Kim Wheatley, coordinator of the the Toronto Zoo's Turtle Island Conservation programme, visited Ponsonby PS on Saturday, May 4 for a morning of fun, crafts, learning and songs. Kim took staff, students and parents on an exciting journey to learn about First Nations perspectives on Turtle Island, Turtle Teachings and learning about turtles with storytelling and multiple turtle craft activities, songs and turtle displays from the Toronto Zoo. "It was an amazing morning," said principal Ab Henshaw. The Education Week event was sponsored and organized by Ponsonby School Council.

The year 2012/13 will go down in history as the union “Pause Days” changed the way schools do things. Now that teacher unions have decided that extra-murals are OK again, it’s gotten real busy here at Ponsonby.

• Saturday, May 4 “Be Creative on Turtle Island” 9:30-12:00
• the grade 6 camping trip is coming up in a week
• the upcoming play ”The Wizard of Oz”.
• May 30th Track & Field meet at the Marden Performance Center
• EQAO end of May
• Grade 6 Celebration…end of June
• Family barbeque…in the evening
• Grade 5/6 trip to the Zoo
• End of the year trip to Doon Heritage Village for our primary classes

Extra Curricular activities are still voluntary. It’s up to each individual staff member to decide what they want to get involved in. Teachers have families to go home to after the school day so they are very selective with their time.

[ View the May 2013 Newsletter ( PDF ) ]

You're Invited to Kindergarten Orientation at Ponsonby Public School
Date: Friday, June 7, 2013
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 a.m.
Please R.S.V.P to Mrs. Way @ 519-824-9447 

Children will spend the time in Kindergarten with the kindergarten teacher, while parents meet with other staff who will offer information to help you prepare your child for school.

* Upon arrival, please bring your child to Room 3, then proceed to the Library, Room 5 to meet with other parents and Ponsonby Staff and enjoy some refreshments. We look forward to meeting you.

[ View Kindergarten 2013 Orientation Invitation ( PDF ) ]

Welcome Spring!!!
There is nothing better than a school community get-together to help us celebrate the season and the creativity in all of us. Join us at this year’s “Get Creative Ponsonby” event - “Get Creative on Turtle Island” on Saturday May 4th from 9:30- 12:00pm at Ponsonby Public School. This event is a little different from past years as participants will be guided through a number of activities that will engage our creative spirit as well as learn about conservation. Some of the activities may be outside so dress for the weather! This is a free event for the entire family (thanks to a Ministry of Education Parents Reaching Out Grant). So bring your kids (big and small) and get creative. See the PDF link below for more details.

The next School Council meeting will be: Monday May 13th at 6:30pm and free Child Care will be available. All parents are welcome.

[ Ponsonby School Council April 2013 News ( PDF ) ]

March was without question one of the coldest, snowiest months that I can remember. Our students have been unaffected by the extreme cold and plentiful snow. We have had very few problems with building snow forts and snow ball throwing. Our students are reminded to play with respect, kindness and trust.

April is up next and everyone knows that April usually brings showers and hopefully warmer temperatures. Remember Good Friday and Easter Monday are earlier this year and Monday, April 22 is a PA Day.

This just in: The elementary teachers union has decided to allow teachers to return to doing extra -curricular activities. Extra-curricular activities remain voluntary plan depending on the participation of a staff member. Mr. Ellis is going ahead with the grade 6 overnight camping trip to Paradise Lake. Paradise Lake is a Kitchener YMCA camp just outside of St. Clements.

A. Henshaw
Principal

[ View the April 2013 Newsletter ( PDF ) ]

The Fotheringham family enjoys a recent Storm game. The tickets were donated to the school by Therapy Partners. Special thanks to Shane Maybee."