Visit Our Website Regularly for Updated Information

homas Street Middle School T November 2016 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 3 2640 Thomas Street, Mississauga, ON L5M 5G8 Phone: 905-812-3725 Fax: 905-812-3716 Visit our Website regularly for updated information http://schools.peelschools.org/1654

Please do not park in the Visitor Parking Lot in the townhouse complex just west of Thomas Street M.S. before or after school. Please use the Kiss N Ride to pick up and drop off students. There has been a great deal of non-resident traffic, the City has been notified, and they will be ticketing in this townhouse complex.

Welcome to Fall! The season is changing and the temperatures finally feel more like fall. Thomas Street is running at full tilt with programming and extra-curricular activities to keep students involved and engaged. I often hear from parents asking how they can get more information on what is happening in the school. This newsletter is one format, but there are many other ways as well. Please visit the Thomas Street Website at http://www.peelschools.org and click on the "School News" tab for daily announcements that we send out to students. This is great information for our families to have as well, and can be incorporated into dinner table conversations about what a child may or may not want to get involved in at the school level. If checking the website daily isn't an option for you, you can sign up for alerts to your mailbox and simply click on the link, taking you directly to the new information. How convenient! As well, Thomas Street has Twitter and Instagram accounts that are updated often with information. The Twitter account to follow is @thunderwolves98 and the Instagram account is tsmspride. This is a busy school of 900+ students, and keeping track of everything that is happening can be challenging. These two social media platforms can definitely assist in staying in touch with the goings-on of the school. You might also consider following @PeelSchools (Twitter) & PeelSchools (Instagram) for other information pertinent to the Peel District School board, school cancellations and events.

Finally, I'd like to invite you to our next School Council meeting (yes, they have a Twitter account too! @TSMScouncil) on Monday, November 7th at 6:30 p.m. in the library on the second floor. Join us to hear updates about the school and board, as well as information about our Fall Fundraiser! We love when families join us to hear about our school success plans and share questions with us. It is an excellent vehicle for us to continue to build the home-school connection that is so important for student success and well- being. Please mark your calendars: Remembrance Day Assembly Nov. 11th; Progress Reports come home on Friday, November 11th, and interview requests forms will accompany them. We look forward to discussing your child's progress with you and setting goals and next steps for continued improvement. Sincerely, Tanya Tymkiv FALL FUNDRAISER ENVELOPES GO HOME FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH. Lots of prizes and draws. Help raise funds to enhance technology in the school.

WE DID IT - 333 yearbooks sold!!! Thank you to all those who purchased yearbooks. We will continue to sell yearbooks Online until April 30th.

Chamber Choir Sings for the Win! The Chamber Choir performed O’Canada to a crowd of 4,200 at the Hershey Centre on Friday, October 21st for the Mississauga Steelheads hockey game. It was a very exciting game right to the end when the Steelheads took the win in overtime against the Niagara Ice Dogs. Thank you to all the parents for coming out to support our students and the music program!

Chamber Choir @ Mississauga Steelheads game.

TACT Students go to Stratford Festival with Mr. Kyle & Mr. Lajoie This month, the Thomas Street Acting Troupe (also known as TACT) had the incredible opportunity to visit the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Before attending the matinée performance of the Shakespeare comedy As You Like It, the TACT cast joined several other middle and high school students for a Prologue. At this one- hour event, two actors from the show guided volunteers from the audience in forming tableaux, reading scenes, and even writing poetry to be used in the performance. Several TACT members were selected during the Prologue to participate on the stage, and two lucky cast members - Alex in Grade 7 and Anoushka in Grade 8 - learned a dance and were brought onstage in the final scene of the play. The day ended with a wonderful, intimate chat with Stratford Festival star actress Seana McKenna, who shared her experiences with our young actors, and answered their questions about the world of acting.

Having now returned from this magical day, the TACT cast prepares for their upcoming showcase on December 7th - stay tuned for details! From the Phys. Ed. Department On Friday, October21st the Senior Boys Volleyball team competed in the West End Showdown here at Thomas Street. The boys were in tough against some strong teams, but were able to take a game off of both of the eventual first and second place teams. Finishing third in their pool meant they faced the third place team from the other pool in the consolation round. Thomas Street played extremely well in this final game and easily won to take fifth place overall. Special note goes out to Josiah Fraser who unfortunately injured his knee playing hard for our team and will be out the rest of the season. We wish you a speedy recovery, Josiah.

