Mountain Ash Public SchoolFEBRUARY 2019

Principal’s MessageDear Mountain Ash Families,

The term is quickly going by! On February 7, report cards will be coming home for Term 1. If you would like to meet with a teacher, please contact your child’s teacher as soon as possible.

Talent ShowAuditions are taking place for the talent show and finalists will be announced as soon as auditions are completed.

Breakfast ClubWe would like to remind all parents that we have a Breakfast Club available to students at Mountain Ash. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays students can come to the front hall to select some nutritious items for a small donation. On Mondays and Fridays a fruit snack is available. So on those crazy mornings rest easy, your child can still get a breakfast at Mountain Ash!

Black History MonthThe month of February is dedicated to black history where we focus on the positive roles models, and accomplishments of persons from this community. The newsletter will provide a summary of some of the activities that will be occurring at our school to showcase and celebrate the black community.

Parking in Fire routeJust a reminder that the lanes in the front of the main entrance of the school are not for parking as it is a fire route. Please park in the kiss and ride or on the street.

Sincerely,Ms. Lucy FieldsPrincipal

 Principal:Lucy Fields

 Vice Principal:Brian Rasmusson

 Superintendent:Pat Noble

2019

Stay connected by following us @MountainashPS

Pizza Days at Mountain Ash!This month pizza days will occur on Thursdays February 28, March 7, 21 and 28 and April 1, 2019.

CashOnline will be open until February 21, 2019 for ordering pizza for these dates.

Pizza has been pre-ordered by students. Students cannot purchase slices at school. Pizza will arrive for consumption during second nutrition break, so please pack snacks and water for your child that day. Thank you!

Birthday Celebrations / Special OccasionsChildren love to have their birthdays acknowledged and parents enjoy sharing their special day with other children in the class. Please be mindful that we cannot accept food of any kind for birthday celebrations – or any type of celebration. Some children have allergies to milk, wheat, eggs and all sorts of foods other than peanuts. Therefore, if you would like to send a loot bag to school, please fill it with pencils, stickers, etc. for everyone to enjoy!

Thank you for your co-operation.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Student Council will sell popcorn every Wednesday and Friday in the Lower Atrium – Room 115 – during 2nd Nutrition Break throughout the school year as part of our fundraising.

We have many delicious flavours such as Butter, Salt, White Cheddar, Kettlecorn, Low fat Caramel, Dill Pickle and Ketchup. The cost is $2.00.

Popcorn Sales - $2.00

New this year – all pizza orders must be paid for using CashOnline.

GRADE 8 WATER TREATMENT CHALLENGE

Over the month of December, the Grade 8s participated in a “Water Treatment Challenge” where they had to research, design, and build a water filter to treat dirty water that included soil, coffee, and oil.

Students learned about the water treatment process, and even applied treatment steps prior to filtering the dirty water (e.g., aeration, coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation). Furthermore, as part of the planning process, students designed their filter using “SketchUp”, an online 3D modeling program.

On challenge day, all groups from both classes set up their filters in the intermediate atrium and had twenty minutes to try and filter as much water as possible. Water samples were evaluated based on the amount of pollutants left (soil, coffee, oil), the clarity, colour and odour, and the amount of filtered water (flow rate). All groups were successful in at least partially cleaning the water, but four groups in particular were successful in achieving “A-level” quality water.

Congratulations to Miladshan, Mankirat, Keyanna, and Jasleen for winning the challenge with a water sample that scored a 26 out of a possible 28 points!

Candy Grams

Over the next two months, students at Mountain Ash will be learning how to use Google’s many tools. Students will be spending their afternoon lunch breaks in the computer lab, hard at work, learning how to transform their content to create powerful products. They will be guided by a level two Google certified educator, who will help them develop the skills necessary for our ever-changing,

technological future.

Girls Singles’ Badminton Champion

Mountain Ash is very pleased to recognize and congratulate Jasleen B, Grade 8, as this year’s 2019 Girls Singles’ Badminton Champion.

Jasleen competed against ten other schools to earn this victory.

Congratulations Jasleen!

Would you like to send someone a Valentine?

Student Council will be selling Candy Grams in the Lower Atrium every 2nd Nutrition Break from February 1 to February 13

Cost is $1.00

Mountain Ash puts the spotlight on Black Heritage

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, students, staff and parents from across Peel will participate in a number of activities that promote the understanding of the many contributions made by black Canadians.

