This month’s highlights...Principal’s Report..... page 3

Upcoming In-School Events... page 4 & 5

Kindergarten Registration Days... page 6

Regional Learning Choices Deadlines... page 9

Important Dates....... back page

and look for our Westacres Wows!!! and Westacres Word Search feature pages!!!

WESTACRES WORDSJan. 9th Duffle Bag Theatre Production (K-5)

Jan. 10th Allan A, Martin IBT Program visiting Grades 4s & 5s

Jan. 11th Grade 5 Mad Science Presentation

Jan. 14th Grade 4 Mad Science Presentation

Jan. 21st Professional Activity Day –No School for Students

Jan. 28th Month End Assembly

Jan. 28th School Colours Day

Jan. 29th-31st X-Power Student Program

Feb. 1st Professor Jamz School Move-a-thon

Feb. 1st Beach Day Spirit Wear

Feb. 1st Special Beach Day Lunch

Feb. 4th School Ski Trip (Grades 4s & 5s)

IMPORTANT DATES

Weekly Events:* Monday - Lunchbox lunches (Swiss Chalet & Quesada)

(for those who ordered)

* Tuesday - Pizza lunches (for those who ordered)* Wednesday - Cookie Wednesday ($2)* Thursday - Pita lunches (for those who ordered)

* Friday - Lunch Lady (for those who ordered)

WESTACRES PUBLIC SCHOOL / JANUARY 2019

2165 Breezy Brae Drive. Mississauga ON L4Y 1N2Principal: Paul AndersonSuperintendent: Paul da Silva

Telephone: 905-277-0912 Fax: 905-277-3859Office Manager: Cathy MercurioTrustee: John Marchant

“Safe Arrival” SystemTo report your child’s absence, call, visit or download...

1-855-209-6155 pdsb.schoolconnects.com Download the “Safearrival” mobile app

Q: What falls in the winter but doesn’t get hurt? A: Snow.

Q: What do snowmen call their babies?A: Chill-dren.

Q: How does a penguin build her house?A: Igloos it together.

Q: What did the hat say to the scarf?A: “You hang around while I go on ahead.”

Q: What is a snowy owl’s favourite subject in school?A: Owlgebra.

Riddle Me This...

In January, all students, staff, families and community members are invited to fill out an online survey to help the Peel District School Board update and redesign its board website (www.peelschools.org) and school websites.

Share your thoughts, suggestions and experiences of our school and board websites by filling out a brief, five-minute survey on http://www.peelschools.org/websiterefresh.The survey will be available online until Jan. 31, 2019.

Grade 2 students performing in “A Very Beary Holiday” in December 2018. See inside for more information.

The Grade 3 students have been busy this past month engaging in hands-on activities and cooperative group work.

We demonstrated our amazing oral language skills when we presented our Passion Projects.

In math, we learned how to sort and organize data as well as explore 3D solids and nets.

The Grade 3 students have been researching different plant habitats and have learned how to display information using Google Slides. In Social Studies we have been discussing the different landform regions of Ontario. 

Next up? We will learn how to use green-screen technology to create a TV commercial  in order to persuade viewers to visit the different regions in Ontario.

Westacres Wows!!! Westacres Wows!!!GRADE 1 AND 2 UPDATE! GRADE 3 UPDATE

GRADE 5’S... HAPPY HOLIDAYS

FROM QUEEN’S PARK

The Grade 5's have been working on Government in Social Studies. They were able to have an authentic experience visiting the Legislative Assembly Downtown Toronto, taking a closer look at our Provincial Government

In December we had our “A Bear-y M e r r y H o l i d a y ” w i n t e r musical. The students were excellent hip-hop bears and panda’s. Thank you for all the parental support with the costumes! In class, we have been working on asking questions. We wanted to know “What is your favourite __?” We are all experts at making and recording with tally marks. We also finished working with the Instructional Coach Mrs. Smith on symmetry and spatial awareness. Students can give instructions on a grid as to the moves, location, direction and the shapes required to find a location or copy a series of shapes. We played several games such as “Battleship”. The grade 1s and 2s went on a trip to Cineplex movie theatre to see “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. After, we analyzed the message of the movie and d e c i d e d w h o t h e i n t e n d e d audience was. We created personal timeline of our grade 1 lives using pictures and highlighting important events. Finally, the grade 1s and 2s, worked with Mrs. Hurley and the app “PicCollage” to create information posters on weather storms and the importance of clean water.

The grade 4s are continuing to explore Canada. One of the ways in which they learned about Canada's Provinces and Territories was through a Jigsaw Activity. Each pair of students became an "expert" on their Province or Territory and shared/taught their information to the class.  Now they are all experts!

EXPLORING CANADA WITH GRADE 4

Students in the STEAM Lab continue to hone their skills on becoming modern learners who can collaborate, problem solve, and create.  The grade 5's finished their Kenyan, Stop the Disease project, and made working hand washing systems. They also collaborated as groups to present their ideas to the rest of the class.  The Grade 4/5s completed a project on Poverty and Hunger.  They had numerous technology choices on how to present their findings.  The Grade 4's finished digital poster making using Canva.  They used the Unlearn posters as their inspirations to fight negative stereotypes.  Look out for them - they will be hanging in the hallways in January!  Once the posters were complete, they also found some time to code with Scratch Junior!  All in all, we have been busy learning how to become Global Citizens through a maker lens approach.

STEAM LAB UPDATE

Principal’s MessageFirst, I would like to begin by wishing our Westacres Public School families a very Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a very restful winter break with family and friends and are coming back rejuvenated and ready for another term of learning.

At the beginning of each new year, many of us are prompted to make a list of resolutions for the new year to change our behaviour, increase our personal success or improve some aspect of our daily life. Here at Westacres Public School, we continue to embrace and strive to implement learning opportunities for our students that help them become passionate and critical thinkers. As educators we are resolved to finding ways to ensure that we create learning environments that are positive and innovative, empowering learners to grow through rich, authentic experiences. At this time of year we also look back and review, committing to find methods to achieve our Mission, Vision and Values:

Our Mission: —to challenge, motivate and guide all students to realize their full potential and become lifelong learners. We will prepare them to be globally engaged 21st century citizens. Our Vision: —a community of learners - parents, students and staff - who work together to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. Our Values: —Taking ownership of learning, Demonstrating resiliency, Being globally aware, Learning to be critical thinkers, Showing responsibility for self, others and the world, Engaging and contributing to the learning community.

As always, your continued support and participation in your child's education will be of prime importance. I firmly believe that together as a community of families, educators and leaders we share a responsibility to inspire our modern learners to be active, critically engaged, global citizens.

May the New Year bring you and your family peace, health and happiness.

Paul AndersonPrincipal

Getting to know... Mr. Mulcock Favourite movie...Favourite TV Show...Favourite musician...Favourite food... Favourite colour...Favourite holiday....Favourite hobby... My hero... If I could have a superpower, it would be... The place I would most like to visit... My favourite toy when I was a kid... The one thing I’ve never done that I’ve always wanted to do is... Best part about working at Westacres... The best part of being an educator is... If I wasn’t working at Westacres, I would want to be... Not many people know that I...

3

On January 29th, students in Kindergarten to Grade 5 will have the opportunity to participate in the X-Power school program. X Power is a student focused program that explores conflict resolution through an experience inspired by martial arts including karate, tai chi and taekwondo. Through games and reflection, students will be empowered with tools for effective conflict resolution and stand up for themselves, others and the world around them.

