September , 2011 "THE SCHOOL WHERE EVERYONE IS A STAR!"

From the Principal's Desk Greetings and welcome back to Shelter Bay for the 2011-2012 school year! It was another hot summer and from my conversations with staff, parents and students it certainly was a great time to be with family and friends. I trust you all had a relaxing break and are now rested and rejuvenated for the next school year! Thank you to everyone who sent us off in June with so many gifts and good wishes! The staff of Shelter Bay have prepared their classrooms to be bright and welcoming for the first day. Shelter Bay teachers are an exemplary team that support students in so many ways. We appreciate every one of their efforts. Thank you! The Kindergarten staff welcomed a new group of Year 1 Kindergarten students and parents at the "Meet and Greet" Lemonade party on September 1st . The classrooms and outside yard hummed with the sounds of young children exploring the toys and activity centres. Everyone was so excited to be at school! Special thanks to Ms. McGilvery, Mr. MacKay, Mrs. Witkowski & Mrs. Wells for all the special preparations in making this day so positive! Our custodial staff have worked diligently all summer long in preparing the school for the return of students. The halls and classrooms are absolutely sparkling! Thank you to Mrs. Bujas, Mrs. Anthony, Mrs. Lopez and Mrs. La Rue for doing such a fabulous job. Once again, Shelter Bay is to be a

University teacher candidate training site again. This fall we will welcome several student teachers from Queen’s University, University of Guelph, Ryerson University and Humber College. We look forward to their participation in the teaching and learning at our school. As we embark on a new school year it is time for us to reflect on student success and goal setting. I encourage all parents to spend time with your children to review the student agendas , S.T.A.R.T. values (SAFETY, TRUST, ATTITUDE +, RESPECT &

TEAMWORK) and set a routine for quality time together . Routines with your children that are consistent prove to be the most successful. Working in partnership with your child's teacher will also help to ensure clear communication and student success. Welcome to all of our returning students and parents, and to families new to the Shelter Bay community. We look forward to another exciting year. Thank you, Proud Principal Robert Lobovsky

SHELTER BAY PUBLIC SCHOOL 6735 Shelter Bay Road Mr. Robert Lobovsky - Principal

Mississauga, Ontario Mrs. Darlene Smith – Office Manager

L5N 2C5 Mrs. Susan Macumber – Assist. Office Manager

Phone (905) 826-5516

Superintendent: Joy Uniac (905) 569-9946 Trustee: Meredith Johnson (416) 706-9215

Our School website : http://schools.peelschools.org/1561

NEW STAFF AT SHELTER BAY!! Shelter Bay extends a BIG enormous welcome to Mrs. Darlene Smith who is our new Office Manager. Many of you will know Mrs. Smith who was working at Edenwood for the last 4 years. Please come into the office and say hi ☺! We also welcome Mrs. Chester who will be with us this year for Mrs Waschenko who is on a full year maternity leave. Here is a picture of Mrs Waschenko and her beautiful, and very healthy baby boy, Blake. Mrs. Leila Waters is also joining our team and will be here on day 5 providing planning time coverage for teachers. Mrs Waters is an awesome teacher with a smile to match. Lastly, we have a new teaching assistance who will be joining our DD class and supporting our students to be the best they can be: Welcome, Mrs Green to Shelter Bay!!

School Council News Thank you to our wonderful School Council for hosting our Annual Meet 'n Greet in the gymnasium. Once the bell rang and students went inside to start class, parents had an opportunity to gather and meet one another (the coffee and homemade baking was delightful).

School Council wants to remind you that all parents are welcome to attend our School Council Meetings. The first will be held on Thursday, September 22nd at 6:30pm in the library. Please come!