Here is a list of some of the events happening at Mountain Ash:

Announcements: Quote of the day and Black heritage cultural slides on a daily basis. Daily

Patty Day February 20

Cultural dress up day! Students are encouraged to wear outfits/clothing that depict their African or Caribbean heritage. All students can choose the clothing of an African or Caribbean country of their choice so that all are included.

Please note that attire must be appropriate for school and there should be no messages on Clothing that have negative connotations.

February 27

Display at the front of the school During the month of February

Staff contributions in the library during a Nutrition Break (i.e., read aloud, present cultural items or have students lead a dance).

4. Kahoot trivia game for classes based on information in the announcements February 28

In school presentation by outside performers Date to be confirmed

How to report absences when School Messenger is experiencing technical issues

Recently before the Winter break, the SafeArrival system, provided by School Messenger, experienced problems reporting absences through the App and website. While School Messenger works diligently to fix any technical issues, parents/guardians are reminded that absences can always be reported by calling the School Messenger toll-free number 1-855-209-6155 even when the App and website are inaccessible.

Annual Report to the Community Peel board’s 2017-18 Annual Report captures our commitment to #WeInspire

At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student – each and every day. This year's Annual Report captures the incredible work that took place in Peel schools and work sites during the 2017-18 school year, and that continues to happen every day.

View the annual report at www.peelschools.org/aboutus/annualreport

Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weatherDuring 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 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 AM680CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSEGLOBAL NEWS CITY NEWS CTVCFRB – (Bell Media)

One of the following messages will be announced:

Peel District School Board buses are cancelledThis 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 closedThis 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 cancelledThis 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 cancelledThis means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

What if my child does not go to school due to a bus cancellation or inclement weather? If your child will be absent as a result of a bus cancellation or you choose to keep your child home due to inclement weather, parents/guardians must report the absence using one of the following methods:

For elementary K-8 students: report it through SafeArrival by calling 1-855-209-6155 or visiting go.schoolmessenger.ca

For secondary students: call the school office directly

Peel Learning Foundation aims to create hopeful tomorrows for Peel board students

Peel Learning Foundation, a community-based, charitable organization, will officially introduce itself to the Peel community at a launch event on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. In partnership with the Peel District School Board, the foundation was created to enable Peel board students to achieve personal excellence by providing resources to help them overcome barriers.

In its first year, the foundation will support Peel board students through: Student Emergency Needs program

Depending on the need, the foundation will support individual students with food and clothing, medical supplies, eyeglasses and transportation costs, or where there is an emergency situation that requires a compassionate response.

Student Backpack programThe foundation will provide backpacks filled with school supplies that students need to fully participate in regular classroom work. The backpacks will be provided to students in need in a respectful and confidential manner. They are tailored for students in kindergarten to grade 3, grades 4 to 8, and grades 9 to 12.

A launch event will be held at the HJA Brown Education Centre, located at 5650 Hurontario St. in Mississauga, from 9 to 10 a.m. on Feb. 22. The foundation’s inaugural board of directors will be present as well as other guests. The event includes a performance by Mayfield Secondary School students and information booths. To RSVP for the launch event, visit www.PeelLearningFoundation.org/launch.

Individuals or organizations who are interested in learning more about and supporting the foundation can visit www.PeelLearningFoundation.org. They can also follow the foundation on Twitter and Facebook and use the hashtag #CreateHope to join the conversation.

Your relationship with your child will evolve throughout the various stages of their development. Having a strong relationship and bond with your child is key to their social and emotional health and well-being. Focusing on your relationship with your child throughout the years can help your child face times of stress and those inevitable challenging times during their lives. With Valentine’s Day on February 14th and Family Day on the 18th, February is a great time to reflect on ways to bond with your child. Here are some tips that can help your family stay connected over time:

Family Meals: Catching up during family dinners is a great way to keep connected. During the early years family

meals may be a chance to share “one happy thing about your day” however, as your child grows it is a chance to hear about their accomplishments and their struggles. It is a great time to disconnect from technology and give them your undivided attention.

Family Rituals and Routines:Family traditions, routines and rituals can be helpful in ensuring that quality family time will happen. For example, you may want to consider having a family movie night or a game night. Family traditions and rituals are a way to have consistent quality time where there is mutual enjoyment and there is a shared sense of belonging.

Family Outings:Setting some time for outings could be another great way to enjoy your child. Outings don’t need to be expensive. A family walk in the trails or a bike ride to your family’s favourite coffee shop or a drive to a new ice cream shop are all great outings that can continue over the years.

Individual Time:Spending one on one quality time with your child will keep you connected and in the loop. Individual date nights with your child will make your young one feel special and they will appreciate your undivided attention. As they get older, it is a good way for your child to share their feelings about various topics and what is happening in their social life, especially in the teen years.

Celebrating your Child’s Achievements: Your child will feel appreciated and important when their achievements are acknowledged, and their hobbies are supported. This can be as simple as a pat on the back or a verbal expression of their hard work and dedication. Watching them play a sport or play a musical instrument at a school concert can make your child feel valued and cared for, at any age.

Register today for Adult ESL or LINC classes

Do you know an adult that is interested in improving their English language skills for work, study or daily life?

Through the Continuing & Adult Education department, the Peel District School Board offers a wide variety of English language classes that help parents experience success in Canadian English in both listening/speaking and reading/writing. Courses are designed for a range of basic, intermediate and advanced English (Levels 1 to 7) as well as the more experienced learner needing to prepare for an IELTS exam.

Winter courses begin February 4, 2019.

All learners that complete a session will earn a certificate of learning from the Peel District School Board.

Classes operate from six locations in Brampton and Mississauga with three specially designed adult centres at:

Bramalea - Adult Education Centre at Bramalea Secondary School- 510 Balmoral Drive Brampton - Adult Education Centre - #300 - 7700 Hurontario Street Mississauga - Adult Education Centre - 100 Elm Drive West, Room 117

To learn more or to register, call 905-270-6000. Course registrations are ongoing till the end of the semester.

Also visit www.peelschools.org/adulteducation or follow us on Twitter: @PDSBLearnESL

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 Mountain Ash, 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 record check. A criminal record 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.

Peel Public Health tips to prevent and beat the flu

During the winter season, it’s important to take precautions to avoid and help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses such as influenza or “the flu.” Influenza is a disease that affects the airways and the lungs. The flu can spread from person to person and can sometimes cause severe illnesses.

Peel Public Health has provided these tips to help reduce the risk of becoming ill or spreading the flu:

Get your annual flu shot: It’s not too late to get your annual flu shot. Visit your physician, a walk-in clinic, a pharmacy or find another location near you that is offering the free influenza vaccine.

Stay home when you'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.

Practise 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 the tissue in the trash after it’s used. If they don’t have a tissue, they should cough or sneeze into their sleeve or elbow. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way.

Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after they cough or sneeze.

There are many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots: Peel flu clinics Family Doctors’ offices Walk-in clinics Pharmacies

For more information, call Peel Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.

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.

Help your family stay warm this winter Peel Public Health recommends the following cold weather guidelines for preventing cold-weather injuries:

1. Reduce amount of time children (grade 8 and under) spend outdoors when the temperature is –20 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without the wind chill.

2. Keep children indoors when the temperature is -25 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without wind chill. Some medical conditions may increase sensitivity to cold. Parents should consult their physician (Source: Environment Canada).

3. Allow indoor breaks if children say they are feeling cold or during extreme temperatures.

4. Ensure children are dressed warmly, covering exposed skin: insulated boots, winter weight coats, mittens, hats, neck warmers.

5. Change wet clothing or footwear immediately.

6. Although these conditions are unlikely to occur during the school day, ensure that all staff are able to recognize and treat symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. Given plenty of warm fluids to prevent dehydration.

7. When children are outside, be watchful for shivering or signs of numbness in faces, ears, hands or feet.

8. Educate children in dealing with cold weather: drinking plenty of fluids, dressing warmly, and recognizing signs of cold injury.

What you need to know about head lice

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.

February 2019 Attendance Line:

Black History Month 1-855-209-6155Sunda

yMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturd

ay27 28 29 30 31 Pizza Day 1 Popcorn Sales 2

3 4 5 6 Popcorn SalesSki Trip – Grades 5-88:30am-5:15 pm

7 Pizza Day

Reports go home

8PA DayNo School

9

10 11 12

100th DAYDress like you are 100!

13 Popcorn Sales 14 Pizza Day

Valentine’s Day

Wear Pink or

15 Popcorn

Sales

16

17 18

Family DayNo School

19OFIP Tutoring for students begins

20 Popcorn Sales

Grade 7 Immunizations

Patty Day

21 Pizza Day

Senior Girl’s Basketball

Tournament

22 Popcorn Sales

Camouflage Day – wear camouflage clothing

23

24 25 26 27 Popcorn Sales

African/Caribbean Cultural dress up day

28 Pizza day

Senior Boy’s Basketball Tournament

1 Popcorn Sales 2