Walnut Grove PS
December, 2021 Newsletter
Walnut Grove PS
Principal: M. Casciato
Vice Principal: V. Ducharme
Superintendent: Patrika Daws
Trustee: Carrie Andrews
Email: walnutgrove.ps@peelsb.com
Website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1416/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 10 Pinestaff Road, Brampton, ON, Canada
Phone: 905-796-4572
Twitter: @WalnutGrovePS
About Us
Walnut Grove’s Daily Schedule
Entry Bell 9:00 am - Students enter the building between 9:00 and 9:15 am.
Period 1 9:15 - 9:55
Period 2 9:55 - 10:35
Period 3 10:35 - 11:15
Nutrition Break A 11:15 - 11:55
Period 4 11:55 - 12:35
Period 5 12:35 - 1:15
Nutrition Break B 1:15 - 1:55
Period 6 1:55 - 2:35
Period 7 2:35 - 3:15
Flex Time 3:15 - 3:35
Dismissal 3:35
Please Note: Supervision begins daily at 9:00am to 9:15 am and from 3:35pm to 3:50pm. Students who arrive earlier than 9:00am are not supervised.
Principal's Message
Dear Walnut Grove Families,
The colder weather has arrived. Please ensure your children are prepared to spend time outside (two 20 minute periods of time). Students should have boots, snow pants, gloves and hats to play comfortably outside and in the snow. Due to the need to wear boots during the winter, students can bring a change of shoes to wear indoors. These shoes can remain at school.
This month our grade 8 students will participate in a workshop prepared by the Elizabeth Fry Society focusing on making and maintaining Healthy Relationships. The grade 8 students are also selecting courses for grade 9 and working closely with our guidance teacher to fill in their My Blue Print. Ask your grade 8 child about My Blue Print and their high school course selections.
This month The Rising Black Stars group met for the first time this year. The staff advisors and students will be co-planning a variety of activities throughout the year. At Walnut Grove we are committed to showcasing Black excellence and joy. In the upcoming months, the group will share some of their talents and learning with the whole school. Stay tuned for more details.
The Winter break begins on December 20 until December 31. We return to school on January 3, 2022.
On behalf of the staff, I would like to wish everyone a safe and restful winter break. We would like to wish everyone a safe and healthy 2022!
Sincerely,
Mrs. M. Casciato
School Council
School Council Upcoming Meeting Dates
Here are the upcoming dates for virtual meetings:
- January 26, 2022
- March 23, 2022
- May 25, 2022
We welcome all of our parents to attend School Council meetings. A meeting link will be emailed late afternoon on the date of the meeting.
Walnut Grove School Success
School Improvement Planning 2021- 2022
This year we are working on maintaining a safe and inclusive climate, characterized by an anti-oppressive, anti-racist stance, as a prerequisite to our academic area of improvement - numeracy. We are currently review our School Improvement Planning and updating school goals in four areas: Mental Health and Well-being and Community Engagement, Pathways, Instruction and Assessment, Human Rights and Equity.
We continue to work with our Family of Schools Learning Environment Itinerant Teacher and Inclusion Coach to learn about instructional and assessment practices that meet the needs of all students and empower student voice. We are learning and implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) as well as Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP). Our teachers also continue to learn about best practices in delivering curriculum all the while attending to our students' social-emotional development.
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Do we have a tree expert in our community? We need your help...
News from the Peel District School Board
Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) empower students to unlock their passions
Regional Learning Choices Programs offered by the Peel District School Board empower students by providing them with opportunities to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. Regional programs are open to all students who meet the criteria for acceptance. Students and families are encouraged to visit the Elementary Regional Learning Choice Programs page and the Secondary Regional Learning Choice Programs page to learn about the programs, application details and how supports are available to help families choose the program(s) of their choice.
Transportation is not provided for students in regional programs. If students have been accepted into a regional program and they live within the school boundary, they are only eligible for busing if they meet the distance criteria outlined in the board’s Transportation Policy #39.
