October, 2012

Thank you, Robert Lobovsky Proud Principal

It took very little time for even students new to Homelands building, familiar with daily routines, and aware of expectations. We are all now hard at work attacking curriculum and learning opportunities! Thamaking the first weeks of school a positive experience. Toonies for Terry – On Thursday September 27and students participated in this year’s Terry Fox Run. We met as a

whole school in the gym and through a multi-media presentation, including a performance from our grade 7 Choir, learned about what we can do to help those in need. Students and staff then wentoutside and “Rfight against cancer students brought a loonie, toonie and other amounts for this worthwhile cause. Mrs Chiodo even matched the amount her class raised ~ awesome! We are pleased that we raised over $300 which wiJohnson for organizing this day.

Open House is This Thursday! October 4

Please be sure to join us between opportunity to meet the teachers and put faces to names. Be sure to check out our refurbished gymnasium and see your child’s locker (they get their very own this year School Council will also have a display set up in the library so be sure to visit!

We look forward to seeing you on THURSDAY Read through this newsletter for more great things

HOMELANDS 2420 Homelands Drive

Mississauga, Ontario

L5K 1H

Phone (905) 822-2031

Superintendent: Wendy Dowling (905)

Our School website

It took very little time for even students new to Homelands these past weeks to become acquainted with the building, familiar with daily routines, and aware of expectations. We are all now hard at work attacking curriculum and learning opportunities! Thank you to all Homelands parents for their support and assistance in making the first weeks of school a positive experience.

On Thursday September 27th Homelands teachers students participated in this year’s Terry Fox Run. We met as a

whole school in the gym and through a media presentation, including a

performance from our grade 7 Choir, learned about what we can do to help those in need. Students and staff then went

“Ran for Terry!” To assist the fight against cancer students brought a loonie, toonie and other amounts for this worthwhile cause. Mrs Chiodo even matched the amount her class raised ~

We are pleased that we raised 00 which will be donated to the Terry Fox Foundation

Johnson for organizing this day.

October 4 th Please be sure to join us between 7:00 and 8:00 pm for our first Open House of the year! This is your opportunity to meet the teachers and put faces to names. Be sure to check out our refurbished gymnasium and see your child’s locker (they get their very own this year – no sharing locker spSchool Council will also have a display set up in the library so be sure to visit!

We look forward to seeing you on THURSDAY!

Read through this newsletter for more great things happening at Homelands.

OMELANDS SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL Mr. Robert Lobovsky - Principal

Ms. Laurie Lambie – Office Manager

Mrs. Leslie Morrison – Office Assistant

(905) 366-8800 Trustee: Brad MacDonald

Our School website : http://schools.peelschools.org/1323

to become acquainted with the building, familiar with daily routines, and aware of expectations. We are all now hard at work attacking

nk you to all Homelands parents for their support and assistance in

donated to the Terry Fox Foundation. Thanks to Mr.

0 and 8:00 pm for our first Open House of the year! This is your opportunity to meet the teachers and put faces to names. Be sure to check out our refurbished

no sharing locker space ☺)

Brad MacDonald (905) 828-6929

SCHOOL COUNCIL NEWS Our School Council met for the first time this year on Thursday, September 20th and we had a FANTASTIC turnout. So many came to learn Homelands an outstanding school. We also held our School Council elections and I am very pleased to announce that we have elected a dynamic school council that is focused on student success. The following Homelands parents make up your School Council for the 2012/2013 school year! At the meeting we discussed several items, including a summary from the surveythe first week of school. You will recall that a survey was sent home with the first newsletter of the year and I am most impressed that the majority of Homelands parents took the time to reflect on what makes Homelands greschool and what we can do to make it even better. Over 55% of Homelands parents returned the form and from a statistical point of view that is outstanding! Please see the back pages of this newsletter for a summary of that information. We also shared a summary of last June’s EQAO results that was compiled from data that we received from each of our four feeder schools. The total numbers reflect the grade 7 students who are physically attending Homelands (individual feeder school results were not sharedinformation is important as it is one piece of help set goals. Our EQAO scores are 82% in Reading, 76% in Writing, and 64% in Math. (The Ministry standard is 75%).

