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Upcoming Dates - Highlights include:

APRIL 2019 PREVIEW-

April –Celebrating EXCELLENCE @ RLPS! Education Week-April 8-25th

Tues. April 16th ...8:30-10 a.m. Cele-

brating Student Leadership and Class

Visits for families

Wed. April 17th ...6:30-7:30 p.m.

What Parents Need to Now-Using

Social Media and Video Games Safe-

ly and Wisely

Thurs. April 18th ...1:30 p.m. Ray

Lawson Grade 4,5,6 Public Speaking

School Finals…All welcome!

Thurs. April 25th…6:30 p.m. “Take

Action” Concert Night ...all Grade

4,5, and 6 students performing.

MAY 2019 PREVIEW

May 6th ...All welcome…11 a.m.

Music Monday LEAP ASSEMBLY,

Thurs. May 9th...5:45 p.m. Welcome

to Kindergarten Family Night…new

families to Year One K

Wed. May 15th …Grade 5/6 Gauss

Math Competition Club

Wed. May 15th …6:30 p.m. School

Council, Library, all welcome

May 22nd-May 30th …Grade 3 and 6

EQAO Assessment…every day

Thurs. June 6th...…1:30 p.m. Volunteer

Appreciation and Tea

Included in the Lawson Link:

LOTS of School News!

April/May Student/Community

Activity Calendars are sent home and

on-line

April/May Student Co-Curricular

Activity Schedules on school site

INVITATION to CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE

Education Week is officially April 8th - 12th, but we are celebrating excellence all month. Please join us when you can. YOU ARE INVITED!

Here’s what’s happening:

Mon. April 8th ...9 a.m. Professional French Play Performance

10:45 a.m. Roberta Bondar Band Program visiting

Tues. April 16th ...8:30-10 a.m. Celebrating Student Leadership

Presentation and Class Visits for families

**NEW**

Wed. April 17th ...6:30-7:30 p.m...What FAMILIES Need to

Know-Using Social Media and Video Games Safely and Wisely

Thurs. April 18th ...1:30 p.m. Grade 4,5,6 Public Speaking

Finals “Excellence in Eloquence”

Thurs. April 25th…6:30 p.m. “Take Action” Concert Night ...all

Grade 4, 5, and 6 students performing.

This is a great time to get to know your school better and to cele-

brate all the wonderful things happening in our classrooms and

school. We are so proud of our school and community and we love

to have our families visit.

Research tells us that the more parents are involved in their chil-

dren’s education, the more successful they are.

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Ray Lawson Student Leaders raise almost $2100.00 for homeless people

An outstanding team of student leaders and teachers walked for the homeless in

Brampton on Friday, February 22nd. This remarkable achievement adds to the caring

work of the Ray Lawson Me to We Team whose mandate is to help others who need

extra support and a helping hand. Thanks for "locking on" and helping others be suc-

cessful! We are all so proud of you.

Me to We Weaving Club: More Global Service at Ray Lawson P.S.

Thank you to our families and students for saving plastic milk bags. This is helping us to reduce plastic

waste as well as to help others in need in our global community. Believe it or not, plastic milk bags can be

weaved together to make strong and comfortable sleeping mats and pillows. As we complete the sleeping

mats, they will be delivered to “Milkbags Unlimited” who arrange to ship them to communities in Africa,

South America, India and the Caribbean. Please continue to send clean and dry milk bags to school so we

can continue our weaving and good service of others! (outer milk bags only please) THANK YOU FOR

YOUR SUPPORT!

Let’s ACE EQAO! WE WILL CONTINUE TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE!

THANK YOU for attending our EQAO on our FAMILY LEARNING NIGHT! The

EQAO Practice book provided is BETTER than EVER! Research shows Level 3s

and 4s on Grade 3 and 6 EQAO predict future success in school. Teachers and stu-

dents have been working on sample grade 3 and 6 curriculum-based questions in read-

ing, writing, problem solving and mathematics. As parents, please stay involved. We believe students, par-

ents and teachers working together add to student success and confidence. We are very proud of our Ray

Lawson students’ hard work and dedication!

OUR GOAL is Level 3, a Strong B in Reading, Writing and Math

With the help of our families, and the daily instruction from our outstanding teach-

ers, we aim to achieve student success in becoming good readers, writers, problem

solvers, thinkers and awesome people. How do we achieve a strong B across the cur-

riculum? Practise. Teaching strategies. Practise. Review. Practise. Learning new

strategies. Praise. Encouragement. High expectations. When we all work together, great things happen. Be part of goal setting with your child. Thank you for your teamwork.

We live in a competitive world. At Ray Lawson we believe in helping our students become independent and

capable students and good citizens- leaders for the future. We have high expectations of all of our stu-

dents and ourselves. Please continue to work with your teachers, Mrs. Standring and Ms. Okazawa in helping

your child reach these goals. They are already such awesome people- let's continue to help them be ready

for the future; independent, confident and super successful learners! Excellent school attendance (and proper rest, exercise and healthy eating) helps in student success. There are 7 to 8 lessons daily. Missing

a day is missing a lot of instruction and practise.

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Parent and Community Volunteer TEA –

See YOU on Thursday, June 6th, 1:30 p.m.

~Celebrating our Many Dedicated Volunteers and

Lunch Supervisors ~ Please MARK the DATE! We have many parent and community volunteers working with us at Ray

Lawson P.S. We couldn’t do it all without you! You have remained a very special part of our success

and our Ray Lawson Family. Your help in our classrooms, the office, the library, lunch supervision

and around the school makes a BIG difference in the lives and learning of our students. Mrs. Stan-

dring, Ms. Okazawa, and Mrs. Phillips look forward to “Thanking and CELEBRATING YOU”!

It’s never too late to become a volunteer! Call Mrs. Standring, or Ms. Okazawa at 905-451-3819 to find out more!. WE ALWAYS NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS!

Lunchroom Supervisors Needed!

Hiring for August 2019 to June 2020 If you would like to become part of the Lunchroom Supervision

Team at Ray Lawson Public School, please forward your resume

to Vice Principal, Lisa Okazawa. Interviews will be held as posi-

tions arise.

Energy-E-Break#1 10:10 am to 10:50 p.m. AND

Energy-E-Break#2 12:50 pm to 1:30 p.m.

Rate of Pay = $14.00 per hour.

Offence Declaration required for returning volunteers

Parents play an important role in the development and education of their children

and in the success of the school community. At (insert name of school), we wel-

come and encourage the participation of parents and community members, and are

grateful for the countless hours our volunteers contribute throughout the school year.

To volunteer at our school, you must complete a short interview and a criminal record check. A

criminal record check is required for all school volunteers in Ontario. Even if you want to accompany

your child on a field trip, you need this record check.

Once you have completed the process, you are on file with the Peel District School Board as being a

school volunteer. All returning volunteers will receive an Offence Declaration form that must be

filled out and returned to the board office each year. Completing the Offence Declaration will en-

sure that you can continue volunteering in the next school year. Expect to receive the form in mid-

February. Please ask at the office if you need any assistance or do not receive the forms in the

mail.

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Grade Six Classes—United Nations Sustainable Goals and EQAO

“Grade 6 has been a great year for students and staff,” says Mrs. Marshall, a grade 6 teacher.

The goal for the grade 6 students this year is to bring a difference to the world by being com-

passionate and understanding role models. This year’s grade 6 teachers want the students to

focus on the global goals of peace, justice and strong institutions by promoting peaceful and in-

clusive environments, not only at Ray Lawson, but in our community and world. The grade 6 stu-

dents have been working hard on all the Global Goals by participating in events such as the Cold-

est Night Of the Year and by donating food, clothes and money to charities and standing up for

others’ rights. This year, the grade 6 students have had amazing opportunities and leadership

clubs to participate in. Recently, the grade 6 students have had a chance to create their own

poems and submit them for the COSTI Refugees and Human Rights Poetry Competition. In addition,

the grade 6 students are understanding how to make their own decisions and become great 21st

Century role models.

Grade 6 students this year are working very hard and are preparing for

EQAO assessments in the spring. “I feel prepared for the test because we

are practising through a book that will help us in our test,” says Shivam, a

grade 6 student. “I feel a little nervous, but I’m prepared. I’m sure many

students will do great on the test because of this year’s grade 6 teachers

and the way they teach. We’re always learning something new!” says Rimple,

another grade 6 student. The grade 6 teachers are giving helpful tips and techniques to the

sixth grade students to help them perform above and beyond the provincial standards in their

everyday learning and during EQAO.

Overall, the grade 6 students and staff have had a blast and are having a strong final year at

Ray Lawson P.S. By Nancy, Riya, Swarlin and Jasleen, Class 601 and 602

Student Voice Student writers share their views

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Student Voice Student writers share their views

The Arts at Ray Lawson

Here at Ray Lawson, Ms. Nunes and Ms.Allingham, our Music and Dance teach-

ers tell us that the students are progressing well in terms of music and the

arts. Before, students would have difficulty recognizing the rhythms and playing them on instru-

ments. However, now, almost every student can recognize rhythms and play them. In addition,

the juniors will be having a spring concert this spring and the concert will be all about global is-

sues such as Poverty, Homelessness, Gender Equality and more. The junior students will express

these issues by creating a dance that represents how you can make a change in the world with

simple tasks. The teachers have also stated that music is beneficial for students of all ages. It is

shared that music classes can help enhance focus and responsibility in students. In addition,

“Music can help better develop the learning skills that we are looking for in students, such as col-

laboration, critical thinking, and responsibility,” states Ms. Nunes. “Sometimes parents are in-

vested in Math and Science and may not realize the potential of music”. As for the spring con-

cert, “TAKE ACTION!”, on Thursday, April 25th, 6:30 p.m., it will be another great a memory

that for many years to come! By Jasnam and Harveen, Class 601

Physical and Health Education

At Ray Lawson Public School, we have a wonderful Physical Education (PHE) Pro-

gram where we learn from our awesome teachers how to stay fit and active while

being safe and having fun. We also have a great health program where we learn to stay healthy

by making good food choices. The Lawson Lions find our Phys-Ed classes enjoyable to help make

them more fit. A fellow Lawson Lion, Gurrarmaan, says “I like PE because it gives us the chance

to have fun while being active. For example, we play fun games like grounders and it makes us

more fit, while having fun.” Also, we have intramurals for everyone and at each morning an-

nouncements, a grade and a game is advertised to remind anyone from that grade, that they are

welcome down in the gym at E-break to play a game that is fun and keeps them energized At our

school, we also have various sports teams such as: soccer, basketball, cricket, volleyball, handball,

flag football and hockey. These are teams that students, above grade 3 can try out for. While

the school year is going on, there will be a section of the year where our school will start having

practices for a particular sport. After a few practices, our teachers will select the best players

they think are fit for the team. After the teams are assembled, there will be a tournament

where surrounding schools compete. All the schools that compete will have their own team that

represents their school. These tournaments happen each year, so some of the newer students

get a chance to show their talent and be involved. Since we have this fabulous program, you

should be participating in the many physical activities available to Ray Lawson students.

By Yash, Class 602

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Student Voice Student writers share their views

Free By Jasleen, Class 601

We share the same sky and we’re connected by the seas, but I fight to be free.

While you walk on the fields and cement with beds of flowers,

I sink deeper into the soil for hours and hours.

What I thought would never happen in a million years is now my reality.

Even if I try with all my might I can still remember those terrible nights.

I’ve lost my family and I’ve lost my home.

I fight to exist through these violent gloomy days.

I pray and hope these times will not stay.

Miracles do happen and I do believe,

for tomorrow is a new beginning, another chance to try.

We need to change our world.

Soon, maybe tomorrow I will run freely with the flowers and feel the nice breeze.

