n e w s - all schoolsschools.peelschools.org/1111/lists/schoolnewsletters... · 2018-12-21 · from...
TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY NEWSLETTER
Grade Level News Kindergaten
Many of the students in K5 were interested in
community
helpers and took a special interest in Police Officers.
The class began an inquiry asking questions and
learning about police officers jobs. The students had a
very special visit from Officer Toni!
N E W S R.O.A.R.Z.
7207 CAMBRETT DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ON L4T 2R3 Tel. 905-677-1350 Principal: Mrs. D. Addison Vice Principal: Mrs. O. Omiyale Office Manager: Mrs. D. Punnia Office Assistant: Mrs. V. Maharajh Superintendent: Mrs. P. Daws Trustee: Mrs. S. Benjamin
January Events
Jan 7 - Back to School
Jan 11,18, 25 - Pizza
Fridays
Jan 14- 17-Kindergarten
Registration
Jan 17 – Kindergarten
Evening Registration
Jan 17-18 X Dance
Jan 21- PD Day
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Grade 1
Grade 1 has been learning the importance of giving back by donating to the
Schools’s Coat Drive and Food Drive. Students applied what they learned about
the roles and responsibilities to help people in the community. Students have also
been having fun making decorations for Multicultural Night and learning about
different winter holidays. They also learned about cricket at the Aussie X
workshop.
Grade 2:
On completion of the grade 2 Social Studies unit “Changing Family and Community
Traditions”, students created a variety of models about traditions and celebrations.
Student from other classes were invited for a gallery walk to view the displays.
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As a part of the Science curriculum grade 2 students participated in a fun and
interactive program “Watershed on Wheels”. Students were engaged in a variety of
interesting during the in class. They learnt about the importance of water through
an interactive model and a fun outdoor water cycle game.
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Grade 3
Grade 3 students visited Bradley Museum to explore “The Bradley House”, a two-
story saltbox-style farmhouse from 1830 and a restored Port Credit log cabin from
the early 1800s.
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Grade 3 students using coding to show patterns:
In science the grade 3 has been exploring how plants grow.
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Grade 4 and 5 FI
To encourage students to eat healthier, the grade 4 and 5 French students have
been independently tracking the amount of fruit and vegetables they were eating
during the months of December, the tracking will continue until January. They
displayed the records of their fruit and vegetable intake with different types of
charts.
In addition to tracking their fruit and vegetable intake, the grade 4’s and 5’s in the
pod kept track of how many cans of food were collected during the ongoing Food
Drive. They had fun incorporating mathematics by creating broken line graph to
illustrate the amount of food each class had collected and on which days. After 5
cans have been collected, students coloured in a can and added it to the data that
we tracked as a school.
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As part of Indigenous Education and to encourage a positive school climate, grade
4 and 5 FI students participated in a sharing circle using a talking stick. Students
learned that it is their responsibility to listen to others while they were speaking.
They also learned more about how to empathize with their classmates especially
when they are having a hard time .
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Grade 4
At the Ontario Science Center, grade 4 students explored Pulleys and Gears. They
manipulated gears to create gear trains. Students used driver and follower gears
and looked at the direction and rotation of each gear and how they work together in
the train. Students also had the opportunity to test out fixed, moveable and
compound pulleys by pulling a rope and lifting objects. They analyzed the concept
of gravity, the push and pull of the load and the direction of force.
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Grade 4 FI students built pulleys using loose parts such as cardboard, skewers,
play dough and bobbins to show how pulleys can help us in daily live activities .
Some pulleys that were made included a well and a zipline.
Grade 5
During their visit to the Ontario Science Center, grade 5 students had the
opportunity to learn about internal and external forces. Student volunteers from
Ridgewood demonstrated the importance of the triangle shape in the stability of a
bridge. The brave volunteers also tested the tension and compression of a
triangular table by standing on it! Students also analyzed how the thickness of a
bench affects its flexibility and stability.
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A Night of Wonder – 2018 Multi- Cultural Dinner and Entertainment Night
Wednesday, December 19, was a night of wonder at Ridgewood. Students and
their family members happily enjoyed the variety of dishes that were brought in for
dinner. After feasting on the “Buffet Style” multicultural meals, students entertained
the audience in the beautifully decorated gym.
