10 Pinestaff Road, Brampton, ON L6P 3X9 Phone 905-796-4572 Fax 905-796-4573

Principal—Mrs. P.Lone Vice-Principal—Mrs. T. Ajrawat Vice-Principal - Ms. S. Bineesari

Office Manager—Mrs. B. Elder Superintendent—Ms. Patrika Daws Trustee—Mr. Jagdeep Mann

Walnut Grove P.S. Newsletter

Walnut Grove’s Daily

Schedule

Entry Bell 9:15

Period 1 9:15 - 9:55

Period 2 9:55 - 10:35

Period 3 10:35 - 11:15

Nutrition Break A 11:15 -

11:35

Nutrition Break B 11:35 - 11:55

Period 4 11:55 - 12:35

Period 5 12:35 - 1:15

D.P.A. 1:15 - 1:35

Nutrition Break C 1:35 - 1:55

Nutrition Break D 1:55 - 2:15

Period 6 2:15 - 2:55

Period 7 2:55 - 3:35

A Message from the Principal It is hard to believe that we are already into the month of November. This month

Walnut Grove will see many events happening throughout the school. Progress

Reports will be sent home on November 6th, along with confirmation of parent

interview times with your child’s teacher. This is a great opportunity to discuss

your child’s progress, strengths and next steps. Our Grade 2 and 3 classes will

have a different type of parent/teacher meeting – they will participate in

“Student Led Conferences,” where the students discuss their learning with their

parents, using their portfolios as evidence of learning. During the evening of

Parent Interviews (November 13), there will be a Book Fair in the Library. Please

stop by and browse, perhaps for some Christmas gifts for family members.

We will observe Remembrance Day on Monday, November 11, starting at 2:30

pm in the school Gym. Parents are welcome to join us for this event, as it is very

important to remember and honour those who have served, and continue to serve,

to keep our country safe.

Walnut Grove will be sending 110 students from Grades 7 and 8 to the “Choose

Action” event at the Powerade Centre – an event for schools across Peel, to raise

awareness about anti-bullying and our collective responsibilities to stand up to stop

bullying. Just prior to this event, a few of the Basketball players will be at Walnut

Grove to give a presentation to the Grade 7 and 8 students about goal-setting and

working hard to achieve your dreams.

There will also be an information night on Thursday, November 20, from 7:00 –

8:00 pm, for parents interested in applying for the Grade 1 French Immersion

program.

Don’t forget our Character Assemblies on November 27, at

9:30 am and – all parents are welcome to attend. Apart from

all of these things, extracurricular activities and clubs

continue to flourish at Walnut Grove!

With so many exciting events happening here at Walnut

Grove, I am looking forward to seeing you at the school

sometime during the month of November.

November 2014

School Security

All parents and visitors enter-

ing the school during school

hours must be buzzed in

through the front doors and

sign in and out at the office.

You are also reminded to

wear a visitor’s badge while

you are in the school. For

safety reasons, it is important

that we know who is in the

school at all times.

Medication

If your child will require to

take or have any medication

(eg. Epi-pens, inhalers) while

at school due to asthma, aller-

gies or other medical condi-

tions please inform the office.

You will be given a medical

form that will need to be

completed by your family

doctor and returned to school

with the medication. No

medication can be adminis-

tered at the school without

having a current medical form

completed and on file at the

school.

Notifying the School of a

Student Absence

Your child’s safety is very im-

portant to us, for this reason

please make sure to call the

school and leave a message on

our attendance line for each day

that your child is going to be

absent from school or will be

coming in late.

A message can be left on the

school’s attendance line at any-

time, however please call before

9 a.m. for the current school

day. Safe arrival calls will be

made each day for students that

have an unexplained absence.

Attendance Line -

905-796-4572, press #6

Late Arrivals

If a student arrives late to school, after the 9:15

a.m. entry bell, they must report to

the office to sign in and receive a

late slip before going to their class.

Please help your child arrive to

school on time up establishing and

encouraging morning routines.

Follow us on social media

Social media is the easiest and fastest way to stay connected to the amazing things happening in the Peel District School

Board.

Follow @Peelschools on

Twitter to:

learn about our schools and programs

find out if buses are cancelled during bad weather

share the Peel smile

Follow @Peelschools on

Instagram where we share

motivational and inspiration-

al #PeelProud moments.

Follow Peel schools

on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/peelschools.

