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NOVEMBER 2014 PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

Inside this issue: Principal's Message

1

Education Fair

2

Bullying Awaremess

2

Math Tutoring

3

Preparing for tests

3

Bus Safety

4

Counting on You

4

Snack Basket Program

4

Drama Club Auditions

5

Secondary Schook Course Selection

5

Program options

6

Arts update

7

Social Media

7

Calednar

8

Principal: Ms. O. Masood Vice-Principal: Ms. T. Phipps Guidance Counsellor: Ms. S. Lindahl School Trustee: Mrs. B. Ford Superintendent of Schools: Ms. Jan Courtin School Website: http://schools.peelschools.org/1424

Welcome to a busy and fun November at Williams Parkway! Our Progress Report Cards will be sent home on November 4th. Please remember that the purpose of the Progress Report card is to evaluate your child’s Learning Skills so far this year and to set goals for success for the remainder of the year. This report card is meant to generate discussion about progress and allow opportunity for growth. Grade 8 students are selecting courses for Secondary School at North Park. We have been fortunate to have North Park in our school giving informative presentations to our students about student life at North Park and how to select courses to ensure success! North Park is a great extension of our Williams Parkway community, it is a vibrant secondary school that is geared to supporting your child. They also have clubs, teams, and activities that are designed to enhance your child’s secondary school experience. Please take the time to review course selection with your child! We also invite all of you to attend the Peel Advantage event this Saturday November 8th from 10am to 3pm at Harold Braithwaite Secondary School. There will representatives from every Peel Secondary School in the North and all of the regional programs for Middle School and High school. Williams Parkway will have a booth for IBT, so please stop in to say hello! This event will provide families with an opportunity to explore the advantages of a variety of programs available to you. Our chocolate fundraiser is about to begin! We will be selling chocolates for a two week time period in the month of November. We will have lots of prizes and incentives for students. The grand prize this year is a $500 gift card for Best Buy or and new Ipad! There are also hundreds of other prizes including gift cards to the movies, itunes, Chapters, and

BCC. There will also be a pizza party for the top earning class, and a special event in the gym for the top earning grade level! Please support our school by selling chocolate in November! Our school is vibrant with action, events, activities for our students, as always. Best of luck to our Volleyball teams who will be competing in Provincial Cup on Friday November 7th and Saturday November 8th . Also congratulations to our flag football teams who have just finished a very successful season. Well Done! We also have a Winter concert we are preparing and our spring performance of “Three Golden Hairs”. We have a team of people working on our VERY nice Remembrance Day ceremony, this is always a very special day at WP. We have also had the most amazing intramural program running with baseball and badminton. There is also a a few very successful groups in Grade 8 and Grade 7 leadership teams and the Girls on the Go group! Congratulations Panthers for getting involved in our school! Please plan to attend an interview for your child this month. Our interview dates are November 13th in the evening and November 14th all day. Your child’s teacher will be connecting with you to reserve a block of time. Also please attend our School Council meeting Tuesday November 4th from 6pm to 7pm. Looking forward to enjoying November with the WP community! As always, thank you so much for all your support. Together we make an incredibly strong and amazing team! Ozma Masood

WILLIAMS PARKWAY SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL 1285 Williams Parkway, Brampton, ON L6S 3J8 Tel: (905) 791-4324

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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. __________________________________________________________________________

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

WILLIAMS PARKWAY SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL

1285 Williams Parkway, Brampton, ON L6S 3J8

Tel: (905)

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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. ______________________________________________________________________________________

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.

WILLIAMS PARKWAY SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL 1285 Williams Parkway, Brampton, ON L6S 3J8 Tel: (905) 791-4324

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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. 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.

COUNTING ON YOU More than 100 Grade seven and eight students have enrolled in our after school program, Counting on You this term! If you are interested in working on your literacy or numeracy skills, please see Ms. Onizuka in Room 208,

SNACK BASKET PROGRAM Our classroom snack basket program is up and running! We are always willing to accept donations of healthy, individually portioned, grain products that are peanut fee, such as cereal or granola bars. If you would like to make a donation to our snack basket program, please drop off any healthy snacks to the front office.

WILLIAMS PARKWAY SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL

1285 Williams Parkway, Brampton, ON L6S 3J8

Tel: (905)

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AUDITIONS FOR DRAMA CLUB Auditions for Drama Club have wrapped up and the first rehearsals have taken place. This year’s production is Three Golden Hairs, written by Pamela Gerke, with additional material by Mr. Cooke. Three Golden hairs is based on the Czech folktale Tri Zlate Vlasy Deda Vsaveda and tells the story of what happens when a young man, who is destined to become king, is sent on a dangerous quest. As usual help is needed, especially with costumes. If you know how to sew from a pattern and have some time available please contact Mr. Cooke. _______________________________________________________________________ SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION On Tuesday,, October 28th, grade eight students were given two papers to bring home. The first, a blue sheet, is the North park Secondary School c ourse selection sheet. The second, a yellow sheet, is titled “Parent’s Guide to Types of High School Courses”. Students are asked to review both sheets with parents and guardians, and then choose the courses that best fit the child’s learning styles, abilities and preferences. Please return the blue sheet to school by Monday, November 3rd. A parent/guardian must sign the blue sheet before it gets returned to school. Grade eight students will be doing online course selection on November 3, 4 and 5, using their My Blueprint accounts. Although it is early in the year, we are obligated to complete course selection at this time. Most Willialms Parkway students have North Park Secondary School as their home high school and will be asked to submit courses there at this time. High school status may change throughout the year as students are accepted into regional programs or families move into other areas. We can alter high school courses based on these events.

Ms. S. Lindahl Guidance Counsellor/Lead ISSP Teacher ____________________________________________________________________ Please remember not to park in our driveway to pick up or drop off your child. You are blocking cars and buses and you are in a fire route!

WILLIAMS PARKWAY SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL 1285 Williams Parkway, Brampton, ON L6S 3J8 Tel: (905) 791-4324

Page 6 Peel Board Students do have a choice: Explore program options at makingmyway.ca Studetns have different needs, interest 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 & 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)

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International Business & Technology

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Advanced Placement

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International & Executive Leadership Academy

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Arts

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SciTech

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Arts & Technology

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Sports

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Graphic Design Management: Flexology

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Strings

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International Baccalaureatte

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Truck and Coach Technology

Speialist 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 sectorrecognized 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 Business and Entrepreneurial Studies Construction Environment Health and Wellness Hospitality and Tourism Information and Communications Technology Justice, Community Safety and Emergency Services Manufacturing Non-profit Sports

WILLIAMS PARKWAY SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL

1285 Williams Parkway, Brampton, ON L6S 3J8

Tel: (905)

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Transportation Co-operative education programs provide workplace experience Extended French starts in Grade 7 Dual credit programs allow students 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. ___________________________________________________________________________ VISUAL ARTS UPDATE Grade 7 students should now have completed the following tasks: The Reason Mini Masterpieces—Elements of art Lines (straight, wavy, circular) Value Boxes (water colour pencil crayons) 1 point perspective drawing Grjade 8 students should now have completed the following tasks Fill in (to communicate and use space) Mini Masterpiece—Principles of Design WP is …(to communicate and plan compostion) Tubes (Value, space, Form) Isometric Design/Drawing __________________________________________________________________________ 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 & inspirational #PeelProud Moments. Follow Peel schools on Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools

WILLIAMS PARKWAY SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL 1285 Williams Parkway, Brampton, ON L6S 3J8 Tel: (905) 791-4324

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NOVEMBER Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

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2

3

4

5

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7

Progress reports go home School Council 6-7 pm

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10

11

8 Peel Advantage Fair

12

Remembrance Day Assembly

13 Interview Day

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Interview Day No School

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20

21

22

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27

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30

WILLIAMS PARKWAY SENIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL

1285 Williams Parkway, Brampton, ON L6S 3J8

Tel: (905)