Dates for Your Calendar

LARKSPUR PUBLIC SCHOOL

growing together today, for tomorrow 111 Larkspur Road Brampton, Ontario L6R 1X2 Phone: 905-799-2952 Fax: 905-799-8109 http://schools.peelschools.org/1477/Pages/default.aspx October, 2013 Newsletter

DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR:

INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL MONTH! Oct. 2 Parent Council Meeting 6:15 p.m. Oct. 4 World Teacher’s Day (Teacher Appreciation) Oct. 7 & 8 Picture Day: Smile! Oct. 11 PD Day (No School for Students) Oct. 14 Thanksgiving Day (No School for Students) Oct. 16 Bus Driver Appreciation Day Oct. 16 Day of Pink Oct. 18 Character Ed. Assembly

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE Students, staff and parents have worked hard to make the first month of school successful and promising. A lot of effort and hours were devoted to ensure a smooth transition as our school went through reorganization. A spirit of co-operation abounds and truly we are lucky to live and work in a great school community! Encouraging and supporting student involvement in school activities, both curricular and extra-curricular are sure ways to develop well rounded life-long learners. As parents/guardians, you must be congratulated on your accomplishments with your children. At school, our students are lucky to be in the care of staff who often go above and beyond their responsibilities to provide so many opportunities for our students. Our helpful and busy office staff find ways to make students, staff and visitors welcome in the office and our custodial staff works hard to maintain a fine looking school. Our Fire Drill practice and Lockdown Drills were executed perfectly by staff and students!

Please continue to check our school website at http://larkspur.peelschools.org/1477 frequently for school information including monthly newsletters. We will continue to make monthly newsletters available in our office for families who do not have internet access.

TERRY FOX’s STORY TEACHES YOUR CHILD COURAGE AND EMPATHY Terry Fox made history when he began his Marathon of Hope in 1980. He planned to run across Canada to raise money and awareness for cancer research and he was doing it with one artificial leg.

Our school participated in this year’s Terry Fox Walk on September 26th , 2013. For more information about Terry Fox or to find out about community events, go to www.terryfox.org. Through your generous contributions, we were able to provide support towards the fight against cancer. Thank you!

LARKSPUR CRICKET LEAGUE We are happy to announce that Larkspur will once again run our School Cricket League. Students in Grades 3, 4 and 5 will participate in Cricket practices and games. The league will focus on student enjoyment and fair team play. Students do not need prior experience playing Cricket to join. So girls and boys, come on out and have some fun! Cricket League Sessions: Tuesday, September 24, 2013, Tuesday, October 1, Thursday, October 3, Tuesday, October 8, Thursday, October 10, Tuesday, October 15, Thursday, October 17, Tuesday, October 22, Thursday, October 24, Tuesday, October 29, (last session)

LARKSPUR MUSICAL! This year, Larkspur will feature, “Annie Junior” The Musical. Auditions will take place October 1st - 11th during Nutrition Breaks. Looking forward to seeing all the wonderful Larkspur student talent!

PINK DAYS AT LARKSPUR! On the third Wednesday of every month we wear pink to show that we do not accept any form of bullying. At Larkspur we celebrate diversity and respect for one another! So wear pink this Oct 16th and STAND UP against bullying.

INCLEMENT WEATHER During the winter months, inclement weather may cause the cancellation of bus transportation and regular school operation. Some staff may not be able to drive safely to school or may be delayed. Students who do come to school may receive alternate programming. They are expected to safely leave school at the regular dismissal time of 2:50 p.m. The staff cannot provide supervision for students after 3:00 p.m. The decision to cancel busses is usually made around 7:00 a.m. You should listen to the radio or watch local TV stations for announcements. Please do not rely on phoning the school for this information. If the radio or television states that the schools are closed, there will be no staff at the school to receive children or to send them back home. Please remember to check the weather and ensure student’s are dressed appropriately for the weather (i.e., sweaters, hats, gloves, jackets, boots, warm/extra socks).

ALLERGIES Some of our students and staff, considered healthy by all other standards, face what could be a dangerous challenge each day – an allergic reaction. We have people in our building allergic to nuts, strawberries and bee stings. For some of these allergies, a trace of the product on the hand of a friend or even a whiff of protein from a peanut butter sandwich may be enough to cause a violent allergic reaction in which vital body systems dramatically shut down. If you feel concerned/frightened, then you are experiencing what it is like to live with this condition – a severe and deadly allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. We have an emergency plan in place. It includes the administration of epinephrine to an exposed person via an EPIPEN. This can buy about twenty minutes of life until the person receives proper medical treatment. After discussions with staff and other knowledgeable parties in the medical community, it has been suggested that the best way to provide a safe environment is to enlist the support of all parents and students to help make the school an allergy safe environment. This means raising the awareness of all parents and students as to the consequences of exposure to allergens and to minimize their presence whenever possible. The ideal situation would be that everyone brings food free of allergens (e.g., peanuts, nuts, strawberries, etc.). Although it sounds simple, it means no such products of any kind at school for anyone. Also, it would mean all families would have to pay careful attention to the ingredient labels of all other foods for hidden traces of these products. Children should be reminded not to share food and to wash their hands frequently. These behaviours are tough to monitor so the key to a safe environment will be awareness. We cannot create or guarantee a nut-free environment. We realize that this request for support and awareness poses an inconvenience but keep in mind the sincere appreciation for your support and understanding of this life-threatening allergy and the school’s commitment to providing a safe learning environment for everyone.

STUDENT AGENDAS Thank you for purchasing the student agenda. We also thank all of you who have reviewed the planner with your child and for signing the forms. If you have not already done so, please sign them. It is important that behaviour expectations are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Parents are encouraged to access other items of information for future reference such as emergency closures, medication at school, dress code & deportment, and School Council. Furthermore, agendas are a great way to maintain communication with your child’s teacher and the school. CLASSROOM VISITS AND VOLUNTEERS Please make sure any classroom visits are prearranged with the teacher and that you check in at the main office before going to a classroom. This ensures the safety of all students and staff. If you arrive at a classroom unannounced, you will be asked to check in at the office. Teachers welcome parental involvement in their child’s education and we are thankful for all the volunteers who give up their time to make a contribution to our school. This positive partnering has always been one of our school's “hallmarks of excellence” and provides a great deal of individual attention for each child as well as enriching our overall programme. Volunteers are reminded that they need a current criminal records check before they are permitted to volunteer. We have forms available at the office.

ARRIVALS, DEPARTURES, AND STUDENT ATTENDANCE If you bring your child to school late or must pick him/her up before dismissal time, please go to our Student Services Office. Once the child is signed in, s/he will be given an admit slip to present to the teacher. Parents do not need to accompany the child to class. Once the child has been signed out, the secretary will call the child from class to meet you in the Student Services Office.

If your child is going to be absent or late from school for any reason, please call the school at 905-799-2952 after 4:00 p.m. or before 8:00 a.m. and leave a message in our attendance check mailbox. This operates before and after our office hours as well as when we are unable to answer the phone. To report an absence, leave your child's first and last name, the class s/he is in, the reason for the absence and the length of the absence if known. Students who are well enough to be at school should be prepared to go outside during nutrition breaks. We do not have staff available to watch children inside.

SCHOOL SUCCESS UPDATE Our Classroom teachers have been working with students to complete assessments in Literacy (PM Benchmarks and CASI) and in Numeracy (ONAP). These assessments give teachers an enormous amount of data and enable them to plan and program for students as well as to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students. Every child has his/her own areas of strengths and weaknesses, and this information helps teachers to know what they need to do next. Assessment for Learning is very important as it provides teachers with the tools and information that they need to set high expectations for student achievement and to ensure that students are successful.

FIELD TRIPS In order to engage students in real life experiences, teachers often organize class trips to compliment the delivery of their program. Through these activities, teachers are able to provide students with opportunities that encourage students to develop certain skills and participate in hands-on learning experiences. As we continue to plan and organize a variety of field trips to take place off school property, it is important that permission forms be returned to the school in a timely fashion. Please make note of the deadlines on the letters and have the consent form and money, if required, returned no later than the date indicated. This is extremely important for teachers in planning for numbers, costs, bussing etc. It would be unfortunate and disappointing if a child was unable to attend because s/he was too late in returning the information. Meeting deadlines applies to homework too. This helps to prepare children for punctuality when they are adults.

OCTOBER 16TH OPPORTUNITY TO SAY 'THANKS' TO BUS DRIVERS Peel schools will pay tribute to bus drivers on Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Oct. 16. The day will be celebrated with special activities and events that provide teachers, students and parents an opportunity to thank the people who safely transport over 36,000 students to and from school each day. If your child rides the bus to school, take this opportunity to thank the bus driver for his or her contribution and ask your child to do so too. The Peel board appreciates the important job bus drivers do each school day and Oct. 16 provides an opportunity to give these individuals the rec CELEBRATE WORLD TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2013 Since 1994, parents and students from around the world have celebrated World Teacher Appreciation Day to commemorate the work of teachers and their contributions to society. During the week of October 1st, take the time to let your child's teacher know he or she is truly appreciated. Thank your child's teacher and let them know they are making a difference.

