Bateman Bobcat Banner
Monday, January 29, 2024
Upcoming Events:
- Tuesday, January 30: RBPS Kindergarten Information Night (6:30 PM)
- February: Black History Month
- Monday, February 5: Ottawa Public Health Vaccine Catch-Up Clinic
- Saturday, February 10: Hunt Club Park Community Association Winter Festival
- Tuesday, February 13: RBPS School Council (6:30 PM)
- Wednesday, February 14: Term 1 Report Cards / Kindergarten Communication of Learning sent to parents via email
- Friday, February 16: PD Day (No school for students)
- Monday, February 19: Family Day (No school for students)
- Tuesday, February 27: Toonie Tuesday in support of the Education Foundation
Black History Month
Every February is recognized as Black History Month in Canada. It’s a time to celebrate Black culture and history and to applaud the achievements and significant contributions Black Canadians have made to build Canada and to make this country the diverse, welcoming and strong nation it is today. Every February, Canadians are invited to participate in learning opportunities, festivities, and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.
Welcome to Kindergarten Information Evening: Tuesday, January 30 at 6:30 PM
On Tuesday, January 30, we invite all parents / guardians of children who will be starting Kindergarten in September 2024 to an in-person Kindergarten information event at Robert Bateman School. If you have neighbours, friends, or family with young children (turning 4 before January 1, 2025) you are welcome to share this information with them. Please note: If you live in the Findlay Creek neighbourhood, you should attend the Vimy Ridge Kindergarten Information Evening on Thursday, February 8 at 5:30 PM, rather than the RBPS event.
Voluntary $10 RBPS Student Fee
Robert Bateman PS is continuing to collect voluntary $10 student fees from families. These fees are used to support additional activities to enrich the student programs, such as guest speakers and special presentations, and to subsidise field trips. This fee can be sent electronically using Schoolcashonline, or sent as cash / check with your child(ren). Thank you in advance for considering this request.
Anti-Bias Workshop with Rabbi Blum and Dr. Sherazi
The Grade 2/3 "Foxes" in Ms. Dana and Miss Anisha's class enjoyed an informative and engaging Anti-Bias Workshop with Rabbi (Menachem) Blum and Dr. (Aisha) Sherazi. They read them the story: Why Bats Hang Upside Down. The powerful story is about a bat that becomes isolated. Students were then led through a discussion about inclusivity and belonging. Students shared really insightful examples of bias and judgements and were encouraged to think before making a decision about someone or something and to try to learn and engage before making a judgement.
Students also acted out some actions and scenes from the story and learned about Rabbi Blum and Dr. Sherazi's 20 year friendship and their important work within our communities. Rabbi Blum and Dr. Sherazi shared with the class how they took time to get to know each other instead of making judgments, assumptions or biases about one another. The students learned that Rabbi Blum is Jewish and Dr. Sherazi is Muslim and as they got to know each other discovered they had more in common than they had differences. We also learned that they don't always agree or share the same opinions, but they respect and care about each other and believe that maintaining their friendship is a priority.
Some thoughts from students after the workshop:
"I liked that even though they have different religions, they are still friends." ~S
"It's like our guest Lieutenant-Colonel Sandra Perron told us: "Surround yourself with people who are different than you." ~Y
"That story was sad. I don't like that the bat was left out." S
Bordenball at RBPS
Congratulations to the Boys and Girls Junior Bordenball teams for representing RBPS at the regional tournaments. On Wednesday, January 17, the Girls Grade 4 - 6 Bordenball team won every game at the Southeast Regional Tournament, bringing home a 1st place finish! On Thursday, January 18, the Boys Grade 4-6 Bordenball team won (almost) every game, coming back from an 8-2 deficit to win the bronze medal game, bringing home a 3rd place finish. We are very proud of all your hard work, and would like to say a special thank-you and congratulations to Mme Boudreau and Mme Irus, who spent many recesses coaching both teams and building them up to deliver such strong showings.
Rescheduled Pizza Day: Thursday, February 22
Buses were cancelled on Thursday, January, 25, and so the Pizza Day originally scheduled for that date has been moved to Thursday, February 22, 2024. (Originally, Term 1 Pizza Days were scheduled to end on Thursday, February 15, so this will extend Term 1 Pizza Days for another week.)
Watch for information on ordering for Pizza for Term #2 the next Bobcat Banner.
Ottawa Public Health Vaccine Catch-Up Clinic: Monday, February 5
Information provided by Ottawa Public Health:
Are your kids up to date with their routine childhood vaccines?
Ottawa Public Health will be holding an Immunization Clinic at Robert Bateman Public School on Monday February 5 2024 from 2pm – 7pm.
Please note that from 2:00 pm till 3:30pm parents of Robert Bateman Public School are welcome to join their children at the school for the clinic.
After 3:30pm - 7:00pm, the school community and any other community members are welcome to attend. #vacccinatedanduptodate
Please bring your child’s immunization record with you.
*If you aren’t sure if your kids are missing some of their childhood vaccines, or to verify records, please check our website for more information.
RBPS Food Drive
The final day for the RBPS Food Drive will be Wednesday, January 31. Thank you to all the families who have donated food and cash for the Pavillion Food Bank. Thank you also to Ms Dana and Ms Anisha’s Grade 2/3 Foxes, and Mr Hirst’s Grade 5/6 class, for all you work on this important initiative.
Welcome May Tannous
On Tuesday, February 1, we welcome May Tannous to RBPS until the end of June. Ms Tannous is the incoming Principal of the new Findlay Creek Elementary School (currently under construction in Findlay Creek). When a new school is scheduled for opening, the work of the Principal begins several months before, as they must hire staff, purchase equipment and supplies, in addition to the many other tasks required to ensure the school is ready to open. For the next several months, Ms Tannous and the new Findlay Creek Office Administrator (TBD) will be based out of available space at Robert Bateman, and will have the opportunity to get to know many of the students at RBPS, including those students who will be moving to Findlay Creek ES in September.
Hunt Club Park Community Association Winter Festival
The Hunt Club Park Community Association Winter Festival will be on Saturday, February 10th, 10:30am-1:00pm in Elizabeth Manley Park, This annual event will include sleigh rides, hot chocolate & s’mores, and more. The Hunt Club Community Association has been an ongoing supporter of Robert Bateman School in the past through generous donations, so we ask you to consider supporting this upcoming event.
Staff Profiles (In every Banner, we profile a different staff member…) 
Staff Name: Dana Campbell
Role: Grade 2/3 Teacher
Time at Robert Bateman: 5 Months
Background: Dana Campbell is the Grade 2/3 "Foxes" teacher. She is in her 20th year of teaching and previous to becoming a teacher she was a Sign Language Interpreter. Dana is passionate about social justice, inclusion and diversity. She loves travelling and learning about different cultures, spending time with her family and friends and her beloved Scottish Terrier Hamish.
Interesting Fact: 1) She has strong ties to Scotland. Her grandfather fought in WWII and her father is an immigrant from Glasgow. Dana's father was born in Airthrey Castle during WWII. (It was turned into a maternity ward during the war.)
2) The first time Dana flew in an airplane, she jumped out of it! (With a parachute of course.)
3) Dana volunteered during the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics and met many athletes and artists along the way.