The ICS Journal
Wednesday, September 9th, 2015
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.
Upcoming Events
Sept. 9 First day for JK
LDCSS 50th Anniversary Opening assembly 9-10 am
10 Normal JK day, no 3 day SK
11 Back to School BBQ starting at 6:00pm
14 Introduction of MAP to students and warm-ups
16 Chapel @ 9:00- Student School Family kick off
Grade 1 field trip to Safety Village
LDCSS Golf Tournament Forest City National Golf Course
21 - 25 Protectors Theme for devotions & chapel
MAP fall testing begins
23 Chapel - Grade 7&8 (Protectors Theme)
Oct 3 Care2Cycle fundraising ride
|
75 Caverly Rd, Aylmer, N5H 2P6
Principal: principal@immanuelchristianschool.net
Telephone: 519-773-8476
Facebook: facebook.com/ICSAylmer
Twitter: twitter.com/ICSAylmer
|
From the Principal’s Desk:
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! With your children, our building has once again come alive!
Much hard work has gone into preparation. Our exterior wall damage has been repaired (thanks Mr Albert Weesjes and Mr Andy Kroondyk for beautiful work!), and the interior has been cleaned, ordered and shined (thanks to our janitor Mrs Angie Bergen and her summer helper Mrs Bettina Poortinga!). Our teachers are refreshed to meet each child’s learning needs and to uncover the truths of God’s world in class. We look forward to learning together, including the Friday afternoon integrated studies in our all-ages student school families. Welcome to Miss Loewen as she starts her first year teaching gr 2/3 and to Mrs Cameron teaching rotary music! We also welcome an enrolment this last weekend - Keoni in gr 7 (Hank and Margaret Klassen, with Sahiya at homeschool pending availability in our presently-full gr 5/6 class).
Several years ago, as a board, we committed to being faithful to our Christian educational vision of excellence (being as good a Christian school as we could be) regardless of numbers. Our numbers were smaller, but we could be good with whatever numbers God brought us! Referring to our school theme of “Tell the Story” from Joshua 4, I really see this commitment as a key “rock of remembrance,” reminding us all to seek God’s will first. And now, God has blessed us in again bringing new families! We now have enrolment growth to 122 students and 55 families. Our class size policy will guide us as we work to consider how we manage further growth. With our growth, our board feels that our vision this year is to “Inspire Christian community to sustain and prosper ICS” - together, let’s be intentional in getting to know each other, and becoming a people united by a passion for Christian education! Please introduce yourself, be friendly, and be involved! Come on out to the Back to School BBQ this Friday!
in Christ, Keith Cameron, Principal and Chief Operating Officer
Praying for our families: Please join our staff as we pray for Mike & Wendy Abell and Steve & Debbie Atkinson
Praying for our staff: Please pray for Mrs. Groeneweg.
REMINDERS:
Tuition Reduction Incentive Plan (T.R.I.P): Orders are due tomorrow Sept 10th, with delivery on Sept 17th
What is TRIP? It is a fundraiser where you can earn money towards your next year’s tuition, this also includes families who have students at LDCSS (your tuition credit will be applied to transportation costs to LDCSS).
How does TRIP work? You purchase gift cards from the school: 40% of the profit goes towards reducing your tuition (or someone else’s), 50% goes to ICS Fundraising and the last 10% pays our coordinators. These numbers are new. In June, Canada Revenue Agency, through the OACS, has informed us that we can no longer offer an 80% profit to individual families. It has to be 50% or less depending on TRIP expenses. While we have few TRIP expenses, we have decided on a 40% family profit so that we are covered should ICS be audited. We realize this will be disappointing to you as individual families, but we need to comply with CRA regulations. A good amount of 'TRIP credit' can still be earned for individual families who diligently buy gift cards for all your shopping needs. Working to reduce tuition, we will try to make the TRIP gift card program convenient for everyone!
How do we get started? If you do not have a TRIP number all you need to do is get a registration form from the office and fill it out. You will be given a TRIP number that you use when ordering. You can start buying cards the day you put in your registration form! Where can I get the gift cards? Once a month a TRIP order form will be attached to the Journal. you will need to return it with your payment the next week, (The order is due the next week - the date is printed on the form. The following week you will be able to pick up your gift cards at the school or if you choose you may have them sent home from the school with your child. You may still buy gift cards at the school on Tuesday mornings, or on Fridays all day (when the school is open). Other locations include Clovermead Apiaries, and our new location being Roszell’s Furnishings. These locations only carrying Presidents Choice and Tim Horton’s gift cards. Family Flowers near St. Thomas carries a wider variety of gift cards. You can also contact Annette Dykxhoorn or Janina Dykxhoorn. This program is intended to give you the opportunity to earn credit towards your tuition for the next year. We encourage you to use this valuable resource. Any questions please do not hesitate to contact the coordinators. Annette Dykxhoorn 519-860-6332 or Janina Dykxhoorn 519-709-6620 or by email icstrip@live.ca
Cheese orders: Delivered today. The next order will be sent out Sept 23rd.
Meat & Baked Goods: Order form is attached, due on Sept 17th with pickup on Oct 8th 2-4pm. Coolers with names on them can be dropped off ahead of time.
Back to School BBQ
Friday September 11th, 2015
Everyone is welcome!
Enjoy good food, fellowship, meet the teachers and see the classrooms.
6:00 - 6:45 pm devotions and BBQ, dessert and coffee
6:45 - 7:30 pm “bring a parent” classroom tours, hosted by your children!
Menu: Hamburgers/Hot Dogs, Caesar salad, Corn on the cob and Ice cream bars for Dessert,
Juice and Coffee
Cost: Donation of $20/Family or $5/individual
Join us out behind the school(weather permitting), or in the school gym if raining.
We encourage you to invite your family and friends. Looking forward to seeing you all there!
|
Coming soon....apple pies!! The ladies auxiliary is planning an apple pie making day on Wednesday, October 7. We will be selling fresh, unbaked apple pies for $6.00 each just in time for Thanksgiving weekend. Plan on stocking up for Christmas and all those cold winter nights when a slice of warm apple pie will taste great! Watch for order forms in next week's journal. We'll be needing lots of help too so you can get a start on your volunteer hours!
Reminder: Everyone who comes into the building needs to report to the office.. Even if you are making a quick stop-in visit, please pop into the office, so we know who is in the building. Volunteers working with students, must sign in at the office.
JK/SK Job Posting: Do you know anyone that should apply?
Transportation
Communication List: Please look it over carefully to see if your phone #’s are correct and keep near your phone. How does it work? If there is a fog or snow cancellation, the bus driver calls the entire list. But if there is a bus route disruption en route, the bus driver or office will call the families that have their names starred and bolded. These families in turn will call their block of people. Mr. Cameron will start the call for walkers. Bus disruptions will also be posted on the school Twitter feed on our web page. In case of illness or absence, if your child will not be riding the bus in the morning, and it’s too late to call the driver, please call the family before your pick up stop and their child can relay the message to the bus driver. This may help to save on fuel costs.
Fog Delays/Cancellation:Weather delays have in the past been much more difficult for parents to deal with than have cancellations. To that end, our policy aims to avoid bus delays. Our policy also considers both student and staff safety in traveling to school in inclement weather. Snow creates potentially dangerous road surface conditions, which impact both buses and teachers. Fog creates reduced visibility, which impacts students getting on and off buses safely. Fog, while causing delays and requiring slower speeds and increased attention, is not seen to create the same driving risks as snow. In inclement weather situations, our delays or cancellations will be guided by decisions for East Elgin Secondary, as posted on www.mybigyellowbus.ca:
a) TVDSB snow cancellation = ICS bus cancellation, ICS closed
b) TVDSB snow delay = ICS bus cancellation, ICS closed
c) TVDSB fog cancellation = ICS bus cancellation, ICS closed
d) TVDSB fog delay = ICS AM bus cancellation, ICS open, PM buses run normally
For now a phone call will follow to confirm this. We also update our Twitter feed and the Easy101 website.
Spare Drivers: We are (still!) in need of Spare Bus Drivers to be available as required to fill in on
routes. A valid B License is required. We will assist anyone interested in obtaining their license.
Anyone interested in this, please contact the office.
Care 2 Cycle - Save the Date of Saturday October 3 @ 8am! This is a local fundraiser with Grace Community Church replacing Ride for Refuge. Donations will be split as designated between the ICS Compassion Child and Tuition Assistance fund, and Grace's Syrian Refugee Family Sponsorship. There's something for everyone - Rabbit Rodeo for ages 4-8, 10, 30 and 50km routes, and volunteer positions. More info next week, or check out https://care2cycle.wikispaces.com/home!
GREAT WOLF LODGE, 2015 - It's that time of year again! A block of rooms has once again been reserved during the annual Fall PA days for our Christian schools. Discounted rates are available for the dates of Oct. 29th, 30th and 31st. Room rates start at $174.99/night. Our group booking code is: 1510CHRI_001 To book your room go to: www.greatwolf.com/niagara or call: 1-888-878-1818. Booking deadline is Sept. 29, so reserve early to avoid disappointment. For further information, please contact Tammy Veld - rtveld96@gmail.com or call/text: 905.745.5609
SEEKING FAMILIES IN ST. THOMAS / ELGIN COUNTY
Do you know a family that may qualify? SHARE WITH THEM!
Habitat for Humanity Heartland Ontario is seeking families in Elgin County who would like to own
their own home! Families will receive a new home with $0 down payment and 0% interest mortgage.
The criteria for the Homeownership Program are as follows:
1. Annual household income between $25,000 and $60,000 (depends on family size and needed
bedrooms)
2. Satisfactory credit and manageable debt
3. Willing to contribute 500 volunteer hours
Please share this information, your help is greatly appreciated!! If you have any questions please
contact 519-814-0022 or cgedmonds@habitat4home.ca .
Friday Family Fun Nights! You have spoken and we have heard you :) The 2015-16 school year will
see the return of the once a month Friday night dinner and family nights at the school, which also brings
opportunity for youth groups, church groups, family + friends to assist with an evening. Need more
information, want to volunteer, have an idea - contact Jacklyn at j.versnick@immanuelchristianschool.net.
Coming soon to the 2015-16 school year near you :)
|
We Want You! The front entry on-screen ICS Family Picture Display helps us put names to faces, so please send a new picture (one from this summer) of your family to the office! Email or hard copy...
FROM THE CLASSROOMS:
Reminder: we have a student with a peanut allergy, so no peanut-based products are allowed at school or on the buses. We need your cooperation with this policy in order to keep everyone at school safe.
Along with many of our OACS schools, we are implementing MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) this year. This replaces our old CTBS standardized tests. MAP measures all students’ growth three times a year, giving teachers a much better view on student progress and helping us ensure an excellent academic program for all students. Students will complete the Fall MAP online during the week of 21-25 September. Stay tuned for details!
Chocolate Bars: A tasty treat! Chocolate bars sales (we make $30 / box)
remain our main fundraiser for the Student Fund, helping with the costs of
school skates, field trips, and co-curricular activities. It’s also a way of talking
about our school! Each student sells a box. Alternatively, parents may pay a
student activity fee ($25/full time student, $15 / JK or SK part-time student). By
Friday, send in the form at the end of the Journal if you wish to pay the student fee instead of selling
chocolate. Chocolate bars will be sent home on Monday Sep 14.
Parent Lunch Tips: We are trialling an afternoon recess this year, so that may affect food packing.
We allow time for a snack at the morning recess (10:25-10:40), 15 min for lunch at noon, with 35
min outside after (12:05-12:55), and 15 min in the afternoon, with water and a small snack for the
primary grades after (2:25-2:40). With this hot weather, please pack a re-useable water bottle. A
class microwave is available for grades 5-8. Our younger students do better with lunches not
requiring preparation. Thank-you!
Some of the things we have done in Kindergarten.....
Welcome to the 2015 - 2016 school year! This is an exciting time for your child.
I really hope your child is looking forward to beginning the school year.
We will all be having a great time as we start learning our routines and making
friends. Maybe you have questions about your child’s kindergarten year? I encourage you to contact me at any time.
Birthdays. Birthdays in Kindergarten are FUN! We like to celebrate every one's special day. If you would like to send in a (peanut free) treat with your child on his/her birthday, please feel free to do so.
Book Orders I will be sending home scholastic book orders. If you would like to purchase books please send the forms back to school with the payment.
Change of Clothing. Please send in a change of clothing for your child, just in case there are any little accidents.
Sound Book. All SK students will receive a Sound Book. As the year progresses, more letters will be added to their books. Students will take it home every school day to practice the letter names and sounds.
Show-and-Tell. Dates for Show-and-Tell will be announced in our weekly Journal.
Safety. For your child’s safety and well-being, please let the school know of any changes in his/her schedule to go home.
Supplies. It would be greatly appreciated if each family could purchase a box of Kleenex.
Thank you in advance!
I really hope your child is looking forward to beginning the school year.
We will all be having a great time as we start learning our routines and making
friends. Maybe you have questions about your child’s kindergarten year? I encourage you to contact me at any time.
Birthdays. Birthdays in Kindergarten are FUN! We like to celebrate every one's special day. If you would like to send in a (peanut free) treat with your child on his/her birthday, please feel free to do so.
Book Orders I will be sending home scholastic book orders. If you would like to purchase books please send the forms back to school with the payment.
Change of Clothing. Please send in a change of clothing for your child, just in case there are any little accidents.
Sound Book. All SK students will receive a Sound Book. As the year progresses, more letters will be added to their books. Students will take it home every school day to practice the letter names and sounds.
Show-and-Tell. Dates for Show-and-Tell will be announced in our weekly Journal.
Safety. For your child’s safety and well-being, please let the school know of any changes in his/her schedule to go home.
Supplies. It would be greatly appreciated if each family could purchase a box of Kleenex.
Thank you in advance!
Welcome to a new school year boys and girls. A special welcome to Rachel Guenther and Jonathan Redecop who joined our grade one class. May we together enjoy learning about God’s world.
This year in Creation Studies we will start with the unit called, The Sky Declares…
As you can imagine, we will be doing a lot of sky watching in this unit. We will be studying the sun and the atmosphere as well as their relationship to day, night, and the seasons. We will also explore the various components of our weather; the sun, clouds, rain, snow, and the wind.
Our thoughts will be directed to God, the Creator of all things. We will recognize and marvel in God’s designs and appreciate the repetition of His work through the seasons, in day and night, the rain cycle, etc. Truly God is a pattern-maker!
Happy 6th Birthday
Ethan Atkinson
Thursday, September 3, 2015
“May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 115:15
Happy 6th Birthday
Temiah Guenther
Monday, September 14, 2015
“May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 115:15
Memory Work: Each Wednesday your child will be given a scripture verse or a song to learn from memory. Please review this selection often throughout the week to help your child know it from memory for the following Wednesday. Memory work for Sept. 16, is part of our theme verses for this year.
...“The stones will serve as a reminder to you.
In days to come, your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’...
Joshua 4:6
Field Trip to the Children’s Safety Village: On Wednesday, September 16 the students will have the opportunity to participate in a safety program offered at the YMCA Children’s Safety Village in London. This program will help the students recognize safety risks and safe practices. At least two volunteers are needed to help on this field trip. We are planning to leave I.C.S. at 11:25 a.m. and return back to school at 3:10 p.m. Please send a note or call the school if you are able to help. Thank-you.
Kleenex Boxes: Please send a box of Kleenex with your child for our classroom’s yearly supply. Thank you.
Spelling: Each Friday we will have spelling dictation. Weekly word lists will be sent home at the beginning of the week. Please have your child review the list words a few minutes each day. Here are the words the students should know for Friday, Sept.11.
Spelling List for Grade 1: an, at, and, am, a
Scholastic Book Club: The September flyers were sent home today. If you wish to place an order please fill out the form on the back and return it to school by Thursday, Sept. 17 with the payment (cash or cheque).
Welcome to a new school year Grade 2 and 3s and I am excited to start the year with you! We get to start our journey together in a brand new-to-us classroom (the former Discovery Room). A special welcome to two new students in Grade 2: Faith Abell and Rylee Peters. We hope that you will soon feel at home with us, Faith and Rylee!
We would also like to welcome Ms. Buma (Music), Ms. Jones (Art), and Mr. T (Health and Physical Education).
A BIG Happy Birthday to Rylee (Sept 4)!
Bible: We will spend the start of this year by studying the Israelites and God’s Law.
Memory Work: Each Wednesday your child will be given a scripture verse or a song to learn from memory. Please help your child review it so that he/she can say/sing it from memory the following Wednesday. Memory work for Sept. 16
...“The stones will serve as a reminder to you.
In days to come, your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’...
Joshua 4:6
Agendas: Students have received agendas and will use them to keep track of their daily activities and assignments. Parents, please sign your child's agenda daily, to assist communication with home and school. Thank you!
Spelling: Each Friday we will have spelling dictation. Weekly word lists will be written in student planners at the beginning of the week. Please have your child review the list words at home.
Spelling Grade 2:on, not, but, at, had, in, did, get, red, hot, body, God
Spelling Grade 3:said, ask, stand, catch, eight, afraid, away, always, playing, waved, takes, than, great, they, prey, Israel, mayor
Scholastic Book Club: The September flyers were sent home today. If you wish to place an order please fill out the form on the back and return it to school by Friday, Sept.18 with the payment (cash or cheque). You can also pay online with the new Parent Pay option. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me!
Accelerated Reader Reading: Each morning, from 8:30 - 8:55, the students will be given independent reading time. They should have a chapter book to read during this time. Our first Library Class is Thursday, Sept. 11.
Gym Foot Wear: Physical Education classes are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday. Although the students may have their indoor running shoes, please ensure that your child’s outdoor shoes, on those days, are also running shoes. Thank you.
Kleenex Boxes: We need to build up our kleenex box supply again at the start of this new school year. Thank you for sending along any contribution to our supply.
Please feel free to communicate with me in the agenda, telephone or email: School: 519-773-8476; Email:a.loewen@immanuelchristianschool.net
Welcome back to school Grades 3 and 4! I am looking forward to teaching you all this year! A special welcome to our new students, Owen Banman, Grade 3, Markus Abell, Kiera Giesbrecht and Samuel Peters, Grade 4. We hope that you will soon feel at home with us, Owen, Markus, Kiera, and Samuel!
Congratulations! We would like to wish Xavier Bergen a very happy birthday. Xavier will be turning 9 years old on Thursday, September 10. Happy Birthday, Xavier! May God richly bless you in your new year of life.
Fri. Sept. 11 - Spelling Dictation. Grade 3 words are: said, ask, stand, catch, eight, afraid, away, always, playing, waved, takes, than, great, they, prey, super, stay
Grade 4 words are: bridge, gravity, hungry, eclipse, secret, applaud, laundry, trouble, attract, twilight, between, describe, snowflake, freedom, slimy, glance, burglar, switch, brave, twice
Wed. Sept. 16 - Memory Work: Joshua 4:6…”The stones will serve as a reminder to you. In days to come, your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’...
Agendas: Students have received agendas and will use them to keep track of their daily activities and assignments. Parents, please sign your child’s agenda each day, to assist communication with home and school. Thank you!
Accelerated Reader Reading: Each morning from 8:30 - 8:55, the students will be given independent reading time. *They should have a chapter book (or novel) to read during this time. Our first Library Class is Thursday, Sept. 10.
Scholastics: The first Scholastic Book Order was sent home with your child today. If you would like to place an order for September, please have your child return it to school by Friday, Sept. 18. Thank you.
Gym Foot Wear: Physical Education classes are scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Although the students may have their indoor running shoes, please ensure that your child’s outdoor shoes on those days, are also running shoes. Thank you.
Kleenex Boxes: We need to build up our kleenex box supply again at the start of this new school year. Thank you for sending along any contribution to our supply.
GRADE 5 and 6 – Ms. Jones (k.jones@immanuelchristianschool.net)
Welcome to the Grade 5/6 class of 2015-2016! We are excited to welcome 4 new students: Delayna Guenther, Alyssa Giesbrecht, Jonah Guenther and Colin Hill.
Everyone please see the student planner for a welcome letter sent home on Tuesday. I will check the planner daily and use it as a communication tool with you. Students will learn to keep track of work and events. It is not necessary to sign it daily, but I will encourage the students to set up a routine of having their planner available for you to see each night.
Memory Work: We are working on the theme verse of this school year - Joshua 4:4-7. To be memorized by Tuesday, Sept. 15th.
L.A.: We will be reading Run by Eric Walters.
Bible: Lessons will start with the Resurrection of Jesus!
Science: What is Matter?
Math: Please practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division skills. See math links on WikiSpace as well as using Mathletics at home.
Social Studies: Canadian Government
Kleenex Boxes: We need to build up our kleenex box supply again at the start of this new school year. Thank you for sending along any contribution to our supply.
GRADE 7 and 8 – Mr. TenBruggencate (e.tenbruggencate@immanuelchristianschool.net)
Please see our class wiki page (linked from the ICS website, https://immanuelchristianschool.wikispaces.com)
I welcomed 26 bright and energetic students to my class yesterday and am excited to learn what blessings God has in store for us this coming year.
Memory Work: Joshua 4:5-7
Science: With Mr Cameron, we are starting “It’s a Small World” study of how we see God’s fingerprints in the chemical world. We will use Google Classroom for homework and Google Groups to log and share our home experiments. Internet access after school will be needed - please let me know if this is not available at home and we can work out after-school access.
----------------------------------------------------
Student Activity Fee Form
By Friday, please send in this form to the office:
Yes, I wish to pay the student fee instead of selling chocolate for my children listed below:
Student Name:
|
Activity Fee Enclosed:
($25/full time student, $15 / JK or SK part-time student)
|
_____________________________ ____________________________
parent name signature