All regional programs include annual fees, including a non-refundable $40 application fee, except the Regional Skilled Trades and Transportation Engineering and Technology programs, which are offered at no cost. Please note that supports are available for families who are interested in applying and may require financial assistance – please speak with your principal.
Apply for French Immersion by Jan. 28, 2022
If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2022, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to consider grade 1 French Immersion (FI).
The application form for grade 1 FI for the 2022-23 school year is available online at www.peelschools.org/French. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Families who require technology support and/or access to complete the application may contact their local FI school for further support.
The FI school for our area is Walnut Grove PS. The phone number is 905 796-4572.
Applying for Grade 1 French Immersion
The Peel board has a limited number of spaces available for grade 1 French Immersion. They are not offered to students on a first come first served basis. A computerized random selection process will determine which students will be offered spaces in the grade 1 FI and will randomly assign a rank to each individual application that is received by the Jan. 28, 2022 deadline. Once students have been assigned to all available spaces, remaining students will be placed, again in rank order, on the school's waitlist. Each school has its own waitlist.
Note: Each student application is processed as an individual. No preference is given to any application based on a sibling attending or accepted into French Immersion or Extended French. Including twins or triplets.
How to get more information
For more information about French Immersion:
• visit www.peelschools.org/French
• call your nearest French Immersion school
• connect with families who have children in the French Immersion program
• visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca
Apply for Extended French by Jan. 28, 2022
Apply for Extended French by Jan. 28, 2022
If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2022, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to consider Extended French (EF). To find out more about the program, visit www.peelschools.org/French
The application form for grade 7 EF for the 2022-23 school year is available online at www.peelschools.org/French. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 28, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. Families who require technology support and/or access to complete the application may contact their local FI school for further support.
The EF school for our area is Sir John A. MacDonald. The phone number is 905-457-5535.
Applying for Grade 7 Extended French
The Peel board has a limited number of spaces available for grade 1 French Immersion. They are not offered to students on a first come first served basis. A computerized random selection process will determine which students will be offered spaces in the grade 1 FI and will randomly assign a rank to each individual application that is received by the Jan. 28, 2022 deadline. Once students have been assigned to all available spaces, remaining students will be placed, again in rank order, on the school's waitlist. Each school has its own waitlist.
Note: Each student application is processed as an individual. No preference is given to any application based on a sibling attending or accepted into French Immersion or Extended French. Including twins or triplets.
Please note that students who are currently or were previously enrolled in French Immersion, cannot apply for grade 7 Extended French – you will continue grade 7 in the French Immersion program or an English program.
How to get more information
For more information about Extended French:
• visit www.peelschools.org/French
• call your nearest Extended French school
• connect with families who have children in the Extended French program
• visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca
Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists
Does your child/teen have a demanding training, competition or rehearsal schedule that makes it difficult to attend school regularly?
The Peel District School Board’s Peel Region High Performers Program will offer flexible timetabling to accommodate student athletes and artists with demanding practice, competition, rehearsal and/or performance schedules.
Peel Region High Performers Program is offered at:
· Britannia Public School (grades 4 to 5)
· Dolphin Sr. Public School (grades 6 to 8)
· Mississauga Secondary School (grades 9 to 12)
For more information, visit our website or contact the school
Help your teen plan for Grade 9 course selection for 2022
Current grade 8 students will select their courses for grade 9 until December 15, 2021. We want to ensure families and students have the tools they need to make informed decisions about high school course selection and future pathways.
Planning for Course Selection:
All students in grade 8 receive a Grade 8 Course Selection Form for their local high school or special program school (if applicable). The Grade 8 Course Selection Form is intended as a course information and planning tool for students and families in preparation for course selection in myBlueprint. All official course selections and family course approvals will occur through myBlueprint. The Grade 8 Course Selection Forms for all Peel high schools can also be found here.
