January 2019

Birchbank Public School

52 Birchbank Rd. Brampton, L6T 1L7

Phone: (905) 793-7984 Fax: (905) 793-0100

Principal: A. Khan V. Principal: L. Parker

Office Manager Susan Doyle Office Assistant Antonella Vecchio-Grivicic

Superintendent Liz Cook

Trustees Kathy McDonald Carrie Andrews

School website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1407

TWITTER: @BirchbankBees

------------————----------- SAFE ARRIVAL SYSTEM

Call 1-855-209-6155 pdsb.schoolconnects.com

Please call when your child will be absent from school

What’s

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Dear Birchbank families, Birchbank staff & students are working on school goals that align to the PDSB Board’s goals of high expectations for achievement, a positive, safe, healthy climate and well being, equity and inclusiveness and parent, community and staff engagement. Our theory of action for the next three years will be; “If we create a safe, inclusive learning culture, then students will take risks, make mistakes and deepen their understanding of themselves as a learner.” Throughout the school year parents will learn about how Birchbank staff are working collaboratively to achieve success for all our students. We will also be using a variety of culturally responsive practices to ensure that the goal of equity and Inclusiveness is met. At each staff meeting, the leadership team introduces a culturally responsive text, shares ideas for reading and prompts for follow up activities in classrooms. Staff will be bringing samples of student work from the culturally responsive picture books to our upcoming staff meetings. We believe that if we expose our students to these rich picture books students will engage, feel connected and valued in classrooms. In addition, our climate team has agreed to focus on Mental Wellness work with staff and students. Some of the work so far includes a staff book talk on Calm, Alert and Learning by Dr. Stuart Shanker. Teachers are engaging in professional dialogue about classroom strategies for self-regulation. Our school wide Mindfulness activities each morning allows our students to participate in self-reflection about taking care of their own minds and bodies. The PDSB character traits continue to be part of our school wide learning about building character and citizenship. The Birchbank Ambassadors are working diligently to use the

morning announcements as a platform for teaching about the traits. In January and February we are focused on the trait of Caring. This trait will also be aligned to the work around Black History month and will culminate in an assembly on February 28. Classes have submitted definitions about Caring that are read on the announcements each morning. This week the focus is on each class designing their own Caring App. In addition, when students are caught doing caring acts they receive a gotcha snowflake which is posted on the Peace tree in front of the office.

We hope that parents can have conversations with their children about our school goals and will feel free to ask questions if needed. Thank you for your partnership with the Birchbank community of learners. Sincerely, Annesia Khan, Principal

Principal’s Message

Fun in K1

Brampton Beasts

Library News

ESL News

And much much more…..

Caring

Cooperation

Honest

Inclusive

Respectful

Responsible

FUN IN K1

BIRCHBANK’S

CARING GOTCHAS & CARING CLASS DEFINITIONS

On Wednesday January 30, 2019, our school attended our 4th annual Brampton Beasts

game at the Powerade Centre in Brampton. Tickets for this event were generously donated to our students by

Discount Auto Glass.

BRAMPTON BEASTS BRAMPTON BEASTS BRAMPTON BEASTS

GAMEGAMEGAME

Birchbank Library News

Last November we had a school book fair, we got some new books such as

Dogman, Captain Underpants and Pokemon. If you are interested in these new

books, come to the library and check them out! The money raised from the

book fair was used to buy these new books. We also have a new carpet in the

front of the library. We have goals as Mrs. Khan says on the announcements

almost every day we are one of the best schools in Peel, we are aiming to be

the best. If you're new to the school come meet Ms. Mitchell she is very nice.

Ms. Mitchell made our computer tables into whiteboard tables by painting them

and we used them to write what we want more of in 2019!

WRITTEN by 2 of our Grade 4 students,

JAVONNE R. and AIDEN R.

ESL News

Our amazing school is a safe caring space for all students and staff. Many of us

come from different countries in the world. Did you know, we have 16 different coun-

tries represented and 28 different languages spoken by staff and students in our

building?

