Are you moving before September, or have you recently moved? Families

who are planning to move before the start of the next school year

are asked to please contact the school office as soon as possible.

Families in York Region are eligible to attend specific schools

based on their residential address. School staff can help you locate

your child’s new school and also can assist you with the student transfer

process. In addition to helping make your child’s transition to a new school a smooth

and hassle-free process, by informing the school of your plans to move, you are helping

us ensure that our school is organized for September with the most up to date

information. Thank you for your cooperation!

Principal’s Message

Greig Black

Principal

Jennifer Cowley

Vice Principal

Lindsay Bantis

Office Administrative

Assistant

Mary-Lena

Gruppuso

Secretary

Peter Tse

Superintendent of

Schools

905.940.7800

Billy Pang

Trustee

647.461.9965

Sir John A. Macdonald Public School

45 Murison Drive, Markham, ON, L6C 0J4

t. 905.888.5777 f. 905.927.2082

www: http://sirjohnamacdonald.ps.yrdsb.ca/

email: sir.john.a.macdonald@yrdsb.ca

twitter: @sjamps

May, 2016

Volume 4, Issue 9

The PRIME

SCHOOL DAY

TIMES For all Students JK-8

7:50-8:00 a.m.

Yard Supervision

8:00 a.m.

Entry Bell

8:05-9:45 a.m.

Learning Block

9:45-10:15 a.m.

Recess

10:15-11:55 a.m.

Learning Block

11:55 a.m.-12:55 p.m.

Lunch (all Gr. 1-8

students outside from

11:55 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

12:55-2:35 p.m.

Learning Block

2:35 p.m.

Dismissal

May 23rd is Victoria Day

Statutory Holiday—School is Closed

Are You Moving?

Spring is always a very exciting time of year around a school and this Spring is no

exception! Students and staff have been busy! Our exciting Earth Week events were a

huge hit with all our students and staff, including the fabulous Earth Rangers assembly

we hosted on April 29th. Autism Awareness month wrapped up with a very successful

Go Blue for Autism fashion show, and we have had many Jaguars representing our

school at Academic, Art and Athletic events around the Board, culminating with our

Intermediate Boys’ basketball Team being crowned Area Champions, and much, much

more. It sure has been a very busy Spring!

There are also many other events planned over the next couple on months that will

certainly keep us all busy. Our Spring Concert, “SJAM at the Oscars”, is happening on

May 10th, and we welcome new Grade 1 French Immersion families and students who

will join us in September for an orientation on May 12th. Our annual Welcome to

Kindergarten Event for parents and Junior Kindergarten students joining us in

September is happening May 17th! To wrap-up the month, Grade 4-8 students will

venture to Langstaff Secondary School for our school track and field meet, and the

annual EQAO Assessment for students in Grades 3 and 6 will begin on May 25th.

Phew! I’m tired just writing about all these events! Keep your eyes open for more

information about these and other events happening at SJAM.

Finally, please take a look at the School Council advertisement later in this

newsletter for details regarding the SJAM School Council’s 4th annual

Family BBQ, being held on May 26th! With jumping castles, great food, and more,

this year’s BBQ is sure to be another terrific hit!

Thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Together, our efforts will

ensure Sir John A. Macdonald P.S. remains a school of excellence!

2015-16

Professional

Activity &

Training Days

(No School for

Students)

Friday, May 6, 2016

(NEW)

Friday, June 3, 2016

Thursday, June 30,

2016

2015-16

School Holidays

(School Closed)

Victoria Day

Monday, May 23, 2016

Do You Know What a Land Acknowledgement Is?

THIS ARTICLE IS THE FIRST IN A SERIES. PLEASE READ PART 2, “MORE INFORMATION

ABOUT LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS”, IN THE JUNE ISSUE OF THE PRIME.

The York Region District School Board is committed to providing supports to ensure that

all students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit (FNMI) ancestry have opportunities to be

successful. We are also committed to increasing accurate understanding of First Nation,

Métis and Inuit cultures, histories and contemporary perspectives.

Recognizing Aboriginal people as traditional stewards of the land is a critical part of

demonstrating our commitment and respect for the Indigenous peoples of our land.

