Reflections from the Office

Supervision Begins at 8:45

Entry at 9:00

Lunch at 11:30-12:30

Dismissal at 3:00

UPCOMING EVENTS

- October is Islamic Heritage

Month

- October is International

Walk to School Month

- Oct. 12- Thanksgiving Day

(no school)

- Oct. 21 Bus Driver

Appreciation Day

- Oct. 22- IEPs sent home

- Oct. 28 - Peel Teaching

Assistants' Day

- Oct. 31- Hallowe’en

Welcome back, Morning Star Families! We have been so happy to see your children back at school, in the building and online. While some things have changed, we still look forward to a year of powerful learning. Certainly, we all hold education with greater appreciation after all the challenges we have experienced. Please note that parents may choose to move their children between learning models (from online to in-person, or vice versa) until Oct. 14 at 12:00 pm (noon). Families who would like to switch learning models must contact the school via phone or email (morningstar.ms@peelsb.com). Please provide us with the following information:

1. Student name 2. Student number (This can be found on your child's last report

card) 3. Learning model choice (in-person or online)

If your child will be remaining in the same learning model, no action is required. If, as a result of this switch, you now require board-provided transportation, please complete this Student Transportation of Peel Region Form. While the office is closed to in-person visits, we remain available to assist you by phone at 905-677-0300 or by email at morningstar.ms@peelsb.com. Please reach out if we can help you in any way.

Warmest regards, Ms. Bondett & Ms. Metz

Morning Star Middle School

Back-to School 2020 Newsletter

3131 Morning Star Drive

Mississauga, ON L4T1X3

Phone: 905-677-0300 Fax: 905-677- 1320

Student Absence Line: 1-855-209-6155

Principal: Ms. P. Bondett

Vice Principal: Ms. M. Metz

Office Manager: Ms. K. Starogiannis

Office Assistant: Ms. E. De Sousa

Superintendent of Education: Mr. H. Aujla

School Trustee: Ms. S. Benjamin

Settlement Worker: Ms. N. Dhami

School Council Chair: TBD

Morningstarms.council@peelsb.com

Welcome to New Staff Since the school year began we have added 2 new teachers. A very warm welcome to Ms. Karen Plumb and Ms. Rosemary De Melo, who are the homeroom teachers for ONK and ODR, respectively.

Guidance update from our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Crenian Grade 9 Regional Learning Choices Program (RLCP) and Explore High Skills (EHS) Application Dates are now available: Application opens: November 9, 2020 Application Closes November 23, 2020 at 3 pm Regional programs and Explore High Skills Programs for grade 9 provide an opportunity for students to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. Parents/students are encouraged to explore the programs by visiting https://www.peelschools.org/students/makingmyway/Pages/default.aspx. This site is continually being updated with information on programs, dates and applications, so be sure to check back often. Information nights/open houses will likely occur in a virtual manner, to be determined and more to follow.

Bussing As per the Ministry of Education guidelines, transportation consortia were directed to limit capacity on school buses during the COVID-19 pandemic to minimize the spread of the virus. Recommendations to achieve this included suspending courtesy transportation. As such there will be no courtesy bussing (“fill-up-the-bus”) this year. STOPR indicates there will be no exceptions to this policy. Please see www.stopr.ca for updates.

Pay school fees online using School Cash Online—register today! Our school offers School Cash Online, a safe and secure form of online payment, as its preferred method of payment for all school fees. With a parent-friendly portal and an

easy way to keep track of your child’s activity fees, you can use School Cash Online to pay for school items like field trips and pizza days directly from your computer or smartphone using eCheck, Visa or MasterCard Register now By registering, you’ll have the ability to:

Keep track of your children’s school item and activity fees

Check account history

Print or view receipts

Make donations to school fundraisers (like TERRY FOX) online and instantly receive a tax receipt

Pay for school fees (e.g., PE shirts, village shirts, the snack program) with the click of a button

For more information and to register, visit https://peelschools.schoolcashonline.com. If you have any questions, please contact the school directly.

Islamic Heritage Month at Morning Star While we cannot gather in the gym for an assembly Ms. Ali’s online class is working on creating various ways to observe Islamic Heritage Month in creative physically-distanced ways. Stay tuned! Hallowe’en at Morning Star Are you ready for some fun? October 26 to 30, there will be a series of Hallowe’en related events such as French Hallowe’en themed games, like Kahoot! In FRENCH! There will also be outdoor games such as the scavenger hunt with a chance to win a prize. For online students we are going to have many DIY contests and Hallowe’en-themed videos, and prizes. There will also be many other events such as music and a series of contests and free periods and “would you rather” Google forms in French and English. As always, participation is voluntary for all students.

Screen your child(ren) daily to help prevent the spread of COVID-19

Nothing is more important than the health and safety of students and staff. As we return to school, new enhanced health and safety measures have been added to all aspects of school routines to help reduce and stop the spread of COVID-19. These measures are based on guidance from public health agencies and direction from the Ministry of Education. Screening and when to stay home We all have a role to play to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The most important thing families can do to help limit the spread of COVID-19 is to check their children daily for any COVID-19 symptoms and keep them home from school if they are sick or have had close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19. Close contact includes being within 2 metres for more than 15 minutes, or being with someone in your social circle. Parents/caregivers MUST use this self-assessment to perform daily screening of their children before arriving at school.

Students should NOT come to school if they:

are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, new or worsening cough, and/or shortness of breath - See the Peel Public Health website for a full list of symptoms).

have returned to Canada in the last 14 days.

have been in close contact with a person who has returned from outside of Canada in the last 2 weeks with new COVID-19 symptoms (like a cough, fever, or difficulty breathing).

have been asked to self-isolate by public health authorities.

have had close contact with someone who is ill with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

When in doubt, families should take extra care and keep their child home from school. A safe school is always more important than a perfect attendance record.

If your child is at a higher risk of an adverse outcome from COVID-19 infections due to underlying medical conditions (such as immunocompromised states or chronic medical conditions such as cardiac and lung disorders), please consult with your healthcare provider to determine whether your child is able to attend school. What if a student develops symptoms while at school?

School staff will be provided with information on signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in children so that appropriate action can be taken if children develop symptoms of COVID-19 while at school. Students should also understand, as much as possible, how to identify their own symptoms and know to speak to a staff member immediately if they are feeling ill. If symptoms present while at school, the school will follow these steps:

1. Move the student to a designated room where they will be isolated from other staff and students until they can be picked up.

When occupied, these rooms will be supervised and contain PPE kits with hand sanitizer, gloves, surgical/procedural masks, eye protection and a gown. In the event that the number of symptomatic children outnumber the number of vacant rooms available, then they may isolate in the same room, but preference is that each individual be isolated in a separate room whenever possible.

2. Contact the student’s parents/caregiver immediately.

Families will be required to pick up their child as soon as possible. They will also be directed to isolate their child, and seek medical advice and testing at an Assessment Centre in Peel.

3. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the room once it is vacated.

All rooms and spaces that are used for the isolation of symptomatic staff and students must be thoroughly and properly cleaned and disinfected as soon as possible, once the room is vacated by the individual(s) being isolated. Signage will be available for posting to visually indicate if a room is clean and available for use.

IMPORTANT: Please ensure all contact numbers are updated and emergency contacts are provided to the school in the event your child has symptoms and needs to be picked up immediately.

Visiting your child’s school To limit and track the number of visitors in our schools, only essential visitors will be permitted into schools. If families wish to speak to someone at the school, they are asked to do so by emailing or calling the school directly. You may be required to make an appointment to visit the school based on the reason for your visit.

DO NOT require appointments Require appointments

Family member or caregiver who is picking up a sick child or has another emergency. Only one adult per household should attend the school at once.

Family or caregiver who is meeting with school staff to discuss an issue with their child of a non-urgent nature. All meetings should take place virtually or by phone whenever possible.

Upon arriving at the school, visitors are required to:

Enter through the main entrance door using the buzzer or by phone

Wait in the established waiting area outside the main entrance

Sign in upon entry, and sign out when you leave

Physically distance as much as possible

Wear a mask/face covering

Ready? Set? High school! Learn more about the opportunities available at your local Peel high school

Get ready for what could be the most exciting and important years your teen spends in school. For the first time, teens will have to make choices about what they will study and what career pathway to choose. Learn about the Peel District School Board advantage and your local Peel board secondary school. To find out which secondary school your teen will attend, call 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212 or visit www.peelschools.org/findyourschool.

Contact your local secondary school to learn about the opportunities available for your teen and the programs offered at the school. Our Welcome to High School parent guide is also a great resource for parents to provide you with a snapshot of what you need to know to help your teen be successful.

Regional Learning Choices Programs empower students to unlock their 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. Students and families are encouraged to visit www.peelschools.org/regionalprograms to learn about the programs, application details and how supports are available to help families choose the program(s) of their choice. 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 only eligible for busing 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, except the Regional Skilled Trades and Transportation Engineering and Technology programs, which are offered at no cost. Please note that supports are available for families who are interested in applying and may require financial assistance – please speak with your principal.

Important dates to note:

Applications open Applications close

ELEMENTARY Jan. 25, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 8, 2021 at 3 p.m.

SECONDARY Nov. 9, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23, 2020 at 3 p.m.

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 Elementary / Secondary

Elementary: Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in grade 7) / Secondary: Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS

Arts and Technology Morning Star MS

Graphic Design Management T.L. Kennedy SS

International Baccalaureate (IB) IB Elementary / IB Secondary

Elementary: Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PS Secondary: Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS

International Business and Technology (IBT) IBT Elementary / IBT Secondary

Elementary: Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS, Secondary: Meadowvale SS, North Park SS, T.L. Kennedy SS

International and Executive Leadership Academy

T.L. Kennedy SS

Regional Skilled Trades Judith Nyman SS, West Credit SS

SciTech Elementary / Secondary

Elementary: Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS Secondary: 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 and the application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms.