I will be free, and not a refugee.

They're not alone By Riya, Class 602

68.5 million refugees in need

Fighting without any greed

Only have choices that will harm

But with a good heart they will only disarm

Survivors of pernicious strive

But grateful to be alive

They're not alone

They have the same blood flowing through their veins

Why treat them differently

If they are one of us

They're not alone

A faded discoloured and bygone sign read “war, bombing, discrimination”

If this their only way

So which path should they pick

This time flicking a coin won't do the trick

So hapless that they can't be free like a grebe

They're not alone

We are very proud of Jasleen and Riya for writing their poems to be submitted in a poetry competition for the United Nations (COSTI). Good luck, Jasleen and Riya!

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IMPORTANT PARENT INFORMATION—ParentConnect

Online parent portal to access important student information

The Peel District School Board is excited to announce the launch of ParentConnect, an online parent portal to access important student information. The pilot program was introduced at select schools and phased in to all Peel schools on Feb. 23, 2018. What is ParentConnect? ParentConnect is a safe and secure website, created by the Peel District School Board, that acts as a single point to stay informed and to access all electronic services provided to Peel board parents and legal guardians. The parent-friendly website will allow you to:

view school-based alerts and information

access real time absence reporting

view current and historic elementary report card information

get up-to-date busing information

review secondary school credit history and diploma status and more

To learn more about the benefits of ParentConnect, visit our school website or www.peelschools.org/parentconnect

Peel Learning Foundation aims to create hopeful tomorrows for Peel board Students In partnership with the Peel District School Board, the Peel Learning Foundation was created to enable Peel board students to achieve personal excellence by providing resources to help them overcome barriers. In its first year, the foundation will support Peel board students through:

Student Emergency Needs program Depending on the need, the foundation will support individual students with food and clothing, medical supplies, eyeglasses

and transportation costs, or where there is an emergency situation that requires a compassionate response. Student Backpack program The foundation will provide backpacks filled with school supplies that students need to fully participate in regular classroom

work. The backpacks will be provided to students in need in a respectful and confidential manner. They are tailored for students in kindergarten to grade 3, grades 4 to 8, and grades 9 to 12.

Individuals or organizations who are interested in learning more about and supporting the foundation can visit www.PeelLearningFoundation.org. You can also follow the foundation on Twitter and Facebook and use the hashtag #CreateHope to join the conversation.

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April - Earth Month

At Ray Lawson P.S., we have two dedicated student leadership teams, Green

Team and Recycling Team, that focus on the important work of raising aware-

ness and taking action for the school, local and global environment.

Earth Month encompasses the international celebration of Earth Day on April

22, 2019. This is the most celebrated environmental event worldwide. Initiated in 1970, this event

has been considered the birth of the environmental movement.

Each year, more than 6 million Canadians join 500 million people in over 180 countries in staging

events and projects to address local environmental issues. In Canada, Earth Day has grown into Earth

Week and even Earth Month to accommodate the profusion of events and projects. Here are some

ways that you can celebrate earth week with your family:

create a backyard or schoolyard habitat

plant a garden or tree

start a recycling program at home

organize a carpooling campaign in your neighbourhood to reduce air pollution

pick up trash in your neighbourhood

read a book about an endangered species

make a visit to your local zoo, aquarium or museum

visit a local park, wildlife area or farm to provide a fun opportunity to learn about the environment

and life

Ray Lawson P.S. Goes Pink on April 10th — Day of Pink

On Wednesday, April 10, 2019, Peel District School Board schools will recog-

nize Day of Pink. Unlike Pink Shirt Day, which is meant to combat all forms of

bullying, we celebrate Day of Pink in Peel to specifically combat homophobia,

transphobia and biphobia.

“Equity and inclusion is something that all Peel schools teach throughout the year and discuss with

students daily—it is embedded in everything we do,” says Peter Joshua, Director of Education. “Day of Pink is just one more way for us to ensure students and staff learn, work and develop in environ-

ments that are safe, equitable, inclusive, respectful and nurturing for all.”

On this day, students, staff and families at Ray Lawson may wear pink to honour Day of Pink. Our

teachers engage students in lessons and activities provided by the Peel Board to promote inclusion

and diversity in our community.

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Using Social Media Safely

On Wednesday, April 17th from 6:30-7:30, you are invited to join us for an

important discussion: “What Families Need to Know—Using Social Media and

Video Games Safely and Wisely”. While there are many positive benefits to

using social media and on-line platforms, including staying connected with friends

and expressing your interests, parents and students must be cautious in their

use of these networks. We look forward to an informative evening to address

the points below and answer any questions or concerns you may have as parents.

With the growing number of social media sites, it is no surprise that social media is the most com-

mon form of communication for children and teenagers. Posts, status updates, comments, instant

messages, video uploads, tweets and texts have become a regular part of their lives. Among the

most popular social media platforms used are Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube and

Whatsapp Messenger. Many of these platforms are free and are available on smartphones and other

electronic devices. These platforms are easy to navigate and often allow information to be shared

instantly, not only with friends, but with strangers. On social media, it is important to remember

that the world is watching.

Here are some tips, provided by the Canadian Safe School Network and GetSafeOnline.org, to

keep your children safe and help them make smart choices when using social media:

Limit the amount of time that your children spend on social media platforms and talk about the

importance of healthy and appropriate use of technology. One hour of screen time per day is a

healthy and essential limit so they are able to achieve a balance of exercise, play, work, family

time and sleep to grow up in a healthy and positive way.

Set some boundaries for your child before they get their first ‘connected device’ (mobile, tablet,

laptop or games console). Once they have it, it can be more difficult to change the way they use

it or the settings.

Have a conversation about what is appropriate online behaviour and what actions could have huge

repercussions that could damage their reputation and be harmful to others.

Talk to your child about the kind of websites they look at. Encourage them to speak to you if

they come across something they find worrying or upsetting on websites, games or social media.

Discuss with your child what is safe and appropriate to post and share online. Written comments,

photos and videos all form part of their ‘digital footprint’ and could be seen by anyone and availa-

ble on the internet forever, even if it is subsequently deleted.

Explain to your child that being online doesn’t give them anonymity or protection, and that they

shouldn’t do anything online that they wouldn’t do face-to-face. Users should only accept people

they know in order to protect themselves from spammers, strangers and others who may be us-

ing social networking sites to commit crimes.

Unlike when they’re meeting someone face-to-face, children don’t always know who they’re actu-

ally ‘talking’ to online, even if they think they do. Tell your children they must never email, chat,

or text with strangers, and it’s never okay to meet a stranger in the real world.

Ensure your children set their privacy settings appropriately. Take the time to learn how privacy

settings work on your children’s favourite sites, and teach them how to control their privacy.

Tell your children never to share personal and private information with anyone online.

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Keeping children safe in and around storm sewers, waterways

Rising and fast moving water in lakes, ponds and creeks is increasingly likely during

spring. Children playing in and around storm sewers and watercourses, entering storm

sewers through the outfalls, and entering storm sewers through access covers is dan-

gerous.

The following information will help keep children safe:

water flows in storm sewers and watercourses are unpredictable and may change quickly

toxic gases may be present in and around storm sewers and watercourses

access is restricted, making rescue attempts are difficult

tragic falls could take place

Please review this information with your children and let them know how dangerous storm sewers and

waterways are.

Brampton Public Works Poster Competition

To celebrate National Public Works Week May 20th -24th, the City of Brampton Public Works depart-

ment have invited Ray Lawson students in grades 1-4 to draw a poster that shows what workers do and

the machines they use. The theme is "It Starts Here"; healthy communities start with public

works. It is celebrated across North America. The winner gets to meet the mayor of Brampton, wins

a pizza party for their class and the winning design is printed on a city truck and on t-shirts for the

whole school to wear! Below are just a few of the fabulous posters created by our students. Thank

you to our staff and students for participating and collaborating with our community partners!