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McBride Avenue Public School
November 2020
Principal: Gillyan GarciaVice-Principal: Ryan FarrellOffice Manager: Monika CameronSuperintendent: Darren Van HooydonkTrustee Ward 6/11: Robert Crocker
974 McBride Avenue, Mississauga Ontario L5C 1L6
Phone: 905-270-6414Safe Arrival: 1-855-209-6155
http://schools.peelschools.org/1377A Note From The Office …
McBride families,We hope that you are settling into routines and that students are enjoying connecting and learning, both online and in school. We had our first School Council meeting on Wednesday October 28 th and appreciated the input from our community members. We are looking for feedback around the timing of the meetings. Please refer to the School Council section (next page) for more information.
Please note some of the upcoming dates for November. Progress Reports and Kindergarten Communication of Learning will be emailed to student emails on November 6 th. Please note that these reports may look different than previous years. Much of September was spent establishing both online and in-school learning environments and welcoming students back to school routines. Phone or virtual interviews will be scheduled for November 12th or 13th, but please remember that you can reach out to your child’s teacher for input at any time.
When students are online please remember that cameras should remain on throughout the learning blocks. Teachers are gathering data on student learning through conversations and observations, and use this data to measure student progress.
We are asking that all students come prepared with a packed lunch in the morning. Due to Covid protocols, we would like to avoid lunches being dropped off during the day.
Thank you again for all of your support. Please feel free to reach out anytime.
Gillyan GarciaPrincipal
Dates to RememberA Word From School Council …Welcome, McBride families! Want to know more about the McBride school council? We are focused on student success.
The purpose of the school council is to help improve student achievement and to enhance the accountability of the education system to parents.
The council advises the principal about important issues:
promoting effective communication between the school and parents supporting McBride’s School Success planning goals encouraging parent and community involvement in our school promoting positive attitudes towards public education adherence to school and board policies, guidelines, and initiatives that affect
student achievement and board accountability to parents
The school’s priorities for the 2020-21 school year are:
Safety is our number one priority Focus on mental health, physical and mental well-being for everyone at McBride Equity and inclusion, dismantling systemic racism
Our next council meeting is tentatively scheduled for Dec 16. The meeting will be conducted virtually. Come join us and let your voices be heard!
Your Voice Counts!
We held our first virtual School Council meeting on October 28, 2020. Please see the school website for the minutes and dates of our upcoming meetings. We are looking for your feedback! Please email [email protected] and let us know your preferred time for School Council online meetings. Please include the following statement and your choice:
I would be more likely to attend School Council meetings if they were held:a) During the School Day (before 3pm)b) After School (3pm-5pm)c) In the evening (7pm)
Remembrance Day
All students (both online and in school) will be participating in events to recognize Remembrance Day on November 11th. In school students will receive a poppy, donated by the Royal Canadian Legion. We will not be accepting any cash at school this year, but you may wish to consider donating online at https://legion.ca/donations .
Peel Public Health shares tips to help prevent the flu amidst a pandemic
It’s flu season and we want to make sure students stay as healthy as possible. Getting the flu shot this year is more important than ever, in order to reduce the chance of having an illness that can be confused for COVID-19. 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 defense against the flu. The flu virus changes frequently so you need to get the vaccine every Fall. There are many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots by appointment only:
Family Doctors’ offices Walk-in clinics Pharmacies
Remember to physically distance and wear a mask at the clinic to help protect yourself and others. Be sure to contact your healthcare provider to book an appointment, as walk-ins are not accepted due to COVID-19 safety measures.
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.
Nov. 27 opportunity to say 'thanks' on Peel Custodial & Maintenance Workers’ Day
In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Friday in November as Peel Custodial and Maintenance Workers’ Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, Nov. 27, 2020. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of custodial and maintenance workers and their hard work and commitment to well-being and safety.
Traffic safety in our community
Safety is a top priority at our school. Here is a list of traffic tips to keep students, staff and parents safe while commuting to and from school.
Respect traffic signs and road markers around the school. Drive slowly and with caution on and near school property. Adhere to the posted speed limits on any
surrounding streets used by students on their way to and from school. Always yield to pedestrian traffic. Wait for students, staff members and parents to cross before driving
past them. When dropping your child off at the school, use the Kiss'n'Ride area. This is a supervised area that is
designed to keep students safe. Do not double park or do anything else to block traffic or draw your child off the curb and into traffic.
Do not take shortcuts over curbs. Have your child ready to exit the car when you reach the curb. Say goodbye to your child before you
park at the curb to let your child out of your car. During regular drop-off times, students are to remain in the car until it is safe for them to exit the car
onto the curb. Follow the directions of staff or volunteers on duty in the school parking lot and treat staff, students,
volunteers, passengers and other drivers with respect. Consider parking a few blocks away and walking a short distance to school. This will give you time to
talk to your children about their day, review new vocabulary words, math concepts, etc. Remind your child to only cross the street at an intersection or crosswalk. They should never “jaywalk”
by crossing in the middle of the street. Students who bike to school should always wear a helmet, and follow all traffic laws. They should only
cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection – never in the middle of the road.
Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists
Does your child/teen have an intense sports or arts training and competition schedule that makes it difficult to attend school regularly? The Peel District School Board’s Peel Region High Performers Program will offer flexible timetabling to accommodate student athletes and artists with demanding practice, competition, rehearsal and/or performance schedules.
Peel Region High Performers Program is offered at: Britannia Public School (grades 4 to 5) Dolphin Sr. Public School (grades 6 to 8) Mississauga Secondary School (grades 9 to 12)
For more information, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers or contact the school.Winter bus safety
The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter 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 properly—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. Peel Public Health’s physical distancing guidelines must be followed at all times while waiting at
the bus stops. To the extent that physical distancing may not be possible, the use of non-medical masks for students in Grades 1 to 12 will be required on school vehicles. Students in Kindergarten will be strongly encouraged but not required to wear masks on student transportation. Exceptions should be made for students with medical conditions or special needs that prevent masking.
On very rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions or mechanical problems. 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 system so your child has someone to wait with for the bus.
Due to various challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing of bus routes may be impacted. This could also impact the timing of routes. Families are encouraged to subscribe to Student Transportation of Peel Region’s notification system to monitor delays and cancellations.
The Region of Peel’s Community Safety and Well-being Plan
Working together to tackle issues related to family violence, mental health and addiction issues and systemic discrimination
Too many Peel families and youth struggle to thrive due to family violence, mental health and addictions issues and systemic discrimination. Directly or indirectly, these topics impact the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. They need a comprehensive and collaborative approach to create meaningful change.
That’s why people and organizations are working together to create Peel’s first Community Safety and Well-being Plan. For the first time, over 25 organizations, including emergency services, school boards, health and social service providers and governments are working together to tackle these key issues. Over 400 residents have been engaged in the Plan’s creation.
The Plan will drive collective action towards creating a safe, inclusive and connected community where all residents thrive. It will do this by ensuring access to services and supports that advance safety, connectedness and well-being.
Plan development has been underway since late 2018 and is expected to be completed later this year.
Learn more at www.peelregion.ca/community-safety-and-well-being/.
Keep your child’s eyes healthy
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.
Is French Immersion right for my child?
If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2021, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to apply for the French Immersion (FI) program.
To find out the FI school your child would attend, visit www.peelschools.org/French or call the school in your area. Grade 1 French Immersion important dates for the 2021-22 school year
Information night Details about the information night will be shared with families soon and made available at www.peelschools.org/French
Nov. 26, 2020
Applications open Apply at www.peelschools.org/French
Monday, Nov. 30, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
Application deadline Applications received after this date will be put on a waiting list.
Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
The Peel board has a limited number of spaces available for students interested in grade 1 French Immersion. A random selection process is used to determine which students will be offered spaces in the grade 1 FI program.
For more information visit www.peelschools.org/French call your nearest French Immersion school connect with families who have children in the French Immersion program visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca
Is Extended French right for my child?
If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2021, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to apply for the Extended French (EF) program.
To find out the EF school your child would attend, visit www.peelschools.org/French or call the school in your area.
Grade 7 Extended French dates for the 2021-22 school year Information night Details about the information night will be shared with families soon and made available at www.peelschools.org/French
Nov. 26, 2020
Applications open Apply at www.peelschools.org/French
Monday, Nov. 30, 2020 at 8:30 a.m.
Application deadline Applications received after this date will be put on a waiting list.
Friday, Jan. 29, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
A random selection process is used to determine which students will be offered spaces in the grade 7 EF program. Applications for grade 7 Extended French will only be considered for students who are currently registered in an English program and have not been previously in a French Immersion program. Students currently enrolled in grade 6 French Immersion will continue grade 7 in the French Immersion program.
For more information visit www.peelschools.org/French call your nearest Extended French school connect with families who have children in the Extended French program visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca
Regional Learning Choices Programs empower students to unlock their passionsRegional Learning Choices Programs offered by the Peel District School Board empower students by providing them with opportunities to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. Regional programs are open to all students who meet the criteria for acceptance. Students and families are encouraged to visit www.peelschools.org/regionalprograms to learn about the programs, application details and how supports are available to help families choose the program(s) of their choice.
Transportation is not provided for students in regional programs. If students have been accepted into a regional program and they live within the school boundary, they are only eligible for busing if they meet the distance criteria outlined in the board’s Transportation Policy #39.
All regional programs include annual fees, including a non-refundable $40 application fee, except the Regional Skilled Trades and Transportation Engineering and Technology programs, which are offered at no cost. Please note that supports are available for families who are interested in applying and may require financial assistance – please speak with your principal. Important dates to note:
Applications open Applications close ELEMENTARY Jan. 25, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 8, 2021 at 3 p.m. SECONDARY Nov. 9, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23, 2020 at 3 p.m.
Programs Schools offered at Starts in grade:6 7 9
Actively in Motion (AIM) Royal Orchard MS
Advanced Placement Central Peel SS, John Fraser SS
Arts Elementary / Secondary
Elementary: Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in grade 7) / Secondary: Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS
Arts and Technology Morning Star MS
Graphic Design Management T.L. Kennedy SS
International Baccalaureate (IB) IB Elementary / IB Secondary
Elementary: Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PSSecondary: Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS
International Business and Technology (IBT) IBT Elementary / IBT Secondary
Elementary: Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS, Secondary: Meadowvale SS, North Park SS, T.L. Kennedy SS
International and Executive Leadership Academy
T.L. Kennedy SS
Regional Skilled Trades Judith Nyman SS, West Credit SS
SciTech Elementary / Secondary
Elementary: Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS Secondary: Chinguacousy SS, Port Credit SS
Sports Applewood Heights SS
Strings Central Peel SS, Port Credit SS
Transportation Engineering and Technology
Bramalea SS
For more information about program information nights, busing and the application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms.