Grade 9 Course Selection in myBlueprint:
In Peel, all students select their official high school courses in myBlueprint, found in your child’s BYOD portal. Your child can access their myBlueprint account on any device by following these steps:
• Go to www.peelschools.org
• Click Login to log into the BYOD portal using student username and password
• Select View Apps in the BYOD portal
• Select myBlueprint (under Learning Resources)
Try myBlueprint as a pathways and career planning tool:
The following tools are found within your teen’s myBlueprint account and are explored with grade 7-8 teachers and elementary guidance counsellors at school. As the family is the primary decision maker in the student’s course selection, we encourage you to visit the following features within myBlueprint with your student:
• High school planner for course selection specific to the intended Peel high school
• Who Am I? surveys to complete revealing your teen’s interests and strengths
• Match Results to filter to preferred pathway and view post-secondary programs, career matches and courses based on survey results
• Create multiple post-secondary plans in the high school planner using View Plans
If you have questions or are looking for more information, please contact your teen’s teachers.
It's time to register children born in 2018 for kindergarten
We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2018, they can start kindergarten in September 2022.
Starting January 1, 2022, families can register online for the 2022-23 school year by visiting www.peelschools.org/Kindergarten
Documents required for registration
Families will be required to upload scanned copies of the following documents while completing online registration.
Proof of child's age and legal name (one of the following)
· Birth Certificate/Birth Registration Card
· Citizenship Card / Certificate / Passport / Permanent Resident Card / Confirmation of Permanent Residence
· Certificate of Indian Status
· Refugee/Convention Refugee Permit
Current proof of address (one of the following)
· Agreement of Purchase and Sale of House
· Latest Municipal Tax Assessment (MPAC) / Tax Bill
· Phone / Cable/ Internet Bill
· Utility Bill (water, hydro, gas)
· Bank Statement / Letter from Financial Institution / Credit Card Statement
· Government forms (e.g. Canada Post, Service Canada documents)
Proof of Citizenship/Immigration Status (if applicable)
Proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate living arrangement.
Proof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated.
Talking With Your Child About Mental Health Concerns From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team and School Mental Health Ontario
It can be challenging to talk to your child about their mental health. As parents, many of us avoid the conversation because we don’t know how to start or we worry that we might say the wrong thing or make things worse. However, research shows that bringing up worries, concerns, or changes in behaviour with your child will likely open up the lines of communication rather than worsen the situation. It sends the message to your child “I care,” “I notice things,” and “I see you.”
If you are thinking of having a conversation with your child about their mental health, here are some tips to get you started:
● To begin the conversation, find a quiet time when you are unlikely to have interruptions.
● Reassure your child that they can tell you anything and you will not get upset with them (even if you feel worried or scared about the information they tell you).
● Start the conversation by describing changes that you have noticed in their mood, behaviour, reactions etc. For example, “I have noticed that you seem to be crying more” or “I’ve noticed that you have been spending more time in your room lately.” If you have had conversations with your child’s teacher about mental health concerns presenting at school, you may also want to include comments from the teacher’s observations.
● Share that you “wonder” about how your child is feeling or what they might be thinking. For example, “I wonder if you’re feeling worried about your performance on your recent report card” or “I wonder if you are feeling sad that school is still not the same this year.”
● Allow your child time to reflect before they answer. They may not answer right away.
● Try to ask questions instead of immediately providing advice or solutions. For example, “what do you need from me at this moment?” or “if I could do one thing that would make things easier, what would it be?”
● Stay calm and don’t abandon the conversation if your child responds with “nothing is wrong” or “leave me alone”. If this happens, reassure your child that you are there for them, give your child some time, and then try the conversation again at another time.
● If your child tells you anything that makes you feel worried or scared, reassure your child that you are glad they told you and that you will be there for them throughout the journey. For information and links to emergency, crisis, and community mental health service providers in Peel region, consult the PDSB Guide to Mental Health Supports and Community Resources.