Our school is on social media too!

https://twitter.com/WalnutGrovePS

If you wish to receive information, including school newsletters, from our school via email or other elec-

tronic communication, please provide your consent by filling out and submitting an online form available

at http://subscribe.peelschools.org

What’s Happening at Walnut Grove P.S.

Student Government

Girls Club

Bus Patrollers

Counting On You

Me to We/Free the Children,

Library Leaders

P.A.L.S.

Choir

Cheerleading Club

Sports Club, Volleyball, Basketball, Cross

Country

Walnut Grove Athletics

The Physical Education team of Mr. Amaraso, Miss Simone, and Miss Carreiro have been gearing up for an exciting year of

fitness through games and sports. The grade 5/6 and 7/8 Basketball Intramurals during Nutrition breaks have kicked off at

Walnut Grove Public school with a tremendous start. We will keep you updated with our leading teams!

We have also started a grade three boys and girls sports club, along with a grade four boys and girls sports club. Our

Sports teams consisting of Volleyball and Basketball are also underway. Please encourage your son or daughter to get in-

volved in our activities. All students have demonstrated awesome teamwork and enthusiasm!

Keep it up wolves!

Math Mentoring Program

The math mentoring program between our grade eight stu-

dents and Castlebrooke Secondary School students will begin

this month. The program has multiple benefits for the stu-

dents. The intermediate students will work in groups with an

assigned high school mentor, through the use of a video chat

tool called Lync 2103, to complete weekly math problems and

work together on a final math project that delves into a social

justice issue. The program promotes the understanding that as

21st century learners we need to develop networks of co-

learners, build mentor/mentee relationships, practice appropri-

ate online etiquette and solve problems collaboratively.

Monthly Character/Social Justice Focus

For the month of November, the focus will be on Peace

as we also celebrate Remembrance Day this month.

Here are some things to think about:

With younger children, this theme can be simply peace -

peaceful classrooms, peaceful countries, and a peaceful

world. For older students, we address two kinds of

peace: this first kind, as well as inner peace - what makes

people peaceful within themselves. What ideas do stu-

dents have about peace?

Monthly Character Trait Winners

Each month students will be recognized for demonstrating the monthly character traits. The character trait for September

was Courage and the students that were recognized are:

Kindergarten: Karam D., Sahee S., Gurjeevan K., Shreya S., Shlok P., Azara Z., Inasah Y., Aviroop J., Aikamjeet K., Tavish

M., Zakir S. and Gaurish B.

Grade One : Nishan G., Mukharbind K., Jonathan G., Sachin V., Anjalie P., Brandon R., Kazia A., Shivam S., Shivam P.,

Ava E., Riva G., Raghav K., Giya B., Arjun K., Zainab J. and Evan S.

Grade Two: Shaan S., Bilal R., Sharjena S., Shamiq S., Brandon R., Sian M., Dombria G., Jagjot D., Flora P., Bilal Y., Ashley

G., Balkarn N. and Khush P.

Grade Three: Tanvi S., Jiya S., Sheldon C., Kayden C., Heetayu R., Drishti K., Gurleen S., Aathischan P. Kailena S., Maya B.,

Anshit M., Trevone P. and Sarina D.

Grade Four: Harmandeep D., Vidhi P., Samreet D., Abhi R., Nitish J., Kavisai S., Jishika T., Hita D., Navraj B., Sahib K. and

Muskaan H.

Grade Five: Angad L., Ashita M., Soriya R., Kavi P., Aaron S., Ahmed G., Amareen S., Priya D. and Umar C.

Grade Six: Supriya G., Kofi W., Cyrus O. and Darcia R.

Grade Seven: Vivigea J., Abdu O., Angad P., Thanish P., Ayub N. and Navishka B.

Grade Eight: Cassy B., Hersimran A.

The character trait for October was Inclusive and the students that were recognized are:

Kindergarten: Ira D., Viren S., Deepal C., Armaan T., Armaan A., Hailey G., Seerit B., Aarya K., Laiba R. Tishana J.,

Parleen D., Prabhneet C.

Grade One: Pranavi K., Khirithik T., Anaya P., Sukhsahej S., Sukhmeet C., Ayaan Z., Gurshan S., Amaia J., Shanice L.,

Payam B., Sarah R., Makai S., Karmine D., Prabdeep K., Ria N. and Krish G.

Grade Two: Parth P., Gunwaris B., Raghav S., Saanvi G., Ashon B., Colleen H., Miveen M., Gurveer B., Tyler P., Conia Y.,

Hisham H., Ariana C. and Jeevan D.

Grade Three: Luvisha M., Devanjit S., Hartaj A., Taryn P., Avni V., Priyanka D., Rudra P., Saranyan P., Mnroop H., Yaqub

O., Fina G., Harisha S., Navdeep B. and Rattanpal M.

Grade Four: Rhythm G., Tanvi T., Khushi J., Ashley J., Malhaar S., Zeel P., Anjali D., Dhruv K., Jasnam K. and Ennah O.

Grade Five: Ahthesan M., Emily C., Nana A., Ryan S., Haroop D., Thanuja T., Gurtej K. Simmar B., Nadia E and Jasmin K.

Grade Six: Ritik B., Jatinpal D., Khushi K., Kirat K., Gurnoor D., Dayna M. and Nathan L.

Grade Seven: Abi S., Veer P., Isaac O., Max T. and Jaskirat P.

Grade Eight: Jas T., Krishna P., Halima O., Samira N., Alyissa S., Preet P. and Humraj B.

Helpful Hints About Math

Adapted from the Literacy & Numeracy Secretariat

Supporting your child’s learning in Numeracy:

Parents are important partners in their children learning in numeracy education.

Begin by engaging your child in thinking and talking about math. Children need

to believe that they have an ability to learn mathematics. Parents can be their chil-

dren’s role model for learning. Provide a supportive and relaxed atmosphere

where your child will feel comfortable taking risks and having fun with math.

Tips for Parents

Build Strong Positive Attitudes About Math. Children will want to stick with an activity or seek a solution to a prob-

lem when they are engaged and feel successful.

Begin with Activities that meet your child’s cognitive abilities. Build your child’s confidence in problem solving by

starting with easier problems and then add activities with greater challenge.

It is fine to use a language other than English, if it makes you and your child comfortable. Learning in a language one

knows best will help children to understand concepts better.

A Strategy to Use

Have your child select numbers important to them. For example---birthday, house number, months of the year, class-

room number...

Have your child demonstrate different ways of showing the number. For example, my house number is 40. I can show it

in different ways:

10 X 4 = 40 10+10+10+10 = 40 60-20 = 40 80/2 = 40

The Habs won again the Leafs last week, We don’t

know the exact scores but we know the problems.

Solve the problem to figure out the points.

Habs: (16-8)-4+10-10 Leafs:

By: Shiriram (7B)

In the Stanley World Cup Game the Leafs won 7

games, Canadiennes won 2 games and the Pen-

guins won 1 game.

How many more games did Leafs win than the

Canadiennes? Who might have won the game?

By: Vidhi (6A)

The Toronto Maple Leafs scored 3 goals in last

nights hockey game and the Montreal Canadiens

scored 4 goals. How can we use ten frame to

represent how many goals where scored in total?

Submitted by 1A

Montreal and Toronto are facing off. Toronto has 6,000 fans and

Montreal has 15,000, how many fans are there in total?

Toronto vs. Montreal: Toronto has 15, Montreal has 29 shots.

Toronto takes 15 more shots and Montreal took 6 more shots on

net in the 3rd period. How many total shots did each team take?

Toronto has not won a Stanley Cup since the year 1967, we are in

the year 2014 now. How many years has it been since the Leafs

won the cup?

It is the NHL entry draft there are 77 players who will get drafted.

There are 30 NHL teams. How many players will each team get?

By: Dhruv and Japnam (4FA)

There were 700 fans inside the stadium, 850 fans

outside the stadium and 6000 fans watching on t.v.

1324 fans were cheering for Montreal, 392 people

were watching online. How many Toronto Maple

Leaf fans were watching?

By: Amrit (5/6)

Hockey Math Problems

As you know, there is a fun rivalry between Mrs. Lone’s Montreal Canadiens and the students’ Maple Leafs. Mrs. Lone

asked the students to create math problems about the first Habs-Leafs game. Here are some hockey math problems:

Cross Country Meet

On Tuesday, October 21st, a team of Intermediate students

from Walnut Grove took part in the annual Cross-Country run

at Heart Lake Conservation Area. This is the first team our

school has sent out to an event since our move to our new

building and they were great representatives for our student

body. Ms Dumas and Ms Dodge, the team's coaches, were

proud of the strong effort put forth by our runners, especially

on such a cold and wet day. One of our runners, Anthony,

demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship when he stopped to

help an injured runner from another school.

