PARKINSON CENTENNIAL
NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER
P AOLA A RGENTINO , P RINCIPAL • K AYE M ARTIN , V ICE P RINCIPAL • A TTENDANCE (519) 941-2461 E XT . 100
Vice-Principal’s Message:
Wow! Parkinson has been bustling with activity and shows no signs of slowing down. Students are representing our school in various
events, showing that P.C.P.S has the most positive, compassionate, and ‘grittiest’ students!
The Safe and Inclusive Schools Committee led our first school assembly that had a focus on perseverance and grit. The students did an
amazing job of delivering their message on what Parkinson is all about:
Perseverance
Acceptance
Respect
Kindness
Imaginative
Never bully
Supportive
Optimistic
Never quit
Thank you to staff, parent council, and our community for continuing to model these qualities to our students. Supporting and
believing in each other gets us one step closer to reaching our goals.
I would also like to thank Pat Gardner, who is a nurse from Dufferin Public Health, for providing information and materials for our staff
and students. She will be working collaboratively with our Safe and Inclusive Schools Committee to continue to help Parkinson be a
‘healthy’ school. One of the programs that Pat will help implement is our Recess Revival Program. Grade 5, 6, 7 and 8 students will be
trained to lead games during recess for our younger students: teaching fairness, respect and teamwork.
As the year continues, I encourage you to ask your child about what is happening at Parkinson; in the classroom and around the school.
Ask them questions that will get them to talk and give you a picture of their day. Instead of asking how their day went, use questions
such as:
“What was the best part of your day?”
“What did you do that made you so proud of yourself?”
“How did you show your grit?”
“Who did you play with today?”
“What are you looking forward to at school tomorrow?”
You might be surprised that you get more details than just, “Fine!”
If you have any questions regarding your child, please don’t hesitate to contact the classroom teacher or the office. I look forward to
th
seeing you at Breakfast with Santa, on November 28 !
Sincerely,
K.Martin
LEST WE FORGET
Remembrance Day marks a time when we remember the sacrifices that men
and women have made, and continue to make, to ensure that we can enjoy
the everyday activities we sometimes take for granted. On Wednesday,
November 11th at 11:20am, students and staff will be taking a moment of
silence. Parents are welcome to join us in the gym. We will be accepting
poppy donations on behalf of the Orangeville Legion. All proceeds go to help
support our veterans. If you have any family pictures or stories to share, that you would be willing to let
the school use for a display, please send them in with your child.
Paperless Newsletters
In an effort to reduce paper consumption and costs, Parkinson Centennial has gone paperless for
newsletters. All newsletters are currently available online. If you have not signed up for the electronic
notification, and you wish to receive one, please notify the office. You will receive an alert when they are
posted and you can then easily view them online. We will also inform you about important school events or
news in this same manner.
The Upper Grand District School Board is CASL (Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation) compliant. Please be aware
that by registering for this service you are expressly consenting to the possible receipt of commercial
messages from the school (e.g., information on school trips, fundraisers, year books, team uniforms, photodays, pizza days etc.)
If you wish to receive the above communications from us, please visit our CASL registration website at:
http://www.ugdsb.on.ca/CASL
If you have any questions or if you wish to withdraw your consent at any time, please visit the same site and
click on "Unsubscribe" to remove your name from your contact list.
If you wish to continue receiving a paper copy of the newsletter, please inform your “youngest or only”
child’s teacher and we will be sure to send a copy home with them.
Safety Reminder
For safety reasons, the roundabout in front of the school is a no parking zone. The circular drive is meant
for school busses only. Pylons will be placed at the entrance of the roundabout in the morning and
afternoon. Once buses have arrived, the pylons will be removed and traffic may have access. We
would appreciate it if parents could encourage students to walk, and if this is not possible, please
park/stop along the road to drop off your child.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Life Threatening Allergies
While many children have allergies, some children have life-threatening food allergies. We understand that
many parents are becoming increasingly concerned about foods that can cause severe, adverse, allergic
reactions and rely on your support to ensure the safety of all students.
Please help us to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all students, by not sending any snacks
or lunches that contain nuts or nut products.
We appreciate that it is difficult at times to find a variety of items for student lunches, however, we ask for your
understanding and support in this situation.
Anti-Bullying Week
November 16th-20th is anti-bullying week. Students will be participating in
activities and spirit days that will generate discussions around celebrating
differences, including others, and creating a safe environment for learning.
Parkinson will also be welcoming ‘One Moment’ dance group, who will be
presenting to grades K-8. They educate, empower and inspire children
through movement. Their goal is to teach them that one movement can affect everyone around
them. Children have the power to stop bullying and promote a safe learning environment.
Is conflict the same as bullying?
People may sometimes confuse conflict with bullying, but they are different. Conflict occurs
when two or more people have a disagreement, a difference of opinion or different
views. Conflict between students does not always mean it is bullying. Children learn at a young
age to understand that others can have a different perspective than their own, but developing the
ability to gain perspective takes time and the process continues into early childhood. In conflict,
each person feels comfortable expressing his or her views, and there is no power imbalance. Each
person feels able to state his or her viewpoint. How people deal with conflict can make it positive
or negative. Conflict becomes negative when an individual behaves aggressively by saying or
doing hurtful things. Then the conflict is an aggressive interaction.
Conflict only becomes bullying when it is repeated over and over again and there is a power
imbalance. Over time, a pattern of behaviour may emerge where the person who behaves
aggressively in the conflict may continue or even make it worse. The person who is the recipient
of the aggressive conflict may feel less and less able to express his or her point of view and feel
more and more powerless. That is when negative conflict may turn into bullying. A school will
respond to bullying and conflict differently. For example, in the case of a conflict, a school staff
member may try to have the students come together to tell their side of the story and help them
resolve the situation together. In the case of bullying, a principal will consider progressive
discipline, which may include suspension or expulsion.
Stay tuned for our school code of conduct, which will be coming home with your child
soon!
Talking About Mental Health
Access to Mental Health Services In Dufferin
Here is a quick guide to accessing mental health services in our communities. Hope it is helpful for you and your family.
Mental Health Agencies:
Child and Youth Services in Dufferin
• Dufferin Child and Family Services (DCAFS) Call 519-941-6191, 655 Riddell Road, Orangeville
o Addictions, Mental Health and Crisis Services
o ‘Talk in Clinic’ on Tuesdays 1:00- 7:00, just drop in to access services
o http://dcafs.on.ca/
Family Health Teams
• Have counselling supports as well as medical services paid for through OHIP
o Dufferin Area Family Health Teams, 519-938-8802 ext. 314
o http://dafht.ca/
Community Support Lines
• KIDS LINE , 1-800-265-7293 ext. 3616
o For referrals, prenatal, parenting and child development questions -speak with a WDG Public Health nurse
o Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. - 4:15 pm
Agencies using Variable Fees
• Dufferin-Peel Catholic Family Services, 1-888-940-0584
o No client is refused services because of an inability to pay
o http://www.cfspd.com/contact.html
Private Services (for information purposes)
• College of Psychologists
o To find a registered psychologist by city or postal code see:
o https://members.cpo.on.ca/public_register/new
• Therapists in Orangeville:
o http://www.theravive.com/cities/on/counselling-orangeville.aspx
Note: Costs for some services may be provided through Employee Assistance Programs or benefit packages at
parents’/guardians’ workplaces.
Dr. Lynn Woodford, Psychologist is the Mental Health and Addiction Lead for Upper Grand District School Board
Follow me on twitter: @drlynnwoodford
November’s Environmental Theme: AIR POLLUTION
Air pollution is a big problem. But we can solve it. Know that all over the world, steps are being taken to stop the damage to
our environment from air pollution. The good news is that recently Ontario became the first province in Canada to no longer
make electricity using coal-fired power plants
What are some of the ways we can reduce air pollution?



Planting trees to help filter our air and make it clean.
Use a push mower instead of a gas-powered mower, or use a snow shovel instead of a power snow remover.
Bike and walk more, and look into purchasing a more fuel-efficient car. If you buy locally produced food, trucks won't
need to make as many far away deliveries and use as much fuel. You can even help indoor air quality by growing
plants indoors, especially spider plants, the peace lily, or bamboo palms to help take toxins out of the air inside.
Slogan of the month: Keep our air healthy - plant a tree!
Cross Country Was A Huge Success!
Student Council
Parkinson brought over 30 students on the trip and
had a number of fabulous finishes!
The intermediates held their council elections on
October 23rd. All candidates gave a well thought
out speech that took courage to say in front of their
peers! Congratulations to our newly elected Prime
Minister, Leah V., Member at Large is Tiffany D.,
Deputy Prime Minister went to Morgan D., our new
secretary is Josh G, and our Grade 7 Rep is Christian
L. Looking forward to what this group will plan
throughout the year!
We had one student who placed in the top 5 for
the third year in a row. Another student, who ran
her first race, finished fourth overall with over 100
other runners. Our students showed great grit as
they battled illness and breathing difficulties, while
still running and finishing the race.
