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february NEWSLETTER

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F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 7 I n t h i s i s s u e :

A. Pemberton, Principal

B. Broumeriotis, Vice-Principal

J. Leacock, Vice-Principal

School Community Council:

Carolann Bell Prue

Superintendent: Martine

Robinson 905-666-6379

Administrative Officer:

E. McIntosh, 905-666-6366

Trustee: Donna Edwards,

905-426-7045,

[email protected]

105 Bayly Street East

Ajax, Ontario

L1S 1P2

Tel: 905 683 1610

Fax: 905 683 0856

E-mail: [email protected]

http://www.ddsb.ca/school/

ajaxhs/

GUIDANCE NEWS 2

MUSIC NEWS 3-4

PREMIER AWARDS FOR ACCEPTING SCHOOLS 5

SCHOOL BELL TIME REVIEW 6

VIMY RIDGE/AJAX PAC/MENTAL HEALTH 7-8

EQUITY AND INCLUSIVE EDUCATION 9-11

Our First Nations class was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit an Iroquois Settlement as part of the NVB-3C1 Aboriginals course. This Iroquoian Village is just south of Milton, situated on Crawford Lake along the Niagara Escarpment.

The reconstructed Iroquoian village dates back to the 1400’s where it is estimated, that 250 people lived in longhouses on this exact site. The village is rooted in history and we discovered the many hands-on exhibits connected to the spirit of the people who lived there.

We have been given the duty

To live in harmony with one another

And with other livings things.

We give thanks that this is true.

NATIVE STUDIES CLASS TRIP We would like to acknowledge that we are on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of

Scugog Island First Nation and in the territory covered by the Williams Treaties.

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Greetings from Guidance! COURSE SELECTION PROCESS FOR 2017-2018

The course selection process for next year will begin on Tuesday, February 7th. Guidance Counsellors will be conducting seminars for all Ajax High School students in order to assist students with their course selections for 2017-2018.

All course selection requests will be completed on-line using the “Course Planner” feature on the Career Cruising website. Students will be given detailed instructions about the “Course Planner” during the course selection seminars. The deadline for all students to submit course requests is Monday, February 27th.

In April and May, Guidance Counsellors will conduct individual educational and career planning sessions with every student who submits their course selections on time.

COURSE SELECTION INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR PARENTS

The Guidance Department will be hosting a parent information session on Wednesday, February 15th, to assist interested parents in navigating through the course selection process. The first session (for parents of grade 9 students moving on to grade 10) will begin at 6:30 pm in the cafeteria. The second session (for parents of grade 10 students moving on to grade 11 and grade 11 students moving on to grade 12) will begin at 7:30 pm in the cafeteria.

UNIVERSITY APPLICATION UPDATE

In order to be given equal consideration during the University application process, students must have submitted their University application by January 11th. Students may continue to amend their application until February 3th. Students can be extended offers of admission any time during the application process. Universities must make all offers of admission by May 26th. Students view their offers of admission and respond to those offers through the O.U.A.C. website at: www.ouac.on.ca.

COLLEGE APPLICATION UPDATE

The equal consideration date for College applications is February 1st. Students can receive e-mail offers of

admission any time after the application deadline. Students must confirm their acceptance to an offer by May 1st using the O.C.A.S. website at: www.ontariocolleges.ca.

PARENT/GUARDIAN TEACHER INTERVIEWS

Semester two Interim Progress Reports will be issued to students during regular class times on March 9th. Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Wednesday, March 23rd from 1:30 – 3:30 pm and 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

Our teens are PRETTY amazing at Ajax HS!

After hearing about a student who didn’t have a birthday cake for his birthday this December, Kirsten, Colby and Ivy decided, “he needed a birthday cake”. “Everyone matters and thinking of others shouldn’t just be at Christmas”, explains Kirsten R..

“We made a cake thinking, it’s just a small token to give to a fellow student, says Colby K. and it would make a difference in their life”.

Well, it was a BIG hit with the birthday boy and he was overwhelmed that students at Ajax High School were thinking of him on his birthday.

Thank you Colby, Ivy and Kirsten, and members of the WE TEAM for making a big impact with a small, kind gesture.

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Ontario Band Association Festival – February 15th @ 10:35am Ontario Vocal Festival – March 9th @ 2:20pm Concert Choir (all grades) – Mondays 3:00 - 4:30pm Concert Band (all grades) – Tuesdays 3:00 - 4:30pm Music Council – Thursdays @ lunch Family of Schools Concerts – May 11th @ 10:00am and 1:00pm Spring Concert – May 11th @ 7:01pm

Ajax High School’s Music Department is gearing up for concerts:

CONCERT CHOIR

In their first major concert of the year, the choir made a huge impression on the students and staff at AHS, as well as our Family of Schools, when they performed “All Too Soon,” and the French-Canadian folk song “V’la l’Bon Vent” on Thursday, Dec 15th. Thank you to Mrs. Lewis and Mrs. Elliott for their faithful assistance rehearsing this enthusiastic group. The Holiday Concert, where they had something special planned, was canceled due to weather. We have more surprises in store for the spring concert though!

The Concert Choir is a group of grade 9-12 students who meet once a week on Mondays, from 3:00-4:30 pm. Each member’s consistent attendance allows them to attend trips and festivals, like the Ontario Vocal Festival on March 9th at 2:20 pm at Mayfield Secondary School, in Caledon. Friends and family are welcome to watch them perform in this national MusicFest qualifying festival. In addition to the festival, we will be doing some awesome team-building at Laser Quest, Brampton! Permission forms are available now. A $15 activity fee is required to participate in any AHS team, club, or ensemble.

CONCERT BAND

The Concert Band is a group of grade 9-12 students who meet once a week on Tuesdays, from 3:00-4:30 pm. The band was featured at AHS’s annual Awards Assembly on Nov 16th, where they welcomed our esteemed scholars with the music from the band Queen. On Dec. 15th, AHS’s Family of Schools were further wowed by the Concert Band performing pieces inspired by Egyptians gods, scurvy pirates, and an awesome Queen medley. They performed two concerts during the day, and unfortunately, missed the big finale for friends and family due to snow.

They are now feverishly preparing for the Ontario Band Association festival on Feb.15th, which is a qualifying festival for MusicFest Nationals. To prepare for the festival, on Feb. 7th, (our usual rehearsal day), the band will be participating in a professional clinic with esteemed concert band director, and former head of the Collingwood C.I. music program and band festival, Mr. Kevin Hamlin! Friends and family are welcome to watch the OBA Festival performance on Feb 15th at 10:35am, at Le Parc Conference Center in Thornhill. In addition to their festival performance, they will be taking a tour of Cosmo Music Warehouse, and doing some team-building at “Dave and Busters,” in Vaughan. Each member’s consistent attendance allows them to attend trips and festivals. Permission forms are now available. A $15 activity fee is required to participate in any AHS team, club, or ensemble.

PEP BAND

The Pep Band was preparing to delight the crowd at the Holiday Concert with a rousing sing-along, but alas, fate stepped in. They did, however, have an opportunity to support our Family of Schools music trivia challenge by performing the music for the very popular online educational quiz game, “Kahoot!”

MUSIC COUNCIL

Preparations for the Holiday Concert were well underway, under the ever-watchful eye of the council, until it was all derailed. The auditorium looked amazing, and really impressed our Family of Schools during the two daytime concerts. The holiday and gingerbread-making party was a small-but-mighty event, with games and good cheer abounding. The council members all stepped up to make this evening a success. These events cannot be accomplished without the dedication of these enthusiastic students! Any student involved in an extra-curricular ensemble is invited to join this group to help with all of the behind-the-scenes details that are essential to keeping the music department going strong!

Music News for February 2017

MUSIC

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Music News Continued SWAG

Hoodies were a fabulous prize at this year’s Family of Schools concerts, and were proudly given to the grade 8 student who showed the most musical prowess in our trivia game designed by our Music Council grade 9 reps! This year’s hoodies are particularly snuggly and can even be seen on the Admin staff as they patrol the halls! Traditionally, each student wears their hoodie on their rehearsals day for either band or choir. Any music student who placed an order for music ‘swag’ received their awesome polo, hoodie, or jacket on Nov 10th. Any student in need of a uniform should speak to Ms. Cresswell prior to our festival trips!

HOLIDAY PARTY!

On Wednesday, Dec. 21st, all music students were invited to participate in the 2nd annual Music Department Holiday party: gingerbread houses, sugar, and fun! The music council ran games, contests, and even persuaded Ms. Cresswell and Mrs. Elliott to be wrapped in toilet paper! The teachers almost had as much fun as the students. Thank you to the Music Council and all of the grade 9-12 students who helped to make this event a success - again!

FAMILY OF SCHOOLS CONCERT

The band and vocal classes also participated in the Family of Schools concert to build anticipation in our up-coming grade 7-8 students. FIVE of the six Family of Schools attended, which generated an audience of over 200 students and teachers at each concert. The instrumental and vocal classes each contributed to the concert by performing a bucket-drumming routine written by the grade 9 instrumental class, and singing a choreographed version of “White Winter Hymnal,” made famous by the acapella group Pentatonix. A special thank-you goes out to the Grade 9 Music Council members, who planned, organized, and MC’d the event, and created a very popular trivia game; the Music Council, who participated behind-the-scenes; and the Tech Crew, Mrs. Elliott, and Mrs. Lewis, who ensured that the concert ran smoothly. Congratulations to all on a very successful and motivational show!

DONATION - GUITARS

Once again, our anonymous patron has donated new acoustic guitars to enable more students to develop their creativity and expression, through their love of music. This year we received an even more generous gift of 10 new guitars to add to the six we received last year. Next year, thanks to this generosity, we will be reviving Grade 9 and 10 beginning guitar courses! Thank you for supporting music education at Ajax High School.

FUNDRAISING

AHS’s Music Department has launched its major fundraising initiative: Fundscrip.com. This program allows friends and family to earn money in support of a student by buying gift cards towards everyday purchases, or as gifts. Cards are bought online, and delivered to your door! Each purchase can earn between 2%-13% back for the student. Cards are available from most major retailers (like groceries and gas), and can be set up as a one-time, or weekly/monthly purchase, and delivered anywhere in Canada! Reloadable cards and e-cards are also available, so you don’t even have to wait for delivery – it comes right to the card in your wallet or via email. Please contact Ms. Cresswell for more information, or go online to Fundscrip.com - AHS MUSIC DEPARTMENT CODE: MKYQAK

FESTIVALS ARE AROUND THE CORNER…STAY ‘TUNED’! J

Thanks for making the AHS Music Department awesome!

Ms. J. Cresswell

[email protected]

905-683-1610 x 2334312

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January 24th, 2017

School Bell Time Review Board Wide Community Consultation Process

At its Monday January 23rd, 2017 Board meeting, Durham District School Board Trustees approved the commencement of a Board Wide Community Consultation to gather feedback on the proposed bell time adjustments contemplated for September 2017, as per Board Procedure 6161: Bell Times.

The Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board have a transportation consortium, Durham Stu-dent Transportation Services (DSTS). In order to ensure maximum efficiency for students, a bell time review is necessary.

Both Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board approved the commencement of the bell time review at their respective Board meetings on January 23rd, 2017. This bell time review is a joint review, as are the results.

There will be 3 Open Houses to gather input from the community on all of the proposed bell time changes.

Open House Dates, Location and Times:

February 13th, 2017- Notre Dame CSS Gym, 1375 Harwood Avenue N, Ajax – 7:00pm to 8:30pm (for Pickering & Ajax schools in both school boards)

February 14th, 2017- All Saints CSS Gym, 3001 Country Lane, Whitby – 7:00pm to 8:30pm (for Whitby & Oshawa schools in both school boards)

February 15th, 2017- Port Perry HS Gym, 160 Rosa Street, Port Perry – 7:00pm to 8:30pm (for northern region schools in both school boards)

Schools Affected:

of 171 total schools at each board (DDSB and DCDSB) 133 schools (or 77%) require no change in bell times 38 schools (or 23%) require a change in bell times

27 of 38 (71%) are 10 minutes or less

7 of 38 (18%) are 15 to 25 minutes

4 of 38 (11%) are 30 to 45 minutes

Of the 38 schools that require a change in bell times, 28 are within Durham District School Board. A list of these schools can be found attached to this notice.

Final approval on the bell time changes will occur at the March 20, 2017 Board Meeting by Durham District School Board Trus-tees. All feedback will be collected and summarized into a report for the Trustees’ consideration.

Feedback will be collected until Wednesday March 1st, 2017. A dedicated email address and phone line have been created to collect feedback from the community regarding the bell time changes. As well, Comment Sheets will be available at the Open Houses. Email: [email protected] or Telephone: (905)666-8080 Ext. 5106

SUIMMARY OF DDSB PROPOSED BELL TIME CHANGE FOR AJAX HIGH SCHOOL

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AJAX STUDENTS HEADING TO VIMY RIDGE Ajax students heading to Vimy for 100th

anniversary - Ajax Legion Donation

AJAX — Dave Wylie and Butch Andrews from

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 322 Ajax, spoke

with a contingent of Ajax High School and J.

Clarke Richardson Collegiate students heading

to Vimy in France after presenting a donation

from the legion on Jan. 27th, 2017.

Ajax News Advertiser

By Keith Gilligan

AJAX — In April, more than 80 high school

students from Ajax will be visiting the site often

attributed to the place where Canada became a

country. The 100th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge is in April and 58 students from Ajax High School and 24 from J. Clarke

Richardson Collegiate will be heading to Europe to mark the occasion. Ella Kerr, a Grade 9 student at Ajax, said, “I’m hoping to get

a better understanding of Canadian history.” The “opportunity came up and I had to take it,” Ella added. To help the students, the

Royal Canadian Legion Ajax Branch 322 gave $1,250 to each school. Legion officials presented cheques to representatives from

both schools on Friday, Jan. 27th, 2017.

Butch Andrews, the legion’s first vice-president, said, “I was delighted when Coun. (Colleen) Jordan called me. That’s why we’re

backing you students going to Vimy. “I’ve been there, I’ve seen it. You’re really going to enjoy it,” Andrews said. “I think all Canadians

should go there.”

Jackie Callis, a teacher at Ajax High School, said, “On behalf of Ajax

High School and the 58 kids who are going and will be part of this

pilgrimage, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for

your support. The kids really do appreciate your support.” Dave

Wylie, president of the legion, said, “I appreciate you guys going over

there. You are going to get an education.” Callis said she began

working on the trip two years ago by holding parent meetings, judging

who was interested in going. Alicia Fennell-Wigglesworth of J.

Clarke Richardson Collegiate, also started two years ago to give

students a chance to save money. “It’s just kids interest in learning

about history,” she said.

It’s costing each student about $4,000. Both schools held fundraising efforts to help. Jamie Burnett, a Grade 12 student at Ajax, said

he went to the 75th anniversary events for D-Day when he was in Grade 9. “My father is a big war history fanatic. He reads a lot and

he tells me a lot about it. I’ve always wanted to see it,” Burnett said. “D-Day, I got so much out of it. I want to get as much out of it.

Hopefully, it will be impactful,” Burnett added. He’s heading off to university to study civil engineering.

Chloe Wright, a Grade 10 student at Ajax, said it’s the first time she’ll be

going to Europe. She’s hoping for “a really life-changing experience.”

She’s been studying about Vimy and she credits her time with the Harwood

Sea Cadets, where she is a cadet. She’s been in the cadets for five years.

Her plans are “just to really see the world and have a lot of fun. I want to

make some good memories,” Chloe said.

The Ajax High group will be in Europe from April 6 to 16 and will visit

France, the Netherlands and Germany, while the J. Clarke group heads

over for 11 days, starting on April 4th and will visit London, Paris, Belgium,

Normandy and Vimy.

Keith Gilligan is a reporter, covering the Town of Ajax for Metroland Media Group’s Durham Region Division. He can be reached at

[email protected]. Follow DurhamRegion.com on Twitter and Facebook.

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The Ajax PAC (Principal Advisory Committee) is comprised of a diverse group of dedicated students who meet monthly with the Principal to have discussions on a variety of topics including school improvement, issues and concerns, and ways of addressing and supporting these items that come up in these discussions. Most recently, the Ajax PAC determined that Mental Health Awareness is important and we hope to increase Mental Health Awareness by starting with sharing this information (below) directly from the DDSB website http://www.ddsb.ca/Parents/Resources/MentalHealthResources/Pages/Default.aspx (Retrieved February 8th, 2017). Mental Health Early recognition of mental health problems and connection with helpful resources is important. If you are concerned about your child's mental health or if you are a student who is concerned about your own mental health, you can talk to someone at your school. Supportive school-based strategies, referrals to our Board mental health professionals and information about community mental health providers can be offered through our schools. Promotion of positive mental health and development of social and emotional learning strategies is an ongoing focus for the DDSB. Information on community based mental health services for children and youth can be accessed through: Durham Central Intake : 1-888-454-6275 and ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 http://www.connexontario.ca/ If you need immediate assistance for a mental health concern, please contact:

your family doctor

Durham Mental Health Mobile Crisis (905) 666-0483 or 1-800-742-1890

Kids Help Phone - 1-800-668-6868 - www.kidshelpphone.ca

The first step to understanding positive mental health is to look at how we view “mental health”. When people think of mental health they often make associations with symptoms, challenges and illness, reducing our ability to see the whole picture of mental health. Consider the way “physical health” is understood. Although we are all aware that people experience various physical illnesses during their lifetime, ranging from mild and brief to more severe and enduring, we do not see these symptoms, challenges and illnesses as defining physical health. We equate physical health as an overall experience of physical wellness. Good health includes both physical and mental health! Often, mental health awareness campaigns focus solely on mental illness. Understanding mental illnesses and reducing the stigma of living with mental illness is very important. Understanding the broader concept of mental health and how to improve and support positive mental health enables us to provide early intervention for individuals who have not developed a mental illness as well as support individuals living with mental illness to access resources for recovery sooner. People living with mental illness can experience positive mental health. Everyone has periods of time when they are not experiencing optimal mental health (as all people experience periods of time when they do not have optimum physical health).

Ajax PAC & Mental Health

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January was Tamil Heritage Month Ajax H. S. prides itself on being inclusive of all. Throughout the year we highlight various events, celebrations and observances of the diverse backgrounds our schools and communities serve.

On June 12th, 2012, the Legislative Assembly of Ontario had its first reading of Bill 111, an Act to proclaim the month of January Tamil Heritage Month. People of Tamil heritage have migrated to Ontario since the 1940s. Tamil Canadians have overcome obstacles while making significant contributions to Ontario’s social, economic, political and cultural tapestry. Tamil Heritage Month presents an opportunity to reinforce the important history and contributions of Canadians of Tamil heritage. The month of January was chosen because the first month of the Tamil calendar – Thai begins in January. This month is also significant as Tamil Canadians recognize many cultural and artistic observances including the Tamil Harvest Festival – Thai Pongal, celebrated every year January 14th-17th

Regarding Thai Pongal you can visit the below website for good information. http://www.pongalfestival.org/thai-pongal.html.

January Dates of Importance

January 7th

, 2017 - Orthodox Christmas Day

The day marks the birth of Jesus Christ and kicks off on January 6th

with a holy meal. Here are a few traditions of some Orthodox

people:

The 40-day Nativity Fast. Some fast from meat and dairy for 40 days before Orthodox Christmas. They break their fast on

January 7th

. The holy meal uses specific ingredients. It consists of 12 dishes, including perogies, cabbage rolls, beets, borscht,

and potatoes. The 12 dishes represent Jesus's twelve apostles.

White tablecloth on the holy dinner table. The table is set with an extra place for the spirits of family members that have passed on. Under the table cloth they place three things: A bunch of wheat to signify a rich harvest, garlic to ward off evil spirits, and a bit of sugar as a wish for a sweet life.

Some families give away treats, including apples, cookies, candies, and chocolate to neighbours after dinner on Orthodox Christmas Eve.

January 16th, 2017 - Martin Luther King Day

On the third Monday of January, we commemorate the life of the civil rights leader who paved the way for equality. Slavery in Canada was abolished in 1834, however well up until the 1950s, there was segregation in schools, theaters and entire towns reserved for Whites only. "The Little Black School House", a documentary produced by Sylvia Hamilton, unearthed the fact that the last segregated school in Ontario was up and running until 1964, and more shockingly, that the last one in Nova Scotia closed its doors in 1983.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a man of powerful words and peaceful action, and he undoubtedly inspired the lobbying of African-Canadians in 1965, which resulted in the closing of the segregated school in Merlin, Ontario. He alerted the world to the unfair treatment of African-Americans, since the movement's protests, boycotts, speeches etc. received unprecedented media coverage.

January 21st, 2017 - Lincoln Alexander Day

Ontario MPPs have officially declared January 21st to be Lincoln Alexander Day. Lincoln Alexander was a leading figure in the fight for racial equity in Canada. In provincial, federal, public and private roles, he consistently advocated for the equal treatment of black Canadians. In the Air Force Lincoln Alexander served as a wireless operator in the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II. While stationed in Vancouver, Alexander was refused service because of his race. When he reported the incident to a superior officer, and the officer refused to take action, Alexander quit the Air Force, leaving in 1945 with an honourable discharge. In 1985, on the advice of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, Governor General Jeanne Sauvé appointed Alexander as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He became the first black person to serve in a vice regal position in Canada. In 2000, Alexander was named Chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, where he remained an active spokesperson for race relations and veterans' issues. Mr. Alexander passed away on October 19th, 2012 http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/news/it-s-official-jan-21-is-lincoln-alexander-day-1.2443584 Lincoln Alexander Day Act - http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-8.5/page-1.html

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February is Black History Month This observance was first launched in 1926 in the United States by Carter G. Woodson during the second week in February

as Negro History Week. It evolved over time and became Black History Month in 1976. In December of 1995, the Parliament

of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada. During February, the significant achievements

and contributions in the areas of medicine, human rights, art, culture, politics, and public service made by people of African

and Caribbean descent through history, as well as their struggles to overcome colonialism and racism, are officially

recognized and celebrated.

February 3rd – Setsubun-sai (Shinto)

Also known as the Bean-throwing Festival, this is a day for family. Setsubon-sai marks the eve of the first day of spring in the traditional East Asian calendar. In Japan, beans are thrown into each room of the house, and then out through the doors leading outside. It is believed this ushers out evil spirits and ushers in good fortune.

February 15th – National Flag of Canada Day

February 15th was declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996. It marks the day in 1965 when our red and white maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and indeed, hundreds of communities across Canada. Red and white were designated as Canada's official colours in 1921 by His Majesty King George V.

February 20th – Family Day (Ontario)

Family Day is a statutory holiday that is observed in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan on the third Monday of February. This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and their communities. It was established on October 11th, 2007 following the 2007 fall Ontario election campaign when Premier Dalton McGuinty was re-elected. The first Family Day in Ontario took place on February 18th, 2008.

February 20th - World Day of Social Justice (UN)

At its sixty-second session, in November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed February 20th

as

World Day of Social Justice. The day was observed for the first time in 2009. The observance of the day should contribute to greater awareness and action for social change regarding social justice issues associated with the dimensions of diversity – including, but not limited to; ability (physical and intellectual), age, culture, gender, gender identity, heritage, language, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status. World Day of Social Justice also recognizes the further consolidation of the efforts of the international community in poverty eradication, promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.

February Dates of Importance

January Dates of Importance International Day of Commemoration in Memory of Victims of the Holocaust - January 27th, 2017

On January 27th

each year, the United Nations remembers the Holocaust that affected many people during World War II. This

day is called the International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust. It also commemorates when the Soviet troops liberated the Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland. The Holocaust is the term used to describe the deliberate murder and desecration of millions of people prior to and during World War II in Germany and German occupied areas in Europe. Many of them were Jewish but the Roma people, Soviet civilians and prisoners of war, ethnic Poles, people with disabilities, homosexuals and political and religious opponents were also killed. One of the most notorious camps was Auschwitz-Birkenau, near Oświęcim, Poland.

More than one million people died in Auschwitz-Birkenau before Soviet troops liberated it on January 27, 1945. Many of the survivors speak publicly about the Holocaust or their experiences around the event, its aftermath and why the world should never forget what happened in Europe in the 1930s and 1940s. Many statements emphasize the need for future generations to learn about and remember the Holocaust and for everyone to work towards preventing genocide.

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Pink Shirt Day

February 21st - International Mother Language Day (UNESCO)

International Mother Language Day was first observed in February 2000 to support linguistic and cultural diversity. The date also commemorates a student protest in 1952, when students participated in demonstrations to gain recognition of their language – Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the nation known as Pakistan. Many students were shot and killed by Police in Dhaka. Dhaka is now recognized as the capital of Bangladesh.

“Information and communication technologies can be especially useful in promoting mother languages. We must harness the power of progress to protect diverse visions of the world and to promote all sources of knowledge and forms of expression. These are the threads that weave the tapestry of humanity’s story.”

~ Irina Bokoza, Director-General of UNESCO

February 28th – Shrove Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, is the last day before the long fast for Lent for some Christians in Canada. It often coincides with or falls close to the dates for the winter carnival celebrations that occur in the January/February period.

Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day in some parts of Canada. Pancakes are traditionally eaten on this day and are sometimes served with maple syrup. Carnivals or Mardi Gras festivals are also held around this time of the year. These celebrations have been held in cities such as Winnipeg and Québec over the years.

The Québec Winter Carnival is a major annual event in Canada that spans for about two weeks, although the dates may vary from year to year. It does not always fall on the same date as Shrove Tuesday but it is usually held in the January/February period. Popular events during the celebrations include winter sports, snow sculptures, and activities based on the traditional Québec lifestyle, such as canoe races and dogsled races.

The tradition of getting together just before Lent to eat, drink and be merry dates back to the start of the French colony in Canada. Québec City’s first winter carnival took place in 1894. The carnival was held sporadically during the later years due to interruptions from wars and the economic crisis of 1929. However, the carnival festivities were launched again, with the first official Québec Winter Carnival taking place in 1955.

This fantastic Canada-wide anti-bully campaign began when two Nova Scotia high school students stood up for a classmate. After a vulnerable grade nine student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt, fellow students David Shepherd and Travis Price went out and bought 50 pink shirts at a discount store. The teenagers handed out the pink shirts at school as a symbol of protest and support. Canada now has an anti-bullying Pink Shirt Day every year. These newly created posters recognizes the importance of discussing homophobia, transphobia and bullying with staff and students.

Ajax High School encourages all students and staff to wear a pink shirt/and or pink article of clothing on February 22

nd, 2017 to send the

powerful message that discrimination related to homophobia, transphobia and sexism will be challenged . Students and staff are encouraged to

attend the Pink Day Party being held in the LGI at lunchtime.

February Dates of Importance

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SCHOOL CASH ONLINE – FAST, EASY, CONVENIENT

Ajax HS is one of the first in the province to offer the convenience of online payments to parents/

guardians.

The Kev Cash On-Line system allows parents to pay for school trips, club and team events, or

course supplemental fees without having to send money to school. It ensures that payments are

convenient and secure and money is never lost on the way to school. Please visit our webpage

(www.ddsb.ca/school/ajaxhs) if you would like more information about the School Cash Online

program. We are asking parents to please take 5 minutes to register, by following the steps

below. Once you are registered online, you will begin receiving emails about upcoming events as

they are posted.

Here is a one minute movie clip that will give you a brief overview of the registration and online

shopping experience.

http://www.kevsoftware.com/movies/ParentRegEnglish/

Register Online in 3 easy steps!:

Step 1: Register at https://DDSB.schoolcashonline.com

Step 2: Register by selecting the “Get Started Now” and following the steps.

Step 3: After you receive the confirmation email, please select the ‘click here’ option,

login and add each of your children to your household account.

**To find your Student – enter the student’s ONTARIO EDUCATION NUMBER – located on

your child’s report card**

PLEASE NOTE: If you have any questions during the registration process or while shopping online,

please select the GET HELP option in the top right hand area of the screen, or contact the School

Cash Online – Parent Help Desk at 1-866-961-1803.

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