Walnut Grove PS
November 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
We have had 2 very busy and exciting months so far at Walnut Grove. Extra-curricular activities are in full swing, with opportunities for various grade levels to participate. One of the highlights has been our first ever Grade 2/3 Soccer Team, who travelled to a tournament in October – they had great fun and won 2 games, placing 4th overall. We are very proud of them! Walnut Grove continues to show that we are a caring community. Students raised a record amount of money for Terry Fox - $4058 in total! Our students also collected a large amount of food items during the Thanksgiving Food Drive, for the Knights Table in Brampton. The RAK Club (Random Acts of Kindness), oversaw the collection of food and sorted the items into boxes. We also celebrated Diwali, with student art, dance and performances, including a Chai and Chat, with our Grade 2-3 families. The end of the month was topped off with a little Halloween fun for both staff and students. It was a very happy October at Walnut Grove.
November is filled with various activities, including Remembrance Day assemblies, Progress Reports and our new STUDENT LED CONFERENCES (a different form of parent-teacher interviews, led by students). Please ensure that you read through the information that comes home and talk to your child about this exciting new way of communicating student progress. We look forward to seeing you in the school with your children on November 17-18!
Walnut Grove School Council
Congratulations to our newly elected School Council Members for 2016-2017:
Rajeev Kumar (Co-Chair)
Sandy Dhillon (Co-Chair)
Bob Nagra (Secretary)
Daizy Khattar (Treasurer)
Nayan Brahmbhatt (Council )
Our first official meeting took place after the assignment of positions. We reviewed events that were happening at the school, and set a date for the next meeting, which will be Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at 6:30 pm. If you would like to be part of the School Council to help plan ideas and events, you are most welcome to attend the meetings.
Walnut Grove School Success Focus
Student success and achievement is at the heart of everything that we do at Walnut Grove. We set high expectations for staff and for students. We continue to refine our goals and set achievable expectations for our entire school community.
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. We work toward ensuring that our school is a safe, positive healthy place to learn and work.
Helping your Child with Mathematics
With Numeracy continuing to be our focus this year, our families play a big role in supporting students to develop their numeracy and thinking skills. Below is a parent guide that was created to help families support their children in Math.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentguidenumen.pdf
Character At Walnut Grove
Character /Social Justice Focus for November
For the month of November, the focus will be on Peace and Courage as we also celebrate Remembrance Day this month.
Here are some things to think about:
With younger children, this theme can be simply peace - peaceful classrooms, peaceful countries, and a peaceful world. For older students, we address two kinds of peace: this first kind, as well as inner peace - what makes people peaceful within themselves. What ideas do students have about peace?
Monthly Character Trait Winners
Kindergarten: Ishika W., Avi N., Pearl M., DIlpreet K., Ranbir G., Thaksiga S., Jaiveer S., Mercy E., Ishan D., Aviraj S., Shivam P., Jabril K., Ekjot P., Jasraj G., Ishwa D.
Grade 1: Tifarah M., Navaya P., Niko K., Zaki N., Harrachna D., Mehtaab H., Rehan B., Raya M., Johsua A., Ekam G., Staphy D., Vaishvi S.
Grade 2: Nicole Z., Armaan A., Jayden L., Arshveer B., Khushpreet P., Kabishan P., Balroop M., Shamsi A., Gina C., Zack S., Zoiya R.,
Grade 3: Jonathan B., Taran H., Yuvraj, Shreya, Jason, Phalguni V., Arshia A., Simar K., Khirithik T., Dontae N., Sruthilaya V., Haya S., Ashaun B., Jaya C., Raghav K.
Grade 4: Sairah B., Jeevan D., Raghav S., Zaina P., Kaveleen M., Hirshpreet N., Saham N., JD B., Nylija P.
Grade 5: Kumanan T., Royston P., Afshan M., Devanjit S., Hartaj A., Subha R., Sukhmani K., Leon, Janani, Avneet, Shapisha Y., Abinash G., Madison D., Annas, Daniyal W., Bhajneek S.
Grade 6: Karanivr, Gurleen, Rishit, Jaziba C., Jasdeep D., Shivani L., Steven G., Sahib, Hawa O., Saihbaaj G., Ennah O.
Grade 7: Nafay A.., Misha P., Sharleen S., Ajan M., Bella H., Hammad S., JOt B., Sehajkaur K., Austin P.
