November News - James Grieve PS
Principal's Message
The month of November brings with it the opportunity for parents/guardians to receive ongoing
feedback on the progress of their child. Progress Reports will be going home with students on
Friday November 8th, 2019. As part of the ongoing process in informing parents about how their child is progressing this school year, our staff will also be conducting conferences during the evening of Thursday November 14th and the morning of Friday November 15th.
Please note that an Conference Request Form was already sent home with your child. It is
important that you do return this form to your child’s homeroom teacher as soon as possible. These conference request forms help our teachers coordinate interviews with students and siblings across our school. In this, it is important that these forms are return in a timely manner.
Our entire learning community at James Grieve looks forward to having the opportunity to meet with parents/guardians both to celebrate the successes of our students but also to address the areas of growth and next steps.
The month of November also acknowledges and marks the memory of our fallen Canadian soldiers and the contributions of our Canadian Arm Forces in keeping Canada safe and free. Canada continues to stand as a peaceful nation which celebrates diversity and respect for all. In respect for the men and women who serve and protect this great land our Remembrance Day Assembly is are scheduled for Monday November 11th at 9:30a.m. Our community is welcome to attend.
Please join us for School Council Evening scheduled for Thursday November 21st
commencing in our Learning Commons at 6p.m. until 7p.m. School council acts as an advisory body to the Principal. We discuss items like EQAO, and upcoming events to spotlight student success at James Grieve Public School. All parents /guardians are welcome attend.
Wishing you all a wonderful November on behalf of our entire staff and students.
Halloween Move-A-Thon
Move-A-Thon, an amazing physical activity movement comprised of a wide
variety of moves to celebrate the Day of the Dead or in other words Halloween
was held at our school on October 31st. Halloween is a day where everyone
dresses up as a character, some scary, some funny but they all have a pleasant
time with their friends dancing to their favourite songs.
This year, instead of paying $2 to be able to enjoy the move-a-thon, we had to bring in a
non-perishable food item to help out the people in need as a part of our school
fundraiser, “We Scare Hunger”. This way the children will have fun but at the
same time help the people in need. Students from James grieve got an exciting
opportunity to dance with their PBS buddies, since we indeed are “Two Schools,
One Family.” At the move a thon, we all got to dance, sing with all of our
friends, and show off our moves. Our DJ Crew (Grade 8 Student Leaders) played
songs which were very diverse since there was Punjabi music, English music and
many more genres and languages of music. This made all the kids feel included
since there was music from their own languages as well. We played games and got
to chat with our friends, even our friends at PBS to catch up about life!
This year’s move a thon was not only extremely fun but it was also
for a great cause, which is what made it one of the best Move-A-Thon our school
had so far!
By: Salisa and Shan in Class 6/7
Nov. 7 – Celebrate Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Educators’ Appreciation Day
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 Nov. 7, 2019. 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.
Ms. Mak's Grade 3
Last month the grade three students in Mrs. Mak’s class had an exciting month. We learned about plants and soil. We planted seeds. We’re watching the seeds grow. We
asked a lot of wonder questions and now we started our Science Inquiries. Shahroz started a recycling club. We’re all helping to keep our school clean. Anuska started her passion project, The Kind Club. She is looking at ways we can show we care by creating activities, helping and playing with our friends with special needs during Nutrition Breaks outside and during inclement weather. We liked seeing P.A.L.S. outside. We are learning ways we can build our skills to be a P.A.L next year. Anuska won the Love (Grandfather Teaching) certificate in our classroom because she is kind and patient with others. Mr.Peter Joshua came to our classroom and visited with us. We showed him all
the things we are learning at school. The recycling club created a Google Slide show to share with him. We are setting learning goals for term one. It was a fun month!
Written by Class 3A.
Come and Chat
Join the "Come and Chat!" group starting Nov 13th in the Staff Room between 9:30AM-10:30AM for a meet and greet. Our goal is to provide these sessions once a month, designed to connect with one another, and learn about various topics related to Canada, and Education. It is open to parents, guardians, newcomers, and grandparents. If interested please contact the school settlement worker: Sadaf Z. Syed, RSW via email or phone: sadaf.syed@bmccentre.org, 416-471-4854.
HOLD THE DATE: During our December 16th event Guest Speaker: Kolleen Mcllveen from the Family Education Centre will speak to us about problem-solving with your child.
James Grieve PS 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. In addition to Hindu Heritage Month, the Peel board also approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October, Indigenous 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 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.
