Great Lakes P.S. 1

A Message from the

Administration Team

We had an exciting Education Week at Great Lakes! Thank you

families for joining us for our Award of Distinction Assembly as

well as our Day of Pink – We Inspire Inclusion Open House.

At our Award of Distinction assembly, Avinash Bhavnani from

School Council - as well as the following staff—Tanya Cooper,

Alicia Hankivsky, Stephanie Kornbluth, and Tanya Mihkelson—

and the following students—Afrah Abdul Hakeem, Jotpreet

Rehal, Mohammad Ali and Aaminah Qureshi – were presented

with Award of Distinction certificates. Thank you to all of you for

your wonderful support of Great Lakes! Further, our Open House

was a huge success with parents enjoying activities of inclusion

with their children.

On April 30, our school hosted an interactive, engaging wellness

event with guest presenter Miguel Martinez from MTClife. This

special event was funded by a Parent Reaching out Grant secured

by our School Council. It was very well attended and the message

of resiliency – Facing Stress With a Smile – was adopted by all

through the fun-filled family presentation. We thank School

Council for securing the grant!

Be sure to follow us on Twitter @1GreatLakes2013

School Success

As part of our Climate for Learning School Success work and participation in the Community Active Living 5210 project, we showcased our playground games through a PALS assembly held on April 29 and at our Wellness Evening on April 30. Families are invited to use these playground games after hours and on the weekends. Our 5210 project highlights one hour of physical activity per day. Making use of our school playground games is one way to ensure this healthy step happens each day.

Great Lakes P.S.

Home of the Grizz

Math Tips

Possible ways to praise: “I know you struggled with this, but I am really impressed with how you stuck with it and solved the problem.”

How mistakes are viewed can impact on student learning

Posing good questions is important Use visuals/materials to model student

thinking Explore your child’s thinking process:

• Why did you…? • What can you do next? • Do you see any patterns? • Does the answer make sense?

EQAO Writing Dates Grade 3: May 22-24 Grade 6: May 23, 24, 27, 28 & 29

285 Great Lakes Drive, Brampton, ON L6R 2R8 Phone 905.793.8632 Fax 905.793.1860 Principal – Mrs. Vokey Vice-Principals – Mrs. Slimati & Mrs. Raybould Office Manager – Mrs. Mihkelson

Trustee – Ms. Balbir Sohi Superintendent – Mr. Michael Logue

MAY 2019 EDITION

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What's Happening At Great Lakes?

Character Trait Theme: Respect

Speak courteously to everyone

Treat yourself and others with care and value

Honour the rules of your home, school, workplace and community

Demonstrate value for yourself, your body and your rights

Take care with other people’s property and belongings

School Settlement Worker Contact Information Saleha Khan

Cell Number: 647-302-0050 Email: saleha.khan@bmccentre.org

School service days: Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

GRADE 8 GRADUATION

We are almost at the end of the year and soon we will be saying our farewell to the grade 8 students as they leave Great Lakes to experience their journey to high school. We will be having our Grade 8 graduation on Wednesday, June 26th at 4 p.m. at Harold Braithwaite Secondary. Parents to pick up students promptly at 8 p.m. from the dinner and dance at Harold Braithwaite.

Good Bye Assembly and Sport Spirit Day on

Wednesday, June 26th

@ 10:05 a.m.

Music Monday Assembly - May 6 at 9:25

am; Talent Show at 10:45 am.

Asian Heritage Month & Respect Assembly

to be held on May 17 at 9:25 am.

All are welcome!

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What’s Happening in Grade 8 at

Great Lakes?

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What’s Happening in Grade 8 at

Great Lakes?

