Principal: Mrs. D. Perrott Vice-Principals: Mrs. A. Charrette, Ms. L. Lennox

Superintendent: Mr. M. Logue Trustees: Mr. Stan Cameron, Mr. William Davies

SouthFields Village Public School 110 Learmont Avenue, Caledon, ON L7C 3R1

905-843-3281

December 2019 Newsletter

November’s Learning Opportunities Were Numerous! November provided many rich learning activities for SouthFields Village students! During Choose Action Against Bullying Week, students participated in Buddy Days, created class squares for a Stand up to Bullies school display and junior classes participated in “Beyond the Hurt” workshops led by older students. For Remembrance Day each class reflected on peace and created a peace dove to add to our large school poppy. Many trips and in school presentations enhanced students’ understanding of the curriculum, including our grade 8 students seeing the movie, “Harriet” and grade 7 and 8 students visiting Mayfield Secondary School to enjoy “The Nutcracker”. There were science presentations for several grades, Drum Circles for grade 4 students and an opportunity for our kindergarten students to see, touch and learn about some exotic animals. November was also Hindu Heritage Month and Indigenous Heritage Month and there were displays around the school and presentations during our monthly Awards Assembly to share information with our students and staff. The Character Trait being focussed on during the month of November was Respect (Treating others, yourself and the environment with high regard and value) and award winners were recognized at our monthly assembly. Upcoming Dates to Remember

Wednesday, December 11 Holiday Concert – Grades 1-3 and School Band (10:50 am & 6:30 pm)

Friday, December 20 Last Day before the Winter Break

Monday, January 6 First Day back after Winter Break

*Every Wednesday Pizza Day

*Every Friday Lunch Lady

10 Days of Holiday Cheer! Once again, SFV is participating in the 10 Days of Holiday Cheer donation drive, with students bringing in different items for Peel Region families who are in need of them this holiday. Each day, from December 2-13, we are asking for specific items that will all be donated to the Peel Children’s Aid Foundation to be distributed to families in need. Please do not feel you need to provide an item for every single day. All donations are very much appreciated. Below is the schedule:

Day 1 Mon, Dec. 2nd - Dental Items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, etc.) Day 2 Tues, Dec. 3rd - Hair Products (shampoo, conditioner, brushes, hair ties, etc.) Day 3 Wed, Dec. 4th - Body Products (body wash, lotions, deodorants, etc.) Day 4 Thurs, Dec. 5th - Cold Weather Wear (hats, mittens, scarves, etc.) Day 5 Fri, Dec. 6th - Packaged Toys (Lego, puzzles, craft sets, stuffed animals) Day 6 Mon, Dec. 9th - Baby Items (baby wipes diapers, baby oil) Day 7 Tues, Dec. 10th - Books (Children’s Books or other themed books, these can be used but not too old and

worn out) Day 8 Wed, Dec. 11th - Stocking Stuffers (chocolates, candy, stickers, pencils, any little fun items) Day 9 Thurs, Dec. 12th- Gift Cards (grocery stores, Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Chapters, etc.) Day 10 Fri, Dec. 13th – Every item that is on the list can be collected this day.

None of the donations should have been used or opened. December 13th will be the last day for all donations to be collected. Listen to the announcements for a reminder of what items to donate each day and other information about 10 days of Holiday Cheer. Thank you to all those who participate and help SFV bring cheer to those in need!

Holiday Concert The Grade 1-3 classes, the Grade 2/3 choir and the Grade 7/8 band are excited to present "There’s No Business like SNOW Business" as our holiday concert this year. Please join us on Wednesday, December 11th at 10:50 am or 6:30 p.m. (sharp) for a presentation of winter and holiday songs. Please bring any item for the 10 Days of Holiday Cheer (see list earlier in newsletter) as your entrance fee. Forest of Reading Once again, SFV will be taking part in the Forest of Reading program. Beginning in December, interested K-8 students will be invited to read a variety of selected titles and will be given the opportunity to vote for their favorite book. The winning books will be announced in May. Fall Fundraiser Update Thank you to our students and parents at SouthFields Village in showing support for our first chocolate fundraiser. Congratulations to our top sellers:

1. Arnav D. who won the all-terrain hoverboard. 2. Simer K. who won the Birthday Party for 9 friends to Laser Quest. 3. Lana B. D. who won the Stem Robot.

