Mountain Ash Public School

March 2019Principal’s MessageWhat a busy month February has been and what an unusual winter!

This month has been a very busy one at Mountain Ash. Last week we welcomed Mr. Bains as our acting Vice Principal during Mr. Rasmusson’s leave of absence.

We celebrated Black History Month with several learning activities about black Canadians. Students had weekly quizzes on announcements, a display in the main hallway, a session on African wear, patty sales and a motivational speaker, Dwayne Morgan. Mr. Morgan impressed upon all students to love themselves. A huge thank you to the committee for organizing the activities for our school.

We look forward to March when we will host a Winit assembly to recognize students for their extra-curricular participation in clubs and teams.

On March 6, we look forward to welcoming all grade 6 families to our EQAO night from 6 – 7:15 p.m. There will be a few door prizes for some lucky families.

On March 8, the last day before March break, weather permitting, we will have an outdoor winter activity afternoon for the last 2 periods of the day. Students will need to be dressed warmly and in snow pants, boots, gloves and mitts to be able to fully participate in the planned events.

In closing, we wish all student and families a wonderful and restful March Break. We look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday, March 18.

Sincerely,

Mrs. FieldsPrincipal

 Principal:Lucy Fields

 Vice Principal:Brian Rasmusson

 Superintendent:Pat Noble

March BreakMarch 11-15

2019

Stay connected by following us @MountainashPS

Pizza Days at Mountain Ash!This month pizza days will occur on Thursdays February 28, March 7, 21 and 28 and April 4, 2019.

CashOnline will be open until February 21, 2019 for ordering pizza for these dates.

Pizza has been pre-ordered by students. Students cannot purchase slices at school. Pizza will arrive for consumption during second nutrition break, so please pack snacks and water for your child that day. Thank you!

Birthday Celebrations / Special OccasionsChildren love to have their birthdays acknowledged and parents enjoy sharing their special day with other children in the class. Please be mindful that we cannot accept food of any kind for birthday celebrations – or any type of celebration. Some children have allergies to milk, wheat, eggs and all sorts of foods other than peanuts. Therefore, if you would like to send a loot bag to school, please fill it with pencils, stickers, etc. for everyone to enjoy!

Thank you for your co-operation.

STUDENT COUNCIL

Student Council will sell popcorn every Wednesday and Friday in the Lower Atrium – Room 115 – during 2nd Nutrition Break throughout the school year as part of our fundraising.

We have many delicious flavours such as Butter, Salt, White Cheddar, Kettlecorn, Low fat Caramel, Dill Pickle and Ketchup. The cost is $2.00.

Popcorn Sales - $2.00

New this year – all pizza orders must be paid for using CashOnline.

Peel board celebrates public education during Education Week – April 8 to 12

The Peel District School Board will host hundreds of celebrations, activities and events across its 257 schools and worksites to celebrate Education Week from April 8 to 12. On April 15, the Peel board will host Showcase of Excellence, an evening to honour recipients for their outstanding contributions to public education. The theme for this year's Education Week is We Inspire.

In addition to inviting parents and community residents to visit their classrooms during the week, Peel schools are hosting open houses, plays/musicals, storytelling, environmental activities, awards assemblies, talent shows and much more.

More than 1,000 individuals will also be honoured during Education Week with Awards of Distinction for their contributions to their school or workplace. Schools and worksites will use social media to showcase their Education Week celebrations and events using the hashtag #WeInspire.

Peel public schools celebrate Education Week

Peel public schools will host hundreds of special activities and events to celebrate Education Week 2019 from April 8 to 12. The theme for this year's week-long focus on education is We Inspire.

At Mountain Ash, we will be hosting our annual Talent Show on Wednesday, April 10th in our gymnasium at 6 pm.

Each year, more than 50,000 parents and community members across Peel attend activities and events during Education Week. We are looking forward to an equally successful week this year.

ParentConnect Online parent portal to access important student information

Last year, the Peel District School Board launched ParentConnect, an online parent portal to access important student information.

What is ParentConnect?

ParentConnect is a safe and secure website, created by the Peel District School Board, that acts as a single point to stay informed and to access all electronic services provided to Peel board parents and legal guardians. The parent-friendly website will allow you to:

view school-based alerts and information access real time absence reporting view current and historic elementary

report card information

get up-to-date busing information review secondary school credit history and

diploma status and more

To learn more about the benefits of ParentConnect, visit our school website or www.peelschools.org/parentconnect

Smoking and Vaping Prohibited on School Property

The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA, 2017) came into effect on October 17, 2018. This law aims to protect the health of Ontarians by regulating the sale, supply and use of tobacco and vapour products (electronic cigarettes), and the smoking and vaping of cannabis.Under the SFOA, 2017 it is illegal to smoke (tobacco or cannabis) or vape on:

School grounds (both inside the school and on the outdoor grounds, including the parking lot and sports fields)

Public areas within 20 metres of school property.

New signs are being posted at our schools to notify users that smoking and vaping is prohibited in these areas. The smoking and vaping prohibition is always in effect and applies to staff, students and visitors.

Region of Peel - Public Health enforces the smoking and vaping prohibition and has been working with school administrators to keep our schools smoke and vape free. Individuals found smoking and/or vaping in a prohibited area may be subject to a fine.

For more information on how the SFOA, 2017 applies to schools, contact Region of Peel - Public Health at 905-799-7700. For more information on the health effects of smoking and vaping visit the Health Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco.html.

Photo Source: Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. https://www.ontario.ca/page/no-smoking-no-vaping-signs-businesses

March Break Maple Syrup Days at the Jack Smythe Field Centre Open House: Wednesday, Mar. 13 to Saturday, Mar. 16 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature as spring blossoms. Jack Smythe Field Centre offers an exceptional family experience with a visit to its maple syrup bush. The March

Break programs run from Wednesday, Mar. 13 to Saturday, Mar. 16. The open house begins at 10 a.m. and the last presentation of the day will be at 3 p.m.

This year marks the 50-year anniversary of the Peel District School Board’s Sugar Bush program, which provides families with outdoor, educational activities and hands-on experience. The program is run by Peel board staff during March Break.

Families are invited to get involved as Spring comes to life through the following activities: help tap trees and empty sap buckets. sample some freshly-made maple syrup. hike along our trails and feed the friendly chickadees by hand. learn how pioneers collected and produced syrup compared to modern-day operations. experience the Indigenous roots of sweet water. visit the sugar shack where the sap boils and clouds of sweet smelling steam billow out of the chimney.

The cost is $5.00/adult and $4.00/child 12 and under. Lunch will be available for purchase. It will include: hot chocolate, cookies and hotdogs for you to roast over an open fire. Please note that all payments are “cash” only. Jack Smythe Field Centre is located at 14592 Winston Churchill Blvd. in Terra Cotta. Directions to Jack Smythe Field Centre: Head North on Mississauga Rd.

Turn left on King St. (You will see Credit View P.S. on your left) Turn right on Winston Churchill Blvd. (You will pass the Terra Cotta Conservation Area on your left) Head to the top of the hill and turn left into the Jack Smythe Field Centre site.

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

Peel Learning Foundation aims to create hopeful tomorrows for Peel board students

In partnership with the Peel District School Board, the Peel Learning 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 programThe 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.

Individuals or organizations who are interested in learning more about and supporting the foundation can visit www.PeelLearningFoundation.org. You can also follow the foundation on Twitter and Facebook and use the hashtag #CreateHope to join the conversation.

Lunchroom Supervisor Appreciation Day on March 1

In 2017, the board of trustees declared the first Friday in March as Lunchroom Supervisors Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, March 1, 2019. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of lunchroom supervisors, and their support and commitment to helping to ensure that students are safe and secure.

Sleep Tips for Parents, Children & TeensFrom the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

Many parents face difficulties getting their children back into regular sleep routines, especially after holiday breaks. Studies have shown that a lack of quality sleep in children can increase the likelihood of anxiety, depression, poor grades and school performance, and even physical pain. Research has proven that kids need a lot of sleep in order to function adequately during the day, and sleep deprived children often overcompensate for lack of sleep by becoming fidgety or even disruptive in school.

How much sleep does your child need every night? Children ages 5-8 need the most sleep, requiring about 10-11 hours every night. Children ages 9-12 need between 9.5-10 hours nightly. And teenagers 13-18 need between 8.5-9.5.

Knowing how much sleep your child needs every night is key in establishing a proper bedtime. And it's important to remember that the above times aren't set in stone, but merely general approximations. Your child will have their own individual sleep needs, and you may need to fine-tune their bedtimes a little bit until you find your child less groggy and sleepy in the mornings, and more alert and aware.

Tips for getting your children on a regular sleep routine1. Keep a regular bedtime schedule, including weekends.2. Begin a relaxing bedtime routine such as baths, books, prayers, goodnights.3. Turn off electronics at least an hour before bedtime.4. Bedrooms should be cool, quiet, dimly lit, comfortable and associated with sleep.5. Limit caffeine and sugar intake after lunch and none within three hours before bed.6. Make sure they eat healthy and have regular exercise. 7. Communicate with your children about why regular bedtimes are important.8. Practice these tips yourself and set a good example.

For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.

Adapted from Alaska Sleep Clinic (2018)

Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weatherDuring 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 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 AM680CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSEGLOBAL NEWS CITY NEWS CTVCFRB – (Bell Media)

One of the following messages will be announced:

Peel District School Board buses are cancelledThis 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 closedThis 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 cancelledThis 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 cancelledThis 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

March 2019 Attendance Line:

1-855-209-6155Sunda

yMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturda

y25 26 27 28 Pizza Day 1 Popcorn SalesDress as your favourite book character for World Book Day

Lunchroom Supervisor

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3 4 5 6 Popcorn Sales

Ski Trip – final date

Gr.6 - EQAO Parent Night 6:00 – 7:15 p.m.

7 Pizza Day 8 Popcorn SalesWinit assemblyInternational Day of Happiness – Wear bright coloursWinter activity day

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10 11 12 13 14 15 16MARCH BREAK

17 18 19 20 Popcorn Sales 21 Pizza Day

Down’s Syndrome Day

22 Popcorn SalesGrade 3’s to Jack Smythe

CentreCoed Grade 5Basketball

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24 25 26 27 Popcorn

Sales

28 Pizza day 29 Popcorn Sales

Earth Day – Wear green and blue

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Dental Screening – all grades – March 27 to April 2, 2019