Walnut Grove PS
September 2016 Newsletter
Walnut Grove PS
Principal: P. Lone
Vice Principals: S. Bineesari, C. Dell
Superintedant: 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 9:15
Period 1 9:15 - 9:55
Period 2 9:55 - 10:35
Period 3 10:35 - 11:15
Nutrition Break A 11:15 - 11:35
Nutrition Break B 11:35 - 11:55
Period 4 11:55 - 12:35
Period 5 12:35 - 1:15
D.P.A. 1:15 - 1:35
Nutrition Break C 1:35 - 1:55
Nutrition Break D 1:55 - 2:15
Period 6 2:15 - 2:55
Period 7 2:55 - 3:35
Dismissal 3:35
School Security
All parents and visitors entering the school during school hours must be buzzed in through the front doors and sign in and out at the office.
You are also reminded to wear a visitor’s badge while you are in the school. For safety reasons, it is important that we know who is in the school at all times.
Student Absences
Your child’s safety is very important to us, for this reason please make sure to call the automated attendance line at 1-855-209-6155 for each day that your child is going to be absent from school or will be coming in late.
An attendance call can be made at anytime however you need to call before 9 a.m. for the current school day. Safe arrival calls will be made each day for students that have an unexplained absence.
Late Arrivals
If a student arrives late to school, after the 9:15 a.m. entry bell, they must report to the office to sign in and receive a late slip before going to their class. Please help your child arrive to school on time up establishing and encouraging morning routines
Medication
If your child will require to take or have any medication (eg. Epi-pens, inhalers) while at school due to asthma, allergies or other medical conditions please inform the office. You will be given a medical form that will need to be completed by your family doctor and returned to school with the medication. No medication can be administered at the school without having a current medical form completed and on file at the school.
Birthdays
There are several students and staff who have severe food allergies in our school. For that reason, we ask to you please do not send any food items as a treat for a birthday or special celebration. If you wish to celebrate, sending materials to support learning in our school such as pencils, crayons, books, etc. would be appropriate. Thank you for your understanding.
Kiss and Ride
We understand that there are a lot of cars in the morning and after school using the Drop Off lane. We are asking for your patience and understanding and to follow the guidance of the teachers on duty.
Please note that children should never exit from the driver's side and even if they are seated behind the driver they should exit from the curbside.
Thank you for helping us in making Walnut Grove a safe school for all of our students
Nutrition Break Routines
We encourage all students to remain at school during both Nutrition Breaks, to participate in the variety of extra-curricular activities offered. However, we recognize that some families want their children to come home for lunch. In order to ensure student safety at all times, we have established some expectations for Nutrition Break Routines:
· parents/guardians will be asked to complete a form indicating their wishes for daily routines for lunch for their children – these will be kept on file to ensure that routines are being followed
·anytime that those routines are changed, parents/guardians will be required to contact the school (by phone or in writing) indicating the change in routine
· if students go home for lunch, they are expected to remain home for the entire break (40 minutes)
· students are expected to return ON TIME for next period
STUDENTS WILLL NOT BE PERMITTED TO LEAVE SCHOOL PROPERTY AT NUTRITION BREAKS EXCEPT TO GO HOME FOR LUNCH WITH PARENT PERMISSION. Students will not be allowed to go to the plaza across the street, nor are they allowed to go to a friend’s house for lunch.
Help protect students with severe allergies by keeping lunches, snacks
peanut-free
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that affects some children. We ask that you help us take care of these students by sending lunches and snacks for your child that are free from peanuts or nuts, because these foods are the leading cause of anaphylaxis.
Please read the label of any food you plan to send to school with your child. If the label says, "May contain nuts or peanuts," please do not send it to school.
You can get a complete copy of the Peel board's anaphylaxis guideline from the school office.
Supervision in Yard
Yard supervision for students begins at 9:00 a.m. Students should not be dropped off, or be arriving on school property, prior to 9:00 a.m. When outside, students need to play in their designated area and remain visible to the supervisor in the schoolyard.
Volunteers
Parents play an important role in the development and education of their children and in the success of the school community. At Walnut Grove, we welcome and encourage the participation of parents and community members, and are grateful for the countless hours our volunteers contribute throughout the school year.
To volunteer at our school, you must complete a short interview and a criminal record check. This Criminal Record Check must have been completed within the last 6 months, must include a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) and must be an original copy. A police background check is required for all school volunteers in Ontario. Even if you want to accompany your child on a field trip, you need this background check.
