March/April Newsletter 2020 Page 1 3/05/20

March/April 2020 Principal: Mrs. C. Herauf 930 Owenwood Drive, Mississauga, ON. L5H 3J2

Office Manager: Mrs. A. Spiliotopoulos Phone: 905-822-0311

Fax : 905-822-8714

SAFE ARRIVAL: 1-855-209-6155 go.schoolmessenger.ca

Superintendent: Mrs. N. Jaiswal 905-366-8800 ext. 1224 Trustee: Mr. Brad MacDonald 905-890-1099

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Spring seems to be close; the recent weather would certainly suggest that ! I know we are all looking forward to seeing the days grow longer, to hearing the birds chirp their happy songs and to seeing the many flowers bloom. Please remember that Day Light Savings Time is on Sunday, March 8th. It seems that our students are looking forward to their break which falls this year between March 16th and March 20th. Many of the students have already been discussing what their break will look like with their friends and teachers. Hopefully you will all be able to enjoy a wonderful break! February at Owenwood had many exciting and meaningful activities for students and staff alike. We celebrated Black History Month, 100th Day of School, Valentine’s Day, Family Day, and Chinese New Year at the end of January. Mrs. David, once again, began the Forest of Reading Program and our students have been thoroughly engaged in reading all the books and doing the Forest of Reading activities either in their classes or in the Library. In April, we will be celebrating Sikh Heritage Month and our Education Week from April 20th – April 24th. More information will be available at a later date. Sincerely, Christina Herauf Principal

PRINCIPAL’S SPECIAL INVITE On Thursday, February 27th, three students from Grade 3/4 enjoyed baking cookies and having lunch with Mrs. Herauf. They were wonderful to chat with!

These students had their name drawn from all the “Bucket Filler” awards, which took place on Thursday, January 30, 2020. All students who received a “Bucket Filler” for being excellent Owenwood P.S. citizens and modeling the 6 character attributes of the Peel District School Board during the month of September had their name put into a draw, from which the “Principal’s Special Invite” was drawn. These draws will take place every month.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MATH CONTINUES TO BE A FOCUS

KINDERGARTEN At home, Kindergarten students could: Talk about sorting together with your child. Encourage your child to sort household items – crayons by colour, cutlery by type or shape, materials for the recycling box or items in the refrigerator and cupboard. Have your child sort objects into two groups: those that have a certain characteristic and those that do not (e.g. toys that have wheels and toys that do not). Talk about your child’s thinking, using questions such as, “How did you sort these?” “How are the objects the same? Different?” “Can you sort these another way?” GRADE 1 At home, Grade 1 students could practice: -count backwards from 20 by 2's & 5's -read the temperature and discuss whether it is warmer or colder; what type of outdoor clothes are appropriate for the temperature -add and subtract numbers to 20 -identify the various ways in which math facts can be understood, such as “+ 1”, ”- 1”, “+ 2”, “- 2”, “+ 10”, “- 10”, “doubles”, “making 10”, “doubling” -find 2-dimensional shapes (e.g., square, triangle) and 3-dimensional solids (e.g., cube, sphere) in their environment -use positional words (e.g., under, on, beside) to describe the location of things -practice estimating how many are in a group -go online and play the games posted on our Google Classroom site

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GRADE 2 At home, Grade 2 students (from 1/2 class) could practice: -count backwards from 100 by 10's -add and subtract two-digit numbers with and without regrouping using a variety of strategies -read the temperature and discuss whether it is warmer or colder; what type of outdoor clothes are appropriate for the temperature -identify 2-dimensional shapes (e.g., square, triangle) and 3-dimensional solids (e.g., cube, sphere) and sort and classify them by their geometric properties (e.g., number of sides, vertices, shapes of the faces) -use positional words (e.g., under, on, beside) to describe the relative location and movement of objects on a map -practice estimating how many are in a group -go online and play the games posted on our Google Classroom site

