CASTLEMORE PUBLIC SCHOOL January 2020 Newsletter

9916 The Gore Road, Brampton, ON L6P 0A7

School Phone #: 905.913.0845 Fax #: 905.913.0930

Website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1426

Twitter account: @CastlemoreSch

AIM HIGH GIVE BACK

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

AIM HIGH GIVE BACK

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Our school sits on the traditional lands of the Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississauga peoples of the Credit First Nation, also the former European-Canadian town and farm community of Castlemore, The Toronto Gore,

now suburb of the City of Brampton.

Principal: Mrs. S. Adebayo ~ Vice Principal: Mrs. M. Francis

Office Manager: Mrs. N. Anders ~ Office Assistant: Mrs. S. Gardiman

Superintendent of Schools: Mrs. P. Daws (905) 451-2862 School Trustee: Ms. B. Sohi (647) 828-4330

January Means New Beginnings! For many, January marks the beginning of a new year, and the year 2020 marks an opportunity to begin a new decade, ‘the roaring 20’s’, with fresh eyes and fresh ideas. It is a time to leave the old behind and start anew! After a time of rest and relaxation with family, friends and loved ones, we hope that you feel refreshed and rejuvenated and we are excited to give the students at Castlemore Public School opportunities to engage in new activities, new opportunities and new ways to aim high, give back and make a difference. As we approach the halfway mark of the academic year, we know that the political climate exudes uncertainty. However, the staff at Castlemore continues to provide learning opportunities that empowers modern learning for students. The learning cultures within classrooms encourages risk taking, questioning and curiosity. Some of our primary students have been engaged in hands on learning opportunities such as presentations through The Scientist in the Classroom and some of our intermediate students have been using video games as a springboard to explore technological problem solving in order to investigate systems that perform a function, or meets a need. Our teachers are implementing different models of learning with their students that are student-centred, relevant and authentic. Some of our junior students have really embraced demonstrating their thinking through building and design to explore big ideas and make real world connections. We encourage them to keep up the great work! As well, while access to technology is an important aspect of 21st century learning, it is important that our students understand how to use that technology in order to help them develop skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and digital citizenship. Our teachers continue to work with students on 21st century competencies such as collaboration, communication and global citizenship as primary, junior and intermediate students all participate in their own way, in activities that will help them learn more about their world and how to be responsible in it and for it. We are proud of the Castlemore community! Our dedicated staff and generous, supportive parents work in partnership to aid in the success of the students. We can’t wait to see what the ‘roaring 20’s’ bring!

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In and Around Castlemore Public School

Physical Education at Castlemore! In December, Castlemore’s 5th annual ‘Stormin’ the Streets for Hunger’ was a great success. We would like to send a huge thank you to this amazing community as this was a record breaking year for giving back and making a difference over the holiday season. We celebrated that initiative with excitement as the classes that raised the most food and gave the most toys to ‘Toys for Tots’, played a fast-paced, always fun and friendly game of ball hockey with our wonderful Peel Police Officers. Back in the gym during Physical Education classes, December brought the end of the ever-popular volleyball unit and our boys and girls senior teams had great success at their individual tournaments. January and 2020 promise to bring amazing new experiences and adventures in learning, and growth for all of our students. Badminton will be our feature sport of the month and will culminate at the end of January in a massive boys and girls tournament taking place at Castlebrooke Senior High School. Hopefully you had fun staying warm and healthy over the holiday season; taking the time to make memories indoors and out with family and friends, relaxing, being mindful and staying active into the new year. We look forward to starting a new decade by making 2020 the best year yet for our Castlemore family.

Fitness Tip: Laugh and make memories with family and friends. Laughing promotes well -being and actually helps to tighten your core! Making memories promotes wellness by being present and in the moment, as well as giving us a release of joy as we remember them fondly for years to come. Take time to talk to your families about some of your favourite memories, you will likely be very surprised by how much of the best times that we recollect have nothing to do with how much money we spent or stuff we had, they are often just the simple things that make us feel happy and loved. Just sharing your stories can be a great new memory in the making.

Greetings from the Trustee – Balbir Sohi

As we start the new year of 2020, it is important to reflect on what our priorities are as parents, students, educators and community members. We need to ask ourselves what we value the most. For me, it is our children. I ask myself what can I do as a mother and a trustee to ensure our students are cared for and valued in our schools and community. I want our children to grow up with a sense of belonging, and I will do what it takes to achieve this goal of making this community a safe and welcoming place for our children. I wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year! Thank you

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PIZZA LUNCHES AT CASTLEMORE We are happy to inform you that we will be continuing our weekly Pizza Days for February, March and April. Our pizza days provide nutritious lunches for our students and help us raise funds for student activities. The first Pizza Day will be on Friday, February 14th 2020. We will continue our partnership with Pizza Pizza. You must purchase pizza for your child for all months.