Once you have completed the process, you are on file with the Peel District School Board as being a school volunteer. All returning volunteers will be mailed an Offence Declaration Form that must be filled out and returned to the board office each year. You will not be able to volunteer with the Peel board until you have returned this form.
If you have any questions about criminal record checks or the offence declaration form, please call the board office at 905-890-1010 ext. 2832.
Bring Your Own Device (B.Y.O.D.)
Walnut Grove students are welcome, with the permission of their parent/guardian, to bring a device from home to use at school for educational related purposes only. Students are expected to demonstrate good digital citizenship through the appropriate, responsible, legal and ethical use of technology. Parents are asked to sign a BYOD contract around the safe use of technology at school as outlined in the school’s code of conduct. Parents please look for this contract in your child’s agenda within the first few weeks of September.
If a student does not have access to a personal device, a school device (e.g., Net book, Chrome book, I Pad), may be made available for their use while on school property.
Principal's Message
Welcome Back! On behalf of our Vice Principals, Sabrina Bineesari and Cheryl Dell, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of our returning students and families, as well as the new students and families who are joining us this year. The staff at Walnut Grove are very excited to begin a new school year, and they have been working very hard to ensure that their classrooms and programs are well-prepared. As always, we are committed to providing a rigorous academic program, balanced with extracurricular activities that enhance and enrich learning beyond the classroom.
What are our goals this school year?
- Our academic focus continues to be on further developing and deepening Numeracy skills. Students will continue to be engaged in problem solving, making meaningful connections and applications to the world around them, and to communicate their mathematical thinking and reasoning. Literacy skills also continue to be a focus and are integrated in meaningful ways throughout all areas of the curriculum.
- 21st Century Teaching and Learning at Walnut Grove incorporates Inquiry-based learning, collaboration and the responsible and effective use of technology, to help further develop critical thinking skills in our students.
- We continue to focus on and build upon our Bullying Prevention and Intervention plan, with student-led committees and activities, aimed at raising awareness and reducing/eliminating any instances of bullying at Walnut Grove. We have numerous extracurricular activities and programs aimed at developing positive student behaviour and effective problem solving skills.
I would like to thank our wonderful Custodial staff for working so hard throughout the summer to ensure the school was cleaned and polished, and ready for our staff and students - the build looks fantastic! I would also Ike to thank our Office Staff, who have put in many, many hours with new registrations and communicating with community members, while assisting staff and opening the office for a new school year - these are amazing ladies!
As always, student success is at the heart of everything we do at Walnut Grove. We encourage you to be actively involved in your child's daily life at school, and communicate regularly with your child's teachers. Please feel free to contact myself, or our Vice Principals at any time. We look forward to working with you as partners throughout the school year.
Pamela Lone
Principal
Character at Walnut Grove
At Walnut Grove Public School we value all staff, students and community members. Our community is one of inclusiveness and respect. Each month, our community will be focusing on Peel’s Character Traits as well as specific Equity and Social Justice themes. Our monthly theme for September will be Caring.
You show care when you:
· Show kindness towards people and other living things
· Listen to and respond appropriately to the concerns of others
· Help others who are in need
· Demonstrate empathy by recognizing and identifying with the feelings of others
· Protect and respect the environment
Caring is being compassionate, considerate and unselfish. A caring person shows appreciation, forgives and helps others. They help people without expecting anything in return. Doing something for other people without expecting anything in return is a valuable trait for each of us to have. Our community benefits when people care about each other. Always remember - we become caring people by doing caring things! We look forward to celebrating Peel’s Character Traits - Honest, Cooperative, Respectful, Caring and Responsible at various student led assemblies throughout the course of the school year.
Walnut Grove School Council
We will begin the process of forming our Walnut Grove School Council for the 2016-2017 school year. We are inviting nomination forms from parents/guardians who are interested in positions on the School Council. Please note the following dates:
· Nomination forms for School Council Elections to be sent home on September 12, 2016
· Nomination forms are due back into the school office by 4:00 pm, Monday, September 19, 2016
· Nomination list and brief biographies sent out to Walnut Grove school community on September 26, 2016
· SCHOOL COUNCIL ELECTIONS will be held on October 6, 2016, throughout the day and during OPEN HOUSE evening at Walnut Grove P.S. Voting must take place in person only
· Notification of election results by Friday, October 7, 2016
· 1st School Council meeting – Wednesday, October 12, 2015, at 6:30 pm in the Library
We are looking forward to working with our School Council, as well as our school community, as we support and inspire our students to achieve their very best.
Please Note: Employees of Walnut Grove P.S. (e.g., Lunch Room Supervisors), are not eligible to run for positions on the Council, but may be members of the committee at large.
Bussing at Walnut Grove
We have 9 buses providing transportation to approximately 650 students to and from Walnut Grove each school day.
Despite our best efforts, there may be confusion and delays at the beginning and throughout the school year due to route changes, traffic, weather condition or construction. Please be patient as Transportation and the school work to ensure safety and efficiency for our students and families.
Please ensure your child follows the rules and regulations at the bus stop and while traveling on the bus. We thank you for your cooperation in helping our students be safe.
Courtesy Seating
Courtesy Seating for bussing will occur in the middle of October. Courtesy seating will be given based on youngest to oldest and dependent on spots available on the bus.
If you would like to submit your child’s name to be considered for courtesy seating, please come to the school office to complete the request form. Parents will be notified by Mrs. Bineesari if a space is available.
INFORMATION FOR PDSB PARENTS REGARDING SCHOOL
START UP TRANSPORTATION PROCEDURES FOR SEPTEMBER 2016
If your home address will be changing during the summer, please notify the office staff at your child’s school prior to June 30. Late requests will not be reflected in the planned bus routes to commence in September and may result in transportation services not being available for your child during the first weeks of school. Parents will be responsible for their children getting to and from school until appropriate transportation service is arranged.
The distance criteria for transportation eligibility is:
1.0 kilometer Kindergarten and Grade 1
1.6 kilometers for Grades 2 – 4
2.0 kilometers for Grades 5 & 6
3.2 kilometers for Grades 7 & 8
If your child is moving to grade 2, grade 5, grade 7 or grade 9 in the 2016-2017 school year, their eligibility status for transportation may be changing. Eligibility information can be accessed at the website noted below.
Students who received letters in April and May of this year indicating that the transportation eligibility status for their children is being revised due to eligibility reassessment are reminded that this change will occur effective September 6, 2016.
All transported kindergarten and grade 1 students are required to be met by a parent/caregiver when disembarking from their bus on their return trip from school.
Courtesy transportation, which is assignment of ineligible students to available, empty seats on buses, will not be initiated prior to October 3. No exceptions.
Please be aware that during September and early October, STOPR priorities are eligible students requiring transportation service, bus overloads, and route timing adjustments.
Requests for additional or adjusted bus stop locations, route adjustments, and challenges to eligibility status will not be addressed until late October.
Please be patient. STOPR provides transportation services for approximately 62,000 students to 350 schools on 1,300 buses. This is accomplished with an operations staff of 15. Every effort is made to complete required adjustments as quickly as possible, but there are limitations to the volume of changes which can be appropriately communicated and implemented each week.
All transportation operations issues are the responsibility of STOPR and not either Board or individual Trustees.
Contacting STOPR:
Internet: www.stopr.ca. This website provides up to date delay and inclement weather cancellation information in addition to policy, procedures and frequently asked questions
Businfo.stopr.ca. This website allows parents to access information specific to “what school do I attend” and “am I eligible for transportation”. This site also provides parents access to specific bus stop location and pick up and drop off times for their children if eligible for transportation
STOPR: Phone: 905 890-6000 Toll free: 1-800 668-1140
STOPR Administration: Phone: 905 890-0708 ext. 23220
Walnut Grove Staff
K1: Ms. S. Thapar, Ms. W. Li
K2: Mr. T Koossa, Ms. E. Marasigan
K3: Ms. J. Mithra, Ms. S. Yazdanpanah
K4: Ms. B. O'Brien, Ms. C.Cox
K5: Ms. S. Singh, Ms. M. Gallicchio
