Whitehorn PS Newsletter May 2017/Important Information from PDSB (1-9)

Whitehorn PS Newsletter May 2017/Important Information from PDSB (1-9)

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Whitehorn ps

Whitehorn PS Newsletter May 2017/Important Information from PDSB (1-9)

Whitehorn

Public School

5785 Whitehorn Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario L5V 2A9

Tel: (905) 819-9807 Fax: (905) 819-8250 Web Site:

WHITEHORN "PEAK" – Participation, Effort, Achievement, Kindness

A special welcome to all students and their families who are attending Whitehorn for the first time!

The student agenda has been prepared to provide you with important information about our school. Please visit the Office for a copy. You will be able to access monthly school newsletters at:

From the desk of the Principal and the Vice Principal: Mrs. Manners & Mr. Chisholme

The school year is winding down really fast especially because we are having such a good time at Whitehorn! The Primary LEGO Research Show Case, Education Week, Junior Concert, Cheers for Toronto’s Sports Teams, Assemblies are just some examples of showcasing student talents. Staff members are also continually developing professionally through Professional development sessions while supporting student engagement and growth. Spring is here and now we can collectively do our very best to nurture students until June and plan for September.

We would like to thank all Whitehorn Families for their generous Food donations at our Concert. We would also like to ‘Thank’ all our amazing Parent Volunteers for their time, effort and commitment to Whitehorn!

Hope to see you at school events! Please visit the School newsletter website at:

Web Site:

Whitehorn PSImportant dates: May/June 2017

May 17EQAO Practice Day (Gr.3)

May 18Start with a SMILE (5:45-7:00 p.m.)

(for new Full Day KindergartenFamilies)

May 22Victoria Day (School Closed)

May 25School Council Meeting (6:00 p.m.)

May 30 - June 1st EQAO Testing (Gr.3 only)

June 9Tuck Shop Sale Last Day (Cookies/Popcorn/Milk/Ice Dawgs)

June 12Report card Writing Day (No School)

June 13Pizza Lunch Sale (Last Day)

June 15Subway Lunch Sale (Last Day)

June 20Play Day (Whole School)

June 22nd Students of the Month Assemblies 9:30 a.m. (FDK, Gr,1,2 and PComm.)

June 23rdStudents of the Month Assemblies 9:30 a.m. (Gr.3,4,5,& J.Comm.)

June 23rdGr.5 Graduation Rehearsal (1:45 p.m.)

June 23rdLost and Found Pick up day for Parents

June 26KCoL(FDK) & Report Cards go home

June 27Gr.5 Graduation (2:00 to 3:00 p.m.) Gym

June 28Play Day (Rain Date)

June 29Canada Day Parade (Last School Day for Students)

June 30Professional Learning Day (No School)

(Additional dates in Classroom Newsletters/Websites)

Peel board celebrates public education during
Education Week – May 1 to 5

Peel public schools will host hundreds of special activities and events to celebrate Education Week 2017. To give schools plenty of time to hold activities, this celebration of education will be held from May 1 to 5. The theme for this year's focus on education is We Inspire Hope.

In addition to inviting parents and community residents to visit their classrooms during the week, Peel schools are hosting open houses, plays/musicals, storytelling, environmental activities, awards assemblies, talent shows and much more.

One of the highlights of Education Week is the presentation of Awards of Excellence. The award recipients are students, volunteers, staff and community partners who have made outstanding contributions to public education in Peel. The awards will be presented to 31 deserving recipients at the Showcase of Excellence ceremony on May 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the boardroom, HJA Brown Education Centre, 5650 Hurontario St., Mississauga.

More than 800 individuals will also be honoured during Education Week with Awards of Distinction for their contributions to their school or workplace.

Peel public schools celebrate Education Week

Peel public schools will host hundreds of special activities and events to celebrate Education Week 2017 from
May 1 to 5. The theme for this year's week-long focus on education is We Inspire Hope.

May 1st -May 5th at Whitehorn – We Inspired HOPE evident in our Walk of HOPE throughout the school.

Each year, more than 50,000 parents and community members across Peel attend activities and events during Education Week. We are looking forward to an equally successful week this year.

SafeArrival: Reporting absences and lates

Every day counts—attendance matters!

Regular school attendance is an important factor in your child’s school success. Research shows that chronic absenteeism (missing 2 days per month for a total of 20 days per year) can negatively impact your child’s learning. Getting to class on time and avoiding absences are critical if your child is to get the most out of school.

In the event that your child won’t be attending school, please be sure to report your child(ren)’s absences prior to the start of the school day. Late arrivals and/or early departures should be reported as soon as possible.

SafeArrival will allow you to report your child(ren)’s absences quickly and conveniently in one of three ways:

  1. You can call into an automated, interactive telephone system via a toll free number—
    1-855-209-6155.
  2. You can log into a website, pdsb.schoolconnects.com, to access a SafeArrival Parent Portal.

An account can be set up to report absences.

  1. You can download the SafeArrival mobile application for Apple and Android devices.

If your child’s absence is not reported in advance, the automated notification system will contact parents/guardians at multiple contact numbers until one of the designated contacts is reached to verify the absence. If our automated system is unable to reach a designated contact, office staff will follow up.

Please ensure you complete the reporting process by recording the confirmation number provided at the end of your call. If you do not receive a confirmation number, the absence will not be recorded by the automated system.

If you have any questions, please contact the school.

Whitehorn puts the spotlight on Asian Heritage

In December 2001, the Senate adopted a motion proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month.

Throughout May, students, staff and parents from across Peel will participate in a number of activities that promote the understanding of the many contributions made by Asian Canadians. At Whitehorn PS, we incorporated Asian Heritage in our Concert and we will continue to showcase our focus through Literacy.

Peel schools honour police officers during Police Appreciation Week

The Peel District School Board will pay tribute to police officers by holding Police Appreciation Week from May 14 to 20, 2017. Peel students and staff will show their appreciation for the tremendous job being done by police to protect schools, homes and communities. Police Appreciation Week coincides with National Police Week. National Police Week pays tribute to the work of police officers across Canada.

"The Peel board appreciates the dedication and commitment of police officers who work to keep our schools and communities safe," says Janet McDougald, Peel board chair. "Police Appreciation Week is our way of thanking officers who dedicate themselves to protecting our community. It's also a way to give these officers the special recognition they deserve."

During this week, students, staff and parents in schools throughout Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga will honour the work of police officers and thank them for enhancing public safety and security.

May 7 to 13 is Emergency Preparedness Week

What is Emergency Preparedness Week?

The first full week of May of each year is Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week. This year, we will celebrate EP week May 7 to May 13. EP Week is a nation-wide initiative to increase awareness about individual and family preparedness, emphasizing how the public can reduce the risks and consequences of an emergency by being better prepared. During this week, we promote, educate and bring about awareness concerning emergency management planning and personal preparedness. This year, the theme is Plan. Prepare. Be Aware.

What is the purpose?

The purpose of EP Week is to educate students, parents and the community about the importance of being prepared in the case of an emergency.

Children’s Mental Health Week - May 1 to 7

Ontario has designated the week of May 1 to 7, 2017, as Children’s Mental Health Week. Children's Mental Health Week focuses on increasing awareness of the signs of child and youth mental health problems, decreasing stigma and understanding that help is available and treatment can work.

Using themes such as Eat, Sleep, Move, and Positive Relationships, students will participate in learning and activities that promote well-being throughout the week.

At the Peel District School Board, fostering student well-being and positive mental health is just as important as creating comprehensive academic programs. Within the Peel board our strength is in our diversity. Valuing diversity and inclusion is something that all Peel schools encourage students and staff to do. It is not something that we pause to teach—it is embedded in all we do and teach every day. Recognizing Children’s Mental Health Week is just one way for us to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, helping us achieve equity for all students and staff.

The safety of our students is our top priority

Throughout the school year, incidents in our school communities happen. Our staff take precautions to emphasize street-proofing skills with your child. However, we feel that it is important that you take an opportunity to review safety procedures with your child.

Peel Police have provided the following safety guidelines if your child encounters a stranger:

  • Tell your children to never go anywhere with a stranger, not to talk to strangers and never take anything from them. You also have to teach them what a "safe stranger" is in case they need help. A safe stranger includes a police officer, a cashier, a fire fighter, etc.
  • Remind your child to never walk alone—always walk with a group.
  • Develop a "what if" game for the kids to get them thinking of how they would respond if they felt threatened or afraid.
  • Know who your children play with and where they go. This includes keeping a list of their friend's addresses and phone numbers.
  • Remind your children not to take short cuts through parks, ravines, or other secluded areas.
  • Your child's body is private. Tell your child that no one may touch the area their bathing suit covers. If someone does or tries to touch them, they should advise you immediately.
  • Teach your children to talk to you immediately when someone does anything that makes them feel strange or uncomfortable. Listen when your children are trying to tell you about something that bothers them and provide them with support and understanding.

