November 2013

Birchbank Public School 3C's – Care, Courtesy and

Cooperation

52 Birchbank Rd. Brampton, L6T 1L7

Phone: (905) 793-7984 Fax: (905) 793-0100

Principal: M. Harnarine-Ali Vice Principal: K. Rocca Office Manager Karen Wallbank Office Assistant Loreen Noronha Superintendent Jan Courtin Trustees Beryl Ford David Green School Council Jamarrian Johnson —Chair Holly Spence—Co-Chair School website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1407

Board information on line: www.peel.edu.on.ca --------------————----------- SAFE ARRIVAL PROGRAM

Call (905) 793-7984

Please call when your child will be absent from school.

What’s

Inside ...

Bucket Fillers for October 2013 After School PLASP Program School Council Peel Board Advantage Education Fair on Nov 9 Winter Bus Safety Appropriate Outdoor Clothing No Scents is Good Sense

Remembrance Day Ceremony Giving Tree Project Prevent The Flu. It’s In Your Hands Help Your Child Prepare For Tests Register for French Immersion By Jan. 31, 2014 Choose Action On Bullying Awareness Week Summary of Birchbank EQAO Results

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

At our Monthly Assembly on October 31, we were treated to an engaging presentation from Mrs. Pedro’s class on responsibility. Mrs. Chauhan, Mrs. Puniya, Mrs. Grewal and Mrs. Parsons’ classes entertained us with a spider song that they have been working on in music class. Despite the dark, gloomy and rainy day we had a moment in the day when the rain did stop and we were able to have our Halloween parade outside. Thanks to the many parents who were able to come and cheer the students and teachers on during this exciting event. It is always a delight when parents take time from their busy schedules to join us for monthly assemblies and other school events. I would like to extend an invitation to our parents for the Remembrance Day Assembly on November 11th @ 10:30 a.m. in our school gym. We will pay tribute to the veterans who served in past wars and the men and women who continue to serve our country. These soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice, which is their lives, so that we can live in peace and freedom. To support our veterans I encourage you to have your child bring in a quarter to purchase a poppy from the office on November 11. Peel District School Board United Way Campaign is on the way from October 16th to November 15th . The slogan this year is Change for Change. The funds raised help support families through the United Way agencies in Peel. Last year, we raised $ 288,929. This year, our goal is to raise $ 300,000. We cannot accomplish this goal without your support. As you are aware our needs continue to grow with the economic downturn in our economy. The students, staff and our community will be involved in making this year’s campaign the best ever. We have many exciting activities planned such as: A United Day for the United Way, and the Great Tricycle Race to name a few. Stay tune for all the exciting events planned for the Peel District School Board United Way month long campaign. These events will be posted on our website http://schools.peelschools.org/1407. Progress Reports will be sent home on November 1, 2013. Teachers will be scheduling interviews to meet with each parent during the evening of November 7 and during the day on November 8 so that they can discuss your child’s progress both academically and socially. The expectation is that your child’s teacher is to meet with each parent. It is a time to set achievable goals to support your child’s continued progress in school. If you are unable to make the appointment please call the school in advance. Sincerely, Ms. M. Harnarine-Ali

SCHOOL COUNCIL

Our next School Council meeting is on November 13, 2013 from 6:30—7:30 p.m. Free baby sitting is provided.

Our fall fundraiser will commence shortly. Details to follow. We look forward to seeing you at the meetings! ‘You are the difference that makes the difference for our community’!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO REPORT YOUR CHILD'S ABSENCE When your child is away from school or will be coming late to school for any reason, please call the school office or leave a message on our voice mail at 905-793-7984.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM PLASP Child Care Services operates an After School Program for children up to 12 years of age at this school. The After School Program begins once school is dismissed and goes until 6:00 p.m. Children participate in recreational activities, are served a nutritious snack daily and have time for homework. After School Program for Full Day Kindergarten Children

PLASP After School Programs, at this school, follow the Kindergarten curriculum based on children learning through play. Snacks and age appropriate

activities are provided daily. Fee assistance is available.

Visit www.plasp.com and register your child

online today.

SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO BAD WEATHER

In the event of severe weather conditions, it may be necessary to close the school. This decision will be made before school starts -- usually by 7 a.m.-- and is communicated by radio and TV on most major stations.

If you need to make a phone call to check whether the school is closed or if busses are running please call Peel District S. B. at 905-890-1010.

APPROPRIATE OUTDOOR CLOTHING Please ensure that your child dresses appropriately, according to weather conditions. Only during inclement weather such as rain, extreme cold, and major storms are students allowed indoors early before school or at recess.

DISMISSAL ARRANGEMENTS (SAFETY PROCEDURE) If dismissal arrangements have changed and/or if you are picking up your child early from school please send a note to your child’s teacher. If you have to call the school regarding dismissal please call the school office before 2:45 p.m.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER Our school newsletter is posted every month on our website at http://schools.peelschools.org/1407/Pages/default.aspx Please access it online to view important information about your child’s school. Hard copies of the newsletter are only sent to families who submitted the tear off portion from our previous newsletters. Thank you for your cooperation.

