MUSIC CONCERT

Fairwind’s music concert will be held on Thursday, March 3 at 7:00 pm. We will feature our Junior Band, Senior Band and Choir. Those students who are performing should plan on arriving at 6:30 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for those Grade 6 students who are considering Instrumental Music for next year. Come out and hear the instruments offered in Grade 7. Hope to see everyone there!

Principal:

Susan Bartlett

Vice-Principal:

Jason Ieraci

Office Manager:

Janet Baker

Superintendent: Paul Da Silva (905) 366-8800 X.1226 Trustees: Sue Lawton, Ward 3 & 4 (905) 625-8084 Rick Williams, Ward 5 (905) 814-6180 Robert Crocker, Ward 6 & 11 (416) 528-1312

Fairwind Senior Public School 5235 Fairwind Drive

Mississauga, ON L5R 3L2

Follow us on Twitter @fairwindps

FEBRUARY 2016 2015-16

e are now well into our final term. It has been a busy spring, our school teams and houseleagues have been in full operation.

REPORT CARDS

Term 1 Report Cards will be sent home on Friday, February 12.

FAIRWIND YEARBOOK

It is time to order your 2015-2016 Fairwind Yearbook for $15 (cash or cheque only). Prime time teachers will collect money each day until the deadline of February 11. Yearbooks are distributed on the last day of school. There will be no yearbooks for sale at the end of the year, all yearbooks must be pre-ordered. The yearbook is full of photographs of all Fairwind Students and the special events and activities of the 2015-16 school year. It makes a special keepsake for all and a great autograph book for you and your friends. Don’t miss out. Order now!

UPCOMING DATES

March 14-18 March Break March 25 Good Friday March 28 Easter Monday March 21-29 Pizza sales for the period of April, May and June

March 3 Music Concert March 3-4 Gr. 8 Grad pictures March 9 Gr. 8 HPV (girls) and Gr. 7 Meningitis Immunizations

SCHOOL CLOSED FOR

PA DAY ON

APRIL 11, 2016 As a result of labour settlements with various federations and employee groups, the Ministry of Education has directed all school boards to create an additional Professional Activity Day this year and for each school year going forward.

For the 2015-16 school year, the additional PA Day for the Peel District School Board will be April 11, 2016. All Peel board elementary and secondary schools will be closed to students on this day. The next day, April 12, will remain a Day 8 for students.

PIZZA DAYS ARE BACK Pizza days returned to Fairwind in January. Proceeds from Pizza Days are used to support student activities and purchase extra resources for our school. We rely on 90 student volunteers to keep our pizza days running smoothly. One again this year, students from all grades are assisting. Thank you for supporting Fairwind! Watch for the flyer in March for pizza days during April, May and June.

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BEEN

LATE

LATELY?

As parents may be aware, students late for school without parental note or consent will receive a phone call from our automated message system. We understand that occasionally circumstances beyond our control can cause a late arrival. However, a pattern of late arrivals, even by just a few minutes, can have a negative impact on the student.

Late arrivals can be disruptive to the routine of the classroom.

Important teaching occurs right from the beginning of the day. Missing even five or ten minutes of a lesson can make it more difficult for the student to grasp the material being presented.

Punctuality is an important life skill. Students who are chroni-cally late for school may develop the habit of being late for other appointments and subsequently in the workforce.

We thank our Fairwind parents for their support in ensuring that our students arrive at school on time and prepared to learn.

TEAMS AND CLUBS

AT FAIRWIND

Our teams and clubs are well underway at Fairwind. While our basketball teams are working hard for their upcoming tournaments, the basketball intramural teams meet and play during lunch times. Both our dance team and dance club are working very hard in the mornings and at lunch to perfect their skills. All of our students were treated to a performance by our Dance Team during recent grade assemblies. Our Fairwind band practises on Tuesday with Choir practising on Wednesday. We have six different art clubs who meet either Tuesday or Wednesday. Our chess club members challenge each other during the lunch hour. Our Speech Arts members are busy working on their presentations. Both our library helpers and pizza helpers continue to help the school run smoothly. Fairwind has two technology clubs, Lego Robotics and Tech Squad. These clubs will be competing at Morning Star Middle School in March in the Peel Technological Skills Challenge. Clubs and teams are a great way for students to get involved, learn new skills and make new friends. Great participation Fairwind!

FACTS MATTER Understanding the revised

Health and Physical Educa-

tion (HPE) curriculum

There’s been a lot of information

and misinformation circulating

about the revised HPE curriculum.

At the Peel District School Board,

we want our families to make an

informed choice based on facts.