Stay tuned as we will soon announce how much money the school raised from this fundraiser.

Remembrance Day

The theme of this year's Remembrance Day recognition at SFV was “Fill your Hearts with Peace”. In music, the students learned a song called, "Shalom" which means Peace in Hebrew. Grade 2 student, Nicholas B. mentioned that his grandfather chose to serve as a member of the militia to support our Canadian Army. Nicholas's grandfather, Mr. Gary Greenland, kindly came to speak to our class during Music to share his experiences. He explained a little about the history of Remembrance Day, what life was like for families during war times, and told stories of the people in his family who served in the World Wars. Most importantly, Mr. Greenland reiterated that recognizing Remembrance Day is a time to remember the importance of Peace and to give thanks to those in the past who made it possible for us to enjoy a peaceful life today. Connecting with our theme, Mr. Greenland also explained the significance of the poppy and how to wear a poppy respectfully over your heart as a way to remember to... fill our hearts with peace.

Thank-you for Supporting the Book Fair! Over $9,600.00 worth of books were purchased at this year's Book Fair. As a result, we are able to purchase over $5,000.00 worth of new books and Makerspace materials for the SFV Library and Makerspace Initiatives in the Learning X. Thank you so much for your ongoing support.

Intermediate Volleyball Tournament Congratulations to the S.F.V. Intermediate Boys’ Volleyball team who placed 1st in the tournament hosted here at SouthFields Village. Congratulations as well to both the Boys’ and Girls’ teams who represented our school very well and demonstrated great teamwork and sportsmanship. Thanks to Mr. Ingham , Mrs. Van Vliet and Mrs. Prodanos for coaching these two teams. Up next will be our Junior Volleyball teams compete at Great Lakes Public School in their divisional tournaments. Go Falcons!

SouthFields Village Helps Break Guinness World Record On November 14th, SFV participated in the World Speed Stacking Association's challenge to help set a new Guinness World Record. Every student who had Physical Education scheduled that day participated in relays and cup stacking challenges. We have been informed that Guinness has been sent the results from over 3,000 schools and organizations from 25 countries that participated, for verification. A total of 638,668 stackers participated. Earnscliffe Regional Arts Program If your child has a passion for learning through the arts, Earnscliffe Sr Public School offers a Regional Arts program starting in Grade 6. Please visit their website at earnscliffearts.ca for full details about the program. The information night is on January 23rd at 6:30 and online applications open on January 27th. Kiss and Ride Reminders Thank you to all parents who are using our Kiss and Ride Lanes to drop students off while they remain in the car. Please remember that cars cannot be left unattended in the Kiss and Ride Lanes. Do not let students out of the car until you have entered the Kiss and Ride Lanes. Additionally, we do have a teacher monitoring the Crosswalk with a Stop Sign to ensure that families can safely cross into the parking lot. When driving, please do not enter the crosswalk area until you can drive to the far side of the crosswalk area and follow the direction of the Crosswalk Supervisor in order to ensure that all students are safe. Lost and Found If you are in the school, please be sure to drop by the Lost and Found Boutique to check for any items that your child may have misplaced. If unclaimed, these items will be packed up and donated before the holiday break. In the future, please label clothing with your child's name. If there is a name on the lost items, efforts will be made to return them to their owner. Appropriate Gym Attire It is boot weather, and boots are perfect footwear for wet and snowy conditions. However, boots are not allowed to be worn in the gym for Physical Education. Please ensure that your child has clean, indoor running shoes at school. Shoes must be fastened, with laces or Velcro, and they must fit properly. Slip-on shoes are not safe for Physical Education. As always, jewelry must be removed for Physical Education classes. Bracelets can be covered with a sweatband. We cannot take responsibility for lost or stolen items.

Report your child’s immunizations to the Region of Peel online

When registering for school for the first time, parents and guardians are required to provide up-to-date

immunization information for their children. This includes registering for kindergarten. You can update

your child’s immunizations online. The online immunization tool allows you to attach a photo of the

immunization record. When reporting online, an Ontario Health Card is required.

Report immunizations online at: www.peelregion.ca/immunize

After you report your immunizations online you will be given a reference number. Keep this number

for your records. You will need to give this number to your child’s school when registering. If you do

not have online access or your child does not have an Ontario Health Card, take a copy of the

immunization record to the school. Make sure your child’s name and date of birth are visible on the

record.

Call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 if your child does not have an immunization record or if you

have any questions about immunization exemptions. For more information, visit

www.peelregion.ca/immunize

It's time to register children born in 2016 for kindergarten We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2016, they can start kindergarten in September 2020. You can register your child at any time during regular school hours—just visit the school they will be attending to register. Peel schools will also hold Kindergarten Registration Week from Jan. 13 to 17, 2020. Visit SouthFields Village P. S. from:

Jan. 13 to 17, 2020 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Jan. 16, 2020 – from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. What you will need to bring to registration Proof of child's age (one of the following)

Canadian birth certificate Canadian passport citizenship card/certificate Permanent Resident Card confirmation of permanent residence work permit refugee permit

Proof of address (one of the following)

Ontario driver's license utility bill bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution) credit card statement federal government forms (e.g. Social Insurance Number, Service Canada documents) purchase agreement Proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports

an alternate living arrangement. Proof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated.

Apply for French Immersion by Jan. 31, 2020 If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to consider grade 1 French Immersion (FI). The application form for grade 1 FI for the 2020-21 school year are available online at www.peelschools.org/French. The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Applications received after the deadline will not be included in the random selection process and will be placed on the school’s waitlist. The FI school for our area is SouthFields Village Public School. The phone number is (905) 843-3281. Applying for Grade 1 French Immersion The Peel board has a limited number of spaces available for grade 1 French Immersion. They are not offered to students on a first come first served basis. A computerized random selection process randomly ranks all applications that are received by the deadline and assigns the available spaces in rank order. Once available spaces are filled, the remaining students are placed in rank order on a school’s waitlist. Each school has its own waitlist. Students must apply to and, if accepted, attend the French Immersion school based on the home address. Flexible boundaries are not available for Grade 1 French Immersion. How to get more information For more information about French Immersion and how you can support your child:

Visit www.peelschools.org/French

Call SouthFields Village Public School at (905) 843-3281.

Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca/

Visit www.stopr.ca to determine if your child is eligible for busing and for information on bus stops and routes.

Apply for Extended French by Jan. 31, 2020 If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2020, one of the important choices you will make is whether you want to consider Extended French (EF). The EF school for our area is Allan Drive Middle School. The phone number is (905) 857-9144. Online application The application form for Grade 7 EF for the 2020-21 school year is available online at www.peelschools.org/French.The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. Applications received after that date will be put on a waiting list. Please note that students who are currently or were previously enrolled in French Immersion, cannot apply for grade 7 Extended French – you will continue grade 7 in the French Immersion program or an English 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

Peel Public Health shares tips to help prevent the flu It’s flu season and we want to make sure students stay as healthy as possible this year! Influenza (flu) spreads easily from one person to another and Peel Public Health has some tips to help reduce the risk of catching the flu and spreading it:

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

locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots:

Family Doctors’ offices

Walk-in clinics

Pharmacies

Peel flu clinics

Keep children home when they’re sick: If your child develops flu-like signs and symptoms

(fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), keep them home from

school. Contact your health care provider if symptoms are severe.

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

a tissue when they cough or sneeze and throw tissues in the trash. Cough or sneeze into a

sleeve or elbow, if they don’t have a tissue. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or

mouth. This is how germs are spread.

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

hand sanitizer, especially after they cough or sneeze.

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

Help your family stay warm this winter

Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing hypothermia when working or playing outdoors:

Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school.

Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body. Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners, carry an

extra pair to replace damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Invest in thick socks to keep your feet warm. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on outings, etc.

Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when doing vigorous activities.

Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypothermia. If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive sweating

caused from an extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing hypothermia. Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins. A balanced diet will also help keep you warm and

healthy in the winter. If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.

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 appropriately—winter clothing, hats, and boots will keep you warm. Don't throw snowballs at the bus or other children waiting for the bus. Don't slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street. Don't push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt. Talk to your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions: When possible, wait with your child for the bus. Make sure your child knows a phone number where he can reach you or another trusted adult. Teach your child how and where to get help. Talk to your child about what a "safe" stranger is. Help your child set up a bus stop buddy system so your child has someone to wait with for the bus.

Bus cancellation and closing schools due to bad weather

During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather. Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/peelschools/, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. It is usually also announced on the radio and television stations listed below: VIRGIN RADIOFM99.9 BREAKFAST TELEVISION NEWS AM680 CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1 NEWSTALK1010 AM EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860 FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CITYPULSE GLOBAL NEWS CITY NEWS CTV CFRB – (Bell Media)

One of the following messages will be announced: Peel District School Board buses are cancelled This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual. All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed This means that all schools and Peel board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits. All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled This means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed. All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelledThis means that all activities in schools and Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

6 Ways To Relieve Stress During the Holidays The holiday season can be a happy and busy time of the year.

Often, it is also a stressful time of the year. Our “things to do

list” can be long and calendars can be jam-packed with events.

To help you have a happy season, here are some tips to relieve

holiday stress.

1. Meditation: Try meditation before you begin your day. Mindfulness and meditation are century old practices that have been proven to reduce stress and angst. A daily practice of being completely present and cultivating awareness can improve your sleep, boost your immune system, help with focus and reduce your stress. It may be exactly what is needed to get you through this busy time of year.

2. Get Outside: One of the best ways to overcome stress during the holidays is to exercise and get outdoors. Research shows that physical activity not only boosts your fitness and energy levels but can also elevate your moods. Perhaps an outdoor ice skate or sledding through the snow could be a way for the whole family to enjoy the outdoors and relieve stress together.

3. Plan Ahead: Create a schedule ahead of time that balances holiday events and personal time for you and your family. Allow yourself to say “no” as needed. If your calendars are overly scheduled it may cause extra stress and angst. 4. Be realistic: The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones.

5. Don't abandon healthy habits: Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overeating and overindulging adds to stress and guilt. Here are some healthy strategies that can help: eat a healthy snack prior to a holiday get together so you don’t overload on unhealthy treats; get plenty of sleep and continue physical activities.

6. Be generous: One of the best ways to be happy and manage your stress during this time of year is to act generously with your loved ones, co-workers and friends. This doesn’t mean with gifts or spending money. You can be generous with your compliments. You can generously offer help to a loved one with chores or an errand. Or you can be creative and write a poem to a loved one about how much you appreciate them. This will feel good for both of you.

Regional Learning Choices programs unlock passions

Regional 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.

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 eligible for busing only 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. Students and their families are encouraged to attend the information night for the program of their choice to receive more information about the program and application details. Important dates to note:

Applications open Applications close

ELEMENTARY Jan. 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m.

SECONDARY Applications for secondary regional programs are closed

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 Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in grade 7), Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS

Arts and Technology Morning Star MS

Graphic Design Management T.L. Kennedy SS

International Baccalaureate Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PS, Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS

International Business and Technology

Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS, Meadowvale SS, North Park SS, T.L. Kennedy SS

International and Executive Leadership Academy

T.L. Kennedy SS

Regional Skilled Trades Judith Nyman (starting in September 2020), West Credit SS

SciTech Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS, 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, fees and the

application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

Train More. Rehearse More. Learn More. 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. The Peel Region High Performers Program is available to students in grades 4 to 12 at Britannia Public School, Dolphin Senior Public School and Mississauga Secondary School.

Applications are open For more information and applications, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers.