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Are you moving before September, or have you recently moved? Families
who are planning to move before the start of the next school year
are asked to please contact the school office as soon as possible.
Families in York Region are eligible to attend specific schools
based on their residential address. School staff can help you locate
your child’s new school and also can assist you with the student transfer
process. In addition to helping make your child’s transition to a new school a smooth
and hassle-free process, by informing the school of your plans to move, you are helping
us ensure that our school is organized for September with the most up to date
information. Thank you for your cooperation!
Principal’s Message
Greig Black
Principal
Jennifer Cowley
Vice Principal
Lindsay Bantis
Office Administrative
Assistant
Mary-Lena
Gruppuso
Secretary
Peter Tse
Superintendent of
Schools
905.940.7800
Billy Pang
Trustee
647.461.9965
Sir John A. Macdonald Public School
45 Murison Drive, Markham, ON, L6C 0J4
t. 905.888.5777 f. 905.927.2082
www: http://sirjohnamacdonald.ps.yrdsb.ca/
email: [email protected]
twitter: @sjamps
May, 2016
Volume 4, Issue 9
The PRIME
SCHOOL DAY
TIMES For all Students JK-8
7:50-8:00 a.m.
Yard Supervision
8:00 a.m.
Entry Bell
8:05-9:45 a.m.
Learning Block
9:45-10:15 a.m.
Recess
10:15-11:55 a.m.
Learning Block
11:55 a.m.-12:55 p.m.
Lunch (all Gr. 1-8
students outside from
11:55 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
12:55-2:35 p.m.
Learning Block
2:35 p.m.
Dismissal
May 23rd is Victoria Day
Statutory Holiday—School is Closed
Are You Moving?
Spring is always a very exciting time of year around a school and this Spring is no
exception! Students and staff have been busy! Our exciting Earth Week events were a
huge hit with all our students and staff, including the fabulous Earth Rangers assembly
we hosted on April 29th. Autism Awareness month wrapped up with a very successful
Go Blue for Autism fashion show, and we have had many Jaguars representing our
school at Academic, Art and Athletic events around the Board, culminating with our
Intermediate Boys’ basketball Team being crowned Area Champions, and much, much
more. It sure has been a very busy Spring!
There are also many other events planned over the next couple on months that will
certainly keep us all busy. Our Spring Concert, “SJAM at the Oscars”, is happening on
May 10th, and we welcome new Grade 1 French Immersion families and students who
will join us in September for an orientation on May 12th. Our annual Welcome to
Kindergarten Event for parents and Junior Kindergarten students joining us in
September is happening May 17th! To wrap-up the month, Grade 4-8 students will
venture to Langstaff Secondary School for our school track and field meet, and the
annual EQAO Assessment for students in Grades 3 and 6 will begin on May 25th.
Phew! I’m tired just writing about all these events! Keep your eyes open for more
information about these and other events happening at SJAM.
Finally, please take a look at the School Council advertisement later in this
newsletter for details regarding the SJAM School Council’s 4th annual
Family BBQ, being held on May 26th! With jumping castles, great food, and more,
this year’s BBQ is sure to be another terrific hit!
Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Together, our efforts will
ensure Sir John A. Macdonald P.S. remains a school of excellence!
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2015-16
Professional
Activity &
Training Days
(No School for
Students)
Friday, May 6, 2016
(NEW)
Friday, June 3, 2016
Thursday, June 30,
2016
2015-16
School Holidays
(School Closed)
Victoria Day
Monday, May 23, 2016
Do You Know What a Land Acknowledgement Is?
THIS ARTICLE IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES. PLEASE READ PART 2, “MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS”, IN THE JUNE ISSUE OF THE PRIME.
The York Region District School Board is committed to providing supports to ensure that
all students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) ancestry have opportunities to be
successful. We are also committed to increasing accurate understanding of First Nation,
Métis and Inuit cultures, histories and contemporary perspectives.
Recognizing Aboriginal people as traditional stewards of the land is a critical part of
demonstrating our commitment and respect for the Indigenous peoples of our land.
Moving forward we will begin with a land acknowledgement at the beginning of major
school events, particularly those pertaining to community and diversity and inclusion-
related events.
This practice follows a traditional protocol for Aboriginal nations where people entering
another’s traditional territory would seek permission from the traditional stewards and
they would be welcomed to the area through a ceremony.
What is a land Acknowledgment?
A land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring
relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.
Why do we recognize the land?
To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose
territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Aboriginal people who have been
living and working on the land from time immemorial. Land acknowledgements do not
exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and
we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation.
How do we acknowledge the land?
In YRDSB schools our acknowledgement is: “We would like to acknowledge the land we
are on and thank the First Peoples of the Williams Treaty First Nations and other
Indigenous Peoples for sharing this land with us. We would also like to acknowledge the
Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our closest community and partners in
education.”
You Are Invited to the
Annual School Council Year-End BBQ
Mark your calendars for the annual School Council Year-End BBQ,
scheduled to happen on Thursday, May 26th. More information will be
coming home to all families from the School Council, but in the meantime,
mark your calendars and plan to attend this terrific community event!
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TENTATIVE School Organization for 2016-17 THE SCHOOL ORGANIZATION FOR 2016-17 OUTLINED BELOW IS STRICTLY TENTATIVE
UNTIL ENROLMENT NUMBERS ARE CONFIRMED DURING SEPTEMBER 2016.
School organization and the building of a classroom model that meets all Ministry and school board parameters at all grade
levels is a complex and interconnected process. Changes in class organization at any one grade level impact on the class sizes
at other grade levels. For the 2016-17 school year, in order to create classes that meet size requirements at all grades, we
have had to create a model that includes numerous combined grade classrooms.
Teachers teach in combined grade classrooms in ways that are very similar to how they teach students in straight grade
classrooms. In both combined and straight grade classes teachers are using information they gather about student strengths
and needs to instruct students in both whole class and small group lessons. It is common for students in both straight and
combined grade classes to often receive some instruction from their teacher then set out to complete a task, investigate a
problem, or work collaboratively with others, while the teacher circulates to support all students. At the same time teachers
are expected to frequently work with small groups of students in the classroom to reinforce concepts, to clarify their
understanding and to identify next steps for learning based on the needs of individual students.
At SJAM we have had many combined grade classrooms every year and all our staff are adept at instructional approaches and
classroom mechanics that support student learning in both straight and combined grade settings. Further information
regarding how combined grade classrooms operate and the positive outcomes associated with student learning in combined
grade classrooms can be found HERE, or by copying and pasting the following url into your web browser.
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/combinedClassrooms/combinedClassrooms.pdf
Related to the Ministry of Education’s Primary Class Size Reduction strategy there may be changes to school and classroom organization at any time prior
to September 30, 2016. Class size parameters and limitations that we MUST ADHERE TO are outlined below. Currently our projected enrolment in
Kindergarten through Grade 3 is very high, pushing many classes close to the Ministry of Education’s class size targets and caps. As such, it is a strong
possibility that this organization will be modified before September, or during the month of September, once enrolment numbers are confirmed.
2016-17 Staffing Parameters Related to School Organizations:
Primary classes are to be organized with a target/cap of 20 students per class (except in full day/every day Kindergarten)
Full day/every day kindergarten classes are to be organized with an aiming mark of 26 students per class, and not to exceed 30 students per class
No primary class (including 3/4 combined classes) may be above 23, for any reason (full day/every day Kindergarten notwithstanding) – 23 only with
CEC approval
All J/I classes are to be organized to meet a class size average of 25.5
All classes are to be organized within guidelines: Grades 4-6 @ 25 +/- 5; Grades 7-8 @ 27 +/- 5
Class Projected
Size
Class Projected
Size
JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 15/14 = 29 1 20
JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 15/14 = 29 1 20
JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/15 = 29 1/2 6/14 = 20
JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/15 = 29 1/2 7/13 = 20
JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/15 = 29 2 20
JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/13 = 27 2/3 5/15 = 20
JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/13 = 27 3/4 12/11 = 23
1 FI 20 3/4 13/10 = 23
1 FI 20 4/5 16/8 = 24
1 FI 20 4/5 16/9 = 25
1 FI 20 5/6 13/12 = 25
1 FI 20 5/6 13/12 = 25
1 FI 20 6/7 7/18 = 25
1 FI 18 7/8 12/15 = 27
7/8 12/15 = 27
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All schools in the York Region District School Board are committed to improving student achievement and well-being.
On Wednesday, June 29, 2016 an early release day will take place to allow elementary teachers and support
staff to take part in meetings during the afternoon of that day. These meetings will allow for school staff to engage in
culminating activities regarding the review and revision of the School’s Improvement Plan as well as year-end and
transition activities that support student success. As has been our practice over the past four years, students will
attend school during the morning of Wednesday, June 29, 2016 only. Students will be dismissed early
that day at 11:05 a.m. Arrangements will be made to ensure that students who are normally bussed to and from
school will receive transportation at this time. Parents whose children attend after school child care should make
appropriate arrangements to address this change in schedule.
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL IS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29th
11:05 a.m. DISMISSAL FOR ALL STUDENTS
Did you know that students’ busing eligibility changes throughout their school career?
Since sidewalks and traffic calming measures are now in place in many parts of our subdivision, students
who have been receiving transportation at many stops on routes 0918 (Black Sheep), 5488 (Red Bird),
and 0228 (Gold Fish), will no longer be eligible for busing in September, and in some cases the entire
bus route is being eliminated. A letter outlining these changes was sent home with students on these routes in
February. If you are not sure whether or not the change will effect your family please speak to your route driver, or
call the school office. Additional communication about this change will be sent home again before the school year is
over.
Your son/daughter’s eligibility to ride the school bus may also change according to their grade and distance from home
to school. Below are the provisions for eligibility identified in the Board’s Transportation Policy #680:
All YRDSB students in Grades JK-3 who live within 1.2 km of their school are not eligible for transportation
All YRDSB students in Grades 4-8 who live within 1.6 km of their school are not eligible for transportation
All YRDSB students in Grades 9-12 who live within a transit served area are not eligible for transportation.
To view Board Policy #680 Student Transportation, please visit www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca. For more information about bus
transportation and to determine your son/daughter’s eligibility please visit www.schoolbuscity.com.
Student Busing Eligibility and ROUTE CANCELLATIONS in 2016-17
Our BOOMERANG LUNCH Program
Waste Free Snack/ Lunch Tips
1. Use reusable lunch carriers. Please avoid plastic or paper bags.
2. Use reusable containers. Please avoid plastic wrap, foil, wax paper, Styrofoam.
3. Use reusable drinks bottles or thermos. Please avoid single-use juice boxes, pouches, cans and
plastic water bottles.
4. Use a cloth napkin and wash and re-use. Please avoid paper napkins.
5. Use silverware and wash and re-use. Please avoid plastic forks/knives.
6. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables and cut them up so you can send the right amount. Cutting and peeling fruit and vege-
tables makes it quicker and easier for your child to eat in their short eating time.
7. Get your children to help pack their snacks/lunches with healthy foods.
8. Only pack as much food as your child will eat.
To support our boomerang lunches, any uneaten food and
any waste material produced will be returned home and not become
part of the school’s waste collection.
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Always Choose Student Safety! Traffic congestion on the streets surrounding the school,
obeying traffic signs and the rules of the road, and being on
time every morning for school are things we write about
often in the PRIME. Parents, you must remember your
obligation to model the need to follow rules with your
children! Our society is founded on the responsibility of
individuals to uphold rules that support everyone. Traffic
laws are no exception and must be followed when you are
dropping your children off at school! Watch for and obey
these signs posted around our school and remember to always choose student safety over convenience!
On April 5th 2016, SJAM’s choir group, their conductor Ms.Cote and
Ms.Wong on the piano all went to Cosmo music for the music alive
festival. The music alive festival is when a lot of different school's choir
perform at Cosmo and they get either platinum, gold, silver or bronze
and some feedback from the people who were watching us sing. …
SJAM’s choir sang two pieces, In My Heart and Woke Up This Morning,
accompanied by Ms.Wong playing the piano. They also listened to two other schools perform. At the end our choir
got silver but they still did an excellent job.
Safety is always our top priority at SJAM. For the safety of students, parents, and staff, all
vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs should occur in the kiss ‘n ride lane in front of the
East Field and Kindergarten Yard. Parents may park in any of the parking spaces in
our lot if they wish to accompany their children to their designated entry door. Under
no circumstances should parents park in handicapped spaces (unless you have a
permit), park on the sidewalks surrounding the parking lot, or leave their car
unattended in the kiss ’n ride. These rules help keep everyone safe! If you have any
questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Black in the main office.
Parking Lot & Kiss ‘n Ride Safety
All students in Grades 3 and 6 will be participating in the 2016 Provincial Assessment of
Reading, Writing and Mathematics this Spring. Please avoid withdrawing your child
for holidays or making out of school appointments for your child between
May 25th and June 8th, 2016. We will communicate further information regarding the
assessments to families of students in Grades 3 and 6 in the near future.
EQAO for Grades 3 and 6
Kindergarten Registration Continues
Kindergarten registration for the 2016-17 school year is ongoing.. Registration forms are available on YRDSB’s
website: www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca. Children who turn four or five years old during 2016, live within the school boundary
and whose parents are public school tax supporters will be eligible to register for kindergarten. For more information
please visit the YRDSB website or contact our school.
Music Alive
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With the weather warming up,
May is the perfect month to
focus on being active. Students,
remember that you can bike,
skateboard and ride a scooter to
school. Just remember to walk
your wheeled transportation once you get on school
property, wear proper safety equipment, ensure sports
equipment is maintained, and follow all safety rules while
riding to and from school.
May is Bike Safety Month! Jump Rope for Heart
is Coming to SJAM!
SJAM’s first ever “Go Blue for Autism” Fashion Show was
a huge success! On April 27th, everyone gathered in the
gym for this exciting event. The SJAM staff strutted their
stuff on the catwalk as they modeled the t-shirts that
were created by the students. It was absolutely amazing
to see the time, effort and creativity that were put into
each and every t-shirt design!
It was a tight competition, but the three finalists chosen
by the audience were Ms. Facella, Ms. S (for Mme.
Hendrick’s class) and Mr. Puddy. After a fierce final pose
off, Mr. Puddy was crowned the overall winner!
We’d also like to send out a big thank you to everyone
who donated a toonie for Autism throughout the month
of April. Thanks to you, we were able to raise
approximately $500!
Way to go SJAM for coming together as a community of
staff, students and families to support this very
worthwhile cause!
SJAM is pleased to be
holding a Heart &
Stroke Foundation Jump
Rope For Heart event
on Thursday, May 19,
2016.
Jump Rope for Heart encourages kids to get active by
skipping rope while they collect pledges for heart disease
and stroke research. They also learn the importance of
living a healthy lifestyle and giving back to their community.
If each student raises a minimum of $8, our school will
reach its goal of $5000! All money raised will support the
Heart & Stroke Foundation in their mission to promote
children's health and fund vital heart and stroke research.
Please help support your child’s fundraising efforts by
registering them online at JumpRopeForHeart.ca and
sending out donation requests to friends, family and
colleagues. Online fundraising is the quickest way to reach
all of your contacts and online donors receive an
automatic tax receipt. Plus, when students receive their
first online donation, they will receive a free skipping rope
from the Heart & Stroke Foundation!
If you need assistance, please visit JumpRopeForHeart.ca
and check out the step by step “how-to” resources.
A representative from the Heart & Stroke Foundation will
be visiting our school in early May for the kick-off
assembly. On that day, each student will be bringing home
a pledge envelope to collect cash and cheque donations in
person. Please ensure that their pledge envelope is
returned on our Jump Event Day, May 19th.
Thank you in advance for your support!
We would like to cordially invite you to attend SJAM’s Night at the Oscars, happening
on Thursday, May 10, 2016! To accommodate all families of students who are
performing, there will be two performances: one in the morning (10:30 am) and one
in the evening (red carpet events, including a popcorn bar and photo booth,
open at 6:00 pm, performance begins at 6:30pm). The morning performance is
open to all guests (no tickets required). Tickets are mandatory for the evening performance. A ‘VIP STAR
Package’, including priority seating, snacks and VIP parking, will be offered through a raffle for the evening performance.
SJAM’s Night at the Oscars promises to be filled with music, dancing, and many wonderful memories! Please contact
your child’s classroom teacher if you are not sure if they are performing or not.
SJAM at the Oscars Spring Concert - May 10th
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Every last day of the week in May will be a different spirit day! Below is an outline of
each of the spirit days. Don’t forget you get house points each time you participate in a spirit day.
Friday May 27th – Character Day
Wear shirts, pants, socks or hats with a character on it
May Spirit Month – Friday Spirit Days
Friday May 13th – House colour Day
Wear your house colour!
Friday May 20th – Twin Day
Dress like a friend
Thursday May 5th – Backwards Day
Wear your clothes backwards!
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DATE: WEDNESDAY MAY 4TH, 2016 TIME: 6:30 - 8:45 P.M.
LOCATION: Blue Hills’ Gym- 402 Bloomington Rd, Aurora Ontario
Light dinner and registration to begin at 6:00pm.
Registration will be capped at 40 participants.
Please call 905-773-4323 ext. 300 to register.
ADMISSION IS FREE
In Support of Children’s Mental Health Week May 2-6, 2016
Blue Hills Child & Family Centre is Proud to Present:
Being a parent can be the most rewarding and
challenging job many adults will have in their lifetime.
Most parents want to raise children to be happy,
independent and successful but worry that mental health
struggles may get in the way. The goal of this workshop
is to provide valuable information to support caregivers
of children and adolescents who experience challenges
with focusing attention and managing impulsivity.
Topics will include:
- Understanding attentional problems
- Understanding how the brain comes into play
- Discovering family strengths and resources
- Coping strategies for caregivers
- School based strategies for success
-
Bringing Your Family into Focus:
Supporting Children with
Attentional Challenges
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To celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week, The York Centre for Children, Youth & Families is hosting a Coffee & Conversation Series of workshops for interested parents and other community members. The workshops are free of charge, but you do need to register in advance for each workshop you would like to attend. The format of the evenings will be structured, but informal. Each evening will include a presentation, discussion, coffee, and goodies, not necessarily in that order! Place: The York Centre for Children, Youth & Families Phone: 905-737-8927 11225 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill (Elgin Mills & Leslie) Email: [email protected]
***TO REGISTER, please go online to the Eventbrite website using the link listed below for each topic title. Choose ONLY ONE workshop for each evening ***
Monday, May 2, 2016: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Be Cyber-Smart! Presenter: Bruce Johnson, CYW http://becybersmart.eventbrite.ca The York Centre Parenting Your Anxious Child: Part 1 Presenter: Jennifer Scott, SSW http://pacpart1.eventbrite.ca The York Centre
Tuesday, May 3, 2016: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Parenting Your Anxious Child: Part 2 Presenter: Jennifer Scott, SSW http://pacpart2.eventbrite.ca The York Centre A Solution Focused Approach to Parenting Presenter: Natasha Wakefield, RP http://solutionfocusedparenting.eventbrite.ca The York Centre
Wednesday, May 4, 2016: 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Mindfulness & Self-Care Presenter: Sheri Van Dijk, M.S.W., R.S.W. http://mindfulnessandselfcare.eventbrite.ca Psychotherapist & Author
Parenting & Understanding The Adolescent Brain Presenter: Abner Lico, M.Ed., RP http://parentingandtheadolescentbrain.eventbrite.ca COMPASS, The York Centre
Thursday, May 5, 2016: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
safeTALK Training Presenter: Michelle Cassidy http://safetalkyc.eventbrite.ca Mental Health Lead, YRDSB
Thursday, May 5, 2016: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Intro. to Autism & Accessing Funding Resources Presenter: Michael Morris B.A., B.Ed. OCT [A Kerry’s Place Group Learning Session (GLS)] ASD Consultant, Kerry’s Place http://introtoasdandfunding.eventbrite.ca
Workshop Descriptions on reverse side.
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WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
Monday, May 2 (choose one)
Be Cyber-Smart!: Do you have children/teens that use social media/internet to interact with their peers? Come and join the conversation and learn about safety tips, strategies to teach your child, online harm reduction, view and discuss personal experiences of people who have been through online bullying, and to review how to monitor your child’s online interactions. This workshop is for parents/caregivers of children/youth who participate in online activities.
Parenting Your Anxious Child (Part 1): What does childhood anxiety look like and sound like? Come and learn about the cycle of anxiety along with the signs and symptoms of children/youth that may be anxious. There are things you can do and things you perhaps shouldn’t do. This workshop is geared towards parents and caregivers of kids of all ages.
Tuesday, May 3 (choose one)
Parenting Your Anxious Child (Part 2): Does your child experience anxiety? Now what? In this session you will learn helpful strategies that parents can use to support children through anxiety by understanding (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach, exposure therapy and the four traits of anxiety. This workshop is geared to parents and caregivers of kids of all ages.
A Solution Focused Approach to Parenting: You’re already doing things well as a parent! Need help to recognize this? This interactive strength-based workshop will give you the tools and attitudes for successful parenting! Discover the many things that you are already doing well by learning to bring the small successes into your awareness. This will improve your life and those of your children with having more confidence and opportunities for success. Participants will learn ‘the power of the compliment’, recognizing individual strengths, noticing your success as a parent, and looking at solutions rather than problems.
Wednesday, May 4 (choose one)
Mindfulness & Self-Care: Looking for self-care ideas? Managing self-care in a very busy world can seem like ‘just another task!’ What if learning simple yet effective mindfulness practices within your day was possible? Come and join the conversation and learn simple yet useful mindfulness strategies that can help you with your self-care practice! In recent decades, researchers have been learning that Mindfulness helps us live healthier lives. In this workshop you will learn practical exercises, what Mindfulness is, and how it can help us with depression, anxiety, anger, chronic pain, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other emotional difficulties. This workshop is geared towards adults and teens 16+.
Parenting & the Adolescent Brain: This workshop will focus on taking a look at NEW research in the area of neuroscience surrounding the brain development in adolescents. Come and find out how to parent your teen with an insight into the distinct developmental period that comes with the unique challenges of parenting adolescents.
Thursday, May 5 (choose one)
safeTALK Training: safeTalk is a training that prepares you to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources. Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help to stay safe. Alert helpers know how to use these opportunities to support that desire for safety. As a safeTALK-trained suicide alert helper, you will be better able to: move beyond common tendencies to miss, dismiss or avoid suicide; identify people who have thoughts of suicide; apply the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe) to connect a person with suicide thoughts to suicide first aid, and intervention caregivers. Powerful video clips illustrate both non-alert and alert responses. Discussion and practice help stimulate learning; Learning steps that contribute to saving lives. This workshop is three hours in length.
Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Funding Support/Resources [A Kerry’s Place Group Learning Session (GLS)]: This is a two part workshop. The first part is for individuals, families, and support people who are seeking an overview of the way Autism Spectrum Disorder can affect a person’s life within the topics of sensory processing, anxiety, communication, social skills and behaviour. The second part of this workshop will be a presentation suitable for individuals or families seeking more information on funding sources available for people with ASD. Topics will include government funding, tax credits, and private charities.