Coping in Uncertain Times: 5 Tips for Caregivers and YouthFrom the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team
Why are some people more affected by uncertainty than others? How can we cope in times of uncertainty and how can we support our children and teens to do the same? “Uncertainty tolerance” is our ability to accept and cope with uncertain/ambiguous situations. People with higher tolerance for uncertainty are better able to accept and adapt to outcomes they can’t predict or control, whereas, people with lower tolerance for uncertainty are more likely to experience anxiety and stress associated with the unknown. How do I know if I (or my child) am experiencing difficulty tolerating uncertainty?Common behaviours that people show when they have difficulty tolerating uncertainty may include:
Seeking repeated reassurance from others that things will “be okay” or “turn out fine” Asking repeated questions about how situations will play out or what is to come in the future Checking and double-checking (e.g., repeatedly checking social media/news outlets for
updates, rereading emails or assignments to ensure they are perfect) Avoiding situations or delaying tasks that provoke anxiety or where the outcome is uncertain Engaging in a stream of distracting activities to avoid having to think about uncertainty
So how can I (or my child) get better at coping with uncertainty?The good news is that the skill of tolerating uncertainty is much like a muscle. If we practice coping with uncertain situations, we can improve at doing so. Here are a few tips to get started:
1. Mindfulness practice. Being mindful can teach us how to experience the discomfort of uncertainty, without trying to change or eliminate it. Individually or with your child, try incorporating mindful breathing (bit.ly/MindfulBreathing01) or a body scan (bit.ly/BodyScan01) practice into your day.
2. Coping thoughts. Come up with a few coping thoughts to keep on hand to use in moments of stress and uncertainty. You may say to yourself: “I have felt uncertain before, but I got through it,” or “no one can predict the future, so I will focus on doing the best I can in this moment.”
3. Do the opposite. Do the opposite of any behaviors you use to control the discomfort of uncertainty (e.g., if you constantly check newsfeeds for updates, try to limit yourself to one or two checks per day). It may be uncomfortable at first, but you will likely learn that uncertainty is not as bad as you feared.
4. Focus on what you can control. Make a list of things that worry you and divide them up into “things I can control” and “things I can’t control.” Make a conscious choice to focus on the list you can control. For example, we can’t control if schools remain open, but we can practice proper physical distancing.
5. Make progress on a skill or hobby. By experiencing progress and creating forward movement in life areas that are within our control, we can establish a better sense of certainty for ourselves. Consider engaging in daily exercise, starting a small home project, or making artwork etc.
For more tips and resources to navigate mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.peelschools.org/reopening and click Mental Health and Well-Being Supports. To follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find us on Twitter @MHRTPeel.
Adapted from “Intolerance of Uncertainty” by Anxiety Canada (https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/intolerance-of-uncertainty) and “6 Tips for Coping In Uncertain Times” by Dr. Sabrina Stutz (bit.ly/6TipsCHOC)
1 in 5 students attending school in Peel Region face barriers related to poverty that prevent them from fully participating in school.
As students have returned for a new (and very different) school year, the Peel Learning Foundation is working hard to support students in need throughout the Peel District School Board.
For many students, the uncertainties we are feeling are part of their every day. More than 27,000 Peel District School Board students face barriers from poverty and wonder if they will have basic necessities, such as food, proper clothing, hygiene items or school supplies.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the lived experiences of students, families and staff members in different and significant ways. We know that some people within certain identity groups have been impacted in disproportionate ways. Since March, the Peel Learning Foundation has been helping all along – here’s one example:
“This family is under great stress with the COVID-19 situation. They are isolated and have no family support. Mom is trying to manage three students at home on her own. The Peel Learning Foundation grant will help
with groceries and greatly reduce stress; allowing mom to take better care of her children.”
Though the Peel Learning Foundation’s Student Emergency Needs and Student Backpack programs, we help students overcome barriers so they can achieve personal excellence in school.
We hope that you will consider a donation to the Peel Learning Foundation. Your gift of:
$25 (or $2/month) buys a grocery card to buy lunches for a hungry student for one week. $55 (or $4.60/month) will purchase a backpack filled with all the supplies needed for one student. $100 (or $8.30/month) will purchase a new winter coat and boots so a child arrives at school
warm, happy and ready to learn.
Your gift can create hopeful tomorrows for students. Each of these gifts might seem small, but for students we have already helped, the impact is big. And it makes a difference. To learn more, visit www.peellearningfoundation.org/how.
@PeelLearningFDN l /PeelLearningFDN l peellearningfoundation