SEPTEMBER KICKED OFF: STAND UP FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS! Children and youth can experience mental health problems that range from mild to serious. As a parent or guardian, you are well-positioned to observe changes in your child’s behavior. It is often difficult to understand what the changes mean. When a problem lasts more than a few weeks, and interferes with his or her daily life it becomes a concern that requires further help.

Getting help can be over whelming for many families. It may be helpful to start with people who know your child or teen: - educators are well positioned to partner with you and share what they notice, all schools have a team of professionals to consult with should the problem require professional help - your family doctor or pediatrician can ensure there is not a medical cause for the behavior and will be able to refer you to additional resources within the community - faith-based supports may also be available at your place of worship - Website Resources: Community information Partners Peel, The ABC’s of Mental Health, Kids Help Phone, Children’s Mental Health Ontario “Mental Health Resources for Parents.” Peel District School Board, 2013. http://www.peelschools.org. 15-09-2013.

OCTOBER MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS How common are child and youth mental health problems? In a classroom of 30 students about 5-6 will be facing mental health problems, and 3-4 of them will have mental problems that interferes with their daily life. What causes child and youth mental health problems? Mental health problems are believed to result from a combination of factors including possible problems in the brains wiring process during development, genetic influences, chemical imbalances, brain trauma and severe life stress. Mental Health can be triggered by the stress of schoolwork, relations with peers, conflicts within the family, and difficulties adapting to the structures of school. Buchanan, Don. “Making a difference: An educators guide to child and Youth Mental Health problems, Child and Youth Mental Health Information Network. Sept 2011 4th ed. www.cymhin.ca. 15-09-2013 *All information provided is meant to be used as resources not professional medical advice. Should you be concerned for the safety of your child please contact a medical professional immediately.

HOW TO PREVENT LITTER AT SCHOOL Did you know that litter is a safety hazard, discourages development, lowers property values and costs money? According to the Region of Peel, litter can attract animals and insects, harm pets and serve as a breeding ground for disease. Here are some tips for reducing waste at school:

 Provide your child with a litter-less lunch which could contain: o refillable water bottle o returnable, reusable or refillable drink containers instead of plastic bottles and cans o snacks and sandwiches stored in plastic containers o fruit that requires no wrap such as bananas, apples  Put trash in the appropriate container. If a recycling bin isn't available, ask where you can find one and hold on to garbage until you can dispose of it properly.  Reduce and reuse as much as you can before you recycle. Reuse plastic bags, the other side of a sheet of paper etc.  If you see litter, pick it up!  Set a good example. Don't be a litterbug.  Take part in neighbourhood cleanups - litter prevention requires the community to work together.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S ONTARIO STUDENT RECORD The Ontario Student Record (OSR) is an ongoing, confidential record of a student’s education progress. Authorized by the Education Act and protected by the Freedom of Information Act and Protection of Privacy Act, an OSR is established for each student enrolled in an Ontario elementary or secondary school. The record is housed at the student’s current school and moves with the student as they transition from one school to the next. If a student leaves Peel to attend another school in Ontario, the OSR is forwarded to the new school upon request. If the OSR is not requested or the student leaves Ontario, the OSR is housed in the last Peel school that the student attended.

The OSR contains familiar documents that parents can view at any given time. OSR contents include:  biographical data  documentation file, containing (if applicable): verification of a custody arrangement, change-of-name order, placements decisions, suspension letters, psycho-educational assessment report, identification and placement decision letters, and registration forms  information concerning special health conditions  name(s) of student’s parent(s) or guardian(s)  Ontario Student Transcript (secondary school only) – the cumulative record of a student’s successful completion of secondary school courses  photographs may also be attached  record of the student’s accumulated instruction in French as a second language, if applicable  report cards  school(s) attended Every student, and parents or guardians of students under 18 years of age have the right to examine the student’s OSR and receive a copy of its contents. Supervisory officers, school administration and teachers may also access a student’s OSR for the purpose of improving the instruction of the student. Written permission is requested for any outside agency or personnel to access the OSR.

Contact your school principal for details of the procedure to review your child’s OSR. If you would like to learn more about your child’s OSR, visit the Ontario Ministry of Education web site at www.edu.gov.on.ca.

PEEL BOARD STUDENTS HAVE CHOICE Explore program options at 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. Information nights for students applying to start programs in September 2014 begin this November. Programs include:  Arts  SciTech  Flexography (package print technology)  Strings  International Baccalaureate  Truck and Coach  International Business and 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 areas:  Arts & Culture  Construction  Business and Entrepreneurial Studies  Environment  Health and Wellness  Manufacturing  Hospitality and Tourism  Sports  Information and Communications Technology  Transportation  Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services   PROCEDURES TO KEEP STUDENTS SAFE  Peel schools provide a safe environment for students and staff to learn and work. Staff have been trained on what to do if faced with an emergency situation. Here are the responses schools may take to an emergency situation, depending on the type of threat.   A school will initiate a lockdown if there is a major incident or threat of violence in or near the school. During a lockdown students and staff inside the school will: 1* go to the closest room, close the door and lock it, if possible 2* turn off the lights and lie down on the floor away from doors and windows 3* remain on the floor quietly until further directions are given   Students and staff outside the school will: 4* move as far away from the building as possible 5* remain outside until further directions are given   Every school will review the key points of the lockdown process with students. The drill is rehearsed twice per year to make sure staff and students know what to do in the unlikely event of a real lockdown.