Way to Go Wolves!

Music at the Grove

Hello to parents and students from the Mrs. Locke! I

would like to invite you all to

follow our Music at the Grove

twitter page. Here, you will find

samples of the music we play,

some pictures of the fun activities

we do, as well as important in-

formation about assemblies and

school performances! Use the

QR code or follow us at:

https://twitter.com/musicatthegrove.

Choose Action on Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

The Peel District School Board will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week during the week of November 16

to 22.

Across the Peel board, schools use many programs and initiatives to prevent bullying and to intervene when bullying hap-

pens. 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 communities

Every school has a Climate for Learning and Working Team which is required to develop a Bullying Prevention and Inter-

vention 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 consider 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

Winter bus safety

The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter months.

Allow extra time to get to your bus stop.

Wear bright clothing so the bus can see you in the early morning and late evening.

Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow and ice.

Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on wet or icy steps or road surfaces.

Dress 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 driveways 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.

NOVEMBER REPORTING:

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress Reports will be sent home with all students on Thursday,

November 6. Interview confirmation forms will also be sent home

at that time, confirming the date and time of the scheduled inter-

view with your child’s teacher. Interviews this year will be on the

evening of Thursday, November 13, and the morning of Friday,

November 14. This is an important and valuable opportunity to

meet with your child’s teacher to discuss strengths, challenges and

next steps. Teachers are looking forward to meeting with all par-

ents during this time.

Please note that the Grade 2 and 3 clas-

ses, as well as 1A and 1C will be partici-

pating in Student Led Conferences this

year. The timing of these differs from

regular conferences, so please ensure that

you have the correct times for your

meetings.

Welcome to New Staff Members…

Walnut Grove has welcomed 7 new, permanent

teachers, as well as two Long Term Occasional

Teachers

Ms. M. Dubey – FDK

Ms. S. Singh – FDK

Ms. K. Johal – Grade 3/4

Ms. K. Bening – Grade 4/5

Ms. N. Blackmore – Grade 4/5

(English to French Immersion)

Ms. Aly – Grade 7/8

Ms. O’Neil – Planning Time

Ms. L. Ricci – (LTO) Grade 1

Ms. S. Rositano – (LTO) Grade 4FB

We are thrilled to have these dynamic teachers join

our staff!

Walnut Grove’s School Success Goals 2014-2015

At Walnut Grove, our staff are committed to providing strong academic programs for students, which includes incorpo-

rating 21st Century teaching and learning. As a new school community, we want to ensure success for each student in our

school. We know that success is not simply measured by grades – it is all encompassing. The staff at Walnut Grove have

collaboratively developed our School Success Goals:

Numeracy

By September, 2015, 75% of our Grade 3 and 68% of Grade 6 students will achieve levels 3 and 4 in Math, as measured

by EQAO. IF we support teachers in implementing a balanced math program, that incorporates 21st century T&L (inquiry

based, technology, rich tasks, clear success criteria), through the lens of Social Justice, THEN students will engage more

deeply in problem solving, make more meaningful connections, and effectively communicate the process, as well as their

thinking and reasoning.

Literacy

By September, 2015, 75% of our Grades 3 and 6 students will be achieving at levels 3 and 4 in the Primary and Junior

EQAO Assessments in Reading and 85% will achieve at Levels 3 and 4 in Writing. If we continue to focus on providing a

balanced literacy program, while integrating big ideas through the lens of Social Justice, Then students will become more

deeply engaged, make meaningful connections to the world around them and use critical thinking skills across the curricu-

lum.

Bullying Prevention and Intervention

As a new school, our goal for the next two years is to create an inclusive, positive, engaging and accepting learning and

working environment by explicitly teaching problem solving strategies through the Character Attributes and a consistent

school wide program. Through the development of a student led committee, the school community will be developing

leadership as well as being able to look at themselves, community and world through a social justice lens. We are striving

to involve our community members to reinforce, recognize and celebrate pro-social behaviours. We welcome our

community members, as necessary partners in supporting our students and school community.

Mental Health Awareness

Our school goal will be to raise awareness about some of the mental health issues facing our students, staff and families.