K6: Ms. A. Low, Mr. M. Leslie
1/2: Ms. P. Kahlon
1A: Ms. J. Hovius
1B: Ms. N. Hundal
1FA: Ms. A. Bradley
1FB: Ms. B. Kaur
1FC: Ms. R. Dumas
2/3: Ms. N. Blackmore
2A: Ms. K. Dodge
2FA: Ms. C. McKenzie
2FB: Ms. J. Fouracre
2FC: Ms. J. Quintiliani
3/4: Ms. M. Pawar
3A: Ms. E. St. Pierre
3B: Ms. T. Harris
3FA: Ms. T. Tran
3FB: Ms. K. Bening
4/5F: Ms. T. Stankovic
4A: Ms. J. Ferris
4B: Ms. S. Makiewicz
5/6: Ms. M. Dubey
5A: Ms. A. Atkinson
5B: Ms. M. Zachopoulos
5FA: Ms. T. Jia
5FB: Ms. L. Ricci
6A: Ms. K. Johal
6B: Ms. M. Jackson
6C: Ms. G. Shergill
6FA: Ms. L. Muntean
6FB: Ms. D. Deng
7A: Ms. S. Gupta
7B: Ms. K. Bhatia
7C: Ms. M. Croft
7Fa: Ms. S. Leaton, Ms. J. Forrest
8A: Ms. M. Guirguis
8B: Mr. M. Kuehn
8C: Ms. T. Beattie
French: Ms. T. Buzckowski, Ms. N. Qayumi
Planning Time: Ms. J. Forrest, Ms. M. Sutton
ISSP/ESL: Ms. S. Tisdale, Ms. L. Pham, Ms. M. Puscas, Ms. S. Bernstein, Ms. A. Kaur, Ms. M. Francis
Library: Ms. J. Parmar
Phys. Ed.: Ms. S. Aly, Ms. J. Chadha, Ms. A. Simone
Music: Ms. J. Locke, Ms. J. Li
Teaching Assistants: Ms. K Leveck, Ms. S. Qadri, Ms. P. Powell, Ms. B. Ojo, Ms. R. Rattan, Ms. F. Spanu
2016-2017 School Year Calendar
First day of school for students - Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2017
Last day of school for students - Thursday, June 30, 2017
School holidays:
Labour Day - Monday, Sept. 5, 2016
Thanksgiving Day - Monday, Oct. 10
Winter Break (inclusive) - Monday, Dec. 26, 2016 to Friday, Jan. 6, 2017
Family Day - Monday, Feb. 20, 2017
Spring Break (inclusive) - Monday, March 13 to Friday, March 17, 2017
Good Friday - Friday, April 14, 2017
Easter Monday - Monday, April 17, 2017
Victoria Day - Monday, May 22, 2017
Professional activity days (students do not attend school)
Ministry Professional Learning and In-School Professional Learning - Sept. 27, 2016, Oct. 7, 2016, Feb. 17, 2017 and June 30, 2017
Reporting to parents - Friday, Nov. 18, 2016
Report card writing/assessment day - Monday, Jan. 23, 2017 and Monday, June 12, 2017
From the Peel District School Board
Happy new school year!
Welcome to the 2016-17 school year—opportunities to learn, grow and succeed await you and your child!
At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student. There is no doubt that families play a vital role in helping us achieve this goal.
We value your involvement and want you to know it's appreciated. As our partner in education, we hope you'll stay connected to your child's learning throughout their entire school experience! Reach out to your child’s teacher to find out how you can get involved. Together, we have the incredible opportunity to inspire a smile in each student.
On behalf of the Peel board, I wish you an amazing school year.
Tony Pontes,
Director of Education
Peel District School Board
Protect your kids—and your finances
The Peel District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school property or during school activities including extracurricular sports. Each year, many of our families spend thousands of dollars when their children are injured at school, on field trips, while participating in non-school activities, or at home. If a student is injured, parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for any costs not covered by provincial health care or their employer’s health plan. Please check with your provider regarding your coverage.
The provincial health care system does not cover costs which are commonly related to accidents including dental work, ambulance fees, casts and crutches, and physiotherapy. All of these are covered by Reliable Life’s student accident insurance plan.
It is strongly recommended that all families consider this coverage, especially if your child participates in extracurricular activities. Annual plans, which provide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year coverage, range from $13.50 to $32 per year. Through the application only you can be covered for the school day only as low as $8 per year. Family rates for three or more children are available.
The insurance agreement is between you and Reliable Life Insurance Company.
You can apply for coverage through paper application or online at www.insuremykids.com. For more information call Reliable Life Insurance Company toll free at 1-800-463-KIDS (5437).
Understanding your child’s Ontario Student Record
The Ontario Student Record (OSR) is an ongoing, confidential record of a student’s education progress. Authorized by the Education Act and protected by the Freedom of Information Act and Protection of Privacy Act, an OSR is established for each student enrolled in an Ontario elementary or secondary school. The record is housed at the student’s current school and moves with the student as they transition from one school to the next. If a student leaves Peel to attend another school in Ontario, the OSR is forwarded to the new school upon request. If the OSR is not requested or the student leaves Ontario, the OSR is housed in the last Peel school that the student attended.
The OSR contains familiar documents that parents can view at any given time. OSR contents include:
biographical data
documentation file, containing (if applicable): verification of a custody arrangement, change-of-name order, placements decisions, suspension letters, psycho-educational assessment report, identification and placement decision letters, and registration forms
information concerning special health conditions
name(s) of student’s parent(s) or guardian(s)
Ontario Student Transcript (secondary school only) – the cumulative record of a student’s successful completion of secondary school courses
photographs may also be attached
record of the student’s accumulated instruction in French as a second language, if applicable
report cards
school(s) attended
Every student, and parents or guardians of students under 18 years of age have the right to examine the student’s OSR and receive a copy of its contents. Supervisory officers, school administration and teachers may also access a student’s OSR for the purpose of improving the instruction of the student. Written permission is requested for any outside agency or personnel to access the OSR.
Contact your school principal for details of the procedure to review your child’s OSR.
If you would like to learn more about your child’s OSR, visit the Ontario Ministry of Education web site at www.edu.gov.on.ca.
Getting your questions answered
If you have any questions, concerns or suggestions about your child's education, or about education in general, anyone with the Peel board is happy to help. Here are some of the people who can help you:
· If you have specific questions or concerns about the education of your son or daughter, the first person to talk to is your child's teacher. If possible, arrange a personal interview with the teacher to discuss your concerns and attempt to resolve the matter. Your child's teacher or principal can also give you more information about specific strategies being used to monitor your child's progress.
· If you need extra help, or have more general questions, your school principal is there to assist. Your school principal can help if you have been unable to resolve the issue with your child's teacher. All curriculum material is available in your child's school.
· If you still have unanswered questions or concerns, talk to your superintendent of education.
· If you have general questions about curriculum, call Curriculum and Instruction Support Services at 905-890-1010 ext. 2559.
· If you have questions about special education programs or services, contact Special Education Support Services at 905-890-1010 ext. 2345.
· Of course, your local school trustee is elected to represent your interests and is always ready to hear and discuss your suggestions or concerns. If you don't know the name of your trustee, check the 'Meet your Trustee' section of the board's website at www.peelschools.org.
If you still have questions, please email communications@peelsb.com or call Communication & Community Relations Support Services at 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146 ext. 2809.
Schools use many strategies to keep children safe
Peel schools provide a safe environment for staff and students to work and learn. The board has many procedures to ensure safety. To keep students safe, schools use many strategies including:
requiring all parents and visitors to check in at the main office and obtain visitor passes
the use of a "buddy system" – students can only leave the classroom if accompanied by another student (for example, going to the washroom)
assigning teachers to supervise inside and outside the school during recesses, before and after school
locking all exteriors doors, including the main entrance, during school
encouraging staff to regularly review streetproofing skills with students
expecting staff and students to report unidentified individuals to the office immediately
holding fire drills and "lockdown" rehearsals
having evacuation plans in place
ensuring that all staff and volunteers have up-to-date criminal record checks
working with the police to provide education on street-proofing
We feel that it is important that you also take this opportunity to review safe procedures with your child. Peel Regional Police have provided the following safety guidelines:
Tell your children to never go anywhere with a stranger, not to talk to strangers and never take anything from them. You also have to teach them what a "safe stranger" is in case they need help. A safe stranger includes a police officer, a cashier, a fire fighter.
Develop a "what if" game for children to get them thinking about how they would respond if they felt threatened or afraid.
Know who your children play with and where they go. This includes keeping a list of their friend's addresses and phone numbers.
Do not leave your child in unsupervised locations, such as cars, parks, public washrooms, arenas, malls and plazas, etc.
Teach your children where and how to get help. Go with them on their regularly travelled routes.
Your child's body is private. Tell your children that no one may touch the area their bathing suit covers. If someone tries to touch them, they should tell you immediately.
Teach your children to talk to you immediately when someone does anything that makes them feel strange or uncomfortable. Listen when your children are trying to tell you about something that bothers them and provide them with support and understanding.
