Sir John A. Newsletter
2015
Sir John A. Macdonald
Middle School
250 Centre Street, Brampton ON, L6V 2R4
905-457-5535
Mrs. R. Manners, Principal
Mrs M. Lane, Vice-Principal
Mrs. K. Flear, Office Manager
Mrs. H. Morrison, Secretary
Please find our newsletter online at our
webpagehttp://schools.peelschools.org/1540/Pages/default.aspx
Principal’s Message
Administrators and teachers everywhere recognize the important contributions parents make
toward a child’s success in school. There is no question about it - success at school begins at
home. Parents are the single most important variable in a child’s schooling. Parents model both a
silent and spoken language in front of their children daily.
Hopefully we can provide time for our children to be children. The realities of the adult world
will be there all too soon. As children grow and learn, they find joy and satisfaction in working
closely with their families toward a common goal. Such is the case with the students at Sir John
A. Macdonald Middle School. Commitment to the best for our children on the part of parents,
students and staff is the key to our success with the children we teach. It is the hope of the staff
that all parents will help us fulfill this commitment to excellence on behalf of ALL children at
Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School. School and home can work together to build skills and
knowledge, reinforce values, and develop a strong sense of self worth. We must invest our time
and energies in our nation’s most valuable resource - our children.
February
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2015
What better way than to take the opportunity and enjoy the upcoming Family Day Holiday.
Spending time with our most precious assets will instill a sense of family, belonging and self
worth.
Bonjour! Message de la directrice
Les administrateurs et les enseignants reconnaissent partout les contributions importantes des
parents font vers la réussite d'un enfant à l'école. Il ne est pas question à ce sujet - la réussite
scolaire commence à la maison . Les parents sont la variable la plus importante dans la scolarité
d'un enfant. Les parents démontrent à la fois un langage silencieux et parlé devant leurs enfants
tous les jours.
Je espère que nous pouvons fournir le temps pour nos enfants d'être des enfants. Les réalités du
monde adulte seront là trop tôt. Comme les enfants grandissent et apprennent, ils trouvent de la
joie et de la satisfaction dans le travail en collaboration avec leurs familles vers un but commun.
C’est le cas avec les étudiants de Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School. La collaboration envers
le meilleur pour nos enfants de la part des parents, des élèves et du personnel est la clé de notre
succès avec les enfants que nous enseignons. L’École et la maison peuvent travailler ensemble
pour renforcer les compétences et les connaissances, renforcer les valeurs , et de développer un
fort sentiment d'estime de soi . Nous devons investir notre temps et énergies, nos resources les
plus précieuses de notre pays - nos enfants.
Quoi de mieux que de saisir l'occasion et profiter de la prochaine Journée de la famille. Passer du
temps avec nos enfants saura soutenir un sens de la famille, l'appartenance et l'estime de soi .
Dropping Off and Picking Up Your Child
Parents, we would ask that you please refrain from dropping off or picking up your child on
school property. We have had several incidents were both students and staff have almost been
hit by parents picking up their child, particularly in the front lane of the school, beside the bus
lane. None of us here want your child or our staff to be injured. We are sure that you would
agree that safety for all must be our top priority. We ask that you refrain from entering the front
lane or the rear parking lot between 8:30am – 9am and 3pm – 3:30pm. We would ask that you
park on the street on either side of the school, but not between the entrance and exit to the
driveway as this is where our smaller buses wait to pick up students.
February
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2015
HAPPENINGS AT SJAM
Our Girl's and Boy's Senior Basketball Teams will be playing in a tournament at the end of
February. The annual staff /student badminton tournament is being held Wednesday
February 11th . Students and their staff partner are competing in a much anticipated doubles
tournament and have been practicing and preparing for this event for the past few weeks. Which
pair will be the reigning champ? Tune in to find out!
Speaking of Badminton, the SJAM Boys Badminton Team, two of our team members received
Gold in the doubles tournament, while the entire team came in 3rd. Well done boys!
SJAM staff and students have been hitting the slopes to learn how to ski and enjoy a wonderful
life experience. They battled the elements for 4 days of skiing! Approximately 50 kids
participated as an extension of the Phys. Ed. curriculum. Fun was had by all! These memories
will last a life time. We encourage all that can to attend, and we look forward to these trips again
next year.
