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2420 Homelands Drive, Mississauga, Ontario L5K 1H2
Phone (905) 822-2031 Fax (905) 822-4502
Website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1323 Follow us on Twitter @Homelands323
February 2020 Newsletter Mateja Drinovac Principal
Simone Wallace Vice Principal
Roberta Leonardi Office Manager
Robin Sciascia Office Assistant
Nina Jaiswal Superintendent (905) 366-8800
Brad MacDonald Trustee Wards 2 & 8 (905) 828-6929
Transportation Stopr.ca (905)890-6000 Attendance Check 1(855)209-6155 Safe Arrival Parent Portal pdsb.schoolconnects.com
Black History Month Bulletin Board Created by
Students
Student Senate Report for
February 2020 School
Newsletter By: Cat-Phuong, Jonathan, Joy,
and Zoya
Black History Month: Spotlight on
Black Heritage
February is Black History Month! Did you know?
In 1995, the Canadian Government officially
announced that February would be recognized as
Black History Month, following a motion
introduced by the first Black Canadian woman
elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean
Augustine. Black History Month is a time to
celebrate and put a spotlight on the many
important contributions made by Black Canadians
and Black communities across the world. For
example, during Black History Month (and
throughout the year) we learn about Black
Canadians such as Viola Desmond (1914-1965),
who famously stood up for equal rights.
Desmond, whose image is now on the Canadian
$10.00 bill, opposed racism and helped begin the
civil rights movement in Canada. Her story is now
passed down to our generation and we are
inspired by her. Here at Homelands, we learn
about Black History and Heritage and celebrate
the achievements of Black Canadians as well as
Black communities around the world.
School Happenings and Extra-curricular
Homelands Sr. PS is a wonderful, accepting
school with a wide range of diverse cultures
where we can learn and make friends. As
Student Senate Leaders and Equity Advocates,
we help to promote acceptance and equity at
Homelands. One way we bring our school
community together is with “Spirit Days”. On
January 30th, we had our 1st Spirit Day of 2020,
which was neon and sunglasses themed.
Students also created a bulletin board for Black
History Month. Finally, Student Senators are
developing a Student Voice Survey, so that
students have a voice in school life too.
With many students, there are also many clubs
and activities! Many clubs/activities, such as the
Student Senate, are led by student leaders. Here
are some clubs/activities that have started up at
Homelands over the past month:
-Cubing Club -Anime Club -Debate Club
-Girls’ Basketball (3 on 3)
-Mindful Yoga
These clubs help connect students with one
another when sharing the same interests.
Cubing Club is similar to Chess Club. This club
helps inexperienced students crack the Rubik's
cube; teach them new strategies to use, and for
others, who simply enjoy solving the Rubik’s
cube. Anime Club lets students share their love
for anime and work on their own artistic skills of
the art style. There are many other clubs as well.
We would also like to give some appreciation to
the members of Eco Club, for their bake sale;
the new Mindful Yoga; the Student Senate for
their bulletin boards, and so much more!
Looking forward to the Spring in March
As the glittering snow falls onto the ground; the
cold winds blow! Although we are enjoying
winter, the sun will soon come out, and melt the
blanket of snow that surrounds our school. We
are looking forward to the spring in March, which
will bring flowers and leaves and an end to the
cold winter days. The spring provides many
opportunities for more activities outdoors. For
example, last year, an “outdoor classroom” was
installed at Homelands and students and
teachers will soon be able to make use of it again
once the weather warms up.
Thank you for reading the Student Senate Report
for February 2020. We look forward to sharing
more news from Homelands soon!
Important Dates
February 6, 13, 20, 27~Pizza Days
February 3, 10, 24 ~Pasta Mondays
February 07 PA Day ~No School for Students
February 14 Valentine’s Day
February 17 Family Day ~No School
February 21 Immunization
February 22 King’s Model UN
Physical and Health Education
GYM CLOTHING: Although the number of
students who are not coming prepared to their physical education classes has decreased there are still a few who still seem to forget. Our safety
regulations, as per OPHEA standards, are as follows: Students must wear appropriate attire for safe participation. Running shoes with a flat rubber treaded sole which are secured to the foot are a minimum requirement along with appropriate clothing for the physical activity (for example, shorts or sweatpants and t-shirt /sweatshirt). Long hair and loose clothing must be tied back, and we require students to change into and out of appropriate clothing for all PE classes. We will not be allowing students to participate in physical education classes going forward if they are not dressed appropriately for their own safety. This will adversely affect their marks. Please remind your son/daughter to bring his/her bag containing gym clothing (top, bottoms, and runners), and a stick of deodorant.