This program is being funded through our school’s fundraising efforts. There will be no charge for students to participate.

In-School Field TripExcel Hoops basketball preparation program to open September 2019Open Information Night will be held on Wed., Jan. 16, 2019

The Peel District School Board will enter into a partnership agreement with Excel Hoops to offer a basketball preparation (prep) program. Beginning September 2019, the basketball prep program will be offered at Turner Fenton Secondary School in Brampton and will be geared towards student athletes who train year-round in basketball.

The basketball players, who are selected by Excel Hoops to be a part of the prep program, will be registered as Turner Fenton students. They will be expected to meet the full academic requirements of their courses and adhere to Turner Fenton’s Code of Conduct.

Excel Hoops will be hosting an Open Information night on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, for parents and prospective players to ask questions and learn about everything the program will have to offer. Tryouts will kick off on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 for the Men’s team and Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 for the Women’s team. For more information and to apply for the prep program, visit www.excelhoops.com.

4 15

Westacres 2018-19 Team of EducatorsK1 Mr. Giroux and Ms. AlexanderK2 Ms. Laflamme and Ms. Hemlow K3 Ms. Moore and Mr. PereiraK4 Ms. Midgley and Ms. Pimentel 1A Ms. Goetz1&2 Ms. Buchan-Hill2A Mr. Julien2B Mr. Mulcock3A Ms. Lane 3B Ms. Little4A Ms. LaMarra4&5 Ms. McKenney5A Ms. Dubosq

Support StaffPlanning Time Mr. KelletLibrarian/STEAM Ms. HurleySpecial Education Ms. TaylorESL Educator Ms. KuscheiFrench Ms. Scheichl & Ms. McKenneyIntegrated Arts Ms. MarkidisTeaching Assistants: Ms. Delattiboudere Ms. Faion Ms. Francis Mr. Nowak (a.m.) Mr. O’Connell (am)

A Round of Applause!On the evening of December 13th our youngest Westacres Public School performers hit the stage in their production of A Very Beary Holiday. The singing and dancing of all the students received rounds of applause. Performances like this could not be managed without the leadership, dedication and talents of Ms. Markidis.

Please also share your little ones’ special performance photos with us. We will have them uploaded to the school’s hallway TV screen in January. Photos can be emailed to amy.markidis@peelsb.com.

Our junior student’s production rehearsals are now already well underway. On June 13th our grade 3 to 5 students will be perform in the musical production of Jungle Book. This show promises to be another toe tapping applause worth production.

This Spring we will be offering both a matinee and evening performance. We are strongly urge those families who have grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends who are wanting to see the production to attend the matinee. Our goal is to ensure all audience members have a comfortable seat to enjoy the show!

Celebrating Faith & Culture

DATE CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

Month of January K'aliyee & Spirit moon Aboriginal Spirituality

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 5 Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Sikhism

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

January 7 (J) Christmas Christianity

January 12 or 13 Sakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment Buddhism

January 13 Lohri Hinduism

January 14 Makar Sankranti Hinduism

January 14 Seijin-no-hi Shinto

January 15 Maghi Sikhism

January 19 to February 6 Month of Sultán Bahá'í

January 20 World Religion Day Bahá'í

January 21 Mahayana New Year Buddhism

16

Shaking Off The Winter

Blues

On Friday February 1st, Westacres Public School will be shaking off the Winter Blues by hosting a Beach Day Event hosted by our team of educators. Students will be invited to dress in their best beach costumes.

• Students can participate in a Special Hawaiian Pizza Lunch (forms due January 25th by 4:00 pm)

• Student will be participating in our move-a-thon hosted by Professor Jamz! Pledge forms will be sent home on January 16th.

• Students can purchase Beach Items and Treats (Glow in the dark sunglasses, bracelets and necklaces) will be for sale and can be worn during the move-a-thon.

• For Sale at our Tikki Store will also be edible treats and candies. Items will range in price from 50 cents to 5 dollars.

All funds raised during our Winter Blues Beach Day will be used to support STEAM based learning in all classes, in-school performances and our school integrated art classes.

Our fundraising goal is $30 per student. The class that raises the most money based on number of students will win a Pizza Party.

5

Since 1992, The "Nearly World-Famous" DuffleBag Theatre has traveled the globe with their original adaptations of fairy tales and classic stories. With wit and humour for all ages, DuffleBag creates theatrical magic by inviting up audience members as the stars of the show! The result is an exciting, interactive and unique experience for all. It's no wonder DuffleBag performs over 600 shows annually, at theatres, schools and festivals across North America and beyond!

For their return visit to Westacres Public School on January 9th, the students will be viewing a performance of Sleeping Beauty. This presentation is being funded through our school’s fundraising efforts.

Dufflebag Theatre Returns to Westacres

Minding Your MindsetFrom the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

With the beginning of a new year, you may be thinking about the resolutions and goals you want to set for both you and your family. Your mind is a powerful force that has the potential to help you exceed even your loftiest goals, but it also has the potential to hinder you from reaching your goals. It’s all a matter of mindset.

What Do You Mean By Mindset?“Mindset” refers to a series of beliefs that people hold about themselves and the world. It’s the reason people think and act the way they do and it influences their outlook on life. Your mindset has a big impact on your overall wellbeing and sense of achievement in life.

Types of MindsetThere are two different types of mindsets. People who possess more of a growth mindset are likely to stick with a task even when it proves difficult. They tend to believe that they can learn and develop through dedication and hard work. They are also more likely to:

• Welcome challenges• Be open to new ways of learning• View mistakes as opportunities for learning• Recognize their weaknesses and work to improve them

People who possess more of a fixed mindset are likely to shy away from challenges. They tend to believe that traits like intelligence or talent are set at birth, and as a result, likely unchangeable. They are also likely to:

• Engage in negative self-talk (“I can’t”)• Avoid tasks where there is a risk of failing• Struggle to accept setbacks• Try to hide or justify their mistakes

Changing Your Mindset Is PossibleFeel like you could be stuck in a fixed mindset? Here are some tips for developing a growth mindset.

1. Instead of “I can’t do it,” try “I can’t do it…yet.” If you believe that you can, you have a better chance at succeeding, even if it doesn’t happen right away.

2. Challenge accepted! The next time you are faced with a tricky task, try to embrace it. You might struggle along the way, but each new try will lead to more success.

3. Work hard. Many of the goals you set for yourself won’t come easily. They will require hard work. But, when you work hard for something, the rewards feel really good.

4. Setbacks are opportunities for learning. Believe it or not! Making a mistake does not mean you have failed, but you may need a different strategy. Achieving perfection on the first try is often unrealistic.

Be open to new ways of doing things. By tackling a challenge in a new way, you may be very surprised (and happy) with the outcome.

Remember!

Mindsets can change over time and we as individuals are not typically all growth or all fixed, all of the time. However, fostering a growth mindset from an early age can help children and youth to experience and enjoy life to its fullest. When children and youth learn that putting forth effort, accepting challenges, and overcoming difficulties can make them smarter or stronger, they tend to try harder and achieve more. When children and youth know that their brains are capable of growing and improving, they can unlock their full potential and amazing things can happen!