The gym was turned into a welcoming space with the uniquely decorated posters
and special handmade center pieces. Parents and students expressed their
surprise as they enter the space. The duo Angelina and Tabash the bilingual MC’s
for the evening anchored the multicultural events of the night. Highlights of the
evening included several numbers by the school choir and grade level
performances. From the Kindergarten classes, there were choreography of “What
a Beautiful World” with colourful ribbons, playing the rhythm sticks to the song S-A-
N-T-A. The grade 1 French immersion classes captivated the audience with
bilingual version of Jingle Bells and the scarf ribbon dance to the Russian dance
from Nutcracker Ballet.
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Grade 3 students choreographed energetic Bhangra dance that supposedly leads
to the festival of Vaisakhi. The duo in grade 4 performed a terrific dance with self-
created and self-directed dance moves. Grade 5 students were spectacular, they
performed a variety of holiday songs and demonstrate their skill on metallophones,
glockenspiels and bells. They also performed Jive to Last Christmas, soca dance to
the song “the Hulk”. The school wide Afro- Caribbean dancers thrilled the audience
with the rhythmic dance to the song “Skelewu”.
It was a night of explosion and launch of talents. Thank you to the wonderful and
hardworking staff at Ridgewood.
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Assemblies:
To close off 2018, staff organized caroling and entertainment assemblies for the
students as well. During the assemblies , students held a repeat of the outstanding
performance from the Multicultural night. The highlight of the assembly is the visit
from Santa and Mrs. Claus and the presentation of healthy snack- orange by the
Principal and Vice Principal to every Ridgewood student.
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Sharing and Caring.
Every year Ridgewood staff members and community looks out for members that
will benefit from a visit from Santa. Ridgewood elves took several hours to wrap
each gift and prepare them for delivery. The gifts are usually donations from staff
members and community members. This year the school provided bountiful gifts to
9 families.
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Peel board trustees accountable to the community
The Peel District School Board, like every public school board in Ontario, is
governed by a board of trustees. They are elected by public school taxpayers every
four years during municipal elections and are directly accountable to the
community. The current 12 trustees have been elected to serve from Dec. 3, 2018,
to Nov. 30, 2022:
Trustee Ward(s) City Email Phone # Carrie Andrews
7 and 8 Brampton [email protected] 647-473-1858
Susan Benjamin
5 Mississauga [email protected] 647-268-1435
Stan Cameron (Chair)
Caledon [email protected] 905-880-1162
Robert Crocker
6 and 11 Mississauga [email protected] 416-528-1312
Nokha Dakroub
9 and 10 Mississauga [email protected] 289-914-0214
Will Davies 2 and 6 Brampton [email protected] 647-218-0295
David Green
1 and 5 Brampton [email protected] 905-495-4579
Sue Lawton (Vice-Chair)
3 and 4 Mississauga [email protected] 905-625-8084
Brad MacDonald
2 and 8 Mississauga [email protected] 905-593-3547
John Marchant 1 and 7 Mississauga [email protected] 905-599-5646
Kathy McDonald
3 and 4 Brampton [email protected] 905-796-8163
Balbir Sohi 9 and 10 Brampton [email protected] 416-828-4330
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What do trustees do?
advocate for the needs of the community
help members of the community address concerns about the school system
govern and set policies for the board
explain the policies and decisions of the board to the community
evaluate and review the board’s achievement of its goals, objectives and strategic plan
participate in budget development, approve budget decisions and monitor its progress
protect the future of the board by always considering the long-term effects of decisions
Visit www.peelschools.org and check out the ‘Meet Your Trustee’ section to
subscribe to board meeting agendas and minutes and read highlights from board
meeting.
It's time to register children born in 2015 for kindergarten
We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in
kindergarten! If your child was born in 2015, he or she can start kindergarten in
September 2019. You can register your child at any time during regular school
hours—just visit the school he/she will be attending to register.
Peel board elementary schools will hold Kindergarten Registration Week from Jan.
14 to 18, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and in the evening on Jan. 17 from 5 to 8
p.m. Families will have the opportunity to meet school staff, register their child and
learn more about the Start with a Smile kindergarten program.
Peel board elementary schools will also hold a Kindergarten Registration Week
with special registration activities during Jan. 14 to 18, 2019. Visit Ridgewood P. S
from:
Jan. 14 to 18 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Jan. 17 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m. The kindergarten registration form can be completed online before new families
attend. The following documents must accompany the registration form:
What you will need to bring to registration:
Proof of child's age (one of the following)
Canadian birth certificate Canadian passport citizenship card/certificate Permanent Resident Card confirmation of permanent residence work permit refugee permit
Proof of address (one of the following)
Ontario driver's license utility bill bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution) credit card statement federal government forms (e.g. Social Insurance Number, Service Canada
documents) purchase agreement
Proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided
documentation supports an alternate living arrangement
Proof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated
You can register your child for kindergarten at any time—complete the registration
forms one at www.peelschools.org/kindergarten and visit the school your child will
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be attending next school year during regular school hours to
complete your registration.
For more information, visit
www.peelschools.org/kindergarten
Applications to submit Education Week Award nominations now open!
Each year, as part of Education Week, the Peel District School Board recognizes individuals for their exemplary contributions to student success by presenting them with an Education Week Award. There are three Education Week Awards: Award of Distinction, Award of Excellence and Education Champion Award. The nominations are open to everyone, including current and former staff, current and former students, parents/guardians, community members and volunteers. The applications to submit a nomination is open from now until January 18, 2019 at 4 p.m. Families, students, community members and volunteers who wish to submit a nomination may do so by contacting their school. Education Week Award recipients will be recognized during Education Week from April 8 to 12, 2019. Below is a brief overview of the criteria for each of these awards: Award of Distinction: The Award of Distinction is presented to recipients for their above-and-beyond contributions to student success at their school/worksite. Award of Excellence:
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The Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary, significant contributions to student success at their school/worksite and to public education in Peel. Education Champion Award: The Education Champion Award honours an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to public education at the provincial, national or international level. Please note that group nominations will not be accepted for Education Week Awards. For more information on the Education Week Awards or award criteria’s, please contact your school principal or supervisor.
Help us refresh our board and school websites
In January, all students, staff, families and community members are invited to fill
out an online survey to help the Peel District School Board update and redesign its
board website (www.peelschools.org) and school websites.
Share your thoughts, suggestions and experiences of our school and board
websites by filling out a brief, five-minute survey on
http://www.peelschools.org/websiterefresh.
The survey will be available online until Jan. 31, 20
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Excel Hoops basketball preparation program to open
September 2019
Open Information Night will be held on Wednesday, Jan.
16, 2019
Initial Men’s tryouts will be held on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019
Initial Women’s tryouts will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 29,
2019
The Peel District School Board will enter into a partnership agreement with Excel
Hoops to offer a basketball preparation (prep) program. Beginning September
2019, the basketball prep program will be offered at Turner Fenton Secondary
School in Brampton and will be geared towards student athletes who train year-
round in basketball.
The basketball players, who are selected by Excel Hoops to be a part of the prep program, will be registered as Turner Fenton students. They will be expected to meet the full academic requirements of their courses and adhere to Turner Fenton’s Code of Conduct.
Excel Hoops will be hosting an Open Information night on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, for parents and prospective players to ask questions and learn about everything the program will have to offer. Tryouts will kick off on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 for the Men’s team and Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 for the Women’s team. For more information and to apply for the prep program, visit www.excelhoops.com.
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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, 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 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
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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.
Apply for French Immersion by Jan. 25, 2019
If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2019, one of the important
choices you will make is whether you want to consider grade 1 French Immersion
(FI).
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The application form for grade 1 FI for the 2019-20 school year will be available
online at www.peelschools.org/French as of Friday, Nov. 23, 2018 at 1 p.m. The
deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 at 4 p.m. Applications received after the
deadline will not be included in the random selection process and will be placed on
the school’s waitlist.
The FI school for our area is Ridgewood P.S The phone number is 905-677-1350.
Enrolment cap and random selection process
The Peel board has a limited number of spaces available for students interested in
grade 1 French Immersion. At this time, the grade 1 FI enrolment cap is set at 25
per cent of all Peel students enrolling in grade 1. A random selection process is
used to determine which students will be offered spaces in the grade 1 FI program.
It is important to note that applicants are not offered space in grade 1 FI on a first come, first serve basis. A computerized random selection process will randomly assign a rank to each application that is received by the deadline. Once students have been assigned to all available spaces, remaining students will be placed, again in rank order, on the school's waitlist. Each school has its own waitlist.
How to get more information
Visit the Peel board website—www.peelschools.org/French. Call Ridgewood P.S at 905-677-1350.
Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca/.
Apply for Extended French by Jan. 25, 2019
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If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2019, one of the important
choices you will make is whether you want to consider Extended French (EF). To
find out more about the program, visit www.peelschools.org/French
The EF school for our area is Darcel Avenue Snr. Public School. The phone
number is 905-677-3802.
Online application
The application form for Grade 7 EF for the 2019-20 school year will be available
online at www.peelschools.org/French on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018 at 1 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 at 4 p.m. Applications received after that date will be put on a waiting list. Please note that if you are currently enrolled in grade 6 French Immersion, please do not apply for grade 7 Extended French, as you will continue grade 7 in the French Immersion program.
For more information
visit www.peelschools.org/French
call your nearest Extended French school
talk with parents who have children in the Extended French program
visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca
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Middle School Regional Learning Choices Programs
Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) empower students by providing an
opportunity to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. The Peel
board provides elementary students from across Brampton, Mississauga and
Caledon with six different Regional Learning Choices Programs. The programs are
open to all eligible students. The entry point is grade 6 for all programs, except for
the Arts program South of Highway 401, which is held at Queen Elizabeth P.S and
has a grade 7 entry points.
All regional programs include a non-refundable application fee and an annual
program fee. Annual fees are specific to the program.
ELEMENTARY RLCP DATES
Applications open Jan. 28, 2019 at 12:01 a.m.
Applications close Feb. 11, 2019 at 3 p.m.
Upcoming Information Nights
Students and their families are encouraged to attend the information night for the
program of their choice to receive more information about the program and
application details. If you are unable to attend the information night, program details
and information about the application process are available through the school.
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SECONDARY REGIONAL LEARNING CHOICES PROGRAMS OFFERED
Programs
Starts in grade: 6 7
Actively in Motion (AIM) – Royal Orchard MS
Arts – Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS
(starts in grade 7),
Arts and Technology – Morning Star MS
International Baccalaureate – Bristol Road. MS, W.G. Davis Sr. PS
International Business and Technology – Allan A. Martin Sr. PS,
Lisgar MS, Williams Parkway. Sr. PS
SciTech – Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Road. MS
For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the
application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms
The application window for our secondary regional programs has closed.
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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.
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Minding Your Mindset
From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team
With the beginning of a new year, you may be thinking about the resolutions and
goals you want to set for both you and your family. Your mind is a powerful force
that has the potential to help you exceed even your loftiest goals, but it also has the
potential to hinder you from reaching your goals. It’s all a matter of mindset.
What Do You Mean By Mindset?
“Mindset” refers to a series of beliefs that people hold about themselves and the
world. It’s the reason people think and act the way they do and it influences their
outlook on life. Your mindset has a big impact on your overall wellbeing and sense
of achievement in life.
Types of Mindset
There are two different types of mindsets. People who possess more of a growth
mindset are likely to stick with a task even when it proves difficult. They tend to
believe that they can learn and develop through dedication and hard work. They
are also more likely to:
✓ Welcome challenges
✓ Be open to new ways of learning
✓ View mistakes as opportunities for learning
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✓ Recognize their weaknesses and work to improve them
People who possess more of a fixed mindset are likely to shy away from
challenges. They tend to believe that traits like intelligence or talent are set at birth,
and as a result, likely unchangeable. They are also likely to:
✓ Engage in negative self-talk (“I can’t”)
✓ Avoid tasks where there is a risk of failing
✓ Struggle to accept setbacks
✓ Try to hide or justify their mistakes
Changing Your Mindset Is Possible
Feel like you could be stuck in a fixed mindset? Here are some tips for developing
a growth mindset.