Sports Corner Floor Hockey begins in February. Thank you as always to our Athletic Council for all of their volunteer time! Remember: Gym clothes are mandatory.
NO SCENTS
GUIDELINES – Be
Aware!
Staff, students, parents and visitors are asked to
remember that the Peel Board has “No Scents
is Good Sense” guidelines. In consideration of
those with allergies, staff, students, parents and
visitors are urged not to wear or use scented
products such as perfumes, deodorants,
lotions, shampoo or cologne. Thank you for
contributing to a healthy indoor air environment
for everyone.
Medications at School
Any students requiring medication at
school should come to the office and
pick up an Administration of Medication Form
(Appendix A and B) and a Plan of Care Form.
The Plan of Care form must be completed by
parents and the Administration of Medication
Forms should be completed by a physician and
signed by the parent/guardian. When completed
please return them to the office where they will be
kept on file.
Keeping lunches and
snacks peanut-free
Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening
allergic reaction that affects some children. We
ask that you help us take care of these students
by sending lunches and snacks for your child
that are free from peanuts or nuts, because
these foods are the leading cause of
anaphylaxis.
Please read the label of any food you plan to
send to school with your child. If the label says,
"May contain nuts or peanuts," please do not
send it to school.
You can get a complete copy of the Peel board's
anaphylaxis guideline at www.peelschools.org
under the Parent tab, under Student Health.
Homelands puts the spotlight on
Black Heritage
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the
many contributions of Black Canadians and
Black communities throughout the world who,
throughout history, have done so much to make
Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate
and prosperous country we know today.
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, schools across Peel
will recognize and celebrate the rich heritage,
history, culture and contributions of Black
Canadians as well as Black communities from
around the world.
As a result of the impact of current labour action,
recognition of Black History Month may look
different than it has in the past. Peel board
schools will continue to integrate Black history
and culture in all curriculum areas throughout the
year.
School Council Corner
Parents/Guardians: You can make a difference in your child’s education! Our next School Council Meeting will be on March 26th at 6:30 pm. If you would like to know more or are interested
in joining our council, please contact Bradley
Knight at
GRADE 8 GRADUATION Wednesday, June 24th, 2020.
Our Grade 8 Graduation will be at
Erindale SS on Wednesday,
June 24th, 2020. The ceremony will begin at
12:00pm followed by lunch and dance. Further
information will be provided closer to the date.
Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weather
During the winter months, we may need to
cancel buses or close schools because of
inclement weather.
Information regarding details of cancellations or
closures will be announced on radio, television
stations and will also be available on Twitter
@Peelschools, Facebook at
www.facebook.com/peelschools,
www.peelschools.org, Twitter @STOPRinfo and
www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-
668-1146.
One of the following messages will be announced:
Peel District School Board buses
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.
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.
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 Homelands, 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 background check. A criminal background check is required for all school volunteers in Ontario. Even if you want to accompany your child on a field trip, you need this record check.
Once you have completed the process, you are on file with the Peel District School Board as being a school volunteer. All returning volunteers will receive an Offence Declaration form that must be filled out and 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.
Report your child’s
immunizations to the Region
of Peel online
When registering for school for the first time,
parents and guardians are required to provide
up-to-date immunization information for their
children. This includes registering for
kindergarten.
You can update your child’s immunizations
online. The online immunization tool allows you
to attach a photo of the immunization record.
When reporting online, an Ontario Health Card is
required.
Report immunizations online at:
www.peelregion.ca/immunize
After you report your immunizations online you
will be given a reference number. Keep this
number for your records. You will need to give
this number to your child’s school when
registering.
