MARCH BREAK

Twentieth Street Junior Public School

March 2020

This year, March Break runs from March 16th – th FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK 20 inclusive. This is the time of year when Although we’ve had a mild winter this year with many people need and want a break. Winter has some snow, we’re all ready for longer days, been around for what feels like ages, and milder temperatures and more sunshine!! We’re everyone is craving longer days and more all hoping that spring will arrive soon! sunshine. While some families choose this time to travel and visit warmer climates, many people February was cold and grey with some snow, but also choose to stay at home. There are lots of we kept our spirits high here at Twentieth with places in the city that prepare for March Break, some wonderful outdoor activities such as running dynamic programs for children, and sledding, building forts, making snow people, family activities that have something for snow angels, shoveling…just to name a few. It everyone. truly has been a “winter wonderland” out there! The Royal Museum (ROM): This past month, we recognized African http://www.rom.on.ca/en, Canadian Heritage Month and Chinese Heritage The : month. We recognized the contributions of these http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/, two rich cultures via announcements and The (AGO): classroom activities. As a result, we learned http://www.ago.net/, more about their rich heritage, cultures and about Soul Pepper Theatre: http://www.soulpepper.ca/, their contributions to Canadian society. The Distillery District: http://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/, St. During the month of February, we were fortunate Lawrence Market: to have had the National Ballet perform for us http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/, along with here at Twentieth and as a result, had the many other great locations within the GTA, like opportunity to learn a great deal about this art , Enoch Turner School House, The form. Zoo, The and The Brickworks.

Although most of these programs require an admission fee, some are free and geared towards family and children. We hope that everyone has a great time for their week off !

TDSB EARTH HOUR 2020 FRIDAY, MARCH 27th FROM 2:00 – 3:00

During Earth Hour, we'll be using as little electricity as possible in the office, halls, MARCH IS GREEK HERITAGE MONTH classrooms, library, gym, lunchroom. Where AT THE TDSB possible, schools will also be reducing their electricity usage over the weekend. March is Greek Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board and an opportunity to More information is available on the EcoSchools recognize the experiences, contributions and website - achievements of Greek Canadians. http://www.tdsb.on.ca/ecoschools/Home/Resour cesandGuides/EarthHour.aspx

THE GREAT BIG CRUNCH

On Thurs. March 12th, at 10:15 a.m. Twentieth SCHOOL DROP-OFF/PICK-UP ZONE Street school will participate in The Great Big Crunch. It is a national movement annual We would like to take this opportunity to remind moment of anti-silence in which students, parents to please adhere to street signage when teachers, parents and others who are passionate dropping off or picking up children at the about food across the country crunch into apples school. Please remember that you must leave a (or other crunchy fruit or vegetable) to make noise 10 meter distance when stopping near a for healthy school food! Every year since 2008, crosswalk. There are signs to indicate where Canadians from coast to coast have participated in cars can stop and the school puts out pylons to the Great Big Crunch, an initiative of FoodShare help you visually see the NON-STOPPING Toronto(link is external) and in collaboration with ZONE. For everyone’s safety, please drop off the Coalition for Healthy School Food and Food children in the designated areas (west side of Secure Canada. Twentieth Street) only in the designated areas. With the milder weather, we’re encouraging everyone to walk to school everyday!

achievement and well-being at school and at home.

We continue to monitor the ongoing labour situation and the potential impact it may have on the Parents as Partners Conference. As of now, the conference is scheduled as planned and registration will open in late February. If plans change, registrants will be notified by email. Thank you for your continued support. PARENTS AS PARTNERS CONFERENCE

Keynote Speaker Join us for the Parents as Partners Conference on Saturday, March 28, 2020! This all-inclusive conference is organized by TDSB parents for TDSB parents, guardians and caregivers. Participate in workshops, network with parents and community agencies and learn new strategies to support your child’s success. Registration opens in 2020! Register early as there is limited space in each workshop!

Kim Katrin Who: Kim Katrin is an internationally acclaimed award . ALL parents/guardians/caregivers of winning educator, writer, artist and consultant. As TDSB students are invited and welcome to an educator, Kim travels around the world talking attend. to people about justice, equity, and human rights. She has shared hundreds of unique resources and What: presentations on intersectional issues such as race, . Parents as Partners Conference 2020 is a ability, orientation and gender on mental wellness. FREE conference. Whether your child is just Emphasizing these connections allows for an beginning on their educational journey in inclusive discussion and a holistic focus on mental elementary school or closer to graduation and wellness and community engagement. planning for the future, there are informative and empowering sessions for parents/guardians/caregivers of students of all HIGH WATER LEVELS BRINGS ages and stages of education. INCREASED RISKS

Where: . Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Rd, Etobicoke, Ontario

Why:

. The Parents as Partners Conference 2020 The Toronto and Region Conservation monitors is planned by parents, for parents and we are hazardous ice conditions as thaw begins and are so pleased to be able to offer a selection of reminding everyone to be very careful around all sessions that cover a broad range of topics to bodies of water. The first hint of warming weather provide parents with useful information and and the promise of spring thaw can bring extreme resources to help your child improve their danger to the shores and surfaces of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, according to Toronto - always walk with a buddy to and from school and Region Conservation. - always tell your parents where you are - never accept gifts from strangers and never As warmer temperatures arrive, stream banks approach or enter a stranger's car; adults have no become increasingly slippery and unstable. Lake acceptable reason to offer a ride or to ask children and river ice weakens, becoming thinner or with for directions or assistance higher flows breaking with little or no warning. - if a car is following you, change directions and During this time, the potential for flooding and run ice jamming is high. - when help is needed, go to the nearest store or school, the home of a friend or run towards a Higher, faster-flowing water and extreme cold group of people or a parent with children temperatures combine to create increased - know your name, address and phone number dangers on or near rivers, streams and ponds for - know that police officers are friends and can people wishing to enjoy the seasonal changes. help you Parents and caregivers are being asked to keep - tell your parents or teacher whenever someone children away from stream banks, ponds and treats you in a way that makes you feel lakes. uncomfortable or unsafe; TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.

Teachers also periodically review street and traffic safety with our students. We ask that you reinforce these safety messages with your children as well. Below is a list of tips that might be helpful to review:

- stop, look, and listen for traffic - only cross at corners and crosswalks WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SAFER - never run into the street COMMUNITY - obey crossing signals One of the best parts of living in our community - walk on sidewalks is the variety of activities we can enjoy in our - where there are no sidewalks, walk as far away parks and public spaces all year round. With from traffic as possible facing traffic. spring and March Break around the corner and the days getting longer, students may be For those who drive, please take extra care on the spending more time outside. This is a good time roads, especially in areas where children might be to remind everyone to take extra care in enjoying present. all the outdoors can offer. Parents can help further by keeping school contact As you know, we are fortunate to have a number information up-to-date, including cell and of safety measures, programs, and policies that business numbers. It's important for our staff to contribute to a safe and caring school. However, have this information to know who to contact in most incidents happen away from school and cases of emergencies. outside school hours. All parents, students and staff are reminded of the need to be aware and Working together, we can make our communities alert at all times, even in the most ordinary and safer for our children. everyday routines. School staff regularly speak to students about how to stay safe. I know that you too will want to help ensure our community is as safe as possible. Here are some tips that you may find helpful when discussing safety with your child: