December 2011 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 Office Manager Karen Wallbank Office Assistant Loreen Noronha Superintendent Hazel Mason Trustees Beryl Ford David Green School Council Jason Hughes—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 ... Book Buzz School Council News Winter Holiday Concert United Way The Great Race Mitten Tree Kindergarten Registration for September 2012 Bucket Fillers for November 2011 Bad Weather Bus Cancellations/School Closing Make The Most of The Winter Break Hypothermia: What it is and How to Prevent It Your Child‘s Safe Arrival To & From School Help Your Family Stay Warm This Winter Recreation Programs at Earnscliffe Rec Centre Important Information about Immunization International Languages—English Creole Dressing For Winter PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Thanks to the many parents who joined us for our Remembrance Day Assembly. It was a sombre, moving assembly. I would like to extend my thanks to Major Gillies, Sergeant Thomas, and Corporal Beauchamps who took the time to attend our assembly. Thanks to Mrs. Pedro and the members of the Remembrance Day Committee for planning this memorable assembly. What an exciting time we had at Birchbank on November 16! We were very honoured to have twenty-five principals visit us from China. They arrived at 9:15 a.m. and left at 11:15 a.m. These principals were given the opportunity to visit our classrooms. Ms. Shamas, Mrs. McCann, Mr. Armeniakos and I did an hour long presentation giving the principals an insight into our education system in Ontario. Mr. Meilleur ensured that our visitors were treated to a rendition of ―When The Saints Go Marching In‖ from the members of the Recorder Club. He, along with the students, demonstrated that you can make music with ordinary plastic buckets and garbage cans. Our visitors could not leave without hearing our Birchbank Song. The principals were clapping and tapping while along listening to these musical presentations. It proved that music is indeed a universal language. Thanks to Ms. Schepmyer for being our photographer for the morning. She was able to capture some remarkable moments in pictures. We also had four student ambassadors to greet our visitors. Claire, Robby, Dayna and Zander from the grade 5 classes did an exceptional job. They were welcoming, courteous, and respectful. Bravo! Mr. and Mrs. Hughes represented our School Council. Mr. Hughes gave a concise overview into ways that School Council support our staff and students . Nice job Mr. Hughes! More than anything else our visitors enjoyed their interaction with the students. One thing that was reaffirmed, language is never a barrier for demonstrating respect and developing friendships. A smile knows no language. We were the smile for Peel on a sunny, windy Fall morning. As we approach the Holiday Season on behalf of the Birchbank Staff I would like to extend best wishes for a safe, restful and peaceful Season. On a personal note, I would like to thank you for your continued support. It is indeed a pleasure and an honour to work with you and your children on a daily basis. I also feel very fortunate to work with a committed, caring and dedicated group of professionals who are passionate in helping your children become the best they can be. Ms. Harnarine-Ali
Transcript
December 2011
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 Office Manager Karen Wallbank Office Assistant Loreen Noronha Superintendent Hazel Mason Trustees Beryl Ford David Green School Council Jason Hughes—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 ...
Book Buzz School Council News Winter Holiday Concert United Way The Great Race Mitten Tree Kindergarten Registration for September 2012 Bucket Fillers for November 2011 Bad Weather Bus Cancellations/School Closing
Make The Most of The Winter Break Hypothermia: What it is and How to Prevent It Your Child‘s Safe Arrival To & From School Help Your Family Stay Warm This Winter Recreation Programs at Earnscliffe Rec Centre Important Information about Immunization International Languages—English Creole Dressing For Winter
PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Thanks to the many parents who joined us for our Remembrance Day Assembly. It was a sombre, moving assembly. I would like to extend my thanks to Major Gillies, Sergeant Thomas, and Corporal Beauchamps who took the time to attend our assembly. Thanks to Mrs. Pedro and the members of the Remembrance Day Committee for planning this memorable assembly. What an exciting time we had at Birchbank on November 16! We were very honoured to have twenty-five principals visit us from China. They arrived at 9:15 a.m. and left at 11:15 a.m. These principals were given the opportunity to visit our classrooms. Ms. Shamas, Mrs. McCann, Mr. Armeniakos and I did an hour long presentation giving the principals an insight into our education system in Ontario. Mr. Meilleur ensured that our visitors were treated to a rendition of ―When The Saints Go Marching In‖ from the members of the Recorder Club. He, along with the students, demonstrated that you can make music with ordinary plastic buckets and garbage cans. Our visitors could not leave without hearing our Birchbank Song. The principals were clapping and tapping while along listening to these musical presentations. It proved that music is indeed a universal language. Thanks to Ms. Schepmyer for being our photographer for the morning. She was able to capture some remarkable moments in pictures. We also had four student ambassadors to greet our visitors. Claire, Robby, Dayna and Zander from the grade 5 classes did an exceptional job. They were welcoming, courteous, and respectful. Bravo! Mr. and Mrs. Hughes represented our School Council. Mr. Hughes gave a concise overview into ways that School Council support our staff and students . Nice job Mr. Hughes! More than anything else our visitors enjoyed their interaction with the students. One thing that was reaffirmed, language is never a barrier for demonstrating respect and developing friendships. A smile knows no language. We were the smile for Peel on a sunny, windy Fall morning. As we approach the Holiday Season on behalf of the Birchbank Staff I would like to extend best wishes for a safe, restful and peaceful Season. On a personal note, I would like to thank you for your continued support. It is indeed a pleasure and an honour to work with you and your children on a daily basis. I also feel very fortunate to work with a committed, caring and dedicated group of professionals who are passionate in helping your children become the best they can be.
