Wednesday 30 January 2013


Wednesday, January 30, 2013


Mission:  The mission of Immanuel Christian School is to prepare students to meet the challenge of the world and culture they live in as young and growing Christians.  Thus, students are taught the skill of discernment in the light of God’s Word, the practice of stewardship for creation, the required commitment to a life of Christian service, and the beauty of witness through modeling God’s love in a broken world.

School’s email address:  immanuel@amtelecom.net
Principal’s email address:  icsprincipal@amtelecom.net
ICS Website:  www.immanuelchristianschool.net    519-773-8476
FacebookCheck us out on Facebook:   facebook.com/ICSAylmer      
         Twitter:  twitter.com/ICSAylmer

LDCSS Website:  www.ldcss.on.ca   519-455-4360
Christian Education Foundation (endowment fund): www.ldcef.org

Upcoming Events
Feb        1    Electives
               4   Chapel
               5   Hockey Practice
               6   LDCSS New Parent Night
               8   Electives
             12   Hockey Practice
             13   Chapel – Lent 1; Pancake Lunch; Skating
             15   Electives; 2nd term ends; AR goals due:
                    LDCSS PD day
             22   Friday Family Fun Night Dinner -date changed 

From the Principal's Desk::

It's great to be back (even if temperatures are now similiar)!  The Principal's Development Institute was an excellent professional development event.  Despite the Miami venue, we worked from 8 am to 9 pm, and saw little of the outside (though I did get a chance to see South Beach on Friday just before I flew!).  The conference was run by senior leaders from Christian Schools International, with 17 attendees from small and large schools across North America.  Topics included instructional leadership, governance, strategic planning, key issues and Christian leadership.  The discussions were very helpful in confirming our board governance model, and affirming for our draft assessment policy as well as the ongoing board and staff discussion about what makes the ICS educational program 'exceptional.'  As leaders, it is very encouraging to be able to sharpen each other.  I appreciate the support from the board, teachers and parents to allow me to take the time for an event such as this - thank-you.

It was exciting to hear our students using their voices this morning during our Speakfest!  Public speaking remains a very valuable skill, whether speaking with a group of peers, to a whole class or a whole school - well done to our finalists!  Those nominated for the Legion public speaking contest will be notified individually, with the contest taking place this Saturday at the Aylmer Legion.

in Christ,
Keith Cameron

Praying for our Families:  Last week we prayed for Randy and Bettina Poortinga & Fred and Carrie Rempel.
Praying for our Staff:  This week we will pray for Ms. Pieters and continued healing for Mr. TenBruggencate.
Please uphold in pray Darryl and Tracy Mantel and family.  Tracy’s dad suffered a stroke while holidaying in Florida.  Tracy and all of her sibling flew down to Florida early yesterday morning to be at the hospital with their dad.  Please keep Tracy and the family in your prayers. Darryll writes: Things are not improving for Tracy's dad. He is currently on life support and in a coma. The bleeding has not stopped on his brain either. The doctors are not optimistic at this point. Please pray for us during this difficult time.
   
Reminders:  Tonight is our Parent Education Night:   Please join us from 7:30 to 9 p.m.  Choose a workshop on Accelerating             Parents (use of the Accelerated Reader program) or An Evening at the Docs (use of Google Docs). 

Are you missing a crockpot insert and a CD that was left in the school kitchen?  Contact the office.

Congratulations to the following students who went to the gym this morning for our Speak-off!
Storytelling:                       Grade 1: Sarah Janssens, Naomi Poortinga
                                                Grade 2: Gracie Bergen, Lily Sinke
                                                Grade 3:  Megan Friesen, Jocelyn Shelton
Poetry Presentations:     Grade 4:  Cody Bergen, Holly Cameron, Kaylynn Mantel, Micah Schuurman
Speeches:                           Grade 5: Victoria Krahn, Matthew Ypma
                                                Grade 6:  Jessica Friesen, Luke Schuurman
                                                Grade 7:  Kiley DeKraker, Nicole Friesen, Megan Ypma
Personal Choice:              Grade 8:  we have all poems:  Lance Buis, Charlotte Rollins, Kassidy Saarloos

Pancake Lunch Wednesday, Feb. 13.  Order form is found at the end of the Journal.  $2 per student includes pancakes, juice and 1 ice cream.  Deadline to order and have payment is Thursday, February 7. 

Our final School Skate is on Wednesday, February 13 from 2-3 p.m.  All students grade 2 and under and all beginner skaters are asked to wear helmets, and all students are encouraged to wear mitts to protect their fingers.  Parents are invited to come and help out. 

 Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition:  The following students from grades 4-8 will be participating in today’s after school free throw competition at Assumption Catholic School
                13 yr. age category at 4pm Ryan Kroondyk, Kristy Korevaar
                  9 yr. age category at 4:30 Braden Vandersleen, Holly Cameron
                10 yr. age category at 5:00 Dylan Kroondyk, Grace Vording
                11 yr. age category at 5:30 Dylan Vandersleen, Lindsay VandenBrink
                12 yr. age category at 6:00 Dean Rollins, Nicole Friesen 
We wish our students well.  Feel free to come out and watch! 

Thank you for all the support with the Dinner Extravaganza evening!  Whether it was through donating, attending, praying for success, volunteering or cheerfully giving – your support made the night a great success!  God has blessed us with a community of generosity and many talents, and the Dinner Extravaganza is evidence of that!  Pictures are posted online at facebook.com/ICSAylmer and complete financial results will be tallied this week.                            
- Fundraising Committee and the Dinner Extravaganza Committee
WDCS Basketball Tournament:  Congratulations to our Girls team for coming in 1st place and our boys for coming in 4th place.  Thank you to all the coaches involved:  Mrs. Helen Friesen and Mrs. Christy Hiemstra Ms. Katrina Jones and Mr. Keith Cameron.

Hockey:  The next practice will be Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7:30 a.m.  

Grocery Receipts:  We are looking for someone to take over this fundraising project.  This is an ideal project for a family needing volunteer hours that you can do from the comfort and convenience of your own home.  It involves tallying Valu Mart and Zehrs grocery tapes into lots of $10,000.  Every now and then you take them to the store to hand in and the head office will send the school a cheque for the % of the $ sent in.  Please speak to Mrs. Smit if you are interested.

Still looking for IT Tech help:  Our IT team would love an additional volunteer who would be very interested in learning how our network works.  Commitment is a couple of hours per month.  The rewards are knowing the art of educational technical support.  Please contact Keith Cameron. 
Handyman Help Needed to complete small repairs on a weekly basis. If interested and able, please contact the Principal.

FROM THE CLASSROOMS:
JUNIOR / SENIOR KINDERGARTEN – Mrs. Groeneweg

Some of the things we have done in Kindergarten
                Bible: Turning Water into Wine, Calming a Storm
                Letter and sound: B
                Math: All About Number: 8 (eight, tally, count, number before and after 8...)
                Please review the words with your child (Word Book)
                Nursery Rhyme: The Three Little Kittens (number 3, pair, rhyming words, left-right)
                Shapes
Show and Tell:  SK - Friday, Feb. 1
                            JK – Tuesday, Feb. 5

GRADES 1 and 2 - Ms. Pieters

Spelling Dictation words for Friday, February 1
Grade 1: we, me, he, be, see, need, tree, sheep
Grade 2: her, girl, turn, hurt, first, were, card, part, start, are


GRADES 3 and 4 – Ms. Buma

Fri. Feb. 1 – Spelling Dictation:  Grade 3 words aredon’t, didn’t, I’ll, I’m, it’s, let’s, you’re, we’re, doesn’t, o’clock, won’t, wouldn’t, its, can’t that’s, wasn’t, haven’t
Grade 4 words are:  leaf, leaves, wolf, wolves, potato, potatoes, roof, roofs, family, families, library, libraries, journey, journeys, hero, heroes, ditch, ditches, volcano and volcanoes
Fri. Jan. 25 – Math Quiz: Grade 3:  Checkup:  Multiplying with 8 as a factor.  Example: (8 x 4 = 32) and (8 x 7 = 56) 
Wed. Feb. 6 - Memory Work:  Song:  You and I (Verses 1 and 2) 
1)  Who's goin' to tell the story?  You and I!  Tell of the Lord's great glory?  You and I!
Who's goin' to let the whole world know?  Help his disciples grow and multiply?  You and I!
2)  Who's goin' to bring the kingdom?  You and I!  Who's goin' to spread the gospel?  You and I!
Who's goin' to do the kindly deed?  Comfort the one in need and help supply?  You and I!
Words and Music:  Natalie Sleeth, adapted from the anthem "You and I"
Copyright:  1976, Hinshaw Music, Inc.
Songs for Life: #246
Student of the Week:  This week’s Student of the Week is Randall Drop.  Next week:  Megan Friesen.
Swim to Survive:  Grade 3 students will be participating in their third lesson at the St. Thomas YMCA, this Friday, Feb. 1.  Thank you, Mrs. Ann Walters, for taking us to the YMCA!  We will be leaving ICS at 1:00 PM and plan to return to school by 3:15 – 3:20 PM.  Please remember to pack your bathing suit and towel, girls and boys!
  

