Sir John A. Macdonald MS

October Newsletter 2013

Sir John A. Macdonald MS

Sir John A. Macdonald MS

Important Dates in October, 2013

October 11, Professional Activity Day - No School for students

October 14 – Thanks-Giving Holiday

Happy Thanksgiving!

October 18 – Photo-Retakes

October 23- Family Math Night 6 to 7:00 p.m.

October 29- Free Math Tutoring begins

October 31 – Progress Reports Go Home

Fall Dance/Alternate Activities 1 to 3:00 p.m.

Math Matters at Sir John A. Macdonald

Sir John A. Macdonald Families!

You are invited to our

Family Math Night

with

Trevor Brown

(Master Math Educator/Consultant)

On: Wednesday, October 23rd

From: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

At: Sir John A. Macdonald MS Gym

This is a Free Math session, where tips and strategies for parents/guardians will be provided to help them engage their child/ren - to help boost Math Skills

Free Treats/Door prizes/Lots of great ideas!

Families are encouraged to bring their middle school child/ren. Due to space restrictions, small children are discouraged from attending the session.

Celebrating Faith and Culture
October 2013 – Happy Celebrations!

Date

/ Celebration / Faith and Culture
October / Xlaaw / Aboriginal Spirituality
October 5 / SharadNavratri / Hinduism
October 6 / World Communion Sunday / Christianity
October 11 or 12 / Durgashtami / Hinduism
October 12 - 16 / GhambarAyathrem / Zorastrianism
October 13 or 14 / VijayaDashmi/Dassehra / Hinduism
October 14 / Thanksgiving Day / Canada
October 14 / Waqfatu’Arafat / Islam
October 15 or 16 / Eid-ul-Adha / Islam
October 16 – November 3 / The month of 'Ilm / Bahá'í
October 18 / Kathina, Pavarana, Anapanasati and Founders' Day / Buddhism
October 20 / Birth of the Báb / Bahá'í
October 20 / Installation of Guru Granth as Guru / Sikhism
October 22 / KarvaChauth / Hinduism
October 31 / Halloween / Canada
Sunset of October 31 - November 1 / Samhain / Wicca

Oct. 16 opportunity to say 'thanks' to bus drivers

Peel schools will pay tribute to bus drivers on Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Oct. 16. The day will be celebrated with special activities and events that provide teachers, students and parents an opportunity to thank the people who safely transport over 36,000 students to and from school each day.

If your child rides the bus to school, take this opportunity to thank the bus driver for his or her contribution and ask your child to do so too. The Peel board appreciates the important job bus drivers do each school day and Oct. 16 provides an opportunity to give these individuals the recognition they deserve.

Celebrate World Teacher Appreciation Day

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Since 1994, parents and students from around the world have celebrated World Teacher Appreciation Day to commemorate the work of teachers and their contributions to society. During the week of October 5, take the time to let your child's teacher know he or she is truly appreciated. Thank your child's teacher and let them know they are making a difference.

How to prevent litter at school

Did you know that litter is a safety hazard, discourages development, lowers property values and costs money? According to the Region of Peel, litter can attract animals and insects, harm pets and serve as a breeding ground for disease.

Here are some tips for reducing waste at school:

• Provide your child with a litter-less lunch which could contain:
• refillable water bottle
• returnable, reusable or refillable drink containers instead of plastic bottles and cans
• snacks and sandwiches stored in plastic containers
• fruit that requires no wrap such as bananas, apples

• Put trash in the appropriate container. If a recycling bin isn't available, ask where you can find one and hold on to garbage until you can dispose of it properly.
• Reduce and reuse as much as you can before you recycle. Reuse plastic bags, the other side of a sheet of paper etc.
• If you see litter, pick it up!
• Set a good example. Don't be a litterbug.
• Take part in neighbourhood cleanups - litter prevention requires the community to work together.

October is International Walk to School Month!

Our school is participating in International Walk to School Day on Wed. Oct. 9. On this day, walk, bike, blade, scooter, skip or hop to school….but don’t drive!