 The term hold & secure will be used when it is necessary to secure the school because of a situation outside and not related to the school. During hold & secure, classes continue normally inside the school, with the exception that all exterior doors and windows are locked and no one enters or exits the building without approval from police or the school. This means parents/guardians will not be allowed to enter the building.

 The term shelter in place will be used for an environmental or weather-related situation where it is necessary to keep everyone within the school to protect them from an external situation. During shelter in place, no one will be allowed to exit the building.

 SAFETY REMINDERS ENSURE SAFE TRAVEL TO AND FROM SCHOOL  School bus safety week is Oct 15-19  According to the Canada Safety Council, it is 16 times safer per kilometre to travel on a school bus than in a family vehicle. However, while bus transportation is safe, accidents do occur and many of these incidents involve individuals outside the bus. To ensure children stay safe in and around school buses, it is important to reinforce the following safety reminders:   Tips for riding the bus  Take a seat as quickly as possible, put belongings under the seat and stay seated.  Never stick anything out of the window, including part of your body.  Refrain from eating on the bus. If a choking incident occurs, the driver may not be able to help immediately.  Wait until the school bus stops before standing up to exit the vehicle.  Tips for exiting the bus:  When getting off the bus, take two large steps away from bus. If you have to walk in front of the bus, do so at least three metres (10 giant steps) away from the bus.  The driver must be able to see students exiting the bus and will give a signal when it is safe to cross. If more than one student is crossing in front of the bus at the same time, they should cross in single file.  Children must never reach for something that is under the bus without the driver’s permission. Let the driver know that something is under the bus or wait until the bus moves out of the way.  Tips for walking to school:  Help your child establish a safe, direct route to school. Avoid potential safety hazards such as train tracks, busy intersections, and reinforce what safety precautions to follow.  Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road and walk facing traffic.  Cross streets at intersections and at crosswalks and learn to look to the left, the right, and the left again before proceeding.  Wait until traffic comes to a stop before crossing. Make sure drivers see you before you cross. Don't assume the driver will stop for you.  For more information about school bus safety, visit www.elmer.ca or www.safety-council.org.   TIPS FOR BEING A SMART TRICK-OR-TREATER  Halloween is a fun and exciting time, but safety should be the number one concern. Here are some safety tips for children:  Wear a properly fitted costume that is bright and non-flammable. Use reflective tape on your costume so you can be seen in the dark. 1) Use face makeup or enlarge the eyes on your mask so you can see well. When wearing a mask, push it up on your head while walking. 2) Teach children to visit the front door of well lit homes and never go inside. 3) Help your child plan a route and a time to be home. 4) Remind children to always walk on the sidewalk, and obey traffic and pedestrian signals. 5) Have an adult check treats at home before allowing children to eat them. 6) Younger children should go trick-or-treating with an adult. Older children are reminded to trick-or-treat in groups. 7) Teach children their home phone number and how to call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost. 

 C CELEBRATING FAITH AND CULTURE - October 2013 o DATE  CELEBRATION  FAITH AND CULTURE  October  Xlaaw  Aboriginal Spirituality  October 5  Sharad Navratri  Hinduism  October 6  World Communion Sunday  Christianity  October 11 or 12  Durgashtami  Hinduism  October 12 - 16  Ghambar Ayathrem  Zorastrianism  October 13 or 14  Vijaya Dashmi/Dassehra  Hinduism  October 14  Thanksgiving Day  Canada  October 14  Waqfatu’Arafat  Islam  October 15 or 16  Eid-ul-Adha  Islam  October 16 – November 3  The month of 'Ilm  Bahá'í  October 18  Kathina, Pavarana, Anapanasati and Founders'  Buddhism Day  October 20  Birth of the Báb  Bahá'í  October 20  Installation of Guru Granth as Guru  Sikhism  October 22  Karva Chauth  Hinduism  October 31  Halloween  Canada  Sunset of October 31 -  Samhain  Wicca November 1    The Larkspur YMCA school age program offers care  for children 4-12 years of age. For more information  Please contact Susan Scarfo at (905) 453-2442 or email  [email protected]  Currently Region of Peel has no waitlist. We do offer space for subsidized care.