Tips for riding the bus:

  • Take a seat as quickly as possible, put belongings under the seat and stay seated.
  • Never stick anything out of the window, including part of your body.
  • Refrain from eating on the bus. If a choking incident occurs, the driver may not be able to help immediately.
  • Wait until the school bus stops before standing up to exit the vehicle.

Tips for exiting the bus:

  • When getting off the bus, take two large steps away from bus. If you have to walk in front of the bus, do so at least three metres (10 giant steps) away from the bus.
  • The driver must be able to see students exiting the bus and will give a signal when it is safe to cross. If more than one student is crossing in front of the bus at the same time, they should cross in single file.
  • Children must never reach for something that is under the bus without the driver’s permission. Let the driver know that something is under the bus or wait until the bus moves out of the way.

Tips for walking to school:

  • Help your child establish a safe, direct route to school. Avoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks, busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow.
  • Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road and walk facing traffic.
  • Cross streets at intersections and at crosswalks and learn to look to the left, the right, and the left again before proceeding.
  • Wait until traffic comes to a stop before crossing. Make sure drivers see you before you cross. Don't assume the driver will stop for you.

On the road again: How to keep your cyclist safe

Here are some tips you can review with your child to ensure bike season gets off to a great start:

The right fit

  • children should be able to straddle the bike with both feet on the ground
  • a bike that is too big or too small can be a safety hazard
  • the helmet should fit—if it's too loose, it could fall off, if it's too tight, it's uncomfortable

Get noticed

  • a young child's bike should be equipped with a bell and reflector
  • older riders should have a light and/or reflectors

Follow the rules

  • no riding on busy streets
  • no riding at night
  • stop for all STOP signs

Actions that cause injuries

  • driveway ride out—not stopping and looking both ways before entering the street
  • running the stop sign
  • turning without warning
  • cycling in the dark
  • following the leader—one child goes through a stop sign or misses a parked car but the second cyclist doesn't

Keep your child safe around train tracks

Trains are often closer and are moving faster than most motorists and pedestrians perceive. That's why all members of a family should be are aware of the importance of rail safety.

Safety steps for children

  • Playing on railway tracks and bridges is dangerous. Find safe, supervised and open areas (e.g., neighbourhood parks) in which to have fun.
  • The only way to safely cross a rail track is to use designated railway crossings.
  • If you must cross railway tracks, for example on your way to and from school, stop, look and listen before crossing.
  • It is against the law to trespass on railway property.

Safety steps for adults

  • Be prepared to stop at a highway/ railway crossing.
  • Listen for warning bells and whistles of an approaching train. Turn off, or turn down distracting fans, heaters, music/radios.
  • Obey the signals. Never attempt to drive under a gate as it is closing or around a closed gate. If the gate begins to close while you’re underneath, keep moving ahead until you clear the crossing.
  • If a police officer or a member of the train crew is directing traffic at the crossing, obey their directions.
  • If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out quickly and away from the vehicle and tracks. Move in the direction that the train is approaching from to avoid being hit by debris. Your vehicle will be swept forward by the momentum of the train.

Register today for Adult ESL or LINC classes

Do you know an adult that is interested in improving their English language skills for work, study or daily life?

Through the Continuing & Adult Education department, the Peel District School Board offers a wide variety of English language classes that help parents experience success in Canadian English in both listening/speaking and reading/writing. Courses are designed for a range of basic, intermediate and advanced English (Levels 1 to 7) as well as the more experienced learner needing to prepare for an IELTS exam.

Classes are ongoing - Register anytime.

All learners that complete a session will earn a certificate of learning from the Peel District School Board.

Classes operate from six locations in Brampton and Mississauga with three specially designed adult centres at:

  • Bramalea​ - Adult Education Centre - 25 Kings Cross Road, Unit 3
  • Brampton - Adult Education Centre - #300 - 7700 Hurontario Street
  • Mississauga - Adult Education Centre - 100 Elm Drive West, Room 117

To learn more or to register, call 905-270-6000

Also, visit or follow us on Twitter: @PDSBLearnESL

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