If you do not have online access or your child
does not have an Ontario Health Card, take a
copy of the immunization record to the school.
Make sure your child’s name and date of birth
are visible on the record.
Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 if your
child does not have an immunization record or if
you have any questions about immunization
exemptions.
For more information, visit
www.peelregion.ca/immunize
Peel Public Health shares
tips to help prevent the flu
It’s flu season and we want to make sure
students stay as healthy as possible this year!
Influenza (flu) spreads easily from one person to
another and Peel Public Health has some tips to
help reduce the risk of catching the flu and
spreading it:
Get your annual flu shot: The flu shot is
your best defence against the flu. There
are many locations across Peel where
you can get your flu shots:
Family Doctors’ offices
Walk-in clinics
Pharmacies
Peel flu clinics
Keep children home when they’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.
Practice 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 tissues in the trash.
Cough or sneeze into a sleeve or elbow,
if they don’t have a tissue. They should
also avoid touching their eyes, nose or
mouth. This is how germs are spread.
Wash your hands: Encourage your child
to wash their hands often with soap and
water or use hand sanitizer, especially
after they cough or sneeze.
For more information, call Peel Public Health at
905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.
Keep your child’s eyes
healthy
Did you know that vision problems in children
often go unnoticed because kids don’t know any
different? As many as 10 per cent of
preschoolers will have vision difficulties that can
affect the development of their sight if not
treated. However, if caught by the age of 5,
treatment will be most effective.
The Region of Peel recommends regular eye
exams for your child to help find eye problems
early and get the right treatment.
The best way to ensure good eye health is to
have your child’s eyes checked by an
optometrist. Yearly eye exams for children 19
and under are covered by OHIP.
What to expect at your child’s eye exam
An optometrist will complete:
General vision testing in both eyes. Eye muscle testing.
Eye coordination testing. A general health assessment of the front
and back of the eyes.
If needed, the optometrist will write a prescription
for glasses for your child.
For information on overall vision health, common
signs of a possible eye problem and the
programs available to you within Peel, visit
www.peelregion.ca/vision-health
What you need to know
about head lice (pediculosis)
What are 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 do 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
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. Invest in thick socks to keep your feet warm. 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. A balanced diet will also help keep you warm and healthy in the winter.
If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.
“Getting Through Long Winter Months- How to Stay Connected
and Feel Hope for Spring”
From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team
It’s February! We are another month closer to Spring. Yet with February being the shortest month of the year, it can often feel like the longest, with days feeling more dark and gloomy. As parents, we often put ourselves last, but what if we use February as a time to focus on small ways we can take time for ourselves for self-care? Here are a few tips on how to bridge the winter hurdle of February and embrace connection and hope for Spring. Stay connected with nature and maximize daylight exposure:
Bundle up and spend time outside and take advantage of natural light whenever you can. Go for a walk, park your car a little further away to maximize time outside, get off at a transit stop early, track your walking mileage, if you have a dog, try a take the dog on a new route or stay out a little longer, or help someone with limited mobility and offer to walk their dog. If you have limited mobility “staying active helps you: have some control over what you do: Focus on what you can do—not on what you can’t; have more energy and strength to do things for yourself “ (from myhealth.alberta.ca Staying Active with Limited Mobility). Stay connected socially: Reach out to family and friends- by phone or in person- make a plan to spend time together over the Family Day Weekend. Go for coffee, go somewhere new you haven’t been before, call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, help someone out. Staying connected to our social relationships boosts our mood. Try a new activity (outside or inside) with your child or adolescent that does not involve technology! A final note in relation to keeping current with world events: While it is important to stay current, we are bombarded with the same messages and graphic images by all forms of media which takes a toll on our mental health. Be mindful that young ears are listening and watching and they may not voice any fears they may be experiencing. Try and limit your media time, reassure your child/teen (and yourself!) there is lots of good in the world, and check in to see if they have any questions or worries about current events. If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, or have questions about how to talk to your child about difficult topics, visit bit.ly/SupportingChildrensMH for further information and links to school and community resources. For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.
Our work has just begun.
Did you know that 1 in 5 students in Peel Region
face barriers related to poverty.
That’s more than 27,000 Peel board students.
