Emily Carr
May 2018
Message from Administration
With longer days and warmer weather upon us, we know that spring has finally arrived! There may only be two months left of school, but there are lots of wonderful events and activities organized for the Emily Carr Community. We will continue to communicate these events through our monthly newsletters, Twitter feed, Synervoice emails and the school website.
We would like to thank all of the students for their incredible performance on Wednesday, April 25th. Mr. Folts and the Grade 1-3 team are so proud of your hard work and commitment to an excellent performance. A special thank you to Mr. Folts, Mrs. Howse and their amazing team for putting together a magical evening to celebrate Emily Carr P.S. 10th Anniversary.
School Organization and Registrations:
Having an accurate tally of students who will be attending Emily Carr in September 2018 is very important to our school organization. If you know you are moving to another school catchment area, please inform the office as soon as possible. Conversely, if you know anyone moving into the area, we are still accepting registrations for our 2018-19 school year.
School Council Update
School Council is seeking an enthusiastic parent to support our Healthy Schools Action Team. Unfortunately, one of the long standing members of the team is "graduating" with her child at the end of this school year. If you are interested, please contact Jennifer Howse at jennifer@millington.ca
Warmer Weather
With the warmer weather students are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather. Please consider hats, light coloured clothing and sunscreen they can apply themselves (no sprays) to help keep students comfortable throughout the day.
The HDSB App
Emily Carr's 8th Annual World Tour Night - Wednesday, May 9th, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Bring your family! Come out to visit the fabulous country displays and activities and see some fantastic student performances, including the Emily Carr band and the Kaleidoscope Chinese Performers.
Wear your cultural clothing and sign up to be part of our Cultural Clothing Parade at the end of the evening!
Hope to see you there!
Emily CARRnival is back this year!
Monies raised this year will go towards upgrading our signboard to an electronic one to help facilitate communications with our community!
A Musical Note by Jean Barber
The Grade 8 Band is very pleased to be taking part in the Canadian National Band competition on Thursday, May 17th . The event is taking place in Toronto at the University of Toronto. Bands from across Canada will be travelling to Toronto to partake in this event. Our students will be performing at 6 p.m. The Grade 8 Band will be performing at the school’s World Tour Night on Wednesday, May 9th at 6:00 p.m.
Their concert for their families will be Wednesday, May 23rd at the school and then they are off to Canada’s Wonderland to perform in their Spring Music Festival on Thursday, May 31st.
The Grade 7 Band meets weekly after school as they prepare their music for their concert on Wednesday, June 13th. The students are enjoying playing together in a band setting, and are looking forward to the Canada’s Wonderland trip.
The Blue Jays’ Choir were great ambassadors for the school at the Blue Jay’s game on April 4th. A fun evening was had by all. Congratulations!
The Interlink Choir concluded their concert season with a beautiful evening of Broadway hits on Wednesday, April 18th. We thank the School Council for providing tea and coffee and the students truly enjoyed the seniors’ baking. A special thank you is extended to Mrs. Howse, Mrs. Liu and their family members for setting up the refreshments.
We are also proud of the students from grades 4 to 6 who gave up extra recesses to learn their music so they could sing in this year’s Halton Showcase. They joined voice with 500+ other Halton students and sang in front of 2000 people on April 12th. BRAVO!
Mrs. Barber is very proud of all the hard work that the various choirs have given this year. “Thank you for the music!”
Ramadan Mubarak
To all our Families who are preparing for the month of Ramadan, we wish you a fulfilling month ahead. We are aware that some students will wish to fast at school and we recognize the value and significance of fasting as part of their identity. If your child will be fasting, please make your child’s teacher aware by completing this form and sending it to your child’s teacher. We also suggest that students bring food with them to school in the event that they are ill or unable to keep their full fast. Ramadan Mubarak and Happy Ramadan to all of our families.
https://drive.google.com/openid=0B4cheV3hBTMYdjJMaGZTckl1bHBMVWZDMVJOcU5yWmp1RjF3
Mabels Labels to Support Emily Carr P.S.
We ALL buy labels, so now we can raise money for Emily Carr P.S. with our purchases! School Council is excited to launch a new fundraising campaign with Mabels Labels!
All the same prices you are use too and you can still use your coupons! Emily Carr PS gets 20% of every sale!
To get started, visit campaigns.mabelslabels.com click select and pick EMILY CARR (OAKVILLE) from the drop down menu.
