December News - James Grieve PS
Principal's Message
Dear James Grieve Families,
As the winter holidays fast approach, the following great ideas taken from the Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine, December edition which allow for our students to enjoy the holidays and have fun learning along the way: The site is as follows: http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/parent-child/keep-skills-sharp-during-winter-break
Visiting Your Local Library: Read every day with your children! Reading offers many varied opportunities to support the development of children's literacy skills. Visit the Brampton local library which offers some great reading activities for families. Please visit: https://www.bramptonlibrary.ca/ or if you live in Caledon http://www.caledon.library.on.ca/
Read for pleasure. Whether your child is in the mood for holiday stories like The Night Before Christmas or the newest installment from his favorite series, winter break provides the perfect
opportunity to stash schoolbooks and read for fun. Encourage relatives to give books as holiday gifts or gather in front of the fire (big kids too!) to take turns reading from classic tales.
Cook up an easy lesson. Invite your child into the kitchen to help you whip up a special dish — from Christmas cookies to potato pancakes. All of those half-tablespoon and quarter-cup measurements are great practice with fractions.
Write thank-you notes. Penning notes of appreciation to gift-givers teaches gratitude and helps polish writing and spelling skills. Not sure what to say? Check out our thank-you note template for wording. One final tip: a mug of hot cocoa can make this task feel more festive!
Make the most of car rides. Turn the drive to or from a holiday get-together into an opportunity to practice letters and numbers. You can look for license plates from different states, try to find the alphabet on the license plates, or count the number of red (or white or green) cars you see. For another take on this fun idea, you can have your kids play license plate bingo with this free printable game card.
Maintain reasonable bedtimes. With no school to get up for in the morning, it can be tempting to let kids become night owls. A few days before school starts up again, ease back into the regular bedtime schedule so your child can start the year bright-eyed.
Ask for grocery list assistance. Have your child help choose what to buy, decide how much you need, check your supplies to see what you've already got, write or draw pictures on the list, and sort coupons.
Let kids help with online shopping. Need a last-minute gift for Grandma or Uncle Joe? Log onto your favorite shopping sites and let your child help you select presents. This helps children work on their computer and research skills.
Have a family game night. Chances are many of your family's favorite board and card games reinforce skills such as counting, reading, and drawing. Gather the group to play games you usually don't have time for on school nights.
As a reminder, the following dates are important to remember for the month of December and early January:
A) Winter Break is between: December 23th through to January 3rd (inclusive). Student return to school on Monday January 6th, 2019.
B) Grade 1 and 2 Community Reads! We are thrilled to be hosting our second ever Grade 1 and 2 Community Reads at JG! Students and their families will have the opportunity to hear a story read by Principal Dell and also have time to explore our amazing Learning Commons. Invitations will be going out to our Grade 1 and 2 parents in the coming week. Please do join us the morning of December 18th for these great events in our Learning Commons!
C) Holiday Concert: Our Gr. 1-8 students and teachers led by Mrs. Hylton and Mr. Mistry, have been working very hard in preparing for our Holiday Concert. Please join us in our gymnasium on Thursday December 12th starting at 9:30 a.m..
On behalf of our entire staff and students at James Grieve Public School, our entire community is wished happy holidays and a wonderful New Year! To our students, parents and families who celebrate Christmas, you are all wished a very Merry Christmas spent with family and friends!
Ms. C. Dell
Principal
News from Ms. Mak's Class - 3A
It was an exciting month in 3A. The highlight for the month was that we received the 'Excellence of keeping a very clean classroom award for the month of November. In Math, we reflected on the progress we made in multiplication and division. When we looked back at our baseline assessments we couldn't believe how much we know now. In Writing, we worked on writing paragraphs. The hamburger graphic organizer helped us to keep organized. In character education, we're working really hard to collaborate with others. Mrs. Dell came to our classroom to talk about good problem solving strategies during nutrition break. We made a problem solving center outside of our classroom door so when we have disagreements we can ask our classmates questions to understand their feelings and come up with a solution together. We made a Choose Action video as a class. It was a Public Service Announcement for the school. The Beyond The Hurt Team Leaders came to our classroom. We formed a community circle and they helped us with more problem solving strategies to stop hate. We ended the month with Mr. St. Clair coming to our classroom to teach us coding using Scratch. We can't wait for next month, because we are learning ways to develop good habits. We are going to have a class pet and vote on a name for it.
Bye Mrs. Dell.
From: 3A
Give the Gift of Education!
For those families members looking for recommended ways to support student learning at home and during the school year, look no further! We have two optional packages you may wish to consider;
Grades K to 3 - $17.50/student for 1 year of access
- Includes access to both RazKids to practise Reading and IXL for Mathematics
Grades 4 to 8 - $8.50 for 1 year of access
- For IXL access to practise Mathematics at home or even when on vacation!
The school is providing these optional programs at cost. These are exceptional programs that we have offered to JG families in the past. To order, go to School Cash Online.
Come and Chat!
Report your child’s immunizations to the Region of Peel online
When registering for school for the first time, parents and guardians are required to provide up-to-date immunization information for their children. This includes registering for kindergarten.
You can update your child’s immunizations online. The online immunization tool allows you to attach a photo of the immunization record. When reporting online, an Ontario Health Card is required.
Report immunizations online at: www.peelregion.ca/immunize
After you report your immunizations online you will be given a reference number. Keep this number for your records. You will need to give this number to your child’s school when registering.
If you do not have online access or your child does not have an Ontario Health Card, take a copy of the immunization record to the school. Make sure your child’s name and date of birth are visible on the record.
Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 if your child does not have an immunization record or if you have any questions about immunization exemptions.
For more information, visit www.peelregion.ca/immunize
It's time to register children born in 2016 for kindergarten
We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2016, they can start kindergarten in September 2020. You can register your child at any time during regular school hours—just visit the school they will be attending to register.
Peel schools will also hold Kindergarten Registration Week from Jan. 13 to 17, 2020. Visit James Grieve Public School from:
Jan. 13 to 17, 2020 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Jan. 16, 2020 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.
What you will need to bring to registration
Proof of child's age (one of the following)
Canadian birth certificate
Canadian passport
citizenship card/certificate
Permanent Resident Card
confirmation of permanent residence
work permit
refugee permit
Proof of address (one of the following)
Ontario driver's license
utility bill
bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution)
credit card statement
federal government forms (e.g. Social Insurance Number, Service Canada documents)
purchase agreement
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.
Apply for Extended French by Jan. 31, 2020
If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2020, 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 EF school for our area is Allan Drive Middle School. The phone number is 905-857-9144.
Online application
The application form for Grade 7 EF for the 2020-21 school year is available online at www.peelschools.org/French
The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Applications received after that date will be put on a waiting list.
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.
For more information
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
Apply for French Immersion by Jan. 31, 2020
If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to consider grade 1 French Immersion (FI).
www.peelschools.org/French. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 31, 2020.
Applications received after the deadline will not be included in the random selection process and will be placed on the school’s waitlist.
The application form for grade 1 FI for the 2020-21 school year are available online at
The FI school for our area is SouthFields Village Public School. The phone number is 905-843-3281.
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 randomly ranks all applications that are received by the deadline and assigns the available spaces in rank order. Once available spaces are filled, the remaining students are placed in rank order on a school’s waitlist. Each school has its own waitlist.
Students must apply to and, if accepted, attend the French Immersion school based on the home address. Flexible boundaries are not available for Grade 1 French Immersion.
How to get more information
For more information about French Immersion and how you can support your child:
- Call [name of school] at [phone number].
- Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca/
Visit www.stopr.ca to determine if your child is eligible for busing and for information on bus stops and routes.
Help your family stay warm this winter
Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing hypothermia when working or playing outdoors:
- Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school.
- Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body.
- Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners, carry an extra pair to replace damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Invest in thick socks to keep your feet warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on outings, etc.
- Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when doing vigorous activities.
- Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypothermia.
- If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive sweating caused from an extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing hypothermia.
- Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins. A balanced diet will also help keep you warm and healthy in the winter.
- If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.
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 appropriately—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.
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.
Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weather
During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather.
Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/peelschools/, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. It is usually also announced on the radio and television stations listed below:
VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 BREAKFAST TELEVISION NEWS AM680
CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1
NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860
FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107
CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSE
GLOBAL NEWS CITY NEWS CTV
CFRB – (Bell Media)
One of the following messages will be announced:
Peel District School Board buses are cancelled
This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual.
All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed
This means that all schools and Peel board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits.
All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled
This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.
All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled
This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.
6 Ways To Relieve Stress During the Holidays
The holiday season can be a happy and busy time of the year. Often, it is also a stressful time of the year. Our “things to do list” can be long and calendars can be jam-packed with events. To help you have a happy season, here are some tips to relieve holiday stress.
1. Meditation: Try meditation before you begin your day. Mindfulness and meditation are century old practices that have been proven to reduce stress and angst. A daily practice of being completely present and cultivating awareness can improve your sleep, boost your immune system, help with focus and reduce your stress. It may be exactly what is needed to get you through this busy time of year.
2. Get Outside: One of the best ways to overcome stress during the holidays is to exercise and get outdoors. Research shows that physical activity not only boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your moods. Perhaps an outdoor ice skate or sledding through the snow could be a way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors and relieve stress together.
3. Plan Ahead: Create a schedule ahead of time that balances holiday events and personal time for you and your family. Allow yourself to say “no” as needed. If your calendars are overly scheduled it may cause extra stress and angst.
4. Be realistic: The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.
5. Don't abandon healthy habits: Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overeating and overindulging adds to stress and guilt. Here are some healthy strategies that can help: eat a healthy snack prior to a holiday get together so you don’t overload on unhealthy treats; get plenty of sleep and continue physical activities.
6. Be generous: One of the best ways to be happy and manage your stress during this time of year is to act generously with your loved ones, co-workers and friends. This doesn’t mean with gifts or spending money. You can be generous with your compliments. You can generously offer help to a loved one with chores or an errand. Or you can be creative and write a poem to a loved one about how much you appreciate them. This will feel good for both of you.