“Ferrisview’s Finest” Student of the Month Award Winners, February:
Logan Lavery
Jerry Ashford
Caleb Dunphy
Max Sova
Noah Marinelli
Madison Slade
Joslyn Romard
Elspeth MacDonald
Harley MacKinnon
Briella Johnston
Nova Bishop
Levi MacKinnon
Natalie Morrison
Cullen Rideout
Bryson Sibley
Savannah Slade
Declan Newlove
Aubree Williams
Marcus Gullage
Aaron Osagie
Lydia Deane
Hannah Marinelli
Nathan MacIssac
Caleb Dunphy
Aurora King
Charles Blanchard
March 6th - Skating Grades 3-5
Friday, March 13th - There is no school for students on this day as it is 'Assessment and Evaluation Day' for teachers.
March 24th - Chinese Cultural Day
March 5th - Day 3, and March 24th - Day 3 - Multicultural Friendship Club Room 1206 Lunchtime
March 9th - Day 5, and March 26th - Day 5 - Lunch/Crunch Leisure Club
Report Cards go home in late March. Parent / Teacher Interviews will occur
April 1st 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
April 2nd, 9:00 AM to - 11:00 AM.
On April 2nd, there are no classes in the morning or afternoon. In the afternoon, Teacher Professional Practice events will occur.
The school will send alerts on the occasion of both events.
There is no school for students on Friday, March 13th as it is 'Assessment and Evaluation Day' for teachers.
Please use the parent loop on the lower part of the school grounds when dropping off your children. Staff use the upper parking lot.
The morning bell rings every morning at 8:30. Supervision is available starting at 8:00 AM. Please have your children here by 8:30 as they are missing important instructional time if they arrive after the bell. We all feel uncomfortable and a bit stressed when we walk into a place late and we are not quite sure what is happening.
We are in need of breakfast program volunteers. You will need a Child Abuse Registry Check as well as a Criminal Records Check
submitted with the application. Please call the main office if you would like to help out in this capacity.
We have some fun-filled days scheduled for the week before March Break:
Monday, March 9th - Pyjamas, Popcorn, and Movie Day - Ferrisview provides the popcorn and in-class movie
Tuesday, March 10th - Hawaiian Day - Wear bright colours, hats, sunglasses, and get ready for Spring/Summer 2026!
Wednesday, March 11th - Let’s Move and Groove with DJ Jason Chapman! Sundae Bar Day!
Thursday, March 12th - Winter Wonderland Day!
Outdoor Winter Fun for All! - Healthy snacks from Ferrisview
March Break is just around the corner! The last teaching day before March Break is Thursday, March 12th.
Students return to school on Monday, March 23rd .
The North Sydney Branch of the Cape Breton regional Library offers unique and interesting programs for all ages. Check their website and that of the whole regional library system for fun activities, especially over March Break.
World Down Syndrome Day is Saturday, March 21st . It’s the day we “Rock our Socks” for awareness and in friendship!
Everyone is asked to wear odd socks the day before World Down Syndrome Day on Friday March 20th.
THE END
Valentine's Day is February 14th.
If this is a new tradition for your family, please get in touch with your child's teacher. Teachers can provide first names of students so everyone can get a Valentine. If you decide to send valentines, you may want to send an extra as we do get new students from time to time. It would be so kind, if you choose to give Valentines, to give one to everyone in the class. You can sign off “From your friend …”
Grade P -NK 18
Grade P1 -JK 19
Grade 1 -LR 19
Grade 1/2 -RL 18
Grade 2 -CW 20
Grade 2 -TC 19
Grade 3 -DG 23
Grade ¾ -DRR 21
Grade 4 -RMacN/NKB 24
Grade ⅘ -SG 24
Grade 5 -MB 26
Valentine’s Day treats: Students may bring in treats as long as they are packaged and peanut-free.
Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate Friendship! It’s a day to be extra kind to each other. Students are encouraged to wear something red or pink that day.
YOUTH IN MOTION
CBU will once again be hosting its popular Youth in Motion Program this school year, led by CBU Recreation and CBU Athletics. Our grade ¾, 4, and ⅘ classes will take part on Wednesday, February 4th. Watch for permission slips that will contain the details. It is helpful to take a photo of the slip before you return it so you can take note.
Fluoride Program will take place February 23rd, 24th, and 25th.
Registration for Primary and PrePrimary for Ferrisview has begun online.
Notice to Parents/Guardians
Primary Registration 2026
Pre-Primary Registration 2026
Primary and Pre-Primary registration for students under the jurisdiction of the
Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education will take place as follows:
DATES: January 26th- February 6th, 2026
WHERE TO REGISTER: Online: https://cbvrce.ca/studentregistration/
Children being registered for Primary MUST be five (5) years of age on or before December 31, 2026.
Children being registered for Pre-Primary MUST be four (4) years of age on or before December 31, 2026.
Please check the school website or call for specific registration information.
A child must be registered in the neighbourhood school where he/she/they reside. Visit https://www.cbvbussing.ca/ to confirm bus eligibility for your address.
Valid proof of the student’s age (official birth certificate, passport, immigration papers or adoption papers), original proof of residency (two pieces) along with provincial Health Card number and expiry must be uploaded at the time of registration.
The Centre for Education website www.cbvrce.ca/home contains further information regarding the registration process.
If you are having trouble uploading documents or accessing the online registration form
please contact the school.
*Requests for transfers will not be reviewed until mid-September 2026*
Please ensure your child comes to school dressed for the weather. Also, remember to put your child’s name on clothing, footwear, hats, etc. to ensure their return.
Clothing that is not identified will be donated.
February is African Heritage Month
In the past, the contributions of African Canadians were not often formally recognized nor celebrated, however, Nova Scotia has been a leader in officially promoting, celebrating and recognizing African Canadian Heritage.
Monday, February 16th is Heritage Day. The 2026
Honoree this year is
Senator Joseph Willie Comeau
https://heritageday.novascotia.ca/
THERE ARE NO CLASSES AT SCHOOL ON FEBRUARY 16th.
School Skating is continuing in February on Friday, February 20th for Grade 3-5. Watch for permission slips that will contain the details. It is helpful to take a photo of the slip before you return it so you can take note.
Thank you for wearing your helmets on the ice at skating as required by the CBRM.
Bowling will take place Thursday, February 19th for Grades P-1 and Friday, February 20th for Grades ½, and Grade 2. Watch for permission slips that will contain the details. It is helpful to take a photo of the slip before you return it so you can take note.
The "Lunch Crunch Leisure Club" will continue every Day 5 during lunchtime playtime. It is for students who would like to have a card exchange (Pokeman, hockey, baseball, Marvel), play games, bracelet making, book club, crafts, sticker club. Activities may evolve according to participant interest. Kindness, good listening skills, and respect for self, others, and school are required admission for the club.
The founder and facilitator of this club is our Guidance Counselor at Ferrisview. Thanks for creating and operating this club, Mrs. Horne.
Chinese New Year Tuesday February 17th
In 2026, we ring in the Year of the Horse. The Chinese New Year in 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse, beginning on February 17, 2026, and lasting until February 5, 2027, bringing themes of passion, energy, and ambition. The Fire Horse is known for traits like strength, independence, and a pioneering spirit, amplified by the fiery element.
Student of the Month - January
Zoe Ayanbode
Mrs. Kelly
Carter Weatherbee
Mrs. Kelly
Jack Burton
Mrs. Keeping
Quinnleigh Keagan
Mrs. Keeping
Isla Anderson
Ms. Ronda
Emily Snow
Ms. Ronda
Asher Campbell
Mrs. Clark
Parker Kendall
Mrs. Clark
Maria Rosa Ignacio
Mrs. Winter
Blayke Miller
Mrs. Winter
Atlas Seymour
Mrs. Rose-Laffin / Ms. Moore
Georgia Matthews
Mrs. Rose-Laffin / Ms. Moore
Zoey Keigan
Mrs. Gardner
Brayden Parks
Mrs. Gardner
Dax Evans
Ms. Rosenfeld
Paisley Roussy
Ms. Rosenfeld
Lawson Garland
Mrs. Kumar-Britten / Ms. MacNeil
Brea Latwaitis
Mrs. Kumar-Britten / Ms. MacNeil
Bria Nippard
Mrs. Gibbons
Adam Rose
Mrs. Gibbons
Leah Penny
Mrs. Buffett
Marlo Holic
Mrs. Buffett
Finn MacNeil
Mrs. Jessome
Hannah Steele
Mrs. Finlayson
Connor Keeping
Mrs. Finlayson
Paisley Rankin
Mrs. Piccott
Bennett Inglis
Mrs. Piccott
Happy New Year! We are wishing our Ferrisview families a healthy and joyous new year from all the staff at Ferrisview Elementary.
Please note our newsletters are posted on our school website every month where we publish notable events, reminders, and pictures of school activities. The electronic version is environmentally friendly and efficient.
We have a few pairs of snowshoes we can lend to families for five days at a time. Please contact the Vice Principal, Mrs. Kumar-Britten to make a request. Email nkumar@gnspes.ca or phone the main office at 902-794-7137.
Families Report Student Absences
One of our greatest priorities is ensuring all students arrive at school safely each day. We have a ‘Safe Arrival’ system.
Parents/guardians of students who attend our school have the option to report their child’s absence in advance using a toll-free number.
SchoolMessenger SafeArrival is an absence management system that improves student safety and makes it easy for families to inform their child’s school if they will be away from school.
If your child will be absent, please let us know by using one of the following methods by 8:55 am:
Toll-Free Number
Call 1-833-673-8243 to report an absence using an automated system.
School Messenger Website
Go to https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/home and select Sign In at the top right. Use the email address that is on file with the school to create a username. The website will prompt you to create a unique password for this account.
SchoolMessenger App
Download the SchoolMessenger app for Android and iOS devices and sign up using your PowerSchool username (full email address). Please note that you must download the app that has the blue logo (not yellow).
What if I don’t report my child’s absence?
With ‘Safe Arrival’, an automated notification system will try to contact you if you don’t report your child’s absence in advance. This will include an email, text message, and phone call. You will be asked to confirm your child’s absence.
If you try to inform the school of an absence using SchoolMessenger, but are then told that it is past the cut-off time, please contact the school directly.
If you do not want to receive notifications when your child is absent, be sure to report their absence in advance.
A school staff member will contact you to check in after a number of absences have been recorded to make sure everything is okay with your child, you, and your family.
For more information about reporting your child’s absence and a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://cbvrce.ca/home/schoolmessenger-safe-arrival-cbvrce.
2026 National Women’s Under 18 Hockey Championships
Grade 4 and 5 students from Ferrisview will be attending a hockey game, part of the 2026 National Women’s Under 18 Hockey Championships, hosted in Sydney. They will travel to C200 by bus to attend a quarter final game at 10:00 AM on Thursday, January 15th. Permission forms have been sent home to all who will take part in this program. Students are permitted to take a snack which we recommend so that teachers can supervise students during this public event at the arena. Students will return to school with plenty of time for lunch. Go, Canada, Go!
School Skating:
School Skating: Friday, January 23rd
Grades 3-5 from 10am-11am
At the Emera Center, where our school skating sessions take place, anyone on the ice has to wear a helmet (this includes adults). The Emera Center staff will not permit anyone to be on the ice without a helmet.
Children are required to wear CSA approved helmets. We have a limited number of helmets that children can borrow. Let your child’s teacher know if your child needs to borrow one as soon as possible.
Any child not skating can walk the track with a staff member. We will be taking all children to the Emera Center by bus. You can meet your child there if you wish to join us and/or assist in preparing for the ice.
School Bowling: Grades P-2
Our grade P-2 students will participate in bowling this month. There is no charge for this activity. The children will be bussed to and from the school. The date of our bowling sessions are:
Monday, January 19th, Grade P-NK, Grade P/1-JK
Thursday, January 22nd, Grade 1 LRL, Grade ½ RL, Grade 2 TC, Grade 2 CW
Permission slips were sent home.
Label all clothing to ensure its safe return. If your child’s name is not on it, the likelihood of its safe return is limited.
Please make sure your child comes to school with a hat and mittens or gloves. We have extra winter items. Please let us know if we can can help fulfill these needs.
Children are not permitted to bring toys from home. This causes unnecessary upsets if a toy goes missing or is broken and sometimes leads to conflict among children.
Please use the parent drop off points. Please do not park in the staff parking lot for drop offs. It is dangerous and we have limited spaces especially for our specialist teachers that travel to various schools.
Our Lunch-Bus-Grounds staff along with teachers and administrators on duty ensure that your child gets on the bus each day. Please make sure your child is aware of how he/she is getting home before they leave for school in the morning. If, for some reason, there is a change in your child’s dismissal pattern, you must send a note to the teacher in the morning. That way, the teacher will ensure that change in plans occurs and/or your child is waiting for you at the office. If something comes up after school has started you can contact our secretary, at 902-794-7137 as early in the day as possible. Teachers do not necessarily get to check their email accounts while teaching. We thank you in advance for your cooperation with dismissal procedures.
Notice to Parents/Guardians
Primary Registration 2026
Pre-Primary Registration 2026
Primary and Pre-Primary registration for students under the jurisdiction of the
Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education will take place as follows:
DATES: January 26th- February 6th, 2026
WHERE TO REGISTER: Online: https://cbvrce.ca/studentregistration/
Children being registered for Primary MUST be five (5) years of age on or before December 31, 2026.
Children being registered for Pre-Primary MUST be four (4) years of age on or before December 31, 2026.
Please check the school website or call for specific registration information.
A child must be registered in the neighbourhood school where he/she/they reside. Visit https://www.cbvbussing.ca/ to confirm bus eligibility for your address.
Valid proof of the student’s age (official birth certificate, passport, immigration papers or adoption papers), original proof of residency (two pieces) along with provincial Health Card number and expiry must be uploaded at the time of registration.
The Centre for Education website www.cbvrce.ca/home contains further information regarding the registration process.
If you are having trouble uploading documents or accessing the online registration form
please contact the school.
*Requests for transfers will not be reviewed until mid-September 2026*
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school between 8:00 and 8:29. The bell rings at 8:30 and children need time to remove their outerwear before classes begin. If your child takes part in the breakfast program, please direct them to the cafeteria immediately upon arrival to the school grounds. After eating breakfast, the children return outdoors to their lineup so that they are safely supervised and escorted inside with the class. Thank you!
Please check the homepage of this Ferrisview website for updated information for Guidelines for bus, school cancellations due to inclement weather.
School Lunch Program - If you are signed up for text alerts, you will receive details regarding the School Lunch Program, when the ordering window opens every two weeks. Look on our home page and previous newsletters for this academic year to receive text alerts from Ferrisview.
Valentine's Day is February 14th.
If this is a new tradition for your family, please get in touch with your child's teacher.
To protect privacy, we are sending the number of students in each class. It would be so kind, if you choose to give Valentines, to give one to everyone in the class. You can sign off “From your friend …”
Grade P -NK 18
Grade P1 -JK 19
Grade 1 -LR 19
Grade 1/2 -RL 18
Grade 2 -CW 20
Grade 2 -TC 19
Grade 3 -DG 23
Grade ¾ -DRR 21
Grade 4 -RMacN/NKB 24
Grade ⅘ -SG 24
Grade 5 -MB 26
Chinese New Year in 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, marking the start of the Year of the Horse, and celebrations generally lasting until the Lantern Festival on March 3rd. We wish all our families who celebrate this festive occasion a Happy New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai (恭喜发财): May you be happy and prosperous now and always.
Please note our Newsletters are posted here on our school website every month.
CBVRCE will continue to communicate details about cancellations/delays to staff as quickly as
possible in the following ways:
SMS (text) messaging (Please note it is necessary to opt-in to receive these messages.
Text “Y” to 978338 to opt-in)
via Email
On the CBVRCE website, Facebook and X accounts
The Grade 5 BAND Christmas Concert is on Tuesday, December 2, 7:00 at Memorial High School.
We have a "Lost and Found" table at our school which is almost constantly fully stocked! Please label everything your child owns that could possible be labeled. Once every six weeks, items will be donated to a local charitable thrift store. If you need to come and look for an item you are missing, please call 902-794-7137 between 8:50 AM and 1:30 PM and we will set a time for you to enter the school and have a look. We welcome you to view the items and look for what you might be missing during our upcoming Parent/Teacher conferences.
Report Cards were emailed home December 1st. Please call or email your child's teacher if you did not access your child's report. Please follow this exact format for accessing the link that was sent to your email address that you provided to the school.
Parent/Teacher conferences will take place on
Wednesday, December 3rd from 5:00-7:00 pm, ... will be rescheduled due to school closure...
Now taking place December 10th 5:00 - 700 PM
and on Thursday, December 4th from 9:00-11:00 am in the gymnasium.
There will be no classes for students on Thursday, December 4th so that Parent/Teacher conferences can occur.
Staff development will take place in the afternoon.
We were fortunate to have a visitor from the Northside 4H Club of Canada during the last week of November. Registration takes place early in the new year. Information is found in the image above.
Email northside4Hclub@gmail.com
or
visit 4HNovaScotia.ca to learn more
Ferrisview will host our annual holiday concerts this month.
Two concerts will take place, one after the other, on December 9th,
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Grades P-2) Doors open at 5:40 PM.
and
7:30 PM -8:30 PM (Grades 3-5). Doors open at 7:15 PM.
Early (Grades P-2) concert guests will be given space to exit prior to seating for concert #2 (Grades 3-5).
There will also be two REHEARSAL concerts open to ticket holders in the daytime on December 9th.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (P-2)
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (Reflecting one-hour delayed opening Tuesday, December 9th)
and
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Grades 3-5).
Doors will open 15 minutes before the daytime performances.
Please do not park in the bus loop during the daytime concerts.
Due to occupancy regulations the number of tickets per family will be limited.
Tickets will be sent home Tuesday, December 2nd.
Please check your child's school bag when they return home from school that day.
PLEASE RETURN ANY TICKETS YOU DO NOT NEED TO YOUR CHILD'S TEACHER.
A ticket waitlist is being written now on a first call, first served basis.
Call 902-794-7137 between 8:50 AM and 1:30 PM to be placed on this list.
Donations (a silver collection) will be accepted at the door of the holiday concerts for the Adopt-A-Family program for Christmas.
The "Lunch Crunch Leisure Club" will take place every Day 5 during lunchtime playtime. It is for students who would like to have a card exchange (Pokeman, hockey, baseball, Marvel), play games, bracelet making, book club, crafts, sticker club. Activities may evolve according to participant interest. Kindness, good listening skills, and respect for self, others, and school are required admission for the club.
The founder and facilitator of this club is our new Guidance Counselor at Ferrisview. Thanks for creating this club, Mrs. Horne.
The "Multicultural Friendship Club" will take place every Day 3 during lunchtime. It is designed for newcomer students who are born outside of Canada to connect with other new immigrants who are also still settling in the community, providing a safe space to feel welcome in the school, to practice language, learn about different cultures, and expand social skills while engaging in arts, crafts, and storytelling activities. If you are not a newcomer, but you would like to be part of this club, you are welcome ... IF you bring a newcomer!
A consent form was distributed last week. For the first session, the program will be introduced and our facilitator, Des Ong, School Settlement Staff, YMCA Immigrant Services, will talk about winter traditions. Children will create crafts/art that represent their winter traditions. Art will be displayed in the foyer at the school during the months of December and January.
Each day at 10:40 AM, our school participates in a "Mindful Moment", where all students and staff take a moment to check in with themselves and focus on self-regulation. Students and staff are enjoying the chance to calm our central nervous systems and find a way to think about the present moment, and to not worry about past or future. This practice can help everyone at any time of day or night when we have big feelings, or when we need a moment to reset.
With the assistance of the CBVRCE and Ferrisview, our Grade 4s and 5s will attend a Women's World Hockey Championship game in Sydney in January. Details to come!
A heartwarming new initiative, Lily's Dream, has launched in Cape Breton to provide accessible skating opportunities for children with challenges skating in whole school settings. Founded in 2024 by Jim MacCormack, the program is built on the simple yet powerful mission of ensuring all children can experience the joy of skating and build courage and community on the ice.
Lily's Dream is more than just a skating lesson; it is an effort to remove barriers to sport and foster inclusion for young residents across Nova Scotia. MacCormack’s inspiration for the program came from a meaningful interaction with a young girl at a local rink, underscoring the vital need for such accessible recreational outlets. Jim wrote a book about this interaction. He is a long serving member of the Cape Breton community, and we appreciate him.
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school by 8:30. The bell rings at 8:30 and children need time to get to lineup, and to remove their outerwear before classes begin. Children miss important instruction when they are late.
Children accessing the breakfast program from 8:00 AM to 8:25 AM are asked to come to breakfast before morning play.
Just a reminder that there is no supervision prior to 8:00 AM.
Thank you for starting your child's day in the best way!
We are still collecting pop-tabs for our memorial project. Please remember to keep collecting them over the holidays.
If you are thinking about an expression of appreciation to staff at Christmas, in lieu of a store bought gift, a kind email or note, a card made by a student, or piece of student designed art are things everyone at Ferrisview really appreciates. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, November:
"List of Honour"
Janaya Campbell
Mrs. Kelly
Maddox MacMillan
Mrs. Kelly
Arya Oake
Mrs. Keeping
Caleb Dunphy
Mrs. Keeping
Stewart Whitty
Ms. Ronda
Audrey Evans
Ms. Ronda
Braydon MacLean
Mrs. Clark
Arya Farrell
Mrs. Clark
Eva Dahl
Mrs. Winter
Kevin Dahl
Mrs. Winter
Neil Thistle
Mrs. Rose-Laffin / Ms. Moore
Logan Garland
Mrs. Rose-Laffin / Ms. Moore
Halle MacDonald
Mrs. Gardner
Sawyer Taylor
Mrs. Gardner
Eleanor Robertson
Mrs. Cantwell
Jesse MacLennan
Mrs. Cantwell
Ethan Cann
Mrs. Kumar-Britten / Ms. MacNeil
Eleanor Robinson
Mrs. Kumar-Britten / Ms. MacNeil
Mygs Catacutan
Mrs. Gibbons
Brayden Giorno
Mrs. Gibbons
Harrison Waite
Mrs. Buffett
Bridget Carmichael
Mrs. Buffett
Carter Weatherbee
Mrs. Jessome
Greyson Faulkner
Mrs. Finlayson
Alaina Mac Neil
Mrs. Piccott
Parker Campbell
Mrs. Piccott
Janaya Campbell
Mrs. Kelly
Maddox MacMillan
Mrs. Kelly
Arya Oake
Mrs. Keeping
Caleb Dunphy
Mrs. Keeping
Stewart Whitty
Ms. Ronda
Audrey Evans
Ms. Ronda
Braydon MacLean
Mrs. Clark
Arya Farrell
Mrs. Clark
Eva Dahl
Mrs. Winter
Kevin Dahl
Mrs. Winter
Neil Thistle
Mrs. Rose-Laffin / Ms. Moore
Logan Garland
Mrs. Rose-Laffin / Ms. Moore
Halle MacDonald
Mrs. Gardner
Sawyer Taylor
Mrs. Gardner
Eleanor Robertson
Mrs. Cantwell
Jesse MacLennan
Mrs. Cantwell
Ethan Cann
Mrs. Kumar-Britten / Ms. MacNeil
Eleanor Robinson
Mrs. Kumar-Britten / Ms. MacNeil
Mygs Catacutan
Mrs. Gibbons
Brayden Giorno
Mrs. Gibbons
Harrison Waite
Mrs. Buffett
Bridget Carmichael
Mrs. Buffett
Carter Weatherbee
Mrs. Jessome
Greyson Faulkner
Mrs. Finlayson
Alaina Mac Neil
Mrs. Piccott
Parker Campbell
Mrs. Piccott
The Sydney Academy 'Drama 10' class will bring a Christmas play to Ferrisview on December 16th.
Live theater will take place in our gymnasium.
"Holiday Paint Night" will take place on December 17th.
Please text the number above to register. Seats are limited.
Our students have some fun-filled themed spirit days coming up the week before the holiday break:
Wednesday, December 17th – Holiday Sweater/Holiday Colours
Thursday, December 18th – Jersey Day/Ferrisview Colours Day (Red and Black)
Friday, December 19th – Pajama Day
The last teaching day before Christmas is Friday, December 19th.
This will be a full teaching day.
The first day back to school after Christmas is Monday, January 5th, 2026. It will be Day 1.
The provincial school lunch program will continue till Friday, December 19th through the "Bon Appetit" application.
Meal service will resume on the first day of school in 2026, Monday, January 5th, Day 1.
We will have a special visitor on Thursday, December 18th!
Have a safe and happy holiday season, from all of us at Ferrisview Elementary School.
Peace Hope Love Joy
NOVEMBER NEWS
Ferrisview’s Remembrance Day Ceremony took place on Thursday, November 6th in the gym with the help of our music teacher, Miss Taylor. We were pleased to welcome members of the Armstrong Memorial Branch 19 Royal Canadian Legion North Sydney to our event once again this year. The legion makes our ceremony so special each year. Our student readers and choir members performed beautifully. Thanks to our community-minded musicians, bagpipers Jennifer Wilson, Lynn Ivey, and bugler Wendy Bergfeldt for their outstanding performances.
Basketball Try-outs take place this evening, (Monday, November 10th, 5:30PM to 7PM). Basketball is open to all students in grades 4 and 5. Permission slips should be in to the coaches. If they are not, please send your students with their forms tonight at 5:20PM so coaches can review.
If your child missed Picture Day, don’t worry! Retake Day Is Friday, November 28th. Student photo packages went home on Friday. Photo orders need to be in the office by Wednesday, November 12th, IF families are ordering photos with cash. Online order processes are outlined on the packages that were sent home.
Report Cards will be going home electronically on Monday, December 1st. Please make sure that your email address has been updated at the school. The school will send a text alert when report cards have been emailed.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held in the gym at the school on Wednesday, December 3rd from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM and Thursday, December 4th from 9:00 AM -11:00 AM.
There are no classes for students on Thursday, December 4th, all day.
Regular classes will resume on Friday, December 5th.
As the cold weather approaches, students will be wearing more clothing to school. Please make sure to put your child’s name on all their clothing as the volume of lost and found items keeps growing. Every few weeks any unclaimed items will be donated.
Attendance is a significant factor in school achievement and in your child’s success.
When your child is absent they are missing important literacy and numeracy skills and other learning opportunities. Much of classroom learning is hands-on and interactive with very few worksheets. Sometimes when a child returns to school after being absent for a few days they are anxious because they feel lost. It is very important for the whole class that we move on to meet the curriculum outcomes. We understand that children cannot attend when they are sick.
We appreciate your efforts in having your children here every day for a
class start of 8:30 am. When your child arrives late, it also makes them feel
unsteady and lost.
Please call the school at 902-794-7137 if your child is going to be absent. This is part of our "Safe Arrival" efforts.
We are in desperate need of breakfast volunteers. We do not have anyone right now as a replacement if one of our wonderful volunteers is sick or absent. If you can help out at all, please do so. Students can attend breakfast from 8:00 AM to 8:25 AM. If you have students that attend Ferrisview, you are most-welcome to take them to the breakfast program with you. We can help you with a "Criminal Records Check" and child abuse registry clearance at no cost to you as a volunteer. Call our main office at 902-794-7137 if you can help.
We are planning on hosting a Holiday concert this December. Two concerts will happen one after the other on December 9th, 6-7PM (P-2) and 7:30PM -8:30 PM (3-5). There will also be two rehearsal concerts open to ticket holders in the daytime on December 9th. Due to occupancy regulations the number of tickets per family will be limited. More information on tickets to follow on the homepage of this website later this month, and then in the December Newsletter.
NO classes Remembrance Day - Tuesday, November 11th so that families can commemorate Remembrance in the community
NO classes Friday, November 21st for Evaluation Day
NO classes - All schools December 4th - Progress Conferences/Teacher Professional Practice
On a monthly basis, we focus and build on virtues. We recognize students who
work hard, do their best and are always kind.
We had our first “Ferrisview’s Finest” Assemblies in September and October. Most children displayed excellent behaviour, and most were very respectful and listened nicely while the awards were being presented. Students enthusiastically applauded all of our award winners. They gave heartfelt and sincere birthday cheers right from the heart for all of our students with fall birthdays. We are so proud of “Ferrisview's Finest” and of all our students.
September October
Woods Doody Joseph Dowling
Scarlett Cullen Seba Mahmoud
Clementine Furling Benji Morrison
Luke MacDonald Ellie Mulley
Ariella Brown Benjen Wall
Amelia Leyte Lucas Kidd
Piper Collins Jack Standing
Natalie Wylde Aayushi Nair
Fletcher MacIntyre Gurnoor Singh
Leah Lavery Victoria Musgrave
Koby Whalen Sam MacLennan
Everleigh Brown Elizabeth Serroul
Estelle Deane Breton Leadbeater
Graeme Thistle Rory Harrietha
Robert Rose Princess Catapang
Sadie Gaskell Auley Sampson
Brooklyn Pentecost Elijah LeMoine
Lucy Jackson Ella Boutilier
Alex MacIntyre Jordan Cousins
Lexi Herridge Carol Young
Emily Robertson Adalynn Campbell
Connor Keeping Oz Couture-MacDonald
Daphne Cromwell Connor Clements-Sibley
Lucas Dunphy Eleanor Green
James Boutilier Kyra Clarke
Kendell Smith Theo Parks
OCTOBER NEWS
Mi'kmaq History Month
Each October, community activities, events, sharing, and showcasing the Mi’kmaw history takes place across Nova Scotia. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to participate in
Mi’kmaq History Month events.
Treaty of 1752
When the English arrived in Mi’kma’ki (the Mi’kmaq homeland that includes present-day Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, central, and eastern New Brunswick, the Gaspe Peninsula and Newfoundland) the Mi’kmaq and the Crown signed treaties of peace and friendship so they could live in harmony and peace.
The 1752 Treaty showed the Crown’s intentions to make peace, provide trading posts, and protect the land and way of life for the Mi’kmaw people. The Treaty also designated October 1st as the date on which the Mi’kmaw people would receive gifts from the Crown to “renew their friendship and submissions.”
Safety Drills
The Cape Breton Victoria Regional Center for Education requires us to have hold & secure, lockdown, and fire drills.
Messenger
Don’t forget that Contacts must opt-in to receive text messages. All new enrollments receive the opt-in message, and they must reply with Y. If they did not respond, or they responded N when they got the opt-in message, they can text Y to 978338.
Students are welcome to wear costumes after lunch on October 31st, Halloween, if they wish. Please remember that no weapons or weapon-like accessories are allowed as part of costumes. We will have an afternoon costume parade in the gymnasium. If your child chooses not to wear a costume, they are welcome to wear black and orange clothing instead.
Please ensure your child wears a costume they can put on and take off independently. Makeup that is too hard to apply by a student themselves should be saved for home.
If your child is bringing treats to share with the class, please ensure they are store-bought and individually packaged. As a school that is mindful about allergies of a number of our students, we kindly ask that all items are free from peanuts and peanut products. Homemade treats are not permitted for distribution.
Thank you for helping us keep Halloween fun and safe for everyone!
Diwali is India’s biggest holiday of the year.
The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of
clay lamps (deepa)
that Indian people light outside their homes
to symbolise the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
The festival is as important in India
as Christmas is in Canada. Diwali is an autumn holiday. The dates vary each year. In 2025, Diwali will be celebrated on October 20th.
Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of
light over darkness,
good over evil, and
knowledge over ignorance.
For the 45th year in a row, Canadians from coast to coast to coast recognised the spirit, generosity, perseverance, and determination of Terry Fox. Terry's dream, a world without cancer, is an important part of Canada's story. North Sydney hosts a tremendously successful Terry Fox Run each year on the second Sunday in September, as do many other communities across Canada. At Ferrisview, we were reminded of Terry's commitment in our classrooms, and we took part in a walk to pay tribute to Terry and honour the work of scientific researchers working in Terry's name to eradicate cancer and help those who suffer from it with ever-improving treatment and care. We carried Terry’s commitment to
#FinishIt
Thank you to our generous donors.
https://schools.terryfox.ca/102246
Ferrisview Elementary School
Picture Day Date: October 29, 2025
Reminder of School Grounds Supervision
Just an important reminder that there is no supervision before 8 a.m. Please do not send your child to school before the grounds supervisors are on the school grounds.
If you are interested in doing the work of a Lunch/Bus/Grounds supervisor, or if you wish to be added to the casual list to fill in when one of the LBGs is off please let us know by phoning us at 902-794-7137 or email nkumar@gnspes.ca We would like to build up our list of casual LBG staff. It is about a month-long process to add people to our roster.
Communication
Communication between home and school is very important. Please ensure that you are checking your child’s homework bag or communication folders and school bags for important information. Feel free to email or call teachers with any questions or concerns. Also, please check the Ferrisview website for updates and newsletters. Look under the “Students and Families” tab for updates, news, and information.
Dates to Remember
October 13th: Thanksgiving Day (No School)
October 20th: Happy Diwali - Students and Staff Present/In School
October 24th: NSTU Provincial Conference (No School)
October 29th: Picture Day
October 31st: Halloween
-----End of October 2025 Newsletter-----
Fall News at Ferrisview
Communication with teachers is very important.
Email, phone calls, monthly calendars, newsletters
Any concerns - contact your child’s teacher first, and right away .
Please Note:
Ferrisview Elementary is NOT affiliated with nor do we endorse any
Meta/Facebook pages, nor do we corroborate the material and information shared within.
Terry Fox School Run - Thursday, September 25th
during the school day
If you would like to donate to our school event for the Terry Fox Foundation, please do so here:
https://schools.terryfox.ca/102246
We are working hard at our School Success Plan. Our virtues this month are "Courage" and "Respect". We are also focused on number sense, on reading, and on writing.
Ferrisview Elementary School
Picture Day Date: October 29, 2025
Public Health is offering a Fluoride Varnish Program to all students in pre-primary to grade six in
Ferrisview Elementary School. The program provides up to two free applications of fluoride varnish
during the school year to help prevent cavities. A Registered Dental Hygienist from Public Health will
come to the school to apply fluoride varnish to students’ teeth. Applying fluoride varnish to teeth is
quick and easy. Fluoride can be applied to teeth up to 6 times per year, so this program is safe to
participate in even if your student regularly sees a dentist.
A consent form must be completed to participate in the program. Parents/guardians of students in
pre-primary to grade 6 will have received an email from Nova Scotia Health inviting them to complete
an online consent form. You will need the student’s date of birth to log in and complete the
form. Paper consent forms are also available at the school if you did not receive the email or would
like to complete a paper copy. Please complete the consent form even if you do not want your student
to participate in the program.
We solve many problems with our
PROBLEM SOLVING WHEEL. When problems get too big to solve ourselves, we go to the NEAREST ADULT for help.
Each year, September 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
Both the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day take place on September 30.
Orange Shirt Day is a commemorative day led by Indigenous communities to raise awareness about the intergenerational impacts of residential schools on children, families, and communities. It honours Indigenous children who were lost in the residential school system.
The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced. This day reminds us that “Every Child Matters”.
On September 30, we encourage all Canadians to wear orange to honour the thousands of Survivors of residential schools.
-----End of September 2025 Fall Newsletter-----
JUNE NEWS
FIDDLERS RUN
The annual Doctors Nova Scotia Fiddlers Run will take place June 8th on the grounds of Cape Breton University. Forms were sent home for expressions of interest. This is an off school site event.
TRACK AND FIELD
On Monday, June 9th, our Track Team will head to CBU for the annual BVRCE Track and Field Event. Our Physical Education teacher Mr. Rudderham and VP Mrs. Kumar-Britten will accompany the team to the event. Thanks to Mr. Rudderham for all his hard work on these events as well as Activity Day, and for his farewell each day in the parent loop!
ACTIVITY DAY
Our Activity day will take place on Friday, June 20th (rain date Monday, June 23rd). Please remember to dress for the weather. Bring a reusable water bottle and wear sunscreen.
Field Trips
This month, many of our students will participate in field trips organized by teachers. There are a variety of destinations. Our grade five students are also touring middle schools. Please make sure permission slips are completely filled and returned by the due dates indicated by your child’s teacher.
JUNE 11TH
Davis Day Classes will end at 11:10 AM on June 11th, 2025, a day which marks the 100th anniversary of Davis Day, a day of remembrance that began after the death of coal miner William Davis in 1925.
Davis was shot and killed during a strike in New Waterford, while standing up for safer working conditions and fair wages. His death became a turning point in the labour movement in Nova Scotia. Every year since, communities across the province, especially in former coal mining areas, pause to honour Davis and all workers who have fought for justice, safety, and dignity on the job.
PRIMARY AND PRE PRIMARY REGISTRATION
Please visit cbvrce.ca and find the student registration tab to register your child.
PRIMARY ORIENTATION
Primary orientation meetings were held in May. Thank you to all the new primary parents for attending the meeting. Our primary teachers gained lots of valuable information from their visits to the pre primary classrooms. The children enjoyed getting to meet the primary teachers and visiting the primary classrooms.
Shout out to Volunteers
A special thank you to our coaches: Holly MacMillan, Mike MacMillan, Kerol Edwards, Evan Jardine, Cheryl Podetz-MacIntyre, Stephanie Slade, Joanie Daye, and Nate Wolstenholme.
Also thank you to our breakfast volunteers: Leah Nobel, Chelsea Slade, Molly O’Grady, Bonita Mulley, Michael Cox, Michael Predo, Emily Predo, Cherly Podetz-MacIntyre and Giselle Pero
Thank you to our parent SAC members: Kirt Winter and Melissa Deane.
Thank you to Laura MacIsaac for helping out on Picture Day, and any other time we ask.
Thank you to anyone who has volunteered to chaperone and assist in any other way that helps our school to provide events, activities, and services to our children and to all who have contributed to our school's success.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, April:
Lucas Kidd, grade primary - always thinking of others & being a great friend
Lacey Sullivan, grade primary - always putting a smile on everyone’s face with her great sense of humor
Malcolm Leblanc, grade primary - trying so hard during UFLI
Marcus Beddow, grade 1 - being a good friend & respectful classmate
Asher Campbell, grade 1 - using what he is learning during UFLI when he is reading & writing
Gurnoor Singh, grade 1 - being focused, ready to learn & applying UFLI strategies to reading & writing
Damian Clarke, grade 1 - always being respectful & kind to everyone
Abby Bond, grade 2 - working hard to improve her math skills
Cullen Rideout, grade 2 - working hard in math class
Leelan Tizzard, grade 2 - always helping & being kind to classmates
Danielle Clarke, grade 2 - always following fair play rules during our games
Octavia Webber, grade 2 - working hard to improve her math skills
Malik Jubril, grade 2 - working hard to do his best in all assignments in class
Elijah Lemoine, grade 3 - being a good friend
Kylie Johnston, grade 3 - working hard in writing
Lawson Garland, grade 3 - using the choice wheel to solve problems
Jaelyn Brayon, grade 3 - working hard & staying on task in math
Nathan MacIsaac, grade 4 - being kind, working hard & always participating in class
Connor Keeping, grade 4 - working very hard on his writing
Alexis Herridge, grade 4 - always trying her best in math
Marissa Matthews, grade 5 - always trying her best & volunteering for Prof du Jour
Serenity Rishaur, grade 5 - following instructions & always doing her best
Elliott Yates, grade 4 - respectfully sharing his thoughts & ideas during class discussions
Jesse Tobin, grade 5 - always being kind & working hard in French class
Avery Snow, grade 5 - working very hard to complete his best work
Avery Francis, grade 5 - being kind & helpful to everyone
Kai Ong, grade 5 - working very hard to complete his best work
Stay tuned for May/June honorees ...
IMPORTANT DATES:
LAST DAY CAFETERIA SERVICE IS TBA
GRADING AND CLASSIFYING DAY FRIDAY JUNE 27TH - NO STUDENTS PRESENT
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL MONDAY, JUNE 30TH, 2025 - STUDENTS PRESENT
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS , THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH, 2025 - STUDENTS PRESENT
I will be retiring on Grading Day and I wanted to thank parents and the staff for all of their support over the past five years at Ferrisview. I am happy to say that even in my last year I have enjoyed the students immensely. I have been very lucky to spend my career working with wonderful adults and fabulous children and I am ready to move to the next stage of life. I want to give a big congratulations to Mr. Michael Mombourquette who will be the principal in the upcoming school year. Mr. Mombourquette brings with him a wealth of experience and a great love of children.
Mrs. Janet Briggs
Mrs. Janet Briggs
Principal
Term 2 Report Cards were distributed electronically on March 25th. Parent/Teacher Meetings take place Wednesday, April 2nd from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, and again on the morning of Thursday, April 3rd, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Please check with your teacher via email to see if there is a schedule available. Email addresses are found on our home page of this school website.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, this is a time to listen to the voices of our students and community members living with autism! We should take this time to rethink biases, and learn how to be better allies! World Autism day is Wednesday, April 2nd! Everyday within the CBVRCE, we are working together to create connections with our students and families empowering everyone in the Autism community to live as fully and independently as possible. On Wednesday, April 2nd, we will honour our members of our school community by wearing BLUE.
Happy Easter Everyone!!
Easter Weekend is approaching. It is a time of renewal for those who celebrate, and a sure sign of spring! There is no school for
students on Friday, April 18th, Good Friday. Also, there is no school for
students on Monday, April 21st, Easter Monday.
April 22nd is Earth Day!
In 2025, as EARTHDAY.ORG turns 55, join us as we embrace a powerful, renewable future. It's Our Power, it's Our Planet.
At Ferriview, we will turn off all unnecessary lights for the school day. What might you do for Mother Earth?
Attendance and arriving to school on time are keys to success.
Attendance details were shared in the report card for term 2. Please ensure your child attends school every day and on time,
unless, of course, they are sick.
Primary and Pre-Primary Registration – If you know of someone with a child
starting primary or pre-primary next year who has not registered, please ask them
to contact the school as soon as possible. Staffing is based on spring numbers so it is very important that we know how many children are coming.
Please check your child’s hair on a regular basis. There have been several cases
of lice at our school. More information is posted on our website.
Parents are reminded to please use the Parent Loop off of Blower’s Street to drop off and pick up your child.
We work very hard to keep our parent loop pick up and drop off area safe and efficient. If you would like to watch your child arrive safely, kindly pull into a parking space so things can keep moving.
Staff are on-site every morning starting supervision at 8:00 AM to greet your child on the sidewalk, and they are there after school at 2:10 PM as well.
Please respect that the upper level parking lot is for staff only at all times, even before and after the bell, and for late arrivals.
Parents are asked to please not use the staff parking lot to drop off students. This is dangerous and the Parent Loop has been put in place for efficiency and safety.
Ferrisview's Finest for March
Alexis Dowling, grade primary - being a good friend & being respectful to her classmates
Daxten Webber, grade primary - always helping to sweep & tidy the classroom
Nova Bishop, grade primary - always being a great listener & a great friend
Logan Garland, grade primary - always working hard during UFLI
Lucas Kidd, grade primary - always listening to his teacher & the musicians around him
Max Cullen, grade 1 - working hard to make good choices
Molly Taylor, grade 1 - being a good friend & a respectful classmate
Victoria Musgrave, grade 1 - working hard in the classroom to finish all of her work
Hayden Cleary, grade 1 - working hard to listen & follow along during morning meeting
Joslyn Romard, grade 1 - being an amazing friend & also for being so focused during UFLI
Gabryella MacNeil, grade 2 - working hard in math class
Michael Cantwell, grade 2 - being a good friend
Remi Matthews, grade 2 - working hard to improve her writing skills
Sheamus MacIntyre, grade 2 - fantastic participation during UFLI specifically with his blending
skills
Sawyer Taylor, grade 2 - being a leader in Kids Run Club
Nabeel Oladosu, grade 3 - always taking time to edit & revise his great writing
Aubrey Reid, grade 3 - being kind & working well with others during group work
Carol Young, grade 4 - working hard to increase the amount & quality of her writing
Aubrey Reid, grade 3 - being kind & working well with others during group work
Bailee Clements, grade 4 - working hard & trying her best in math
Max Poirier, grade 4 - participating often during class discussions
Remi George, grade 4 - always using his singing voice during choir
Brookly Cann, grade 5 - focusing during instructional time
Emily Plamondon, grade 5 - asking more questions daily
Abigail Knott, grade 5 - working hard to improve her math skills
Cortland Hart, grade 5 - always being an awesome participant in French class
Owen Gale, grade 5 - doing his best to improve his reading & writing skills
Damilola Ayanbode, grade 5 - always being kind & working hard in French class
Déia Pye, grade 5 - always being kind & working hard in French class
Owen Hooper, grade 5 - excellent work at the guided reading table, improving his reading daily
Nathaniel Shibu, grade 5 - being a leader in Kids Run Club
All CBVRCE schools will continue to engage students throughout the month to celebrate and learn more about our region’s African Heritage. Nova Scotia is home to 52 historic African Nova Scotian communities, and African Heritage Month is a time to honour and celebrate the culture, achievements and contributions of all Black Nova Scotians.
Once again this year, a highlight of African Heritage Month in CBVRCE will be the Annual Black Reflections Art Gallery. The gallery, which features art created by students of all ages, will be held on February 19 and 20 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Menelik Hall in Whitney Pier. (Please note the opening ceremony for the gallery is scheduled for February 19 at 6 p.m.)
Here is some excellent information:
https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/behavior-and-development/screen-time-and-digital-media
Valentine's Day is February 14th.
If this is a new tradition for your family, please get in touch with your child's teacher.
To protect privacy, we are sending the number of students in each class. It would be so kind, if you choose to give Valentines, to give one to everyone in the class, and maybe one or two extra in case we welcome new students. You can sign off “From your friend …”
Grade P-NK 18
Grade P -JK 19
Grade 1-BC 23
Grade 1 -LR 21
Grade 1/2 -LRL 22
Grade 2-CW 23
Grade 3-PJ 24
Grade ¾ SL 26
Grade 4-RMacN/NKB 27
Grade 4-NK 24
Grade ⅘ PK 26
Grade 5-MB 25
Grade 5-SG 26
Valentine’s Day treats will be supplied by the school, therefore there is no need for families to send treats to school. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate Friendship! It’s a day to be extra kind to each other. Students are encouraged to wear something red or pink that day.
Celebrated every year on February 15th, National Flag of Canada Day celebrates our nation's sovereignty with recognition of our unique and meaningful symbol.
Notice to Parents/Guardians
Primary Registration 2025
Pre-Primary Registration 2025
Primary and Pre-Primary registration for students under the jurisdiction of the
Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education will take place as follows:
DATES: January 27th
- February 7th, 2025
WHERE TO REGISTER:
Online: https://cbvrce.ca/studentregistration/
Children being registered for Primary MUST be five (5) years of age on or before December 31, 2025.
Children being registered for Pre-Primary MUST be four (4) years of age on or before December 31, 2025.
Please check the school website or call for specific registration information.
A child must be registered in the neighbourhood school where he/she/they reside. Visit
https://www.cbvbussing.ca/ to confirm bus eligibility for your address.
Valid proof of the student’s age (official birth certificate, passport, immigration papers or
adoption papers), original proof of residency (two pieces) along with provincial Health Card
number and expiry must be uploaded at the time of registration.
The Centre for Education website www.cbvrce.ca/home contains further information
regarding the registration process.
If you are having trouble uploading documents or accessing the online registration form
please contact the school.
*Requests for transfers will not be reviewed until mid-September 2025*
Please ensure your child comes to school dressed for the weather. Also, remember to put your child’s name on clothing, footwear, hats, etc. to ensure its return.
Clothing that is not identified will be donated.
Celebrated the third Monday in February, Nova Scotia Heritage Day is an annual reminder of our storied past and an opportunity to honour the remarkable people, places and events that have contributed to this province’s unique heritage.
This year, we honour Mi’kmaw activist Nora Bernard.
Nora was born on September 22, 1935, at Millbrook First Nation, one of seven children. When Nora was nine years old, her mother was forced to send Nora and her siblings to the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School.
Nora went on to marry and had six children. She was a mother, grandmother, aunt, wife, and Elder in her community.
Her family and community were very important to her. In 1987, she founded the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School Association and began to search for and contact other Survivors. This was the start of her fight for justice, recognition and compensation for Survivors of the Canadian Indian Residential School system.
In 1995, she launched a class-action lawsuit against the Government of Canada. This was the catalyst that led to the largest class-action lawsuit in Canadian history and compensation for Survivors across the country.
Nora died in 2007 and sadly did not witness the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which continues today to raise awareness of the residential school system and its impacts. We remember and honour her as a brave champion for her community and Indigenous people across Canada.
There will be no classes on Nova Scotia Heritage Day. It is designated as a day for families to spend time together and reflect on our heritage.
School Skating will continue in February for Grade 3,4, and 5. Please refer to dates in last month's (January) newsletter.
Thank you to students and guardians for wearing your helmets on the ice as required by the CBRM.
School Bowling sessions will continue in February for Grades P-2. Please refer to dates in last month's (January) newsletter.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, January - Watch this Space!:
Each month we recognize students from each class at a schoolwide for working hard, doing their best or being kind and we call these awards "Ferriview's Finest".
Please note our Newsletters are posted here on our school website every month.
Please check the "STUDENTS AND FAMILIES" tab for all future newsletters at
https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/
We occasionally share photos under the photo gallery tab above, as well.
We rarely send home a paper copy as an electronic version is more environmentally friendly and efficient. Check the website monthly for new newsletters.
Happy New Year! We are wishing our Ferrisview families a healthy and joyous new year from all the staff at Ferrisview Elementary.
School Skating: Grades 3-5
There is a new rule at the Emera Center that anyone on the ice has to wear a helmet (this includes adults). The Emera Center staff will not permit anyone to be on the ice without a helmet.
Children are required to wear CSA approved helmets. We have a limited number of helmets that children can borrow.
Let your child’s teacher know if your child needs to borrow one as soon as possible.
Any child not skating can walk the track with a staff member. We will be taking all children to the Emera Center by bus.
You can meet your child there if you would like.
There will be no charge to families for the skating sessions. Children will be bussed to and from the school. Permission slips will be sent home.
Friday, January 24th
9am-10am: Grades 3-5
Friday, February 7th
9am-10am: Grades 3 to 5
Thursday, February 20th
9am-10am: Grades 3 to 5
School Bowling: Grades P-2
This year our grade primaries to 2 are going bowling. There will be no charge to parents and the children will be bussed to and from the school. Dates are Thursday, January 16, Thursday, January 30th and Thursday, February 13th.
Permission slips will be sent home.
Label all clothing to ensure its safe return. If your child’s name is not on it, the likelihood of its safe return is limited.
Please make sure your child comes to school with a hat and mittens or gloves. We have extra if your child needs some please let us know.
Children are not permitted to bring toys from home. This causes unnecessary upset if a toy goes missing or is broken and sometimes leads to conflict among children.
Please use the parent drop off points and do not park in the staff parking lot for drop offs. It is dangerous and we have limited spaces especially for our specialist teachers that travel to various schools.
Our Lunch-Bus-Grounds staff along with the classroom teacher ensure that your child gets on the bus each day. Please make sure your child is aware of how they are getting home before they leave in the morning.
If, for some reason, there is a change in your child’s dismissal pattern for a doctor’s appointment or something of that sort, you must send a note to the teacher in the morning. That way, the teacher will ensure that your child is waiting for you at the office.
If something comes up after school has started you can contact our secretary, at 902-794-7137. Please make that call as early as possible,
Primary and Pre-Primary Registration will be occurring in the near future. We send home information when we are clear on dates.
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school between 8:00 and 8:30. The bell rings at 8:30 and children need time to remove their outerwear before classes begin. Thank you!
Please check the homepage of this Ferrisview website for updated information for Guidelines for bus, school cancellations due to inclement weather.
Valentine's Day is February 14th.
If this is a new tradition for your family, please get in touch with your child's teacher.
To protect privacy, we are sending the number of students in each class. It would be so kind, if you choose to give Valentines, to give one to everyone in the class, and maybe one or two extra in case we welcome new students. You can sign off “From your friend …”
Grade P-NK 18
Grade P -JK 19
Grade 1-BC 23
Grade 1 -LR 21
Grade 1/2 -LRL 22
Grade 2-CW 23
Grade 3-PJ 24
Grade ¾ SL 26
Grade 4-RMacN/NKB 27
Grade 4-NK 24
Grade ⅘ PK 26
Grade 5-MB 25
Grade 5-SG 26
Ready to order every two weeks!
https://nslunch.ca/
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, December - Watch this Space!:
Each month we recognize students from each class at a schoolwide for working hard, doing their best or being kind and we call these awards "Ferriview's Finest".
Please note our Newsletters are posted here on our school website every month.
Please check the "STUDENTS AND FAMILIES" tab for all future newsletters at
https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/
We occasionally share photos under the photo gallery tab above, as well.
Lost and Found items will be donated after Parent/Teacher sessions Thursday. Please have a look before that day if you are missing items. Teachers walked their classes up to the tables and rack Wednesday, December 4th, to have a look.
Please see the following message from LIFETOUCH, the company that provides us school photo services:
Dear Parents,
As a token of appreciation this holiday season, Lifetouch is offering discounts on school photography!
50% off a purchase of $50+ with code CDEC50
40% off a purchase of $40+ with code CDEC40
30% off a purchase of $30+ with code CDEC30
Valid through December 14, 2024
To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.ca or create an online account.
Thank you!
Report Cards were emailed home in November. Please check your email that you provided to the school for the link.
Parent / Teacher Interviews will take place on
Wednesday, December 4th from 5:30-7:30 pm,
and
Thursday, December 5th from 9:00-11:00 am
all in the gymnasium.
Our Holiday Concerts will take place Monday December 9th
Grades P-2 Morning - 9-10AM DOORS OPEN 8:45AM
Grades P-2 Evening - 6-7PM DOORS OPEN 5:30PM
Grades 3-5 Afternoon - 12-1PM DOORS OPEN 11:45AM
Grades 3-5 Evening - 7:30-8:30PM DOORS OPEN 7:15PM
Due to Fire Regulations and Occupancy Loads we have very little room. Each family will receive 3 tickets to the evening concert and 3 tickets to the daytime concerts. If you do not need all of your tickets please return them to the school with a note saying they are “extra”.
Donations of food or cash (a silver collection) will be accepted for Ferrisview's "Adopt-A-Family" Staff-Led Program.
We welcome cash and change.
We are selling tickets at the concert on a fantastic gift card tree.
Proceeds go to Ferrisview's "Adopt-A-Family" Staff-Led Program.
We welcome cash and change.
*FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE CHILDREN BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE DAYTIME HOLIDAY CONCERTS, PARKING WILL BE OFF SITE. PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE BUS LOOP AT THE ARCHIBALD AVENUE ENTRANCE IN THE DAYTIME. OUR CHILDREN WILL BE PLAYING OUTDOORS IN THOSE SPACES. VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC THROUGH THESE PLAY SPACES AT THESE TIMES ARE PROHIBITED.
ALL PARKING SPOTS ARE OPEN FOR THE EVENING CONCERTS.
Northside School Band Concert takes place at T.L. Sullivan School
Wednesday, December 11th at 7PM.
The last teaching day before the winter holiday is Friday, December 20th. This will be a full teaching day. The first day back to school after holidays FOR STUDENTS is Friday, January 3rd 2025. It will be Day 1.
FOR STAFF ONLY, RETURN DATE AFTER THE HOLIDAYS IS THURSDAY, JANUARY 2nd FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
Our cafeteria will remain open right up until school closes for the holidays and will reopen when classes start again in January.
Our students have some fun-filled days coming up this week before the holiday break:
Monday, December 16th – Candy Cane day - Wear red and white
Tuesday, December 17th – Favourite holiday hats/socks/accessories
Wednesday, December 18th - Tacky/Flashy/Loud holiday attire - for example: “Ugly Sweater” day
(Beauty is in the eye of the beholder) :)
Thursday, December 19th – Spirit of the Season - Wear red, green, gold, silver, your holiday colours
Friday, December 20th - Cozy Holiday attire - Pajamas, Flannels, and all things "Cozy"
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school by 8:30. The bell rings at 8:30 and children need time to remove their outerwear before classes begin. Children miss important instruction when they are late. Just a reminder that there is no supervision prior to 8:00am Thank you!
We are still collecting pop-tabs. Please remember to keep collecting them over the holidays. Thank you!
If you are thinking about an expression of appreciation to staff at Christmas, in lieu of a store bought gift, a kind email, a card made by a student, or piece of student designed art are things everyone at Ferrisview really appreciates. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
FERRRISVIEW'S FINEST - NOVEMBER 2024
Atlas Seymour, grade primary - trying so hard during UFLI lessons
Zonaira, grade primary - always being kind & respectful to everyone
Jaxon Worthington, grade primary - doing a terrific job following his schedule
Briella Johnston, grade 1 - trying so hard during UFLI lessons
Arya Farrell, grade 1 - working so hard to quickly get ready for going outside
Fletcher MacIntyre, grade 1 - always being kind & respectful to everyone
Piper Collins, grade 1 - being kind & caring to her classmates
Ophelia Zeigler-MacDonald, grade 1 - listening & working hard during UFLI
Emily Snow, grade 1 - working hard in our fitness stations
Parker Kendall, grade 1 - always being kind to his peers
Levi Skinner, grade 1 - putting a lot of effort into his writing
Molly Devoe, grade 2 - always being a good friend
Bryson Sibley, grade 2 - working hard in class to complete writing tasks
Graeme Thistle, grade 2 - being a great listener & a fantastic participant during UFLI
Robert Rose, grade 3 - putting extra effort into his reading & writing
Ethan Cann, grade 3 - being a fabulous participant in our class discussions
Auley Sampson, grade 3 - doing his best in all subjects
Brooklyn Pentecost, grade 3 - working hard in our fitness stations
Mya MacDonald, grade 4 - top quality work, following expectations, & being kind
Marlo Holic, grade 4 - always being eager to participate & help others in french class
Adam Rose, grade 4 - working hard at multiplication & division
Bria Nippard, grade 4 - being kind to her classmates
Baaque Bisiriyu, grade 4 - always being eager to participate & help others in french class
Dominic Capstick, grade 4 - being a superstar in math
Brandon Long, grade 4- asking questions when he is unsure
Jaxsyn Maysfield, grade 5 - always being cooperative & supportive in the classroom
Chase MacIsaac, grade 5 - treating all students & staff with respect & kindness
Gavin MacDonald, grade 5 - working diligently to complete all assignments
Daniel Gerrior, grade 5 - always helping others & working hard in french class
Cadence Pitts, grade 5 - being kind to others & working hard to make good choices
All of us at Ferrisview Elementary School wish you and your family a winter holiday season filled with
PEACE LOVE HOPE & JOY
All the best wishes for 2025 and beyond ...
November 2024 Newsletter
Ferrisview’s Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 7th in the gym with the help of our music teacher, Ms. Schaller. We are pleased to welcome veterans and members of the Armstrong Memorial Branch 19 Royal Canadian Legion North Sydney to our event once again this year.
Picture Retake Day, Thursday, November 28th
Report Cards will be going home electronically by Friday November 29th. Please make sure that your email address has been updated at the school. The system often has trouble with “hotmail” so if you have an email that is not a hotmail account, that would be a better one to use. You can call 902-794-7137 between 8AM and 2PM Monday to Friday to provide that contact information. The school will send a text alert when report cards have been emailed. Make sure that the school has your most recent cell phone number and that you have opted in to receive text alerts.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held in the gym at the school on Wednesday, December 4th 5:30-7:30 PM and Thursday, December 5th 9:00-11:00 AM.
As the cold weather approaches, students will be wearing more clothing to school. Please make sure to put your child’s name on all their clothing as the volume of lost and found items keeps growing. Each term any unclaimed items will be donated.
Please remember any lunches or snacks that your child brings to school must not contain nuts. We have students who have severe and extremely serious nut allergies.
Attendance
Attendance is a significant factor in school achievement and in your child’s success. When your child is absent they are missing important literacy and numeracy skills and other learning opportunities. Much of classroom learning is hands-on and interactive with very few worksheets. Sometimes when a child returns to school after being absent for a few days they are anxious because they do feel a little lost. We try to meet each child where they are when they return to school, but it is very important for the whole class that we move on to meet the curriculum outcomes. We understand that children cannot attend when they are sick. We appreciate your efforts in having your children here every day at 8:30 am.
One of our greatest priorities is ensuring that all our students arrive safely at school each and every day. To help with this, Ferrisview Elementary uses a system to report absences through
School Messenger.
Toll Free Number
Call 1-833-673-8243 to report an absence using the automated system.
School Messenger Website
https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/home Select Sign In at the top right Use the email address that is on file with the school to create a username. The website will prompt you to create a unique password for this account.
School Messenger App
Download the School Messenger app for Android and iOS devices and sign up using your PowerSchool username (full email address). Please note that you must download the app that has the blue logo (not yellow).
All 3 methods are available 24/7. Absences can be reported at any time before the start of the school day the student will be absent. Up to five consecutive absences can be recorded at once. If you have children attending other schools, please continue to report absences using the existing procedures for those schools.
Holiday Concert:
We are planning on hosting a Holiday concert on Monday, December 9th. The Primary to grade 2 concert will be from 6:00-7:00 PM and grade 3-5 will be from 7:30-8:30PM. All guests must exit the gym at 7:00 for a clean up and the gym will re-open at 7:15 for the second concert. Due to occupancy regulations, the number of tickets per family will be limited. More information to follow in the December Newsletter.
Thank you to Volunteers:
A big shout out to Taylor Lettice, Michael Cox, Chelsea Slade, Cheryl Podetz MacIntryre, Leah Nobel, Emily Predo, Michael Predo, Emily O’Grady and Bonita Mulley for volunteering with the Breakfast Program. We were in desperate need of help and with so many people helping out most days we do have a volunteer. We are always open to more volunteers.
A heartfelt Ferrisview Falcons “thank you” shout out to Holly MacMillan, Kerol Edwards and Evan Jardine for coaching our soccer teams.
Thank you to Laura MacIsaac for helping with picture day.
Without volunteers none of these things would be possible.
Ferrisview Thanks You
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Awards:
We have established a practice whereby, on a monthly basis, we will recognize students for working hard, doing their best and always being kind. These are our morning messages every single day. We recognize birthdays with a birthday pencil at the monthly assembly.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, September:
Layla Young, grade primary - being a hard worker & always helping out her classmates
Koby Whalen, grade primary - being a great listener & always working hard
Audrey Evans, grade primary - always trying her very best
Levi Devoe, grade primary - working hard with numbers
Finn MacNeil, grade 1 - always being so kind to his peers
Nora Zeigler-MacDonald, grade 1 - being a great whole-body listener
Lowen Garland, grade 1 - always helping & being kind to his classmates
Nathan Marks, grade 1 - working hard to develop his soccer skills
Avery Mansfield, grade 1 - always trying her very best
Braydon MacLean, grade 1 - working hard on his listening skills
Paisley Roussy, grade 2 - always showing whole body listening
Lincoln Patterson, grade 2 - always staying on task
Halle MacDonald, grade 2 - always working hard & staying on task in class
Rory Harrietha, grade 2 - always working hard & staying on task in class
Ella Boutilier, grade 3 - showing kindness & care to her classmates
Eleanor Robinson, grade 3 - always being kind to her peers
Liam Gale, grade 3 - his dedication to work in all subjects
Hannah Marinelli, grade 4 - always being an awesome participant in french class
Adalynn Campbell, grade 4 - working hard every day to improve her writing
Alex MacIntyre, grade 4 - always being kind & working hard in french class
Billy Young, grade 4 - always working hard during math
Emily Roberston, grade 4 - focussing on learning & doing her best in grade 4
Freyja Targett, grade 5 - always smiling & engaging in friendly conversation
Daniel Daye, grade 5 - his eagerness to participate & help others in french class
Keira Francis, grade 5 - her willingness to try new things
Claire Boutilier, grade 5 - working hard to develop her soccer skills
Nevaeh-Lee Gillan, grade 5 - always participating positively & respectfully in class discussions
Mitchell Slade, grade 5 - his willingness to lend a helping hand
Charlee O’Connell, grade 5 - always being kind to everyone
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, October:
Jack Burton, grade primary - working hard on his printing and colouring
Georgia Matthews, grade primary - doing her best work in all aspects of primary
Gerard Dowling, grade primary - always being a good listener in Music class
Fareedah Oladosu, grade primary - working hard and doing her best with UFLI
Benjen Wall, grade primary - working hard on identifying and managing his emotions
Amelia Leyte, grade 1 - doing a great job on her writing
Peyton Halamoutis, grade 1 - showing kindness and care of her classmates
Mariarose Ignacio, grade 1 - being such a good friend and being respectful to her classmates
Aayushi Nair, grade 1 - showing dedication to her work in all subject areas
Jack Standing, grade 1 - always being kind to his peers
Jesse MacLennan, grade 2 - always trying his best in class
Rory MacNeil, grade 2 - working hard on her classwork
Serenity Chislett, grade 2 - always trying her best in class
Brayden Parks, grade 2 - working hard in class to complete tasks
Brea Latwaitis, grade 3 - showing creativity and hard work in her writing
Colby Serroul, grade 3 - his hard work and concentration in Mathematics
Israel Ayanbode, grade 3 - helping others, sharing and being a good friend
Meadow Ziegler-MacDonald, grade 3 - her enthusiasm for reading and writing
Leah Penny, grade 4 - always smiling and working hard in French class
Kohan Coleski, grade 4 - always offering to help others in class
Bridget Carmichael, grade 4-sharing her thoughts and asking questions during class discussions
Emily Robertson, grade 4 - always lending a helping hand in Music class
Max MacMillan, grade 5 - being an awesome participant in French class
Kobe Reyes, grade 5 - always smiling and being helpful in French class
Bryana Billard, grade 5 - getting along well with her classmates
Jace Finney, grade 5 - focussing on learning and doing his best in grade 5
Hoili Nzelu, grade 5 - always using his singing voice
Peter Andrea, grade 5 - always being helpful around the classroom
Mujeebah Oladosu, grade 5 - always completing her best work in class
Carlie Carmichael, grade 5 - diligently working on all assignments in class
Evelyn Anderson, grade 5 - always lending a helping hand to both staff and students
Our water fountains for drinking water require water bottles for their operation. They are not the type from which you can drink directly. In an effort to respect the environment, we are asking for all students to pack a reusable water bottle each evening with lunch and other items you need for each day.
*** IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING THE SCHOOL CALENDAR***
There is no school on Monday, November 11th for families to commemorate
Remembrance Day in their community
There is no school for students on Friday, November 22nd as it is “Grading and Classifying Day” (Teachers Only)
There is no school for students on Thursday , December 5th for Parent/Teacher Conferences****** Please note it is a Thursday and not the usual Friday.
*** ICYMI (in case you missed it) the September newsletter is still available below the ...
"FERRISVIEW ELEMENTARY
OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER"
Mi'kmaq History Month
Each October, community activities, events, sharing, and showcasing the Mi’kmaw history takes place across Nova Scotia. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to participate in
Mi’kmaq History Month events.
Treaty of 1752
When the English arrived in Mi’kma’ki (the Mi’kmaq homeland that includes present-day Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, central, and eastern New Brunswick, the Gaspe Peninsula and Newfoundland) the Mi’kmaq and the Crown signed treaties of peace and friendship so they could live in harmony and peace.
The 1752 Treaty showed the Crown’s intentions to make peace, provide trading posts, and protect the land and way of life for the Mi’kmaw people. The Treaty also designated October 1st as the date on which the Mi’kmaw people would receive gifts from the Crown to “renew their friendship and submissions.”
Hold & Secure and Lockdown Drills
Similar to fire drills, the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Center for Education requires us to have “hold & secure” and “lockdown” drills. Students practice what to do in case our building needs to go into a hold and secure position due to situations such as a student who is severely dysregulated, or police action in the neighbourhood. Students and staff also practice what to do in the event that a lockdown is required due to a threat such as a potentially violent intruder.
School Messenger
Don’t forget that Contacts must opt-in to receive text messages. All new enrollments receive the opt-in message, and they must reply with Y. If they did not respond, or they responded N when they got the opt-in message, they can text Y to 978338.
Happy Halloween
On Thursday, October 31st we will be having “Orange, Black, Purple, and Green Day.
Your child may dress in some or all of these colours if they desire.
Please no masks or costumes.
Please do not send in treats as each class will be provided with a healthy snack and a treat.
This has worked well in the past and parents have commented that their children seem to enjoy their evening treats better when they haven’t been bombarded with treats at school.
If you are able to come in on that day to help prepare the healthy snacks, please contact the school.
Your help is always greatly appreciated.
Happy Diwali
Diwali is India’s biggest holiday of the year.
The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of
clay lamps (deepa)
that Indian people light outside their homes
to symbolise the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness.
The festival is as important in India
as Christmas is in Canada. Diwali is an autumn holiday. The dates vary each year. In 2024, Diwali falls on the same day as Halloween.
Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of
light over darkness,
good over evil, and
knowledge over ignorance.
For the 44th year in a row, Canadians from coast to coast to coast recognise the spirit, generosity, perseverance, and determination of Terry Fox. Terry's dream, a world without cancer, is an important part of Canada's story. North Sydney hosts a tremendously successful Terry Fox Run each year on the second Sunday in September, as do many other communities across Canada. At Ferrisview, we are reminded of Terry's commitment in our classrooms, and we will take a walk in the next week to pay tribute to Terry and honour the work of scientific researchers working in Terry's name to eradicate cancer and help those who suffer from it with ever-improving treatment and care.
No Matter What.
CIVIX Canada, supported by "Elections Canada", believes that civic education is the irreplaceable foundation of a robust and successful democracy.
The "CIVIX" approach to civic education is about providing opportunities for students to experience their democracy first-hand rather than by reading about it in a textbook. By reaching students throughout their school career, during and between election periods, we hope to prepare them to be responsible and informed citizens.
On October 18th, our grade 3/4 students under the direction of Ms. Sarah Luskey, our grade 4/5 students under the direction of Mr. Peter Keagan, and our grade 4 students under the direction of Mrs. Neeta Kumar-Britten and Miss Rachel MacNeil, will cast ballots in a parallel election prior to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality election on October 19th. We will have a polling station, voter screens, an electors list, poll workers, and ballots that are the same as the grown-up version. Our results will be shared in traditional and social media across CBRM and Nova Scotia.
Students are learning about their 9 candidates for mayor, and they know that their municipal councillor has been acclaimed.
We are proud to be
"Growing Great Citizens" at Ferrisview.
Student Pictures
School pictures will be taken this year on Tuesday , November 5th. Parents are to closely review the options for ordering. The purchase of school pictures is, of course, optional.
Reminder of School Grounds Supervision
Just an important reminder that there is no supervision before 8 a.m. Please do not send your child to school before the grounds supervisors are on the school grounds.
If you are interested in being added to the casual list to fill in when one of the LBGs is off please let me know. I would like to build up our list of casual LBG staff. It is about a month-long process to add people to our roster.
Communication
Communication between home and school is very important. Please ensure that you are checking your child’s homework bag or communication folders and school bags for important information. Feel free to call teachers with any questions or concerns. Also, please check the Ferrisview website for updates and newsletters. Look under the “Students and Families” tab for updates, news, and information.
Dates to Remember
October 11th: Professional Development Day (No School)
October 14th: Thanksgiving Day (No School)
October 19th: CBRM Election Day - Go Vote!
October 25th: NSTU conference Day (No school)
October 31st: Halloween (Treats will be provided by the school)
Happy Diwali (Diwali falls on the same day as Halloween this year)
November 5th: Picture Day
********************************************************************************
SEPTEMBER 2024 NEWSLETTER FERRISVIEW
Welcome to a New School Year
Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and enjoyed the fantastic weather. Students are settling nicely into a new school year. I am especially proud of our primaries and how they are adapting to “big” school.
Near the beginning of each month we will be posting a newsletter on the school website. The website is: https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/home or you can just google Ferrisview Elementary and it will pop up. The September Newsletter will be the only newsletter that will be sent home as a paper copy. If you are unable to access a newsletter electronically please reach out to your child’s teacher and we will make arrangements for a paper copy.
FERRISVIEW BELL SCHEDULE
NOTE: NEW DISMISSAL and Lunch Times
8:00 AM: Playground Supervision begins. Please arrive at 8AM or after.
8:00-8:25 AM: Breakfast Program.
8:30 AM: Morning classes begin
10:00 AM: First Recess - Grade Three/Four, Grade Four, and Grade Five
10:15 AM: Second Recess - Grade Primary, Grade One, Grade Two, Grade 3PJ
11:o5-11:45 AM: First Lunch - Grade Three/Four, Grade Four and Grade Five
11:50 Am - 12:30 PM: Second Lunch - Grades Primary, Grade One, Grade Two and Grade Three PJ
2:10 PM Dismissal
* Please note that this year students in grade 1 to 5 will be playing outside prior to eating their lunch. So far the feedback is positive from the children as they are reporting that they are hungrier after playing outside.
Cafeteria and New Lunch Program
Information regarding the Food Services app has been posted under the Parent and Families tab on the website. You are able to order lunch and it will be waiting for your child when they go to the cafeteria. Lunch must be pre ordered online the night before. You must wait for your confirmation to ensure lunch was ordered correctly. Please make sure that you update your child’s teacher’s name on the NutriSlice app. If you do not have access to the internet you can purchase a meal card through the cafeteria. The number is 902-794-7037.
Beginning on October 1st, we will start a new lunch program rolled out by the province. It is a “pay what you can” program. More information will be posted soon.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be held on Monday, September 30th and schools will be closed.
CBVRCE will be recognizing Orange Shirt Day on September 27, 2024, to honor and reflect on the experiences of Indigenous communities. Last year all students were given an orange shirt. If your child is new to the school please reach out and we will see if we have an extra shirt for your child.
Orange Shirt Day is a day for honoring and observing residential school survivors.The date was chosen as this is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her shiny new shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come.
Breakfast Program
The breakfast program is held each morning between 8:00 and 8:25 am in the school cafeteria. We are desperate for help. If you are able to help out this year please give the school a call. We will provide you with a letter indicating that you are a volunteer so that you do not need to pay for a criminal record check. There is no charge for the Child Abuse registry and it can can be filled out online at: https://beta.novascotia.ca/apply-child-abuse-register-search.
Safe Arrival by School Messenger
One of our greatest priorities is ensuring all students arrive at school safely each day.
Once again this year parents/guardians of students who attend our school will have the option to report their child’s absence in advance using a toll-free number, the PowerSchool Parent Portal or an app!
SchoolMessenger SafeArrival – an absence management system that improves student safety and makes it easy for families to inform their child’s school if they will be away – powers all three of these options.
If your child will be absent, please let us know by using one of the following methods by 8:55 am:
Toll-Free Number
Call 1-833-673-8243 to report an absence using an automated system.
School Messenger Website
Go to https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/home and select Sign In at the top right. Use the email address that is on file with the school to create a username. The website will prompt you to create a unique password for this account.
SchoolMessenger App
Download the SchoolMessenger app for Android and iOS devices and sign up using your PowerSchool username (full email address). Please note that you must download the app that has the blue logo (not yellow).
Allergy Alerts
We have staff and students with severe peanut, nut and tree nut allergies. It is extremely Important that you check your child’s recesses and lunches to ensure that they do not contain peanuts, nuts, tree nuts.
If your child is in grade primary it is important that their recesses or lunches do not contain any of the above plus sesame seed oil,(hummus or tahini). It could be a matter of life or death.
Student Registration & Media Release
Student Registration Sheets: Students have been provided with student
information forms from PowerSchool, our student information system. We
ask that all parents/guardians update any necessary information, especially phone numbers and emergency contact information. We would like 3 emergency
contacts for each student. Please make sure that any medical or custodial information is up to date. If no information needs to be changed write at
the top of the form “No Changes”. Please return these updated forms to the
school.
Consent for Publication of Student Personal Information and Student
Work: Forms were sent home for you to give approval for your child’s
school work and/or photos to be posted within the school and on our school
website or twitter site. Please return this form as quickly as possible so teachers have the necessary information.
Alerts
To receive alerts from the school and the CBVRCE please text 978338. This will keep you in the loop with important school information as well as school closures, late buses, delayed school starts etc.
Medical Needs Policy
The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Center for Education has a Medical Needs Policy to ensure that students with health concerns such as asthma, diabetes, ADHD, anaphylaxis and seizures are properly supported by our schools. Any student who has a medical condition must provide us with:
Date of diagnosis and documentation from your physician
Signed parental and medical professional permission for school to administer medication
Properly labeled prescription containers with pertinent directions.
All of this information will be kept on file in our Tienet electronic system. Once entered, the medical information will just need to be updated each year.
Please do not send in medication with a child as it must be brought by a parent for safety reasons
Stand Up to Bullying Day
Thursday, September 12th is Stand Up Against Bullying Day. Students can wear pink and any other color of the rainbow to show their support. Please do not go out and buy a t-shirt for this day as it is more about the message of the day than the color of the t-shirt you wear.
New Provincial Cell Phone Policy
We strongly discourage the elementary students from bringing cellphones to school. Parents can call the office if a message needs to get to their child. The new cell phone policy indicates that if students in grades PP - 6 bring a cell phone they will turn off and store their cell phones for the entire school day, including non-instructional times including recess and lunch. Cell phones are not permitted in washrooms and/or change rooms at any time. We are not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones.
Student Safety
Throughout the year, we have Fire, Lockdown and Hold and Secure drills. Students practice these with their class. If you have any questions about these procedures, please feel free to contact the office.
Update to paper copy of Newsletter:
Bus Safety
If your child gets the bus, please teach them the importance of swiping their scan card. If we need to track students for any reason, this scan mechanism locates them in a split second, only when on a CBVRCE bus. Thank you for yiur cooperation in helping us keep your child safe.
Dates to Remember
Thursday, September 12th: Stand up to Bullying Day (Pink any colour of the rainbow shirt)
Friday, September 27th: Orange Shirt Day (Please wear an orange or red shirt)
Monday, September 30th: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation(No School)
Tuesday, October 1st: Treaty Day (Schools are open)
Friday, October 11th: Professional Learning Day (No School for Students)
Monday, October 14th:Thanksgiving Day (No school)
Friday, October 25th: NSTU Conference Day (No school)
Tuesday, November 5th: Picture Day
Davis Day (Miner’s Memorial Day) will be observed on Tuesday, June 11, 2024.
Ferrisview will dismiss at 11AM. Buses will be rescheduled to accommodate this early dismissal. We will share the bus schedule here in this space as soon as possible.
CAFETERIA: There is no cafeteria service on June 11th as we will dismiss early for Davis Day.
The last day for service in the cafeteria will be Friday, June 21st . There will be
no cafeteria service the following week. Please make sure your child brings a recess snack, a
lunch and a water bottle.
Field trip notices have been sent home. Please take note of dates, times, and needs for the days. It is helpful to take a photo of the permission slips before you send them back. Please include all required information on the forms.
Students need to remember to wear proper footwear to the gym for physical education classes.
We still need to wear indoor and outdoor shoes till the end of the year.
Appropriate shoes: Running, court, cross trainers, non-marking soles
Not the right choices: Shoes with the laces cut off and tucked in (they fly off, which is a safety issue), and no Crocs.
Please replace laces throughout the year.
Ask students/look to see if they have grown out of their shoes.
Primary Orientation will take place June 19th.
Invitations have been sent home.
Helpful Tool - Problem Solving Wheel
Here (above) is a helpful tool we use to help with solving smaller-sized problems between friends.
Students are asked to bring big problems to the closest adult to get help right away when they have a big problem.
Bus cards/scan passes for grade Pre-Primary to 4 need to be returned to teacher on June 10th. Please mark the card with your child's name with a Sharpie. Please do not write on scan tag information.
ACTIVITY DAY: Ferrisview students will enjoy an Activity Day on Friday, June 21st . It will
be a day of fun for all! If rain is forecast for that day it will be changed to
Tuesday, June 25th.
GRADE 5 CLOSING: Grade 5 students will be celebrating the completion of their final year at
Ferrisview Elementary on the afternoon of June 24 th . Students will play games and participate
in a hula hooping presentation/activity. The afternoon will be divided into 4-5 stations
(depending on time allowed) with students rotating through in groups so they have an
opportunity to participate in all activities (e.g. water races, soccer, hula hooping, playground
relay and, weather permitting, a detective game. Grade 5 students will be provided with new
school t-shirts.
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM: The JR Afterschool Program is currently taking applications
for the new school year, September 2024. If interested you can call Judy at 902-371-8164 or
Rita at 902-322-5616.
LOST & FOUND: We are asking any students that have lost any items to check the lost and
found pile. Any labeled clothing will be returned to the students. However, unclaimed items
will be donated.
Twenty-five students from Ferrisview took part in the 2024 Fiddler's Run. They had great success and had so much fun!
No School for students on Thursday, June 27th .
Grading day is Friday, June 28th .
School Supply Lists will be posted on the homepage in July.
Ferrisview's Finest Award Winners for April
Hayden Cleary, grade primary - great job playing with your classmates during centre time
Aiden Noble, grade primary - being an awesome little reader
Opheilia Ziegler-MacDonald, grade primary - taking her time when printing
Braydon MacLean, grade primary - always using his manners
Liam Serroul, grade primary - doing his very best everyday
Molly Devoe, grade 1 - working so hard at reading & writing
Brayden Parks, grade 1 - working so hard at reading
Leah Pero, grade 1 - working so hard at reading & writing
Octavia Webber, grade 2 - doing a fantastic job when singing
Jamie Keeling, grade 1 - always being cheerful & having a good attitude
Sheamus MacIntyre, grade 1 - always being kind & helpful to his friends
Natalie Morrison, grade 2 - working so hard on her writing
Sadie MacIntosh, grade 2 - participating & working hard on independent tasks
Jase Hollingsworth-MacDonald, grade 2 - always being respectful & helpful to others
Ethan Cann, grade 2 - being such a great reader
Aubree Williams, grade 2 - giving her best effort in Phys Ed.
Eleanor Green, grade 3 - working hard to follow the class routines
Baaqe Bisiriyu, grade 3 - excellence in Mathematics
Bryony MacDonald, grade 3 - amazingly creative writing
Emily Donovan, grade 3 - being a wonderful friend
Hunter Gwinn, grade 3 - being kind to his classmates
Tryp Miller, grade 4 - always being helpful & kind in French class
Serenity Rishaur, grade 4 - being a fantastic reader
Malcolm Winter, grade 4 - always trying his best & working hard in French class
Lola Couture-MacDonald, grade 4 - working extra hard to complete work & keep her desk neat
Hayden Cousins, grade 4 - working hard on UFLI lessons
Brooklyn Cann, grade 4 - showing positivity & a willingness to take on new tasks
Gabby Malinao, grade 4 - learning to edit &n check her work for accuracy
Logan Morrison, grade 5 - always being kind & working hard in French class
Claire Musgrave, grade 5 - always being kind & considerate of students & staff
Justin Hollingsworth-MacDonald, grade 5 - being a great author
Connor MacDonald, grade 5 - working extra hard at Math concepts
Ferrisview's Finest Award Winners for May
Levi Skinner, grade primary - doing such a great job with his reading
Gurnoor Singh, grade primary - doing a fantastic job at dancing during Music class
Lowen Garland, grade primary - always working hard & being a great little reader
Amelia Leyte, grade primary - always helping teach UFLI to the class
Eleanor Zeigler-MacDonald, grade primary - always using her manners & being a great friend
Savannah Slade, grade 1 - working hard at reading & writing
Remi Matthews, grade 1 - demonstrating nice sentence writing
Breton Leadbeater, grade 1 - working hard at reading
Kylie Johnston, grade 2 - doing an awesome job at following our dance routines in Music class
Violet MacDonald, grade 2 - being kind & helpful to her friends
Meadow Ziegler-MacDonald, grade 2 - putting thought & effort into her writing
Israel Ayanbode, grade 2 - always working hard & participating in class
Brea Latawaitis, grade 2 - trying her best to work hard & complete tasks in Math class
Jacob Sullivan, grade 2 - having a positive attitude
Marcus Gullage, grade 3 - working hard at his reading
Brandon Long, grade 3 - excellence in all subjects
Kyla Leblanc, grade 3 - amazingly creative writing
Max Poirier, grade 3 - extra effort put into his writing
Marlo Holic, grade 3 - doing her best work
Isla Padilla, grade 4 - showing fantastic listening in Music class
Jesse Tobin, grade 4 - being kind to his classmates
Macie Russell, grade 4 - being a welcome & inclusive classmate
Dante Anderson, grade 4 - learning new strategies to work through challenges
Damilola Ayanbode, grade 4 - being courageous, positive & settling into her new school
community
Dominic Capstick, grade 4 - being so respectful to his classmates & staff
Eli Cameron, grade 4 - giving consistent effort in all class tasks
Avery Francis, grade 4 - following routines to ensure he is on task
Leilah Hamonic, grade 5 - always having a positive attitude
Gavin Robinson, grade 5 - always working hard to complete quality assignments
Vada Scott, grade 5 - always lending a helping hand to other students & staff
Justin Hollingsworth-MacDonald, grade 5 - being a great author
Aiden Nearing, grade 5 - always being kind & trying his best in French class
Rowynn Lambert, grade 5 - working hard & growing as a writer
Dawson Ayres, grade 5 - always giving his best effort in Phys Ed.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, June:
Wyatt MacIntyre, grade primary - being such a good buddy to his friends
Briella Johnston, grade primary - becoming a beautiful little printer
Lennon Faulkner, grade primary - doing a great job with his writing this year
Kyler Rowe, grade primary - always using his manners
Mason Devoe, grade primary - doing an amazing job at UFLI
Rhys Wilkie, grade primary - working hard on his letter sounds
Max Cullen, grade primary - working hard on his “heart words”
Elliot Furlong, grade 1 - trying hard to sound out words to improve his reading
Bryson Sibley, grade 1 - using kind words to solve problems
Greyson Faulkner, grade 1 - working hard on his math and writing
Jacob Lucinario, grade 1 - being respectful and kind to his classmates
Paisley Roussy, grade 1 - her enthusiasm and dedication to the Kid’s Run Club
Noah Parks, grade 2 - always being helpful and kind to his peers
Daymus Day, grade 2 - working hard at reading and reading comprehension activities
Robert Rose, grade 2 - always sharing what he has with others
Colby Serroul, grade 2 - listening and demonstrating respect for others
Carol Young, grade 2 - working hard at all subjects
Mygs Catacutan, grade 3 - doing his best in all subjects
Remi George, grade 3 - doing his best work in mathematics
Harper Gracie, grade 3 - putting extra effort into her math work
Leah Penny, grade 3 - doing her very best in all subjects
Alexis Herridge, grade 3 - always working hard at the reading table
Freyja Target, grade 4 - always smiling and working hard in French class
Jacksen Skinner, grade 4 - using his artistic skills to enhance his classwork
Jack Cogan, grade 4 - always trying his best in French class
Nevaeh-Lee Gillan, grade 4 - using her artistic abilities to enhance her work
Carriann Jaques, grade 4 - always having a positive attitude
Harrison Youden, grade 4 - always completing his work in French class
Avery Bonar, grade 4 - showing kindness and acceptance to her classmates
Jaxsyn Maysfield, grade 4 - being thoughtful and always smiling, all year long
Sarah Rose, grade 4 - adding more detail to improve her writing
Mitchell Slade, grade 4 - being a friendly classmate and being helpful to his teacher
Aiden Forbes, grade 5 - always sharing positive and interesting ideas during class discussions
Jace Jessome, grade 5 - improving his mathematics skills
Jordan Forrest, grade 5 - working hard & growing as a writer
Keefe Daye, grade 5 - for his enthusiasm and dedication to the Kid’s Run Club
END JUNE NEWSLETTER - UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Newsletter
If you missed registration dates for Primary or Pre-Primary please register your child online at the CBVRCE website. Current pre primaries are automatically registered in primary. Please remember to upload your child’s birth certificate, health card, and two items proving your place of residence, ie. power bill, water bill, driver’s license, etc. If you do not have this information please still register your child as staffing is based on spring numbers.
Because of their numbers, Gaels have had a huge impact on Nova Scotia. Gaelic language was a community language here for generations. Gaelic is the heritage language of hundreds of thousands of Nova Scotians and we celebrate this, them, and the Gaelic language and culture each May.
Ferrisview will celebrate a “Family Day” in lieu of the traditional Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Family Day will be celebrated on Friday, May 31st.
We recognize and honour all the caregivers in our Ferrisview families.
There are pamphlets going home this week from the province telling caregivers of all grade three students about the upcoming Nova Scotia provincial assessments. The dates of the assessments are May 14-17th each morning. Students should be here on time, well-rested. We wish our grade three students all the very best. Everyone at Ferrisview is cheering you on!
Our grade three students are near completion of three sessions of the “Swim to Survive" program run out of the Northside Community Pool. The program is an excellent water safety and swimming skills program. The staff at the pool have been wonderful with our children.
Members of the Ferrisview Choir along with their Director, music teacher Mr. MacLeod, will attend a concert and sing-song at Shipyard Elementary on Monday, May 6th, known as "Music Monday" in the CBVRCE. Choir members are asked to please remember to bring in signed permission forms (if you have not done so already).
A reminder to all that bringing toys from home is strongly discouraged at Ferrisview. They are a distraction in class and cause unnecessary conflict outside.
Adelaide Deane in Mrs. Kelly’s Grade Four Class received an “Honourable Mention” in the “Atlantic Coastal Action Program” Water Conservation Poster Contest with CBRM. We are so proud of Addy!
Sunday, May 26th 2024
Register at mswalks.ca
Emera Center
Register 12:30 PM
Walk 2pm
Wear your PJ's to school FRIDAY, MAY 1OTH!
This is a reminder to caregivers to watch for permission slips in the next few weeks for a variety of field trips happening in our classes before the end of the school year.
Ferrisview Elementary welcomes Spring & Summer and the nice weather that comes along with it! The students are asked to continue to keep their “indoor shoes” inside for the gym and classrooms. This keeps the outside mud and dirt from tracking into the classrooms. Some days are still a bit chilly, so please remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
In the final months of school it is still important to follow rules and be polite. Remembering to say please and thank you is a sign of good manners. Always remember to be kind and respectful to each other.
Monday, May 20 is Victoria Day. Schools are closed out of respect for this Canadian Holiday.
----- End May Newsletter -----
Solar Eclipse April 8, 2024 Please read about the eclipse on these links. The eclipse will occur well after dismissal on Monday, April 8th.
https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/astronomy/eclipses/total-solar-eclipse.asp
https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2024/
The Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development have provided each student with a pair of safety glasses. These glasses were distributed to your children in class today (Wednesday, April 3rd). Please take them out of your child’s school bag when they get home so that you have them on Monday.
Please have your children inspect the Lost and Found area regularly if you are missing items. We walk them by the area on a daily basis. Announcements are made weekly. Items are donated after a three month period. You may make arrangements to view the items any time. A staff member will be happy to accompany you.
Primary and Pre-Primary Registration – If you know of someone with a child
starting primary or pre-primary next year who has not registered, please ask them
to use this link to register
https://cbvrce.ca/studentregistration/
Staffing is based on spring numbers so it is very important that we know how many children are coming.
We would like to have some more volunteers for the breakfast program. A criminal records check and child abuse registry check are required in order to serve in the program. Call the school for more information.
Please remember that we are a "nut free" school. A significant number of Easter chocolate came to our school with nuts in them. Please check labels carefully before sending food to school. we want to ensure that all of our students are safe.
Please check your child’s hair on a regular basis. There have been several cases
of lice at our school. More information is posted here on our website under the health section.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, this is a time to listen to the voices of our students and community members living with autism! We should take this time to rethink biases, and learn how to be better allies! World Autism day was April 2nd! Everyday at Ferrisview, we are working together to create connections with our students and families empowering everyone in the Autism community to live as fully and independently as possible. On Friday, April 5th, we will wear rainbow colours to represent neurodiversity. It will be special to celebrate all our students and create autism awareness at our assembly on that day.
We are teaching our students to have "pride in place" and pride in their space. Ferrisview is home for your children for a significant number of hours per week and for a large part of the year. Please remind your child to pick up after themselves in the cafeteria and around the school, inside and out. Please remember our “pack in pack out” policy. If you brought it from home, it all goes back with you packed in your lunch kit, wrappers, leftovers, and all.
Over the winter months we anticipated the arrival of February as "African Heritage Month" - "Our Smiles, Our Joy, Our Resilience as African Nova Scotians". At Ferrisview we like to remember that the heritage of African Nova Scotians and respect for diversity and culture are at the forefront of our interactions with each other at all times, regardless of the month. We respect each other as fellow humans all year round.
Please remind your child to take a reusable water bottle to school every day. Warmer weather is surely on its way. Water is the healthiest drink for us all. Please also ask your child to take that bottle home for a good wash on a regular basis. We do not have disposable cups available at school. If you do not have a reusable water bottle, please get in touch with your child’s teacher and we will do our best to supply one. All students Grades 1-5 received reusable water bottles with the Ferrsiview logo on them last year. We have a small number of those bottles available upon request.
Please ask your child if their indoor shoes are still a good fit. Many children have outgrown their shoes. Your children are growing before our eyes!
The Salvation Army and the North Sydney Food Bank have regularly provided snacks, dignity, and assistance for our school to provide for those students who need one. We thank both organizations for their outstanding support.
Thanks so very much for participating in our safe arrival program. When you use the online reporting system to report an absence, we know your child is safe. We appreciate your ongoing support and cooperation with the safe arrival program. If you need assistance on how to participate in this program, please call the school.
Watch this space for Ferrisview’s Finest on Friday, April 5th!
End of 2024 April Newsletter
We have some fun-filled days scheduled for the week before March Break:
Wednesday, March 6th - Favourite Shirt Day
Thursday, March 7th - Backwards Day
Friday, March 8th - Pajama Day
Thanks to Sheila & Alex Russell for taking care of all the rink fees for our school skating sessions! Your generosity is so appreciated!
March Break is just around the corner! The last teaching day before March Break is Friday, March 8th .
Students return to school on Monday, March 18th .
If you missed registration dates for Primary or Pre-Primary you don’t have to worry. You can still register your
child. Registration forms are online and can be found on the CBVRCE website https://cbvrce.ca/home/ . Please
remember to upload your child’s birth certificate, health card, and two items proving your place of residence, i.e.
power bill, water bill, driver’s license, etc. After you complete the form, you will receive an email confirming your
child's registration. If you do not get that email, please contact the school. Some families are having trouble with
the on-line form. If you do, you can contact the school and get a paper form. If you don’t have your child’s birth
certificate yet, you can still register them. Just drop off a copy of the birth certificate when it arrives. We will
need it before the first day of school in September. Please register your child as soon as possible.
Please use the parent loop on the lower part of the school grounds when dropping off your children. Staff use the upper parking lot. There are cars coming in and out all times of the day.
World Down Syndrome Day is Thursday, March 21st. It’s the day we “Rock our Socks”!
Everyone is invited to wear odd socks that day.
We are in need of Casual Lunch Bus Grounds Supervisors. If you have extra time and would like a 3 hour/day
job, please call the school for an application for Casual Employment with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional
Centre for Education. You will need a Child Abuse Registry Check as well as a Criminal Records Check
submitted with the application.
April is Autism Awareness Month. Let's come together to increase our awareness and understanding about autism.
North Sydney Library Teddy Bear Sleepover Details are in the above image and at this link ... https://cbrl.ca/events/stuffed-animal-sleepover-drop-off/?occurrence=2024-03-12
Great programs for March Break!
The morning bell rings every morning at 8:30. Ideally, we ask that you drop your child off between 8:15 and 8:30. Please have your children here by 8:30 as they are missing important instructional time if they arrive after the bell. We all feel uncomfortable and a bit stressed when we walk into a place late and we are not quite sure what is happening.
*** Head lice are in our school. Please click on the "Health Information" tab for treatment and prevention information.
Many people in North America and around the world celebrate Easter. School is closed on Good Friday (March 29th) and Easter Monday (April 1st) to recognize this celebration.
Report Cards go home on Monday, March 25th . Parent / Teacher Interviews will take place:
Wednesday, March 27th 5PM to 6:30 PM
And Thursday, March 28th 9AM - 11AM
There will be no school for students Thursday, March 28th.
Parent Teacher Meetings take place in the gymnasium:
We will share Ferrisview's Finest for January and February in this space before March break.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, January:
Peyton Halamoutis, grade primary - always listening and completing beautiful work
Axel MacDonald, grade primary - always being kind and helpful to his friends
Arya Farrell, grade primary - doing an awesome job at dance routines
Ali Clark, grade primary - mastering tapping out words
Parker Kendall, grade primary - working hard on his listening skills
Gabryella MacNeil, grade 1 - working so hard at reading and writing
Jaxon Leblanc, grade 1 - always participating in UFLI
Nabeel Oladosu, grade 2 - always being respectful and kind to his classmates
Wyatt Romard, grade 2 - always doing his work and participating in class discussions
Jaelyn Brayon, grade 2 - always focussing and working hard to complete assignments in class
Declan Newlove, grade 2 - fully engaging during writing tasks and work hard to complete assignments
Ava Kavanaugh, grade 2 - working hard on her reading and writing
Seth Sullivan, grade 2 - always being kind to his classmates
Aaron Osagie, grade 3 - working hard to follow music class routines
Skylar LeMoine, grade 3 - making an extra effort to do her best work
Eden Skinner, grade 3 - displaying an exceptional work ethic and showing kindness to others
Chase MacIsaac, grade 4 - always being helpful and kind in french class
Zoey Bond, grade 4 - always trying her best
Tatum Sherwood, grade 4 - working hard to do her best at math
Evelyn Anderson, grade 4 - always lending a helping hand
Gabe Steele, grade 4 - being eager to participate and help others in french class
Maria Russell, grade 4 - asking questions to make sure she is doing her work correctly
Courtland Hart, grade 4 - regularly holding doors open for all students and staff
Jack Jardine-Dowling, grade 5 - working diligently on math assignments
Parker Tobin, grade 5 - always being kind and considerate to students and staff
Molly Whalen, grade 5 - always working pleasantly and cooperatively with other students
Emma Penny, grade 5 - always wanting Madame to play french songs and always saying “Bonjour”
Aria Rose, grade 5 - being a genuine friend and showing compassion
Gracie-Jayne Burton, grade 5 - valuing fair play rules in Phys Ed
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, February:
Eva Dahl, grade primary - working so hard and doing so well at tapping out words
Harley MacKinnon, grade primary - working hard to become a good little reader
Asher Campbell, grade primary - always using his manners
Emily Snow, grade primary - being a good friend
Ishmeet Kaur, grade primary - doing her best during rhythm echo activities in music class
Jesse MacLennan, grade 1 - putting forth his best effort during dance activities in music class
Abby Bond, grade 1 - always doing her best work
Paisley Roussy, grade 1 - always being respectful and kind to her classmates
Toushini Ghosh, grade 1 - always doing her best work
Rosalee Gracie, grade 2 - sharing her great ideas during class discussions & working hard to improve her writing
Olivia Bolton, grade 2 - always giving her best effort during class discussions & whole group activities
Lawson Garland, grade 2 - always helping around the classroom
Aubree MacDonald, grade 3 - working hard & being eager to learn
Syed Eshan Zohaaib, grade 3 - becoming an excellent writer
Lydia Deane, grade 3 - displaying a strong work ethic & modelling good manners
Elliott Yates, grade 4 - being an eager participant in french class
Marissa Matthews, grade 4 - always smiling & being kind to others
Jaxx Rose, grade 4 - doing his best work
Owen Gale, grade 4 - always trying his best in french class
Hoili Nzelu, grade 4 - being open to new learning math strategies
Leah Jessome, grade 4 - having a positive attitude towards her new school & new routines
Kobe Reyes, grade 4 - learning new directions & strategies to work through challenges
Baasit Bisiriyu, grade 5 - working diligently to complete math assignments
Vaida Holic, grade 5 - always working cooperatively with all students
Spencer Long, grade 5 - always being an enthusiastic participant in class discussions
Lyla MacIntyre, grade 5 - showing maturity & sound decision making
Zoey Targett, grade 5 - always smiling & working hard in french class
Have a safe and happy March break and Easter season!
February 2024 Newsletter.
Registration for Primary and PrePrimary for Ferrisview has begun online. Children registering for Pre-Primary must be 4 years old by December 31st, 2024. Children registering for Primary must be 5 years old by December 31st, 2024. To register your child you must upload a birth certificate, health card, any legal documents related to custody arrangements if applicable, and two items as proof of residency. You can find the online registration forms on the CBVRCE website. Students who are currently in Pre-Primary at Ferrisview will be automatically enrolled in Primary in September.
If you are having trouble registering your child you can contact the school for assistance.
Children can be registered now and you can let us know that you have applied for a birth certificate if you do not yet have one.
Valentine's Day is February 14th.
If this is a new tradition for your family, please get in touch with your child's teacher. Due to Privacy Issues, we are not permitted to send home lists of names for Valentine’s Cards. Instead, we are sending the number of students in each class. If you decide to send valentines you may want to send an extra as we are getting new students almost every week.
Grade P-AM 23 Grade P-JK 24 Grade 1-DC 23 Grade 1/2-BC 22
Grade 2-CW 22 Grade 2/3-LRL 21 Grade 3-PJ 26 Grade 3/4-SG 26
Grade 4-NK 26 Grade 5-MB 25 Grade4-5 PK27 Grade 5 TC 25
Valentine's Day Treats - We Got This!
Valentine’s Day treats will be supplied by the school, therefore there is no need for families to send treats to school. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate Friendship! It’s a day to be extra kind to each other. Students are encouraged to wear something red or pink that day.
We will be providing fresh fruit to all students. If you would like to assist with preparation and delivering of the fruit please contact Mrs. Briggs at briggsj1@gnspes.ca or call the school office at 902-794-7137.
Please ensure your child comes to school dressed for the weather. Also, remember to put your child’s name on clothing, footwear, hats, etc. to ensure its return.
Clothing that is not identified will be donated.
February is African Heritage Month
In the past, the contributions of African Canadians were not often formally recognized nor celebrated, however, Nova Scotia has been a leader in officially promoting, celebrating and recognizing African Canadian Heritage.
Monday, February 19th is Heritage Day. The 2023
Honoree this year is William Hall
024 will mark the 165th anniversary of Hall being awarded the Victoria Cross. He was the first person of African descent and 3rd Canadian to be presented this distinguished award.
THERE ARE NO CLASSES AT SCHOOL ON FEBRUARY 19th.
School Skating is continuing in February with the final date, Friday, February 9th.
Students in Grades 4NK to 5 will skate from 9:00-10:00.
Students in Grades Primary to 3PJ will skate from 10:30-11:30.
Thank you for wearing your helmets on the ice as required by the CBRM.
We have some adult sized snowshoes for Ferrisview families to borrow and we can lead you to some kid sized ones, too! Check in with the Vice Principal for more information.
Chinese New Year February 10
In 2024, we ring in the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is one of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. The Dragon symbolizes power, luck and nobility. The animal designations of the zodiac follow a 12-year cycle and are always used in the same sequence.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgQwv7BkDQE
End February 2024 Newsletter
January Newsletter
Happy New Year! We are wishing our Ferrisview families a healthy and joyous new year from all the staff at Ferrisview Elementary.
Please note our Newsletters are posted on our school website every month. Please check it out for all future newsletters at https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/students-and-families/newsletters?authuser=0 We rarely send home a paper copy as an electronic version is more environmentally friendly and efficient. Check the website monthly for new newsletters.
Also check us out on Twitter/X @FerrisviewP5 for school closure information, notable events, reminders, and pictures of school activities.
A New Way for Families to Report Student Absences
One of our greatest priorities is ensuring all students arrive at school safely each day. On Monday, January 8th we will be starting the Safe Arrival system.
Parents/guardians of students who attend our school will have the option to report their child’s absence in advance using a toll-free number, the PowerSchool Parent Portal or an app!
SchoolMessenger SafeArrival – an absence management system that improves student safety and makes it easy for families to inform their child’s school if they will be away – powers all three of these options.
If your child will be absent, please let us know by using one of the following methods by 8:55 am:
Toll-Free Number
Call 1-833-673-8243 to report an absence using an automated system.
School Messenger Website
Go to https://go.schoolmessenger.ca/#/home and select Sign In at the top right. Use the email address that is on file with the school to create a username. The website will prompt you to create a unique password for this account.
SchoolMessenger App
Download the SchoolMessenger app for Android and iOS devices and sign up using your PowerSchool username (full email address). Please note that you must download the app that has the blue logo (not yellow).
What if I don’t report my child’s absence?
Once your child’s school begins using Safe Arrival, an automated notification system will try to contact you if you don’t report your child’s absence in advance. This will include an email, text message, and phone call. You will be asked to confirm your child’s absence.
If you try to explain an absence using SchoolMessenger, but are then told that it is past the cut-off time, please contact the school directly.
If you do not want to receive notifications when your child is absent, be sure to report their absence in advance.
If the automated system cannot reach you, a school staff member will contact you
For more information about reporting your child’s absence and a list of frequently asked questions, visit https://cbvrce.ca/home/schoolmessenger-safe-arrival-cbvrce.
School Skating:
There is a new rule at the Emera Center that anyone on the ice has to wear a helmet (this includes adults). The Emera Center staff will not permit anyone to be on the ice without a helmet.
Children are required to wear CSA approved helmets. We have a limited amount that children can borrow. Let your child’s teacher know if your child needs to borrow one as soon as possible.
Any child not skating can walk the track with a staff member. We will be taking all children to the Emera Center by bus. You can meet your child there if you would like.
Friday, January 12th
9am-10am: Grades 3/4 SG to 5
10:30am-11:30am: Grades P to 3PJ
Thursday, January 25th
9am-10am: Grades 3/4 SG to 5
10:30am-11:30am: Grades P to 3PJ
Friday, February 9th
9am-10am: Grades 3/4 SG to 5
10:30am-11:30am: Grades P to 3PJ
We have a couple of pairs of adult snowshoes we can lend to families for five days at a time. Please contact the vice principal Mrs. Kumar-Britten to make a request. nkumar@gnspes.ca
The day might be a lot more comfortable for students if they stored an extra pair of socks and mittens in their school bag throughout the winter season.
A number of students have grown out of their September indoor shoes. Please check in with your child and see if they need a new pair of shoes for school. Please get in touch with us in the administration office if there are any issues getting another pair of shoes this school year that fit.
Label all clothing to ensure its safe return. If your child’s name is not on it, the likelihood of its safe return is limited.
Please make sure your child comes to school with a hat and mittens or gloves. We have extra if your child needs some please let us know.
Children are not permitted to bring toys from home. This causes unnecessary upsets if a toy goes missing or is broken and sometimes leads to conflict among children.
We are also asking you to please not send Prime drinks to school with your children.
Please use the parent drop of points and do not park in the staff parking lot for drop offs. It is dangerous and we have limited spaces especially for our specialist teachers that travel to various schools.
Our Lunch-Bus-Grounds staff along with the classroom teacher ensures that your child gets on the bus each day. Please make sure your child is aware of how he/she is getting home before they leave in the morning. If, for some reason, there is a change in your child’s dismissal pattern for a doctor’s appointment or something of that sort, you must send a note to the teacher in the morning. That way, the teacher will ensure that your child is waiting for you at the office. If something comes up after school has started you can contact our secretary, at 902-794-7137.
Primary and Pre-Primary Registration will be occurring in the near future. We will be sending home information when we are clear on dates.
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school between 8:00 and 8:30. The bell rings at 8:30 and children need time to remove their outerwear before classes begin. Thank you!
Please check the "HOME" page of this Ferrisview website for updated information for Guidelines for bus, school cancellations due to inclement weather.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, December:
Each month we recognize students from each class at a schoolwide for working hard, doing their best or being kind and we call these awards "Ferriview's Finest".
Easton Boutilier, grade primary - being such a great little reader
Joslyn Romard, grade primary - always being such a hard worker and trying her best
Finn MacNeil, grade primary - always trying his very best
Marcus Beddow, grade primary - always being a good friend
Natalie Wylde, grade primary - working so hard during UFLI
Reuvann Joseph, grade 1 - always listening and following directions
Estelle Deane, grade 1 - always staying on task and completing beautiful work
Henry Young, grade 1 - joining his class at our holiday concert
Halle MacDonald, grade 1 - always doing her best work
Lincoln Patterson, grade 1 - always being helpful and kind to his friends
Elijah LeMoine, grade 2 - for giving his best effort both inside and outside the gym
Eli MacDonald, grade 2 - demonstrating an overall improvement with completing all his work in class
Mya MacDonald, grade 3 - working hard on her writing
Harrison Waite, grade 3 - working hard and always doing his best
Connor Clements Sibley, grade 3 - joining his class in the music room
Zachary Herridge, grade 3 - working extra hard on reading and writing
Bria Nippard, grade 3 - working extra hard at math concepts
Oz Couture-MacDonald, grade 3 - always being kind to others
Jacob Quirk, grade 3 - always striving to improve his work
Claire Boutilier, grade 4 - always being an awesome participant in French class
Reid McDermid, grade 4 - always eager to participate and help others in French class
Daniel Musgrave, grade 4 - showing a willingness to help others in the music room
Brighton Hickey, grade 4 - always using an indoor voice and following directions
Kelsey Evans, grade 4 - smiling all the time, being positive and always giving her best effort
Olivia Kavanaugh, grade 5 - always smiling and working hard in French class
Brooklyn Rowe, grade 5 - for giving her best effort both inside and outside the gym
Bradley Hastie, grade 5 - always working hard in math class
Soleil Paul, grade 5 - always making sure everyone is included and welcome in class
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
Please note our Newsletters are posted here on our school website every month. Please check the "STUDENTS AND FAMILIES" tab for all future newsletters at https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/. Follow us on Twitter @FerrisviewP5 for pictures of school activities.
For information about cancellations due to Inclement Weather, please visit https://cbvrce.ca/home/inclement-weather
Report Cards were emailed home on Monday, November 27th. Parent / Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday, November 30th from 5:30-7:00 pm, and on Friday, December 1st from 9:00-11:00 am in the Gym.
Holiday Concerts
This year’s Holiday Concert will be in person. To accommodate all grades we will have to have two concerts.
We understand that the Holiday Season is a very difficult time financially. New outfits are not required for the concert and we are inviting students to wear their black Ferrisview T-shirts so as to alleviate any additional financial pressure and to promote unity and inclusivity. Of course, families are free to choose what their children wear. However, we have done this in the past and it was lovely to see all the children showing Ferrisview school spirit and wearing their Ferrisview attire.
Due to Fire Regulations and Occupancy Loads we have very little room. Each family will receive 3 tickets to the evening concert and 2 tickets to the afternoon rehearsal. If you do not need all of your tickets please return them to the school with a note saying they are “extra”.
Admission to the concerts is free. Donations of food or cash (a silver collection) will be accepted for the North Sydney Food Bank.
Here are the times of the concerts:
Thursday, December 7th - Grades 3PJ, 3/4SG, 4NK, 5MB, 5TC and 4/5PK
Afternoon Concert - 12:45PM - Doors Open 12:35PM
*FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE CHILDREN, PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLIER THAN 12:35PM. OUR STUDENTS ARE ON THE GROUNDS AND RE-ENTERING THE BUILDING AT 12:30.*
Evening Concert - 6:30PM - Doors Open at 6:00.
Tuesday, December 12th - Grades Primary AM, PrimaryJK, 1DC, 1/2BC, 2CW, and 2/3LL
Afternoon Concert - 12:45PM - Doors Open 12:35PM
*FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE CHILDREN, PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLIER THAN 12:35PM. OUR STUDENTS ARE ON THE GROUNDS AND RE-ENTERING THE BUILDING AT 12:30.*
Evening Concert - 6:30PM - Doors Open at 6:00.
The last teaching day before Christmas is Wednesday, December 20th. This will be a full teaching day. The first day back to school after Christmas is Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. It will be Day 1.
Our cafeteria will remain open until Friday, December 15th and will reopen when classes commence on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Our students have some fun-filled days coming up this week before the Christmas Break:
Friday, December 15th – Pajama Day
Monday, December 18th – Crazy Hair or Crazy Hat Day
Tuesday, December 19th – Red and Green Day (Wear something festive!)
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school by 8:30. The bell rings at 8:30 and children need time to remove their outerwear before classes begin. Children miss important instruction when they are late. Just a reminder that there is no supervision prior to 8:00am Thank you!
We are still collecting pop-tabs. Please remember to keep collecting them over the holidays. Thank you!
If you are thinking about an expression of appreciation to staff at Christmas, in lieu of a store bought gift, a kind email, a card made by a student, or piece of student designed art are things everyone at Ferrisview really appreciates. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
Ferrisview Skating Sessions
There is a new rule at the Emera Center that anyone on the ice has to wear a helmet (this includes adults). The Emera Center staff will not permit anyone to be on the ice without a helmet.
Children are required to wear CSA approved helmets. We have a limited amount that children can borrow. Let your child’s teacher know if your child needs to borrow one as soon as possible.
Helmets and Skates would be a great idea for holiday gifts. Any child not skating can walk the track with a staff member.
Friday, January 12th
9am-10am: Grades 3/4 SG to 5
10:30am-11:30am: Grades P to 3PJ
Thursday, January 25th
9am-10am: Grades 3/4 SG to 5
10:30am-11:30am: Grades P to 3PJ
Friday, February 9th
9am-10am: Grades 3/4 SG to 5
10:30am-11:30am: Grades P to 3PJ
Holiday Dinner
On December 13th we will be providing all students with a free holiday dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes and vegetables. There will be no other meals available to buy in the cafeteria that day so if your child will not eat a turkey dinner please get them to bring lunch.To avoid waste teachers will pre order the dinners. Please let your child's teachers know if they will not be getting a turkey dinner.
If you would like to volunteer for this event please email Janet Briggs at briggsj1@gnspes.ca.
Head Lice
Please review the CBVRCE head lice policy here.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Gvmt61CDc5PH7Vhj-qxNMp4iM7kAYdxV/view
Food Bank
Christmas is Coming
If you, your family, or someone you know could use some assistance with Christmas Dinner
AND/OR
It would be helpful for you to register for Christmas Daddies
Call 902-794-1104
Between 9AM and 4PM Monday to Friday
To register
ASAP
We will make Christmas cards for the participants in this program to add a little Christmas cheer for our friends and neighbours in our North Sydney community
Swim to Survive
The grade three students in our school have begun their three sessions of “Swim to Survive”. It is a wonderful program and we are so happy to have our students learn water safety and have some fun!
SAC Public Meeting
Memorial High will host our SAC public meeting for the Northside Family of schools on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:30pm. The Ferrisview SAC and any other interested parents are invited to attend.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, November:
Jason Ashford, grade primary - always being helpful to his teacher and his friends
Ariella Brown, grade primary - being a great little word tapper
Avery Mansfield, grade primary - always trying her best
Lincoln Patterson, grade primary - always filling other people’s buckets
Izabel Maria, grade primary - always using her singing voice
Rory MacNeil, grade 1 - being extra helpful to her new classmate
Sawyer Taylor, grade 1 - always using his manners and being very polite
Serenity Chislett, grade 1 - working so hard on her reading
Jumahu Nzelu, grade 2 - putting thought and effort into his writing
Ella Boutilier, grade 2 - always striving to produce quality work in ELA and Math
Ben Ntasi, grade 2 - putting extra effort into completing his work in class
Connor Keeping, grade 3 - working hard and always doing his best
Sophie Gullage, grade 3 - working hard and always being ready to learn
Bridget Carmichael, grade 3 - always working hard and being helpful to her friends
Alex MacIntyre, grade 3 - always working hard and being understanding and kind to his friends
Nathanael Shibu, grade 4 - always being an awesome participant in French class
Jace Finney, grade 4 - working hard to produce handwritten assignments
Adelaide Deane, grade 4 - always being helpful and kind in French class
Morgan Edwards, grade 4 - being kind and helpful to our new students
Max MacMillan, grade 4 - always making sure everyone is included & welcome, in class and outside
Cadence Pitts, grade 4 - always taking the lead, from passing out items to collecting supplies
Owen Hooper, grade 4 - staying positive when challenged with difficult problems
Bentley Nippard, grade 5 - doing an awesome job at using his singing voice
Payton Steele, grade 5 - working hard to complete quality assignments
Caleb MacEachern, grade 5 - always working cooperatively with all students
Janelle Billard, grade 5 - always eager to participate and help others in French class
Leland Clarke, grade 5 - working very hard during morning writing prompt
Jordie Vickers, grade 5 - working hard and growing as a reader
DATES TO REMEMBER:
PARENT TEACHER THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH 5:30-7:00
PARENT TEACHER FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1ST 9:00-11:00
HOLIDAY CONCERT Grades 3PJ, 3/4SG, 4NK, 5MB, 5TC and 4/5PK THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7TH
HOLIDAY CONCERT Grades Primary AM, PrimaryJK, 1DC, 1/2BC, 2CW, and 2/3LL, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12TH
LAST TEACHING DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20TH
FIRST DAY BACK AFTER CHRISTMAS BREAK TUESDAY, JANUARY 2ND
NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER 2023
Ferrisview’s Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 9th in the gym with the help of our music teacher, Mr. MacLeod. We are pleased to welcome members of the Armstrong Memorial Branch 19 Royal Canadian Legion North Sydney to our event once again this year.
Picture Day , Retakes Nov. 30th
Check out the photo gallery tab on this website from time to time ... even between newsletters!
Report Cards will be going home electronically on Monday, November 27th. Please make sure that your email address has been updated at the school. The system often has trouble with “hotmail” so if you have an email that is not a hotmail account, that would be a better one to use. You can call 902-794 -7137 between 8AM and 2PM Monday to Friday to provide that contact information. The school will send a text when report cards have been emailed. (Make sure that the school has your most recent cellphone number and that you have opted in to receive text alerts
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held in the gym at the school on November 30th from 5:30 PM-7:00 PM and Friday, December 1st from 9:00 AM -11:00 AM.
As the cold weather approaches, students will be wearing more clothing to school. Please make sure to put your child’s name on all their clothing as the volume of lost and found items keeps growing. Each term any unclaimed items will be donated.
Please remember any lunches or snacks that your child brings to school must not contain nuts. We have students who have severe and extremely serious nut allergies.
Attendance
Attendance is a significant factor in school achievement and in your child’s success. When your child is absent they are missing important literacy and numeracy skills and other learning opportunities. Much of classroom learning is hands-on and interactive with very few worksheets. Sometimes when a child returns to school after being absent for a few days they are anxious because they do feel a little lost. We try to meet each child where they are when they return to school but it is very important for the whole class that we move on to meet the curriculum outcomes. We understand that children cannot attend when they are sick. We appreciate your efforts in having your children here every day at 8:30 am.
We would also like to remind you to please call the school at 902-794-7137 if your child is going to be absent. Only about 50% of the children absent are actually called off.
Holiday Concert:
We are planning on hosting a Holiday concert this December. The plan is to have grades 3PJ to 5 on Thursday, December 7th and grades Primary to 2/3LRL on Tuesday, December 12th. Due to occupancy regulations the number of tickets per family will be limited. More information to follow in the December Newsletter.
We are partnering with the North Sydney Branch of the Cape Breton Library system to have a book club that will meet twice a year. Students will walk to the library after school two times in one school term. Our Vice Principal will accompany the students. Parents and Guardians will be asked to make arrangements to pick up children at the library at the end of the session at approximately 3:00 or 3:30PM. Please do not make transportation a barrier. We can help! Please email nkumar@gnspes.ca by November 15th, 2023 with "Ferrisview Book Club" in the subject line to express interest or ask questions.
We at Ferrisview are proud partners with the North Sydney Food Bank to send Christmas cards to senior clients in our community who could use some spirited and lovely Christmas Cheer along with their holiday food packages. Feel free to make some at home and send them in to school with your child.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, October:
Kevin Dahl, grade primary - listening and following directions in Phys Ed
Aayushi Nair, grade primary - always being such a hard little worker
Piper Collins, grade primary - always participating in UFLI lessons
Rori MacDonald, grade primary - always using her manners and being kind
Graeme Thistle, grade 1 - always listening and completing beautiful work
Zoey Keigan, grade 1 - always listening and completing her work
Rory Harrietha, grade 1 - always doing her best work
Liam Gale, grade 2 - using kind words to solve problems
George Barbakadze, grade 2 - always being ready to learn and do his best
Madelyn Wolstenholme, grade 2 - always working hard in class
Bradley Serroul, grade 3 - working hard and being eager to read
Karli Swan, grade 3 - working hard and being brave when things are tough
Billy Young, grade 3 - awesome work in math and reading
Bailee Clements, grade 3 - awesome work in writing and UFLI
Brayden Giorno, grade 3 - awesome work in math and UFLI
Kai Ong, grade 4 - always eager to participate and help others in french class
Callee Crowther, grade 4 - always helping in the classroom without being asked
Kendra Francis, grade 4 - always coming to class with a smile on her face
Kiera Francis, grade 4 - always helping others in french class
Max MacInnis, grade 4 - being an awesome, hard worker
Charlee O’Connell, grade 4 - helping a new student with technology and new routines without
being asked
Mujeebah Oladosu, grade 4 - being courageous, positive and willing to learn in her new school
Olivia Dahl, grade 5 - always being helpful and kind in french class
Ryan Pentecost, grade 5 - working diligently to complete tasks
Sophia Kennedy, grade 5 - always lending a helping hand to other students and staff
Eliana Wolstenholme, grade 5 - always putting forth her best effort, even when a task is
challenging
Milania Tremblett, grade 5 - including all students in group activities in Phys Ed
Alex Smith, grade 5 - always trying his best, even when things are tough
Thank you to Volunteers:
A big shout out to Taylor Lettice, Audrey MacDougall, Ruth Hiscock and Emma MacKinnon-Fontaine for volunteering with the Breakfast Program.
A heartfelt Ferrisview Falcons “thank you” out to Holly MacMillan and Evan Jardine and Hunter Donovan for coaching our soccer teams.
Thank you to Laura MacIsaac, Taylor Lettice, Audrey MacDougall, Bethany Eyking, Laura MacIsaac, Carolyn Romard, Cheryl Podetz MacIntrye and Ashley Padelt-Robinson (Schools Plus) for helping to prepare and distribute fruit for Orange, Black, Green and Purple Day. The students loved it!
Without volunteers none of these things would be possible.
Ferrisview Thanks You
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER 2023
THERE IS NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS on Friday, October 6 th for Professional Development for staff.
THANKSGIVING DAY is Monday, October 9 th . There is no school that day.
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 th . It is Conference Day for NSTU.
PICTURE DAY isn’t until November. The date is Friday, November 3 rd . Please make sure your child is ready to
have their school picture taken.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
The school communication process for parents is as follows:
1. Start with your child's teacher.
2. Follow-up with the school principal if necessary.
3. Call the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Center for Education (902-564-8293) and you will be put in touch with
the right person, if you require further assistance.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, September:
Fletcher MacIntyre, grade primary - being a kind and hardworking student
Molly Taylor, grade primary - having a big smile that brightens up the room & those around her
Nate Robinson, grade primary - always trying his best
Leah Lavery, grade primary - always lending a helping hand
Cullen Rideout, grade 1 - doing an awesome job at using his singing voice in Music class
Eleanor Roberston, grade 1 - always listening and producing beautiful work
Dax Evans, grade 1 - always being helpful and kind to his friends
Maddy Popovich, grade 1 - always being helpful and kind to her friends
Jimmy Musgrave, grade 2 - being very helpful to his classmates
Ella Robinson, grade 2 - always being attentive and participating in all class activities
Cameron Young, grade 2 - always participating and being eager to do his classwork
Brooklyn Pentecost, grade 2- being a great helper & always displaying excellent whole body
listening skills
Daniel Daye, grade 3 - always doing his best in Music class
Adalynn Campbell, grade 3 - showing extra effort in UFLI lessons
Adam Rose, grade 3 - doing his very best in every subject
Emily Robertson, grade 3 - always smiling and being kind to others
Daniel Gerroir, grade 4 - working hard everyday
Bailey Ryan, grade 4 - having a positive attitude and always working hard
Nash Sherwood, grade 4 - being helpful and kind to his classmates and his teacher
Carlie Carmichael, grade 4 - being an awesome participant in French class
Jaxton Clarke, grade 4 - focusing on learning & having such a strong start in grade 4
Avery Snow, grade 4 - being courteous, always ready to learn & for his exceptional
listening skills
Xavier Thomas, grade 5 - for always showing a willingness to help others in Music class
Ava MacKinnon, grade 5 - working hard to produce well-written, interesting stories
Keefe Daye, grade 5 - always being helpful and kind in French class
Chloe Murphy, grade 5 - her eagerness to participate and help others in French class
Evan Johnston, grade 5 - volunteering to help set up equipment in Phys Ed class
MI’KMAQ HISTORY MONTH
October is Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia. Its purpose is to promote public awareness of Mi’kmaq culture and heritage to all citizens of Nova Scotia.
OCTOBER 31 ST will be orange, black, green, and purple day. All students are invited to wear any or all of these colours.
Please do not send treats. We will be providing students with a treat!
THANK YOU!
A big Thank You to all of the parents and guardians of Grades Primary to Five students for using the
Parent Pick-up Loop off Blower’s Street. The traffic has greatly reduced on Stanley Street.
Please remember that the Stanley Street entrance is for Pre-Primary and Special Needs students only.
Please do NOT drop your children off in the Staff Parking Lot.
September 2023 NEWSLETTER
Ferrisview Elementary School
Principal: Janet Briggs Vice-Principal: Neeta Kumar-Britten
Tel: (902) 794-7137 Fax : ( 902 )794-6237 Tel: (902) 794 -7137
83 Archibald Ave.
North Sydney, N.S.
B2A 2W9
Welcome to a New School Year
Ferrisview Staff is thrilled to welcome your child back to school! It is especially exciting to see
our Primary students for the first time! And a very big “Welcome” to anyone who is new to
Ferrisview!
It is important that there is good communication between school and home. Please reach out to your
child’s teacher if you have any concerns or questions. If you need to speak to someone in person we
can arrange appointments by calling the school.
Also, please make sure your child is dressed for the weather as we are outside for recess and
lunch time. The only times throughout the school year that students are not outside would be during
heavy rain or extreme cold conditions.
Cafeteria
Chartwell’s NutriSlice App information has been posted on the website. You are able to order lunch
and it will be waiting for your child when they go to the cafeteria. Lunch must be pre ordered online
the night before. You must wait for your confirmation to ensure lunch was ordered correctly. If you
do not have access to the internet you can purchase a meal card through the cafeteria. The number
is 902-794-7037.
The Cafeteria will open on Monday, September 11 th . Please remember to send your child to school
with a lunch this week.
Ferrisview is implementing a new “Pack In, Pack Out” Policy this year. We are encouraging
students to take home all garbage, wrappers, and uneaten food as a way for parents to monitor what
your child is eating at lunch time.
Please note, when a student is absent it is the parent’s responsibility to cancel the lunch
order. It will not automatically be carried over. It can be cancelled on the app by 8:00 am or
you can call Chartwells at 902-794-7037 by 9:00 am.
When entering your child’s information in the app please make sure the child’s name, grade,
and teacher’s name is correct. Otherwise another child in another class may get their lunch.
Bus Scan Cards
If your child did not return their bus scan card in June, please take a look for it and make sure they
bring it to school the first day. We do have extra bus tags at school and it may take a few days for
their bus scan cards to be replaced.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be held on Monday, October 2 nd and schools will
be closed.
Orange Shirt Day will be held on Friday, September 29 th . This is a day for honouring and observing
residential school survivors. The date was chosen as this is the time of year in which children were
taken from their homes to residential schools. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her shiny new shirt
taken away on her first day of residential school. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations,
local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope
for generations of children to come. We will be giving each student an orange t-shirt the morning
of Friday, September 29 th .
Breakfast Program
The breakfast program is held each morning between 8:00 and 8:25am in the school cafeteria. A
huge thank you to our volunteers! If you are able to help out this year please give the school a call.
We can definitely use more help.
Allergy Alerts
We have staff and students with severe peanut, nut and tree nut allergies. It is Extremely Important
that you check your child’s recesses and lunches to ensure that they do not contain peanuts, nuts or
tree nuts. It could be a matter of life or death.
Also the school is a Scent Sensitive School. We have people at the school who are severely
sensitive to scents.
Student Information & Media Release
Student Information Sheets: Students will be provided with student information forms from
PowerSchool, our student information system. We ask that all parents/guardians update any
necessary information, especially phone numbers and emergency contact information. We would like
3 emergency contacts for each student. If no information needs to be changed write at the top of the
form “No Changes”. Please return these updated forms to the school.
Consent for Publication of Student Personal Information and Student Work: Forms will be sent home
for you to give approval for your child’s school work and/or photos to be posted within the school and
on our school website or twitter site. Please return this form as quickly as possible so teachers have
the necessary information.
Electronic Communication
We will be communicating electronically as much as possible this year. We will be updating our
website on a regular basis and will be posting monthly newsletters here on the school website and sending
report cards by email . We will send home a paper copy of your child’s report card in June. Since it is the first newsletter of the year we
sent home a paper copy. For the rest of the year we will only be posting the newsletters
online. If you do not have access to the internet please send a note to your child’s teacher indicating
that you would like a paper copy of the newsletters.
Please note that we do not have a school run Facebook Page. If you need information the best
source is the website or a call to the school.
Picture Day
This year Lifetouch Photography will be taking school photos on Friday, November 3 rd . Please make
sure your child is prepared.
Terry Fox
2023 marks the 43 rd annual Terry Fox Run. Students at Ferrisview will be learning about Terry’s
remarkable determination and his dream of a world without cancer. We will take a walk on the school
grounds to mark National School Run Day on Friday, September 22 nd . The route will be designed by
our Physical Education staff. The Terry Fox Foundation raises funds for cancer research and
fundraising happens at the broader community level and not at school.
Nightly Reading
Please continue to read to your child every night or encourage them to read every night. It really does
make a huge difference!!!
Attendance
Attendance is key to academic achievement. It is very important that your child attends school every
day unless they are sick or have an appointment. You are asked to notify the school before 9:00 am
if your child is going to be absent. If at all possible, please arrange for appointments after 2:00. If not
possible, please have your child attend school prior to the appointment and return to school following
the appointment.
Dates to Remember
Monday, September 11 th : Cafeteria Opens
Friday, September 22 nd : National Terry Fox School Run Day
Friday, September 29 th : Orange Shirt Day. Students will receive an orange shirt that morning.
Monday, October 2 nd : National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (No School)
Friday, October 6 th : Professional Development Day for Teachers (No Students Present)
Monday, October 9 th : Thanksgiving Day (No School)
Friday, October 27 th : NSTU Conference Day (No Students Present)
HAVE A WONDERFUL YEAR!
UFLI
We are excited to be implementing an approach to reading instruction called “UFLI”. This approach provides the scope and sequence required to strengthen decoding and linguistic comprehension to maximize reading comprehension. We are using it in grade primary and one this year and will be rolling it out for whole class instruction in grade two next year. We are also using it in the upper grades for small group instruction to improve decoding skills. Our students will be able to better make meaning of text.
PRIDE AND ACTIVITY DAY
Our Activity day will take place on Friday, June 23rd. Please remember to dress for the weather. Bring a reusable water bottle and wear sunscreen. For Pride Month at Ferrisview, a Pride Parade around the school grounds will be part of our celebrations during Activity Day. Students are encouraged to wear all the colours of the rainbow to honour all the diversity in our school.
LITERACY AND MATH PROGRAMMING
Thanks to our Student Advisory Council (SAC), we are winding down another year of a Ferrisview initiative to support programming for students in Literacy and Math. Our students are getting the help they need to succeed. We have used some funds to support small group writing and math intervention at the grade 2 and 3 level.
FIDDLERS RUN
About 25 students from Ferrisview took part in the annual Doctors Nova Scotia Fiddlers Run held this year June 4th on the grounds of Cape Breton University. Congratulations to all athletes who took part. A special congratulations to
Keefe Daye
who came in third overall out of hundreds of runners from all over the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Center for Education! Thanks to our Phys. Ed. teacher Mr. Troy Rudderham for organizing the participants.
DEBATE CLUB
Our debaters have been working hard with Mrs. Kumar-Britten as they prepare for their demonstration debate at Cape Breton University this month. They are sharpening their research and reasoning skills and they are ready to go!
FIELD TRIPS
This month, many of our students will participate in field trips organized by teachers. Some destinations include Two Rivers Wildlife Park, the Highland Village in Iona, Sunrise Stables, the Miners Museum, and the Lanes at Membertou. Our grade five students are also touring middle schools. Please make sure permission slips are completely filled and returned by the due dates indicated by your child’s teacher.
PRIMARY AND PRE PRIMARY REGISTRATION
Please visit cbvrce.ca and find the student registration tab (on the right) to register your child.
PRIMARY ORIENTATION
Primary orientation was held on May 17th. Thank you to all the new primary parents for attending the meeting. Our primary teachers gained lots of valuable information from their visits to the pre primary classrooms. The children enjoyed getting to meet the primary teachers and visiting the primary classrooms.
FERRISVIEW’S FINEST
Our May honorees:
Brayden Parks, grade primary - always being kind to his friends
Octavia Webber, grade primary - always working hard in class
Jamie Keeling, grade primary - doing his best work in making his stick rhythm composition
Willow Ochuschayoo, grade primary - Always showing kindness to others in Phys Ed
Abby Bond, grade primary - being a friend to everyone and benign helpful to her teacher
Molly Devoe, grade primary - being very well mannered
Caroline Barnes, grade 1 - showing growth in all areas of grade one
Rosalie Gracie, grade 1 - using her skills to sound out words when reading
Sadie MacIntosh, grade 1 - staying engaged in activities of interest
Noah Parks, grade 1 - using his skills to sound out words when reading
Ethan Cann, grade 1 - striving to do his best
Nathan MacIsaac, grade 2- striving to do his best
Skylar LeMoine, grade 2 - working hard on creating strong sentences in writing
Aaron Osagie, grade 2 - actively participating in class activities during Language Arts
Billy Young, grade 2 - smiling and greeting his teachers in the hallway
Nathanael Shibu, grade 3 - always doing his best work during classroom learning
Freyja Targett, grade 3 - being a kind and considerate member of the class
Brookly Cann, grade 3 - wonderful effort in Mathematics
Harrison Youden, grade 3 - massive success in Mathematics
Abigail Knott, grade 3 - wonderful work in writing
Gavin MacDonald, grade 3 - massive success in Mathematics
Déia Pye, grade 3 - always being helpful and kind to her classmates
Hayden Cousins, grade 3 - always putting forth his best effort
Nevaeh-Lee Gillan, grade 3 - working hard and putting forth her best effort
Aria Rose, grade 4 - always getting her work done in French class
Jordan Forrest, grade 4 - always being a good sport in French class while playing Dix-Dix
Leilah Hamonic, grade 4 - always showing kindness to others in Phys Ed
Claire Musgrave, grade 4 - always being kind to others in French class
Ashlyn Rideout, grade 4 - being a great classroom volunteer
Caleb Pottie, grade 5 - putting forth his best effort academically
Miguel Malinao, grade 5 - adjusting well to his new school and routines
Bailee Brown, grade 5 - always volunteering to help out in the classroom
Shamus MacKinnon, grade 5 - always doing his best to listen to instructions in Music class
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, June:
Serenity Chislett, grade primary - always having a positive attitude in Phys Ed
Harlee McGraw, grade primary - being a kind student and a hard worker
Elliot Furlong, grade primary - being kind and sharing with his friends
Zoey Keigan, grade primary - always working hard
Breton Leadbeater, grade primary - awesome effort in Music class
Robert Rose, grade 1 - being a great friend
Khloe MacNeil, grade 1 - using her skills to sound out words when reading
Eli McDonald, grade 1 - using his skills to sound out words when reading
Liam Gale, grade 1 - using his skills to sound out words when reading
Seth Sullivan, grade 1 - striving to do his best
Karli Swan, grade 2 - striving to do her best
Courtland Hart, grade 2- always showing kindness in the music room
Emily Plamondon, grade 2 - practicing to improve her reading skills
Max MacInnis, grade 3 - being a caring friend
Aaryn Parks, grade 3 - being an awesome artist
Chase MacIsaac, grade 3 - working hard and putting forth his best effort
Kobe Reyes, grade 3 - being an awesome artist
Elliot Yates, grade 3 - working hard and putting forth his best effort
Lola Couture-MacDonald, grade 3 - always being kind and helpful
Cariann Jaques, grade 3 - being an awesome artist
Brooklyn Rowe, grade 4 - always being helpful to her teacher and classmates
John Vardy, grade 4 - having great manners and being kind to everyone
Bentley Card, grade 4 - being a superstar math student
Aiden Nearing, grade 4 - always trying his best in French class
Jack Gale, grade 5 - always making his classmates laugh
Kaydon White, grade 5 - becoming a more active and social participant in the class
Micheal Sullivan, grade 5 - always having a positive attitude toward Phys Ed activities
William Swan, grade 5 - always being kind and getting his work done in French class
IMPORTANT DATES:
LAST DAY CAFETERIA SERVICE IS FRIDAY JUNE 23RD, 2023
GRADING AND CLASSIFYING DAY THURSDAY, JUNE 29TH, 2023- NO STUDENTS PRESENT
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FRIDAY, JUNE 30TH, 2023 - STUDENTS PRESENT
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH, 2023 - STUDENTS PRESENT
Wishing you all a safe and happy summer from everyone at Ferrisview!
Please remember to regularly check our
"NEWS and EVENTS" tab!
Family Day
As we celebrate and honour parents and families in school it is important to recognize the diversity of family structures. While some children have a mother and a father, others have two moms or two dads, a single mom or dad, divorced parents, grandparents raising them, foster parents or a whole range of other family dynamics. In recognition of the diversity of families we will be celebrating Family Day on May 26th instead of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Inclusive celebrations can serve as an important learning experience by providing opportunities to discuss and acknowledge the many kinds of families in our communities and the many caring adults in children’s lives. All families are special to the children that belong to them!
If you missed registration dates for Primary or Pre-Primary you don’t have to worry. You can still register your child online at the CBVRCE website. Please remember to upload your child’s birth certificate, health card, and two items proving your place of residence, ie. power bill, water bill, driver’s license, etc. If you do not have this information please still register your child as staffing is based on spring numbers.
Ferrisview Elementary welcomes Spring & Summer and the nice weather that comes along with it! The students are asked to continue keeping their “indoor shoes” inside for the gym and classrooms. This keeps the outside mud and dirt from being tracked into the classrooms. Some days are still a bit chilly so please remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
Attendance is a very important factor in student achievement. Please ensure your child attends every day that they are feeling well. Consistent attendance improves student achievement. The Importance of Attendance:
1 or 2 days a week doesn’t seem like much but…
If your child misses...1 day every 2 weeks
That equals...20 days per year
Which is...4 weeks per year
And over 13 years of schooling that’s ...Nearly 1 ½ years
If your child misses...1 day per week
That equals...40 days per year
Which is...8 weeks per year
And over 13 years of schooling that’s ...Over 2 ½ years of school
If your child misses...2 days per week
That equals...80 days per year
Which is...16 weeks per year
And over 13 years of schooling that’s ...Over 5 years
If your child misses...8 days per two (2) weeks
That equals...120 days per year
Which is...24 weeks per year
And over 13 years of schooling that’s ...Nearly 8 years
How about 10 minutes late a day? Surely that won’t affect my child?
They are only missing just...10 mins per day
That equals...50 mins per week
Which is...Nearly 1 ½ weeks per year
And over 13 years of schooling that’s ...Nearly ½ year
How about 20 minutes late a day? Surely that won’t affect my child?
They are only missing just... 1 hr. 40 mins per week
That equals... Over 2 ½ weeks per year
And over 13 years of schooling that’s ... Nearly 1 year
How about 30 minutes late a day? Surely that won’t affect my child?
They are only missing just... Half a day per week
That equals... 4 weeks per year
And over 13 years of schooling that’s ... Nearly 1 1/2 year
How about 1 hour late a day? Surely that won’t affect my child?
They are only missing just... 1 day per week
That equals... 8 weeks per year
And over 13 years of schooling that’s ... Over 2 ½ years
EVERY DAY COUNTS
PARENT PICK-UP LOOP
Parents are reminded to please use the Parent Loop off of Blower’s Street to drop off and pick up your child.
Staff are on-site every morning starting at 8:00 to greet your child on the sidewalk and they are there after school as well.
The upper parking lot is for staff use only. Parents are asked to please not use the staff parking lot to drop off students. This is dangerous and the Parent Loop has been put in place for efficiency and safety.
Reminder – Supervision on school property starts at 8:00 am.
The provincial grade three literacy and math assessments will be written May 15-18. More information will be sent home the week prior to the assessments.
Head Lice
We have had several cases of head lice at the school. Please check your child's head on a regular basis. If you need head lice kits the school has a limited supply so reach out and we can provide one. Check the Ferrisview website Student and Families Tab (select Health Information) for guidelines regarding head lice.
We will find homes for your instruments if you have some to donate!
Debaters at Ferrisview - Winning with words! Mrs. Kumar-Britten is looking for Grade 4 and 5 Debaters. Debaters should be able and willing to attend debating instruction and practice Tuesdays from 2-3pm starting May 9. They promise to be attentive and coachable during sessions. Debaters must be picked up at 3:15 PM sharp. Six debaters will be selected to teach teachers how to debate with a demonstration at CBU in late June. Please email nkumar@gnspes.ca if your child is interested and to discuss details.
In the final months of school it is still important to follow rules and be polite. Remembering to say please and thank you is a sign of good manners. Always remember to be kind and respectful to each other.
PHOTO GALLERY 2023
100th Day Celebrations
St. Patricks Day
SLEEP HYGIENE EVENT
FRED FOX AT FERRISVIEW
FERRISVIEW BASKETBALL
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, April:
Greyson Faulkner, grade primary - working so hard and being a great little communicator
Sawyer Taylor, grade primary - being an all around great student
Chanel Card, grade primary - being such a hard worker
Savannah Slade, grade primary - tapping out her words
Cullen Rideout, grade primary - continuing to use his manners
Declan Newlove, grade 1 - trying hard to complete his work
Ben Ntaisi, grade 1 - practicing to improve his reading skills
Marcus Gullage, grade 2 - always completing his classwork
Bradley Serroul, grade 2 - striving to do his best
Alexis Herridge, grade 2 - always using her singing voice during Music
Harper Gracie, grade 2 - putting forth extra effort when writing in class
Daniel Gerrior, grade 3 - always following fair play rules in Phys Ed
Sarah Rose, grade 3 - continued hard work and dedication to her learning
Jaxton Clarke, grade 3 - always doing his best during Music
Avery Snow, grade 3 - doing so well in Mathematics
Lucas Carter, grade 3 - doing so well in Mathematics
Carlie Carmichael, grade 3 - being a divinely helpful helper
Jaxsyn Maysfield, grade 3 - doing so well in Mathematics
Claire Boutilier, grade 3 - always eager to participate and help others in French class
Jaxx Rose, grade 3 - being kind and helpful to his classmates
Jesse Tobin, grade 3 - being a great technology assistant
Charlee O’Connell, grade 3 - always giving her best effort
Kelsey Evans, grade 4 - always being helpful to her classmates in French class
Vaida Holic, grade 4 - taking her time and completing meticulous work
Connor MacDonald, grade 4 - being a kind and hard working member of our class
Alex Smith, grade 4 - making a smooth transition to Ferrisview
Lucas Cartwright, grade 4 - working hard on assignments
Vivienne Lemoine, grade 4 - being a kind and compassionate student
Evan Johnston, grade 4 - always being an awesome participant in French class
Jordie Vickers, grade 4 - being a determined and persistent reader
Lexie Devoe, grade 5 - always putting forth her best effort in all subjects
Noah MacEachern, grade 5 - working hard in Math class when learning about fractions
Nevaeh Gale, grade 5 - always participating in Prof du Jour
Matthew Debison, grade 5 - having the courage to take responsibility for his actions
Owen Serroul, grade 5 - always trying his best and working hard in French class
Ashley Wiseman, grade 5 - always being willing to help others in Music class
END
Happy Easter Everyone!!
Everyone is excited for the arrival of Easter Weekend. There is no school for
students on Friday, April 7 th as it is Good Friday. Also, there is no school for
students on Monday, April 10 th as it is Easter Monday.
Attendance is key to success. Attendance details were shared in the report card for term 2. Please ensure your child attends school every day unless, of course, they are sick.
Primary and Pre-Primary Registration – If you know of someone with a child
starting primary or pre-primary next year who has not registered, please ask them
to contact the school as soon as possible.Staffing is based on spring numbers so it is very important that we know how many children are coming.
Please check your child’s hair on a regular basis. There have been several cases
of lice at our school. More information is posted on our website.
April is Autism Acceptance Month, this is a time to listen to the voices of our students and community members living with autism! We should take this time to rethink biases, and learn how to be better allies! World Autism day was April 2nd! Everyday within the CBVRCE, we are working together to create connections with our students and families empowering everyone in the Autism community to live as fully and independently as possible. On Monday, April 3rd, all schools and offices within CBVRCE raised a flag in support of our students, families, and communities.
Over the winter months we anticipated the arrival of February as "African Heritage Month" - "Seas of Struggle: African Peoples from Shore to Shore". At Ferrisview we like to remember that the heritage of African Nova Scotians and respect for diversity and culture are at the forefront of our interactions with each other at all times, regardless of the month. We respect each other as fellow humans all year round.
We would like to extend sincere thanks for volunteering for our St. Patrick's Day Colours of the Rainbow fruit treats to parents Laura MacIsaac, Nathan Wolstenholme, Laura Hall, Craig MacNeil, Sonam Bhattacharya Ghosh, Angela MacMillan, Sharon Hickey, Julie Keeping, Anita MacNeil, Hannah White, Samantha Baldwin, Sherry Power-Jessome, and especially Taylor Lettice who did a lot of creative thinking and ground work. The students enjoyed the snacks very much!