For more information about safety at your school, review your school handbook or speak to your principal or teacher.
Procedures help keep students safe at school
Peel schools provide a safe environment for students and staff to learn and work. The board has many procedures to ensure safety ¾ including regular fire drills, evacuation plans, criminal record checks for new staff and volunteers and lockdown drills. Together with Peel Police and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board, the board developed a lockdown procedure to help keep schools safe during a potentially serious or violent incident.
Every school will review the key points of the lockdown process with students. We rehearse the drill twice per year to make sure staff and students know what to do if we have to initiate a lockdown.
During the rehearsal, the principal will make an announcement to "initiate lockdown procedure." The school bell will ring continuously for a period of time.
Students and staff inside the school will:
go to the closest room, close the door and lock it, if possible
turn off the lights and lie down on the floor away from doors and windows
remain on the floor quietly until further directions are given
Students and staff outside the school will:
move as far away from the building as possible
remain outside until further directions are given
Depending on the situation, students and staff outside the building may be directed to an evacuation site. When the rehearsal is over, the principal will make another announcement.
During lockdown rehearsals or in a real lockdown situation, students and staff must not use cell phones. Cell phones can create a safety hazard by attracting attention to the area of the school where the phone is being used.
In the unlikely event of an actual lockdown, police ask that parents do not go to the school. For safety reasons, you will not be allowed to enter a school that is in lockdown. In some cases, police will designate a Parent Information Site for you to attend and get up-to-date, accurate information. To find your Parent Information Site or get further details during a real lockdown, visit www.peelschools.org or listen to local media.
If you have any questions about our lockdown drill, or any of the procedures we have in place to keep students and staff safe, please call the school.
Subscribe to receive news from the Peel board
Take advantage of our electronic subscription service to automatically receive a list of activities by email on a monthly basis. Subscriptions are sent the last week of the month, plus bonuses throughout the year. Subscribing is easy ¾ just visit our website at www.peelschools.org and click on the subscription link under "Quick Links."
You can also subscribe to receive:
News releases
Keep up with the news at the Peel board. Subscribe to receive Peel board news releases to learn more about board news and school events.
Board agendas
Learn more about Peel board meetings by subscribing to receive agendas. Meetings of the board are open to the public and are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Board highlights
Briefing is a newsletter with highlights of decisions made by trustees at board meetings. It is sent out on the second and fourth Thursday of every month and immediately following any special board meetings.
Job postings for non-teaching staff
Learn about each new non-teaching job that is posted on the Peel board's Job Board.
Peel board trustees ¾ accountable to the community
The Peel board, like every public school board in Ontario, is governed by a board of trustees. Trustees are elected by public school taxpayers every four years during municipal elections. The next municipal election will be held in October 2018. The Peel board currently has 12 trustees representing three municipalities:
Trustee Ward(s) City Email Phone #
Carrie Andrews 7 and 8 Brampton 647-473-1858
Stan Cameron Caledon 905-880-1162
Robert Crocker 6 and 11 Mississauga 416-528-1312
Nokha Dakroub 9 and 10 Mississauga 647-707-7320
David Green 1 and 5 Brampton 905-495-4579
Sue Lawton 3 and 4 Mississauga 905-625-8084
Brad MacDonald 2 and 8 Mississauga 905-593-3547
Kathy McDonald 3 and 4 Brampton 905-460-7499
Janet McDougald Chair 1 and 7 Mississauga 905-278-1402
Suzanne Nurse Vice-Chair 2 and 6 Brampton 905-495-3423
Harkirat Singh 9 and 10 Brampton 647-209-8000
Rick Williams 5 Mississauga 905-814-6180
What do trustees do?
advocate for the needs of the community to other members of the board
help members of the community address concerns about the school system
set policies in the areas of curriculum, facilities, human and financial resources
explain the policies and decisions of the board to the community
evaluate the board's achievement of its goals and objectives and monitor its implementation of new policies
participate in budget development, approve budget decisions and monitor its progress
protect the future of the board by always considering the long-term effects of decisions
Visit www.peelschools.org and check out the ‘Meet Your Trustee’ section to subscribe to board meeting agendas and minutes and read highlights from board meeting.
How to register at a Peel school
Here’s what you need to know about registering your child for school
Who can attend?
The Peel board serves children age 4 and older.