Also from School Council,

a reminder that our

annual Fall Craft Sale is

set to happen on

Saturday, November 26th. More information will be coming home

next month but you might want to start thinking about getting

crafty and preparing to host a table of your own. Do we have any

student/family entrepreneurs in the neighbourhood? SUMMER SCHOOL AT SHELTER BAY WAS GREAT For two years now, Shelter Bay has applied for and received Ministry funding to run a summer school program. For the first two weeks of July, many of our students and dedicated staff extended their school year for just a little more practise. Our focus was math problem solving which is a skill so important. Thanks to Mr Thompson, Mrs Ling, Mrs Sroka, Mrs. Angiola, and Mrs Findlay for taking time from their summer to support our students. The fun really took off when students were introduced to our BRAND NEW SMART BOARD. You may recall that our school council allocated fundraising money to purchase a SMART Board for the library. This technology is awesome and will be used by all students to support their learning. Our goal is to buy a second SMART Board early in the school year.

"START YOUR DAY OFF AS A STAR SHELTER BAY!" is our school slogan and we hear it every morning during our morning announcements. Our START values certainly help us remember what behaviours we need to demonstrate in order to be successful. Many will recall that with input from students, teachers, and parents (through the parent survey) we created this important list of shared values that we collectively recognize as crucial for success. S.T.A.R.T. Values (SAFETY, TRUSTWORTHY, ATTITUDE +, RESPECT, TEAMWORK) lead to positive behaviour and student success.

Along with our slogan, our school mascot supports these values. The Beaver ~ a Canadian icon, found not only in shelter bays, but on our coin, the nickel, possesses the virtues that build and create positive working environments. The beaver is industrious and works to build bigger and better things! Please encourage your children to talk about our S.T.A.R.T. values at home and make connections between them and what you expect at home and at school. You will see this mascot throughout the school, on newsletters (top of page 1), and on a variety of certificates.

As you know, we have been working hard at Shelter Bay to create a positive, safe, nurturing, and inclusive climate for learning and working.

Our S.T.AR.T. values have been the cornerstone of this initiative over the past five years. Last year our Education Week theme, SHARE THE SMILE was about inclusive education where staff, students, and parents explored the concept of equity and diversity at school, in our community and throughout the world. Through a variety of activities, we helped children extend a hand in kindness to others, and to gain a deeper appreciation for similarities and differences amongst ourselves. The work we are committed to doing is about valuing the differences amongst us: skin colour, faith, ability - academic & physical, age, gender, family, and being happy with who we are as individuals and taking a stand when bullying type behaviour occurs. We hear from our students words and concepts like, “don’t laugh at me”, “this is who I am” and “that when you feel positive about yourself, it is infectious and others feel better too”. Last May we captured this theme in a MURAL PAINTING by our grade 4 and 5 classes in our main stairwell as well as a book that was created and published with the theme “INCLUSIVENESS“ by our grade 6 students. Starting next week, an artist, Judy Willemsma will be working with all students from kindergarten to grade 4 (last year’s 3s) on the second phase of our project. This will be completed by our October 4th Open House for all to see. Please engage in conversations with your children about respect, caring, and what it means to accept, even embrace, differences in ourselves and others. PEANUT ALLERGIES We have several students with this life threatening concern. Please refrain from sending products containing peanuts (incl. peanut butter) in your child's lunch. MEDICATION In order for the school to dispense medication to students in September an "Administration of Prescribed Medication" form must be completed by your physician. You may pick up a form in the office. If you have had a form completed over the summer please return it to the office with the prescribed medication. New forms must be completed yearly. STUDENT REGISTRATION & REORGANIZATION In January of each year the projected enrolment for September is used to assign our teacher staffing and classes can then be created for September. We are currently at about 380 students registered at Shelter Bay. During the next few days we will be reviewing the actual numbers to determine whether there will be the need to reorganize students or classes. The Ministry of Education's goal is to maintain primary caps at 20 students per class and targets of 25 in junior. Your understanding and patience during this process will be appreciated. Any student moves or necessary class changes will be made as soon as possible and parents will be notified in advance. Re-org day this year is on Tuesday, September 27th. SCHOOL HOURS

Our school entry and dismissal times are as follows: the entry bell will ring at 8:45 a.m. with opening exercises, announcements and classes beginning at 8:50 a.m. Students coming to school after 8:50 a.m. will be counted as late. Please ensure your child is at school on time. Dismissal is 3:10pm. The times of our nutrition breaks are also the same as last year. The first break begins at

11:10am. Students will have time in class to eat their lunch and then go outside for 20 minutes of play. Classes resume at 11:50am. The second break, starting at 1:10pm, is similar to the first and classes resume at 1:50pm. Please send your children to school will enough "healthy" food for both breaks.