(Class 2/3)Grade 2 students will continue to add and subtract whole numbers to 100 and money amounts to 100¢. Try these activities with your child: -Set up a “store” with some small items priced between 30 cents to 99 cents. (Write the prices on sticky notes or paper scraps.) Give your child some coins. Ask your child to show how to pay for it. Ask them to show more than one way!Ask your child to count random handfuls of coin. GRADE 3 At home, Grade 3 students could practice: Grade 3 students will continue to add and subtract whole numbers to 1000 and money amounts to $10. Try these activities with your child: -Have your child set up a “store” with some small items priced less than $10. (Write the prices on sticky notes or paper scraps.) Then they can find the cost of different pairs of items. Add a third item to the equation! -When at the grocery store, your child can estimate the combined cost for 2 or 3 items. In planning a trip, your child can look up distances that will be travelled for different parts of the trip, then add to find the total distance to be travelled. They could also subtract to compare distances. GRADE 4 At home, Grade 4 students could practice: -their multiplication to 10x10 and division facts to 100/10 A fun game to play is to ask your child to look around the home for things that come in 5s, 6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s. Ask questions such as "Our house has 5 front steps. How many front steps would 6 houses like ours have?" GRADE 5 At home, Grade 5 students could practice: March: Continuation of Number Sense and Numeration *Continue to practice multiplying two-digit whole numbers by two-digit whole numbers *Continue to practice dividing three-digit whole numbers by one-digit whole numbers *Represent, compare, and order proper and improper fractions *Demonstrate and explain the concept of equivalent fractions using examples

LUNCHROOM SUPERVISOR APPRECIATION DAY!

In 2017, the board of trustees declared the first Friday in March as Lunchroom Supervisors Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, March 6th , 2020. 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.

FOREST OF READING The Forest of Reading is in full swing this month! All grades are diligently reading their books and working toward the attainment of the goal they set for themselves! Voting will take place in mid-April. Please ask you child(ren) about the books they are reading or have already read! If you would like to see the nominated titles or find out more information please visit www.accessola.org.

PARENT COMMUNICATION WITH EDUCATORS

We know that it is vital for parents to feel they are able to contact their child(ren)'s teacher. If you feel you need to touch base with a teacher, please call the Main Office at: 905-822-0311 and our Office

Manager, Mrs. Spiliotopoulos will leave a message for your child's teacher.

PIZZA AND MILK DAYS AT OWENWOOD

Pizza Days will continue on Wednesdays of each week, and we will also continue our “Milk Mondays. Please look on ‘School Cash Online’ for future dates and payment methods.

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SCHOOL COUNCIL Our next School Council meeting will be Thursday, April 2 at 6:30 p.m., babysitting is provided. The agenda for this meeting will be posted during the week prior to the meeting. Thank you for all your ongoing support! Darci Taylor and Laura Alexander School Council Co-Chairs

DRESSING FOR THE WEATHER! The weather continues to be rather irregular and sometimes difficult to keep on top of. However, the days continue to be either cold or wet; therefore, please ensure that your

child(ren) come dressed according to the weather forecast. Dressing in layers at this time of year allows for students to be comfortable in various types of temperatures. Thank you for your cooperation.

PARKING AT OWENWOOD

During the day, please use the school parking lot when coming into the school. Parking at the front of the school is only permitted with the appropriate permit. Thank you for your cooperation.

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MARCH / APRIL DATES TO REMEMBER

March 6 – Lunchroom Supervisor Appreciation Day March 13 – Spirit Day - Beach Day March 16 – 20 – Spring Break – SCHOOL IS CLOSED March 24 – International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 25 – Take Me Outside Day March 27 – JK/SK/Grade 2 Dental Screening April 2020 Calendar to come at the end of March April – Sikh Heritage Month April 2 – School Council Meeting (6:30 p.m.) Babysitting Provided April 10 – Good Friday – SCHOOL IS CLOSED April 13 – Easter Monday – SCHOOL IS CLOSED April 21 – Grades 4 and 5 Students at Gregg LeRock Concert April 20 – 24 – PDSB Education Week April 30– Spirit Day - Crazy Hat Day

FUTURE DATES TO REMEMBER Start with A Smile (Kindergarten Information Night): May 13, 2020 Victoria Day: May 18, 2020

THE MARCH 2020 CALENDAR IS ON THE LAST PAGE OF OUR OWENWOOD P.S. NEWSLETTER!

THE APRIL 2020 CALENDAR WILL BE SENT HOME ON THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2020.

Peel District School Board News is in the Next Section of the Owenwood P.S. Newsletter.

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 announced on radio, television stations and will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools, www.peelschools.org, Twitter @STOPRinfo and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. 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.

IMMUNIZATION

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

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

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.

INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION

In the Peel District School Board, we #ChooseACTION each and every day to proactively eliminate racism in all forms and be inclusive in our school communities. We use an anti-oppressive stance to support and maintain a safe and positive Climate for Learning and Working for staff, students and community well-being. This important day, which we will recognize as a board on Tuesday, March 24th, will help lead the work we all do in our schools with our students in support of equity and inclusion.

History of the Day: On March 21st, 1960, Afrikaner police opened fire and killed 69 Indigenous South African people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa. They were protesting the apartheid "pass laws" that severely restricted the movement and freedom of Indigenous South Africans. Proclaiming the Day in 1966, the General Assembly of the United Nations called on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.

Peel District School Board Focus: This year supports and resources focused on Anti-Black Racism and Islamophobia have been curated and provided to schools. Educators are encouraged to use this sampling of tools throughout the year in our schools and classrooms. Our goal is to proactively eliminate racial discrimination every day. For more information and for activities to commemorate the day with your children please access the resources: www.peelschools.org/aboutus/equity

Talking With Children and Youth About Mental Health Concerns From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

It can be challenging to talk about mental health concerns - especially to our own children! As parents (like others), we sometimes avoid the conversation because we don’t know how to start, or we worry that by expressing concerns, we will make the situation worse. However, it is important to remember that acknowledging and discussing worries, concerns, or changes in behaviour openly and honestly with our children is more likely to open up lines of communication rather than worsen the situation. Here are some tips to consider if you want to talk to your child about mental health concerns:

To begin the conversation, find a quiet time when you are unlikely to be interrupted. Reassure your child that they can be open and honest, without you getting angry (even if you become

scared or worried by the information they disclose). Describe the changes that you have noticed in your child’s mood, behaviour, or reactions. For

example, “I have noticed that you are crying more often since school started” or “I have noticed that you seem more frustrated recently.”

Try to label or “name” your child’s emotions and thoughts. For example, “I wonder if you’re feeling sad about losing your friendship with Sam” or “I wonder if you are thinking that this cannot be fixed.”

Allow your child time to reflect and respond. Silence is okay. Be persistent. If your child responds with “nothing is wrong...leave me alone,” reassure your child that

you are there for them. Give your child some time and revisit the conversation again. If your child tells you anything that makes you increasingly concerned, reassure them that you are

glad they told you, offer to help them find the right professional to talk to, and reinforce that you will be there for them throughout the journey.

Remember, for many children and youth, everyday loving support from caring

Adults will be enough to help them thrive. However, some children and youth require additional help. Ask your child’s teacher or Principal about the mental health supports and services offered within schools. There are also community resources that provide mental health support to children, youth, and families.

To access child and youth mental health services in the Region of Peel, visit wheretostart.ca.

The Mental Health Resource Team has also created a Peel Youth Mental Health Resources handout that you can access here: bit.ly/PeelYouthResources.

Consider the Kids’ Help Phone Resources Around Me service (web: kidshelpphone.ca). Make an appointment with your family doctor or nurse practitioner to ask about additional supports.

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

DAYS OF COMMEMORATION AND CELEBRATION

DATE CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE March Sugar Moon Indigenous Worldview (First

Nations Sunset of March 1 to 19 Alá (Fasting month) Bahá'í March 2 Clean Monday (J) Christianity March 6 World Day of Prayer Christianity March 8 ● Sakyamuni Buddha’s Nirvana Day Buddhism March 8 or 12 Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva's Birthday Buddhism March 9 Holi Hinduism Sunset of March 9 to 10 Purim Judaism March 10 Hola Mohalla Sikhism March 14 New Year Sikhism March 16 to 20 Ghambar Hamaspath-meadem Zoroastrianism March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Christianity March 20 Shunki-sorei-sai Shinto March 20 Lady Day (Ostra) Wicca March 20 or 21 ● Naw Ruz/Navroze (FC) Bahá'í/Zoroastrianism March 21 Eid e-Navroz Islam Eve of March 20 or 21 to March 21 or 22

Isra and Mi’raj Islam

March 24 or 25 Vasant Navratri and New Year’s Day Hinduism March 26 ● Khordad Sal (FC) Zoroastrianism

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

2 Milk Mondays

3 Lunchbox Lunch

4 Pizza Day

5 6 Lunchbox Lunch Lunchroom Supervisor Appreciation Day

9 Milk Mondays

10 Lunchbox Lunch

11 Pizza Day

12 Lunchbox Lunch

13 Last Day before March Break Spirit Day–Beach Day!

16 17 18 19 20

23 Milk Mondays

24 Lunchbox Lunch International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

25 Pizza Day Take Me Outside Day

26 Lunchbox Lunch

27 Lunchbox Lunch JK/SK/2 Dental Screening

30 Milk Mondays

31 Lunchbox Lunch

Our Character Attribute word is: RESPECTFUL

MARCH 2020

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