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Great Lakes Public School puts the spotlight on Asian Heritage In December 2001, the Senate adopted a motion proposed by Senator Vivienne Poy to officially designate May as Asian Heritage Month in Canada. In May 2002, the Government of Canada signed an official declaration to designate May as Asian Heritage Month. Throughout May, students, staff and parents from across Peel will participate in a number of activities that promote the understanding of the many contributions made by Asian Canadians. Here is a list of Asian Heritage Month events happening at Great Lakes Public School:

o May 7th

– Samosas (available to purchase through Cash Online)

o May 7th

– Spotlight on Asian Heritage at the Board Office

o May 8th

– Spotlight on Asian Heritage at the Board Office

o May 14th

– Spring Rolls (available to purchase through Cash Online)

o May 17th

School Assembly 9:25 am

o May 21st – Mango Ice Cream (available to purchase through Cash Online)

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40 hours to graduate – Start this summer

All students in Ontario secondary schools are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of community involvement in order to obtain their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. Students are encouraged to start accumulating community involvement hours in the summer after grade 8. Research shows that early involvement in community service helps students build a spirit of civic responsibility which can be expanded as they move through secondary school. The community involvement component is an opportunity for students and parents to work together, independent of the school. With parent support, your teen is responsible for finding and completing 40 hours of community service. Parents should provide assistance to their teen in the selection of community involvement activities. Here’s how to get started:

Spend some time with your teen going through the list of eligible and ineligible activities by visiting www.peelschools.org/students/40hours

View the volunteer opportunities posted at www.peelschools.org/students/40hours/volunteerjobboard/

Create a resume using myBlueprint to capture a potential supervisor’s attention while showcasing your teen’s skills.

Register today for Adult ESL or LINC classes Do you know an adult who is interested in improving their English language skills for work, study or daily life? Through the Continuing & Adult Education department, the Peel District School Board offers a wide variety of English language classes that help adult learners experience success in Canadian English in both listening/speaking and reading/writing. Courses are designed for a range of basic, intermediate and advanced English (Levels 1 to 8) as well as the more experienced learner needing to prepare for an IELTS exam.

Classes are ongoing - Register anytime. All learners who complete a session will earn a certificate of learning from the Peel District School Board. Certificates of completion at Canadian Language Benchmark level 4 and greater can be submitted as proof of language proficiency for Canadian Citizenship applications. Classes operate from six locations in Brampton and Mississauga with three specially designed adult centres at:

Bramalea - Adult Education Centre – Bramalea Secondary School, 510 Balmoral Dr, Brampton, Door #33

Brampton - Adult Education Centre - #300 - 7700 Hurontario Street, Brampton

Mississauga - Adult Education Centre - 100 Elm Drive West, Mississauga, Room 117

To learn more or to register, call 905-270-6000, then press 2

Also visit www.peelschools.org/adulteducation or follow us on Twitter: @PDSBLearnESL

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Peel schools honour police officers during Police Appreciation Week The Peel District School Board will pay tribute to police officers by holding Police Appreciation Week from May 13 to 17, 2019. Peel students and staff will show their appreciation for the tremendous job being done by police to protect schools, homes and communities. Police Appreciation Week coincides with National Police Week. National Police Week pays tribute to the work of police officers across Canada. During this week, students, staff and parents in schools throughout Brampton, Caledon and Mississauga will honour the work of police officers and thank them for enhancing public safety and security.

May 15 – Celebrate Peel IT Support Staff and Media Support Services Appreciation Day This year, the Peel District School Board will recognize the contributions of its IT support staff and media support services on May 15, 2019. The Peel board appreciates the important work of these individuals to ensure that innovative, reliable and adaptable solutions are available to support student success through equitable access to technology. We thank them for providing quality service and for supporting students and staff every day.

Celebrating and Promoting Children’s Mental Health

Children’s Mental Health Week is happening May 5-11 in Ontario. It’s a time to focus on the important ways we can promote and nurture the mental health and well-being of our children.

Mental Health: A State Of Well-Being

Did you know that we ALL have mental health? It is more than just the absence of illness. Mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which every individual realizes their own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to their community (World Health Organization). Indigenous teaching reminds us that mental wellness is a balance of the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional parts of ourselves and is enriched when individuals experience purpose, hope, belonging and meaning in their lives (First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework). A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health when it comes to success at school, in friendships and in life.

Here are some key tips and strategies to nurture your child’s mental health and resilience from your PDSB Mental Health Resource Team:

Safe, responsive relationships between adults and children is our greatest tool for promoting positive development and mental health in youth. When a child has consistent, caring adults in their life both at home and in the community, when they know they are loved and valued no matter what, and have someone trusted they can turn to when a problem arises, their resilience is bolstered.

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Listen and validate feelings. Encourage children to talk about their thoughts and feelings, and show lots of love and acceptance. Keep the conversation flowing by asking open-ended questions and spending quality time together at mealtimes and by participating together in activities your child enjoys.

Help Your Child Develop a Positive Sense of Self. A child’s self-perception is linked with their mental health. Help them set realistic goals; praise them for effort as well as achievement by providing genuine, realistic praise. Foster positive connections with their cultural or faith community. A child with high self-esteem believes they are a good person, understands their positive qualities and strives for a successful, happy life.

Model and Teach Healthy Ways to Manage Stress. While it’s important to try to protect your child from overwhelming or toxic stress, not all stress is bad. In fact, some stress helps us motivate and prepare us to perform our best, and there is bound to be some stress after a disagreement with friends or being cut from a sports team. Give your child the tools they need to cope with stress and big feelings in a healthy way: establish healthy habits including exercise, getting enough sleep and proper nutrition; practicing gratitude and deep breathing, journalling or talking with a trusted adult are just a few examples.

Notice Changes and Reach Out for Help. If you notice signs that your child feels sad or overly anxious about normal situations like going to school or meeting new people, take note. A change in mood or behaviour that lasts more than two weeks, impacting social problems, academic issues or family problems could be sign of a mental health concern. Keep the lines of communication open with your child’s teacher and other caring adults in their life to discuss observations. Remember, there is no age too early for a child or family to see a mental health provider; in fact, it might benefit the whole family by providing resources and support to caregivers who may be struggling, too.

Where Can I Get Help?

At school, your child can reach out to their teacher, coach, guidance teacher or school administrator as a starting point, to talk about their mental health. Every PDSB school is also assigned Social Work and Psychology staff to provide consultation and direct service to students, and assist students and families to get connected to helpful resources in the community.

In the community, visit www.WhereToStart.ca to access mental health services for children and youth in Peel. For a quick guide to mental health resources, visit bit.ly/PeelYouthResources.

For more tips on building mental health and resilience, visit bit.ly/ResiliencyTips

For updates and to follow along with the work of the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team, find them on Twitter @MHRTPeel. Adapted from Caring for Kids (2019) and Very Well Family (2018).

What is an IEP?

Education is full of acronyms and IEP is one of many that a parent/guardian of a child receiving special education support will encounter. An IEP is an Individual Education Plan. Developed at the beginning of the school year, it lays out the accommodations and modifications to the regular curriculum that help your child learn and be successful. No formal identification is needed but you, the parent/guardian should be involved in the development as you provide valuable input. It can be overwhelming so there are pamphlets, webpages, and Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) representatives who can help you understand and make informed contributions. May is Better Speech and Hearing Month. Let's thank the professionals who help our children with their speech and language challenges.

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For more information, please visit www.peelschools.org/parents/specialed/iep

We Welcome the World Centres The Peel District School Board’s We Welcome the World Centres located in Brampton, Malton and Mississauga, are the first point of contact for all newcomer families to become familiar with the educational system in Peel. The centres are open all year—including the summer months— from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to providing literacy and numeracy assessments, the We Welcome the World Centres provide newcomers with a host of services including: reception, orientation, interpretation and referrals.

At each centre, parents/guardians and students will discover: • settlement service information • age and grade appropriate educational and related program resources • information about various community supports • translation of materials to support the reception and assessment process • computer portals— providing information on Peel resources

For more information about the We Welcome the World Centre and the services they provide, call 905-366-8791.

Using social media safely

With the growing number of social media sites, it is no surprise that social media is the most common form of communication for children and teenagers. Posts, status updates, comments, instant messages, video uploads, tweets and texts have become a regular part of their lives. While there are many positive benefits to using social media, including staying connected with friends and expressing your interests, students must be cautious in their use of these networks. Among the most popular social media platforms used are Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube and Whatsapp Messenger. Many of these platforms are free and are available on smartphones and other electronic devices. These platforms are easy to navigate and often allow information to be shared instantly, not only with friends, but with strangers. On social media, it is important to remember that the world is watching. Here are some tips, provided by the Canadian Safe School Network and GetSafeOnline.org, to keep your children safe and help them make smart choices when using social media:

Set some boundaries for your child before they get their first ‘connected device’ (mobile, tablet, laptop or games console). Once they have it, it can be more difficult to change the way they use it or the settings.