Walk for Water
Jump Rope for Heart
#SeeTheAbility
Book Fair
T.H.I.N.K.
at www.hdsb.ca or follow the hashtag #TECHandU on Twitter.
The Grade 7s had a great time learning about Landforms and Mapping by creating topographical maps based on their "Potato Mountains".
Student Leadership
EQAO Volunteers
EQAO Testing Dates for Grade 3 and Grade 6
Students are assessed on their Reading, Writing and Math skills at the end of the primary and junior level years. The dates for the writing of the EQAO test for Grade 3 and Grade 6 are:
Grade 6:
Tuesday, May 22
Wednesday, May 23
Thursday, May 24
Grade 3:
Friday, May 25
Monday, May 28
Tuesday, May 29th
Dates to Remember
Monday, May 7th - School Council Meeting
Monday, May 7th to 14th - Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, May 9th - World Tour Night
Friday, May 18th - Yellow Day
Tuesday, May 22nd - Grade 6 EQAO
Wednesday, May 23rd - Grade 6 EQAO and Grade 8 Concert Band, Family Showcase
Thursday, May 24th - Grade 6 EQAO
Friday, May 25th - Grade 3 EQAO
Monday, May 28th - Grade 3 EQAO
Monday, May 28th to June 1st - Bike to School Week
Tuesday, May 29th - Grade 3 EQAO
Wednesday, May 30th - Senior Track
Thursday, May 31st - Grade 8 Concert Band, Canada's Wonderland Spring Music Festival
Emily Carr Public School
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/hdsb.ca/emily-carr/home
Location: 2255 Pine Glen Road, Oakville, ON, Canada
Phone: (905) 827-3928
May 2018 - Celebrations, Observances and Days of Significance
May 1-31 - Asian Heritage Month
The Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month in 2002. May is Asian Heritage Month, a time to acknowledge the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canada. It also provides an opportunity for Canadians across the country to reflect on and celebrate the contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage to the growth and prosperity of Canada. Canadians are invited to take part in the events that honour the legacy of Canadians of Asian heritage who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today.
May 1- 31 - Jewish Heritage Month
Since it’s unanimously passing in the Legislature on February 23, 2012, the Jewish Heritage Month (Bill 17) has provided all citizens the unique opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Ontarians of Jewish heritage, who have made an impact in communities across the province, from Kenora to Cornwall, as well as appreciate the significant contributions made by the Jewish community in the fields of medicine, law, politics, arts, business and philanthropy. JHMO has gained widespread support among citizens, community leaders, and organizations, including: UJA Federation of Greater Toronto and its advocacy partner, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA). Community groups across the province are encouraged to plan celebrations for May 2018, including bringing guest speakers into schools, creating special collections in public libraries, and organizing community celebrations.
May 1-2 - Twelfth Day of Ridvan (Baha’i)
Today, the last day of the 12-day festival of Ridvan, people all around the world celebrate the beginning of the Baha’i Faith. A hundred and fifty one years ago, on May 2nd, 1863, the Prophet and Founder of the Baha’i Faith, Baha’u’llah, rode out of Baghdad into an unknown and ultimately lifelong exile and imprisonment. But instead of observing a day of sadness, Baha’is observe this anniversary, called the Twelfth Day of Ridvan, as one of the high points of the Baha’i year.
May 10 - Ascension (Christianity)
Ascension is observed as the 40th day of Easter, however it is not a public holiday in Canada. Some Christians in Canada attend Ascension Day church services where they can receive communion, also known as the Eucharist, engage in prayer and sing hymns. Various churches, including the Roman Catholic Church and the United Church of Canada, observe this event. Children who attend Sunday school may learn about the meaning of Ascension Day around this time of the year. Eastern Orthodox followers celebrate Ascension a week later (May 7) according to their calendar.
May 15 - International Day of Families (United Nations)
The International Day of Families is observed on the 15th of May every year. The Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1993 with resolution A/RES/47/237 and reflects the importance the international community attaches to families. The International Day provides an opportunity to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families.
May 16 - June 5 - Ramadan (Month of fasting begins) (Islam)
Ramadan (also known as Ramadhan or Ramzan) is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is a period of prayer, fasting, charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims in Canada. The first verses of the Koran (Qur'an) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (also written as Mohammed or Muhammed) during the last third of Ramadan, making this an especially holy period. Many Muslims in Canada fast during the daylight hours in the month of Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars (fundamental religious duties) of Islam. It is a time of self-examination and increased religious devotion. The fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar after sunset. Some mosques host daily community dinners where Muslims can break their fast together during Ramadan. Many Muslims broaden their compassion for the hungry and less fortunate when they fast. Ramadan is also a time for many Muslims to donate to charity by participating in food drives for the poor and other voluntary activities. Muslims are encouraged to be charitable during Ramadan. People of Islamic faith are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an during Ramadan. Some Muslims recite the entire Qur'an by the end of Ramadan through special prayers known as Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month.
May 17 - International Day Against Homophobia
May 17 is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia is observed on May 17 and aims to coordinate international events that raise awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulate interest in LGBT rights work worldwide.
May 20 - Pentecost (Christianity)
Pentecost is a Christian observance commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus Christ’s disciples, according to the Bible. Many Christians in Canada celebrate Pentecost, which is also known as Pentecost Sunday, Whitsunday, or Whit Sunday.
Many churches in Canada have special Pentecost services.
May 21 - Victoria Day (Canada)
Victoria Day, also known as May Two-Four, May Long, and May Long Weekend, is a Canadian holiday on the Monday preceding May 25. Victoria Day is marked as a public holiday at a national level. Many people have a day off work and schools are closed.
Queen Victoria was born on May 24, 1819. Following the death of 3 uncles and her father, she became Queen of the United Kingdom on June 20, 1837 and reigned until her death on January 22, 1901. During Victoria's life, the British Empire expanded considerably. However, her powers as Queen of the United Kingdom were reduced as the House of Commons became more important and powerful in British politics. The monarch's birthday has been celebrated in Canada since before the beginning of Queen Victoria's reign. After her death, in 1901, May 25 became known as Empire Day. The sovereign's official birthday was still celebrated, often on the King's or Queen's actual birthday. In 1952, Empire Day was moved to the Monday before May 25 and since 1953, the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II has been celebrated on this date in Canada. In 1958, Empire Day became known as Commonwealth Day, which was moved to the second Monday in March. The Monday before May 25 then became known as Victoria Day, which is a Canadian statutory holiday.
May 20/21 - Shavuot (Judaism)
The festival of Shavuot (or Shavuos, in Ashkenazi usage; Shabhuʿoth in Classical and Mizrahi Hebrew Hebrew: שבועות, lit. "Weeks") is a Jewish holiday that occurs on the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan (late May or early June). Shavuot commemorates the anniversary of the day God gave the Torah to the entire Israelite nation assembled at Mount Sinai.Traditional holiday meals on Shavuot center around dairy foods. Shavuot is observed by abstaining from work and attending synagogue services.
May 25 - Ascension (Christianity)
Ascension Day is observed in Canada on the 40th day of Easter. It commemorates Jesus Christ's ascension into heaven, according to the New Testament of the Bible.
Some Christians in Canada attend Ascension Day church services where they can receive communion, also known as the Eucharist, engage in prayer and sing hymns. Various churches, including the Roman Catholic Church and the United Church of Canada, observe this event. Children who attend Sunday school may learn about the meaning of Ascension Day around this time of the year.
May 29 - Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i)
Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh is the date marking the passing of Bahá’u’lláh in 1892.
May 29 - Visakha Puja or Wesak day (Theravada Buddhism)
Buddha Day, is a holiday observed traditionally by Buddhists on different days in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Myanmar and in other places all over the world. Sometimes informally called "Buddha's Birthday", it actually commemorates the birth, enlightenment (nirvāna), and death (Parinirvāna) of Gautama Buddha in the Theravada or southern tradition.
May 30 - Poya Day (Buddhism)
Every full moon (usually one a month) is a public holiday in Sri Lanka. Each of the full moons have its own name and they are days to commemorate key events in Buddhism. These full moon days are known as Poya. The Poya dates will change each year and certain Poya dates may be a day before or after the date of the full moon. Poya Day follows the Wesak day in the Buddhist faith.
May 31 - Corpus Christi (Christianity)
Many Christians in Canada, particularly those of the Catholic faith, observe Corpus Christi in honor of the Holy Eucharist. It is also known as the Feast of the Most Holy Body of Christ, as well as the Day of Wreaths.
Some people, particularly children, may celebrate their first Communion on this day. This practice, also known as Eucharist, is observed throughout the life of a Christian.