1. education
2. school

Walnut Grove P.S. Newsletter
10 Pinestaff Road, Brampton, ON L6P 3X9 Phone 905-796-4572
Principal—Mrs. P.Lone
Office Manager—Mrs. B. Elder
Vice-Principal—Mrs. T. Ajrawat
Superintendent—Ms. Patrika Daws
Fax 905-796-4573
Vice-Principal - Ms. S. Bineesari
Trustee—Mr. Jagdeep Mann
November 2014
A Message from the Principal
Walnut Grove’s Daily
Schedule
Entry Bell
9:15
Period 1
9:15 - 9:55
Period 2
9:55 - 10:35
Period 3
10:35 - 11:15
Nutrition Break A
It is hard to believe that we are already into the month of November. This month
Walnut Grove will see many events happening throughout the school. Progress
Reports will be sent home on November 6th, along with confirmation of parent
interview times with your child’s teacher. This is a great opportunity to discuss
your child’s progress, strengths and next steps. Our Grade 2 and 3 classes will
have a different type of parent/teacher meeting – they will participate in
“Student Led Conferences,” where the students discuss their learning with their
parents, using their portfolios as evidence of learning. During the evening of
Parent Interviews (November 13), there will be a Book Fair in the Library. Please
stop by and browse, perhaps for some Christmas gifts for family members.
11:15 -
11:35
Nutrition Break B 11:35 - 11:55
Period 4
11:55 - 12:35
Period 5
12:35 - 1:15
D.P.A.
1:15 - 1:35
Nutrition Break C
1:35 - 1:55
Nutrition Break D
1:55 - 2:15
Period 6
2:15 - 2:55
Period 7
2:55 - 3:35
School Security
All parents and visitors entering the school during school
hours must be buzzed in
through the front doors and
sign in and out at the office.
You are also reminded to
wear a visitor’s badge while
you are in the school. For
safety reasons, it is important
that we know who is in the
school at all times.
We will observe Remembrance Day on Monday, November 11, starting at 2:30
pm in the school Gym. Parents are welcome to join us for this event, as it is very
important to remember and honour those who have served, and continue to serve,
to keep our country safe.
Walnut Grove will be sending 110 students from Grades 7 and 8 to the “Choose
Action” event at the Powerade Centre – an event for schools across Peel, to raise
awareness about anti-bullying and our collective responsibilities to stand up to stop
bullying. Just prior to this event, a few of the Basketball players will be at Walnut
Grove to give a presentation to the Grade 7 and 8 students about goal-setting and
working hard to achieve your dreams.
There will also be an information night on Thursday, November 20, from 7:00 –
8:00 pm, for parents interested in applying for the Grade 1 French Immersion
program.
Don’t forget our Character Assemblies on November 27, at
9:30 am and – all parents are welcome to attend. Apart from
all of these things, extracurricular activities and clubs
continue to flourish at Walnut Grove!
With so many exciting events happening here at Walnut
Grove, I am looking forward to seeing you at the school
sometime during the month of November.
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
Follow @Peelschools on
Instagram where we share
motivational and inspirational #PeelProud moments.
Follow Peel schools
on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/peelschools.
Our school is on social media too!
https://twitter.com/WalnutGrovePS
If you wish to receive information, including school newsletters, from our school via email or other electronic communication, please provide your consent by filling out and submitting an online form available
at http://subscribe.peelschools.org
Notifying the School of a
Student Absence
Your child’s safety is very important to us, for this reason
please make sure to call the
school and leave a message on
our attendance line for each day
that your child is going to be
absent from school or will be
coming in late.
A message can be left on the
school’s attendance line at anytime, however please call before
9 a.m. for the current school
day. Safe arrival calls will be
made each day for students that
have an unexplained absence.
