Dragon News December 14, 2021
Dragon News
December 14, 2021
Away at a planned appointment? - Use the School Messenger App OR call 1-844-350-2646 to report a scheduled absence.
Not feeling well? - Use the School Messenger App OR call 1-844-350-2646 to report their absence before 8:00 AM on that day.
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Click image to start screening
COVID - 19 SELF SCREENING - Click this link
Tip - save the COVID -19 School Self-Screen link to your smart device home screen for easy daily access!!
DAILY & FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL CHILD IN A FAMILY
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/
*Ultimately - each individual student MUST have completed a school self screen before school - IF this has been completed, information on what a parent should do is told to them (ie. RED Alert and steps given to parent; GREEN - good to come to school)
**If a child has a stuffy nose, sore throat OR headache - monitor
100 % of our students are wearing protective face coverings. Students are encouraged to bring more than 1 CLEAN mask to school each day.
Students may require an additional mask during the day due to:
Mask falling onto another surface (desk, ground, floor, etc)
Mask becoming dirty by children touching it with unwashed hands (children are directed to wash hands often at regular times of the day as per protocols and are explicitly shown good hand hygiene skills - please review and reinforce these skills at home)
Mask becomes dirty/ wet from breathing in during cooler temperatures when outside during physical education classes, outdoor learning and/ or recess times
Students are able to wear non-medical masks - these do need to be washed regularly to ensure there is no spread of germs.
Bad Weather and Riding a School Bus
In the event that transportation services are cancelled due to inclement weather, elementary schools will remain open. This is the same approach as in previous years and we will be taking additional measures in order to ensure that class cohorts remain intact and are appropriately supervised.
How will I be notified if transportation services are cancelled and/or schools are closed?
Families will be notified as soon as possible (no later than 7:00am) through a posting on the DDSB website, social media and where possible, through local radio stations. As well as on the DSTS Website.
What zone am I in?
Students at Ormiston PS are in Zone 4.
In cases of extreme weather, please listen to one of the local radio stations or TV news casts below for notices of transportation cancellations:
CKDO-AM 1580
Q107-FM 107.1
94.9 The Rock
KX96-FM 95.9
CHFI-FM 98.1
EZ ROCK 97.3
CFRB-AM 1010
CHUM-FM 104.5
CICX 105.9
Bob-FM 91.9
Global TV
CP 24
Due to the number of students who have life threatening allergies causing an anaphylactic response to food items such as peanuts, tree nuts and other foods, we are reinforcing our message to our families and caregivers to NOT send your child with food items that are considered allergens to classmates into our classrooms for daily snacks and meals in packed lunches, as well as to celebrate special events. NO food items are accepted into our school building, inclusive of classrooms, to celebrate special events and occasions.
Families have asked if they are able to send in any ‘gift items’ such as pencils, erasers, stickers, etc. - this is permitted, and preferred to be sent days in advance of being distributed to classmates.
Even if the food sent to school does not contain nuts, or allergen, it still can pose a risk if it touched allergen products or was in a container previously used for allergen products.
With anaphylaxis, even exposure to a tiny amount of this item could be potentially serious and life threatening. We can all play a role in preventing a dangerous situation at school. Thank you for your understanding and assistance!
SickKids Hospital in Toronto offers the following advice to reduce the risk of cross-contamination: Food allergens can contaminate other foods when, for example, the same containers, utensils or frying pans hold a range of foods…. Bulk food containers pose a high risk of cross-contamination because they are often used for different products.
Thank you for your understanding and attention to the safety and well-being of our students.
Student Leader Noah in grade 3 and his team, Sebastien, Jamal and Kate would like to send their thank you to all students and family members within our school community who contributed items and donations for The Denise House. Thank you for this work in showing empathy and encouraging others to be able to help!
Health Canada approved the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11. This is good news given that we have seen the positive impact that vaccinations have in reducing the number of COVID-19 cases.
