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12175 Bramalea Road, Caledon, ON L7P 2P9 Phone 905-843-2927 Fax 905-843-2936
Principal—Mrs. P.Lone Vice-Principal—Mrs. T. Ajrawat
Office Manager—Mrs. B. Elder Superintendent—Ms. Patrika Daws Trustee—Ms. Harinder Malhi
Walnut Grove P.S. Newsletter
Walnut Grove’s Daily
Schedule
Entry Bell 9:15
Nutrition Break A 11:15 - 11:35
Nutrition Break B 11:35 - 11:55
D.P.A. 1:15 - 1:35
Nutrition Break C 1:35 - 1:55
Nutrition Break D 1:55 - 2:15
Dismissal 3:35
A Message from the Principal Walnut Grove continues to thrive and flourish. Although a shorter month, December is
packed full of fun, excitement and great learning. Mr. Amaroso will be taking both the Boys
and Girls Volleyball teams to their tournaments – they have been practicing very hard and
will compete for the first time as “Walnut Grove ” teams. We wish them well! There will
also be a Teacher vs. Student Volleyball Team game this month, with our cheerleaders
performing during the “half-time” show.
In November, each class had an opportunity to talk about and choose which mascot they
would like to see as the official Walnut Grove school mascot. There were many fantastic
ideas, and we are now working on organizing the voting process to select the official school
mascot. Hopefully, January’s newsletter will announce the students’ choice for the Walnut
Grove mascot.
We will be having a Primary Winter Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 12, 2013,
starting at 6:45 pm. Students in Grades 1 and 2 (French and English), will be performing,
under the direction of Ms. Li and Ms. Rodriguez, as well as their classroom teachers. They
have been working very hard to prepare for this event, and we know it will be a memorable
experience for all.
Most classrooms are now actively using BYOD, and we have noticed just how engaged
students are in their learning. The power of technology truly has enhanced the way
students find and use information. Our Grade 3’s are blogging, the Kindergartens are
tweeting, and most other classrooms are accessing a world of information through their
devices, and using technology to create presentations and demonstrate learning. This was
very evident in the “Family Media Night,” on November 28. We ARE 21st century learners at
Walnut Grove.
On behalf of Mrs. Ajrawat and myself, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of
our Walnut Grove families a safe and happy winter holiday season, and all the best for the
new year ahead.
December 2013
School Security
All parents and visitors
entering the school during
school hours must be
buzzed in through the
front doors and sign in
and out at the office. You
are also reminded to wear
a visitor’s badge while you
are in the school. For
safety reasons, it is impor-
tant that we know who is
in the school at all times.
Winter Holiday Schedule
Thursday, December 19, 2013 – Last day of classes for students
Friday, December 20, 2013 – No School for students
Monday, January 6, 2014 – school starts – classes resume
Late Arrivals
If a student ar-
rives late to
school, after the
9:15 a.m. entry
bell, they must report to
the office to sign in and
receive a late slip before
going to their class. Please
help your child arrive to
school on time up estab-
lishing and encouraging
morning routines.
Bullying Awareness and Prevention week
During Bullying Awareness and Prevention week, we had a
special presentation for gr.1-7 called The Power of One. It is
a series of skits presented by actors who use boxes, colours,
and masks to vividly portray what bullying is, what can be
done about it, and how every child has the power of one,
the power to report and deal with bullying when they see it.
The Power of One presentation has given us valuable infor-
mation about bullying and how we have the power to
stand against bullying. At the end of the presentation we all
took the Power of One anti-bullying oath verbally and now
we are in the process of signing the oath. The oath posters
will be displayed once staff, students and School Council
have signed the Bully Prevention Oath.
Bullying Prevention Week
Walnut Grove celebrated Bullying Prevention Week during
the week of November 18th to November 22nd with many
activities such as a Primary, Junior and Intermediate Poster
Contest and Power of 1 presentations. Many of our Grade 4
to 7 students also participated in the ―Choose Action‖ work-
shop at the Powerade Center on Wednesday, November
20th, 2013.
Some picture books to view are: The Three Bully Goats - by:
Leslie Kimmelman; Say Something – by: Peggy Moss; Stand
Tall, Molly Lou Melon – by: Patty Lovell and The Recess
Queen – by: Alexis O’Neill. Some resources for parents in-
clude: The Bully, The Bullied and The Bystander – by: Bar-
bara Coloroso and Hold on to Your Kids – by: Gordon Neu-
feld.