ALSO.......It’s Coming! Homelands School Council had an additional

meeting last week to organize a FALL FUNDRAISER with proceeds going to help purchase WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY including a portable IPAD lab. On Thursday, October 4 th, students will learn about this year’s Chocolate fundraiser complete with awesome prizes.

son/daughter for details following Thursday’s ksupport Homelands!! School Council wants to remind you that all parents are welcome to attend our School Council Meetings. Our next meeting is on library. ☺☺☺☺ Please come!

ARTS Alive at HomelandsAlready students are learning skills in art and music. Here are some pics of an instrumental music class and artwork from one of our grade 7 classes. Be sure to look for art displayed around the school and talk with Mr. Mick and Mr. Allen o

EWS Our School Council met for the first time this year on Thursday, September 20th and we had a FANTASTIC turnout. So many came to learn about what makes Homelands an outstanding school. We also held our School Council elections and I am very pleased to announce that we have elected a dynamic school council that is focused on student success. The following Homelands parents make up your

ool Council for the 2012/2013 school year!

At the meeting we discussed several items, including a summary from the survey data that was collected during the first week of school. You will recall that a survey was sent home with the first newsletter of the year and I am most impressed that the majority of Homelands parents took the time to reflect on what makes Homelands greschool and what we can do to make it even better. Over 55% of Homelands parents returned the form and from a statistical point of view that is outstanding! Please see the back pages of this newsletter for a summary of that

a summary of last June’s EQAO results that was compiled from data that we received from each of our four feeder schools. The total numbers reflect the grade 7 students who are physically attending Homelands (individual feeder school results were not shared). This information is important as it is one piece of data we use to

Our EQAO scores are 82% in Reading, 76% in Writing, and 64% in Math. (The Ministry standard is

School Council had an additional UNDRAISER with

proceeds going to help purchase WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY including a

, students will learn about this year’s Catalogue and olate fundraiser complete with awesome prizes. Please be sure to ask your

ghter for details following Thursday’s kick off and support Homelands!!

wants to remind you that all parents are welcome to attend our School Council Meetings. Our next meeting is on Thursday, October 18th at 6:30pm

Please come! ☺☺☺☺

ARTS Alive at Homelands . . . Already students are learning skills in art and music. Here are some pics of an instrumental music class and artwork from one of our grade 7 classes.

Be sure to look for art displayed around the school and talk with Mr. Mick and Mr. Allen on Thursday ☺

School Council 2012 2013

Name Position

Donna Keller and Cheryl Haycraft

ChairCo

Shared responsibility (rotation)

Secretary

Carlene Simpson TreasurerRobert Lobovsky School PrincipalMike Doiu Teacher Community Rep.Council- non specific Romana Dazi, Trasi Arndt, Tong Liang, Tory Khan, Farah Azhar, Maxine Fytte- Roberts, Janine Calder, Mark Roberts, Yusuf Muradi

data that was collected during the first week of school. You will recall that a survey was sent home with the first newsletter of the year and I am most impressed that the majority of Homelands parents took the time to reflect on what makes Homelands great school and what we can do to make it even better. Over 55% of Homelands parents returned the form and from a statistical point of view that is outstanding! Please see the back pages of this newsletter for a summary of that

wants to remind you that all parents are welcome to attend our School Thursday, October 18th at 6:30pm in the

School Council 2012 2013

Position

Chair Co-Chair Secretary Treasurer School Principal Teacher Community Rep.

Romana Dazi, Trasi Arndt, Tong Liang, Tory Khan, Roberts, Janine Calder,

Re-organization day balances class sizes to support your child’s success As you know, September 25th was a board-wide PD day to address school reorganization needs. Unfortunately, due to less than anticipated enrolment numbers at Homelands, loss of staff and adjustments to student placements/classes, class schedules and assigned teaching assignments were necessary. We are pleased to report that, with reorganization now behind us, all Homelands students and staff have settled into their respective classes and routines. Thank you to all members of our learning community for their understanding and support during this somewhat challenging time.

Change…Imagine the Possibilities Chances to grow Hopeful beginnings Adventure to take New paths to follow Great opportunities Exciting new challenges Open House is Thursday Night! October 4 th Please be sure to join us between 6:30 and 8:00 p.m. for our first Open House of the year! This is your opportunity to meet the teachers and put faces to names. We look forward to seeing you! Come see our refurbished gym, and your child’s personal locker!! Visit the library too for free Starbucks coffee and your School Council display☺ ESL/ELD (English as a Second Language /English Literacy Development) Ms. Chiodo

To new and returning families: a warm welcome to the Homelands Community. Our staff is dedicated to providing some extra attention and academic support to children new to Canada and to the English language.

ESL students are identified as being at Stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 in the Levels of English Language Proficiency. Some Stage 1 & 2 students are withdrawn out of subject classes and taught in a smaller group setting. In Ms. Chiodo’s ESL English classes, the students cover the three language components (speaking, reading, writing), using resources and strategies which are appropriate to their level of English. All of the Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced ESL students are provided with in-class support by the subject teachers and Ms. Chiodo, when necessary. I look forward to meeting new families at our Open House on Thursday. In the meantime, if you have any questions about our ESL program, please contact me at the school (905-822-2031).

November Progress Report As implemented in 2010, the November Elementary Progress Report is used as a starting point for discussion between parents and teachers for the November 17, 18 parent-teacher conferences. The

progress report will not contain grades but focuses on the following six learning skills that are essential for success in the school and the world of work:

*Responsibility * Collaboration

*Organization * Initiation

*Independent Work *Self-Regulation

Please note that progress reports will be sent home with Homelands students on Friday, November 9th.

Helpful Homework Notes Homework is an integral component of the educational experience, and should:

• be a meaningful extension of classroom learning and lessons • be attainable, assuring that all students are capable of successful completion • promote good work habits • encourage individual initiative and responsibility • acquaint and enhance parents with their child’s in-school program and invite their participation in

appropriate ways

At Homelands, all students record homework into the binder reminder/notebook daily; parents are asked to support their child’s learning by checking the binder reminder and ensuring homework is completed. Providing a distraction-free area that is conducive to homework completion and establishing a specific time for homework are also beneficial to student success. At school, in addition to class time, all students also have access to daily study halls, during which homework may be completed, projects/assignments may be furthered, and/or additional teacher assistance or instruction may be requested. Students are constantly being encouraged to tap all resources and opportunities! There are also a wide variety of instructional websites designed to support curriculum and student learning, including: www.peel.edu.on.ca - Parent/child activities, fact and tip sheets as well as related links http://mathonline.peelschools.org http://mathforum.org/dr.math Math http://MathCentral.uregina.ca http://www.inkspot.com English http://ucalgary.ca http://www.environlink.org http://www.earthday.ca Science http://www.newscientist.com

November 2nd – The Hallowe’en Dance

The first dance of the year is always exciting, particularly as the theme is Hallowe’en! Homelands dances are the primary source of fundraising for our Student Council, with monies assisting various charitable causes throughout the year. They are always a fun, social event!

Please note: All students are expected to be in attendance at the time of a school dance. Dances are ideal social opportunities to further interpersonal skills, meet new friends, participate in leadership roles and just have fun! If, however, a student selects not to participate in the dance, other options include games room, study hall or the movie room. Please do not write a note excusing your child for the day or afternoon; they are expected to be in attendance . We thank you in advance for your support and cooperation. Students should start planning their costumes for the frightfully fun event!

Dates to Know Thurs. Oct. 4 Open House at 6:30pm Thurs, Oct. 4 Fundraiser Kick-off assembly Mon. Oct. 8 Thanksgiving Thurs. Oct. 18 School Council Mtg 6:30pm Wed. Oct. 24 Picture retake & class photos Fri. Nov. 2 Hallowe’en Dance

Oct. 17 - Opportunity to say 'thanks' to bus drivers

Peel District School Board schools will pay tribute to bus drivers on Bus Driver Appreciation Day, Oct. 17. The day will be celebrated with special activities and events that provide teachers, students and

parents with an opportunity to thank the people who safely transport 36,000 students to and from school each day. If your child rides the bus to school, take this opportunity to thank the bus driver for his or her contribution and ask your child to do so too. The Peel board appreciates the important job bus drivers do each school day and Oct. 17 provides an opportunity to give these individuals the recognition they deserve.

HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION and SPORTS

Phys Ed Students at Homelands have started the year being active in many ways. They have participated with

Flag Football in PE class with enthusiasm. Many students started with very little or no knowledge of football and have shown great improvement and skill so far. Daily Physical Activity (DPA) DPA has started well this year with a running challenge and activities outside and the activity for September is ultimate Frisbee. Students participate in each activity once per week. Intramurals These activities are scheduled to begin after the re-organization PD day in September with European Handball. Students should listen to the announcements and check the athletics board for more information. They happen twice per week and everyone is welcome. Sports Teams Our boys and girls flag football teams tryouts are expected to begin shortly. All are welcome to tryout and there is no experience necessary. Students should listen to the announcements and check the athletics board for more information. Health Our first health unit is expected to begin in November. The first unit covered will be Healthy Eating for Grade 6, 7, 8. In order to help create an healthy learning environment, students are asked to try and bring a healthy lunch to school each day. Safety FIRST! In order to ensure the safe arrival and departure of our students we are requesting that cars do no enter the parking lot during these times. At Homelands we have several buses entering and leaving while entrance and dismissal take place. As this creates a very congested lot, please drop off and pick up students on the street just west of the school. Students should enter along the side of the school that is opposite the parking lot. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. More on Student Safety – Our Priority!

Please note that outside teacher supervision for students begins at 8:05 a.m. and ends at 2:50 p.m. Once students enter the building at 8:20 a.m., the only entrance remaining unlocked is the front door of the school. All students arriving after this time MUST sign in at the office. Also, all adults entering the

building must report to the office, allowing us to be aware of our visitors, volunteers and support staff. Accurate and up-to-date student information, including telephone numbers, emergency contacts, and medical concerns is also essential to student safety. Please ensure that your child has returned his/her Ontario Student Office Record form, completed and accurate, to the classroom teacher.

THE BREAKFAST CLUB (Mr. Fralick)

The Breakfast Club will be starting on October the 9 th this year. Every morning in the lunchroom starting at 8:05am students will be offered whole wheat bagels, yogurt, juice and milk. Due to government guidelines each program must now raise 85% of their budget. If anyone is interested in donating monetary, in kind or volunteering to raise funds please let the school know.

(Mr. Allen, Mr. Mick)

"Greetings from the music department. All instrumental students should now have their instruments and are learning their first few notes in grade 7 and reviewing scales in grade 8. At this point, students should be actively practicing at least 4 times a week and filling the information into their weekly practice logs. Also, letters have been sent out regarding the sale of exercise books. In Grade 7, we will continue to learn how to play simple songs and to maintain our instruments properly. In Grade 8, students will be expected to learn more notes, play simple band arrangements and to improvise on a blues scale. We will also investigate various Jazz styles. Please help your child maintain a regular practice schedule and encourage them to challenge themselves with musical selections that are more difficult to play. Happy practicing everybody!"

LIBRARY LETTERS (Ms. Strychowsky)

I look forward to seeing everyone at our Open House. Please stop by the Library to say hello or for some Starbucks coffee. Next month in the Library we are starting a Reading Rewards Program. L.A. teachers will be distributing a log where you will be able to keep track of how many books you have read. Once you have read 5 books you can come down to the library for a reward. Be recognized in the Newsletter if you become part of the Reading Rewards Club! More information about this will be given to you in the upcoming months.

Reading Suggestions: My Name is Parvana by Deborah Ellis – (Last book of the Breadwinner Series)

GUIDANCE CORNER (Mrs. D’Orazio, Mrs.Onslow)

Guidance has been busy planning and preparing our upcoming Career Day on Wednesday, November 7 th . This half day involves our grade seven and eight students learning about various careers from volunteers within our community. This valuable experience is always rewarding for

our students. We are continuing to seek additional volunteers to share their careers. If you or someone you know is available the morning of November 7th for a stress free sharing of a career we would like to hear from you. Please call Mrs. Onslow or Mrs. D’Orazio at 905-822-2031.

An amazing opportunity Confidently Speaking T OASTMASTERS is offering a FREE Youth Leadership Program for young people - ages 12 to 17. The program facilitates the development of fundamental oral communication and leadership skills through hands on action. The Youth leadership Program has been developed specifically for young people by Toastmasters International, a worldwide public speaking organization. The program offers young people an opportunity to learn effective speaking, analytical listening, and critical thinking. It also provides practice in properly conducting a conference or meeting. Students will learn to:

� Overcome nervousness when speaking before an audience. � Organize and present ideas logically and convincingly. � Listen carefully to others. � Offer advice to help others improve their speaking and leadership skills. � Participate in – and even lead – group discussions or meetings.

Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00pm (Starting Thursday, October 4th 2012 ) for 9 weeks at the Courtney Park Library. 730 Courtneypark Drive West, Mississauga. Contact Tory at: ToastmastersCanada-Tory@yahoo.ca

Due Date: October 15th (No exceptions)

Student Name _________________________ Class ________________

(Please print clearly)

NOVEMBER LUNCH ORDER Please indicate your food choices for the month and return this sheet with the appropriate amount of money. Pizza will be ordered every Tuesday and Thursday, while subs will be ordered every Monday and Wednesday. Please put the proper symbol under the corresponding day that you wish to order either pizza or a sub. If writing a cheque, please make it payable to Homelands Sr. P.S. If paying in cash, please enclose exact amount. Thank you.

FOOD CHOICE

Pizza @ $2.50 per slice Subs. @ $2.50 per sub P = Pepperoni V = Vegetable w/ cheese

C = Cheese T = Turkey (no cheese) Please note: Specialized orders not available Subs. ( V or T)

Mondays

Pizza ( P or C)

Tuesdays

Subs. ( V or T)

Wednesday

Pizza (P or C)

Thursday

Weekly total

1

5 6 7 8

12 13 14 15

19 20 21 22

26 27 28 29

PLEASE ENCLOSE EXACT AMOUNT – CHANGE CANNOT BE GIVEN

Total Amount enclosed: ________________________ (pls. no post dated cheques)

***Please note: If your child is absent on a food order day no reimbursements will be given as food is pre-ordered. You are welcome to pick up your child's order any time

after 11:00 a.m. on that day. (Orders are NOT held over for the next day ).

70 HOUSE Language Arts: We start the year by completing a “get-to-know-you” unit called “Biography”. Students will study the concept of biography by being exposed to various examples of biographies. Students will then be paired with a classmate in order to complete their own biographies. Students will also be participating in various reading units through the study of a unit called “Reading is Thinking”. French: We begin the year with a thorough review of past concepts in order to provide a brief refresher. After the review unit, students will turn their attention to a unit entitled “Galaxie Virtuelle”. In this unit, students will study various French grammatical concepts through the underlying themes of space and video games. Social Studies: We are currently working on our first History unit, New France. Students are busy discovering reasons why settlers chose to come to New France, factors that shaped the colony, and how colonists interacted with First Nations peoples. Math: September started by engaging students in the problem solving process. Many students were familiar with the process, having used it in their last schools. Students were asked “What year was it a billion seconds ago?” We had a number of different successful approaches to this problem, and a number of different answers – though all were close. The answer could vary slightly, depending on how you approached the problem. We want students to understand that there more than one way to think about a problem, and more than one way to work out a problem. We are always interested in a student’s ability to think independently. FYI, the first part of the solution works out to about 31.79 years. You can do the subtraction to find the correct year. Next up, Integers. Science: The term began by introducing and practising a couple of SCIENCE SKILLS, namely classification and scientific drawings. Both of these skills will be employed in our first science unit, “Interactions within the Environment”, in which we will study ecosystems, and how ecosystems are affected, for better or worse, in our modern world.

71 HOUSE Language: In Language, the students of 711 have just finished presenting their "all about me" projects. Next we will be learning about Bloom's Taxonomy, developing a series of critical thinking questions. Science: In Science, the students of 711 and 714 have begun a unit of study on the interactions in the environment. They will discover that ecosystems are made up of both living and non-living elements, which depend on each other to survive. Math: In Math, the students of 711 and 714 are concluding a unit on problem solving. The practiced using a variety of problem solving strategies to solve open-ended and parallel tasks. In our next unit, students will be learning about integers.

Social Studies: We are currently working on our first History unit, New France. Students are busy discovering reasons why settlers chose to come to New France, factors that shaped the colony, and how colonists interacted with First Nations peoples.

French: We begin the year with a thorough review of past concepts in order to provide a brief refresher. After the review unit, students will turn their attention to a unit entitled “Galaxie Virtuelle”. In this unit, students will study various French grammatical concepts through the underlying themes of space and video games.

80 HOUSE Mathematics: Students are currently working on Number Sense and Numeracy. We have reviewed concepts taught in grade 7 including factoring and problem solving, and have introduced powers and square roots. Going forward, students will be continuing their knowledge of integers by learning how to multiply and divide them, and then solving questions involving the order of operations (BEDMAS). After integers, we will move onto fractions, where students will practice adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing (all learned in grade 7), and solve more questions involving order of operations. For future planning purposes, the other Math strands that will be covered in term one include graphing, 2D measurement and patterning. As a general rule, so parents/guardians are kept up to date, all assessments will be sent home to be signed. Students are asked to return these assessments to their portfolios so reflections can be made.

Science: Students have been introduced to expectations and safety rules in the classroom, as well has how to properly write up a Science lab. Our first lab of the year was a "Mystery" where students had to use their knowledge and observation techniques to solve a fictitious murder. We will investigate the microscope and how it is able to magnify objects, such as the letter 'e' from the newspaper, up to 400x. Students will be looking closely at plant and animal cells and learning about their organelles. To further their understanding, they will each create their own model of a cell and present it to their teacher in the form of an interview. After this, we will learn about systems in the human body, and eventually students will research and present about a disease. As a general rule, so parents/guardians are kept up to date, all assessments will be sent home to be signed. Students are asked to return them to their portfolio so reflections can be made. French: (Johnson) Students in our house have been working on the four most important irregular verbs with short quizzes in each - to be followed with a mix and match test on all four at once. The "ER' family of verbs has also been reviewed. Orally, we have been reviewing our knowledge of weather and time, and will soon have our first reading story. Students are reminded that all tests need to be signed and that each student is expected to review French for Five minutes each evening. Language Arts: ( Mdme. Doiu) Students in 801, 802, and 803 have now completed their Important Items assignments and oral presentations. All grade 8s are working on a variety of learning activities that incorporate the four strands of reading, writing, oral communication, and media literacy. We are reading various short stories and articles and learning to summarize and pinpoint the main idea of these texts. We are also exploring the concepts of inference, making connections, and point of view in these texts. Language Arts: (Johnson) In English we have been learning about our new classmates as each presents "Six Important Items". The students then submit a report on their interests for which they had a few reminder "How To" lessons. We have been enjoying the class novel "The Giver" and will soon write a reflection on some differences between their society and ours. This week we begin preparation for the board-wide literacy initiative to establish base-lines for teaching skill up-grades. Students are reminded to have and read a novel of their own choice during spare moments and library time. Geography: Students have been hard at work with our Migration Unit and increasing their understanding of how and why humans move from one place to another for purposes of settlement. Through a variety of sources,

news articles and personal case studies, students have come to understand the meaning of Push and Pull factors and their relationship to the social, economic, political, and environmental status of a given community. Next we will begin to examine the different types of barriers migrants face in their journey to a new life.

81 HOUSE Language Arts: Students have now completed their Important Items assignments and oral presentations. All grade 8s are working on a variety of learning activities that incorporate the four strands of reading, writing, oral communication, and media literacy. We are reading various short stories and articles and learning to summarize and pinpoint the main idea of these texts. We are also exploring the concepts of inference, making connections, and point of view in these texts. French: Students in the 81 House French classes have finished their review of -er, -ir, and -re regular verbs and will be tested on that material next week. They are also currently working on ‘Je me présente’, an oral presentation that describes themselves and their interests. Please ask your child to see their tests, as these tests always require a parent signature. We will be starting some reading comprehension activities that practice vocabulary and comprehension of the main idea of various texts, and we will begin our first mini reading unit with a horror story to celebrate Halloween. Geography: Students have been hard at work with our Migration Unit and increasing their understanding of how and why humans move from one place to another for purposes of settlement. Through a variety of sources, news articles and personal case studies, students have come to understand the meaning of Push and Pull factors and their relationship to the social, economic, political, and environmental status of a given community. Next we will begin to examine the different types of barriers migrants face in their journey to a new life. Math: Students in 811 and 812 have recently finished up their introductory problem solving unit as part of the Number Sense strand in math. The 2 classes are now looking at compiling, creating, and analyzing data and graphs. Students are learning to make graphs by hand and on spreadsheet programs on the computer. Following, Data Management, students will begin to examine number theory and integers. Students in 813 also recently completed the problem solving unit and are now in the Number Sense strand where they are looking at order of operations and integers. Just a reminder that all math tests should be coming home to be signed by a parent or guardian and then returned to school to go into the student's portfolio. Please keep your eyes peeled and discuss your child's math work with them! Science: Students in 811 and 812 are "deep" into the Water systems unit in science where they are looking at the impact of water in our world. Students have had a chance to build a model of the Hydrologic cycle and water table, conduct a lab experiment comparing fresh and salt water and look at water's impact on weather. Both classes will go to the GE Booth Waste Water treatment plant in Mississauga to learn first hand how our wastewater resources are managed here in Peel. Students will end the unit looking at water conservation and will be creating posters and public service announcements to that end. Students in 813 are continuing to examine the basic parts of Human and Animals cells. They will demonstrate their learning with a 3-D model of a cell and explore some of the viruses and bacteria that can affect our bodies and make us sick.

PMI ~ from PARENT AND STAFF SURVEY (September 2012)

P (Plus):

~ Three words that describe Homelands ~ Homelands Sr. Is a great school because:

M (Perceived Needs): ~ If we did __, HL would be even better that it is now.

~ We just won the lottery. What would we do?

I (Interesting)

• The best school • Welcoming, caring, supportive • Caring teachers and staff • Respect, teamwork, clean • Music/bands “excellent music program” • Sports teams • They know how to bring the best out of students and treat

students fairly • Teachers support students efforts • Overnight camps • Responsible, inclusive, multicultural • Opportunities, respect • Safe and effective learning environment • “Teachers become more than just teachers, they become

friends, mentors and almost family” • Safe friendly, happy, patient, caring • Dedicated teachers • Great institute for teachers • Encouraging, committed, engaging • Develops leadership skills • Diversified • Inclusive • Well connected in the community • Teachers always try best to contact parents in order to

discuss their performance. Very supportive • Fun • Wonderful, skilled teachers

• Needs air conditioning • New computers/technology • Donate for humanity • Lots on giving to charity (social conscious) • Install WiFi. Use tablets/notebooks • More sports equipment outside, basketball • More books for the library • More field trips • Introduce students to latest technology • Up to date technology. New computer system • Away trips • Lap tops, Ipads • Mascot and school colours • Face lift in front of school • Improve exterior image of the school • More diverse clubs • More parent volunteers to help with different events • More musical instruments • Projectors and LCDs, sound system with wireless

tech • More class/school trips •

• “ you have a

bunch of great volley ball champs in gr 7 from thornlodge – we won both regional tournaments”

• Longer time to eat

lunch and want a cafeteria

• I feel pleasure that my kids are part of Canadian education that is best in the world.

• More fundraising to help the school

For a principal: consistent: do what's best for kids/school, approachable , proactive, fair, good PR, value individuals (requires trust), positive & encourages, integrity, "control over matters", visible and welcoming. Integrity, perseverance, dedication

Explore program options at Peel board schools Information nights start soon for Regional Learning Choices Programs. Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/programs Advanced Placement (grades 9 to 12) The Advanced Placement (AP) program starts in grade 9 and allows students to pursue university-level studies while in secondary school. Students can earn a first-year university credit for each AP credit achieved. Arts (grades 6 to 8, 7&8, 9 to 12) Students who are accepted into the middle school program will experience a comprehensive education in the arts, while learning the Ontario curriculum. At the secondary level, students experience a comprehensive education in an arts discipline of their choice, while learning the Ontario curriculum. Students must audition to be accepted into the program. Students can audition for the arts program in gr 9 without going in middle school. Flexography (grades 9 to 12) Flexography is a package print technology and a growing segment of the printing industry. Students learn to design and manufacture industry-standard packaging products. The program prepares students for entry into post-secondary programs, or a career in the printing industry. Students may apply for grades 9, 10 or 11. International Baccalaureate (grades 7 & 8, 9 to 12) The International Baccalaureate program provides a stimulating academic environment that celebrates learning and connects it to the world outside the classroom. It emphasizes awareness and acceptance of all cultures and attitudes, and fosters an understanding of how and why we learn. Upon completion of the IB program, students earn a diploma that is recognized by universities internationally. Students can apply for the IB program in grade 9 without having attended the program in grade 7 and 8. International Business and Technology (grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12) The International Business Technology (IBT) program provides students with a challenging program in all academic areas. Students enrolled in the program will explore subjects from a global perspective. Students can apply for the program in grade 9 without having attended the program in middle school. SciTech (grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12) The SciTech program integrates a hands-on, minds-on philosophy and provides students with an interactive approach to learning. The program focuses on science and technology and includes excursions, guest speakers, competitions and clubs. Students can apply for the SciTech program in grade 9 without having attended the program in middle school. Sports (grades 9 to 12) *open to students living in the Applewood Heights boundary only The program exposes students to a range of physical activities and focuses on lifelong health, wellness and leadership. Students participate in physical education year round and take part in co-curricular athletics or community involvement to build leadership skills. Students have the opportunity to complete industry-recognized certifications in first aid, personal training, coaching and officiating, among others. In grade 11, students will have the option to transition into the Specialist High Skills Major program in sports. Strings (grades 9 to 12) Students enrolled in the Regional Strings program (for violin, viola, cello and bass) have the opportunity to explore the many facets of string playing through Chamber Strings (for advanced players), Intermediate Strings (for students with one or two years experience), and Beginning Strings (for students with no previous experience). Truck and Coach (grades 9 to 12) The Truck and Coach program offered at Bramalea Secondary School compliments the school’s existing Specialist High Skills Major program in transportation. Students in the Truck and Coach program will complete all requirements of the Ontario secondary school diploma, while taking courses focused on various aspects of the transportation industry. Classes will take place in a new state-of-the-art facility. The program prepares students for entry into post-secondary programs, or a career in the transportation industry upon graduation.