Karen Rocca, Principal

Heather Thomas, Vice-Principal

Liz Cook, Superintendent

Carrie Andrews, Trustee

Kathy McDonald, Trustee

Visit our website at: http://schools.peelschools.org/1406/Pages/default.aspx

Follow us on Twitter: @alomaalligators

Aloma Crescent February Newsletter

From the Principal’s Pen... Dates and Reminders

February 7th Report cards come home

Student report cards will be sent come with your child. Please remem-ber to sign page three and return it to

the school.

February 8th Professional Activity Day

A reminder to all of our Aloma Families that there is no school for

students on this day.

February 22nd Character Assembly

Please join us at 9:30 am to cele-brate the attribute of inclusivity and recognize some deserving award

recipients.

February 27th Black History Month Assembly

Please join us at 11:40am in the Gym for a celebration of our learning

around Black History Month

February 27th Family Math Night

Aloma families are invited to join us for our annual family math night

beginning at 6:00pm. We will have an EQAO presentation for grade 2

and 3 families before this at 5:30pm in the gym.

Hello Aloma families, January definitely went out with a bang with the drastic change in weather—extreme cold and snow. Please be aware that we do modify the amount of time spent out doors during cold weather according to the Peel DSB guidelines; however students will be outside even when the weather is cold. Please be sure to send students to school with warm clothing for these cold days.

February is recognized as Black History Month in Peel and we will have a celebration at Aloma on February 27th in our gym. Families are welcome to join us for this event. We will also have a student learning carousel throughout the month and a small group of students will visit the board office to learn and return to school to share their knowledge.

You may have noticed that our Chat & Chai sessions have been missing. They’re not gone, but rather on hiatus. Please watch for these returning in March. We will however see the return of some other events in February. Our Family Math Night is on the 27th and will once again be combined with our Grade 3 EQAO parent information night. Our much coveted gift baskets will be available again for families that stay for the entire event. We’re looking forward to seeing you there.

We are also looking forward to the return of our Cozy Up and Read program that takes place in the mornings. This is a lovely way to start you day by coming into the library to read with your children while enjoying a light snack/breakfast. Please watch for more information with the actual start date.

On February 7th Grade 1-5 Term 1 Report Cards as well as Kindergarten Communication of Learning reports will be sent home with students. As with each report, parents are invited to communicate with teachers about their child’s progress. There is no formal interview day in February; teachers will connect with parents to arrange a mutually agreeable time to discuss if needed. This is a time to celebrate your child’s successes and to help them identify goals for the upcoming term. On February 8th there will be NO SCHOOL for students as staff engage in professional learning.

I hope everyone enjoys Family Day on Monday, February 18th—a long weekend to enjoy some extra time together! Look for fun activities taking place throughout Brampton!

Mrs. Rocca

Lunchroom Supervisors Needed

If you are interested in applying for the paid position of a supply Lunch Room Supervisor, please submit your cover letter and resume to Mrs. Thomas.

Your Character is Showing…

At our January student recognition assembly the following students received

awards for outstanding demonstration of the character trait of HONESTY:

Liliy Laila Lillian Tejas Naya Mithun

Erna Denisha Lama Stanley Varshika Logan

Eiman Anvi Ayana Nico Margaret Cristain

Kinan Kaleigha Kanishka Mauricia Jordan Sanah

Karman Ahmad David Rida Taym Harsha

Sage Kashvi Judy Yusuf

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone on this achievement!

In February, we demonstrate the attribute of INCLUSIVENESS by:

*Welcoming and engaging others

*Treating everyone with respect and value

*Approaching situations free of prejudice

*Reaching out to others in a fair and equitable manner

*Respecting differences

Aloma invites families to attend our Annual Family Math Night and

EQAO Information Session!

Please mark February 27th on your calendars as Aloma is having its annual EQAO Information Session

followed by Math Night. Families of grade 2 and 3 students can attend the EQAO session from

5:30 – 6:00 p.m. to find out more details about the Grade 3 EQAO testing. Math Night follows from

6:00 – 7:15 p.m. with hands-on activities lead by grade-level teams. Families will have the opportunity to

engage in math through the use of manipulatives and technology. And of course,

there will be math-inspired prizes! Hope to see you all there.

Aloma puts the spotlight on Black Heritage

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, students, staff and parents from across Peel will participate in a number of activities that promote the understanding of the many contributions made by black Canadians. Watch for updates

in class newsletters on how Black History Month is being celebrated at Aloma.

How to report absences when School Messenger is experiencing technical

issues

Recently before the Winter break, the SafeArrival system, provided by School Messenger, experienced problems reporting absences through the App and website. While School Messenger works diligently to fix any technical issues, parents/guardians are reminded that absences can always be reported by calling the School Messenger toll-free number 1-855-209-6155 even when the App and website are inaccessible.

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 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 inter-view 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 ensure that you can continue volunteering in the next school year. Forms will be mailed home in February.

Help your family stay warm this winter

Peel Public Health recommends the following cold weather guidelines for preventing cold-weather injuries:

Reduce amount of time children (grade 8 and under) spend outdoors when the temperature is –20 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without the wind chill.

Keep children indoors when the temperature is -25 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without wind chill. Some medical conditions may increase sensitivity to cold. Parents should consult their physician (Source: Environment Canada).

Allow indoor breaks if children say they are feeling cold or during extreme temperatures.

Ensure children are dressed warmly, covering exposed skin: insulated boots, winter weight coats, mittens, hats, neck warmers.

Change wet clothing or footwear immediately.

Although these conditions are unlikely to occur during the school day, ensure that all staff are able to recognize and treat symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. Given plenty of warm fluids to prevent dehydration.

When children are outside, be watchful for shivering or signs of numbness in faces, ears, hands or feet.

Educate children in dealing with cold weather: drinking plenty of fluids, dressing warmly, and recognizing signs of cold injury.

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 available on Twitter

@Peelschools, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools,

www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010

or 1-800-668-1146. It is usually also announced on the radio and tele-

vision stations listed below:

VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 BREAKFAST TELEVISION CTV

NEWS AM680 CFNY FM102.1/AM640 City News

CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1 BFRB

NEWSTALK1010AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CITYPULSE

CJBC(FR) AM860 FM Z103.5 GLOBAL NEWS

FM 93.1 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 FM Q107

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 bus-

es are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of mu-

nicipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that re-

quire 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 stu-

dents and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also can-

celled, 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.

What if my child does not go to school due to a bus cancellation or inclement weather? If your child will be absent as a result of a bus cancellation or you choose to keep your child home due to inclement weather, parents/guardians must report the absence using one of the following methods:

For elementary K-8 students: report it through SafeArrival by calling 1-855-209-6155 or visiting go.schoolmessenger.ca

For secondary students: call the school office directly

Winter bus safety

The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the win-ter months. Allow extra time to get to your bus stop. Wear bright clothing so the bus can see you in

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talk to your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions: When possible, wait with your child for the

bus. Make sure your child knows a phone number

where he can reach you or another trusted adult.

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

Help your child set up a bus stop buddy sys-tem so your child has someone to wait with for the bus.

Peel Public Health tips to prevent and beat the flu

During the winter season, it’s important to take precautions to avoid and help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses such as influenza or “the flu.” Influenza is a disease that affects the air-ways and the lungs. The flu can spread from person to person and can sometimes cause severe illnesses. Peel Public Health has provided these tips to help reduce the risk of becoming ill or spreading the flu:

Get your annual flu shot: It’s not too late to get your annual flu shot. Visit your physician, a walk-in clinic, a pharmacy or find another location near you that is offering the free influ-enza vaccine.

Stay home when you'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.

Practise 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 the tissue in the trash after it’s used. If they don’t have a tissue, they should cough or sneeze into their sleeve or elbow. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way.

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

There are many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots:

Peel flu clinics

Family Doctors’ offices

Walk-in clinics

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

What you need to know about head lice

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 symp-

toms. 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 immedi-ately 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 be-fore 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 insec-ticides:

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.

Peel Learning Foundation aims to create hopeful tomorrows for Peel

board students Peel Learning Foundation, a community-based, charitable organization, will officially introduce itself to the Peel community at a launch event on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019. In partnership with the Peel District School Board, the 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.

A launch event will be held at the HJA Brown Education Centre, located at 5650 Hurontario St. in Mississauga, from 9 to 10 a.m. on Feb. 22. The foundation’s inaugural board of directors will be present as well as other guests. The event includes a perfor-mance by Mayfield Secondary School students and information booths. To RSVP for the launch event, visit

www.PeelLearningFoundation.org/launch.

Individuals or organizations who are interested in learning more about and supporting the foundation can visit

www.PeelLearningFoundation.org.

They can also follow the foundation on Twitter and Facebook and use the hashtag #CreateHope to join the conversation.

Your relationship with your child will evolve throughout the various stages of their development. Having a strong relationship and bond with your child is key to their social and emotional health and well-being. Focusing on your relationship with your child throughout the years can help your child face times of stress and those inevitable challenging times during their lives. With Valentine’s Day on February 14th and Family Day on the 18th, February is a great time to reflect on ways to bond with your child. Here are some tips that can help your family stay connected over time:

Family Meals: Catching up during family dinners is a great way to keep connected. During the early years family meals may be a chance to share “one happy thing about your day” however, as your child grows it is a chance to hear about their accomplishments and their struggles. It is a great time to disconnect from technology and give them your undivided attention.

Family Rituals and Routines: These can be helpful in ensuring that quality family time will happen. For example, you may want to consider having a family movie night or a game night. Family traditions and rituals are a way to have consistent quality time where there is mutual enjoyment and there is a shared sense of belonging.

Family Outings: Setting some time for outings could be another great way to enjoy your child. Outings don’t need to be expensive. A family walk in the trails or a bike ride to your family’s favourite coffee shop or a drive to a new ice cream shop are all great outings that can continue over the years.

Individual Time: Spending one on one quality time with your child will keep you connected and in the loop. Individual date nights with your child will make your young one feel special and they will appreciate your undivided attention. As they get older, it is a good way for your child to share their feelings about various topics and what is happening in their social life, espe-cially in the teen years.

Celebrating your Child’s Achievements: Your child will feel appreciated and important when their achievements are acknowledged, and their hobbies are supported. This can be as simple as a pat on the back or a verbal expression of their hard work and dedication. Watching them play a sport or play a musical instrument at a school concert can make your child feel valued and cared for, at any age.

Register today for Adult ESL or LINC classes

Do you know an adult that is interested in improving their English language skills for work, study or daily life? Through the Continuing & Adult Education department, the Peel District School Board offers a wide variety of English language classes that help parents experience success in Canadian English in both listening/speaking and reading/writing. Courses are designed for a range of basic, intermediate and advanced English (Levels 1 to 7) as well as the more experienced learner needing to prepare for an IELTS exam. Winter courses begin February 4, 2019. All learners that complete a session will earn a certificate of learning from the Peel District School Board. Classes operate from six locations in Brampton and Mississauga with three specially designed adult centres at:

Bramalea - Adult Education Centre at Bramalea Secondary School- 510 Balmoral Drive

Brampton - Adult Education Centre - #300 - 7700 Hurontario Street

Mississauga - Adult Education Centre - 100 Elm Drive West, Room 117

To learn more or to register, call 905-270-6000. Course regis-trations are ongoing till the end of the semester. Also visit www.peelschools.org/adulteducation or follow us on Twitter: @PDSBLearnESL

School Council Every School has a school council, a group focused on helping students succeed. Councils provide a voice for parents and/or

guardians as well as the community, and offer advice to the school principal on a number of topics.

Our next council meeting of this school year will be on Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019. We will hold two identical meetings in

the library: one during the day at 9:10 am and an evening meeting at 5:45 pm.

If you would like to know more about our council, please contact:

Our principal, Karen Rocca, or

Our school council co-chairs at Alomacresps.council@peesb.com

Annual Report to the Community Peel board’s 2017-18 Annual Report captures our

commitment to #WeInspire

At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student – each and every day. This year's Annual Report captures the incredible work that took place in Peel schools and work sites during the 2017-18 school year, and that continues to happen every day. View the annual report at www.peelschools.org/aboutus/annualreport

PLASP Child Care Registration for 2019-2020 School Year

PLASP Child Care Services is now accepting registrations for programs in our school for the 2019/2020 school year.

Please visit plasp.com for information or to register Please contact us if you have any questions or would like to

request anything further.

ALOMA CRESCENT P.S. F e b ru a ry 2 0 1 9

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Pizza Day

2

3 4

5 6

7

Report Cards sent home

8

P.A. Day

No School for

Students

9

10 11 12

13

14

Valentine’s

Day

15

Pizza Day

16

17 18

Family Day

No school

19

20

21

22 Character Assembly 9:30 am in the Gym

Pizza Day

23

24 25

Last Day to

place Pizza

Orders for

March!

26

Fire Safety

Presentation

Gr. 1-5

27

Black History Month Assembly 11:40am

EQAO Information

Session 5:30-6:00pm in the Gym

Family Math Night 6:00-7:15pm

28