Here are some websites:
http://www.prevnet.ca/
http://www.peelregion.ca/health/topics/injury/bullying/
index.htm
h t tp : / /www.k id she lpphone .ca/Teens / In foBooth/
Bullying.aspx
The Bullying Prevention and Intervention Committee
Reading Tip
Remember, you're reading
with a purpose, so focus on
that purpose and the mate-
rial. If you lose interest or
keep losing your place, take
a break or read something
else. You can keep track of
where you are by following
along with your hand. This
simple tech-
nique helps
you focus and
increase your
concentration.
The Meaning of
Power of One
Inderjit
To me power of one means that
one person can stop bullying all
around the world. I learned that
bullying could be very hurtful and
also that there are three types of
bullying and they are cyber bully-
ing which means sending bad or mean notes to people
through the internet, physical bullying which means like hit-
ting, pushing , and punching and last is verbal bullying which
means hurting their feelings like name calling and gossiping. I
don’t think bullying is good.
Simmar
The power of one assemble was helpful because it tells kids
not to hit or say bad or mean words to anybody else because
the person will feel sad. I learned that you should always
tell a grown up so that they can stop it and also I learned that
if you are watching someone getting bullied you should stand
up for them not just watch because maybe one day it would
happen to you to and no one will stand up to you too.
Loveleen
I think the power of one means to stand up to bullying and
for others to. I even learned in the assembly if you are a by-
stander just don’t sit down and watch the bully hurt the vic-
tim, say stop and if they don’t listen tell a teacher or a adult. I
even learned that if you don’t help a victim you may become
a victim yourself. Well that is what I thought power of one
means.
Jaiveer
The power of one means standing up to bullies and standing
up for others and yourself to stop bullying. You shouldn’t just
watch someone being bullied, you should stand up for them
to stop the bully. I learned at the assembly that if you don’t
help someone when they were bullied then when you get
bullied they won’t help you.
Professional Activity Day on Dec. 20, 2013
As you know from our school year calendar, Dec. 20, 2013, is a Professional Activity Day.
Students will not be at school on this day.
Traditionally, school staff participate in professional learning activities on these days. How-
ever, the Ministry of Education has designated Dec. 20 as unpaid day for some staff and a
professional development day for others.
Based on new provincial legislation, permanent teachers, both elementary and secondary,
will take Dec. 20 as an unpaid day and are not required to be at work on that day. In
some cases, principals and vice-principals will choose to take this day as an unpaid day and
will also not be present in their schools. In other cases, administrators will choose to take
an unpaid day at another time and will be at school on Dec. 20.
Dec. 20 is a regular, paid work day for all other Peel board staff members and many will
participate in professional learning offered through the board on this day.
Monthly Character Trait Winners
Each month students will be recognized for demonstrating the monthly character traits. The character trait for November
was Respect and the students that were recognized are:
Grade One : Komlica J., Kismat G., Ashonanand B., Parisa G., Matthew S., Ashish G., Ashraj B., Ariana C., Jeevan D., Ath-
avi J., Miveen M., Harmandeep G., Sairah B., and Michael Y.
Grade Two: Dakota V., Keeret M., Shreya C., Chatanpreet C., Harjot R., Harisha S., Tanya D., Bhajneek S., Arjun M.,
Karishma G., and Fatehveer S.
Grade Three: Mehak M., Richey V., Ishan S., Rajit J., Vidhi P., Amjot B., Aarchi P. Aryan P., Kayla B., Sinthujan J., and
Daniela Z.
Grade Four: Simmar B., Mohit P., Hartej C., Saloani S., Akshays S., Nadia E., Ratnaa D., Lackshan M., and Arzoo G.
Grade Five: Gurnoor D., Harsh T., Inthujaa S., Navroop T., and Manjot T
Grade Six: Natalyn L., Rohan D., Chelsea C., Sahij K., and Avneet S.
Grade Seven: Manjot J., Alyissa S., Sathyan S., Krishna P., and Maheen C.
Kindergarten: Shivam P., Himmat D., Sukhsahej S., Diajot S., Ruhani B., Harjodh N., Angelina A., Krish T., Suhani B., Sad-
hani S. and Sulav R.
SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS
The School Council met on Wednesday, Novem-
ber 13, 2013. It was an amazing planning meet-
ing, with many different fun and exciting ideas
for our school.
An initial fundraiser will be held during the
month of December. School Council have put
together ―Gift Baskets‖ that will be raffled off
during the last week of school in December.