GRADE 5 and 6 – Mrs Drop

Happy Birthday to Jordyn Vandendool (Jan. 30) and Dylan Vandersleen (Feb 1st)
Memory Work:  1 John 2:7-8
Science: we are completing our electrical station work, and will be choosing a final project this Thu.  The majority of the work will be done in class.  Each group will need a 1L milk or cream carton to build their device in.
Tech: online research slideshow due Thu Jan 31.  See wikispaces.

GRADE 7 and 8 – Mr. TenBruggencate / Ms. Jones

Geography:  Poem is due Tuesday, February 5th.
Test de français: jeudi le février
Tech: online footprint poster due Thu 31 Jan.  See wikispaces.
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Deadline to order and have payment is Friday, February 7.  

Pancake Lunch – Wednesday, Feb. 13th.  

_____________ would like to order a pancake lunch with juice and 1 ice-cream for only $2.00 per student.

Money included _________
Money sent with ___________________ in gr. _____
                                             Parent Signature 









Wednesday 23 January 2013


Wednesday, January 23, 2013


Mission:  The mission of Immanuel Christian School is to prepare students to meet the challenge of the world and culture they live in as young and growing Christians.  Thus, students are taught the skill of discernment in the light of God’s Word, the practice of stewardship for creation, the required commitment to a life of Christian service, and the beauty of witness through modeling God’s love in a broken world.

School’s email address:  immanuel@amtelecom.net
Principal’s email address:  icsprincipal@amtelecom.net
ICS Website:  www.immanuelchristianschool.net    519-773-8476
FacebookCheck us out on Facebook:   facebook.com/ICSAylmer      
         Twitter:  twitter.com/ICSAylmer

LDCSS Website:  www.ldcss.on.ca   519-455-4360
Christian Education Foundation (endowment fund): www.ldcef.org

Upcoming Events

Jan      25    Electives; Dinner and Auction
            29    Hockey Practice;
                    Girls & Boys Basketball Tournament
            30    Speakfest; Parent Education Night
Feb        1    Electives
               4   Chapel
               5   Hockey Practice
               6   LDCSS New Parent Night
               8   Electives
             27   Hat & Gum Day - Rescheduled

From the Principal's Desk::

Before departing for the Principal's Development Institute this week, as staff we worked to review our French curriculum.  Our updated perspective statement aptly describes why we cover French as a Christian school:

Language is a tool that enables us to understand and relate to one another.  When we are able to speak and converse with one another, we are able to communicate.  Communication draws people together in community.  Communication allows for the “communion of the saints” which reaches beyond language barriers.

Christ’s mandate to go into all the world (Matthew 28:19) requires knowledge of languages other than one’s native tongue.  The gospel of Jesus Christ must be proclaimed in every tongue.  The study of French at ICS provides a basic framework upon which a deeper study of another language can be built in future education in which students may participate in order to prepare them for their role of service to Christ and the community.

Canada is a bilingual country - English and French - and therefore, to build community within our country, French is a required component of study. The study of French is one way in which ICS seeks to prepare students to meet the challenge of the world and culture in which they live as young Canadians.

Through the study of French the students are challenged to gain a better appreciation and understanding of language itself, its structure and its role. The study of French helps our students grow in awareness that each language follows a set of laws and that it is indeed a wonderfully created orderly structure.  The study of French is one more way that our students are challenged to grow and develop their God-given gifts so that they can model God’s love in a broken world.

Flowing from that perspective, we evaluated curriculum options looking for an outwards, Christian focus, an emphasis on Canadian community building, a means of fostering language appreciation, as well as meeting Ontario curriculum expectations.   We confirmed the suitability of our primary 'Mission abc' curriculum, and we seek to infuse our present junior-intermediate curriculum with a school-wide Christian and missions focus using 'Mission monde.'  This appears to be an excellent resource which allows students a view in on the life of a missionary kid (MK) in various French-speaking nations, using both Christian and contemporary culture, music, media and Scripture.  Costs are very reasonable, and we anticipate bringing this into the ICS French programme next Fall! 

Que Dieu vous bénisse....

in Christ,
Keith Cameron, Principal

Praying for our Families:  Last week we prayed for Darrell & Helen Klassen and John & Janet Medema.
Praying for our Staff:  This week we will pray for Mrs. Groeneweg and continued healing for Mr. TenBruggencate. 
    
Reminders:  T.R.I.P.  Pick up tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 24th in the p.m.             
                 
                        Transportation:  Monday, Jan. 28th and Tuesday, Jan. 29th LDCSS has exam turn around days. 
                        Mrs. Tesselaar’s bus will leave 20 minutes later in the morning. 

                        Are you missing a crockpot insert and a CD that was left in the school kitchen?  Contact the office.

                      Last chance to send in your Ziplock Sandwich Bags tomorrow morning.    

Calendar changes: reminder that we have moved the phys ed curriculum review day from the last week of Jan to Thu Mar 7, which creates an 'extra' day in March break, and takes advantage of Mr T's expected return to work.

February Cheese order form is attached.  Orders are due Wed. Jan. 30th with delivery on Wed., Feb. 6th.

Speakfest;  Parents are welcome to join us on Wed., Jan. 30th in the gym from 9 a.m. till done (towards noon).  Students will have their usual recess break in the morning. 

IT Tech help needed:  Our IT team would love an additional volunteer who would be very interested in learning how our network works.  Commitment is a couple of hours per month.  The rewards are knowing the art of educational technical support.  Please contact Keith Cameron. 
Handyman Help Needed to complete small repairs on a weekly basis. If interested and able, please contact the Principal.

Parent Education Night - as parents, keep on top of what your children are doing.  Mark your calendars for the evening of Wed Jan 30th from 7:30 to 9 p.m.   This year's focus is on some of the technology being used for literacy and communication.  Choose a workshop on Accelerating Parents (use of the Accelerated Reader program) or An Evening at the Docs (use of Google Docs).  Email the school @ Immanuel@amtelecom.net to reserve your place.

Dinner Extravaganza and Trivia Bonanza - This Friday at ICS!
It is officially a Sold Out Event!  Thank you to everyone who purchased or reserved tickets - you are in for a great evening!  Don't forget to warm up your brain for some trivia - and the trivia grand prize package will definitely excite your appetite!
If you were not able to get tickets, please call the school office 519-773-8476 and you will be added to the waiting list, or you may join us at 8:30pm for the Live Auction.  Coffee, tea, snacks and seating will be available during the Live Auction.

Silent + Live Auction Previewing: 3-5pm
Doors open for arrival: 5:00pm
Dinner served: 5:30pm
Live Auction Registration: 8:15pm
Live Auction Begins: 8:30pm

Get an early sneak peek at some of the Auction items online at facebook.com/ICSAylmer (our facebook page).
  • NHL hockey jerseys and tickets
  • Calgary Stampede 2 day Thrill package with $1000 travel allowance
  • Sock Monkey hats for young and old
  • a weekend of camping
  • children's ride on battery operated tractor with loader
Live Auction Booklets will be available online or in print at the school office Thursday afternoon.  See you Friday! - the ICS Fundraising Committee

**Fundraising Committee is looking for clear Christmas lights (any size, any style) to transform the gym.  If you have some we can borrow, please label them and drop them off at the school office today or tomorrow.  THANK YOU!

Hockey:  Practice at 7:30 Tuesday morning. 

Senior Basketball:  Please note the change that both boys and girls will play in the tournament on Tues., Jan. 29.  Schedules will be sent home with the players today or tomorrow. 

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Competition:  Students from grades 4-8 will be selected by Friday to participate in next Wednesday's (Jan. 30) free throw competition.  This will take place after school at Assumption Catholic School.  If your child is chosen, you will receive a letter and a registration form to fill out.  Your child is then committed to attending the competition. 

FROM THE CLASSROOMS:

JUNIOR / SENIOR KINDERGARTEN – Mrs. Groeneweg

Some of the things we have done in Kindergarten
                Bible: Jesus Teaches about Prayer, Zacchaeus
                Letter and sound: F
                New Unit: God's Changing Seasons: Winder Wonder
                Math: All About Number: 7 (seven, tally, count, number before and after 7...)
                Please review the words with your child (Word Book)
                Nursery Rhyme: Three Little Kittens (number 3, pair, rhyming words, left-right)
                Shapes

GRADES 1 and 2 - Ms. Pieters

Memory Work: storytelling story
Spelling: Spelling Dictation words for Friday, January 25
Grade 1: gate, rake, name, bake, fine, bike, hide, mine
Grade 2: now, down, how, out, shout, about, our, house, slow, show

Storytelling and Poetry Presentations: Today was our first exciting day of storytelling and poetry presentations. We are looking forward to hearing the rest of our classrooms presentations this Thursday and Friday. If your child has chosen a story or poem that is not in the envelope, remember to have him/her bring the book to school on his/her presentation day.  Parents will be notified by phone when the top two storytellers from grades 1, 2 and 3 and the top four poets from Grade 4 have been chosen. These students will have an opportunity to present their stories and poems in the gym on Tuesday, January 29 at our Grades 1 to 4 practice session, and then on Wednesday, January 30, 2013 at our I.C.S. Speakfest  in the gym.
                                                               
GRADES 3 and 4 – Ms. Buma

Classroom Storytelling and Poetry Recitation Dates:
                Wed. Jan. 23 – Haley Broer, Randall Drop, Ben Weesjes, Megan Friesen, Micah Schuurman
                Thurs. Jan. 24 – Seth Klassen, Cody Bergen, Holly Cameron, Kaylynn Mantel, Braden Vandersleen
                Fri. Jan. 25 – Lucas Krahn, Hayden Guenther, Jocelyn Shelton
Fri. Jan. 25 – Spelling Dictation:  Grade 3 words are:  pointing, oily, boy, voice, oyster, voyage, loyal, joined, coin, choice, poison, destroy, enjoy, choose, chocolate, noise, chapter
Grade 4 words are:  early, earth, search, service, wonder, surface, curly, shirt, thirty, doctor, sailor, shower, bakery, another, barber, collar, worse, world, burst, worth
Fri. Jan. 25 – Math Quiz: Grade 3:  Checkup:  Multiplying with 7 as a factor.  Example:  (7 x 6 = 42) and (7 x 8 = 56).
Student of the Week:  This week’s Student of the Week is Holly Cameron.  Next week:  Randall Drop.
Library Class:  Please remember to bring due books back to school for tomorrow’s Library class.  Continue reading towards your AR goals, everyone!  AR goal due date is Feb. 15.
Swim to Survive:  Grade 3 students will be participating in their second lesson at the St. Thomas YMCA, this Friday, January 25. Thank you, Mr. Jeff Vannoord, for taking us to the YMCA! We will be leaving ICS at 1:00 PM and plan to return to school by 3:15 – 3:20 PM.  Please remember to pack your bathing suit and towel, girls and boys! 

GRADE 5 and 6 – Mrs Drop


Happy birthday to Cole Versnick!  He will celebrating his birthday on Jan. 27!
Memory Work:  1 John 2: 5 & 6
Speeches:  Grade 5 speeches will be presented tomorrow.  Grade 6 will present on Fri., Jan. 25.  Keep memorizing and practising!
Spelling:  Be ready for dictation on Fri., Jan. 25.  Remember to have spelling exercises completed for Fri. as well.

GRADE 7 and 8 – Mr. TenBruggencate / Ms. Jones

All public speaking presentations are this Friday. 
Spelling Dictation is on Friday.
Math Unit test on Fractions have been returned. Ask how your son/daughter did on the test. There are links on wiki page for more help. We are doing a final project this week and moving on to Probability next week.
See public online comic gallery for gr 7/8 class at bs4s.me/g/JM2W
LDCSS Information Evening:  Are you interested in finding out more about LDCSS?  Join us for dessert on Wed., Feb. 6 from 7-8 p.m. at LDCSS.  Find out what makes LDCSS unique and how we integrate Christian faith, learning, and living for a life of service.




Wednesday 16 January 2013


Wednesday, January 16, 2013


Mission:  The mission of Immanuel Christian School is to prepare students to meet the challenge of the world and culture they live in as young and growing Christians.  Thus, students are taught the skill of discernment in the light of God’s Word, the practice of stewardship for creation, the required commitment to a life of Christian service, and the beauty of witness through modeling God’s love in a broken world.

School’s email address:  immanuel@amtelecom.net
Principal’s email address:  icsprincipal@amtelecom.net
ICS Website:  www.immanuelchristianschool.net    519-773-8476
FacebookCheck us out on Facebook:   facebook.com/ICSAylmer      
         Twitter:  twitter.com/ICSAylmer

LDCSS Website:  www.ldcss.on.ca   519-455-4360
Christian Education Foundation (endowment fund): www.ldcef.org

Upcoming Events

Jan.     18    Electives; New family info night
            19    Exhibition mini Basketball tournament
            21    P.A. Day – no classes; 
            23    Chapel; Girls Ex Basketball game 
            25    Electives;  Dinner and Auction
            28    Girls Basketball Tournament
            29    Boys Basketball Tournament
            30    Speakfest; Parent Education Night
Feb        1    Electives

From the Principal's Desk::

I was excited to see our new school advertising posters yesterday!  We'll be looking to Church Ambassadors to have one up in all our local churches!  While they have nice font, solid text and an ICS red colour, the Scripture quote struck me: A Hope and a Future.  The quote is from Jeremiah 29:11, and the wider context is an encouragement and warning for God's people to remain faithful and prosper despite being in a foreign land.  Seems to match us here in Ontario, which politically is a 'foreign land' for Christian independent schools!  Despite that, God calls us to work for the success of our land, "because if it prospers, you too will prosper."  As our graduates live out our Graduate Expectations in their school and adult lives, in their communities, Christian education becomes good for all!  That is encouragement as we work and commit time, talent and finances towards sustaining and growing our school!