The senior girls volleyball team has an a great start to the year. They finished fourth in the Westend Showdown and currently have one win and one loss in league play. The girls have been very dedicated as they are set to compete in Provincial Cup early in November. Big Shout out to the girls!! Hind, Julia, Dominique, Annie, Amelia, Sam, May, Melodie, Sydney, Jamie, Christina and Nikita.

A huge congratulations go out to the participants of the Fall Run! Despite the freezing weather the runners stayed warm with their positive attitudes and their incredible determination. The course was extremely challenging but they pushed on. A special mention goes out to Emilie O. in 611 who came in 2nd out of all the grade 6 and 7 girls. Great jobs guys we are extremely proud of you! Ms. Weston and Mr. Aldana From The Green Team:

This year the green team is trying to bring awareness to plastic water bottles and stop the students and parents from bringing them to TSMS. Instead, we hope students will bring a refillable water bottle. The green team would like to fundraise this year to buy a “water bottle refill station” which pours water into the bottle at a faster rate, with less spillage. A water bottle refill station costs about $3000.00 - $4,000.00 dollars for the purchase and installation. We have had small fundraisers already and have raised over $500.00, but we are looking for donations or a sponsor to help us reach our goal. Anyone who makes a donation can get receipt for tax purposes. Also, anyone who would like to make a significant donation can get their name on the wall beside the new water bottle refill station.

Please contact Ms. Eberley ext.117 for more details.

WALK ON WENESDAYS On the night of Open house October 5th, some families from TSMS were surveyed to find out how they came to school that night. Here are the results: 40% of the people walked to school that night and 60% drove. We still need to get students and their families to walk to school more often, unless you are a bus student which means you live further away. Remember- WALK ON WEDNESDAYS (and every day that you are able)

Can you help Viola?

As an extension to the novel study, Alexandria of Africa by Eric Walters, classes 705, 709, 710 and 711 are seeking to raise money to help a little girl from Uganda named Viola receive an operation she needs but cannot afford. Viola is 4 years old girl from Uganda. She was born with a clubbed foot which is a birth defect that makes her left foot point inward and means that she has to walk on the top of her foot which causes pain. As a result she can only walk short distances and it will be a problem that will limit her opportunities throughout her whole life. Normally, this condition is corrected when a child is still an infant which is a nonsurgical treatment but once a child is old enough to walk on the foot it then becomes much more difficult and requires a surgery and multiple castings to correct. Her mom sought treatment for her foot when she was a baby but was unable to pay for the costs. Starting on Tuesday November 1st, for a small donation (suggested $1), students and staff will be able to write their name on a ‘Viola’ heart. These hearts will be displayed in the upstairs hallway. Students from classes 705 and 709 will be accepting donations beside where you purchase pizza tickets on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

November 24th is Viola Day at TSMS. We are asking that all students dress in colours of the Uganda Flag, red, yellow, and black on that day. All proceeds from pizza sales on November 24th will go to support Viola's medical costs. For that day only we will also be selling POP. Thomas Street is now on Twitter and Instagram! Please follow us @thunderwolves98 (twitter) and tsmspride (Instagram) for up to the minute news and updates at TSMS. Bus cancellation & closing schools due to bad weather During 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, school websites and www.stopr.ca. Information will also be available on Twitter (@Peelschools), Facebook (www.facebook.com/peelschools) or by calling 905-890- 1010 or 1-800-668-1146. VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9 CHUM AM1050 CFTR AM680 CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1 NEWSTALK 1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860 FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CTV BREAKFAST TELEVISION GLOBAL NEWS CITYPULSE 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 busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual. 1. 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. 2. 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. 3. 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.

*NEW* Community Corner Stay up-to-date with community-based opportunities The Peel District School Board is pleased to introduce an electronic resource page on www.peelschools.org called, Community Corner, which contains links to information and resources in the community that may be of interest to students and their families. This site replaces our previous method of sending promotional materials about community clubs, camps, contests, fundraisers and events home with students on a regular basis. How you can access Community Corner 1. Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/communitycorner 2. Click on the “Community Corner” button, found on the main page of school websites, as well as on www.peelschools.org.

All Peel District School Board newsletter attachments, usually included in the monthly newsletter, are available through our school website at: http://schools.peelschools.org/1654 ------Principal: Mrs. T. Tymkiv Vice Principal: Mr. D. Sidial. Vice Principal: Ms. L. Rosatone Trustees: Robert Crocker 905-890-1010 Superintendent: Dr. Pertia Minott 905-366-8800 Brad MacDonald 905-828-6929 Nikha Dakroub 905-890-1010 Winter bus safety The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter months.  Allow extra time to get to your bus stop.  Wear bright clothing so the bus can see you in the early morning and late evening.  Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow and ice.  Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on wet or icy steps or road surfaces.  Dress properly—winter clothing, hats, and boots will keep you warm.  Don't throw snowballs at the bus or other children waiting for the bus.  Don't slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street.  Don't push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt.

On very rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions or mechanical problems. Talk to your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions:  When possible, wait with your child for the bus.  Make sure your child knows a phone number where he can reach you or another trusted adult.  Teach your child how and where to get help. Talk to your child about what a "safe" stranger is.  Help your child set up a bus stop buddy system so your child has someone to wait with for the bus. Is Extended French right for my child? If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2017, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to apply for the Extended French (EF) program.

What is the program like? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the program? One way to help answer these questions is to attend the information meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the EF school your child would attend.

To find out the EF school your child would attend:  visit our website www.peelschools.org/French  call the school in your area  call 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212 Online application The application form for Grade 7 EF for the 2017-18 school year will be available online at www.peelschools.org/French on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 1 p.m. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at 4 p.m. Applications received after that date will be put on a waiting list.

Important dates Information meeting Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016 at 7 p.m. Application process opens Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016 at 1 p.m. Application deadline Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at 4 p.m.

For more information 1* visit www.peelschools.org/French 2* call your nearest Extended French school  talk with parents who have children in the Extended French program  visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca #ChooseAction on Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week The Peel District School Board will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week during the week of Nov. 20 to 26, 2016.

This year, we ask our Peel community to ‘#ChooseAction to Be the Difference’ in their classes, offices, schools, communities or world, in order to make these spaces better places for everyone. The Peel Board would like to hear about the big and small actions, the pledges, the promises and the attitudes that our Peel community value, and ask that you take a moment to share your #ChooseAction moments on social media.

Across the Peel board, schools use many programs and initiatives to prevent bullying and to intervene when bullying happens. Though the programs vary, their messages are consistent. Students are taught to:  define bullying  identify forms of bullying  identify the shifting roles in bullying relationships, for example the person who bullies, the target, the bystander or the trusted advocate  determine how to safely “choose action” to prevent and intervene in bullying & harassment  understand that bullying is a relationship problem with relationship solutions  determine positive ways to interact with others in an accepting, inclusive way  demonstrate character attributes and be a leader to help maintain positive and safe school communities Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is one of the key items contained in Bill 13: The Accepting Schools Act, that came into effect on Sept. 1, 2012. For more information, visit: www.peelschools.org/aboutus/safeschools/bullying/ or www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/prevention.html.

Train More. Rehearse More. Learn More. New Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists Does your child/teen have an intense sports or arts training and competition schedule that makes it difficult to attend school regularly? The Peel District School Board’s new Peel Region High Performers Program will offer flexible timetabling to accommodate student athletes and artists with demanding practice, competition, rehearsal and/or performance schedules. Peel Region High Performers Program will open in September 2017. Information nights will be offered as follows: Grades Information Night Location 4 to 5 Nov. 2, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Britannia Public School 1145 Swinbourne Dr. in Mississauga 6 to 8 Nov. 9, 2016 at 6 p.m. Dolphin Sr. Public School 18 Brookside Dr. in Mississauga Applications are now available at: www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers. Peel board students have choice Explore program options at www.makingmyway.ca Students have different needs, interests and abilities—our schools offer great educational opportunities to help all students achieve. For students looking for a more focused, specialized program, here are some options: Regional programs start in grades 6, 7 and 9 Students in regional programs still complete all of the requirements of the Ontario curriculum, but there is an increased focus on an area of interest. Programs include:  Actively in Motion (AIM)  Advanced Placement  Arts  Arts and Technology  Graphic Design Management: Flexography  International Baccalaureate  International Business and Technology  International and Executive Leadership Academy  SciTech  Sports  Strings  Truck and Coach Technology

Specialist High Skills Major programs start in grade 11 Specialist High Skills Major programs allow students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector, while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. Students gain sector-recognized certification and career- relevant training. The programs support the transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. Peel board schools offer Specialist High Skills Major programs in the following area.  Arts & Culture  Business and Entrepreneurial Studies  Construction  Environment  Health and Wellness  Hospitality and Tourism  Information and Communications Technology  Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services  Manufacturing  Non-Profit  Sports  Transportation

More options for Peel board students  co-operative education programs provide workplace experience  extended French starts in grade 7  dual credit programs allow student to earn college credits at the same time as secondary school credits  alternative programs are available for students who need flexible school hours, are dealing with unique situations, or require more support

Our guidance counsellors can help students determine which courses will best meet their needs, interests and abilities —contact the school to make an appointment. For more information about regional programs, Specialist High Skills Major programs and other programs of choice available to Peel board students, visit www.makingmyway.ca.

Subscribe to receive news from the Peel board Take advantage of our electronic subscription service to automatically receive updates from the Peel District School Board. Subscribing is easy  just visit our website at www.peelschools.org and click on the subscription link under "Quick Links."

During 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 posted on our Twitter (@Peelschools) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/peelschools) accounts, as well as, on www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca.

You can also subscribe to receive: News releases Keep up with the news at the Peel board. Subscribe to receive Peel board news releases to learn more about board news and school events. Board agendas Learn more about Peel board meetings by subscribing to receive agendas. Meetings of the board are open to the public and are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Board highlights Briefing is a newsletter with highlights of decisions made by trustees at board meetings. It is sent out on the second and fourth Thursday of every month and immediately following any special board meetings. Job postings for non-teaching staff Learn about each new non-teaching job that is posted on the Peel board's Job Board.

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. Parent resources help you support your child’s learning

At the Peel board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each child. There is no doubt that families play a vital role in helping us achieve this goal. As our partner in education, we hope you'll stay connected to your child's learning throughout his or her entire school experience.

Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild to explore all resources available to parents. There you will find easy-to-navigate buttons that connect families to tip sheets and web pages on a number of different topics, including math, homework, special education, EQAO and mental health.

Nov. 25 opportunity to say 'thanks' to Peel Custodial & Maintenance Workers Day In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Friday in November as the Peel Custodial and Maintenance Workers’ Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, Nov. 25, 2016. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of custodial and maintenance workers and their hard work and commitment to well- being and safety. Prevent the flu. It's in your hands. Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection. Always wash your hands with soap and water when they are dirty. Clean your hands before: i. touching your eyes, nose or mouth ii. touching/preparing food or drinks iii. eating or drinking iv. caring for someone in your home who can easily get sick (baby, elderly or someone who has an unhealthy immune system) v. first aid

Clean your hands after: i. touching pets or other animals ii. touching raw meat, particularly chicken iii. touching surfaces such as a railing or grocery cart iv. touching money v. touching objects sick people have touched vi. touching blood or body fluids such as urine, vomit or feces vii. contact with those who have a cold, the flu, diarrhea or virus of any kind viii. changing diapers ix. wiping your own or a child's nose x. sneezing or coughing xi. using a facial tissue xii. using the washroom xiii. removing gloves xiv. cleaning xv. gardening

What to do when you cough or sneeze: i. cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve ii. put used tissues in the wastebasket iii. clean your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer

For more information call Peel Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu. Help your teen plan for grade 9 course selections for 2017-18

Soon, current grade 8 students will select their courses for grade 9. Before they do, we want to ensure that they have the opportunity to consult with their teachers, guidance counsellor, if applicable, and their parents.

As our partners, families are encouraged to help prepare their teens for course selection. We encourage you to become familiar with the process by creating a myBlueprint account. Every parent and student (grades 7-12) can have access to myBlueprint features such as:

 High School – plan courses, track progress toward graduation, and instantly identify post-secondary eligibility for opportunities in every pathway  Post-Secondary– compare detailed information on apprenticeships, college programs, university programs and workplace sectors  Who Am I – complete surveys (including Learning Styles, Myers-Briggs Personality, Holland Interests, Knowledge, Motivations, and Compatibility)  Portfolios – create several portfolios (e.g. Career Portfolio) and share them with parents, teachers, or future employers. It’s simple to add work you have completed in myBlueprint or add pictures and videos  Job Search – find real-world job and volunteering postings that relate to occupations of interest  Goals – add interactive SMART goals and action plans  Resumes & Cover Letters – record experiences, build a resume, write a cover letter  Occupations – compare comprehensive information on occupations  Money – build a budget to track income and expenses

Additionally, parents/guardians and students can review the Chart Your Course document , Peel District School Board’s common course calendar (found at www.makingmyway.ca). This guide will help you understand the course selection process and provide information on the courses and programs offered in Peel secondary schools.

The grade 9 course selection process will be open from Nov. 14 to Dec.2, 2016. If you have questions or are looking for course suggestions, please contact your teen’s teachers or guidance counsellor.