sir john a. newsletter - peel district school...

Sir John A. Newsletter 2015

Sir John A. MacdonaldMiddle School

250 Centre Street, Brampton ON, L6V 2R4905-457-5535

Mrs. R. Manners, Principal Mrs M. Lane, Vice-Principal

Mrs. K. Flear, Office Manager Mrs. H. Morrison, Secretary

Please find our newsletter online at our webpagehttp://schools.peelschools.org/1540/Pages/default.aspx

Principal’s Message

Administrators and teachers everywhere recognize the important contributions parents make toward a child’s success in school. There is no question about it - success at school begins at

home. Parents are the single most important variable in a child’s schooling. Parents model both a silent and spoken language in front of their children daily.

Hopefully we can provide time for our children to be children. The realities of the adult world will be there all too soon. As children grow and learn, they find joy and satisfaction in working closely with their families toward a common goal. Such is the case with the students at Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School. Commitment to the best for our children on the part of parents, students and staff is the key to our success with the children we teach. It is the hope of the staff that all parents will help us fulfill this commitment to excellence on behalf of ALL children at Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School. School and home can work together to build skills and knowledge, reinforce values, and develop a strong sense of self worth. We must invest our time

and energies in our nation’s most valuable resource - our children.

February


What better way than to take the opportunity and enjoy the upcoming Family Day Holiday. Spending time with our most precious assets will instill a sense of family, belonging and self

worth.

Bonjour! Message de la directrice

Les administrateurs et les enseignants reconnaissent partout les contributions importantes des parents font vers la réussite d'un enfant à l'école. Il ne est pas question à ce sujet - la réussite

scolaire commence à la maison . Les parents sont la variable la plus importante dans la scolarité d'un enfant. Les parents démontrent à la fois un langage silencieux et parlé devant leurs enfants

tous les jours.

Je espère que nous pouvons fournir le temps pour nos enfants d'être des enfants. Les réalités du monde adulte seront là trop tôt. Comme les enfants grandissent et apprennent, ils trouvent de la joie et de la satisfaction dans le travail en collaboration avec leurs familles vers un but commun. C’est le cas avec les étudiants de Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School. La collaboration envers le meilleur pour nos enfants de la part des parents, des élèves et du personnel est la clé de notre succès avec les enfants que nous enseignons. L’École et la maison peuvent travailler ensemble pour renforcer les compétences et les connaissances, renforcer les valeurs , et de développer un fort sentiment d'estime de soi . Nous devons investir notre temps et énergies, nos resources les

plus précieuses de notre pays - nos enfants.

Quoi de mieux que de saisir l'occasion et profiter de la prochaine Journée de la famille. Passer du temps avec nos enfants saura soutenir un sens de la famille, l'appartenance et l'estime de soi .

Dropping Off and Picking Up Your Child

Parents, we would ask that you please refrain from dropping off or picking up your child on school property. We have had several incidents were both students and staff have almost been hit by parents picking up their child, particularly in the front lane of the school, beside the bus lane. None of us here want your child or our staff to be injured. We are sure that you would

agree that safety for all must be our top priority. We ask that you refrain from entering the front lane or the rear parking lot between 8:30am – 9am and 3pm – 3:30pm. We would ask that you

park on the street on either side of the school, but not between the entrance and exit to the driveway as this is where our smaller buses wait to pick up students.

February


HAPPENINGS AT SJAM

Our Girl's and Boy's Senior Basketball Teams will be playing in a tournament at the end of February. The annual staff /student badminton tournament is being held Wednesday

February 11th . Students and their staff partner are competing in a much anticipated doubles tournament and have been practicing and preparing for this event for the past few weeks. Which

pair will be the reigning champ? Tune in to find out!

Speaking of Badminton, the SJAM Boys Badminton Team, two of our team members received Gold in the doubles tournament, while the entire team came in 3rd. Well done boys!

SJAM staff and students have been hitting the slopes to learn how to ski and enjoy a wonderful life experience. They battled the elements for 4 days of skiing! Approximately 50 kids

participated as an extension of the Phys. Ed. curriculum. Fun was had by all! These memories will last a life time. We encourage all that can to attend, and we look forward to these trips again

next year.