Weekly purchasing of pizza is not available. Pizza lunch costs are as follows:

* 1 slice of cheese pizza = $21.00 (for 9 week term) * 2 slices of cheese pizza = $30.00 (for 9 week term) * 3 slices of cheese pizza = $39.00 (for 9 week term)

*Gluten Free pizza will also be available for an additional cost.

*1 slice of Gluten Free cheese pizza = $27.00 (for 9 week term)

*2 slices of Gluten Free cheese pizza = $36.00 (for 9 week term)

When you place this order, your child will receive a pizza lunch starting on

Friday, February 14th 2020 until Friday, April 24th 2020.

Pay for this fee using your computer or smartphone through School Cash Online, a safe and secure form of online payment. Register or login at https://peelschools.schoolcashonline.com, and pay using an eCheck, Visa or MasterCard. This is the ONLY method of payment for all school fees at our school. THIS ITEM WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ONLINE UP TO JANUARY 19TH 2020

NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED

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Celebrating Faith and Culture - January 2020

DATE

CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

Month of January Spirit Moon Indigenous Worldview (First Nations)

December 31 to January 1 Ghambar Maidyarem Zoroastrianism

January 1 ● Temple Day Buddhism

January 1 and 14 (J) ● New Year’s Day Christianity and Canada

January 1 Gantan-sai Shinto

January 2 Sakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment Buddhism

January 5 ● Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Sikhism

January 6 and 19 (J) Epiphany or Feast of Theophany Christianity

January 7 (J) ● Christmas Christianity

January 10 Mahayana New Year Buddhism

January 13 Lohri Hinduism

January 13 Seijin-no-hi Shinto

January 13 Maghi Sikhism

January 14 Makar Sankranti Hinduism

January 19 World Religion Day Bahá'í

January 19 to February 6 Month of Sultán Bahá'í

January 25 ● Lunar New Year/Maitreya Bodhisattva’s Birthday

Buddhism

January 29 Vasant Panchami Hinduism

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The “dual continuum model” (3) helps

illustrate the relationship between mental

health and mental illness. On the mental

illness continuum, one end runs from severe

mental illness to no mental illness. On the

mental health continuum, one end runs from

poor mental health to good mental health.

This model shows that a person without a

mental illness is not necessarily mentally

healthy. They may be feeling down or

experiencing a high level of stress because of

life circumstances. It also shows us that we

can all strive for good mental health; that

even individuals with mental illness can

experience a high level of mental health.

To learn more, watch this brief YouTube video: “Promoting Mental Health: Finding Shared Language” bit.ly/UnderstandingMH_MI . For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.

References:

1. Public Health Agency of Canada. 2015. Mental

Illness. Available from: http://www.phac-

aspc.gc.ca/cdmc/mi-mm/index-eng.php

2. Public Health Agency of Canada. 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions: What is Mental

Health Promotion? Available from:

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/mh-sm/mhp-

psm/faq-eng.php

3. Keyes, C.L. (2002). The Mental Health

Continuum: From Languishing to Flourishing

in Life. Journal of Health and Social Research.

Vol. 43: 207-222

Understanding Mental Health and

Mental Illness

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

Many people think that when we talk about

mental health, we are talking about mental

illness – however, although they are related

concepts, they are not the same. Mental health

is like our physical health: both are important

parts of our overall well-being.

Mental illnesses are conditions that affect our

thinking, mood and behaviour and they can

negatively impact how we function day to day.

Examples of mental illness include depression,

generalized anxiety disorder, and schizophrenia

(1). Mental health, relates to our ability to

enjoy life and to manage it in ways that help us

reach our goals and cope with stress. It is a

sense of spiritual and emotional well-being.

This means, mental health is more than the

absence of mental illness (2).

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Regional Learning Choices Programs Unlock Passions

Regional Learning Choices Programs offered by the 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.

Transportation is not provided for students in regional programs. If students have been accepted into a regional program and they live within the school boundary, they are eligible for busing only if they meet the distance criteria outlined in the board’s Transportation Policy #39.

All regional programs include annual fees, including a non-refundable $40 application fee. Students and their families are encouraged to attend the information night for the program of their choice to receive more information about the program and application details.

