Macville Online NewsletterFebruary 2014
Macville NewsItem PagePrincipal’s Message 2School Lunch Program 2Winter Electives 3Fix the Formula 3Primary Transportation Protocol 4Your Voice Counts Survey 4Important Dates 4Daffodil Month 4Meet Our Current School Council 5
Board News
Closing Schools Due to Bad Weather 5Helping Your Family Stay Warm this Winter 6Traffic Safety in Your Community 7Kindergarten Registration 8Helping Your Child Prepare for Tests 10Parent Conference – “Literacy and Beyond” 11Spotlight on Black History 11Offence Declaration Forms 12Jack Smythe Field Center – Maple Syrup Days! 12Celebrating Faith and Culture 13Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder 14
Principal’s MessageThe weather man is predicting that this February will be the snowiest in
many years. I hope not, as we have a very busy two months ahead of us with both old and new initiatives. Students will be
participating in several events that have been traditions at Macville: electives, basketball, DARE, and our MADD assembly. There are also many
new initiatives here at Macville: the Ned show, circle drumming, celebrations for Black History Month, the new Your Voice Counts survey, Mac H”app”y
days where students are learning critical thinking skills through technology, and our new House
system with Earth, Wind, Fire and Water Teams. It is sure to be a busy time at Macville as we look forward to the promise of spring.
Mrs. Kawabe
School Lunch Program
Please note that on snow days, when buses are not running, any lunch program scheduled will be postponed. Announcements will be made as to the next available date. Please remember to send a lunch on snow days if you are driving your child to school.
As well, if there are any new or current families that have not signed up for any of the lunch programs and wish to do so, please contact the office for further information and order forms.
Thank you to all Macville families for supporting the school lunch program.
WINTER ELECTIVESOur Winter Elective selections will be sent out the week of January 6, 2014 Permission sheets and selection choices are to be returned no later than Tuesday, January 21st, along with complete payment. Students in the junior and intermediate levels have the option of (i) skiing or snowboarding at Mansfield Resort, OR (ii) Bowling in the morning and/or crafts and other activities at the school in the afternoon.
Winter Electives will take place on Feb. 6, 14 and 21.
Our primary students will be skating at the Caledon East arena in Caledon East on:
February 6 from 11:15—12:15February 14/21 from 10:00—11:00
New this year: We have booked one bus for ski-ing. Spots for 50 students for ski-ing will be on a first come basis. Students should bring their completed forms and money to Ms Chateauvert. Once this bus is full we will have a wait list and if enough students are on the wait list we will book another bus.
#Fixthe Formula website provides funding facts for parents Did you know that the Peel District School Board per pupil funding is last of all 72 Ontario school boards for the Special Education High Needs Amount funding? Want to learn more? Visit http://www.peelschools.org/fixtheformula and discover:
How Peel board students are fundedHow the per pupil funding for Special Education has an impact on every student in
PeelWhat you can do to help
donations made directly to Caledon Community Services. Not too shabby for our little school in the North!
Primary protocol for transported students:
The primary protocol for transported students has been implemented in order to enhance the safety of those Kindergarten students who are transported home by bus in the afternoon at the end of the school day. All junior and senior kindergarten students must be met by a parent/caregiver at their designated stop. Students who are not met will be returned to the school by the driver at the end of the bus run or route. It is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that these students are met daily. In order to ensure that this procedure is successfully, we need the cooperation of school administration, bus drivers and parents.
Your Voice Counts The Peel District School Board would like your input. Between March 1st and April 30th, parents are invited to participate in the Your Voice Counts survey. More information will follow in the coming weeks.
Please note the following dates:Monday, February 17th is Family DayFriday, March 7th is a Ministry Designated DayMonday March 10th—Friday, March 14th is March BreakStudents will not be attending school on these days.
Meet our Current School Council Members:
Chair: Heather FrenchTreasurer: Stephanie HarveySecretary: Marilyn OttenPrincipal: Kelly Kawabe Members at large:Teresa Topping Julia ShepherdErika FosburyAbbey ThomsonHeather ElliottGurinder Samrao Teacher representative:Andrea King-JudgeCatherine Horn Non-teaching staff representative: Sharyn Holloway The School Council does such tremendous work and is a vital part of the success of our students. Thank you to all members of our School Council for the many initiatives that they organize throughout the year!
Board News
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 announced on radio and television stations listed below and posted at www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca. Information will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146.
VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9 CHUM AM1050 CFTR AM680CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1CFRB AM1010 EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1CITYPULSE GLOBAL NEWS CTV
One of the following messages will be announced (highlighted text only):
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 bussing 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 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 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 Board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.
Help your family stay warm this winterCanada 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.
Traffic safety in our community
Safety is a top priority at our school. Here is a list of traffic tips to keep students, staff and parents safe while commuting to and from school.
Respect traffic signs and road markers around the school. Drive slowly and with caution on and near school property. Adhere to the posted speed
limits on any surrounding streets used by students on their way to and from school. Always yield to pedestrian traffic. Wait for students, staff members and parents to cross
before driving past them. When dropping your child off at the school, use the Kiss'n'Ride area. This is a supervised
area that is designed to keep students safe. Do not double park or do anything else to block traffic or draw your child off the curb
and into traffic. Do not take shortcuts over curbs. Have your child ready to exit the car when you reach the curb. Say goodbye to your child
before you park at the curb to let your child out of your car. During regular drop-off times, students are to remain in the car until it is safe for them to
exit the car onto the curb. Follow the directions of staff or volunteers on duty in the school parking lot and treat
staff, students, volunteers, passengers and other drivers with respect. Consider parking off site and walking a short distance to school. This will give you time
to talk to your children about their day, review new vocabulary words, math concepts, etc.
Remind your child to only cross the street at an intersection or crosswalk. They should never “jaywalk” by crossing in the middle of the street.
Students who bike to school should always wear a helmet, and follow all traffic laws. They should only cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection—never in the middle of the road.
It's time to register children born in 2010 for kindergarten
Register at Macville Public School on Feb. 4, 5, 6 & 7
We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2010, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2014. Registration will be held at our school from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 4, 5, 6 and 7 and from 5 to 7 p.m. on Feb. 6.
What you will need to bring to registration
Proof of child's age Canadian birth certificate Canadian passport citizenship card/certificate Permanent Resident Card confirmation of permanent residence work permit refugee permit
Proof of address Ontario driver's license utility bill bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution) credit card statement federal government forms (e.g. Social Insurance Number, Service Canada
documents) purchase agreement
Proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate living arrangementProof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated
Extended-day program for kindergarten students
Families have the option of enrolling their child in before and after-school programs developed by the Ministry of Education to complement the full-day kindergarten program. These programs are run by qualified, experienced staff from our childcare partners. At registration, we will ask families to tell us whether they are interested in the extended-day programs. The programs can only run if there is enough interest among families.
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.
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.
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 29, 2014 at Mississauga 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 2014
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" section of www.peelschools.org/parents/literacyconference/
Macville puts the spotlight on Black HeritageIn 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 happening at Macville:
- Announcements- Special Featured Musical Artists Every Day- Posters and Bulletin Boards
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 Macville, 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 volunteer. All returning volunteers will be mailed an Offence Declaration Form that must be filled out and returned to the board office each year. You will not be able to volunteer with the Peel board if you do not return this form. Forms will be mailed home in February.
2014 March Break Maple Syrup Days at the Jack Smythe Field Centre Open HouseMarch 12 - 1510 a.m. – 3 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. Join in on an authentic Canadian tradition. For a number of years the Peel Field Centres have invited the public for an awe-inspiring visit to our outstanding Maple Sugar Bush during the March Break. Individuals and families are invited to get involved as Spring comes to life. Help empty sap buckets, tap trees or sample some freshly made maple syrup as we celebrate the new syrup season. Take a hike along our tranquil trails and feed the friendly chickadees by hand. A teepee and early settler site will also be set up to show how syrup was collected and produced in centuries past. Use pioneer tools or listen to an Aboriginal tale around the campfires. No visit would be complete without a trip to the sugar shack where the sap is boiling and clouds of sweet smelling steam billow out of the chimney. Learn how modern day syrup operations are conducted with an industrial evaporator and tap line system. Have a taste of the freshly made syrup. It's going to be sweet! 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. For more information, please contact the Jack Smythe Field Centre at 1-905-877-7771. Directions to Jack Smythe Field Centre, 14592 Winston Churchill Blvd., Terra Cotta:
North on Mississauga Rd, Left on King Street (You will see Credit View P.S. on your left), Right on Winston Churchill Blvd (You will pass the Terra Cotta Conservation Area on your left) to the top of the hill and left into the Jack Smythe site.
Celebrating Faith and Culture February 2014
DATE CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE
February Buxwlaks Aboriginal SpiritualityFebruary 1 or 2 Imbolc WiccaFebruary 3 or 4 Vasant Panchami HinduismFebruary 3 Setsubun-sai ShintoFebruary 7 to 26 month of Mulk Bahá’íFebruary 14 Lantern Festival BuddhismFebruary 14 Magha Puja BuddhismFebruary 15 National Flag Day CanadaFebruary 15 Nirvana Day BuddhismFebruary 17 Heritage Day CanadaFebruary 17 Family Day OntarioFebruary 26 to March 1
Intercalary Days Bahá'í
February 27 Mahashivratri Hinduism
Celebrating Faith and Culture BackgrounderFebruary 2014
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 2014 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remember:________________________________________________________________________
February - Buxwlaks 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.
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 or 4 - 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 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 7 to 26 - 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 14 - Lantern Festival in Buddhism
This mid-autumn festival is celebrated 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 14 - 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.
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 15 - Nirvana Day in Buddhism
Nirvana Day, also known as Parinirvana, is an annual Buddhist festival observing the death of Buddha after achieving Nirvana (liberation from cycle of rebirth and suffering) at the age of 80. Followers of the Mahayana faith visit temples, offer prayers, meditate and read scriptures describing the last days of Gautama Buddha.
February 17 - Heritage Day in Canada
The third Monday in February is promoted as Heritage Day by the Heritage Foundation of Canada. This day, established in 1973, celebrates the national, architectural, scenic and historic heritage of Canada
February 17 - 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 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 Fast.
The Intercalary Days are also used to complete the 365 days solar year as the 19 month Bahá'í calendar falls short.
February 27 – Mahashivratri in Hinduism
The festival of Mahashivratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is one of the three most important deities in Hinduism, along with Brahma, the creator, and Vishnu, the preserver. Lord Shiva is the destroyer and reproducer of life.
During Mahashivratri, adherents fast, chant, meditate, visit the temple and offer group prayers.
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 Varsha Naik, Community Liaison Coordinator at 905-890-1010, ext. 2573 or e-mail her [email protected]
January 5 - Birth of Guru Gobind Singh in Sikhism
Guru Gobind Singh was the 10th and final guru (1666-1708) in the Sikh faith. He created the Order of Khalsa and declared the scriptures, the Adi Granth, as the only guru after him for people of the Sikh faith.
Gurpurbs are festivals associated with the lives of the Gurus. Sikhs celebrate Gurpurbs, like the Birth of Guru Gobind Singh, with an akhand path, a complete and continuous reading of the Adi Granth, which takes 48 hours and finishes on the day of the festival.
January 6 and 19 - Epiphany or Feast of Theophany in Christianity
Followers of the Western Christian tradition celebrate Epiphany on Jan. 6. This day marks the journey of three kings to worship Jesus in Bethlehem. Some of the Orthodox churches—like Greek, Russian, Ukrainian and Serbian— that still follow the older or Julian calendar celebrate the same tradition as the Feast of Theophany on Jan. 19.
The term epiphany means to show, to make known or to reveal.
January 7 - Christmas in Christianity
Followers of the Eastern Rite celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus on Jan. 7, based on the Julian calendar. Traditional celebrations include singing carols, having holy supper on Christmas Eve and attending church services on Christmas Eve and the Christmas Day.
January 8 - Sakyamuni Buddha's Enlightenment in Buddhism
Siddhartha Gautama, known also as Sakyamuni Buddha, attained enlightenment at the age of 35 while sitting in deep meditation under the Bodhi tree. Followers of the faith commemorate this day for their founder by holding Dharma functions in the temples and by partaking of congee (a nourishing milk drink). On this day, Buddhists reflect on the "Middle Path" - a path of moderation between extreme self-indulgence and self-mortification taught by Sakyamuni Buddha.
January 12 - Lohri and January 13 - Makar Sankranti in Hinduism
This festival marks the end of the winter season (when daylight hours begin to increase) and is primarily a harvest festival. This festival is also called Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Kicheri in Uttar Pradesh, Til Sankranti in Maharashtra, and Makar Sankranti in Gujarat, India.
Kite flying and burning sugar cane in bonfires is a couple of the more popular customs for this celebration. Newly married couples and parents on the birth of their first child particularly celebrate Lohri.
Makar Sankranti is the first Hindu festival of the solar calendar year. It falls at a time when the sun enters the Zodiac sign of Makar (Capricorn), and when days become longer from this point on so it is a time for celebration.
Eve of January 12 or 13 – January 13 or 14 - Milad-un-Nabi in Islam
Milad-un Nabi or Maulid (Mawlid) is celebrated by Muslims as Eid-e Milad, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad. This is also anniversary of his death.
The celebration begins the evening before with reading from the Quran, followed by poetry and songs in praise of the Prophet. There are also lectures and story-telling – about his life and teachings. In some big cities of the Muslim world, the day is marked with processions. On the day of Milad, the Prophet's teachings are repeated, the Quran is read and religious discourses are conducted in the mosques. Muslims invite their friends and relatives for a feast on this day.
January 13 - Maghi in Sikhism
This is the first day of the month of Magh. This day commemorates the battle at Muktsar, a town in Punjab, India, in which 40 Sikhs (called the Immortal Ones) died for Guru Gobind Singh in 1705.
January 13 - Seijin-no-hi in Shinto
Based on a Shinto rite of passage known as gempuku, Seijin-no-hi is the Coming-of-Age Day, which marks the official entry to adulthood for all young Japanese who will have reached the age of majority (20 years) between April 2 of the previous year and April 1 of the current year.
Declared a national holiday in Japan in 1948, 20-year-old women and men go to shrines, wearing traditional clothing. Their families announce their adulthood to the kami or spirits, and pray for their health and well-being.
Sunset of January 15 to 16 - Tu B'Shevat in Judaism
Tu B'Shevat, also known as the New Year for Trees, falls on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Shevat, and celebrations begin after sunset the night before. Each tree is considered to have aged one year as of Tu B'Shevat, no matter when it was planted during the year. It is customary for people of the Jewish faith to eat a fruit or plant trees on this day.
January 16 – Mahayana New Year in Buddhism
The followers of Mahayana Buddhism celebrate the New Year’s Day on the first full moon day in January. The observance is a multi-day celebration.
January 19 to February 6 - month of Sultán in Bahá'í
In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. January 19 is the beginning of Sultán, the seventeenth month of the Bahá'í calendar, signifying "sovereignty."
The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.
January 19 - World Religion Day in Bahá'í
At this annual celebration, representatives of all faiths and traditions are invited to foster inter-faith understanding and harmony by focusing on the common beliefs and spiritual principles underlying all religions.
January 31 – 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 4712 - the Year of the Horse. They visit the local temple or monastery. 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 2141 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."
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 Varsha Naik, Community Liaison Coordinator at 905-890-1010, ext. 2573 or e-mail her [email protected]
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