A few students created pictures about the wonderful countries their families come

from.

The board website has informative videos on the importance of ESL programs in

schools and the benefits of students continuing to learn their home (first) language.

You can find these and other great resources on the Board website under parents/

programs or use the link below. http://www.peelschools.org/parents/programs/ESL/

Pages/default.aspx

Please reach out if you have any questions about the services we provide.

-J. Mitchell and T. Bak

Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weather During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of in-clement weather. Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Face-book at www.facebook.com/peelschools, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. It is usually also announced on the radio and television stations listed below VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 BREAKFAST TELEVISION NEWS AM680 CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1 NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860 FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSE GLOBAL NEWS CITY NEWS CTV CFRB – (Bell Media) One of the following messages will be announced: Peel District School Board buses are cancelled This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual. All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed This means that all schools and Peel board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits. All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing educa-tion courses and events. The buildings will be closed. All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing educa-tion courses and events. The buildings will be closed. What if my child does not go to school due to a bus cancellation or inclement weather? If your child will be absent as a result of a bus cancellation or you choose to keep your child home due to inclement weather, parents/guardians must report the absence using one of the following methods: For elementary K-8 students: report it through SafeArrival by calling 1-855-209-6155 or visiting

go.schoolmessenger.ca For secondary students: call the school office directly

How to report absences when School Messenger is experiencing technical issues Recently before the Winter break, the SafeArrival system, provided by School Messenger, experienced problems reporting absences through the App and website. While School Messenger works diligently to fix any technical issues, parents/guardians are reminded that absences can always be reported by calling the School Messenger toll-free number 1-855-209-6155 even when the App and website are inaccessible.

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 sur-

faces. Dress appropriately—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. 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.

Offence Declaration required for returning volunteers

Parents play an important role in the development and education of their children and in the success of the school community. At (insert name of school), we welcome and encourage the participation of parents and community members, and are grateful for the countless hours our volunteers contribute throughout the school year. To volunteer at our school, you must complete a short interview and a criminal record check. A criminal rec-ord check is required for all school volunteers in Ontario. Even if you want to accompany your child on a field trip, you need this record check. Once you have completed the process, you are on file with the Peel District School Board as being a school volunteer. All returning volunteers will receive an Offence Declaration form that must be filled out and re-turned to the board office each year. Completing the Offence Declaration will ensure that you can continue volunteering in the next school year. Forms will be mailed home in February.

PLASP Child Care Services

PLASP Child Care Services is now accepting registrations for programs in our school for the 2019/2020 school year. Please visit plasp.com for information or to register.

Peel Learning Foundation aims to create hopeful tomorrows f or Peel board students

Peel Learning Foundation, a community-based, charitable organization, will officially introduce itself to the Peel community at a launch event on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. In partnership with the Peel District School Board, the foundation was created to enable Peel board students to achieve personal excellence by providing resources to help them overcome barriers. In its first year, the foundation will support Peel board students through: Student Emergency Needs program Depending on the need, the foundation will support individual students with food and clothing, medical supplies, eyeglasses and transportation costs, or where there is an emergency situation that requires a compassionate response. Student Backpack program The foundation will provide backpacks filled with school supplies that students need to fully partici-

pate in regular classroom work. The backpacks will be provided to students in need in a respectful and confidential manner. They are tailored for students in kindergarten to grade 3, grades 4 to 8, and grades 9 to 12.

A launch event will be held at the HJA Brown Education Centre, located at 5650 Hurontario St. in Missis-sauga, from 9 to 10 a.m. on Feb. 22. The foundation’s inaugural board of directors will be present as well as other guests. The event includes a performance by Mayfield Secondary School students and infor-mation booths. To RSVP for the launch event, visit www.PeelLearningFoundation.org/launch. Individuals or organizations who are interested in learning more about and supporting the foundation can visit www.PeelLearningFoundation.org. They can also follow the foundation on Twitter and Facebook and use the hashtag #CreateHope to join the conversation.

