December-February

2019-2020 Newsletter

Meaningful Engagement for All

Principal Vice Principal Denise Ingoldsby Alexandra Charette

Office Manager Office Assistant Penny Maltman Antonietta Sgambelluri

Holidays are around the corner… November has come and gone and soon it will be the first day of Winter. Caledon Central students participated in an active Fall season with our sports teams, assemblies and performances, spirit days and the Safety Bus Program presentation. Thank you to all of the parents/guardians who participated in November’s Parent/Teacher conferences. We appreciate the interest you took in attending the parent conferences and discussing your child’s progress. This holiday season at Caledon Central Public School, students and staff members are organizing events to help families in need. If you were hoping to contribute to a charitable event this season, we ask that you please consider one of our events: Cram the Cruiser, Hat and Mitt Tree and/or Winter Coat and Clothing Drive. On behalf of the staff of Caledon Central, I would like to wish each and every one of you a wonderful Winter Break and New Year. Denise Ingoldsby, Principal

Telephone Numbers 519-927-5231 905-456-0047 Fax 519-927-5953 School Address 18357 Kennedy Road, Caledon, Ontario L7K 1Y7

School Hours: Entry 9:20am

Instructional Block

9:25am

Nutrition Break #1 11:45am

Instructional Block

12:25pm

Nutrition Break #2 1:45pm

Instructional Block

2:25pm

Dismissal 3:45pm

Inspire. Innovate.

Ignite.

A Special Thank You: Thank you to our student

community for raising awareness and funds for the Terry Fox Foundation.

Thank you to our families for donating to United Way on November 14th for United Way Giving Day.

Thank you Caledon Central families for your continued support.

Caledon Central

Public School

Upcoming Dates at Caledon Central PS: December

4th, 11th, 18th Pizza Day

Until the 4th Winter Coat and Clothing Drive Hat and Mitt Tree

11th Hackergal Hack-a-thon in library (Girls Grades 4-8)

16th Theme: Candy Cane Day (Red, White, Green) - Spirit Day

17th Theme: Ugly Sweater Day – Spirit Day

18th Theme: New Year’s Sparkle – Spirit Day

18th Primary/Junior Christmas Concert – @2:15pm “Slapshot Santa Scores Again!”

19th Theme: Santa/Elf/Reindeer Hat Day – Spirit Day

19th Intermediate Christmas Concert – @2:30pm

Until the 19th Cram the Cruiser – canned food/toy drive

20th Theme: Pajama Day – Spirit Day

20th Intermediate Dance @2pm ($4 or 2 items for Cram the Cruiser)

Winter Break: December 23rd-January 3rd, 2020

January

13th School Council 6:30-7:30pm - postponed

13-17th Kindergarten registration 9am-3pm (daytime)

16th Kindergarten registration evening 5pm-8pm (evening)

20th Professional Activity Day – No school for students

24th Vaccines

February

3rd Grade 8 Graduation Pictures *new date*

7th Professional Learning Day – No school for students

17th Family Day – No school for staff or students

Stay up-to-date with Caledon Central Public School and Peel board news http://schools.peelschools.org/1459/Pages/default.aspx

Visit our school website to learn what’s happening at your school, including:

- the latest school news

- contact information for school administration, superintendent and trustee - the school calendar

- enrolment data

- school hours

- registration information - online library catalogue

SPORTS at Caledon Central Public School

Date Team/Activity December 12th Junior Girls Volleyball Tournament @RJ Lee

December 13th Junior Boys Volleyball Tournament @RJ Lee

January 21st *Cancelled* Senior Basketball @WG Davis

January 23rd *Cancelled* Senior Basketball @Caledon Central

January 27th *Cancelled* Badminton Tournament Gr. 7-8 @Castlebrooke SS

January 28th *Cancelled* Peel Showdown Basketball (9-4pm) Girls @RJ Lee, Boy @Springbrook

January 30th *Cancelled* Peel Showdown Basketball (4-8pm) @TBA

February 3rd *Cancelled* Senior Basketball @Herb Campbell

February 10th *Cancelled* Senior Basketball @Caledon Central

February 12th *Cancelled* Senior Basketball @Aylesbury

February 18th *Cancelled* Senior Basketball @Caledon Central

February 20th *Cancelled* Senior Basketball @Morningstar

February 26th *Cancelled* Senior Basketball @Caledon Central (Boys only)

You can subscribe online to receive email notifications for news, calendar events and volunteer job opportunities related to your school. You can also choose to receive email and/or text message notifications for critical news, such as school closures due to bad weather. Click on the “Subscribe” link on the left side of the main page of the school website.

At Caledon Central we aspire to follow the 4 Agreements of TRIBES.

CALEDON CENTRAL’S AGREEMENTS Mutual Respect

Appreciations – No Put Downs Attentive Listening

Right to Pass

Special Education Corner: Visit TVO Mathify to gain access to 300 tutors in total. 50 tutors on each evening. Ontario students in grade 7-10 can access real-time math homework support from home. If you haven't done so already, check out TVO Mathify!

https://www.tvomathify.com/students

5 Educational Websites to try at home with your child http://www.starfall.com http://www.abcya.com http://www.teacheryourmonstertoread.com http://www.cookie.com https://ca.ixl.com/ https://resources.elearningontario.ca/d2l/loginh/ (login using your student's Peel username and password) Ontario Educational Resource bank

Caledon Central Public School is hiring Supply Lunchroom Supervisors We are hiring Supply Lunchroom Supervisors. Please come into the office to speak with an administrator if you are interested!

International Student Exchange

On December 3rd, 2019 at Caledon Central PS, Junior and Intermediate students will sit in on a presentation by the International Student Exchange Program (ISE). The Elementary Exchange program offers Grade 8 students the opportunity to participate in:

A 9-Week Go-First Exchange with a partner from France* A 9-Week Host-First Exchange with a partner from France or Switzerland*

Students spend 9 weeks hosting an exchange partner in the Fall and 9 weeks visiting their exchange partner abroad in the Winter. Visiting students receive an English language experience while here, and Ontario students receive a French language experience while abroad.

You can now earn a high school credit! Click here to learn more.

Holiday Giving – At Caledon Central we care!

Caledon OPP Cram the Cruiser We will be participating in the Cram the Cruiser event this year. We are beginning to bring food/toys in on November 25th and will continue right through until December 19th. The Caledon Exchange is accepting food and toy donations to make the holidays brighter for children and families in need. Items needed are: canned goods, cereal, baby formula and diapers and unwrapped toys. Please help us support this worthy cause by donating through your child’s class. Share the Joy Our leadership team of Intermediate students have been working hard to earn money to support a family in need over the holidays. We received money from our “change for change” and bake sale event that we had over the interview days. Shop with a Cop We have chosen a family to participate in this wonderful event. Hat and Mitt Tree In our front hallway, there will be a Hat and Mitt tree for the Winter Clothing Drive. If you wish to donate new hats and mitts, please send in items to your child’s class teacher. Winter Coat and Clothing Drive Starting on Monday, November 25th until Wednesday, December 4th, our school will be collecting winter clothing for a Winter Coat and Clothing Drive. If you are sending in clothing for this drive, we ask that you label the items “Winter Clothing Drive.” The drive is to support "We Welcome the World", settlement workers and school social workers who are serving many families in need of winter clothing. Items that can be donated are: - winter coats - babies to adults - winter Boots - babies to adults - scarves, hats, mitts, gloves, snow pants - all sizes - clothing for infants and children (no adult clothing) - running shoes - all sizes - bedding, towels, blankets - small appliances like toasters, kettles, toaster ovens, - kitchen items - dishes, pots, pans, utensils, - baby items that aren't too large and don't have to meet a safety standard (no car seats or cribs) . Gently used items are welcomed once they are washed. Items of greatest need are winter coats for kids. You can drop off all donations at the front table labelled "Winter Clothing Drive".

Wow! Look at the bags

of clothing our school

has collected!

Our Hat and Mitten Tree

The New Lunch Lady Menus are now online!

Order Now at www.thelunchlady.ca

You can email them at brampton@thelunchlady.ca

You can also contact them by phone at 905-495-8100

Ready to order? Login to place your order online, or create an account now. Note that online ordering is not available for

all menus. Check your paper menu or contact your kitchen for details.

Hello Parents!!!

Just a quick note to say…The NEW MENU’s are up online! This will allow you to order until the end of February! Don’t

forget to keep an eye on out for our Special Christmas/Holiday Lunch special coming in December – it will include

yummy Turkey Breast, Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes with gravy!!! We will also offer New Year’s Noddle dishes in

January and our SUPER popular Valentine’s Pancakes/French Toast with chocolate chips Special Lunch!

Check out our New Menu items:

P06 – Spaghetti and Homemade Tomato Sauce

H10 – a Cup of Veggie Chill

R17 – Vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie

R23/R24 Burrito Bowls

R27/R31 Cheese and Chicken Quesadillas

We have added back by popular demand:

W03 – Chicken Caesar Wrap

R37 – Warm BBQ Chicken Wrap

R15 – Cheese Tortellini with steam veggies

V03 – Pancakes with veggie sausage

Thanks for your order! Don’t forget, there is Fundraising for your school with every Meal Ordered!

Want to order milk? Milk Program Online Order Options: Just find school name: Caledon Central to Order http://www.remembermeinc.com/

What is School Cash Online? School cash online specializes in making life eaiser for parents and schools. Our school has chosen to use school cash online to help eliminate the amount of cash coming into the school with students. If you have not signed up yet – please visit the site below. It’s simple! Just follow the 4 easy steps to make payments. Then see your payment history and receive receipts via email. The program will even send you reminder emails when activities and food items become available for parents and their children. Why Use School Cash Online?

Convenient Make secure payments 24/7 from the comfort of your home;

Easy To Use - Online shopping with various payment methods;

Safe For Your child - Won't be carrying cash or checks to and from school;

Saves Time - Manage your school expenses and view payment history in one place.

Please visit the link below to register:

https://peelschools.schoolcashonline.com/

Help your family stay warm this winter

Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing hypothermia when working or playing outdoors:

Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school. Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body. Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners, carry an extra pair to

replace damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Invest in thick socks to keep your feet warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on outings, etc.

Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when doing vigorous activities.

Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypothermia. If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive sweating caused from an

extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing hypothermia. Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins. A balanced diet will also help keep you warm and healthy in the

winter. If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.

Report your child’s immunizations to the Region of Peel online

When registering for school for the first time, parents and guardians are required to provide up-to-date

immunization information for their children. This includes registering for kindergarten.

You can update your child’s immunizations online. The online immunization tool allows you to attach a photo

of the immunization record. When reporting online, an Ontario Health Card is required.

Report immunizations online at: www.peelregion.ca/immunize

After you report your immunizations online you will be given a reference number. Keep this number for your

records. You will need to give this number to your child’s school when registering.

If you do not have online access or your child does not have an Ontario Health Card, take a copy of the

immunization record to the school. Make sure your child’s name and date of birth are visible on the record.

Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 if your child does not have an immunization record or if you have any

questions about immunization exemptions.

For more information, visit www.peelregion.ca/immunize

Train More. Rehearse More. Learn More. Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists Does your child/teen have an intense sports or arts training and competition schedule that makes it difficult to attend school regularly? The Peel District School Board’s Peel Region High Performers Program will offer flexible timetabling to accommodate student athletes and artists with demanding practice, competition, rehearsal and/or performance schedules. The Peel Region High Performers Program is available to students in grades 4 to 12 at Britannia Public School, Dolphin Senior Public School and Mississauga Secondary School.

Applications are open For more information and applications, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers.

It's time to register children born in 2016 for kindergarten

We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was

born in 2016, they can start kindergarten in September 2020. You can register your child at any time during

regular school hours—just visit the school they will be attending to register.

Peel schools will also hold Kindergarten Registration Week from Jan. 13 to 17, 2020. Visit Caledon Central

Public School from:

Jan. 13 to 17, 2020 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jan. 16, 2020 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.

What you will need to bring to registration

Proof of child's age (one of the following)

Canadian birth certificate Canadian passport citizenship card/certificate Permanent Resident Card confirmation of permanent residence work permit refugee permit

Proof of address (one of the following)

Ontario driver's license utility bill bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution) credit card statement federal government forms (e.g. Social Insurance Number, Service Canada documents) purchase agreement

Proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate

living arrangement.

Proof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated.

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.

What is hand, foot and mouth disease? Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness that mainly affects infants and children but can sometimes occur in adults. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against hand, foot and mouth disease. Please visit the following website for more information on symptoms and what parents can do: http://www.caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/hand_foot_and_mouth_disease

Keep your child’s eyes healthy

Did you know that vision problems in children often go unnoticed because kids don’t know any different? As many as 10

per cent of preschoolers will have vision difficulties that can affect the development of their sight if not treated.

However, if caught by the age of 5, treatment will be most effective.

The Region of Peel recommends regular eye exams for your child to help find eye problems early and get the right

treatment.

The best way to ensure good eye health is to have your child’s eyes checked by an optometrist. Yearly eye exams for

children 19 and under are covered by OHIP.

What to expect at your child’s eye exam

An optometrist will complete:

General vision testing in both eyes. Eye muscle testing. Eye coordination testing. A general health assessment of the front and back of the eyes.

If needed, the optometrist will write a prescription for glasses for your child.

For information on overall vision health, common signs of a possible eye problem and the programs available to you

within Peel, visit www.peelregion.ca/vision-health

Regional Learning Choices programs

unlock passions

Regional Learning Choices Programs offered by the Peel District School Board empower students by providing them with

opportunities to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. Regional programs are open to all students

who meet the criteria for acceptance.

Transportation is not provided for students in regional programs. If students have been accepted into a regional

program and they live within the school boundary, they are eligible for busing only if they meet the distance criteria

outlined in the board’s Transportation Policy #39.

All regional programs include annual fees, including a non-refundable $40 application fee.

Important dates to note:

Applications open Applications close

ELEMENTARY Jan. 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m.

SECONDARY Applications for secondary regional programs are closed

Programs Schools offered at Starts in grade:

6 7 9

Actively in Motion (AIM) Royal Orchard MS

Advanced Placement Central Peel SS, John Fraser SS

Arts Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts

in grade 7), Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS

Arts and Technology Morning Star MS

Graphic Design Management T.L. Kennedy SS

International Baccalaureate Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PS, Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold

M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS

International Business and

Technology

Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS,

Meadowvale SS, North Park SS, T.L. Kennedy SS

International and Executive

Leadership Academy

T.L. Kennedy SS

Regional Skilled Trades Judith Nyman (starting in September 2020), West Credit SS

SciTech Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS,

Chinguacousy SS, Port Credit SS

Sports Applewood Heights SS

Strings Central Peel SS, Port Credit SS

Transportation Engineering

and Technology

Bramalea SS

For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the

application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

What you need to know about head lice (pediculosis)

What is head lice?

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp where they lay their eggs. They have three stages: the egg (nit), the

nymph and the adult. Head lice do not spread diseases and cannot be spread between animals or pets and humans, only

through direct contact between people.

Head lice spread easily, especially where people are in close contact. They are common among school-aged children or

children attending child care, where they spread through direct hair-to-hair contact or directly by sharing things like

hats, combs, hairbrushes or headphones.

One of the first signs of head lice is an itchy scalp. However, children can have head lice for several weeks with no symptoms. If you think your child has head lice, check their hair for nits right away, then again after one week and after two weeks.

What to do if your child has lice

If you discover your child has lice, notify the school immediately so that classmates can be checked. Parents must keep

their child at home until they have been treated for lice and are nit-free. Students may only return to school if they are

“nit-free” and will be checked by a school administrator before being re-admitted to class. If your child has live lice,

ensure they avoid head-to-head contact with other children until the lice are gone. Children should not share combs,

hairbrushes, caps, hats or hair ornaments. You should also check all family members for head lice. Be sensitive to your

child’s feelings and let them know that having head lice does not mean they are not clean.

Head lice can be treated with the following approved insecticides:

pyrethrin (found in R&C Shampoo + Conditioner)

permethrin (Nix Creme Rinse or Kwellada-P Creme Rinse)

lindane (Hexit Shampoo or PMS-Lindane Shampoo)

Although head lice does not pose a significant health risk, it is highly contagious and very uncomfortable for children,

therefore schools take precautions to prevent the spread. Your cooperation in controlling the spread of lice by keeping

your child at home until they have been treated and are nit-free is much appreciated.

