Mountain Ash Public School February 2017 Principal’s Message We wrapped up January with a wonderful character assembly lead by many students in Mrs. Joshi's Grad 4/5 class. In this assembly they showcased the character trait of "Respect" through spoken word, drama, and song. As we begin the month of February and Term 2, Term 1 Report Cards and Kindergarten Summary of Progress reports will go home on Feb 10th. While there is no formal day for interviews, should you wish to discuss the progress of your child please touch base with your child's homeroom teacher. We would also like to thank all of the families that utilize our Kiss and Ride for adhering to our new system and rules that allow you to park only in the lane closest to the sidewalk all along our parking lot. Thank you for not parking in "spots" (I know this sounds counter intuitive) as this creates pedestrian traffic and unsafe conditions in our parking lot. We have just recently made a significant purchase in the area of improving access to technology at Mountain Ash. A big thank you to our School Parliament that purchased 16 Principal: Craig Cooper Vice Principal: Brian Rasmusson Superintendent: Pat Noble Stay connected by following us @Mountainash PS
Transcript
Mountain Ash Public School
February 2017Principal’s MessageWe wrapped up January with a wonderful character assembly lead by many students in Mrs. Joshi's Grad 4/5 class. In this assembly they showcased the character trait of "Respect" through spoken word, drama, and song. As we begin the month of February and Term 2, Term 1 Report Cards and Kindergarten Summary of Progress reports will go home on Feb 10th. While there is no formal day for interviews, should you wish to discuss the progress of your child please touch base with your child's homeroom teacher.
We would also like to thank all of the families that utilize our Kiss and Ride for adhering to our new system and rules that allow you to park only in the lane closest to the sidewalk all along our parking lot. Thank you for not parking in "spots" (I know this sounds counter intuitive) as this creates pedestrian traffic and unsafe conditions in our parking lot.
We have just recently made a significant purchase in the area of improving access to technology at Mountain Ash. A big thank you to our School Parliament that purchased 16 Chromebooks for our school. We have placed an order for 48 Dell Chromebooks (total), 4 new computers for our lab, and some iPads to augment our current numbers. While at this point the Chromebooks will be mainly for grades 6-8, we have been able to convert previously used PC's – or out-of-warranty PC's – to connect wirelessly for student use. We have put some of these computers in the classrooms and hope to continue to do so. I would ask that if you have an older laptop or a PC that is not working efficiently, please consider donating it to the school. We would be happy to accept it at the office.
Sincerely,
Craig Cooper
Principal:Craig Cooper
Vice Principal:Brian Rasmusson
Superintendent:Pat Noble
Stay connected by following us @MountainashPS
Principal Mountain Ash P.S.Pizza Days at Mountain Ash!This month pizza days will occur on Thursdays February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2, 2017.
Pizza has been pre-ordered by students. Students cannot purchase slices at school. Pizza will arrive for consumption during second nutrition break, so please pack snacks and drinks for your child that day. Thank you!
Next order forms will be sent out Friday, February 24, 2017 (for March 9, 23, 30 and April 6 and 13, 2017). Deadline for forms to be returned is Friday, March 3, 2017.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council will sell popcorn every Wednesday and Friday in Room 208 throughout the school year as part of our fundraising.
We have many delicious flavours such as Butter Salt, White Cheddar, Low fat Caramel and Ketchup. The cost is $2.00
Second Nutrition Break - Reminder
Lunch drop off is accommodated for students on our first nutrition break at 10:42 am.
We have had lunches dropped off at second nutrition break on some days. Please be advised that children check for lunches at first nutrition break only. We cannot guarantee that your child will receive the second lunch. At times, there are lunches left at the end of the day.
To avoid this, please drop off enough lunch for both nutrition breaks by 10:30 am.
Thank you for your co-operation.
Popcorn Sales - $2.00
Candygrams
Me to We and Student Council will sell Candygrams from:
February 1st to February 13
All money raised will be donated to GoodWeave, an organization that strives to combat the child labour problem in Asia through education.
GoodWeave sends adults to investigate the safe working conditions in carpet factories where children are enslaved by the rug industry. If the conditions are not safe, they work towards rescuing these children and giving them more appropriate opportunities.
Mountain Ash puts the spotlight on Black Heritage
In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine.
