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THE PLUM LINE

November 2019

School Website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1565

Ms. Soni Gill ~ Superintendent of Education ~ 905-366-8800

Ms. Nokha Dakroub ~ Trustee ~ 416-706-9215

Ms. Saba Khan ~ Principal ~ 905-824-0155

Mrs. Laura Ferrill ~ Vice-Principal ~ 905-824-0155

Supporting Student Success

On October 11th, Plum Tree Park participated in a day of

professional learning. Topics included: planning for school

improvement, considering equity while working with our

students, and health and safety training.

During our school improvement planning, staff focused on our

goals for this year while considering how to emphasize equity

and inclusive education for all students. Staff spent time

starting to build the student success plan with their colleagues

and reflected on their equity work.

For more information you can check out:

https://www.scribd.com/document/357166611/capacity-building-

series-culturally-responsive-pedagogy

Staff also spent time training on protocols to support students

and others who may find themselves in an escalated or

emotional situation. This training will help staff to support

students to feel safe and supported while experiencing high

level emotions.

In This Issue…

Page 1 – Supporting Student

Success

Page 2 – School Council News

- Dental Screening

Page 3 – News from the LLC

Page 4 – News from Phys. Ed.

Pages 5 – 14 – News from the

Board

School Council News Plum Tree Park School Council presents our first Move-a-thon happening on November 6th with Professor Jamz. This event will be a fun way for students to raise funds for the school so please help them to reach their goal! There are prizes for the top selling class and individuals. You can collect your donations in your envelope, on School CashOnline or on the Professor Jamz website (www.professorjamz.com/plum).

Funds raised from this event go directly back to the school. School Council has already committed to support this year’s skating trip and is hoping to support and approve many other activities for the students this year. Our next School Council meeting is on November 20, 2019 in the school library. All are welcome to attend.

Dental Screening Complete for JK, SK, & Gr. 2

The Months of September and October in the Library Learning Commons (LLC)

Much has been happening at the Library Learning Commons since the start of school. During the month of September, classes had their library orientation. Primary students were reminded of how to take care of and check out books. Junior students created short videos of their Lego photography where they explained various procedures or respectful behaviour while in the Learning Commons.

The English Book Fair was a huge success. Many books have been purchased for the Plum Tree Library from funds raised by the fair. The students always seem to enjoy visiting the fair and choosing what they would like to buy from the selection of books and other items. Thank you to all the parents for supporting this fair. Thank you also to the Parent Council for paying for all of the $2.00 coupons that were used during the fair. The Library Learning Commons is more than a place where students come to read, work or check out their books. Many events take place in the Library. As well, teachers bring their classes to the Library Learning Commons to use some of the technology that Plum Tree has purchased over the recent years. Most recently, some grade 3 classes explored building forces using the Lego Wedo 2.0 kits. As well, some grade 4 classes explored Scratch coding of the map of Canada. A representative from Kids Code Jeunesse visited Plum Tree to teach some grade 3 and grade 5 students to code a Microbit. Students will have other opportunities to explore this pocket sized computer in the future.

For more frequent updates from the Library Learning Commons, go to the twitter account @sharonwasag

News From Phys. Ed.

Soccer Tournaments

Grade 2 AND Grade 5/6 Co-ed Soccer Teams 2019

A LOT of students tried out for our soccer teams this year – what a talented bunch you

all are! Congratulations to those students who made the final teams. It was very

exciting to be able to host our second Grade 2 tournament at Plum Tree Park this year.

On October 17th, two Grade 2 teams participated for Plum Tree vs. Plowman’s Park and

Settler’s Green. We placed in first and fourth – way to go Panthers! On October 10th,

our Grade 5/6 Co-Ed team co-hosted a tournament in partnership with Edenwood. We

had a great tournament, and in a field of 6 teams we finished second overall - with an

exciting final score of 2-1 in the championship game! Congratulations to the teams on a

job well done!

Soccer Intramurals – November

Interested students in Grades 3 through 5 will be participating in indoor soccer

benchball intramurals during their lunch recess time. A reminder to all students to

check the schedules posted on the Phys. Ed. bulletin boards, and around the school for

their soccer intramural days. These intramurals are running through November. It is

great to see so many students out there, improving on their soccer skills, and enjoying

some friendly competition!

Reminder: Design your own Plum Tree Park clothing – any time!

Plum Tree Park School is partnered with Entripy, a company that allows you to design

and order your own Plum Tree Park Panther wear – at any time. Go to the following

website: plumtreepark.entripyshops.com where you can choose from hoodies, t-

shirts, hats, Phys. Ed. bags, track pants and more! There are a variety of designs,

(including the traditional Panther logo) from which to choose. Items come in a variety of

sizes and price ranges – there is something for everyone! Items will arrive to your home

in 7-10 business days. 10% of the money from ordered items comes back to the school

to support our Phys. Ed. program. Make sure to check out the display case in the front

foyer of the school for examples of some of the items being offered. It has been fun to

see more of the items that have been ordered and proudly worn by students and

teachers thus far!