BIRCHBANK PUBLIC SCHOOL puts the spotlight on Black Heritage In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion intro-duced by the first black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. During Black History Month, students, staff and parents from across Peel will participate in a number of activities that promote the understanding of the many contributions made by black Canadians.

Your relationship with your child will evolve throughout the various stages of their development. Having a strong relationship and bond with your child is key to their social and emotional health and well-being. Fo-cusing on your relationship with your child throughout the years can help your child face times of stress and those inevitable challenging times during their lives. With Valentine’s Day on February 14th and Family Day on the 18th, February is a great time to reflect on ways to bond with your child. Here are some tips that can help your family stay connected over time: Family Meals:

Catching up during family dinners is a great way to keep connected. During the early years family meals may be a chance to share “one happy thing about your day” however, as your child grows it is a chance to hear about their accomplishments and their struggles. It is a great time to disconnect from technology and give them your undivided attention.

Family Rituals and Routines: Family traditions, routines and rituals can be helpful in ensuring that quality family time will happen.

For example, you may want to consider having a family movie night or a game night. Family tradi-tions and rituals are a way to have consistent quality time where there is mutual enjoyment and there is a shared sense of belonging.

Family Outings:

Setting some time for outings could be another great way to enjoy your child. Outings don’t need to be expensive. A family walk in the trails or a bike ride to your family’s favourite coffee shop or a drive to a new ice cream shop are all great outings that can continue over the years.

Individual Time:

Spending one on one quality time with your child will keep you connected and in the loop. Individual date nights with your child will make your young one feel special and they will appreciate your undi-vided attention. As they get older, it is a good way for your child to share their feelings about various topics and what is happening in their social life, especially in the teen years.

Celebrating your Child’s Achievements:

Your child will feel appreciated and important when their achievements are acknowledged, and their hobbies are supported. This can be as simple as a pat on the back or a verbal expression of their hard work and dedication. Watching them play a sport or play a musical instrument at a school con-cert can make your child feel valued and cared for, at any age.

Annual Report to the Community Peel board’s 2017-18 Annual Report captures our commitment to #WeInspire

At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student – each and every day. This year's Annual Report captures the incredible work that took place in Peel schools and work sites during the 2017-18 school year, and that continues to happen every day. View the annual report at www.peelschools.org/aboutus/annualreport

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. Winter courses begin February 4, 2019. 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 at Bramalea Secondary School- 510 Balmoral Drive

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. Course registrations are ongoing till the end of the semester. Also visit www.peelschools.org/adulteducation or follow us on Twitter: @PDSBLearnESL

What you need to know about head lice What is head lice? Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp where they lay their eggs. They have three stages: the egg (nit), the nymph and the adult. Head lice do not spread diseases and cannot be spread between animals or pets and humans, only through direct contact between people. Head lice spread easily, especially where people are in close contact. They are common among school-aged children or children attending child care, where they spread through direct hair-to-hair contact or directly by sharing things like hats, combs, hair-brushes or headphones.

One of the first signs of head lice is an itchy scalp. However, children can have head lice for several weeks with no symptoms. If

you think your child has head lice, check their hair for nits right away, then again after one week and after two weeks.

What to do if your child has lice If you discover your child has lice, notify the school immediately so that classmates can be checked. Parents must keep their child at home until they have been treated for lice and are nit-free. Students may only return to school if they are “nit-free” and will be checked by a school administrator before being re-admitted to class. If your child has live lice, ensure they avoid head-to-head contact with other children until the lice are gone. Children should not share combs, hairbrushes, caps, hats or hair ornaments. You should also check all family members for head lice. Be sensitive to your child’s feelings and let them know that having head lice does not mean they are not clean. Head lice can be treated with the following approved insecticides:

pyrethrin (found in R&C Shampoo + Conditioner)

permethrin (Nix Creme Rinse or Kwellada-P Creme Rinse)

lindane (Hexit Shampoo or PMS-Lindane Shampoo) Although head lice does not pose a significant health risk, it is highly contagious and very uncomfortable for children, therefore schools take precautions to prevent the spread. Your cooperation in controlling the spread of lice by keeping your child at home until they have been treated and are nit-free is much appreciated.