International Walk to School month is part of the Active & Safe Routes to School program. Visit for more information.

Understanding your child’s Ontario Student Record

The Ontario Student Record (OSR) is an ongoing, confidential record of a student’s education progress. Authorized by the Education Act and protected by the Freedom of Information Act and Protection of Privacy Act, an OSR is established for each student enrolled in an Ontario elementary or secondary school. The record is housed at the student’s current school and moves with the student as they transition from one school to the next. If a student leaves Peel to attend another school in Ontario, the OSR is forwarded to the new school upon request. If the OSR is not requested or the student leaves Ontario, the OSR is housed in the last Peel school that the student attended.

The OSR contains familiar documents that parents can view at any given time. OSR contents include:

• biographical data
• documentation file, containing (if applicable): verification of a custody arrangement, change-of-name order, placements decisions, suspension letters, psycho-educational assessment report, identification and placement decision letters, and registration forms
• information concerning special health conditions
• name(s) of student’s parent(s) or guardian(s)
• Ontario Student Transcript (secondary school only) – the cumulative record of a student’s successful completion of secondary school courses
• photographs may also be attached
• record of the student’s accumulated instruction in French as a second language, if applicable
• report cards
• school(s) attended

Every student, and parents or guardians of students under 18 years of age have the right to examine the student’s OSR and receive a copy of its contents. Supervisory officers, school administration and teachers may also access a student’s OSR for the purpose of improving the instruction of the student. Written permission is requested for any outside agency or personnel to access the OSR.

Contact your school principal for details of the procedure to review your child’s OSR.

If you would like to learn more about your child’s OSR, visit the Ontario Ministry of Education web site at

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. Information nights for students applying to start programs in September 2014 begin this November. 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
• Sports
• Transportation

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

Explore regional program options at Peel board schools

Information nights start soon for Regional Learning Choices Programs. Visit for more detailed descriptions, information night dates and links to school websites.

Actively in Motion (middle)

The Actively in Motion (AIM) program will open at Royal Orchard Middle School in September 2014. The program is intended toincrease students' interests, skill development and active involvement in athletics, fitness, wellness, leadership and character development, student motivation and engagement in the learning process. Students entering grade 6 in September 2014 may apply.

Advanced Placement (secondary)

The Advanced Placement (AP) program starts in grade 9 and allows students to pursue university-level studies while in secondary school. Students can earn a first-year university credit for each AP credit achieved.

Arts (middle and secondary)

Students who are accepted into the middle school program will experience a comprehensive education in the arts, while learning the Ontario curriculum. At the secondary level, students experience a comprehensive education in an arts discipline of their choice, while learning the Ontario curriculum. Students must audition to be accepted into the program. Students can audition for the arts program in grade 9 without having attended the program in middle school.

Arts and Technology (middle)

The Arts and Technology program will open at Morning Star Middle School in September 2014. Students who are accepted into this interactive program will experience a comprehensive education in the arts and technology, while learning the Ontario curriculum.The program is intended to enable students to develop arts, media and technology skills, while engaging in cross-curricular inquiry-based learning opportunities.

Graphic Design Management: Flexography (secondary)

Flexography is a package print technology and a growing segment of the printing industry. Students learn to design and manufacture industry-standard packaging products. The program prepares students for entry into post-secondary programs, or a career in the printing industry upon graduation. Students may apply to begin the program in grades 9, 10 or 11.

International Baccalaureate (middle and secondary)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program provides a stimulating academic environment that celebrates learning and connects it to the world outside the classroom. It emphasizes awareness and acceptance of all cultures and attitudes, and fosters an understanding of how and why we learn. Upon completion of the IB program, students earn a diploma that is recognized by universities internationally. Students can apply for the IB program in grade 9 without having attended the program in grade 7 and 8.

International Business and Technology (middle and secondary)

The International Business Technology (IBT) programprovides students with a challenging program in all academic areas. Students enrolled in the program will explore subjects from a global perspective. Students can apply for the program in grade 9 without having attended the program in middle school.

International & Executive Leadership Academy (secondary)

The International and Executive Leadership Academy builds leaders for tomorrow. In this technologically engaging program, students complete all of the requirements of the Ontario curriculum, while participating in enhancements such as conferences, field trips, camps and specialized workshopsdesigned to develop critical thinking, creativity and confidence. In grade 11, students will also have the opportunity toacquire a Specialist High Skills Majorin business or information and communication technology. The program is open to all students entering grade 9 in September 2014.

SciTech (middle and secondary)

The SciTech program integrates a hands-on, minds-on philosophy and provides students with an interactive approach to learning. The program focuses on science and technology and includes excursions, guest speakers, competitions and clubs. Students can apply for the SciTech program in grade 9 without having attended the program in middle school.

Sports (secondary)

The Regional Sports program exposes students to a range of physical activities and focuses on lifelong health, wellness and leadership. Students in the program participate in physical education year round and take part in co-curricular athletics or community involvement to build leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to complete industry-recognized certifications in first aid, personal training, coaching and officiating, among others. In grade 11, students will have the option to transition into a Specialist High Skills Major program in sports. The program is open to all students entering grade 9 in Sept. 2014.

Strings (secondary)

Students enrolled in the regional Strings program (for violin, viola, cello and bass)have the opportunity to explore the many facets of string playing through Chamber Strings (for advanced players), Intermediate Strings (for students with one or two years experience), and Beginning Strings (for students with no previous experience).

Truck and Coach Technology (secondary)

The Truck and Coach program offered at Bramalea Secondary School compliments the school’s existing Specialist High Skills Major program in transportation. Students in the Truck and Coach Technology program will complete all requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, while taking courses focused on various aspects of the transportation industry. Classes will take place in a new state-of-the-art facility. The program prepares students for entry into post-secondary programs, or a career in the transportation industry upon graduation.

Procedures to keep students safe

Peel schools provide a safe environment for students and staff to learn and work. Staff have been trained on what to do if faced with an emergency situation. Here are the responses schools may take to an emergency situation, depending on the type of threat.

A school will initiate a lockdownif there is a major incident or threat of violence in or near the school. During a lockdown students and staff inside the school will:

• go to the closest room, close the door and lock it, if possible
• turn off the lights and lie down on the floor away from doors and windows
• remain on the floor quietly until further directions are given

Students and staff outside the school will:

• move as far away from the building as possible
• remain outside until further directions are given

Every school will review the key points of the lockdown process with students. The drill is rehearsed twice per year to make sure staff and students know what to do in the unlikely event of a real lockdown.

The term hold & secure will be used when it is necessary to secure the school because of a situation outside and not related to the school. During hold & secure, classes continue normally inside the school, with the exception that all exterior doors and windows are locked and no one enters or exits the building without approval from police or the school. This means parents/guardians will not be allowed to enter the building.

The term shelter in place will be used for an environmental or weather-related situation where it is necessary to keep everyone within the school to protect them from an external situation. During shelter in place, no one will be allowed to exit the building.

Safety reminders ensure safe travel to and from school

School bus safety week is Oct 21-25

According to the Canada Safety Council, it is 16 times safer per kilometre to travel on a school bus than in a family vehicle. However, while bus transportation is safe, accidents do occur and many of these incidents involve individuals outside the bus. To ensure children stay safe in and around school buses, it is important to reinforce the following safety reminders:

Tips for riding the bus

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

Tips for exiting the bus:

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

Tips for walking to school:

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

For more information about school bus safety, visit or

Tips for being a smart trick-or-treater

Halloween is a fun and exciting time, but safety should be the number one concern.Here are some safety tips for children:

1)Wear a properly fitted costume that is bright and non-flammable.Use reflective tape on your costume so you can be seen in the dark.

2)Use face makeup or enlarge the eyes on your mask so you can see well.When wearing a mask, push it up on your head while walking.