10125 Chinguacousy Road, Brampton, ON L7A 3Z6 Phone: 905-595-1655 Fax: 905-595-1656 Principal: J. deMelo Vice–Principal: L. Hart

Office Manager: C. D’Costa Office Assistant: B. Rudan Trustee: S. Nurse Superintendent: Mark Haarmann

School Website: www.schools.peelschools.org/1418/ Twitter: @MandelaPS “No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.” Nelson Mandela

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SIGN UP FOR EMAIL UPDATES!

http://schools.peelschools.org/1418/Pages/default.aspx

Celebrating Student Success

COMMUNITY GATHERING—APRIL 2015

Congratulations to our April Award Winners

Dates to Remember

1 Pita Day

PEEL Board Chess Tournament

5 Grades 3—5 Cross Country Meet at Heart Lake

8 Jump Rope for Heart—School

Wide Skipping Day

11 Professional Development

Day—NO SCHOOL

11-15 Police Appreciation Week

13 New to Kindergarten—Parent

Meeting—6 p.m.

15 Pancake Breakfast

Fundraiser—8 a.m—9 a.m.

Pizza Day

18 Victoria Day—NO SCHOOL

19 Asian Heritage Assembly /

Fashion Show—9:30 a.m.

21 Forest of Reading Celebration

22 Community Gathering

Assembly—9:30 a.m.

25 Grade 5 Trip—Jack Smythe

Field Centre

26 Kindergarten—Chinguacousy

Park Field Trip—Group 1

28 Grade 4/5 Soccer Team—North

Brampton Soccer Tournament

Grade 1 PAMA visits

Kindergarten—Chinguacousy

Park Field Trip—Group 2

29 Pizza Day

Cultural Spirit Day

It was our privilege to celebrate the Grand Opening of Nelson Mandela with so many families. We are here to serve our community and support your children. The work we do would not be possible without you. Thank you for being part of this momentous occasion. We look forward to continuing to shape and build our school to support student success. We are happy to see so many more families walking. Please remember to respect staff who are directing traf-fic and managing the kiss and ride as their number priority is STUDENT SAFETY! Please use the cross walk and do not cut across the parking lot. We need your help to solve this problem. Please continue to work in partnership with us.

Nelson Mandela Public School Official Grand Opening

Here is the link: https://youtu.be/4tOpG8k_a18

Please check our Grand

Opening video:

Page 2 Mandela Moments

Health & Physical Education News

On April 2nd, Nelson Mandela Public School hosted our first basketball tournament. We had 8 teams from the various Peel Schools come in and compete in our invitational tournament. Our very own Nelson Mandela basketball team played fantastic. In our first game against Ridgeview Public School, our Lions showed great team spirit and team play. It was a nail-bitter of a game where both teams went back and forth scoring points. In the last minute of the game, our Lions scored and won the match to a final score of 8-6. In our next two round robin games, our Lions continued their great performance. We finished 3rd place in our division and earned a playoff spot after round robin games. Our Lions ran out of gas in the playoffs and fell short losing to Hickory Wood Public School in a hard fought game. Special thanks go to all members on the Grade 4/5 basketball team. Great job Lions!!! Also, a thank you to our referees from Fletcher's Meadow Secondary School, who took time out of their busy day to come and support our first basketball tournament – Thank you! April marked the start of our 3rd intramural season, pylon dodgeball. We are well into our season and we have over 350 students participating during nutrition breaks. Intramural games will continue as we move into the month of May and students are asked to listen attentively to the morning announcements for game schedules. For more intramural information, please visit our Phys. Ed bulletin board. Looking ahead:

Grade 3,4,5 Cross Country

Grade 4/5 Coed Soccer

Grade 3,4,5 Track & Field

Grade 3 Soccer

Outdoor Education – Eldorado Park Don't forget to follow us on Twitter for more Phys.Ed updates: @Mandela_PhysEd

Nelson Mandela Community Pancake Breakfast to raise money for the Breakfast Club

Families are invited to join us for a fundraising Pancake Breakfast on Friday, May 15th from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the Nelson Mandela gym. Come join neighbours and staff for a breakfast of pancakes, fruit, juice and coffee. The cost for breakfast is $2 per person. Larger donations are welcome. The money will be used to support the Breakfast Club that provides breakfast for a number of our students every morning. We hope to see your family on May 15th for breakfast. Please come and support this great initiative.

Breakfast Club

Page 3

We are very excited that the Library will be showcasing the life cycle of butterflies. Students will be given opportunities to observe the caterpillars as they move through the various stages of their life cycle. In one of the Kindergarten classrooms, the woolly bear caterpillars have successfully returned after hibernation and the hatched moths are now laying eggs. Students will continue to investigate their living world by exploring plants, insects, and worms. Please continue to send your child in appropriate clothing as it is still cool in the morning.

Grade 4 This month we are getting ready to plan, write, edit, and publish our own narrative stories. You can support your child with their work by reading books with them and pick out some of the descriptive words that help the author paint a picture of the subject. Some classes are looking at book reports which allow students to dive into a book of their choosing and present it creatively to their class. In Social Studies we have collected our information on ancient civilizations and will prepare to share our knowledge in a "Living Museum". In Math we will continue our work on fractions and decimals. Some classes will also be looking at elapsed time and money. A great way to help your child practice these skills is through activities at home. Relate fractions while baking or cooking by measuring ingredients and asking which is larger, 1/2 or 1/3 and have your child explain their answer. Decimals and money go hand in hand when challenging your child to estimate the amount of change you will get back after a purchase. Simple questions like these support your child's learning and increases their success. In Science we will look at pulleys and gears and how

these machines impact our lives today and how they were used in older societies. We would like to wish a Happy Mother's Day to all our moms and we hope that you enjoy your special day! As always, if you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact your child's teacher so we can continue to work together for another amazing month of learning!

Mandela Moments

Grade 1

Grade 2

Grade 3

In Language we are working on Narrative writing, making connections and visualizing. In Math, we are working on Money, Linear measurement, Perimeter and Area and Probability. In Science, we are working on Air, Water and Animals.

As we welcome Spring, please ensure full names are on any outdoor toys (balls, skipping ropes, etc.) to ensure that they can be returned if lost. In our Living Things science unit, we are studying the metamorphosis of butterflies by observing the process with real caterpillars in our library! The Grade 1's will be hosting and presenting at our May Community Gathering on May 22 at 9:30. Parents are welcome to come and watch their shining stars in action!

"May the Forces be with you!!" We are currently working on forces and demonstrating movement through the creation of devices and games. We enjoyed the "eggstravagant" school opening and the process of designing and creating our eggs and narratives. The excitement is building as we prepare for the EQAO assessment. Please ensure your child is at school all day during the week of May 25th to 29th to participate in the assessments. There will be 5- 1 hour sessions throughout the week. We encourage all children to be well rested and to eat a healthy breakfast each morning.

Kindergarten

Grade 5

French News

Support Team

The Gregg LeRock concert last week was a huge success. The Grade 4 and 5 students had the opportunity to sing their favorite French songs and some of them even joined Gregg on stage for a memorable experience. Now that the warm weather is finally here, students will be spending more time outdoors involved in various sports and activities. This month, the students will be learning how to talk about their favourite sports and activities in French and learning a new song "Les quatre saisons" (The Four Seasons). The grade 5's are going to make a comic strip about a spring fun day by using Bitstrips for Schools.

Thank you to all the students, staff and families for making our first Scholastic book fair a huge success! All the proceeds will be used to purchase more books for the library and the classrooms. Thanks again for your support!

Library News

"Education is not preparation for life; it is life itself." (J. Dewey) In Language, we are looking at narrative structures, dialogue, themes and story elements that can be found in fictional texts. In Math, the grade 5's will be looking at 3D shapes and surface area along with movements in geometry (slides, flips and turns). In Social Studies, we are continuing to look at the First Nations and the effects of contact with the European Explorers with a particular emphasis on Cartier and Champlain. In Science, we are investigating human body systems and how they interact with each other. Also, it is important that you discuss with your child the benefits of good study habits as our classes transition to middle school in September. Here is a useful link to help you and your child get started: http://www.how-to-study.com/

The sun is shining and warm weather is coming. This creates the perfect opportunity to get outside, play and read! Literacy skills can be reinforced in all types of environments. Read road, park and store signs, imagine you are your favourite character and act out your favourite story, have a letter/nature scavenger hunt...these are all great ways to promote literacy. Don’t forget about math! Look for shapes in your environment, count objects in nature or plant seeds in the garden to watch them grow. We can learn a lot in nature!

Think ahead...

Research says that if a child reads 12 books at their “just right” reading level they are less likely to suffer from reading loss over the summer. Start planning your summer reading lists and take a trip to your local library.

Please check out: http://www.bramlib.on.ca/

Music Notes for April!

Before we go back to business as usual in the music room we need to thank our students, their teachers and our parents for making the Grand Opening such a success! Our students were responsible and respectful about attending the many rehearsals that were scheduled to help make us successful with our singing and dancing on April 23rd. Thank-you for your support.

This month, the choir will complete their performances for the year, on Monday, May 4th. During the first Monday of May for the past decade, the Coalition for Music Education has sponsored Music Monday’s in public schools. Elementary and high school music teachers get to celebrate music in their schools with unique performance opportunities each May. Once again this year an original song was written for the day. This year’s song is called “We are One” and was written by a talented 16 year old Connor Ross. Our choir will be performing the song along with the Mississauga band, “Aukland” in our gym on Monday, May 4th at 9:30 a.m. After the brief concert, the older choir members have been invited to attend a special Music Monday gathering at Celebration Square and to participate in music with 1800 other Peel students! It should be very exciting.

Our students also enjoyed watching a live show of classical Indian dance which was performed by the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company in our gym. The dance group told the fable of the “Wise Monkey, Foolish Crocodile” through dance and narration. Our students loved the beautiful set design, authentic Indian dance and beautiful costumes on the talented dancers.