As a new school community, we are becoming increasingly aware of the challenges that our stakeholders are facing in

terms of pressures from various sources, family issues and personal stress. Our goal is to train students, staff and familie s

to identify and articulate feelings, and develop strategies to deal with stress, fear and anxieties.

Peel Board Advantage

Education Fair on Nov. 8

If you live in Brampton or Caledon, plan to attend the Peel

Board Advantage Education Fair at Harold M. Brathwaite

Secondary School on Nov. 8. Drop by between 10 a.m. and

3 p.m. to learn about our middle schools with regional pro-

grams and secondary schools in Brampton, Caledon and

Malton. Staff and students will be available to answer ques-

tions about the schools’ academic and extracurricular pro-

grams.

The day will also include student musical performances and

sport games in the gymnasium. Snacks will be provided.

Library News

The book fair is coming!

We will be having a Scholastic Book

Fair in November. Students and their parents will have

an opportunity to purchase books in English and

French.

Book Fair Hours:

Thursday November 13th -- 9:15am-7:30pm

Friday November 14th -- 9:00am-noon

Monday November 17th -- 9:15am-3:35pm

See you there!

Ms. Hall

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, study-

ing 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, stud-

ying etc.

Make the home a homework-friendly environment

where learning is regular routine.

Remove distractions like the television, phones, com-

puters 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 assign-

ments.

Develop practice tests and help them anticipate ques-

tions.

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 and include photos.

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, assign-

ments, exercises

Use your child’s agenda to communicate with their

teacher—ask questions, check for homework tips, etc.

Terry Fox at Walnut Grove

Terry Fox day took place on Friday

September 26th at Walnut Grove. The

school took part in a community walk

and learned about Terry Fox as a Cana-

dian hero. This event was a great suc-

cess and together as a school we surpassed our

goal of $3000 and raised close to $3500! Con-

gratulations Walnut Grove Wolves for being a

part of such a wonderful cause.

Gr. 3 Trip

On Wednesday, October

29, grade 3 students partici-

pated in a field trip to

Downey's Farm. They par-

ticipated in a wagon ride

around the pumpkin patch

and learned about how

pumpkins grow and the different varieties of pump-

kins. Students got to meet a variety of different farm ani-

mals: sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits. They visited a haunt-

ed barn and saw a musical skeleton band. To finish off

the fantastic day, students got to play in the jumbo sized

park. Some favorites were the

giant slide, giant bikes and

bouncy balls! A grade 3 student

was heard saying "This is the best

day ever!"

Is French Immersion right for my child?

If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2015, one

of the important choices you will make is whether you

want to register your child in French Immersion.

What is the program like? What are the advantages and

disadvantages of the program?

One way to help answer these questions is to attend the

information meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.

at the French Immersion school your child would attend.

To find out the French Immersion school your child

would attend:

call the school in your area

visit our website www.peelschools.org/French

call 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212

Registration

Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion for the 2015-16

school year wi ll be avai lable online at

www.peelschools.org/French on Monday Nov. 24, 2014 at

9 a.m.

The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at 4 p.m.

Registrants after that date will be put on a waiting list.

A French Immersion enrolment cap is in place. This means

that a specific number of spots are available for students

entering grade 1 French Immersion. A random selection

process will be used to identify students gaining entrance

into the program. For more information about the random

selection process visit www.peelschools.org/French.

Important dates

Information meeting Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Registration opens Monday Nov. 24, 2014 at 9 a.m.

Registration deadline Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at 4 p.m.

For more information

visit www.peelschools.org/French

call your nearest French Immersion school

talk with parents who have children in the French Im-

mersion program

visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://

on.cpf.ca/

Is Extended French right for my child?

If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2015, one

of the important choices you will make is whether you want

to register your child in Extended French.

What is the program like? What are the advantages and dis-

advantages of the program?

One way to help answer these questions is to attend the

information meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.

at the Extended French school your child would attend.

To find out the Extended French school your child would

attend:

call the school in your area

visit our website www.peelschools.org/French

call 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212

Registration

Registration for Grade 7 Extended French for the 2015-16

school year wi l l be avai lable online at

www.peelschools.org/French on Monday Nov. 24, 2014 at

9 a.m.

The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at 4 p.m.

Registrants after that date will be put on a waiting list.

Important dates

Information meeting Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.

Registration opens Monday Nov. 24, 2014 at 9 a.m.

Registration deadline Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at 4 p.m.