It's Time to Register Children Born in 2015 for Kindergarten

We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2015, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2019.  You can register your child at any time during regular school hours—just visit the school he/she will be attending to register.

Pe e l b o a r d e l e m e n t a r y s ch o o l s w i l l h o l d Kindergarten Registration Week from Jan. 14 to 18, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and in the evening on Jan. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to meet school staff, register their child and learn more about the Start with a Smile kindergarten program.

Peel board elementary schools will also hold a Kindergarten Registration Week with special registration activities during Jan. 14 to 18, 2019. Visit Westacres Public School from: Jan. 14 to 18 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 17 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m.

You can register your child for kindergarten at any time—complete the registration forms one at www.peelschools.org/kindergarten and visit the school your child will be attending next school year during regular school hours to complete your registration.

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

What You Need To Register

The kindergarten registration form can be completed online before new famil ies attend. The fol lowing documents must accompany the registration form:

Proof of child's age (one of the following)• Canadian birth certificate • Canadian passport • citizenship card/certificate • Permanent Resident Card • c o n fi r m a t i o n o f p e r m a n e n t

residence • work permit • refugee permit Proof of address (one of the following)• Ontario driver's license• utility bill • b a n k s t a t e m e n t / c l i e n t s l i p

(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 t h a t y o u r ch i l d h a s b e e n immunized/vaccinated

6

The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter months.

• Allow extra time to get to your bus stop.• Wear bright clothing so the bus can see you

in the early morning and late evening.• Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses

need extra room to stop when there is snow and ice.

• Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on wet or icy steps or road surfaces.

• Dress properly—winter clothing, hats, and boots will keep you warm.

• Don't throw snowballs at the bus or other children waiting for the bus.

• Don't slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street.

• Don't push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt.

On very rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions or mechanical problems. Talk to your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions:

• When possible, wait with your child for the bus.

• Make sure your child knows a phone number where he can reach you or another trusted adult.

• Teach your child how and where to get help. Talk to your child about what a "safe" stranger is.

• Help your child set up a bus stop buddy system so your child has someone to wait with for the bus.

Winter Bus Safety Help Your Family Stay Warm This

Winter

15

Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing hypothermia when working or playing outdoors:

• Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school.

• Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body.

• Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners, carry an extra pair to replace damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Invest in thick socks to keep your feet warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on outings, etc.

• Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when doing vigorous activities.

• Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypothermia.

• If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive sweating caused from an extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing hypothermia.

• Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins. A balanced diet will also help keep you warm and healthy in the winter.

• If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.

Time For School - A Parent’s Guide To Reporting School AbsencesAll parents/guardians of elementary students need to report their children's absences or late arrivals from school via our automated School Messenger SafeArrival system.

Use one of the following methods to set-up your new SafeArrival account. Please ensure the number and email address that you are using to report your child’s absences are those that we have on file at the school.

SchoolMessenger app (free from Apple or Google Play)1. Download the SchoolMessenger app2. Tap Sign Up to create your account

Web and Mobile Web: 1. www.go.schoolmessenger.ca2. Click Sign Up to create your account

I n t e r a c t i v e Toll-free Phone1. C a l l t h e t o l l - f r e e n u m b e r :

1-855-209-61552. Listen to and follow the instructions to

report an absence

As always, please report your child’s absences before the start of the school day. Late arrivals and/or early departures should be reported as soon as possible. If your child’s absence is not reported in advance, the automated notification system will contact you and will provide an opportunity to verify the absence. By reporting your child absent in advance on the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or SchoolMessenger mobile app, you will not receive a call.

As always, if you have any questions or require any assistance, please contact the school.

710

Train More. Rehearse More. Learn More.Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists.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.The Peel Region High Performers Program is available to students in grades 4 to 12 at Britannia Public School, Dolphin Senior Public School and Mississauga Secondary School. Applications are open. For more information and applications, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers.

Bus Cancellation and Closing Schools Due To Bad WeatherDuring 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 available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. It is usually also announced on the radio and television stations listed below:

VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 BREAKFAST TELEVISION NEWS AM680CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSEGLOBAL NEWS CITY NEWS CTVCFRB – (Bell Media)

One of the following messages will be announced:

Peel District School Board buses are cancelledThis 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 closedThis 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 cancelledThis 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 cancelledThis means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

City of Mississauga Wants to Improve Road Safety For YouTo help improve road safety, the City of Mississauga is looking for input on ride sharing and has implemented Crossrides.

Crossrides and bicycle signals have arrived in Mississauga to help improve traffic safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Crossrides allow cyclists to stay on their bikes while crossing through intersections. They may be located where multi-use trails or cycle tracks cross a road. Crossrides are identified with a line of painted squares on both sides of the crossing, and may also include painted bicycle marks. Cyclists do not need to dismount when crossing at a crossride.

To learn how to use crossrides and bicycle signals safely, and for more information, visit www.mississaugabikes.ca/crossrides-and-bike-signals

Apply For French Immersion By January 25, 2019

If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2019, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to consider grade 1 French Immersion (FI).

The application form for grade 1 FI for the 2019-20 school year will be available online at www.peelschools.org/French as of Friday, Nov. 23, 2018 at 1 p.m. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 at 4 p.m. Applications received after the deadline will not be included in the random selection process and will be placed on the school’s waitlist.

The FI school for our area is Burnhamthorpe P.S. (905) 625-0140 and Corsair P.S. (905) 279-1511.

Enrolment cap and random selection process  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.

It is important to note that applicants are not offered space in grade 1 FI on a first come, first serve basis. A computerized random selection process will randomly assign a rank to each application that is received by the deadline. Once students have been assigned to all available spaces, remaining students will be placed, again in rank order, on the school's waitlist. Each school has its own waitlist. 

How to get more information

Visit the Peel board website—www.peelschools.org/French.Call Burnhamthorpe P.S. (905) 625-0140 and Corsair P.S. (905) 279-1511.Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca

138

Applications to Submit Education Week Award Nominations Now Open!

Each year, as part of Education Week, the Peel District School Board recognizes individuals for their exemplary contributions to student success by presenting them with an Education Week Award. There are three Education Week Awards: Award of Distinction, Award of Excellence and Education Champion Award. The nominations are open to everyone, including current and former staff, current and former students, parents/guardians, community members and volunteers. The applications to submit a nomination is open from now until January 18, 2019 at 4 p.m.

Families, students, community members and volunteers who wish to submit a nomination may do so by contacting their school.

Education Week Award recipients will be recognized during Education Week from April 8 to 12, 2019.

Below is a brief overview of the criteria for each of these awards:

Award of Distinction: The Award of Distinction is presented to recipients for their above-and-beyond contributions to student success at their school/worksite.

Award of Excellence: The Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary, significant contributions to student success at their school/worksite and to public education in Peel.

Education Champion Award: The Education Champion Award honours an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to public education at the provincial, national or international level.

Please note that group nominations will not be accepted for Education Week Awards.

For more information on the Education Week Awards or award criteria’s, please contact your school principal or supervisor.

912

Middle School Regional Learning Choices ProgramsRegional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) empower students by providing an opportunity to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. The Peel board provides elementary students from across Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon with six different Regional Learning Choices Programs. The programs are open to all eligible students. The entry point is grade 6 for all programs, except for the Arts program South of Highway 401, which is held at Queen Elizabeth P.S and has a grade 7 entry point.

All regional programs include a non-refundable application fee and an annual program fee. Annual fees are specific to the program. 

ELEMENTARY RLCP DATES

Upcoming Information NightsStudents 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. If you are unable to attend the information night, program details and information about the application process are available through the school.

SECONDARY REGIONAL LEARNING CHOICES PROGRAMS OFFERED

For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

The application window for our secondary regional programs has closed.

Applications open Jan. 28, 2019 at 12:01 a.m. Applications close Feb. 11, 2019 at 3 p.m.

Programs Start in Grade: 6 7Actively in Motion (AIM) – Royal Orchard MSArts – Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in grade 7), Arts and Technology – Morning Star MS International Baccalaureate – Bristol Road. MS, W.G. Davis Sr. PSInternational Business and Technology – Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Parkway. Sr. PSSciTech – Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Road. MS

Peel Board Trustees...Accountable to the CommunityThe Peel District School Board, like every public school board in Ontario, is governed by a board of trustees. They are elected by public school taxpayers every four years during municipal elections and are directly accountable to the community. The current 12 trustees have been elected to serve from Dec. 3, 2018, to Nov. 30, 2022:

What do trustees do?• advocate for the needs of the community • help members of the community address concerns about the school system• govern and set policies for the board• explain the policies and decisions of the board to the community• evaluate and review the board’s achievement of its goals, objectives and strategic plan• participate in budget development, approve budget decisions and monitor its progress• protect the future of the board by always considering the long-term effects of decisions

Visit www.peelschools.org and check out the ‘Meet Your Trustee’ section to subscribe to board meeting agendas and minutes and read highlights from board meeting.

Trustee Ward(s)City Email Phone #Carrie Andrews 7 and 8 Brampton carrie.andrews@peelsb.com 647-473-1858

Susan Benjamin 5 Mississauga susan.benjamin@peesb.com 647-268-1435Stan Cameron(Chair)

Caledon stan.cameron@peelsb.com 905-880-1162

Robert Crocker 6 and 11 Mississauga robert.crocker@peelsb.com 416-528-1312

Nokha Dakroub 9 and 10 Mississauga nokha.dakroub@peelsb.com 289-914-0214

Will Davies 2 and 6 Brampton will.davies@peelsb.com 647-218-0295David Green 1 and 5 Brampton david.green@peelsb.com 905-495-4579

Sue Lawton(Vice-Chair)

3 and 4 Mississauga susan.lawton@peelsb.com 905-625-8084

Brad MacDonald 2 and 8 Mississauga brad.macdonald@peelsb.com 905-593-3547

John Marchant 1 and 7 Mississauga john.marchant@peelsb.com 905-599-5646Kathy McDonald 3 and 4 Brampton kathy.mcdonald@peelsb.com 905-796-8163

Balbir Sohi 9 and 10 Brampton balbir.sohi@peelsb.com 416-828-4330

118

Westacres Winter Word Search

F B L I Z Z A R D L E V O H S

I R Q C Y G A J A N U A R Y S

R B O E G N I T A K S H E N H

E L Z S O O N R D K N I O U O

P M I T T E N S I Y N W J A L

L A S P T Y W I A F B M U Q I

A O R C E B N D P A L C O L D

C A R K O G J E L C I C I Z A

E Y C O A G P L A C K E Y M Y

W O T X N E Z O R F F R A C S

H S E D H W I N T E R O O Q L

A J N K X Z N R I F A T F I E

T I G L O V E S U G Z S A U D

W W V E T A L O C O H C T O H

Y L L I H C T O B O G G A N C

Words to Find

BlizzardBootsChillyCoatColdFireplaceFrostyFrozenGloves

HatHockeyHolidaysHot chocolateIceIcicleJanuaryMittensParka

ScarfShovelSkatingSkiingSledSnowballTobogganWindWinter

School Doors Remain Locked During School Day

We wanted to share a reminder with our school community. The front doors of our school will be locked during the school day. This is part of the Safe Welcome program, originally announced by the Ontario Government in December 2012, for all elementary schools in Ontario. As part of this program, portable doors will also be locked during the school day.

A camera and buzzer unit is located by the front door and will be linked to a monitor in the main office of the school. Anyone who wishes access to the school once the school day has begun—parents, Peel board staff and visitors—will request entry by pressing the buzzer. Staff in the main office will be able to see and speak to the person, and release the door lock to provide access.

We have long had the practice for Peel schools that all outside doors, with the exception of the front door, would be locked during the school day. While we acknowledge that locking doors will not in itself prevent all risks to the safety of students and staff, it is an important step in providing an additional level of security.

Thank you for your continued support for the safety and well-being of all students and staff in our schools.

LUNCH BOX - A New Hot Lunch Alternative for Westacres P.S. StudentsLunchbox Orders will now be offered at Westacres Public School. Not familiar with Lunchbox Orders? Lunchbox Orders is a convenient, online ordering platform featuring local restaurants. An ordering calendar has been coordinated for our school community at www.lunchboxorders.com ,

All orders for this activity must be submitted on the website and payment must be processed on-line by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit. Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards are also accepted on the website. The lunch calendar is NOW open and our FIRST delivery is scheduled to begin Monday, January 14th, 2019. We will be offering the Lunch Box program until Monday, June 24th, 2019. The program will feature options from Swiss Chalet and Quesada on alternating Mondays.

Please go to www.lunchboxorders.com to setup your account. Orders can be placed weekly or for multiple days!

Nutritious Lunches Help Children

LearnUse Canada’s Food Guide to help your child get nutrients and energy needed to have a successful school day.

• Try to give your child some choice about what to take for lunch. If possible, get your child involved in preparing meals.

• Give your child a variety of healthy choices. Keeping your child interested in lunch is the first step to making sure it is eaten.

• Make the food easy to eat. If it will take your child a few minutes to unwrap a sandwich, it may be skipped.

• Resist the temptation to routinely send sweets, pop, chips and cookies in your child's lunch. Save treats for special occasions.

• Try to avoid fast food or pre-packaged, convenience lunches, which are often high in salt and fat.

• Do your best to role model healthy eating behaviours for your family.

• If your child’s school is on the Nutrition Break schedule, divide your child’s lunch into two separate segments (e.g. half a sandwhich and half an apple x 2) to help your child save food for the second break as many children eat everything at first break.

To speak to a registered dietitian about healthy food choices, call EatRight Ontario at 1-877-510-5102.

For more information about the policy, visit http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools. If you have questions about how we are implementing the School Food and Beverage Policy, please call the school.

118

Westacres Winter Word Search

F B L I Z Z A R D L E V O H S

I R Q C Y G A J A N U A R Y S

R B O E G N I T A K S H E N H

E L Z S O O N R D K N I O U O

P M I T T E N S I Y N W J A L

L A S P T Y W I A F B M U Q I

A O R C E B N D P A L C O L D

C A R K O G J E L C I C I Z A

E Y C O A G P L A C K E Y M Y

W O T X N E Z O R F F R A C S

H S E D H W I N T E R O O Q L

A J N K X Z N R I F A T F I E

T I G L O V E S U G Z S A U D

W W V E T A L O C O H C T O H

Y L L I H C T O B O G G A N C

Words to Find

BlizzardBootsChillyCoatColdFireplaceFrostyFrozenGloves

HatHockeyHolidaysHot chocolateIceIcicleJanuaryMittensParka

ScarfShovelSkatingSkiingSledSnowballTobogganWindWinter

School Doors Remain Locked During School Day

We wanted to share a reminder with our school community. The front doors of our school will be locked during the school day. This is part of the Safe Welcome program, originally announced by the Ontario Government in December 2012, for all elementary schools in Ontario. As part of this program, portable doors will also be locked during the school day.