During Black History Month, students, staff and parents from across Peel will participate in a number of activities that promote the understanding of the many contributions made by black Canadians. Here is a list of events happening at Mountain Ash:
Daily announcements and Black History Trivia School-wide Black History Trivia Contest Patty Day – February 14 Black History as highlighted in February’s Assembly February 3rd
Health and Physical Education Curriculum supports the physical, emotional and social well-being of students Working together to keep our students safe and healthy
The Peel District School Board implemented the Ministry of Education’s revised Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum in the 2015-16 school year. The curriculum is divided into four elements that work together to support the physical, emotional and social well-being of students:
active living movement competence living skills healthy living
Peel staff will again teach the human development and sexual health component to students, beginning spring 2017. This provides time for teachers to develop strong relationships with their students prior to this phase.
Advance notice letters will be sent home with students two weeks prior to the human development/sexual health lessons. Families can submit religious accommodation requests at any time prior to the lesson by contacting the school directly.
To get more information on how the HPE curriculum will be taught, please visit our website at www.peelschools.org/HPE.
Insπre. Gr23ness. 2gether.Everyone is a math teacher, parents included
Parents and other adults in our students' lives are important partners in children's mathematics education. By engaging your children in thinking and talking about mathematics, you help support their numeracy success.
To help you with this, one great resource is the Ministry of Education's Doing Mathematics with Your Child. You can find this guide for parents of children in kindergarten to grade 6 online at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentGuideNumEn.pdf.
For more math tips and tools for parents of kindergarten to grade 12 students, visit the Peel District School Board’s Math Help site at www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild/math.
Bus Cancellations – Parents Please Call SafeArrival
Please note that when the Peel District School Board cancels buses, all parents who keep their child(ren) home MUST report this using the SafeArrival system before the start of the school day. This includes bused and non-bused students and ensures the safety of all students. A call will go home to confirm the absence if the school is not notified.
Please call 1-855-209-6155 before 8:30 am.
It's time to register children born in 2013 for kindergarten
We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2013, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2017. You can register your child at any time during regular school hours—just visit the school he/she will be attending to register.
Peel schools will also hold a Kindergarten Registration Week with special registration activities during Feb. 6 to 9, 2017. Visit Mountain Ash Public School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 6, 7, 8 and 9 and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 9.
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 arrangementProof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated
COOKING WITH CAREGIVERS
Dear Parents/Guardians/CaregiversWe are inviting Caregivers and Children to take part in an exciting program that will get children and caregiver involved in the kitchen and make healthy meals together.
This program is called “Cooking with Caregivers” and will start on February 15 th , 2017 . This is a 10 week program that will take place every Wednesday after school from 3:30-5:00PM at Mountain Ash Public School.The Caregivers and Children will learn:❏ The skills they will need to cook healthy, low-cost snacks and meals❏ That cooking is fun❏ How to make healthy food choices❏ To feel empowered in making healthy choices together.
**Please note this program is facilitated by the school Settlement worker and School health Nurse and is free of cost! This program is open to both Mountain Ash Public School and Eagle Plains Public School and is open to children aged 5 and up and their caregivers (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle etc.)If you are interested in registering yourself and your child, please send back this slip to the school by February 10 th , 2017
Please Contact Ms. Ridhim Mehta for more information and to register.Phone #: 647-302-1950E-mail: [email protected]
Yes, am interested in registering in the “Cooking with Caregivers” session
On Saturday, August 26, 2017 we will be holding our twenty-fifth annual YOUNG RIDER ORIENTATION DAY for ALL Kindergarten children. The intent of the day is to introduce children to school buses in an informal setting prior to the first day of school.
We encourage you to participate by bringing your kindergarten children and elementary age siblings to a one hour program between the hours of 9:00 am and 12 noon. Bus rides and a school bus safety video are only part of the informative fun. All Young Rider Days have been tremendous successes.
We look forward to having a wonderful time with each of you and your children.
Detailed information concerning site locations will be provided in April.
Sincerely,
Tom Howe,Manager, Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR)
Introduce your children to school buses prior to the first day of school
Saturday, August 26, 20179:00 am – 12:00 noon
We encourage you to participate by bringing your kindergarten children and elementary age siblings to a one hour program between the hours of 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. Bus rides and a school bus safety video are only part of the informative fun!
