GANDATSETIAGON PUBLIC SCHOOL
FEBRUARY 2017
Our mission is to promote life-long learning and build quality citizens. We do this by equipping young
citizens with the skills and tools to be community leaders within a safe, encouraging and respectful envi- 1868 Parkside Drive
ronment .
Pickering, Ontario
GREETINGS FROM THE OFFICE
Our students remain busy this month as we continue to focus on our 3
Core Priorities: Balanced Mathematics, The Loop (for on-going assessment and revision of student work) and Interventions and Monitoring for
students that need support. With report cards going home on February
15th, we encourage you and your child(ren) to reflect on our first term
and create goals as we move forward in the
school year. Please continue to stay in touch
with teachers as the year progresses.
L1V 3R2
Tel: 905.831.1868
Fax: 905.831.9633
Principal: Karen Ovenden
Vice-Principal: Clint Killeen
Office Administrator: Violet Rudder
City of Pickering Trustees:
Chris Braney 905-509-2426
[email protected]
We also continue to build our school community.
We will be recognizing Black History month this
month through various activities. Check out our
display case in the front foyer. This month we
also shine a spotlight
on Bullying Prevention on Feb. 22nd as
we encourage all to wear pink on Pink Shirt
Day. Also, our Student Voice group is working on a graffiti wall, a place to encourage
positive messages and inclusivity for all.
Paul Crawford 905- 852-0575
[email protected]
Superintendent of Education
Pickering Family of Schools
Anne Marie Laginski 905-666-6486
Administrative Officer
Ajax/Pickering Family of Schools
Eleanor McIntosh 905-666-6366
Student Achievement
Part of our commitment to work with students in improving mathematics, teachers are released 5 times a year to
work as a division, with Administration and our Literacy and Numeracy Facilitator. These are known as BCI’s
(Building Collaborative Inquiry). Teachers create a plan which they implement in between our BCI’s which address
the student learning needs in their class. At our BCI’s teachers come together to
mark (or moderate) student work, revising their plans to improve student
achievement and generate next steps.
Many of our teachers engage in Number Talks which is a strategy where students
are asked to communicate their thinking in math. They are also able to see and
understand different ways to solve a problem. It helps teachers determine if students understand a concept and generate next steps for improved learning in
Mathematics.
For more information you can visit;
https://www.youcubed.org/from-stanford-onlines-how-to-learn-math-forteachers-and-parents-number-talks/
Information for Weather Cancellations
Occasionally Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) cancels school bus transportation due to
weather conditions. Depending on the location and type of weather occurrence school bus transportation
may be cancelled for a specific zone of Durham Region. DSTS encourages all families to visit
www.dsts.on.ca/inclement-weather for full details on Inclement Weather and how it affects transportation for
your area and school.
The cancellation of school bus service is a decision made in consultation with local service providers including bus operators, municipal staff and the school boards in the early morning. Once a decision has been
made to cancel school bus service in the morning, all major media outlets are notified. If school buses are
cancelled, it is for the entire day regardless of what happens to the weather during the day.
When transportation services are cancelled, schools may remain open. The decision to close schools rests
with the Directors of Education at the respective school boards.
Websites:
Durham Student Transportation Services .................... www.dsts.on.ca
Durham Catholic District School Board ........................ www.dcdsb.ca
Durham District School Board ...................................... www.ddsb.ca
Contact Numbers:
DSTS ............................................................................. 1-800-240-6943 or 905-666-6395
Automated Telephone Line: ................................. 905-666-6979 or 1-866-908-6578
DSTS Inclement Weather Zones (WE ARE ZONE 4)
To receive automated notifications on bus delays and cancellations, please subscribe to our parent
subscription service found under Track Your Child’s Bus at www.dsts.on.ca
You can also follow us on Twitter, @DurhamSTS
School Community Council News (SCC)
Thanks to your fundraising efforts and the support of our SCC we have just contributed to
Grade 5 Racing Against Drugs as well as the purchase of 2 ipads. Thank you!
Our next meeting is Wednesday, March 1st at 6:30 p.m. in the library All are welcome to
join us.
Parking, Busses and Kiss And Ride
We appreciate your partnership to ensure our students are safe at all times. If you are picking up your
child(ren) you may use the Kiss and Ride loop (see below) or park in the parking lot. We ask you NOT
to park along the sides of the McPherson Park parking lot as this impedes our Kiss and Ride loop.
Please note the following;
Bus Zone

Our bus zone is located at the front of the school . We ask you to avoid entering this area between 8:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m. as this is a BUS ONLY ZONE

Please also remind your children not to walk through the parking lot at any time as this is a busy
and dangerous area
Kiss and Ride
Our Kiss and Ride program will take place at the side of the school utilizing the McPherson Park parking lot. Supervision begins at 8:40 a.m. Children should NOT be dropped off earlier.

Parents are reminded that this is a no parking zone (please do not park along the curbs)

Please ensure that your child is ready to exit the car when you pull into the zone.

Please do not exit your car, as this can cause safety concerns as well as a traffic jam

If necessary, you may find some spots in this area but we ask you to avoid walking through our
kiss and ride flow of traffic
We ask for your support as we work together to keep our students safe.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Ottawa, February 1, 2012 – The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement in celebration of Black History Month:
“As Black History Month begins, Canadians have a great opportunity to learn about the historical contributions of a community whose legacy stretches back to Canada’s earliest days. This year, the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 affords a
chance to reflect on the key role that black soldiers played in the fight for Canada. “Two centuries ago, Upper Canadian
militia – fighting alongside the British – successfully repelled an American invasion force at Queenston Heights, Ontario,
just outside of Niagara Falls. It was a major battle of the War of 1812, and a defining moment in Canada’s history.
“Among the militiamen defending Canadian soil was a 68-year-old former slave named Richard Pierpoint, serving with an
all-black company of soldiers. Seized from Senegal and sold into slavery as a teenager, Pierpoint had won his freedom by
serving with British forces during the American Revolutionary War. His company served with distinction at Queenston
Heights and in other decisive battles of the War of 1812. The exceptional life story of this hero reminds us that black Canadians have made significant contributions to this country in so many different areas throughout our history. Canadians of
Caribbean and African descent have done much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today”.
“As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, I invite all Canadians to participate in activities taking place
across the country in February to mark Black History Month, with a special focus this year on the 200th anniversary of the
War of 1812. I also encourage Canadians to visit our Black History Month website, which includes the Canadian Black History Virtual Museum: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/multiculturalism/black/index.asp
Building a stronger Canada: Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) strengthens Canada’s economic, social and cultural
prosperity, helping ensure Canadian safety and security while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration
programs in the world.
Big Box Card Fundraiser Coming Soon!
This year we will be offering All Occasion Cards. A box
of 33 cards will come home with the youngest child in
the family on March 7th,2017.
NOT INTERESTED IN PURCHASING? Please return
the box as soon as possible.
INTERESTED IN PURCHASING? Keep the box and
send cash or a cheque for $33.00 payable to Gandatsetiagon PS.
If you would like to order more, an order form can be found in the box.
All proceeds will go towards repainting our outdoor yard with games for students in the spring.
Thank you to our SCC for coordinating and organizing this fundraiser.
Growth Mindset in Math
In general, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and ‘smartness’ can also be learned and
that the brain grows from experience and effort. The opposite, a fixed mindset, is the idea that
you are smart, or you are not. In math, that translates into “some people are good at math, and
some are not.” Did you know that praising efforts
rather than intelligence or results can impact your
child’s ability to persevere in challenges?! The goal
is to have children thrive on challenges and see
failures, not as a sign of low intelligence, but as a
learning opportunity. Brain research tells us that
making mistakes actually wires more connections
into the brain! When a person has a growth mindset, they accept challenges, see their efforts as
worthwhile, and are open to learning from mistakes. Students with a growth mindset achieve at
higher levels than those with fixed mindsets. How
can you help?
Some simple ways:

Adding “yet” when they claim they are “not
good at this” (Respond: “You are not good at
this yet.”)

Ask questions that focus on their effort and
choices and get them to reflect on satisfaction of that effort (e.g. What did you learn
today? What mistake did you make that
taught you something? What did you try
hard at today?)
Model this yourself as you share about your day
February is Black History Month
Feb. 1st: Tape a Toonie for Grandview Kids
Feb. 2nd: Raising Resilient Children
Presented by Allison Potts
at EB Phin P.S.
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Child Care available
Feb. 6th: Milkshake Mondays
Candy grams on sale this week
Feb. 7th: Dental Screening
Superintendent Laginski visits
Feb. 10th: Pizza Lunch
Grade 5’s to Nonquon
Hurdles try outs
Feb. 14th: Pita Pit
Feb. 15th: Report Cards go Home
Feb. 20th: Family Day: Schools Closed
Feb. 22nd: Pink Shirt Day
Assembly at 9:00 a.m.
Feb. 24th: Pizza lunch
March 7th: Big Box Fundraiser assembly
March 9th: Last Day before March Break
Follow us on Twitter:
Gandatsetiagon P.S.
Talent Show date to be determined before March Break.
Safe, Accepting and Inclusive Schools
Check out our positive graffiti board! Our Student Voice
Group has created a board in our junior/intermediate
hallway to promote positive language, speak up against
intolerance and to show a commitment that our school
promotes respect and inclusion, a place where all are
welcome and appreciated. Students are encouraged to
write messages of Kindness, Empathy, Optimism, Respect,
Honesty and Care.
Pink Shirt Day is coming on Feb. 22nd. We hope to see
all students wearing pink to show their commitment to
stop bullying, be an upstander and to advocated for others. We continue to work with students to consistently
show kindness and respect to all.
Goodbye and Hello!
We said goodbye to Ms. Ma in our
grade 3/4 class and are happy to
welcome back Ms. Dearing. Ms.
Dearing and Ms. Edwards will be
sharing the portable and are excited to work with our grade 3/4 class
together.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
~Martin Luther King Jr.
Some Dates of Significance for February 2017
February is Black History Month
This observance was first launched in 1926 in the United States by Carter G. Woodson during the second week in
February as Negro History Week. It evolved over time and became Black History Month in 1976. In December of
1995, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada. During February, the significant achievements and contributions in the areas of medicine, human rights, art, culture, politics, and
public service made by people of African and Caribbean descent throughout history, as well as their struggles to
overcome colonialism and racism, are officially recognized and celebrated.
February 3rd – Setsubun-sai (Shinto)
Also known as the Bean-throwing Festival, this is a day for family. Setsubon-sai marks the eve of the first day of
spring in the traditional East Asian calendar. In Japan, beans are thrown into each room of the house, and then out
through the doors leading outside. It is believed this ushers out evil spirits and ushers in good fortune.
February 14th –Saint Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day honours two different saints named Valentine. However, customs for the holiday have nothing to
do with the lives of these saints. The customs come from the ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia, which took
place on February 15. The festival honored Pan, the Roman god of nature, and Juno, the goddess of women and
marriage. During this festival young people drew names from a box and exchanged gifts. Gradually the custom of
giving gifts was replaced by sending cards. Today Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14, is a time to display
love and affection. People send cards, candy, or flowers as valentines to their sweethearts, friends, and family.
February 15th – National Flag of Canada Day
February 15 was declared National Flag of Canada Day in 1996. It marks the day in 1965 when our red and white
maple leaf flag was first raised over Parliament Hill in Ottawa, and indeed, hundreds of communities across Canada. Red and white were designated as Canada's official colours in 1921 by His Majesty King George V.
February 20 – Family Day (Ontario)
Family Day is a statutory holiday that is observed in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan
on the third Monday of February. This holiday celebrates the importance of families and family life to people and
their communities. It was established on October 11, 2007 following the 2007 fall Ontario election campaign when
Premier Dalton McGuinty was re-elected. The first Family Day in Ontario took place on February 18, 2008.
February 20th - World Day of Social Justice (UN)
At its sixty-second session, in November 2007, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed February
20 as World Day of Social Justice. The day was observed for the first time in 2009. The observance of the day
should contribute to greater awareness and action for social change regarding social justice issues associated with
the dimensions of diversity – including, but not limited to; ability (physical and intellectual), age, culture, gender,
gender identity, heritage, language, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status. World Day of Social
Justice also recognizes the further consolidation of the efforts of the international community in poverty eradication,
promotion of full employment and decent work, gender equity and access to social well-being and justice for all.
“Social justice is more than an ethical imperative; it is a foundation for national stability and global prosperity.
Equal opportunity, solidarity and respect for human rights – these are essential to unlocking the full productive potential of nations and peoples…”
Dates of Significance Continued...
February 21st – International Mother Language Day (UNESCO)
International Mother Language Day was first observed in February 2000 to support linguistic and cultural diversity.
The date also commemorates a student protest in 1952, when students participated in demonstrations to gain recognition of their language – Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the nation known as Pakistan. Many students were shot and killed by Police in Dhaka. Dhaka is now recognized as the capital of Bangladesh.
“Information and communication technologies can be especially useful in promoting mother languages. We must
harness the power of progress to protect diverse visions of the world and to promote all sources of knowledge and
forms of expression. These are the threads that weave the tapestry of humanity’s story.”
~ Irina Bokoza, Director-General of UNESCO
February 22th – Pink Shirt Day
On February 22, students and staff are encouraged to wear a pink article of clothing to send the powerful message
that discrimination related to homophobia, transphobia, and sexism will be challenged. This Anti-Bullying Day
grew from a student protest against an incident of homophobic, sexist bullying in a Nova Scotia high school. This
positive social action was initiated by David Shepherd and Travis Price, who bought and distributed over 50 pink
shirts to raise awareness in response to the incident, where a male student was called a homosexual for wearing a
pink shirt on the first day of school.
February 28th – Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Tuesday, is the last day before the long fast for Lent for some Christians in
Canada. It often coincides with or falls close to the dates for the winter carnival celebrations that occur in the January/February period.
Shrove Tuesday is also known as Pancake Day in some parts of Canada. Pancakes are traditionally eaten on this day
and are sometimes served with maple syrup. Carnivals or Mardi Gras festivals are also held around this time of the
year. These celebrations have been held in cities such as Winnipeg and Québec over the years.
The Québec Winter Carnival is a major annual event in Canada that spans for about two weeks, although the dates
may vary from year to year. It does not always fall on the same date as Shrove Tuesday but it is usually held in the
January/February period. Popular events during the celebrations include winter sports, snow sculptures, and activities based on the traditional Québec lifestyle, such as canoe races and dogsled races
The tradition of getting together just before Lent to eat, drink and be merry dates back to the start of the French colony in Canada. Québec City’s first winter carnival took place in 1894. The carnival was held sporadically during the
later years due to interruptions from wars and the economic crisis of 1929. However, the carnival festivities were
launched again, with the first official Québec Winter Carnival taking place in 1955.