Peel schools honour police officers during Police Appreciation Week

The Peel District School Board will pay tribute to police officers by holding Police Appreciation Week from May 10 to 16, 2015. Peel students and staff will show their appreciation for the tremendous job being done by police to protect schools, homes and communities. Police Appreciation Week coincides with National Police Week. National Police Week pays tribute to the work of police officers across Canada.

"The Peel board appreciates the dedication and commitment of police officers who work to keep our schools and communities safe," says Janet McDougald, Peel Board of Trustees Chair. "Police Appreciation Week is our way of thanking officers who dedicate themselves to protecting our community. It's also a way to give these officers the special recognition they deserve."

During this week, students, staff and parents in schools throughout Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga will honour the work of police officers and thank them for enhancing public safety and security.

Updated procedures for anaphylactic students

In order to create a safe school environment for staff and students, new procedures have been implemented for students with anaphylactic allergies.

All staff must be informed of students who have been prescribed an Epi-Pen, Epi-Pen Junior or Allerject. Two Epi-Pen/Allerjects should be available: one is stored in an accessible location for staff and students, and the other is kept with the student at all times.

Please remind your child that Epi-Pens should not be shared with other students. Epi-Pens are to be shared only in the case of an anaphylactic emergency.

On the road again: How to keep your cyclist safe

May 3 to 9 is Emergency Preparedness Week

Here are some tips you can review with your child to ensure bike season gets off to a great start:

The right fit

children should be able to straddle the bike with both feet on the ground

a bike that is too big or too small can be a safety hazard

the helmet should fit—if it's too loose, it could fall off, if it's too tight, it's uncomfortable

Get noticed

a young child's bike should be equipped with a bell and reflector, older riders should have a light and/or reflectors

Follow the rules

no riding on busy streets

no riding at night, stop for all STOP signs Actions that cause injuries

driveway ride out—not stopping and looking both ways before entering the street

running the stop sign

turning without warning

cycling in the dark

following the leader—one child goes through a stop sign or misses a parked car but the second cyclist doesn't

What is EP Week?

The first full week of May of each year is Emergency Preparedness (EP) Week. This year, we will celebrate EP week May 3 to May 9. EP Week is a nation-wide initiative to increase awareness about individual and family preparedness, emphasizing how the public can reduce the risks and consequences of an emergency by being better prepared. During this week, we promote, educate and bring about awareness concerning emergency management planning and personal preparedness.

What is the purpose?

The purpose of EP Week is to educate students, parents and the community about the importance of being prepared in the case of an emergency.

In December 2001, the Senate adopted a motion proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. Throughout May, students, staff and parents from across Peel will participate in a number of activities that promote the understanding of the many contributions made by Asian Canadians. Here is a list of Asian Heritage Month events happening at Nelson Mandela Public School:

May 19th Asian Heritage Assembly at 9:30 a.m. Origami with Mrs. Deng May 20th Selling Samosas and Spring Rolls at Nutrition Breaks May 21st Stories from Asia May 22nd Bollywood dancing

Nelson Mandela Public School puts the spotlight on Asian Heritage

Keep your child safe around train tracks

Celebrating Faith and Culture - May 2015

DATE CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

May Yansa'altt Aboriginal Spirituality

May 1 Beltane Wicca

May 2 12th Day of Ridvan Bahá'í

May 4 Wesak Day Buddhism

May 14 or 21 Ascension in Christianity Christianity

Eve of May 15 to 16 Isra and Mi’raj Islam

May 17 the month of 'Azamat Bahá'í

May 18 Victoria Day Canada

Eve of May 22 to 23 Declaration of the Báb Bahá'í

Eve of May 23-25 Shavuot Judaism

May 24 or 31 Pentecost Christianity

May 25 Sakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday Buddhism

May 25 Zarathosht-no-Diso Zoroastrianism

May 29 Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh Bahá'í

Trains are often closer and are moving faster than most motorists and pedestrians perceive. That's why all members of a family should be are aware of the importance of rail safety.

Safety steps for children

Playing on railway tracks and bridges is dangerous. Find safe, supervised and open areas (e.g., neighbourhood parks) in which to have fun.

The only way to safely cross a rail track is to use designated railway crossings.

If you must cross railway tracks, for example on your way to and from school, stop, look and listen before crossing.

It is against the law to trespass on railway property.

Safety steps for adults

Be prepared to stop at a highway/ railway crossing.

Listen for warning bells and whistles of an approaching train. Turn off, or turn down distracting fans, heaters, music/radios.

Obey the signals. Never attempt to drive under a gate as it is closing or around a closed gate. If the gate begins to close while you’re underneath, keep moving ahead until you clear the crossing.

If a police officer or a member of the train crew is directing traffic at the crossing, obey their directions.

If your vehicle stalls on the tracks, get out quickly and away from the vehicle and tracks. Move in the direction that the train is approaching from to avoid being hit by debris. Your vehicle will be swept forward by the momentum of the train.