November 2019

Derry West Village Public School

As part of the reporting process for students in Grades 1 to 5, you will receive your child’s Progress Report Card on Friday, November 8, 2019. The Board- wide parent conference dates for the elementary panel are on the evening of Thursday, November 14, 2019 and the morning of Friday, November 15, 2019. The purpose of the parent-student-teacher conference is to discuss the progress the student has made thus far, and to set goals for future success. And as such, the student is a very important part of this meeting. The conferences usually range in time from 15 to 20 minutes. It is important to prepare for the conference to make the best use of that limited time. Below are some helpful tips for you to make the most of your parent-student-teacher conference: 1. PREPARE

Read your child’s Progress Report Card. Make notes about your questions and concerns. If you require an Interpreter or are bringing one with you, please share your questions with him/her prior to the conference. Talk to your child about the report and ask “What do you want to ask the teacher?” Make a list of the questions.

2. ASK QUESTIONS Arrive on time. Bring your child and the list of questions. During the conference the teacher(s) will review your child’s Progress Report Card and may show you samples of your child’s work. This is a good time for your child to share his/her thoughts about the teaching and learning happening in the classroom. You may at any time ask questions that are relevant to your child’s learning such as: What does my child do well? What skills does he or she still need to develop? If my child needs extra help is he/she getting it? How much time should my child be spending on homework? How does my child get along with the other students? How can I help my child at home? What is the best way to contact you if I have more questions?

3. FOLLOW UP Talk to your child about the information shared at the conference. Stress the positive things the teacher said. Discuss the areas that need improvement and

together create a plan as to what needs to be done. Ensure everyone has a part in

that plan – your child, the teacher and you.

Principal’s News

Climate for Learning and Working

Being responsible means being

dependable, keeping promises and

honoring our commitments. It is accepting

the consequences for what we say and do.

It also means developing our potential.

People who are responsible don't make

excuses for their actions or blame others

when things go wrong.

8:25 Yard Supervision/Kiss & Ride 8:35 Student Entry

8:40 Period 1

9:00 Period 2

9:40 Period 3

10:20 - 11:00 Nutrition Break #1

11:00 Period 4

11:40 Period 5

12:20 - 1:00 Nutrition Break #2

1:00 Period 6

1:40 Period 7

2:20 Period 8

3:00 Dismissal

Pr incipa l Mrs. Meena Grewal

V ice-Pr incipa l Ms. Donna Fraccaro

Upcoming Events

November 6th - School Council Meeting

November 6th – Take Our Kids to Work Day

November 7th – TA and DECE Appreciation Day

November 11th – Rememberance Day

November 12th – Photo Re-Take Day

November 15th – PA Day (no school)

November 25th – Jersey Day

November 29th – Custodian Appreciation Day

Derry West Village P.S. 620 Twain Avenue Mississauga, Ont L5W-1M1

Phone: 905-565-5762

Fax: 905-565-0173

Website:

http://schools.peelschools.org/1581/Pages/default.aspx

@DerryWest

Superintendent of Education: Dr. Gale Solomon-Henry 905-366-8800 Ext. 1304

Trustee: Robert Crocker Susan Benjamin

The theme our school will be

focusing on during December is

Responsible.

“Responsible” Student Recognition

Assembly: To be announced

Families are welcome to attend!

Character Attributes in

Action at DWVPS!

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Is French Immersion right for my child?

In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Wednesday in October as the Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Educators’ (ECE) Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Nov. 7, 2019. The Peel board appreciates the important work of teaching assistants and ECEs, and the contributions that they make in the lives of children, families and community members.

Nov. 7 – Celebrate Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Educators’ Appreciation Day

If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to apply for the French Immersion (FI) program. To find out the FI school your child would attend, visit www.peelschools.org/French or call the school in your area. Grade 7 Extended French dates for the 2020-21 school year

Information night Attend the information meeting at the French Immersion school your child would attend

Thursday, Nov. 21, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Applications open Available at www.peelschools.org/French

Monday, Nov. 25, 2019 at 8:30 a.m.

Application deadline Applications received after this date will be put on a waiting list.

Friday, Jan. 31, 2020

A random selection process is used to determine which students will be offered spaces in the grade 7 EF program. Applications for grade 7 Extended French will only be considered for students who are currently registered in an English program and have not been previously in a French Immersion program. Students currently enrolled in grade 6 French Immersion will continue grade 7 in the French Immersion program. For more information

visit www.peelschools.org/French

call your nearest French Immersion school

talk with parents who have children in the French Immersion program

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

Nov. 29 – Say 'thanks' for 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. 29, 2019. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of custodial and maintenance workers and their hard work and commitment to well-being and safety. If you have questions, contact Ms. Alderman, the Music teacher. Thank you for your continued support of the Music program.

Photo Retake Day

On Tuesday, November 12th, 2019 students may have their school photograph taken if they were absent on

the original day or they may have their picture taken if parents were not satisfied with the quality of the

photograph. Don’t forget to bring your smile!

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Peel District School Board celebrates Hindu Heritage Month in November During Hindu Heritage Month, schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities that recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Hindu Canadians as well as Hindu communities from around the world. On April 9, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion, the Peel board approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Hindu Heritage Month in November. In addition to Hindu Heritage Month, the Peel board also approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October, Indigenous Heritage Month in November, Sikh Heritage Month in April and Jewish Heritage Month in May. The board will continue to recognize Black History Month in February, Asian Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in June.

The Province of Ontario declared the month of November as Hindu Heritage Month in 2016. The month of November was chosen in recognition of “Deepawali” or “Diwali”, which is a significant festival in the Hindu community. On October 4, 2018, a Member of Parliament introduced a Private Member’s Bill (PMB), Bill C-416 in the House of Commons to designate the month of October as Hindu Heritage Month in Canada. The bill is currently going through several stages to become law.

Peel District School Board celebrates Indigenous Heritage Month in November Schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities in November to recognize, celebrate and honour the rich heritage, culture, contributions and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. On June 19, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion and to help better reflect student identity, trustees approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month in the month of November. This month includes several dates of significance, including, Treaty Recognition Week, Indigenous Veterans Day, Louis Riel Day, and the Peel Community Cultural Indigenous Celebration and Pow Wow. In addition to Indigenous Heritage Month, the Peel board has also approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October, Hindu Heritage Month in November, Sikh Heritage Month in April and Jewish Heritage Month in May. The board will continue to recognize Black History Month in February, Asian Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in June. The House of Commons officially recognized June as National Indigenous History Month following a unanimous motion in 2009. In the month of June, Peel board schools and worksites will raise and/or display the flag of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in the spirit of equity, inclusion and reconciliation. The raising of this flag is only one of the ways we help to create spaces that are inclusive, welcoming and safe for students, staff and families.

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Bus cancellation and 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, television stations and will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Twitter @STOPRinfo, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. One of the following messages will be announced: 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. All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed This means that all schools and Peel 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. All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed. All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

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.

It’s flu season and we want to make sure students stay as healthy as possible this year! Influenza (flu) spreads easily from one person to another and Peel Public Health has some tips to help reduce the risk of catching the flu and spreading it:

Get your annual flu shot: The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. There are many locations across

Peel where you can get your flu shots:

Family Doctors’ offices

Walk-in clinics

Pharmacies

Peel flu clinics

Keep children home when they’re sick: If your child develops flu-like signs and symptoms (fever, cough, sore

throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), keep them home from school. Contact your health care

provider if symptoms are severe.

Practice good hygiene: Help your child get into the habit of covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when

they cough or sneeze and throw tissues in the trash. Cough or sneeze into a sleeve or elbow, if they don’t have

a tissue. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs are spread.

Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer,

especially after they cough or sneeze.

For more information, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.

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Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists

Peel Public Health shares tips to help prevent the flu

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 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 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)

Information nights will be offered as follows:

Location Information Night

Britannia Public School Nov. 7, 2019 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Dolphin Sr. Public School Nov. 6, 2019 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Mississauga Secondary School Nov. 5, 2019 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers.

