November 2024

Fall Ball Dance 2024  - Thank you to our very own school council member and parent, DJ Brent Miller for graciously offering his services to DJ our Fall Ball Dance!  We would also like to thank our school community member and parent, Zoey Chapel for the decorations for the school gym!   A very special thank you to Ms. Janco for organizing the K-5 Fall Ball!  There were lots of smiles and giggles as students danced and moved to the music! 

Cross Country Running Team

It was a beautiful day for a cross country race at Erindale Park.  Students in grades 2-5 competed against 26 Peel District School Board Schools.  Students ran distances of 800 m to 1.4 km. 

Thank you to all of the parents who came to cheer on their children.  

Mr. Penfold, Mrs. Dietz, Mrs. McQuillan and Mrs. Tutty would like to congratulate all of the members of the team.  Congratulations Briarwood Bees! 

Parent Fact Sheet - Being On Time For School

Does being late for school really matter?

In the morning rush, just getting your child out of the door can be a victory.  But will your child be on time for school?  Occasionally, circumstances beyond your control will cause a late arrival.  But a pattern of late arrivals- even just a few minutes - can have a negative impact on your child.

Punctuality is an important life skill.  Students who are chronically late for school do not learn the value of being on time and are negatively impacted. 

• Rushing in the morning can be stressful for your child and start their day off in the wrong frame of mind, not ready to learn.

• Students miss valuable social time with their peers before school begins.

• Students who are often late feel embarrassed or self-conscious when they arrive to class late.

• Late arrivals disrupt the morning routines of their classmates and their teachers.

• Important teaching happens at the beginning of the school day, from the moment they line up outside to start their day.  

• Missing even 5 to 10 minutes of a lesson can make it harder for your child to understand the material being taught.

• Lateness can lead to academic and social frustration, as well as lowered self-esteem.

School starts at 8:30 a.m. at Briarwood Public School

Please have your child arrive at school between 8:15 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.  If your child arrives late to school,  please go to the main office to sign them in.  Teachers will not open doors to receive students who are late to school as we are required to ensure attendance is accurately recorded. 

Please let us know how best we can support you to get your child to school on time.

November TEA and TALK for Newcomer Families with our School Settlement Worker

Our October Tea and Talk Session was a great success!

Newcomer families to Briarwood Public School are invited to meet with our school's Settlement Worker, Kay Raza for our second Tea and Talk session on Thursday, November 14th at 9:00 a.m. in the Briarwood Library.  

Entry and Exit Doors - Dismissal Procedures Grades 1-5!

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.

The entry bell to start the school day is at 8:30 a.m.  Students are NOT to enter through the main office door unless they are arriving late to school.  Students must be accompanied by parents who will sign them in at the main office before proceeding to class.  On rainy days, students will be invited to stand inside the 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. 

November 2024 School Health E-Blast from Peel Public Health

November 24-30 is National Addictions Awareness Week 

National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW) is November 24-30, 2024. This is a time for us to learn more about addiction and how we can support individuals who use substances.  

Peel Public Health recommends the below resources for parents who are talking to youth about drugs:  

•  Conversations matter: Things you should know when talking to youth about substance use (CAMH) 

•  Talking about drugs and alcohol (Government of Canada)  

•  Communicating about substance in compassionate, safe and nonstigmatizing ways (Government of Canada) 

•  Drug Free Kids Canada  

The theme for NAAW this year is Forging Connections. By coming together, we can improve the lives of people who use substances. 

Quash: An App to Help Youth Quit Vaping and Smoking

Quash is a free mobile app to help youth quit  vaping or smoking. With this app, youth can  design their own quit vaping or smoking plan!  It lets youth track their cravings and earn badges  when they quash their goals. The app also has  a cost calculator to see how much money quitting  can save! Whether the individual has tried to quit before or it’s their first time trying, this app gives  them tools and tips to help. Learn more at  QuashApp.ca.

Free Virtual Dental Screening for Children

Exciting news! Peel Public Health now offers FREE virtual dental screening for children 17 years old and under. It is an option in addition to dental screening provided in elementary schools and at Peel Public Health dental clinics.  A dental screening is a quick look in a child’s mouth by a registered dental hygienist. It helps identify children who may need dental care. 

What is virtual dental screening? 

•  A web-based video call technology is used to provide a virtual dental screening for children 17 years old and under. The parent can use a laptop, tablet, or cell phone. 

•  It is a live interaction with a registered dental hygienist. 

•  The parent will also be asked to take photos of the inside of the child’s mouth before the appointment.  

