It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through our

school year, and we must share with you how proud

we are of our hardworking and caring students who

continue to inspire us with their curiosity, commit-

ment to others and challenging questions. This

newsletter includes a variety of worthy websites for

parents and students to explore at home. We hope

you find them valuable and your feedback is always

welcome. Report cards go home February 14th. We

encourage all families to read them together, set

achievable goals and continue to maintain strong

partnerships with your child’s teachers. As we move

into the second half of the school year, our dedicat-

ed Sherwood staff continue to offer your children

opportunities to lead, learn and grow. We hope that

our students will take advantage of all that is availa-

ble to them at our school and continue to develop

skills that will help them become aspiring leaders

that “Welcome All and Value Everyone.”

CONTACT US:

633 Ormond Drive

Oshawa, ON

L1K 2W6

Tel: (905)728-9283

Fax: (905)728-4346

Renee Price

Principal

Kim Argier

Vice-Principal

Leanne Finlay

Administrative

Assistant

Lee Simon

Chief Custodian

Richard Kennelly

Superintendent

(905)666-500

Trustees:

Michael Barrett

905-725-2980

Linda Stone

905-725-2980

Linda Lowrey

905-725-2980

SHERWOOD WAVE Welcome All and Value Everyone

8th—Tape a Toonie for Grandview & Walk to School Day

8th—Junior Speeches

9th—Red & White Day—Olympic Celebration

9th—Intermediate Speeches

104h—Report Cards go home

19th—Family Day (No School)

28th –Pink Shirt Day

Some Dates of Significance for February 2018

The Durham District School Board and the Equity, Diversity and Race Relations Department, recog-nize and value the dimensions of diversity while supporting Equity and Inclusive Education. As we continue to implement equitable principles and practices, it is important to acknowledge dates of significance that recognize our diverse faith groups, creeds and organizations. The following dates highlight observances that are notable as we continue to broaden our educational focus through the equity lens, recognizing information from the United Nations (UN), the Federal Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, the Interfaith Calendar and the Multi-faith Council of Ontario.

Black History Month

February 3rd Setsubun-sai Shinto

February 13th Shrove Tuesday Christian

February 14th Ash Wednesday Christian

February 14th Saint Valentine’s Day

February 15th National Flag of Canada Day Canada

February 16th Chinese New Year – Lunar New Year

February 15th Family Day Ontario

February 20th World Day of Social Justice UN

February 21st International Mother Language Day UNESCO

February 28th Pink Shirt Day (Anti-Bullying Day)

February 28th—March 1st Purim Judiasm

Self-Regulation information can be found on the DDSB website!

Self-regulation continues to be an area of focus for the Durham District School Board

as more research and successful strategies are implemented in our schools. The

Durham District School board has information on self-regulation on the Board website

www.ddsb.ca.

Click on the PARENT tab at the top of the screen

Click on SAFE SCHOOLS on the left of the screen

Click on WELL-BEING when you see the Safe Schools Icon in the middle of the screen

Click on the picture below and you will find information on self-regulation and infor-

mation on each of the 5 domains.

At Sherwood P.S. we are using self-regulation strategies in our classrooms.

DEFINITION OF SELF REGULATION:

Self-Regulation includes an awareness of what stresses us, how it impacts us and the

ability to develop ways to manage it to be calm, alert and willing to learn.

OVERVIEW:

The Durham District School Board has ben working in close partnership with Dr. Stuart

Shanker to promote the academic and well-being of students in our classrooms. Dr.

Shanker is a distinguished research professor of Phi-

losophy, Psychology and Education at York Universi-

ty. In addition, he has held a number of posts includ-

ing Director, the Early Childhood Research Initiative;

Co-director, the Council of Human Development; and

President, the Council for Early Childhood Develop-

ment, Dr. Shanker.

Dr. Shanker outlines several stressors in the lives of

children that cause their “fightor- flight” alarms to be

turned on (“kindled”) all the time. Do you know what

those stressors are? Sleep is the #1 stressor – many

children are not getting quality sleep. There are things

that you can do as a parent/guardian to find those

stressors in your chil (ren) and help them learn how to self-regulate and become

aware of what their bodies need in order to be calm, alert and learning.

Any Place, Any Time, Any Where - DDSB Library

and Research Resources

The Durham District School Board has a robust collection of online re-

sources for student research and discovery. These resources are available

24 hours a day, seven days a week, from home to any DDSB community

member via the internet. Resources on our Library Website include: Fic-

tion and Non-Fiction E Books, English and French Encyclopedia, access

to academic quality research databases and journals, links to web tools,

access to national and local newspapers, and tips and tricks for students

and guardians on library and inquiry skills. All students, staff, and commu-

nity members may access the Library Learning Commons website by visit-

ing their individual school website and clicking on the Learning Commons

tab.

After landing on the School Library page, users should click on the DDSB

Learning Commons tab to access our rich library and learning resources

collection. If you have any questions regarding these online resources,

please speak with your School Teacher Librarian.

Black History Month

Black History Month provides an opportunity to share and learn

about the experiences, contributions and achievements of peo-

ples of African ancestry. It was initiated in Canada by the Ontario

Black History Society, which was founded in 1978. Through the

efforts of the founders of the Ontario Black History Society, in-

cluding Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks, a petition was

presented to the City of Toronto to have February formally pro-

claimed as Black History Month. In 1979, the first-ever Canadian

proclamation was issued by Toronto. In 1993, the Ontario Black

History Society successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim

February as Black History Month. Black-Canadians have contrib-

uted to all areas, enriching the Canadian educational, political,

business, religious, and cultural landscapes. Early contributors

worked within the Black community, without much public recogni-

tion. Sometimes, a Black person would gain high office due to

their skill, experience, wealth, or commitment that made their

race less of an issue. Later, as more opportunities were fought

for, or opened up, more African-Canadians could enter a wider

range of public positions. African-Canadians were at the forefront

of the anti-slavery movement in the 1800s and were equally in-

volved in human rights struggles in the 1960s and 1970s. Cana-

dian segregation was addressed, and dealt a severe blow

through the Viola Desmond incident, but more work had to take

place across the country to loosen the hold of negative laws, behaviours, and practices. Those who worked to cre-

ate change and who have taken a risk on behalf of the rights of others have helped to recast Canadian society. Of

recent note is this year in Ontario we have officially marked January 21 as Lincoln Alexander Day highlighting the

work of yet another prominent Black Canadian.

For more information:

http://www.biography.com/tv/classroom/about-black-history-month

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/department/media/mul media/video/bhm/pierpoint.asp

Online Treasure Hunt – BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM

http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/games/museum/index.asp

The Underground Railroad – A Journey To Freedom (documentary trailer)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60oFmPwLz8U&feature=related

Underground Railroad: The William S ll Story – 60 minute documentary

http://video.pbs.org/video/2181724307

Ontario Black History Society

http://www.blackhistorysociety.ca/index.php

Who’s Who in Black Canada (This site showcases Black Canadians who excel in their lives and contributions to the community. One goal of this site is to inspire the pursuit of excellence)

http://www.blackincanada.com/

Literature

http://www.cbc.ca/books/black-canadian-literature.html#igImgId_33865

Oral Language

Talking is one of the most important things we do in life. We get to know each other through talk. We

share our thoughts and feelings through talk. We learn through talk. We teach through talk. We use

talk to shape our ideas and reach into new worlds of experiences. How can I help my child with speak-

ing and listening?

Involve your child in conversations, plans, and discussions

Talk about familiar things with your younger child and ensure your child has a wide range of ex-

periences to talk about

Provide an example of good listening and avoid responding with “Mmm” or “just a minute”

Talk about topics of mutual interest (a family trip or shared experience) with the expectation

that your child will listen and respond

Play board games and language games (I spy or Snakes and Ladders) that encourage conversa-

tion and teach social skills, such as turn taking and winning versus losing

Make mealtimes talking times and encourage all family members to participate

Teach your child to use the telephone

Ask your child to retell a story or explain a favourite part

Encourage your older child to listen and respond to others’ opinions. Support your child in devel-

oping confidence to express his or her understanding and thoughts.

From Parents as Partners: Helping Your Child’s Literacy and Language Development (First Steps)

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE…

In order to limit classroom interruptions, please send all of your child’s items

to school with them first thing in the morning, if at all possible.

Also, if you know in advance that you need to pick your child up before the

end of the day, please let the teacher know by a note in their agenda. This

way, your child can be excused to the office for pick up without interruptions

to the class.

We are experiencing multiple calls to classrooms which distracts students and

teachers from learning. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Websites for Parents and Students:

As February is upon us, and we may have more time to spend indoors with our families, here

are some websites to help warm up our wintery evenings:

