The Queenston Drive Herald

Mission: “A community of critical thinkers creating a positive change in our world”.

Trustees: Robert Crocker October 2019

Sue Lawton FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @Queenston_Dr http://schools.peelschools.org/1378/Pages/default.aspx

Principal’s Message

The month of September was a busy and productive one. We appreciated everyone’s

cooperation regarding our need to reorganize some of our classes. We were fortunate enough

to be given a fifth FDK class to lower our student teacher ratio at this grade level. We

welcomed Mrs. Munro (K5 teacher) and Mrs. Nadeem (K5 ECE) to our Queenston family.

On September 30th we had an Orange Shirt Day assembly to honour the survivors of Canada’s

residential schools, to acknowledge the truth of this dark chapter in Canadian history and to

lay the foundation for an equitable future by removing the barriers Indigenous peoples still

face today.

Throughout the month of October, schools across the Peel District School Board will

recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month. Peel students and staff will participate in

a number of activities to learn and deepen their understanding of the rich culture,

heritage and contributions of Muslim Canadians and Muslim communities from around the

world.

Queenston's First Language Reading and Mentoring Program is searching for volunteers

who speak, read and write in another language. If you are interested in volunteering, please

email Mrs. Smith at carrie.smith@peelsb.com

Mr. Richards continues to be on leave and Mrs. Nancy MacDonald, a retired principal, will still

be here in his place as acting vice-principal. Mrs. Santino is also on leave and we are delighted

to have Mrs. Meecham here to support us in the office.

Thank you,

Ken Diana Nancy MacDonald

Principal Acting Vice Principal

Want to keep up to date with what’s happening at Queenston Drive?

Check out our school website where you'll find:

Visit schools.peelschools.org to find your child's school website, which features:

• the latest school news

• contact information for school administration, superintendent and trustee

• the school calendar

• enrolment data

• school hours

• registration information

• online library catalogue

You can subscribe online to receive email notifications for school news, calendar events

and volunteer job opportunities. You can also choose to receive email and/or text message

notifications for critical news, such as school closures due to bad weather. Click on the

“Subscribe” link on the left side of the main page of the school website.

Visit the Peel board's other websites:

www.peelschools.org — learn more about school programs and ways to help your child

succeed in school

www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild — an online resource centre with tips and

resources for parents to help encourage student success at home

www.peelschools.org/parents/involved — learn about ways to get involved with your child’s

education, including volunteer opportunities and school council.

www.makingmyway.ca — online resources and tools to help you make informed decisions

and explore your child's options after high school. There are five main pathways:

apprenticeship, college, community living, university and the workplace.

www.myBlueprint.ca/peel — an online planning tool used by grade 7 to 12 students, which

includes: high school course selection, goal-setting, financial planning, occupation planner,

resume and cover letter builder and a comparison of post-secondary options and programs.

What you need to know about busing Eligibility for Transportation is based on distance criteria established by the Peel District School Board. Under the Board’s Policy, students residing within their schools attendance boundary and living in excess of the following distance criteria from their school are eligible for transportation: Kindergarten to Grade 1: 1.0 km Grades 2 to 4: 1.6 km Grades 5 to 8: 2.0 km Grades 9 to 12: 3.8 km Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR) is responsible for administering the transportation policy for both the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. STOPR Web Site: We recommend that you take a moment to review STOPR’S website as it is available to you 24 hours per day, 7 days per week at: www.stopr.ca STOPR’S website is your source for the most up to date transportation information such as bus delays and cancellations as well it can provide you with important information such as “what school do I attend” and “am I eligible for transportation”. In addition, from STOPR’s website www.stopr.ca, you can also access important school bus safety information as well as “Transportation Procedures”, “Forms”, Courtesy Seats” and “frequently asked questions concerning student transportation”. Parents can also access their children’s bus route information and details through the website by clicking on the “Your Child’s Busing Information” tab located on the main page. You will need your child’s Ontario Educational Number (OEN), home address, school and grade in order to retrieve your child’s bus information from the web site. Parents can now sign-up to receive automatic e-mail notifications of delays or cancellations for their children’s bus run. Parents should go to www.stopr.ca and click on the “bus delays and cancellations” link and then click “subscriptions” to sign-up for this service. Contacting STOPR STOPR operations are divided into 3 defined zones, East, West and Special Needs Transportation. The East and West zones manage all regular home to school busing for all of Peel Region and the dividing line between these zones is generally Kennedy Road. When calling STOPR for school bus information, please make sure that you have your child’s Ontario Educational Number (OEN) available. The OEN number can be found on your child’s report card or is available from your school. STOPR staff will ask for your child’s OEN to ensure your child’s personal transportation information is secure and is shared only with the appropriate person. Telephone contact: (905) 890-6000 (East, West and Special Needs Transportation) Toll free: 1-800-668-1140 Fax: (905) 890-6033 Twitter: Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR) will begin Tweeting as of September 1, 2019. Please follow us @STOPRinfo to receive information on safety programs/initiatives, bus cancellations, STOPR updates and more.

