Thanks so much for all of the warm welcomes and best wishes as I transition into the role of Principal of Grand Valley and District School. I am very excited to be here and take on this new role. It feels great to be back in Dufferin County. I have lived in Orangeville with my family for over twenty years, starting years ago as an Outdoor Education Instructor and a Camp Director at Outdoor Education Centres in the area. When I entered the teaching field, my first job was teaching a grade 1/2 class at Mulmur Mono School. I have taught at a number of other Upper Grand District schools in a variety of roles including, Parkinson Centennial Public School, Elora Public School and Princess Elizabeth Public School. As a Vice Principal, I have worked at Island Lake Public School, Centennial Hylands and Rockwood Public School. Being at different schools has taught me the value of havingschools at the heart of the community and I can see that this is very much the case at Grand Valley. In my brief time here, I can see that this is a school that is steeped in tradition and trust that needs to remember its roots while fulfilling the dynamic responsibility of teaching its students the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary forsuccess in the future. Meeting with Mr. Zen over the past few weeks, I realize I have big shoes to fill. I will continue with the direction and vision he, the staff and School Council have developed for the school and maintain the excellent communication andpartnerships with parents and other community members.

Please remember to introduce yourself to me when I see you. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of the students and their families. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please contact me at the school. Answering questions and listening to concerns is an important part of my job. It is often easier to solve a problem before it becomes larger.

Mr. Pink - Principal

[ Read the full May 2012 Newsletter (pdf) ]

Parents are reminded that Monday, April 23rd is a Ministry mandated professional development day for all schools in the Upper Grand District School Board. The areas of special education and student achievement will be the focus for the day.

Staff will be working on elements of our school improvement plan, with a focus on balanced literacy and problem solving in math.

Staff will also be working through the School Effectiveness Framework (SEF). The SEF is a school self-assessment tool, grounded in research and professional learning, used to promote school improvement and student success.

[ Read the full April newsletter (pdf) ]
 

Kid’s First

A two hour program running Fridays in April, May and June
This program will help children ages 3-4 acquire the skills necessary to begin kindergarten. Children will attend program separate of their parents; they will come with back packs and lunch and participate in a stimulating learning environment.

Skills:

• Name recognition
• Listening
• Sharing
• Interacting
• Cutting
• Pencil Grasp
• Basic school routine
• Separation
• Problem Solving
• Creative Thinking

Print the Early Learning Calendar 

 Grand Valley and District Public School runs a Breakfast Program every morning before 8:30 a.m. We are provided with some funding through Food and Friends and Breakfast for Learning. Food and Friends currently supports over 80 breakfast, lunch or snack programs in Dufferin and Wellington Counties and the city of Guelph. Food and Friends, along with countless volunteers, provides service to more than 12,000 children and youth.
On March 2nd, all of the schools who have programs and many businesses in the various communities will be participating in a LIVE FREE campaign to raise funds for these programs. LIVE FREE Day involves living free of one thing for the day. School staff, parents and students are being asked to participate in the day. Teachers will be collecting a twoonie from each participant.

[Read the full March Newsletter (pdf)]

 Early Learning Program (ELP) – GVDPS to continue with full day learning  

In September, 2010, our Board began offering the full day kindergarten program in some schools as part of a province wide implementation plan. Our school is one of many schools in our Board that is offering full day kindergarten. This means that JK and SK children in our school attend all day every day. The full day program is delivered by a Teacher and Early Childhood Educator team. The program uses a play based learning approach that will support your child’s growth in all areas.

[ Read the full February newsletter and calendar (pdf) ] 
 

Parents: Would you like to know about local activities and services available to you, your family and for children of all ages?

Then please come to...
The Grand Valley Community Learning Fair

February 7, 2012  from 4:00-7:00pm

[Read the poster (pdf)]

Welcome Back!

We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday. We want to thank all of our families for their continued support, and we wish each of you all the very best in 2012! January is a very busy month at GVDPS, so please check the updated calendar (enclosed) as well as this newsletter for important events, dates and times.
A few important reminders as we begin the new year. Student safety is our primary concern at GVDPS. Visitors are most welcome during the school day; however, we ask that all visitors report to the main office upon their arrival, and to sign in if necessary.

[ Read the full January newsletter and calendar (pdf) ]