SAFETY TIPS YOU CAN USE
Statistics prove that students are at far greater risk of serious injury outside the school bus than they are while aboard. Whenever possible, reduce that risk by supervising children at and en route to or from, their bus stops. There is simply no substitute for an adult’s vigilance. And please share this information with student passengers; it may one day save a child’s life.
Get to the bus stop in plenty of time so you don’t have to run
Wait for your bus in a place that’s away from traffic in the road
Bus stops are not appropriate places to push or wrestle with your friends
Let the bus stop before you try to get on
If you can touch the bus, you’re too close
Remember if you can’t see the bus driver, then the bus driver can’t see you
The driver will let you know when it’s safe to approach the bus
Take the steps one at a time, holding onto the handrail
Go right to a seat, and sit quietly, without blocking the aisle
Listen to your bus driver, and obey any requests
Leave the bus in single file, holding the handrail
Walk away from the bus without running, and never go behind it
If you have to cross the street to leave or board your bus, you need to be 10 giant steps away from the front of the bus. Watch for overhead red lights to flash, and wait for your driver’s signal before crossing
If you ever drop something underneath the bus or in its path, leave it there! Never, never, stop to pick it up.
Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR) is a consortium, operating on behalf of both the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, which provides bussing service for thousands of students each year.
Riding the school bus is a new experience for kindergarten children and some French Immersion students. The following information will help you prepare your child to ride the school bus.
Who may ride the school bus?Kindergarten students who live more than one kilometre from the school, and eligible French Immersion students, qualify for transportation.
What you should know? Because central pick-up and drop-off
locations are used, children have to walk from their home to the school bus stop.
Your child’s school will inform you of bus times and bus stop locations. Schedules are approximate, so students should be at bus stops at least five minutes before the designated time.
Sometimes bus drivers can’t enter new subdivisions because of construction activity. In this situation, you are responsible for taking your child to the nearest bus stop.
Meeting your child at the bus stopYou are responsible for your children before they step on the bus and the moment they step off the bus.
If no one meets your Kindergarten child at the bus stop, the bus driver is required to take the child back to school.
Special safety featuresThe following safeguards will assist kindergarten students during the first few weeks of school:
Primary protocol for transported students:The primary protocol for transported students has been implemented in order to enhance the safety of those Kindergarten and Grade 1 students who are transported home by bus at the end of the school day. All junior and senior kindergarten students must be met by a parent/caregiver at their designated stop. Students who are not met will be returned to the school by the driver at the end of the bus run or route. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that these students are met daily. In order to ensure that this procedure is successful, we need the cooperation of school administration, bus drivers and parents.
Identification tagsThe school will give identification tags to kindergarten students identifying their school, bus run and bus stop location. This ensures that children get off the bus at the right place. Please make sure that your child wears the identification tag.
Bus numbers:Each school bus has a run number posted in the window.
Bus stops:Bus drivers will also call out the name of each bus stop to help children get off the bus at the correct stop. Please make sure your child knows the name of the bus stop.
Safety Training:All elementary school students will be provided with a bus safety program which includes a bus evacuation drill during October/November. This program is provided by the contracted bus operators during the school day.
Preparing your child to ride the school bus
Tips to help make your child’s bus ride safe
You can help keep your child safe on the bus by sharing the following tips with your child:
At the bus stop Stay back from the road Wait quietly in line when getting on and
off the bus Stay back until the bus stops, its lights
start flashing and the door opens Get on and off the bus one at a time Wait your turn to get on the bus – don’t
push or shove Always look both ways before crossing in
front of the bus Speak quietly to your friends and try not
to raise your voice Keep your pet at home – pets at the bus
stop may distract children from getting on the bus
On the bus Sit properly in your seat You can talk to your friends Stay in your seat – never stand when the
bus is moving
When you leave the bus Look in all directions before you cross the
street Use your eyes and ears before you use
your feet Go straight home – don’t make any stops
along the way Walk – don’t run Stay three metres (the length of a car) or
more from the front of the bus
Things to remember Your name, address and telephone
number Your school and teacher’s name Your bus driver’s name
If it is dark on the way to or from the bus, make sure your child wears light-coloured or reflective clothing to make sure he or she is visible
Make sure your child knows what to do if he or she misses the bus – come back home or, it at school, report to a teacher – and never accept a ride from a stranger
You can help keep your child safe Plan your schedule so that your child does
not arrive at the bus stop too early – your child may be tempted to wander or get into mischief
Student behaviour affects bus safetyThe behaviour of each student on the bus directly affects the safety of others. The bus driver reports incidents of poor behaviour on the bus in writing to the school principal. Depending on the seriousness of the incident, the principal may issue a warning to the student, speak to parents, suspend bus privileges or take other disciplinary action.