On a poignant note, we do bid a farewell to the Abell family, as they leave our full-time program and continue in Christian education from a homeschool perspective.  We are a small community, and Mike & Wendy, Christopher (gr 5), Daniel (gr 3), Marcus (gr 1) and Faith (JK) will be missed.  This was a hard decision for the family and we wish them God's blessings in the continuing education of their children.  We do have a homeschool policy which allows part-time enrolment for specific subjects or co-curricular activities, where ICS is seen to have expertise that may be challenging to develop in a homeschool environment.  This is an option for all homeschool families who wish to consider it.

in Christ,
Keith Cameron, Principal

Praying for our Families:  Thursday before the holidays we prayed for Ryan & Jennepher  Meesters, Jan & Aartje Noorland.
Praying for our Staff:  This week we will pray for Mr. Cameron continued healing for Mr. TenBruggencate.  Update on Evert: successful surgery last Fri to remove the wire stabilizing his knee.  He is feeling much better, with a lot less pain, he is participating in physio and may "trial" an hour or so in the classroom by the end of the month.  Keep Evert in your prayers for full recovery!

     We want to express out condolences to Frank and Rose Fehr and Presley (JK) in the passing away of Frank’s mother, Katherine
     Fehr on the weekend.  May God surround you with his love and provide comfort in this difficult time.

Reminders:  T.R.I.P. Order are due this Thursday, Jan. 17th.  Pick up Thursday, Jan.                                          
                      24th in the p.m.         
                 
                       Transportation:  Monday, Jan. 21st, Wednesday, Jan. 23rd, Monday, Jan. 28th and Tuesday, 
                      Jan. 29th LDCSS has exam study days and turn around days.  Mrs. Tesselaar’s bus will leave 
                      20 minutes later in the morning. 


PA Day: reminder that this coming Mon is a PA day for French curriculum and CTBS test review!  No school.

Calendar changes: reminder that we have moved the phys ed curriculum review day from the last week of Jan to Thu Mar 7, which creates an 'extra' day in March break, and takes advantage of Mr T's expected return to work.

Speakfest;  Parents are welcome to join us on Wed., Jan. 30th in the gym from 9 a.m. till done (towards noon).  Students will have their usual recess break in the morning. 

New Parent Information Evening for all new JK/SK students and also for those who are interested in ICS for all grades for the new school year starting September 2013.  We will start at 5:30 with refreshments. Dinner will be served at 6:00. You and your child can meet our Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Groeneweg. Tours start at 6:45 and babysitting is available while you tour and listen to our information session.  Please contact Sheri Weesjes 226-234-7564 for more details.

Handyman Help Needed: Our school could use the services of an additional (ideally retired) volunteer handyman who would complete small repairs on a weekly basis. This would be an ideal link between minor replacements which are done by our janitor, and more major projects which are completed by our maintenance committee. The personal contact with our staff and students could also be very enjoyable. If interested and able, please contact the Principal.

IT Tech help needed:  Our IT team would love an additional volunteer who would be very interested in learning how our network works.  Commitment is a couple of hours per month.  The rewards are knowing the art of educational technical support.  Please contact Keith Cameron. 

Parent Education Night - as parents, keep on top of what your children are doing.  Mark your calendars for the evening of Wed Jan 30th from 7:30 to 9 p.m.   This year's focus is on some of the technology being used for literacy and communication.  Choose a workshop on Accelerating Parents (use of the Accelerated Reader program) or An Evening at the Docs (use of Google Docs).  Email the school @ Immanuel@amtelecom.net to reserve your place.

Dinner Extravaganza and Trivia Bonanza - Friday, January 25th at ICS:
Tickets are selling quickly for the Roast Beef + Chicken Dinner with all the fixins (catered by Belmont Caterers) Guest MC and trivia night, followed by a live auction (hosted by Jesse Vannoord)!  Tickets are $40 per person or $300 per table of 8.  Are you (or your table) smarter than a fifth grader?  Reserve your tickets before this Friday by calling or emailing the school office.
                Silent + Live Auction pre-viewing: 3-5pm
                Dinner: 5:30pm
                Live Auction: 8:30pm
If you cannot make it out to the Dinner, join us for the exciting Live Auction! 
Have something to donate for the auction? Drop it off at the school - labelled with your name, phone# and value of the item(s) by this Friday. (no used items please) THANK YOU! - ICS Fundraising Committee

Missing Items:  We have a few items that were left in the kitchen after functions.  If you are missing containers, crockpot insert, a cd etc., they are in the office for pick up. 