BUCKET FILLERS FOR OCTOBER 2013 Congratulations to the following students for being Honest, Cooperative, Respectful, Responsible, Caring and Inclusive! Jahniya—K, Mr. Heeley-Ray Hunter– K, Mrs. Grewal Fayez—Gr 1, Mrs. Podnar Kyonne, Trevor—Gr 1/2, Mrs. Heck Justice, Jahnaia—Gr 3, Ms. Watkin Khushi, Aliya—Gr 4/5, Mr. Armeniakos Marjan, Ashley—Gr 5, Mr. Winter Mrs. Heck, Ms. Watkin, Mr. Armeniakos, Ms. Woelfe, Mrs. Rajah, Mr. Heeley-Ray, Mrs. McDonald

PEEL BOARD ADVANTAGE EDUCATION FAIR ON NOV. 9 If you live in Brampton or Caledon, plan to attend the Peel Board Advantage Education Fair at Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School on Nov. 9. Drop by between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to learn about our middle schools with regional programs and secondary schools in Brampton and Caledon. Staff and students will be available to answer questions about the schools’ academic and extracurricular programs. The day will also include student musical performances and sport games in the gymnasium. Snacks will be provided.

WINTER BUS SAFETY The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe through-out 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 properly—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 drive-ways or on the street.

Don't push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt.

On very rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions or mechanical problems. 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.

NO SCENTS IS GOOD SENSE

For most of us, scented products only become an issue when someone nearby uses too much perfume. For students and staff who have a significant intolerance to perfumes and other scented products, exposure can negatively affect their health and productivity. And for some people, exposure to chemical products can result in migraines, breathing problems, or asthma attacks. Birchbank is a scent free school. Thank you for contributing to a healthy indoor air environment for staff and students by not using perfume, cologne or other scented products.

REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY

Our school will be holding a commemorative Remembrance Day Ceremony on Friday, November 11th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Parents and relatives are invited to attend this solemn ceremony to honour the courage, determination and sacrifices made by generations of Canadian Veterans to ensure that we live in a free and peaceful country.

Birchbank Bulletin Calendar CHARACTER TRAITS FOR THIS MONTH ARE

Respect and Caring Be nice to others

Help and take care of people in need Be generous with kind words and actions

November 2013

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Day 2 Bistro Day; Progress Reports Go Home (Gr 1-5)

2

3 4 Day 3

5 Day 4 Kindergarten Trip to see Sharon, Bram & Friends at Meeting House Theatre

6 Day 5

7 Day 1 Parent Teacher Interviews Gr 1-5 (PM); Bistro Day

8 PA Day—No

School; Parent Teacher Interviews Gr 1-5 (AM)

9

10 11 Day 2 Remembrance Day Assembly 10:30 a.m.

12 Day 3 CCAT Testing for Gr 4 8:25—9:50 am

13 Day 4 School Council Meeting 6:30—7:30 p.m.; CCAT Testing for Gr 4 8:25—9:50 am

14 Day 5 Photo Retake Day; CCAT Testing for Gr 4 8:25—9:50 am

15 Day 1 Gr 5 Trip to McMichael Art Gallery; Bistro Day; CCAT Testing for Gr 4 8:25—9:50 am

16

17 18 Day 2 Dental Screening (K, Gr 2 & 4)

19 Day 3 Dental Screening (K, Gr 2 & 4)

20 Day 4

21 Day 5 French Immersion Info Night at Dorset P. S. for SK parents 7 pm

22 Day 1 Bistro Day

23

24 25 Day 2

26 Day 3

27 Day 4

28 Day 5

29 Day 1 Bistro Day; Monthly Assembly—9 a.m.

30

GIVING TREE PROJECT BY MRS. PODNAR AND MRS. PEDRO’S GRADE ONE CLASS Both grade one classes began a discussion of what it means to be a Bucket Filler. Students used positive characteristics to explain their thinking. The book, “The Giving Tree’ by Shel Silverstein was then read to the students. ‘Giving Tree’ books were then created by the students and they created sentences of ways in which they give to others at home, at school and in the community.

By : Aarjun, Mrs. Podnar’s Gr. 1 Class By : Joel, Mrs. Pedro’s Gr. 1 Class

By : Keerthi, Mrs. Pedro’s Gr. 1 Class

By : Kate, Mrs. Podnar’s Gr. 1 Class

HELP YOUR CHILD PREPARE FOR TESTS Many students will become anxious at the thought of writing a test. Anxiety about an upcoming test can affect a child's behaviour, thoughts and actions. Here are some ways you can help minimize anxiety at test time: Organize & Prepare

Encourage your child not to leave assignments, studying and homework to the last minute.

Schedule time for review and work on assignments each day.

Establish a regular time of the day for homework, studying etc.