1. Instead of “I can’t do it,” try “I can’t do it…yet.” If you believe that you
can, you have a better chance at succeeding, even if it doesn’t happen right
away.
2. Challenge accepted! The next time you are faced with a tricky task, try to
embrace it. You might struggle along the way, but each new try will lead to
more success.
3. Work hard. Many of the goals you set for yourself won’t come easily. They
will require hard work. But, when you work hard for something, the rewards
feel really good.
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4. Setbacks are opportunities for learning. Believe it or not! Making a
mistake does not mean you have failed, but you may need a different
strategy. Achieving perfection on the first try is often unrealistic.
5. Be open to new ways of doing things. By tackling a challenge in a new
way, you may be very surprised (and happy) with the outcome.
Remember!
Mindsets can change over time and we as individuals are not typically all growth or
all fixed all of the time. However, fostering a growth mindset from an early age can
help children and youth to experience and enjoy life to its fullest. When children
and youth learn that putting forth effort, accepting challenges, and overcoming
difficulties can make them smarter or stronger, they tend to try harder and achieve
more. When children and youth know that their brains are capable of growing and
improving, they can unlock their full potential and amazing things can happen!
For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource
Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.
Adapted from Reach Out Australia (2018).
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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.
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Nutritious lunches help children learn
Use Canada’s Food Guide to help your child get nutrients and energy needed to
have a successful school day.
Try to give your child some choice about what to take for lunch. If possible, get your child involved in preparing meals.
Give your child a variety of healthy choices. Keeping your child interested in lunch is the first step to making sure it is eaten.
Make the food easy to eat. If it will take your child a few minutes to unwrap a sandwich, it may be skipped.
Resist the temptation to routinely send sweets, pop, chips and cookies in your child's lunch. Save treats for special occasions.
Try to avoid fast food or pre-packaged, convenience lunches, which are often high in salt and fat.
Do your best to role model healthy eating behaviours for your family.
If your child’s school is on the Nutrition Break schedule, divide your child’s lunch into two separate segments (e.g. half a sandwich and half an apple x 2) to help your child save food for the second break as many children eat everything at first break.
To speak to a registered dietitian about healthy food choices, call Eat Right Ontario
at 1-877-510-5102.
For more information about the policy, visit
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools. If you have questions about how
we are implementing the School Food and Beverage Policy, please call the school.
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Time for school - A parent’s guide to reporting school absences
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)
1. Download the SchoolMessenger app 2. Tap Sign Up to create your account
Web and Mobile Web: go.schoolmessenger.ca
1. Go to the above website 2. Click Sign Up to create your account
Interactive Toll-free Phone
1. Call the toll-free number: 1-855-209-6155 2. 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 SafeArrival toll-free number, website or
SchoolMessenger mobile app, you will not receive a call.
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As always, if you have any questions or require any assistance, please contact the school.
The City of Mississauga wants to improve road safety for you
To help improve road safety, the City of Mississauga is looking for input on ride
sharing and has implemented cross rides.
Cross rides
Cross rides and bicycle signals have arrived in Mississauga to help improve traffic
safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Cross rides allow cyclists to stay on
their bikes while crossing through intersections. They may be located where multi-
use trails or cycle tracks cross a road. Cross rides are identified with a line of
painted squares on both sides of the crossing, and may also include painted
bicycle marks. Cyclists do not need to dismount when crossing at a cross ride.
To learn how to use cross rides and bicycle signals safely, and for more
information, visit www.mississaugabikes.ca/crossrides-and-bike-signals
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Help your family stay warm this winter
Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and
preventing hypothermia when working or playing outdoors:
Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school.
Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body.
Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners, carry an extra pair to replace damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Invest in thick socks to keep your feet warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on outings, etc.
Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when doing vigorous activities.
Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypothermia.