February


For the past few months 10 Grade 7 SJAM students have been practicing and preparing with 20 Kingswood Public School students for the upcoming Peel Dance Showcase which takes place on March 25th at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre. With the help of Miss Schad and Mrs. Martindale (Dance teacher at Kingswood) these students have been working very hard to help

choreograph and create a Dance entitled "Rather Be" which focuses on family, friends, and sports. The Dance symbolizes favourite people and places the students have personally chosen as their favourite people to be with and places to be. This event hosts 30+ schools from the PDSB all showcasing their group dances and these students are given a rare opportunity to perform in

front of 1000 people. We wish these students the best of luck at their performance!

February


Auditions have started for this year’s spring show SJAM IDOL being held May 7th. Students are reminded to listen for announcements.

Pizza continues to be sold on Wednesday at lunch. $2.00 per slice Cookie and Chip sales continue on Thursday and Fridays respectfully.

Attendance Line

This is a reminder to call the school if your child is absent or will be late.To reach this line, dial 905-457-5535 & Press 1 for Attendance.

Extended Vacation or Absence from School

If you will be taking your child out of school for a vacation or they are absent for an extended period of time, please pick up a form from the office to be completed and returned.

Dates to RememberDate Event

February 9 Grade 7 Hep B Catch up/Second DoseFebruary 10 Ski Trip – Grades 6, 7, 8February 11 Annual Staff/Student Badminton

TournamentFebruary 16 Family Day – No SchoolFebruary 17 Last day to submit Grad Photo money

March 4 School Council Meeting 6pmMarch 16 – 20 (inclusive) March Break

March 24 Grade 8 Dental ScreeningApril 13 - 17 Grade 6 trip to Albion HillsApril 20 - 24 Education Week

April 23 Raising Resilient Teens 6pmMay 7 Spring Concert 7pmMay 11 PD Day – No SchoolMay 18 Victoria Day – No SchoolMay 21 Grade 7 parents/students mtg for Grade 9

February


course selections in fall 2015May 25 – 28 Grade 7 trip to RockwoodMay 25 - 29 Grade 6 EQAO

May 28 Open House for Grade 5 students and Extended French students

May 29 Cops for CancerJune 8 Report Card Writing Day – No School

June 10 - 12 Grade 7 trip to OlympiaJune 15 Grade 8 Graduation Ceremony – 7pm

Mayfield SS AuditoriumJune 25 Grade 8 Grad Dance 1pm – 3pmJune 26 Last Day of School/Reports Go Home

Events and Extra Curricular Activities (2014-2015)Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School

CLUBS: Sports Activities

o Volleyballo Badmintono Soccero Basketball

Music Band – Grade 7 and 8 Guitar Club – Grade 7 Choir Club Friendship Club Chess Club Eco School Club Photography/ Art Club Film Club Gauss Math Contest Club – Grade 7 only Math Olympics Club – Grade 7 and 8 Student Ambassador – Grade 8

FIELD TRIPS All Grades:

Skiing Ontario Science Centre Rose Theatre Trip

Grade 6

February


Finlayson Field Centre Albion Hills overnight excursion

Grade 7: Rockwood Rock climbing Camp Olympia overnight excursion

Grade 8: Aboriginal Games Police Presentations

o Cyber-Bullyingo Drug Awareness

EVENTS Brampton Rec Centre – Drop in Sports @SJAM (grade 6/7 only)

Tuesdays January – March Break School Concert- Grade 6-8 (December and May) School Assemblies (every 6 weeks) Outreach for Parents Extended French Welcome Evening - June Education Week – April Grade 7 Preparations for course selections – May

Insπre. Gr23ness. 2gether.

Everyone is a math teacher, parents included

Parents and other adults in our students' lives are important partners in children's mathematics education. By engaging your children in thinking and talking about mathematics, you help support their numeracy success.

February


To help you with this, one great resource is the Ministry of Education's Doing Mathemathics With Your Child. You can find this guide for parents of children in kindergarten to grade online at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentGuideNumEn.pdf. For more math tips and tools for parents of kindergarten to grade 12 students, visit ABC 123 at www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc123/eng/tips/ and the Peel District School Board’s Math Help site at www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild/math. _____________________________________________________________________________

REGISTER TODAY

Saturday, April 18, 2015 – 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, Brampton

Plan to attend our annual, free conference for Peel District School Board parents on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Take one day to enjoy: a powerful keynote presentation focused on math success your choice of 60 practical workshops facilitated by Peel board staff a display area with educational exhibits from local organizations free lunch, sponsored by Kidssentials, and an opportunity to meet Peel parents

This year, a large number of morning workshops will provide parents with strategies to help you support math success at home. Flyers are being sent home with Peel students

now—look for yours. Register today at www.peelschools.org/parents/conference.

Bus cancellation & closing schools due to bad weather

During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather.

February


Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be announced on radio and television stations listed below and posted at www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca. Information will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146.

VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9 CHUM AM1050 CFTR AM680

CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1

CFRB AM1010 EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860

FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107

CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1

CITYPULSE GLOBAL NEWS CTV

One of the following messages will be announced (highlighted text only):

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 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 Board offices are cancelled, including continuing education 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 Board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

February

http://www.facebook.com/peelschools

http://www.stopr.ca/

http://www.peelschools.org/


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 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without the wind chill. 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).

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

weight coats, mittens, hats, neck warmers.4. Change wet clothing or footwear immediately.5. 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 dehydration.

6. When children are outside, be watchful for shivering or signs of numbness in faces, ears, hands or feet.

7. Educate children in dealing with cold weather: drinking plenty of fluids, dressing warmly, and recognizing signs of cold injury.

Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School celebrates Education Week 2015

Inspire. Greatness. Together.

Peel public schools will host hundreds of special activities and events to celebrate Education Week 2015 April 13 to 24. The theme for this year's two week-long focus on education is "Inspire. Greatness. Together."

Please join us the evening of Thursday April 23rd for our Raising Resilient Teens workshop. The event begins at 6pm

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.

February


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 Sir John A. Macdonald Middle 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 record 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 be mailed an Offence Declaration Form that must be filled out and returned to the board office each year. You will not be able to volunteer with the Peel board if you do not return this form. Forms will be mailed home in February.

Visit the Maple Sugar Bush at Jack Smythe Field Centre

Enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature as spring blossoms. The Jack Smythe Field Centre offers an exceptional family experience with a visit to its Maple Syrup Bush. The March Break programs runs from Wed., March 18, to Sat., March 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Sugar Bush program has been established for more than 15 years and provides families with an educational activity and a hands-on experience. The program is run by Peel District School Board teachers and staff during March Break.

Families are invited to get involved as spring comes to life in the following activities:

help tap trees and empty sap buckets sample some freshly made maple syrup hike along our trails and feed the friendly chickadees by hand learn how pioneers collected and produced syrup compared to modern-day operations visit the sugar shack where the sap boils and clouds of sweet smelling steam billow out of the

chimneyThe cost is $5/adult and $4/child 12 and under (cash only). Lunch will be available for purchase. It will include: hot chocolate, cookies and hot dogs for you to roast over an open fire.

Directions to Jack Smythe Field Centre, 14592 Winston Churchill Blvd., Terra Cotta:

February


North on Mississauga Road, left on King Street (you will see Credit View Public School on your left), right on Winston Churchill Boulevard (you must pass Terra Cotta Conservation Area on your left) and proceed to the top of the hill and left into the Jack Smythe site.

For more information, please contact the Jack Smythe Field Centre at 1-905-877-7771.

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 very 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, hairbrushes 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

Parents are advised to keep their child at home until they have been treated for lice. Students may only return to school if they are “nit-free.” If your child has live lice, ensure that 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).

February


Register today for Adult ESL non-credit courses

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

The Peel District School Board offers Adult ESL courses at three locations in Brampton and Mississauga. Winter courses begin February 2, 2015.

To learn more or to register, call 905-270-6000. Registration is ongoing and continues after courses have started.

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, visit www.peelschools.org/adulteducation.

Twitter: @PDSBLearnESL

February

http://www.peelschools.org/adulteducation


Celebrating Faith and CultureFebruary 2015

DATECELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

February Buxwlaks Aboriginal Spirituality

February 1 or 2 Imbolc Wicca

February 3 Setsubun-sai Shinto

February 3 Magha Puja Buddhism

Sunset of February 3 to 4

Tu B’Shevat Judaism

February 7 to 26 month of Mulk Bahá’í

February 15 National Flag Day Canada

February 15 Nirvana Day Buddhism

February 16 Heritage Day Canada

February 16 Family Day Ontario

February 17 Mahashivratri Hinduism

February 18 Ash Wednesday Christianity

February 19 Lunar New Year/Maitreya Bodhisattva’s Birthday

Buddhism

February 23 Clean Monday (J) Christianity

February 26 to March 1

Intercalary Days Bahá'í

February

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