Moving forward we will begin with a land acknowledgement at the beginning of major

school events, particularly those pertaining to community and diversity and inclusion-

related events.

This practice follows a traditional protocol for Aboriginal nations where people entering

another’s traditional territory would seek permission from the traditional stewards and

they would be welcomed to the area through a ceremony.

What is a land Acknowledgment?

A land Acknowledgement is a formal statement that recognizes the unique and enduring

relationship that exists between Indigenous Peoples and their traditional territories.

Why do we recognize the land?

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose

territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Aboriginal people who have been

living and working on the land from time immemorial. Land acknowledgements do not

exist in a past tense, or historical context: colonialism is a current ongoing process, and

we need to build our mindfulness of our present participation.

How do we acknowledge the land?

In YRDSB schools our acknowledgement is: “We would like to acknowledge the land we

are on and thank the First Peoples of the Williams Treaty First Nations and other

Indigenous Peoples for sharing this land with us. We would also like to acknowledge the

Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation as our closest community and partners in

education.”

You Are Invited to the

Annual School Council Year-End BBQ

Mark your calendars for the annual School Council Year-End BBQ,

scheduled to happen on Thursday, May 26th. More information will be

coming home to all families from the School Council, but in the meantime,

mark your calendars and plan to attend this terrific community event!

TENTATIVE School Organization for 2016-17 THE SCHOOL ORGANIZATION FOR 2016-17 OUTLINED BELOW IS STRICTLY TENTATIVE

UNTIL ENROLMENT NUMBERS ARE CONFIRMED DURING SEPTEMBER 2016.

School organization and the building of a classroom model that meets all Ministry and school board parameters at all grade

levels is a complex and interconnected process. Changes in class organization at any one grade level impact on the class sizes

at other grade levels. For the 2016-17 school year, in order to create classes that meet size requirements at all grades, we

have had to create a model that includes numerous combined grade classrooms.

Teachers teach in combined grade classrooms in ways that are very similar to how they teach students in straight grade

classrooms. In both combined and straight grade classes teachers are using information they gather about student strengths

and needs to instruct students in both whole class and small group lessons. It is common for students in both straight and

combined grade classes to often receive some instruction from their teacher then set out to complete a task, investigate a

problem, or work collaboratively with others, while the teacher circulates to support all students. At the same time teachers

are expected to frequently work with small groups of students in the classroom to reinforce concepts, to clarify their

understanding and to identify next steps for learning based on the needs of individual students.

At SJAM we have had many combined grade classrooms every year and all our staff are adept at instructional approaches and

classroom mechanics that support student learning in both straight and combined grade settings. Further information

regarding how combined grade classrooms operate and the positive outcomes associated with student learning in combined

grade classrooms can be found HERE, or by copying and pasting the following url into your web browser.

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/combinedClassrooms/combinedClassrooms.pdf

Related to the Ministry of Education’s Primary Class Size Reduction strategy there may be changes to school and classroom organization at any time prior

to September 30, 2016. Class size parameters and limitations that we MUST ADHERE TO are outlined below. Currently our projected enrolment in

Kindergarten through Grade 3 is very high, pushing many classes close to the Ministry of Education’s class size targets and caps. As such, it is a strong

possibility that this organization will be modified before September, or during the month of September, once enrolment numbers are confirmed.

2016-17 Staffing Parameters Related to School Organizations:

Primary classes are to be organized with a target/cap of 20 students per class (except in full day/every day Kindergarten)

Full day/every day kindergarten classes are to be organized with an aiming mark of 26 students per class, and not to exceed 30 students per class

No primary class (including 3/4 combined classes) may be above 23, for any reason (full day/every day Kindergarten notwithstanding) – 23 only with

CEC approval

All J/I classes are to be organized to meet a class size average of 25.5

All classes are to be organized within guidelines: Grades 4-6 @ 25 +/- 5; Grades 7-8 @ 27 +/- 5

Class Projected

Size

Class Projected

Size

JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 15/14 = 29 1 20

JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 15/14 = 29 1 20

JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/15 = 29 1/2 6/14 = 20

JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/15 = 29 1/2 7/13 = 20

JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/15 = 29 2 20

JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/13 = 27 2/3 5/15 = 20

JK/SK KINDERGARTEN 14/13 = 27 3/4 12/11 = 23

1 FI 20 3/4 13/10 = 23

1 FI 20 4/5 16/8 = 24

1 FI 20 4/5 16/9 = 25

1 FI 20 5/6 13/12 = 25

1 FI 20 5/6 13/12 = 25

1 FI 20 6/7 7/18 = 25

1 FI 18 7/8 12/15 = 27

7/8 12/15 = 27

All schools in the York Region District School Board are committed to improving student achievement and well-being.

On Wednesday, June 29, 2016 an early release day will take place to allow elementary teachers and support

staff to take part in meetings during the afternoon of that day. These meetings will allow for school staff to engage in

culminating activities regarding the review and revision of the School’s Improvement Plan as well as year-end and

transition activities that support student success. As has been our practice over the past four years, students will

attend school during the morning of Wednesday, June 29, 2016 only. Students will be dismissed early

that day at 11:05 a.m. Arrangements will be made to ensure that students who are normally bussed to and from

school will receive transportation at this time. Parents whose children attend after school child care should make

appropriate arrangements to address this change in schedule.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL IS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29th

11:05 a.m. DISMISSAL FOR ALL STUDENTS

Did you know that students’ busing eligibility changes throughout their school career?

Since sidewalks and traffic calming measures are now in place in many parts of our subdivision, students

who have been receiving transportation at many stops on routes 0918 (Black Sheep), 5488 (Red Bird),

and 0228 (Gold Fish), will no longer be eligible for busing in September, and in some cases the entire

bus route is being eliminated. A letter outlining these changes was sent home with students on these routes in

February. If you are not sure whether or not the change will effect your family please speak to your route driver, or

call the school office. Additional communication about this change will be sent home again before the school year is

over.

Your son/daughter’s eligibility to ride the school bus may also change according to their grade and distance from home

to school. Below are the provisions for eligibility identified in the Board’s Transportation Policy #680:

All YRDSB students in Grades JK-3 who live within 1.2 km of their school are not eligible for transportation

All YRDSB students in Grades 4-8 who live within 1.6 km of their school are not eligible for transportation

All YRDSB students in Grades 9-12 who live within a transit served area are not eligible for transportation.

To view Board Policy #680 Student Transportation, please visit www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca. For more information about bus

transportation and to determine your son/daughter’s eligibility please visit www.schoolbuscity.com.

Student Busing Eligibility and ROUTE CANCELLATIONS in 2016-17

Our BOOMERANG LUNCH Program

Waste Free Snack/ Lunch Tips

1. Use reusable lunch carriers. Please avoid plastic or paper bags.

2. Use reusable containers. Please avoid plastic wrap, foil, wax paper, Styrofoam.

3. Use reusable drinks bottles or thermos. Please avoid single-use juice boxes, pouches, cans and

plastic water bottles.

4. Use a cloth napkin and wash and re-use. Please avoid paper napkins.

5. Use silverware and wash and re-use. Please avoid plastic forks/knives.

6. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables and cut them up so you can send the right amount. Cutting and peeling fruit and vege-

tables makes it quicker and easier for your child to eat in their short eating time.

7. Get your children to help pack their snacks/lunches with healthy foods.

8. Only pack as much food as your child will eat.

To support our boomerang lunches, any uneaten food and

any waste material produced will be returned home and not become

part of the school’s waste collection.

Always Choose Student Safety! Traffic congestion on the streets surrounding the school,

obeying traffic signs and the rules of the road, and being on

time every morning for school are things we write about

often in the PRIME. Parents, you must remember your

obligation to model the need to follow rules with your

children! Our society is founded on the responsibility of

individuals to uphold rules that support everyone. Traffic

laws are no exception and must be followed when you are

dropping your children off at school! Watch for and obey

these signs posted around our school and remember to always choose student safety over convenience!

