S upporting
W elcoming
Gage Gazette
http://schools.peelschools.org/1519/Pages/default.aspx
st
G uiding
Tuesday, October 1 , 2013
Important Reminders:
Date
October 2
October 11
October 14
October 15
October 16
October 17
Event
QSP Fundraising Assembly
PD Day – No school for students
Thanksgiving Day – No school for students
Digital Citizenship Assemblies
Driver Appreciation Day
Mayfield SS Presentation – Grade 8’s
Time
8:30 – 9:30
All Day
All Day
8:30, 10:15
9:00 – 9:30
Location
Gym
Gym
Gym
October 21
QSP Orders are DUE
-
-
October 22
Character Education Assemblies; parents
are welcome
8:30, 10:15
Gym
October 31st
Activity Day and Dance
Afternoon
Gym
November 5
Photo Retake Day
8:00 – 12:00
Gym
November 1
Progress Reports go home
-
-
November 1 - 8
Book Fair
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Library
November 7
Evening Interviews with parents
3:00 – 8:30
Classrooms
November 8
PA Day – Interviews with parents
All Day
Classrooms
November 11
Remembrance Day Assembly
Morning
Gym
Principal’s Message
All of us here at SWG are looking forward to welcoming to a wonderful new school year. Although September is a time of
clean slates and endless possibilities, October becomes a time when we make goals with the students and set everyone up
for success.
Our collective goal for this year is to ensure that SWG observes and nurtures the individual spirit in each child, to ensure
that every child feels safe and supported, and proud of their own unique nature. Sir William Gage will offer, in equal
measure, high expectations for each child and the highest degree of care and support. Research (and instinct) shows that
this is the best way to allow children to have successful, happy lives. Below I have quoted an article that I recently read:
American children, especially those who grow up in relative comfort, are, more than ever, shielded from failure as they grow
up. They certainly work hard; they often experience a great deal of pressure and stress; but in reality, their path through the
education system is easier and smoother than it was for any previous generation. Many of them are able to graduate from
college without facing any significant challenges. But if this new research is right, their schools, their families, and their
culture may all be doing them a disservice by not giving them more opportunities to struggle. Overcoming adversity is what
produces character. And character, even more than IQ, is what leads to real and lasting success.
Adapted from "How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity and the Hidden Power of Character" by Paul Tough, which has just
been published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. I would like to thank all of the staff , students and parents for a wonderful
Curriculum Night on Monday. This is going to be a great year. Go Gators!
Sincerely,
Mary Rizos, Principal
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Reorganization Day - Staffing Changes as of Wednesday Sept 25
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Re-Organization effected close to 300 students and 12 class timetables changes. The staff have been very busy this past
week ensuring that the process was as transparent to the students and parents so that the change would be positive. At
this time I would like to thank all staff including homeroom teachers, ISSP, Phys Ed, Music, Visual Arts and TeacherLibrarian for helping students along this process. Here are the official staff changes at Gage this year:
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Ms. Nicole Reid was excessed to our school. She has been officially placed at Copeland PS in Grade 5. We will miss
her and we know that the positive impact she had at Sir William Gage will continue onto our feeder school.
Mr. Ryan Duncan has been moved to grade 5 to take over the grade 5 class.
Mr. Anthony Howell has moved to grade 7 to take on the English portion for the grade 7 FI class and 8DB Core
English and 2 sections of Grade 6 dance.
Ms. Daniela Barbosa is still in grade 8 FI and will also take on the grade 7 FI portion for Mr. Howell’s class.
Ms. Jessalyn Ketler has been hired for the Grade 8 FI LTO. She us replacing Ms. Fitzell who has been successful in
landing a permanent teaching position.
Curriculum Night
We had a fantastic turnout for our Curriculum Night at the school. We had kiosks representing our Guidance department,
One Voice One Team, our Phys Ed department, the YMCA before and after school program and our School Council. Thank
you to all the parents who signed up to the School Council distribution list to stay informed and to participate in the
success of our school. Thank you also to our parents who stayed behind to hear the presentation on our Grade 7 overnight
excursion.
SWOLE – One Voice One Team
This month marked the return of our partnership
with One Voice One Team – a community nonprofit organization that works with the students in
our school on both a one-on-one basis and school
wide. Some of the themes that they will be
working on along with our students are: SelfRespect, Hard Work, Overcoming Adversity,
Leading by Example, and Working Towards
Excellence. Throughout the year they will also be teaching the students how to contribute to their community by giving
students the opportunity to participate in community service.
Remembrance Day Assembly
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Our Remembrance Day assembly will be in the morning on November 11 . Parents are welcome to attend – details will
follow in the November newsletter.
Late Policy
At Sir William Gage we believe that consistent attendance is the cornerstone to success at school. In keeping with that
philosophy, we like to work together with parents to find solutions when being late is a concern. Our progressive
consequences for being late are:
If a student is late 1-2 times
Teachers will remind students of the importance of being punctual and will address student lates according to the
classroom expectations we have established
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If a student is late a 3 time
The teacher will make contact with home and inform parents of the need for student punctuality
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If a student is late for the 6 time
After 6 lates in a month the student will be referred to the Vice-Principal and a phone call home will be made.
Students will write a reflection sheet along with a copy of their attendance profile.
Students will receive a progressive consequence
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10+ Lates the VP will:
Students will write a second reflection sheet along with a copy of their attendance profile.
Students will receive a progressive consequence
The Vice-Principal will refer that student to our In School Review Committee for next steps.
Parents will be asked to meet with the school administration.
School Hours
Our first bell rings at 8:05 a.m. with the school day officially beginning at 8:10 a.m. Students should be in
line, ready for entry at 8:07 a.m. All grades will have lunch from 11:34 a.m. to 12:34 p.m. School dismisses
at 2:10 p.m.
Student Safety and Teacher Supervision
At Sir William Gage, teacher supervision begins at 7:55 a.m. and ends at 2:25 p.m. Students are encouraged to plan their
morning routine around this arrival time and to leave school promptly at dismissal time so that we can be certain of their
safety. At the end of the school day, staff is on duty until 2:25 p.m. to assist students with boarding the buses and to see
that they are on their way home. Students and their families should review their routines for entry and dismissal and talk
about a contingency plan should unusual circumstances occur. Students should go directly to the office for help should
they miss their bus. We appreciate the many families who update us with their current phone numbers for home, work,
cell phones and emergency contact so that the office may help students when needed.
School doors will remain locked during the school day ~ New buzzer system as of Sept. 2013
Beginning this September, the front doors of our school will be locked during the school day. This is part of the Safe
Welcome program announced by the government in December 2012 for elementary schools in Ontario. As part of this
program, portable doors will also be locked during the school day. A letter explaining this program was sent home to all
families in June 2013.
We have long had the practice for Peel schools that all outside doors, with the exception of the
front door, would be locked during the school day. While we acknowledge that locking doors
will not in itself prevent all risks to the safety of students and staff, it is an important step in
providing an additional level of security.
A camera and buzzer unit will be installed by the front door and will be linked to a monitor in
the main office of the school. Anyone who wishes access to the school once the school day has begun—parents, Peel board
staff and visitors—will request entry by pressing the buzzer. Staff in the main office will be able to see and speak to the
person, and release the door lock to provide access.
We understand that this new practice will require some adjustment. In particular, you may have to wait briefly at the front
door before the buzzer is answered. Also, please note that lunchtime at our school is between 11:34am and
12:34pm. During this time, office and administrative staff are busier than at other times of the day so there
may be a delay in providing access. You may wish to choose another time to visit our school.
While this new program will lead to changes in routines, we are confident that the increased security it provides
will be reassuring to students, families and staff. As a result of this new practice, we ask that parents be patient when
waiting to enter the school. Thank you for your continued support for the safety and well-being of all students and staff in
our schools.
Music
Welcome to the official start of the Instrumental Music Program at Sir William Gage MS. Our students
are very excited to be part of a rewarding musical experience, and for that we thank you parents! A lot of
planning and organizing has gone into the music program so that we can operate as smoothly as possible
in order to have the best possible start to the year. So here we go!
If your child plays a band instrument, they will be in the band. If your child plays a string instrument, they will be in the
orchestra.
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First Band Rehearsal - Wednesday, October 16 at 7:00 a.m.
Band rehearsals will continue every Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. up until our concert.
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First Orchestra Rehearsal – Thursday, October 17 at 7:00 a.m.
Orchestra rehearsals will continue every Thursday at 7:00 a.m. up until our concert.
Please do not drop your child off at school any earlier than 6:50 a.m. as there will not be any supervision in order to keep
your child safe. Your child may not go to their locker on the morning of rehearsal as students are not allowed in the
hallways unsupervised – this is to keep your child safe.
Reminder: During Inclement Weather days: If busses are cancelled please NOTE that rehearsals are cancelled as well.
Students are to attempt to come to school at regular school hours.
QSP Magazine Fundraiser
This year, the students will participate in a magazine subscription fundraiser. The fundraiser aligns with our school success
goals, promoting "good-fit" reading for everyone! The fundraiser starts on October 2nd with our kick-off assemblies.
Students will learn about the details of the fundraiser and about the fantastic prizes they can earn! In addition to the
prizes in the flyer, we are adding two extra incentives: the student who sells the most subscriptions wins an iPod Touch,
AND if the school sells over 400 subscriptions, Ms. Rizos will wear a monkey costume! We encourage all subscribers to
place their orders ONLINE, as the processing time is much faster. The fundraiser will end October 21st. Let's get selling,
Gators!
Green Gators
A huge welcome back from the Green Gators. Last year Sir William Gage successfully received a Silver Certification from
Eco Schools. This year, we are going for GOLD!! There are a few things that parents and students can do to help us achieve
this:
Remind your child to listen to the announcements for upcoming Green Gators meetings – all students are
welcome!
Pack litter free lunches – using Tupperware from home will help
Each student should come to school with a reusable water bottle
Please refrain from idling your car when dropping off and picking up students
Gooooo Green and Gooooo Gators
Student Activity Fee
Our Student Activity Fee will be thirty-one ($31) dollars. This provides students with a yearbook full of
memories and a Mathletics license for the school year. Many parents are wondering about the Mathletics
license option – students are encouraged to buy the license. This will only have solidified concepts taught in
Math class throughout the day and practice at home with family. If you have any questions about the
benefit of the program please speak you your child’s teacher and/or Ms Rizos.
The student agenda is also an integral part of teaching student’s time management, study habits and organization – all
essential life skills. In the agenda, students are to record due dates and homework assignments. It is also an excellent way
for parents and teachers to communicate. We at Gage believe it is such an important and necessary item to have for
success that is was purchased out of school success funds for every student in the school. As such, each student is required
to have an agenda. It is does become lost or damaged any time throughout the year, student are required to purchase a
new one for $10.
Our Library - Book Nook
Greetings from the Sir William Gage Library and Resource Centre! My name is Mr. Logue and I have the
privilege of being the Teacher-Librarian this year at our wonderful school. Where did the summer go?
2013-2014 promises to be an exciting and eventful year at SWG, with our Fall Scholastic Bookfair will be
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running from Friday, November 1 to Friday November 8 (open from 8:30 am – 2:10 pm daily with
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extended hours on Thursday, November 7 from 3:30 pm – 7:30 pm, and open from 8:30 am – 11:30 am
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on Friday, November 8 ). Did you know that a portion of every purchase from the Scholastic Book Fair goes to support Sir
William Gage Middle School? Please come by the library and browse our wonderful selection of books, educational
resources, school supplies, posters and gifts! We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you there!
Another upcoming and ongoing event will be our Community Connections periods where we invite the parents and
families of our school community into the library to check out our parent resources, read, and meet one another. These
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times will occur twice a month during last period on a day 3 in our 6 day cycle; October’s Community Connections periods
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are scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 9 and Tuesday, Oct. 29 from 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm. I look forward to meeting each
and everyone one of you…READ ON!
October 16 – Our opportunity to say ‘thanks’ to bus drivers
Peel schools will pay tribute to bus drivers on Bus Driver Appreciation Day on Oct. 16. The day will be
celebrated with special activities and events that provide teachers, students and parents an opportunity to
thank the people who safely transport over 36,000 students to and from school each day.
If your child rides the bus to school, take this opportunity to thank the bus driver for his or her contribution and ask your
child to do so too. The Peel board appreciates the important job bus drivers do each school day and Oct. 16 provides an
opportunity to give these individuals the recognition they deserve.
Terry Fox Run/Walk
Our school participated in the Terry Fox Marathon of Hope on
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Thursday, September 26 . The main goal was to contribute a “Toonie
for Terry”. Our fundraiser was successful and we raised slightly over
$1600! Thank you to all those who participated and contributed to the
success of the event. As you can see in the picture, virtually the whole school walked in
this annual event.
School Council
At our first school council meeting we had a vote for the various positions on the council. The results are as follows:
School Council Co-Chairs:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Firdausi Sayeed and Sukhi Khangura
Maria Mahmood
Desiree D’Souza
All are welcome at our next School Council Meeting. For upcoming dates, please see the details below. To keep up-to-date,
please see our School Council section of our school web page and read the minutes of our meetings.
Tentative School Council Dates:
Monday October 21
Monday November 18
Monday December 16
Monday January 20
Tuesday February 18
Monday March 17
Tuesday April 22
Tuesday May 20
Email correspondence can be sent to:
[email protected]
THE PEEL ADVANTAGE - Explore regional program options at Peel Board Schools
The Peel District School Board offers a wide range of programs for students both at the Middle School Level and in High School. Please look below for a list
of available programs.
Information nights start soon for Regional Learning Choices Programs. Visit www.peelschools.org/parents/programs/regional for more detailed
descriptions, information night dates and links to school websites.
Actively in Motion (middle)
The Actively in Motion (AIM) program will open at Royal Orchard Middle School in September 2014. The program is intended to increase students'
interests, skill development and active involvement in athletics, fitness, wellness, leadership and character development, student motivation and
engagement in the learning process. Students entering grade 6 in September 2014 may apply.
Advanced Placement (secondary)
The Advanced Placement (AP) program starts in grade 9 and allows students to pursue university-level studies while in secondary school. Students can
earn a first-year university credit for each AP credit achieved.
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Arts (middle and secondary)
Students who are accepted into the middle school program will experience a comprehensive education in the arts, while learning the Ontario curriculum.
At the secondary level, students experience a comprehensive education in an arts discipline of their choice, while learning the Ontario curriculum.
Students must audition to be accepted into the program. Students can audition for the arts program in grade 9 without having attended the program in
middle school.
Arts and Technology (middle)
The Arts and Technology program will open at Morning Star Middle School in September 2014. Students who are accepted into this interactive program
will experience a comprehensive education in the arts and technology, while learning the Ontario curriculum. The program is intended to enable students
to develop arts, media and technology skills, while engaging in cross-curricular inquiry-based learning opportunities.
Graphic Design Management: Flexography (secondary)
Flexography is a package print technology and a growing segment of the printing industry. Students learn to design and manufacture industry-standard
packaging products. The program prepares students for entry into post-secondary programs, or a career in the printing industry upon graduation.
Students may apply to begin the program in grades 9, 10 or 11.
International Baccalaureate (middle and secondary)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program provides a stimulating academic environment that celebrates learning and connects it to the world outside
the classroom. It emphasizes awareness and acceptance of all cultures and attitudes, and fosters an understanding of how and why we learn. Upon
completion of the IB program, students earn a diploma that is recognized by universities internationally. Students can apply for the IB program in grade 9
without having attended the program in grade 7 and 8.
International Business and Technology (middle and secondary)
The International Business Technology (IBT) program provides students with a challenging program in all academic areas. Students enrolled in the
program will explore subjects from a global perspective. Students can apply for the program in grade 9 without having attended the program in middle
school.
International & Executive Leadership Academy (secondary)
The International and Executive Leadership Academy builds leaders for tomorrow. In this technologically engaging program, students complete all of the
requirements of the Ontario curriculum, while participating in enhancements such as conferences, field trips, camps and specialized workshops designed
to develop critical thinking, creativity and confidence. In grade 11, students will also have the opportunity to acquire a Specialist High Skills Major in
business or information and communication technology. The program is open to all students entering grade 9 in September 2014.
SciTech (middle and secondary)
The SciTech program integrates a hands-on, minds-on philosophy and provides students with an interactive approach to learning. The program focuses
on science and technology and includes excursions, guest speakers, competitions and clubs. Students can apply for the SciTech program in grade 9
without having attended the program in middle school.
Sports (secondary)
The Regional Sports program exposes students to a range of physical activities and focuses on lifelong health, wellness and leadership. Students in the
program participate in physical education year round and take part in co-curricular athletics or community involvement to build leadership skills. Students
have the opportunity to complete industry-recognized certifications in first aid, personal training, coaching and officiating, among others. In grade 11,
students will have the option to transition into a Specialist High Skills Major program in sports. The program is open to all students entering grade 9 in
Sept. 2014.
Strings (secondary)
Students enrolled in the regional Strings program (for violin, viola, cello and bass) have the opportunity to explore the many facets of string playing
through Chamber Strings (for advanced players), Intermediate Strings (for students with one or two years experience), and Beginning Strings (for students
with no previous experience).
Truck and Coach Technology (secondary)
The Truck and Coach program offered at Bramalea Secondary School compliments the school’s existing Specialist High Skills Major program in
transportation. Students in the Truck and Coach Technology program will complete all requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma, while
taking courses focused on various aspects of the transportation industry. Classes will take place in a new state-of-the-art facility. The program prepares
students for entry into post-secondary programs, or a career in the transportation industry upon graduation.
Celebrating Faith and Culture
October 2013
October
October 5
October 6
October 11 or 12
October 12 - 16
October 13 or 14
October 14
October 14
October 15 or 16
October 16 – November 3
October 18
October 20
CELEBRATION
Xlaaw
Sharad Navratri
World Communion Sunday
Durgashtami
Ghambar Ayathrem
Vijaya Dashmi/Dassehra
Thanksgiving Day
Waqfatu’Arafat
Eid-ul-Adha
The month of 'Ilm
Kathina, Pavarana, Anapanasati and
Founders' Day
Birth of the Báb
FAITH AND CULTURE
Aboriginal Spirituality
Hinduism
Christianity
Hinduism
Zorastrianism
Hinduism
Canada
Islam
Islam
Bahá'í
Buddhism
Bahá'í
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October 20
October 22
October 31
Sunset of October 31 November 1
Installation of Guru Granth as Guru
Karva Chauth
Halloween
Samhain
Sikhism
Hinduism
Canada
Wicca
YMCA Before and After School Program at Gage:
If you are interested in having your child attend YMCA program – please used the following contact info:
Phone 905-451-1400 ext 483
Email: [email protected]
Hours of the program: Mon – Fri 7 to 7:55am; 2:10 pm to 6 pm
http://schools.peelschools.org/1519/Pages/default.aspx
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