For more information

visit www.peelschools.org/French

call your nearest Extended French school

talk with parents who have children in the Extended

French program

visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://

on.cpf.ca/

Children at Play Workshop

We would like to thank all the parents who attended the Children at Play workshop by Si-

mon Levy. Parents had the opportunity to learn the importance of play. Simon outlined the

difference between bullying and rough and tumble play. The workshop was a huge success.

We look forward to seeing you at our future workshops.

Peel board students have choice

Explore program options at makingmyway.ca

Students have different needs, interests and abilities—our schools offer great educational opportunities to help all stu-

dents achieve. For students looking for a more focused, specialized program, here are some options:

Regional programs start in grades 6, 7 and 9

Students in regional programs still complete all of the requirements of the Ontario curriculum, but there is an increased

focus on an area of interest. Programs include:

Specialist High Skills Major programs start in grade 11

Specialist High Skills Major programs allow students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector, while meeting

the requirements to graduate from secondary school. Students gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant

training. The programs support the transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the work-

place. Peel board schools offer Specialist High Skills Major programs in the following area.

More options for Peel board students

co-operative education programs provide workplace experience

extended French starts in grade 7

dual credit programs allow student to earn college credits at the same time as secondary school credits

alternative programs are available for students who need flexible school hours, are dealing with unique situations, or

require more support

Our guidance counsellors can help students determine which courses will best meet their needs, interests and abilities—

contact the school to make an appointment.

For more information about regional programs, Specialist High Skills Major programs and other programs of choice

available to Peel board students, visit www.makingmyway.ca.

Actively in Motion (AIM) International Business and Technology

Advanced Placement International and Executive Leadership Academy

Arts SciTech

Arts and Technology Sports

Graphic Design Management: Flexography Strings

International Baccalaureate Truck and Coach Technology

Arts & Culture Information and Communications Technology

Business and Entrepreneurial Studies Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services

Construction Manufacturing

Environment Non-Profit

Health and Wellness Sports

Hospitality and Tourism Transportation

Need help in math? Free tutoring now available online

Math students in grades 7 to 10 can access live, interactive online math help by visiting www.homeworkhelp.ilc.org.

Homework Help is free, real-time math tutoring by certified Ontario teachers.

Students can log in from Sunday to Thursday, between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. for individualized confidential math tutor-

ing. There are discussion rooms for each grade where students can join and see what questions other students are asking,

watch the tutors draw on the whiteboard – and ask their own question for on-the-spot help.

Students will also find 24/7 discussion rooms, video lessons and commonly asked questions. Other online math re-

sources include math games and a virtual locker, where students can save their work.

Homework Help is a project funded by the Ministry of Education.

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“Ugh. Math.” Unfortunately, this is the attitude many students (and adults) have about math. If we're going to help our students achieve numeracy greatness, we need to turn these negative attitudes into positive ones. So, our three-year math strategy, EngageMath, starts with something we have enormous influence over—our attitude towards math.

Everyone is born with a math gene

According to Stanford University Professor Carol Dweck, students who believe that intelligence or math and science ability is a fixed trait are at a significant disadvantage compared to students who believe their abilities can be developed. Like anything else, our talents and abilities in math are nurtured only if we have a growth mindset about them. A “Yes I can” attitude when it comes to numeracy is the first step. A “Count on Us” attitude comes next.

To learn more about Dweck's research on student mindsets and how they help students fulfill their poten-tial, watch her Ridley lecture here: http://bit.ly/RidleyDweck. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Online math parent resources

While the Peel board’s EngageMath strategy plans out certain actions, it is by no means a magic bullet to answering the questions and challenges surrounding numeracy and student achievement. Math success for all our students requires a strong partnership between home and school. That's why we're committed to providing you with the parent resources you need to help us boost math achievement.

Online resources to help you support your child or teen's numeracy success are available on the Peel board’s website at http://www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild/math. There you will find links to: tip sheets Homework Help Mathies.ca mathematics curriculum

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Hold the date: Parent Numeracy & Beyond Conference Saturday, April 18, 2015 – 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, Brampton Plan to attend our annual, free Parent Conference on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Take one day to enjoy: a powerful keynote presentation focused on math success your choice of more than 45 practical workshops facilitated by Peel board staff a display area with educational exhibits from local organizations

This year, a large number of morning workshops will provide parents with strategies to help you support math success at home. Brochures will be sent home with all Peel students in January. Registration will open at that time and information will also be posted to www.peelschools.org.