That’s why we created a neutral,

fact-based parent guide that

outlines:

the curriculum is not new and has been taught since 1998

our professional staff teach in a sensitive, age-appropriate manner

parents will get advance notice of lessons

teaching of human develop-ment and sexual health delayed to spring 2016

there will be only two to five lessons per year

the material that will be covered in each grade

parents play a vital role in supporting the curriculum

To read the full parent guide and

learn more, visit

www.peelschools.org/HPE

The guide is available in English

and the top languages spoken by

Peel families:

FAIRWIND PUTS THE SPOTLIGHT ON BLACK

HERITAGE In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine.

During Black History Month, students, staff and parents from across Peel will participate in a number of activities that promote the understanding of the many contributions made by black Canadians.

Page 3

CONFERENCE HELPS PARENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN

NUMERACY AND BEYOND

The Peel District School Board is hosting its annual parent conference on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Rick Hansen Secondary School in Mississauga. Once Again, the conference will focus on numeracy—26 out of 61 workshops help with math. Parents will still have the opportunity to attend workshops on other topics, including literacy, special education and science. This free learning event is open to Peel parents of students at all grade levels.

Registration opens February 1, 2016

Stay up-to-date! For more information, look out for the conference flyer at your child's school in February or visit www.peelschools.org/parents/conference.

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 7) as well as the

more experienced learner needing to prepare for an IELTS exam.

Winter courses begin February 8, 2016.

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. Also visit www.peelschools.org/adulteducation or follow us on

Twitter @PDSBLearnESL

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WHAT IS HEAD LICE?

Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp where they lay their eggs. They have three stages: the egg (nit), the nymph and the adult. Head lice do not spread diseases and cannot be spread between animals or pets and humans, only through direct contact between people.

Head lice spread easily, especially where people are in close contact. They are very common among school-aged children or children attending child care, where they spread through direct hair-to-hair contact or directly by sharing things like hats, combs, hairbrushes or headphones.

One of the first signs of head lice is an itchy scalp. However, children can have head lice for several weeks with no

symptoms. If you think your child has head lice, check their hair for nits right away, then again after one week and

after two weeks.

What to do if your child has lice

Parents are advised to keep their child at home until they have been treated for lice. Students may only return to school if they are “nit-free.” If your child has live lice, ensure that they avoid head-to-head contact with other children until the lice are gone. Children should not share combs, hairbrushes, caps, hats or hair ornaments. You should also check all family members for head lice. Be sensitive to your child’s feelings and let them know that having head lice does not mean they are not clean.

Head lice can be treated with the following approved insecticides:

pyrethrin (found in R&C Shampoo + Conditioner)

permethrin (Nix Creme Rinse or Kwellada-P Creme Rinse)

lindane (Hexit Shampoo or PMS-Lindane Shampoo).

KISS AND RIDE In order to ensure the safety of our students, please read and follow the Kiss and Ride information carefully. There are three lanes for traffic in our Kiss and Ride area. In the morning drivers must drop passengers off using the Kiss and Ride lane only. Students will only be permitted to cross at the supervised crossing areas located at both the entrance and exit of the Kiss and Ride. Students will not be permitted to cross the grass and enter through the Kiss and Ride. Cars will be permitted to use the bus lane for passenger drop off only AFTER THE BUSES have left the lane. School staff are present from 8:05 to 8:20 a.m. to assist with student safety and traffic management. Please follow the direction from staff. Please use extreme caution when using the driveway to drop students off or pick students up. Cars will not be allowed to enter the parking lot to drop off students. Other suggestions to help with the traffic congestion include:

Encourage children to use the buddy system and walk to school

When driving your children, drop them off on the east side of Fairwind between the school and the plaza

To eliminate gridlock drivers should avoid making left turns into the school and only turn right when exiting

Do not drop children off at the entrance of the school driveway

Avoid dropping children off on the west side of Fairwind Drive—their safety is compromised when crossing the street

Arrange to ‘car pool’, if possible Your co-operation in helping to reduce traffic congestion to support student safety is greatly appreciated.

Page 5

BUS CANCELLATION & CLOSING SCHOOLS DUE TO BAD WEATHER During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather. Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be announced on radio and television stations listed below and posted at www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca. Information will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9 CHUM AM1050 CFTR AM680 CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CJCL AM590 CHFI FM98.1 CFRB AM1010 EZ ROCK FM97.3 CJBC (FR) AM860 FM Z103.5 FM93.1 FM Q107 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540 CBC99.1 CTV CITYPULSE GLOBAL NEWS

One of the following messages will be announced (highlighted text only):

Peel District School Board buses are cancelled. This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day. All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care and other activities in schools will operate as usual.

All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed. This means that all schools and Board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits.

All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled. This means that all activities in schools and Board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled. This means that all activities in schools and Board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

January 29, 2016 Dear Parents, I wish to inform you that I am retiring from my position as Superintendent of Education with the Peel District School Board, effective January 31, 2016. During my 35 years with the Peel District School Board, I have had the opportunity to serve the staff, students and families of Peel as a Teacher, Resource-Teacher, Vice-Principal, Principal and Superintendent of Education. I have appreciated the support and encouragement that I have been given to expand and share my learning through my contributions to several Board and Field Office committees, the Peel Women Teachers’ Association Executive, the Ontario Principals’ Council, the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association, the inaugural writing and teaching of the Peel-OISE Principal Qualifications Program, as well as the co-writing and launching of the first “Building Your Leadership Capacity” series to support leadership development in Peel. I have enjoyed actively mentoring promotion candidates for leadership roles, participating in the exemplary professional development that has been offered both in Peel and at Harvard, and all of these experiences have been rich and rewarding. I have been so fortunate to have been recognized for my contributions with an Award of Excellence, the privilege of opening Artesian Drive Public School, and the pleasure of being able to serve you, your children and our schools. I consider Peel’s greatest asset to be our trustees. Throughout my career, they have always been my advocate, support, mentor, inspiration, role-model and wise counsel. I have watched and learned from them for decades and their dedication to ensuring that all decisions were made in the best interest of students has been commendable and unwavering. They have consistently supported and encouraged me to be the best I can be, and for this I will be eternally grateful. I also have been amazed by the work of our stellar Teachers, Teaching Assistants, DECEs, Office Staff, Custodians, Vice-Principals and Principal Leaders in our schools and I have appreciated their ongoing enthusiasm, responsiveness, leadership and commitment to meeting the needs of students in an ever-changing world. It is presently through their willingness to explore 21

st century teaching and learning that will continue to keep Peel District School Board at the

forefront of educational change and innovation in the province and country. Our children are in good hands. It has been an honour to learn with and from such professional, progressive, dedicated visionary leaders to enhance and facilitate success for all students over the last three decades. It is now my pleasure to welcome Mr. Paul Da Silva who will become your new Superintendent of Education as of Feb 8

th. He is very fortunate to have this opportunity to work in such an amazing family of schools. I am sure you will find

him to be student-centered, approachable, available and sincerely interested in supporting the great work happening in your school. He can be reached at 905-366-8800 ext 1226. Thank you for your partnership and support. Together we have made a difference in the lives of our students. I wish you and your children continued success.

Ina Fournier Superintendent of Education

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Page 7

CELEBRATING FAITH AND CULTURE February 2016

DATE

CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

February Buxwlaks Aboriginal Spirituality

February 1 or 2 Imbolc Wicca

February 3 Setsubun-sai Shinto

February 7 to 26 month of Mulk Bahá’í

February 8 Lunar New Year/Maitreya Bodhisattva’s

Birthday

Buddhism

February 10 Ash Wednesday Christianity

February 12 Vasant Panchami Hinduism

February 15 National Flag Day Canada

February 15 Family Day Ontario

February 22 Lantern Fesitval/Magha Puja Buddhism

February 26 to February 29 Intercalary Days Bahá'í

Page 8

Insπre. Gr23ness. 2gether.

Everyone is a math teacher, parents included

Parents and other adults in our students' lives are important partners in children's mathematics education. By engaging your children in thinking and talking about mathematics, you help support their numeracy success. To help you with this, one great resource is the Ministry of Education's Doing Mathematics With Your Child. You can find this guide for parents of children in kindergarten to grade 6 online at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentGuideNumEn.pdf. For more math tips and tools for parents of kindergarten to grade 12 students, visit ABC 123 at www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc123/eng/tips/ and the Peel District School Board’s Math Help site at www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild/math. _____________________________________________________________________________

REGISTER TODAY

Saturday, April 2, 2016 – 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Rick Hansen Secondary School, Mississauga

Plan to attend our annual, free conference for Peel District School Board parents on Saturday, April 2, 2016. Take one day to enjoy:

a powerful keynote presentation focused on math success

your choice of 61 practical workshops facilitated by Peel board staff

a display area with educational exhibits from local organizations

free lunch and an opportunity to meet Peel parents This year, a large number of morning workshops will provide parents with strategies to help you support math success at home. Flyers are being sent home with Peel students now—look for yours. Register today at www.peelschools.org/parents/conference.