Bus Stop Locations and “Primary Protocol”: Please note that “door to door” or “home bus stop” locations are not generally provided. STOPR establishes bus stops in safe and appropriate locations that can service multiple families and students. Typically these stops are located at intersections or “group” locations that provide an area for all students/parents to wait for their bus away from the roadway. Please note that Parents/Guardians are responsible for the safe conveyance of their children to and from the bus stop location and it is expected that all transported kindergarten and grade 1 students are always met by a parent/guardian at the end of the day at their bus stop location. There is simply no substitute for an adult’s supervision at the bus stop as this is the most critical moment for student safety. Students in kindergarten and grade 1 must always be met at their bus stop each day under STOPR “Primary Protocol”. For more information on school bus safety and the “Primary Protocol” please go to www.stopr.ca Requests for changes for a Student’s Transportation: STOPR is responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of approximately 68,000 students each school day. Please note that during school start-up in September, the STOPR office is extremely busy and staff are focused on critical issues such as eligible students requiring transportation, bus overloads and route timing issues. Requests for a change in a bus stop location will be addressed after school start-up is completed later in September.

Protect your kids—and your finances

The Peel District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries

that occur on school property or during school activities including extracurricular sports. Each

year, many of our families spend thousands of dollars when their children are injured at school, on

field trips, while participating in non-school activities, or at home. If a student is injured,

parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for any costs not covered by provincial health care or their

employer’s health plan. Please check with your provider regarding your coverage.

The provincial health care system does not cover costs which are commonly related to accidents

including dental work, ambulance fees, casts and crutches, and physiotherapy. All of these are

covered by Old Republic’s student accident insurance plan.

It is strongly recommended that all families consider this coverage, especially if your child

participates in extracurricular activities. The annual plans provide 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

coverage. The insurance agreement is between you and Old Republic Insurance Company. For more

information call Old Republic Insurance Company toll free at 1-800-530-5446.

Important information regarding student privacy and use of

third party apps and web services

At the Peel District School Board, we are committed to helping each child achieve to the best of

his or her ability. Using Modern Learning tools is an essential component of teaching and learning

in today’s world. Modern Learning tools can include Internet sites where users interact and

collaborate in online environments, websites where users log in, and/or applications for tablets.

The Peel board believes that these online services are key tools in aiding students and teachers in

the development of 21st Century skills.

Please note: In order to support student privacy, Peel board students are requested not to use

their school email (studentnumber@pdsb.net) to create accounts on any third party, non-

protected domain, apps/web services.

The terms and conditions of these app/web-services do not align with the Peel board’s

Registering and Use of Software, Web-Based Services and Apps guidelines as their services may

collect and display the student’s private information, including the full name, publicly.

If your child uses their own personal accounts to access these apps/web services, please

encourage them to use privacy settings to ensure that their account information, including full

name, is not shared publicly.

Please visit www.bit.ly/byodparentresources for more information.

ATTENTION NEW VOLUNTEERS

We value parent volunteer at our school. As indicated in the Safe School Policy of

the Peel Board, parent volunteers new to Queenston Drive P.S. will require an

interview by Mrs MacDonald at which time a Criminal Record Check Form (CRC)

will be provided to take to the Community Police Station. Please come into the

office to schedule an appointment. Once you receive your CRC form, please submit it

directly to Lisa Cruickshank at the Peel District School Board, 5650 Hurontario

Street

Keeping lunches and snacks peanut-free and shell fish-

free

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that affects some children. We ask

that you help us take care of these students by sending lunches and snacks for your child that

are free from peanuts, nuts or shellfish, because these foods are the leading cause of

anaphylaxis.

Please read the label of any food you plan to send to school with your child. If the label says,

"May contain nuts or peanuts," please do not send it to school. In addition, Queenston Drive is

also a Shell-Fish Free school.

You can get a complete copy of the Peel board's anaphylaxis guideline at www.peelschools.org

under the Parent tab, under Student Health.

ParentConnect

Online parent portal to access important student information

The Peel District School Board is excited to announce the launch of ParentConnect, an online

parent portal to access important student information. The pilot program was introduced at all

schools in the 2017-18 school year.

What is ParentConnect?

ParentConnect is a safe and secure website, created by the Peel District School Board, that acts

as a single point to stay informed and to access all electronic services provided to Peel board

parents and legal guardians.

The parent-friendly website will allow you to:

view school-based alerts and information

access real time absence reporting

view current and historic elementary report card information

get up-to-date busing information

review secondary school credit history and diploma status

and more

To learn more about the benefits of ParentConnect, visit our school website or www.peelschools.org/parentconnect

Pay school fees online using School Cash

Online—register today!

Our school offers School Cash Online, a safe and secure form of online payment, as its

preferred method of payment for all school fees. With a parent-friendly portal and an

easy way to keep track of your child’s activity fees, you can use School Cash Online to pay

for school items like field trips and pizza days directly from your computer or

smartphone using eCheck, Visa or MasterCard.

Register now

By registering, you’ll have the ability to:

Keep track of your children’s school item and activity fees

Check account history

Print or view receipts

Make donations to school fundraisers online and instantly receive a tax receipt

Pay for school fees with the click of a button

For more information and to register, visit https://peelschools.schoolcashonline.com. If

you have any questions, please contact the school directly. Peel District School Board

Our work has just begun. The Peel Learning Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to enable Peel District School Board students to achieve personal excellence by providing resources that help them overcome barriers. We officially launched in February 2019, and to date, the foundation has supported more than 200 students.

Did you know that 1 in 5 students in Peel Region face barriers related to poverty.

That’s more than 27,000 Peel board students. Through the Student Emergency Needs program and Student Backpack program, the support we provide can be as simple as providing funds for food or transportation, a winter coat, or a backpack filled with school supplies. This type of support can enrich a student's school experience and help them achieve success. Any teacher, staff or support person can speak confidentially to their school’s principal, vice-principal or supervisor when they encounter a student in need, who will then reach out to us to ask for help. There are many ways that you can support the foundation. A gift will help us achieve great things for students. To learn more, visit www.peellearningfoundation.org/how. You can help us create hopeful tomorrows.

www.PeelLearningFoundation.org l 905-890-1010 ext. 2461 l foundation@peelsb.com

@PeelLearningFDN l /PeelLearningFDN

Procedures help keep students safe at school Dear Families, Peel schools provide a safe environment for students and staff to learn and work. The board has many

procedures to ensure safety including regular fire drills, evacuation plans, criminal record checks for new staff and volunteers, and lockdown, hold and secure and shelter in place drills. Together with Peel Police, OPP and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board, the board developed procedures for critical situations.

- Public posts and messages may identify where individuals are in the building and a pose a safety risk. - Can attract attention to the area of the school where the phone is being used.

Parents are requested to NOT call the school or your child’s cell phone during emergency procedures.

1. Parents can get updates during emergency procedures on their school website

2. Parents are requested NOT to go to the school In the unlikely event of an actual lockdown, hold and secure, shelter in place or bomb threat, police ask that parents do not go to the school. For safety reasons, you will not be allowed to enter a school that is in lockdown, hold and secure or shelter in place and students and staff cannot leave the school. In rare cases, police will designate a Parent Information Site for you to attend and get up-to-date, accurate information. Please monitor your child’s school website and do not come to the school unless requested to do so. If you have any questions about our lockdown drill, or any of the procedures we have in place to keep students and staff safe, please call the school.

Time for school - A parent’s guide to reporting school absences All parents/guardians of elementary students need to report their children's absences or late arrivals from school via our automated School Messenger SafeArrival system. Use one of the following methods to set-up your new SafeArrival account. Please ensure the number and email address that you are using to report your child’s absences are those that we have on file at the school. SchoolMessenger app (free from Apple or Google Play)

1. Download the SchoolMessenger app 2. Tap Sign Up to create your account

Web and Mobile Web: go.schoolmessenger.ca

1. Go to the above website 2. Click Sign Up to create your account

Interactive Toll-free Phone

1. Call the toll-free number: 1-855-209-6155 2. Listen to and follow the instructions to report an absence

As always, please report your child’s absences before the start of the school day. Late arrivals and/or early departures should be reported as soon as possible. If your child’s absence is not reported in advance, the automated notification system will contact you and will provide an opportunity to verify the absence. By reporting your child absent in advance on the SafeArrival toll-free number, website or SchoolMessenger mobile app, you will not receive a call.

As always, if you have any questions or require any assistance, please contact the school.

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. 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. 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, except the Regional Skilled Trades and Transportation Engineering and Technology programs, which are offered at no cost. 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 Nov. 11, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 25, 2019 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 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

Truck and Coach Engineering and Technology

Bramalea SS

For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

Peel board recognized Peel Principals and Vice-Principals’ Day, Oct. 2 In 2018, the board of trustees declared the second Wednesday of October as Peel Principals and Vice-Principals’ Day. This year, due to a holy day conflict, this date will be celebrated on Oct. 2. This day allows the community to recognize the important work of principals and vice-principals, and to acknowledge the lasting contributions that they make in the lives of students, families and community members. Take a moment to let your principal and vice-principal know they are truly appreciated.

Celebrate Teachers’ Recognition Day in Peel Since 1994, parents and students from around the world have celebrated World Teachers’ Day to commemorate the work of teachers and their contributions to society. On Oct. 4, take the time to let your child's teacher know he or she is truly appreciated. Thank your child's teacher and let them know they are making a difference.

Oct. 23 opportunity to say ‘thanks’ to bus drivers Peel schools will pay tribute to bus drivers on Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Oct. 23, 2019. The day will be celebrated with special activities and events that provide teachers, students and parents an opportunity to thank the people who safely transport over 36,000 students to and from school each day. If your child rides the bus to school, take this opportunity to thank the bus driver for his or her contribution and ask your child to do so too. The Peel board appreciates the important job bus drivers do each school day and Oct. 23 provides an opportunity to give these individuals the recognition they deserve.

October is International Walk to School Month According to the 2015 Active Healthy Kids Canada Report Card, about 91 per cent of 5-to-17-year-olds are not meeting Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines to get at least 60 minutes of daily moderate-to vigorous-intensity physical activity. These declining activity levels are linked to obesity, illness and chronic diseases (i.e., cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer). Using active transportation for the school journey is one of the easiest ways for students to get regular daily physical activity. Managing time to allow for the walk or bike ride to school will become a positive habit that leads to children arriving on time, refreshed and energized for the school day. In fact, University of Illinois research has found that just 20 minutes of easy walking boosts performance in the areas of the brain that support math and reading achievement. Walking to school also helps out the environment. Eliminating just four short trips per week can reduce emissions by up to 100 kg of carbon dioxide per year. Families that participate in active travel to school can prevent almost 1,000 kg of carbon dioxide per year and save money in fuel costs as well. Also, when more children walk to school and fewer parents drive their children, the areas near school zones become safer for pedestrians. That is why our school will be participating in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 2. On that day—and throughout the month, if you can—walk, bike, blade, scooter, skip or hop to school….but don’t drive!

International Walk to School month is part of the Active & Safe Routes to School program. Visit www.saferoutestoschool.ca/ for more information.

Peel high school information nights start this fallLearn about the Peel District School

Board advantage and your local Peel board secondary school at an upcoming parent information night. For dates

and times, visit www.peelschools.org/schools/informationnights or call the school directly. To find out which

secondary school your teen will attend, call 905-890-1010/1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212 or visit

www.peelschools.org/schools/findyourschool.

**Please note that dates and times are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please contact the school directly.

Get involved in your child’s education

Research shows parent involvement positively affects student success. Becoming more involved brings many benefits. You will get to know teachers, the principal and other parents better. You will be able to share your talents, experiences and ideas. You will inspire youth—and be inspired by them. You will show your child how much you value education. You will gain insights that can help you to boost your child's learning. And you could develop skills and knowledge that can help you in your own career.

There are many ways to be involved. Attending the Peel District School Board's annual parent conference, volunteering at your child's school, talking to your teen about their school day and reading with your child at night are all forms of parent involvement. Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/involved to learn more.

Raise Awareness for Child Abuse Prevention in October Did you know that October is Child Abuse Prevention Month? Peel’s Children’s Aid Society (CAS) works with schools, health care providers, police and the community to keep children safe. CAS has invited parents, caregivers and families to take part in DRESS PURPLE DAY to raise awareness of this important month. October 24 is DRESS PURPLE DAY at our school. Children’s Aid Societies across Ontario will be working within their communities to wear purple and break the silence that surrounds child abuse. On this day, we encourage your child to take part by wearing something purple. You and your family can wear purple too!

Tips to ensure the safety of students At the Peel District School Board, the safety and well-being of students remains our top priority. While staff do their best to support students at school, parents are encouraged to remind their child(ren) to not touch or pick-up any unfamiliar or sharp items found at the school or elsewhere. This includes needles, syringes, plants, animals and more. When a child encounters any unfamiliar items, they should notify an adult. Here are some helpful tips for parents/guardians to share with their child(ren):

1. Leave unfamiliar or sharp items alone. Items include:

Broken glass

Sharp metal or splintered wood

Live or dead animals

Needles or syringes

Barrels, cans or buckets

Spray cans

Heavy objects

Plants, such as poison ivy 2. If they encounter such items, inform an adult so they may notify proper authorities or dispose of it

safely. 3. Educate your child(ren) to identify unfamiliar items. Talk to them about why they should not be

touching these items. 4. Let nature be natural.

Leave nature materials alone: logs, leaves, branches, sticks, etc.

Do not dig up big items. Digging may lead to erosion. 5. What happens when you touch an unfamiliar item.

If a child touches any of these objects or hurt themselves, they should notify an adult immediately. Even a small cut can become infected.

6. Be mindful of your surroundings. Children can find unfamiliar items in familiar settings, such as their neighbourhood or school grounds. Remind them to notify an adult when they encounter any of these items.

DATES TO REMEMBER

Please note the following upcoming special events:

PD Day – Friday October 11th

Picture Day – Monday October 25th