Our schools
Peel has more than 245 elementary and secondary schools. You can find the name and location of your local school by calling our Planning and Accommodation department at 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146, extension 2212.
Where to register
If your family is new to Canada, your child may need an orientation interview to register for school. To assist you with registration, we offer three Welcome Centres. Please call 905-366-8791 to talk to our staff and book your appointment. There is no fee for registration.
Documents to bring to registration
Proof of child's age
Canadian birth certificate
Canadian passport
citizenship card/certificate
Permanent Resident Card
Record of Landing
confirmation of permanent residence
work permit
refugee permit
Proof of address
purchase agreement
utility bill
bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution)
credit card statement
federal government forms (e.g. Social Insurance Number, Service Canada documents)
Ontario driver's licence
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
Missing documents?
If you are missing some documents, you can still visit the We Welcome the World Centres, and our staff will help you with all registration requirements.
Your child’s first day of school
Once the orientation interview is complete, you will get an appointment card with the date your child can start school. Please bring this card with you on your child’s first day, so that he or she can receive a new school schedule to complete the registration process.
International students
International students attend the Peel Academy for International Students at Clarkson Secondary School. The academy provides a unique, world-class program that integrates students from around the world into the dynamic and welcoming learning environment at Clarkson.
International students interested in our program should visit www.peelschools.ca/international or call 1-800-668-1179 ext. 2638.
Keep students safe in school parking lots
Many elementary schools offer a Kiss N’ Ride program, where parents/guardians can drop off and pick up their children at a designated area on school property. The program was established to provide a convenient and safe option for our students and parents driving to school. To ensure the safety of staff and students, we ask all parents/guardians be mindful of the following guidelines:
There is no parking and no waiting in the Kiss and Ride lane. Pay attention to the traffic in front of you and pull forward as cars move forward. If you choose to park in the parking lot, please escort your child to or from the nearest foot patroller and use the main crosswalk.
Vehicles entering the Kiss N’ Ride lane must stay in the designated lane, unless otherwise directed by a staff member or volunteer.
The Kiss N’ Ride program is only available to students who are able to disembark independently.
Have your child ready to exit the car when you reach the curb. Students may only exit from the passenger (right) side of the vehicle.
After picking up or dropping off your child, leave promptly so that others can get in behind you.
If your child is not waiting for you at the main crosswalk at the end of the day, please circle the parking lot if permitted and rejoin the line or park in a designated parking space to wait.
Always respect traffic flow and abide all traffic laws and signs.
Ask your child’s teacher or principal to learn more about our school’s specific Kiss N’ Ride procedures.
Help protect students with severe allergies by keeping lunches, snacks peanut-free
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that affects some children. We ask that you help us take care of these students by sending lunches and snacks for your child that are free from peanuts or nuts, because these foods are the leading cause of anaphylaxis.
Please read the label of any food you plan to send to school with your child. If the label says, "May contain nuts or peanuts," please do not send it to school.
You can get a complete copy of the Peel board's anaphylaxis guideline from the school office.
Regional Learning Choices Programs
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 their families are encouraged to attend the information night for the program of their choice to receive more information about the program and application details.
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 eligible for busing only if they meet the distance criteria outlined in the board’s Transportation Policy #39.
All regional programs include annual fees, including an $40 application fee for all regional programs. The application process for secondary regional programs opens Nov. 9, 2016. Application dates for middle school programs vary from school to school.
Actively in Motion (AIM) – Royal Orchard MS
Advanced Placement – Central Peel SS, John Fraser SS
Arts – Earnscliffe Sr. PS, Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS, Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS
Arts and Technology – Morning Star MS
Graphic Design Management – Gordon Graydon Memorial SS
International Baccalaureate – Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PS, Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS
International Business and Technology – Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS, Gordon Graydon Memorial SS, Meadowvale SS, North Park SS
International and Executive Leadership Academy – TL Kennedy SS
SciTech – Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS, Chinguacousy SS, Port Credit SS
Sports – Applewood Heights SS
Strings – Central Peel SS, Port Credit SS
Truck and Coach Engineering and Technology – Bramalea Secondary School
A number of other specialized programs that extend beyond the regular curriculum are available to Peel high school students. Learn more:
· Co-operative Education Program
· Dual Credit Programs
· Explore High Skills
· Extended French/French Immersion
· Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
· Peel Region High Performers Program
· Regional Co-operative Education Programs
· Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Programs
For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the application process/dates, contact the school or visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms.