Reflections from the Office

Supervision Begins at 8:45

Entry at 8:50

Lunch at 11:30-12:30

Dismissal at 3:00

UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 11- Remembrance Day assembly

10:00-11:00

We Rise girls explore hair care and

Related issues with professionals,

12:30-3:00

-Dental Screening

Nov. 14- Parent/Teacher Interviews (3:30- 8)

Nov. 15- Parent/Teacher Interviews (9:00-

11:30 or 12:30-3:00

No School For Students

Nov. 16- MSMS Marching Band at

Brampton Santa Claus Parade

Nov. 18-22- Bullying Awareness Week

Nov. 19- ATP8 Body Art Workshop(9-3)

Nov. 20-DT7 to Peel Archives Museum and

Recycling Centre

Nov. 21-United Way Bake Sale for students

School Council Meeting

Nov. 23- MSMS Marching Band at

Markham Santa Claus Parade

Nov. 27-JP7 Class Photo

MSMS Student Leadership Council

Nov. 29- Custodial Staff Appreciation Day

-ATP8 to Harbourfront

The month of October was a busy time for staff and students. Recognition throughout the month was focused upon Islamic Heritage. Students with staff support did a tremendous job of planning and implementing a school wide assembly where the history and contemporary customs and practices were shared with great pride and enthusiasm. We encourage all of our families to attend our assemblies when given the opportunity. Some of our classes had the experience of playing tennis at the Malton Tennis Club. A great sport to learn more about and potentially participate in as adults. Students went to trips organized by Ecospark to learn more about stewardship and environmental education. Our Grade 8s were exposed to the Regional Arts program at Mayfield and attended their annual Talent Show. Please seek out information from the Regional Program website on www.peelschools.org Our Grade 8s also had a trip to Lincoln M. Alexander to learn more about secondary school firsthand. Staff from Lincoln also came to Morning Star for an evening of food and lots of information about secondary school in general. We have a strong relationship with our neighbourhood Secondary School. Our Student Leadership Council has met multiple times and each time I am amazed at the advocacy and confidence that students are demonstrating in their questions and suggestions. Please ask your child if they are involved. Please note the link provided on Communicate to share with Parents/Guardians the opportunities available for students before/during and after school as co-curricular.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1cTb6Rs5T_mJWgP7rBRNRJJY010bMF43YyylTTAFP6Ws Students in ATP Grades 6, 7 and 8 attended Camp Kawartha for three days and students in Grade 6 attended Tim Horton’s Camp; thanks to their teachers for making this possible. The leadership opportunities were of great benefit to our students. Thanks for your trust and faith in our care. Please join us on Twitter @morningstarms or @pambondett

Morning Star Middle School

November 2019 Newsletter

3131 Morning Star Drive

Mississauga, ON L4T1X3

Phone: 905-677-0300 Fax: 905-677- 1320

Student Absence Line: 1-855-209-6155

Principal: Ms. P. Bondett

Vice Principal: Ms. M. Metz

Office Manager: Ms. J. Ieraci

Office Assistant: Ms. K. Starogiannis

Superintendent of Education: Mr. H. Aujla

School Trustee: Ms. S. Benjamin

Settlement Worker: Ms. N. Dhami

School Council Chair: Mr. R. Kumar

Morningstarms.council@peelsb.com

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Guidance Update from our Guidance Counselor, Ms Crenian!

Nov 5, 2019, Bramalea Secondary School presented their Regional Transportation Program to Grade 8 students.

Elementary myBlueprint Course Selection Dates: Course Selection Process opens for Grade 8s November 11, 2019 Course Selection Process closes for Grade 8s December 3, 2019

RLCP (Regional Learning Choices Programs) dates- please visit the makingmyway.ca website for information regarding RLCP Open Houses and application timelines

EHS (Explore High Skills) - please visit the makingmyway.ca website for information regarding EHS and application timelines. Note all grade 8 students can submit applications for up to three Explore High Skills programs, including those offered at locations other than their neighbourhood school.

Secondary Information Nights- please visit: http://www.peelschools.org/schools/informationnights/Pages/default.aspx for information regarding Open Houses at each secondary school

Celebrate Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Educators’ Appreciation Day In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Wednesday in October as the Peel Teaching Assistant and Early Childhood Educators’ (ECE) Appreciation Day. This year, the recognition day fell on Nov. 7, 2019. The Peel board appreciates the important work of teaching assistants and ECEs, and the contributions that they make in the lives of children, families and community members. At Morning Star we expressed our deep appreciation at our staff meeting, and with a sweet treat reflective of the characters of our amazing Teaching Assistants.

Nov. 29 – Say 'thanks' for Peel Custodial & Maintenance Workers’ Day In 2014, the board of trustees declared the last Friday in November as the Peel Custodial and Maintenance Workers’ Day. This year, the recognition day falls on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019. Take this opportunity to thank custodial and maintenance workers for their hard work and commitment to well-being and safety.

Morning Star celebrates Hindu Heritage Month in November During Hindu Heritage Month, schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities that recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Hindu Canadians as well as Hindu communities from around the world. At Morning Star, we will be observing Hindu heritage month with displays, announcements, and other activities which students and staff are preparing. On April 9, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion, the Peel board approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Hindu Heritage Month in November. In addition to Hindu Heritage Month, the Peel board also approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Islamic Heritage Month in October, Indigenous Heritage Month in November, Sikh Heritage Month in April and Jewish Heritage Month in May. The board will continue to recognize Black History Month in February, Asian Heritage Month in May and Pride Month in June.

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The Province of Ontario declared the month of November as Hindu Heritage Month in 2016. The month of November was chosen in recognition of “Deepawali” or “Diwali”, which is a significant festival in the Hindu community. On October 4, 2018, a Member of Parliament introduced a Private Member’s Bill (PMB), Bill C-416 in the House of Commons to designate the month of October as Hindu Heritage Month in Canada. The bill is currently going through several stages to become law.

Morning Star celebrates Indigenous Heritage Month in November Schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities in November to recognize, celebrate and honour the rich heritage, culture, contributions and diversity of First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities across Canada. Our students and staff will build awareness of Indigenous heritage through informative daily announcements and a display board in our Atrium. On June 19, 2019, as part of the board’s commitment to equity and inclusion and to help better reflect student identity, trustees approved a motion to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Heritage Month in the month of November. This month includes several dates of significance, including, Treaty Recognition Week, Indigenous Veterans Day, Louis Riel Day, and the Peel Community Cultural Indigenous Celebration and Pow Wow. The House of Commons officially recognized June as National Indigenous History Month following a unanimous motion in 2009. In the month of June, Peel board schools and worksites will raise and/or display the flag of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in the spirit of equity, inclusion and reconciliation. The raising of this flag is only one of the ways we help to create spaces that are inclusive, welcoming and safe for students, staff and families.

Bus cancellation and 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, television stations and will also be available on Twitter @Peelschools, Twitter @STOPRinfo, Facebook at www.facebook.com/peelschools, www.peelschools.org and www.stopr.ca or by calling 905-890-1010 or 1-800-668-1146. 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 activities that require busing will also be cancelled. Permits, night school classes, childcare 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 Peel board offices are closed to students and staff. All activities in schools and board offices are also cancelled, including childcare, 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 Peel 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 Peel board offices are cancelled, including continuing education courses and events. The buildings will be closed.

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Peel Public Health shares tips to help prevent the flu It’s flu season and we want to make sure students stay as healthy as possible this year! Influenza (flu) spreads easily from one person to another and Peel Public Health has some tips to help reduce the risk of catching the flu and spreading it:

Get your annual flu shot: The flu shot is your best defence against the flu. There are many locations across

Peel where you can get your flu shots:

Family Doctors’ offices

Walk-in clinics

Pharmacies

Peel flu clinics

Keep children home when they’re sick: If your child develops flu-like signs and symptoms (fever, cough, sore

throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue), keep them home from school. Contact your health care

provider if symptoms are severe.

Practice good hygiene: Help your child get into the habit of covering their nose and mouth with a tissue

when they cough or sneeze and throw tissues in the trash. Cough or sneeze into a sleeve or elbow, if they

don’t have a tissue. They should also avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth. This is how germs are spread.

Wash your hands: Encourage your child to wash their hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer,

especially after they cough or sneeze.

For more information, call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/flu.

Give what you can on United Way Giving Day – Nov. 14, 2019

At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each student – each and every day. Yet we know that there are many needs in our community that we can’t address on our own, like providing food for families that may go without or supporting communities after a crisis. That’s why we are holding a board-wide giving day in support of United Way Greater Toronto, a key partner and supporter of Peel families. This year, the Peel board has declared Nov. 14 as United Way Giving Day to raise much needed funds for United Way Greater Toronto and the network of local, Peel social service agencies it supports. Whether it’s providing shelter for a mother and her children in Brampton, matching a child who is at risk with a mentor in Caledon, or funding a breakfast program in Mississauga for youth that would otherwise go hungry, United Way offers hope and possibility to thousands in our community. A donation of:

$2 may go towards a breakfast program for a child from a low income family.

$10 supports a child with interactive, recreational outings for one year, including healthy snacks and transportation, to help them build their social skills and self-esteem.

$25 is enough to provide a daily homework club that gives children and youth access to computers, peer support and mentors.

This is a completely voluntary campaign and any contributions are welcome. Whether you send a loonie, toonie, cheque made out to United Way Greater Toronto, or donate through school cash online, your contribution will

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make a difference. Pledges of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt from United Way Greater Toronto. To receive a receipt, you must fill out the pledge form on the back and send it to school with your donation by Dec. 13, 2019. If you donate through School Cash Online, attach a copy of your receipt to your completed pledge form. Thank you for lending a helping hand to those who need it most. Together, we can help those in poverty which wouldn’t be possible without your continued support – your local love can change lives.

Stan Cameron Peter Joshua Chair of the Board Director of Education

#chooseACTION during Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week The Peel District School Board will recognize Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week, November 17 to 23, 2019. Bullying is a form of harassment. The World Health Organization says, “Bullying…demands the concerted and coordinated time and attention of health-care providers, policy-makers and families.” (Prevention of Bullying, 2010) Bullying is a relationship problem, with relationship solutions. Each year, across the Peel board, students, staff and families engage in learning and programming opportunities focussed on actively disrupting bullying, by creating positive and safe Climates for Learning and Working, built on a foundation of healthy relationships. This year the Peel board community will ‘#chooseACTION to STOP hate’ in their classrooms, offices, schools and communities, in order to make these spaces better places for everyone. Establishing and maintaining a positive Climate for Learning and Working requires all of us to actively intervene on assumptions, stereotyping, bias, discrimination and hate. We must proactively act and speak in ways that are inclusive, accepting of others and values difference.

Throughout the week, we will be highlighting the importance of being an upstanding bystander by acting to stop hate: Step 1: Stop the Action Step 2: Name it Step 3: Explain the impact/harm Step 4: Ask the person causing the harm to change their behavior Step 5: Support the person harmed. The Peel board would like to hear about the big and small actions, pledges, and promises our Peel community values, and ask that you take a moment to share your #chooseACTION to STOP hate” moments on social media. Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week is one of the key items contained in Bill 13: The Accepting Schools Act, that came into effect on Sept. 1, 2012. For more information, visit www.peelschools.org/aboutus/safeschools/bullying or www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/prevention.html.

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Help your teen plan for grade 9 course selections for 2020-21 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. 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 Nov. 11 to Dec. 3, 2019. If you have questions or are looking for course suggestions, please contact your teen’s teachers or Guidance Counselor

Jump start your future with Explore High Skills Explore High Skills is a Peel District School Board pathway program that allows secondary schools with Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs to offer a unique specialized program choice for grade 9 and 10 students. These sector-related programs are available to students in all skill levels and in all pathways. Specialized programs in grade 9, like Explore High Skills, provide unique learning experiences to engage students as they transition to high school. Students can focus their learning on an area of interest as they build self-confidence, learn essential skills, and develop a sense of belonging in school and in the community. To enroll in the Explore High Skills program, students will indicate their interest when selecting high school courses in the fall. For more information about the program and participating schools, go to www.peelschools.org/ExploreHighSkills

Peel District School Board program offers flexible school options for student athletes, artists Does your child/teen have an intense sports or arts training and competition schedule that makes it difficult to attend school regularly? The Peel District School Board’s Peel Region High Performers Program will offer flexible timetabling to accommodate student athletes and artists with demanding practice, competition, rehearsal and/or performance schedules.

Peel Region High Performers Program is offered at:

Britannia Public School (grades 4 to 5)

Dolphin Sr. Public School (grades 6 to 8)

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Mississauga Secondary School (grades 9 to 12)

For more information, visit www.peelschools.org/HighPerformers.

Regional Learning Choices programs unlock passions

Regional Learning Choices Programs offered by the Peel District School Board empower students by providing them with opportunities to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. Regional programs are open to all students who meet the criteria for acceptance. Students and their families are encouraged to attend the information night for the program of their choice to receive more information about the program and application details. Transportation is not provided for students in regional programs. If students have been accepted into a regional program and they live within the school boundary, they are eligible for busing only if they meet the distance criteria outlined in the board’s Transportation Policy #39. All regional programs include annual fees, including a non-refundable $40 application fee, except the Regional Skilled Trades and Transportation Engineering and Technology programs, which are offered at no cost. For more information about program information nights, busing, fees and the application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

Important dates to note:

Applications open Applications close

ELEMENTARY Jan. 27, 2020 at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 10, 2020 at 3 p.m.

SECONDARY Nov. 11, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 25, 2019 at 3 p.m.

Programs Schools offered at Starts in grade:

6 7 9

Actively in Motion (AIM) Royal Orchard MS

Advanced Placement Central Peel SS, John Fraser SS

Arts Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS (starts in grade 7), Cawthra Park SS, Mayfield SS

Arts and Technology Morning Star MS

Graphic Design Management T.L. Kennedy SS

International Baccalaureate Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PS, Erindale SS, Glenforest SS, Harold M. Brathwaite SS, Turner Fenton SS

International Business and Technology

Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS, Meadowvale SS, North Park SS, T.L. Kennedy SS

International and Executive Leadership Academy

T.L. Kennedy SS

Regional Skilled Trades Judith Nyman (starting in September 2020), West Credit SS

SciTech Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS, Chinguacousy SS, Port Credit SS

Sports Applewood Heights SS

Strings Central Peel SS, Port Credit SS

Transportation Engineering and Technology

Bramalea SS

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After 18 years, the Peel District School Board is revamping its annual parent conference. After hearing from participants, we are changing the traditional full-day workshop model to a multi-evening speaker series focused on a specific subject, where parents and caregivers will hear from a keynote speaker followed by a panel who will take audience questions. We will also invite Peel board departments, groups and community partners to share their information in an exhibitor area. The Engage. Educate. Empower. Speaker Series is co-presented by the Peel Elementary Teachers’ Local. Without their support, this free learning event for parents/caregivers would not be possible.

Date and Time Location Topic and Speaker

Monday, Nov. 4, 2019 5 to 8 p.m.

HJA Brown Education Centre, 5650 Hurontario St., Mississauga

Digital citizenship and online safety featuring Jesse Miller

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2020 Chinguacousy Secondary School, 1370 Williams Pkwy., Brampton

TBA

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020 Mayfield Secondary School, 5000 Mayfield Rd., Caledon East

TBA

*These free events are open to all Peel board parents of students at all grade levels.