Walnut Grove Newsletter
October 2020
Principal's Message
Dear Walnut Grove Families,
The start of this school year has been like no other I can remember. I am so happy to be a part of the Walnut Grove Community. It has been so wonderful to meet the students coming into the building and to get to know the Walnut Grove staff. I look forward to connecting with our online students and the rest of our parent community in the upcoming weeks.
Everyone, staff and students, have done a great job adjusting to and following the new routines and processes we have put in place to maintain safety. All students are asked to complete the COVID-19 self assessment on a daily basis. If a child has any symptoms they are to stay home. We all must do our part to keep our community safe and healthy.
I would like to thank you for your patience as we set up in-person and online classes throughout the month of September. Please connect with the teacher if you have any questions via email or by phone, when we work together we can better support the growth and development of every child. This year our learning journey may look different, whether online or in person we are committed to developing every child’s potential. Any meetings will take place virtually and/or by appointment. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
I look forward to developing our partnership and supporting all students to succeed.
Stay safe.
Marie Casciato
Walnut Grove News
Terry Fox Donations Online
School Council
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.
We will be send home an invitation for parents/guardians to self-nominate for a parent representative position on council. Interested parents/guardians of a student enrolled at the school can nominate themselves by completing a nomination form and indicating their reasons for running in the election. We will collect all self-nominations and share bios with the parent community via our School Messenger/Communicate, newsletter, and website. The top 5 candidates will then meet to vote on executive positions on council. Please find more information on the PDSB’s School Councils page.
Please be advised, this year the elections process is online as per the following timelines for our school:
Wed. October 7th – Candidate Nomination forms to be sent out via School Messenger/Communicate
Tue. October 13th – Candidate Nomination forms to be emailed back into school email account
Wed. October 14th – Candidate bios sent out to community via School/Messenger/Communicate
Wed. October 21st – Online Election via Google Form sent out on School Messenger/Communicate
Tue. October 27th – Announcement of election results: top 5 parent representatives
Wed. October 28th – First Meeting of Council online to vote on executive positions
We encourage all of our parents to consider actively participating in our school community by running for School Council. Although we only have 5 executive positions on School Council, we welcome any parent who wishes to attend School Council meetings online. Meeting times and Agendas will be posted on our school website. We look forward to meeting you all!
Virtual Meet & Greet
This year we will be creating a virtual meet and greet slide deck that will be shared with you through your child's google account. We are looking forward to sharing what our learning focus will be and sharing other important details to support your child(ren) learning. The slide deck will be shared mid-October.
Counselor Corner
Hello, it’s nice to meet you! My name is Mrs. Beattie, and I am the Guidance Counsellor at Walnut Grove. Although I mainly work with our Grades 6-8 students, I am here to help ALL students be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally so they may access their education without barriers.
Here’s what I do at our school:
· Classroom Lessons – I visit different classes to teach social-emotional skills such as feelings, communication, problem solving, diversity, respect, etc.
· I meet with students to work through problems affecting them at school.
· I speak with students regarding their educational and future career goals and look at pathways that will help them to achieve their goals, including course selection with Grade 8 students. We use MyBlueprint to complete various activities examining our strengths and weaknesses, our learning styles, various careers, resume writing, etc.
· I provide resources regarding wellness and wellbeing to classrooms.
· There is a Guidance Google Classroom page in which all students Grade 6-8 have been invited to join. Parents are welcome to join as well!
· Each month in our school newsletter I hope to share wellness and well-being tips and resources with families in our school community.
Here’s what you should know about me:
· I have been the Guidance Counsellor at Walnut Grove for 4 years now.
· I like to get to know ALL students so they may feel connected and safe while they’re with us.
· I respect your right and your child’s right to privacy. Confidentiality is a big part of my job.
· I love it when parents reach out to me for questions, concerns, and to share positive things about your child.
· I love the work that I do and feel very passionate about helping children.
Peel District School Board News
Visiting your child’s school
To limit and track the number of visitors in our schools, only essential visitors will be permitted into schools. If families wish to speak to someone at the school, they are asked to do so by emailing or calling the school directly.
You may be required to make an appointment to visit the school based on the reason for your visit.
October is International Walk to School Month
According to the 2015 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card, about 91 per cent of 5-to-17-year-olds are not meeting Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines to get at least 60 minutes of daily moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity. These declining activity levels are linked to obesity, illness and chronic diseases (i.e., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer).
Using active transportation for the school journey is one of the easiest ways for students to get regular daily physical activity. Managing time to allow for the walk or bike ride to school will become a positive habit that leads to children arriving on time, refreshed and energized for the school day. In fact, University of Illinois research has found that just 20 minutes of easy walking boosts performance in the areas of the brain that support math and reading achievement.
Walking to school also helps out the environment. Eliminating just four short trips per week can reduce emissions by up to 100 kg of carbon dioxide per year. Families that participate in active travel to school can prevent almost 1,000 kg of carbon dioxide per year and save money in fuel costs as well. Also, when more children walk to school and fewer parents drive their children, the areas near school zones become safer for pedestrians.
That is why our school will be participating in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 7. On that day—and throughout the month, if you can—walk, bike, blade, scooter, skip or hop to school… but don’t drive!
International Walk to School month is part of the Active & Safe Routes to School program. Visit www.saferoutestoschool.ca for more information.
Celebrate World Teachers’ Day in Peel on Oct. 5
Celebrate World Teachers’ Day in Peel on Oct. 5
Since 1994, parents and students from around the world have celebrated World Teachers’ Day to commemorate the work of teachers and their contributions to society. On Oct. 5, take the time to let your child's teacher know he or she is truly appreciated. Thank your child's teacher and let them know they are making a difference.
Peel board recognizes Peel Principals and Vice-Principals’ Day on Oct. 14
In 2018, the board of trustees declared the second Wednesday of October as Peel Principals and Vice-Principals’ Day. This year, this date will be celebrated on Oct. 14. This day allows the community to recognize the important work of principals and vice-principals, and to acknowledge the lasting contributions that they make in the lives of students, families and community members. Take a moment to let your principal and vice-principal know they are truly appreciated.
Oct. 21 opportunity to say ‘thanks’ to bus drivers
Peel schools will pay tribute to bus drivers on Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Oct. 21, 2020. The day will be celebrated with special activities that provide teachers, students and parents an opportunity to thank the people who safely transport students to and from school each day.
If your child rides the bus to school, take this opportunity to thank the bus driver for his or her contribution and ask your child to do so too. The Peel board appreciates the important job bus drivers do each school day and Oct. 21 provides an opportunity to give these individuals the recognition they deserve.
Celebrate Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Educators’ Appreciation Day on Oct. 28
In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Wednesday in October as the Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Educators’ (ECE) Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day falls on October 28, 2020. The Peel board appreciates the important work of teaching assistants and ECEs, and the contributions that they make in the lives of children, families and community members.
Cash Online
Our school offers School Cash Online, a safe and secure form of online payment, as its preferred method of payment for all school fees. With a parent-friendly portal and an easy way to keep track of your child’s activity fees, you can use School Cash Online to pay for school items like field trips and pizza days directly from your computer or smartphone using eCheck, Visa or MasterCard
Register now
By registering, you’ll have the ability to:
· Keep track of your children’s school item and activity fees
· Check account history
· Print or view receipts
· Make donations to school fundraisers online and instantly receive a tax receipt
· Pay for school fees with the click of a button
For more information and to register, visit https://peelschools.schoolcashonline.com. If you have any questions, please contact the school directly.
October 2020: Identifying Our Strengths and Assessing Our Needs
The Wheel of Well-Being
From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team
Welcome to the second month of a school year like no other. We have made it this far, and we should congratulate ourselves, although it is important to note we are all at different points of coping with the upheaval and loss COVID-19 has created in our lives.
As the fall leaves start to turn colour and we are settling into the school year, now is a good time to reflect on our strengths and needs. The Kids Help Phone has an easy to fill in Wheel of Well-Being to help us accomplish that. The Wheel is divided into sections: Physical Health, Emotions, Relationships, Environment, School and Work, Spirituality, and Creativity and Thinking; with you (or your family) at the centre. It is an excellent visual guide to help you think about what, or who, can fill in any missing gaps to increase your support system. The Wheel of Well-Being can be completed as a family activity, or you can do it independently using it as a discussion aid for conversations about what each family member might need. It can also allow you to identify strengths you may not previously have appreciated. You can find the template, and suggestions to consider for each section here: www.kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/kids-help-phones-wheel-of-well-being
You could also make your own wheel as a creative exercise, with you at the centre, or “our family” at the centre. Often creative exercises can be a safe way to help us talk to each other during challenging times. If you do make your own wheel and feel comfortable to share a photo, please tag @MHRTPeel and #WELLinPEEL.
Despite the challenges 2020 has brought us, remember to tell yourself that you are doing your best; that it is okay to not feel your best; that we are all in this together, and we are doing the best we can with the resources we have. Please consider seeking support if you feel you or your child/teen needs it. Now more than ever before, our mental well-being is just as important as our physical well being.
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health visit www.peelschools.org/schools/reopening/mental-health-and-well-being-supports for further information and links to school and community resources. For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.
Acknowledgement:
Indigenous teaching reminds us that mental wellness is a balance of the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional parts of ourselves and is enriched when individuals experience purpose, hope, belonging and meaning in their lives (First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework).
Peel Learning Foundation
The Peel Learning Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to enable Peel District School Board students to achieve personal excellence by providing resources that help them overcome barriers.
Did you know that 1 in 5 students in Peel Region face barriers related to poverty?
That’s more than 27,000 Peel board students.
Through the Student Emergency Needs program and Student Backpack program, the support we provide can be as simple as providing funds for food or transportation, a winter coat, or a backpack filled with school supplies. This type of support can enrich a student's school experience and help them achieve success. Any teacher, staff or support person can speak confidentially to their school’s principal, vice-principal or supervisor when they encounter a student in need, who will then reach out to us to ask for help.
There are many ways that you can support the foundation. A gift will help us achieve great things for students. To learn more, visit www.peellearningfoundation.org/how.
You can help us create hopeful tomorrows.
www.PeelLearningFoundation.org l 905-890-1010 ext. 2461 l foundation@peelsb.com
@PeelLearningFDN /PeelLearningFDN
Regional Learning Choices Programs 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 www.peelschools.org/regionalprograms 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.
Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists
Does your child/teen have an intense sports or arts training and competition 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 www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers or contact the school.
Families encouraged to sign up for ParentConnect to access school alerts, report cards, busing info and more online
To help keep families connect to their children’s education experience, we are encouraging all Peel District School Board parents/guardians to sign up for ParentConnect. ParentConnect is our online parent portal which provides parents/guardians with a single access point to stay informed, access services online and receive important information about your children.
ParentConnect allows parents/guardians to:
· view school based alerts and information
· access the parent/guardian view of Brightspace for PDSB Online School
· track real time absence reporting
· view current and historic elementary report cards for your child(ren)
· get up-to-date busing information
· review secondary school credit history and diploma status
To register and begin using ParentConnect, visit www.peelschools.org/parentconnect or click the ParentConnect button on your child’s school website. Parents/guardians that have used ParentConnect in the past will continue to have access to your child(ren)s information. You do not need to register again.
The ParentConnect online portal can be accessed through any computer, smartphone Internet browser and/or tablets by visiting parent.peelschools.org. Families can also download the mobile app titled Peel ParentConnect through Google Play Store or Apple Store.
If you have any questions about ParentConnect, please call the school or visit the ParentConnect FAQ page. If you encounter technical issues signing up for an account, please email ParentConnect@peelsb.com.
Registration open – Continuing Education International Languages program for K-12 students
The opportunity to study a language in addition to English and French can benefit all students, society in general and an increasingly independent world, including:
· students with no prior knowledge of a particular language
· students whose first language is English or French and who wish to study their home languages as a second or third language
· students whose first language is their home language
The International Languages program is based on oral communications, reading and writing in languages other than English or French. Grammar and language knowledge are incorporated into each of the three skill areas.
Any student who is currently enrolled in a Peel District School Board elementary or secondary school is eligible to attend.
Classes will operate online each Saturday from mid-September to mid-June, except for holiday weekends and school vacations. Credit classes are 3.5 hours per day and run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Elementary classes are 2.5 hours per day and run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The online classes will take place through Google Classroom or Brightspace – your child’s teacher will contact students to let them know which platform will be used.
Registration is currently open. In partnership with School Day, Continuing Education offers an online, cashless registration process. Please visit www.peelschools.org/conted/il for further information.