Important dates to note:

Applications open Applications close

ELEMENTARY Jan. 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m.

SECONDARY Applications for secondary regional programs are closed

Programs Schools offered at

Starts in grade:

6 7 9

Actively in Motion (AIM) Royal Orchard MS

Advanced Placement Central Peel SS, John Fraser SS

Arts Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in grade 7), Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS

Arts and Technology Morning Star MS

Graphic Design Management T.L. Kennedy SS

International Baccalaureate Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PS, Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS

International Business and Technology

Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS, Meadowvale SS, North Park SS, T.L. Kennedy SS

International and Executive Leadership Academy

T.L. Kennedy SS

Regional Skilled Trades Judith Nyman (starting in September 2020), West Credit SS

SciTech Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS, Chinguacousy SS, Port Credit SS

Sports Applewood Heights SS

Strings Central Peel SS, Port Credit SS

Transportation Engineering and Technology

Bramalea SS

For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the

application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

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Apply for Extended French/French Immersion by Jan. 31, 2020 If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2020, or starting grade 7 in September 2020 one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to consider grade 1 French Immersion (FI) or grade 7 Extended French (EF). The application form for both programs for the 2020-21 school year are available online at www.peelschools.org/French. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Applications received after the deadline will be placed on the school’s waitlist. Please note: ~ Students must apply to and, if accepted, attend the French Immersion school based on the home address; flexible boundaries are not available for Grade 1 French Immersion ~students who are currently or were previously enrolled in French Immersion, cannot apply for grade 7 Extended French – you will continue grade 7 in the French Immersion program or an English program For more information

visit www.peelschools.org/French

call your nearest Extended French school

connect with families who have children in the Extended French program

visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca

Our work has just begun.

Did you know that 1 in 5 students in Peel Region face barriers related to poverty? That’s more than 27,000 Peel board students.

The Peel Learning Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to enable Peel District School Board students to achieve personal excellence by providing resources that help them overcome barriers. To date, we have supported more than 500 students through the Student Emergency Needs and Student Backpack programs. The support we provide can be as simple as providing funds for food or transportation, a winter coat, or a backpack filled with school supplies. This type of support can enrich a student's school experience and help them achieve success. Any teacher, staff or support person can speak confidentially to their school’s principal, vice-principal or supervisor when they encounter a student in need, who will then reach out to us to ask for help.There are many ways that you can support the foundation. A gift will help us achieve great

things for students. To learn more, visit www.peellearningfoundation.org/how.

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Report your child’s immunizations to

the Region of Peel online

When registering for school for the first time,

parents and guardians are required to provide

up-to-date immunization information for

their children. This includes registering for

kindergarten.

You can update your child’s immunizations

online. The online immunization tool allows

you to attach a photo of the immunization

record. When reporting online, an Ontario

Health Card is required.

Report immunizations online at:

www.peelregion.ca/immunize

After you report your immunizations online

you will be given a reference number. Keep

this number for your records. You will need

to give this number to your child’s school

when registering.

If you do not have online access or your child

does not have an Ontario Health Card, take a

copy of the immunization record to the

school. Make sure your child’s name and

date of birth are visible on the record.

Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 if

your child does not have an immunization

record or if you have any questions about

immunization exemptions.

For more information, visit

www.peelregion.ca/immunize

It's time to register children born in 2016 for kindergarten

We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2016, they can start kindergarten in September 2020. You can register your child at any time during regular school hours—just visit the school they will be attending to register. Peel schools will also hold Kindergarten Registration Week from Jan. 13 to 17, 2020. Visit Castlemore from:

Jan. 13 to 17, 2020 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jan. 16, 2020 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m.

What you will need to bring to registration

Proof of child's age (one of the following) Canadian birth certificate Canadian passport citizenship card/certificate Permanent Resident Card confirmation of permanent residence work permit refugee permit

Proof of address (one of the following)

Ontario driver's license utility bill bank statement/client slip (directly from

financial institution) credit card statement federal government forms (e.g. Social

Insurance Number, Service Canada documents)

purchase agreement Proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate living arrangement. Proof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated.

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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3 Pizza Day

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5 6 Welcome back!

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8 Sub Day

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Pizza Day

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12 13

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15 School Council Meeting (6:30pm) Sub Day

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17 Pizza Day

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20 Report Writing Day – No school for students

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24 Pizza Day

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27 Indoor Rock Climbing begins and continues for this week!

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31 Pizza Day

What’s Happening This Month?