A camera and buzzer unit is located by the front door and will be linked to a monitor in the main office of the school. Anyone who wishes access to the school once the school day has begun—parents, Peel board staff and visitors—will request entry by pressing the buzzer. Staff in the main office will be able to see and speak to the person, and release the door lock to provide access.

We have long had the practice for Peel schools that all outside doors, with the exception of the front door, would be locked during the school day. While we acknowledge that locking doors will not in itself prevent all risks to the safety of students and staff, it is an important step in providing an additional level of security.

Thank you for your continued support for the safety and well-being of all students and staff in our schools.

LUNCH BOX - A New Hot Lunch Alternative for Westacres P.S. StudentsLunchbox Orders will now be offered at Westacres Public School. Not familiar with Lunchbox Orders? Lunchbox Orders is a convenient, online ordering platform featuring local restaurants. An ordering calendar has been coordinated for our school community at www.lunchboxorders.com ,

All orders for this activity must be submitted on the website and payment must be processed on-line by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Debit Mastercard or Visa Debit. Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards are also accepted on the website. The lunch calendar is NOW open and our FIRST delivery is scheduled to begin Monday, January 14th, 2019. We will be offering the Lunch Box program until Monday, June 24th, 2019. The program will feature options from Swiss Chalet and Quesada on alternating Mondays.

Please go to www.lunchboxorders.com to setup your account. Orders can be placed weekly or for multiple days!

Nutritious Lunches Help Children

LearnUse Canada’s Food Guide to help your child get nutrients and energy needed to have a successful school day.

• Try to give your child some choice about what to take for lunch. If possible, get your child involved in preparing meals.

• Give your child a variety of healthy choices. Keeping your child interested in lunch is the first step to making sure it is eaten.

• Make the food easy to eat. If it will take your child a few minutes to unwrap a sandwich, it may be skipped.

• Resist the temptation to routinely send sweets, pop, chips and cookies in your child's lunch. Save treats for special occasions.

• Try to avoid fast food or pre-packaged, convenience lunches, which are often high in salt and fat.

• Do your best to role model healthy eating behaviours for your family.

• If your child’s school is on the Nutrition Break schedule, divide your child’s lunch into two separate segments (e.g. half a sandwhich and half an apple x 2) to help your child save food for the second break as many children eat everything at first break.

To speak to a registered dietitian about healthy food choices, call EatRight Ontario at 1-877-510-5102.

For more information about the policy, visit http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/healthyschools. If you have questions about how we are implementing the School Food and Beverage Policy, please call the school.

912

Middle School Regional Learning Choices ProgramsRegional Learning Choices Programs (RLCP) empower students by providing an opportunity to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. The Peel board provides elementary students from across Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon with six different Regional Learning Choices Programs. The programs are open to all eligible students. The entry point is grade 6 for all programs, except for the Arts program South of Highway 401, which is held at Queen Elizabeth P.S and has a grade 7 entry point.

All regional programs include a non-refundable application fee and an annual program fee. Annual fees are specific to the program. 

ELEMENTARY RLCP DATES

Upcoming Information NightsStudents 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. If you are unable to attend the information night, program details and information about the application process are available through the school.

SECONDARY REGIONAL LEARNING CHOICES PROGRAMS OFFERED

For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

The application window for our secondary regional programs has closed.

Applications open Jan. 28, 2019 at 12:01 a.m. Applications close Feb. 11, 2019 at 3 p.m.

Programs Start in Grade: 6 7Actively in Motion (AIM) – Royal Orchard MSArts – Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in grade 7), Arts and Technology – Morning Star MS International Baccalaureate – Bristol Road. MS, W.G. Davis Sr. PSInternational Business and Technology – Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Parkway. Sr. PSSciTech – Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Road. MS

Peel Board Trustees...Accountable to the CommunityThe Peel District School Board, like every public school board in Ontario, is governed by a board of trustees. They are elected by public school taxpayers every four years during municipal elections and are directly accountable to the community. The current 12 trustees have been elected to serve from Dec. 3, 2018, to Nov. 30, 2022:

What do trustees do?• advocate for the needs of the community • help members of the community address concerns about the school system• govern and set policies for the board• explain the policies and decisions of the board to the community• evaluate and review the board’s achievement of its goals, objectives and strategic plan• participate in budget development, approve budget decisions and monitor its progress• protect the future of the board by always considering the long-term effects of decisions

Visit www.peelschools.org and check out the ‘Meet Your Trustee’ section to subscribe to board meeting agendas and minutes and read highlights from board meeting.

Trustee Ward(s)City Email Phone #Carrie Andrews 7 and 8 Brampton carrie.andrews@peelsb.com 647-473-1858

Susan Benjamin 5 Mississauga susan.benjamin@peesb.com 647-268-1435Stan Cameron(Chair)

Caledon stan.cameron@peelsb.com 905-880-1162

Robert Crocker 6 and 11 Mississauga robert.crocker@peelsb.com 416-528-1312

Nokha Dakroub 9 and 10 Mississauga nokha.dakroub@peelsb.com 289-914-0214

Will Davies 2 and 6 Brampton will.davies@peelsb.com 647-218-0295David Green 1 and 5 Brampton david.green@peelsb.com 905-495-4579

Sue Lawton(Vice-Chair)

3 and 4 Mississauga susan.lawton@peelsb.com 905-625-8084

Brad MacDonald 2 and 8 Mississauga brad.macdonald@peelsb.com 905-593-3547

John Marchant 1 and 7 Mississauga john.marchant@peelsb.com 905-599-5646Kathy McDonald 3 and 4 Brampton kathy.mcdonald@peelsb.com 905-796-8163

Balbir Sohi 9 and 10 Brampton balbir.sohi@peelsb.com 416-828-4330

Apply For French Immersion By January 25, 2019

If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2019, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to consider grade 1 French Immersion (FI).

The application form for grade 1 FI for the 2019-20 school year will be available online at www.peelschools.org/French as of Friday, Nov. 23, 2018 at 1 p.m. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 at 4 p.m. Applications received after the deadline will not be included in the random selection process and will be placed on the school’s waitlist.

The FI school for our area is Burnhamthorpe P.S. (905) 625-0140 and Corsair P.S. (905) 279-1511.

Enrolment cap and random selection process  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.

It is important to note that applicants are not offered space in grade 1 FI on a first come, first serve basis. A computerized random selection process will randomly assign a rank to each application that is received by the deadline. Once students have been assigned to all available spaces, remaining students will be placed, again in rank order, on the school's waitlist. Each school has its own waitlist. 

How to get more information

Visit the Peel board website—www.peelschools.org/French.Call Burnhamthorpe P.S. (905) 625-0140 and Corsair P.S. (905) 279-1511.Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca

138

Applications to Submit Education Week Award Nominations Now Open!

Each year, as part of Education Week, the Peel District School Board recognizes individuals for their exemplary contributions to student success by presenting them with an Education Week Award. There are three Education Week Awards: Award of Distinction, Award of Excellence and Education Champion Award. The nominations are open to everyone, including current and former staff, current and former students, parents/guardians, community members and volunteers. The applications to submit a nomination is open from now until January 18, 2019 at 4 p.m.

Families, students, community members and volunteers who wish to submit a nomination may do so by contacting their school.

Education Week Award recipients will be recognized during Education Week from April 8 to 12, 2019.

Below is a brief overview of the criteria for each of these awards:

Award of Distinction: The Award of Distinction is presented to recipients for their above-and-beyond contributions to student success at their school/worksite.

Award of Excellence: The Award of Excellence recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary, significant contributions to student success at their school/worksite and to public education in Peel.

Education Champion Award: The Education Champion Award honours an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to public education at the provincial, national or international level.

Please note that group nominations will not be accepted for Education Week Awards.

For more information on the Education Week Awards or award criteria’s, please contact your school principal or supervisor.

Time For School - A Parent’s Guide To Reporting School AbsencesAll parents/guardians of elementary students need to report their children's absences or late arrivals from school via our automated School Messenger SafeArrival system.

Use one of the following methods to set-up your new SafeArrival account. Please ensure the number and email address that you are using to report your child’s absences are those that we have on file at the school.

SchoolMessenger app (free from Apple or Google Play)1. Download the SchoolMessenger app2. Tap Sign Up to create your account

Web and Mobile Web: 1. www.go.schoolmessenger.ca2. Click Sign Up to create your account

I n t e r a c t i v e Toll-free Phone1. C a l l t h e t o l l - f r e e n u m b e r :

1-855-209-61552. Listen to and follow the instructions to

report an absence

As always, please report your child’s absences before the start of the school day. Late arrivals and/or early departures should be reported as soon as possible. If your child’s absence is not reported in advance, the automated notification system will contact you and will provide an opportunity to verify the absence. By reporting your child absent in advance on the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or SchoolMessenger mobile app, you will not receive a call.

As always, if you have any questions or require any assistance, please contact the school.

710

Train More. Rehearse More. Learn More.Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists.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.The Peel Region High Performers Program is available to students in grades 4 to 12 at Britannia Public School, Dolphin Senior Public School and Mississauga Secondary School. Applications are open. For more information and applications, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers.

Bus Cancellation and Closing Schools Due To Bad WeatherDuring 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 available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. It is usually also announced on the radio and television stations listed below:

VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 BREAKFAST TELEVISION NEWS AM680CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSEGLOBAL NEWS CITY NEWS CTVCFRB – (Bell Media)

One of the following messages will be announced:

Peel District School Board buses are cancelledThis 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 closedThis 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 cancelledThis 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 cancelledThis means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

City of Mississauga Wants to Improve Road Safety For YouTo help improve road safety, the City of Mississauga is looking for input on ride sharing and has implemented Crossrides.

Crossrides and bicycle signals have arrived in Mississauga to help improve traffic safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Crossrides allow cyclists to stay on their bikes while crossing through intersections. They may be located where multi-use trails or cycle tracks cross a road. Crossrides are identified with a line of painted squares on both sides of the crossing, and may also include painted bicycle marks. Cyclists do not need to dismount when crossing at a crossride.

To learn how to use crossrides and bicycle signals safely, and for more information, visit www.mississaugabikes.ca/crossrides-and-bike-signals

It's Time to Register Children Born in 2015 for Kindergarten

We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2015, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2019.  You can register your child at any time during regular school hours—just visit the school he/she will be attending to register.

Pe e l b o a r d e l e m e n t a r y s ch o o l s w i l l h o l d Kindergarten Registration Week from Jan. 14 to 18, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and in the evening on Jan. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to meet school staff, register their child and learn more about the Start with a Smile kindergarten program.

Peel board elementary schools will also hold a Kindergarten Registration Week with special registration activities during Jan. 14 to 18, 2019. Visit Westacres Public School from: Jan. 14 to 18 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 17 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 5 to 8 p.m.

You can register your child for kindergarten at any time—complete the registration forms one at www.peelschools.org/kindergarten and visit the school your child will be attending next school year during regular school hours to complete your registration.

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

What You Need To Register

The kindergarten registration form can be completed online before new famil ies attend. The fol lowing documents must accompany the registration form:

Proof of child's age (one of the following)• Canadian birth certificate • Canadian passport • citizenship card/certificate • Permanent Resident Card • c o n fi r m a t i o n o f p e r m a n e n t

residence • work permit • refugee permit Proof of address (one of the following)• Ontario driver's license• utility bill • b a n k s t a t e m e n t / c l i e n t s l i p

(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 t h a t y o u r ch i l d h a s b e e n immunized/vaccinated

6

The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter months.

• Allow extra time to get to your bus stop.• Wear bright clothing so the bus can see you

in the early morning and late evening.• Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses

need extra room to stop when there is snow and ice.

• Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on wet or icy steps or road surfaces.

• Dress properly—winter clothing, hats, and boots will keep you warm.

• Don't throw snowballs at the bus or other children waiting for the bus.

• Don't slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street.

• Don't push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt.

On very rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions or mechanical problems. Talk to your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions:

• When possible, wait with your child for the bus.

• Make sure your child knows a phone number where he can reach you or another trusted adult.

• Teach your child how and where to get help. Talk to your child about what a "safe" stranger is.

• Help your child set up a bus stop buddy system so your child has someone to wait with for the bus.

Winter Bus Safety Help Your Family Stay Warm This

Winter

15

Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing hypothermia when working or playing outdoors:

• Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school.

• Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body.

• Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners, carry an extra pair to replace damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Invest in thick socks to keep your feet warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on outings, etc.

• Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when doing vigorous activities.

• Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypothermia.

• If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive sweating caused from an extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing hypothermia.

• Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins. A balanced diet will also help keep you warm and healthy in the winter.

• If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.

16

Shaking Off The Winter

Blues

On Friday February 1st, Westacres Public School will be shaking off the Winter Blues by hosting a Beach Day Event hosted by our team of educators. Students will be invited to dress in their best beach costumes.

• Students can participate in a Special Hawaiian Pizza Lunch (forms due January 25th by 4:00 pm)

• Student will be participating in our move-a-thon hosted by Professor Jamz! Pledge forms will be sent home on January 16th.

• Students can purchase Beach Items and Treats (Glow in the dark sunglasses, bracelets and necklaces) will be for sale and can be worn during the move-a-thon.

• For Sale at our Tikki Store will also be edible treats and candies. Items will range in price from 50 cents to 5 dollars.

All funds raised during our Winter Blues Beach Day will be used to support STEAM based learning in all classes, in-school performances and our school integrated art classes.

Our fundraising goal is $30 per student. The class that raises the most money based on number of students will win a Pizza Party.

5

Since 1992, The "Nearly World-Famous" DuffleBag Theatre has traveled the globe with their original adaptations of fairy tales and classic stories. With wit and humour for all ages, DuffleBag creates theatrical magic by inviting up audience members as the stars of the show! The result is an exciting, interactive and unique experience for all. It's no wonder DuffleBag performs over 600 shows annually, at theatres, schools and festivals across North America and beyond!

For their return visit to Westacres Public School on January 9th, the students will be viewing a performance of Sleeping Beauty. This presentation is being funded through our school’s fundraising efforts.

Dufflebag Theatre Returns to Westacres

Minding Your MindsetFrom the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

With the beginning of a new year, you may be thinking about the resolutions and goals you want to set for both you and your family. Your mind is a powerful force that has the potential to help you exceed even your loftiest goals, but it also has the potential to hinder you from reaching your goals. It’s all a matter of mindset.

What Do You Mean By Mindset?“Mindset” refers to a series of beliefs that people hold about themselves and the world. It’s the reason people think and act the way they do and it influences their outlook on life. Your mindset has a big impact on your overall wellbeing and sense of achievement in life.

Types of MindsetThere are two different types of mindsets. People who possess more of a growth mindset are likely to stick with a task even when it proves difficult. They tend to believe that they can learn and develop through dedication and hard work. They are also more likely to:

• Welcome challenges• Be open to new ways of learning• View mistakes as opportunities for learning• Recognize their weaknesses and work to improve them

People who possess more of a fixed mindset are likely to shy away from challenges. They tend to believe that traits like intelligence or talent are set at birth, and as a result, likely unchangeable. They are also likely to:

• Engage in negative self-talk (“I can’t”)• Avoid tasks where there is a risk of failing• Struggle to accept setbacks• Try to hide or justify their mistakes

Changing Your Mindset Is PossibleFeel like you could be stuck in a fixed mindset? Here are some tips for developing a growth mindset.

1. Instead of “I can’t do it,” try “I can’t do it…yet.” If you believe that you can, you have a better chance at succeeding, even if it doesn’t happen right away.

2. Challenge accepted! The next time you are faced with a tricky task, try to embrace it. You might struggle along the way, but each new try will lead to more success.

3. Work hard. Many of the goals you set for yourself won’t come easily. They will require hard work. But, when you work hard for something, the rewards feel really good.

4. Setbacks are opportunities for learning. Believe it or not! Making a mistake does not mean you have failed, but you may need a different strategy. Achieving perfection on the first try is often unrealistic.

Be open to new ways of doing things. By tackling a challenge in a new way, you may be very surprised (and happy) with the outcome.

Remember!

Mindsets can change over time and we as individuals are not typically all growth or all fixed, all of the time. However, fostering a growth mindset from an early age can help children and youth to experience and enjoy life to its fullest. When children and youth learn that putting forth effort, accepting challenges, and overcoming difficulties can make them smarter or stronger, they tend to try harder and achieve more. When children and youth know that their brains are capable of growing and improving, they can unlock their full potential and amazing things can happen!

4 17

Westacres 2018-19 Team of EducatorsK1 Mr. Giroux and Ms. AlexanderK2 Ms. Laflamme and Ms. Hemlow K3 Ms. Moore and Mr. PereiraK4 Ms. Midgley and Ms. Pimentel 1A Ms. Goetz1&2 Ms. Buchan-Hill2A Mr. Julien2B Mr. Mulcock3A Ms. Lane 3B Ms. Little4A Ms. LaMarra4&5 Ms. McKenney5A Ms. Dubosq

Support StaffPlanning Time Mr. KelletLibrarian/STEAM Ms. HurleySpecial Education Ms. TaylorESL Educator Ms. KuscheiFrench Ms. Scheichl & Ms. McKenneyIntegrated Arts Ms. MarkidisTeaching Assistants: Ms. Delattiboudere Ms. Faion Ms. Francis Mr. Nowak (a.m.) Mr. O’Connell (am)

A Round of Applause!On the evening of December 13th our youngest Westacres Public School performers hit the stage in their production of A Very Beary Holiday. The singing and dancing of all the students received rounds of applause. Performances like this could not be managed without the leadership, dedication and talents of Ms. Markidis.

Please also share your little ones’ special performance photos with us. We will have them uploaded to the school’s hallway TV screen in January. Photos can be emailed to amy.markidis@peelsb.com.

Our junior student’s production rehearsals are now already well underway. On June 13th our grade 3 to 5 students will be perform in the musical production of Jungle Book. This show promises to be another toe tapping applause worth production.

This Spring we will be offering both a matinee and evening performance. We are strongly urge those families who have grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends who are wanting to see the production to attend the matinee. Our goal is to ensure all audience members have a comfortable seat to enjoy the show!

Celebrating Faith & Culture

DATE CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

Month of January K'aliyee & Spirit moon Aboriginal Spirituality

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 5 Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Sikhism

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

January 7 (J) Christmas Christianity

January 12 or 13 Sakyamuni Buddha’s Enlightenment Buddhism

January 13 Lohri Hinduism

January 14 Makar Sankranti Hinduism

January 14 Seijin-no-hi Shinto

January 15 Maghi Sikhism

January 19 to February 6 Month of Sultán Bahá'í

January 20 World Religion Day Bahá'í

January 21 Mahayana New Year Buddhism

Principal’s MessageFirst, I would like to begin by wishing our Westacres Public School families a very Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a very restful winter break with family and friends and are coming back rejuvenated and ready for another term of learning.

At the beginning of each new year, many of us are prompted to make a list of resolutions for the new year to change our behaviour, increase our personal success or improve some aspect of our daily life. Here at Westacres Public School, we continue to embrace and strive to implement learning opportunities for our students that help them become passionate and critical thinkers. As educators we are resolved to finding ways to ensure that we create learning environments that are positive and innovative, empowering learners to grow through rich, authentic experiences. At this time of year we also look back and review, committing to find methods to achieve our Mission, Vision and Values:

Our Mission: —to challenge, motivate and guide all students to realize their full potential and become lifelong learners. We will prepare them to be globally engaged 21st century citizens. Our Vision: —a community of learners - parents, students and staff - who work together to meet the diverse learning needs of all students. Our Values: —Taking ownership of learning, Demonstrating resiliency, Being globally aware, Learning to be critical thinkers, Showing responsibility for self, others and the world, Engaging and contributing to the learning community.

As always, your continued support and participation in your child's education will be of prime importance. I firmly believe that together as a community of families, educators and leaders we share a responsibility to inspire our modern learners to be active, critically engaged, global citizens.

May the New Year bring you and your family peace, health and happiness.

Paul AndersonPrincipal

Getting to know... Mr. Mulcock Favourite movie... I have so many favourites.  The original Star Wars films are definite favourites as is The Breakfast Club, Stand By Me and Apocalypse Now.Favourite musician... My music tastes are very broad but some favourites are: Johann Pachelbel, Diana Krall, Marvin Gaye, Eddie Vedder, Roger Waters, Rod Stewart and Elvis Presley .Favourite food... Hamburgers of course!Favourite colour... Purple.  I have been liking it since I was five years old.Favourite holiday.... Halloween. You get dress up, you go out out and you get candy.  How great is that?Favourite hobby... Over the past few years I have taken an interest in designing military/outdoor kit and have been learning how to sew my own designs.My hero... Joshua Chamberlain, a general from the US Civil War.  I admire his sense of determination (he taught himself to speak seven languages including Latin), courageousness (he led his troops to hold their position on Little Round Top to stop the South from winning the Battle of Gettysburg and arguably the US Civil War), sense of honour (he ordered his soldiers to attention when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox) and the fact he was a teacher before enlisting in the military.If I could have a superpower, it would be... The ability to fly.The place I would most like to visit... the Galapagos Islands My favourite toy when I was a kid... This is a toss up between my Star Wars collection - which I still have - and my vast Lego collection - which I still have too.The one thing I’ve never done that I’ve always wanted to do is... Skydiving.  This is one thing that I have always wanted to do, but just never got around doing it.  I have three children now so the probability of doing it is now pretty low.Best part about working at Westacres... As a Westacres alumni, I have so many childhood memories with this school it really feels like home.  Unfortunately every time a tree falls in the park, it feels like a death in the family for me. The best part of being an educator is... When former student communicate with me and say how much I have influenced their lives in a positive manner.  It does not happen very often, but when it does, it reassures me that I am doing something right and in the right career.If I wasn’t working at Westacres, I would want to be... Open my own business where I design and sew kit for military/outdoor applications.Not many people know that... my eyes become dust magnets when I see people stepping up to help others

3

On January 29th, students in Kindergarten to Grade 5 will have the opportunity to participate in the X-Power school program. X Power is a student focused program that explores conflict resolution through an experience inspired by martial arts including karate, tai chi and taekwondo. Through games and reflection, students will be empowered with tools for effective conflict resolution and stand up for themselves, others and the world around them.

