FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK . . .

MAY 2015

T. MCELREA , PRINCIPAL

B. WEAFER , V ICE-PRINCIPAL

N. GEORGE, J. ROSE & E. RAYMOND

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

P. CAREW, SUPERINTENDENT

(905)895-5155

L. CARRUTHERS , TRUSTEE

(905)953-0562

INSIDE THIS ISSUE :

SCHOOL COUNCIL 2-3

FROM THE VP’S DESK 4

WELCOME TO KDGN. 5

SAFE, CARING AND

SUPPORTIVE SCHOOLS

6-9

INCLUSIVITY @ GPPS 10-11

EARTH WEEK @ GPPS 12

WHAT’S UP AT GPPS? 13-16

SUMMER INSTITUTE 15

GENERAL INFORMATION 17-18

TIPS FOR SEC. SCHOOL 19

INT’L LANGUAGES PROG. 20

SUCCESS ASSEMBLY 21

MAY CALENDAR 22

York Region District School Board Student Surveys

In order to provide information for Board and School planning, York Region District School Board students in Grades 5 to 12 will be invited to participate in a school survey. The survey, which is anonymous and confidential, will be conducted from April 7 to May 15, 2015 and will take place at school. The information from this survey will be used to identify areas to be addressed, monitor progress and plan strategies to support student achievement and well-being. Aligned with Board priorities, the survey will address topics includ-ing equity and inclu-sion, school safety, learning environ-ment, student well-being and other priorities. If you have ques-tions, please contact the school office.

Class Placement Process - September

Soon it will be that time of year again when schools begin the process of organizing class-rooms for September 2015. Our projected enrolment at Glad Park for September is cur-rently 810 students. We have been given our staffing allotment and are currently working on our staffing organization. While our Grade 1 and 2 FI students will be housed at Summitview P.S., the rest of our FI program continues to grow. All main building and portapak rooms will be in use again this September.

We work hard at placing students in the most posi-tive learning environ-ment possible. We take into account the pupils’ learning styles, personality traits, social dynam-ics, gender balance and any special education needs.

As in previous years at GPPS, we do not accept requests for specific teachers. Thank you for your cooperation with this matter.

Please note that class lists will not be posted until September 8th, the first day of school for the 2015-2016 school year.

Welcome to Kindergarten Evening

All new JK (and SK students who have never attended a JK program), registered at Glad Park P.S. for the 2015-2016 school year are encouraged to come with their parents/guardians for a hands-on “Welcome to Kinder-garten” workshop. Please join us in the gymnasium on Wednesday, May 6th, starting at 6:00 pm. You will receive a bag of re-sources to help your child prepare for school. If you know of someone who registered their son or daughter in JK please share this important date with them.

Arts Performances

Thanks to Mrs. Driedger and our School (Parent) Council, we have had some excellent Arts Performances this year! We greatly appre-ciate this funding that comes from our School Council. Parents are always welcome to attend.

Our Improving Fields

With the change to warm weather, we have to deal with muddy fields and playgrounds. Please continue to send boots or outdoor shoes for the students. Thanks!

School (Parent) Council

Please join us for our May School Council Meeting on Monday, May 4th at 7:00 p.m. in the library. We appreci-ate input and feedback from all parents when planning events.

EQAO Dates - Reminder

This year’s Grade 3 & 6 EQAO dates are as follows: Grade 3 En & FI: May 25-28; Grade 6 En and FI: May 28-June 2; make up dates on June 3, 4. If you have a child in Grade 3 or 6, please make every effort to make sure that he/she attend school on these dates. Thank you for your assistance.

GLAD NEWS

GLAD PARK PUBLIC SCHOOL

300 GLAD PARK AVE. , STOUFFVILLE , ON. , (905) 642-0224

* Annual Volunteer Tea *

Thursday, May 14th,

9:30 - 10:30 am (Staffroom)

MAY 2015

Save the Date Glad Park’s

1st Family Outdoor

Family Fun Night & BBQ

Friday, May 29th

6:00pm — 10:00pm

Featuring: Night at the Museum

“Secret of the Tomb”

“Zoo to You”

Meet our Local Fire Fighters

Meet our Local Police Officers

Chalk Art

Colouring Contests

Face Painting

Graffiti Wall

** Line Dancing **

“Cookie” Walk

Outdoor Dance Party

Plus all these exciting activities:

***Keep checking your mailbags, Friday folders and www.yrdsb.ca/schools/gladpark.ps for more informa-

tion and the official registration form. Movie is rated PG.

Bring your Blankets & Lawn Chairs

&

May’s School Council News and Updates

Hello Glad Park Parents, Guardians and Friends,

The sunny rays are bringing sunny days ahead for our students. This spring, the School Council will

be organizing an Outdoor Family Fun Night and BBQ for the whole family! This event will be on Fri-

day, May 29 starting at 6pm. We will be featuring “Night at the Museum 3” (rated PG). Please

see our ‘Save the Date’ flyer for more information. Keep checking your mail bags, Friday Folders

and our website www.yrdsb.ca/schools/gladpark.ps for our BBQ order forms. Remember to bring

your lawn chairs and blankets!! All children attending this event must be accompanied by a par-

ent.

As always, the School Council is looking for volunteers to help out. If you can spare some time

helping us prepare for this event or if you can help out at the event, please email Susie directly at

ssmimo@rogers.com.

Spirit Wear is back and we have added 2 new items. We will be selling sport shorts and baseball t-

shirts for the spring! If you have not received our order form, please pick one up in the office.

Sample sizes are also in the office. All orders are due back by Friday May 1.

We would also like to thank all the families who have generously donated to the Emergency

Lunch Program and the Food Drive Box. Your donations have made a huge impact. All of your

support is greatly appreciated by our Glad Park Community.

