Macville Online Newsletter November 2014

Macville News Page Item

Message from the Principal 2 Macville Cross-Country Team 3 Grade 3 Pioneer Trip 3 Safety in the Parking Lot 4 Photo Retakes 4

Board News 5 It’s Cold and Flu Season 5 Peel Board Advantage Education Fair 6 Regional Learning Choices 6 Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week 8 Extended French 9 French Immersion 10 Follow us on Social Media 11 Tutoring for Math 12 Help you child prepare for tests 12 Winter Bus Safety 13 Consent to Receive Electronic Communications 14 Engage Math 15 Kindergarten Live! 17 Celebrating Faith and Culture 19 Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder 20

Macville News

Message From the Principal

October has been a busy month! Our house system is up and running and our Earth,

Wind, Fire and Water teams are active in the school, participating in activities and

events within the school. Students have been actively participating in many teams

outside of school as well, as can be seen with the huge turnout for cross-country.

In addition to this, students have been tree planting, raising money for Terry Fox

and United Way and going on many fieldtrips, such as the one featured this month

to Brittania School House.

The 27th Annual Macville Craft Show held on October 18, 2014 was a resounding

success. The tremendous organizing and advertising done by the student/parent

community and the Community School Craft Show Committee is very

appreciated. We would just like to thank everyone for all the help during the craft

show. Thanks to Mrs. King-Judge and the staff for their participation in the

raffle and the donation of all the wonderful prizes. Café Macville had brisk sales

again this year owing to the efforts of Erika Fosbury and her team of wonderful,

supportive Macville parents and students who gave their time to bake and serve!

Finally, as you are aware, Macville will be starting a new Science and Technology

regional program next year. This program will be for Grade 5 students going into

Grade 6 and will be a three year program. If you would like more information about

this or other regional programs, please plan to attend Peel Advantage Fair North

on Saturday, November 8th from 10:00—3:00 at Harold Brathwaite Secondary

School 415 Great Lakes Drive, Brampton.

Macville at Cross Country

On Friday, October 24th, the Macville Junior Cross Country Team participated in

the 8th Annual Family of Schools Event held at Albion Hills. 42 enthusiastic and

dedicated students trained for 6 weeks, and then completed to the best of their

abilities. Grades 3's and 4's ran 1.8 Km, and Grades 5's and 6's ran 2.8 Km. It was a

perfect fall day with all of the colours in display ! A big thank you goes out to the

many parents, grandparents and other family members who came out to support us,

what a

fantastic Macville turnout !

Mrs. Leupolt, Mrs. Okazawa, Mrs. Dacres, Mrs. Donohue

Grade 3 Pioneer Trip On Tuesday, October 28th, our Grade 3 students attended a fieldtrip

to the Old Brittania School House. Students and staff had a tremendous time role playing and experiencing what it was like to be

a student in pioneer times.

Many thanks to the Grade 3 team for organizing this tremendous learning opportunity.

Safety in the Parking Lot

When dropping off children at the school, please ensure that you pull up to the curb.

We have noticed several students coming across the parking lot, which is not safe.

Thank you.

PHOTO RETAKES

TUESDAY,

NOVEMBER 18TH

Board News

It’s Cold and Flu Season!!

Prevent the flu. It’s in your hands.

Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection. Always wash your

hands with soap and water when they are dirty.

Clean your hands before:

touching your eyes, nose or mouth

touching/preparing food or drinks

eating or drinking

caring for someone in your home who can easily get sick (baby, elderly or someone who has an

unhealthy immune system)

first aid Clean your hands after:

touching pets or other animals

touching surfaces such as a railing or grocery cart

touching money

touching objects sick people have touched

contact with those who have a cold, the flu, diarrhea or virus of any kind

wiping your own or a child’s nose

sneezing or coughing

using a facial tissue

using the washroom

removing gloves What to do when you cough or sneeze:

cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve

put used tissues in the wastebasket

clean your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer For more information call Peel Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.

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 programs and secondary schools in Brampton, Caledon and Malton. Staff and students will be available to answer questions about the schools’ academic and extracurricular programs. The day will also include student musical performances and sport games in the gymnasium. Snacks will be provided.

Regional Learning Choices 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 students 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:

Actively in Motion (AIM) Advanced Placement Arts

Arts and Technology

Graphic Design Management: Flexography

International Baccalaureate

International Business and Technology

International and Executive Leadership Academy

SciTech

Sports

Strings

Truck and Coach Technology

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

Arts & Culture

Business and Entrepreneurial Studies

Construction

Environment

Health and Wellness

Hospitality and Tourism

Information and Communications Technology

Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services

Manufacturing

Non-Profit

Sports

Transportation

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.

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 happens. 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 Intervention 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

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 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 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 will be available 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/

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 will be available 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 Immersion program

visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca/

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 Peel schools on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/peelschools.

Follow @Peelschools on Instagram where we share

motivational and inspirational #PeelProud moments.

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 tutoring. 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 resources include math games and a virtual locker, where students can save their work. Homework Help is a project funded by the Ministry of Education.

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, studying 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, studying etc. Make the home a homework-friendly environment where learning is regular routine. Remove distractions like the television, phones, computers 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

assignments. Develop practice tests and help them anticipate questions. 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, assignments, exercises

Use your child’s agenda to communicate with their teacher—ask questions, check for homework tips, etc.

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.

Consent to receive electronic communication

Dear Families:

As you may know, Canada’s new anti-spam law came into effect on July 1, 2014. This law requires the

Peel District School Board and its schools to have consent from you before we send you any electronic

communication (e.g. synrevoice texts, email) that contains commercial information.

While the majority of Macville’s electronic communication to families is about school and/or Peel board

initiatives and activities, we may also include commercial information, such as details about fundraisers,

field trips, the sale of yearbooks, student pictures, book sales, event tickets, special offers for Peel

students and families, or similar events and offers.

Although we may have previously collected your email address, in order to be compliant with the new

law, we must receive your consent (in writing) to receive electronic communication from our school.

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

electronic communication, please provide your consent by filling out and submitting an online

form available at http://subscribe.peelschools.org

You may also choose to provide your consent by filling in the required information in the form

below and returning it to your child's teacher.

If you do not provide your consent, you will not receive any electronic communication from

Macville.

You may withdraw your consent and unsubscribe from our communications at any time by clicking the

unsubscribe link in any future email. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school at

(905) 857-3448.

**Please note this consent request is separate from our school website’s subscription service. Even if

you have already provided consent to receive emails from our school website, you must still complete

and submit this form in order to receive information updates from the school via other electronic means.

CONSENT TO RECEIVE ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION FROM MACVILLE

I hereby consent to receive electronic communication from Macville at the email address I have

provided below. I understand this consent will be effective for the duration of my child’s education at

Macville. I understand this information may be shared with the School Council (co-)chair(s) for the

purposes of sending School Council information to me via email.

Date:____________________ Name(s):

___________________________________________________

I am/We are the parent(s)/guardian(s) of

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

_

(include full names and grades of all students)

Email address(es):

______________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

_

Parent/Guardian

signature(s):______________________________________________________________

Please note: If you do not provide your express consent, you will not receive any electronic

communication from Macville.

Insπre. Gr23ness. 2gether.

“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 potential, 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

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.

Celebrating Faith and Culture November 2014

DATE

CELEBRATION FAITH AND

CULTURE

November Gwilatkw Aboriginal Spirituality

November 1 All Saints' Day Christianity

November 1 Samhain Wicca

November 1 Ashura Islam

November 4 -22 The month of Qudrat Bahá'í

November 6 Dev Diwali Jainism

November 6 Birth of Guru Nanak Sikhism

November 11 Remembrance Day Canada

November 12 Birth of Baha’u’lláh Báhá'í

November 15 or 28(J) or

30

First day of Advent (Christmas

fast)

Christianity

November 16 Louis Riel Day Aboriginal Spirituality

November 23 - December

11

The month of Qawl Bahá'í

November 24 Martyrdom of Guru Teg

Bahadur

Sikhism

November 26 Day of Covenant Bahá'í

November 28 Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Bahá'í

November 30 First Sunday of Advent Christianity

Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder November 2014 The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the world.

To commemorate this diversity, the board recognizes special faith and culture days of our

communities. November 2014 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and

remember:

November - Gwilatkw in Aboriginal Spirituality

This season is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia. It

is a time when the earth is blanketed with the first snow and also prepares itself to be covered for

the long winter months.

November 1 - All Saints' Day in Christianity

All Saints' Day began as the Feast of All Martyrs on May 13, 609 A.D. All Saints' Day is a

universal Christian feast that honours and remembers all Christian saints known and unknown.

It is celebrated on Nov. 1 in the West. In medieval England, the festival was known as All

Hallows, hence the name Halloween (All Hallows' eve) for the preceding evening - October 31.

How churches observe the Feast of All Saints differs widely.

November 1 - Samhain in Wicca

Samhain (pronounced saw-an), commonly referred to as Halloween, is a religious holiday

celebrated by the followers of the Wicca faith and celebrates the Celtic New Year. The festival

traditionally is a feast for the gathering of the family in love and remembrance, including

ancestors.

November 3 - Ashura in Islam

This is the 10th

and most sacred day in the month of Muharram, especially for followers of the

Shia faith, and a day of fasting. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Hussain (Prophet

Muhammad's grandson) in 680 CE. Muslims observe 10 days of mourning from the first of the

month. Ashura is also associated with the safe landing of Noah's Ark on Mount Arafat.

November 4 to November 22 - The month of Qudrat in Bahá'í

In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute

of God. November 4 is the beginning of Qudrat, the thirteenth month of the Bahá'í calendar,

signifying "power."

The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.

November 6 - Dev Diwali or Lokashah Jayanti in Hinduism and Jainism

Dev Diwali is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Kartik (first month in Hindu/Jain

calendar). Tulsi Vivah (marriage of Tulsi - Mahalaxmi incarnate with Lord Shaligram - Vishnu

incarnate) is celebrated on this festival. Followers of the two faiths, resolve on this day, to give

up negative traits like ego, anger, greed, etc. in pursuit of spirituality. On this day, Jains

remember their spiritual leaders and also commemorate the liberation of Tirthankara Mahavir by

lighting lamps and reading the scriptures

November 6 - Birth of Guru Nanak in Sikhism

This day, one of the biggest celebrations in the Sikh faith, honours the birthday of Guru Nanak,

the founder of the Sikh religion. To celebrate, followers of Sikhism read the Sikh holy book, the

Guru Granth Sahib, continuously from beginning to end. This is done by a team of men and

women, each reading for two to three hours over 48 hours, ending early on the morning of Guru

Nanak’s birthday.

The gurudwaras are decorated with flowers, flags and posters depicting various aspects of

Sikhism. Sikhs join together to sing, pray, offer and eat special foods like karah prashad, a sweet

made from semolina, sugar and ghee (clarified butter).

November 11 - Remembrance Day in Canada

Canada honours the memory of men and women who have served our country in times of war,

conflict and recent peace duties. It remembers those lost during World War 1, World War 2, the

Korean War and other recent conflicts by observing a moment of silence at the 11th

hour.

Poppies are distributed as flowers of remembrance.

November 12 - Birth of Baha’u’lláh in Báhá'í

The followers of Báhá'í faith commemorate the Birth of Baha’u’lláh, the founder of the Báhá'í

faith.

Baha’u’lláh was born in Teheran in August 1817 into a noble family. He declined the ministerial

career of his father that was open to him in government and chose instead to devote his energies

to a range of philanthropies which had, by the early 1840s, earned him a reputation as “Father of

the Poor.” Baha’u’lláh founded the faith in 1852 from the roots of Judaism, Christianity and

Islam.

