Please visit our website http://schools.peelschools.org/1328/aboutus/calendar/Pages/default.aspx at to check for any upcoming events, lunch days and so on. From time to time, we will send out automated voice mail messages to inform you of important events or timelines. Please do not automatically call the school back without first listening to the message. Information is sent out by email. Parents are not permitted on the playground during nutrition breaks without approval. If you are looking for your child, please come to the office.

PLEASE NOTE: Parents must report all absences including full-day/

half-day and late arrivals from the school by calling 1-855-209-6155, or

visit online at go.schoolmessenger.com, or download the

SchoolMessenger mobile app (through your phone's app store).

Please DO NOT send your child to school if they are sick,

THANK YOU for keeping us all well!

SHERIDAN PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL

"Together striving to be our

best in mind, body and

character." "Ensemble, dans le but

d'achever notre meilleur

d'esprit, de corps et de

caractère."

From the Office with a “View”

2280 Perran Dr.

Mississauga, Ontario

Phone: 905-822-2401

Fax: 905-822-0248

sheridanpark.ps@peelsb.com

Janet Jackowski

Principal

Michael Miller

Vice-Principal

Grace Piatek

Office Manager

Karthika Sujith

Office Assistant

Nina Jaiswal

Superintendent 905-366-8800 ext. 1224

Brad MacDonald

Trustee 905-890-1010

Celebrating Faith & Culture

March Xsaak and Sugar Moon Aboriginal Spirituality 1-Mar Intercalary Day Bahá'í

Sunset March 1 to 20 Alá (Fasting month) Bahá'í 1-Mar World Day of Prayer Christianity 4-Mar Mahashivaratri Hinduism 6-Mar Ash Wednesday Christianity 11-Mar Clean Monday (J) Christianity 14-Mar New Year Sikhism

March 16 to 20 Ghambar Hamaspath-meadem Zoroastrianism 17-Mar St. Patrick's Day Christianity

20-Mar Sakyamuni Buddha’s Nirvana Day Buddhism Eve of February 28 to March 1 Holi Hinduism Sunset of February March 20 to 21 Purim Judaism 20-Mar Shunki-sorei-sai Shinto 20-Mar Lady Day (Ostara) Wicca 21-Mar Naw Ruz/Navroze Bahá'í and

Zoroastrianism 21-Mar Eid e-Navroz Islam

March 21, 24 or 25 Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva’s Birth-day Buddhism

21-Mar Hola Mohalla Sikhism 26-Mar Khordad Saal Zoroastrianism

Tuesdays Pita Pit Thursdays Pizza Day Fridays Lunch Lady March 11-15 Spring Break—NO SCHOOLNO SCHOOLNO SCHOOL

Allergy Alerts

The Peel District School Board has a progressive approach to making sure that students with severe food allergies are safe at school. If your child has anaphylaxis—a severe allergic reaction to a food, insect bites or medication—

please contact the office. We will work with you to develop a plan for keeping your child safe at school. We have several students, at our school with severe or life-threatening allergies to peanuts and nuts, as well as some dairy products and fish. We ask that you help us take care of these students by choosing lunches and snacks for your child that are free from peanuts or nuts. Please read the label of any food you plan to send to school with your child. If the label says, "May contain nuts

or peanuts," please do not bring it to school. You can get a complete copy of the Peel board's anaphylaxis guideline from our school office or from www.peelschools.org —click on the "Special Education" icon on the homepage. If you have any questions, please

feel free to contact the school office.

“Reflect, Respect, Responsibility” “Réfléchir, Respecter, Prendre la Responsabilité”

LUNCH REMINDERS

Lunch time is a very busy time in the office for the following reasons: Children may realize that they do not

have a lunch and need to use the phone, students may be collecting a dropped-off lunch, students may be

signing out to go home for lunch, and others may be ill and waiting for parent pick-up.

Please assist us by: Making sure your child has two snacks and a lunch every day, making sure you label

your child’s lunch with their name and class teacher. If you must bring in a late lunch, please place it on the

table in the foyer area. Let your child know that you will be dropping lunch, so that they know to come and

check the table before calling you.

Please avoid sending in food treats to celebrate your child’s birthday. This avoids the dangers as-

sociated with nut and other allergies and helps to keep our students and staff safe. In lieu of food, a donation

to a classroom library is highly recommended.

Lunchroom Supervisors Appreciation Day - March 1

In 2017, the board of trustees declared the first Friday in March as Lunchroom Super-visors Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, March 1, 2019. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of lunchroom supervisors, and their support and commitment to helping to ensure that students are safe and secure.

ParentConnect

Online parent portal to access important student information

Last year, the Peel District School Board launched ParentConnect, an online parent portal to access im-portant student information.

What is ParentConnect?

ParentConnect is a safe and secure website, created by the Peel District School Board, that acts as a single point to stay informed and to access all electronic services provided to Peel board parents and legal guardians. The parent-friendly website will allow you to:

view school-based alerts and information

access real time absence reporting

view current and historic elementary report card information

get up-to-date busing information

review secondary school credit history and diploma status

and more

To learn more about the benefits of ParentConnect, visit our school website or www.peelschools.org/parentconnect

March Break Maple Syrup Days at the Jack Smythe Field Centre

Open House: Wednesday, Mar. 13 to Saturday, Mar. 16 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature as spring blossoms. Jack Smythe Field Centre offers an exceptional family experience with a visit to its maple syrup bush. The March Break programs run from Wednesday, Mar. 13 to Saturday, Mar. 16. The open house be-gins at 10 a.m. and the last presentation of the day will be at 3 p.m. This year marks the 50-year anniversary of the Peel District School Board’s Sugar Bush program, which provides families with outdoor, educational activities and hands-on experience. The program is run by Peel board staff during March Break. Families are invited to get involved as Spring comes to life through the following activi-ties: help tap trees and empty sap buckets. sample some freshly-made maple syrup. hike along our trails and feed the friendly chickadees by hand. learn how pioneers collected and produced syrup compared to modern-day operations. experience the Indigenous roots of sweet water. visit the sugar shack where the sap boils and clouds of sweet smelling steam billow out

of the chimney. The cost is $5.00/adult and $4.00/child 12 and under. Lunch will be available for pur-chase. It will include: hot chocolate, cookies and hotdogs for you to roast over an open fire. Please note that all payments are “cash” only. Jack Smythe Field Centre is located at 14592 Winston Churchill Blvd. in Terra Cotta. Directions to Jack Smythe Field Centre: Head North on Mississauga Rd.

Turn left on King St. (You will see Credit View P.S. on your left) Turn right on Winston Churchill Blvd. (You will pass the Terra Cotta Conservation

Area on your left) Head to the top of the hill and turn left into the Jack Smythe Field Centre site.

For more information, please contact the Jack Smythe Field Centre at 1-905-877-7771.

Peel Learning Foundation aims to create hopeful tomor-

rows for Peel board students In partnership with the Peel District School Board, the Peel Learning Foundation was creat-ed 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 cloth-ing, medical supplies, eyeglasses and transportation costs, or where there is an emergency situation that requires a compassionate response.

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

Sleep Tips for Parents, Children & Teens From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

Many parents face difficulties getting their children back into regular sleep routines, especially after holiday breaks. Studies have shown that a lack of quality sleep in children can increase the likeli-hood of anxiety, depression, poor grades and school performance, and even physical pain. Research has proven that kids need a lot of sleep in order to function adequately during the day, and sleep deprived children often overcompensate for lack of sleep by becoming fidgety or even disruptive in school. How much sleep does your child need every night? Children ages 5-8 need the most sleep, requiring about 10-11 hours every night. Children ages 9-12 need between 9.5-10 hours nightly. And teenagers 13-18 need between 8.5-9.5. Knowing how much sleep your child needs every night is key in establishing a proper bedtime. And it's important to remember that the above times aren't set in stone, but merely general approxima-tions. Your child will have their own individual sleep needs, and you may need to fine-tune their bedtimes a little bit until you find your child less groggy and sleepy in the mornings, and more alert and aware. Tips for getting your children on a regular sleep routine

Keep a regular bedtime schedule, including weekends.