On April 5th 2016, SJAM’s choir group, their conductor Ms.Cote and

Ms.Wong on the piano all went to Cosmo music for the music alive

festival. The music alive festival is when a lot of different school's choir

perform at Cosmo and they get either platinum, gold, silver or bronze

and some feedback from the people who were watching us sing. …

SJAM’s choir sang two pieces, In My Heart and Woke Up This Morning,

accompanied by Ms.Wong playing the piano. They also listened to two other schools perform. At the end our choir

got silver but they still did an excellent job.

Safety is always our top priority at SJAM. For the safety of students, parents, and staff, all

vehicle pick-ups and drop-offs should occur in the kiss ‘n ride lane in front of the

East Field and Kindergarten Yard. Parents may park in any of the parking spaces in

our lot if they wish to accompany their children to their designated entry door. Under

no circumstances should parents park in handicapped spaces (unless you have a

permit), park on the sidewalks surrounding the parking lot, or leave their car

unattended in the kiss ’n ride. These rules help keep everyone safe! If you have any

questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Black in the main office.

Parking Lot & Kiss ‘n Ride Safety

All students in Grades 3 and 6 will be participating in the 2016 Provincial Assessment of

Reading, Writing and Mathematics this Spring. Please avoid withdrawing your child

for holidays or making out of school appointments for your child between

May 25th and June 8th, 2016. We will communicate further information regarding the

assessments to families of students in Grades 3 and 6 in the near future.

EQAO for Grades 3 and 6

Kindergarten Registration Continues

Kindergarten registration for the 2016-17 school year is ongoing.. Registration forms are available on YRDSB’s

website: www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca. Children who turn four or five years old during 2016, live within the school boundary

and whose parents are public school tax supporters will be eligible to register for kindergarten. For more information

please visit the YRDSB website or contact our school.

Music Alive

With the weather warming up,

May is the perfect month to

focus on being active. Students,

remember that you can bike,

skateboard and ride a scooter to

school. Just remember to walk

your wheeled transportation once you get on school

property, wear proper safety equipment, ensure sports

equipment is maintained, and follow all safety rules while

riding to and from school.

May is Bike Safety Month! Jump Rope for Heart

is Coming to SJAM!

SJAM’s first ever “Go Blue for Autism” Fashion Show was

a huge success! On April 27th, everyone gathered in the

gym for this exciting event. The SJAM staff strutted their

stuff on the catwalk as they modeled the t-shirts that

were created by the students. It was absolutely amazing

to see the time, effort and creativity that were put into

each and every t-shirt design!

It was a tight competition, but the three finalists chosen

by the audience were Ms. Facella, Ms. S (for Mme.

Hendrick’s class) and Mr. Puddy. After a fierce final pose

off, Mr. Puddy was crowned the overall winner!

We’d also like to send out a big thank you to everyone

who donated a toonie for Autism throughout the month

of April. Thanks to you, we were able to raise

approximately $500!

Way to go SJAM for coming together as a community of

staff, students and families to support this very

worthwhile cause!

SJAM is pleased to be

holding a Heart &

Stroke Foundation Jump

Rope For Heart event

on Thursday, May 19,

2016.

Jump Rope for Heart encourages kids to get active by

skipping rope while they collect pledges for heart disease

and stroke research. They also learn the importance of

living a healthy lifestyle and giving back to their community.

If each student raises a minimum of $8, our school will

reach its goal of $5000! All money raised will support the

Heart & Stroke Foundation in their mission to promote

children's health and fund vital heart and stroke research.

Please help support your child’s fundraising efforts by

registering them online at JumpRopeForHeart.ca and

sending out donation requests to friends, family and

colleagues. Online fundraising is the quickest way to reach

all of your contacts and online donors receive an

automatic tax receipt. Plus, when students receive their

first online donation, they will receive a free skipping rope

from the Heart & Stroke Foundation!

If you need assistance, please visit JumpRopeForHeart.ca

and check out the step by step “how-to” resources.

A representative from the Heart & Stroke Foundation will

be visiting our school in early May for the kick-off

assembly. On that day, each student will be bringing home

a pledge envelope to collect cash and cheque donations in

person. Please ensure that their pledge envelope is

returned on our Jump Event Day, May 19th.

Thank you in advance for your support!

We would like to cordially invite you to attend SJAM’s Night at the Oscars, happening

on Thursday, May 10, 2016! To accommodate all families of students who are

performing, there will be two performances: one in the morning (10:30 am) and one

in the evening (red carpet events, including a popcorn bar and photo booth,

open at 6:00 pm, performance begins at 6:30pm). The morning performance is

open to all guests (no tickets required). Tickets are mandatory for the evening performance. A ‘VIP STAR

Package’, including priority seating, snacks and VIP parking, will be offered through a raffle for the evening performance.

SJAM’s Night at the Oscars promises to be filled with music, dancing, and many wonderful memories! Please contact

your child’s classroom teacher if you are not sure if they are performing or not.

SJAM at the Oscars Spring Concert - May 10th

Every last day of the week in May will be a different spirit day! Below is an outline of

each of the spirit days. Don’t forget you get house points each time you participate in a spirit day.

Friday May 27th – Character Day

Wear shirts, pants, socks or hats with a character on it

May Spirit Month – Friday Spirit Days

Friday May 13th – House colour Day

Wear your house colour!

Friday May 20th – Twin Day

Dress like a friend

Thursday May 5th – Backwards Day

Wear your clothes backwards!

DATE: WEDNESDAY MAY 4TH, 2016 TIME: 6:30 - 8:45 P.M.

LOCATION: Blue Hills’ Gym- 402 Bloomington Rd, Aurora Ontario

Light dinner and registration to begin at 6:00pm.

Registration will be capped at 40 participants.

Please call 905-773-4323 ext. 300 to register.

ADMISSION IS FREE

In Support of Children’s Mental Health Week May 2-6, 2016

Blue Hills Child & Family Centre is Proud to Present:

Being a parent can be the most rewarding and

challenging job many adults will have in their lifetime.

Most parents want to raise children to be happy,

independent and successful but worry that mental health

struggles may get in the way. The goal of this workshop

is to provide valuable information to support caregivers

of children and adolescents who experience challenges

with focusing attention and managing impulsivity.

Topics will include:

- Understanding attentional problems

- Understanding how the brain comes into play

- Discovering family strengths and resources

- Coping strategies for caregivers

- School based strategies for success

-

Bringing Your Family into Focus:

Supporting Children with

Attentional Challenges

To celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week, The York Centre for Children, Youth & Families is hosting a Coffee & Conversation Series of workshops for interested parents and other community members. The workshops are free of charge, but you do need to register in advance for each workshop you would like to attend. The format of the evenings will be structured, but informal. Each evening will include a presentation, discussion, coffee, and goodies, not necessarily in that order! Place: The York Centre for Children, Youth & Families Phone: 905-737-8927 11225 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill (Elgin Mills & Leslie) Email: info@theyorkcentre.ca

***TO REGISTER, please go online to the Eventbrite website using the link listed below for each topic title. Choose ONLY ONE workshop for each evening ***

Monday, May 2, 2016: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Be Cyber-Smart! Presenter: Bruce Johnson, CYW http://becybersmart.eventbrite.ca The York Centre Parenting Your Anxious Child: Part 1 Presenter: Jennifer Scott, SSW http://pacpart1.eventbrite.ca The York Centre

Tuesday, May 3, 2016: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Parenting Your Anxious Child: Part 2 Presenter: Jennifer Scott, SSW http://pacpart2.eventbrite.ca The York Centre A Solution Focused Approach to Parenting Presenter: Natasha Wakefield, RP http://solutionfocusedparenting.eventbrite.ca The York Centre

Wednesday, May 4, 2016: 6:30pm – 8:00pm

Mindfulness & Self-Care Presenter: Sheri Van Dijk, M.S.W., R.S.W. http://mindfulnessandselfcare.eventbrite.ca Psychotherapist & Author

Parenting & Understanding The Adolescent Brain Presenter: Abner Lico, M.Ed., RP http://parentingandtheadolescentbrain.eventbrite.ca COMPASS, The York Centre

Thursday, May 5, 2016: 6:30pm – 9:30pm

safeTALK Training Presenter: Michelle Cassidy http://safetalkyc.eventbrite.ca Mental Health Lead, YRDSB

Thursday, May 5, 2016: 6:30pm – 8:30pm

Intro. to Autism & Accessing Funding Resources Presenter: Michael Morris B.A., B.Ed. OCT [A Kerry’s Place Group Learning Session (GLS)] ASD Consultant, Kerry’s Place http://introtoasdandfunding.eventbrite.ca

Workshop Descriptions on reverse side.

