2473 Rosemary Drive Mississauga, L5C 1X1 (905) 277- 4321 schools.peelschools.org/1375 February2012

"At Hawthorn, we inspire the academic, social, physical and emotional development of each child, creating a community of lifelong learners. We do this by providing a safe and caring learning community which challenges each student, instills the love of learning, a quest for knowledge and respect for themselves, others and the environment."

The Hawthorn Life

Hawthorn is a small, caring school that looks to develop its students through experience. All of our teachers strive to provide engaging and meaningful lessons that help link what our children are learning to the world around them. No longer are the subjects separate from themselves, as learning outcomes now often involve the integration of skills from language, math, the sciences, and the arts. Although we continue to report on the subjects separately, the assessment in each of the subject areas can be taken from one culminating task. For example, the study of Canadian regions or an investigation into land use can involve mapping, measurement, writing, reading, art and drama. A task may include technology, media literacy, data management and social science.

Our staff has been working with other schools to develop these rich tasks that elicit critical thinking and creativity. Students are becoming more aware of why they are learning what they’re learning by applying their skill development to authentic tasks. Creating a newscast using a Rogers Television studio, building models of the human body systems, creating a Public Service Announcement on healthy living, or making a movie about bullying; these are the types of tasks that challenge our students to apply their learning in a meaningful way.

But there is more to learn about life at Hawthorn. There are art clubs, glee clubs, sports teams, knitting clubs, chess and robotics and social clubs. We are engaging our students to become leaders through the ambassador program, peer mentoring, lunchroom helpers, office helpers, playground leaders, Think Bowl and spelling competitions and The Forest of Reading program.

We are engaging our parents through our School Council and the fundraising events, Education Week activities, our Rocket Readers night, our website, our Home Connect phone system and the many newsletters and agenda notes that go back and forth each month.

For a small, caring school, life at Hawthorn is rich indeed!

Reminders for Us All

Absences

This time of year, it becomes more frequent that children stay home because they’re not feeling well, have picked up a cold, or are involved in appointments. This is just a reminder, but an important reminder, that you phone the school when you know your son or daughter will not be attending the next day. Our answering machine is on at all times, so you can call and leave a brief message noting your child’s name, their class/teacher and the reason for their absence. If you child is away the next day, then you must call in again. A simple message helps us greatly in making sure your child is safe.

School Hours

Our supervision of children begins at 8:45 am. and goes to 3:45 pm. Especially on these colder days, please ensure you do not drop off your children too early, or pick them up too late.

Traffic Safety

So far we’ve been lucky the snow has not been a concern, but soon enough we may be having snow banks and a slippery parking lot. Please try to continue to use the drive through lanes of St. Martins Secondary School as your drop off spot. Cars should never be left unattended in this area. If using the new paved pathway at the east end of our parking lot, be very careful when backing up or turning around, as visibility may not be as good in the winter.

Library News

The Forest of Reading Program has begun and the students are busy reading. The 2012 nominated books are fantastic and the buzz can be felt around Hawthorn. We presently have approximately 70 students participating in the various divisions which are: Blue Spruce (K – grade 2), Silver Birch Express (especially designed for grade 3), Silver Birch Fiction (grades 4, 5, 6), Silver Birch Non-Fiction (grades 4, 5, and 6) and Red Maple Fiction (grades 7 and 8).

Our older students (grades 3 to 8) have been asked to discuss their books with the teacher experts assigned to each book. They can do this during recess or lunch periods. In addition, we want to know what students think about their books. They can write their thoughts on our Forest of Reading Discussion Board and also rate the book (one to four trees) on our rating board. So, make sure to walk down the hall and read the amazing messages.

I also want to take this time to thank all the teachers who have volunteered their time to read the books and become our experts. I couldn't have done this without them.

Finally, I would like to extend a warm and heartfelt thank you to my dedicated library helpers who volunteer their time every morning recess in the library. They have made my transition into the library a much easier one.

My final thoughts: Literacy is alive at Hawthorn! Happy Reading!

Mrs. Da Costa

Skate-a-thon

On Friday, February 3rd, the School Council is funding our annual Skate-a-thon fundraiser at Huron Park Rink. Students are asked to gather pledges for their hour on the ice to support our school literacy initiatives. Everyone should wear a CSA approved hockey helmet and gloves, for their safety. Kindergarten and Grade 1 students should be accompanied by an adult. Hot chocolate will be available to all skaters!

What a great opportunity for fun and fitness; in fact it is so great that council has secured the ice for the following Friday, February 10th, for a fun skate as well. Thank you, Hawthorn Community.

It's time to register children born in 2008 for kindergarten
Register at Hawthorn Public School on Feb. 6, 8, 9 & 10

Starting school is a big step. Begin this journey into learning with us—register your child for kindergarten. If your child was born in 2008, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2012.

Registration will be held at our school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 6, 8, 9 & 10 and 5 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 9.

What you will need to bring to registration

  • proof of child's age – birth certificate or passport
  • proof of address – a copy of an offer to purchase or formal lease agreement or a bank statement or utility bill with your name and address (Note: if using a lease agreement, it must be accompanied by a second form of proof of address)
  • proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate living arrangement
  • proof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized, according to the recommended immunization schedule in Ontario, to protect against the following:
  • diphtheria
  • mumps
  • polio
  • red measles
  • rubella (German measles)
  • tetanus

Important information about immunization

In order to attend school in Ontario, your child must have an up-to-date immunization record. When you registeryour child for school, you will provide copy of your child's immunization record and the school will send it to Peel Health. After registration, keeping your child's records up to date is your responsibility. Peel Health reviews immunization records regularly. Students who are not completely immunized and do not have a valid exemption may not be allowed to attend school.

For information about immunization, or to get a copy of your child's record call Health Line Peel at 905-799-7700; Caledon residents can call toll-free at 905-584-2216. Translation services are available.