Jump start your future with Explore High Skills

Explore High Skills is a Peel District School Board pathway program that allows secondary schools with Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs to offer a unique specialized program choice for grade 9 and 10 students. These sector-related programs are available to students in all skill levels and in all pathways. Specialized programs in grade 9, like Explore High Skills, provide unique learning experiences to engage students as they transition to high school. Students can focus their learning on an area of interest as they build self-confidence, learn essential skills, and develop a sense of belonging in school and in the community. To enroll in the Explore High Skills program, students will indicate their interest when selecting high school courses in the fall. For more information about the program and participating schools, go to www.peelschools.org/ExploreHighSkills

Engage. Educate. Empower. Speakers Series. After 18 years, the Peel District School Board is revamping its annual parent conference. After hearing from participants, we are changing the traditional full-day workshop model to a multi-evening speaker series focused on a specific subject, where parents and caregivers will hear from a keynote speaker followed by a panel who will take audience questions. We will also invite Peel board departments, groups and community partners to share their information in an exhibitor area. The Engage. Educate. Empower. Speaker Series is co-presented by the Peel Elementary Teachers’ Local. Without their support, this free learning event for parents/caregivers would not be possible.

Date and Time Location Topic and Speaker

Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 5 to 8 p.m.

HJA Brown Education Centre, 5650 Hurontario St., Mississauga

Digital citizenship and online safety featuring Jesse Miller

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 Chinguacousy Secondary School, 1370 Williams Pkwy., Brampton

TBA

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020

Mayfield Secondary School, 5000 Mayfield Rd., Caledon East

TBA

*These free events are open to all Peel board parents of students at all grade levels.

Reserve your spot for the first session starting Oct. 7, 2019 at www.peelschools.org/parents/conference.

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Give what you can on United Way Giving Day – Nov. 14, 2019

At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student – each and every day. Yet we know that there are many needs in our community that we can’t address on our own, like providing food for families that may go without or supporting communities after a crisis. That’s why we are holding a board-wide giving day in support of United Way Greater Toronto, a key partner and supporter of Peel families. This year, the Peel board has declared Nov. 14 as United Way Giving Day to raise much needed funds for United Way Greater Toronto and the network of local, Peel social service agencies it supports. Whether it’s providing shelter for a mother and her children in Brampton, matching a child who is at risk with a mentor in Caledon, or funding a breakfast program in Mississauga for youth that would otherwise go hungry, United Way offers hope and possibility to thousands in our community. A donation of:

$2 may go towards a breakfast program for a child from a low income family.

$10 supports a child with interactive, recreational outings for one year, including healthy snacks and transportation, to help them build their social skills and self-esteem.

$25 is enough to provide a daily homework club that gives children and youth access to computers, peer support and mentors.

This is a completely voluntary campaign and any contributions are welcome. Whether you send a loonie, toonie, cheque made out to United Way Greater Toronto, or donate through school cash online, your contribution will make a difference. Pledges of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt from United Way Greater Toronto. To receive a receipt, you must fill out the pledge form on the back and send it to school with your donation by Dec. 13, 2019. If you donate through School Cash Online, attach a copy of your receipt to your completed pledge form. Thank you for lending a helping hand to those who need it most. Together, we can help those in poverty which wouldn’t be possible without your continued support – your local love can change lives.

Stan Cameron Peter Joshua Chair of the Board Director of Education

#chooseACTION on Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

The Peel District School Board will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, November 17 to 23, 2019. Bullying is a form of harassment. The World Health Organization says, “Bullying…demands the concerted and coordinated time and attention of health-care providers, policy-makers and families.” (Prevention of Bullying, 2010) Bullying is a relationship problem, with relationship solutions. Each year, across the Peel board, students, staff and families engage in learning and programming opportunities focussed on actively disrupting bullying, by creating positive and safe Climates for Learning and Working, built on a foundation of healthy relationships. This year the Peel board community will ‘#chooseACTION to STOP hate’ in their classrooms, offices, schools and communities, in order to make these spaces better places for everyone. Establishing and maintaining a positive Climate for Learning and Working requires all of us to actively intervene on assumptions, stereotyping, bias, discrimination and hate. We must proactively act and speak in ways that are inclusive, accepting of others and values difference. Throughout the week, we will be highlighting the importance of being an upstanding bystander by acting to stop hate: Step 1: Stop the Action Step 2: Name it Step 3: Explain the impact/harm Step 4: Ask the person causing the harm to change their behavior Step 5: Support the person harmed. The Peel board would like to hear about the big and small actions, pledges, and promises our Peel community values, and ask that you take a moment to share your #chooseACTION to STOP hate” moments on social media. 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.

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