Be the Change and Make a Difference!

PANTHER PRIDEImportant Dates

May

Asian Heritage Month

May 1st – Gr. 8 Transitions in the Library with Ms. CroftMay 1st – 4th – Children’s Mental Health Week May 3rd – Gr. 7’s visit Lincoln S.S. (11:30-2:30pm); Floor Hockey Tournament;Lincoln & North Park S.S Volunteers (PM) @DarcelMay 3rd & 4th – Gr. 6 Lincoln Fitness DayMay 7th – 14th - Director’s Cut @Darcel working with the Gr. 7 classesMay 8th – 11th – Gr. 8 Trip to Quebec CityMay 14th – Cricket Tournament; Peel School Messenger SafeArrival LaunchMay 14th – 18th – Police Appreciation WeekMay 17th – Mayfield S.S. Volunteers @Darcel (PM)May 18th – Dodgeball Tournament May 21st – Victoria Day – NO SCHOOLMay 22nd – June 4th – EQAOMay 22nd – COY Make-up DayMay 31st – Asian Heritage

PrincipalNikki Hutchison

Vice PrincipalPhil Hepworth

SuperintendentPatrika Daws

TrusteeRick Williams

Principal’s Message May Extra Curricular Activities

*Girls & Boys Floor HockeyGirls Practice lunchtime @ 11:50 am Thurs. before school @ 7:50 am, Wed. afterschool 3:05-4:15pm with Ms. Poshni, Mrs. Peseski-Morel & Mrs. Coley; Boys Practice with Mr. Rossi*Counting On You Gr. 7 & 8 Tues. & Thurs. @3:05 – 4:30 pm*Wellness Centre Drop InMon. & Thurs. 8:20 – 8:40 am with Mrs. Cap/Ms. Croft*Morning BallMon. – Fri. before school in the Gym with Mr. Hepworth & Mr. Gill*S.A.F.E SquadMeetings Day 2 @11:30am in Room 2 with Mr. Crichlow*Gr. 7 Bucket Drumming GroupMon/Wed/Thurs @lunch with Mrs. Lee*Senior Girls Flag Football TryoutsMon/Wed @11:50am in the Gym*Anime ClubThurs. @lunch in Pod 13/14 with Mrs. Poshni*Comic Book ClubThurs. @11:50 am Pod 4 with Mr. Crichlow*Dance ClubDay 5 @ lunch with Ms. Massis & Ms. Kaur*Sign Language ClubMon. @ 11:45 am Rm10/Library with Mrs. Peseski-Morel*Golf ClubThurs. @11:45am with Mr. Kingston*Eco Club/Albion HillsDay 5 @11:45 am in lunchroom with Mrs. Lowe & Mr. Majic*Robotics & Coding ClubDay 5 @11:30 am with Mrs. Marcelli*WE DAYDay 3 @11:30 am with Mrs. Marcelli*Everything Club Day 5 @lunch*Craft Club @11:50 am with Mrs. Buccieri*Drop in Basketball for Gr. 8Fridays before school with Mr. Gill*Language ClubTues. @lunch in Sem. A with Mrs. Ahmed*ChoirTues. @11 :30 am in Music Room with Mrs. Lee*Library Leaders in HR everyday*Math Help Tues/Wed/Fri after school (OFIP)*Dodgeball Practice with Ms. Croft & Ms. Malliaros*Cricket Practice with Mr. Pestano

Dear Darcel Parents/Guardians,

The excitement is in the air at Darcel as we welcome a wonderful Spring.  It has taken some time in getting here, however the warmth is very much welcomed.

We thank our amazing Educators for their continued dedication and extra time in helping to organize all of our Month of Pink and Education week events – in addition to our clubs and sports teams.  Celebrating inclusion and student voice is at the core of Darcel Ave. S.P.S..

With the month of May upon us, we are looking ahead to supporting our Jump Rope for Heart initiative. We appreciate your generosity and support for this fundraising initiative.

This month we recognize and celebrate Asian Heritage month.  We will have various songs playing prior to our morning entry, our E-announcements will have interesting facts and trivia to further build awareness of the cultures of Asia and there will be a Cultural Dress day along with our end of month assembly. 

Also, at the end of the month, we will begin our EQAO testing with our Grade 6 students. The specific test dates are as follows: Wednesday, May 23rd to Wednesday, May 30th; in total 6 testing dates. We would like to wish our Grade 6 students all the best as they begin to write the EQAO test.

We look forward to the start of the final two months of school here at Darcel.  These two months are always filled with wonderful activities and lots of excitement.