The PDSB Mental Health Resource Team is made up of registered Psychologists, Social Workers, and Psychotherapists. To follow along with the work of our team, find us on Twitter @MHRTPeel.
content Adapted from School Mental Health Ontario (2021)
Autism Community Connection Family Nights
The SLSS – Autism Department is excited to announce that a new 6-part series of virtual events designed to support families, students and educators in Peel (and beyond) has been planned. While originally created to support the needs of our students with autism and their families, these events provide great neurodiversity co-learning and community building for all. Please join us and spread the word!
Our first event is Wednesday, December 8 from 7 to 9 p.m.
To access the December flyer, click on the link below.
And to learn more about this 6-part series of events, visit our ASSDP Webpage.
Great Start: an orientation for School Council members
School Council members are important partners in education who every day make a difference in the lives of our students and school communities. At Peel District School Board schools, we value the role and contribution of our School Council members and their commitment to help boost parent involvement and student excellence.
The Peel District School Board (PDSB), with collaboration from the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) hosts multiple events throughout the school year for School Council members to attend. For the 2021-22 school year, a virtual event will be held on Dec. 8 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to train new School Council members about their roles and responsibilities, including sharing tips and resources to fulfil their mandate in the most effective and efficient ways.
To join the meeting on Dec. 8, please visit: www.pdsb.me/GreatStart
For more information on School Councils, please visit www.peelschools.org/schoolcouncils
Winter bus safety
The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter months.
· Allow extra time to get to your bus stop.
· Wear bright clothing so the bus can see you in the early morning and late evening.
· Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow and ice.
· Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on wet or icy steps or road surfaces.
· Dress properly—winter clothing, hats, and boots will keep you warm.
· Don't throw snowballs at the bus or other children waiting for the bus.
· Don't slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street.
· Don't push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt.
· Peel Public Health’s physical distancing guidelines must be followed at all times while waiting at the bus stops. To the extent that physical distancing may not be possible, the use of non-medical masks for students in grades 1 to 12 will be required on school vehicles. Students in Kindergarten will be strongly encouraged but not required to wear masks on student transportation. Exceptions should be made for students with medical conditions or special needs that prevent masking.
On very rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions or mechanical problems. Talk to your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions:
· When possible, wait with your child for the bus.
· Make sure your child knows a phone number where he can reach you or another trusted adult.
· Teach your child how and where to get help. Talk to your child about what a "safe" stranger is.
· Help your child set up a bus stop buddy system so your child has someone to wait with for the bus.
Due to various challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing of bus routes may be impacted. This could also impact the timing of routes. Families are encouraged to subscribe to Student Transportation of Peel Region’s notification system to monitor delays and cancellations.
Peel Learning Foundation
1 in 5 students attending school in Peel Region face barriers related to poverty – give a gift this season that creates hope!
This year, as we head into the holiday season, we can be thankful for all that we have in our lives and for those around us who love and support us. Yet, the pandemic has impacted the lived experiences of Peel District School Board students, families, and staff members in different and significant ways.
More than 1 in 5 Peel District School Board students face barriers from poverty. That’s more than 27,000 students who wonder if they will have the basic necessities, such as food, school supplies or warm winter clothing.
Give a gift ‘in honour’ of a staff member
Many families like to recognize staff members for their contributions to their child’s education at this time of year – often with a gift or a gift card. Alternatively, we encourage you to consider donating to the Peel Learning Foundation ‘in honour’ of a Peel board staff member. This lets them know how much you appreciate everything they do for your child, and your gift will support a child in need.
When you make your online donation at www.PeelLearningFoundation.org/donate simply include the staff member’s name (first and last) and school or work location in the “Your feedback – additional comments’ section. You’ll receive a tax receipt for your gift, and we’ll contact the staff member and let them know of your kind gesture.
A message from a staff member who helped a family in need
“This family has faced unemployment due to the pandemic. The funds will be used to purchase a gift card to provide the student with warm winter clothing. For the student’s long walks to school, this will help ensure they are comfortable and attend school as the colder weather approaches.”
To make a donation, please visit www.PeelLearningFoundation.org.
@PeelLearningFDN l /PeelLearningFDN l peellearningfoundation