Sincerely,

Sarah Lake and Susie Morris

Boston Pizza Stouffville Fundraiser

In a ‘food funk’? Pressed for time? Why not go to Boston Pizza for a change! Glad

Park has teamed up with Boston Pizza Stouffville and their School Rewards Pro-

gram.

After you dine in or take out from Boston Pizza Stouffville, write Glad Park Public

School on the back of a duplicate receipt and submit it in the Glad Park box lo-

cated by the entrance of Boston Pizza. Glad Park will receive 10%

of your food purchases. It’s so easy!!

This fundraiser will run from Oct. 31 to May 31.

Bon appétit!!

PAGE 3 MAY 2015

MAY , 2015 PAGE 4 From the Desk of Mme Weafer . . .

“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow! “ . . . and here we are blossoming at

Glad Park in the month of May! Much fun and excitement occurred here in the last couple of months! Our students were very busy as they participated in such initiatives as Scientists in the School, Math Contests, Arts Perform-ances, Sports teams and Director’s Cut. In the last little while, we highlighted “Blue Day” to raise awareness of Autism, turned off our screens and cleaned up the neighbourhood to celebrate Earth Day, wore pink in recognition of the International Day to stop bullying, and donned our “Odd Socks” to recognize Down Syndrome. And with all that, it is once again time when schools begin the process of organizing classrooms for September. All class placement decisions are made after extensive planning, preparation, and dis-cussion on the part of many people. As a team, we work hard at placing students in the most ap-propriate learning environment possible, taking into account many factors, including students’ learning styles, personality traits, social dynamics and gender to develop balanced classes that re-flect the diversity of our community, and allow the variety of interests and talents of our students to emerge. You are welcome to send information about how your child learns best and any other pertinent information that will assist us in making the best placement possible. This will need to be received by May 15th in order to be considered for next year’s placements. Please do not ask for a particular teacher. Teaching assignments see continual adjustments, often into the summer months. As always, we appreciate your understanding as we work together for the benefit of all of our students. As in the past, our Grades 3 and 6 students will participate in the EQAO assessment during the two weeks beginning on May 25th. Please avoid scheduling appointments during these times. Your con-tinued support of your child’s learning throughout the year is the best way to prepare for this pro-vincial assessment. We continue to be grateful for the incredibly hard working School Council! We are fortunate to have such a strong community, and are indebted to all our volunteers for their ongoing dedication of time, effort and kindness! Wishing everyone a wonderful month of May and a relaxing Victoria Day weekend!

No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn.

Welcome to Kindergarten Night - Glad Park P.S.

All families of JK students starting school at Glad Park P.S. in September 2015, as well as families with new S.K. students starting at Glad Park in September are invited to attend our Welcome to Kindergarten Night on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 6:00 pm.

Families will have the opportunity to meet some of the staff at Glad Park P.S., visit the

classrooms, meet other members of the community, and par-ticipate in some activities that will help your child transition to school in September.

We look forward to meeting you then!

Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire and Emergency Services 100 Weldon Road, Stouffville, May 9th 2015 10:00 am-2:00 pm

EVERYONE WELCOME! POPCORN, PETTING ZOO, COTTON CANDY, FIREFIGHTER

TRUCK PULL, BOUNCY CASTLES, GAMES, PRIZES

Spring Book Fair The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school! What better way to promote reading to our students than by supporting this important literary event. Your support of this event is a key part of helping us obtain new books and resources for our library and classrooms.

The Book Fair will run for one week from May 11th to May 15th in the school library. Hundreds of qual-ity books for all reading levels will be available for purchase in both English and French. You can visit the Scholastic Book Fairs website at www.scholastic.ca/bookfairs to read reviews of the featured books. You can also watch book trailers and author videos with your child on the BookTube page. Book Fair flyers and class schedules will be sent home with students a week prior to the Fair. Don’t forget to fill in the ballot on the back of the flyer for a chance to win $25 in books for your family and $25 in books for your child’s classroom!

Thank you in advance for supporting this great literary event. Together, we can raise readers!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Tarrant

Directions:

Whisk together olive oil, rosemary, garlic, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Add red pepper, zucchini and onion, and mix until they are well covered. Marinate, refrigerated, overnight or for at least an hour. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before use. Preheat grill to medium-high. To skewer: Begin with a mushroom, then alternate threading the other vegetables onto all eight skewers; finish with a mushroom for each. Rub some oil onto the grill with a paper towel. Grill for five minutes, flip and cook another five.

Question of the Month Q: My son would eat eggs every day if I let him. Should I?

A: Kids love to repeat their favourite foods, don’t they? Eggs are a kid-friendly choice because of their neutral flavour and versatility, and they are a menu staple at my house. One egg contains 70 calories, 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat. Eggs also have an impressive list of 10 vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and the brain-boosting nutrient choline. So, eggs are a nutritious choice. Your ultimate goal is to offer a variety of healthy foods to your son so he gets a wide range of nutrients every day. The overall diet matters more than one specific food, so I’d be curious what else he’s eating and if his diet is balanced. If any single food shows up in all three meals, there would be room for improvement. Eggs received negative press in the past because of their cholesterol content and links to heart disease. But studies show that eating one egg per day is OK for healthy individuals – it does not increase the risk of heart disease or stroke. However, it may increase the risk of developing diabetes and for those with diabetes, it may in-crease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Individuals with diabetes, heart disease, stroke or high blood cholesterol should be aware of the amount of cholesterol from all sources they consume in a day. Of course, these studies are all conducted with adults. Studies on egg intake among children do not exist, unfortunately.

