THORNDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2019 NEWSLETTER
Thorndale Public School
Principal: Heather Little
Vice Principal: Trudy Maharaj
Superintendent: Patrika Daws
Trustee: Balbir Sohi
Email: thorndale.ps@peelsb.com
Website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1440/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 133 Thorndale Road, Brampton, ON, Canada
Phone: 905-913-0397
Twitter: @ThorndalePS
About Us
Thorndale P.S. Daily Schedule
School Begins: 9:05
Homeroom: 9:05-9:25
Period 1: 9:25-10:05
Period 2: 10:05-10:45
Nutrition Break: 10:45-11:25
Period 3: 11:25-12:05
Period 4: 12:05-12:45
Period 5:12:45-1:25
Nutrition Break 1:25-2:05
Period 6: 2:05-2:45
Period 7: 2:45-3:25
Dismissal: 3:25
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, online at pdsb.schoolmessenger.com or by using the School Messenger App. for each day that your child is going to be absent from school or will be coming in late.
ALL ABSENCES 5 days or more require a signed note by the parent or guardian on the day returning to school.
Safe Arrivals: If a child does not arrive at school, School Messenger will contact you at home.
Please remember to sign your child in or out in the office.
School Phone
All classrooms have a phone and students may use these phones with teacher permission. The phone in the office is available for emergency use only and may be used only with staff permission.
Medication
If your child will require to take or have any medication (e.g., 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.
Kiss and Ride
Parents are reminded to please use the "Kiss and Ride" driveway to drop off students. Please do not park in the "Kiss and Ride", fire routes or the bus lanes.
Thank you for helping us in making Thorndale P.S. a safe school for all of our students.
Supervision
Regular supervision within the school and on school property occurs between 8:50 AM and 3:40 PM. Students should not arrive before 8:50 AM. Parents/Guardians should insist on prompt arrival home at the end of the day unless involved in a supervised extracurricular activity. Please be sure to reinforce the need for your child to keep you informed of their activities. The school will encourage students to leave the property by 3:25 PM to go home.
School Lunches
In order to supervise students safely, students will remain in their classrooms while eating their lunches. Any student leaving school property must have written parental permission and check into the office before leaving.
Please make sure that your child comes to school with an appropriate healthy school lunch. This helps us to maintain an organized school day, and helps your child remain alert and ready to learn.
If you deliver a lunch:
make sure your child knows its coming
have it at school by 10:40 am or 1:20 pm
put your child's name on the bag
leave it on the table provided in front of the office
Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays are a special occasion for all children. We are asking that you keep the celebrating of birthdays at home with family and friends. Food treats and loot bags will not be distributed at school.
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.
Volunteers
Parents play an important role in the development and education of their children and in the success of the school community. At Thorndale P.S., 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.
Code of Conduct:
Speak and act with respect
Respect personal and school property
Maintain a safe, welcoming, and violence-free environment
Attend school regularly and be on time
Arrive prepared for class
Complete all assignments with your best effort and on time
BYOD:
At Thorndale P.S., we support incorporating more digital resources into the learning process. Students are invited to Bring Your Own Device to actively participate in modern learning. As not every child has access to their own device, Thorndale P.S. will continue to provide access to devices to support equity of access so that all children can participate. Use of devices for other than academic purposes is not permitted.
All personal electronic devices, must not be worn or played in the school, classrooms, or school without permission of a staff member.
Staff for the 2019-2020 School Year
K1 - S. Chan/ L.Tran
K2 - B. Sharma/ A. Robertshaw/ O. Tucic
K3 - W. Mitchell-Caldwell/ S. Bembridge
K4 - S. Reti/ E. Compagnoni
K5 - M. Asmani/ L. Spagnuolo
1A - N. Demko
1B - B. Bening
1C - P. Joshi
2A - S. Gold
2B - J. Kaur
2C - R. Rajah
3A - S. Jaswal
3B - I. Wisniewski
3C - A. Bhalla
3/4 - J. Yarkhani
4A - S. Gupta
4B - E. Vella
4/5 - A. Thom
5A - M. Gill
5B - M. Pitt
6A - K. Saunders
6B - R. Kaur
6C - R. Nijjar
7A - K. Mackenzie
7B - A Bhatti
7C - P. Aulakh
Gym - M. Kosteski
Gym/French - S. Crum
French - K. Potter
Teacher Librarian - A. Presta
Guidance/ESL/ISSP - S. Logue
ESL/ISSP - S. Purba
ESL/ISSP - S. Bains
ESL/ISSP - B. Poon
Music - L. Henderson
Music - A. Robertshaw
BTA - M. Rudiy
ERF - R. Persad
ERF - F. Imtiaz
ERF - W. Akowuah
ERF - R. Renna
ERF - M. Mensah
Stay up-to-date with Thorndale P.S. and Peel board news
School news
http://schools.peelschools.org/1440/Pages/default.aspx
Visit our school website to learn what’s happening at your school, including:
the latest school news
contact information for school administration, superintendent and trustee
the school calendar
enrolment data
school hours
registration information
online library catalogue
You can subscribe online to receive email notifications for news, calendar events and volunteer job opportunities related to your school. You can also choose to receive email and/or text message notifications for critical news, such as school closures due to bad weather. Click on the “Subscribe” link on the left side of the main page of the school website.
Peel District School Board news
Subscribe to automatically receive a list of activities by email that are sent the last week of each month, plus bonuses throughout the year. Visit our website at www.peelschools.org and click on the subscription link under "Quick Links."
You can also subscribe to:
Learn more about board news and school events.
View Peel board meetings with Board agendas. Meetings are open to the public and are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Read highlights of decisions made by trustees at board meetings.
Receive job postings for non-teaching staff
Join our school council – share your ideas
Every Peel school has a school council—a group focused on helping students succeed. School councils provide a voice for parents and the community and offer advice to the school principal on a number of topics.
We are a holding school council meeting on October 3rd from 5:00pm - 6:00pm at which time, we will have elections for the executive positions (e.g., Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, etc.).
If you would like to know more or are interested in running for an Executive position, please contact Heather Little, Principal of Thorndale P.S. @ 905-913-1490.
Climate at Thorndale
It’s been a great start at Thorndale! We are excited to begin Mindful Mondays where the entire school will focus on a mindful activity, such as focused breathing. Mindful activities have contributed towards reduced stress, increased focus and physical well-being. The famous Thunder-run will begin October 4th and continue every Friday. The kids that exemplify good citizenship at Thorndale will receive a certificate and participate in the Thunder-run.
Also, we are happy to announce that Character Awards will be presented every month to children who exhibit one of the following character traits: Caring, Cooperative, Honest, Inclusive, Respectful, Responsible, Courage/Bravery, Perseverance and Growth Mindset. We are looking forward to a wonderful year!
From the Music Department
In September, students in grades 5-7 had the opportunity to apply for Stage Crew and auditions were held for Jr. /Intermediate Glee. Training for Stage Crew will begin in October as will Glee rehearsals. Auditions for the school musical will be held in October also.
Thorndale P.S. Celebrates Islamic Heritage Month
On April 9, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion, the Peel board approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October. In addition to Islamic Heritage Month, the Peel board also approved motions to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month and Hindu Heritage Month in November, Sikh Heritage Month in April and Jewish Heritage Month in May. The board will continue to recognize Black History Month in February, Asian Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in June.
The Government of Canada first established October as Islamic History Month in 2007 while the Province of Ontario declared the month of October as Islamic Heritage Month in 2016.
During Islamic Heritage Month, schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities that recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Muslim Canadians as well as Muslim communities from around the world.
Here is a list of events happening at Thorndale P.S.:
- Islamic Heritage Month Display Case throughout the month of October in the front foyer
- Library Book Display during the month of October in the Library Learning Commons
- Morning e-announcements throughout the month of October
- Assembly Performances on October 25th at 9:30 and 11:30 in the school Gym
Regional Learning Choices
Regional Learning Choices programs unlock 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 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 a non-refundable $40 application fee, except the Regional Skilled Trades and Transportation Engineering and Technology programs, which are offered at no cost.
Important dates to note:
ELEMENTARY
Applications open: Jan. 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
Applications close : Feb. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m.
SECONDARY
Applications open: Nov. 11, 2019 at 8:30 a.m.
Applications close: Nov. 25, 2019 at 3 p.m.
Programs
Schools offered at
Royal Orchard MS (starts in grade 6)
Central Peel SS, John Fraser SS (starts in grade 9)
Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in grade 7), Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS (starts in grade 9)
Morning Star MS (starts in grade 6)
T.L. Kennedy SS (starts in grade 9)
Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PS (starts in grade 6)
Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS (starts in grade 9)
International Business and Technology
Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS (starts in grade 6)
Meadowvale SS, North Park SS, T.L. Kennedy SS (starts in grade 9)
International and Executive Leadership Academy
T.L. Kennedy SS (starts in grade 9)
Judith Nyman (starting in September 2020), West Credit SS (starts in grade 9)
Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS, (starts in grade 6)
Chinguacousy SS, Port Credit SS (starts in grade 9)
Applewood Heights SS (starts in grade 9)
Central Peel SS, Port Credit SS (starts in grade 9)
Truck and Coach Engineering and Technology
Bramalea SS (starts in grade 9)
For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the
application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms
Jump start your future with Explore High Skills
Explore High Skills is a Peel District School Board pathway program that allows secondary schools with Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs to offer a unique specialized program choice for grade 9 and 10 students.
These sector-related programs are available to students in all skill levels and in all pathways. Specialized programs in grade 9, like Explore High Skills, provide unique learning experiences to engage students as they transition to high school. Students can focus their learning on an area of interest as they build self-confidence, learn essential skills, and develop a sense of belonging in school and in the community.
To enroll in the Explore High Skills program, students will indicate their interest when selecting high school courses in the fall. For more information about the program and participating schools, go to www.peelschools.org/ExploreHighSkills
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)
Information nights will be offered as follows:
Nov. 7, 2019 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Nov. 6, 2019 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Nov. 5, 2019 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
For more information, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers.
Registration open – Continuing Education International Languages program for K-12 students
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 operate 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.
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.
Videotaping on school premises
Peel District School Board to recognize Orange Shirt Day on September 27th
First launched in 2013 in Williams Lake, Orange Shirt Day commemorates the history and the legacy of residential schools, and the strength and fortitude of residential school Survivors and their descendants. Although Orange Shirt Day is on Monday, September 30, 2019 Peel District School Board schools and worksites will recognize the day on Friday September 27, 2019. Students and staff are encouraged to wear orange shirts at schools in recognition of the day. Furthermore, staff are encouraged to investigate age appropriate Peel resources to help all students understand the history of residential schools.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) has issued 94 Calls to Action, which include calls for schools and communities to teach students about Canada’s history of residential schools. Addressing the TRC’s Calls to Action are embedded in the Peel board’s commitments to achieve inclusion for all through continuous progress on equity. These commitments are captured in the Board’s Plan for Student Success. The board is proud to support Orange Shirt Day to help engage students in learning about the Residential School System and its legacy in Canada.
For more information on Orange Shirt Day, visit www.orangeshirtday.org
How you can get involved:
The Woodland Cultural Centre in Brantford, is hosting a Survivors Gathering on September 29th, supporting the journey of Residential School survivors and their families. Please go to http://woodlandculturalcentre.ca/event/survivors-gathering-2019/ for more information.
Thorndale P.S. to recognize Orange Shirt Day on Sept. 27
First launched in 2013 in Williams Lake, Orange Shirt Day commemorates the history and the legacy of residential schools, and the strength and fortitude of residential school Survivors and their descendants.
Although Orange Shirt Day is on Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, our school will commemorate the day on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019. Students are encouraged to wear orange shirts at schools in recognition of the day. Here is a list of events happening at Thorndale:
- Student and Staff wearing orange on September 27th
- Presentation at Assembly on September 27th
- E-Announcements about Orange Shirt Day (ongoing)
- Picture Book display in Library Learning Commons for Orange Shirt Day (ongoing)
- Activities on Inclusion related to Orange Shirt Day (ongoing)
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 2. 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.
Get involved in your child’s education
Research shows parent involvement positively affects student success. Becoming more involved brings many benefits. You will get to know teachers, the principal and other parents better. You will be able to share your talents, experiences and ideas. You will inspire youth—and be inspired by them. You will show your child how much you value education. You will gain insights that can help you to boost your child's learning. And you could develop skills and knowledge that can help you in your own career.
There are many ways to be involved. Attending the Peel District School Board's annual parent conference, volunteering at your child's school, talking to your teen about their school day and reading with your child at night are all forms of parent involvement. Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/involved to learn more.
Protect your kids — and your finances
Each year, many of our families spend thousands of dollars when their children are injured at school, on field trips or at home. Government health care plans and group insurance plans often provide limited coverage for accident expenses. Sometimes, expenses are not covered at all! This means that you, the parent/guardian, are left financially responsible.
To help protect your family, the Peel board has arranged to have student accident insurance available exclusively through Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada’s insuremykids® student accident insurance program.
The coverage can include:
• dental expenses, and future costs (resulting from an accident)
• total and permanent disability
• paralysis/loss of use of limbs
• special disability benefits
• ambulance fees
The Peel District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school property or during school activities—this includes extracurricular sports. If a student is injured, parents are responsible for any costs not covered by provincial health care or their employer's health care 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 insuremykids® student accident insurance program. They offer three plans with a variety of benefits at affordable rates.
It is strongly recommended that all families consider this coverage, especially if your child participates in extracurricular activities. The insurance agreement is between you and Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada.
For more information, please visit www.insuremykids.com or call toll free at 1-800-530-5446.
Peel Learning Foundation - Create Hopeful Tomorrows
Our work has just begun.
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. We officially launched in February 2019, and to date, the foundation has supported more than 200 students.
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 l /PeelLearningFDN
School Bus Safety Week is taking place October 21 to 25, 2019
In Ontario over 825,000 students travel to and from school safely on a school bus each and every school day.
School Bus safety week is intended to raise awareness about school bus safety and the important work our School Bus Drivers perform throughout the province in safely transporting students.
Here in Peel Region our school buses travel over 100,000 kilometers per day and deliver 60,000 students safely to and from school.
STOPR would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to take special care and caution whenever you are approaching a school bus. Always watch out for children, especially when the school bus is stopped with its overhead flashing lights and stop arm activated and students are being picked up or dropped off.
We all play an important role in school bus safety and keeping children safe.
Please watch out for "the big yellow bus" and never pass a school bus with the overhead red lights flashing.
If you have children that ride a school bus this would be a good opportunity to review with them all of the important school bus safety rules to help keep them safe.
Please check our web site (www.STOPR.ca) for important student safety information and a safety video.
Wednesday October 23, 2019 is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day.
Driving a school bus can be very challenging at times. School Bus Drivers often deal with adverse weather, traffic and road conditions all the while ensuring that the many children riding on their school bus are safe and secure.
STOPR would like to take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to all of our dedicated School Bus drivers for the incredible job they do in keeping our students safe each and every school day.
On Wednesday October 23, 2019 please take a moment to offer a word of thanks to your children’s bus driver.
Celebrating Faith and Culture in October
Falling Leaves Moon
Indigenous Worldview (First Nations)
Sunset of September 30 to October 1 ●
Rosh Hashanah
Judaism
October 5
Durgaashtami
Hinduism
October 6
World Communion Sunday
Christianity
October 7 ●
Vijaya Dashmi/Dassehra
Hinduism
Sunset of October 8 to 9 ●
Yom Kippur
Judaism
October 12 – 16
Ghambar Ayathrem
Zoroastrianism
October 13
Kathina, Pavarana, Anapanasati and Founders' Day
Buddhism
Sunset of October 13 to 20
Sukkot
Judaism
October 14
Thanksgiving
Canada
October 16 – November 3
The month of ‘Ilm
Bahá'í
October 17
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment (Pravrajya)
Buddhism
October 17
Karva Chauth
Hinduism
Sunset of October 20 to 22
Simchat Torah
Judaism
October 19
Arbaeen
Islam
October 20
Installation of the Guru Granth as Guru
Sikhism
October 27 ●
Diwali
Hinduism
October 27 ●
Diwali/Lord Mahavir Nirvan
Jainism
October 27 ●
Bandi Chhor Divas
Sikhism
October 28 ●
New Year’s Day/Day of Enlightenment
Hinduism and Jainism
October 29
Birth of the Báb
Bahá'í
October 30 ●
Birth of Bahá’u’lláh
Báhá'í
October 31
Halloween
Canada
Sunset of October 31 to November 1 ●
Samhain
Wicca
The expectation is that Peel schools and worksites not schedule events on significant holydays (as marked with a ● or ○ on the calendar) that would exclude observing staff and students from participating.
● = Do not schedule events at any time on these days ○ = Do not schedule events on the evenings of these days
Dates in bold lettering are approved holy days according to the Peel District School Board Leaves of Absence policy #23 and O.P. HRS #42