Re-cycling:  The Sandwich Bag collecting will be coming to a close by the end of January.  Please send in all your sandwich bags and Ziplock containers to the school by next week Thursday, January 24th at the latest so we can ship them out before the cut off deadline. Thank you for those who have been collecting these for us. 
Note:  We accept the Tassimo disc for re-cycling but not the Keurig K-cups

Hockey:  The second practice will be held Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 a.m. at the East Elgin Community Complex.  A note regarding fees will be sent home tomorrow, Thurs. Jan. 17.  

Basketball:   We’ve made a few basketball changes to fit with our coaches’ schedules.  Practices for the girls will be held on Weds during the noon hour and after school from 3:35 - 5:00.  Girls may also practice Friday at noon.  Boy’s practice at noon on Mon. and after school on Thurs. 3:35-5.
We’ve been able to arrange exhibition games at ICS with St. Thomas Community Christian School on Sat. Jan. 19 from 8-11 a.m., for both boys and girls.  We thank STCCS for taking the lead and organizing this.  
The girls will also have a home exhibition game against Strathroy Community Christian School on Wed., Jan. 23 from 3:45 - 5:00 (approx).  All are welcome to watch the game.  Please arrange transportation home after the late afternoon practice and game.
The District Tournament will be held on 2 different dates.  Monday, January 28 will be for the bigger schools that are competing.  This will also involve our girls team.  Tuesday, January 29th is for the smaller school competing.  This is the tournament that our boys are scheduled to play in.  Games are held at LDCSS.  Coaches will coordinate transport.  Our Bluewater District has been trying to generate wider sports competition including schools to our west (Sarnia, Chatham, etc.).  We made some changes to the tournament to reflect this. 
We appreciate your patience with these changes.  They should result in better sports for your child!    Mrs. Drop & Mr. Keith Cameron

LDCSS Annual Curling Bonspiel, Feb. 9.  Further details and sponsor sheets are available on the LDCSS website at www.ldcss.on.ca.  Contact person is Albert Weesjes at 519-773-3238, or e-mail at agweesjes@gmail.com.     

Strathroy Community Christian School invites you to join them for a fun and informative evening with Leroy Hibbert.  He will be speaking on: The “Heart” of the Matter… addressing issues such as bullying, character development and current youth culture.
This event will take place tomorrow evening Thursday, January 17 at 7:30 in the SCCS gym.  Refreshments will be served. 

FROM THE CLASSROOMS:

JUNIOR / SENIOR KINDERGARTEN – Mrs. Groeneweg

Some of the things we have done in Kindergarten
                Bible: Jesus and His Disciples, Jesus Blesses Children, Jesus Teaches about Prayer
                Letter and sound: L
                New Unit: God's Changing Seasons: Winder Wonder
                Math: All About Number: 6 (six, tally, count, number before and after 6...)
                Please review the words with your child (Word Book)
Simple ideas to help your child learn sight words.
* Write the words on index cards for your child to review.
* If you carry a purse to the grocery store put the cards in your purse.  When you have to wait in line take the cards out and review
   with your child.
* Take the words your child have difficulty with and place them on the car seat back in front of your child.
* Write the words your child needs to know on sticky notes.  Stick them anywhere your child goes - near their bed, bathroom, dinner
   table....
* Foam letters - have your child make words during bath time
* Make two sets of words and play memory
* Play what's missing.  Lay 3 or 4 words on the table and have your child read the words and then close his/her eyes. Remove one of
   the words. Let your child identify which one is missing.


GRADES 1 and 2 - Ms. Pieters
Memory Work: storytelling story
Spelling: Spelling Dictation words for Friday, January 18
Grade 1: five, time, like, dime, ride, nine, my, by
Grade 2: too, good, book, shook, school, when, what, took, who, soon
Storytelling: Thank you for assisting your child in choosing a story he/she would enjoy learning for storytelling. Please help your child learn the storyline well so that he/she can enjoy speaking with different character voices and also add some actions. Below is the storytelling presentation schedule for Grades 1 & 2. Your child must take the story book to school on the presentation date if his/her story is not in the envelope.  Wednesday, January 23 – Caleb, Gracie, William, Mariah, Claire
Thursday, January 24 – Allie, Lily, Selena, Devon, Joshua
Friday, January 25 – Naomi, Xavier, Sarah, Marcel
Reading Buddies/Storytelling Time Practice: First period every Thursday morning the students in Grades 1&2 enjoy reading with their reading buddies. Tomorrow the students in Grades 1 & 2 should bring their book or script they are using for storytelling. This will be a great opportunity for their reading buddies to help them along in memorizing their story and possibly giving them some added ideas in presenting their story.  Keeping their storytelling book or script in their backpack will also give them opportunities to practice during each school day.
Scholastic Book Club: If you would like to place an order from the January flyer please have you child bring the order form with the payment (cash or cheque) to school by Thursday, January 17. Thank-you.


                                                              
GRADES 3 and 4 – Ms. Buma

Fri. Jan 18 – Spelling Dictation:  Grade 3 words are:  looked, good, brook, football, cookie, stood, full, put, food, school, truth, room, true, chew, due, dull, clue
Grade 4 words are:  cleaner, cleanest, bigger, biggest, earlier, earliest, quicker, quickest, busier, busiest, rougher, roughest, heavier, heaviest, happier, happiest, lazier, laziest, funnier, funniest
Fri. Jan. 11 – Math Quiz:  Grade 3:  Multiplying with 6 as a factor.  Example:  (6 x 3 = 18) and (6 x 6 = 36)
Classroom Storytelling and Poetry Recitation Dates: 
Wed. Jan. 23 – Haley Broer, Randall Drop, Ben Weesjes, Megan Friesen, Micah Schuurman
Thurs. Jan. 24 – Seth Klassen, Cody Bergen, Holly Cameron, Kaylynn Mantel, Braden Vandersleen
Fri. Jan. 25 – Lucas Krahn, Hayden Guenther, Jocelyn Shelton 
Accelerated Reader:  AR Reports will be sent home with your child this Friday, Jan. 18. Goal due date is Feb. 15.
Library Class:  Remember to bring due books back for tomorrow’s class.
Scholastics:  January Book Orders are due this Friday, Jan. 18.
Swim to Survive – Grade 3 students are looking forward to their first lesson at the St. Thomas YMCA, this Friday, January 18.  Thank you, Mrs. Ann Walters, for taking us to the YMCA!  We will be leaving ICS at 1:00 PM.  Our swimming lessons are from 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM.  We plan to leave the YMCA at approximately 2:50 PM and hope to return to school by 3:15 – 3:20 PM.
*Students in Grade 4 are eager to participate in their first year of our Friday afternoon Electives Program.
Student of the Week:  This week’s Student of the Week is Haley Broer.  Next week:  Holly Cameron.

Kleenex Boxes:  Our supply is running low.  Please help us to stock up.  Thank you.


GRADE 5 and 6 – Mrs Drop


Remember to be well-rested and prepared for school!
Language Arts:  The students are busy writing and organizing their speeches.  They will be presented on Thurs., Jan. 24 and Fri., Jan 25.  Aim to have speeches written by Fri., Jan. 18, so that memorization and practice may begin over the weekend and next week!  There are many interesting topics that have been chosen!
There will be no regular memory work, due to practising and memorizing speeches.
Spelling:  The words are becoming more challenging.  Prepare for dictation well in advance.  Unit 16 exercises need to be handed in by Fri., Jan. 18.  Please sign the spelling dictation books in backpacks.
Reading:  Goals are due on Feb. 15.  Pace reading progress, so that goals are met early.
Math:  Students have their recent math quiz results.  Good work on decimals!   
Science: home electrical safety survey is due on Thu.  We start a week of electrical centres, practical, exciting hands-on work.  Mrs Bosma will be instructing much of this in Mr Cameron's absence at the Principal Development Institute next week.  For further enrichment, check out the "simulated circuits" on Mr Cameron's wiki page!
Health:  our upcoming health unit covers healthy relationships and human reproduction in a Christian moral context.  We do so acknowledging that parents are best placed to educate their children in this area, and we seek to encourage conversations at home. Please see the explanatory letter sent home with your child today, and speak to Mr Cameron if you wish to preview any of the materials.

GRADE 7 and 8 – Mr. TenBruggencate / Ms. Jones

 Speakfest writing due Wed., Jan. 23rd.  In class presentations begin on Thurs, 24th.
Math test Thurs, 17th
Chapel:  Using the gifts God has given you to serve others.
Tech: Our culminating assignment for our Christian online habits unit includes a poster assignment, due in class on Thu Jan 31.  See the Mr Cameron's wiki for details.