Give what you can on United Way Giving Day – Nov. 14, 2019
At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student – each and every day. Yet we know that there are many needs in our community that we can’t address on our own, like providing food for families that may go without or supporting communities after a crisis. That’s why we are holding a board-wide giving day in support of United Way Greater Toronto, a key partner and supporter of Peel families.
This year, the Peel board has declared Nov. 14 as United Way Giving Day to raise much needed funds for United Way Greater Toronto and the network of local, Peel social service agencies it supports. Whether it’s providing shelter for a mother and her children in Brampton, matching a child who is at risk with a mentor in Caledon, or funding a breakfast program in Mississauga for youth that would otherwise go hungry, United Way offers hope and possibility to thousands in our community.
A donation of:
· $2 may go towards a breakfast program for a child from a low income family.
· $10 supports a child with interactive, recreational outings for one year, including healthy snacks and transportation, to help them build their social skills and self-esteem.
· $25 is enough to provide a daily homework club that gives children and youth access to computers, peer support and mentors.
This is a completely voluntary campaign and any contributions are welcome. Whether you send a loonie, toonie, cheque made out to United Way Greater Toronto, or donate through school cash online, your contribution will make a difference. Pledges of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt from United Way Greater Toronto. To receive a receipt, you must fill out the pledge form on the back and send it to school with your donation by Dec. 13, 2019. If you donate through School Cash Online, attach a copy of your receipt to your completed pledge form.
Thank you for lending a helping hand to those who need it most. Together, we can help those in poverty which wouldn’t be possible without your continued support – your local love can change lives.
Stan Cameron Peter Joshua
Chair of the Board Director of Education
James Grieve PS 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.
In addition to Indigenous Heritage Month, the Peel board has also approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October, 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 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.
At James Grieve PS we acknowledge and create awareness of Indigenous issues through our monthly assemblies connecting learning and character traits to our Grandfather teachings. This month our focus is on
#chooseACTION on Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
The Peel District School Board will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, November 17 to 23, 2019.
Bullying is a form of harassment. The World Health Organization says, “Bullying…demands the concerted and coordinated time and attention of health-care providers, policy-makers and families.” (Prevention of Bullying, 2010) Bullying is a relationship problem, with relationship solutions.
Each year, across the Peel board, students, staff and families engage in learning and programming opportunities focussed on actively disrupting bullying, by creating positive and safe Climates for Learning and Working, built on a foundation of healthy relationships.
This year the Peel board community will ‘#chooseACTION to STOP hate’ in their classrooms, offices, schools and communities, in order to make these spaces better places for everyone.
Establishing and maintaining a positive Climate for Learning and Working requires all of us to actively intervene on assumptions, stereotyping, bias, discrimination and hate. We must proactively act and speak in ways that are inclusive, accepting of others and values difference.
Throughout the week, we will be highlighting the importance of being an upstanding bystander by acting to stop hate:
Step 1: Stop the Action
Step 2: Name it
Step 3: Explain the impact/harm
Step 4: Ask the person causing the harm to change their behavior
Step 5: Support the person harmed.
The Peel board would like to hear about the big and small actions, pledges, and promises our Peel community values, and ask that you take a moment to share your #chooseACTION to STOP hate” moments on social media.
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
Nov. 29 – Say 'thanks' for 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. 29, 2019. 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 Public Health shares tips to help prevent the flu
It’s flu season and we want to make sure students stay as healthy as possible this year! Influenza (flu) spreads easily from one person to another and Peel Public Health has some tips to help reduce the risk of catching the flu and spreading it:
· Get your annual flu shot: The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. There are many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots:
§ Family Doctors’ offices
§ Walk-in clinics
§ Pharmacies
§ Peel flu clinics
· Keep children home when they’re sick: If your child develops flu-like signs and symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), keep them home from school. Contact your health care provider if symptoms are severe.
· Practice good hygiene: Help your child get into the habit of covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throw tissues in the trash. Cough or sneeze into a sleeve or elbow, if they don’t have a tissue. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs are spread.
· Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after they cough or sneeze.
For more information, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.
Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weather
During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather.
Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be announced on radio, television stations and will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Twitter @STOPRinfo, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling
905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146.
One of the following messages will be announced:
Peel District School Board buses are cancelled
This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual.
All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed
This means that all schools and Peel board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits.
All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled
This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.
All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled
This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.