Sincerely,Nikki Hutchison

7635 Darcel Avenue, Mississauga L4T 2Y2 | 905-677-3802 | http://schools.peelschools.org/1104

May 2018

PrincipalNikki Hutchison

Vice PrincipalPhil Hepworth

SuperintendentPatrika Daws

TrusteeRick Williams

PANTHER PRIDE Page 2

Online parent portal to access important student information

The Peel District School Board is excited to announce the launch of ParentConnect, an online parent portal to access important student information. The pilot program was introduced at select schools and phased in to all Peel schools on Feb. 23, 2018. What is ParentConnect? ParentConnect is a safe and secure website, created by the Peel District School Board, that acts as a single point to stay informed and to access all electronic services provided to Peel board parents and legal guardians. The parent-friendly website will allow you to:

view school-based alerts and information access real time absence reporting view current and historic elementary report

card information get up-to-date busing information review secondary school credit history and

diploma status and more

To learn more about the benefits of ParentConnect, visit our school website or www.peelschools.org/parentconnect

Important changes coming to SafeArrival system in May 2018

The Peel District School Board is currently using the SafeArrival system by Synervoice Technologies. As Synervoice has been sold to West Communications, there will be slight changes to our SafeArrival system and how you will report your child’s absence from school. The phone number to report your child’s absence will stay the same, but there are a few other changes.

Beginning May 14, 2018, all elementary school parents/guardians need to report their child’s full-day absences, late arrivals and/or early departures from school via our new School Messenger SafeArrival system.The phone number will stay the same: 1-855-209-6155.

Website has changed to: go.schoolmessenger.ca

Download the new app: School Messenger App (from Google or Apple)(please be sure to delete the old Safe Arrival app after May 11)Please continue to use our current Synervoice system until Friday, May 11, 2018. The new School Messenger SafeArrival will be live on Monday, May 14, 2018.

Important to note:The transition to a new company and system will require parents to set up a new account with School Messenger SafeArrival as data will not be transferred from the old system to the new. More information on how and when to set-up your new account will be coming in the next month.

Parent resources help you support your child’s learning

At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each child. There is no doubt that families play a vital role in helping us achieve this goal. As our partner in education, we hope you'll stay connected to your child's learning throughout his or her entire school experience. 

Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild to explore all resources available to parents.There you will find easy-to-navigate buttons that connect families

Raising Resilience

Resilience is an important part of well-being. It is being able to ‘bounce back’ from difficult times, setbacks, and other significant challenges. It includes being able to deal effectively with pressure, and get through tough times.

Raising Resilience Tip:

Accept children & youth for who they are Children and youth are more likely to be resilient if they feel accepted for who they are. Acceptance means we must resist the temptation to judge and criticize. When people feel validated they feel worthy and valued, which means when they encounter setbacks they will have the confidence to try again.Letting children know specifically what you love about them or why you are proud of them can bolster resilience.“I am so proud of how you treat others with respect. The way you encouraged your classmates outside the school this afternoon made them feel so special!”

“You worked so hard at that activity today. I know you didn’t come first, but all that matters is that you tried hard – and it looked to me like you gave it everything you had!”

When we let people know we accept and care for them, and offer them specifics, they feel like they can conquer anything!

What is Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is a legislated committee that makes recommendations to the board on matters affecting the education programs and services for students with special needs. SEAC meets monthly during the school year and consists of three trustees and representatives from organizations within Peel. An important focus for SEAC members is to bring forward the views of their organizations and assist parents in navigating the school system. You can reach out to your trustees or the appropriate organization to discuss any matters regarding special education or join us at one of our monthly meetings. All meetings are open to the public and includes a set time for questions from the community. For more information about SEAC and the meeting schedule visit, http://peelschools.org/parents/specialed/specedac/Pages/default.aspx

Darcel Avenue Senior Public

School7635 Darcel AvenueMississauga,

L4T 2Y2

PHONE905-677-3802

FAX 905-677 - 6185

We’re on the Web!

See us at:http://schools.peelschools.org/

1104Or follow us on

Twitter/Instagram:

@DarcelSeniorPS

darcel_ave_sps

Student trustees elected for 2018-19 school year

Laura Oris-Naidenova and Amanpreet Chonkrian have been elected as student trustees for the 2018-19 school year. These results were announced at the Regular Meeting of the Board on April 24.

Laura Oris-Naidenova, from Clarkson Secondary School, will represent schools south of Highway 401, and Amanpreet Chonkrian, from Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School, will represent schools north of Highway 401. The student trustee elections were held in schools on April 17 and 18.

Student trustees serve an important role by representing students in decisions about education in Peel, and keeping students informed about important decisions that affect them. For more information about student trustees and their responsibilities, visit www.peelschools.org/students/studenttrustees.

Spring Yard Clean-UpDarcel’s Spring Yard Clean-Up will take place between May 1st and May 14th. Students will be doing their part to make the school a cleaner and greener place for everyone.

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 8) 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, then press 2

Also visit www.peelschools.org/adulteducation or follow us on Twitter: @PDSBLearnESL

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 18, 2018. 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.

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.

Keeping children safe in and around storm sewers, waterways

Rising and fast moving water in lakes, ponds and creeks is increasingly likely during spring. Children playing in and around storm sewers and watercourses, entering storm sewers through the outfalls, and entering storm sewers through access covers is dangerous. The following information will help keep children safe:

water flows in storm sewers and watercourses are unpredictable and may change quickly

toxic gases may be present in and around storm sewers and watercourses

access is restricted, making rescue attempts are difficult

tragic falls could take place

Please review this information with your children and let them know how dangerous storms sewers and waterways are.

We Welcome the World Centres The Peel District School Board’s We Welcome the World Centres located in Brampton, Malton and Mississauga, are the first point of contact for all newcomer families to become familiar with the

educational system in Peel. The centres are open all year—including the summer months— from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to providing literacy and numeracy assessments, the We Welcome the World Centres provide newcomers with a host of services including: reception, orientation, interpretation and referrals.

At each centre, parents/guardians and students will discover:• settlement service information• age and grade appropriate educational and related program resources• information about various community supports • translation of materials to support the reception and assessment process• computer portals— providing information on Peel resources

For more information about the We Welcome the World Centre and the services they provide, call 905-366-8791.

Celebrating Faith and CultureMay 2018

DATECELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

May Yansa'altt and Flower Moon Aboriginal SpiritualityMay 1 Beltane WiccaMay 1 Nisfu Sha’ban IslamMay 2 12th Day of Ridvan Bahá'íMay 10 or 17 (J) Ascension ChristianityMay 16 or 17 Ramadan IslamMay 17 to June 4 the month of 'Azamat Bahá'íEve of May 19 to 20 Shavuot JudaismMay 20 or 27 (J) Pentecost ChristianityMay 21 Victoria Day CanadaMay 22 or 29 Sakyamuni Buddha’s

BirthdayBuddhism

May 22 to 25 Aboriginal Week Aboriginal SpiritualityEve of May 23 to 24 Declaration of the Báb Bahá'íMay 24 Zarathosht-no-Diso ZoroastrianismEve of May 28 to May 29

Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh Bahá'í

May 29 Wesak Day/Buddha Day Buddhism

Using social media safely

With the growing number of social media sites, it is no surprise that social media is the most common form of communication for children and teenagers. Posts, status updates, comments, instant messages, video uploads, tweets and texts have become a regular part of their lives. While there are many positive benefits to using social media, including staying connected with friends and expressing your interests, students must be cautious in their use of these networks.

Among the most popular social media platforms used are Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube and Whatsapp Messenger. Many of these platforms are free and are available on smartphones and other electronic devices. These platforms are easy to navigate and often allow information to be shared instantly, not only with friends, but with strangers. On social media, it is important to remember that the world is watching.

Here are some tips, provided by the Canadian Safe School Network and GetSafeOnline.org, to keep your children safe and help them make smart choices when using social media:

Set some boundaries for your child before they get their first ‘connected device’ (mobile, tablet, laptop or games console). Once they have it, it can be more difficult to change the way they use it or the settings.

Have a conversation about what is appropriate online behaviour and what actions could have huge repercussions that could damage their reputation and be harmful to others.

Talk to your child about the kind of websites they look at. Encourage them to speak to you if they come across something they find worrying or upsetting on websites, games or social media.

Discuss with your child what is safe and appropriate to post and share online. Written comments, photos and videos all form part of their ‘digital footprint’ and could be seen by anyone and available on the internet forever, even if it is subsequently deleted.

Explain to your child that being online doesn’t give them anonymity or protection, and that they shouldn’t do anything online that they wouldn’t do face-to-face. Users should only accept people they know in order to protect themselves from spammers, strangers and others who may be using social networking sites to commit crimes.

Unlike when they’re meeting someone face-to-face, children don’t always know who they’re actually ‘talking’ to online, even if they think they do. Tell your children they must never email, chat, or text with strangers, and it’s never okay to meet a stranger in the real world.

Ensure your children set their privacy settings appropriately. Take the time to learn how privacy settings work on your children’s favourite sites, and teach them how to control their privacy.

Tell your children never to share personal and private information with anyone online. This includes, but is not limited to, his or her full name, age, birth date, address, phone number, social insurance number, credit card information and parents’ full names.

Limit the amount of time that your children spend on social media platforms and talk about the importance of healthy and appropriate use of technology.