Walnut Grove PS
November 2021 Newsletter
Walnut Grove PS
Principal: M. Casciato
Vice Principal: V. Ducharme
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
Principal's Message
Now that re-organization is behind us, staff and students have had an opportunity to develop routines and settle in. We are working within the COVID guidelines and offering some co-curricular activities for students. Preparation for the Virtual Remembrance Day Assembly has begun. Thank you to Mrs. Locke and Ms. Leaton for working with the students and organizing the virtual assembly for the school. The physical education team is offering intramurals for all grade levels/classes. Students are invited to participate during their scheduled time.
New to the Math Curriculum is coding. We have purchased some coding gadgets for students to use and explore. What they are learning to do is remarkable. Ask your children about coding and to share something they have learned. I am sure they will have a lot to share! To learn more about the math curriculum and coding please click on this link: https://www.dcp.edu.gov.on.ca/en/curriculum/elementary-mathematics
Progress Reports will be going home electronically on November 5. Parent Teacher interviews will take place on November 11 after school and evening, and on November 12 in the morning. This is an excellent time to review learning goals with your child.
Students go outside everyday. The weather is becoming colder, please send your child with mittens, hats and boots. Thank you.
School Council
Co-Chair: Namisha Lad
Co-Chair: Brinder Grewal
Co-Secretary: Alison Gaymes San Vicente
Co-Secretary: Hardeep Kaur
Council 5th member: Natasha Lakhani
Ms. Ducharme and I are looking forward to working with you this year.
All parents are welcome to attend the School Council Meetings. They will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
School Improvement Planning at Walnut Grove
News from the Eco Team
As an Eco-school, Walnut Grove has earned a Gold certificate in 2019. We are happy to participate once again amongst other eco-schools across Canada. (from ontarioecoschools.org) “The certification program nurtures environmental learning and climate action. Our award-winning, curriculum-linked framework supports school communities as they assess, track, benchmark, and celebrate environmental excellence”.
During the month of November, Eco-warriors will be selected from each class to part-take on this leadership role to commit to environmental actions throughout the school year. As a school, we will work together to address our community’s environmental issues and contribute to our responsibilities, as global citizens, to help protect our planet.
Cross Country Meet: October 28, 2021
On October 28th, the grade 7/8 Cross Country team participated in the annual NPPHEA running meet at Heart Lake Conservation area. Twelve students from grade 7 and twelve from grade 8 participated in a cross country run through the beautiful autumn trails of the conservation area. Students from grade 7 students ran 3.5km and grade 8 students ran 4 km through these muddy and winding trails. Students persevered through the wind and showed a positive attitude despite the cool, damp weather conditions. All members did exceptionally well, many making a personal best! Our Wolves had a great day and are excited to continue their running training throughout the school year. We look forward to competing at the Track and Field meet in the Spring!
Photo Retake Day & Online Students Photo Day - Friday, November 26
Remembrance Day 2021 - Virtual Ceremony on Thursday, November 11
What is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day is a memorial day which take place every year so that countries in the Commonwealth can remember members of the armed forces who have lost their lives serving their country.
When is Remembrance Day?
Remembrance Day is always 11th November (11/11). It was on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, that combat in World War 1 came to an end in 1918.
Remembrance Day has been observed since 1919.
Why do we wear poppies on Remembrance Day?
The poppy was one of the first flowers to bloom on the battlefields of Flanders during World War 1. Their bright red colour symbolised the blood shed during the horrific conflict, but also the hope of new life, and the poppy became the symbol of Remembrance Day.
The Remembrance Poppy has been used as a symbol since 1920. Today, poppies are worn on clothing in the days leading up to Remembrance Day, and poppy wreaths are placed on war memorials. This is why Remembrance Day is often known as Poppy Day.
Jump start your future with Explore High Skills
Explore High Skills is a Peel District School Board pathway program where Grade 9 and 10 students 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. Explore High Skills is offered in secondary schools with Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs and provides students with engaging learning experiences as they transition to high school. These sector-related programs are available to students in all skill levels and in all pathways.
Explore High Skills students are provided:
● Community Involvement Opportunities: Students earn 20 of the 40 volunteer hours required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) in Grades 9 and 10
● Certification and Training: Students gain sector-recognized certifications recognized in the workplace (e.g., First aid/CPR, WHMIS)
● Experiential Learning: Students engage in innovative experiential learning and career exploration activities giving them opportunities to explore, observe, participate in, and reflect on a variety of sector-specific experiences and careers.
There are no application fees for the EHS program, nor are there any program fees to participate in EHS. To enroll in the Explore High Skills, Grade 8 students will indicate their interest when selecting high school courses and will need to complete an application online between November 15 – 29, 2021. For more information about the program, please contact your school, participating high school schools, or go to www.peelschools.org/secondary/programs/explore-high-skills.
Coping in Uncertain Times: 5 Tips for Caregivers & Youth
Coping in Uncertain Times: 5 Tips for Caregivers & Youth
From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team
Why are some people more affected by uncertainty than others? How can we cope in times of uncertainty and how can we support our children and teens to do the same? “Uncertainty tolerance” is our ability to accept and cope with uncertain/ambiguous situations. People with higher tolerance for uncertainty are better able to accept and adapt to outcomes they can’t predict or control, whereas, people with lower tolerance for uncertainty are more likely to experience anxiety and stress associated with the unknown.
How do I know if I (or my child) am experiencing difficulty tolerating uncertainty?
Common behaviours that people show when they have difficulty tolerating uncertainty may include:
● Seeking repeated reassurance from others that things will “be okay” or “turn out fine”
● Asking repeated questions about how situations will play out or what is to come
● Checking and double-checking (e.g., repeatedly checking social media for updates, rereading assignments to ensure they are perfect)
● Avoiding situations or delaying tasks that provoke anxiety or where the outcome is uncertain
● Experiencing difficulty controlling or “pushing away” thoughts of uncertainty
● Engaging in a stream of distracting activities to avoid having to think about uncertainty
How can I (or my child) get better at coping with uncertainty?
The good news is that if we practice coping with uncertain situations, we can improve at doing so. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Mindfulness practice. Being mindful can teach us how to experience the discomfort of uncertainty, without trying to change or eliminate it. Try incorporating mindful breathing or a body scan practice into your day.
2. Coping thoughts. Come up with some coping thoughts to use in moments of uncertainty. For example, “I have felt uncertain before, but I got through it,” or “no one can predict the future, so I will focus on doing the best I can in this moment.”
3. Do the opposite. Do the opposite of any behaviors you use to control the discomfort of uncertainty. For example, if you find yourself constantly checking news feeds for updates, limit yourself to one or two checks per day. It may be uncomfortable at first, but you will likely learn that uncertainty is not as bad as you feared.
4. Focus on what you can control. Make a list of things that worry you and divide them up into “things I can control” and “things I can’t control.” Make a conscious choice to focus on the list you can control.
5. Make progress on a skill or hobby. By experiencing progress and creating forward movement in life areas that are within our control, we can establish a better sense of certainty for ourselves.
The PDSB Mental Health Resource Team is comprised of registered Psychologists, Social Workers, and Psychotherapists. To follow along with the work of our team, find us on Twitter @MHRTPeel.
Adapted from “Intolerance of Uncertainty” by Anxiety Canada (https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/intolerance-of-uncertainty) and “6 Tips for Coping In Uncertain Times” by Dr. Sabrina Stutz (bit.ly/6TipsCHOC)
Nov. 26 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. 26, 2021. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of custodial and maintenance workers and their hard work and commitment to well-being and safety. Thank you to the Walnut Grove Custodial team for everything!
Walnut Grove Celebrates Hindu Heritage Month in November
During Hindu Heritage Month, schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities that recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Hindu Canadians as well as Hindu communities from around the world.
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 Hindu Heritage Month in November.
The Province of Ontario declared the month of November as Hindu Heritage Month in 2016. The month of November was chosen in recognition of “Deepawali” or “Diwali”, which is a significant festival in the Hindu community.
On October 4, 2018, a Member of Parliament introduced a Private Member’s Bill (PMB), Bill C-416 in the House of Commons to designate the month of October as Hindu Heritage Month in Canada. The bill is currently going through several stages to become law.
Walnut Grove Celebrates Indigenous Heritage Month in November
Schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities in November to recognize, celebrate and honour the rich heritage, culture, contributions and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.
On June 19, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion and to help better reflect student identity, trustees approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month in the month of November. This month includes several dates of significance, including, Treaty Recognition Week, Indigenous Veterans Day, Louis Riel Day, and the Peel Community Cultural Indigenous Celebration and Pow Wow.
The House of Commons officially recognized June as National Indigenous History Month following a unanimous motion in 2009. In the month of June, Peel board schools and worksites will raise and/or display the flag of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in the spirit of equity, inclusion and reconciliation. The raising of this flag is only one of the ways we help to create spaces that are inclusive, welcoming and safe for students, staff and families.
Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) 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 the Elementary Regional Learning Choice Programs page and the Secondary Regional Learning Choice Programs page 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.
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 a few blocks away 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.