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Monday, May 2 (choose one)

Be Cyber-Smart!: Do you have children/teens that use social media/internet to interact with their peers? Come and join the conversation and learn about safety tips, strategies to teach your child, online harm reduction, view and discuss personal experiences of people who have been through online bullying, and to review how to monitor your child’s online interactions. This workshop is for parents/caregivers of children/youth who participate in online activities.

Parenting Your Anxious Child (Part 1): What does childhood anxiety look like and sound like? Come and learn about the cycle of anxiety along with the signs and symptoms of children/youth that may be anxious. There are things you can do and things you perhaps shouldn’t do. This workshop is geared towards parents and caregivers of kids of all ages.

Tuesday, May 3 (choose one)

Parenting Your Anxious Child (Part 2): Does your child experience anxiety? Now what? In this session you will learn helpful strategies that parents can use to support children through anxiety by understanding (CBT) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approach, exposure therapy and the four traits of anxiety. This workshop is geared to parents and caregivers of kids of all ages.

A Solution Focused Approach to Parenting: You’re already doing things well as a parent! Need help to recognize this? This interactive strength-based workshop will give you the tools and attitudes for successful parenting! Discover the many things that you are already doing well by learning to bring the small successes into your awareness. This will improve your life and those of your children with having more confidence and opportunities for success. Participants will learn ‘the power of the compliment’, recognizing individual strengths, noticing your success as a parent, and looking at solutions rather than problems.

Wednesday, May 4 (choose one)

Mindfulness & Self-Care: Looking for self-care ideas? Managing self-care in a very busy world can seem like ‘just another task!’ What if learning simple yet effective mindfulness practices within your day was possible? Come and join the conversation and learn simple yet useful mindfulness strategies that can help you with your self-care practice! In recent decades, researchers have been learning that Mindfulness helps us live healthier lives. In this workshop you will learn practical exercises, what Mindfulness is, and how it can help us with depression, anxiety, anger, chronic pain, low self-esteem, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other emotional difficulties. This workshop is geared towards adults and teens 16+.

Parenting & the Adolescent Brain: This workshop will focus on taking a look at NEW research in the area of neuroscience surrounding the brain development in adolescents. Come and find out how to parent your teen with an insight into the distinct developmental period that comes with the unique challenges of parenting adolescents.

Thursday, May 5 (choose one)

safeTALK Training: safeTalk is a training that prepares you to identify persons with thoughts of suicide and connect them to suicide first aid resources. Most people with thoughts of suicide invite help to stay safe. Alert helpers know how to use these opportunities to support that desire for safety. As a safeTALK-trained suicide alert helper, you will be better able to: move beyond common tendencies to miss, dismiss or avoid suicide; identify people who have thoughts of suicide; apply the TALK steps (Tell, Ask, Listen and KeepSafe) to connect a person with suicide thoughts to suicide first aid, and intervention caregivers. Powerful video clips illustrate both non-alert and alert responses. Discussion and practice help stimulate learning; Learning steps that contribute to saving lives. This workshop is three hours in length.

Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) & Funding Support/Resources [A Kerry’s Place Group Learning Session (GLS)]: This is a two part workshop. The first part is for individuals, families, and support people who are seeking an overview of the way Autism Spectrum Disorder can affect a person’s life within the topics of sensory processing, anxiety, communication, social skills and behaviour. The second part of this workshop will be a presentation suitable for individuals or families seeking more information on funding sources available for people with ASD. Topics will include government funding, tax credits, and private charities.