What are the benefits of virtual dental screening?  A virtual dental screening helps: 

•  increase accessibility, 

•  decrease travel time, and 

•  increase convenience.  

How do I book a virtual dental screening appointment? 

•  Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 to book a virtual dental screening appointment for your child.  

Tips for Managing Screentime  

For Parents/Guardians   

Did you know?

Too much screen time increases your child’s risk of becoming: 

•  Sleep-deprived. 

•  Less school-ready.

•  Inattentive.

•  Aggressive.

•  Nearsighted (when objects farther away look blurry).  

Tips for Managing Screen time:

•  Encourage and participate in face-to-face interactions such as shared reading, outdoor play, board games, and crafts.

•  Turn off screens when not in use and avoid background TV use.  

•  Model screen time use around children and minimize your own use during mealtimes and play. 

Reminder: All children 19 years of age or younger are eligible for an OHIPcovered eye exam by an optometrist each year.

Contact Us

Peel Public Health – School Health Inbox  

PublicHealthSchoolSupport@peelregion.ca

Use #SchoolHealthinPeel to connect with us on Social Media!

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 September, all students in K-5 became familiar with 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 reponsibilities as students and members of  Briarwood Public School.

Adult Credit Program

The Adult Credit Program strives to empower learners of all ages, abilities, and ethnic backgrounds by providing diverse opportunities to discover new knowledge, explore exciting career pathways, develop invaluable skills, and achieve their personal learning goals.

Who can enroll in the Adult Credit Program?

The Adult Credit Program provides services for many students. For example, those who:

·        Did not complete high school, have been working, and now require completion

·        of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma to pursue new goals.

·        Graduated but require specific courses for an apprenticeship, college, or university program.

·        Secondary school graduates who need to upgrade their marks for acceptance into a desired college or university program.

·        Were educated outside of Ontario and need specific courses or the Ontario Secondary School Diploma to pursue their goals.

·        Want to expand their knowledge and skills.

·        Want to accelerate credit achievement – earn up to 16 credits in 11 months (nine credits in three sessions of day school, six credits in three sessions of night school and one credit in summer school).

Students 18 to 21 years of age can be considered for Adult Credits through a PRINCIPAL-TO- PRINCIPAL referral if they:

Need to upgrade and you do not have space in classes

• Need up to three courses before January to start a post-secondary program.

• Have family, employment, or training responsibilities and need an alternate timetable.

Adult Education Course Offerings

Courses are offered in multiple sessions throughout the year. There is in-person support during the day and remote support in the evening.

Review the course offerings for the 2024-25 Winter Session.

Various learning models are available throughout the year from in-person to virtual classes and more.

Learn more about the Adult Credit Program.

#Choose RESPECT on Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is a province-wide initiative to help promote safe and accepting schools. Peel District School Board will recognize this week from November 18-22, 2024. This year, we continue with the theme #ChooseRESPECT to Be Anti-Racist.

Creating positive learning environments starts with centering students' identities and experiences. For students to thrive, schools must be free of negative influences, including bullying (in-person or online), harassment, discrimination, hateful speech, or physical violence. Understanding and dismantling these barriers are fundamental to fostering well-being and academic success. Bullying in any form is unacceptable and will not be condoned.

During the week, schools will use resources to address systemic discrimination through anti- oppressive practices, including anti-Black racism. These resources, used throughout the year in schools and classrooms, will help students and staff build awareness, name and address bullying motivated by racism or other biases, and create inclusive conditions. Emphasis on Restorative Justice principles will guide students to build positive relationships and create a school climate grounded in respect.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is one of the key items contained in Bill 13: The Accepting Schools Act, which came into effect on September 1, 2012. PDSB encourages students to lead and organize activities promoting respect and inclusion. Let's work together to create positive change, ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging and empowerment to reach their full potential.

Important information on French Immersion and Extended French programs

Peel District School Board offers three French as a Second Language (FSL) programs - French Immersion, Core French and Extended French. Each of the programs differ in intensity but share a common purpose - to develop students' communication skills in the French language.

If your child is starting Grade 1 or Grade 7 in September 2025, one of the choices you can make is whether you want to consider Grade 1 French Immersion (FI) or Grade 7 Extended French (EF) for your child.

To find out the FI/EF school your child would attend, use our school finder (select Advanced Search) or call the school in your area.

Note: There is no requirement for families to speak French to enroll in any FSL programs and it is important to continue to use your first language at home.

Important dates for the 2024-25 school year

French Immersion and Extended French Information Night Hosted by   all FI/EF schools.

Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. - Applications open Apply at www.peelschools.org/French 

Monday, December 2, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.-Application deadline Applications received after this date will be put on a waiting list.

Friday, January 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

A computerized random selection process will determine which students will be offered spaces in the Grade 1 FI or Grade 7 EF programs and will randomly assign a rank to each individual application that is received by the January 31, 2025, deadline. Once students have been assigned to all available spaces, remaining students will be placed, again in rank order, on the

school's waitlist. Each school has its own waitlist.

Note: Each application is processed individually. No preference is given to any application based on a sibling attending or accepted into French Immersion or Extended French, including twins or triplets.

Families who require support and/or access to technology to complete the application may contact their local FI/EF school for further support.

For more information:

·        Visit www.peelschools.org/French

·        Call your nearest French Immersion/Extended French school.

·        Connect with families who have children in the French Immersion/Extended French program.

·        Visit www.stopr.ca for transportation eligibility.

·        Visit the Canadian Parents for French Ontario website at http://on.cpf.ca 

Hindu Heritage Month

Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Hindu community. In December 2017, the Ontario Legislative Assembly declared November as Hindu Heritage Month to recognize the many positive contributions of Hindus residing in Ontario. Since the first Hindu immigrants arrived in Canada at the beginning of the 20th century, Hindu Canadians from across Ontario have made significant contributions across all fields: science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, culture, sports, and more.

In April 2019, Hindu Heritage Month was officially adopted by Peel District School Board (PDSB). This declaration offers the opportunity for PDSB students, families, and staff to increase their awareness of Hindu culture and heritage within and beyond Canada. Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate, and educate future generations about Hindu Canadians and the important role they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario to help build this province into a wonderful place to live, work, and raise families.

"Deepawali" or "Diwali" is the largest celebratory festival for members of the Hindu community. It falls in either October or November each year, depending on the cycle of the moon. It's observed on the 15th day of Kartik, the holiest month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Diwali commemorates the victory of good over evil. In addition, during this time of year, Hindus also celebrate other significant festivals such as Navratri and Durga Puja.

November is Indigenous Education Month

During the month of November, Peel District School Board (PDSB) celebrates the history, culture, diversity, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis in Canada. This is a long history and one where Indigenous People have overcome many obstacles through resistance and resilience. Today, Indigenous People are reclaiming much of their traditions and stories as they look to continue their reclamation of sovereignty and self-determination. Indigenous Education Month is an opportunity for PDSB students, their families, and staff to continue to engage in their Treaty relationships by reflecting on the longstanding commitments between the many different Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island and Canadians throughout history. Some highlights throughout the month include:

Treaties Recognition Week: November 3-9

Since 2016, Ontario has recognized the first week of November as Treaties Recognition Week. It serves as a time for residents and PDSB students to learn about the significance of treaty rights and relationships, and their ongoing relevance today.

International Inuit Day - November 7

Declared by the Inuit Circumpolar Council, this day is an opportunity to celebrate Inuit culture and contributions while amplifying the voices of Inuit across the circumpolar world.

Indigenous Veterans Day - November 8

On Indigenous Veterans Day, we honor the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples who have bravely served Canada. Despite not always enjoying the same rights as their peers, they fought with dedication, so that all Canadians could live in peace and inherit freedom.

Louis Riel Day - November 16

Louis Riel (1844-1885) was a founder of Manitoba and a leader of the Métis Nation. Riel's legacy, especially his fight to protect Métis rights and culture in the face of colonial power, endures. On this day, we celebrate the lasting contributions of Riel and the Métis Nation to Canada and beyond. For the month of November, students in PDSB schools will be engaged in celebrating and honouring the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island.

#WELLinPEEL

November '24 Well-in-PEEL - Let's Talk: Emotional Well-Being

From the Peel District School Board's Mental Health Resource Team

Adolescence is a period full of change and uncertainty. At times, this may become overwhelming, which is why it is important to know how to have conversations about emotional well-being with the young people in our lives.

Having conversations about emotional well-being may seem scary and challenging, however, with a few tips and tricks for maintaining a healthy and productive conversation, caring adults (like you) can show the way to open conversations that strive to validate experiences and support the overall well-being of your children. You might consider the following tips:

Be there.

It is important that young people know that you are a person they can talk to. Be open with them. Assure them they have your support, and they do not have to struggle on their own. Let them know you are there to help guide them.

Communicate openly and flexibly.

Encourage open discussions that include the good and bad things happening in life. It is important to understand that some things will not be shared and that is okay. A foundation of trust and understanding is key to being a supportive adult. This foundation of trust you are creating allows your child to feel as though they can reach out when they need help. Different methods of communication may also allow for comfortable conversations to take place, including in-person conversations, texts, or written notes. Ask the young person what they may prefer!

Actively listen.

Make every effort to hear everything that your child is telling you. Sometimes we start to prepare a response before the person is finished talking. By doing this, we are missing out on some key things they are trying to tell us! Reflect what they are telling you by saying things like "what I hear you say is..." - this will allow you the opportunity to confirm your understanding, while also giving space to clarify what you might not know.

Share that you value and accept them for who they are.

It is essential we do not assume they already know, or that they do not need to hear it repeatedly!

Learn more by visiting:

·        Kids Help Phone: Starting a Conversation About Emotional Health & Well-Being

·        School Mental Health Ontario: By Your Side – Video Series

·        Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective: Talk Tool

If you're concerned about your child's mental health visit http://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 Mental Health Resource Team, find them on 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).

November 29 - Celebrate Peel Custodial & Maintenance Workers' Day

In 2014, the Board of Trustees declared the last Friday in November as Peel Custodial and Maintenance Workers' Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, November 29, 2024. Take this opportunity to thank Peel District School Board custodial and maintenance workers for their hard work and commitment to the well-being and safety of their school community.

Respiratory Illness Prevention Strategies

As cooler weather sets in, people spend more time indoors, which increases the risk of contracting a respiratory illness. To protect students, staff, and families from respiratory illness, here are some strategies Peel District School Board (PDSB) and Peel Public Health recommend:

Stay home when you are sick.

Consider wearing a mask when indoors. Practice respiratory etiquette (sneeze/cough in your sleeve or elbow) and practice proper hand hygiene.

Get vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu. These vaccines are the most effective way to mitigate the risk of serious respiratory illness.

Get more information about COVID-19 vaccination clinics in your area.

Get more information about the flu shot

Keeping schools safe and healthy is our shared responsibility, and PDSB thanks you for your support!

Regional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) empower students to unlock their passions

Regional Learning Choices Programs offered by Peel District School Board empower students by providing them 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. Students and families are encouraged to visit the Elementary Regional Learning Choices Programs and the Secondary Regional Learning Choices Programs webpages to learn about the programs, application details and how supports are available to help families choose the program(s) of their choice.

All regional programs include annual fees, in addition to a non-refundable $20-$40 application fee, except the Transportation Engineering and Technology programs that are offered at no cost. Please note, that supports are available for families who are interested in applying and may require financial assistance – please speak with your principal.

Important dates

ELEMENTY

Applications open

Jan. 16, 2025, at 8:30 a.m.

Applications close

Feb. 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.

Grades 6-8  For the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 school years, busing will be offered to students in grades 6, 7 and 8 who reside in Peel Region and are registered in a Regional Learning Choices Program as outlined in the Transportation Policy.*

*RLCP busing is based on an agreement with the Ministry of Education and is reviewed on an annual basis to determine its continuation. Families should confirm the busing options available to them in advance of each year their child(ren) are enrolled in an RLCP.

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 family members 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 to block 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 stop 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 a few blocks away and walking a short distance to school. This will give you time to talk to your children about their day, review new vocabulary, math concepts, etc. Remind your child to only cross the street at an intersection or crosswalk and never to cross 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.

Peel Learning Foundation-Hopeful Tomorrows Campaign

In September 2024, the Peel Learning Foundation launched the Hopeful Tomorrows Campaign to raise money for the Student Emergency Needs Program - and we have had a positive response. Thankfully, in these challenging times, our generous community is saying 'yes' to helping students in need. With more than 25,000 Peel students living in poverty, the demand for support from the Student Emergency Needs Program continues to increase. Each day, the Foundation receives dozens of requests to support students who are coming to school without food, adequate clothing, school supplies, winter coats and other necessities.

The goal of the Hopeful Tomorrows Campaign is to raise $300,000 to ensure that no child is turned away in their time of need. You can bring hope to students in need with a gift to the Hopeful Tomorrows Campaign. Please go to, www.peellearningfoundation.org to make your donation today. If you, or someone you know, needs support from the Peel Learning Foundation, please contact the principal, teacher or staff member at your local Peel District School Board school, so they can understand your needs and connect with the Foundation.

x PeelLearningFDN FeelLearningFDN  @peellearningfoundation in Peel Learning Foundation