all schools - june newsletter 2020 · web viewavoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks,...

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Principal’s Message It certainly has been an “unusual” school year with Labour Action and the COVID-19 pandemic! In a time of uncertainty, it is crucial that everyone stays well mentally and physically by adhering to washing hands frequently, exercising physical distancing (2 metre/6 foot rule), wearing gloves or a mask while in close proximity to others (stores). Stay connected to family members and friends through virtual platforms. It is a beautiful time of year with everything so green. I hope you have been able to spend some time with your family outside especially as the weather is warming up and we are starting to see more sunshine. Staff have put in countless extra hours to support your child with online distance learning, as well as “virtually” attending grade level meetings, as well as staff meetings. I know due to COVID 19 a lot of people are wondering what school will look like next year. As always, we follow the Ontario Ministry of Education, Public Health and Peel District direction. We will let you know when we know. We as a staff are analysing the Review of the Peel District Board, reading articles and attending webinars related to anti-Black racism and racism in general. We will be doing a lot pf professional development to address the systemic nature of racism. We need to re-evaluate how we teach curriculum and whose voices are missing. We need your support. Any racist comments, words, images will be dealt with swiftly. It has to stop. I need to build closer relationships with our community. I need to get more of your input on what and how you think we may improve. I look forward to having difficult conversations with you that will improve things for our students, families and staff. Mrs. Eckel Year -end message from your school trustee, Balbir Sohi As this school year comes to an end, I know it has not been an easy one. However, I encourage us all to reflect on the positive moments we have had. To our students, I know you have missed out on celebrating milestone achievements and graduations. Your playgrounds and schools have been different this year, and you have missed special moments with your friends. Thank you for helping your parents and family through these difficult months. We are keeping our distance from each other for all our collective safety. With the summer break upon us, please ensure that you continue social didistancing while taking some time to relax, refresh and spend time with those you love. We are all in this together. Please reach out if you need anything - I’m always here with and for you. Balbir Sohi 416-828-4330 Claireville Colours 97 Gallucci Crescent, Brampton, Ontario L6P 1R6 Phone: 905 - 794-8714 Fax: 905 - 794-8717 Principal: Ms. S. Eckel Office Manager: Ms. D. Caranci Vice Principal: Mrs. H. Baxter Office Assistant: Mrs. G. Gullo

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Page 1: All Schools - June newsletter 2020 · Web viewAvoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks, busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow. Stay on sidewalks

Principal’s Message

It certainly has been an “unusual” school year with Labour

Action and the COVID-19 pandemic! In a time of uncertainty, it is crucial that everyone stays well mentally and physically by adhering to washing hands frequently, exercising physical distancing (2 metre/6 foot rule), wearing gloves or a mask while in close proximity to others (stores). Stay connected to family members and friends through virtual platforms. It is a beautiful time of year with everything so green. I hope you have been able to spend some time with your family outside especially as the weather is warming up and we are starting to see more sunshine.

Staff have put in countless extra hours to support your child with online distance learning, as well as “virtually” attending grade level meetings, as well as staff meetings. I know due to COVID 19 a lot of people are wondering what school will look like next year. As always, we follow the Ontario Ministry of Education, Public Health and Peel District direction. We will let you know when we know.

We as a staff are analysing the Review of the Peel District Board, reading articles and attending webinars related to anti-Black racism and racism in general. We will be doing a lot pf professional development to address the systemic nature of racism. We need to re-evaluate how we teach curriculum and whose voices are missing. We need your support. Any racist comments, words, images will be dealt with swiftly. It has to stop. I need to build closer relationships with our community. I need to get more of your input on what and how you think we may improve. I look forward to having difficult conversations with you that will improve things for our students, families and staff.

Mrs. Eckel Year -end message from your school trustee, Balbir Sohi

As this school year comes to an end, I know it has not been an easy one. However, I encourage us all to reflect on the positive moments we have had.  To our students, I know you have missed out on celebrating milestone achievements and graduations. Your playgrounds and schools have been different this year, and you have missed special moments with your friends. Thank you for helping your parents and family through these difficult months. We are keeping our distance from each other for all our collective safety. With the summer break upon us, please ensure that you continue social

didistancing while taking some time to relax, refresh and spend time with those you love.

We are all in this together. Please reach out if you need anything - I’m always here with and for you.

Balbir Sohi416-828-4330PDSB Trustee BramptonWards 9/10“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.”- Kofi Annan

I In preparation for the end of June Students will be picking up their belongings that are still at

school this week. Each grade is assigned a time. You will be receiving a Communicate message with details.

. LLooking ahead to next yearA At this time, the Peel District School Board does not know

what the start up for the 2020-2021 school year will look like,as so much will depend upon how the province is “flattening the curve.” The school has to follow the direction given by the board, the Ministry of Education, as well as the Public Health. Please continue to listen to the news and refer to the board website: www.peelschools.

In light of the pandemic and the financial restrictions/stress it has caused for many families, it has been decided in consultation with staff and members of Claireville’s School Council that:- We will not be selling agendas as the use of these platforms means it is not required.- the school and board expectations will be posted on the schools’ website as well as “Brightspace,” and Google Classroom which are secure educational platforms - each grade level will only be allowed to have one paid- by- parent fieldtrip and presentation which aligns to the curriculum. All other fieldtrips and presentations will need to be “free” to the students - there will not be any fundraising (dance-a-thon) occurring- pizza days (once per week) and white milk sales (daily) will begin AFTER re-org. day. More information will be forthcoming- students will not be required to purchase a Claireville T-shirt.

Claireville Colours 97 Gallucci Crescent, Brampton, Ontario L6P 1R6Phone: 905 - 794-8714 Fax: 905 - 794-8717Principal: Ms. S. Eckel Office Manager: Ms. D. CaranciVice Principal: Mrs. H. Baxter Office Assistant: Mrs. G. Gullo

Superintendent: Ms. P. Daws 905 - 451-2862, Ext. 4230Trustee: Ms. Carrie Andrews [email protected]

Website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1504 June 2020 Twitter: @ClairevillePeel

Page 2: All Schools - June newsletter 2020 · Web viewAvoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks, busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow. Stay on sidewalks

Instead, students can either wear a t-shirt of the same grade colour (Kindergarten – purple, Gr. 1 – blue, Gr. 2 – green, Gr. 3 – yellow, Gr. 4 orange and Gr. 5 red.

Devices that were loaned out to families during online distance learning, are to be returned to the school upon start- up of the school year unless you are moving out of Peel District School Board and then we need to have the device returned before you move.

Upcoming Dates: June 24 Grade Five Farewell Drive-by (Kiss ‘n’ Ride Celebration (weather permitting). More information will be forthcoming by each Gr. 5 classroom teacher

Kindergarten Communication of Learning and Grades 1-5 Report Cards sent home

June 25/26 Claireville Staff Car Parade (more information will be forthcoming) Staff/Students and Families wear Red and White in the spirit of

Canada Day

Bussing Information at this time:If your home address will be changing during the summer, please notify the office staff BEFORE June 26. Address changes received after this date will not be reflected in the planned bus routes to commence in September and may result in transportation services not being available for your child(ren) during the first weeks of school.

Keep track of your child's vaccinations:To attend school in Ontario, children require an up-to-date immunization record, unless you have a valid exemption. When your child receives a new vaccination, remember to contact Peel Health and provide the information. Peel Health monitors immunizations on a regular basis to ensure all children attending school have been immunized. Ontario Regulation 645 under the Immunization of School Pupils Act has been updated and as of July 2014, it is mandatory for students to be vaccinated and immunized against measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus and polio in addition to: pertussis (whooping cough), meningococcal disease and varicella (chickenpox), in order to be able to attend school. These vaccines are part of routine immunization. These regulatory amendments will result in better protection for Peel’s students and a safer school environment by reducing the risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks and improving the ability to manage outbreaks when they occur. They will also improve the completeness and accuracy of student immunization records, resulting in better management of Ontario’s immunization program. During the 2020-2021 school year, Peel Public Health will use the regular screening

and enforcement process, including suspension as a final measure, if necessary. It is being recommended that you consult with your family physician and update your child’s immunization records over the summer months. Thank you for helping us to keep your child healthy and safe.

Administering Prescribed Medication to Students:It is the policy of the Peel District School Board that educators, teaching assistants and other school staff should not be involved with the administration of medication. Rather, it is the responsibility of the parents to arrange with their physician for medication which can be administered before and after school. However, if a student requires medication during school hours in order to remain in attendance, compliance of the following guidelines must be completed:

Please visit your family physician during the summer months and request the Administration of Medication- Form A be completed by your physician and yourself

Return the completed form to the Vice- Principal’s attention during the last week of August or the first week of school in September, along with the medication in its original container so that the in-school administration of medication can begin.

*A new form is required each year. New Forms for students who had medication at school this year, were sent out to parents at the time the medication was returned.

Updated procedures for anaphylactic students:In order to create a safe school environment for staff and students, new procedures have been implemented for students with anaphylactic allergies.

All staff must be informed of students who have been prescribed an Epi-Pen, Epi-Pen Junior or Allerject. Two Epi-Pen/Allerjects. Students MUST wear their epi-pen in a waist pouch at all times, while in attendance at school. Please remind your child that Epi-Pens are only to be removed from their waist pouch in the event of an anaphylactic emergency.

Riding Bicycles:As the weather gets warmer and children wish to ride their bicycles, parents need to know the rules Under the Ontario Ministry of Transportation’s Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

A bicycle is classified as a vehicle and as such have the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users;

The bicycle has the cycling equipment (bell and reflectors and/or light for older riders) required by law.

According to the City of Brampton by-laws, bikes with wheels greater than 50 cm (20 inches) indiameter are not permitted on city sidewalks unless:

Are you Moving?If your child is not going to attend Claireville in September, please notify the office as soon as possible.

Page 3: All Schools - June newsletter 2020 · Web viewAvoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks, busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow. Stay on sidewalks

i) The sidewalk is part of a bicycle path, or the rider is directly crossing a sidewalk.ii) Most children's bikes have wheels small enough to be allowed to cycle on sidewalks.

These by-laws allow children to cycle on the sidewalk until they develop the skills to handle themselves safely in traffic. Ontario law states that every cyclist under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times while cycling. Parents can be charged if they knowingly allow their children who are under 16 to ride without a bicycle helmet.

Peel District School Board celebrates National Indigenous History MonthIn 2009, the House of Commons officially recognized June as National Indigenous History Month following a unanimous motion.

The flag of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation will be raised at all Peel schools throughout June to demonstrate that Peel schools are safe, inclusive and welcoming environments where students, staff and families who identify as Indigenous are accepted and supported.

Staff and parents and students are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada

Peel District School Board celebrates Pride Month

Pride Month takes place in June to celebrate and recognize the impact the 2SLGBTQ+ community has had on the world, as well as the struggles it has faced and continues to face.

The Pride flag will be raised at all Peel schools throughout June to demonstrate that Peel schools are safe, inclusive and welcoming environments where students, staff and families who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ are accepted and supported.

Staff and parents and students are encouraged to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada

Peel Board recognizes Crossing Guard Appreciation Day on June 9The Peel Board recognizes the contribution of school crossing guards on Crossing Guard Appreciation Day, June 9. Crossing Guards help to ensure a safe journey to and from school for thousands of students every day. 

To view the full June Newsletter, please visit our website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1504

Page 4: All Schools - June newsletter 2020 · Web viewAvoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks, busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow. Stay on sidewalks

Preparing for the summer sun Excessive exposure to the sun can lead to health concerns such as sunburn and skin cancer. As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, it is necessary to apply sunscreen to protect ourselves from too much sun damage and burns.

In summer, we are exposed to higher levels of ultraviolet (UV) rays. This exposure is a risk factor for developing skin cancer and cataracts later in life. The UV index is the measure commonly used in Canada to assess the strength of the sun’s UV rays risk on a given day.

What is the UV Index?The index scale ranges from 0 to 10. The higher the value, the more intense ultraviolet rays. The UV index is calculated daily by Environment Canada using ozone and weather information. It can vary from day to day with changes in the ozone layer – the thinner the ozone layer, the higher the index reading.

How to protect your family from the sun? Wear a hat (preferably with a broad brim), sunglasses and protective clothing on sunny days. Use sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or greater whenever you're outdoors. Encourage your children to play in shady areas if they are outside for a long period of time. Remember that sunburn can occur even on a cloudy day, as up to 80 per cent of UV rays can penetrate

light clouds, and 40 per cent of UV rays can bounce back from sand, water or concrete.

Summer Well-being

Page 5: All Schools - June newsletter 2020 · Web viewAvoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks, busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow. Stay on sidewalks

Summer break is around the corner! The psychological and physiological benefits of summer are hard to beat. However, while summer allows for a break from the routine and structure of the school year, for some children and youth, it can be stressful to be away from school. So, while the stressors change when the last school bell signals summer, they don't disappear.

Here at a few tips for summer well-being to keep everyone safe and having fun in the sun!

Get outside. With longer and warmer days, try to spend more time outdoors which increases our vitamin D intake and allows us more time to exercise and connect with nature. A minimum of 60 minutes of daily physical activity is recommended for all children and youth. Healthy body = healthy mind.

Always stay hydrated. Replace sugary sports drinks & sodas with water; add slices of fresh fruit like strawberries, lemons, limes or watermelons to your water for a delicious flavor. Staying hydrated prevents heat related illness: symptoms are headache, cold sweats, exhaustion, nausea and/or vomiting, and diarrhea.