Well done Panthers!
Math Anxiety
M-A-T-H... A four-letter word that can bring on headaches, sweaty palms, stomach aches and/or tears!
What is it about math that can cause a child to be afraid? - Attitude
As a parent/caregiver, you are an important partner in your child’s mathematical education. Recent research has shown that an adult’s
feelings about math and what they say can have an impact on how a child thinks about math and themselves as mathematicians.
Below are some verbal tips to help support you in curbing math anxiety in your child:
Instead of...
Try...
“You are so smart!”
“You have worked so hard to learn all those math facts.”
“I hated math as a child,” or “I was never
good at math.”
“I am not sure of the math you are working on. Can you explain it to me?”
“Oh, looks like you made a mistake here.”
“You made a mistake. That is wonderful! Your brain just grew from the learning that
just happened!”
“This problem is way too hard for me to help
you with.”
“I think you should try this problem without my help. This would be a great
opportunity for your brain to struggle so it can grow!”
“Let’s see… Joe started with 15, and now he
has 5, so what is 15 take away 5?”
“What do you think this problem is asking you? Can you restate it in your own
words?”
“That is the right answer. Good for you!”
“How do you know you are right?” “Does that answer make sense to you? Why or
why not?” “Is there another way to solve this problem?” “Explain how you got your
answer.”
“That is the wrong answer.”
“You are not good at math either, just like
me.”
“With hard work, you will get better at math. Don’t give up.”
“You have to learn to know these answers
quickly.”
“Take the time you need to figure out the answer. It is more important you understand
how to get the answer then knowing it quickly.”
Words have the power to inspire a child to become a powerful mathematician.
Adapted from:
What’s Math Got To Do With It? by Jo Boaler
http://yano.co.uk/2012/05/dont-let-maths-muddle-you-2/
https://www.youcubed.org/fluency-without-fear/
Updates of Support for Students Who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
“I Feel Good!” A Guide to Support the Mental Health and Well-Being of Children and Youth Who Are deaf and
Hard of Hearing
Although advances in hearing technology and early intervention programs have made it possible for greater
numbers of children with hearing loss to access sound in order to develop spoken language, some parents
continue to express concern that their children are experiencing challenges in their social relationships. To assist
families and professionals in supporting the mental health and developing the social skills of children and youth
with hearing loss, VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children has produced “I Feel Good!” A Guide to Support the
Mental Health and Well-Being of Children and Youth Who Are deaf and Hard of Hearing in Ontario's schools.
This publication was developed in collaboration with the Canadian Hearing Society and with input from
researchers at Universities of Toronto and Western Ontario as well as clinical psychologists. This resource
highlights typical social developmental milestones, the impact hearing loss may have on social interactions and
provides suggestions to support developing social skills. The goal of the guide and these proactive strategies is to
assist children and youth with hearing loss to develop the skills they need to successfully integrate with peers at
school and in the community at large. Be sure to access both the French & English versions on our
website (www.voicefordeafkids.com).
"Sounds for Success" e-learning course
VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children has also launched a new series of videos and resources that support the
unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing students. Our new resources were created to assist educators in
Kindergarten to grade 2 in providing an inclusive environment for their students with hearing loss. Visit the
VOICE website to view courses and resources, in both English and French, on a variety of topics including Laying
the Foundation for Literacy, Developing Social Skills and Effective use of Classroom Amplification Systems. We
encourage parents to share this information with their child’s school and classroom teachers and invite them to
take advantage of these free and informative resources, as they plan for a successful year for students with
hearing loss. See the Resources for Professionals section on the new VOICE website
(www.voicefordeafkids.com).
The Kids (ages 4-10) See Free program has been extended
to the end of the year at Zehrs in Orangeville. Visit or call
the store for more info!
Upcoming Dates
Nov. 2/3 – Dental Screening Gr. K, 2, 4, 6, 8
Nov. 13th – Photo retakes (See office for details)
Nov. 11th – Remembrance Day Assembly 11:20am
Nov. 16-20th – Anti-bullying Week
Nov. 27th – P.A. Day
Lunch Room Supervisors Needed
Do you love working with children? Do you
love the outdoors? Then this might be a
great opportunity for you. Parkinson is
looking for people who are interested in
being a lunch room helper. Our breaks are at
10:40 – 11:20 and 1:20 – 2:00. If this is
something you would like to do, please call
the office and let us know what your
availability is. A police check will have to be
completed prior to starting.