There are no set practices or services to commemorate the various holy days of the Báhá'í faith.

Different communities may organize devotional days of prayers and readings appropriate to the

event.

November 15 or 28(J) or 30 - First day of Advent (Christmas fast) in Christianity

Christmas or winter fast is the Lenten Season observed from Nov. 15 up to Dec. 24. The

followers of the Gregorian calendar begin their fast from Dec. 1st. It is a period of fasting,

praying and reflecting – in preparation and anticipation of the coming of Christ and Christmas.

The followers of the revised Julian calendar begin their fast from Nov. 28th

and observe it over a

40 day period.

November 16 - Louis Riel Day in Aboriginal Spirituality

This day is celebrated in memory of Louis Riel, the Metis leader who helped his people form a

government and become part of the newly created Dominion of Canada in 1870, and preserve

Metis rights and culture. Today his name is a symbol of native independence.

November 23 to December 11 - The month of Qawl in Bahá'í

In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute

of God. November 23 is the beginning of Qawl, the fourteenth month of the Bahá'í calendar,

signifying "speech."

The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.

November 24 - Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur in Sikhism

This day pays homage to the martyr, Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth guru, who willingly sacrificed

himself for the right to practice the Sikh faith.

To celebrate this day, followers visit gurudwaras (Sikh places of worship) and observe the

martyrdom of this guru with prayers, processions and kirtans (religious songs). Langar or

community lunch is served, and is open to people from all walks of life and all faiths. Volunteers

serve food with a spirit of seva (service) and bhakti (devotion).

November 26 - Day of Covenant in Bahá'í

On this day, Bahá'ís commemorate the establishment of the covenant that their founder,

Bahá'u'lláh, made with his followers in order to prevent division of the faith into sects and

denominations. He designated his son, 'Abdu'l-Bahá, as the "center of the covenant" and Shoghi

Effendi, as "the guardian" of the faith.

November 28 - Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá in Bahá'í

On this day Bahá'í followers commemorate the passing of Abdul'Báha, son of the Prophet-

Founder of the Bahá'í Faith. He died in Haifa, Palestine in 1921.

November 30 - First Sunday of Advent in Christianity

The Western Christian church year begins with Advent which is also a time when Christians

prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ. Advent begins on the Sunday closest to November 30 and

lasts until Christmas Eve.

Many churches include an advent wreath in their Advent services. The wreath consists of four

candles (three purple and one rose) arranged in a circle of evergreen which symbolizes eternal

life. The candles are lit progressively as follows:

* First Sunday: one purple candle

* Second Sunday: two purple candles

* Third Sunday: two purple candles and the rose candle

* Fourth Sunday: all four candles

The rose candle is also called the "Joy" candle and it comes out of the history of Advent. The

Advent fast was broken on the third Sunday in anticipation of the great event to come. Often a

fifth white candle is placed in the center of the circle. This is the Christ Candle, symbolizing

Christ's birth, and it is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

Ideas for celebrating special faith and cultural days in your school

If you have a colleague who celebrates one of these days, don't forget to offer them best wishes!

If you have students in your school who are followers of any of the listed religions:

- Make sure the dates are included on your school calendar

- Have your principal announce the day over the PA system

- Hold an assembly to talk with students about the importance of these days

- Include a mention of these days in your school newsletter

- Include information on your school website

- Display student artwork announcing these days or depicting their ideas about these days

- Invite a member of a local faith group to come in and discuss the significance of this day with

students

- Have class discussions about these days

- Ask some of your students who celebrate certain holidays to write a short essay on how they

celebrate this day at home. Have them read it to the class to share this celebration with the

other students.

- Have parents offer a cultural session

Questions?

If you would like any more information on how to celebrate these days, please call Varsha Naik,

Community Liaison Coordinator at 905-890-1010, ext. 2573 or e-mail her

varsha.naik@peelsb.com