October 2024

TEA and TALK for Newcomer Families

Newcomer families to Briarwood Public School are invited to meet with our school's Settlement Worker, Kay Raza for a Tea and Talk Session.

When: Thursday, October 24th 

Time: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. in the Briarwood PS Library

Topic:  School Info & Report Cards 

This Tea & Talk is for parents and guardians who are new to Canada and the Ontario school system: 

• Networking for Parents 

• Information on report cards & progress reports 

• Chance to meet with your child's school team

• Discussing Peel school system & education

• Preparing for school & community resources 

• Questions & Answers 

Entry and Exit Doors - Update on new procedures for dismissal !

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.   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.

New Afternoon Dismissal Procedures:  

It has come to our attention that dismissal at the front of the school has become extremely congested and unsafe for our students and families.  To ease congestion and improve safety for all, please note the following dismissal changes that came into effect on September 24th.

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. 

In October we affirm Latinx Identities

In 2015, Ontario proclaimed the month of October as Hispanic Heritage Month. Throughout Canada, the month of October is known as Hispanic Heritage Month. There is a movement to create a neutral gender marker, to be used for mixed gender groups and non-binary individuals. The most popular option is to use the term Latinx or les latines.  Peel District School Board acknowledges Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month in October and amplifies, celebrates and centers the voices of Latinx communities throughout the year.  

Ontario is home to over 400,000 first, second and third-generation Hispanic/Latinx Canadians. Emigration from 21 Latin American countries to Ontario has contributed to the significant growth of the Hispanic/Latinx communities in the province. Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month recognizes the rich contributions of Hispanic/Latinx Canadians to our social, economic, political, and multicultural fabric. It is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about the outstanding achievements and contributions of Hispanic/Latinx people in the province. In celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, Peel District School Board continues to centre students' lived experiences as well as amplify the community’s definition of Hispanic/Latinx flourishing.  

Visit Hispanic Canadian Heritage Council for more.

October is Islamic Heritage Month

 The recognition of Canadian Islamic Heritage month in October was declared by the Canadian government in 2007. The Islamic Heritage Month Act (2016), passed by the province of Ontario signifies, acknowledges, and affirms the contributions Muslims make to all aspects of Ontario life and in many fields including mathematics, science, athletics, literature, and the arts.  

At Peel District School Board, we are committed to improving the well-being and achievement of all students, which means confronting Islamophobia and dismantling the systemic mechanisms that enable anti-Muslim hate. The Affirming Muslim Identities and Dismantling Islamophobia Strategy is the first strategy aimed at dismantling Islamophobia in education that was co-developed by an Ontario school board with community partners in direct response to the Ministry’s 2020 Review.  Schools across the system continue to implement the strategy, demonstrating our commitment to dismantling all manifestations of Islamophobia.

October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month

Learning Disabilities Awareness Month in Ontario is a valuable opportunity to turn a spotlight on both the challenges and the tremendous resilience of individuals with learning disabilities.

This month-long observance each October aims to highlight the unique strengths and needs of those with learning disabilities, promote understanding and advocate for more equitable access, improved support and resources.

By raising awareness and fostering open dialogue, the initiative helps to create more inclusive educational environments and moves us closer towards a world in which everyone has the opportunity to reach their individual potential.

Additional Resources for Families:

·         Learning Disability Association of Ontario

·         Learning Disability Association of Peel Region

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.

Registration open – Continuing Education International and Indigenous Languages Program for K - 12 Students

The Continuing Education International and Indigenous Languages Program provides an opportunity for students to study another language in addition to English and French.  Research has shown that learning new languages does not only promote cultural awareness and linguistic competency, but it also enhances cognitive development. 

K – 12 students are eligible to enroll in International Languages classes. This includes students:

·         who have no prior knowledge of the language;

·         whose first language is English or French and wish to study another language; or

·         whose first language is not English or French and who wish to study a different language.

The International and Indigenous Languages Program includes instruction in all language strands (i.e. listening, speaking, reading and writing), and grammatical structures are incorporated into the program. In addition to language learning, building cultural and intercultural understanding is also integral to the program.

Classes are offered in person and remotely on Saturdays from mid-September to mid-June, excluding holidays, long weekends and school vacations.  Credit classes for secondary students are 3.5 hours in length and run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Elementary classes run for 2.5 hours from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Registration is currently open.  To learn about our programs and which languages and locations are offered, please visit our website: International and Indigenous Languages - Peel Board Office Site (peelschools.org)

Ontario’s Cyber Security Awareness Month 2024 – Get Ready to Crack the Code: Cyber Mode!

Cyber Security Awareness Month (CAM) 2024 is finally here!

October marks the beginning of CAM, an internationally recognized campaign held each October to inform the public on the importance of cyber security. This year’s theme is Crack the Code: Cyber Mode! During the campaign, you are challenged to level-up your cyber skills through a detective themed adventure.

Throughout October, you will have the opportunity to learn more about:

·         Identifying and understanding unusual patterns within the digital environment,

·         Understanding the broader cyber security landscape and potential risks,

·         How to implement strategies to ensure security measures are put in place and remain effective through the evolving threat landscape.

Get ready to sharpen your cyber detective skills and check out the CAM homepage today.

Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for students-athletes and artists.

Does your child/teen have an intense sports or arts training and competition schedule that makes it difficult to attend school regularly? Peel District School Board’s Peel Region High Performers Program (HPP) offers flexible timetabling to accommodate student-athletes and artists with demanding practice, competition, rehearsal, and/or performance schedules.

Peel Region High Performers Program is offered at:

·         Britannia Public School (grades 4 to 5)

·         Dolphin Sr. Public School (grades 6 to 8)

·         Mississauga Secondary School (grades 9 to 12)

Applications for the 2024-25 school year open in November 2023

For more information, visit the HPP website  or contact one of the schools above.

PEEL LEARNING FOUNDATION

Throughout Peel Region, more than 25,000 students face barriers related to poverty that prevent them from fully participating or succeeding in school. These students lack everyday necessities like regular meals, warm clothing, hygiene items and school supplies.

As more students and their families struggle to meet their basic needs, the Peel Learning Foundation has launched the 2024 Hopeful Tomorrows Campaign to raise funds for the Student Emergency Needs Program. 

Your donation to the campaign can help a student like this:

“The student is very new to the country and is unable to purchase basic necessities such as clothing, food and toiletries. By providing support through PLF she will be able to make these purchases, allowing her to focus on her academic success and becoming established here in Canada.”

If you would like to contribute to this campaign, here is how you can help:

Parents:

o        Your school parent council can raise money and donate proceeds to the Peel Learning Foundation.

o        You can make a one-time gift or become a monthly donor by clicking this link: https://donation.peellearningfoundation.com/ 

Staff:

o        You can sign up to become a payroll donor by clicking this link: https://pdsb1.sharepoint.com/comm/plf

Schools:

o        Host an in-school fundraiser (ex., bake sale, car wash) and donate the proceeds to the Peel Learning Foundation.

Each gift to the Hopeful Tomorrows Campaign will provide a student with support for food, clothing, school supplies, winter coats, hygiene products and other necessities. Each of us has the power to lend a hand and change a life, and help students like this:

“The Student Emergency Needs Program grant has left a profound impact on the student and their family. This grant will support this family in purchasing groceries for the month and will help to alleviate the burden the parent is facing with meeting the needs of their son. With enough money for food, this will ensure that the student will have a lunch to bring to school.”

The Peel Learning Foundation is a registered charitable organization that raises funds to enable Peel District School Board students to achieve personal excellence by providing resources that help them overcome barriers. 

Through the Student Emergency Needs Program and Student Backpack Program, we provide support for food, transportation, clothing, hygiene items, backpacks filled with school supplies, and other necessities. 

To learn more, please visit www.peellearningfoundation.org

Help us create hopeful tomorrows.

www.peellearningfoundation.org                                       email: foundation@peelsb.com
@PeelLearningFDN  PeelLearningFDN @peellearningfoundation Peel Learning Foundation

Mentally Healthy Back-to-School

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team and School Mental Health Ontario

Strategies for Anxiousness & Reconnecting

The past few school years have been anything but usual! We know that while many students and families are eager to return to a “more normal” school experience, some will be worried about starting back, and what this new school year will look like for them. Remember as parents/caregivers you know your child best!

We are aware that each child will approach the new school year with many different feelings. They may be excited, or perhaps nervous. Some children could be quite worried and anxious. All of these feelings and emotions are natural responses to what our children have experienced over the past two and a half years.

Anxiety can show up in different ways. Your child may tell you that they are feeling fearful or overwhelmed, or you might notice things like frequent headaches, trouble sleeping, irritability or emotional outbursts. Your child might seem withdrawn, or overly tired or restless. Being watchful for signs of anxiety can help you to provide support early, before the problem worsens.

Not all stress can be avoided, however, most we can reduce. Having tools and strategies ready to cope with stress is important. This will lessen the negative effects on your child(ren) and your family’s wellness.  For example, try some grounding or breathing techniques.

Tips to Support a Mentally Healthy Back-to-School

●        Take care of yourself so that you can be at your best to support your children.

●        Talk to your child(ren) about the return to school. Check-in regularly to see how things are going. Here are some conversation starters.

●        Learn more about how to support positive mental health for your child and about the various supports and resources available to PDSB students and families including the Be Well Support Line.

●        Tool Kits – Support Guide: Your Child at School and Study Habits

To read more, including translated versions of this information, please visit: How to Support a Mentally Healthy Back to School for Your Child - School Mental Health Ontario (smho-smso.ca)

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health visit 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 x.com @MHRTPeel.

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 with 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 Choice Programs page and the Secondary Regional Learning Choice Programs 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 $40 application fee, except the Transportation Engineering and Technology programs, which 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 to note:  

SECONDARY Nov. 5, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. (Applications open)

Nov. 26, 2024, at 3 p.m. (Applications close)

ELEMENTARY Jan. 16, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (Applications open)

Feb. 6, 2025, at 3 p.m. (Applications close)

Secondary Programs

Programs

Schools offered at

Advanced Placement (AP)

Central Peel SS, John Fraser SS

Arts

Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS

International Business and Technology (IBT)

Meadowvale SS, North Park SS

SciTech

Chinguacousy SS, Port Credit SS

Strings

Central Peel SS, Port Credit SS

Transportation Engineering and Technology

Bramalea SS

For the 2025-2026 school year, busing will be offered to grade 9 and 10 students who reside in the Peel Region and are registered in a Regional Learning Choices Program as outlined in the Transportation Policy.  Busing will not be offered to students in grades 11 and 12. 

Elementary Programs

Additional information regarding elementary Regional Learning Choice Programs will be included in an upcoming newsletter.

Ministry of Education Policy/ Program Memorandum PPM 170

School Board Communication with Parents/Families

PPM 170 outlines the Ontario Ministry of Education requirements and direction to school boards on communication with parents/families, to strengthen service standards and ensure consistent and reliable information is provided and made available to a parent for greater transparency and accountability in the education system across the province.

School Administrators in PDSB play a crucial role in fostering collaboration between schools and families to enhance the overall learning environment. Information must be made available to families and community members for greater transparency and accountability and in accordance with the Ministry timelines. Administrators create a variety of processes of responding to and working together with families and the broader community to support their active engagement in their child’s education and to collectively develop and establish school improvement goals for enhancing the overall quality and effectiveness of the school. This collaborative approach, seeking the voices of families, particularly voices that have previously/historically not been heard, recognizes the valuable insights and perspectives that families and community members can contribute to the improvement process.

Highlights of PPM170

·         Schools must ensure the acknowledgement of a parent inquiry within 2 business days or provide an estimated date of response if a parent inquiry cannot be fully addressed within 5 business days of receipt.

·         Schools are required to notify families about planned guest speakers at least two weeks in advance, following their regular communication protocol, as outlined in PPM 170.

Please note that the PDSB is currently developing a responsive process to meet the requirements of this Policy/Program Memorandum.