Eddie's Litterless Quest, a program delivered by the Clean Foundation of Nova Scotia, came to Ferrisview. Our students learned the importance of keeping their neighbourhoods clean from litter, and how actions in their daily lives can help protect the environment. Thanks to pre-service teacher Samantha Baldwin for suggesting that we bring this program to our school.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, March:
Bryson Sibley, grade primary - always getting his work done
Felix Ross, grade primary - for becoming an awesome little reader
Dax Evans, grade primary - showing improvement in all aspects of his school work
Rory MacNeil, grade primary - showing so much growth this year
Henry Young, grade primary - continuing to work so hard in all areas
Jaelyn Brayon, grade 1 - always thinking and responding
Ella Boutilier, grade 1 - always working hard and being very determined
Ava Kavanaugh, grade 1 - always doing her best work
Zachary Herridge, grade 2 - always completing his classwork
Eleanor Green, grade 2 - participating in classroom activities
Emily Donovan, grade 2 - always being kind to others
Bailee Clements, grade 2 - always helping her classmates in music
Calee Crowther, grade 3 - always putting forth her best effort & having fun
Max MacMillan, grade 3 - working hard and being a great friend
Evelyn Anderson, grade 3 - always being a positive ray of sunshine
Dante Anderson, grade 3 - being a caring friend
Owen Hooper, grade 3 - using his smarts to earn an awesome report card
Reid MacDermid, grade 3 - being kind and helpful to others
Gabe Steele, grade 3 - working hard & putting forth his best effort
Bryana Billard, grade 3 - being such a hard worker
Bentley Nippard, grade 4 - always working hard in french class
Payton Steele, grade 4 - always being an awesome participant in french class
Spencer Long, grade 4 - always working hard and figuring out tough problems
Leland Clarke, grade 4 - having great manners
Jase Jessome, grade 4 - working hard in math
Jack Jardine-Dowling, grade 4 - his love and enthusiasm for math
Logan Morrison, grade 4 - always trying his best in french class
Todd Donovan, grade 5 - always doing his best work in class
Natalie Ryan, grade 5 - always putting forth her best effort to produce quality work
Bethany Forrest, grade 5 - always being kind and helpful in french class
Jordan Carey, grade 5 - always listening closely to instructions & giving her best effort
Daniel Williams, grade 5 - always eager to participate in french class
Jackson Rose, grade 5 - always being considerate and accepting of others
End April News
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF OUR BELL SCHEDULE - THERE IS NO SUPERVISION BEFORE 8 AM AND THERE IS NO SUPERVISION AFTER 2 PM
8:00 AM Breakfast program begins. Please direct students to classroom lineups at 8:25 AM.
8:00 AM Playground Supervision begins. Please arrive at 8AM or after.
8:30 AM Morning classes begin. Please arrive on time so that you can have a strong start to the day.
10:00 AM First Recess - Grade Three/Four, Grade Four, and Grade Five
10:15 AM Second Recess - Grade Primary, Grade One, Grade Two, Grade Two/Three
11:15 AM First Lunch - Grade Three/Four, Grade Four and Grade Five
12:00 PM Second Lunch - Grade Primary, Grade One, Grade Two, Grade Three
2:00 PM Dismissal (all grades, including Pre-Primary classes)
*** Head lice have entered our school. Please click on the "Health Information" tab for treatment and prevention information.
If you missed registration dates for Primary or Pre-Primary you don’t have to worry. You can still register your
child. Registration forms are online and can be found on the CBVRCE website https://cbvrce.ca/home/ . Please
remember to upload your child’s birth certificate, health card, and two items proving your place of residence, i.e.
power bill, water bill, driver’s license, etc. After you complete the form, you will receive an email confirming your
child's registration. If you do not get that email, please contact the school. Some families are having trouble with
the on-line form. If you do, you can contact the school and get a paper form. If you don’t have your child’s birth
certificate yet, you can still register them. Just drop off a copy of the birth certificate when it arrives. We will
need it before the first day of school in September. Please register your child as soon as possible.
There is no school for students on Friday, March 3rd as it is 'Grading and Classifying Day' for teachers.
March Break is just around the corner! The last teaching day before March Break is Friday, March 10th .
Students return to school on Monday, March 20th .
Please use the parent loop on the lower part of the school grounds when dropping off your children. Staff use the upper parking lot.
A grade 5 party is in the planning stages. The event is organized and hosted by parents. They are doing a block fundraiser, too. This work is all done by parents and is not a Ferrisview event. Ferrisview will hold our own celebration in June for all the grade five students as usual.
World Down Syndrome Day is Tuesday, March 21st . It’s the day we “Rock our Socks”!
Everyone is asked to wear odd socks that day.
Ferrisview will participate in “Superhero Day” on Friday, March 24th to celebrate the life and legacy of Caleb
MacArthur (Caleb’s Courage). Superhero Day is a heart-warming, uplifting, and empowering day that unites Cape
Bretoners of all ages in spirit, encouraging them to embrace their own “inner superhero”. So, on March 24th,
students are asked to wear their favorite superhero clothing, colours, or accessory to celebrate the day.
Report Cards go home on Monday, March 27th . Parent / Teacher Interviews will be on Friday, March 31st .
There will be no school for students that day. More information about Thursday evening Parent / Teacher Interviews will be
available later in the month. Watch this space.
Parent Teacher Meetings in the gymnasium:
Thursday, March 30th 4:30 - 6:30
Friday, March 31st 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The morning bell rings every morning at 8:30. Ideally, we ask that you drop your child off between 8:15 and 8:30. Please have your children here by 8:30 as they are missing important instructional time if they arrive after the bell. We all feel uncomfortable and a bit stressed when we walk into a place late and we are not quite sure what is happening.
We are in need of Casual Lunch Bus Grounds Supervisors. If you have extra time and would like a 3 hour/day
job, please call the school for an application for Casual Employment with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional
Centre for Education. You will need a Child Abuse Registry Check as well as a Criminal Records Check
submitted with the application.
We have some fun-filled days scheduled for the week before March Break:
Tuesday, March 7th - School Spirit Day (Wear your Ferrisview T-shirt or a red t-shirt)
Wednesday, March 8th - Sport Day/Team Day (Wear something to represent your favorite sport / team)
Thursday, March 9th - Crazy Hair Day/Crazy Hat Day
Friday, March 10th - Pajama Day!
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, February:
Remi Matthews, grade primary - always striving to do her best in class
Paisley Roussy, grade primary - always getting her work done
Gabryella MacNeil, grade primary - showing so much growth this year
Jase Hollingsworth-MacDonald, grade 1 - being a good friend to everyone
Lawson Garland, grade 1 - showing improvement in his writing
George Barbakadze, grade 1 - showing a positive attitude towards learning
Bria Latwaitis, grade 1 - always helping others in Phys Ed
Adalynn Campbell, grade 2 - always striving to do her best
Connor Keeping, grade 2 - always doing his best in class
Jacob Sullivan, grade 1 - doing an awesome job when playing music games
Kyla Leblanc, grade 2 - working hard and being a great friend
Connor Clements-Sibley, grade 2 - getting ready each day, being responsible and using his calming strategies
Oz Couture-MacDonald, grade 2 - always using his manners
Jacob Quirk, grade 3 - continued hard work and determination
Remi George, grade 2 - showing kindness and respect to others
Max Poirier, grade 2 - always helping his classmates in Music class
Macie Russell, grade 3 - working extra hard in Mathematics
Tatum Sherwood, grade 3 - making an extra effort at writing
Addy Deane, grade 3 - always putting forth her best effort to produce quality work
Parker Tobin, grade 4 - always smiling and being kind to everyone
Soleil Paul, grade 4 - always being helpful and working hard in French class
Damon Keagan, grade 4 - always trying his best at whatever he does
Keefe Daye, grade 4 - being an excellent student and valuable member of the class
Sophia Kennedy, grade 4 - always willing to help others in Phys Ed
Molly Whalen, grade 4 - being a fantastic class volunteer
Dawson Ayres, grade 4 - always being kind and working hard in French class
Xavier Thomas, grade 4 - working hard and being persistent in writing
Justin MacDonald-Hollingsworth, grade 4 - working hard in reading
Allie Predo, grade 5 - always being a good friend and supporting her peers
Alexandria Russell, grade 5 - always putting forth her best effort to produce quality work
Dallas Finney, grade 5 - always being a loyal friend and having a great sense of humor
MC MacMillan, grade 5 - his eagerness to participate and help others in french class
Maliyah MacPheson, grade 5 - always being positive and kind others
We need parent volunteers to help chop healthy fruit treats for St. Patrick's Day - Date TBA - Looking at March 8th or 9th - Call the office and speak to Ms. Edie if you are available to help!
No school for students on Friday, March 3rd
No school for students on Friday, March 31st
March Break begins Monday, March 13th
Spring season officially begins on Monday, March 20th!
FRIGID FEBRUARY FRIDGE NOTES
AKA THIS MONTH'S NEWSLETTER!
February is African Heritage Month! Students at Ferrisview will be enjoying our African Dance Workshops on February 1st during their Physical Education class. Thanks to our Student Advisory Council for supporting this programming that honours our African Heritage.
On Friday, February 3rd we will celebrate Pink T-shirt Day. Students are encouraged to wear something pink or red that day.
Gaelic Camps! We are returning to supporting in-person March Break Sessions at Colaisde na Gàidhlig (The Gaelic College). There are two sessions this year; check out this short video clip which gives a small taste of what the sessions look like. Financial support for students is available for students; application form for financial assistance is available here!
School Skating is continuing in February with the final date, Friday, February 10th.
Students in Grades 3/4TC to 5 will skate from 9:00-10:00.
Students in Grades Primary to 3PJ will skate from 10:30-11:30.
We would like to extend a huge "Thank You" to Alex Russell for graciously assisting with ice costs for our skating sessions this year.
Northside Rising has been providing programs that contribute to having a more just, hopeful and healthy community and we are excited to share our new program -- Open Space Mobile Art Center!
Open Space Mobile Art Center is offering free, weekly drop-in arts programming to Florence, Sydney Mines, and North Sydney until June 2023 to help address the social isolation in the Northside that increased during the pandemic by providing a welcoming place to gather, make art, share a meal and stories.
Specifically, participants will have access to:
- Art materials
- Musical instruments
- Hot Meals
- PLUS: creative arts therapists and facilitators to provide light guidance and support when needed
This February, you can find the Open Space Mobile Art Center at the following locations near you:
Mondays, 4-6pm at the Florence Legion (starts Feb 6)
Wednesdays 4-6pm at the North Sydney Food Bank (starts Feb 1)
Fridays, 4-6pm at the Sydney Mines Heritage Museum (starts Feb 10)
Everyone is welcome. No experience necessary.
Got questions, please reach out at openspace@northsiderising.ca
Open Space Mobile Arts Centre is supported by the Government of Canada's Healthy Communities Initiative
Northside Rising is an initiative by Inspiring Communities
Monday, February 20th is Heritage Day. The 2023 Honoree is Rita Joe.
Please read about her here:
https://nac-cna.ca/en/bio/rita-joe
This is a day for family and for celebrating our unique Nova Scotian heritage.
THERE ARE NO CLASSES AT SCHOOL ON FEBRUARY 20TH.
Reminder that the morning bell rings at 8:30 am. Children are expected to arrive between 8:15-8:30.
Valentine's Day is February 14th.
If this is a new tradition for your family, please get in touch with your child's teacher.
Due to Privacy Issues, we are not permitted to send home lists of names for Valentine’s Cards.
Instead, we are sending the number of students in each class:
Grade P-AM 22 Grade P/1-JK 23 Grade 1-DC 22 Grade 1/2-RA 22
Grade 2-CW 21 Grade 2/3-LP 22 Grade 3-PJ 27 Grade 3/4-TC 27
Grade 4-RL 25 Grade 4-NK 25 Grade 5-MB 25 Grade 5-VP 24
Valentine's Day Treats - We Got This!
Valentine’s Day treats will be supplied by the school, therefore there is no need for families to send treats to school. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate Friendship! It’s a day to be extra kind to each other. Students are encouraged to wear something red or pink that day.
Please ensure your child comes to school dressed for the weather. Also, remember to put your child’s name on clothing, footwear, hats, etc. to ensure its return.
Clothing that is not identified will be donated.
Registration for Primary and PrePrimary for Ferrisview has begun online. Children registering for Pre-Primary must be 4 years old by December 31st, 2023. Children registering for Primary must be 5 years old by December 31st, 2023. To register your child you must upload a birth certificate, health card, any legal documents related to custody arrangements if applicable, and two items as proof of residency. You can find the online registration forms on the CBVRCE website. Students who are currently in Pre-Primary at Ferrisview will be automatically enrolled in Primary in September.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, January:
Ellie Robertson, grade primary - being an-all around awesome student
Jaxon LeBlanc, grade primary - being a great little reader
Tycen Barry, grade primary - always uses his manners
Toushini Ghosh, grade primary - having a great work ethic
Elijah Lemoine, grade 1 - wrote a beautiful note to someone who was feeling down
Ella Robinson, grade 1 - always doing her best in class & showing kindness to others
Johnny Burton, grade 1 - doing an awesome job at playing the xylophones
Carol Young, grade 2 - helping her classmates in music
Bria Nippard, grade 2 - always being kind to classmates
Brayden Giorno, grade 2 - always trying to do his best
Brandon Long, grade 2 - always being helpful to his teacher and classmates
Jack Cogan, grade 2 - focusing on his math work
Eden Skinner, grade 2 - always being a kind and considerate member of the class
Morgan Edwards, grade 3 - his kindness and eagerness to help others
Owen Gale, grade 3 - always being positive and upbeat
Dominic Capstick, grade 3 - always being respectful to others
Kiera Francis, grade 3 - working hard in math and reading
Nash Sherwood, grade 3 - having a positive attitude and fabulous work ethic
Jace Finney, grade 3 - using technology to create amazing writing
Serenity Rishaur, grade 3 - always trying her very best
Cadence Pitts, grade 3 - showing genuine empathy with others
Malcolm Winter, grade 3 - always trying to do his best
Olivia Kavanaugh, grade 4 - working hard and being a super kind classmate
Janelle Billard, grade 4 - always smiling and being helpful
Bradley Hastie, grade 4 - volunteering to keep our class running smoothly
Gavin Robinson, grade 4 - being a fantastic tech helper and classroom volunteer
Vada Scott, grade 4 - super volunteer for class responsibilities
Milania Tremblett, grade 4 - always smiling and working hard in french class
Otis Couture-MacDonald, grade 5 - always being helpful and kind in french class
Pria Marks, grade 5 - always trying her best and asking for help when needed
Hozeen Waite, grade 5 - always putting forth his best effort to produce quality work
Ava Baker, grade 5 - always being a good friend and supporting her peers
Max Goora, grade 5 - being an eager participant in French class
Maria Rose, grade 5 - always being considerate and welcoming
Ezri Simms, grade 5 - always working hard on class assignments
Clara Henderson, grade 5 - showing kindness & consideration to her classmates in music class
END
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JANUARY NEWSLETTER
For online Cafeteria ordering please see information posted on our Ferrisview Website. After ordering your child’s lunch, you must wait for your confirmation which ensures your order is complete and your child will receive their lunch.
Our Lunch-Bus-Grounds staff along with the classroom teacher ensures that your child gets on the bus each day. Please make sure your child is aware of how he/she is getting home before they leave in the morning. If, for some reason, there is a change in your child’s dismissal pattern for a doctor’s appointment or something of that sort, you must send a note to the teacher in the morning. That way, the teacher will ensure that your child is waiting for you at the office. If something comes up after school has started you can call Edie, our secretary, at 902-794-7137.
Primary and Pre-Primary Registration will be occurring in the near future. We will be sending home information when we are clear on dates.
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school between 8:15 and 8:30. The bell rings at 8:30 and children need time to remove their outerwear before classes begin. Thank you!
Reminder we are still collecting pop-tabs. Please remember to keep collecting them over the holidays. Thank you!
Please note our Newsletters are posted on our school website every month. Please check it out for all future newsletters at https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/. Also check us out on Twitter @FerrisviewP5 for school closure information, notable events, reminders, and pictures of school activities.
School Skating:
We will have school skating in the New Year! Please note that all students require CSA approved helmets. Bike helmets and skateboard helmets do not meet safety standards for skating. We will have a very limited number of helmets available. We ask that you let your child’s homeroom teacher know in advance if one is required.
Any child that is not skating will be expected to use the walking track as this is part of their Physical Education outcomes. There will be no charge to students for the skating sessions.
Due to the size of the school, we will have two sessions per day.
January 13th:
9:00-10:00: Grades 3/4TC to 5s
10:30-11:30: Grades P-3PJ
January 27th:
9:00-10:00: Grades 3/4TC to 5s
10:30-11:30: Grades P-3PJ
February 10th:
9:00-10:00: Grades 3/4TC to 5s
10:30-11:30: Grades P-3PJ
REMINDERS
Ferrisview water bottles will be provided to all students. Please ensure that your child brings a full water bottle to school every day. A water bottle is required to use the water fountain and
we will no longer be providing styrofoam cups.
Label all clothing to ensure its safe return. If your child’s name is not on it, the likelihood of its safe return is limited.
Please make sure your child comes to school with a hat and mittens or gloves.
Children are not permitted to bring toys from home. This causes unnecessary upsets if a toy goes missing or is broken and sometimes leads to conflict among children.
Please check the homepage of this Ferrisview website for updated information for Guidelines for bus, school cancellations due to inclement weather. School closures due to inclement weather will also be tweeted @FerrisviewP5
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, December:
Willa Rideout, grade primary - works independently to produce quality work
Sheamus MacIntyre, grade primary - being a great listener & always trying his best
Halle MacDonald, grade primary - tremendous work ethic
Jordan Cousins, grade 1 - showing improvement in all aspects of his school work
Daymus Day, grade 1 - sounding out letters to build words
Olivia Bolton, grade 1 - sounding out letters to build words
Brooklyn Pentecost, grade 1 - always doing her best in Phys Ed
Daniel Daye, grade 2 - always striving to produce top quality work
Sophie Gullage, grade 2 - always being a kind & considerate member of the class
Mya MacDonald, grade 2 - working hard in Math & helping others in class
Adam Rose, grade 2 - active participation in class activities
Emily Roberston, grade 2 - genuine kindness towards others
Kai Ong, grade 3 - positive attitude towards learning
Marissa Matthews, grade 3 - always trying her best in class
Tryp Miller, grade 3 - always being polite & kind to others
Brighton Hickey, grade 3 - tremendous work ethic & class participation
Mitchel Slade, grade 3 - always being respectful to others
Melanie Dupont, grade 4 - showing improvement in her classwork
Emma Penny, grade 4 - always showing empathy to others
Caleb MacEachern, grade 4 - showing fantastic citizenship by being helpful & kind
Aiden Forbes-Livingstone, grade 4 - being helpful in the morning & social with staff
Gordon Rishaur, grade 4 - showing increased independence & making new friendships
Olivia Dahl, grade 4 - volunteering to take a solo part in the Christmas concert
Chloe Murphy, grade 4 - always showing kindness towards others in Music class
Ryan Pentecost, grade 4 - being a team player, on & off the field
Lily Hurd, grade 5 - always participating in the Prof Du Jour questions in French class
Sawyer MacLennan-Matthews, grade 5 - always striving to produce top quality work
Madeline Newhook, grade 5 - always doing her best in Phys Ed
Owen Leyte, grade 5 - always helping others in French class
Bella Keigan, grade 5 - being a diligent student
We wish all of our Ferrisview families a safe, healthy and Happy 2023!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
Please note our Newsletters are posted here on our school website every month. Please check the "STUDENTS AND FAMILIES" tab for all future (and some past) newsletters at https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/. Follow us on Twitter @FerrisviewP5 for pictures of school activities.
For information about cancellations due to Inclement Weather, please visit https://cbvrce.ca/home/inclement-weather
November attendance at Ferrisview was 84.7%. The absence rate was 15.3%.
Report Cards were emailed home on Monday, November 28th. Parent / Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday, December 1st from 4:30-6:30 pm, and on Friday, December 2nd from 9:00-11:00 am in the Gym.
Breakfast with Santa Saturday December 10th!
This year’s Holiday Concert will be in person. To accommodate all grades we will have to have two concerts. Due to Fire Regulations and Occupancy Loads we have very little room.
Each family will receive 3 tickets to the evening concert and 2 tickets to the afternoon rehearsal. If you do not need all of your tickets please return them to the school with a note saying they are “extra”.
Admission to the concerts is free. Donations of food or cash (a silver collection) will be accepted for the North Sydney Food Bank.
Here are the times of the concerts:
Wednesday, December 14th - Grades 3PJ, 3/4TC, 4NK, 4RL, 5MB, and 5VP
Afternoon Concert - 12:45PM - Doors Open 12:35PM
*FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE CHILDREN, PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLIER THAN 12:35PM. OUR STUDENTS ARE ON THE GROUNDS AND RE-ENTERING THE BUILDING AT 12:30.*
Evening Concert - 6:30PM - Doors Open at 6:00.
Thursday, December 15th - Grades Primary AM, Primary/1JK, 1DC, 1/2RA, 2CW, and 2/3LP
Afternoon Concert - 12:45PM - Doors Open 12:35PM
*FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE CHILDREN, PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE EARLIER THAN 12:35PM. OUR STUDENTS ARE ON THE GROUNDS AND RE-ENTERING THE BUILDING AT 12:30.*
Evening Concert - 6:30PM - Doors Open at 6:00.
The last teaching day before Christmas is Tuesday, December 20th. This will be a full teaching day. The first day back to school after Christmas is Tuesday, January 3rd, 2022. It will be Day 1.
Our cafeteria will remain open until Friday, December 16th and will reopen when classes commence on Tuesday, January 3rd.
Our students have some fun-filled days coming up this week before the Christmas Break:
Friday, December 16th – Pajama Day
Monday, December 19th – Crazy Hair or Crazy Hat Day
Tuesday, December 20th – Red and Green Day (Wear something festive!)
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school between 8:15 and 8:30. The bell rings at 8:30 and children need time to remove their outerwear before classes begin. Thank you!
We are still collecting pop-tabs. Please remember to keep collecting them over the holidays. Thank you!
If you are thinking about an expression of appreciation to staff at Christmas, in lieu of a store bought gift, a kind email, a card made by a student, or piece of student designed art are things everyone at Ferrisview really appreciates. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners, November:
Estelle Deane, grade primary - always being neat and trying her best
Jesse MacLennan, grade primary - always being well behaved and kind to his friends
Natalie Morrison, grade primary - always using her singing voice in Music class
Lincoln Patterson, grade primary - always giving a smile to a friend when it's needed
Priscilla Gillis, grade 1 - always helping a friend in need
Wyatt Romard, grade 1 - having very good manners
Kylie Johnston, grade 1 - concentrating on her classwork
Bryony MacDonald, grade 2 - always completing her classwork
Alex MacIntyre, grade 2 - being very well mannered
Hannah Marinelli, grade 2 - always doing her best in Phys Ed class
Jason Keeping, grade 2 - showing improvement in his writing
Bridget Carmichael, grade 2 - tremendous work ethic and class participation
Zoey Bond, grade 3 - genuine kindness towards others
Bailey Ryan, grade 3 - always putting forth her best effort in class
Kendra Francis, grade 3 - always helping others
Macie Russell, grade 3 - always being thoughtful and kind to her friends
Eli Cameron, grade 3 - always lending a helping hand
Daniel Musgrave, grade 3 - being the best technology assistant to Ms. Clark
Gracie Burton, grade 4 - her enthusiasm for learning a new language
Eliana Wolstenholme, grade 4 - always doing her best when learning to sing new songs in Music class
Elizabeth Morgan, grade 4 - always being a kind & considerate member of the class
Ava MacKinnon, grade 4 - always helping others in French class
Sierra Carrigan, grade 5 - always doing her best in French class
Charlee Crowdis, grade 5 - always working hard on her class assignments
Kylie Keeping, grade 5 - being a fantastic helper
Ava Wall, grade 5 - always being a diligent student
Olivia Young, grade 5 - always doing her best in Phys Ed class
Nini Barbakadze, grade 5 - always showing kindness and care toward others in Music class
We appreciate you all! Have a Wonderful New Year!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 2022 Newsletter
Ferrisview’s Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place on Thursday, November 10th in the gym with the help of our music teacher, Mr. MacLeod. We are pleased to welcome members of the Armstrong Memorial Branch 19 Royal Canadian Legion North Sydney to our event once again this year.
If your child missed Picture Day, don’t worry! Retake Day Is Monday, November 21st.
Report Cards will be going home electronically on Monday, November 28th. Please make sure that your email address has been updated at the school. The system often has trouble with “hotmail” so if you have an email that is not a hotmail account, that would be a better one to use. You can call 902-794 -7137 between 8AM and 2PM Monday to Friday to provide that contact information. The school will send a text when report cards have been emailed.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held in the gym at the school on Thursday, December 1st from 4:30 PM-6:30 PM and Friday, December 2nd from 9:00 AM -11:00 AM.
As the cold weather approaches, students will be wearing more clothing to school. Please make sure to put your child’s name on all their clothing as the volume of lost and found items keeps growing. Each term any unclaimed items will be donated.
Please remember any lunches or snacks that your child brings to school must not contain nuts. We have students who have severe and extremely serious nut allergies.
School Skating:
We will have school skating in the New Year! Please note that all students require CSA approved helmets. Bike helmets and skateboard helmets do not meet safety standards for skating. We will have a limited number of helmets available. We ask that you let your child’s homeroom teacher know in advance if one is required. CSA approved helmets and skates would make wonderful holiday presents! Due to the size of the school, we will have two sessions per day. Tentative dates are January 13th, 27th, and February 10th. More information will follow in January.
Attendance
One of our “School Success” planning goals is to improve attendance. Attendance is a significant factor in school achievement and in your child’s success. Our overall attendance for September was 88% and for October it was 86.8%. That means that on any given day we have thirty plus students absent!
When your child is absent they are missing important literacy and numeracy skills and other learning opportunities. Much of classroom learning is hands-on and interactive with very few worksheets. Sometimes when a child returns to school after being absent for a few days they are anxious because they do feel a little lost. We try to meet each child where they are when they return to school but it is very important for the whole class that we move on to meet the curriculum outcomes. We understand that children cannot attend when they are sick. We appreciate your efforts in having your children here every day at 8:30 am.
I would also like to remind you to please call the school at 902-794-7137 if your child is going to be absent. Only about 50% of the children absent are actually called off.
Breakfast Volunteers:
We are in desperate need of breakfast volunteers. We are short one of our three regular volunteers for the next two weeks. We do not have anyone right now as a replacement if one of our wonderful volunteers is sick. If you can help out at all please do so. Preparation starts at 7:30 AM and the kids can attend breakfast from 8:00 AM to 8:25 AM. If you have students that attend Ferrisview, you are most-welcome to take them to the breakfast program with you. Extra supervision is provided from 8:15 AM to 8:30 AM by Ferrisview staff.
Holiday Concert:
We are planning on hosting a Holiday concert this December. The plan is to have grades 3PJ to 5 on Wednesday, December 14th and grades Primary to 2/3LP on Thursday, December 15th. Due to occupancy regulations the number of tickets per family will be limited. More information to follow in the December Newsletter.
Thank you to Volunteers:
A big shout out to Taylor Lettice, Audrey MacDougall and Ruth Hiscock for volunteering with the Breakfast Program every day. Also, to Kailin Keigan and Christine Dahl for helping out when they can.
A heartfelt Ferrisview Falcons “thank you” out to Holly MacMillan and Evan Jardine for coaching our soccer teams.
Thank you to Laura MacIsaac, Taylor Lettice, and Kayla and Nate Wolstenholme for helping to prepare and distribute treats for Orange, Black, Green and Purple Day.
Without volunteers none of these things would be possible.
Ferrisview Thanks You
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Awards:
We have established a practice whereby, on a monthly basis, we will recognize students for working hard, doing their best and always being kind. These are our morning messages every single day. We had our first “Ferrisview’s Finest” Assembly on Monday. Most children displayed excellent behaviour. Students enthusiastically applauded all of our award winners. They gave heartfelt and sincere birthday cheers right from the heart for all of our students with October birthdays. They were very respectful and listened nicely while the awards were being presented. We are so proud of the this month’s “Ferrisveiw Finest” and of all our students.
“Ferrisview’s Finest” Award Winners October:
Rory Harrietha, grade primary - always doing her best
Madilynn Popovich, grade primary - always being helpful to her friends
Graeme Thistle, grade primary - always doing his best in phys ed class
Jordan MacEachern-Rose, grade 1 - always lending a helping hand
Jimmy Musgrave, grade 1 - having a kind heart
Madelyn Wolstenholme, grade 1 - always being nice to others
Colby Serroul, grade 1 - always being friendly & kind to others
Kylie Card, grade 2 - always doing her best work
Harrison Waite, grade 2 - always being kind to his classmates
Hunter Gwinn, grade 2 - always thinking & responding
Leah Penny, grade 2 - always looking out for others
Marlo Holic, grade 2 - always helping others in music class
Lydia Deane, grade 2 - always trying her best
Sarah Rose, grade 3 - always being kind to others
Maria Russell, grade 3 - always being an excellent listener
Owen Hooper, grade 3 - always being helpful to his teacher
Gabby Malinao, grade 3 - always working hard
Avery Francis, grade 3 - always helping his classmates in music class
Peter Andrea, grade 3 - resilience after having surgery
Avery Bonar, grade 3 - always doing her best in phys ed class
Maddie Poirier, grade 4 - always being helpful
Ryker Rideout, grade 4 - consistently demonstrating his learning
Zoey Targett, grade 4 - helping others & always being kind
Lyla MacIntyre, grade 4 - always working hard
Luke Piercey, grade 5 - always putting forth his best effort to produce quality work
Parker MacDonald, grade 5 - striving to be his best self everyday
Brianna Walker, grade 5 - always working hard
Ryan Hatcher, grade 5 -always having an awesome attitude
Blake Carmichael, grade 5 - always helping others in french class
Jaxson Kennedy, grade 5 - always working hard in class
Our water fountains for drinking water require water bottles for their operation. They are not the type from which you can drink directly. In an effort to respect the environment, we are asking for all students to pack a reusable water bottle each evening with lunch with their name on it and other items you need for each day. We hope to eliminate the use of plastic and styrofoam cups at Ferrisview.
*** IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING THE SCHOOL CALENDAR***
There is no school on Friday, November 11th for families to commemorate
Remembrance Day in their community
There is no school for students on Friday, November 18th as it is “Grading and Classifying Day” (Teachers Only)
There is no school for students on Friday, December 2nd for Parent/Teacher Conferences
FERRISVIEW ELEMENTARY
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
Thanksgiving
As you are aware this Monday is Thanksgiving day. I want to thank you for your beautiful and loving children. Every single day I am amazed by their resilience and kindness. Just since 2020, they have survived a worldwide pandemic, and more recently, a catastrophic hurricane. I am very proud of every child! It is expected that we will have little bumps in the road, but for the most part, our students come to the school every day with big smiles, ready to learn. I am also thankful to every staff member for the patience and care that they show our children every day. Please enjoy Thanksgiving Day with your loved ones.
Student Pictures
School pictures will be taken this year on Thursday , October 6th. Parents are to closely review the options for ordering. The purchase of school pictures is, of course, optional.
Choir
Choir has begun for students in Grades 4 & 5. Please make sure your child brings in their signed permission slip as soon as possible.
On Monday, October 31st we will be having “Orange, Black, Purple and Green Day. Your child may dress in some or all of these colours if they desire. Please do not send in treats as each class will be provided with a healthy snack and a treat. This has worked well in the past and parents have commented that their children seem to enjoy their evening treats better when they haven’t been bombarded with treats at school. If you are able to come in on that day to help prepare the healthy snacks, please contact the school. Your help is always greatly appreciated.
October is Mi’kmaq History Month
It is important to celebrate diversity throughout the whole school year. The students will be involved with learning about the history and traditions of the Mi’kmaq culture. We will celebrate Orange Shirt Day on Thursday, October 13th.
Diwali
Diwali is India’s biggest holiday of the year. The festival gets its name from the row (avali) of clay lamps (deepa) that Indians light outside their homes to symbolise the inner light that protects from spiritual darkness. The festival is as important in India as Christmas is in Canada. Diwali symbolises the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.
Reminder of School Grounds Supervision
Just an important reminder that there is no supervision before 8 a.m. Please do not send your child to school before the grounds supervisors are on the school grounds.
If you are interested in being added to the casual list to fill in when one of the LBGs is ill please let me know. I would like to build up our list of casual LBG staff. It is about a month-long process to add people to our roster.
Communication
Communication between home and school is very important. Please ensure that you are checking your child’s homework bag or communication folders and school bags for important information. Feel free to call teachers with any questions or concerns. Also, please check the Ferrisview website for updates and newsletters. Look under the “Students and Families” tab for updates, news, and information.
Hold & Secure and Lockdown Drills
Similar to fire drills, the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Center for Education requires us to have “hold & secure” and “lockdown” drills. Students practice what to do in case our building needs to go into a hold and secure position due to situations such as an animal threat (ie. coyote), a student having a sustained violent outburst, or police action in the neighbourhood. Students and staff also practice what to do in the event that a lockdown is required due to a threat such as a potentially violent intruder.
Attendance
Improved attendance is a goal for Ferrisview Elementary this year. Our children have missed a significant number of days due to things beyond their control (pandemics, storms, illness). Please make every effort for your child to attend school when they are well and if at all possible make appointments outside of school hours. Please remember to call and excuse your child before 9:30 when they are absent.
Celtic Colours
We are super excited that Celtic Colors will be performing at Ferrisview on Wednesday, October 12th. This concert will be free of charge and will allow our children to have their very first assembly or their first assembly since pre Covid.
NS Assessment Results
Last year our grade three students wrote Nova Scotia assessments in Literacy and Math. Student Reports will be shared with parents/guardians electronically between October 17–27, 2022. We are very pleased with how our current grade four students did on the assessment. We are especially pleased that the vast majority of our students scored at or above grade level in math! In addition, they continue to make progress in reading and writing skills. We definitely appreciate when you read to your child on a regular basis and encourage your children to read nightly. We are working diligently to improve writing skills. We appreciate it when you encourage your child to keep a journal or to write stories or poems on a regular basis. Practice of reading, writing and numeracy skills at home definitely improves student achievement. We appreciate your efforts!
School Messenger
Don’t forget that Contacts must opt-in to receive text messages. All new enrollments receive the opt-in message, and they must reply with Y. If they did not respond, or they responded N when they got the opt-in message, they can text Y to 978338.
Dates to Remember
October 6th: Picture Day
October 7th: Professional Development Day (No School)
October 10th: Thanksgiving Day (No School)
October 12th: Celtic Colours Concert
October 13th: Orange Shirt Day
October 24th: Diwali (Festival of Lights)
October 28: NSTU conference Day (No school)
October 31st: Halloween (Treats will be provided by the school)
September 2022 NEWSLETTER
Ferrisview Elementary School
Principal: Janet Briggs Vice-Principal: Neeta Kumar-Britten
Tel: (902) 794-7137 Fax : ( 902 )794-6237 Tel: (902) 794 -7137
83 Archibald Ave.
North Sydney, N.S.
B2A 2W9
Welcome to a New School Year!
Students are settling nicely into a new school year. I am especially proud of our primaries and how
they are adapting to “big” school. It is important that there is good communication between school
and home. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns or questions. If you
need to speak to someone in person we can arrange appointments by calling the school.
Cafeteria
Chartwell’s NutriSlice App information has been posted on the website. You are able to order lunch
and it will be waiting for your child when they go to the cafeteria. Lunch must be pre ordered online
the night before. You must wait for your confirmation to ensure lunch was ordered correctly. If you do
not have access to the internet you can purchase a meal card through the cafeteria. The number is
902-794-7037.
Please note, when a student is absent it is the parent’s responsibility to cancel the lunch order. It will
not automatically be carried over. It can be cancelled on the app by 8:00 am or you can call
Chartwells at 902-794-7037 by 9:00 am.
When entering your child’s information in the app please make sure the child’s name, grade,
and teacher’s name is correct. Otherwise another child in another class may get their lunch.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be held on Friday, September 30th and schools
will be closed.
Orange Shirt Day will be held on Thursday, September 29th . This is a day for honouring and
observing residential school survivors. The date was chosen as this is the time of year in which
children were taken from their homes to residential schools. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her
shiny new shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity
for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of
reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. Please have your child wear orange
that day. If they do not have anything orange then red is close enough.
Breakfast Program
The breakfast program is held each morning between 8:00 and 8:25am in the school cafeteria. A
huge thank you to our volunteers. If you are able to help out this year please give the school a call.
We can definitely use more help.
Allergy Alerts
We have staff and students with severe peanut, nut and tree nut allergies. It is Extremely Important
that you check your child’s recesses and lunches to ensure that they do not contain peanuts, nuts or
tree nuts. It could be a matter of life or death.
Also the school is a Scent Sensitive School. We have people at the school who are severely
sensitive to scents.
Student Information & Media Release
Student Information Sheets: Students have been provided with student
information forms from PowerSchool, our student information system. We
ask that all parents/guardians update any necessary information, especially phone numbers and
emergency contact information. We would like 3 emergency
contacts for each student. If no information needs to be changed write at
the top of the form “No Changes”. Please return these updated forms to the
school.
Consent for Publication of Student Personal Information and Student Work:
Forms were sent home for you to give approval for your child’s
school work and/or photos to be posted within the school and on our school
website or twitter site. Please return this form as quickly as possible so teachers have the necessary
information.
Electronic Communication
We will be communicating electronically as much as possible this year. We will be updating our
website on a regular basis and will be posting monthly newsletters on the school website and sending
report cards by email . The website is https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/. We will send
home a paper copy of your child’s report card in June. Since it is the first newsletter of the year we
will be sending home a paper copy. For the rest of the year we will only be posting the newsletters
online. If you do not have access to the internet please send a note to your child’s teacher indicating
that you would like a paper copy of the newsletters.
Please note that we do not have a school run Facebook Page. If you need information the best
source is the website or a call to the school.
Picture Day
This year Lifetouch Photography will be taking school photos on Thursday, October 6th. Please make
sure your child is prepared.
Terry Fox
2022 marks the 42nd annual Terry Fox Run. Students at Ferrisview will be learning about Terry’s
remarkable determination and his dream of a world without cancer. We will take a walk on the school
grounds to mark National School Run Day later in the month. The route will be designed by our
Physical Education staff. The Terry Fox Foundation raises funds for cancer research and fundraising
happens at the broader community level and not at school.
Nightly Reading
Please continue to read to your child every night or encourage them to read every night. It really does
make a huge difference!!!
Attendance
Attendance is key to academic achievement. It is very important that your child attends school every
day unless they are sick. You are asked to notify the school before 9:00 am if your child is going to
be absent. If at all possible, please arrange for appointments after 2:00. If not possible, please have
your child attend school prior to the appointment and return to school following the appointment.
Sleep
Sleep is very important for well-being and learning. Last year in the Student Success Survey that
was done with our Grade 4s and 5s, 43% of our children said they found it hard to pay attention in
class because they were tired.
Health Canada recommends that children ages 5 to 12 get 9-11 hours of sleep and that children have
consistent bed time and wake-up times. Limiting screen time (computer, TV, phone, etc.) and
establishing a relaxing bed time routine helps. Encouraging physical activity during the day helps to
promote a great sleep.
Sleep also helps children to learn as their brains rehearse what they have learned during the day as
they sleep at night. In addition, being well rested helps children to pay attention and learn new
materials. Sleep promotes academic achievement!
Dates to Remember
Monday, September 19th : No school in honor of Queen Elizabeth’s Funeral
Friday, September 23rd : National Terry Fox School Run Day
Thursday, September 29th : Orange Shirt Day
Friday, September 30th : National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (No School)
Thursday, October 6th : Picture Day
JUNE NEWSLETTER
CAFETERIA: The last day for service in the cafeteria will be Friday, June 24th. There will be no cafeteria service the following week. Please make sure your child brings a recess snack, a lunch and a water bottle.
ACTIVITY DAY: Ferrisview students will enjoy an Activity Day on Friday, June 24th. It will be a day of fun for all! If rain is forecast for that day it will be changed to Thursday, June 23rd.
GRADE 5 COSING Grade 5 students will be celebrating the completion of their final year at Ferrisview Elementary on the afternoon of June 15th. Students will play games and participate in a hula hooping presentation/activity. The afternoon will be divided into 4-5 stations (depending on time allowed) with students rotating through in groups so they have an opportunity to participate in all activities (i.e. water races, soccer, hula hooping, playground relay and, weather permitting, a detective game. Grade 5 students will be provided with new school t-shirts.
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM: The JR Afterschool Program is currently taking applications for the new school year, September 2022. If interested, you can call Judy at 902-371-8164 or Rita at 902-322-5616.
LOST & FOUND: We are asking any students that have lost any items to check the lost and found pile. Any labeled clothing will be returned to the students. However, unclaimed items will be donated.
No School for students on Wednesday, June 29th.
Grading day is Thursday, June 30th.
May Newsletter
If you missed registration dates for Primary or Pre-Primary you don’t have to worry. You can still register your child online at the CBVRCE website. Please remember to upload your child’s birth certificate, health card, and two items proving your place of residence, ie. power bill, water bill, driver’s license, etc. If you do not have this information please still register your child as staffing is based on spring numbers.
Ferrisview will celebrate a “Family Day” in lieu of the traditional Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Family Day will be celebrated on Friday, May 27th.
A reminder to all that bringing toys from home is not permitted at Ferrisview. They are a distraction in class and cause unnecessary conflict outside.
Ferrisview Elementary welcomes Spring & Summer and the nice weather that comes along with it! The students are asked to continue keeping their “indoor shoes” inside for the gym and classrooms. This keeps the outside mud and dirt from being tracked into the classrooms. Some days are still a bit chilly so please remember to dress appropriately for the weather.
In the final months of school it is still important to follow rules and be polite. Remembering to say please and thank you is a sign of good manners. Always remember to be kind and respectful to each other.
Hockeyville Day in School: Wear a hockey jersey, T shirt or team colors to support Hockeyville on FRiday May, 6th.
Hockeyville 2022! Re-open the Canada Games Complex at CBU!
As you may know, Sydney has been named a finalist for Kraft Hockeyville. Sydney is competing for $250,000 to re-open the Canada Games Complex at Cape Breton University and make the arena a home ice for 20 local girls and women's teams. It would be the first arena in Canada to open as a home ice for girls' and women's hockey.
What can you do to help?
1. Facebook: Follow, like and share our campaign page.
All our self-generated content will begin there:
https://www.facebook.com/CanadaGamesComplexforHockeyville2022
tag your own FB content with this so we see it and share it:
@CanadaGamesComplexforHockeyville2022
And hashtag: #krafthockeyville
2. Facebook: After looking at our competitors, we are battling on the boards with Princeton, BC right now. Their town had flooding in the fall. The arena wasn't flooded but it needs a new roof. Their story is as popular as ours on the Hockeyville facebook page. We are 617 shares and they are 607. They have support from the Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops areas.
Let's put some focus on that and get those numbers up. Hockeyville will be watching these posts as a gauge of the country's reaction to the stories.
Important: We need lots of shares and likes on this specific post so make this one move:
https://www.facebook.com/krafthockeyville/videos/1176028043211126
3. Like and RT this tweet if you are on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/CBBlizzard/status/1518709244077527043
4. Like this instagram content if you are on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CcvBvdxjRIi/
5. Want to know how you can vote? Do you need handouts or posters?
Materials are here on the Blizzard website for download and print.
https://www.capebretonblizzard.ca/
Monday, May 23rd is Victoria Day and there will be No School!!
APRIL 2022
NEWSLETTER
Everyone is excited for Easter Weekend has arrived. There is no school for students on Friday, April 15th as it is Good Friday. Also, there is no school for students on Monday, April 18th as it is Easter Monday.
Report Cards were sent home electronically on Monday, March 28th. Please check your email or your child’s email. Parent / Teacher Interviews will take place on Thursday, March 31st from 4:30-6:30 and Friday, April 1st from 9:00-11:00. You should have received an email from your child’s teacher regarding Parent/Teacher interviews. Please answer that email to arrange or confirm appointment times. If you did not receive an email, please email or call your child’s teacher. Masks are required for in-person parent/teacher. Please do not attend parent/teacher if you have any Covid symptoms. A phone meeting can be arranged.
There will be no school for students on Friday, April 1st.
Primary and Pre-Primary Registration – If you know of someone with a child starting primary or pre-primary next year who has not registered, please ask them to contact the school as soon as possible.
Please check your child’s hair on a regular basis. There have been several cases of lice at our school. More information is posted on our website.
Reminder, smoking is not permitted on the school grounds!
There are no classes on Friday, April 15th as it is Good Friday.
Schools are also closed on Monday, April 18th as it is Easter Monday.
No school on Friday, April 1st for Parent/Teacher Interviews.
March 2022 Fridge Notes
1) If you missed registration dates for Primary or Pre-Primary you don’t have to worry. You can still register your child. Registration forms are online and can be found on the CBVRCE website https://cbvrce.ca/home/ . Please remember to upload your child’s birth certificate, health card, and two items proving your place of residence, ie. power bill, water bill, driver’s license, etc. After you complete the form you will receive an email confirming your child is registered. If you do not get that email, please contact the school. Some families are having trouble with the on-line form. If you do, you can contact the school for a paper one. If you don’t have your child’s birth certificate yet you can still register them. Just drop off a copy of the birth certificate when it arrives. We will need it before the first day of school in September. Please register your child as soon as possible.
2) There is no school for students on Friday, March 4th as it is Grading and Classifying Day for teachers.
3) March Break is just around the corner! The last teaching day before March Break is Friday, March 11th. Students return to school on Monday, March 21st.
4) World Down Syndrome Day is Monday, March 21st. It’s the day we “Rock our Socks”! Everyone is asked to wear odd socks that day.
5) Ferrisview will participate in “Superhero Day” on Thursday, March 24th to celebrate the life and legacy of Caleb MacArthur (Caleb’s Courage). Superhero Day is a heart-warming, uplifting & empowering day that unites Cape Bretoners of all ages in spirit, encouraging them to embrace their own “inner superhero”. So, on March 24th students are asked to wear their favorite superhero clothing, colors or accessory to celebrate the day.
6) Report Cards go home on Monday, March 28th. Parent / Teacher Interviews will be on Friday, April 1st. There will be no school for students that day. More information about Parent / Teacher Interviews will be available later in the month.
7) The morning bell rings every morning at 8:30. We ask that you drop your child off between 8:15 and 8:30 to be supervised before the bell. Please have your children here by 8:30 as they are missing important instructional time.
8) Basketball has begun! Mike’s team will have practice on Mondays from 5:30-7:00. Jonathan’s team will have practice on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:00.
9) We are in need of Casual Lunch Bus Grounds Supervisors. If you have extra time and would like a 3 hour/day job, please call the school for an application for Casual Employment with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education. You will need a Child Abuse Registry Check as well as a Criminal Records Check to be submitted with the application.
10) We have some fun-filled days scheduled for the week before March Break:
Tuesday, March 8th - School Spirit Day (Wear your Ferrisview T-shirt or a red t-shirt)
Wednesday, March 9th - Sport Day/Team Day (Wear something to represent your favorite sport / team)
Thursday, March 10th - Crazy Hair Day/Crazy Hat Day
Friday, March 11th - Pajama Day!
COVID UPDATE:
Recently the Provincial Government made an announcement indicating that when students return to school after the March Break, it will be to classrooms with no restrictions or required measures. This means that students will no longer be limited to class cohorts and will be eating lunch in the cafeteria.
For the morning routine, P-2 students will wait in the small playground and front entrance areas. Grade 3-5 students will wait by the bus loop doors or large playground/soccer field area. You are reminded to send you child to school after 8:00 am as there is no supervision until then.
Masks will no longer be required after March Break. If parents opt to have their children masked we will support this to the best of our ability.
No school for students on Friday, March 4th.
No school for students on Friday, April 1st.
March Break begins Monday, March 14th.
Spring begins on Sunday, March 20th!
February 2022 Fridge Notes
Registration for Primary and PrePrimary for Ferrisview is continuing online. Children registering for Pre-Primary must be 4 years old by December 31st, 2022. Children registering for Primary must be 5 years old by December 31st, 2022. To register your child you must upload a birth certificate, health card, any legal documents related to custody arrangements if applicable, and two items as proof of residency. You can find the online registration forms on the CBVRCE website. You will find the tab on the right hand side that says Student Registration. Students who are currently in Pre-Primary at Ferrisview will be automatically enrolled in Primary in September.
Due to Privacy Issues, we are not permitted to send home lists of names for Valentine’s Cards.
Instead, we are sending the number of students in each class:
Grade P-AM 22 Grade P/1-JK 22 Grade 1-DC 21 Grade 1/2-RA 22
Grade 2-CW 22 Grade 2-LP 22 Grade 2/3-PJ 23 Grade 3-MM 26
Grade 3/4-CS 26 Grade 4-NK 27 Grade 4/5-MB 26 Grade 5-VP 26
Also, no treats from home are permitted in the school. Valentine’s Day treats will be supplied by the school. Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate Friendship! It’s a day to be extra kind to each other. Students are encouraged to wear something red that day.
On Wednesday, February 23rd we will celebrate Pink T-shirt Day. Students are encouraged to wear something pink or red that day.
Please ensure your child comes to school dressed for the weather. Also, remember to put your child’s name on clothing, footwear, hats, etc. to ensure its return. Clothing that is not identified will be donated.
Reminder that the morning bell rings at 8:30 am. Children are expected to arrive between 8:15-8:30.
Please note: Due to Covid-19 regulations, Parents/Guardians, etc. are not permitted in the school.
February is African Heritage Month - this year's theme is “Through Our Eyes”-The Voices of African Nova Scotians. In the past, the contributions of African Canadians were not often formally recognized nor celebrated, however, Nova Scotia has been a leader in officially promoting, celebrating, and recognizing African Canadian Heritage.
Please click this link to view the updated Public Health Fact Sheet “Limiting the Spread of COVID-19 in Schools”:
Monday, February 21st is Heritage Day. There is no school for students that day!
December Update
New Covid Regulations:
On Monday, December 13th, the Province announced enhanced restrictions to deal with increasing numbers of Covid cases in Nova Scotia and as a result there are enhanced restrictions being introduced to schools.
This includes limiting access to the school cafeteria and therefore students will now be eating in their classrooms for the foreseeable future. To facilitate this change our cleaning staff will be starting work early so that they can clean the classrooms while the children are outside playing. Children will be outside for 30 minutes so please make sure that they are dressed appropriately for winter.
Masks can only be removed while eating or drinking or when students are able to physically distance themselves. Please make sure that your child comes to school every day with a mask on and an extra mask in their book bags. Also, please talk to your children about the importance of wearing their masks properly (covering both their mouth and nose).
Test to Protect Kits will be distributed to all students today. Directions for use are included in the kits.
Sports are limited to skills training only. Practice times have changed. Basketball is cancelled for Team 2 (Jonathan’s) tonight and Team 1 (Mike and Evan’s) practice will be this Thursday from 4:00-5:30. More information will follow in January.
Essential Visitors only to schools. Parents can contact the school through email or by phone. Zoom meetings can also be arranged for special circumstances.
Other updates:
Our Holiday concert has been completed and recorded. It is currently being edited and will be posted to the website by the end of the week. The students did a terrific job and thanks to Mr. MacLeod for all of his hard work.
Students will return to school on January 6th. Learning Centers in the CBVRCE will operate as per normal on January 4th and 5th. Mrs Power Jessome will be in touch with parents prior to the break to confirm attendance.
The Breakfast Program will run until Tuesday, December 21st which is the last day prior to the break. Students are separated by class and are required to keep their masks on until seated and eating. This is manageable due to limited numbers. The breakfast program will resume on January 6th.
I hope the children like their new red Ferrisview shirts. They look pretty awesome in them!
Reminders:
Thursday, December 16th – Spirit Day-Wear your Ferrisview Shirt
Friday, December 17th – Pajama Day and Christmas Dessert Day
Monday, December 20th – Crazy Hair Day
Tuesday, December 21st – Red and Green Day or Holiday clothing
On behalf of all the Ferrisview staff I wish everyone a very Happy and Safe Holiday. Let’s hope that 2022 is the year that things get back to normal!!! Thanks as always for following the regulations that help to keep us all safe. Thanks most of all for your wonderful children!
Picture retakes will be done on Wednesday, December 8th beginning at 8:30 am. Students who didn’t get their pictures done in October can get theirs done on that day. If your child requires a retake, make his/her teacher aware.
Report Cards were emailed home on Monday, November 29th. Due to Covid-19 Regulations, Parent/Teacher Interviews will be by phone call. You should have received an email to set up a time to talk. If you didn’t, please contact your child’s teacher.
Similar to last year’s Holiday Concert, this year the Concert will be pre-recorded and posted on the Ferrisview website. Students will be given a red long-sleeve Ferrisview t-shirt to wear for the recording.
The last teaching day before Christmas is Tuesday, December 21st. This will be a full teaching day. The first day back to school after Christmas is Tuesday, January 4th, 2022.
Our cafeteria will remain open until Friday, December 17th and will reopen when classes commence on Tuesday, January 4th.
If you would like a good resource for practicing sight words at home, please search Jack Hartmann / Jan Richardson sight word videos on YouTube. They also do many fun and interactive videos for learning the alphabet, letter sounds, making words, reading, etc.
Our students have some fun-filled days coming up this week before the Christmas Break:
Thursday, December 16th – Spirit Day-Wear your Ferrisview T-Shirt
Friday, December 17th – Pajama Day and Christmas Dessert Day
Monday, December 20th – Crazy Hair Day
Tuesday, December 21st – Red and Green Day (Just wear something Christmassy)
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school between 8:15 and 8:30. The bell rings at 8:30 and children need time to remove their outerwear before classes begin. Thank you!
Reminder we are still collecting pop-tabs. Please remember to keep collecting them over the holidays. Thank you!
Please note our Newsletters are posted on our school website every month. Please check it out for all future newsletters at https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/. Also check our twitter site FerrisviewElementary@FerrisviewElem for pictures of school activities.
Thank you so much for always following the Covid-19 Guidelines at our school. By doing so you are helping keep our students and our staff safe. We appreciate you all! Have a Wonderful New Year!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!
November 2021 Newsletter
If your child missed Picture Day don’t worry. Retake Day that was scheduled for Thursday, November 4th has been rescheduled for the morning of Wednesday, December 8th.
Ferrisview’s Remembrance Day Ceremonies will take place on Wednesday, November 10th in the classrooms with the help of our music teacher, Mr. MacLeod. We are going to have a Red & Black day for the students on this day so we are asking that everyone dress in these colors.
Report Cards will be going home electronically on Monday, November 29th. Please make sure that your email has been updated at the school. A text will be sent home letting you know report cards have been emailed.
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held by phone again this year. Teachers will be contacting you to set up a time to talk on either Thursday, December 2nd or Friday, December 3rd.
As the cold weather approaches, students will be wearing more clothing to school. Please make sure to put your child’s name on all their clothing as the volume of lost and found items keeps growing. Each month any unclaimed items will be donated.
Please remember any lunches or snacks that your child brings to school must not contain nuts. We have students who are severely allergic to nuts.
We would like to thank you all for following Public Health Guidelines this year by keeping your child home when they are sick and sending them to school with a mask. We are all working together to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for our students.
There is no school on Thursday, November 11th for Remembrance Day
There is no school for students on Friday, November 19th as it is Grading and Classifying Day for Teachers
There is no school for students on Friday, December 3rd for Parent/Teacher Conferences
October 2021 Newsletter
Mi’Kmaq Heritage Month
October marks Mi’kmaq History month. The goal of this month is to build awareness of Mi’kmaq heritage and history, as well as to increase understanding of the rich Mi’kmaq culture present in Nova Scotia.
Halloween
On October 29th we will be having a Halloween color theme day with students wearing orange and black or green and purple. Please do not send treats to school. We will be providing each student with treats.
Weather
The weather is getting cooler and students are outside for a variety of activities throughout the day. It is important that students bring jackets and dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures. Also, rubber boots are great for this time of year!
Reminders
Please make sure that your child has a clean mask to wear every day. All students should also have several spare masks in their book bags.
Please use the Covid -19 Daily Checklist (posted on the website) each day before your child comes to school. If your child is experiencing a new or worsening cough OR two or more of the following(new or worsening): fever, sore throat, runny nose/nasal congestion, headache or shortness of breath they should stay home and a Covid test should be booked.
Also, many students are forgetting their water bottles. Please check that your child has his/hers before they leave for school in the morning.
Please put your child's name on all of their belongings; we have far too many items in the lost and found already!
Picture Day
We will be having picture day on Wednesday, October 20th. All Covid protocols will be in place.
Basketball
We are planning on starting basketball practice with our interested grade 4s and 5s in late October. Information will be sent home at a later date.
Ferrisview Twitter
Please follow us on twitter at FerrisviewElementary@FerrisviewElem. I like to post pictures of things that are happening around the school. On that note please send in your signed media release forms so that I can post pictures. As an added precaution, if you do not want your child’s picture posted on twitter or the school website please us know.
Head Lice
Head Lice is an ongoing issue in schools. Please check your child's head for lice on a regular basis. We will be posting information regarding head lice on the website. We have had at least one case of head lice in the school so far this year.
Covid Testing Kits
Covid testing kits are being provided to those families who would like them. More information to follow once we
receive them.
Lunch Bus Grounds
We are in desperate need of casual Lunch Bus Grounds supervisors.If you are interested please contact Mrs. Briggs at 902-794-7137. The CBVRCE requires a current Criminal record check, Child Abuse registry and a reference letter. The hours would be:
Morning: 8:00-8:35
Lunch: 10:45-12:40
Afternoon: 1:45-2:15
Important Dates
Monday,October 11th, 2021: Thanksgiving Holiday - No students present
Wednesday, October 20th, 2021: Picture Day
Friday, October 22nd, 2021: Professional Development Day for Staff - No students present
Friday, October 29th, 2021: Black and Orange Day ( We will provide treats)
September 2021 NEWSLETTER
Ferrisview Elementary School
Principal: Janet Briggs Vice-Principal: Mike McPhee
Tel: (902) 794-7137 Fax : ( 902 )794-6237 Tel: (902) 794 -7137
83 Archibald Ave.
North Sydney, N.S.
B2A 2W9
Welcome to a New School Year
Students are settling nicely into a new school year. I am especially proud of our primaries and how they are adapting to “big” school. It is important that there is good communication between school and home. Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns or questions. If you need to speak to someone in person we can arrange appointments by calling the school.
Covid Update
Thank you to everyone for their continued support with regard to the provincial Covid regulations. As part of yesterday’s announcement, masks will continue to be required for anyone in a school building or on a school bus until October 12th. As we currently do, masks may be removed when eating and drinking, participating in physical activity, playing an instrument, and during mask breaks when appropriately distanced from others.
Schools will spend time the week prior to October 12 helping children, students and families plan to successfully transition to masking being optional.
This decision is based on current epidemiology around the fourth wave of COVID-19 and advice from Public Health and pediatricians at the IWK Health Centre.
The CBVRCE continues to follow Public Health direction as outlined in Nova Scotia’s Back to School Plan .
Cafeteria
Caf Zone information has been posted on the website. You are able to order lunch and it will be waiting for your child when they go to the cafeteria. Lunch must be pre ordered online the night before. You must wait for your confirmation to ensure lunch was ordered correctly. If you do not have access to the internet you can purchase a meal card through the cafeteria. The number is 902-794-7037.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation will be held on Thursday, September 30th and schools will be closed.
Orange Shirt Day will be held on Friday, October 1st.This is a day for honouring and observing residential school survivors.The date was chosen as this is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her shiny new shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. October 1st, is also Treaty Day and is a day for celebrating our treaties. We are all treaty people.
Please have your child wear orange that day. If they do not have anything orange then red is close enough.
Breakfast Program
The breakfast program is held each morning between 8:00 and 8:25am in the school cafeteria. A huge thank you to our volunteers. If you are able to help out this year please give the school a call. We can definitely use more help.
Allergy Alerts
We have staff and students with severe peanut, nut and tree nut allergies. It is extremely Important that you check your child’s recesses and lunches to ensure that they do not contain peanuts, nuts or tree nuts. It could be a matter of life or death.
Student Information & Media Release
Student Information Sheets: Students have been provided with student
information forms from PowerSchool, our student information system. We
ask that all parents/guardians update any necessary information, especially phone numbers and emergency contact information. We would like 3 emergency
contacts for each student. If no information needs to be changed write at
the top of the form “No Changes”. Please return these updated forms to the
school.
Consent for Publication of Student Personal Information and Student
Work: Forms were sent home for you to give approval for your child’s
school work and/or photos to be posted within the school and on our school
website or twitter site. Please return this form as quickly as possible so teachers have the necessary information.
Electronic Communication
We will be communicating electronically as much as possible this year. We will be updating our website on a regular basis and will be posting monthly newsletters on the school website and sending report cards by email . The website is https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/. Also please follow us on twitter at Ferrisview Elementary@FerrisviewElem. I will be tweeting more pictures once I receive the signed Consent for Publication of Student Personal Information forms.
Since it is the first newsletter of the year we will be sending home a paper copy. For the rest of the year we will only be posting the newsletters online. If you do not have access to the internet please send a note to your child’s teacher indicating that you would like a paper copy of the newsletters.
Medical Needs Policy
The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Center for Education has a Medical Needs Policy to ensure that students with health concerns such as asthma, diabetes, ADHA, are properly supported by our schools. Any student who has a medical condition must provide us with:
Date of diagnosis and documentation from your physician
Signed parental and medical professional permission for school to administer medication
Properly labeled prescription containers with pertinent directions.
All of this information will be kept on file in our Tienet electronic system. Once entered, the medical information will just need to be updated each year.
Picture Day
This year Lifetouch Photography will be taking school photos on Wednesday, October 20th.
Nightly Reading
Please continue to read to your child every night or encourage them to read every night. It really does make a huge difference!!!
Dates to Remember
Friday, September 24th: Professional Learning Day (No School for Students)
Thursday, September 30th: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation(No School)
Friday, October 1st: Orange Shirt Day (Please wear an orange or red shirt)
Monday, October 11th: Thanksgiving Day (No school)
Wednesday, October 20th: Picture Day
JUNE NEWSLETTER
CAFETERIA Cafeteria Services resumed on Monday, June 7th with a limited menu. Items will have to be ordered online. The last day for service in the cafeteria will be Friday, June 25th.
PAJAMA DAY AND COOKIE DAY Ferrisview students will enjoy a great day on Friday, June 18th. It will be Pajama Day and Cookie Day. Students are asked to wear their pajamas on that day. Cookies will be paid for by the school so there will be no charge to students.
LOST & FOUND We are asking any students that have lost any items to check the lost and found pile. Any labeled clothing will be returned to the students. However, unclaimed items will be donated.
GRADE 5 COSING Grade 5 students will be celebrating the completion of their final year at Ferrisview Elementary later on in June. More information will follow later in the month.
June 11th, Davis Day – Dismissal 11:00 a.m. Cafeteria will be closed all day on June 11th.
No School for students on Tuesday, June 29th.
Grading day is Wednesday, June 30th.
May Newsletter
Message for Students:
As I am writing this there is much uncertainty in the world. However, one thing for certain is that I am very, very proud of all Ferrisview students. You have shown a tremendous amount of resilience and positivity with your ability to adapt to all of the Covid 19 regulations that were in place at the school this year. You automatically sanitized your hands, wore your masks when required and kept your distance from each other to the best of your ability. You also did your very best to stay in your bubbles even when some of your best friends were in a different bubble. As we make the move to online learning I know you will do your very best to show up to your google meets on time and prepared and that you will work hard to finish all your online assignments. Remember that your teachers are here to help you and that we are all thinking of you. As always, continue to work hard, do your best and always be kind. I miss you all and hope to see you back in school very soon.
Mrs. Briggs
Ferrisview has moved to on-line learning until at least Wednesday, May 12th. Each teacher has posted a schedule in their students' google classroom and has sent you an email. Your child has been practicing logging-in and using their google classroom for several months, so they should be familiar with it. Of course the little ones may need help. We understand that you are very busy, but please try to ensure that your child logs in to their live google meets on time. In most cases the independent work can be completed at any time if your child is unable to do it at the scheduled time. If you have any questions at all please email your child's teacher for clarification.
Our students have been working very hard this year! They have continued, with your help, to wear their masks and use hand sanitizer every day. So it’s time for a reward! Ferrisview will have Pajama Day and Cookie Day on Friday, May 28th. All students are asked to wear pajamas to school that day! Cookies will be supplied by the cafeteria.
If you missed registration dates for Primary or Pre-Primary you don’t have to worry. You can still register your child anytime online at the CBVRCE website. Please remember to upload your child’s birth certificate, health card, and two items proving your place of residence, ie. power bill, water bill, driver’s license, etc.
A reminder to all that bringing toys from home is not permitted at Ferrisview. It’s just another way of keeping everyone safe!
As we celebrate and honour parents and families in school it is important to recognize the diversity of family structures. While some children have a mother and a father, others have two moms or two dads, a single mom or dad, divorced parents, grandparents raising them, foster parents or a whole range of other family dynamics. In recognition of the diversity of families we will be celebrating Family Day on Friday, June 4th instead of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Inclusive celebrations can serve as an important learning experience by providing opportunities to discuss and acknowledge the many kinds of families in our communities and the many caring adults in children’s lives. All families are special to the children that belong to them!
The Council on African Canadian Education recently appointed Kim King MacDonald as the new representative for Cape Breton. Kim, is a resident of Glace Bay and a Social Worker in the area. Her role on the council is to provide advice and guidance to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development on educational programs, services and funding for African Nova Scotian learners. Feel free to contact her as it relates to the council, school based matters should be directed to school principals Kimberly.king-macdonald@novascotia.ca or kimkmad@icloud.com Cell # 902 574-0781.
In the final weeks of school it is still important to follow rules and be polite. Remembering to say please and thank you is a sign of good manners. Always remember to be kind and respectful to each other in person and on-line.
Monday, May 24th is Victoria Day and there will be No School!!
APRIL 2021
NEWSLETTER
Easter Weekend has arrived. There is no school for students on Friday, April 2nd as it is Good Friday. Also, there is no school for students on Monday, April 5, as it is Easter Monday.
Report Cards were sent home electronically on Tuesday, March 30th. Please check your email or your child’s email. Parent / Teacher Interviews will take place on Wednesday, April 7th from 4:30-6:30 and Thursday, April 8th from 9:00-11:00. Interviews will be by phone call. You should have received an email from your child’s teacher regarding Parent/Teacher interviews. Please answer that email to arrange or confirm appointment times. If you did not receive an email, please email or call your child’s teacher. There will be no school for students on Thursday, April 8th.
Choir has begun for students in grades 3-5. The schedule is as follows:
Grade 3- Day 3, 10:30-11:00
Grade 4 – Day 1, 12:30-1:00
Grade 5 – Day 5, 12:30-1:00
Primary and Pre-Primary Registration – If you know of someone with a child starting primary or pre-primary next year who has not registered, please ask them to contact the school as soon as possible.
Covid Mitigation – Literacy and Student Services are working together to mitigate Covid-19 impact at the Grade One and Two levels. Each Grade One and Two class will be receiving additional in-class literacy support. Ms. Peggy Jardine will be supporting the classroom teachers until late June. Mr. Peter Keagan will be covering Ms. Jardine’s class.
Please check your child’s hair on a regular basis. There have been several cases of lice at our school. More information is posted on our website.
Reminder, smoking is not permitted on the school grounds!
There are no classes on Friday, April 2nd, as it is Good Friday.
Schools are also closed on Monday, April 5th, as it is Easter Monday.
The Council on African Canadian Education recently appointed Kim King MacDonald as the new representative for Cape Breton. Kim, is a resident of Glace Bay and a Social Worker in the area. Her role on the council is to provide advice and guidance to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development on educational programs, services and funding for African Nova Scotian learners. Feel free to contact her as it relates to the council, school based matters should be directed to school principals Kimberly.king-macdonald@novascotia.ca or kimkmad@icloud.com Cell # 902 574-0781
March 2021 Fridge Notes
1) If you missed registration dates for Primary or Pre-Primary you don’t have to worry. You can still register your child anytime. Registration forms are online and can be found on the CBVRCE website https://cbvrce.ca/home/ . Please remember to upload your child’s birth certificate, health card, and two items proving your place of residence, ie. power bill, water bill, driver’s license, etc. After you complete the form you will receive an email confirming your child is registered. If you do not get that email, please contact the school.
2) Picture Day is coming! Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic Ferrisview students did not have the usual Picture Day in October. We have scheduled a Spring Shoot on Tuesday, March 9th for Grade Pre-Primary-Grade 2 students and Wednesday, March 10th for students in Grades 3-5. Please make sure your child is ready for this event as these photos are the ones included in your child’s package from Lifetouch.
3) There is no school for students on Tuesday, March 2nd as it is Grading and Classifying Day for teachers.
4) March Break is just around the corner! The last teaching day before March Break is Friday, March 12th. Students return to school on Monday, March 22nd.
5) Ferrisview will participate in “Superhero Day” on Wednesday, March 24th to celebrate the life and legacy of Caleb MacArthur (Caleb’s Courage). Superhero Day is a heart-warming, uplifting & empowering day that unites Cape Bretoners of all ages in spirit, encouraging them to embrace their own “inner superhero”. So, on March 24th students are asked to wear their favorite superhero clothing or accessory to celebrate the day.
6) Report Cards go home on Tuesday, March 30th. Parent / Teacher Interviews will be on Thursday, April 8th. There will be no school for students that day. More information about Parent / Teacher Interviews will be available later in the month.
7) The morning bell rings every morning at 8:30. Please have your children here by 8:30 as they are missing important instructional time.
8) Choir will be starting for grade 3, 4, and 5 students after March Break! We will be following all public health guidelines by making sure we are distanced 6 feet while singing. Grade 4 and 5 students will continue to wear a mask. If the same students meet consistently they can meet outside of our classroom cohort. Mrs. Murray is looking forward to singing with you!
9) We are in need of Casual Lunch Bus Grounds Supervisors. If you have extra time and would like a 3 hour/day job, please call the school for an application for Casual Employment with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education. You will need a Child Abuse Registry Check as well as a Criminal Records Check to be submitted with the application.
10) Parents of students on Bus Route 318 – Please check your child’s back-pack for an important message concerning changes in Pick-up time beginning March 1st.
11)Reminder to Parents to please use extra caution on streets around school as snow banks are high and there are slippery areas where students walk.
12)Ferrisview is in need of PARENT VOLUNTEERS for the Breakfast Program. If you are able to volunteer, even on a part-time basis, please phone the school at 902-794-7137.
No school for students on Tuesday March 2nd.
March Break begins Monday, March 15th.
Spring begins on Saturday, March 20th!
Registration for Primary and PrePrimary for Ferrisview is continuing online. Children registering for PrePrimary must be 4 years old by December 31st, 2021. Children registering for Primary must be 5 years old by December 31st, 2021. To register your child you must upload a birth certificate, health card, any legal documents related to custody arrangements if applicable, and two items as proof of residency. You can find the online registration forms on the CBVRCE website.
Due to Privacy Issues, we are not permitted to send home lists of names for Valentine’s Cards.
Instead, we are sending the number of students in each class:
Grade P-AM 21 Grade P-JK 22 Grade 1-RA 21 Grade 1-DC 21
Grade 1/2-PJ 23 Grade 2-CW 20 Grade 2-LP 21 Grade 3-NK 26
Grade 3-MM 25 Grade 4-SP 25 Grade 4/5-CS 25 Grade 5-VP 26
Grade 5-MB 25
Valentine's Day will be celebrated at the school the afternoon of Friday, February 12th. Children are allowed to bring in Valentine Cards as they are considered low risk for transmission of any virus.
Also, no treats from home are permitted in the school. Valentine’s Day treats will be supplied by the school.
Please ensure your child comes to school dressed for the weather. Also, remember to put your child’s name on clothing, footwear, hats, etc. to ensure its return. Clothing that is not identified will be donated.
Reminder that the morning bell rings at 8:30 am. Children are expected to arrive between 8:15-8:30.
Please note: Due to Covid-19 regulations, Parents/Guardians, etc. are not permitted in the school.
Ferrisview is in need of PARENT VOLUNTEERS for the Breakfast Program. If you are able to volunteer, even on a part-time basis, please phone the school at 902-794-7137.
Monday, February 15th is Heritage Day. There is no school for students that day!
Happy New Year and Welcome Back!
We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and a restful Holiday Season! Now that things are back to “our new normal” at Ferrisview, here is some new information for you as well as a few reminders:
For online Cafeteria ordering please go to cafezone.ca (there is no need for www).
Primary Registration will be occurring in the near future. We will be sending home information when we are clear on dates.
All Ferrisview Students must wear masks on the bus. Our Lunch-Bus-Grounds staff along with the classroom teacher ensures that your child gets on the bus each day. Please make sure your child is aware of how he/she is getting home before they leave in the morning. If, for some reason, there is a change in your child’s dismissal pattern for a doctor’s appointment or something of that sort, you must send a note to the teacher in the morning. That way, the teacher will ensure that your child is waiting for you at the office. If something comes up after school has started you can call Edie, our secretary, at 902-794-7137.
Reminders:
Grade 4 and 5 Students and All Bus Students must always remember their masks.
Teachers will be reviewing Covid-19 Protocols with their students.
Parents are not permitted to enter the school.
Label all clothing to ensure its safe return. If you child’s name is not on it, the likelihood of its safe return is limited.
Please make sure your child comes to school with snow pants, a hat & mittens or gloves.
Children are not permitted to bring toys from home ESPECIALLY during Covid.
Response Plan if there is a
COVID-19 Case in School
In the event that a COVID-19 case is identified in the school, Ferrisview will be following Department of Public Health Guidelines. This is our plan but this could change if we are given a different direction from Public Health.
● Parents of students who have been identified as potential close contacts with the person with COVID-19 will be notified.
● Parents will be read a script with specific information and instructions. Time will be of the essence so we will not be able to answer questions or elaborate at the time.
● The parent/guardian of the students who have been in close contact will be asked to come pick their child from school immediately.
● You will be asked to go to a certain entrance (for example the bus loop) and a staff member will meet you there.
● Your child will be escorted to your car by a staff member.
● It is important that you do not share information with anyone at that time as it is essential that things remain calm, so that children who may have been potentially exposed are able to leave the building quickly and safely. This will limit potential spread of COVID-19 on school property.
● An alert will be sent out to all parents/guardians containing information from Public Health.
● If your child has not been identified as a close contact please do not come pick your child up unless directed to do so. It is in everybody’s best interest if the people who have been exposed are safely out of the school before any other student is dismissed. Crowds in and around the school may lead to the spread of Covid 19.
Contract Tracing in Schools Information
Thank you for following all Covid-19 Regulations. We really appreciate your support in helping to keep our school safe.
Report Cards have been emailed to parents on Monday, November 30th. A notice regarding Parent / Teacher interviews is on our Ferrisview Website. They will be via phone call. Instructions are on the website.
Wednesday, December 16th, is our Christmas dinner! The dinner will consist of Turkey and all the trimmings and a cookie for dessert. There is no cost to parents for the dinners. If your child does not want turkey dinner, please send a lunch. There will be no other cafeteria items that day and Christmas dinners will only be provided to the students who indicated that they wanted one. If your child does not want a turkey dinner, please send them with a lunch.
In order to keep with our Covid-19 Guidelines we would greatly appreciate that you do not send gifts to staff. If you would like to acknowledge your appreciation
The last teaching day before Christmas is Friday, December 18thnd. This will be a full teaching day. Students return to school after the Christmas Break on Monday, January 11th, 2021. It will be Day 1.
Our cafeteria will remain open until Friday, December 18th and will reopen when classes commence on Monday, January 11th, 2021.
If you would like a good resource for practicing sight words at home, please search Jack Hartmann/Jan Richardson sight word videos on Youtube. They also do many fun and interactive videos for learning the alphabet, letter sounds, making words, reading, etc.
Lockdowns and Hold and Secures: Just like fire drills we are required to practice lockdown drills and hold and secure drills on a regular basis. During a Hold and Secure, the classroom door is locked and students and teachers continue with their classroom activities. During a lockdown drill the teacher locks the door and the students gather in a safe location within the classroom. Hold and Secure and Lockdown Drills end when an administrator comes to the room and unlocks the door. We will continue to practice these drills on a regular basis so that students will be comfortable with these procedures.
Our students have some fun-filled days coming up during the final week of school before the Christmas Break:
Tuesday, December 15th- Spirit Day- Wear your Ferrisview T-Shirt (if you are scheduled to record your virtual concert you can dress differently if you like).
Wednesday, December 16th – Crazy Hair Day
Thursday, December 17th – Red and Green Day
Friday, December 18th – Pajama Day
Parents/Guardians, please have your children to school between 8:15 and 8:30. The bell rings and children need time to remove their outerwear before classes begin. Thank you!
Reminder we are still collecting pop-tabs. Please remember to keep collecting them over the holidays. Thank you!
Ferrisview’s Remembrance Day Ceremonies will take place on Tuesday, November 10th in the classrooms with the help of our music teacher, Mrs. Murray. We are going to have a Red & Black day for the students on this day so we are asking that everyone dress in these colors.
T shirts
We have ordered Ferrisview T shirts for all students and we are hoping to receive them by Friday. They will be red in color so students will be able to wear them on Tuesday, November 10th for Red an Black Day. They will be free of charge.
Picture Day
Our plan is to have pictures taken in the spring. We are hoping that Covid will be under control at this time and that having a photographer moving from school to school will be less worrisome. The decision to move this activity until the spring has been done with our students’ safety and well being in mind.
As the cold weather approaches, students will be wearing more clothing to school. Please make sure to put your child’s name on all their clothing as the volume of lost and found items keeps growing. Each month any unclaimed items will be donated.
Report Cards will be sent home electronically on Monday, November 30th. Please make sure that your email information has been updated with the school. We will be sending home more information about Parent Teacher Conferences once it becomes available to schools. At this time, my understanding is that in person meetings will not be permitted. When I get more information about the details of the Parent Teacher Conference I will post it on the website.
Friendly Reminders
Please make sure that your child brings a full water bottle to school every day and a fork and spoon if required for lunch. Also, if you have a child in grade 4 or 5 make sure they take a mask to school each day.
There is no school on Wednesday, November 11th for Remembrance Day
There is no school for students on Thursday, November 19th as it is Grading and Classifying Day for Teachers
There is no school for students on December 3rd due to Professional Development time for teachers
Welcome to fall and thank you again for your support and cooperation. Thank you mostly for your wonderful children. They make me smile every day. Happy Halloween!!!
Halloween
Finally...the answer to the big question! Will Ferrisview be having Halloween? Due to COVID 19 restrictions, we will not be able to have our Halloween Costume Parade this year or allow parents in to help with costumes. Therefore, on October 30th, we will be having a Halloween color theme day with students wearing orange and black. Treats cannot be sent into school, therefore, we will be providing each student with a treat bag and classes will be doing some Halloween activities.
Cafeteria
Our cafeteria services are available from Monday to Friday. A reminder that orders must be placed online before 7:50am daily. Meals are delivered to the classrooms. Please inform your child to tell an adult if his/her lunch is missing or incomplete. There have been many changes to cafeteria protocol regarding COVID 19 and the staff has been working diligently to make this work.
Please Note: YOU MUST IDENTOFY THE CLASSROOM TEACHER ON YOUR ORDER.
Safety Practices
Following COVID 19 restrictions, students will be practicing regular fire, hold and secure and lockdown drills. They will require masks for fire drills.
Weather
The weather is getting cooler and students are outside for a variety of activities throughout the day. It is important that students bring jackets and dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures.
Reminders
Please remember that all students in grade four and five, as well as any student travelling on a bus are required to wear a mask. Please make sure they have them before they leave for school each morning.
Students are encouraged to bring full water bottles (with their name on it). COVID 19 restrictions prevent the use of water fountains. Water coolers are available for refills.
October marks Mi’kmaq History month. The goal of this month is to build awareness of Mi’kmaq heritage and history, as well as to increase understanding of the rich Mi’kmaq culture present in Nova Scotia.
Ferrisview Twitter
Please follow us on twitter at @FerrisviewElem. I like to post pictures of things that are happening around the school. On that note, please send in your signed media release forms so that I can post pictures. As an added precaution, if you do not want your child’s picture posted on twitter or the school website please let me know.
Head Lice
Head Lice is an ongoing issue in schools. Please check your child's head for lice on a regular basis. We will be posting information regarding head lice on the website. We have had at least one case of head lice in the school so far this year.
FYI
T-Shirts will be purchased for each student attending Ferrisview. An information sheet regarding sizes will go home to be filled out. There is no cost to parents/guardians.
Important Dates
October 12, 2020 Thanksgiving Holiday - No students present
October 23, 2020 Professional Development Day for Staff - No students present
November 11th, 2020: Remembrance Day – No school
Welcome to a New School Year
Welcome to all students, parents and guardians to a new school year at Ferrisview Elementary. The children are settling in nicely to the new routines and practices associated with school in the Covid 19 era. I am super pleased with how well they are adapting and I am just so happy to have our students in school. I am delighted to see the familiar faces and I'm loving getting to know the children that are new to me. The students are absolutely wonderful!
Thank you Parents/Guardians
I am extending a big thank you to all parents and guardians for your patience and support with the beginning of the school year. I know there have been many changes and that there are lots of regulations put in place due to Covid. We know it is really difficult not being able to come into the school and it makes it difficult to get to know the new teachers and administrators. Please know that we are only a phone call away. I also appreciate your patience with the parent pick up loop. On day one we didn’t finish up until after 2:30 with cars and now we finish around 2:12. Just a friendly reminder that the Stanley St. entrance is for walkers, pre primary and special needs families only.
Cafeteria
Cafs Zone information has been posted on the website. You are able to order lunches and it will be delivered to your child. We are still not permitted to use the cafeteria for lunch.
Morning Start
Our morning bell rings at 8:30. Please have your child here between 8:15 and 8:30 if possible. Due to Covid regulations we start allowing children into the building at 8:15 to go to class to limit students from mixing with other students from other classes.
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day will be held on Wednesday, September 30th.This is a day to encourage the discussion of residential schools in Canada. The date was chosen as this is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her shiny new shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. Please have your child wear orange that day. If they do not have anything orange then red is close enough.
Breakfast Program
The breakfast program began this week and is a big hit. We are delivering breakfast to each class and most are eating it between 8:15-8:35. Some items served include: half bagels, apples, cheese, yogurt and milk.
Allergy Alerts
We have staff and students with severe peanut, nut and tree nut allergies. It is extremely Important that you check your child’s recesses and lunches to ensure that they do not contain peanuts, nuts or tree nuts. It could be a matter of life or death.
Student Information & Media Release
Student Information Sheets: Students have been provided with student information forms from PowerSchool, our student information system. We
ask that all parents/guardians update any necessary information, especially phone numbers and emergency contact information. We would like 3 emergency
contacts for each student. If no information needs to be changed write at the top of the form “No Changes”. Please return these updated forms to the
school. Consent for Publication of Student Personal Information and Student Work: Forms were sent home for you to give approval for your child’s
school work and/or photos to be posted within the school and on our school website or twitter site. Please return this form as quickly as possible so teachers have the necessary information.
Electronic Communication
The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Center for Education has directed us to communicate electronically as much as possible. We will be updating our website on a regular basis and will be posting monthly newsletters on the school website. The website is https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/. Also please follow us on twitter at Ferrisview Elementary@FerrisviewElem. I will be tweeting more pictures once I receive the signed Consent for Publication of Student Personal Information forms.
Dates to Remember
Thursday, September 24th: Professional Learning Day (No School for Students)
Wednesday, September 30th: Orange Shirt Day
The Wheel
This year at Ferrisview we will be using the Conflict Resolution Wheel. Conflict is a normal part of life and this is a way to help children to solve their own minor conflicts. We teach students to go to the “What Can I Do Wheel” and try three different solutions and the majority of the time they work it out among themselves. If they are having a difficult time or are afraid they are encouraged to go to an adult to get help to work it out.
Welcome to a New School Year
Welcome to all students, parents and guardians to a new school year at Ferrisview Elementary. The children are settling in nicely to the new routines and practices associated with school in the Covid 19 era. I am super pleased with how well they are adapting and I am just so happy to have our students in school. I am delighted to see the familiar faces and I'm loving getting to know the children that are new to me. The students are absolutely wonderful!
Thank you Parents/Guardians
I am extending a big thank you to all parents and guardians for your patience and support with the beginning of the school year. I know there have been many changes and that there are lots of regulations put in place due to Covid. We know it is really difficult not being able to come into the school and it makes it difficult to get to know the new teachers and administrators. Please know that we are only a phone call away. I also appreciate your patience with the parent pick up loop. On day one we didn’t finish up until after 2:30 with cars and now we finish around 2:12. Just a friendly reminder that the Stanley St. entrance is for walkers, pre primary and special needs families only.
Cafeteria
Cafs Zone information has been posted on the website. You are able to order lunches and it will be delivered to your child. We are still not permitted to use the cafeteria for lunch.
Morning Start
Our morning bell rings at 8:30. Please have your child here between 8:15 and 8:30 if possible. Due to Covid regulations we start allowing children into the building at 8:15 to go to class to limit students from mixing with other students from other classes.
Orange Shirt Day
Orange Shirt Day will be held on Wednesday, September 30th.This is a day to encourage the discussion of residential schools in Canada. The date was chosen as this is the time of year in which children were taken from their homes to residential schools. It grew out of Phyllis’ story of having her shiny new shirt taken away on her first day of residential school. Orange Shirt Day is an opportunity for First Nations, local governments, schools and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. Please have your child wear orange that day. If they do not have anything orange then red is close enough.
Breakfast Program
The breakfast program began this week and is a big hit. We are delivering breakfast to each class and most are eating it between 8:15-8:35. Some items served include: half bagels, apples, cheese, yogurt and milk.
Allergy Alerts
We have staff and students with severe peanut, nut and tree nut allergies. It is extremely Important that you check your child’s recesses and lunches to ensure that they do not contain peanuts, nuts or tree nuts. It could be a matter of life or death.
Student Information & Media Release
Student Information Sheets: Students have been provided with student information forms from PowerSchool, our student information system. We
ask that all parents/guardians update any necessary information, especially phone numbers and emergency contact information. We would like 3 emergency
contacts for each student. If no information needs to be changed write at the top of the form “No Changes”. Please return these updated forms to the
school. Consent for Publication of Student Personal Information and Student Work: Forms were sent home for you to give approval for your child’s
school work and/or photos to be posted within the school and on our school website or twitter site. Please return this form as quickly as possible so teachers have the necessary information.
Electronic Communication
The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Center for Education has directed us to communicate electronically as much as possible. We will be updating our website on a regular basis and will be posting monthly newsletters on the school website. The website is https://sites.google.com/a/gnspes.ca/ferrisview/. Also please follow us on twitter at Ferrisview Elementary@FerrisviewElem. I will be tweeting more pictures once I receive the signed Consent for Publication of Student Personal Information forms.
Dates to Remember
Thursday, September 24th: Professional Learning Day (No School for Students)
Wednesday, September 30th: Orange Shirt Day
The Wheel
This year at Ferrisview we will be using the Conflict Resolution Wheel. Conflict is a normal part of life and this is a way to help children to solve their own minor conflicts. We teach students to go to the “What Can I Do Wheel” and try three different solutions and the majority of the time they work it out among themselves. If they are having a difficult time or are afraid they are encouraged to go to an adult to get help to work it out.