MATH

https://www.prodigygame.com/Canada/

http://oame.on.ca/mathies/

http://oame.on.ca/CLIPS

www.mathalicious.com

www.illuminations.nctm.org

www.math-play.com/Interactive-Math-Games.html

www.math-playground.com

www.math-play.com

www.ixl.com

www.mathk8.nelson.com

http://jumpmath.org/cms/

www.sheppardsoftware.com/math.htm

www.mathfrog.com

www.coolmath.com

www.coolmath-games.com

www.kidsmath.com

http://www.mathcats.com/

www.cyberchase.com

www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/

7/8 Homework help : homeworkhelp.ilc.org

All Subjects:

www.linktolearning.com

www.kidsclick.org

www.readwritethink.com

READING / WRITING (Primary/Junior):

www.raz-kids.com

www.readtheory.org

http://www.readingresource.net/

websitesforkids.html

www.scholastic.com/teachers/student-activities

writingfix.com/writingfix_for_kids.htm

www.starfall.com

www.highlightskids.com

www.shortlineonline.net

www.readwritethink.com

www.kidsclick.org

www.owlkids.com/ChickaDEE/index.html

www.pbskids.org/games/reading

Reading / Writing (Junior/Intermediate)

www.readwritethink.com

https://sites.google.com/site/gameonlearning/lamiddle-

school-games

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/k12links.htm

eduscapes.com/tap/topic86.htm

French:

http://www.fslhomeworktoolbox.ca/

http://www.tfo.org/fr/jeux

The encyclopedia—French.eb.com/junior

NEWS FROM THE GYM:

Intermediate Dodgeball was a great success this year with The Matrix taking home the Sherwood Cup and team Doesn't Matter placing second. Both teams rep-resented Sherwood with great sportsmanship dur-ing the tournament held at Seneca Trail.

Junior Dodgeball is now in full swing with teams competing for intramural dominance. The top two teams will be competing in the Durham Champion-ship Tournament the afternoon of February 28th, right here at Sherwood P.S.

Intermediate Badminton will be starting this Friday, Febru-ary 9th at lunch. Grade 7 & 8 students interested in playing badminton can come and play doubles badminton every Fri-day. All badminton club members can attempt to represent Sherwood as part of the team at this years tournament be-ing held on March 28th. Let the birdies fly.

Sherwood Wrestling Team will be having its first meeting and handing out permission forms on Wednesday, February 14th at lunch recess. All dedicated and disciplined students in grade 3 to 8 are welcome to come and find out what Olym-pic wrestling is all about. If you think wrestling is the sport for you, practices will be starting the week of February 20th, culminating at the Durham Championship April 10th and 11th at McKinney Arena. All returning team members are challenged to bring a friend with you to help build our team and promote an active life-style. Lets get ready to RUMBLE!

NEWS FROM THE GYM:

Intermediate Girls Basketball

Congratulations to our intermediate girl's basketball team who just wrapped up their season. The girl's worked hard all season and showed tremendous dedication and sportsmanship on and off the court. The team placed second in our division at the Simcoe Chal-lenge Basketball Tournament last week. Ms. Johnson and Ms. Hawley are very proud of you! Well done Nadine G., Tyya N. , Madina D , Kaylee G., Courtney F., Jennifer C., Abby S., Leia D., Ashley B., Sydney M., Alex B., Madison C., and a special thanks to Lauren B for helping be our team manager.

Braver Than Brave Hockey Tournament

This year, Sherwood students in both the junior and intermediate divisions will be entering a team in the Braver than Brave Tribute Hockey Tournament. The fundraiser takes place on Saturday, Feb-ruary 24th at Norman G. Powers. Come cheer on Sherwood as they compete and raise money for a great cause!

Durham Elementary Honour Band and Choir

Congratulations to our Grade 7 and 8 Sherwood music students, Shagi, Zeel, Annie and Abinaya who participated in the Durham Elemen-tary Honour Band and Choir this year. These teacher-nominated young musicians consist-ed of 77 vocalists in the choir, and 88 instrumental-ists in the band and were a representation from schools all across the Durham region. Shagi attended as a band member, playing flute and Zeel, Annie and Abinaya were vocalists in the choir. These stu-dents dedicated themselves to 5, two-hour after school rehearsals in then a 'marathon' rehearsal on Saturday February 4! The concert held on Sun-day February 5th at Eastdale CVI, was performed to a packed house of adoring fans! Thank you to all performers who represented Sherwood so well! Bravo!

THE BOOK FAIR IS COMING!!!

Our second book fair of the year will be here soon! The “Paws for Books” book

fair will be in our library from Wednesday, February 21st to Friday, February 23rd.

The Family Event will be on Thursday, February 22nd from 4-7 pm. Parents are

welcome to come with their children during this time to purchase books. There

will be a variety of prizes at the family event, including the opportunity to win

$25 worth of books for your family and $25

worth of books for your classroom! Please

come out to the book fair where there is

something for everyone!

SCC NEWS

The SCC would like to thank all those who came out to our intermedi-ate movie night in support of our grade 8 graduation. We raised $410 towards graduation.

Our next movie night is on February 15th at 6:30 where we will be showing The Boss Baby for our primary and junior divisions. Pizza and snacks will be available for purchase.

Stay tuned for more exciting events! Want a front row seat? Come out

to the next SCC meeting on February 12th at 6:30! D

ate