If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive sweating caused from an extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing hypothermia.
Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins. A balanced diet will also help keep you warm and healthy in the winter.
If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.
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Follow us on Social Media
Social media is the easiest and fastest way to stay connected to the amazing
things happening in the Peel District School
Board.
Follow @Peelschools on
Twitter to:
learn about our schools and programs
find out if buses are cancelled during bad weather
share the Peel smile
Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder January 2019
Follow @Peelschools on Instagram
where we share motivational and
inspirational #PeelProud moments.
Follow Peel schools
on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/peelschools.
Our school is on social media too!
Follow us on Twitter @XXXX, on Instagram @XXXX and on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/XXXX.
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The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the world. To commemorate this diversity, the board recognizes special faith and culture days of our communities. January 2019 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remember:
K'aliyee and Spirit Moon in Aboriginal Spirituality K'aliyee is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in Northwest British Columbia. It is the
period of the north wind when prevailing weather blows off glaciers and icecaps that have
lingered from the last ice age.
The Ojibwe people recognize and celebrate the first moon of Creation also known as the Spirit Moon as it heralds the new spiritual year. December 31 to January 4 - Ghambar Maidyarem in Zoroastrianism
This five-day winter festival known as Ghambar Maidyarem celebrates the creation of animals
and is a time for an equitable sharing of food.
January 1 - Temple Day in Buddhism
Buddhists of all schools attend a special service in the temple on this day in dedication of their
faith.
January 1 and 14 - New Year’s Day in Christianity and Canada
New Year’s Day has been celebrated as a holiday by Western nations for the past 400+ years. It
also holds religious significance for the followers of the Christian faith. In 153 BC, the Roman
senate declared Jan.1 the beginning of the New Year. This holiday was first observed in Babylon
4000 years ago.
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Celebrations around the holiday include: making of resolutions, parties on the evening of Dec. 31,
and a toast at midnight when the New Year officially begins. On New Year's Day itself, many
people watch football games, parades and spend the day with family and friends.
Followers of Orthodox Christianity celebrate the New Year's Day on Jan. 14 based on the Julian
calendar.
January 1 - Gantan-sai (New Year) in Shinto
People of the Shinto faith—a Japanese faith practised for centuries—say "Akemashite Omedeto
Gozaimasu!" on this day, which means "Happy New Year!" This is the most important holiday in
Japan. Most businesses are closed from Jan. 1 to 3, and families typically gather to spend the
days together.
For happiness and good luck in the New Year, Japanese people begin to laugh the moment the
Gantan-sai begins, so they will have good luck throughout the year.
January 5 - Birth of Guru Gobind Singh in Sikhism
Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and final guru (1666-1708) in the Sikh faith. He created the
Order of Khalsa and declared the scriptures, the Adi Granth, as the only guru after him for people
of the Sikh faith.
Gurpurbs are festivals associated with the lives of the Gurus. Sikhs celebrate Gurpurbs, like the
Birth of Guru Gobind Singh, with an akhand path, a complete and continuous reading of the
Adi Granth, which takes 48 hours and finishes on the day of the festival.
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January 6 and 19 - Epiphany or Feast of Theophany in Christianity
Followers of the Western Christian tradition celebrate Epiphany on Jan. 6. This day marks the
journey of three kings to worship Jesus in Bethlehem. Some of the Orthodox churches—like
Greek, Russian, Ukrainian and Serbian— that still follow the older or Julian calendar celebrate
the same tradition as the Feast of Theophany on Jan. 19. The term epiphany means to show, to
make known or to reveal.
January 7 - Christmas in Christianity
Followers of the Eastern Rite celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus on Jan. 7, based on the
Julian calendar. Some sub-groups observe the day on Jan 6. Traditional celebrations include
singing carols, having holy supper on Christmas Eve and attending church services on Christmas
Eve and the Christmas Day.
January 12 or 13 - Sakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment in Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama, known also as Sakyamuni Buddha, attained enlightenment at the age of 35 while sitting in deep meditation under the Bodhi tree. Followers of the faith commemorate this day for their founder by holding Dharma functions in the temples and by partaking of congee (a nourishing milk drink). On this day, Buddhists reflect on the "Middle Path" - a path of moderation between extreme self-indulgence and self-mortification taught by Sakyamuni Buddha.