Have a conversation about what is appropriate online behaviour and what actions could have huge

repercussions that could damage their reputation and be harmful to others.

Talk to your child about the kind of websites they look at. Encourage them to speak to you if they come across something they find worrying or upsetting on websites, games or social media.

Discuss with your child what is safe and appropriate to post and share online. Written comments, photos and videos all form part of their ‘digital footprint’ and could be seen by anyone and available on the internet forever, even if it is subsequently deleted.

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Explain to your child that being online doesn’t give them anonymity or protection, and that they shouldn’t do

anything online that they wouldn’t do face-to-face. Users should only accept people they know in order to

protect themselves from spammers, strangers and others who may be using social networking sites to commit

crimes.

Unlike when they’re meeting someone face-to-face, children don’t always know who they’re actually ‘talking’ to online, even if they think they do. Tell your children they must never email, chat, or text with strangers, and it’s never okay to meet a stranger in the real world.

Ensure your children set their privacy settings appropriately. Take the time to learn how privacy settings work on your children’s favourite sites, and teach them how to control their privacy.

Tell your children never to share personal and private information with anyone online. This includes, but is not

limited to, his or her full name, age, birth date, address, phone number, social insurance number, credit card

information and parents’ full names.

Limit the amount of time that your children spend on social media platforms and talk about the importance of

healthy and appropriate use of technology.

Celebrating Faith and Culture May 2019 DATE CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE May Yansa'altt and Flower Moon Indigenous May 1 Beltane Wicca Sunset of May 1 to May 2 Yom HaShoah Judaism May 2 ● 12th Day of Ridvan Bahá'í May 6 Ramadan Islam May 7 Akshaya-tritiya Jainism May 12 or 19 Sakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday Buddhism May 17 to June 4 the month of 'Azamat Bahá'í May 19 ● Wesak Day/Buddha Day Buddhism May 20 Victoria Day Canada Eve of May 23 to 24 Declaration of the Báb Bahá'í May 24 Zarathosht-no-Diso Zoroastrianism Eve of May 28 to May 29 Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh Bahá'í May 31 Lailat ul-Qadr Islam May 31 Jumatul Widha Islam May 10 or 17 (J) Ascension Christianity

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Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder

May 2019

The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the world. To commemorate this diversity, the board recognises special faith and culture days of our communities. May 2019 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remember: _____________________________________________________________ May - Yansa'altt & Flower Moon in Indigenous Yansa’altt is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia. It is the season

when the woods are filled with fragrance of berry blossoms that yield the fruit in the summer.

The fifth moon of Creation is called the Flower Moon by the Ojibwe people. During this time, all plants

display their Spirit sides for the World to see. During this period of new life, all are encouraged to discover

their spiritual essences.

May 1 - Beltane in Wicca Celebrated by Wiccans, Beltane is one of the four major sabbats (seasonal days of celebration). Beltane is a

word that refers to the 'fire of the Celtic God of light.' This sabbat is the last of the spring fertility festivals,

when nature is blooming and full of life. Beltane has also been known as May Day, as it is traditionally

celebrated on May 1 with May pole dances. Another custom is to make a small bel-fire (a bonfire, or light a

few candles) and either leap over the flames or walk between two bonfires for fertility and prosperity.

May 2 - 12th Day of Ridvan in Bahá'í The 12th Day of Ridvan concludes this important Bahá’í festival. The festival of Ridvan, considered the

"most great festival”, is a 12-day celebration that starts at sunset April 19 and runs until sunset May 1. The

most important holyday on the Bahá’í calendar, Ridvan (pronounced "Riz-wan") commemorates the public

declaration of the prophethood of Baha'u'llah, the acknowledged founder of the Bahá’í faith. The first,

ninth and 12th days of Ridvan are all major Bahá’í holy days. These days are marked by communal prayers

and celebrations and are days when work is suspended by adherents.