Get plenty of rest. During the hot summer heat, making sure you get plenty of rest is important to prevent heat exhaustion. While playing outside, take frequent shaded breaks and use sunscreen. Getting 8-10 hours of sleep every night is important for recuperation and growth.

Wear safety gear. Whether you are riding your bike or swimming in a pool always wear the recommended safety gear. Being safe reduces stress for everyone! A good rule is that if you are not doing an activity safely; you will not be allowed to do it.

Be safe on-line. Some students will stay in-touch over the summer primarily on-line. Remember that some people will use electronic media to embarrass, harass, or threaten their peers. When there is cyberbullying occurring remember to save it, report it, and block it. If the incident is criminal call Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Constant communication for the win! Using open ended questions with children and youth can help identify fears, anxieties and concerns. Ask questions like, “How are you feeling about going to summer camp?” In addition, communicating expectations about what is going to occur during the summer will help to ease transitions. Saying, “I am inviting relatives to stay with us in July” or saying, “You will need to be in bed by 9 pm on weekdays this summer” allows children and youth time to adjust to what will occur.

Over summer break remember that HELP is always available:

Peel Children’s Centre maintains a Crisis Response Service (24/7/365) if your child is experiencing a serious mental health problem at 416-410-8615

Kids Help Phone is Canada's only national 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counselling, web counselling and referral service for children and youth. 1-800-668-6868.

Promoting Wellbeing in Your Children This Summer:The Importance of Structure

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

Page 6: All Schools - June newsletter 2020 · Web viewAvoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks, busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow. Stay on sidewalks

Summer vacation is almost here! Children can barely wait to put away their backpacks and spend their days free. Although this might be true for many, children and parents rely on structure to help guide the day, even in the summer. Structure holds kids and allows them to feel safe, knowing what to expect throughout the day and the week. Although it is crucial for children to have unstructured, free time each day, it is important for there to be some routine and structure (however you define it) to help children manage their emotions. Parents and children should sit down and discuss the summer plans, whether it is camp every day or multiple weeks off in a row, kids need to know what to expect.

Things to consider: Know your child. Is your child someone who does better with structure or unstructured time? How do

they respond during school year vacations and summers past? Think ahead about summer plans based on who they are.

Create structure somewhere and communicate it. Children do better when they know what to expect and understand the overall plan.

Structure doesn’t have to mean committing to camps or organized activities but it can include doing expectable activities like reading in the afternoon, attending regular events (story hour at the library on Wednesdays), and having regular days to play with friends.

Although not vital, many children do best when they participate in some organized activity. Make sure your child is getting plenty of time to eat, sleep, read, and play - with peers, with family, alone,

and outside.

What to look out for: Loneliness. Often, when children lose the structure of school, they can become socially isolated and lonely,

which can lead to poor mental health. Stay tuned in to whether your child is maintaining regular, healthy social contact with peers.

Increased anxiety. Many people (especially children) experience increased anxiety when structure is lost. Look for symptoms of irritability, excessive worry, preoccupation, trouble sleeping, change in appetite (more or less), change in energy (more or less), trouble concentrating, and physical symptoms (belly aches, headaches, etc.).

Increased screen time. Often children turn to the screen (television, computer, or video games) to help manage boredom over the summer. Although this moderate screen time is reasonable, excessive screen time can create other psychological and physical issues.

For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.

Summer activities that boost learningKindergarten to grade 4Sorting and stacking – Teach classification skills with dinnerware. Ask your child to match and stack dishes of similar sizes and shapes. Also have your child sort flatware – forks with forks, spoons with spoons. This is like recognizing the shapes of letters and numbers.

Comic strip writing – Use comic strips to help with writing. Cut the segments of a comic strip apart and ask your child to arrange them in order. Then ask your child to fill in the words of the characters (orally or in writing).

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Float and sink – Encourage hypothesizing (guessing). Use several objects – soap, a dry sock, a bottle of shampoo, a wet sponge, an empty bottle. Ask your child which objects will float when dropped into water in a sink or bathtub. Then drop the objects in the water, one by one, to see what happens.

Grades 5 to 8Follow the news – As a family, choose an important news event to follow for a day or two. Ask each person to find as much information on the topic as possible – read newspapers, look at online news webpages, listen to the radio and watch TV news. Then talk about what everyone learned.

Pro and con: what do you think? – Make a family game of discussing a special issue. For example, "Teenagers should be allowed to vote," or "There should never be any homework." Ask your children to think of all the reasons they can to support their views. Then ask them to think of reasons opposing their views. Which views are most convincing? For variety, assign family members to teams and have them prepare their arguments pro and con.