Grade 8: Nathan L., Shemori B., Kanwar P., Navroop T., Harman T., Nijhum S., Marlyn K., Armaan T.
What's Happening at Walnut Grove
Photo Retake Day
Photo Retake Day will take place on November 3rd
Grade 7 and 8 Quebec Trip
Attention Parents of Grade 7 and 8 Students. There will be a Quebec Parent Meeting on November 10th at 6:00pm. Permission forms will be handed out and questions will be answered by teachers as well as a representative from Temple and Temple (Our travel group).
Hope to see everyone there!
Help your teen plan for grade 9 course selections for 2017-18
Soon, current grade 8 students will select their courses for grade 9. Before they do, we want to ensure that they have the opportunity to consult with their teachers, guidance counsellor, if applicable, and their parents.
As our partners, families are encouraged to help prepare their teens for course selection. We encourage you to become familiar with the process by creating a myBlueprint account. Every parent and student (grades 7-12) can have access to myBlueprint features such as:
High School – plan courses, track progress toward graduation, and instantly identify post-secondary eligibility for opportunities in every pathway
Post-Secondary– compare detailed information on apprenticeships, college programs, university programs and workplace sectors
Who Am I – complete surveys (including Learning Styles, Myers-Briggs Personality, Holland Interests, Knowledge, Motivations, and Compatibility)
Portfolios – create several portfolios (e.g. Career Portfolio) and share them with parents, teachers, or future employers. It’s simple to add work you have completed in myBlueprint or add pictures and videos
Job Search – find real-world job and volunteering postings that relate to occupations of interest
Goals – add interactive SMART goals and action plans
Resumes & Cover Letters – record experiences, build a resume, write a cover letter
Occupations – compare comprehensive information on occupations
Money – build a budget to track income and expenses
Additionally, parents/guardians and students can review the Chart Your Course document , Peel District School Board’s common course calendar (found at www.makingmyway.ca). This guide will help you understand the course selection process and provide information on the courses and programs offered in Peel secondary schools.
The grade 9 course selection process will be open from Nov. 14 to Dec.2, 2016. If you have questions or are looking for course suggestions, please contact your teen’s teachers or guidance counselor.
The Book Fair is Coming to Walnut Grove!
Dear Parents and Families,
The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school and what better way to promote reading to our students than by supporting this important literary event!
We invite your entire family to participate by purchasing the latest and greatest in children’s books. Your support of this vital literary event is a key part of helping us obtain new books and resources for our library and classrooms.
You will find hundreds of quality books at our Book Fair with a wide assortment for all reading levels. Visit the Scholastic Book Fairs website at www.scholastic.ca/bookfairs to read reviews of the Featured Books. You can also watch book trailers and author videos with your child on the BookTube page.
Do not forget to mark the Book Fair dates on your calendar! We look forward to seeing you during our Scholastic Book Fair and thank you in advance, for supporting this great literary event. Thank you for believing in books and the impact of reading on your child’s future.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Parmar
Book Fair Dates: November 16th- November 18th
Location: Walnut Grove Learning Commons
Family Event Date/Times: Thursday, November 17th 4:00-7:30 PM
Friday, November 18th 9:00-11:30 AM
We accept CASH, DEBIT or CREDIT CARD ONLY
Chai and Chat at Walnut Grove
Our first Chai and Chat was held on October 26, 2016 and it was a success! It was great to see all of our families interacting with their children. Thank you to Mrs. Dubey's and Mrs. Thapar's class for doing a special Diwali performance for our families.
We look forward to seeing you next month.
If you missed the performance, you can watch it here!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B2lYRPrHX2w&feature=youtube_gdata_player
News from the Wolf Den
This school year has been a great success already in the gym, on the field, and off school property at tournaments!
What are we proud of?
-Congratulations to our Senior Girls' and Boys' Soccer Teams who played in divisional tournaments in October at Creditview/Sandalwoods Park. Both teams showed up to play and made our school very proud.
-Our grade 2/3 Soccer Team had an awesome time during their tournament at Meadowvale Village on October 12th. The team placed 4th overall and we can't wait to play more soccer at school!
-The Cross Country team had a very successful day at their meet on October 18th and put all of their training and hard work into their races. What a success!
What are we looking forward to?
-The grade 6-8 Dodgeball Intramural has begun and in our first two games we've had a ton of fun.
