SJAM Newsletter
2015
Sir John A. Macdonald
Middle School
250 Centre Street, Brampton ON, L6V 2R4
905-457-5535
Mrs. R. Manners, Principal
Ms. J. Pattison , 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
It is hard to believe the holidays are nearly here! It seems just yesterday that we were opening
our doors to September. The progress reports and IEP’s went home December 14th. If you have
any questions with regards to the progress of your child, please contact their classroom teacher.
Home-school communication is one of the most important factors in student success at school.
We hope that all parents will take the time to call us with any comments, questions or concerns
so that we can continue to work together.
On behalf of all the staff at SJAM, I would like to extend warm wishes to all during this holiday
season. I encourage you to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the wonderful
messages of hope and peace that abound us.
We will see you all in 2016!
Il est difficile de croire que les vacances sont presque ici ! Il semble juste hier que nous ouvrions
nos portes en septembre. Si vous avez des
questions quant au progrès de votre enfant,contactez svp leur professeur de salle de classe.
December
Page 1
SJAM Newsletter
2015
La communication entre Maison-Ecole est l'un des facteurs les plus importants dans le succès
d'étudiant à l'école. Nous espérons que tous les parents prendront le temps de nous appeler avec
tous les commentaires, des questions ou préoccupations de sorte que nous puissions continuer à
travailler ensemble. Au nom de tout le personnel à SJAM, je voudrais vous encourager à
passer le temps avec la famille et les amis et à apprécier les messages merveilleux de
l'espoir et de la paix qui abondent autour de nous. Nous vous verrons en 2016 !
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. 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.
Dropping off lunches & school work
Please make sure your child’s name & class are written or attached to the item. A table is located
outside the office to place your child’s lunch for pickup at lunchtime.
HAPPENINGS AT SJAM
Intramurals are in full swing at SJAM with volleyball having just finished. Basketball is on the
horizon in January. Our Junior girls and boys volleyball teams have completed their seasons, as
has our Senior girls. Our Senior boys are looking forward to their final tournament. Our flag
football teams completed their seasons in October. Our school badminton team has just started
tryouts. Our Eco Club is up and running ensuring that we recycle, and do our part to be
environmentally friendly here at SJAM.
Pizza continues to be sold on Wednesday at lunch. $2.00 per slice
Cookie and Chip sales continue on Thursdays and Fridays.
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
December
Page 2
SJAM Newsletter
2015
Dates to Remember
Date
Monday Dec 14
Monday Dec 21 – Friday Dec 31
(inclusive)
Monday Jan 4
Monday Jan 18
Friday Feb 5
Event
Progress Reports Go Home!
Winter Break
First day back
PD Day – no school for students
Term 1 Report Cards Go Home
Closing schools due to bad weather
During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement
weather.
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
CHUM AM1050
CFTR AM680
CFNY FM102.1/AM640
CJCL AM590
CHFI FM98.1
CFRB AM1010
EZ ROCK FM97.3
CJBC (FR) AM860
FM Z103.5
FM93.1
FM Q107
CHIN FM100.7/AM1540
CBC99.1
CTV
CITYPULSE
GLOBAL NEWS
One of the following messages will be announced:
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
December
Page 3
SJAM Newsletter
2015
activities that require bussing 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.
It's time to register children born in 2012 for kindergarten
We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If
your child was born in 2012, he or she can start kindergarten in September 2016. You can
register your child at any time during regular school hours—just visit the school he/she will be
attending to register.
Peel schools will also hold a Kindergarten Registration Week with special registration activities
during Feb. 1 to 4, 2016. Visit Kingswood Public School from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2, 3 and
4 and from 5 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 4
What you will need to bring to registration
Proof of child's age (one of the following)







Canadian birth certificate
Canadian passport
citizenship card/certificate
Permanent Resident Card
confirmation of permanent residence
work permit
refugee permit
Proof of address (one of the following)
December
Page 4
SJAM Newsletter
2015





Ontario driver's license
utility bill
bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution)
credit card statement
federal government forms (e.g. Social Insurance Number, Service Canada
documents)
 purchase agreement
Proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation
supports an alternate living arrangement
Proof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated
Help your family stay warm this winter
Canada Safety Council recommends the following tips for staying comfortable and preventing
hypothermia when working 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. Invest in thick
socks to keep your feet warm. 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
hypothermia.
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. A balanced diet will also help keep you
warm and healthy in the winter.
If you are travelling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.
Winter bus safety
The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter
months.

Allow extra time to get to your bus stop.

Wear bright clothing so the bus can see you in the early morning and late evening.

Stand away from where the bus stops. Buses need extra room to stop when there is snow and ice.
December
Page 5
SJAM Newsletter





2015
Use the handrail when boarding or exiting the bus to prevent slipping on wet or icy steps or road
surfaces.
Dress properly—winter clothing, hats, and boots will keep you warm.
Don't throw snowballs at the bus or other children waiting for the bus.
Don't slide on the snow or ice patches in driveways or on the street.
Don't push or shove around the bus. Someone could fall down on the ice and get hurt.
On very rare occasions, buses are late because of weather conditions or mechanical problems. Talk to
your child about what to do if the bus is late. Here are some suggestions:




When possible, wait with your child for the bus.
Make sure your child knows a phone number where he can reach you or another trusted adult.
Teach your child how and where to get help. Talk to your child about what a "safe" stranger is.
Help your child set up a bus stop buddy system so your child has someone to wait with for the bus.
Apply for Extended French by Jan. 29, 2016
If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2016, one of the important choices you will
make is whether you want to consider Extended French (EF). To find out more about the
program, visit www.peelschools.org/French
The application form for Grade 7 EF for the 2016-17 school year will be available online at
www.peelschools.org/French as of Monday Nov. 23, 2015 at 1 p.m.
The deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 at 4 p.m. Applications received after the deadline
will be placed on the school’s waitlist.
The EF school for our area is Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School. The phone number is 905457-5535.
How to get more information



Visit the Peel board website—www.peelschools.org/French
Call Sir John A. Macdonald Middle School at 905-457-5535.
Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca/
Apply for French Immersion by Jan. 29, 2016
If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2016, one of the important choices you will
make is whether you want to consider French Immersion (FI). To find out more about the
program, visit www.peelschools.org/French
December
Page 6
SJAM Newsletter
2015
The application form for grade 1 FI for the 2016-17 school year will be available online at
www.peelschools.org/French as of Monday, Nov. 23, 2015 at 1 p.m. The deadline to apply is
Friday, Jan. 29, 2016 at 4 p.m. Applications received after the deadline will not be included in
the random selection process and will be placed on the school’s waitlist.
The FI school for our area is Agnes Taylor Public School. The phone number is 905-451-2531.
Enrolment cap and random selection process
As there is a grade 1 FI enrolment cap in place, there are a limited number of spots available
for students entering the program. The cap is set at 25 per cent of all Peel students enrolled in
grade 1.
Spots are not assigned on a first come, first served basis. A random selection process system is
used to identify students gaining entrance into the grade 1 FI program.
All students who apply by the deadline will be assigned a rank using a computerized random
selection process. Once students have been assigned to all available spots, remaining students
will be placed, again in rank order, on the school's waitlist. Each school has its own waitlist.
How to get more information



Visit the Peel board website—www.peelschools.org/French
Call Agnes Taylor Public School at 905-451-2531.
Visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://on.cpf.ca/
Help your teen plan for grade 9 course selections for 2016-17
Soon, current grade 8 students will select their courses for grade 9. Before they do, we want to
ensure that they have the opportunity to consult with their teachers, guidance counsellor, if
applicable, and their parents.
As our partners, families are encouraged to help prepare their teens for course selection. We
encourage you to become familiar with the process by creating a myBlueprint account.
Additionally, parents/guardians and students can review Chart Your Course, the Peel District
School Board’s common course calendar, at
www.peelschools.org/students/commoncoursecalendar. This guide will help you understand
the course selection process and provide information on the courses and programs offered in
Peel secondary schools.
December
Page 7
SJAM Newsletter
2015
You can also visit www.myBlueprint.ca/Peel, an online planning tool that includes the
following:
 high school planner for course selection
 goal-setting
 career spectrum for finding your learning style

occupation planner for exploring
careers

post-secondary planner for
opportunities after high school
The grade 9 course selection process will be open from Jan. 4 to Jan. 22, 2016. If you have
questions or are looking for course suggestions, please contact your teen’s teachers or
guidance counsellor. Mrs. Cathy Morrison ext. 20
Special technology offers for Peel board students, parents and staff
Does your child need a computer or tablet for school? Equity of
access to technology is a key priority for the Peel board. That's
why we've worked with a number of technology companies to
offer discounted devices to Peel families and staff.
Renewed Computer Technology (RCT) offers low-cost, quality refurbished computers to families with a
low-income. Qualified applicants can purchase:
 desktop for $60
 laptop for $150
Prices include software, a two-year warranty and tax. For more information, contact RCT directly, call
905-795-0627 or visit their website at www.rcto.ca.
Peel families now have access to the following exclusive offers from VIG Solutions:


Intel Dual Core, 2GB, 160GB computer with a 17-inch LCD monitor -- $110
10-inch netbook with 1GB ram, 160GB hard drive, Wi-Fi capability and Windows 7 -- $60.
December
Page 8
SJAM Newsletter
2015
Taxes and shipping will be applied to product costs, and all items come with a six-month
warranty. To purchase products, visit www.refurbitstock.ca/peel and enter peelregion before
proceeding.
Microsoft
Microsoft offers reduced pricing on select products. For more information, visit
http://pdsb.me/1X2RtMF.
The Peel board’s initiatives are part of the ongoing effort to create greater equity of access to
technology for Peel students, parents and staff and do not represent an endorsement of any company
or product. For all BYOD information, visit www.peelschools.org/aboutus/21stcentury/byod.
Subscribe to receive news from the Peel board
Take advantage of our electronic subscription service to automatically receive updates from the Peel
District School Board. Subscribing is easy  just visit our website at www.peelschools.org and click on
the subscription link under "Quick Links."
During the winter months, we may need to cancel buses or close schools because of inclement weather.
Information regarding details of cancellations or closures will be posted at www.peelschools.org and
www.stopr.ca.
You can also subscribe to receive:
News releases
Keep up with the news at the Peel board. Subscribe to receive Peel board news releases
to learn more about board news and school events.
Board agendas
Learn more about Peel board meetings by subscribing to receive agendas. Meetings of
the board are open to the public and are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of the
month.
Board highlights
Briefing is a newsletter with highlights of decisions made by trustees at board meetings. It is sent out on
the second and fourth Thursday of every month and immediately following any special board meetings.
December
Page 9
SJAM Newsletter
2015
Job postings for non-teaching staff
Learn
job that is
Board.
about each new non-teaching
posted on the Peel board's Job
Follow us on social media
Social media is the easiest and fastest way to stay connected to the amazing things
happening in the Peel District School Board.
Follow @Peelschools on
Twitter to:
 learn about our schools and programs
 find out if buses are cancelled during bad weather
 share the Peel smile
December
Follow @Peelschools on
Instagram where we share
Page 10
motivational and inspirational
#PeelProud moments.