Sunset of May 1 to May 2– Yom HaShoah in Judaism This Holocaust remembrance day is a Jewish holiday. “Shoah" is the Hebrew word for destruction and is another name for the Holocaust. The anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 is the date chosen to commemorate the six million Jews who died during World War II. In Israel, a morning siren sounds stopping all activity, and people stand in honour of those who died. Jews around the world hold

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memorials and vigils, often lighting six candles in honour of the six million Holocaust victims. Many hold name-reading ceremonies to memorialize those who perished.

May 6 - Ramadan in Islam

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, is considered one of the holiest months of the year by

followers of Islam. It is during Ramadan that Muslims observe the Fast for the entire month. Muslims fast

(abstaining from both food and drink) during the daylight hours and in the evening eat small meals and visit

the mosque and family. It is a time of worship and contemplation. Also a time to strengthen family,

community ties and supporting the needy.

May 7 - Akshaya-tritiya in Jainism Akshaya-tritya (Immortal Third) celebrates the day when Lord Rishabha broke his first year-long fast by drinking sugar cane juice. Jains who fast on alternate days for six months, or a year, break their fast by sipping fresh sugar cane juice. People who perform the austerity of Varsitap (fasting for a year on alternate days or longer period at a time) complete the austerity on this day by taking sugar cane juice. This day is considered to be very auspicious for going on a pilgrimage to Shatrunjay (located in Gujarat, India). May 12 or 19 - Sakyamuni Buddha's Birthday in Buddhism On this day, Buddhists celebrate the birth of the founder of their religion. Siddhartha Gautama was born in

the sixth century BCE, a prince of a north kingdom in ancient India. According to Buddhist scriptures, he

was so concerned about the inequities of human life that when he was 29, he gave up his royal position,

left home and strove to live a virtuous life. At age 35, he attained enlightenment and became Sakyamuni

Buddha. He died at the age of about 80, and left a number of his students who continued to study and

spread Buddhism all over the world. Buddhists celebrate this day by visiting temples to make offerings of

prayers, incense, fruits, flowers and donations.

May 17 to June 4 - the month of 'Azamat in Bahá'í In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. May 17 is the Feast Day for the beginning of 'Azamat, the fourth month of the Bahá'í calendar, signifying "grandeur." The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day.

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May 19 - Wesak Day/Buddha Day in Buddhism For followers of Buddhism, mainly in Sri Lanka, Wesak is the major festival of the year, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha on the day of the first full moon in May (except in a leap year when the festival is held in June). Adherents visit temples and pay homage to the Buddha with candles, flowers and incense. Chanting and prayers are important part of the day. May 20 - Victoria Day in Canada Canadians celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday on the Monday proceeding May 24 which is the actual birthday of the Sovereign. The holiday was declared by the Legislature of the Province of Canada in 1845. Eve of May 23 to May 24 - Declaration of the Báb in Bahá'í Siyyid Alí Muhammád declared himself to be the Báb, or "Gate of God," at two hours and eleven minutes after sunset on the evening of May 23, 1844 in the Persian city of Shiraz. Members of the Bahá'í faith believe that the Báb was the herald and forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh, the messenger of God for this age. The date of his declaration marks the beginning of the Bahá'í faith and calendar. Every year on this date, Bahá'ís around the world gather to commemorate this event. They abstain from work on this day. May 24 - Zarathosht-no-Diso in Zoroastrianism On May 24, Zoroastrians following the Shenshahi calendar, commemorate the anniversary of the death of

Prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), the founder of their faith. Scholars say he lived between 1500 and 1000

bce in northeast Iran.

Eve of May 28 to May 29 - Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh in Bahá'í This date commemorates the death in 1892 of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í faith. This anniversary

is a day of rest and is often observed by prayers and readings. Bahá'ís suspend work on this day.

May 31 - Lailat ul-Qadr in Islam Lailat ul-Qadr is the holiest night of the holy month of Ramadan. It is also called the "Night of Power," as Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad first received God's revelation (Qur'an) on this night. Followers spend the night in worship.

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May 31 - Jumatul Widha in Islam Jamatul Widha also known as Juma-tul Widha is observed on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. Prayers offered on this Friday are extremely significant to followers of the faith. They believe that any lapses in prayers during the year can be recompensed by offering heartfelt prayers on this day in the mosque. Ideas for celebrating special faith and cultural days in your school If you have a colleague who celebrates one of these days, don't forget to offer them best wishes! If you have students in your school who are followers of any of the listed religions: - Make sure the dates are included on your school calendar - Have your principal announce the day over the PA system - Hold an assembly to talk with students about the importance of these days - Include a mention of these days in your school newsletter - Include information on your school website - Display student artwork announcing these days or depicting their ideas about these days - Invite a member of a local faith group to come in and discuss the significance of this day with students - Have class discussions about these days - Ask some of your students who celebrate certain holidays to write a short essay on how they celebrate

this day at home. Have them read it to the class to share this celebration with the other students. - Have parents offer a cultural session Questions? If you would like any more information on how to celebrate these days, please call Ashley Bigda, Community Relations Officer at 905-890-1010, ext. 2573 or e-mail her Ashley.Bigda@peelsb.com.

Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder

May 2019

The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the world. To commemorate this diversity, the board recognises special faith and culture days of our communities. May 2019 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remember: _____________________________________________________________ May - Yansa'altt & Flower Moon in Indigenous Yansa’altt is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in northwest British Columbia. It is the season

when the woods are filled with fragrance of berry blossoms that yield the fruit in the summer.

Great Lakes P.S. 15

The fifth moon of Creation is called the Flower Moon by the Ojibwe people. During this time, all plants

display their Spirit sides for the World to see. During this period of new life, all are encouraged to discover

their spiritual essences.

May 1 - Beltane in Wicca Celebrated by Wiccans, Beltane is one of the four major sabbats (seasonal days of celebration). Beltane is a

word that refers to the 'fire of the Celtic God of light.' This sabbat is the last of the spring fertility festivals,

when nature is blooming and full of life. Beltane has also been known as May Day, as it is traditionally

celebrated on May 1 with May pole dances. Another custom is to make a small bel-fire (a bonfire, or light a

few candles) and either leap over the flames or walk between two bonfires for fertility and prosperity.

May 2 - 12th Day of Ridvan in Bahá'í The 12th Day of Ridvan concludes this important Bahá’í festival. The festival of Ridvan, considered the

"most great festival”, is a 12-day celebration that starts at sunset April 19 and runs until sunset May 1. The

most important holyday on the Bahá’í calendar, Ridvan (pronounced "Riz-wan") commemorates the public

declaration of the prophethood of Baha'u'llah, the acknowledged founder of the Bahá’í faith. The first,

ninth and 12th days of Ridvan are all major Bahá’í holy days. These days are marked by communal prayers

and celebrations and are days when work is suspended by adherents.

Sunset of May 1 to May 2– Yom HaShoah in Judaism This Holocaust remembrance day is a Jewish holiday. “Shoah" is the Hebrew word for destruction and is another name for the Holocaust. The anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943 is the date chosen to commemorate the six million Jews who died during World War II. In Israel, a morning siren sounds stopping all activity, and people stand in honour of those who died. Jews around the world hold memorials and vigils, often lighting six candles in honour of the six million Holocaust victims. Many hold name-reading ceremonies to memorialize those who perished.

May 6 - Ramadan in Islam

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar, is considered one of the holiest months of the year by

followers of Islam. It is during Ramadan that Muslims observe the Fast for the entire month. Muslims fast

(abstaining from both food and drink) during the daylight hours and in the evening eat small meals and visit

the mosque and family. It is a time of worship and contemplation. Also a time to strengthen family,

community ties and supporting the needy.

Great Lakes P.S. 16

May 7 - Akshaya-tritiya in Jainism Akshaya-tritya (Immortal Third) celebrates the day when Lord Rishabha broke his first year-long fast by drinking sugar cane juice. Jains who fast on alternate days for six months, or a year, break their fast by sipping fresh sugar cane juice. People who perform the austerity of Varsitap (fasting for a year on alternate days or longer period at a time) complete the austerity on this day by taking sugar cane juice. This day is considered to be very auspicious for going on a pilgrimage to Shatrunjay (located in Gujarat, India). May 12 or 19 - Sakyamuni Buddha's Birthday in Buddhism On this day, Buddhists celebrate the birth of the founder of their religion. Siddhartha Gautama was born in

the sixth century BCE, a prince of a north kingdom in ancient India. According to Buddhist scriptures, he

was so concerned about the inequities of human life that when he was 29, he gave up his royal position,

left home and strove to live a virtuous life. At age 35, he attained enlightenment and became Sakyamuni

Buddha. He died at the age of about 80, and left a number of his students who continued to study and

spread Buddhism all over the world. Buddhists celebrate this day by visiting temples to make offerings of

prayers, incense, fruits, flowers and donations.

May 17 to June 4 - the month of 'Azamat in Bahá'í In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. Each month represents an attribute of God. May 17 is the Feast Day for the beginning of 'Azamat, the fourth month of the Bahá'í calendar, signifying "grandeur." The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. The first day of each month is known as a Feast Day. May 19 - Wesak Day/Buddha Day in Buddhism For followers of Buddhism, mainly in Sri Lanka, Wesak is the major festival of the year, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha on the day of the first full moon in May (except in a leap year when the festival is held in June). Adherents visit temples and pay homage to the Buddha with candles, flowers and incense. Chanting and prayers are important part of the day. May 20 - Victoria Day in Canada Canadians celebrate Queen Victoria's birthday on the Monday proceeding May 24 which is the actual birthday of the Sovereign. The holiday was declared by the Legislature of the Province of Canada in 1845. Eve of May 23 to May 24 - Declaration of the Báb in Bahá'í Siyyid Alí Muhammád declared himself to be the Báb, or "Gate of God," at two hours and eleven minutes after sunset on the evening of May 23, 1844 in the Persian city of Shiraz. Members of the Bahá'í faith believe that the Báb was the herald and forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh, the messenger of God for this age. The date of his declaration marks the beginning of the Bahá'í faith and calendar. Every year on this date, Bahá'ís around the world gather to commemorate this event. They abstain from work on this day.

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May 24 - Zarathosht-no-Diso in Zoroastrianism On May 24, Zoroastrians following the Shenshahi calendar, commemorate the anniversary of the death of

Prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), the founder of their faith. Scholars say he lived between 1500 and 1000

bce in northeast Iran.

Eve of May 28 to May 29 - Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh in Bahá'í This date commemorates the death in 1892 of Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í faith. This anniversary

is a day of rest and is often observed by prayers and readings. Bahá'ís suspend work on this day.

May 31 - Lailat ul-Qadr in Islam Lailat ul-Qadr is the holiest night of the holy month of Ramadan. It is also called the "Night of Power," as Muslims believe that Prophet Muhammad first received God's revelation (Qur'an) on this night. Followers spend the night in worship. May 31 - Jumatul Widha in Islam Jamatul Widha also known as Juma-tul Widha is observed on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan. Prayers offered on this Friday are extremely significant to followers of the faith. They believe that any lapses in prayers during the year can be recompensed by offering heartfelt prayers on this day in the mosque. Ideas for celebrating special faith and cultural days in your school If you have a colleague who celebrates one of these days, don't forget to offer them best wishes! If you have students in your school who are followers of any of the listed religions: - Make sure the dates are included on your school calendar - Have your principal announce the day over the PA system - Hold an assembly to talk with students about the importance of these days - Include a mention of these days in your school newsletter - Include information on your school website - Display student artwork announcing these days or depicting their ideas about these days - Invite a member of a local faith group to come in and discuss the significance of this day with students - Have class discussions about these days - Ask some of your students who celebrate certain holidays to write a short essay on how they celebrate

this day at home. Have them read it to the class to share this celebration with the other students. - Have parents offer a cultural session Questions? If you would like any more information on how to celebrate these days, please call Ashley Bigda, Community Relations Officer at 905-890-1010, ext. 2573 or e-mail her Ashley.Bigda@peelsb.com.