Massey Street Public School95 Massey Street, Brampton, Ontario L6S 3A3 Phone: 905-791-9392 Fax: 905-791-5495

Principal: K. KozovskiOffice Manager: P. Khan Office Assistant: J. AndersonSuperintendent: L. Cook Trustee: C. Andrews

The snow in April did not slow down the Massey staff and students! We hosted our FDK Parent night, Basketball tournament, Families and Schools together, Day of Pink, Jump Rope for Heart kick off assembly and our Character Values assembly. We hope you enjoy the pictures.

Massey has sprung into May and it is a busy month. This month we celebrate Asian Heritage with events each week (details in the newsletter). Also, we will be celebrating Education week from May 7-11 by participating in the Mississauga Marafun, hosting a Talent Show, Book Fair and our Annual Spring into Health Event.

This month we had the opportunity to partner with the Brampton Library during our FDK Parent night. Included in this newsletter is a calendar of FREE activities that are happening at the Brampton Library this month. We hope you can make it with your children.

Finally, changes to the SafeArrival system will occur on Monday May 14th, 2018 (details in newsletter).

School Council News

Our School Council members have been busying planning for the upcoming 40th Anniversary celebration on Saturday June 9th from 11-3. We hope you can all make it to celebrate with us.

Final Meeting: Monday June, 2018 @ 6:15 pm

Spring Fundraiser

Do not forget to order your hanging basket. All orders are due by May 3rd, 2018 . You can order online by clicking here: Hanging Basket Fundraiser

May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 - Pizza Days May 2, 9, 16, 23, - Family and Schools Together (FAST) May 3 - Spring Flower Fundraiser Due May 4 - Lifetouch Order due May 6 - Mississauga Marafun Race (Bus leaves at 9:45 am) May 7-11 - Education Week #WeInspire May 10 - Talent Show-Parent Viewing (9:10 am) May 10 - Spring Into Health Open House, Book Fair, Bike Swap May 11, 25 - Sub Days May 14 - Asian Dance Workshop May 15-16 - Henna Application May 15-17 - Aussie X May 18 - Forest of Reading Conference May 18 - Jump Rope for Heart Fundraising due May 21 - Victoria Day - No School May 22 - Curry & Puri Lunch May 24 - EQAO (am) May 24 - Gr. 1 students to Downey's Farm May 25 - Spirit Day (Cultural or Fancy Clothes Day)/Assembly (pm) May 25 - EQAO (am) May 28 - EQAO (pm) May 29 - EQAO (am) May 30 - EQAO (am) May 30 - Grade 5 Grad photo May 31 - EQAO (am) May 31 - Gr. 1 Scientist in the Classroom May 31 - Kindergarten Orientation 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. May 31 - Summer Math Games - 6:00 -7:30 p.m. May 31 - Gr. 2 students to Peel Children's Water Festival

Everyday Mr. Brill’s class models for the Massey Street students and staff the importance of being grateful. In their class they have a gratitude jar. They write down things that they are thankful for on slips of paper and then put them in the jar. Sometimes they read what has been placed in the jar as a way to reflect and appreciate all the things that we appreciate.

Showing our kindness on April 11 for the Day of Pink.

Mr. Brill and Ms. Mustapha attended the ETFO conference “Caring for the Whole Child.” Mr. Brill had the privilege of leading a session about Mindfulness in Schools. We are proud that he was able to share the wonderful work happening at Massey Street Public School.

The winning team and their coach Ms. Kent!

The Massey Owl’s won first place at our Basketball tournament! Thank you to Hilldale, Jefferson, and Hanover for joining us! A special thank you to the North Park students that were the official referees.

F

Yoga helps kids to:

● Develop body awareness● Learn how to use their bodies in a healthy way● Manage stress through breathing, awareness,

meditation and healthy movement● Build concentration● Increase their confidence and positive self-image● Feel part of a healthy, non-competitive group● Have an alternative to tuning out through

constant attachment to electronic devices

For more information, feel free to explore:

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15075/7-ways-kids-benefit-from-yoga.html https://www.kidsyogastories.com/yoga-for-anger/ https://childhood101.com/yoga-for-kids/

Changes coming to elementary SafeArrival system on May 14, 2018

As you know, the Peel District School Board implemented SafeArrival, an automated absence reporting system for all students in its elementary schools in September 2016. Recently, the service provider for our system was sold to a new company and so, beginning May 14, 2018, there will be some slight changes on how you will report your child’s absence from school.

All families must set up a new SafeArrival account beginning May 1, 2018. The new system will be “live” as of Monday,

May 14, 2018 so please ensure your new account has been created by then. Please note: the new SafeArrival system

CANNOT be used before May 14 to report any school absences. You must use our current SafeArrival system until

Friday, May 11, 2018. The phone number will remain the same, only the App and website will change.

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.

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.com

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 to inform you of the absence 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.

May 1 – Parents begin to set-up new SchoolMessenger accounts May 11 – Last day to use current SafeArrival App or pdsb.schoolconnects.com May 14 – Use new SchoolMessenger App or go.schoolmesenger.comPhone number will remain the same.

Massey Street 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 Massey

Street PS:

Throughout the whole month of May:● Asian music will be played before morning announcements as students enter the building.● Each class will make Chinese Lanterns that will be displayed throughout the gym for our May 25th assembly.●● During the month of May:● Samosas will be available for purchase for all students and staff. More information will be provided later on for ordering

on School Cash Online. Profits from these special lunches will be donated to Massey Street P.S. Thank you to our Parent Council for organizing the samosa sales.

●● During the month of May:● Origami - all students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 will have the opportunity to make Origami. Origami is the art of

paper folding, which is often associated with Japanese culture.●● Tuesday May 1st:● Dual-Language Read Alouds - All students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 will have the opportunity to hear a story in

languages that reflect countries from Asia.

● Monday May 14th:● Asian Heritage Dance Workshops - Dance Shala School of Dance and Music will be at Massey to conduct Bollywood

Dance workshops for all students in the Gym.

● Tuesday May 14th to Thursday May 18th:● Mehndi Application - All students from Kindergarten to Grade 5 will have the opportunity to have mehndi applied to one

hand. Mehndi is a traditional form of adornment on the hands and feet used in South Asia. It is made from a paste derived from the finely ground leaves of the henna plant. The mehndi lasts for 5 to 10 days after application, and fades over time. Students MUST have a permission form signed by a parent in order to take part in this activity.

● Tuesday May 22nd:● Special Asian lunch - provided by Vishnu’s Doubles and Roti Shop will be available for purchase for all students.● Staff, if you don't have an Cash Online account, you would have to create one. OR please give your cash to Tina if you

are interested in purchasing this special Asian lunch. Friday May 25th :

● Asian Heritage Assembly & Spirit Day - Cultural Dress Parade and “Flash Mob”. Students are encouraged to wear their cultural clothes or just dress up in their fancy clothes. All staff and students will take part in a school-wide dance routine (taught by Dance Shala).-

Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder May 2018

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 2018 has several special faith and

culture days to celebrate and remember:

May - Yansa'altt & Flower Moon in Aboriginal Spirituality

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 1 – Nisfu Sha'ban in Islam

Nisfu Sha'ban is observed on the fifteenth day of the eight month, Shaban in the Islamic calendar. The adherents

observe prayers through a night long vigil, read the Quran and ask for forgiveness on this holyday.

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.

May 10 or 17 (J) - Ascension in Christianity

Forty days after Easter, Christians celebrate Jesus' ascension from Earth into heaven. The day is observed with worship,

including prayers and music. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Ascension, also known as analepsis, is one of 12 great feasts

and will be observed on May 17th

May 16 or 17 - 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 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 16 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.

Eve of May 19 to May 20 - Shavuot in Judaism

Shavuot, also known as Pentecost, marks the conclusion of the period of seven weeks that follows Pesach

(Passover). Shavuot commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. The observance of Shavuot begins at

sunset on June 11 and is celebrated for one or two days based on the adherents' beliefs. Specific scriptures are

read in the synagogue to commemorate Shavuot.

May 20 or 27 (J) - Pentecost in Christianity

In western Christian churches, Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus' disciples

following his ascension. It is often referred to as “The Birthday of the Church.” As the name suggests, it falls on

the 50th day after Easter. It is a traditional day for baptism and confirmation of new Christians.

May 21 - 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.

May 22 or 29 - 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 22 to 25 - Aboriginal Week in Aboriginal Spirituality

The second last week in May is when the Aboriginal communities across Canada celebrate their culture, heritage and

spirituality. During this period many Pow-Wows and gatherings are held.

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 29 - 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.

A new way to ‘Share the Smile’ In every Peel school and worksite, there are endless inspiring stories just waiting to be told. To help share the smile, the Peel board will launch a new website on April 30 to showcase these amazing #PeelFam stories, people and creations. Visit www.sharethesmile.ca to view some of the stories, people and creations we’ve featured so far. We encourage students, staff, parents and the community to share the stories happening in their school community. In the top right corner, you share by clicking ‘Share Your Story’.

Mental Health Minute Activity

For Children’s Mental Health Week, let’s try a Mental Health Minute Activity.

Grateful seeing - Look FIRST for what’s good and working for us in life. Ask your child to share one (or two) good things

about their day. Make sure you share what’s good about your day too!

“We’re going for a walk!” - Exercise relieves anxiety for up to several hours as it burns excess energy, loosens tense

muscles and boosts mood. If your child can’t take a walk right now, have them run in place, bounce on a yoga ball, jump

rope or stretch.

Three hugs, three big breaths - Hug your child and take 3 deep belly breaths together. Share a smile and move on with your

day. This is a quick way to pause, connect and be in the moment together.

Experiment! - Together with your child you might: try a new recipe, write a poem, paint something, or play a new game.

Creative expression and well-being are linked.

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.

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

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 14 to 18,

2018. 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.

Student trustees elected for 2018-19 school year

Laura Oris-Naidenova and Amanpreet Chonkrian have been elected as student trustees for the 2018-19 school year. These

results were announced at the Regular Meeting of the Board on April 24.

Laura Oris-Naidenova, from Clarkson Secondary School, will represent schools south of Highway 401, and Amanpreet

Chonkrian, from Harold M. Brathwaite Secondary School, will represent schools north of Highway 401. The student trustee

elections were held in schools on April 17 and 18.

Student trustees serve an important role by representing students in decisions about education in Peel, and keeping

students informed about important decisions that affect them. For more information about student trustees and their

responsibilities, visit www.peelschools.org/students/studenttrustees.

Summer School 2018

Secondary School full credit and 55-hour session classes will be offered at 12 high schools throughout the Board this

summer. Peel eLearning-Summer classes, two-credit Co-operative Education, ESL and Summer Study/Travel programs are

also available.

Please visit www.peelschools.org/summerschool for more details.

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.

· 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.

Register today for Adult ESL or LINC classes

Do you know an adult that 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 parents 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 that complete a session will earn a certificate of learning from the Peel District School Board.

Classes operate from six locations in Brampton and Mississauga with three specially designed adult centres at:

● Bramalea - Adult Education Centre - 25 Kings Cross Road, Unit 3● Brampton - Adult Education Centre - #300 - 7700 Hurontario Street ● Mississauga - Adult Education Centre - 100 Elm Drive West, 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

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.