Stretch, run, walk – Ask your child to do at least one kind of exercise every day. For example, run or walk briskly for 10 minutes. Walk, when possible, instead of driving, for any distance less than a mile. Have your child make a week-long exercise plan. Try to think of a modest reward for sticking to the plan and exercise with your child.

Let your voice be heard – Promote good citizenship. Help your child write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper about an issue affecting children – for example, suggest that a bike path be built near the school or that a city event be planned for youngsters. Children are citizens, and their ideas are worth hearing.

On the road again—how to keep your cyclist safeHere are some tips you can review with your child to ensure bike season gets off to a great start:

The right fit children should be able to straddle the bike with both feet on the ground a bike that is too big or too small can be a safety hazard the helmet should fit—if it's too loose, it could fall off, if it's too tight, it's uncomfortable

Get noticed a young child's bike should be equipped with a bell and reflector older riders should have a light and/or reflectors

Follow the rules no riding on busy streets no riding at night stop for all STOP signs

Page 8: All Schools - June newsletter 2020 · Web viewAvoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks, busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow. Stay on sidewalks

Actions that cause injuries driveway ride out—not stopping and looking both ways before entering the street running the stop sign turning without warning cycling in the dark following the leader—one child goes through a stop sign or misses a parked car but the second cyclist doesn't

Keep your child safe around train tracks:Trains are often closer and are moving faster than most motorists and pedestrians perceive. That's why all members of a family should be are aware of the importance of rail safety.

Safety steps for children Playing on railway tracks and bridges is dangerous. Find safe, supervised and open areas (e.g.,

neighbourhood parks) in which to have fun. The only way to safely cross a rail track is to use designated railway crossings. If you must cross railway tracks, for example on your way to and from school, stop, look and listen before

crossing. It is against the law to trespass on railway property.

Safety steps for adults Be prepared to stop at a highway/ railway crossing. Listen for warning bells and whistles of an approaching train. Turn off, or turn down distracting fans,

heaters, music/radios. Obey the signals. Never attempt to drive under a gate as it is closing or around a closed gate. If the gate

begins to close while you’re underneath, keep moving ahead until you clear the crossing. If a police officer or a member of the train crew is directing traffic at the crossing, obey their directions. If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out quickly and away from the vehicle and tracks. Move in the

direction that the train is approaching from to avoid being hit by debris. Your vehicle will be swept forward by the momentum of the train.

The safety of our students is our top priorityThroughout the school year, incidents in our school communities happen. Our staff take precautions to emphasize street-proofing skills with your child. However, we feel that it is important that you take an opportunity to review safety procedures with your child.

Peel Police have provided the following safety guidelines if your child encounters a stranger: Tell your children to never go anywhere with a stranger, not to talk to strangers and never take anything from them. You also have to teach them what a "safe stranger" is in case they need help. A safe stranger includes a police officer, a cashier, a fire fighter, etc.

Remind your child to never walk alone—always walk with a group. Develop a "what if" game for the kids to get them thinking of how they would respond if they felt threatened

or afraid. Know who your children play with and where they go. This includes keeping a list of their friend's addresses

and phone numbers. Remind your children not to take short cuts through parks, ravines, or other secluded areas. Your child's body is private. Tell your child that no one may touch the area their bathing suit covers. If

someone does or tries to touch them, they should advise you immediately.

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Teach your children to talk to you immediately when someone does anything that makes them feel strange or uncomfortable. Listen when your children are trying to tell you about something that bothers them and provide them with support and understanding.

Tips for riding the bus: Take a seat as quickly as possible, put belongings under the seat and stay seated. Never stick anything out of the window, including part of your body. Refrain from eating on the bus. If a choking incident occurs, the driver may not be able to help immediately. Wait until the school bus stops before standing up to exit the vehicle.

Tips for exiting the bus: When getting off the bus, take two large steps away from bus. If you have to walk in front of the bus, do so at

least three metres (10 giant steps) away from the bus. The driver must be able to see students exiting the bus and will give a signal when it is safe to cross. If more

than one student is crossing in front of the bus at the same time, they should cross in single file. Children must never reach for something that is under the bus without the driver’s permission. Let the driver

know that something is under the bus or wait until the bus moves out of the way.

Tips for walking to school: Help your child establish a safe, direct route to school. Avoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks,

busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road and walk facing

traffic. Cross streets at intersections and at crosswalks and learn to look to the left, the right, and the left again before

proceeding. Wait until traffic comes to a stop before crossing. Make sure drivers see you before you cross. Don't assume

the driver will stop for you.