Young Rider OrientationIncluded in this package is an invitation for you and your child to attend the Young Rider School Bus Orientation Program on Saturday, August 26th, 2017.
For more informationFor more information, contact your school principal for the transportation office in your area:
For more busing information, please visit our website at www.stopr.ca STOPR Office (905) 890-6000 1-800-668-1140For more information on school bus safety, call the Canada Safety Council at (613) 739-1535 or visit the school bus safety web site at www.elmer.ca
Bus cancellation & 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 announced on radio and television stations listed below and will also 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.
VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 CHUM AM1050 CFTR AM680CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSEGLOBAL NEWS CTV BREAKFAST TELEVISION
One of the following messages will be announced (highlighted text only):
Peel District School Board buses are cancelled. 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 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 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 Board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.
Offence Declaration Required for Returning Volunteers
Parents play an important role in the development and education of their children and in the success of the school community. At Mountain Ash, we welcome and encourage the participation of parents and community members, and are grateful for the countless hours our volunteers contribute throughout the school year.
To volunteer at our school, you must complete a short interview and a criminal record check. A criminal record check is required for all school volunteers in Ontario. Even if you want to accompany your child on a field trip, you need this record check.
Once you have completed the process, you are on file with the Peel District School Board as being a school volunteer. All returning volunteers will receive an Offence Declaration form that must be filled out and returned to the board office each year. Completing the Offence Declaration will ensure that you can continue volunteering in the next school year. Expect to receive the form in February.
REGISTER TODAY
Saturday, April 1, 2017 – 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Mississauga Secondary School, Mississauga
The Peel District School Board is hosting its annual parent conference on Saturday, April 1, 2017, at Mississauga Secondary School in Mississauga. Once again, the conference will focus on numeracy—30 out of 60 workshops help with math. Parents will still have the opportunity to attend workshops on other topics, including literacy, special education and science.
This free learning event is open to Peel parents of students at all grade levels. Child care will not be provided.
The conference includes: a powerful keynote presentation focused on math success your choice of 60 practical workshops facilitated by Peel board staff a display area with educational exhibits from local organizations free lunch and an opportunity to meet Peel parents
Register online, beginning Feb. 1, 2017, at www.peelschools.org/parents/conference
February Buxwlaks & Bear Moon Aboriginal SpiritualityFebruary 1 Vasant Panchami HinduismFebruary 1 or 2 Imbolc WiccaFebruary 3 Setsubun-sai ShintoFebruary 6 to 25 month of Mulk Bahá’íFebruary 10 to 11 Tu B’Shevat (at Sunset) JudaismFebruary 11 Lantern Festival/Magha Puja BuddhismFebruary 15 National Flag Day CanadaFebruary 20 Family Day OntarioFebruary 24 Mahashivratri HinduismFebruary 25 to 28 Intercalary Days Bahá'íFebruary 27 (J) Clean Monday ChristianityFebruary 27 Losar Buddhism
Happy February!
February 2017 Attendance Line:
1-855-209-6155Sunda
y Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday SaturdayCandygram Sales February 1st to 13th 1
Popcorn Sales2Pizza Day
3 Popcorn SalesWear Pink DayBlack History Month Assembly with Speaker Nadine WilliamsGrades K-4 - 12-12:30mGrades 5-8 – 1:30 pm to 2:30
4
5 6 7 8 9 Pizza DayKindergarten Report Card Information Day3:15 pm or 6:00 pm
10 Popcorn SalesWear Pink DayReport Cards
11
Kindergarten Registration 9 am - 3:00 pm Monday to Friday and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Thursday12 13 14
Valentine’s DayPatty Day – 2nd Nutrition Break
15 Popcorn SalesMississauga Steelheads Hockey Game for Grades 5-8Cooking with
