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Principal: Mrs. J. Denison Superintendent: Mrs. J. UniacVice-Principal: Mrs. A. Woods-Jamieson Trustee: Mr. J. WhiteVice-Principal: Ms T. McNeely
BRITANNIA PUBLIC SCHOOL1145 Swinbourne Drive
Mississauga, ONL5V 1C2
(905) 814-1146December 2011 / January 2012 Newsletter
December is a time of year to join in good fellowship with family and friends. The staff at Britannia Public School wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday. We look forward to returning to school on Monday, January 9, 2012, refreshed and ready to learn!
November and December have been very busy months at Britannia. On November 9th the student Progress Reports were sent home, followed by parent-teacher
interviews. We would like to thank the teaching staff for their continued commitment to student learning as we completed this process, and of course, we would like to thank all parents and guardians for your support in your children’s learning.
One of the many highlights of our December was the Festive concert. Our Bullfrog and Tadpole choirs entertained our school community with delightful songs and a magical performance. Thank you to Ms. McNeely and Mme Atchison for a wonderful concert. BRAVO!!
Another of our highlights was the Kindergarten Open House; morning and afternoon classes entertained their families with songs, poems and a story!
Thank you to families for your support in attending and participating in your child’s experience at Britannia!
A special thank you to vice principals, Anne Woods-Jamieson and Tanis McNeely. Mrs. Woods-Jamieson has completed her assignment at Britannia Public School and will be enjoying retirement with family. Many exciting adventures are planned. I would like to thank Ms. Woods-Jamieson for her work at Britannia, supporting students, staff and families since September, 2010.
Ms. McNeely has been assigned to Edenrose as a full time Vice Principal. I would like to thank her for her dedication to the teaching and learning community at Britannia Public School since September, 2011.I know that you join me in wishing her every success as she continues her career as an administrator in Peel.
C’est que au revoir.
Welcome to Mrs. Berndt, our full time vice principal. Mrs. Berndt may be known to some of our Britannia families as she was the vice principal at Settler’s Green. Welcome also to Mrs. Brulotte, our half time vice principal, joining us on January 9, 2012 (odd days of the cycle). I know that you join me in welcoming them to our school.
In Other School News, congratulations to new parents, Mrs. Jarman (baby Isla – a girl) and Mrs. Lewis (Joseph – a boy). Both mothers and babies are excited and happy – we look forward to visits from you. We welcome back Ms. Jodi Powell to Grade One, and also welcome Mr. Deeraj Vaswani to Grade 3/4. The Britannia office would like to say farewell and thank Mrs. Donna DeFour, who has moved on to another Peel school full-time. Welcome to Ms. Edain Noble, who has joined us as a 0.5 Office Assistant.
Finally, we thank Ms. Stephanie Coit, Ms. Vanessa Cacciottolo, and Ms. Jennifer DeAndrade for all of their contributions to Britannia this year. Welcome back to Ms. Emily Shrive (Grade 3), Ms. Antonette Galluzzo (Grade 2), and Mrs. Jen Luong. We are lucky to have such a dynamic team at Britannia!
Thank you to Mrs. Ogilvie who hosted the book fair during the interview period. As a result of your support, Mrs. Ogilvie has been able to purchase a number of additional books for our library collection.
Thank you also to Mrs. Canavor who has once again organized the annual Toys for Tots drive. This collection of new unwrapped toys provides gifts for children in our immediate Peel community. The students at Britannia Public School have been very generous, donating over 250 toys last year to spread the holiday happiness (that is 7 big Santa bags!). This December, we have already collected more than 350 toys, and the Canadian Tire Money Box is almost full! Way to go Britannia!
We have monthly assemblies at Britannia Public School. They are posted on the calendar which is sent home every month and is also posted on our school web site: http://schools.peelschools.org/1543. Parents, families and friends are always welcome to join us to celebrate student achievement and to honour our students through the Pride Certificates.
Ms. Denison, Principal
Subscribe to Our Website!
Help us to keep you informed about Britannia Public School! Subscribe now to receive any updates to our school website by e-mail or text message. This includes our Newsletter, and any
special events added to the calendar. Go to http://schools.peelschools.org/1543. Click on Subscribe. Choose from the e-mail or text message option, fill in your contact information, and
you’re done! The Peel District School board will not use your information for any other purpose, so please consider this option to keep up with all that’s happening at Britannia.
Tips for ensuring your child's safe arrival to and from school
Take your child to the bus stop and meet them there after school. Help your child set up a buddy system. Children should walk in groups of at least two. Pre-arrange a contact person your child knows who can pick him or her up in the event of an
emergency. Make sure the school has a list of people your child can be released to. This also applies to day
camp, swimming lessons, and other activities.
Avoid placing your child’s name in a clearly visible location on their clothes, lunch box and other belongings because it advertises who they are. A stranger may read their name and call out to them, fooling your child into believing this person knows them.
Kidssentials Lunch Order Forms for January – March 2012 have been sent home!
If you have any questions about the lunch program or have missed the order due date, you may contact Kidssentials directly or visit them online at www.kidssentials.com and follow the links to ‘place an order’.
Snow day / Bus cancellation policy reminder for all parents (even if your child walks to school)
In the event that school busses are cancelled, the Kidssentials lunch will be cancelled for the entire school for that date. Notification of a rebook book date will be sent home through the school and/or via email.
Cancellation policy
Should a field trip or other absence fall on a Kidssentials hot lunch date, please call Kidssentials directly or send an email to cancel and receive a credit which may be used toward a future lunch order. While you may cancel any meal up to 8:00 a.m. on the day of a lunch, advanced notice is always appreciated.
Phone: 905.855.1914
Email: [email protected]
www.kidssentials.com
Kiss ‘n Ride Information
We continue to experience a great deal of traffic congestion in our Kiss ‘n Ride area. It is so important for the Mississauga Traffic Safety council rules to be respected in
the vicinity of the school. At no time can cars park in the three driveway lanes directly in front of the school. These are bus lanes and fire routes. It is also important that everyone follow the “no left turn” sign which is posted at the exit of
the driveway. We appreciate your support in ensuring safety for all. For parents who must drive their children to school, please arrive at the school before 8:25 a.m.
– the Kiss ‘n Ride line is very short and students can enjoy some fresh air with their friends. 8:25 is a perfect time to deliver your child in the Kiss ‘n Ride lane. There is no traffic congestion at that time – children are not late for school – parents are not caught-up in the traffic jams in front of the school. Everyone wins!
News from the Gym
In November we wrapped up our grade 2 and 3 bench ball league. We had over 150 students participating during e-breaks on 10 different teams. Students improved their running, soccer skills and had fun in each game. Congratulations to the members of team 9, who won the final game,
In December we will be having basketball practises for grade 4 and 5 students. These students are encouraged to listen to the announcements so they know when we will be playing.
A reminder that all students are encouraged to have proper running shoes for their gym classes.
Hubs and Readiness Centers
Very young children and their parents/caregivers learn how to make a smooth transition to kindergarten at four early years hubs and 10 readiness centers. The centers function as drop-in facilities for children, from birth to 4 years of age, who are accompanied by a parent, grandparent or other caregiver. Caregivers must accompany their children so they can learn together in a welcoming, stimulating environment. Families may attend readiness centers, regardless of where they live in Peel.
Qualified kindergarten teachers choose activities which foster learning and social skills in all children. Sessions last about two hours. Through free play, circle time (chants, finger plays, shared reading, songs, movement) learning centers (activities involving math, science, reading, water and blocks), snack time and gross motor play, the caregivers are preparing the children for school.
It is free for you and your child. Hub and readiness centers provide a free service. They are funded by the Peel District School Board through the Ministry of Education.
Locations closest to Britannia Public School are:HUB – Brian Fleming P.S. 905-625-3220READINESS CENTRE – Forest Glen P.S. 905-625-1462PARENTING & FAMILY LITERACY CENTRES–Ellengale P.S.905-890-1010 extension 6041
Pride CertificatesRecipients for the month of November 2011
Kindergarten
(AM)
Justin L.Kylah H.Abigail M.
Shoaib M.Alishba R.
Srehan B.Parineet B.Humza M.
Kindergarten
(PM)
Dana S.Ruhma A.Vivian H.
Karim A.Ariana S.
Moeez K.Soha Q.Adanna G.
Grade 1
Natalya W.Sophie P.Alisha M.
Auzair S.Adam B.
Nidhi S.Maahee K.Mariah K.Hayden L.
Yudhesh B.Yean Chen C.Riya B.Jenna V.
Matthew H.Samantha S.
Ishita K.Chima O.
Norman G.Nabaha S.Noah T.Avery D.
Ramaki A.Hamidah O.Saajith G.Carina G.
Grade 2
Tara M.Darpan B.
Mia P. Edvin L.Cassidy-Rae B.
Caroline C. Sakina T. Jash S.
Manaik B.Magdalene B.Audrey L.Anshvir T.
Ibrahim H.Kevin L.Izzah A.
Anisha S. Ayat H.
Waleed N.Adiyadorj T.Jaismin D.
Victor Z.Sophia I.
Grade 3
Kushi G.Kartike C.Nejla H.Abu S.
Kamran TElizabeth B. Noor-Hannah Z.
Oliver T Amari S. James H.
Vathma P.Nicole M.Etana J.
Kristen S.Kiara M.Immanuel G.
Hamza Q.Santiago F.Leah H.
Abigail L.Nicholas M.Harrison V.Trent L.
Grade 4
Samantha M.Simran S.Ishan B.
Hanna J. Ethan A. Catherine U.
Nabeel A.Sukhmani S.Ningsong S.
Brendan T.Hazel J.Athisda M.Violet D.
Grade 5
Carolyn E.Jared W.Rayan K.
Alyssa T.Karandeep B.Mark L.
Ibrahim K.Manleen T.Amena B.
Rida Q.Spencer C.Benjamin M.Neelam E.
Suheera SBar N.
Super French Book Fair
A great big thank you to all the families who visited the French Book Fair!
We sold over $3500 in books and that means a lot of our students have their own books to read at home. It also means $1500 in new French books for students to
borrow from our school library.
Merci beaucoup!
Register for French Immersion, Extended French by Jan. 27
Are you thinking of registering your child for French immersion? For the 2012-13 school year, parents must register children for entry into grade 1 French immersion or grade 7 extended French by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 27, 2012. Students who register after the deadline will be placed on a waiting list.
Register directly at the French immersion school your child will attend. Check the Peel board website, www.peelschools.org and go to "French immersion" in the "Schools" section, to find out your local French immersion school. You can also call the Peel board, 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212.
Attend an information session to learn more about the program
What is the French immersion program like? What are the advantages and features of the program? How can you tell if it is the right choice for your child?If you were not able to attend the parent night in the fall about the program, you are invited to an information session:
French immersion7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012HJA Brown Education Centre – Board Room5650 Hurontario St. (at Matheson Blvd.)Mississauga
Extended French7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 12, 2012HJA Brown Education Centre - Mississauga Room5650 Hurontario St. (at Matheson Blvd.), Mississauga How to get more information Visit the Peel board website—www.peelschools.org/schools/french_immersion.htm Visit the Canadian Parents for French website—www.cpfont.on.ca
It's time to register children born in 2008 for kindergartenRegister at Britannia on Feb. 6, 8, 9 & 10Starting school is a big step. Begin this journey into learning with us—register your child for kindergarten. If your child was born in 2008, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2012.
Registration will be held at our school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 6, 8, 9 & 10 and 5 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 9.
What you will need to bring to registration
proof of child's age – birth certificate or passport proof of address – a copy of an offer to purchase or formal lease agreement or a bank statement or
utility bill with your name and address (Note: if using a lease agreement, it must be accompanied by a second form of proof of address)
proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate living arrangement
proof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized, according to the recommended immunization schedule in Ontario, to protect against the following: diphtheria mumps polio red measles rubella (German measles) tetanus
Important information about immunization
In order to attend school in Ontario, your child must have an up-to-date immunization record. When you register your child for school, you will provide copy of your child's immunization record and the school will send it to Peel Health. After registration, keeping your child's records up to date is your responsibility. Peel Health reviews immunization records regularly. Students who are not completely immunized and do not have a valid exemption may not be allowed to attend school.
For information about immunization, or to get a copy of your child's record call Health Line Peel at 905-799-7700; Caledon residents can call toll-free at 905-584-2216. Translation services are available.
PARENTS!....Do you want your children to be Empowered? Inspired? Motivated? Educated about African and Caribbean Heritage?
If YES, we are pleased to announce English Creole classes on Saturday mornings. Students will experience Creole language instructions and gain a greater understanding of Caribbean people, Caribbean cultures and the contributions made to multicultural Canada through the ARTS. All students will experience the expressions of Creole through fun-filled activities such as: music, drama, dance, visual arts, crafts and media literacy. To learn more about this very dynamic program offered at Morning Star M.S., Fletcher's Meadow S.S., and Calderstone M.S., contact International Languages, Continuing Education by:
Phone: 905-890.1010, EXT 6610 E-mail: [email protected] Web page: http://www.peelschools.org/alt_programs/con_ed/international_lang/courses/
index.htm
Conference helps parents 'make a difference in literacy and beyond'
Make a difference in literacy and beyond – practical ways parents can boost learning is on Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Rick Hansen Secondary School in Mississauga. This free
learning event is open to Peel parents of students at all grade levels. choose from more than 40 practical workshops designed to help you help your child
succeed in school purchase educational materials from exhibitors receive a free lunch, giveaways and more
Registration opens in February 2012! Stay up-to-date!For more information, look out for the conference brochure at your child's school in February. Conference and registration information will also be available in February in the "Parents Boost Learning" section of www.peelschools.org.
Closing Schools Because of Bad Weather
During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of bad weather.
The board decides by 6:45 a.m. whether to cancel buses or close schools. To find out if busing is cancelled or schools closed, visit www.peelschools.org or call
905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. You will receive one of the following messages:
Peel District School Board buses are cancelled. Schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, daycare and other activities in schools will operate as usual.
All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed. Due to weather conditions, schools and board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including daycare, night school and permits.
All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled. Due to weather conditions, 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. Due to weather conditions, all activities in schools and board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.
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
Help your Family Stay Warm this Winter
Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing hypothermia when working or playing
outdoors:
Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school.
Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body. Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners, carry an extra
pair to replace damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on outings, etc.
Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when doing vigorous activities.
Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypothermia. If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive sweating
caused from an extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing hypothermia. Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins. If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.
Make the most of the winter break
Be active If there's snow, go tobogganing, build a snow fort, cross-country ski or snow shoe. Go skating at a local arena or outdoor rink. Take a walk around your neighbourhood to enjoy the holiday decorations. Go swimming or play basketball at a local community centre.
Get organized As holiday greeting cards arrive, ask your child to record the names and addresses of the senders. String cards together to display above doors, windows in your home. Ask your child to organize photographs in an album by date or activity. Save newspaper or
magazine photographs of favourite athletes or role models to create a scrapbook. Suggest your child swap paperbacks, comics or magazines with family and friends.
Develop a sense of responsibility Involve your child with holiday decorating and clean-up. Ask your child to take charge of family recycling (get containers, wash the jars, stack the papers,
etc.) Have your child plan all aspects of a party. Your child can help decide on the guests, phone or send
invitations, plan the food, get the house ready, greet and introduce the guests and clean up.
Bolster core learning skills Recommend that your child keep a diary or journal of the family's activities. Make time every day to read as a family or on your own—even 10 or 15 minutes is fine. Take your child to the local library. Have your child follow a favourite newspaper comic strip all week. Encourage your child to write holiday greetings or thank-you cards to cousins, grandparents and
friends. Review cash register receipts. Ask your child to check them for accuracy when you’re unloading
groceries. Have a family discussion about goals for 2010. Talk to your child about ways he or she can achieve
them.
Teach citizenship Check the newspaper for volunteer opportunities. For example, you and your child could help at a
food bank, visit an elderly person living alone or volunteer at a community event. Visit the animal shelter, the fire station or a hospital to show your child what happens at these
places.
Understand history & explore different cultures If possible, collect photographs of grandparents and great-grandparents. Have your child write their
names and birth dates on the back of the photos. Discuss the family's history. Talk about the meaning of holidays. Ask your child to research the holidays celebrated by different
cultures in your community. If friends are celebrating these holidays, ask them to tell you about their traditions.
Get close to nature Give your child the responsibility of watering the plants. Read the daily newspaper’s weather map. Let your child figure out what the weather is where
friends and relatives live.
Take a walk in the snow and watch for animal tracks. Identify what animal made the tracks.
Find more Parent Tip Sheets at www.peelschools.org.
Reporting process for February Report Card (grades 1 to 8)Peel board supports student success with ongoing communication throughout the year
Continuing this year, there will be no school-wide parent/teacher interview day scheduled for the February reporting period—report cards will be sent home between Feb. 6 and 10, 2012.
By this point in the school year, we have found that most parents are well aware of their child's progress based on the ongoing communication from the school. You will
receive a letter with the February report card that indicates if your child is meeting expectations. Should your child’s progress be of concern, the teacher will contact you to discuss ways to work together to further support his/her learning needs by March 1, 2012.
Our teachers are committed to providing parents with the information they need to support their child’s success and will continue to communicate with parents throughout the school year. There is a progress report card and two report cards each year and they provide an overview of your child's progress over a period of time. The best way to see how your child is progressing in school is through the ongoing communication you receive. Some of the ways you may keep up-to-date about your child's progress include the following:
talk to your child about school review your child's homework and agenda receive copies of marks your child has received on assignments and tests ongoing communication with your child's teacher.
If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Denison at 905-814-1146 (ext. 402).
Get Involved—learn what your child is doing online
Even if you are not familiar with the tools, there are things you can do to keep your child safe on the internet. Use these tips to help control online activity in your home:
Use filtering software. Supervise your child online—consider putting your computer in a common area like the kitchen or
family room. Limit the amount of time your child spends online, on school nights it could be one hour. Explore the games your child plays to determine whether they are age appropriate. Know your child's login information and email address and check their files regularly. If possible, keep computer webcam stored separately and only allow usage with supervised
permission. Join and/or research social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace.
It is important to talk to your child regularly about internet safety and the ways you will be monitoring online activity in your home. Here are a few examples of ways you can discuss this with your child:
Discuss the difference between public and private information and what should and should not be shared on the internet.
Reinforce the fact that not everyone is who they say they are on the internet—discuss the dangers of meeting individuals online.
Ensure your child does not open any unfamiliar emails or attachments. Explain that if your child comes across something that makes him uncomfortable, he can discuss it
with you without getting disciplined or losing computer privileges. Talk to your children about creating passwords that no one else can guess by incorporating numbers
and upper and lower case letters. Explain that pictures should not be sent or posted online without adult permission.
It is important that parents stay connected to the online world by researching, asking questions and logging on. For more information and access to online safety tools and activities, please visit www.protectchildren.ca
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 raw meat, particularly chicken touching surfaces such as a railing or grocery cart touching money touching objects sick people have touched touching blood or body fluids such as urine, vomit or feces contact with those who have a cold, the flu, diarrhea or virus of any kind changing diapers wiping your own or a child’s nose sneezing or coughing using a facial tissue using the washroom removing gloves cleaning gardening
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.
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, stereo, telephone 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, why 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.
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.
The Habits of Highly Successful Parents By: Paul W. Clark, PhD
• What can you do to help your child succeed?• What are the three secrets to effective discipline?• What are the most common mistakes? Paul Clark synthesizes the combined wisdom of educators, counsellors and psychologists and presents them in a simple and entertaining evening seminar.
Useful for:
• Parent Councils• Community Groups• Concerned Families Still booking for 2011-2012!
Paul W. Clark, PhDMississauga Counselling4 Robert Speck ParkwaySuite 1500Mississauga, ONL4Z 1S1 Tel: 905-232-6640http://be-the-change.ca
