May 2025

Reminders for Subway Sandwich Orders...

•   The weekly deadline to place lunch orders for the upcoming week is Sunday at 12:00 PM; we are unable to accept any orders after this deadline.

•   If you need to make any updates or changes to your lunch orders, please do so before Sunday at 12:00 PM for the upcoming week.

•   For any order cancellations, please notify us 2 days prior to the delivery date. If this is not possible, please contact your school to make alternate arrangements for the meal.

•   If there is a school closure, lunches will be cancelled, and a credit will be issued to your Lunchbox account within 3 business days.

•   We have updated our Refunds and Credits Policy; please review the updated terms at https://identity.schoolcashonline.com/Account/Terms                                      

Questions? Contact the Lunchbox support team by e-mail at info@lunchboxorders.com 

Applications still open for French Immersion and Extended French programs

If your child will be starting Grade 1 or Grade 7 in September 2025, you may want to consider enrolling them in one of the following programs:

· Grade 1 French Immersion (FI)

· Grade 7 Extended French (EF)

Peel District School Board offers three French as a Second Language (FSL) programs:

· French Immersion

· Core French

· Extended French

Each program varies in intensity but shares the same goal: to help students develop communication skills in the French language.

Apply now for the FI and EF programs. The deadline to apply is June 13, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Applications received after the deadline will be placed on a waitlist.

To apply and learn more, visit peelschools.org/French.

Briarwood Puts The Spotlight On... 

Jewish Heritage Month

The Province of Ontario declared the month of May as Jewish Heritage Month in 2012. In December 2016, Senator Linda Frum brought forward a Senate Public Bill (SPB) to designate the month of May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month. The SPB, Bill S-232, was introduced and first read in the House of Commons on December 6, 2016, and received royal assent on March 29, 2018, declaring the month of May as Canadian Jewish Heritage Month. On April 9, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion, Peel District School Board approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Jewish Heritage Month in May.

Canada is home to the fourth largest Jewish Community (approximately 1% of the population of Canada) after Israel, the United States of America, and France.

During Jewish Heritage Month, schools across Peel will participate in activities that recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Jewish Canadians and Jewish communities from around the world.

Polish Heritage Month

Polish Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of people who are of Polish descent in Canada and around the world. Throughout history, Polish communities have played a significant role in shaping Canada into the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today.

In February 2024, Polish Heritage Month was officially recognized when the Government of Canada signed a declaration designating May as Polish Heritage Month. This also aligns with the anniversary of the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791, which is considered to be one of the world’s earliest democratic constitutions.

Throughout the month of May, PDSB schools will observe and honour Polish Heritage Month by engaging in learning experiences and activities that deepen students' understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Polish communities - both locally and globally.

South Asian Heritage

South Asian Heritage Month is time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of South Asians in Canada and around the world. Throughout history, South Asian communities have played a significant role in shaping Canada into the culturally diverse and prosperous nation it is today.

In 2001, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario proclaimed May as South Asian Heritage Month. It also proclaimed May 5 as the South Asian Arrival Day, to commemorate the arrival of South Asians to the Americas on May 5, 1928. It serves as an opportunity to highlight and honour the achievements, culture, heritage, and history of South Asian communities across Canada.

Throughout the month of May, Peel schools will honour South Asian Heritage Month by engaging in learning experiences and activities that deepen understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of South Asian communities in Canada, and throughout the world

Asian Heritage

Asian Heritage Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions of people of Asian descent in Canada and around the world. Throughout history, Asian communities have played a significant role in shaping Canada into the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today.

Asian Heritage Month has been officially recognized in Canada following a declaration by the Government of Canada. It serves as an opportunity to highlight and honour the achievements, culture, heritage, and history of Asian communities across Canada.

Throughout May, PDSB schools will honour Asian Heritage Month by engaging in learning experiences and activities that deepen understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures, traditions, and contributions of Asian communities - both locally and globally.

Peel IT Support Staff and Media Support Services Appreciation Day – May 13

On May 13, Peel District School Board will recognize the contributions of its IT support staff and Media support services teams. Peel board appreciates their dedication to delivering innovative, reliable, and adaptable technology solutions that support student success and ensure equitable access to digital tools. We thank them for their commitment to providing quality service and for supporting students and staff every day.

Adult English Classes (ESL/LINC)

Do you know an adult whose first language is not English, and who is interested in improving their English language skills for work, school, or daily life?

We offer Canadian Language Benchmark Levels Literacy to 8 and specialty classes (e.g., IELTS, Digital Skills, Employment Readiness, Reading & Writing, Listening & Speaking and Canadian Citizenship).

Classes are ongoing and available online and in-person - register anytime.

Learners can:

1. Earn a certificate upon completion

Certificates of completion at Canadian Language Benchmark Level 4 and greater can be submitted as proof of language proficiency for Canadian Citizenship applications.

2. Choose from a wide range of classes offered at various times, levels, and locations

· Bramalea Adult Education Centre – Bramalea Secondary School, 510 Balmoral Dr, Brampton, L6T 1W4, Door #33

· Brampton Adult Education Centre - 7700 Hurontario Street, Unit 300, Brampton, ON L6Y 4M3

· T. L. Kennedy Secondary School – 3100 Hurontario Street, Rooms 144, Door #30 (Note: Please call 905-270-6000, then press 2 to speak to our ESL staff before going to T.L. Kennedy Secondary School)

3. Be eligible to borrow a digital device for a $50 fee.

Summer School 2025: Adult Language ESL/LINC Classes

PDSB is excited to offer in-person and online summer English classes from July 2 to July 31, for adults who want to improve their Everyday English, Workplace English, LINC, and English for Citizenship. Please visit Adult English as a Second Language - Peel Board Office Site (peelschools.org) for more details.

To learn more or to register:

· Call 905-270-6000, then press 2. · Email LearnESL@peelsb.com  · Visit https://www.peelschools.org/adult-education 

· Follow us on X (formerly Twitter): @PDSBLearnESL 

# WELL IN PEEL

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

The month of May is considered Mental Health Awareness Month in Canada. It is important to recognize that mental health and mental illness are not the same, even though the terms are often used interchangeably. Mental health is defined as a positive state of wellness. When individuals are mentally healthy, they can enjoy life, explore and take healthy risks, manage adversity, and find ways to contribute to the world around us. According to the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework, mental health and well-being is inspired through “a balance of the mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional.” Everyone, including the most vulnerable or those living with a mental illness, has the potential to experience wellness and to live as a whole and healthy individual.

Mental illness is described as severe and persistent difficulty with thoughts, emotions or behaviours that causes distress and interfere with daily functioning. In Ontario, it’s estimated that 18 to 22 per cent of students meet the criteria for a mental health concern or illness. That’s why schools play a critical role in promoting mental health, noticing concerns early, offering services, and providing ongoing support. Research shows that students who participate in high-quality social-emotional learning at school experience greater emotional wellness and academic achievement.

Mental health support is available both at Peel District School Board and within the community. Learn more:

Mental Health and Well-being About Student Mental Health in Ontario What is Mental Health? How to Talk to Your Child About Mental Health

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, please visit www.peelschools.org/mental-health-parents for further information about school and community resources. A compiled resource guide including identity and ability-specific mental health resources can be found here: bit.ly/Student-MH-Supports. For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB’s Mental Health Resource Team, find them on X (formerly Twitter) @MHRTPeel.

Acknowledgement:

Indigenous teaching reminds us that mental wellness is a balance of the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional parts of ourselves and is enriched when individuals experience purpose, hope, belonging and meaning in their lives (First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework).

Entry and Dismissal Procedures for Grades 1-5 at Briarwood Public School

Morning Entry:  Please note that students are to assemble outside of their entry doors in the morning where they will be met by their teacher when the bell rings.  Students are to arrive to school between 8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.   Supervision of students begins at 8:15 a.m.  If students are dropped off before 8:15 a.m. they must be supervised by parents / caregivers until staff members arrive at their supervision locations.  A general reminder, children are NOT to play at the nearby city park before the start of the school day.  Please remind your children to head directly to school if they are walking.

On rainy days, students will be invited to stand inside their entry doors until the bell rings.

Afternoon Dismissal Procedures: 

Classes 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5B, and 5C whose students walk home from school, or are picked up by parents will exit out of Door 8 on the south side of the school to be received by parents / caregivers on the hard top.    Classes in portables 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be dismissed on the hard top and will also be received by parents on the hard top.

Students who will be picked up in Kiss and Ride at the front of the school will be dismissed to the gym (Door 2) by their supervising teachers.  Parents are to remain in their cars and students will be dismissed to waiting cars in the Kiss and Ride lane from the gym door. Parents are NOT to line up in front of the gym door -  Door 2.  If you have parked your cars on neighbouring streets, parents are asked to walk to the south end of the school and receive their child outside of Door 8 and walk back to their parked cars. 

Peel District School Board and Briarwood Public School Code of Conduct

The school code of conduct applies to all members of the school community including parents / caregivers and any visitors to our school.  Please review the Code of Conduct to help create a safe, inclusive learning environment for all.  Translated versions are available at www.peelschools.org

During the month of April, all students in K-5 received a second presentation about our school's Code of Conduct through class assemblies and in class presentations.  We invite you to continue having conversations with your children about their responsibilities as students and members of Briarwood Public School.  Here are a few slides that we ask families to review with their children.