The Peel Learning Foundation’s mission is to
raise funds to enable Peel District School Board
students to achieve personal excellence by
providing resources that help them overcome
barriers. To date, we have supported more than
500 students through the Student Emergency
Needs and Student Backpack programs. The
support we provide can be as simple as
providing funds for food or transportation, a
winter coat, or a backpack filled with school
supplies.
This type of support can enrich a student's
school experience and help them achieve
success. Any teacher, staff or support person
can speak confidentially to their school’s
principal, vice-principal or supervisor when they
encounter a student in need, who will then reach
out to us to ask for help.
There are many ways that you can support the
foundation. A gift will help us achieve great
things for students. To learn more, visit
www.peellearningfoundation.org/how.
You can help us create hopeful tomorrows.
www.PeelLearningFoundation.org l
905-890-1010 ext. 2461 l
@PeelLearningFDN l /PeelLearningFD
Regional Learning Choices
programs unlock passions
Regional Learning Choices Programs offered by
the Peel District School Board empower
students by providing them with opportunities to
develop and explore skills in a particular area of
interest. Regional programs are open to all
students who meet the criteria for acceptance.
Transportation is not provided for students in
regional programs. If students have been
accepted into a regional program and they live
within the school boundary, they are eligible for
busing only if they meet the distance criteria
outlined in the board’s Transportation Policy #39.
All regional programs include annual fees,
including a non-refundable $40 application fee.
Important dates to note:
Applications open
Applications close
ELEMENTARY Jan. 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
Feb. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m.
SECONDARY Applications for secondary regional programs are closed
Programs Schools offered at
Starts in
grade:
6 7 9
Actively in
Motion (AIM)
Royal Orchard MS
Advanced
Placement
Central Peel SS, John
Fraser SS
Arts
Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts
in grade 6), Queen
Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in
grade 7), Cawthra Park
SS, Mayfield SS
Arts and
Technology
Morning Star MS
Graphic Design
Management
T.L. Kennedy SS
International
Baccalaureate
Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis
Sr. PS, Erindale SS,
Glenforest SS, Harold M.
Brathwaite SS, Turner
Fenton SS
International
Business and
Technology
Allan A. Martin Sr. PS,
Lisgar MS, Williams
Pkwy Sr. PS,
Meadowvale SS, North
Park SS, T.L. Kennedy SS
International and
Executive
Leadership
Academy
T.L. Kennedy SS
Regional Skilled
Trades
Judith Nyman (starting
in September 2020),
West Credit SS
SciTech
Centennial Sr. PS,
Macville PS, Tomken Rd.
MS,
Chinguacousy SS, Port
Credit SS
Sports Applewood Heights SS
Strings Central Peel SS, Port
Credit SS
Transportation
Engineering
and Technology
Bramalea SS
For more information about program information
nights, busing, fees and the
application process, visit
www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms
Family-friendly Programming!
Feb. 16 & 17 | 12 – 4 PM
Join us on Sunday for Dog Man: The Musical, a ticketed performance that's great for kids and the whole family, as well as make & take crafts from 12 – 4 PM. Come back on Monday and join us for an afternoon of FREE entertainment! Highlights include:
GFORCE - the incredible vocal group as seen on Season 14 of America’s Got Talent!
Community Stage Performances by local arts organizations
Make-and-Take Crafts – make superhero themed crafts like buttons, cuffs, and more
Annual Family Talent Show – watch artistic families compete on stage!
Family Day Workshops – Payment and registration required for workshop participation.
…AND MORE! Click Here for full schedule and details
Try something new or develop your skills
this winter!
Spring Courses begin April 18–26.
Register Early!
Visual and Performance Arts Courses
Available for Children, Families, Youth, and
Adults
Children
and Family
Workshops
Dates Adult
Workshops Dates
Family Day
Pottery
Workshop
Feb
17
Watercolour
for Seniors
Feb
18
Family Day
Art
Adventures
Feb
17
Sunday
Adult Ballet
Feb
23
Cast Glass
Memories
Feb
17
Bookmaking
Workshop
Mar
22
Register Now
or call our Box Office at 905.306.6000
Junglesport Fun!
