Walnut Grove PS

Principal: P. Lone

Vice Principals: S. Rofaiel, F. Tulloch-Harvey

Superintedant: Patrika Daws

Trustee: Carrie Andrews

Email: walnutgrove.ps@peelsb.com
Website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1416/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 10 Pinestaff Road, Brampton, ON, Canada
Phone: 905-796-4572
Twitter: @WalnutGrovePS

Walnut Grove’s Daily Schedule

Entry Bell 9:15

Period 1 9:15 - 9:55

Period 2 9:55 - 10:35

Period 3 10:35 - 11:15

Nutrition Break A 11:15 - 11:35

Nutrition Break B 11:35 - 11:55

Period 4 11:55 - 12:35

Period 5 12:35 - 1:15

D.P.A. 1:15 - 1:35

Nutrition Break C 1:35 - 1:55

Nutrition Break D 1:55 - 2:15

Period 6 2:15 - 2:55

Period 7 2:55 - 3:35

Dismissal 3:35

School Security

All parents and visitors entering the school during school hours must be buzzed in through the front doors and sign in and out at the office.

You are also reminded to wear a visitor’s badge while you are in the school. For safety reasons, it is important that we know who is in the school at all times.

Student Absences

Your child’s safety is very important to us, for this reason please make sure to call the automated attendance line at 1-855-209-6155 for each day that your child is going to be absent from school or will be coming in late.

An attendance call can be made at anytime however you need to call before 9 a.m. for the current school day. Safe arrival calls will be made each day for students that have an unexplained absence.

Late Arrivals

If a student arrives late to school, after the 9:15 a.m. entry bell, they must report to the office to sign in and receive a late slip before going to their class. Please help your child arrive to school on time up establishing and encouraging morning routines

Medication

If your child will require to take or have any medication (eg. Epi-pens, inhalers) while at school due to asthma, allergies or other medical conditions please inform the office. You will be given a Medical Plan of Care Package that will need to be completed by you and your family doctor and returned to school with the medication. No medication can be administered at the school without having a current Medical Plan of Care completed and on file at the school.

Birthdays

There are several students and staff who have severe food allergies in our school. For that reason, we ask to you please do not send any food items as a treat for a birthday or special celebration. If you wish to celebrate, sending materials to support learning in our school such as pencils, crayons, books, etc. would be appropriate. Thank you for your understanding.

Kiss and Ride

We understand that there are a lot of cars in the morning and after school using the Drop Off lane. We are asking for your patience and understanding and to follow the guidance of the teachers on duty.

Please note that children should never exit from the driver's side and even if they are seated behind the driver they should exit from the curbside.

Thank you for helping us in making Walnut Grove a safe school for all of our students

Nutrition Break Routines

We encourage all students to remain at school during both Nutrition Breaks, to participate in the variety of extra-curricular activities offered. However, we recognize that some families want their children to come home for lunch. In order to ensure student safety at all times, we have established some expectations for Nutrition Break Routines:

· parents/guardians will be asked to complete a form indicating their wishes for daily routines for lunch for their children – these will be kept on file to ensure that routines are being followed

·anytime that those routines are changed, parents/guardians will be required to contact the school (by phone or in writing) indicating the change in routine

· if students go home for lunch, they are expected to remain home for the entire break (40 minutes)

· students are expected to return ON TIME for next period

STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO LEAVE SCHOOL PROPERTY AT NUTRITION BREAKS EXCEPT TO GO HOME FOR LUNCH WITH PARENT PERMISSION. Students will not be allowed to go to the plaza across the street, nor are they allowed to go to a friend’s house for lunch.

Help protect students with severe allergies by keeping lunches, snacks

peanut-free

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that affects some children. We ask that you help us take care of these students by sending lunches and snacks for your child that are free from peanuts or nuts, because these foods are the leading cause of anaphylaxis.

Please read the label of any food you plan to send to school with your child. If the label says, "May contain nuts or peanuts," please do not send it to school.

You can get a complete copy of the Peel board's anaphylaxis guideline from the school office.

Supervision in Yard

Yard supervision for students begins at 9:00 a.m. Students should not be dropped off, or be arriving on school property, prior to 9:00 a.m. When outside, students need to play in their designated area and remain visible to the supervisor in the schoolyard.

Volunteers

Parents play an important role in the development and education of their children and in the success of the school community. At Walnut Grove, we welcome 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. This Criminal Record Check must have been completed within the last 6 months, must include a Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) and must be an original copy. A police background check is required for all school volunteers in Ontario. Even if you want to accompany your child on a field trip, you need this background 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 be mailed an Offence Declaration Form that must be filled out and returned to the board office each year. You will not be able to volunteer with the Peel board until you have returned this form.

If you have any questions about criminal record checks or the offence declaration form, please call the board office at 905-890-1010 ext. 2832.

Bring Your Own Device (B.Y.O.D.)

Walnut Grove students are welcome, with the permission of their parent/guardian, to bring a device from home to use at school for educational related purposes only. Students are expected to demonstrate good digital citizenship through the appropriate, responsible, legal and ethical use of technology. Parents are asked to sign a BYOD contract around the safe use of technology at school as outlined in the school’s code of conduct. Parents please look for this contract in your child’s agenda within the first few weeks of September.

If a student does not have access to a personal device, a school device (e.g., Net book, Chrome book, I Pad), may be made available for their use while on school property.

February is one of my most favourite months! It is the halfway point of the school year, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, and we also celebrate Family Day. Valentine’s Day is a day that we show appreciation to those who hold a special place in our hearts: family members, friends, teachers, students, colleagues – we are all special, and on this day, I hope we all take a few moments to let our loved ones know how much we care. Family Day is also very special! It is my hope that all Walnut Grove families find time to take a break and enjoy quality “family time” together.

There are no scheduled parent-teacher interviews at this time, however, if you would like to speak to your child’s teacher about his or her progress, please feel free to contact them at school.

Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate – may the year of the RAT bring happiness to all!

School Council is planning to host our annual "Family Movie Night," on Thursday, February 20, from 6:00 -7:30 pm in the GYM. We look forward to having our families meet and greet and enjoy snacks and the movie. It should be a fun, and relaxing evening for all.

Next School Council Meeting:

Date: Monday, February 10, 2020

Time: 5:00 pm

Location: Staff Room

February’s focus is on Self Esteem and Black History Month

Self-esteem is a way of thinking and feeling about yourself. Kids with high self-esteem:

· feel good about themselves

· feel proud of what they can do

· believe in themselves, even when they don't succeed at first

· see their own good qualities, such as being kind or capable

· feel liked, loved, and respected, accept themselves, even when they make mistakes

Black History Month is an opportunity for our school community to recognize the past and present contributions that African Canadians make to the life of others in such areas as education, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics and human rights. This month,

Kindergarten: Seerat, Harkirat, Sachi, Krishn, Serena, Aryan, Cadence, Japnoor, Sahib, Ravya, Diya, Udhaybir, Amaya, Eshana, Anaya, Ayin

Grade 1: Rehana, Hukam, Kevin, Simrat, Ashreya, Aruhi, Aiza, Isabella, Shanaya, Mannat, Rana, Tiyana, Manyata, Agam, Elijah

Grade 2: Merry, Aadi, Japreet, Krish, Dilan, Arjun, Samaira, Nandini, Shivam, Zarah, Prince, Sukhrah, Ubhashnna, Onkar-Paul, Praijon, Ansi, Kamsika, Gunreet, Angelina

Grade 3: Guraman, Sosen, Nihithan, Nihilan, Avleen, Sukhjot, Elias, Sayana, Panshul,Bela, Jibir, Alisha, Baani, Gaurish, Roopbir

Grade 4: Dhruv, Pranay, Tejasv, Rhea, Jugaad, Annie, Harrachna, Rithika, Tharanya, Noah, Abhay, Gaurav, Ekam

Grade 5: Jovan, Abhijot, Hersh, Amrin, Suhani, Riya, Paavan, Hejran, Sahibjit, Shruthi, Balroop, Sahib, Abhay, Gaurav, Ekam,

Grade 6: Ackshay, Jonathan, Mayah, Paavan, Sukhsahej, Ria, Massee, Jamil, Navraj, Tsana, Elina Sarah, Karmine, Abhijeet, Agam, Giya

Grade 7: Kavleen, Harsh, Palveer, Manav, Navkawal, Divjot, Salma, Ferdous, Shaan, Athena, Gia, Sonya

Grade 8: Devanjit, Sumaira, Muskan, Anshit, Aaron, Manisha, Sanjana, David, Harkaran, Sheldon, Kaira, Nidhi, Malachi, Silas, Hodan, Jashandeep, Paulina

All Stars in the Gym: AJ, Aiyshaann, Jasmine, Rattan, Zainab, Ajay, Jainil, Navkawal

February is Black Heritage Month. In keeping with our commitment to educate and empower students and members of our school community, we will continue to celebrate and honour the contributions of Black Canadians through various experiences including videos, readings and guest performances. On Thursday, February 28, we invite parents, guardians, & the community to our Black Heritage Month assemblies to enjoy highlights from the month’s activities. We will be featuring and celebrating Black History and culture through the Arts with performances from Walnut Grove's Dance Pak, Glee Club, Rising Black Stars, and primary and intermediate classes. ​

Please be advised that school is closed on Friday, February 7th for our system wide PL Day.

All staff, including Office and Custodial staff, will be engaged in professional learning activities. As a result, we will not be taking calls or visits into the office on Friday, February 7th.

The office is closed.

Reminder to all parents/guardians that if you are dropping off or picking up your child please obey all the rules of the Kiss N Ride lane. Children are required to always exit or enter from the side facing the curb and never from the side facing the lane for traffic. Please do not leave your vehicle in the Kiss N Ride lane.
At the end of the day we continue to have parents park in the Drive Thru lane. Children are running unsafely into the Drive Thru lane to get in the cars. Also, if you are in the kiss and ride lane, and there is an empty spot, we ask that you pull ahead so that cars behind you can get into the kiss and ride lane.

Parents please know that children can only get in or out of the cars in the Kiss N Ride lane.

We are asking for your cooperation in making our students safe at Walnut Grove Public School. Thank you for your continued support.

Black History Month is a time to celebrate the many contributions of Black Canadians and Black communities throughout the world who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous country we know today.

In addition to recognizing Black History Month, the Peel board also recently approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October, Indigenous Heritage Month and Hindu Heritage Month in November, Sikh Heritage Month in April and Jewish Heritage Month in May. The board will continue to recognize Asian Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in June.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine.

During Black History Month, schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities that recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Black Canadians as well as Black communities from around the world.

At Walnut Grove, teachers have been engaging students in a variety of activities showcasing the lives of Black Canadians. Students are learning about Black lives through Learning Buddies projects.

We were also fortunate to have Orlando Bowen speak to us about overcoming tribulation, forgiveness, perseverance and hard work leading to success. Students and staff enjoyed the presentation and demonstrated their learning in reflective work.

A Black Lives display case and announcement slides every morning bring to the whole school community key messages about Black reality.

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, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools, www.peelschools.org, Twitter @STOPRinfo and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146.

One of the following messages will be announced:

Peel District School Board buses are cancelled

This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual.

All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed

This means that all schools and Peel board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits.

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

This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

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

This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

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

• Get your annual flu shot: The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. There are many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots:

  • Family Doctors’ offices

  • Walk-in clinics

  • Pharmacies

  • Peel flu clinics

• Keep children home when they’re sick: If your child develops flu-like signs and symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), keep them home from school. Contact your health care provider if symptoms are severe.
  
  

• Practice good hygiene: Help your child get into the habit of covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throw tissues in the trash. Cough or sneeze into a sleeve or elbow, if they don’t have a tissue. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs are spread.
  
  

• Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after they cough or sneeze.

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

We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student… and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2016, they can start kindergarten in September 2020. You can register your child at any time during regular school hours—just visit the school they will be attending to register. Visit www.peelschools.org/kindergarten for more information and to complete the kindergarten registration package.

What you will need to bring to registration:

Proof of child's age (one of the following)

• Canadian birth certificate

• Canadian passport

• citizenship card/certificate

• Permanent Resident Card

• confirmation of permanent residence

• work or study permit

• proof of newcomer status

  Proof of address (one of the following)

• utility bill

• bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution)

• credit card statement

• federal government forms (e.g. Service Canada, Ontario Works or Canada Post change of address)

• purchase agreement

• Other Government Identification (e.g. Ontario Photo Card)
  Please note that a driver's license cannot be accepted.

  Proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate living arrangement.

Proof of immunization – students registering in an Ontario public school for the first time must provide proof of immunization.

Report your child's immunizations to the Region of Peel online and provide the reference number to your child's school when registering. An Ontario Health card is required. Visit www.peelregion.ca/immunize for more information

Did you know that vision problems in children often go unnoticed because kids don’t know any different? As many as 10 per cent of preschoolers will have vision difficulties that can affect the development of their sight if not treated. However, if caught by the age of 5, treatment will be most effective.

The Region of Peel recommends regular eye exams for your child to help find eye problems early and get the right treatment.

The best way to ensure good eye health is to have your child’s eyes checked by an optometrist. Yearly eye exams for children 19 and under are covered by OHIP.

What to expect at your child’s eye exam

An optometrist will complete:

• General vision testing in both eyes.
• Eye muscle testing.
• Eye coordination testing.
• A general health assessment of the front and back of the eyes.

If needed, the optometrist will write a prescription for glasses for your child.

For information on overall vision health, common signs of a possible eye problem and the programs available to you within Peel, visit www.peelregion.ca/vision-health

What is head lice?

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp where they lay their eggs. They have three stages: the egg (nit), the nymph and the adult. Head lice do not spread diseases and cannot be spread between animals or pets and humans, only through direct contact between people.

Head lice spread easily, especially where people are in close contact. They are common among school-aged children or children attending child care, where they spread through direct hair-to-hair contact or directly by sharing things like hats, combs, hairbrushes or headphones.

One of the first signs of head lice is an itchy scalp. However, children can have head lice for several weeks with no symptoms. If you think your child has head lice, check their hair for nits right away, then again after one week and after two weeks.

What to do if your child has lice

If you discover your child has lice, notify the school immediately so that classmates can be checked. Parents must keep their child at home until they have been treated for lice and are nit-free. Students may only return to school if they are “nit-free” and will be checked by a school administrator before being re-admitted to class. If your child has live lice, ensure they avoid head-to-head contact with other children until the lice are gone. Children should not share combs, hairbrushes, caps, hats or hair ornaments. You should also check all family members for head lice. Be sensitive to your child’s feelings and let them know that having head lice does not mean they are not clean.

Head lice can be treated with the following approved insecticides:

• pyrethrin (found in R&C Shampoo + Conditioner)
• permethrin (Nix Creme Rinse or Kwellada-P Creme Rinse)
• lindane (Hexit Shampoo or PMS-Lindane Shampoo)

Although head lice does not pose a significant health risk, it is highly contagious and very uncomfortable for children, therefore schools take precautions to prevent the spread. Your cooperation in controlling the spread of lice by keeping your child at home until they have been treated and are nit-free is much appreciated.

Parents play an important role in the development and education of their children and in the success of the school community. At Walnut Grove PS, we welcome 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 background check. A criminal background 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 ensure that you can continue volunteering in the next school year. Forms will be mailed home in February.

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team

It’s February! We are another month closer to Spring. Yet with February being the shortest month of the year, it can often feel like the longest, with days feeling more dark and gloomy. As parents, we often put ourselves last, but what if we use February as a time to focus on small ways we can take time for ourselves for self-care? Here are a few tips on how to bridge the winter hurdle of February and embrace connection and hope for Spring.

Stay connected with nature and maximize daylight exposure:

Bundle up and spend time outside and take advantage of natural light whenever you can. Go for a walk, park your car a little further away to maximize time outside, get off at a transit stop early, track your walking mileage, if you have a dog, try a take the dog on a new route or stay out a little longer, or help someone with limited mobility and offer to walk their dog.

If you have limited mobility “staying active helps you: have some control over what you do:

Focus on what you can do—not on what you can’t; have more energy and strength to do things for yourself “ (from myhealth.alberta.ca Staying Active with Limited Mobility).

Stay connected socially:

Reach out to family and friends- by phone or in person- make a plan to spend time together over the Family Day Weekend. Go for coffee, go somewhere new you haven’t been before, call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, help someone out. Staying connected to our social relationships boosts our mood. Try a new activity (outside or inside) with your child or adolescent that does not involve technology!

A final note in relation to keeping current with world events. While it is important to stay current, we are bombarded with the same messages and graphic images by all forms of media which takes a toll on our mental health. Be mindful that young ears are listening and watching and they may not voice any fears they may be experiencing. Try and limit your media time, reassure your child/teen (and yourself!) there is lots of good in the world, and check in to see if they have any questions or worries about current events.

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, or have questions about how to talk to your child about difficult topics, visit bit.ly/SupportingChildrensMH for further information and links to school and community resources. For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.