Superwalker Program

Our Superwalker program is in full-swing! Students who walk or ride their bike to school

can collect a stamp from any of our Senior Superwalkers (students on the tarmac in

orange vests) when they arrive to school in the morning. All students are invited to

participate in our Wednesday Walking Club at lunch recess, when they can collect 2

stamps at once for their participation! It is fabulous to see the students participating so

enthusiastically already. A reminder that with each card completed, students can come

down to the Green Gym at any morning recess to collect a charm. Once a student has

completed 5 cards, their picture will go up on our beautiful new Superwalker Wall in the

front foyer, and they will be invited to a year-end party in June! Keep moving Plum

Tree!

Spirit Day – Jersey/School Colour Day

Our spirit day this month will be Jersey/ School Colour Day. This will be Thursday, November 28th. Show your spirit by coming to school in your favourite team’s jersey, or in your Plum Tree gear!

Please join us on

November 11th

at 10:45 a.m. for

Plum Tree’s

Remembrance Day

assembly and time

of reflection.

Healthy Relationships Bolster Mental Health and Resilience

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

When it comes to mental health, connectedness - the sense of caring for others and being cared for - is one of the most powerful protective factors. A positive ‘environment of relationships’ is essential for healthy brain development, which forms the foundation for lifelong outcomes such as interpersonal skills, academic performance and mental health and well-being (1). Caring adults are key to building the skills, attitudes and habits that promote child and youth mental health. Here are some tips for families to help build strong, caring relationships:

Comfort your child when they’re upset. They won’t feel alone with their big emotions and it helps to strengthen your bond with them.

Give your child love and affection - this helps your child feel loved and valued. Have fun together! Listen attentively to your child’s feelings, thoughts and ideas. Help to label and

identify your child’s emotions (e.g. scared, frustrated, angry, sad). Try to see things from your child’s point of view.

Build in quality time. Spend some time together each night around the dinner table. Show your children how to solve problems that arise through your modelling, and

collaborating with them to help solve their own problems when they arise. Be a role model by taking care of your own mental health and modelling healthy

coping strategies. Talk about your feelings. Make time for things you enjoy. Ensure your home is an emotionally and physically safe and secure environment,

where children are protected from harm. Nurture caring relationships between your child and other important people in their

lives, like family members and friends, neighbours, teachers and members of cultural and faith communities. Research suggests that the short-term intervention of even a single caring adult can make a profound difference. This also widens a child’s network of support, and makes it easier to reach out for help when needed.

At the heart of it, we are in the business of human development. We are helping children and youth discover their strengths, build skills and knowledge, develop positive attitudes and habits, and find their path. We need to know our children and youth. We need to show we care. We need to inspire hope. We need to model the power of positive relationships.

For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel. References:

1. National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2004). Young Children Develop in an Environment of Relationships: Working Paper No. 1. Retrieved from www.developingchild.harvard.edu.

2. Ontario Ministry of Education (2010). What Works: Research Into Practice - Bolstering Resilience in Students. Retrieved from www.edu.gov.on.ca.

Search Institute (2016). The Developmental Relationships Framework. Retrieved from www.search-institute.org

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

Plum Tree 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.

Plum Tree 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.

Peel District School Board to support Treaties Recognition Week

Treaties Recognition Week was introduced in 2016 to honour the importance of treaties and to help Ontarians learn more about treaty rights and treaty relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This year, Treaties Recognition Week will take place from November 4 to 8, 2019.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) has issued 94 Calls to Action, which include calls for schools and communities to teach students about Treaties. Addressing the TRC’s Calls to Action are embedded in Peel’s commitment to achieve inclusion for all through continuous progress on equity. This commitment is captured in Peel’s Plan for Student Success. The Peel District School Board is proud to support Treaties Recognition Week to help bring awareness to students and staff about their collective treaty obligations in Canada.

For resources and information on Treaties, please visit the Government of Ontario website as well as The First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Association of Ontario website

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.

Peel Public Health shares tips to help prevent the flu

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.

#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.

Is Extended French right for my child?

If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to apply for the Extended French (EF) program.

To find out the EF 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 Extended French school your child would attend

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

Applications open

Apply 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 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

Is French Immersion right for my child?

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 1 French Immersion important 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

The Peel board has a limited number of spaces available for students interested in grade 1 French Immersion. At this time, the grade 1 FI enrolment cap is set at 25 per cent of all Peel students enrolling in grade 1. A random selection process is used to determine which students will be offered spaces in the grade 1 FI program.

For more information

visit www.peelschools.org/French

call your nearest French Immersion school

connect with families who have children in the French Immersion program

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