Each basket will have a specific theme (e.g., Win-
ter Fun, Christmas, Sports, Girls Basket etc.). Stu-
dents will be able to purchase raffle tickets for
the baskets that they wish – winners will be
drawn at the Character Assembly on Wed. De-
cember 18, at 2:30 pm.
Tickets are $2.00 each, or 3 for $5.00.
Next School Council Meeting:
Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 6:30 pm
Closing schools because of bad weather
Please be advised that during the winter months, inclement weather may cause disruption of bus transportation
and regular school operations. A decision to cancel school transportation and/or to close schools is usually made
by 6:00 am and will be announced on the radio and television stations identified below. Please forward this in-
formation to your school community. You can also visit our school website or www.peelschools.org for bus can-
cellations.
VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9 CHUM AM1050
CJCL AM590 CJBC (FR) AM860
CHFI FM98.1 EZ ROCK FM97.3
CFTR AM680 CFRB AM1010
FM Z103.5 FM93.1
CFNY FM102.1/AM640 CHIN FM100.7/AM1540
CBC FM99.1 CBC99.1
CITYPULSE GLOBAL NEWS
CTV
Our busses are only cancelled if you hear the following ―THE DUFFERIN-PEEL CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
AND THE PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD BUSSES ARE CANCELLED.
***If Caledon Only busses are cancelled, our busses will continue to operate because we are
considerd a Brampton school***
December Character Trait
PARTICIPATION
Participation is an important part of learning and having
fun. The more we participate in an event or an activity, the
more we feel included and valued.
Positive participation involves giving our best effort, regard-
less of winning or losing. It means we play or get involved
simply for enjoyment and interest, and to have fun. It of-
ten leads to developing new interests.
What do you like to participate in? Why? What are some
new things that you might like to try? These are some
things you might want to talk about as a family.
December - Classism
For the month of December
we wi l l be di scus s ing
―Classism.‖ As we all know
Peel families come from differ-
ent economic scales. One in
five children in Peel are living
in poverty. We are teaching
our students that no one
should be judged because they
lack resources or materials. We
are helping our students under-
stand that the value and worth
of students are not tied to their
economic status. Everyone
deserves to be respected re-
gardless of who they are and
what they have.
Holiday Concert at Walnut Grove
Thursday, December 12, 2013
6:45-8:00pm
Come and support our Grade 1 and 2 classes as
they will be performing at our Holiday Concert! All of
our Grade 1 and 2 French Immersion students will be fea-
tured as well as our students in the regular track. Get
ready for some Holiday cheer and save the date on your
calendars!
Notifying the School of a
Student Absence
Your child’s safety is very impor-
tant to us, for this reason please
make sure to call the school and
leave a message on our atten-
dance line for each day that your
child is going to be absent from
school or will be coming in late.
A message can be left on the
school’s attendance line (905-843-
2927 and press #1) at anytime,
however please call before 9 a.m.
for the current school day. Safe
arrival calls will be made each day
for students that have an unex-
plained absence.
School Success
At Walnut Grove, our staff are committed to providing strong academic programs for students, which includes incorpo-
rating 21st Century teaching and learning. As a new school community, we want to ensure success for each student in our
school. We know that success is not simply measured by grades – it is all encompassing. The staff at Walnut Grove have
collaboratively developed our School Success Goals:
Literacy
By September, 2014, 68% of our students will be achieving at Levels 3 and 4 in Reading and Writing. We will focus on
identifying main ideas in what we read, and using proof/evidence to support responses. Students will continue to de-
velop critical literacy skills to demonstrate their understanding of what they read, and to communicate their thoughts in
writing
Numeracy
By September, 2014, 65 %, of our students will be achieving at Levels 3 and 4 in mathematics. We will begin to incorpo-
rate Social Justice issues through problem solving to develop a deeper awareness of equity, while using critical thinking
skills to communicate mathematical thinking and understanding. Problem-based learning will incorporate technology and
will allow students to communicate and demonstrate their learning in a variety of ways.
Pathways
All staff will fully support the academic, social and emotional needs of all students, particularly those requiring advocacy
for specific transition needs. All staff will participate in the planning process for transitions for students entering Kinder-
garten, moving into Grade 1, as well as transitioning into various programs with PDSB, including regional programs.
Community, Culture and Caring
We will deepen student understanding of inclusion and Social Justice, Equity and Diversity, by embedding the ―isms‖ and
Character Attributes into monthly themes and daily classroom activities. Classrooms will focus on being inclusive and re-
spectful environments for students and staff. Student Leadership will be fostered in all grades, and community involve-
ment will include cultural celebrations, family nights and community events. We will inspire students to be successful,
confident and hopeful.
Help your family stay warm this winter Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing hypothermia when work-
ing or playing outdoors:
Wear a warm hat—most body heat is lost through the head. Children should keep an extra hat at school.
Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped around the body.
Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. If the boots have liners, carry an extra pair to replace
damp ones or take an extra pair of socks. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Carry an extra pair of mittens to school, on
outings, etc.
Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of fluids and pace yourself when
doing vigorous activities.
Stay fit by exercising and eating well—people who are fit are less susceptible to hypo-
thermia.
If you stay indoors, avoid moving from a hot environment to a cold one. Excessive
sweating caused from an extreme change in temperature increases the risk of developing
hypothermia.
Eat high-energy food such as nuts and raisins.
If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.
Fundraising at Walnut Grove
As a brand new school, Walnut Grove has been working very hard to raise funds for various activities for our students.
Some of the ways we have raised money have included:
Pizza Days (every Friday)
Professor Jamz Move-A-Thon
Scholastic Book Fair
So where does this money go? This money goes right back into the school to provide activities, presentations and re-
sources for our students. For example, to support our Anti-Bullying initiatives, we recently brought in ―The Power of
One‖ presentation for the whole school. We plan to continue bringing in guest speakers, presentations and workshops
to enhance the academic programs in each level, which ultimately support our school success goals.
As well, money will be allocated to support our sports programs (e.g., sending school teams to tournaments, and provid-
ing coverage for teachers who take our sports teams out during the school day).
The Scholastic Book Fair raised funds to purchase English and French reading materials for students that we will bring with
us to the new school.
We will also use funds to bring in presenters for the Arts – dance, music and drama. There are many, many ways that the
funds we raise truly benefit our students. Thank you so much for supporting our fundraising initiatives – none of this
would be possible without your continued support.
Student Math Challenge
Students: Select the question for your grade. Answer the question, showing all of your work and hand
it in to the office. We will select a winner the last week of December!
Primary (Grade 1-3): Mrs. Hall is twelfth in line. Mrs. Tisdale is sixteenth in line. Mr. Amaroso is in front of Mrs. Tisdale.
Mrs. Locke is behind Mrs. Hall. Mrs. Lone is between Mr. Amaroso and Mrs. Locke. In what place in line is Mrs. Lone.
Draw a picture to show your thinking!
Junior (Grade 4-6): Mrs. Arjarwat baked 78 cookies. She gave 2/6 to her family, 1/3 to her neighbours and ate 11 cookies
with Mrs. Lone. How many cookies does she have left? Show your thinking!
Intermediate (Grade 7-8): One night the King could not sleep so he went down to his royal kitchen where he found a
bowl full of mangoes. Being hungry, he took 1/6 of the mangoes. Later that same night the Queen was hungry
and couldn’t sleep and took 1/5 of what the king had left. Still later, the first Prince awoke, went to the kitchen, and ate
1/4 of the remaining mangoes. Even later, his brother, the second prince ate 1/3 of what was then left. Finally the third
prince ate 1/2 of what was left, leaving only 3 mangoes for the servants. How many mangoes were originally in the
bowl? Show your thinking!
Math for Parents
Everyday children go about their daily lives exploring and discovering things around them, and by doing so, they are ex-
posed to the world of mathematics. Since mathematics is becoming increasingly important in this technological age, it is
even more important for our children to learn math at home, as well as in school.
Attitude is Important
How do you feel about Math? Your feelings will have an impact on how your children think about math and themselves
as mathematicians. Take a few moments to reflect on these questions:
Do you think everyone can learn math?
Do you think math is useful in everyday life?
Do you believe most jobs today require math skills?
If you answered yes to most of these questions, then you are probably encouraging your child to
think mathematically. Positive attitudes about math are important for your child’s success.
What is a Problem Solver?
A problem solver is someone who questions, investigates and explores solutions to problems. They persevere through
a problem to find a solution and understand that there may be different ways to get there. You can encourage your
child at home by involving him or her in family decision making using math.
It’s almost time to register for kindergarten
Join us for a Kindergarten Live! open house in December to learn more
Do you have a young children that will start school in the next year or two? If so, join us for a Kindergarten Live! infor-
mation session to learn more about the Peel board’s full-day kindergarten program and how to register your children
for school.
Four elementary schools in Peel will host Kindergarten Live! information sessions in December where Explore Guides
will takes families on a small group tour to see a kindergarten class in action, find out about play-based learning and
have the opportunity to ask questions about special education.
Kindergarten Live! information sessions will take place at the following Peel elementary schools in December:
Queen Street Public School in Brampton
Caledon East Public School in Caledon
Clarkson Public School in Mississauga
Marvin Heights Public School in Mississauga
For more information or to register for an information session, visit http://www.peelschools.org/parents/kindergarten.
If your child was born in 2010, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2014. All Peel elementary schools will be
open for kindergarten registration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 4, 5, 6 and 7 and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 6.
Traffic safety in our community
Safety is a top priority at our school. Here is a list of traffic tips to keep students, staff and parents safe while commuting
to and from school.
Respect traffic signs and road markers around the school.
Drive slowly and with caution on and near school property. Adhere to the posted speed limits on any surrounding
streets used by students on their way to and from school.
Always yield to pedestrian traffic. Wait for students, staff members and parents to cross before driving past them.
When dropping your child off at the school, use the Kiss'n'Ride area. This is a supervised area that is designed to keep
students safe.
Do not double park or do anything else to block traffic or draw your child off the curb and into traffic. Do not take
shortcuts over curbs.
Have your child ready to exit the car when you reach the curb. Say goodbye to your child before you park at the
curb to let your child out of your car.
During regular drop-off times, students are to remain in the car until it is safe for them to exit the car onto the curb.
Follow the directions of staff or volunteers on duty in the school parking lot and treat staff, students, volunteers, pas-
sengers and other drivers with respect.
Consider parking off site and walking a short distance to school. This will give you time to
talk to your children about their day, review new vocabulary words, math concepts, etc.
Remind your child to only cross the street at an intersection or crosswalk. They should never
―jaywalk‖ by crossing in the middle of the street.
Students who bike to school should always wear a helmet, and follow all traffic laws. They
should only cross the street at a crosswalk or intersection—never in the middle of the road.
Register for Extended French by Jan. 31, 2014
Are you thinking of registering your child for Extended French (EF)? For the 2014-15 school
year, parents must register children for entry into grade 7 Extended French by 4 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2014.
The registration date will help determine the number of grade 7 Extended French classes at each school for the following
September. The board can then hire the appropriate number of qualified staff. As well, because the registration date hap-
pens earlier, the intention is that no new EF classes will be created at reorganization time in September, so the level of
student disruption will be reduced.
The school for our area is Sir John A. MacDonald M.S. The phone number is 905-457-5535. Registration for EF will be
done through an online registration form that will be available on Nov. 22 at www.peelschools.org/parents/
programs/French/registration
For a complete list and maps of Extended French schools, go to the Peel board’s website at www.peelschools.org/
parents/programs/French. You can also visit the website of Canadian Parents for French (Ontario) at http://on.cpf.ca/.
How to get more information
Visit the Peel board website—www.peelschools.org/parents/programs/French/registration.
Call Sir John A. MacDonald M.S. at 905-457-5535.
Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca/.
Register for French Immersion by Jan. 31, 2014
Are you thinking of registering your child for French Immersion (FI)? For the 2014-15
school year, parents must register children for entry into grade 1 FI by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014.
Registration for FI will be done through an online registration form that will be available on Nov. 22 at
www.peelschools.org/parents/programs/French/registration.
The FI school for our area is Walnut Grove P.S. The phone number is 905-843-2927.
Registration process
A grade 1 FI enrolment cap is in place. This means that a specific number of spots are available for students entering
grade 1 FI. If the number of students registered by the deadline exceeds the number of spots in grade 1 FI, a random
selection process system will be used to identify students gaining entrance into the grade 1 FI program.
All students who make the registration deadline will be placed in a random selection process and assigned a rank using
a computerized random selection process. Spots are not assigned on a first come, first served basis. Once students
have been assigned to all available spots, remaining students will be placed, again in rank order, on the school's wait-
list.
Some students will be automatically placed in grade 1 FI. To find out if your child does not need to participate in the
random selection process, and for more information about the random selection and waitlist processes, visit
www.peelschools.org/parents/programs/French/registration.
How to get more information
Visit the Peel board website—www.peelschools.org/parents/programs/French/registration.
Call Walnut Grove P.S. at 905-843-2927.
Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at www.cpfont.on.ca.
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