Heart and Stroke Corner – May 2015 Edition

Tip of the Month

Does your child say no to new foods? Getting your child to try something new can be frustrating. It can make mealtimes stressful for you, your child and the rest of the family. Try these ideas to get your child

more interested in trying new foods. 1. Get your kids involved in the kitchen. Children can wash fruit and vegetables, tear

lettuce, mix batter or push the buttons on the microwave. 2. Work together. Children can set the table and take the family’s

drink “orders” to help prepare for mealtime. Get the whole family to work together. 3. Try gardening. Plant a garden and watch it

grow! Good starter vegetables are carrots, green beans, lettuce, and onions. 4. Get creative. Present foods in creative ways. Cut

sandwiches into fun shapes with a knife or cookie cutter. 5. Have a dinner theme night. Choose dishes that come from different

parts of the world. Try Mexican, Chinese, Caribbean, Indian, or Thai. 6. Learn through games and activities. Play games and

do activities to learn about food. Put mystery foods in a paper bag and guess which foods they are by feeling or smelling them. 7. Go on a field trip! Take an adventure to your local farmers market or a grocery store in a different neighbourhood, they may have new

vegetables and fruit to learn about. 8. Make it fun! Have nights where you have breakfast for dinner; make your own pizza night; build your own yogurt sundae bar; or just snack on veggies and dip with popcorn for dessert.

Recipe of the Month

Vegetable Kebabs Barbeque weather is here! Enjoy your first barbequed meal of the season with these healthy easy to make Vegetable Kebabs!

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 spring fresh rosemary, leaves removed, diced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar Pinch each salt & pepper

1 red pepper, cut into 1-in. square chunks 1 zucchini, cut into ½-in. rounds 1/2 red onion, cut into 1-in. square chunks 8 skewers 16 button mushrooms

MAY , 2015 PAGE 7 Be SUNSMART

One bad sunburn in childhood can double the risk of developing skin cancer (Canadian Cancer

Society). Help protect you and your family:

Reduce sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. or when the UV

index is three or more

Keep babies under one year of age out of the direct sun

Seek shade or create your own shade

SLIP! on lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs

SLAP! on a wide brimmed hat and UV protected sunglasses with

wraparound frames and even shading

SLOP! on sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 30 or higher and reapply

every two hours

For health-related information call York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653, TTY 1-866-252-9933

It’s Time To Remind Our Children About Being Safe In Our Community

This is a good time for parents to learn about and review ways to protect their children from potential dangers.

Here's what children need to know:

Their name, age, telephone number, address, city and province. This can be done through rhyme or song.

How to contact their parents at any time, by memorizing cell or work numbers.

How and under what circumstances to call 911.

To never approach or enter a stranger's vehicle. A responsible adult would never ask a child for directions or any other question for that matter.

Make sure they know they have a right to say "no" to an adult, especially when the adult is asking them to do something they have been taught is wrong or feels uncomfortable. Reminding children of this right is important because children are taught from a young age to respect adults.

To always tell parents where they will be and to never enter someone's home without their parent's permission.

If home alone, never admit it when answering the phone. Never answer a knock at the door or speak through it. Adults can be very persuasive. Teach your child to call you if there is a knock at the door and if they fear for their safety, teach them to call 911. Make sure they know that police officers are there to help them and would not get mad if it were a false alarm.

If they think they are being followed or are in danger they should run home or to a public place. If someone grabs them, they should try to get away, yelling and screaming while doing so.

It is important to play in safe areas, never take shortcuts and stick with a buddy whenever possible.

It is never too early or too late to teach children the importance of personal safety. Common sense, communication and consistency are the keys. Remind children to alert a responsible adult if something strange happens that makes them feel uncomfortable. Remem-ber, crime prevention is everyone's responsibility.

For more information on this subject, contact the York Regional Police Community Services Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7980, or by e-mail at info@yrp.ca, or visit www.yrp.ca., or visit www.york.ca/healthyschools

Safe, Caring and Supportive Schools

Five Secrets for Parents to Help Encourage Responsible Use of the Internet

Children are increasingly using the Internet for schoolwork, research, communicating through e-mail and live chat, and downloading information like music files and streamline video. As technology progresses and children find even more need to use the Internet, parents must develop clear-cut and consistent rules while children are online. Establishing these rules can be quite a challenge for many parents. Since most children over the age of 10 or 11 probably know more about the Internet than mom or dad, it's imperative that parents continue to absorb what's available to children and com-municate and teach responsibility while spending time online. As children grow with the ever-changing online land-scape, parents must make sure children are prepared to handle the content increasingly available to them. Here are five secrets parents can use to encourage safe and responsible use of the Internet:

1) Place your family's computer in a room in the house that is centrally located and easy for parents to walk by to monitor or participate in what a child is viewing. It is recommended not to let a child have a computer in his/her room or behind closed doors.

2) Limit the amount of time a child spends on-line. Like any other activity, using the Internet should be done in mod-eration and not interfere with other healthy activities for children.

3) Spend time with children online. Get involved with a child's interests on the Internet. If a child is chatting with friends, e-mailing jokes back and forth, or playing on-line games, a parent must keep up to date on the various go-ings on. Sit down next to the child and observe what they are using the computer for.

4) 4) Parents need to help children explore the vast resources of the Internet, and educate them (and themselves) on what the Internet has to offer. Surfing the Internet with a child or establishing a joint e-mail account between parent and child will also help parents stay in touch. Monitor what your children are doing and where they are going while online. This can be the trickiest of challenges for parents, but it is so vital to make sure children do not stray into areas of the Internet that contain inappropriate (even harmful) material. If a child strays from pre -designated safe Web sites, parents should use healthy parenting skills such as reinforcing agreed upon parameters (even taking away online privileges as a consequence of not following rules).

5) 5) Set up a "responsible use contract" between parents and children. Using e-mail, surfing the Web and download-ing flies are all activities that children will be using while connected to the Internet and parents need to make agree-ments with children on responsible behavior. By establishing the rules of responsible use early, there should be no confusion as to what is considered responsible and safe use of the Inter-net. (A FREE "contract" is available at http://www.ResponsibleKids.net/contract.htm) The Internet offers children unprecedented access to incredibly valuable information and it's up to parents to promote responsible online use.

PAGE 8 MAY 2015

PAGE 9 MAY 2015 Food Allergy Reminder

Reports of food allergies are on the rise in our student population and can have a serious effect on those who experience allergic reactions. Included among the most common and dangerous food allergens are peanuts and nut products. We remind parents not to send nuts or products containing nuts to school. Please also discuss with your child the importance of not sharing food. Observing this rule will reduce the risk of exposure to food which might cause a serious reaction either in your child or another child.

Despite our best efforts to keep our schools nut-free, we cannot guarantee the complete absence of these food allergens. We encourage students with food allergies to learn at home how to avoid exposure and what to do should they experience an allergic reaction.

Please support our efforts to keep our school and students safe from food allergens.

Entering and Exiting the Parking Lot

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your co-operation in keeping our students safe while picking up or dropping off your children before and after school. We are requesting that parents not enter the parking lot from 7:45 a.m. – 8:20 a.m. and 2:20 pm – 3:10 pm. This allows staff to load and unload the buses safely. When entering the parking lot please use the south entrance and when exiting please use the north exit.

Also, please remember to “turn right only” from 7:30-8:30 am, and 2:30-3:30 pm.

Recognizing our Often Unsung Heroes - Annual Appreciation Tea

On Thursday, May 14, 2015, from 9:30– 10:30 am, we would like to show appreciation to all of our volunteers and unsung heroes. Please drop by the school staffroom between 9:30 - 10:30 am so we can say thank you for everything you do to help our students and school. Invita-tions will be going home on May 1st, and if anyone who has volunteered does not receive their invitation, they are encouraged to join us on the 14th in the staffroom.

Hours of Instruction for French Immersion

YRDSB offers a French Immersion program that is highly sought after. In accordance with recommenda-tions from our recent French as a Second Language (FSL) review, we have made a slight adjustment, based on our research, that provides better consistency within our schools while also better meeting stu-dent needs. Research shows the importance of time spent learning in French at the beginning of a pro-gram. In Grades 1 to 3, YRDSB students receive 100 per cent of their instruction in French. Beginning in Grade 4, English instruction is introduced for a number of subjects. This was started at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year, with weekly instructional time in Grades 4-8 being shared equally between

French and English language of instruction. Students will accumulate at least 5,000 hours of French language instruction by the end of Grade 8, which far exceeds the 3,800 hours mandated by the Ontario Ministry of Education. YRDSB remains deeply committed to providing high quality and sustainable French as a Second Language (FSL) instruction.

Dress Code Reminder

Please take a few minutes to review the GPPS Dress Code (p. 4 in the agenda) with your son/daughter. Some of the requirements found in the Dress Code include: not to wear tank tops/spaghetti straps, not to display visible undergarments, and be sure to wear clothing that covers the midriff. Please give thought to proper footwear, with a set each for indoor and outdoor use, if possible.

Thank you Glad Park Students, Staff and Community!!!

Your generous donations for our Raise the Flag Autism Awareness Fundraiser gave us a total of $628.00. Glad Park Student Council added to our donations with an-other $314.03.Glad Park’s donation to Autism Ontario was a grade total of $878.00. Way to go Glad Park!!!

PAGE 12 MAY 2015

CUT BACK ON PAPER TOWEL

The Eco Team is back and ready to attack paper towel waste! Last month we worked on GOOS paper. As a school we will continue to work on “What Goes Where.” For the month of February our focus has been to cut back on paper towel waste.

Did you know…

North Americans use more paper towels than any other continent in the world! The worst part is that pa-per towels aren’t even necessary at home, school or any other place.

There are so many amazing eco-friendly alternatives that will help you clean up tricky messes.

Some eco tips . . .

Try using rags and cloths to clean up messes, instead of using paper towel.

Communities have started to install hand dryers in washrooms, instead of paper towels.

We encourage everyone to start using reusable products, rather than paper towel. And remember to, cut back on paper towel! Stay tuned for next month’s focus . . .

Earth Week at Glad Park

Glad Park “Pitch-In”

Activities - April 22nd.

Making a commitment and truly caring about our environment!

2014-2015 Annual Grade 4 & 5 Contest

This month, 27 students from Grade 4 and 24 students from Grade 5, were

selected by their teachers to write the Math Contest for their respective

grade. The students had 30 minutes to answer 30 complicated multiple

choice questions. And the results are in . . .

The Top Five in Grade 4

1st — Hayden J. (Mme Derry)

2nd—Alexandar C. (Mme Alexan) —tie—

Rhea C. (Mme Alexan

4th—Emmanuel Ko (Mme Alexan)

5th—Hannah D. (Mme Alexan) —tie—

Alexandra V. (Mme Derry) —tie—

Gloria Z. (Mme Alexan)

The Top Five in Grade 5

1st — Rena L. (Mme Smerek)

2nd—Saniyah S. (Mr. Vandervelde)

3rd—Siyamalan S. (Mr. Vandervelde)

4th—James C. (Mme Risko) —tie—

Julia R. (Mme Risko)

Honourable mentions to all students who participated in the contest:

In Grade 4: Tauja O, Ziyanna S, Étienne S, Jalen W, & Lauren W (Mme Al-

exan); Moiz B, Klara H, Jillian L, Nathan L, Elyas N, Ally S, & Aiden T (Mme

Derry); Maritza A, Vicoria D, Jessica D, and Victoria L (Mme Kennedy); and

Jeremiah J, Burhanuddin K, Maniraj S, & James X (Ms. Lipsius).

In Grade 5: Chelsea B, Kaila M, & Valentina Y (Mrs. Goad); Isaac B, Jose-

phine C, Eibhlis H, Anisah K, Noam M, Analisa N, & Teo S (Mme Risko);

Carolinne C, Liam H, Kelly L, Braeden M, Raihana P, & Jad Z (Mme

Smerek); and Samantha B, Jacob H, & Jessica W (Mr. Vandervelde).

Winter Electives Our students had another great year participating in our annual Winter Electives day. Due to the weather conditions, our one day transformed into two days, and twice the fun. Students had the option to participate in skating, skiing, snow-boarding, indoor biking and indoor games. They had a great time and were full of smiles both days. We would like to thank all teachers and parents who helped the Winter Electives days to be so successful and to all the families who donated to the skate drive. Thank you!

Together We're Better

On April 24th 2015, seven of our grade 7 & 8 students travelled with Mme. Flear to Bill Crothers S.S for the Together We're Better conference. This conference is an annual event to teach the intermediate students about equality and anti-racism at school and in the community. The students started with a very moving presentation and then they were split up and put into workshops which taught them about issues like stereotypes, positive climates for learning, messages in music and diversity in the classroom, just to name a few. The students left with a new understanding of anti-racism and equality. The students are now going to take what they learned and present it to the entire school at the student success assembly at the end of May.

Medic Alert I.D.

NO CHILD WITHOUT. With the rise in childhood diabetes, asthma and allergies, it is estimated that one in five children has a medical condition, allergy or special need that should be communicated to first responders in a medical emergency. To register your child, Medic Alert ID Forms are available in the office for any parent who would like to register their child.

The York Region District School Board has a new APP!

York Region District School Board has launched an app which enables our community to quickly access informa-tion from their mobile devices.

The YRDSB Mobile App provides users with up-to-date news, student resources, school maps, and contact infor-mation for trustees and senior administration.

The app will continue to be updated and new features will be added as needed.

To download the app, search “YRDSB” in the Apple or Google Play store.

For more information, please visit www.yrdsb.ca. This will be a very handy tool during the winter—direct up-dates from the SchoolBus Transportation Company about buses!

PAGE 15

Oscar Peterson Summer Institute

Ride the summer adventure with us!

During the literacy block, students are engaged in fun and enriching learning

activities that address reading, writing, media and oral communication

expectations from the Ministry of Education curriculum documents under the

supervision of YRDSB Teachers and Administrators.

During the activity block, students are engaged in purposeful, intentional

learning which is embedded within the following electives:

Actor’s studio

Ball Hockey

Comic Book Wizard

Cricket

DigiArt

Field Invaders

Music Mix

Naturally Curious

Passion for Fashion

Passion for Pinterest

Racquet Sports

Ready, Set, Cook

Simple Machines

Contact Information:

Oscar Peterson Public School

Phone: (905) 884-2046 ext. 240 (before June 30)

Phone: (905) 642-1236 (after June 30)

Email: oscarpeterson.si@yrdsb.ca

Cost for YRDSB students:

$100 to

$115

per week

Available at this site!

Extended child care (a separate YMCA registration form is required).

Soccer

Sportacular Fun

Street Ball

Tech World

Visual Arts

Wacky Science World

PAGE 16 MAY , 2015 EQAO Assessment - How You Can Help

Our grade three and grade six students will participate in the annual writing of the provincial assessments of reading, writing and mathematics occurring from May 25th - June 4th. We strongly encourage parents to view sample questions on the EQAO (Education Quality & Accountability Office) website at www.eqao.com. It is important for families to ensure their sons/daughters are present at school during this assessment period and that students strive to do their absolute best on the assessment as results are used to evaluate how we are functioning as an educative community. We work hard at preparing students through the Ontario curriculum here at school; the more help and reinforcement students can receive at home, the better prepared our students will be not only for

EQAO assessment, but for life. Please visit the website sometime soon and work through some sample questions with your children - it will be fun and beneficial! Please note the assessments are based on the curriculum taught over the entire year and not a specific topic. In other words, students will be applying skills and knowledge that they have acquired to date and really reflect learning from Kindergarten to present.

Respecting our Neighbours at St. Mark’s Church

“ When parking at St. Marks’ Church please do not park in the fire route or entry/exit driveway. Please park in their designated parking area. “

Also, just a reminder to:

Please use the Kiss and Ride at the side of Glad Park.

Please do not enter the parking lot area from 7:45 am to 8:30 am and from 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm. (Buses are entering the bus loop at that time)

Please do not use the bus loop to park – it is a fire route – bylaw offers do parole the lots and tickets are being issued.

Student safety has always been our concern. We thank you for your continued co-operation in this matter.

A Healthy, Safe Way to Get to and From School

There is so much happening at Glad Park P.S. The next 2 months will prove to be incredibly busy for all! Thanks to those parents who are dropping off and picking up their children at one of the 5 “Drop and Walk” sites mentioned in our previous newsletter, and also sent home under separate cover. This means your child(ren) get some much needed exercise and there is less hazardous and irritating congestion at the school during these busy times. Just a reminder to parents to please avoid stopping to drop off students at the busy 9th Line roadway as this not only disrupts traffic, but presents another potential hazard to both student and motorist safety.

Our Grade 2 French

Immersion Choir

The Grade 2 French Choir has been enjoying singing a few French songs with Mme Nunkoo and Mme Russell during the past few weeks. A song about superheroes won the heart of the choir, and they practised ardently dur-ing recesses to be ready for their big day. During their performance at the April Student Success Assembly, the choir members became singing "superheroes"! They were very excited to sing and dance for everyone and share their enthusiasm with all present.

Consulting With the Teacher

When sending food to school for children other than your own (i.e., birthday snacks), please discuss with the teacher first, while considering student nutritional needs. We are working to educate our children around healthy meals and snacks. We wish to be consistent in both our message and our actions. We be-lieve that healthy eating assists our students in their concentra-tion and essentially their ability to learn. We are asking that parents minimize the amount of foods which contain large and unnecessary amounts of sugar, empty carbohy-drates and food colouring.

Once again, we appreciate your assistance in help-ing our children to make the most of their learning experiences.

Lunch Time at Glad Park P.S.

We would like to take this opportunity to request that if com-munity members have concerns re-lated to something that has occurred at lunch time, either in the class-room when students are eating, or when out on the playground, to speak to either their homeroom teacher, Mr. McElrea or Mme Weafer.

Planning Ahead

We are now planning for next year. If you are moving or plan on moving over the coming months, please be sure to let the office know. We are beginning to plan for our students and staff.

Indoor Shoes

Children are required to have a pair of indoor shoes. Many children have been in their stocking feet the past few weeks. Not only is this a safety issue, but it is also a health issue. An inexpensive pair of shoes with non-marking soles are fine. Please be sure to have your child’s name labeled inside his/her shoes.

Student Absences

When reporting your child’s absence please call the school on the 24 hour attendance line or if you would rather email – please email Mrs. Rose at joy.rose@yrdsb.ca to report the ab-sence. Thank you.

.

Lost & Found

Please take a few minutes to drop by the school and have a look at our lost and found items. All items that are not picked up by May 1st will be donated to local charities

Technology. . .

. . . is great when it is used appropriately. We are continuing to educate our students the area of social media, helping them to use the resources safely. Please continue to monitor your children’s de-vices and set rules and limits. With support and guidance, we will work together to ensure that our students are safe online.

Current Emergency Information

If you have a change in home phone number, work numbers or emergency contact information, please be sure to let Mrs. Rose or Mrs. George know so that we can update our records accordingly. Wherever possible, please try to reduce the number of calls to pass on messages to your children. If possible, we urge you to make ar-

rangements ahead of time and when necessary, send a note to the teacher.

Bicycles, Skateboards and Scooters

It’s That Time of Year Again!

Common sense should always be the prevailing ap-proach to any activity, and this is no different with the use of bicycles, skateboards, heelies and scooters. Please wear a CSA approved helmet and take care and be respectful of pedestrians, other cyclists and motor-ists. Please note that students are not to be riding these during school hours in, our out, of the building.

Pediculosis (Head Lice)

Head lice are a nuisance. They are also a fact of life in schools. If it is any consolation, please note that students who get lice are often those who try hardest to keep their hair clean. Lice like clean heads!

Because lice are mobile and can move quickly from student to stu-dent, particularly in the primary grades, it is impor-tant that we do everything possible to control them. As parents, we ask that you check your children’s hair regularly. When we find a case in the school, we check the heads of each student in the class where

they’ve been discovered. If lice are found, then we begin a check of the siblings of students in the class. This can be a time-consuming process.

To help reduce the number of instances of lice at Glad Park P.S., we are asking that parents are vigilant and check your children’s hair regularly.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2015-2016

Labour Day: Monday, September 7, 2015

Thanksgiving Day: Monday, October 12, 2015

Winter Vacation: Monday, December 21, 2015 to Friday, January 1, 2016

Family Day: Monday, February 15, 2016

Mid-Winter Break: Monday, March 14 to Friday, March 18, 2016

Good Friday: Friday, March 25, 2016

Easter Monday: Monday, March 28, 2016

Victoria Day Monday, May 23, 2016

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAYS 2015-2016

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Monday, September 28, 2015

Friday, November 27, 2015

Friday, January 15, 2016

Monday, February 1, 2016

Friday, June 3, 2016

Wednesday, June 29, 2016 (pm)

Thursday, June 30, 2016

The 2015-2016 school year will also include one Professional Training Day in order to focus on Ministry and Board compliance train-ing requirements and implementation of the Board’s literacy and numeracy priorities on Monday, September 28, 2015.

Inquiry-Based Learning @ GPPS

Dear Parents,

We are excited to announce that Glad Park P.S. will be having an Inquiry Fair this June. Teachers have continued to de-velop critical thinking skills with our students this year by engaging in a variety of activities such as Three Part Math Les-sons, Research Projects and Questioning through Reading. Through these activities students have continued to develop higher level thinking skills and many will be showcasing their progress and accomplishments in this area in our upcoming Inquiry Fair. Inquiry projects will consist of a variety of topics spanning all subject areas and grades. Projects might include asking questions such as “How can we preserve our environment for fu-ture generations?” “Why do people migrate and how do they de-cide where to settle?” “How is math used in the design of roller coasters?” Students will have the opportunity to participate in the fair as presenters and/or as active spectators. Spectators will dis-cover new learning alongside their peers by asking questions and engaging in discussions with the presenters thereby developing their own inquiry skills. We are looking forward to all of the crea-tive, engaging and thought-provoking projects!

Please stay tuned for more information on this exciting event!

Sincerely,

J. Thurgood and M. McGrath

REGISTRATION FOR SEPTEMBER 2015

Registration for next year continues. If you know of anyone in our catch-ment area planning to bring their children to our school, please encourage them to register as soon as possible.

Also, if you have children starting kindergarten in the fall, please be sure to register them as well. Knowing our numbers as early as possible en-ables us to organize our staffing appropriately. A birth certificate or pass-port, as well as proof of residency (tax bill, utility bill, bill of sale for a new home), are required to register your children.