Offence Declaration required for returning volunteers

Parents play an important role in the development and education of their children and in the success of the school community. At Caledon Central Public School, 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 background check. A criminal 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 record 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 receive an Offence Declaration form that must be filled out and returned to the board office each year. Completing the Offence Declaration will ensure that you can continue volunteering in the next school year. Forms will be mailed home in February.

Apply for Extended French by Jan. 31, 2020

If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether

you want to consider Extended French (EF). To find out more about the program, visit

www.peelschools.org/French

The EF school for our area is Allan Drive Middle School. The phone number is (905) 857-9144.

Online application

The application form for Grade 7 EF for the 2020-21 school year is available online at

www.peelschools.org/French

The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Applications received after that date will be put on a waiting list. Please note that students who are currently or were previously enrolled in French Immersion, cannot apply for

grade 7 Extended French – you will continue grade 7 in the French Immersion program or an English program.

For more information

visit www.peelschools.org/French

call your nearest Extended French school

connect with families who have children in the Extended French program visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca

Apply for French Immersion by Jan. 31, 2020

If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether

you want to consider grade 1 French Immersion (FI).

The application form for grade 1 FI for the 2020-21 school year are available online at

www.peelschools.org/French. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 31, 2020.

Applications received after the deadline will not be included in the random selection process and will be

placed on the school’s waitlist.

The FI school for our area is Herb Campbell Public School. The phone number is (905) 838-3952.

Applying for Grade 1 French Immersion

The Peel board has a limited number of spaces available for grade 1 French Immersion. They are not offered to

students on a first come first served basis. A computerized random selection process randomly ranks all

applications that are received by the deadline and assigns the available spaces in rank order. Once available

spaces are filled, the remaining students are placed in rank order on a school’s waitlist. Each school has its

own waitlist.

Students must apply to and, if accepted, attend the French Immersion school based on the home address.

Flexible boundaries are not available for Grade 1 French Immersion.

How to get more information

For more information about French Immersion and how you can support your child:

Visit www.peelschools.org/French

Call Herb Campbell Public School at (905) 838-3952.

Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca/

Visit www.stopr.ca to determine if your child is eligible for busing and for information on bus stops and routes.

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 appropriately—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.

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.

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 available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/peelschools/, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-

668-1146. It is usually also announced on the radio and television stations listed below:

VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 BREAKFAST TELEVISION NEWS AM680

CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1

NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860

FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107

CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSE

GLOBAL NEWS CITY NEWS CTV

CFRB – (Bell Media)

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.

6 Ways To Relieve Stress During the Holidays

The holiday season can be a happy and busy time of the year. Often, it is also a stressful time of the year.

Our “things to do list” can be long and calendars can be jam-packed with events. To help you have a happy

season, here are some tips to relieve holiday stress.

1. Meditation: Try meditation before you begin your day. Mindfulness and meditation are century old

practices that have been proven to reduce stress and angst. A daily practice of being completely present and

cultivating awareness can improve your sleep, boost your immune system, help with focus and reduce your

stress. It may be exactly what is needed to get you through this busy time of year.

2. Get Outside: One of the best ways to overcome stress during the holidays is to exercise and get outdoors.

Research shows that physical activity not only boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your

moods. Perhaps an outdoor ice skate or sledding through the snow could be a way for the whole family to

enjoy the outdoors and relieve stress together.

3. Plan Ahead: Create a schedule ahead of time that balances holiday events and personal time for you and

your family. Allow yourself to say “no” as needed. If your calendars are overly scheduled it may cause extra

stress and angst.

4. Be realistic: The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow,

traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.

5. Don't abandon healthy habits: Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overeating and overindulging

adds to stress and guilt. Here are some healthy strategies that can help: eat a healthy snack prior to a holiday

get together so you don’t overload on unhealthy treats; get plenty of sleep and continue physical activities.

6. Be generous: One of the best ways to be happy and manage your stress during this time of year is to act

generously with your loved ones, co-workers and friends. This doesn’t mean with gifts or spending money. You

can be generous with your compliments. You can generously offer help to a loved one with chores or an

errand. Or you can be creative and write a poem to a loved one about how much you appreciate them. This

will feel good for both of you.

Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

Many people think that when we talk about mental health, we are talking about mental illness – however, although they

are related concepts, they are not the same. Mental health is like our physical health: both are important parts of our

overall well-being.

Mental illnesses are conditions that affect our thinking, mood and behaviour and they can negatively impact how we

function day to day. Examples of mental illness include depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia (1).

Mental health, relates to our ability to enjoy life and to manage it in ways that help us reach our goals and cope with

stress. It is a sense of spiritual and emotional well-being. This means, mental health is more than the absence of mental

illness (2).

The “dual continuum model” (3) helps illustrate the

relationship between mental health and mental illness. On

the mental illness continuum, one end runs from severe

mental illness to no mental illness. On the mental health

continuum, one end runs from poor mental health to good

mental health.

This model shows that a person without a mental illness is

not necessarily mentally healthy. They may be feeling

down or experiencing a high level of stress because of life

circumstances. It also shows us that we can all strive for

good mental health; that even individuals with mental

illness can experience a high level of mental health.

To learn more, watch this brief YouTube video: “Promoting Mental Health: Finding Shared Language”

bit.ly/UnderstandingMH_MI. For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team,

find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.

References:

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. 2015. Mental Illness. Available from: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cdmc/mi-mm/index-

eng.php

2. Public Health Agency of Canada. 2015. Frequently Asked Questions: What is Mental Health Promotion? Available from:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/mh-sm/mhp-psm/faq-eng.php

3. Keyes, C.L. (2002). The Mental Health Continuum: From Languishing to Flourishing in Life. Journal of Health and Social

Research. Vol. 43: 207-222

“Getting Through Long Winter Months- How to Stay Connected and Feel Hope

for Spring”

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

It’s February! We are another month closer to Spring. Yet with February being the shortest month of the year, it can often feel like the longest, with days feeling more dark and gloomy. As parents, we often put ourselves last, but what if we use February as a time to focus on small ways we can take time for ourselves for self-care? Here are a few tips on how to bridge the winter hurdle of February and embrace connection and hope for Spring.

Stay connected with nature and maximize daylight exposure: Bundle up and spend time outside and take advantage of natural light whenever you can. Go for a walk, park your car a little further away to maximize time outside, get off at a transit stop early, track your walking mileage, if you have a dog, try a take the dog on a new route or stay out a little longer, or help someone with limited mobility and offer to walk their dog.

If you have limited mobility “staying active helps you: have some control over what you do: Focus on what you can do—not on what you can’t; have more energy and strength to do things for yourself “ (from myhealth.alberta.ca Staying Active with Limited Mobility).

Stay connected socially: Reach out to family and friends- by phone or in person- make a plan to spend time together over the Family Day Weekend. Go for coffee, go somewhere new you haven’t been before, call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, help someone out. Staying connected to our social relationships boosts our mood. Try a new activity (outside or inside) with your child or adolescent that does not involve technology!

A final note in relation to keeping current with world events. While it is important to stay current, we are bombarded with the same messages and graphic images by all forms of media which takes a toll on our mental health. Be mindful that young ears are listening and watching and they may not voice any fears they may be experiencing. Try and limit your media time, reassure your child/teen (and yourself!) there is lots of good in the world, and check in to see if they have any questions or worries about current events.

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, or have questions about how to talk to your child about difficult topics, visit bit.ly/SupportingChildrensMH for further information and links to school and community resources. For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.

Keep your child’s eyes healthy

Did you know that vision problems in children often go unnoticed because kids don’t know any different? As

many as 10 per cent of preschoolers will have vision difficulties that can affect the development of their sight

if not treated. However, if caught by the age of 5, treatment will be most effective.

The Region of Peel recommends regular eye exams for your child to help find eye problems early and get the

right treatment.

The best way to ensure good eye health is to have your child’s eyes checked by an optometrist. Yearly eye

exams for children 19 and under are covered by OHIP.

What to expect at your child’s eye exam

An optometrist will complete:

General vision testing in both eyes. Eye muscle testing. Eye coordination testing. A general health assessment of the front and back of the eyes.

If needed, the optometrist will write a prescription for glasses for your child.

For information on overall vision health, common signs of a possible eye problem and the programs available

to you within Peel, visit www.peelregion.ca/vision-health

Caledon Central Public School puts the spotlight on Black Heritage Black History Month is a time to celebrate the many contributions of Black Canadians and Black communities throughout the world who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous country we know today. In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. During Black History Month, schools across Peel will recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Black Canadians as well as Black communities from around the world. As a result of the impact of current labour action, recognition of Black History Month may look different than it has in the past. Peel board schools will continue to integrate Black history and culture in all curriculum areas throughout the year.

Celebrating Faith and Culture – February 2020 The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the world. To commemorate this diversity, the board recognizes special faith and culture days of our communities. February 2020 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remember:

February Bear Moon Indigenous Worldview (First Nations)

1 or 2 Imbolc Wicca

3 Setsubun-sai Shinto

7 to 25 Month of Mulk Baha’i

7 Lantern Festival/Magha Puja Buddhism

15 National Flag Day Canada

17 Family Day Ontario

21 Mahashivratri Hinduism

26 to 29 Intercalary Days Baha’i

26 Ash Wednesday Christianity

If you are reading this newsletter (in February), please email Mrs. Charette (alexandra.charette@peelsb.com) with your child’s full name to be placed into a draw for a prize! Winner will be announced at the beginning of next month over the announcements.

Please take a moment to answer our survey regarding the newsletter. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QCTFQKJ

“These children are my children's classmates. I want them to have the same opportunities as my children. Thank you

for providing the opportunity to help.” – Parent and Donor

Did you know that 1 in 5 students in Peel Region face barriers related to poverty.

That’s more than 27,000 Peel District School Board students. The Peel Learning Foundation’s mission is to raise funds

to enable Peel board students to achieve personal excellence by providing resources that help them overcome barriers.

Through the Student Emergency Needs program and Student Backpack program, the support we provide can be as

simple as providing funds for food or transportation, a winter coat, or a backpack filled with school supplies. This type of

support can enrich a student's school experience and help them achieve success. Any teacher, staff or support person

can speak confidentially to their school’s principal, vice-principal or supervisor when they encounter a student in need,

who will then reach out to us to ask for help.

There are many ways that you can support the foundation. A gift will help us achieve great things for students and 100

per cent of funds directly support Peel board students. To learn more, visit www.peellearningfoundation.org/how.

You can help us create hopeful tomorrows.

www.PeelLearningFoundation.org l 905-890-1010 ext. 2461 l foundation@peelsb.com

@PeelLearningFDN l /PeelLearningFDN

Applications are open for elementary Regional Learning Choices Programs

Applications are now open for the six elementary Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) - Actively in

Motion, Arts, Arts & Technology, International Baccalaureate, International Business & Technology and

SciTech. The deadline is Feb. 10 at 3 pm. Apply today by visiting the board's RLCP page. Recently, the

board also announced that the participation component of elementary RLCP applications is cancelled.

Interested students and families are encouraged to visit the elementary RLCP page to learn about each of the

six elementary regional programs and for more details on the application process.

The Peel board provides elementary students from across Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon with six

different Regional Learning Choices Programs including:

Actively in Motion (AIM) – offered at Royal Orchard Middle School

Arts – offered at Earnscliffe Sr. Public School (starts in grade 6) and Queen Elizabeth Sr. Public

School (starts in grade 7)

Arts and Technology – offered at Morning Star Middle School

International Baccalaureate (Middle Years Program) – offered at Bristol Road Middle

School and William G. Davis Sr. Public School

International Business and Technology – offered at Allan A. Martin Sr. Public School, Lisgar

Middle School and Williams Parkway Sr. Public School

SciTech – offered at Centennial Sr. Public School, Macville Public School and Tomken Road Middle

School

The programs are open to all eligible students. The entry point is grade 6 for all programs, except for the Arts

program at Queen Elizabeth Sr. P.S.; it has a grade 7 entry point.

For more information about Regional Learning Choices Programs,

visit www.peelschools.org/regionalprograms.

Peel District School Board 5650 Hurontario Street, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5R 1C6 905-890-1010