Attendance Line 905-796-4572, press #6
Late Arrivals
Medication
If a student arrives late to school, after the 9:15 If your child will require to
a.m. entry bell, they must report to
take or have any medication
the office to sign in and receive a
(eg. Epi-pens, inhalers) while
late slip before going to their class.
at school due to asthma, allerPlease help your child arrive to
gies or other medical condischool on time up establishing and
tions please inform the office.
encouraging morning routines.
You will be given a medical
form that will need to be
What’s Happening at Walnut Grove P.S. completed by your family
doctor and returned to school
with the medication.
No

Student Government
medication
can
be
adminis
Girls Club
tered at the school without

Bus Patrollers
having a current medical form

Counting On You
completed and on file at the

Me to We/Free the Children,
school.

Library Leaders

P.A.L.S.

Choir

Cheerleading Club

Sports Club, Volleyball, Basketball, Cross
Country
Monthly Character Trait Winners
Each month students will be recognized for demonstrating the monthly character traits. The character trait for September
was Courage and the students that were recognized are:
Kindergarten: Karam D., Sahee S., Gurjeevan K., Shreya S., Shlok P., Azara Z., Inasah Y., Aviroop J., Aikamjeet K., Tavish
M., Zakir S. and Gaurish B.
Grade One : Nishan G., Mukharbind K., Jonathan G., Sachin V., Anjalie P., Brandon R., Kazia A., Shivam S., Shivam P.,
Ava E., Riva G., Raghav K., Giya B., Arjun K., Zainab J. and Evan S.
Grade Two: Shaan S., Bilal R., Sharjena S., Shamiq S., Brandon R., Sian M., Dombria G., Jagjot D., Flora P., Bilal Y., Ashley
G., Balkarn N. and Khush P.
Grade Three: Tanvi S., Jiya S., Sheldon C., Kayden C., Heetayu R., Drishti K., Gurleen S., Aathischan P. Kailena S., Maya B.,
Anshit M., Trevone P. and Sarina D.
Grade Four: Harmandeep D., Vidhi P., Samreet D., Abhi R., Nitish J., Kavisai S., Jishika T., Hita D., Navraj B., Sahib K. and
Muskaan H.
Grade Five: Angad L., Ashita M., Soriya R., Kavi P., Aaron S., Ahmed G., Amareen S., Priya D. and Umar C.
Grade Six: Supriya G., Kofi W., Cyrus O. and Darcia R.
Grade Seven: Vivigea J., Abdu O., Angad P., Thanish P., Ayub N. and Navishka B.
Grade Eight: Cassy B., Hersimran A.
The character trait for October was Inclusive and the students that were recognized are:
Kindergarten: Ira D., Viren S., Deepal C., Armaan T., Armaan A., Hailey G., Seerit B., Aarya K., Laiba R. Tishana J.,
Parleen D., Prabhneet C.
Grade One: Pranavi K., Khirithik T., Anaya P., Sukhsahej S., Sukhmeet C., Ayaan Z., Gurshan S., Amaia J., Shanice L.,
Payam B., Sarah R., Makai S., Karmine D., Prabdeep K., Ria N. and Krish G.
Grade Two: Parth P., Gunwaris B., Raghav S., Saanvi G., Ashon B., Colleen H., Miveen M., Gurveer B., Tyler P., Conia Y.,
Hisham H., Ariana C. and Jeevan D.
Grade Three: Luvisha M., Devanjit S., Hartaj A., Taryn P., Avni V., Priyanka D., Rudra P., Saranyan P., Mnroop H., Yaqub
O., Fina G., Harisha S., Navdeep B. and Rattanpal M.
Grade Four: Rhythm G., Tanvi T., Khushi J., Ashley J., Malhaar S., Zeel P., Anjali D., Dhruv K., Jasnam K. and Ennah O.
Grade Five: Ahthesan M., Emily C., Nana A., Ryan S., Haroop D., Thanuja T., Gurtej K. Simmar B., Nadia E and Jasmin K.
Grade Six: Ritik B., Jatinpal D., Khushi K., Kirat K., Gurnoor D., Dayna M. and Nathan L.
Grade Seven: Abi S., Veer P., Isaac O., Max T. and Jaskirat P.
Grade Eight: Jas T., Krishna P., Halima O., Samira N., Alyissa S., Preet P. and Humraj B.
Math Mentoring Program
The math mentoring program between our grade eight students and Castlebrooke Secondary School students will begin
this month. The program has multiple benefits for the students. The intermediate students will work in groups with an
assigned high school mentor, through the use of a video chat
tool called Lync 2103, to complete weekly math problems and
work together on a final math project that delves into a social
justice issue. The program promotes the understanding that as
21st century learners we need to develop networks of colearners, build mentor/mentee relationships, practice appropriate online etiquette and solve problems collaboratively.
Monthly Character/Social Justice Focus
For the month of November, the focus will be on Peace
as we also celebrate Remembrance Day this month.
Here are some things to think about:
With younger children, this theme can be simply peace peaceful classrooms, peaceful countries, and a peaceful
world. For older students, we address two kinds of
peace: this first kind, as well as inner peace - what makes
people peaceful within themselves. What ideas do students have about peace?
Walnut Grove Athletics
The Physical Education team of Mr. Amaraso, Miss Simone, and Miss Carreiro have been gearing up for an exciting year of
fitness through games and sports. The grade 5/6 and 7/8 Basketball Intramurals during Nutrition breaks have kicked off at
Walnut Grove Public school with a tremendous start. We will keep you updated with our leading teams!
We have also started a grade three boys and girls sports club, along with a grade four boys and girls sports club. Our
Sports teams consisting of Volleyball and Basketball are also underway. Please encourage your son or daughter to get involved in our activities. All students have demonstrated awesome teamwork and enthusiasm!
Keep it up wolves!
Helpful Hints About Math
Adapted from the Literacy & Numeracy Secretariat
Supporting your child’s learning in Numeracy:
Parents are important partners in their children learning in numeracy education.
Begin by engaging your child in thinking and talking about math. Children need
to believe that they have an ability to learn mathematics. Parents can be their children’s role model for learning. Provide a supportive and relaxed atmosphere
where your child will feel comfortable taking risks and having fun with math.
Tips for Parents
 Build Strong Positive Attitudes About Math. Children will want to stick with an activity or seek a solution to a problem when they are engaged and feel successful.
 Begin with Activities that meet your child’s cognitive abilities. Build your child’s confidence in problem solving by
starting with easier problems and then add activities with greater challenge.
 It is fine to use a language other than English, if it makes you and your child comfortable. Learning in a language one
knows best will help children to understand concepts better.
A Strategy to Use
Have your child select numbers important to them. For example---birthday, house number, months of the year, classroom number...
Have your child demonstrate different ways of showing the number. For example, my house number is 40. I can show it
in different ways:
10 X 4 = 40 10+10+10+10 = 40 60-20 = 40 80/2 = 40
Hockey Math Problems
As you know, there is a fun rivalry between Mrs. Lone’s Montreal Canadiens and the students’ Maple Leafs. Mrs. Lone
asked the students to create math problems about the first Habs-Leafs game. Here are some hockey math problems:
The Habs won again the Leafs last week, We don’t
know the exact scores but we know the problems.
Solve the problem to figure out the points.
Habs: (16-8)-4+10-10
Leafs:
By: Shiriram (7B)
In the Stanley World Cup Game the Leafs won 7
games, Canadiennes won 2 games and the Penguins won 1 game.
How many more games did Leafs win than the
Canadiennes? Who might have won the game?
By: Vidhi (6A)
Montreal and Toronto are facing off. Toronto has 6,000 fans and
Montreal has 15,000, how many fans are there in total?
Toronto vs. Montreal: Toronto has 15, Montreal has 29 shots.
Toronto takes 15 more shots and Montreal took 6 more shots on
net in the 3rd period. How many total shots did each team take?
Toronto has not won a Stanley Cup since the year 1967, we are in
the year 2014 now. How many years has it been since the Leafs
won the cup?
