do you have an art enthusiast student?
This would make a great Christmas present.  After School Art Classes starting Tues. Jan.10,2006 at CDG, 6 - 1hr sessions for $30 from 2:45pm - 3:45pm January 10, 17, 24, 31 and February 7, 14. Please makes cheques payable to Susan Reilly. Limit of 15 per class with a 2nd class available Thurs. starting January 12, 2006.  Deadline to sign up is December 16, 2005.

Thank you to Cindy Williams for representing CDG at the November  Bingo and thank you Susan Trithardt for getting and delivering cookies for the Gr.6 shots.

There is one spot left in the January babysitting course.  If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Hollanti in the office.

Parents Make a Difference Presentation on Internet Safety - The next session for Parents Make a Difference, the School District sponsored information meetings, will be Monday, January 23rd at 7:00 pm at the Yale Secondary auditorium.  Dr. M. Hortin will present information regarding the latest challenges around supporting children and teenagers with regards to internet use and internet safety.  We strongly urge all parents and guardians to consider attending this session.


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