Tear-Off for Treasure We will have a treasure draw for each grade. Please indicate that you have received and read our December Bulletin by filling out this 'Tear-Off for Treasure' form and returning it to the school as soon as possible. Student‘s Name: _______________________________ Teacher‘s Name: _______________________________
I have read the December News □ (Please ) Family Signature:
________________________
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING Our next School Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 @ 3:15 p.m. in the library. I would encourage you to attend these meetings since you get the opportunity to share ideas and help make our school become even better.
UNITED WAY THE GREAT RACE The Great Race was a huge success. Congratulations to the winner—Mr. Heeley-Ray. Thanks to Mrs. Chauhan and Mr. Linesman for their school spirit. Thanks for supporting the United Way.
WINTER HOLIDAY CONCERT Birchbank students and staff wish to share in the celebration of the holiday season with a special "Winter Holiday Concert". We would like to invite all of our families to join us during the evening of Wednesday, December 21
th at 7:00 p.m. in the school gym.
Please bring a non-perishable item such as: peanut butter; canned foods; baby food; pasta; etc. Grade 3, 4, 5 and the choir will be presenting.
MITTEN TREE In an effort to provide a pair of warm mittens for children in our community, we would appreciate your support and kindness by purchasing a pair of mittens to place on our tree. Our mitten tree is located in the foyer on Monday, December 5. These items will be donated to St. Louise Outreach Shelter.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS We would like to thank everyone who partici-pated in our MacMillan‘s Fall Fundraiser. To-gether, we raised $1,282.75 for the school. Your support and generosity is greatly appreciated. We are excited to announce the following win-ners:
Adaeze McLean (Mrs. Pedro‘s Kindergarten class) won the Nintendo 3DS
Isabella Abenah-Poku (Mr. Winter‘s class) won the Family Movie Passes for 4
Rayna Slawter (Mrs. Hodgson‘s class) AND Jacob Henwood (Mrs. Kingissepp‘s class) BOTH won a Toys R Us gift card.
Mr. Linseman‘s Grade 5 class won a pizza party
Congratulations!!! Our 1
st Frozen Yogurt Snack Day is being held
on December 6th, 2011. The students are really
excited and looking forward to having a yummy treat. We are looking forward to having more Frozen Yogurt Snack Days during the school year and at school events. Please join us on December 6
th, 2011 at 3:15 pm
for our next School Council Meeting.
BOOK BUZZ….NEWZZ FROM THE LIBRARY E-books are coming!! Beginning the week of December 5
th e-books will be available to you
and your child at home and at school. During last year‘s move-a-thon, money was raised for the literacy committee. Some of that money has been used this year to begin building our collection of e-books. Eighty (80) titles were purchased this year in four subject areas (Science, Social Studies, Graphic Novels and New Fall 2011). More will be added in upcoming years, we will build our e-collection much as we would our hard-copy collection. Most of the students have experienced a ‗trial‘ look at these books, now we have our own to access at anytime. Please visit ‗My Class Site‘ (Birchbank P.S. Library under Library Links) or http://my.abdodigital.com/login/ . Username bbebooks Password bblibrary Please feel free to browse our collection! Also coming to our Library in the New Year, a Parent Lending Library. Look for more details to follow in January. If you are interested in reading a particular book or on a particular parenting subject please inform me via a note from your child or a phone message at 905-793-7984.
If your child is bringing in their personal books from home please ensure that their name is put on them somewhere. I have had several books returned to the library or found in the school that are not library books. If their name is on them I can return them safely to their owner. Thanks!
BUCKET FILLERS FOR NOVEMBER 2011 Congratulations to the following students for being Honest, Cooperative, Respectful, Responsible, Caring and Inclusive! Josiah, Vidhi, Justin, Kelly—Gr 5, Mr. Winter
Mickel, Satabdi, Claire—Gr 5, Mr. Linseman
Moosa, Maruthi, —Gr 4, Mr. Armeniakos
Jaskaran—Gr 4, Mr. Armeniakos
Jennieson, Lance, Laiba—Gr 4, Ms. Godding
Jadden, Matthew, Zayyan—Gr 3, Mrs. Hodgson
Skye, Ondre, Kevin, Aliya—Gr 3, Mrs. Hodgson
Breana, Bridgitte, Jordan — Gr 3, Ms. Haynes
Fazal, Lauren, Jordan, Raj—Gr 2, Mrs. Heck
Ethan—Gr 1, Mrs. Podnar
Mr. Winter
Ms. Grabiec
Mr. Meilleur
Ms. Harnarine-Ali
Ms. Heck
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION FOR CHILDREN BORN IN 2008 If your child was born in 2008, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2012. Kindergarten registration at Peel District School Board schools will take place on each of the following dates: Monday, Feb. 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
RETURN DATE TO SCHOOL Monday, January 9, 2012 is our return date back to school after the holidays.
BUS CANCELLATIONS/SCHOOL CLOSING DUE TO BAD WEATHER During the winter months inclement weather may cause disruption of bus transportation and regular school operations. A decision to cancel school transportation and/or to close schools is usually made by 6:00 a.m. and will be announced on the following radio and television stations: VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 CHUM AM1050 CFTR AM680 CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1 CFRB AM1010 EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860 FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSE GLOBAL NEWS CTV We will be communicating one of four standard messages to the radio stations. The four announcements and their effect on the transportation system are as follows: (Please note that the highlighted text only will be communicated by the radio stations). 1. ―DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES SERVING ST. ANDREW, ST. BENEDICT AND ST. PETER ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AND R.F. HALL SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY.‖ 2. ―THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES IN THE TOWN OF CALEDON AND THE COUNTY OF DUFFERIN ARE CANCELLED‖. This means that all runs listed under announcement #l PLUS the following are cancelled. All schools in the Town of Caledon and all school runs that begin in the Town of Caledon. Individual schools will be notified if this cancellation affects their school. 3. ―THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSES ARE CANCELLED.‖ This means that: ALL Transportation services provided by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board and The Peel District School Board, including buses, vans and taxis have been cancelled for the entire day. 4. ―THE SCHOOLS AND OFFICES OF BOTH THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD ARE CLOSED.‖ This means that: ALL Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board ad Peel District School Board schools and offices are closed to all students and staff.
MAKE THE MOST OF THE WINTER BREAK Be active
If there's snow, go tobogganing, build a snow fort, cross-country ski or snow shoe. Go skating at a local arena or outdoor rink. Take a walk around your neighbourhood to enjoy the holiday decorations. Go swimming or play basketball at a local community centre.
Get organized
As holiday greeting cards arrive, ask your child to record the names and ad-dresses of the senders.
String cards together to display above doors, windows in your home. Ask your child to organize photographs in an album by date or activity. Save
newspaper or magazine photographs of favourite athletes or role models to create a scrapbook. Suggest your child swap paperbacks, comics or magazines with family and friends.
Develop a sense of responsibility
Involve your child with holiday decorating and clean-up. Ask your child to take charge of family recycling (get containers, wash the jars, stack the papers,
etc.) Have your child plan all aspects of a party. Your child can help decide on the guests, phone or send
invitations, plan the food, get the house ready, greet and introduce the guests and clean up.
Bolster core learning skills Recommend that your child keep a diary or journal of the family's activities. Make time every day to read as a family or on your own—even 10 or 15 minutes is fine. Take your child to the local library. Have your child follow a favourite newspaper comic strip all week. Encourage your child to write holiday greetings or thank-you cards to cousins, grandparents and
friends. Review cash register receipts. Ask your child to check them for accuracy when you‘re unloading gro-
ceries. Have a family discussion about goals for 2012. Talk to your child about ways he or she can achieve
them.
Teach citizenship Check the newspaper for volunteer opportunities. For example, you and your child could help at a
food bank, visit an elderly person living alone or volunteer at a community event. Visit the animal shelter, the fire station or a hospital to show your child what happens at these
places. Understand history & explore different cultures
If possible, collect photographs of grandparents and great-grandparents. Have your child write their names and birth dates on the back of the photos. Discuss the family's history.
Talk about the meaning of holidays. Ask your child to research the holidays celebrated by different cultures in your community. If friends are celebrating these holidays, ask them to tell you about their traditions.
Get close to nature
Give your child the responsibility of watering the plants. Read the daily newspaper‘s weather map. Let your child figure out what the weather is where
friends and relatives live. Take a walk in the snow and watch for animal tracks. Identify what animal made the tracks.
Find more Parent Tip Sheets at www.peelschools.org.
HYPOTHERMIA : WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO PREVENT IT What it is Hypothermia, sometimes called exposure, occurs when the body can no longer produce more heat than it is losing and its internal temperature drops below 35 ºC or 95 ºF. How it happens It doesn't have to be extremely cold outside for hypothermia to occur. There is a risk of developing hypothermia at temperatures 10 ºC or under. Conditions that can lead to hypothermia include wind, wetness and cold. Wind chills the body, water absorbs body heat and wet clothing lowers body temperature. Warning signs Initial Signs (Mild Hypothermia) bouts of shivering grogginess and muddled thinking Worsening Hypothermia (Moderate Hypothermia) violent shivering or shivering stops inability to think and pay attention slow, shallow breathing slow, weak pulse Severe Hypothermia shivering has stopped unconsciousness little or no breathing weak, irregular or non-existent pulse
TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR CHILD’S SAFE ARRIVAL TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Take your child to the bus stop and meet them there after school. Help your child set up a buddy system. Children should walk in groups of at least two. Pre-arrange a contact person your child knows who can pick him or her up in the event of an
emergency. Make sure the school has a list of people your child can be released to. This also applies to
day camp, swimming lessons, and other activities. Avoid placing your child‘s name in a clearly visible location on their clothes, lunch box and
other belongings because it advertises who they are. A stranger may read their name and call out to them, fooling your child into believing this person knows them.
RECREATION PROGRAMS AT EARNSCLIFFE RECREATION CENTRE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Recreation Programs at Earnscliffe Recreation Centre for the Holidays and in New Year. Call Earnscliffe RC for more information at 905-792-2224. Glee Club Camp (Ages 6 – 12) Calling all GLEE fans! Come join our staff to sing and dance! Participants will also take part in arts and crafts. Don't forget your bathing suit so you can cool off in the pool! No experience is required! Monday January 2, 2012 (9:00am – 4:00pm) $25 / day Tuesday January 3, 2012 (9:00am – 4:00pm) $25 / day Wednesday January 4, 2012 (9:00am – 4:00pm) $25 / day Thursday January 5, 2012 (9:00am – 4:00pm) $25 / day Friday January 6, 2012 (9:00am – 4:00pm) $25 / day After 3 Come hang out after school with your friends. This 90-minute program will give you an opportunity to get a head start on your homework followed by some organized activities that may include swimming, skating, sports and more. Everyday will be something new! Mondays (January 9 – March 5 from 3:30pm – 5:00pm) $14 for 7 weeks Tuesdays (January 10 – March 6 from 3:30pm – 5:00pm) $16 for 8 weeks Wednesdays (January 11 – March 7 from 3:30pm – 5:00pm) $16 for 8 weeks Thursdays (January 12 – March 8 from 3:30pm – 5:00pm) $16 for 8 weeks Fridays (January 13 – March 9 from 3:30pm – 5:00pm) $16 for 8 weeks
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. 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.
If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.
PARENTS!....DO YOU WANT YOUR CHILDREN TO BE EMPOWERED? INSPIRED ? MOTIVATED ? EDUCATED ABOUT AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN HERITAGE ? If YES, we are pleased to announce English Creole classes on Saturday mornings. Students will experience Creole language instructions and gain a greater understanding of Caribbean people, Caribbean cultures and the contributions made to multicultural Canada through the ARTS. All students will experience the expressions of Creole through fun-filled activities such as: music, drama, dance, visual arts, crafts and media literacy. To learn more about this very dynamic program offered at Morning Star M.S., Fletcher's Meadow S.S., and Calderstone M.S., contact International Languages, Continuing Education by:
Phone: 905-890.1010, EXT 6610 Email: [email protected] Web page: http://www.peelschools.org/alt_programs/con_ed/international_lang/courses/index.htm
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S IMMUNIZATION RECORD Peel Public Health is currently reviewing the immunization records of all students at our school. In order to attend school in Ontario, your child must have a complete immunization record. It is your responsibility to make sure your child's record is updated. If Peel Public Health does not have complete immunization records for your child, you will receive a letter in the mail telling you that your child's record needs to be updated. If you do not update the record by the date indicated on your letter, or you do not have a valid exemption, your child will not be allowed to attend school. An incomplete record does not necessarily mean that your child has not been immunized—what it means is that Peel Public Health does not have a record of your child's immunizations. Your doctor does not send a record of this immunization to Peel Public Health—you must report this information directly. If you haven't already done so, you can update your child's record in one of three ways: Go online to www.immunizepeel.ca and click on 'Report your child's immunization' Fax the record to 905-502-7109 Phone 905-799-7700 (Toll free: 1-888-919-7800). Translation services are available To find out if your child's record is complete, and for information about free immunization clinics for students who do not have OHIP (Ontario Health Insurance Plan) or a record of immunization, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700. Caledon residents can call toll-free at 905-584-2216.
