Administration’s Message
Another successful year has come to an end at Baltimore School.
From a personal point of view, the 2007-2008 school year was
challenging, yet at the same time extremely rewarding. We started
the year in September remembering a popular student who suddenly
passed away during the summer. Our students and staff handled the
difficulty of Patrick’s loss very well and moved forward to
experience an exceptional year.
Our volunteer base improved from 49 parent
volunteers last year to 74 this year. This involvement has provided
the school the ability to provide more opportunities for our
students. The Breakfast Program grew this year and as of now, is a
staple in our school that many students partake in each morning.
The Recycling program has provided funds that have allowed us to
purchase a new mascot, new basketball backboards for our Primary and
Elementary students, new flagpoles and flags, along with developing
our Peace Garden in front of our school. Fundraising has also
provided us with a new curtain for our stage and newer up to date
technology such as Smart Boards and ELMO projectors.
We have initiated new learning programs this year
including our Buddy Reading Program and the new Literacy Program,
“Bruno’s Reading Club”. The Industrial Arts program has expanded to
include CNC machine and residential construction, and our enrichment
program was expanded to all grades 4 thru 9. We are also very proud
to have organized the first, and hopefully annual, Arts and
Literature Fair.
As the doors of Baltimore close for another year, we wish our entire
school community a very enjoyable summer break. To the students, we
wish you a safe and happy summer. Keep in mind the safety programs
you have covered during the year and follow safety rules whether it
is riding your bike, swimming or walking along the highway.
To the parents, we encourage you to spend quality
time with your children this summer. Time goes by very quickly, so
enjoy the time you have to share. To the teachers and staff, we
thank you for all the help and support you have given the students
and the administration during the year. You are a tremendous group
of teachers and we are very proud of the work you do and the lengths
you go in order to provide for the students educational, emotional,
social and physical wellness. To the support staff, we extend a big
thank you! You are the people that keep our school in excellent
condition.
Baltimore School carries with it a great deal of
pride and tradition and we will be working to ensure this legacy
continues to grow in the upcoming year.
God bless and enjoy your summer!
Ryane Clowe
Takes Part in Baltimore School Literacy Assembly
The Baltimore
School year end Literacy Assembly was held on Wednesday, June 11.
We were extremely honored to welcome back a very special guest and
former student, Ryane Clowe of the San Jose Sharks, who was born in
Fermeuse. The students read many of their stories and poems and
were acknowledged for their great reading. Bruno (the school’s
mascot) was proud to accept many new members into his Reading Club.
Students who have read in excess of 100 books were presented with a
new book and a certificate by Mr. Clowe. Mr. Clowe spoke to the
students about striving to do the best they can in whatever they
choose to do. The students were excited to have the opportunity to
get Mr. Clowe’s autograph and have their picture taken with him. A
big thank you goes out to Ryane for taking the time to meet with
each student and speak with them individually.
The Literacy Assembly was the culmination of an
eventful week at Baltimore School which held its Arts and Literature
Fair, Volunteer Recognition Day, High School sports awards banquet
and Elementary Sports awards banquet over the past few days.
A Fond Farewell
Another year has come to and end and that signifies the departure of
several exceptional teachers. The following teachers were in
Replacement teaching positions this past year and will be leaving
us:
Ms. Fagan Ms. Keefe Ms. Rose
Ms. Moore Ms. Budgell Ms. Morris
Mr. Jenkins
Ms. Clarke is on maternity leave for the next year.
We thank each of you for the tremendous contributions you have made
to Baltimore School this year and wish you the very best in the
future. You will be missed!
Upcoming Week
Monday June 23 – Discovery Day Holiday
(No school for students)
Thursday, June 26 – Final Day of school
Buses will begin their run at 10:20am, students will
be in school by 11:00am. Report Cards will be distributed and and
dismissal is 12:30pm. Any report cards not picked up will be mailed
on Friday.
Arts and Literature Fair
A big thank you goes out to the students who displayed their great
literacy and art work from this past year. Students presented and
read their poems and stories to parents, and the quality of work was
absolutely tremendous. Thank you to Ms. Budgell and the teachers
for organizing a successful Fair.
Horizon
Scholarship Award:
Kelsie Swain,
Grade 9
Kelsie Swain
is one of 50 winners in the province to receive the Fry Family
Junior Leadership Award. She will receive $200 in July and $1000
upon entry to MUN and she will also participate in the HORIZONS
program conferences. Congratulations Kelsie!
Book Return
This past year was the first year of free textbooks for all K –
Level III students. The books were provided for free with the
understanding that all books must be cared for and returned at the
end of the year. All books are now being gathered by the teachers
and it is very important that all textbooks be returned to the
school. Textbooks not returned become the responsibility of the
student and the cost of the book must be reimbursed to the school.
Textbooks will not be issued to any student with outstanding fees in
the upcoming year. These textbooks are quite expensive, therefore
every effort need to be made to ensure the textbooks are returned.
Acknowledgements
Over the past year, our school has offered the students a diverse
range of extra-curricular programs. Baltimore School is extremely
lucky to have such a supportive and giving staff. We wish to thank
each and every one for the role they played in the lives of our
students, and for making the school a better place.
Mr. Pender- Choir, Band, Concerts
Ms. Fagan - S.A.D.D,
Mrs. Chidley - Breakfast Program
Ms. Rose – Scrapbooking Club
Ms. Aylward - Breakfast Program
Mrs. Lushman – Guitar Club
Ms. Moore – Tap Dancing Club
Mrs. Budgell – Stitch Club
Ms. Keefe – Bruno’s Reading Club
Mrs. Fennelly – Basketball Rep.
Mr. Schulz – Heritage Fair
Mr. Jenkins – Robotics Club
Mr. Brennan – Fundraising
Ms. Maloney – Recycling, Grad,
Mr. Sullivan – Breakfast Program
Mr. Mayo – Brother Brennan
Mr. Matchem – Softball
Ms. S. Brophy – Cross-Country, Track
Ms. Gosse – Tutoring
Mrs. Mayo – Basketball Rep
Ms. Morris – Ball Hockey
Ms. Pike – Grad
Ms. Lawlor – Grad
Mr. Foley – Robotics Club
Ms. Kavanagh - Basketball
Ms. Clarke – Dances
Ms. Rose Brophy – Varsity Committee
Mrs. Boland, Mrs. Dalton and Ms. Sullivan – organizing materials
Mr. Conway and Mrs. Sullivan for everything you do.
Acknowledging Our Volunteers
The staff and students of Baltimore School would like to thank all
those who give so freely of their time and talents to help make our
school a better place:
Sheila
Sullivan,. Connie Kavanagh, Jennifer Power, Arlene Dalton, Sadie
Kenny, Nicky Hawkins, Jayanthi Udayapala, Michelle Ryan, Nancy
Harvey-Ryan, Nancy Aspell, Jean Sullivan, Heather Chidley, Marjorie
Dunne, Janice Hopkins, Tara Kavanagh, Carol Ann O’Neil, Juanita
Hawkins, Kerry O’Keefe, Mary Chidley, Myra Brophy, Regina White,
Darlene Hayes, Tracy Goodridge, Jean Fahey, Natalie Davidson, Judy
Walsh, Sean Walsh, Mona Brophy, Noella Clowe, Paula Oates, Annie
O’Toole, Michelle O’Toole, Barb Croft, Annie Croft, Ella Carew,
Debbie Kenny, Sharon Fennelly, Geraldine Pennell, Wendy O’Brien,
Lorna Lawlor, Bev Clowe, Agnes Mulcahy, Mary Aylward, Dustin Hartery,
Jeremy Ledwell, Samantha Kavanagh, Allister Brophy, Scott Brophy,
Terri-Lynn Kavanagh, Paula Johnson, Judy Dalton, David Chidley,
Theresa Chidley, Janice Duggan, Vianne Chidley, Billy-Lynn Stratton,
Gladys Hayden, Nancy Chalinor, Triff Hawkins, Paula Badcock, Ricky
Hayden, Janet Hynes, Loyola Kavanagh, Connie O’Brien, Leanne Dalton,
Andrea Carew, Graham Kavanagh, Vivian Ryan, Bonnie Kelly, Jessica
Clowe, Mary Ryan, Kelly Kavanagh and Darnell Johnson.
Thanks to
everyone and we sincerely hope to see all of you back at Baltimore
in September.
Technology Fundraiser
One of the biggest challenges facing Baltimore School is having
modern up-to-date technology (i.e. software, computers, LCD
projectors, etc) so both students and teachers can engage in quality
learning experiences. At present our technology does not meet this
standard.
In order to try and address this problem once and
for all, Baltimore School is having a major fundraising campaign in
order to bring our technology up to a modern standard. We hope to
set up an income fund (i.e. pledge to donate money each year) for
the school for technology over the next five years.
Karl Kenny started us off with a pledge of
$1000/year for the next five years. Brian Dalton and Neil Dalton
have each matched Mr. Kenny’s donation of $1000/year for the next
five years.
If you are interested in being part of this
fundraising event, please let me know (Mr. Brennan). Also, you may
know of others (i.e. former Alumni, businesses, etc.) who would like
to help out.
We are very grateful for these substantial
donations, however, smaller donations are needed and will be as
equally appreciated. We have set up the following categories for
donations:
Platinum ($1000.00 or
more)
Gold ($500.00-$900.00)
Silver ($250.00-$499.00)
Bronze ($100.00-$249.00)
There will be no direct solicitation from the school to donate
money. All money raised will be set aside until our campaign ends
on November 1st, 2008. All donations large and small are welcome.
All donations will be posted on our website
unless requested to be kept confidential.
http://www.k12.nf.ca/baltimore/technologyfund.htm
If you or your business would like to donate, you
can do so by contacting the school at 432-2090 or email Adrian
Brennan (adrianbrennan@esdnl.ca)
Keeping a Watchful Eye
The school grounds are a work in progress. Last year we started the
“Veterans Memorial Garden”, planted the “In Memory Of Paddy” Tree,
and installed the gazebo as well as the playground. This year we
plan on installing flag poles, three picnic tables, and updating the
flower garden. A great deal of time and money has gone into these
projects and it would be a sad if they were to fall to vandalism
over the summer months. We ask you to be aware and keep an eye out
for inappropriate actions that may result in damage.
School
Clothing
A reminder
that our school is adopting a new school clothing program. Many
parents have already taken the opportunity to order the black and
gold colors, however, if you would still like to place a clothing
order, it can be done through Professional Apparel on Blackmarsh
Road in St. John’s (ph # 576-0794).
Food Services
Chartwells
Food Services have once again been awarded the contract to supply
cafeteria services to our students.
Supplementary
Exams
For those
students who are not successful in passing all their courses during
this exam period, the opportunity to write a supplementary exam will
take place during the last week of August. Please contact the
school for
more
information. For students who want to take advantage of writing a
supplementary exam for Public Exam Courses, registration forms can
be obtained from the Department of Education website and sent in to
the Department by July 30, 2008.
Primary and
Elementary Sports Day
The Primary
and Elementary Sports Day will take place on Tuesday, June 24th.
All kindergarten students will be in for the entire day and if there
is rain on this day, the activities will be moved into the Gym.
2008 – 2009
School Year’s start-up
The new year
will officially begin for students on September 3, 2008.