Make the home a homework-friendly environment where learning is regular routine.

Remove distractions like the television, stereo, telephone when studying.

Tell your child to make sure tests and due dates are marked in their agenda.

Practice

Encourage your child to think about ‘what, when, where and how’ when preparing/completing assignments.

Develop practice tests and help them anticipate questions.

Review previous exercises. When appropriate, encourage your child to pair

up with a friend to review information and brainstorm.

Build learning into family activities— suggest keeping a journal, writing a report or a news article about family events, outings or trips.

Be in the know

Check out the curriculum for your child’s grade level (available as PDF files at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum)

Ask your child’s teacher about major topics studied and how these topics are structured— homework, assignments, exercises

Use your child’s agenda to communicate with their teacher—ask questions, check for homework tips, etc.

PREVENT THE FLU. IT’S IN YOUR HANDS Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection. Always wash your hands with soap and water when they are dirty. Clean your hands before: touching your eyes, nose or mouth touching/preparing food or drinks eating or drinking caring for someone in your home who can easily

get sick (baby, elderly or someone who has an un-

healthy immune system) first aid

Clean your hands after: touching pets or other animals touching raw meat, particularly chicken touching surfaces such as a railing or grocery

cart touching money touching objects sick people have touched touching blood or body fluids such as urine,

vomit or feces contact with those who have a cold, the flu, diar-

rhea or virus of any kind changing diapers wiping your own or a child’s nose sneezing or coughing using a facial tissue using the washroom removing gloves cleaning gardening

What to do when you cough or sneeze: cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your

sleeve put used tissues in the wastebasket clean your hands with soap and water or a hand

sanitizer

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

REGISTER FOR FRENCH IMMERSION BY JAN. 31, 2014 Are you thinking of registering your child for French Immersion (FI). For the 2014-15 school year, parents must register children for entry into grade 1 FI by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014. Registration for FI will be done through an online registration form that will be available on Nov. 22 at www.peelschools.org/parents/programs/French/registration. What is the FI program like? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the program? How can you tell if it is the right choice for your child? One way to help answer these questions is to attend the information meeting at the FI school your child would attend. Meet the principal and some of the teachers from the school. Hear about the program and have an opportunity to ask questions. Talk with some parents whose children are now in the program. A parent information night will be held at each FI school in Peel on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. Registration process A grade 1 FI enrolment cap is in place. This means that a specific number of spots are available for students entering grade 1 FI. If the number of students registered by the deadline exceeds the number of spots in grade 1 FI, a lottery system will be used to identify students gaining entrance into the grade 1 FI program. All students who make the registration deadline will be placed in a lottery and assigned a rank using a computerized random selection process. Spots are not assigned on a first come, first served basis. Once students have been assigned to all available spots, remaining students will be placed, again in rank order, on the school's waitlist. Some students will be automatically placed in grade 1 FI. To find out if your child does not need to participate in the lottery, and for more information about the lottery and waitlist processes, visit www.peelschools.org/parents/programs/French/registration. How to get more information Visit the Peel board website—www.peelschools.org/parents/programs/French/registration. Call [name of French Immersion school] at [phone number]. Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at www.cpfont.on.ca.

CHOOSE ACTION ON BULLYING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION WEEK The Peel District School Board will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week during the week of Novem-ber 18 to 22. Across the Peel board, schools use many programs and initiatives to prevent bullying and to intervene when bullying happens. Though the programs vary, their messages are consistent. Students are taught to:

define bullying identify forms of bullying identify roles in bullying relationships, for example the person who bullies, the target, the bystander or

the trusted advocate determine how to safely “choose action” to prevent and intervene in bullying & harassment

demonstrate character attributes and be a leader to help maintain positive and safe school communi-ties

Every school has a Climate for Learning and Working Team which is required to develop a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan as part of the School Success Plan. Also, every employee who is involved in the care and service of students is obligated to report in writing to the school administration any action for which the principal must con-sider suspension or expulsion. Bullying is an offence that must be considered for suspension. Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is one of the key items contained in Bill 13: The Accepting Schools Act, that came into effect on September 1, 2012. For more information, visit: www.peelschools.org/aboutus/safeschools/bullying/ or www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/prevention.html

SUMMARY OF BIRCHBANK EQAO RESULTS ( 2012-2013) EQAO assessment, along with various classroom assessments, can help ensure that your child is on the right track. The EQAO assessment of reading, writing and mathematics were done by the grade 3 students in the spring of 2013. The primary-division assessment tests the reading, writing and mathematics skills students are expected to have learned by the end of Grade 3. This assessment is based on The Ontario Curriculum. EQAO is one piece of data that teachers use to determine our greatest area of need in the area of literacy and numeracy. It is evident that when we unpacked the EQAO data that we are losing ground in mathematics. This appears to be a trend that in not only across our Board but also though out our province and the world. I will be sharing our EQAO results at our next School Council Meeting on November 13, 2013 @ 6:30 p.m. in our library.