January 13 - Lohri and January 14 - Makar Sankranti in Hinduism
This festival marks the end of the winter season (when daylight hours begin to increase) and is
primarily a harvest festival. This festival is also called Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu
in Assam, Kicheri in Uttar Pradesh, Til Sankranti in Maharashtra, and Uttaran in Gujarat, India.
Kite flying and burning sugar cane in bonfires is a couple of the more popular customs for this
celebration. Newly married couples and parents on the birth of their first child particularly
celebrate Lohri in the Punjab. Regional and cultural celebrations of this festival vary in traditions
and customs.
Makar Sankranti is the first Hindu festival of the solar calendar year. It falls at a time when the
sun enters the Zodiac sign of Makar (Capricorn), and when days become longer from this point
on so it is a time for celebration.
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January 14 - Seijin-no-hi in Shinto
Based on a Shinto rite of passage known as gempuku, Seijin-no-hi is the Coming-of-Age Day,
which marks the official entry to adulthood for all young Japanese who will have reached the age
of majority (20 years) between April 2 of the previous year and April 1 of the current year.
Declared a national holiday in Japan in 1948, 20-year-old women and men go to shrines, wearing
traditional clothing. Their families announce their adulthood to the kami or spirits, and pray for
their health and well-being.
January 15 - Maghi in Sikhism
This is the first day of the month of Magh. This day commemorates the battle at Muktsar, a town
in Punjab, India, in which 40 Sikhs (called the Immortal Ones) died for Guru Gobind Singh in
1705
January 19 to February 6 - month of Sultán in Bahá'í
In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. January 19 is the beginning of Sultán, the seventeenth month of the Bahá'í calendar, signifying "sovereignty."
The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.
January 20 - World Religion Day in Bahá'í
At this annual celebration, representatives of all faiths and traditions are invited to foster inter-
faith understanding and harmony by focusing on the common beliefs and spiritual principles
underlying all religions.
January 21 – Mahayana New Year in Buddhism
The followers of Mahayana Buddhism celebrate the New Year’s Day on the first full moon day in
January. The observance is a multi-day celebration.
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If you have a colleague who celebrates one of these days, don't forget to offer them best wishes! If you have students in your school who are followers of any of the listed religions:
- Make sure the dates are included on your school calendar
- Have your principal announce the day over the PA system
- Hold an assembly to talk with students about the importance of these days
- Include a mention of these days in your school newsletter
- Include information on your school website
- Display student artwork announcing these days or depicting their ideas about these days
- Invite a member of a local faith group to come in and discuss the significance of this day with
students
- Have class discussions about these days
- Ask some of your students who celebrate certain holidays to write a short essay on how they
celebrate this day at home. Have them read it to the class to share this celebration with the
other students.
- Have parents offer a cultural session
Questions?:
If you would like any more information on how to celebrate these days, please call Ashley Bigda,
Community Relations Officer at 905-890-1010, ext. 2573 or e-mail her
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Celebrating Faith and Culture January 2019
DATE
CELEBRATION FAITH AND
CULTURE
Month of January K'aliyee & Spirit moon Aboriginal Spirituality
December 31 to
January 1
Ghambar Maidyarem Zoroastrianism
January 1 Temple Day Buddhism
January 1 and 14 (J) New Year’s Day Christianity and
Canada
January 1 Gantan-sai Shinto
January 5 Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Sikhism
January 6 and 19
(J)
Epiphany or Feast of
Theophany
Christianity
January 7 (J)
Christmas Christianity
January 12 or 13 Sakyamuni Buddha’s
Enlightenment
Buddhism
January 13 Lohri Hinduism
January 14 Makar Sankranti Hinduism
January 14 Seijin-no-hi Shinto
January 15 Maghi Sikhism
January 19 to February
6
Month of Sultán Bahá'í
January 20 World Religion Day Bahá'í
January 21 Mahayana New Year Buddhism
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