Peel Public Health tips to prevent and beat the flu

During the winter season, it’s important to take precautions to avoid and help prevent the spread of germs and illness-es such as influenza or “the flu.” Influenza is a disease that affects the airways and the lungs. The flu can spread from person to person and can sometimes cause severe illnesses. Peel Public Health has provided these tips to help reduce the risk of becoming ill or spreading the flu: Get your annual flu shot: It’s not too late to get your annual flu shot. Visit your physician, a walk-in clinic, a pharmacy or find another location near you that is offering the free influenza vaccine. Stay home when you're sick: If your child develops flu-like signs and symptoms, (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), keep them home from school. Contact your health care provider if symptoms are severe. Practise good hygiene: Help your child get into the habit of covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after it’s used. If they don’t have a tissue, they should cough or sneeze into their sleeve or elbow. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way. Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sani-tizer, especially after they cough or sneeze. There are many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots: Peel flu clinics Family Doctors’ offices Walk-in clinics Pharmacies For more information, call Peel Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.

Help your family stay warm this winter

Peel Public Health recommends the following cold weather guidelines for preventing cold-weather injuries: 1. Reduce amount of time children (grade 8 and under) spend outdoors when the temperature is –20 de-

grees Celsius or colder, with or without the wind chill. 2. Keep children indoors when the temperature is -25 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without wind

chill. Some medical conditions may increase sensitivity to cold. Parents should consult their physician (Source: Environment Canada).

3. Allow indoor breaks if children say they are feeling cold or during extreme temperatures. 4. Ensure children are dressed warmly, covering exposed skin: insulated boots, winter weight coats,

mittens, hats, neck warmers. 5. Change wet clothing or footwear immediately. 6. Although these conditions are unlikely to occur during the school day, ensure that all staff are able to

recognize and treat symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. Given plenty of warm fluids to prevent de-hydration.

7. When children are outside, be watchful for shivering or signs of numbness in faces, ears, hands or feet. 8. Educate children in dealing with cold weather: drinking plenty of fluids, dressing warmly, and recogniz-

ing signs of cold injury.

Celebrating Faith and Culture

February 2019

DATE

CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

February Buxwlaks & Bear Moon Aboriginal Spirituality

February 1 or 2 Imbolc Wicca

February 3 Setsubun-sai Shinto

February 5 Lunar New Year/Maitreya Bodhi-sattva’s Birthday

Buddhism

February 7 to 25 month of Mulk Bahá’í

February 9 Vasant Panchami Hinduism

February 15 National Flag Day Canada

February 18 Family Day Ontario

February 19 Lantern Festival/Magha Puja Buddhism

February 26 to March 1 Intercalary Days Bahá'í

Birchbank Bulletin Calendar CHARACTER TRAIT FOR THIS MONTH IS:

CARING

FEBRUARY 2019

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 Day 4

2

3 4 Day 5

5 Day 1

6 Day 2

7 Day 3

Keiko Martial Arts

Pizza Day

8

PA DAY NO SCHOOL FOR

STUDENTS

9

10 11 Day 4

12 Day 5

13 Day 1

14 Day 2

Keiko Martial Arts

Red, Pink and White Day

15 Day 3 Pizza Day

16

17 18 FAMILY DAY NO SCHOOL

19 Day 4

20 Day 5

21 Day 1

Keiko Martial Arts

22 Day 2 Pizza Day

23

24

25 Day 3

26 Day 4

27 Day 5

28 Day 1

Monthly Assembly Caring @ 9:30 am

Black History Month Assembly @ 1:00 pm

Keiko Martial Arts