Esker Lake Public School

905-840-5442

February 2019

@EskerLakePS Ms. L. Adams, Principal

Ms. Duncan, Vice-Principal,

Mrs. S. Fealy, Office Manager

The remainder of the Newsletter can be found on our school

website

http://schools.peelschools.org/1475

Esker Lake School Hours

Morning Entry: 8:35 a.m.

Nutrition Break 1: 10:55 a.m.

Nutrition Break 2: 12:55 p.m.

Afternoon Dismissal: 2:55 p.m.

Esker Lake

Home of the

School is Closed

on Friday

February 8th due

to all staff being

involved in

professional

learning

LEARNING TOGETHER, SOARING TO GREATER HEIGHTS

February 19th and 20th, members from BULLY

BRAVE will be teaching our students to identify

bullying behaviour and how to diffuse various

bullying situations.

Valentines Day

Candy Grams

Send a personalized Valentines candy gram! A great

way to show you CARE! Purchase one for your friend,

teacher, custodian, office staff or a family member.

The list is endless. 50 cents each or 3 for $1.00 and

$1.00 for a special teacher candy gram!

Valentines will include a Heart shape lollipop and a

Happy Valentines Day message

Peanut and Nut free candy gram

This month is Black Heritage Month where we will be exploring traditions and accomplishments of Black Canadians

Esker Lake News!

Our Primary Transition class team

working together to fundraise for

their class and provide valentine treats

to Esker Lake!

Ms. Feare-Raymond and Ms. Rak’s class @ EskerLakePS using digital resources through Google Classroom.

Esker Lake Idol is Coming! student judges have been chosen and students

and teachers will be volunteering to sing in front of the judges!

Inquiry

Learning in

K2 class.

Creating a car

wash

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, Facebook 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 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 Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education 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

Peel Learning Foundation aims to create hopeful tomorrows for 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 participate 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 Mississauga, 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 information 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.

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. Focusing 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 traditions 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 undivided attention. As they get older, it is a good way for your child to share their feelings about various topics and what is hap-pening 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 concert 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 experi-enced 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

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 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.

Esker Lake 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 introduced 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. Here is a list of events happen-ing at Esker Lake Public School

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 is-sues, 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.

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 Esker Lake, 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 volun-teer. All returning volunteers will receive an Offence Declaration form that must be filled out and returned 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.

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 illnesses 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 sanitizer, 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.

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, 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

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.

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.

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 dehydration.

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

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

Celebrating Faith and Culture

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 Intercalary Days Bahá'í

Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder February 2019

The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the world. To commemorate this diversity, the board recognises special faith and culture days of our communities. February 2019 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remem-ber: February - Buxwlaks and Bear Moon in Aboriginal Spirituality

Buxwlaks is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in Northwest British Columbia. It is the season of blowing needles of the evergreens. The wind shakes loose the foliage from frozen trees and heralds the approach of new growth and the New Year.

The second moon of Creation is called the Bear Moon by the Ojibwe people. This month the stories related to the spirituality and cultures of the Six nations are retold in the communities.

February 1 or 2 - Imbolc in Wicca

Imbolc is the second major Sabbat in Wicca. It celebrates the sun's increasing power that will bring the start of spring. Imbolc is also called Imbolg, Candlemas, Brigantia, the Feast of the Waxing Light, and Oimelc. Originating as one of the Celtic fire festivals, it is celebrated with the lighting of candles. It is a time of reflection about potential and new beginnings.

There are eight Wiccan Sabbats, spaced about 45 days apart during the year. Four of these are minor Sabbats—two equinoxes and two solstices. There are also four major Sabbats, occurring roughly midway between the minor Sabbats.

February 3 - Setsubun-sai in Shinto

This popular family New Year's festival, commonly known as the bean-throwing festival, marks the end of winter and the eve of the first day of spring according to the old lunar calendar. The problems and evils of the winter are chased away as family members participate in a ritual called mame-make—throwing beans into each room of the house, and then through the outer doors with shouts of “Oni wa soto, Fuku wa uchi!” Roughly translated, this means “Go out bad luck, come in good luck.”

On Setsubun, many families hang a hiiragi over their doorway. This is a charm made of a piece of holly and a small dried fish tied together. The celebrants eat toasted soybeans. They eat as many beans as their own age plus one more. The extra bean stands for the start of the New Year.

The next day is considered the first day of spring in Japan.

February 5 - Lunar New Year/Maitreya Bodhisattva’s Birthday in Buddhism

Followers of Mahayana Buddhist tradition from Tibet, China, Vietnam, Japan, Korea and other parts of the world celebrate their New Year after the new (dark) moon for the year 4717 - the Year of the Pig. They visit the local temple or monastery in the morning. In the afternoon, they distribute food to the poor. The day will conclude with evening chanting of the Buddha's teachings and meditation.

New Year's celebrations vary throughout East Asia:

New Year is one of the traditional and most important Chinese holidays. It is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar, which is usually the day on which the second new moon after the winter solstice occurs. The Chinese New Year is celebrated over 15 days. The Chinese greeting is "Kung Hei Fat Choi," meaning "Congratulations and be prosperous." Traditionally, red packets ('hong bao' 'lai see' ) are passed out on New Year's Eve, and the New Year is celebrated with firecrackers, as well as dragon and lion dances.

The Vietnamese New Year is celebrated for seven days. The greeting is "Tet Giap Than," meaning "Best Wishes." A special ceremony called Le Tru Tich is held at midnight (Giao Thua) on New Year's Eve. The ritual involves firecrackers and gongs and other festive items that make loud noises to usher out the old and welcome the new. Family members exchange gifts and pay homage to the Kitchen God. They also visit local temples to pray for prosperity and good health.

Vietnamese families plant a New Year's tree called Cay Neu in front of their homes. A bamboo pole is often used as a Cay Neu.

The Korean New Year's greeting is "Say hay boke-mahn he pah du say oh," meaning "Many New Year's blessings to you!"

Tibetan Buddhists celebrate Losar, or New Year's Day for the year 2144 in the Tibetan calendar. The last two days of the old year are called Gutor and are spent preparing for the New Year. The custom that day is to make special

noodles called guthuk. Everyone exchanges the traditional greeting, "Tashi delek."

February 7 to 25 - month of Mulk in Bahá’í

In the Bahá’í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. Mulk, signifying "dominion," is the eighteenth month.

The Bahá’í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.

February 9 - Vasant Panchami in Hinduism

A North Indian celebration, Vasant Panchami is celebrated in honour of Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning and Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth.

The fifth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of Magh is Vasanta Panchami and the first day of spring. Hindus celebrate this festival by holding ceremonies to venerate Saraswati, goddess of wisdom and knowledge. People dress in yellow and get together with their families. Marigold flowers are featured in religious services. Symbolically, the education of children in their first year begins on this day.

February 15 - National Flag Day in Canada

This day celebrates the anniversary of the first raising of the Flag of Canada in 1965 at Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The national flag was approved by the House of Commons on Dec. 15, 1964, the Senate on Dec. 17, 1964 and was first flown on Parliament Hill on Feb. 15, 1965.

February 18 - Family Day in Ontario

The third Monday of February is recognized as Family Day in Ontario. This statutory holiday was established by Premier Dalton McGuinty on October 11, 2007. On this holiday, families are encouraged to spend time together.

February 19 – Lantern Festival/Magha Puja in Buddhism

Magha Puja is celebrated on the full moon day of the third month in the Buddhist calendar. The festival commemorates the day on which Buddha recited the Ovadha Patimokkha (the Fundamental Teaching) to his disciples. The day is also celebrated for

the Fourfold Assembly - gathering of 1,250 Arahantas (accomplished holy ones) at Veruvana Temple in Rajgarh city (India) of their own accord without notification on the full moon day and all 1,250 disciples being ordained by Buddha himself. Adherents renew their dedication to Dhamma (teachings of Buddha) practice on this day.

Lantern festival, is celebrated mid-autumn on the full moon night of the eighth month of the lunar calendar by Chinese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese and Timorese communities. This festival celebrates the summer harvest and is a time for rejoicing. Brightly coloured lanterns are hung in front of homes, and parades are held in towns and villages. In Vietnam this festival is also called Children's Festival. Families gather together to share meals and moon cakes.

February 26 to March 1 - Intercalary Days in Bahá'í

For Bahá'í s, the Intercalary Days are days of feasting, hospitality, rejoicing, charity and giving of presents, as well as ministering to the poor and ill, as they prepare for the annual Fast. The Intercalary Days are also used to com-plete the 365 days solar year as the 19 month Bahá'í calendar falls short.

Ideas for celebrating special faith and cultural days in your school

If you have a colleague who celebrates one of these days, don't forget to offer them best wishes! If you have students in your school who are followers of any of the listed religions:

- make sure the dates are included on your school calendar

- have your principal announce the day over the PA system

- hold an assembly to talk with students about the importance of these days

- include a mention of these days in your school newsletter

- include information on your school website

- display student artwork announcing these days or depicting their ideas about these days

- invite a member of a local faith group to come in and discuss the significance of this day with students - have class discussions about these days

- ask some of your students who celebrate certain holidays to write a short essay on how they celebrate this day at home. Have them read it to the class to share this celebration with the other students.

- have parents offer a cultural session

Questions?: If you would like any more information on how to celebrate these days, please call Ashley Bigda, Community Relations Officer at 905-890-1010, ext. 2573 or e-mail her Ashley.Bigda@peelsb.com.