It is the NHL entry draft there are 77 players who will get drafted.
There are 30 NHL teams. How many players will each team get?
By: Dhruv and Japnam (4FA)
The Toronto Maple Leafs scored 3 goals in last
nights hockey game and the Montreal Canadiens
scored 4 goals. How can we use ten frame to
represent how many goals where scored in total?
There were 700 fans inside the stadium, 850 fans
outside the stadium and 6000 fans watching on t.v.
1324 fans were cheering for Montreal, 392 people
were watching online. How many Toronto Maple
Leaf fans were watching?
Submitted by 1A
By: Amrit (5/6)
Music at the Grove
Cross Country Meet
Hello to parents and students from the Mrs. Locke! I
would like to invite you all to
follow our Music at the Grove
twitter page. Here, you will find
samples of the music we play,
some pictures of the fun activities
we do, as well as important information about assemblies and
school performances! Use the
QR code or follow us at:
https://twitter.com/musicatthegrove.
On Tuesday, October 21st, a team of Intermediate students
from Walnut Grove took part in the annual Cross-Country run
at Heart Lake Conservation Area. This is the first team our
school has sent out to an event since our move to our new
building and they were great representatives for our student
body. Ms Dumas and Ms Dodge, the team's coaches, were
proud of the strong effort put forth by our runners, especially
on such a cold and wet day. One of our runners, Anthony,
demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship when he stopped to
help an injured runner from another school.
Way to Go Wolves!
Choose Action on Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week
The Peel District School Board will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week during the week of November 16
to 22.
Across the Peel board, schools use many programs and initiatives to prevent bullying and to intervene when bullying happens. Though the programs vary, their messages are consistent. Students are taught to:
 define bullying
 identify forms of bullying
 identify roles in bullying relationships, for example the person who bullies, the target, the bystander or the trusted
advocate
 determine how to safely “choose action” to prevent and intervene in bullying & harassment
 demonstrate character attributes and be a leader to help maintain positive and safe school communities
Every school has a Climate for Learning and Working Team which is required to develop a Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan as part of the School Success Plan. Also, every employee who is involved in the care and service of students
is obligated to report in writing to the school administration any action for which the principal must consider suspension
or expulsion. Bullying is an offence that must be considered for suspension.
Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is one of the key items contained in Bill 13: The Accepting Schools Act, that
came into effect on September 1, 2012. For more information, visit: www.peelschools.org/aboutus/safeschools/bullying/
or www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/prevention.html
Winter bus safety
The following winter school bus safety tips will help to keep your child safe throughout the winter months.


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




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.
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.
Welcome to New Staff Members…
NOVEMBER REPORTING:
PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress Reports will be sent home with all students on Thursday,
November 6. Interview confirmation forms will also be sent home
at that time, confirming the date and time of the scheduled interview with your child’s teacher. Interviews this year will be on the
evening of Thursday, November 13, and the morning of Friday,
November 14. This is an important and valuable opportunity to
meet with your child’s teacher to discuss strengths, challenges and
next steps. Teachers are looking forward to meeting with all parents during this time.
Please note that the Grade 2 and 3 classes, as well as 1A and 1C will be participating in Student Led Conferences this
year. The timing of these differs from
regular conferences, so please ensure that
you have the correct times for your
meetings.
Walnut Grove has welcomed 7 new, permanent
teachers, as well as two Long Term Occasional
Teachers
Ms. M. Dubey – FDK
Ms. S. Singh – FDK
Ms. K. Johal – Grade 3/4
Ms. K. Bening – Grade 4/5
Ms. N. Blackmore – Grade 4/5
(English to French Immersion)
Ms. Aly – Grade 7/8
Ms. O’Neil – Planning Time
Ms. L. Ricci – (LTO) Grade 1
Ms. S. Rositano – (LTO) Grade 4FB
We are thrilled to have these dynamic teachers join
our staff!
Walnut Grove’s School Success Goals 2014-2015
At Walnut Grove, our staff are committed to providing strong academic programs for students, which includes incorporating 21st Century teaching and learning. As a new school community, we want to ensure success for each student in our
school. We know that success is not simply measured by grades – it is all encompassing. The staff at Walnut Grove have
collaboratively developed our School Success Goals:
Numeracy
By September, 2015, 75% of our Grade 3 and 68% of Grade 6 students will achieve levels 3 and 4 in Math, as measured
by EQAO. IF we support teachers in implementing a balanced math program, that incorporates 21st century T&L (inquiry
based, technology, rich tasks, clear success criteria), through the lens of Social Justice, THEN students will engage more
deeply in problem solving, make more meaningful connections, and effectively communicate the process, as well as their
thinking and reasoning.
Literacy
By September, 2015, 75% of our Grades 3 and 6 students will be achieving at levels 3 and 4 in the Primary and Junior
EQAO Assessments in Reading and 85% will achieve at Levels 3 and 4 in Writing. If we continue to focus on providing a
balanced literacy program, while integrating big ideas through the lens of Social Justice, Then students will become more
deeply engaged, make meaningful connections to the world around them and use critical thinking skills across the curriculum.
Bullying Prevention and Intervention
As a new school, our goal for the next two years is to create an inclusive, positive, engaging and accepting learning and
working environment by explicitly teaching problem solving strategies through the Character Attributes and a consistent
school wide program. Through the development of a student led committee, the school community will be developing
leadership as well as being able to look at themselves, community and world through a social justice lens. We are striving
to involve our community members to reinforce, recognize and celebrate pro-social behaviours. We welcome our
community members, as necessary partners in supporting our students and school community.
Mental Health Awareness
Our school goal will be to raise awareness about some of the mental health issues facing our students, staff and families.
As a new school community, we are becoming increasingly aware of the challenges that our stakeholders are facing in
terms of pressures from various sources, family issues and personal stress. Our goal is to train students, staff and familie s
to identify and articulate feelings, and develop strategies to deal with stress, fear and anxieties.
Peel Board Advantage
Education Fair on Nov. 8
If you live in Brampton or Caledon, plan to attend the Peel
Board Advantage Education Fair at Harold M. Brathwaite
Secondary School on Nov. 8. Drop by between 10 a.m. and
3 p.m. to learn about our middle schools with regional programs and secondary schools in Brampton, Caledon and
Malton. Staff and students will be available to answer questions about the schools’ academic and extracurricular programs.
The day will also include student musical performances and
sport games in the gymnasium. Snacks will be provided.
Help your child prepare for tests
Many students will become anxious at the thought of
writing a test. Anxiety about an upcoming test can affect a
child's behaviour, thoughts and actions. Here are some
ways you can help minimize anxiety at test time:
Organize & Prepare
 Encourage your child not to leave assignments, studying and homework to the last minute.
 Schedule time for review and work on assignments
each day.
 Establish a regular time of the day for homework, studying etc.
 Make the home a homework-friendly environment
where learning is regular routine.
 Remove distractions like the television, phones, computers when studying.
 Tell your child to make sure tests and due dates are
marked in their agenda.
Practice
 Encourage your child to think about ‘what, when,
where and how’ when preparing/completing assignments.
 Develop practice tests and help them anticipate questions.
 Review previous exercises.
 When appropriate, encourage your child to pair up
with a friend to review information and brainstorm.
 Build learning into family activities— suggest keeping a
journal, writing a report or a news article about family
events, outings or trips and include photos.
Be in the know
 Check out the curriculum for your child’s grade level
(available as PDF files at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/
curriculum)
 Ask your child’s teacher about major topics studied and
how these topics are structured— homework, assignments, exercises
 Use your child’s agenda to communicate with their
teacher—ask questions, check for homework tips, etc.
Library News
The book fair is coming!
We will be having a Scholastic Book
Fair in November. Students and their parents will have
an opportunity to purchase books in English and
French.
Book Fair Hours:
Thursday November 13th -- 9:15am-7:30pm
Friday November 14th -- 9:00am-noon
Monday November 17th -- 9:15am-3:35pm
See you there!
Ms. Hall
Gr. 3 Trip
On Wednesday, October
29, grade 3 students participated in a field trip to
Downey's Farm. They participated in a wagon ride
around the pumpkin patch
and learned about how
pumpkins grow and the different varieties of pumpkins. Students got to meet a variety of different farm animals: sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits. They visited a haunted barn and saw a musical skeleton band. To finish off
the fantastic day, students got to play in the jumbo sized
park. Some favorites were the
giant slide, giant bikes and
bouncy balls! A grade 3 student
was heard saying "This is the best
day ever!"
Terry Fox at Walnut Grove
Terry Fox day took place on Friday
September 26th at Walnut Grove. The
school took part in a community walk
and learned about Terry Fox as a Canadian hero. This event was a great success and together as a school we surpassed our
goal of $3000 and raised close to $3500! Congratulations Walnut Grove Wolves for being a
part of such a wonderful cause.
Children at Play Workshop
We would like to thank all the parents who attended the Children at Play workshop by Simon Levy. Parents had the opportunity to learn the importance of play. Simon outlined the
difference between bullying and rough and tumble play. The workshop was a huge success.
We look forward to seeing you at our future workshops.
Is French Immersion right for my child?
If your child will be starting grade 1 in September 2015, one
of the important choices you will make is whether you
want to register your child in French Immersion.
What is the program like? What are the advantages and
disadvantages of the program?
One way to help answer these questions is to attend the
information meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.
at the French Immersion school your child would attend.
 To find out the French Immersion school your child
would attend:
 call the school in your area
 visit our website www.peelschools.org/French
 call 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212
Registration
Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion for the 2015-16
school ye ar
wi ll
be
avail ab le
on line
at
www.peelschools.org/French on Monday Nov. 24, 2014 at
9 a.m.
The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at 4 p.m.
Registrants after that date will be put on a waiting list.
A French Immersion enrolment cap is in place. This means
that a specific number of spots are available for students
entering grade 1 French Immersion. A random selection
process will be used to identify students gaining entrance
into the program. For more information about the random
selection process visit www.peelschools.org/French.
Important dates
Information meeting
Registration opens
Registration deadline
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Monday Nov. 24, 2014 at 9 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at 4 p.m.
For more information
 visit www.peelschools.org/French
 call your nearest French Immersion school
 talk with parents who have children in the French Immersion program
 visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://
on.cpf.ca/
Is Extended French right for my child?
If your child will be starting grade 7 in September 2015, one
of the important choices you will make is whether you want
to register your child in Extended French.
What is the program like? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the program?
One way to help answer these questions is to attend the
information meeting on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.
at the Extended French school your child would attend.
To find out the Extended French school your child would
attend:
 call the school in your area
 visit our website www.peelschools.org/French
 call 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146 ext. 2212
Registration
Registration for Grade 7 Extended French for the 2015-16
s ch oo l
ye a r
wi l l
be
a va i l a b le
on li ne
at
www.peelschools.org/French on Monday Nov. 24, 2014 at
9 a.m.
The deadline to register is Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at 4 p.m.
Registrants after that date will be put on a waiting list.
Important dates
Information meeting
Registration opens
Registration deadline
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m.
Monday Nov. 24, 2014 at 9 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at 4 p.m.
For more information
 visit www.peelschools.org/French
 call your nearest Extended French school
 talk with parents who have children in the Extended
French program
 visit the Canadian Parents for French website at http://
on.cpf.ca/
Need help in math? Free tutoring now available online
Math students in grades 7 to 10 can access live, interactive online math help by visiting www.homeworkhelp.ilc.org.
Homework Help is free, real-time math tutoring by certified Ontario teachers.
Students can log in from Sunday to Thursday, between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. for individualized confidential math tutoring. There are discussion rooms for each grade where students can join and see what questions other students are asking,
watch the tutors draw on the whiteboard – and ask their own question for on-the-spot help.
Students will also find 24/7 discussion rooms, video lessons and commonly asked questions. Other online math resources include math games and a virtual locker, where students can save their work.
Homework Help is a project funded by the Ministry of Education.
Peel board students have choice
Explore program options at makingmyway.ca
Students have different needs, interests and abilities—our schools offer great educational opportunities to help all students achieve. For students looking for a more focused, specialized program, here are some options:
Regional programs start in grades 6, 7 and 9
Students in regional programs still complete all of the requirements of the Ontario curriculum, but there is an increased
focus on an area of interest. Programs include:
 Actively in Motion (AIM)
 International Business and Technology
 Advanced Placement
 International and Executive Leadership Academy
 Arts
 SciTech
 Arts and Technology
 Sports
 Graphic Design Management: Flexography
 Strings
 International Baccalaureate
 Truck and Coach Technology
Specialist High Skills Major programs start in grade 11
Specialist High Skills Major programs allow students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector, while meeting
the requirements to graduate from secondary school. Students gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant
training. The programs support the transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. Peel board schools offer Specialist High Skills Major programs in the following area.
 Arts & Culture
 Information and Communications Technology
 Business and Entrepreneurial Studies
 Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services
 Construction
 Manufacturing
 Environment
 Non-Profit
 Health and Wellness
 Sports
 Hospitality and Tourism
 Transportation
More options for Peel board students
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co-operative education programs provide workplace experience
extended French starts in grade 7
dual credit programs allow student to earn college credits at the same time as secondary school credits
alternative programs are available for students who need flexible school hours, are dealing with unique situations, or
require more support
Our guidance counsellors can help students determine which courses will best meet their needs, interests and abilities—
contact the school to make an appointment.
For more information about regional programs, Specialist High Skills Major programs and other programs of choice
available to Peel board students, visit www.makingmyway.ca.
Insπre. Gr23ness. 2gether.
“Ugh. Math.” Unfortunately, this is the attitude many students (and adults) have about math. If we're going
to help our students achieve numeracy greatness, we need to turn these negative attitudes into positive
ones. So, our three-year math strategy, EngageMath, starts with something we have enormous influence
over—our attitude towards math.
Everyone is born with a math gene
According to Stanford University Professor Carol Dweck, students who believe that intelligence or math
and science ability is a fixed trait are at a significant disadvantage compared to students who believe their
abilities can be developed. Like anything else, our talents and abilities in math are nurtured only if we have
a growth mindset about them. A “Yes I can” attitude when it comes to numeracy is the first step. A “Count
on Us” attitude comes next.
To learn more about Dweck's research on student mindsets and how they help students fulfill their potential, watch her Ridley lecture here: http://bit.ly/RidleyDweck.
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Online math parent resources
While the Peel board’s EngageMath strategy plans out certain actions, it is by no means a magic bullet to
answering the questions and challenges surrounding numeracy and student achievement. Math success for
all our students requires a strong partnership between home and school. That's why we're committed to
providing you with the parent resources you need to help us boost math achievement.
Online resources to help you support your child or teen's numeracy success are available on the Peel
board’s website at http://www.peelschools.org/parents/helpyourchild/math. There you will find links to:
 tip sheets
 Homework Help
 Mathies.ca
 mathematics curriculum
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Hold the date: Parent Numeracy & Beyond Conference
Saturday, April 18, 2015 – 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School, Brampton
Plan to attend our annual, free Parent Conference on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Take one day to enjoy:
 a powerful keynote presentation focused on math success
 your choice of more than 45 practical workshops facilitated by Peel board staff
 a display area with educational exhibits from local organizations
This year, a large number of morning workshops will provide parents with strategies to help you support
math success at home. Brochures will be sent home with all Peel students in January. Registration will open
at that time and information will also be posted to www.peelschools.org.