Peel District School Board

Erin Mills Middle School 3546 S Common Crt, Mississauga, Ontario L5L 2B1

Tel: 905-820-9777 Fax: 905-820-1741 http://schools.peelschools.org/1324

November 2019 Newsletter Maria Kalantzakos

Principal

Iona Newman-Jobity

Vice-Principal

Jasminka Pavlovic

Office Manager

Nina Jaiswal

Superintendent

Brad Macdonald

Trustee

Transportation

www.stopr.ca

905-890-6000

Safe Arrival Parent Portal at pdsb.schoolconnects.com instagram@erinmillsms

Message from the Administration Team Another month of exciting events at EMMS. As we move from October into November, the students are settling into the routine of the middle school learning journey. The month of October had many highs from students creating advocacy groups, our MAC students are spectacularly announcing both in English and French daily,, sports teams participating in day tournaments (ie Flag Football, Field Hockey, Fall Fun Run) and grade level school trips, to mention only a few. Please read the ‘Happenings’ section for more details. In November, the ‘checking- in’ time where parents are asked to come in to discuss Progress reports. The goal here is to come in with your child(ren) and dialogue about strengthens and next steps. These conversations will be held on Thursday Nov 14th (evening) and Friday Nov 15th (daytime). Interview sheets have gone home and we are asking for those to be returned no later than Wednesday Nov 6th. We all looking forward to our continued partnership as the students progress this year. We want to leave you with our continued focused on more than achievement on academic tasks (ie the grade)... ...Inspiration! If there is one thing that motivates, fascinates, and educates it is those moments of inspiration. All middle school learners are naturally curious and creative, so we must give them the environment and the space to find what ignites their passions and interests. In these moments, the children lose themselves in their work and find themselves in the process. In this newsletter, we examine some of those moments in each class where the child or children became the teachers. Where intrinsic motivation is inspired by a spark. Take some time and read how math, art, and even music can spring from within a child and spread throughout the class.

Please take some time to review the newsletter with all of our exciting happenings and events to come.

Mark your calendar….. 

Date Event

November Indigenous History Month

November Hindu Heritage Month

Nov. 1st Interview Request Sheets sent home

Nov. 5th

Raptors 905 Grade 8 Trip Photo Retake Day

Nov. 6th Take Your Kids to Work Day (grade 9)

Nov. 7th Peel Teaching Assistance and Early Childhood Educators’ Day

Nov. 8th Progress Report go home

Nov. 11th Remembrance Day Assembly (Parents/Guardians are welcome to attend)

Nov. 14th United Way Giving Day

Nov. 14th (PM) Nov. 15th (Day)

Evening Parent Teacher Conferences (2:30 pm - 8:30 pm) Day Parent Teacher Conferences (8:30am - 2:10 pm)

Nov. 17th-Nov. 24th Bully Awareness and Prevention Week (#chooseACTION to STOP Hate)

Nov. 18th School Council Meeting @ 6:00

Nov. 21st Peel Custodial and Maintenance Workers’ Day

Hot Lunch reminder: Lunch Box: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Pizza Nova: Tuesdays and Thursdays The goal is to provide a "Lunch Program" that allows a student to buy a hot and healthy lunch at school. Our lunch program will meet the Ministry Food & Beverage Policy guidelines. If busses are cancelled then lunches will not be delivered for that day (ie Snow Days ) credit will be applied. To support a safe climate, students are strongly encouraged NOT to go off school campus to South Common Mall or South Common CC during their lunch time. All 3 areas will ask student to exit their premises promptly during our lunch break. Please let us know how we can help if an emergency comes up and your child(ren) do not have lunch. We are here to help anytime.

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

On April 9, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion, the Peel board approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Hindu Heritage Month in November. In addition to Hindu Heritage Month, the Peel board also approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October, Indigenous Heritage Month in November, Sikh Heritage Month in April and Jewish Heritage Month in May. The board will continue to recognize Black History Month in February, Asian Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in June.

The Province of Ontario declared the month of November as Hindu Heritage Month in 2016. The month of November was chosen in recognition of “Deepawali” or “Diwali”, which is a significant festival in the Hindu community.

On October 4, 2018, a Member of Parliament introduced a Private Member’s Bill (PMB), Bill C-416 in the House of Commons to designate the month of October as Hindu Heritage Month in Canada. The bill is currently going through several stages to become law.

Celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month in November Schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities in November to recognize, celebrate and honour the rich heritage, culture, contributions and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada.

On June 19, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion and to help better reflect student identity, trustees approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month in the month of November. This month includes several dates of significance, including Treaty Recognition Week, Indigenous Veterans Day, Louis Riel Day, and the Peel Community Cultural Indigenous Celebration and Pow Wow .

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

The House of Commons officially recognized June as National Indigenous History Month following a unanimous motion in 2009. In the month of June, Peel board schools and worksites will raise and/or display the flag of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in the spirit of equity, inclusion and reconciliation. The raising of this flag is only one of the ways we help to create spaces that are inclusive, welcoming and safe for students, staff and families.

Nov. 7 – Celebrate Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Educators’ Appreciation Day In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Wednesday in October as the Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Educators’ (ECE) Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Nov. 7, 2019. The Peel board appreciates the important work of teaching assistants and ECEs, and the contributions that they make in the lives of children, families and community members.

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 transportation, 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 contribution 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

#chooseACTION on Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

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

23, 2019.

Bullying is a form of harassment. The World Health Organization says, “ Bullying…demands the concerted and coordinated time and attention of health-care providers, policy-makers and families.” (Prevention of Bullying, 2010) Bullying is a relationship problem, with relationship solutions.

Each year, across the Peel board, students, staff and families engage in learning and programming opportunities focussed on actively disrupting bullying, by creating positive and safe Climates for Learning and Working, built on a foundation of healthy relationships.

This year the Peel board community will ‘ #chooseACTION to STOP hate’ in their classrooms, offices, schools and communities, in order to make these spaces better places for everyone.

Establishing and maintaining a positive Climate for Learning and Working requires all of us to actively intervene on assumptions, stereotyping, bias, discrimination and hate. We must proactively act and speak in ways that are inclusive, accepting of others and values difference.

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

Step 1: Stop the Action

Step 2: Name it

Step 3: Explain the impact/harm

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

Step 5: Support the person harmed.

The Peel board would like to hear about the big and small actions, pledges, and promises our Peel community values, and ask that you take a moment to share your #chooseACTION to STOP hate” moments on social media.

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is one of the key items contained in Bill 13: The Accepting Schools Act, that came into effect on Sept. 1, 2012. For more information, visit www.peelschools.org/aboutus/safeschools/bullying or www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/prevention.html .

Nov . 29 – Say 'thanks' for Peel Custodial & Maintenance Workers’ Day In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Friday in November as the Peel Custodial and Maintenance Workers’ Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of custodial and maintenance workers and their hard work and commitment to well-being and safety.

Celebrating Faith and Culture November 2019

DATE CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

November Freezing Moon Indigenous Worldview (First Nations)

November 1 All Saints Day Christianity

November 1 Gnan Panchami Jainism

November 1 Samhain Wicca

November 4 Qudrat (thirteenth month) Bahá'í

November 9 or 10 Milad-un-Nabi Islam

November 11 Remembrance Day Canada

November 12 Dev Diwali or Lokashah Jayanti Hinduism and Jainism

November 12 Birth of Guru Nanak Sikhism

November 16 Louis Riel Day Indigenous Worldview

November 23 Qawl (fourteenth month) Bahá'í

November 24 Martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur Sikhism

November 26 Day of the Covenant Bahá'í

November 28 Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Bahá'í

November 28 First Day of Advent (Christmas fast) Christianity

Reminders 

Students with Medical Needs

All students who have a medical condition must alert the school immediately. Contacting the school at the beginning of the year alerts us to the condition and allows us to update our data. In cases where the condition is serious or requires medication to be kept at school, two forms will be sent home. The first allows us to keep the medication at school and second outlines the steps that the school will need to take in the event of an emergency. Both will need to be signed by a doctor.

ALL students who require an EPi-Pens/Puffers will be required to wear them throughout the day in a fanny pack. Any student that does not have the EPi-Pen and/or Puffer on them will be asked to call home and one must be brought to the school. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ms NJ.

Prescribed Medication In the event that your family doctor prescribes medication for your child at some time throughout the school year, a form must be taken to the doctor to be complete before we are able to give medication at school. Pls see the office for the prescribed medication form if needed. All medications must be kept at the office and students should not have medication in their locker or backpack. Students are NOT to self-administer medication for safety reasons.

Student Safety and Teacher Supervision At EMMS, teacher supervision begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:25 p.m. Students are encouraged to plan their morning routine around this arrival time and to leave school promptly at dismissal time so that we can be certain of their safety. At the end of the school day, staff is on duty until 2:25 p.m. to assist students with boarding the buses and to see that they are on their way home. Students and their families should review their routines for entry and dismissal and talk about a contingency plan should unusual circumstances occur. Students should go directly to the office for help should they miss their bus. We appreciate the many families who update us with their current phone numbers for home, work, cell phones and emergency contact so that the office may help students when needed. Important Kiss’n’Ride Reminders - When picking up your child(ren), please find a parking spot and have your child(ren) meet you there. Parents and/or Guardians are using the bus lane as parking while waiting to pickup. This causes a delay for the busses to leave resulting in drop off times to be off and also the remainder of the runs for the afternoon. The staff on duty will ensure that all cars in the bus lane park in the parking spots.

Safe Arrival/Attendance at School - Acountability Step will begin during the month of November

All students are expected to attend school regularly. Students should be in line, ready to enter the building at

8:05 a.m. for morning entry and 11:40 p.m. for lunch entry. If your child will be late or absent from school,

please contact the School Messenger at 1-855-209-6155 or go.schoolmessenger.ca or download the School

Messenger mobile app for Apple and Android users. This line is dedicated to messages regarding late or

absent students and is available 24 hours a day. When children return to school after an absence, they are

responsible for connecting with their homeroom teacher and their rotary teachers to catch up with any

missed work or assignments. All classrooms have a section of the blackboard devoted to homework and

assignment due dates and routines students follow when absent. Students that are late must have a note from

a parent explaining the reason for being late. The conversations will begin with the students, then families and

may result is additional supports becoming involved to ensure that the lates and/or absences are being

addressed.

Dress Code at EMMS

At EMMS, students are asked to dress in a manner that demonstrates respect for themselves and others.

Students are expected to wear:

✔ Shirts that cover their entire torso and undergarments

✔ Shorts/skirts of a suitable length (i.e. when a student’s arms are by their sides the shorts/skirts should

touch their middle finger with no undergarments showing as students use stairs

✔ Tee shirts without questionable messages/logos/ captions

✔ Outdoor wear (gloves, hats, scarves, boots etc.) are not to be worn indoors; it important to have 2 pairs of

shoes at all times at school

Please refer to the student agenda for any additional information. Inappropriately dressed students will call

home to have a parent/guardian bring a change of clothing or wear a clean t-shirt provided by the admin

team.

Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad

weather

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

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

will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Twitter @STOPRinfo, Facebook at

www.facebook.com/peelschools , www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling

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

One of the following messages will be announced:

Peel District School Board buses are cancelled

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

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

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

All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed

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

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

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

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

courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

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

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

courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

Peel Public Health shares tips to help prevent the

flu

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

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

flu and spreading it:

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

Peel where you can get your flu shots:

§ Family Doctors’ offices

§ Walk-in clinics

§ Pharmacies

§ Peel flu clinics

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

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

provider if symptoms are severe.

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

when they cough or sneeze and throw tissues in the trash. Cough or sneeze into a sleeve or elbow, if they

don’t have a tissue. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs are spread.

· Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water or use hand

sanitizer, especially after they cough or sneeze.

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

Happenings ... 

School Council Our 2019-2020 School Council is as follows: Chair/Co-Chair Falen Salloum - Chair Nathalie Laliberte - Co-Chair

Secretary Erica McBride

Teacher Rep Paul Marcanio

School Admin Team Maria Kalintzakos (Principal) Iona Newman-Jobity (Vice Principal)

Treasure/Co-Treasure Nathalie Laliberte

Non teaching staff Member

Community Rep

School council allows parents an opportunity to have ongoing participation and input into improving the school. All parents are welcome to join us at our next School Council meeting which will be held on Nov. 18th at 6:00 in the Library Learning Commons . Dates for upcoming meetings: Jan. 13th, Feb. 24th, April 6th, May 11th

News from the Departments and Clubs ...

Music: Music Department News November 2019 

The music department is in full swing. The grades 7 and 8 bands have started rehearsals for our upcoming performances. The grade 6 instrumental classes have started to learn the first notes of their instruments. Students should be bringing their instruments home to practice regularly.

“GPS” (Grade Performance System) Program All students in Grades 7 and 8 instrumental classes have received the “GPS” booklet. The program is designed to build upon fundamental musical skills, such as technique, sound production, composition and musicality. Grade 7 classes will be working on Tasks #1 to 3 in November. Grade 8 classes have been working on Task #11 and will focus on Tasks #13 and 14 in November. Students will be provided with verbal and/or written feedback when they share each task with Mrs. McAlpine. Although some class time will be provided to practise the tasks, home practise is required to progress. Students can also practise in the music room during designated lunch hours, which are posted on the weekly music announcement slide.

Erin Mills Curriculum Night When Mrs. McAlpine approached our Grades 7 and 8 Instrumental classes for volunteers to play at the Erin Mills Curriculum Night, the response was enthusiastic. Mrs. McAlpine was so impressed by how eager students were to prepare and be a part of the Open House. Many thanks go to:

Tobias, Gurshan, Jeffree, Deni, Sheena, Ayva, Addison, Teagan, Grace, Stella, Lily, Avery Ava, Dana, Aahna, Esha,Seth, Sanath, Liam R, Reid, Eason, Morgan, Chris and Mya M. Your time and talent is very appreciated!

Upcoming Performances: November 11th: Grade 8 Band performance for Remembrance Day Assembly. Parents are welcome to attend. The assembly will start at 9:45 a.m. December 5th : Erin Mills Music Department Winter Concert . As well as the bands, the concert will showcase small groups. It promises to be a great evening of music. Further details will be provided in the coming weeks.

Band Rehearsals: Grade 6 Band : Will begin in November. Tuesday mornings 7:00-7:50 a.m. The first rehearsal will be announced on Google Classroom. Grade 7 Band : Rehearsals every Wednesday from 7:00 -7:50 a.m.. Grade 8 Band : Rehearsals every Thursday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

❖ It is very important that students attend band regularly. We are preparing for various performances and in order to progress, full attendance is required at each rehearsal. If students are

unable to attend (i.e., appointments, absences), please let Mrs. McAlpine know directly.

Media Arts

Media Arts Music classes have been developing a foundation of musical knowledge by reviewing the elements of music (i.e., rhythm, melody, dynamics, tempo). Students have listened to different styles of music, analyzed music and developed presentations to teach their classes about an element of music. This foundation will help students understand music well when listening, creating and performing music. Classes will learn how to apply elements of music in performance by creating “Stomp” performances. Students will develop rhythmic performances using found sound (i.e., body percussion such as clapping/stomping, objects in the classroom). The Media Arts team of Mrs. McAlpine, Ms. Gillis, Mrs. Volante, Ms. Recoskie, Ms. Ashley, Mr. Milutinovich and Ms. Strachan are looking forward to seeing the creative performances!

Poinsettia Fundraiser

The music department will be selling poinsettia plants as a fundraiser for both the Instrumental and Media Arts programs. In past years, the fundraiser enabled us to purchase drum sets, music instruments and stereo equipment. A goal for this year is to purchase student licenses for an online Theory Program called “Breezin’ Thru Theory.” This program would be an asset and support students’ musical development. An information form has been distributed to students and is also included in this newsletter. Orders can be placed through cash on-line by November 10th. If you are unable to complete the order through cash online, please fill out the order on the information sheet. Please bring the order form and cash in an envelope to Mrs. McAlpine by November 11th. If you need additional information, email Mrs. McAlpine at melanie.mcalpine@peelsb.com. Orders can be picked up on Wednesday November 27th from 2:30-4:00 p.m. If you are not able to pick up the order at this time, please contact Mrs. McAlpine to make alternate arrangements. Thank-you for your continued support! Mrs. McAlpine (Instrumental Music)

  

ERIN MILLS MIDDLE SCHOOL Music Department 

The Music Department of Erin Mills Middle School will be selling 8 inch pots of Poinsettia from Zomers Greenhouse. With the proceeds from the sale we will purchase instructional material, equipment and

instruments to benefit both the media arts and instrumental programs.

Cost $ 19.00 per 8 inch pot Comes in red, white, pink,

OR tri-colour (3 plants -red, white, pink) in one 8 inch pot

PLEASE NOTE: Preferred payment must be made on School cash online by November 10th, 2019

Orders may be picked up at the school on Wednesday November 27 th from 2:30-4:00 p.m. A reminder synervoice will be sent out prior.

Please email Mrs. McAlpine at melanie.mcalpine@peelsb.com if you need to make alternate arrangements

for pick up. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If unable to pay using school cash online – please fill the chart below and send it in with CASH in an envelope to Mrs. McAlpine by Monday November 11th.

Name of Student

Student Homeroom

Red White Pink Tri- Colour

Total

Visual Art Erin Mills   

As October comes to an end, students in all grades are finishing their various art assignments. Grade 8 

students have taken some portrait photographs that challenge the way we look at the world around us, and 

created portrait collages focusing on form and emphasis. Grade 7 students have completed their 

LineDesign&Me assignments that allowed them to explore the expressive qualities of line while emphasizing 

who they are as individuals. Grade 6 and 7 students have also been working on their finishing touches of 

their ATC’s (Artist Trading Cards) and are getting ready to trade them with each other in the beginning days 

of November. Students in Grade 6 have also been exploring watercolour techniques, colour theory, different 

styles of abstract art, and exploring a variety of ways to apply paint to a canvas.  

 

As we progress into the month of November, students in Grade 8 will be looking to themselves for 

inspiration as they paint self-portraits that convey their inner selves. Along with Grade 7 students, students 

in Grade 8 will be completing a book study while studying illustrative techniques. Students in Grade 7 have 

also started going outside during Visual Art classes to create Art In Nature sculptures using materials found 

in our local forest. Students in Grade 6, have started painting watercolour abstracts on watercolour paper, 

and will be using their painting skills to create illustrations for notecards.   

 

*A reminder to all Visual Art students to please get a sketchbook to bring with you to all your classes. 

**Our Visual Art Google Class Code is vlk2n 

 

 

Visit us on Instagram @arterinmills. 

 

LET’S WORK TOGETHER TOWARDS A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!

If you require a hard copy. Please see Mrs Newman-Jobity to receive a copy.