1

October was a very busy month at Britannia P.S. October 4th

was World Teachers Appreciation Day where we recognized all

the time and effort teachers at Britannia and everywhere put

into their students and their programs. During the week of Octo-

ber 7th —11th, Britannia had their first Book Fair of the year. We

want thank all parents and students who purchased books to

support our school. On October 10th, at our school Open

House, staff had a wonderful opportunity to introduce them-

selves to parents and put faces to names!

Later on in the month, we were able to take some time to get

outside and play together during our Fall Play Day! A great big

THANK YOU to our School Council for providing a healthy snack

of seasonal apples after our time outdoors. We ended the

month with an incredibly fun Halloween Parade where students

and staff were able to show off their costumes and parade

around the halls of our school. In addition, School Council host-

ed our first Cookie Day and it was an overwhelming success!

School Council not only sponsors our Cookie/Popcorn Days but

also is responsible for Pizza Days at Britannia! School Council is

looking for volunteers for Pizza Days. If you are interested in help-

ing out, please come in and see Ms. Parizeau as there is a pro-

cess for volunteering in schools.

Please be sure to continue placing your Lunch Lady and Pizza

Day orders through School Cash Online. Please see Important

Dates below for what is coming in November!

November

Newsletter 2019 All monthly newsletters and calendars can be found online at

http://schools.peelschools.org/1543 @BritanniaPS

Address & Phone

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BRITANNIA PUBLIC SCHOOL

1145 Swinbourne Dr., Mississauga, ON,

L5V 1C2 905-814-1146

Safe Arrival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

To report your child absent …

Call: 1-855-209-6155

Create an account at:

go.schoolmessenger.ca

Download the app:

Important Dates

November 7th — High Performance Program Infor-

mation Night—6:30—8pm

November 8th —Progress Reports go Home / Picture

Retake Day

November 11th — Remembrance Day Service

November 14th—Parent Teacher Interviews—

Afternoon/Evening

November 15th—AM—Parent Teacher Interviews

November 18th—22nd—Bullying Prevention Week

November 18th—School Council Meeting 6:30—8pm

November 21st — French Immersion Information Night for SK Children—

Born 2014—7pm

A Look Back at October!

Serving Britannia Public

School

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Principal—Lynnis Romaniuk

Vice Principal—Heather Parizeau

Office Manager—Ivana Mercante

Office Assistant— Angela Kwiecinski

Superintendent—Gale Solomon-

Henry

Trustees—Robert Crocker & Susan

Benjamin

School Council Chair—Tim Kwan

2

Nov. 7 – Celebrate Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Ed-

ucators’ Appreciation Day

In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Wednesday in October as the Peel Teaching Assistant and

Early Childhood Educators’ (ECE) Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Nov. 7, 2019. The

Peel board appreciates the important work of teaching assistants and ECEs, and the contributions that they

make in the lives of children, families and community members.

Nov. 29 – Say 'thanks' for Peel Custodial & Maintenance Workers’ Day

In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Friday in November as the Peel Custodial and Maintenance Work-

ers’ Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Take this opportunity to thank the important

work of custodial and maintenance workers and their hard work and commitment to well-being and safety.

SCHOOL HOURS

ARRIVAL SUPERVISION STARTS: 8:25 (on schoolyard)

ENTRY BELL: 8:35

EBREAK 1: 10:20-11:00

EBREAK 2: 1:00-1:40

DISMISSAL: 3:00

3

Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weather

During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather.

Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be announced on radio, television stations and

will also be available on Twitter

@Peelschools, Twitter @STOPRinfo, Face-

book at www.facebook.com/peelschools,

www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or

by calling

905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146.

One of the following messages will be an-

nounced:

Peel District School Board buses are can-

celled

This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could

occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will

also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual.

All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed

This means that all schools and Peel board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and

board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits.

All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled

This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education

courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled

This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education

courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

4

Britannia celebrates Indigenous Heritage Month in November

Schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities in November to recognize, celebrate and honour the rich

heritage, culture, contributions and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.

On June 19, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion and to help better reflect student identity,

trustees approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month in the month of November. This

month includes several dates of significance, including, Treaty Recognition Week, Indigenous Veterans Day, Louis Riel

Day, and the Peel Community Cultural Indigenous Celebration and Pow Wow.

In addition to Indigenous Heritage Month, the Peel board has also approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Islam-

ic Heritage Month in October, Hindu Heritage Month in November, Sikh Heritage Month in April and Jewish Heritage

Month in May. The board will continue to recognize Black History Month in February, Asian Heritage Month in May and

Pride Month in June.

The House of Commons officially recognized June as National Indigenous History Month following a unanimous motion in

2009. In the month of June, Peel board schools and worksites will raise and/or display the flag of the Mississaugas of the

Credit First Nation in the spirit of equity, inclusion and reconciliation. The raising of this flag is only one of the ways we help

to create spaces that are inclusive, welcoming and safe for students, staff and families.

5

Britannia P.S. celebrates Hindu Heritage Month in November

During Hindu Heritage Month, schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities that recognize and

celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Hindu Canadians as well as Hindu communi-

ties from around the world.

On April 9, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and in-

clusion, the Peel board approved a motion to recognize and cele-

brate Hindu Heritage Month in November. In addition to Hindu Herit-

age Month, the Peel board also approved a motion to recognize and

celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October, Indigenous Heritage

Month in November, Sikh Heritage Month in April and Jewish Heritage

Month in May. The board will continue to recognize Black History

Month in February, Asian Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in

June.

The Province of Ontario declared the month of November as Hindu

Heritage Month in 2016. The month of November was chosen in recog-

nition of “Deepawali” or “Diwali”, which is a significant festival in the

Hindu community.

On October 4, 2018, a Member of Parliament introduced a Private Member’s Bill (PMB), Bill C-416 in the House

of Commons to designate the month of October as Hindu Heritage Month in Canada. The bill is currently go-

ing through several stages to become law.

6

Peel Public Health shares tips to help prevent the flu

It’s flu season and we want to make sure students stay as healthy as possible this year! Influenza (flu) spreads easily

from one person to another and Peel Public Health has some tips to help reduce the risk of catching the flu and

spreading it:

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

where you can get your flu shots:

Family Doctors’ offices

Walk-in clinics

Pharmacies

Peel flu clinics

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

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

provider if symptoms are severe.

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

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

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

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

pecially after they cough or sneeze.

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

7

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

At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student –

each and every day. Yet we know that there are many needs in our community that we can’t address on

our own, like providing food for families that may go without or supporting communities after a crisis. That’s

why we are holding a board-wide giving day in support of United Way Greater Toronto, a key partner and

supporter of Peel families.

This year, the Peel board has declared Nov. 14 as United Way Giving Day to raise much needed funds for

United Way Greater Toronto and the network of local, Peel social service agencies it supports. Whether it’s

providing shelter for a mother and her children in Brampton, matching a child who is at risk with a mentor in

Caledon, or funding a breakfast program in Mississauga for youth that would otherwise go hungry, United

Way offers hope and possibility to thousands in our community.

A donation of:

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

$10 supports a child with interactive, recreational outings for one year, including healthy snacks and trans-

portation, to help them build their social skills and self-esteem.

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

support and mentors.

This is a completely voluntary campaign and any contributions are welcome. Whether you send a loonie,

toonie, cheque made out to United Way Greater Toronto, or donate through school cash online, your contri-

bution will make a difference. Pledges of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt from United Way Greater

Toronto. To receive a receipt, you must fill out the pledge form on the back and send it to school with your

donation by Dec. 13, 2019. If you donate through School Cash Online, attach a copy of your receipt to

your completed pledge form.

Thank you for lending a helping hand to those who need it most. Together, we can help those in poverty

which wouldn’t be possible without your continued support – your local love can change lives.

Stan Cameron Peter Joshua

Chair of the Board Director of Education

8

#chooseACTION on Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

The Peel District School Board will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, November 17 to 23, 2019.

Bullying is a form of harassment. The World Health Organization says, “Bullying…demands the concerted and co-

ordinated time and attention of health-care providers, policy-makers and families.” (Prevention of Bullying, 2010)

Bullying is a relationship problem, with relationship solutions.

Each year, across the Peel board, students, staff and families engage in learning and programming opportunities

focussed on actively disrupting bullying, by creating positive and safe Climates for Learning and Working, built on

a foundation of healthy relationships.

This year the Peel board community will ‘#chooseACTION to STOP hate’ in their classrooms, offices, schools and

communities, in order to make these spaces better places for everyone.

Establishing and maintaining a positive Climate for Learning and Working requires all of us to actively intervene

on assumptions, stereotyping, bias, discrimination and hate. We must proactively act and speak in ways that are

inclusive, accepting of others and values difference.

Throughout the week, we will be highlighting the importance of being an upstanding bystander by acting to stop

hate:

Step 1: Stop the Action

Step 2: Name it

Step 3: Explain the impact/harm

Step 4: Ask the person causing the harm to change their behavior

Step 5: Support the person harmed.

The Peel board would like to hear about the big and small actions, pledg-

es, and promises our Peel community values, and ask that you take a mo-

ment to share your #chooseACTION to STOP hate” moments on social me-

dia.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is one of the key items contained

in Bill 13: The Accepting Schools Act, that came into effect on Sept. 1,

2012. For more information, visit www.peelschools.org/aboutus/

safeschools/bullying or

www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/prevention.html.

9

Peel District School Board to support Treaties Recognition Week

Treaties Recognition Week was introduced in 2016 to honour the importance of treaties and to help Ontarians

learn more about treaty rights and treaty relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This

year, Treaties Recognition Week will take place from November 4 to 8, 2019.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) has issued 94 Calls to Action, which include calls for

schools and communities to teach students about Treaties. Addressing the TRC’s Calls to Action are embed-

ded in Peel’s commitment to achieve inclusion for all through continuous progress on equity. This commitment

is captured in Peel’s Plan for Student Success. The Peel District School Board is proud to support Treaties

Recognition Week to help bring awareness to students and staff about their collective treaty obligations in

Canada.

For resources and information on Treaties, please visit the Government of Ontario website as well as The First

Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Association of Ontario website.

10

Is Extended French right for my child?

If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether

you want to apply for the Extended French (EF) program.

To find out the EF school your child would attend, visit www.peelschools.org/French or

call the school in your area.

Grade 7 Extended French dates for the 2020-21 school year

A random selection process is used to determine which students will be offered spaces in the grade 7 EF pro-

gram. Applications for grade 7 Extended French will only be considered for students who are currently regis-

tered in an English program and have not been previously in a French Immersion program. Students currently

enrolled in grade 6 French Immersion will continue grade 7 in the French Immersion program.

For more information

visit www.peelschools.org/French

call your nearest Extended French school

connect with families who have children in the Extended French program

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

Information night

Attend the information meeting at the Extended French school your child would attend

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

Applications open

Apply at www.peelschools.org/French

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

Application deadline

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

Friday, Jan. 31, 2020

11

Is French Immersion right for my child?

If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether

you want to apply for the French Immersion (FI) program.

To find out the FI school your child would attend, visit www.peelschools.org/French or

call the school in your area.

Grade 1 French Immersion important dates for the 2020-21 school year

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 ran-

dom selection process is used to determine which students will be offered spaces in the grade 1 FI program.

For more information

visit www.peelschools.org/French

call your nearest French Immersion school

connect with families who have children in the French Immersion program

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

Information night

Attend the information meeting at the French Immer-sion school your child would attend

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

Applications open

Available at www.peelschools.org/French

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

Application deadline

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

Friday, Jan. 31, 2020

12

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.

Peel Region High Performers Program is offered at:

Britannia Public School (grades 4 to 5)

Dolphin Sr. Public School (grades 6 to 8)

Mississauga Secondary School (grades 9 to 12)

Information nights will be offered as follows:

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

Location Information Night

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

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

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

13

Regional Learning Choices programs unlock passions

Regional Learning Choices Programs offered by the Peel District School Board empower students by providing them with opportunities

to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. Regional programs are open to all students who meet the criteria for ac-

ceptance. Students and their families are encouraged to attend the information night for the program of their choice to receive more

information about the program and application details.

Transportation is not provided for students in regional programs. If students have been accepted into a regional program and they live

within the school boundary, they are eligible for busing only if they meet the distance criteria outlined in the board’s Transportation

Policy #39.

All regional programs include annual fees, including a non-refundable $40 application fee, except the Regional Skilled Trades and

Transportation Engineering and Technology programs, which are offered at no cost. For more information about program information

nights, busing, fees and the application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

Important dates to note:

Applications open Applications close

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

SECONDARY Nov. 11, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 25, 2019 at 3 p.m.

Programs Schools offered at Starts in grade:

6 7 9

Actively in Motion (AIM) Royal Orchard MS

Advanced Placement Central Peel SS, John Fraser SS

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

Arts and Technology Morning Star MS

Graphic Design Management T.L. Kennedy SS

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

International Business and Technology

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

International and Executive Leadership Academy

T.L. Kennedy SS

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

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

Sports Applewood Heights SS

Strings Central Peel SS, Port Credit SS

Transportation Engineering and Technology

Bramalea SS

14

After 18 years, the Peel District School Board is revamping its annual parent conference. After

hearing from participants, we are changing the traditional full-day workshop model to a multi-

evening speaker series focused on a specific subject, where parents and caregivers will hear from

a keynote speaker followed by a panel who will take audience questions. We will also invite Peel

board departments, groups and community partners to share their information in an exhibitor ar-

ea.

The Engage. Educate. Empower. Speaker Series is co-presented by the Peel Elementary Teachers’

Local. Without their support, this free learning event for parents/caregivers would not be possible.

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

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

Date and Time Location Topic and Speaker

Monday, Nov. 4, 2019

5 to 8 p.m.

HJA Brown Education Centre,

5650 Hurontario St., Mississauga

Digital citizenship and online safety featuring Jesse Miller

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 Chinguacousy Secondary School,

1370 Williams Pkwy., Brampton

TBA

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 Mayfield Secondary School,

5000 Mayfield Rd., Caledon East

TBA

15

Our work has just begun.

The Peel Learning Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to enable Peel District School Board students

to achieve personal excellence by providing resources that help them overcome barriers. We offi-

cially launched in February 2019, and to date, the foundation has supported more than 200 stu-

dents.

Did you know that 1 in 5 students in Peel Region face barriers related to poverty.

That’s more than 27,000 Peel board students.

Through the Student Emergency Needs program and Student Backpack program, the support we

provide can be as simple as providing funds for food or transportation, a winter coat, or a back-

pack filled with school supplies. This type of support can enrich a student's school experience and

help them achieve success. Any teacher, staff or support person can speak confidentially to their

school’s principal, vice-principal or supervisor when they encounter a student in need, who will then

reach out to us to ask for help.

There are many ways that you can support the foundation. A gift will help us achieve great things

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

You can help us create hopeful tomorrows.

www.PeelLearningFoundation.org l 905-890-1010 ext. 2461 l foundation@peelsb.com

@PeelLearningFDN l /PeelLearningFDN

16

Healthy Relationships Bolster Mental Health and Resilience

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

When it comes to mental health, connectedness - the sense of caring for others and being cared for

- is one of the most powerful protective factors. A positive ‘environment of relationships’ is essential

for healthy brain development, which forms the foundation for lifelong outcomes such as interperson-

al skills, academic performance and mental health and well-being (1).

Caring adults are key to building the skills, attitudes and habits that promote child and youth mental

health. Here are some tips for families to help build strong, caring relationships:

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

strengthen your bond with them.

Give your child love and affection - this helps your child feel loved and valued.

Have fun together!

Listen attentively to your child’s feelings, thoughts and ideas. Help to label and identify your child’s emo-

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

Build in quality time. Spend some time together each night around the dinner table.

Show your children how to solve problems that arise through your modelling, and collaborating with them

to help solve their own problems when they arise.

Be a role model by taking care of your own mental health and modelling healthy coping strategies. Talk

about your feelings. Make time for things you enjoy.

Ensure your home is an emotionally and physically safe and secure environment, where children are pro-

tected from harm.

Nurture caring relationships between your child and other important people in their lives, like family members

and friends, neighbours, teachers and members of cultural and faith communities. Research suggests that the

short-term intervention of even a single caring adult can make a profound difference. This also widens a

child’s network of support, and makes it easier to reach out for help when needed.

At the heart of it, we are in the business of human development. We are helping children and youth discover

their strengths, build skills and knowledge, develop positive attitudes and habits, and find their path. We need

to know our children and youth. We need to show we care. We need to inspire hope. We need to model the

power of positive relationships.

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

@MHRTPeel.

References:

National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (2004). Young Children Develop in an Environment of

Relationships: Working Paper No. 1. Retrieved from www.developingchild.harvard.edu.

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

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

17

MOVIE

NIGHT @

Brittania P.S.

When: Friday Dec. 6th

Doors Open at 6pm

Movie begins at 6:30pm

Where: Brittania P.S. Gym # 1 and Gym #2

You will be able to purchase Movie Tickets and Pizza

through School Cash Online in the coming weeks.

STAY TUNED!!!