February
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2015
For the past few months 10 Grade 7 SJAM students have been practicing and preparing with 20
Kingswood Public School students for the upcoming Peel Dance Showcase which takes place
on March 25th at the Mississauga Living Arts Centre. With the help of Miss Schad and Mrs.
Martindale (Dance teacher at Kingswood) these students have been working very hard to help
choreograph and create a Dance entitled "Rather Be" which focuses on family, friends, and
sports. The Dance symbolizes favourite people and places the students have personally chosen as
their favourite people to be with and places to be. This event hosts 30+ schools from the PDSB
all showcasing their group dances and these students are given a rare opportunity to perform in
front of 1000 people. We wish these students the best of luck at their performance!
February
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2015
Auditions have started for this year’s spring show SJAM IDOL being held May 7th. Students
are reminded to listen for announcements.
Pizza continues to be sold on Wednesday at lunch. $2.00 per slice
Cookie and Chip sales continue on Thursday and Fridays respectfully.
Attendance Line
This is a reminder to call the school if your child is absent or will be late.
To reach this line, dial 905-457-5535 & Press 1 for Attendance.
Extended Vacation or Absence from School
If you will be taking your child out of school for a vacation or they are absent for an extended
period of time, please pick up a form from the office to be completed and returned.
Dates to Remember
Date
February 9
February 10
February 11
February 16
February 17
March 4
March 16 – 20 (inclusive)
March 24
April 13 - 17
April 20 - 24
April 23
May 7
May 11
May 18
May 21
February
Event
Grade 7 Hep B Catch up/Second Dose
Ski Trip – Grades 6, 7, 8
Annual Staff/Student Badminton
Tournament
Family Day – No School
Last day to submit Grad Photo money
School Council Meeting 6pm
March Break
Grade 8 Dental Screening
Grade 6 trip to Albion Hills
Education Week
Raising Resilient Teens 6pm
Spring Concert 7pm
PD Day – No School
Victoria Day – No School
Grade 7 parents/students mtg for Grade 9
course selections in fall 2015
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May 25 – 28
May 25 - 29
May 28
May 29
June 8
June 10 - 12
June 15
June 25
June 26
2015
Grade 7 trip to Rockwood
Grade 6 EQAO
Open House for Grade 5 students and
Extended French students
Cops for Cancer
Report Card Writing Day – No School
Grade 7 trip to Olympia
Grade 8 Graduation Ceremony – 7pm
Mayfield SS Auditorium
Grade 8 Grad Dance 1pm – 3pm
Last Day of School/Reports Go Home
Events and Extra Curricular Activities (2014-2015)
Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School
CLUBS:
 Sports Activities
o Volleyball
o Badminton
o Soccer
o Basketball
 Music Band – Grade 7 and 8
 Guitar Club – Grade 7
 Choir Club
 Friendship Club
 Chess Club
 Eco School Club
 Photography/ Art Club
 Film Club
 Gauss Math Contest Club – Grade 7 only
 Math Olympics Club – Grade 7 and 8
 Student Ambassador – Grade 8
FIELD TRIPS
 All Grades:
 Skiing
 Ontario Science Centre
 Rose Theatre Trip
 Grade 6
 Finlayson Field Centre
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 Albion Hills overnight excursion
 Grade 7:
 Rockwood Rock climbing
 Camp Olympia overnight excursion
 Grade 8:
 Aboriginal Games
 Police Presentations
o Cyber-Bullying
o Drug Awareness
EVENTS






 Brampton Rec Centre – Drop in Sports @SJAM (grade 6/7 only)
Tuesdays January – March Break
School Concert- Grade 6-8 (December and May)
School Assemblies (every 6 weeks)
Outreach for Parents
Extended French Welcome Evening - June
Education Week – April
Grade 7 Preparations for course selections – May
Insπre. Gr23ness. 2gether.
Everyone is a math teacher, parents included
Parents and other adults in our students' lives are important partners in children's
mathematics education. By engaging your children in thinking and talking about
mathematics, you help support their numeracy success.
February
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To help you with this, one great resource is the Ministry of Education's Doing
Mathemathics With Your Child. You can find this guide for parents of children in
kindergarten to grade online at
www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/literacynumeracy/parentGuideNumEn.pdf. For more math
tips and tools for parents of kindergarten to grade 12 students, visit ABC 123 at
www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc123/eng/tips/ and the Peel District School Board’s Math Help
site at www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild/math.
________________________________________________________________________
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REGISTER TODAY
Saturday, April 18, 2015 – 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, Brampton
Plan to attend our annual, free conference for Peel District School Board parents on
Saturday, April 18, 2015. Take one day to enjoy:
 a powerful keynote presentation focused on math success
 your choice of 60 practical workshops facilitated by Peel board staff
 a display area with educational exhibits from local organizations
 free lunch, sponsored by Kidssentials, and an opportunity to meet Peel parents
This year, a large number of morning workshops will provide parents with strategies to
help you support math success at home. Flyers are being sent home with Peel students
now—look for yours. Register today at www.peelschools.org/parents/conference.
Bus cancellation & closing schools due to bad weather
During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement
weather.
February
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2015
Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be announced on radio and
television stations listed below and posted at www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca.
Information will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Facebook at
www.facebook.com/peelschools or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146.
VIRGIN RADIO FM99.9
AM680
CHUM AM1050
CFNY FM102.1/AM640
CJCL AM590
CHFI FM98.1
CFRB AM1010
AM860
EZ ROCK FM97.3
CJBC (FR)
FM Z103.5
CHIN FM100.7/AM1540
CITYPULSE
FM93.1
CFTR
FM Q107
CBC99.1
GLOBAL NEWS
CTV
One of the following messages will be announced (highlighted text only):
Peel District School Board buses are cancelled.
This means that schools remain open for students and staff, but buses are cancelled. Bus
cancellations could occur in all or parts of municipalities. Buses will remain cancelled all day.
All activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, child care
and other activities in schools will operate as usual.
All Peel District School Board schools and board offices are closed.
This means that all schools and Board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in
schools and board offices are also cancelled, including child care, night school and permits.
All evening programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled.
This means that all activities in schools and Board offices are cancelled, including continuing
education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.
All weekend programs and permits at the Peel District School Board are cancelled.
This means that all activities in schools and Board offices are cancelled, including continuing
education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.
February
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2015
Help your family stay warm this winter
Peel Public Health recommends the following cold weather guidelines for preventing coldweather injuries:
1. Reduce amount of time children (grade 8 and under) spend outdoors when the
temperature is –20 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without the wind chill. Keep
children indoors when the temperature is -25 degrees Celsius or colder, with or without
wind chill. Some medical conditions may increase sensitivity to cold. Parents should
consult their physician (Source: Environment Canada).
2. Allow indoor breaks if children say they are feeling cold or during extreme temperatures.
3. Ensure children are dressed warmly, covering exposed skin: insulated boots, winter
weight coats, mittens, hats, neck warmers.
4. Change wet clothing or footwear immediately.
5. Although these conditions are unlikely to occur during the school day, ensure that all
staff are able to recognize and treat symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia. Given plenty
of warm fluids to prevent dehydration.
6. When children are outside, be watchful for shivering or signs of numbness in faces, ears,
hands or feet.
7. Educate children in dealing with cold weather: drinking plenty of fluids, dressing
warmly, and recognizing signs of cold injury.
Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School celebrates Education Week 2015
Inspire. Greatness. Together.
Peel public schools will host hundreds of special activities and events to celebrate Education Week 2015
April 13 to 24. The theme for this year's two week-long focus on education is "Inspire. Greatness.
Together."
Please join us the evening of Thursday April 23rd for our Raising Resilient Teens workshop. The
event begins at 6pm
Each year, more than 50,000 parents and community members across Peel attend activities and events
during Education Week. We are looking forward to an equally successful week this year.
February
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2015
Offence Declaration required for returning volunteers
Parents play an important role in the development and education of their children and in the
success of the school community. At Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School, we welcome and
encourage the participation of parents and community members, and are grateful for the
countless hours our volunteers contribute throughout the school year.
To volunteer at our school, you must complete a short interview and a criminal record check. A
criminal record check is required for all school volunteers in Ontario. Even if you want to
accompany your child on a field trip, you need this record check.
Once you have completed the process, you are on file with the Peel District School Board as
being a school volunteer. All returning volunteers will be mailed an Offence Declaration Form
that must be filled out and returned to the board office each year. You will not be able to
volunteer with the Peel board if you do not return this form. Forms will be mailed home in
February.
Visit the Maple Sugar Bush at Jack Smythe Field Centre
Enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature as spring blossoms. The Jack Smythe Field Centre offers
an exceptional family experience with a visit to its Maple Syrup Bush. The March Break
programs runs from Wed., March 18, to Sat., March 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Sugar Bush program has been established for more than 15 years and provides families with
an educational activity and a hands-on experience. The program is run by Peel District School
Board teachers and staff during March Break.
Families are invited to get involved as spring comes to life in the following activities:





help tap trees and empty sap buckets
sample some freshly made maple syrup
hike along our trails and feed the friendly chickadees by hand
learn how pioneers collected and produced syrup compared to modern-day operations
visit the sugar shack where the sap boils and clouds of sweet smelling steam billow out of the
chimney
The cost is $5/adult and $4/child 12 and under (cash only). Lunch will be available for purchase.
It will include: hot chocolate, cookies and hot dogs for you to roast over an open fire.
Directions to Jack Smythe Field Centre, 14592 Winston Churchill Blvd., Terra Cotta:
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Sir John A. Newsletter
2015
North on Mississauga Road, left on King Street (you will see Credit View Public School on your
left), right on Winston Churchill Boulevard (you must pass Terra Cotta Conservation Area on
your left) and proceed to the top of the hill and left into the Jack Smythe site.
For more information, please contact the Jack Smythe Field Centre at 1-905-877-7771.
What is head lice?
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the scalp where they lay their eggs. They have three stages:
the egg (nit), the nymph and the adult. Head lice do not spread diseases and cannot be spread
between animals or pets and humans, only through direct contact between people.
Head lice spread easily, especially where people are in close contact. They are very common
among school-aged children or children attending child care, where they spread through direct
hair-to-hair contact or directly by sharing things like hats, combs, hairbrushes or headphones.
One of the first signs of head lice is an itchy scalp. However, children can have head lice for
several weeks with no symptoms. If you think your child has head lice, check their hair for nits
right away, then again after one week and after two weeks.
What to do if your child has lice
Parents are advised to keep their child at home until they have been treated for lice. Students may
only return to school if they are “nit-free.” If your child has live lice, ensure that they avoid headto-head contact with other children until the lice are gone. Children should not share combs,
hairbrushes, caps, hats or hair ornaments. You should also check all family members for head
lice. Be sensitive to your child’s feelings and let them know that having head lice does not mean
they are not clean.
Head lice can be treated with the following approved insecticides:
 pyrethrin (found in R&C Shampoo + Conditioner)
 permethrin (Nix Creme Rinse or Kwellada-P Creme Rinse)
 lindane (Hexit Shampoo or PMS-Lindane Shampoo).
February
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2015
Register today for Adult ESL non-credit courses
Do you know an adult in Peel that is interested in improving their English language skills for
work, study or daily life?
The Peel District School Board offers Adult ESL courses at three locations in Brampton and
Mississauga. Winter courses begin February 2, 2015.
To learn more or to register, call 905-270-6000. Registration is ongoing and continues after
courses have started.
Bramalea
Adult Education Centre
25 Kings Cross Road, Unit 3
Brampton
Adult Education Centre
#300 - 7700 Hurontario Street
Mississauga
Adult Education Centre
100 Elm Drive West, Room 117
To learn more, visit www.peelschools.org/adulteducation.
Twitter: @PDSBLearnESL
February
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Sir John A. Newsletter
2015
Celebrating Faith and Culture
February 2015
CELEBRATION
FAITH AND CULTURE
February
Buxwlaks
Aboriginal Spirituality
February 1 or 2
Imbolc
Wicca
February 3
Setsubun-sai
Shinto
February 3
Magha Puja
Buddhism
Sunset of February 3
to 4
Tu B’Shevat
Judaism
February 7 to 26
month of Mulk
Bahá’í
February 15
National Flag Day
Canada
February 15
Nirvana Day
Buddhism
February 16
Heritage Day
Canada
February 16
Family Day
Ontario
February 17
Mahashivratri
Hinduism
February 18
Ash Wednesday
Christianity
February 19
Lunar New Year/Maitreya
Bodhisattva’s Birthday
Buddhism
February 23
Clean Monday (J)
Christianity
February 26 to March
1
Intercalary Days
Bahá'í
DATE
February
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