-Grade 4-5 students can look forward to a Floor Hockey Intramural that will keep them on their toes and active during nutrition breaks.
-The Senior Volleyball teams will get practicing right away for their upcoming tournaments at the end of November. Let's see if we can win another Volleyball banner to hang in our gym!
Keep active and have fun!
The Wolf Pack
Sr. Girls Soccer 2016
Mrs. Chadha and Ms. Aly would like to recognize the Snr. Girls soccer team for displaying excellent sportsmanship during all team practices and in the tournament against 5 other schools at Creditview/Sandalwood Fields . Each team member helped to build each other up and encouraged each other when feeling defeated. Overall, we came 1st in our division. Great job girls, that’s how we roll at the Grove!
Cross Country Grades 6-8
Ms. Mckenzie, Mrs. Chadha & Mrs. Chadha would like to acknowledge the Gr. 6-8 Cross country team. We had 33 dedicated racers who pushed themselves during each practice and set goals and tried to reach them each week. Our tournament at Heartlake Conseration Area on October 18th was a huge success! We look forward to the tournament next year!
Brampton Beast Tickets
Mrs. Chadha is raffling off 4 tickets to 36 Brampton Beast home games again this year!!! These tickets have been generously donated by the Brampton Beast Organization. All students need to do for a chance to win is complete a Fun Fitness Challenge and hand it in to their teachers so they can drop it in a ballot box. Each week Mrs. Chadha will draw 3 winning names. Good luck to all those that enter!!!!
Terry Fox at Walnut Grove
Counting On You
Walnut Grove’s Counting On You (COY) program is up and running. COY runs afterschool for Grade 7 and 8 students who require additional support with reading, writing and math skills. The program is designed to support:
- literacy and math skills
- learning skills such as regular work completion
- self-esteem, motivation and student confidence
Students attending COY benefit from small class sizes and more personalized instruction. The program features dynamic lessons based on the regular curriculum and help with homework and assignments. COY runs from 3:40 pm – 5:10 pm on the following days:
Tuesday October 25th, 2016
Thursday October 27th, 2016
Tuesday November 1st, 2016
Thursday November 3rd, 2016
Tuesday November 8th, 2016
Thursday November 10th, 2016
Tuesday November 15th, 2016
Thursday November 17th, 2016
Wednesday November 23rd, 2016
Thursday November 24th, 2016
Tuesday November 29th, 2016
Thursday December 1st, 2016
Tuesday December 6th, 2016
Thursday December 8th, 2016
Tuesday December 13th, 2016
Thursday December 15th, 2016
Monday December 19th, 2016
Tuesday December 20th, 2016
News from the Music Department
Clubs – Mrs. Locke, Ms. Dardis and Ms. Sutton will start to work on the Winter Musical “Flakes!”. Students from grades 3-5 will be dancing and singing and the grades 6-8 will have an opportunity to audition for the speaking roles. The Recorder Club for grades 3-7 begins this month.
The ukulele club will continue to meet with Mlle. Li twice a week in the month of November. Some students are also practicing during their lunch hour to prepare for CBC’s “Music Class Challenge”. Stay tuned for our video submissions to the nation-wide contest!
Units – This month Mrs. Locke’s grade 3-8s will be playing xylophones and glockenspiels.
For the next two months, Mlle Li will be working with her classes on the winter concert. The classes of Ms. Sidhu, Mrs. Dodge, Mrs. St. Pierre, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Blackmore, Mlle. Tran, Mrs. Bening and Mme. Santos will be presenting a “Swingin’ Holiday Concert!” Students from Mme. Jia, Mrs. Nunez and Mme. Stankovic’s classes will have the opportunity to prepare a skit or a song in between the acts.
Miss Leaton’s grade 1 classes will be learning about fast/slow and high/low music this month.
November Events – Please feel free to join us celebrating Remembrance Day at our assemblies, November 11 at 9:30 (grades FDK,2,4,6,8) and 10:20 (grades 1,3,5,7 and splits). This month will feature the classes of Guirguis, Beattie, Kuehn, Leaton, Forrest, Bradley, Dumas, Kaur, Bening and Tran.
Twitter – Follow Mrs. Locke @musicatthegrove and Mlle Li @mlle_li_musique
Save the dates:
December 14 (Mlle. Li’s Winter Concert)
December 15 (Mrs. Locke’s Winter Musical)
Number Talks
“The practice of number talks is one of the most powerful vehicles I know for helping students learn to reason with numbers and make mathematically convincing arguments,
for building a solid foundation for algebraic reasoning,
and for teaching Mathematics as a sense-making process”
by Ruth Parker,
CEO of Mathematics Education Collaborative (MEC)
At Walnut Grove, we have embraced Number Talks as a way for students to
clarify their math thinking
consider and test other math strategies to see if they are logical
investigate and apply math relationships
build a menu of efficient math strategies
make decisions about choosing a specific math strategy for a specific math problem
What is Number Talks?
During class time, typically at the beginning of a math period or the beginning of the day, the teacher writes a math equation on the board and gives students time to solve the problem mentally. Students then indicate when they are ready with a solution to share. Students are encouraged to think of many strategies to solve the problem.
When most of the students have a solution and a strategy, the teacher creates a list of potential answers from student’s input. Students are then asked to defend or justify their answers to prove their thinking to their classmates. This creates a sense of shared responsibility to determine the accuracy of a potential answer.
Mistakes play an important role as they provide an opportunity to question and analyze thinking. It also brings misconceptions to the fore and helps to solidify understanding. Helping students realize that mistakes are opportunities for learning is an important part of our Walnut Grove learning community.
Teachers will listen to students’ thinking, probe for clarification and ask questions to go deeper into math thinking. Teachers will also name the strategies used and introduce new ways to link math relationships together so students can use what they know to help them solve a new equation.
When will Number Talks begin in my Child’s Classroom?
We have a staged implementation timeline for Number Talks at Walnut Grove. In K- 5 classrooms, if it hasn’t already begun, teachers will begin implementing this new practice beginning on November 1st.
In Grades 6-8, if it hasn’t already begun, staff will begin implementation in December.
Adapted from
Number Talks: Helping Children Build Mental Math
and Computation Strategies by Sherry Parrish
Parent – Teacher Interviews are Changing at Walnut Grove
The traditional meeting between parents and teacher each fall is a great opportunity to connect with your child’s school and teachers. This year, interviews will be scheduled a bit differently at Walnut Grove.
The process of conferencing is changing from a teacher-directed event to a collaborative process designed to support learning. Students will take a lead role in the conference. They will prepare by collecting work samples, selecting pieces to talk about and reflect on their learning. At the conference they will show, talk about and demonstrate their learning to their parents.
Parents will be invited to listen to their child’s sharing, ask questions, give feedback to their child and help their child set new goals.
Research shows that when students are involved in this process, when they can articulate their learning and what they still need to work on, then achievement improves. In fact, when students communicate their learning using a variety of work samples they go beyond grades and scores alone and are able to examine the depth, detail and range of their learning. From this, they can then identify their strengths and next steps.
Teachers will welcome between two and four families into the classroom for a predetermined time period. Students will share their learning reflections with their parents, with the support of their teacher.
At the end of the conference, if the parent still has questions or concerns, they are invited to connect with the teacher to continue the conversation at another mutually convenient date/time.
Adapted from Conferencing and Reporting by Anne Davies et al.
News from the Peel District School Board
Peel schools, students and staff recognize and honour First Nation Land daily
At the Peel District School Board, everything we do is designed to help each child achieve to the best of his or her ability. The board recognizes that encouraging, inclusive and respectful environments help students achieve to the best of their ability.
As part of this important work, at the Regular Meeting of the board on Sept. 30, trustees approved that the following statement will be played/read each school day at all Peel schools and all board-hosted events prior to the Canadian national anthem:
We would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation.
The acknowledgement recognizes Indigenous heritage and the importance of the land that we are located on. In addition to helping build awareness about one of our local First Nation communities, the acknowledgement also honours the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action about honouring Indigenous people’s historical and contemporary contributions to Canada.
Students in all Peel schools will learn about the importance of the acknowledgement through lesson plans produced in collaboration and partnership with the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation through the use of the Sacred Trust resource.
Bus cancellation & 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 announced on radio and television stations listed below and posted at www.peelschools.org, school websites and www.stopr.ca. Information will also be available on Twitter (@Peelschools), Facebook (www.facebook.com/peelschools) or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146.
VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9 CHUM AM1050 CFTR AM680
CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1
NEWSTALK 1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860
FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107
CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CTV
BREAKFAST TELEVISION GLOBAL NEWS CITYPULSE
One of the following messages will be announced (highlighted text only):
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 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 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 Board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.
*NEW* Community Corner: Stay up-to-date with community-based opportunities
The Peel District School Board is pleased to introduce an electronic resource page on www.peelschools.org called, Community Corner, which contains links to information and resources in the community that may be of interest to students and their families. This site replaces our previous method of sending promotional materials about community clubs, camps, contests, fundraisers and events home with students on a regular basis.
How you can access Community Corner
Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/communitycorner
Click on the “Community Corner” button, found on the main page of school websites, as well as on www.peelschools.org.
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 properly—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.
On very rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions or mechanical problems. 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.
Is French Immersion Right for my Child?
If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2017, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to apply for the French Immersion (FI) program.
What is the program like? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the program?
One way to help answer these questions is to attend the information meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the French Immersion school your child would attend.
To find out the FI school your child would attend:
- visit our website www.peelschools.org/French
- call the school in your area
- call 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212
Online application
The application form for Grade 1 French Immersion for the 2017-18 school year will be available online at www.peelschools.org/French on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 1 p.m.
The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at 4 p.m. Applications received after that date will be put on a waiting list.
A French Immersion enrolment cap is in place. This means that a specific number of spots are available for students entering grade 1 French Immersion. A random selection process will be used to identify students gaining entrance into the program. For more information about the random selection process visit www.peelschools.org/French.
Important dates
Information meeting Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Application process opens Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 1 p.m.
Application deadline Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at 4 p.m.
For more information
call your nearest French Immersion school
talk with parents who have children in the French Immersion program
visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca
Is Extended French Right for my Child?
If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2017, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to apply for the Extended French (EF) program.
What is the program like? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the program?
One way to help answer these questions is to attend the information meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the EF school your child would attend.
To find out the EF school your child would attend:
- visit our website www.peelschools.org/French
- call the school in your area
- call 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212
Online application
The application form for Grade 7 EF for the 2017-18 school year will be available online at www.peelschools.org/French on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 1 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at 4 p.m. Applications received after that date will be put on a waiting list.
Important dates
Information meeting Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at 7 p.m.
Application process opens Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 1 p.m.
Application deadline Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at 4 p.m.
For more information
call your nearest Extended French school
talk with parents who have children in the Extended French program
visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca
#ChooseAction on Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
The Peel District School Board will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week during the week of Nov. 20 to 26, 2016.
This year, we ask our Peel community to ‘#ChooseAction to Be the Difference’ in their classes, offices, schools, communities or world, in order to make these spaces better places for everyone. The Peel Board would like to hear about the big and small actions, the pledges, the promises and the attitudes that our Peel community value, and ask that you take a moment to share your #ChooseAction moments on social media.
Across the Peel board, schools use many programs and initiatives to prevent bullying and to intervene when bullying happens. Though the programs vary, their messages are consistent. Students are taught to:
define bullying
identify forms of bullying
identify the shifting roles in bullying relationships, for example the person who bullies, the target, the bystander or the trusted advocate
determine how to safely “choose action” to prevent and intervene in bullying & harassment
understand that bullying is a relationship problem with relationship solutions
determine positive ways to interact with others in an accepting, inclusive way
demonstrate character attributes and be a leader to help maintain positive and safe school communities
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is one of the key items contained in Bill 13: The Accepting Schools Act, that came into effect on Sept. 1, 2012. For more information, visit: www.peelschools.org/aboutus/safeschools/bullying/ or www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/prevention.html.
New 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 new 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 will open in September 2017. Information nights will be offered as follows:
Grades Information Night Location
4 to 5 Nov. 2, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Britannia Public School 1145 Swinbourne Dr. in Mississauga
6 to 8 Nov. 9, 2016 at 6 p.m. Dolphin Sr. Public School 18 Brookside Dr. in Mississauga
Applications are now available at: www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers.
Nov. 25 opportunity to say 'thanks' to Peel Custodial & Maintenance Workers Day
In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Friday in November as the Peel Custodial and Maintenance Workers’ Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of custodial and maintenance workers and their hard work and commitment to well-being and safety.
Peel board students have choice
Explore program options at www.makingmyway.ca
Students have different needs, interests and abilities—our schools offer great educational opportunities to help all students achieve. For students looking for a more focused, specialized program, here are some options:
Regional programs start in grades 6, 7 and 9
Students in regional programs still complete all of the requirements of the Ontario curriculum, but there is an increased focus on an area of interest. Programs include:
· Actively in Motion (AIM)
· Advanced Placement
· Arts
· Arts and Technology
· Graphic Design Management: Flexography
· International Baccalaureate
· International Business and Technology
· International and Executive Leadership Academy
· SciTech
· Sports
· Strings
· Truck and Coach Technology
Specialist High Skills Major programs start in grade 11
Specialist High Skills Major programs allow students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector, while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. Students gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training. The programs support the transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. Peel board schools offer Specialist High Skills Major programs in the following area.
Arts & Culture
Business and Entrepreneurial Studies
Construction
Environment
Health and Wellness
Hospitality and Tourism
Information and Communications Technology
Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services
Manufacturing
Non-Profit
Sports
Transportation
More Options for Peel Students
co-operative education programs provide workplace experience
extended French starts in grade 7
dual credit programs allow student to earn college credits at the same time as secondary school credits
alternative programs are available for students who need flexible school hours, are dealing with unique situations, or require more support
Our guidance counsellors can help students determine which courses will best meet their needs, interests and abilities—contact the school to make an appointment.
For more information about regional programs, Specialist High Skills Major programs and other programs of choice available to Peel board students, visit www.makingmyway.ca.
Subscribe to receive news from the Peel board
Take advantage of our electronic subscription service to automatically receive updates from the Peel District School Board. Subscribing is easy ¾ just visit our website at www.peelschools.org and click on the subscription link under "Quick Links."
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 posted on our Twitter (@Peelschools) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/peelschools) accounts, as well as, on www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca.
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
Traffic Safety in our Community
Safety is a top priority at our school. Here is a list of traffic tips to keep students, staff and parents safe while commuting to and from school.
- Respect traffic signs and road markers around the school.
- Drive slowly and with caution on and near school property. Adhere to the posted speed limits on any surrounding streets used by students on their way to and from school.
- Always yield to pedestrian traffic. Wait for students, staff members and parents to cross before driving past them.
- When dropping your child off at the school, use the Kiss'n'Ride area. This is a supervised area that is designed to keep students safe.
- Do not double park or do anything else to block traffic or draw your child off the curb and into traffic. Do not take shortcuts over curbs.
- Have your child ready to exit the car when you reach the curb. Say goodbye to your child before you park at the curb to let your child out of your car.
- During regular drop-off times, students are to remain in the car until it is safe for them to exit the car onto the curb.
- Follow the directions of staff or volunteers on duty in the school parking lot and treat staff, students, volunteers, passengers and other drivers with respect.
- Consider parking off site and walking a short distance to school. This will give you time to talk to your children about their day, review new vocabulary words, math concepts, etc.
- Remind your child to only cross the street at an intersection or crosswalk. They should never “jaywalk” by crossing in the middle of the street.
- Students who bike to school should always wear a helmet, and follow all traffic laws. They should only cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection—never in the middle of the road.
Parent resources help you support your child’s learning
At the Peel board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each child. There is no doubt that families play a vital role in helping us achieve this goal. As our partner in education, we hope you'll stay connected to your child's learning throughout his or her entire school experience.
Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild to explore all resources available to parents. There you will find easy-to-navigate buttons that connect families to tip sheets and web pages on a number of different topics, including math, homework, special education, EQAO and mental health.
Prevent the flu. It's in your hands.
Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection. Always wash your hands with soap and water when they are dirty.
Clean your hands before:
- touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- touching/preparing food or drinks
- eating or drinking
- caring for someone in your home who can easily get sick (baby, elderly or someone who has an unhealthy immune system)
- first aid
Clean your hands after:
- touching pets or other animals
- touching raw meat, particularly chicken
- touching surfaces such as a railing or grocery cart
- touching money
- touching objects sick people have touched
- touching blood or body fluids such as urine, vomit or feces
- contact with those who have a cold, the flu, diarrhea or virus of any kind
- changing diapers
- wiping your own or a child's nose
- sneezing or coughing
- using a facial tissue
- using the washroom
- removing gloves
- cleaning
- gardening
What to do when you cough or sneeze:
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve
- put used tissues in the wastebasket
- clean your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer
For more information call Peel Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.