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. Peel Region High Performers Program is offered at:

Britannia Public School (grades 4 to 5)

Dolphin Sr. Public School (grades 6 to 8)

Mississauga Secondary School (grades 9 to 12) For more information, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers or contact the school.

Jump start your future with Explore High Skills Explore High Skills is a Peel District School Board pathway program where Grade 9 and 10 students focus their learning on an area of interest as they build self-confidence, learn essential skills, and develop a sense of belonging in school and in the community. Explore High Skills is offered in secondary schools with Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs and provides students with engaging learning experiences as they transition to high school. These sector-related programs are available to students in all skill levels and in all pathways. Explore High Skills students are provided:

Community Involvement Opportunities: students earn 20 of the 40 volunteer hours required for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) in Grades 9 and 10.

Certification and Training: students gain sector-recognized certifications recognized in the workplace (e.g., First aid/CPR, WHMIS).

Experiential Learning: students engage in innovative experiential learning and career exploration activities, giving them opportunities to explore, observe, participate in, and reflect on a variety of sector-specific experiences and careers.

To enroll in the Explore High Skills program, grade 8 students can indicate their interest when they are selecting high school courses in the Fall. For more information about the program, please contact your school, participating high school schools and visit www.peelschools.org/ExploreHighSkills.

Families encouraged to sign up for ParentConnect to access school alerts, report cards, busing info and more online To help keep families connect to their children’s education experience, we are encouraging all Peel District School Board parents/guardians to sign up for ParentConnect. ParentConnect is our online parent portal which provides parents/guardians with a single access point to stay informed, access services online and receive important information about your children. ParentConnect allows parents/guardians to:

view school based alerts and information

access the parent/guardian view of Brightspace for PDSB Online School

track real time absence reporting

view current and historic elementary report cards for your child(ren)

get up-to-date busing information

review secondary school credit history and diploma status

To register and begin using ParentConnect, visit www.peelschools.org/parentconnect or click the ParentConnect button on your child’s school website. Parents/guardians that have used ParentConnect in the past will continue to have access to your child(ren)s information. You do not need to register again. The ParentConnect online portal can be accessed through any computer, smartphone Internet browser and/or tablets by visiting parent.peelschools.org. Families can also download the mobile app titled Peel ParentConnect through Google Play Store or Apple Store.

If you have any questions about ParentConnect, please call the school or visit the ParentConnect FAQ page. If you encounter technical issues signing up for an account, please email ParentConnect@peelsb.com.

“October 2020: Identifying Our Strengths and Assessing Our Needs –

The Wheel of Well-Being

Welcome to the second month of a school year like no other. We have made it this far, and we should congratulate ourselves, although it is important to note we are all at different points of coping with the upheaval and loss COVID-19 has created in our lives. As the fall leaves start to turn colour and we are settling into the school year, now is a good time to reflect on our strengths and needs. The Kids Help Phone has an easy to fill in Wheel of Well-Being to help us accomplish that. The Wheel is divided into sections: Physical Health, Emotions, Relationships, Environment, School and Work, Spirituality, and Creativity and Thinking; with you (or your family) at the centre. It is an excellent visual guide to help you think about what, or who, can fill in any missing gaps to increase your support system. The Wheel of Well-Being can be completed as a family activity, or you can do it independently using it as a discussion aid for conversations about what each family member might need. It can also allow you to identify strengths you may not previously have appreciated. You can find the template, and suggestions to consider for each section here: www.kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/kids-help-phones-wheel-of-well-being You could also make your own wheel as a creative exercise, with you at the centre, or “our family” at the centre. Often creative exercises can be a safe way to help us talk to each other during challenging times. If you do make your own wheel and feel comfortable to share a photo, please tag @MHRTPeel and #WELLinPEEL. Despite the challenges 2020 has brought us, remember to tell yourself that you are doing your best; that it is okay to not feel your best; that we are all in this together, and we are doing the best we can with the resources we have. Please consider seeking support if you feel you or your child/teen needs it. Now more than ever before, our mental well-being is just as important as our physical well being. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health visit www.peelschools.org/schools/reopening/mental-health-and-well-being-supports 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. Acknowledgement: Indigenous teaching reminds us that mental wellness is a balance of the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional parts of ourselves and is enriched when individuals experience purpose, hope, belonging and meaning in their lives (First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework).

The Peel Learning Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to enable Peel District School Board students to achieve personal excellence by providing resources that help them overcome barriers. Did you know that 1 in 5 students in Peel Region face barriers related to poverty? That’s more than 27,000 Peel board students. 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. 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 /PeelLearningFDN