On Friday, September 30th, our school will once again be participating in the annual Terry Fox Walk. Any funds that you can donate to our “Twoonie for Terry” charitable drive would be greatly appreciated.

The money raised will be donated to the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research. Donations will be accepted during the week of September 19th to 30th by your child’s teacher. Shelter Bay students will also be taking part in a fun Terry Trivia challenge during morning announcements. For information on the Terry Fox Foundation please visit www.terryfoxrun.org. WHAT TO BRING TO SCHOOL We are often asked what the children need to bring to school. The answer will vary according to grade levels; however, the school does provide the basic equipment such as pencils, pens, erasers, notebooks and any texts that are required. During the year additional materials and supplies may be required and will vary slightly from teacher to teacher. Each teacher will be sending home a newsletter that will describe special requirements for their class. Please do not buy unnecessary things. A backpack will be a good purchase for all students; however, to avoid overloading and back strain, please limit the size. Once again we require that students have an extra pair of running shoes to wear indoors so we may all do our part to maintain the clean condition of our school! With our mandate to provide 20 minutes of daily physical exercise – running shoes only will be acceptable for safety sake! SCHOOL BUSES

Please note that the scheduling of school bus runs for the Peel District School Board is a mammoth task. As a result, we ask for your patience during the first weeks of school as it can be expected that there will be delays and/or early arrivals for pickup of students. We recommend that you have your children at their designated stop at least

10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. Please note that students are bussed if they live in excess of the following distances from school: K 1.0 km Gr. 1 - 4 1.6 km Gr. 5 - 6 2.0 km A reminder to all parents of Kindergarten children that the children must be met at the bus stop by a responsible adult. If there is not an adult waiting at the bus stop, the driver will return the child to school and the parent will be notified to come and pick up the child. All students entitled to transportation will have received their bus pass today. Please be advised that all students will be required to show the driver their bus pass before boarding the bus. Those parents requesting fill up the bus, please follow the procedures set out below. "FILL UP THE BUS" We are committed to assisting as many students as possible to achieve bus privileges within safety guidelines for our vehicles. If you would like to request bussing for your child, please come to the office and pick up a green form. Please forward this completed form to Mr. Lobovsky on or before Friday, October 1. Youngest and furthest away children will be granted priority. Thank you for your understanding in this regard. STUDENT AGENDAS & THE ARTS Our experience at Shelter Bay is that using student agendas is an effective tool to help organize student work and to develop habits of mind that they will carry forward in school and work. Organization and management of time, materials and assignments are critical elements for student success. A student planner assists students to meet assignment deadlines, remember dates for tests and block out time for specific homework. As in past years, we have made a bulk purchase of student agendas and are making them available for students.

SOME UPCOMING DATES TO REMEMBER Thursday, September 22 – School Council Meeting Monday, Monday 3 – Book Fair Week begins Tuesday, September 27 – PA Day/ Reorganization Wednesday, September 28 - Picture Day! Friday, September 30 – Terry Fox Run Friday, September 30 – S.T.A.R.T. Assembly, Sports Day, and fundraiser kick-off Wednesday, October 5 – World Teachers Day Tuesday, October 4 – Shelter Bay Open House & Social Monday, October 10 – Thanksgiving Day

VISITORS TO SHELTER BAY

We welcome many visitors, guests, mentors, student teachers, and supply teachers to our school. We ask that all guests, volunteers, and parents sign in at the main office and get a visitors badge before proceeding to classrooms. Safety First!

OPEN HOUSE & SOCIAL EVENING (meet the teacher night)

Tuesday, October 4 th

Parents and students are most cordially invited to attend our first Open House of the year. Come and find out about Shelter Bay Public School, our programs and staff. Please encourage your child to introduce you to their teachers and check out what they have done to date. More information will be coming home over the next couple of weeks.

The halls are alive....with the sound of music! The music room will be full of energy this year with singing, dancing, creative movement, poetry, instruments, drama, composition, and performance! It's a place where students are encouraged to bring out the artist within and to showcase their unique talents. Please encourage your child(ren) to follow their musical interests throughout the year whether it be by joining choir, practicing the recorder, being part of a performance group, or through music lessons outside of school.

FORMS, FORMS, AND MORE FORMS Yesterday your child brought home an envelope containing information to be read and forms to be completed and returned to the classroom teacher by Friday, September 9 th. To encourage the prompt return of all forms, agenda money, Mr. Lobovsky will give the class that has everything returned and completed first, a lunch party. Good times!

PARENT VOLUNTEERS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE We Need Your Help!

Please Volunteer! Parents play an important role in the development a nd education of their children and in the success of the school community. Studies ind icate that parents are the most important influence in a child's life outside of sc hool.

At Shelter Bay we welcome and encourage participati on of parents and community members. Of course, we also recognize the time and energy these volunteers give.

There is a common misconception that volunteering i n a school requires a huge commitment and a lot of your free time. There are many volunteer opp ortunities available at our school that are flexibl e and range from a few hours per month to five hours a day, depending on your schedule.

Examples of various volunteer opportunities include (but are not limited to):

• accompanying students and teachers on field trips • preparing classroom materials from home, e.g. cutti ng, tracing, collating, etc. • field trips, preparation for events, e.g. baking, c ooking, making telephone calls, etc. • reading with students individually or in small grou ps • Gardening (our planter pots at the front of the sch ool), • and more Come visit us in the office if you're interested in volunteering at our school. We will conduct a shor t interview and provide you with the forms necessary to obtain your criminal record check .

NEWS FROM THE GYM

Welcome back! I hope everyone had an enjoyable and active summer.

This year, your child will be participating in a variety of activities in physical education classes and also

have the opportunity to take part in intramural games at recess times. Therefore it will be necessary for

students to grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 to change into appropriate gym attire to allow him/her to participate actively

and safely. Children in grades 1 and 2 will not be required to use the change rooms, so we are asking that they

wear “active clothing” on their physical education days.

Appropriate clothing includes:

1. A pair of indoor running shoes with non-marking soles 2. T-shirt or sweatshirt 3. Shorts or sweatpants Intramural games will be programmed throughout the year for all grade levels. Intramurals are

when students are able to participate in organized games or sports during recess time. This is a great

way to improve their fitness level, skill and school spirit. Information about these events will be

posted in the Shelter Bay newsletter.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Thank You, Mrs. Findlay . . . ..

. . . yes . . . . Miss Hughes got married this summer and has changed her name to Mrs

Findlay (same awesome Physical Education Teacher!!!)

SAFE ARRIVAL We Need Your Help!

If a student is going to be late or absent, we ask that that parents call the Safe Arrival answering line which is an option when you call the school's main number. Please call before 8:30 a.m. daily and leave a message to report the absence. This is a 24 hour service, so you may even call during the night. To promote the safety of our students, every Ontario school district has implemented a Safe Arrival Program. It is a valuable service that helps schools and parents know quickly if a student is unaccounted for. Please do your part to keep this program working effectively by reporting absences or lates. At Shelter Bay, the S AFE ARRIVAL PROCEDURES are:

Parents/guardians call the Attendance line at 905 826-5516 ahead of school start-time to report a student(s) late or absence. Listen for the “attendance line” prompt. You will hear a pre-recorded message prompting your response. Please clearly state: Your child’s name, teacher’s name, the reason for the absence or late, and the expected duration of the absence. Mrs. Smith or Mrs Macumber will listen to the messages and compare them to the classroom attendance. If the teacher reports a student absent and we've received no message reporting it, the parents/guardians of that student, whose absence is unexplained, are contacted by the school. If contact cannot be made with the parents/guardians or emergency contacts, or if there are other concerns about a student, the principal is notified immediately. So,…don't forget to call!

Reading is Important

When parents and children read together, an important bond is formed, one that can lead to a love of learning and reading that will last a lifetime. Reading aloud together is one of the best ways parents can help a child become a successful reader. Creating a positive experience for your child through reading and learning doesn’t take a lot of effort or time. When you make reading a joyful, fun activity, kids will keep coming back for more.

1. Create Reading Rituals . Read together every day, starting when your child is a baby (but it’s never too late to start). Set aside a special time and place to read together. Let your child know that reading is important to you and that your child can expect to enjoy this time and place with you on a regular basis.

2. Make Connections . We’re surrounded by words. Children need experience with all kinds of text – from shopping lists to the internet to street signs. Point out different kinds of words around you. Help your child connect objects to the words that go with them.

3. Talk About It . When reading or telling a story, pause to talk to your child about it. Ask her/him open-ended questions, like “What do you think will happen next?” or ”What would you do?” Put things in your own words to help make the story clearer for your child.

4. Read It Again . Children need to hear favourite stories over and over. This helps them recognize and remember words. It also helps them learn how to predict what’s coming next. Most importantly, as kids become familiar with a story, it gives them confidence about reading.

5. Follow Your Child’s Pace . Don’t push your child to read beyond his/her ability. Choose books suited to their age and development and let her/him choose books that are interesting. Encourage your child’s reading and congratulate them when they learn a new word or master a new skill.

http://robertmunsch.com/books/ http://www.chrisvanallsburg.com/

================================================== Vote for your child on Oct. 6 Attend an all-candidates meeting to learn more The provincial election is Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011—i t’s your chance to make your voice heard. Take time to learn about issues related to education and have your questions answered by attending an all-candidates meeting in your community: Mississauga-Erindale & Mississauga-Streetsville Thursday, Sept. 22, 7:30 to 9 p.m. West Credit S.S. – Cafeteria 6325 Montevideo Rd., Mississauga Candidates from the four major parties have been invited, so this is a chance to hear the party platforms and learn what’s important to your local candidates. The meetings are hosted by the Peel District School Board.

PIZZA & MILK PROGRAM Our Milk Program and lunch Program are established and have done well over several years. We are pleased to continue providing this healthy part of a nutritious diet during our 1st Nutrition break. Please refer to the calendar for the dates that the order forms go home and are expected back. We look forward to working with our junior students who will help deliver the milk at first break. Students are able to purchase white or chocolate milk for the whole month.

Celebrating Faith and Culture September 2011

DATE

CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE

September Genuuqwilkw Aboriginal Spirituality September 1 Ganesh Chaturthi/Vinayak Chauth Hinduism September 1 Installation of Guru Granth Sahib Sikhism September 2 Daslakshan Parva Begins Jainism September 2 Paryushan Parva Ends/ Samvatsari Jainism September 5 Labour Day Canada September 6 Farvardengan Zoroastrianism September 8 to 26 the month of `Izzat Bahá'í September 10 or 11 Anant Chaturdashi Hinduism and Jainism September 11 Nayrouz Christianity September 12 Kshamavani/Daslakshan Jainism September 12 to 16 Ghambar Paitishahem Zoroastrianism September 12 Lantern Festival Buddhism September 19 Powley Day Aboriginal Spirituality September 23 Shuki-Sorei-Sai Shinto September 23 Mabon /Harvestide Wicca September 27 to October 14 the month of Mashi'yyat Bahá'í September 27 or 28 Sharad Navratri and Durgashtami Hinduism Sunset September 29 to 30 Rosh Hashanah Judaism

If your child is in grade 5 or 6, this would be a great place to take them as they are studying Government and Citizenship in those grades.

Give what Toonie Friday

A combination of drought, onplaced over 12.4 million people in need of lifeSomalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti 2.5 million children under five are acutely malnourished.declared a famine in several regions in Southern Somalia, officially indicating that malnutrit

We can make a difference in the lives of children a nd their familiesTogether, we can send a message to protect lives of malnourished children across hope. The board has set Friday, Sept. 9

In order to better respond to the needs of those affected by the drought, and to more effectively match the generosity of Canadians, the government Sept. 16, 2011.

Funds raised for this appeal will be used to support Africa.

Helping out is easy This is a completely voluntary campaign and any contributions are welcome. Send a loonie or tooniechild or bring it into your local school.school. Individuals making a donation of $10 or more who wish to receive a tax required information on the pledge form wish to submit their donation. Tax receiptreceive your tax receipt for a donation over $10, please return the duly completed Pledge Form with your donation on Friday, September 9, clearly indicating the organization to which you wish to submit your donation. Thank you for lending a helping hand to those who need it most.

Janet McDougald

Chair of the Board

Give what you can to help those in needToonie Friday – Sept. 9, 2011

A combination of drought, on-going conflict and escalating food prices has placed over 12.4 million people in need of life-saving Somalia, Ethiopia and Djibouti – an area known as the Horn of Africa. Over 2.5 million children under five are acutely malnourished.declared a famine in several regions in Southern Somalia, officially indicating that malnutrition and child mortality rates are at emergency levels.

We can make a difference in the lives of children a nd their families Together, we can send a message to the people of Africa to show them how much we care.

hed children across Africa, the Peel District School Board is sending a message of Friday, Sept. 9 as Toonie Friday to send hope to Africa

In order to better respond to the needs of those affected by the drought, and to more effectively match the generosity of Canadians, the government of Canada will match eligible donations

will be used to support both Unicef and Free the Children rehabilitation

This is a completely voluntary campaign and any contributions are welcome. Send a loonie or tooniechild or bring it into your local school. Any donations made via cheque must be made payable to your child’s school. Individuals making a donation of $10 or more who wish to receive a tax receipt must fill

pledge form on the back of this flyer and indicate theax receipts will be sent to you directly from the organization selected.

receive your tax receipt for a donation over $10, please return the duly completed Pledge Form with your donation on Friday, September 9, clearly indicating the organization to which you wish to submit your donation.

helping hand to those who need it most.

Tony Pontes

Director of Education

in need

going conflict and escalating food prices has saving aid across Kenya,

an area known as the Horn of Africa. Over 2.5 million children under five are acutely malnourished. The UN has declared a famine in several regions in Southern Somalia, officially

ion and child mortality rates are at emergency levels.

to show them how much we care. To help save and , the Peel District School Board is sending a message of

Africa .

In order to better respond to the needs of those affected by the drought, and to more effectively match the will match eligible donations made from July 6 until

both Unicef and Free the Children rehabilitation efforts in

This is a completely voluntary campaign and any contributions are welcome. Send a loonie or toonie with your Any donations made via cheque must be made payable to your child’s

receipt must fill all of the organization to which they

will be sent to you directly from the organization selected. In order to receive your tax receipt for a donation over $10, please return the duly completed Pledge Form with your donation on Friday, September 9, clearly indicating the organization to which you wish to submit your donation.

September 2011

Dear Peel District School Board Families:

I am writing to share with you some important infor mation regarding children who may be in need of protection. The Child and Family Services Act states that every person who has reason to believe that a child is or may be abused or neglected must report his or her suspicions immediately to the Children's Aid Societ y—this is a legal obligation.

This law means that:

• School staff do not have a choice if they suspect t hat a student is or may be in need of protection. Staff must report their suspicions directly and imm ediately to the Children's Aid Society.

• When staff report concerns to Children's Aid, they must also share with them any information about the concern which might otherwise be confidential.

• It is not the school's responsibility to investigate suspicions, evaluate the situation or assign blame. • Staff can be fined $1,000 for failing to report that a student is or may be in need of protection. Staff may

also be subject to employment consequences and a provincial offence charge under the Child and Family Services Act.

Our staff has a special awareness of the signs of child abuse and neglect, and as such, has a legal responsibility to report any suspicions to Children's Aid. It is not necessary for staff to be sure that a student is or may be in need of protection. All that is needed is "reasonable grounds to suspect" abuse or neglect. "Reasonable grounds" is defined as being what the average person would expect given his or her training, background and experience. The Peel District School Board is fully committed to meeting the legal requirements of the Child and Family Services Act. Staff has the full support of the board in meeting this obligation. As a board, we must continue to protect the welfare of each student.

Sincerely, Tony Pontes Director of Education SCHOOLS USE MANY STRATEGIES TO KEEP CHILDREN SAFE Peel schools provide a safe environment for staff and students to work and learn. The board has many procedures to ensure safety. To keep students safe, schools use many strategies including: • requiring all parents and visitors to check in at the main office and obtain visitor passes • the use of a "buddy system" – students can only leave the classroom if accompanied by another student (for example,

going to the washroom) • assigning teachers to supervise inside and outside the school during recesses, before and after school • locking all exteriors doors, except the main entrance, during school hours • encouraging staff to regularly review streetproofing skills with students • expecting staff and students to report unidentified individuals to the office immediately • holding fire drills and "lockdown" rehearsals • having evacuation plans in place • ensuring that all staff and volunteers have up-to-date criminal record checks

• working with the police to provide education on street-proofing We feel that it is important that you also take this opportunity to review safe procedures with your child. Peel Regional Police have provided the following safety guidelines: • Tell your children to never go anywhere with a stranger, not to talk to strangers and never take anything from them.

You also have to teach them what a "safe stranger" is in case they need help. A safe stranger includes a police officer, a cashier, a fire fighter.

• Develop a "what if" game for children to get them thinking about how they would respond if they felt threatened or afraid.

• Know who your children play with and where they go. This includes keeping a list of their friend's addresses and phone numbers.

• Do not leave your child in unsupervised locations, such as cars, parks, public washrooms, arenas, malls and plazas, etc.

• Teach your children where and how to get help. Go with them on their regularly travelled routes. Find out where the pay telephones are and show your child how to use 9-1-1 (no coins required).

• Your child's body is private. Tell your children that no one may touch the area their bathing suit covers. If someone tries to touch them, they should tell you immediately.

• Teach your children to talk to you immediately when someone does anything that makes them feel strange or uncomfortable. Listen when your children are trying to tell you about something that bothers them and provide them with support and understanding.

For more information about the safety at your school, review your school handbook or speak to your principal or teacher.

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What you should know about immunization In order to attend school in Ontario, your child mu st have an up-to-date immunization record, unless y ou have a valid exemption. When you registered your child for school, you provided a copy of your child's immuni zation record. The school sends this information to Peel H ealth. Keep track of your child's immunizations: After registration, keeping your child's records up to da te is your responsibility. Students who are not com pletely immunized and do not have a valid exemption may not be allowed to attend school. Use this chart to kee p track of your child's immunizations: Ontario immunization schedule for infants and children

Immunization

4 – 6 years old

Grade 7

12 years old

Grade 8 females 13-14

years old

14-16 years old

Annually after age 6 months

2 4 6 12 15 18

Diphtheria* X X X X X X Pertussis* X X X X X X Tetanus* X X X X X X Polio IPV* X X X X X Hib X X X X Measles* X X Mumps* X X Rubella* X X Hepatitis B X1 HPV X2

Age (months)

Influenza X Varicella (Chickenpox)

X

Meningococcal X X

Pneumococcal X X X X

Your child must receive the immunizations marked with * to attend school in Ontario. Other immunizations are recommended. It's easy to keep your child's records up to date Call Health Line Peel at 905-799-7700. Caledon residents can call 905-584-2216 toll-free. Translation services

2011-2012 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR Regular School Year Calendar

SCHOOL YEAR - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY

The school year begins September 6, 2011

The school year ends June 29, 2012

The first day of classes September 6, 2011

The number of instructional days for elementary and secondary students 188

The number of professional activity days for the elementary and secondary panel 6

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITY DAYS - ELEMENTARY (6)

In-school professional activity/ reorganization/teacher planning September 27, 2011

Professional Learning Day November 4, 2011

Reporting to Parents November 18, 2011

Report Card Writing/Assessment Day January 16, 2012

Professional Learning Day May 11, 2012

Report Card Writing/Assessment Day June 11, 2012

Labour Day September 5, 2011 Thanksgiving Day October 10, 2011 Winter Break (inclusive) December 26, 2011 – January 6, 2012 Family Day February 20, 2012 Spring Break (inclusive) March 12 – 16, 2012 Good Friday April 6, 2012 Easter Monday April 9, 2012 Victoria Day May 21, 2012