Karen Rocca, Principal
Heather Thomas, Vice Principal
Liz Cook, Superintendent
Carrie Andrews, Trustee
Kathy McDonald, Trustee
Visit our website at: http://schools.peelschools.org/1406/Pages/default.aspx
Follow us on Twitter: @alomaalligators
Aloma Crescent March Newsletter
From the Principal’s Pen... Dates and
Reminders
March 10th Daylight Savings Time
Don’t forget to move
your clocks forward one
hour as it is daylight
savings time!
March 11th—15th March Break
Schools are closed from
Monday, March 11 to
Friday, March 15,
inclusive. Classes
resume on Monday,
March 18. Enjoy your
time with family.
March 20
Spring Photo Day
It’s Spring Photo Day!
This is an opportunity
for siblings to have a
picture taken together
or for students to have
an individual photo
taken.
March 25th Chat & Chai
Aloma Families are invited to join us in the
library. We will be hosting a presentation
around Positive Parenting
March 29th
Character Assembly
Please join us at 9:30
am to celebrate the
attribute of inclusivity
Hello Aloma families,
What an interesting month February
was! Mother Nature definitely impacted
each week with bus and school
cancellations. Now that we’re moving
into March let’s hope that most of the
intense snow is behind us!
With the weather conditions it meant
postponement of some of our planned
activities, some of which we managed to
reschedule. We also had our character
assembly recogn izing inc lus ion .
Throughout the month we celebrated
Black History Month with trivia
contests, learning carousels and
culminating in our assembly with
student performances. Students and
staff worked hard to share their
knowledge and creative skills at both
assemblies and we hope your enjoyed the
results of all their efforts.
Our Family Math Night and EQAO night
were impacted by the weather and we
have not yet determined when these will
occur. As soon as we have that
information we will share it with
families.
We know that many of our grade 3
families (and some grade 2 families) are
thinking about EQAO. For information
on the testing and to see sample
questions from past tests, we encourage
you to visit the EQAO website at
eqao.com. Chose the “parents” tab and
you will find questions in reading, writing
and math that you can review with your
children. This is NOT mandatory, but
simply a way to familiarize yourself with
the types of questions your child will see
during the testing. To help students
brush up on skill needed to be successful
and confident as they write the test and
prepare for the transition to grade 4 we
will once again be offering OFIP tutoring
to grade 3 students from March until
May. Teachers will contact parents with
information about the program which
will run over the nutribreaks.
Beginning in March we will have snack
baskets in each of our classrooms which
will be available to students that may
need some extra nutrition throughout
the day. The snack baskets will cover
three food groups and is open to any
student that needs it. There is no cost
to families for this program which is
supported through generous donations
from corporate partners.
With March Break coming up quickly, we
encourage you to explore events and
clubs available through the City of
Brampton to keep students engaged and
active. Wishing everyone a safe and
happy break!
Mrs. Rocca
Your Character is Showing…
At our February student recognition assembly, the following
students received awards for their outstanding demonstration of the
character trait of INCLUSIVITY:
Alaya Aliya Lashyavi Benedict Manit Avenasa Malaya
Amrita Viraj Kaden Om Kavish Eric Jessa
Jahmar Jhayne Makayla Gbadebo Sahiti Janiyah Zahra
Aayushi Aarav Austin Tyce Khristina Givanunia Gabriel
Michael Sanvi Lydia Oviya Haidar Sahasra Annabelle
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone on this achievement!
In March, we will recognize the character attribute of cooperation. We can
demonstrate cooperation by:
*Following the rules established by the group
*Participating with our best efforts
*Assuming positive intentions in others
*Valuing the contributions of others
*Respecting the ideas and feelings of others
Keep Your Child Safe On The Internet
Even without trying, children can come across materials on the internet that are obscene, disturbing, violent,
hate-filled, racist or offensive in other ways.
Here are some steps to help you ensure that your children use the internet as safely as possible:
make sure your children understand what sites are appropriate for them
keep the computer in a common area of the home like the kitchen or family room
discuss the meaning of an ‘unsafe’ site with your children
explain to your children what they should do if they reach an unsafe site
make exploring new websites a family activity
pay attention to the games your children may download or copy
look into software or online services that filter out offensive materials or sites
It's important to review safety tips with children regularly. It is possible for children to meet unsafe
strangers on the internet. Ensure your child knows the following rules:
never give out personal information (including name, address, phone number, age, school name or location)
never arrange a face-to-face meeting with someone they meet online
never use bad language or send mean messages
never respond to e-mail messages that make them feel confused or uncomfortable
tell an adult immediately if something on the internet makes them feel uncomfortable
Aloma’s Exciting New
Cozy Up and Read Program For parents and their children
Back up and running this March 7th, 2019!
Every Thursday Morning
From 8:10 am to 8:45 am
Come to Aloma’s Library for chance to read with
your child/children. We have loads of books— in-
cluding dual language books, iPads and a
comfortable environment!
**Light refreshments included! (tea, snacks)
All children welcome—kindergarten through grade 5
with a parent or parents! (including siblings)
School Council
Every School has a school council-a group focused on helping
students succeed. Councils provide a voice for parents and/or
guardians as well as the community, and offer advice to the
school principal on a number of topics.
If you would like to know more about our council, please
contact:
Our principal, Karen Rocca, or
Our school council co-chairs, at
Lunchroom Supervisors Needed
If you are interested in applying for the paid position of a supply Lunch Room Supervisor, please submit your cover letter and resume to
Mrs. Thomas.
Snack Pack Program Begins at Aloma!
A new Snack Pack program has begun at Aloma
this month. The daily program is meant to support
healthy eating by providing healthy snacks to
students that help promote optimal learning for
all. This new initiative is
made possible by the kind
support of community and
corporate sponsors.
Chat and Chai
At Aloma!
We are excited to announce the return of our Chat and
Chai community meetings! Hosted by our ELL Support
staff, Ms. Persaud and our Settlement Worker, Ms.T
Farooq, Families and community members are invited to
join us in the library this Monday March 25th at 9:10am
for tea and light snacks. These meetings are a great way
to mingle with our Community and discuss relevant topics
of interest.
This month we will be hosting a discussion around the use
of Positive Parenting. We are looking forward to seeing
everyone!
Peel board celebrates public education during Education Week – April 8 to 12
The Peel District School Board will host hundreds of celebrations, activities and events across its 257 schools and worksites to celebrate Education Week from April 8 to 12. On April 15, the Peel board will host Showcase of Excellence, an evening to honour recipients for their outstanding contributions to public education. The theme for this year's Education Week is We Inspire.
Each year schools across Peel, celebrate and host a variety of activi-ties to share all the wonderful examples of learning our students engage in each year. Please stay tuned to classroom newsletters for information around scheduled events.
More than 1,000 individuals will also be honoured during Education
Week with Awards of Distinction for their contributions to their
school or workplace. Schools and worksites will use social media
to showcase their Education Week celebrations and events using the
hashtag #WeInspire.
March 1st is Lunchroom Supervisors
Appreciation Day!
In 2017, the board of trustees declared the first Friday in
March as Lunchroom Supervisors Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, March 1, 2019. Take this opportunity to thank the important work of lunchroom supervisors, and their support and commitment to helping to ensure that students are safe and secure.
ParentConnect
Online parent portal to access important student infor-mation Last year, the Peel District School Board launched ParentConnect, an online parent portal to access im-portant student information.
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
Smoking and Vaping Prohibited on School
Property The Smoke-Free Ontario Act, 2017 (SFOA,
2017) came into effect on October 17, 2018. This law aims to pro-tect the health of Ontarians by regulating the sale, supply and use of tobacco and vapour products (electronic cigarettes), and the smoking and vaping of cannabis. Under the SFOA, 2017 it is illegal to smoke (tobacco or cannabis) or vape on:
School grounds (both inside the school and on the outdoor grounds, including the parking lot and sports fields)
Public areas within 20 metres of school property. New signs are being posted at our schools to notify users that smoking and vaping is prohibited in these areas. The smoking and vaping prohibition is always in effect and applies to staff, students and visitors. Region of Peel - Public Health enforces the smoking and vaping prohibition and has been working with school administrators to keep our schools smoke and vape free. Individuals found smoking and/or vaping in a prohibited area may be subject to a fine. For more information on how the SFOA, 2017 applies to schools, contact Region of Peel - Public Health at 905-799-7700. For more information on the health effects of smoking and vaping visit the Health Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco.html.
Peel Learning Foundation aims to create hopeful tomorrows for Peel
board students
In partnership with the Peel District School Board, the Peel Learning Foundation was created to enable Peel board students to achieve person-al excellence by providing resources to help them overcome barriers.
In its first year, the foundation will support Peel board students through:
Student Emergency Needs program
Depending on the need, the foundation will supporting individual students with food and clothing, medical supplies, eyeglasses and transportation costs, or where there is an emergency situation that requires a compassionate response.
Student Backpack program
The foundation will provide backpacks filled with school supplies that students need to fully participate in regular classroom work. The backpacks will be provided to students in need in a respectful and con-fidential manner. They are tailored for students in kindergarten to grade 3, grades 4 to 8, and grades 9 to 12.
Individuals or organizations who are interested in learning more about and supporting the foundation can visit: www.PeelLearningFoundation.org.
You can also follow the foundation on Twitter and Facebook and use the hashtag #CreateHope to join the conversation.
March Break Maple Syrup Days at the Jack Smythe Field Centre
Open House: Wednesday, Mar. 13 to Saturday, Mar. 16 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature as spring blossoms. Jack Smythe Field Centre offers an exceptional family experience with a visit to its maple syrup bush. The March Break programs run from Wednesday, Mar. 13 to Saturday, Mar. 16. The open house begins at 10 a.m. and the last presentation of the day will be at 3 p.m. This year marks the 50-year anniversary of the Peel District School Board’s Sugar Bush program, which provides families with outdoor, educational activities and hands-on experience. The program is run by Peel board staff during March Break. Families are invited to get involved as Spring comes to life through the following activities:
help tap trees and empty sap buckets.
sample some freshly-made maple syrup.
hike along our trails and feed the friendly chickadees by hand.
learn how pioneers collected and produced syrup compared to modern-day operations.
experience the Indigenous roots of sweet water.
visit the sugar shack where the sap boils and clouds of sweet smelling steam billow out of the chimney.
The cost is $5.00/adult and $4.00/child 12 and under. Lunch will be available for purchase. It will include: hot chocolate, cookies and hotdogs for you to roast over an open fire. Please note that all payments are “cash” only. Jack Smythe Field Centre is located at 14592 Winston Churchill Blvd. in Terra Cotta. Directions to Jack Smythe Field Centre:
Head North on Mississauga Rd.
Turn left on King St. (You will see Credit View P.S. on your left)
Turn right on Winston Churchill Blvd. (You will pass the Terra Cotta Conservation Area on your left)
Head to the top of the hill and turn left into the Jack Smythe Field Centre site.
For more information, please contact the Jack Smythe Field Centre at 1-905-877-7771.
Sleep Tips for Parents, Children & Teens
From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team
Many parents face difficulties getting their children back into regular sleep routines, especially after holiday breaks. Studies have shown that a lack of quality sleep in children can increase the likelihood of anxiety, depression, poor grades and school performance, and even physical pain. Research has proven that kids need a lot of sleep in order to function adequately during the day, and sleep deprived children often overcompensate for lack of sleep by becoming fidgety or even disruptive in school.
How much sleep does your child need every night?
Children ages 5-8 need the most sleep, requiring about 10-11 hours every night. Children ages 9-12 need between 9.5-10 hours nightly. And teenagers 13-18 need between 8.5-9.5. Knowing how much sleep your child needs every night is key in establishing a proper bedtime. And it's important to remember that the above times aren't set in stone, but merely general approximations. Your child will have their own individual sleep needs, and you may need to fine-tune their bedtimes a little bit until you find your child less groggy and sleepy in the mornings, and more alert and aware.
Tips for getting your children on a regular sleep routine
Keep a regular bedtime schedule, including weekends.
Begin a relaxing bedtime routine such as baths, books, prayers, goodnights.
Turn off electronics at least an hour before bedtime.
Bedrooms should be cool, quiet, dimly lit, comfortable and associated with sleep.
Limit caffeine and sugar intake after lunch and none within three hours before bed. Make sure they eat healthy and have regular exercise
Communicate with your children about why regular
bedtimes are important.
Practice these tips yourself and set a good example.
For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel.
Adapted from Alaska Sleep Clinic (2018)
Peel Public Health tips to prevent and beat
the flu
During the winter season, it’s important to take precautions to avoid and help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses such as influenza or “the flu.” Influenza is a disease that affects the air-ways and the lungs. The flu can spread from person to person and can sometimes cause severe illnesses.
Peel Public Health has provided these tips to help reduce the risk of becoming ill or spreading the flu:
Get your annual flu shot: It’s not too late to get your annual flu shot. Visit your physician, a walk-in clinic, a pharmacy or find another location near you that is offering the free influ-enza vaccine.
Stay home when you'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.
Practise 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 the tissue in the trash after it’s used. If they don’t have a tissue, they should cough or sneeze into their sleeve or elbow. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are spread this way.
Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after they cough or sneeze.
There are many locations across Peel where you can get your flu shots:
Peel flu clinics
Family Doctors’ offices
Walk-in clinics
Pharmacies
For more information, call Peel Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.
ALOMA CRESCENT P.S.
Sun
Sunday
Mon
\Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thu
Thursday
Fri
Friday
Sat
Saturday
1
Pizza Day
2
3 4
5
6
7 Cozy Up and Read
8:10 am in the library
8 Pizza Day
9
10
Daylight
Saving Time
11 12
13
14
15
16
17 18
19 20
Spring photo day
and
sibling photo day
21
Cozy Up and Read 8:10 am in the
library
22
Pizza Day
23
24
31
25
Chat and Chai 9:10 am in the
Library
26 27
28
Cozy Up and Read 8:10 am in the
library
29
Character Assembly
in the gym
Pizza Day
30
M a rc h 2 0 1 9