Begin a relaxing bedtime routine such as baths, books, prayers, goodnights.

Turn off electronics at least an hour before bedtime.

Bedrooms should be cool, quiet, dimly lit, comfortable and associated with sleep.

Limit caffeine and sugar intake after lunch and none within three hours before bed.

Make sure they eat healthy and have regular exercise.

Communicate with your children about why regular bedtimes are important.

Practice these tips yourself and set a good example.

For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel. Adapted from Alaska Sleep Clinic (2018)

Smoking and Vaping Prohibited on School Property

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) came into effect on October 17, 2018. This law aims to protect the health of Ontarians by regulating the sale, supply and use of tobacco and va-pour products (electronic cigarettes), and the smoking and vaping of cannabis. Under the SFOA, 2017 it is illegal to smoke (tobacco or cannabis) or vape on: School grounds (both inside the school and on the outdoor grounds, including the parking lot and sports fields) Public areas within 20 metres of school property. New signs are being posted at our schools to notify users that smoking and vaping is prohibited in these areas. The smoking and vaping prohibition is always in effect and applies to staff, students and visitors. Region of Peel - Public Health enforces the smoking and vaping prohibition and has been working with school administrators to keep our schools smoke and vape free. Individuals found smoking and/or vaping in a prohibited area may be subject to a fine. For more information on how the SFOA, 2017 applies to schools, contact Region of Peel - Public Health at 905-799-7700. For more information on the health effects of smoking and vaping visit the Health Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco.html

Photo Source: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. https://www.ontario.ca/page/no-smoking-no-vaping-signs-businesses

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 spread-ing the flu: Get your annual flu shot: It’s not too late to get your annual flu shot. Visit your physi-cian, 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.

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, Face-book 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 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 educa-tion 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 educa-tion 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

School doors remain locked during the school day

We wanted to share a reminder with our school community. The front doors of our school will be locked during the school day. This is part of the Safe Welcome program, originally announced by the Ontario Government in December 2012, for all elementary schools in Ontario. As part of this program, portable doors will also be locked during the school day. A camera and buzzer unit is located by the front door and will be linked to a monitor in the main office of the school. Anyone who wishes access to the school once the school day has begun—parents, Peel board staff and visitors—will request entry by pressing the buzzer. Staff in the main office will be able to see and speak to the person, and release the door lock to provide access. We have long had the practice for Peel schools that all outside doors, with the exception of the front door, would be locked during the school day. While we acknowledge that locking doors will not in itself prevent all risks to the safety of students and staff, it is an important step in providing an additional level of security. Thank you for your continued support for the safety and well-being of all students and staff in our schools.

Time for school - A parent’s guide to reporting school Absences and Late All parents/guardians of elementary students need to report their children's absences or late arrivals from school via our automated School Messenger SafeArrival system. Use one of the following methods to set-up your new SafeArrival account. Please ensure the number and email address that you are using to report your child’s absences are those that we have on file at the school. SchoolMessenger app (free from Apple or Google Play)

Download the SchoolMessenger app Tap Sign Up to create your account

Web and Mobile Web: go.schoolmessenger.ca

Go to the above website Click Sign Up to create your account

Interactive Toll-free Phone

Call the toll-free number: 1-855-209-6155 Listen to and follow the instructions to report an absence

As always, please report your child’s absences before the start of the school day. Late arrivals and/or early departures should be reported as soon as possible. If your child’s absence is not reported in advance, the automated notification system will contact you and will provide an opportunity to verify the absence. By reporting your child absent in advance on the SafeArri-val toll-free number, website or SchoolMessenger mobile app, you will not receive a call. As always, if you have any questions or require any assistance, please contact the school.