If you know that you will not be returning to Glad Park Public School in September, please inform the office right away as well. A decrease in en-rolment also affects the staffing and organization and we appreciate having this information sooner rather than later. Thank you!

Tips to Prepare for Secondary School

As students prepare to graduate from elementary school, an exciting new experience awaits them at the secondary school level. For parents who are preparing students for their first experience with middle/secondary school, there may be many questions and concerns. Here are some tips for parents to help prepare their teens for life beyond elementary school.

* Consider attending events at the new school such as a sporting event, music concert, theatre production or assembly. This will provide you with an opportunity to get to know the school, its routines and extra -curricular offer-ings. It's also a great way to meet other parents, the staff and the principal of the new school.

* Talk about any anxieties your teen may have before the new school year begins but avoid retelling nega-tive experiences from your own high school experience. Reiterate how, like all new situations, middle/high school will take some getting used to, but will provide many new and exciting experiences for him. Discuss choices and consequences as they relate to new friends.

* Discuss expectations for homework, assignments and tests, and how each of these will be more demand-ing at the secondary level. Consider all the extra-curricular community events your teen is currently involved in to deter-mine what, if anything, may have to be dropped or scaled back in order to meet the time demands of school.

* Make sure that there is a good workspace available for your teen. She will likely need additional supplies this year - have them ready before the school year begins. While school projects now require the use of computers and Internet access, it isn't necessary to buy a top end computer for the home.

* Find out what additional supplies will be needed for school such as locker locks, binders, paper, dictionar-ies, art supplies, geometry sets, mathematics aids or gym uniforms. Put off buying specialized school supplies and text-books until your teen has been given a specific list from his teachers.

* If there is a dress code or uniform used at the new school, find out where you can purchase clothing prior to the start of school. Inquire as to whether the school sponsors a second-hand sale or can supply you with the names of graduating students who may be selling their uniforms.

* Review the new school's yearbook. Find out what extra-curricular activities are offered and encourage your teen to get involved. There are so many opportunities available in high school to help your teen become an active and involved member of the student body.

* Discuss lunch plans, particularly if your son/daughter will be eating in a cafeteria for the first time. Dis-cuss where you expect your child to eat their lunch and where to spend their free time after lunch, as stud

ents in secondary school are given more freedom to leave school property. Reiterate the importance of healthy eating and how it affects learning. Talk about the vending machines that will be available at the new school and how to avoid pur-chasing products from them on a regular basis.

* If your teen will be travelling to school by public transit, ensure that he is familiar with the route. Have an emergency contact available in case there is a problem during the first weeks.

* Before school begins, start a nighttime routine that will allow your teen to get up on time. Most teens stay up late and sleep in late. Remind her that getting to school on time will require her to get up earlier than she may be used to. Even teens need 7 - 9 hours of sleep each night to perform well in school.

* Set clear expectations about attendance and the consequences of skipping classes. Teens need to under-stand that truancy will not be tolerated by the school, and may result in missed lessons and lost marks. Find out what the policies of the school are in relation to missed classes or lateness. Many schools require a call from parents in advance if a student will be away and a follow-up note from home. Make it clear to your teen that you will be attending all information and student performance feedback sessions and that you will maintain an open dialogue with teach-ers.

* As a parent, get involved in the School Council and other parent-related events. This will provide great opportunities to become an active and informed parent.

PAGE 19

DR. BETTE STEPHENSON CENTRE FOR LEARNING INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES PROGRAM

INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES PROGRAM- SECONDARY CREDIT PROGRAM 2015-2016

Why Study International Languages at High School?

Language is our connection with our community and the world. Through language we identify the world around us, express our concerns and hopes, and share our experiences and ideas.

So what are you waiting for Grade 8’s?! Now is the time to take advantage of this opportunity and register for a Level 1 YRDSB International Language CREDIT course of your choice! We offer CREDIT courses in 13 languages at 4 high schools.

Learning another language…

can enhance intellectual functioning

strengthens first language skills and facilitates learning additional languages

creates pride in one’s own cultural background and better understanding of other cultures

enhances career options (source: http://www.ilea.ca 03/11/15)

Register online via Career Cruising commencing May 4th, 2015.

See attached Career Cruising Tip Sheet for registration instructions

Once you have registered, print a sign-off sheet and get your parents to sign for parental approval

Students who have pre-registered will not need to register again in September

Attend the first class according to the above schedule and bring your signed Career Cruising Sign-off Sheet

Course schedules will be posted in the foyer of the International Languages school on the first day of class

COURSE Level 1 (Grade 9/10) SCHOOL LOCATION

MIDDLE-FIELD C.I.

RICHMOND HILL H.S.

THORNLEA S.S.

UNION-VILLE H.S

CANTONESE LKC BD Saturday Saturday Tuesday

FARSI LYF BD Saturday

GREEK LBG BD Saturday

GUJARATI LIG BD Saturday

JAPANESE LKJ BD Saturday Tuesday

KOREAN LKK BD Saturday

MANDARIN SIMPLIFIED LKB BD Saturday Saturday Saturday Tuesday

MANDARIN TRADI-TIONAL

LKM BD Saturday Saturday

MANDARIN SIMPLIFIED AP

Grade 12 Course Only Saturday

PUNJABI LIP BD Saturday

RUSSIAN LRR BD Saturday

SPANISH LWS BD Saturday

TAMIL LIT BD Saturday

URDU LIU BD Saturday

SCHOOL LOCATION ADDRESS SUBMIT REGISTRATION FIRST CLASS OF CLASS

MIDDLEFIELD C.I. 525 Highglen Ave. September 19, 2015 South of 14th Ave., East of McCowan Rd. 8:45 am to 12:30 pm RICHMOND HILL H.S. 201 Yorkland St. September 19, 2015 East of Yonge, North of Elgin Mills Road 8:45 am to 12:30 pm THORNLEA S.S. 8075 Bayview Ave. September 19, 2015

South of Highway #7 8:45 am to 12:30 pm

UNIONVILLE H.S. 201 Town Centre Blvd. September 22, 2015 Warden Ave. & Highway #7 5:45 pm to 9:30 pm

Catching Character, April 2015 Academic Achievement, April 2015

The traits that support Fairness include: honesty, conscience, empathy and thoughtful-ness.

The following areas are considered when recog-nizing stu-dents for the Academic Achievement Certificates: subject per-formance, learning skills development, and effort.

Celebrating

Student

Success!

Celebrating Student Success!

Student Teacher

Maya Prousky Ms. McGrath

Neeya Ishaq Ms. Chapkin

Keira Merriott Mme. Kennedy

Peyton Jones Mrs. Taylor

Zara Khan Mlle. Alexan

Tessa-Lynn Boadway Mrs. Driedger

Mya Duncan Mme. Walsh

Alexander MacLaine Ms. Gallo

Bronx Bodnar Mlle. Gignac

Husna Ahmad Mrs. Lorenzatti

Jaival Patel Mrs. Makkinga

Christina Jensen Mrs. Goad

Burhanuddin Karimjee Ms. Lipsius

Thagsana Selvakumar Mme. Nunkoo

Erin Wagg Mme. Flear

Amelia Sakamoto Mme. Risko

Grace Dupuis Mme. Elkhoury

Cory Danyshyn Ms. Skinner

Osanna Mao Mr. Sum

Alexandra Voinicu Mlle. Derry

Sarah Fedash Mr. Sinclair

Selina Hirji Mme. L. Robert

Michael Hume Ms. Morrow

Anna Cooper-Kelly Mme. Cardy

Zuri Reynolds Mr. Attwell

Sofia Boglis Ms. Mann

Robert Hume Mr. Banfield

Rohit Jawahar Mlle. Wright

Catherine Liu Mlle. Russell

Berk User Mme. Thurgood

Kaitlin Cicurskis Mr. Vakharia

Yolanda Ngai Mme. Smerek

Porscha Whitten Mr. Vandervelde

Keenan McClelland Mrs. Gujol

Student Teacher

Joshua Stanmore Ms. McGrath

Brooklyn Lilleberg Ms. Chapkin

Trinity Garduce Mme. Kennedy

Sydney Lavayen Mrs. Taylor

Jack Lynch Mlle. Alexan

Ava Ritchie Mrs. Driedger

Makiah Brazeau-Taylor Mme. Walsh

Alyssa Duenas Ms. Gallo

Avery Carruthers Mlle. Gignac

Jade Whitten Mrs. Lorenzatti

Kiki Yao Mrs. Makkinga

Paige McCusker Mrs. Goad

Erin MacLaine Ms. Lipsius

Emma Wilson Mme. Nunkoo

Junnat Butt Mme. Flear

Tiana Campbell Mme. Risko

Niall Kavanagh Mme. Elkhoury

Nicholas Hess Ms. Skinner

Kate Duncalfe Mr. Sum

Jacob Moretti Mlle. Derry

Aveline Warner Mme. L. Robert

Logan Assinck Ms. Morrow

Mahra Harris Mme. Cardy

Padmaashini Sukumaran Mr. Attwell

Niksika Thasan Ms. Mann

Jordan Bryer Mr. Banfield

Katelyn Hazen Mlle. Wright

Jessy Wang Mlle. Russell

Darien Chan Mme. Thurgood

Stella Baskin Mme. Smerek

Keshigan Sivakumar Mrs. Gujol

MAY 2015 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

26 27 Day 5 28 Day 1 29 Day 2 Area Jr. Girls BBall

30 Day 3 1 Day 4 Area Jr. Boys BBall

2

3 4 Day 5

3:00 pm: Staff Mtg. 7:00 pm: School Council Meeting

5 Day 1

Scientist in the School (Gr. 5 Risko/Smerek; Gr. 7 Thur-good/Cardy)

6 Day 2 Welcome to Kindergarten Evening (6:30 pm)

7 Day 3

8 Day 4 Gr. 3 FI classes to Toronto Zoo

9 Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services Open House (10:00 am - 2:00 pm)

10 11 Day 5 Spring Book Fair begins! GPPS Track & Field Meet

12 Day 1 Intermediate Gauss Math Competition

13 Day 2 GPPS Track & Field Meet

14 Day 3 Annual Volun-teer Tea (9:30 - 10:30 am staffroom) Maverick Cheerleader Presentation (1:30 pm)

15 Day 4 Spring Book Fair ends!

16

17 18 Victoria Day (no classes for staff or students)

19 Day 5 20 Day 1 Special Needs T & F Meet

21 Day 2

22 Day 3 Rain Date for Special Needs T & F Meet

23

24 25 Day 4 EQAO Testing

26 Day 5 EQAO Testing Scientist (Gr. 4 FI) MADD Present. for Intermediates (PM)

27 Day 1 EQAO Testing Scientist (Gr. 4 Lipsius)

28 Day 2 EQAO Testing

29 Day 3 EQAO Testing Student Success Assemblies Newsletter home. Council BBQ & Movie Night

30

31 1 Day 4 EQAO Testing

2 Day 5 EQAO Testing

3 Day 1 EQAO Testing

4 Day 2 EQAO Testing

5 Day 0 PA Day (no classes for stu-dents, profes-sional learning for staff).

6

MAY 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday