Panther Peek @ the Week
Week of 06/11/2023
REMINDER: THIS FRIDAY IS A P.A. DAY
October Spirit Week
Lest We Forget
School Bus Safe Riding Program
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION MONTH
In November, we recognize Indigenous Education Month. This month provides an opportunity to re-examine how Indigenous perspectives, histories and contemporary realities may be centred across the curricula, and to focus on treaties and the legacy of residential schools.
In 2016, Ontario passed the first legislation of its kind in Canada declaring the first full week of November as Treaties Recognition Week. This year, Treaties Recognition Week is November 5-11, 2023.
National Treaties Recognition Week, honours the importance of treaties and helps students and residents of Ontario and Turtle Island to learn more about treaty rights and relationships. By learning more about our collective treaty rights and obligations, we can create greater understanding and nurture relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Treaties Recognition Week represents one of many steps in the journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Designating this week was in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action to increase treaty awareness and provide students and the public with an important opportunity to learn why treaties matter.
We acknowledge that we are on Treaty land as a sign of respect and recognize the ties and relationships Indigenous peoples have to the land which is important to culture, ceremonies and traditions. We continue to learn about the importance of treaties and help our students and learn more about treaty rights and relationships.
Calendar
This Week
Monday 6th-
Tuesday 7th- Swim to Survive (Gr. 3s only - Rines/Andre)
Wednesday 8th- Picture Retake Day
Thursday 9th- Remembrance Day Ceremony 10:45AM
Friday 10th- P.A Day
UPCOMING EVENTS
14/11 SK/SK/2 Dental Screening
17/11 Progress Reports Go Home
20/11Grade 7/8 Immunizations
30/11 PRIDE Assembly
Revised Language Curriculum 2023
The Ontario Language curriculum for Grades 1 to 8 has been updated. Teachers started teaching the revised curriculum this September 2023.
The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1 to 8: Language, 2023 outlines the knowledge and skills required for effective reading and writing, listening and speaking so students can have the foundational and transferable skills they need in a rapidly changing world and succeed at school and beyond. The curriculum has been revised partly in response to the recommendations outlined in the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s Right to Read public inquiry report.
The 2023 curriculum now includes new areas of learning:
A focus on foundational knowledge and skills
- Students develop foundational knowledge and skills in reading and writing, spelling, vocabulary, reading fluency and comprehension across all grades. Reading is taught using evidence-based methods to help students become capable readers and writers.
- For the youngest learners, knowledge and skills are taught in the areas of oral language and vocabulary, the relationship between sounds and letters of the alphabet, and the ability to read and write words with both speed and accuracy.
Transferable skills
- Students apply the transferable skills throughout learning in language and literacy across all grades to help them become engaged and responsible learners. These skills are defined as: critical thinking and problem solving; innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship; self-directed learning; collaboration; communication; global citizenship and sustainability; and digital literacy.
Digital media literacy
- Students develop and apply digital media literacy knowledge and skills to support their learning, such as understanding how online media is used to communicate and influence audiences. They learn to navigate online environments, with appropriate permission, while managing their data, security and privacy. Students also learn how to use digital and media tools to evaluate information and demonstrate their learning.
Applications, connections and contributions
- Students apply language and literacy skills in various contexts, and make connections to the contributions of a diversity of voices, experiences and perspectives, including those of First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals, communities, groups and nations.
Mohawk Language Programming for students in K-8
Shé:kon (Hello),
The Indigenous Education Team is offering Kanyen'kéha (Mohawk language) programming for students in K-8. This programming will be made available to self-identified Indigenous students, virtually, through Microsoft Teams with Tahnee Bennett (Six Nations of the Grand River) who is a proficient language speaker and teacher. Programming will be two times a week, for an hour on Monday's and Tuesday's. This is not in lieu of, but in addition to French as the programming time may not align with your student(s) French period or your student(s) may be in French immersion. Students will be provided with self-guided activities and learning opportunities in Kanyen'kéha to do, during their French period. The Indigenous Education Team has asked that this opportunity be provided to self-identified Kanyen'kehá:ka (Mohawk Nation) students, first. We invite Indigenous families to send us an email to let us know if you'd like your student(s) enrolled in this opportunity and to share what nation you identify with (ex: Mohawk, Anishinabek, Cree, etc.). Please note that the team is working diligently to be able to provide Anishinaabemowin and Cree opportunities this year, too, once they secure language instructors for these programs.
PRPSPC Poinsettia Fundraiser
Dear Perth Road Families,
The Perth Road Parent Council is excited to present our first fundraiser of the 2023-2024
school year! We have teamed up with Bradford Greenhouses with their Poinsettias
Campaign. There will be four options of poinsettias in different sizes to fit your needs from
November 6th to November 17th through School Days online. Orders will arrive in time for
the holiday season.
Families who order poinsettias will need to pick up their orders November 28th from 4-6PM
in the school parking lot. Due to these being live plants we cannot hold sorry.
The funds raised will be used to purchase items for the classrooms based on the classroom
needs.
Thank you for supporting the initiative.
~PRPS Parent Council
Dental Screening November 14th
Who: Students in JK, SK, Grade 2
Where: Perth Road Public School
What: Dental Screening, see additonal info below
When: November 14th
BUS SAFETY RULES~ PLEASE REVIEW WITH YOUR CHILDREN
Please take a moment to review the Bus Safety Rules listed below with your children. This is important not only for our young riders but also for our older students that act as role models. Thank you for your help with this.
Rules for Riding the Bus Safely
• Take your seat promptly and sit properly, facing forward at all times.
• Place bags and backpacks on your on your lap.
• Keep the aisle of the bus clear at all times.
• Windows should only be opened with the permission of the driver.
• Always keep your head, hands and arms inside the bus.
• Throwing objects inside or outside of the bus is not permitted.
• Talk quietly; the driver needs to concentrate to safely drive the bus.
• Fighting, shouting, or use of obscene language is not permitted.
• Be absolutely quiet when approaching a railroad crossing.
• Participate in all bus evacuation training procedures.
• Dangerous, disturbing, or annoying objects are not permitted on the bus.
• Eating and drinking (this includes chewing gum) is not allowed on school buses at any time. This rule protects students or drivers that have food allergies and anaphylaxis, prevents choking, and maintains bus cleanliness.
• Be aware that other students, including the bus driver, may have allergies to scents such as perfume, etc.
• Smoking or vaping is not permitted on the bus.
• Students are not allowed to take pictures or videos on the bus.
• Always follow the bus driver’s instructions.
• Always treat your driver with respect and courtesy.
Students will be participating in an online workshop at school regarding safe riding practices. The Bus Patroller program has also been reinstated. We will be looking for older students in the near future who might like to take on the Bus Patroller role.
Also, please be aware that some of our buses are at capacity this year. Guest riders will only be allowed to ride on a bus if there is space available. Families are asked to make alternate transportation arrangements for birthday parties, sleepovers etc. as there is no guarantee that space will be available for guests to ride the bus.
HOT LUNCH~ LEARN HOW TO GET IT BELOW!
Lunchbox is a convenient, online ordering platform featuring local vendors. An ordering calendar has been coordinated for the school community at www.lunchboxorders.net.
The ordering calendar is open on now and will feature the following options:
How to Order:
1. Go online at lunchboxorders.com and click “ORDER LUNCH”.
2. New to Lunchbox Orders? Click “Create an Account” to register your family’s account.
3. Already registered? Please login directly with your current username (e-mail address) and password.
4. Add your child to your account by clicking “add a student” and register your child with their new teacher and grade for the current school year. **Please ensure the correct teacher and grade are selected to prevent errors on delivery days.
5. Click “Order Now” (beside your child’s name) to access the school’s ordering calendar.
6. Proceed with ordering your child’s lunch by clicking on the blue date for the scheduled vendors.
7. All orders are submitted on the website and payment is processed on-line by Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Debit MasterCard or Visa Debit. Visa and MasterCard prepaid cards are also accepted.
Important Dates:
• Orders may be placed weekly or in advance, for the full length of the program.
Things to Remember:
• The ordering deadline is Sunday at 12pm (NOON) for the upcoming delivery period.
• New orders will not be accepted after the Sunday deadline.
• If buses are cancelled due to inclement weather, and if there is a school closure, lunches will be cancelled and a credit will be issued within 3 business days.
Report a Student Absence
One of our greatest priorities is ensuring that all students arrive safely to school every day. To improve our safe arrival process, Limestone District School Board has made some changes to our SafeArrival absence reporting management system. The most significant of which is the addition to report half day absences.
Parents/caregivers now have two new options for the type of half day absence being reported:
Late Arrivals - If your elementary or secondary student will be away for the morning, report a Late Arrival, with the arrival time being the expected time the student will arrive at the school.
Early Departures - If the secondary student will be picked up early before school dismissal, report an Early Departure, with the departure time being when the student should be signing out of the office. This option is only available for secondary student absences.
Please note, each student signing in or out of the school will still need to do so from the main attendance office.
Updated Weather/Transportation options:
All parents/guardians are asked to report their student’s absence regardless of the reason, including during bus cancellations. Often, bused students find alternative ways to school and we want to ensure we know the whereabouts of every student to ensure their safety and well-being. Knowing who is supposed to be at school will allow school office staff to best ensure all students are accounted for. Students are asked to ensure they report to their first period class for attendance.
The reporting tool has two options regarding transportation:
• Inclement Weather (all transportation types and walkers) for any inclement weather days when your student will not be attending school.
• Transportation (not weather-related) for any non-weather-related transportation reason when your student will not be attending school (e.g., when a bus is cancelled due to a driver shortage).
We recognize this is a change in practice but one we are making to ensure student safety and well-being. Thank you for your support and understanding.
If your student is marked absent and the absence hasn’t been reported in advance, the SafeArrival system will attempt to reach the student’s priority contact by telephone to confirm the absence. If you receive a call regarding your student’s absence, you can enter the reason for the absence during this call. If the system is unable to reach the designated contacts, school office staff will follow-up.
School Parking Lot & Bus Loading Zone
We continue to need your help. Since the safety of our students is a priority for all of us, parents are requested to use the Student Drop off & Pick up parking (to the right at the entrance) when driving children to and from school.
The school driveways and the bus loading zone in front of the school need to remain clear of traffic and parked cars.
Finally, please use the Pick up and Drop Off parking if there is space. If it is full, and you are parking along Walsh Road, please be mindful when parking that the buses need room to navigate the narrow roadway. We would hate to see anyone’s vehicle get damaged by accident. Thanks again for your attention to this matter.
Student Accident Insurance
UNDER THE EDUCATION ACT THE BOARD IS NOT PERMITTED TO PROVIDE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENTS TO PUPILS. THEREFORE, the Board recommends consideration of The insure my Kids plan to any parent/guardian, who wishes to obtain this kind of insurance. Although the policy has all the advantages of a group plan, it is essentially a direct contract between the parent/guardian and the insurance company.
For more information please visit the LDSB website.
Sign up for School-Day: Permissions & Payments!
Perth Road PS is excited to offer our families a secure portal to complete permissions and payments online. With School-Day: Permissions & Payments, you will be able to complete permission forms and payments from any web browser using your SmartPhone, tablet, laptop or desktop.
Through this online portal, you will be able to pay for items such as:
- Field trips
- Athletic team fees
- Fundraising offerings
The easy-to-use portal will remove the risks associated with sending money to school with students, the frustration of lost or missing permission forms, and significantly reduce the amount of paper our school consumes.
The School-Day Introduction Letter will be sent home with new students and those not registered soon. Use the instructions in it to sign up for a School-Day account at www.school-day.com and connect to your child’s events and activities.
With your support, we look forward to a successful implementation of this practical application!