This program is being funded through our school’s fundraising efforts. There will be no charge for students to participate.

In-School Field TripExcel Hoops basketball preparation program to open September 2019Open Information Night will be held on Wed., Jan. 16, 2019Initial Men’s and Women’s tryouts will be held on Sun., Jan. 27, 2019The Peel District School Board will enter into a partnership agreement with Excel Hoops to offer a basketball preparation (prep) program. Beginning September 2019, the basketball prep program will be offered at Turner Fenton Secondary School in Brampton and will be geared towards student athletes who train year-round in basketball.

The basketball players, who are selected by Excel Hoops to be a part of the prep program, will be registered as Turner Fenton students. They will be expected to meet the full academic requirements of their courses and adhere to Turner Fenton’s Code of Conduct.

Excel Hoops will be hosting an Open Information night on Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2019, for parents and prospective players to ask questions and learn about everything the program will have to offer. Tryouts will kick off on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2019 for the Men’s team and Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 for the Women’s team. For more information and to apply for the prep program, visit www.excelhoops.com.

The Grade 3 students have been busy this past month engaging in hands-on activities and cooperative group work.

We demonstrated our amazing oral language skills when we presented our Passion Projects.

In math, we learned how to sort and organize data as well as explore 3D solids and nets.

The Grade 3 students have been researching different plant habitats and have learned how to display information using Google Slides. In Social Studies we have been discussing the different landform regions of Ontario. 

Next up? We will learn how to use green-screen technology to create a TV commercial  in order to persuade viewers to visit the different regions in Ontario.

Westacres Wows!!!GRADE 1 AND 2 UPDATE!

GRADE 3 UPDATE

GRADE 5’S... HAPPY HOLIDAYS

FROM QUEEN’S PARK

The Grade 5's have been working on Government in Social Studies. They were able to have an authentic experience visiting the Legislative Assembly Downtown Toronto, taking a closer look at our Provincial Government

In December we had our “A Bear-y Merry Holiday” winter musical. The students were excellent hip-hop bears and panda’s. Thank you for all the parental support with the costumes! In class, we have been working on asking questions. We wanted to know “What is your favourite __?” We are all experts at making and recording with tally marks.

We also finished working with the Instructional Coach Mrs. Smith on symmetry and spatial awareness. Students can give instructions on a grid as to the moves, location, direction and the shapes required to find a location o r c o p y a s e r i e s o f s h a p e s . W e p l a y e d several games such as “Battleship”.

The grade 1s and 2s went on a trip to Cineplex movie theatre to see “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. After, we analyzed the message of the movie and decided who the intended audience was.

We c r e a t e d p e r s o n a l timeline of our grade 1 lives using pictures and highlighting important events. Finally, the grade

1s and 2s, worked with Mrs. Hurley and the app “PicCollage” to create information posters on weather s t o r m s a n d t h e importance of clean water.

The grade 4s are continuing to explore Canada. One of the ways in which they learned about Canada's Provinces and Territories was through a Jigsaw Activity. Each pair of students became an "expert" on their Province or Territory and shared/taught their information to the class.  Now they are all experts!

EXPLORING CANADA WITH THE GRADE 4S

This month’s highlights...Principal’s Report..... page 3

Upcoming In-School Events... page 4 & 5

Kindergarten Registration Days... page 6

Regional Learning Choices Deadlines... page 9

Important Dates....... back page

and look for our Westacres Wows!!! and Westacres Word Search feature pages!!!

WESTACRES WORDSJan. 9th Duffle Bag Theatre Production (K-5)

Jan. 10th Allan A, Martin IBT Program visiting Grades 4s & 5s

Jan. 11th Grade 5 Mad Science Presentation

Jan. 14th Grade 4 Mad Science Presentation

Jan. 21st Professional Activity Day –No School for Students

Jan. 28th Month End Assembly

Jan. 28th School Colours Day

Jan. 29th-31st X-Power Student Program

Feb. 1st Professor Jamz School Move-a-thon

Feb. 1st Beach Day Spirit Wear

Feb. 1st Special Beach Day Lunch

Feb. 4th School Ski Trip (Grades 4s & 5s)

IMPORTANT DATES

Weekly Events:* Monday - Lunchbox lunches (Swiss Chalet & Quesada)

(for those who ordered)

* Tuesday - Pizza lunches (for those who ordered)* Wednesday - Cookie Wednesday ($2)* Thursday - Pita lunches (for those who ordered)

* Friday - Lunch Lady (for those who ordered)

WESTACRES PUBLIC SCHOOL / JANUARY 2019

2165 Breezy Brae Drive. Mississauga ON L4Y 1N2Principal: Paul AndersonSuperintendent: Paul da Silva

Telephone: 905-277-0912 Fax: 905-277-3859Office Manager: Cathy MercurioTrustee: John Marchant

“Safe Arrival” SystemTo report your child’s absence, call, visit or download...

1-855-209-6155 pdsb.schoolconnects.com Download the “Safearrival” mobile app

Q: What falls in the winter but doesn’t get hurt? A: Snow.

Q: What do snowmen call their babies?A: Chill-dren.

Q: How does a penguin build her house?A: Igloos it together.

Q: What did the hat say to the scarf?A: “You hang around while I go on ahead.”

Q: What is a snowy owl’s favourite subject in school?A: Owlgebra.

Riddle Me This...

Did you know...

Fun Facts for the Month of January

January is named after the Roman god Janus, who was always shown as having two heads. He looked back to the last year and forward to the new one.

January 18th is Winnie the Pooh Day, in honour of the author, AA Milne’s, birthday. Winnie the Pooh was inspired by a real bear owned by a Canadian soldier in WWI. She was a mascot for his regiment when he was stationed in England and named after his home town, Winnipeg. The third Monday in January is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a great civil rights leader and youngest person to ever win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Help Us Refresh Our Board & School Websites!In January, all students, staff, families and community members are invited to fill out an online survey to help the Peel District School Board update and redesign its board website (www.peelschools.org) and school websites.

Share your thoughts, suggestions and experiences of our school and board websites by filling out a brief, five-minute survey on http://www.peelschools.org/websiterefresh.The survey will be available online until Jan. 31, 2019.

Grade 2 students performing in “A Very Beary Holiday” in December 2018. See inside for more information.