We do not have further details to share on the vaccine rollout and encourage you to visit the Durham Region Health Department (DRHD) website in the coming days for further information about COVID-19 vaccinations in our community: https://www.durham.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19-vaccines.aspx
If you have specific questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for youth/children and you cannot find the answer from DRHD, SickKids is offering confidential, convenient and accessible vaccine consultation services for children, youth and their families. More information can be found at: https://www.sickkids.ca/vaccineconsult
Click on Images for further information.
Elementary Learning Preference Selection
As indicated in August, with the availability of vaccinations for children under 12, elementary families will have a final opportunity in the new year to switch your elementary child’s learning preference. The opportunity to choose either virtual (DDSB@Home Elementary) or in-person learning will be available on the Parent Portal for a two-week period beginning Friday, January 7, 2022, and closing on Friday, January 21, 2022. If you are satisfied with your current selection, you will not need to do anything further. Your child will remain in their current mode of learning. Please note: Depending on the number of transfer requests, there may be an impact on staffing, and this could result in some classes getting new teachers. We will share more information on the process when students return on Monday, January 3, 2022.
Reminder - December 17th is a regular dismissal time of 3:00 PM.
December 20th - December 31st 2021
Return to School - January 3, 2022
Rapid Take Home Tests for the Winter Break
The Ministry of Education announced that they will be providing school boards with enough test kits so that each student can take home a pack of five rapid tests to be used over the winter break to support a safe return to school in January. We will share this information in a Messenger Email to all families about the information. Each individual student will receive a test kid on December 15, 2021, families and caregivers can look for these upon students’ return home.
Rapid Antigen Screening - Winter Break INFORMATION SHEET
Reminder about International Travel Requirements
For those planning to travel outside of Canada over the winter holiday, we want to take this opportunity to remind families of restrictions currently in place. Individuals must follow federal testing and quarantine requirements upon return from any international travel. While unvaccinated children under the age of 12 who travelled internationally with a fully vaccinated companion are exempt from federal quarantine, as per the Government of Ontario direction, they are not permitted to attend school or childcare for 14 days following their return.
Fully vaccinated students who have travelled outside of Canada and meet the requirements to be exempt from federal quarantine, are able to attend school upon their return.
All families, particularly unvaccinated families considering international travel, must take into consideration federal testing and quarantine requirements for themselves and their dependents. Please review the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories FAQ ahead of any international travel.
Student Arrival and Dismissal Update
Drop Off
Students who are being dropped off are encouraged to arrive at the entry bell, 8:30 AM. Families may consider parking in the neighbourhood near the school and walk from there to the school. Students will be directed to their meeting spots specific to their assigned division; and need to line up with physical space between themselves and other students. Families who require specific drop off accommodations should contact the school office, 905-430-8755 or ormistonps@ddsb.ca. All individuals coming onto school property during drop off and pick up of their children are encouraged to wear a mask for responsible care of and towards others in our community. All individuals will need to also be physically distanced from other individuals who are not in their ‘bubble’.
School Parking Lot
School parking lots and drop off areas will be closed off with pylons to all non-bus traffic during the arrival and departure of buses. Ormiston PS’ school parking lot will be for educational staff and childcare staff. There are reserved parking spaces for our childcare parents and/ or guardians to support drop off and pick up of younger children. All other vehicles are asked to consider parking in the neighbourhood near the school where signage allows for lawful parking.
Ormiston PS’ Kiss n’ Ride will continue to remain closed at this time, as Ormiston PS Staff, DDSB Consultants and Town of Whitby have all been consulted on traffic flow and our current student safety needs of those who travel via bus and who walk to school. To ensure the safety of all of our students, and respect confidential information of our students, we ask that all of our families adhere to the procedures in place for drop off and pick up if you are choosing to drive your child(ren) to school. Please know that as parents/ guardians it is your responsibility to model and ensure you and your child(ren) are following the rules of being a pedestrian and driver.
While we continue to wait for the construction of additional parking spaces to support, the parking lot is reserved for staff who serve Ormiston PS students. Our school administration continues to be in contact with DDSB Facilities Services for updates on the progress of the approval of the Parking Lot Expansion Permit with the Town of Whitby.
Accessible Parking
In the event a driver requires accommodation to park, there are two accessible parking spaces available. Signage is required.
We thank all of our budding artists for their incredible contributions to the Visual Arts Showcase organized by our Intermediate Leadership Team - this display has provided great joy and appreciation for our many artists within the Ormiston School Community. Artists used various mediums to produce their final products into their imagined creations.
Thank you to our students, staff and families who have shared special items and gifts to share in celebrations with our students and staff within our school this school year - we are all very much enjoying learning of the many celebrations and ways families celebrate time with each other throughout a year! We are also very appreciative of the students, families and staff members who have been able to share memories of past and present members working in Peace Keeping to keep us all safe.
Some of our captured moments shared with you.
Pumpkin Feeders!
Terry Fox - Guest Chicken!
A special shout out to our Intermediate Leadership Team that has organized the collection of warm winter gear in our Mitten and Hat Tree!!
Friday, December 17th is a regular dismissal day.
During Lunch Recesses each cohort will be treated by Student Musical Talent with a musical surprise!!
Barakha Beats written by Maleeha Siddiqui
Barakha Beats is about a young girl named Nimra, who just completed her Hfiz. Hifiz is when he/she memorizes the Holy Quran by heart in Islam. An example is my older brother who is about finishing his Hifz. Anyhow, Nimra is in 7th grade and now in public school. When she first found out about going to public school she was shocked but not just that, she was going to the same school as her best friend, Jenna. Nimra had high hopes about going to public school but it turned out the other way around. Her parents forced her to take algebra, her best friend betrays her and to top it off, the teachers were rude. Yeah, I can imagine friends ignoring you and teachers being rude. I kinda went through the same thing. I felt sad and upset just like the main character Nimra. Okay first of all I wasn’t always in the public school I was in private school until grade 3. In grade 3 I had high hopes for public school but as soon as I stepped in everything was nice until a week after, grade 3 and onward became complicated with learning a broad range of subjects.
Nimra wants to earn back Jenna’s friendship, so she decides to join the band named Barakah Beats, which is made up of popular 8th-grade boys. The issue is she can’t do music due to religious reasons. In Islam, many people hold different views of music- some view it is wrong, some view that it can be done.
She secretly joins the band, but as time progresses she experiences an internal conflict fearing she didn’t ask her parents, and getting their permission to join the band because of religious reasons. By her holding back this information and lying to her parents, all while trying to earn back her friend’s trust. At the same time while doing this and experiencing these, she has ups and downs.
The reason why I recommend this book is there’s a lot of stuff that you can relate to like fitting in or even trying to make friends - even when that doesn't work out. I honestly think that middle school students and high school students should read this book to know that they’re not alone in this time of life.
As a result, I find this book awesome and recommend it for other kids to read.
Khadijah.M
Barakah Beats is available in the Ormiston PS library!
Critical Consciousness Practitioner Inquiry @ Ormiston PS and DDSB
Ormiston PS education and DDSB support staff have been actively participating in unlearning and learning how to intentionally design safe spaces where all stakeholders are engaging in being critically active in their consciousness - filtering behaviours through the lens of social and historical structures of power and oppression. Ormiston educators continue to commit their engagement and always centre ALL students in the curriculum.
Dr. Nicole West-Burns has been a consistent resource and voice to facilitating our practitioner inquiry, along with DDSB support staff within the Equity Department. Over the course of last school year and continuing through this school year, educators have been participating in numerous professional development opportunities furthering their understanding in unconscious bias’, intersectionality of identities and engaging in anti-oppressive work within the spaces of our school community.
Our specific inquiry, for this particular practitioner inquiry, is to seek observations of what happens when we build curriculum , which highlights black identities, and engages in anti-oppression work in our classrooms.
Further to this particular inquiry - staff and students are opening classroom communities with resources and curriculum to be representative for all of our students.
Building Critical Consciousness for Educational Equity | Nicole West-Burns, Ph.D. | TEDxOshawaED
As the holiday season of Kawanza, Christmas and other festivities of this time of year are just around the corner - and later this year, families will soon be shopping for those they love. Ormiston Public School is introducing the opportunity for students and families in our school community to purchase some amazing gifts for their loved ones!
We are providing 2 different options for families to consider and explore as they start thinking of possible gift ideas.
Funds raised will be used in supporting student programming and initiatives from Kindergarten through to grade 8. Thank you for your considerations - these are ideas we thought your families might enjoy - they are by no means a must do!
The Ormiston PS Store
We are excited to launch our first ever Ormiston online store which will be available to the school community year round. Items available for purchase include: t-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, hats, toques and accessories. Families have the option to customize the colour, and design of their purchase. You can also choose to have the items delivered right to your door for easy convenience.
Please check out the link below for our official Ormiston PS store!
https://ormistonps.entripyshops.com/
The Ormiston Bear
What better way to get ready for the holidays and the coming winter than to cuddle up next to our very adorable Ormiston Bear! This would be the perfect gift idea for your child! The Ormiston Bear is available throughout the school year while supplies last, but would be the perfect gift during the holidays! The Ormiston Bear comes in 11” and comes adorned in our school swag!
Make this guy yours for just $20.00.
See School Cash Online for to place your order!
11 inch Ormiston Bear - $20.00
Friday Pizza Days are back!
Go onto School Cash Online to place your child’s order!
2 Slices, 1 drink for $6.00
2 Slices are packed individually for a no-contact delivery to your child.
Twice a Deal Pizzeria will be providing the delicious pizzas!
**Please take note, pizza orders do have a close date for each week - that pizza orders after this date will not be accepted.
Pizza Dates will be:
December 17, 2021
January 7, 2022
January 14, 2022
January 20, 2022
January 28, 2022
February 4, 2022
February 11, 2022
February 25, 2022
March 4, 2022
March 11, 2022
March 25, 2022
April 1, 2022
April 8, 2022
April 14, 2022
April 22, 2022
April 29, 2022
May 6, 2022
May 13, 2022
May 20, 2022
May 27, 2022
June 2, 2022
June 10, 2022
June 17, 2022
Treat Days
Every Tuesday, students will have an opportunity to get a treat - order ahead on School Cash Online for a large cookie treat! $1.25 for each cookie!
Treat Days will be on Tuesdays.
As parents, caregivers and educators, we are emerging into steps of a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, yet still being greatly impacted by its existence. One impact of the pandemic and processes, experiences children and adults have experienced are increased levels of stress for varying reasons.
As a staff at Ormiston PS, our primary position from the return to school in September, has to work hard in supporting our students with their wellbeing and feeling safe in the school environment, while engaging with peers and a public space. Our students need to be commended on the incredible job and responsibilities they have in keeping themselves and others safe by wearing their masks, continuing to follow good hand hygiene practices and to keep their work spaces tidy and clean. As families - collectively, you too are to be commended for ensuring that when your child(ren) are showing symptoms of being unwell, you are providing time for your child(ren) to rest and be symptom free when returning to school, without the aid of over the counter medication.
A significant trend we have anticipated, and one that is evident, is the ability of our students to build positive relationships with their peers and how to respect their own boundaries to keep themselves well, and to respect the boundaries set by their peers.
Dr. Shanker, from the Mehrit Centre, helps educators and staff understand when a student/ child is experiencing stress - and how we can best support them. Our school board and educators have worked and received training from Dr. Shanker and Positive School Climate Department.
When our child(ren)/students are feeling overwhelmed, it is important that we recognize the impact of relationships the child has and how these relationships with trusting and safe adults can help support them.
Self Reg for Parents by The MEHRIT Centre - self-reg.ca
It has come to the Administration and staff that students throughout our school are engaging in watching the Netflix Series, “Squid Games”. Some of our very young students in our primary division have shared they have watch this game and are mimicking types of play of actions they have witnessed in this series.
We express grave concern regarding the viewing of this series and encourage parents/ caregivers to participate in pre-viewing shows and games that their child(ren) are watching/playing. A helpful website and resource to lead parents/guardians into deciding on what is appropriate for their child(ren) to view/ play is “common sense media”.
WHAT PARENTS/GUARDIANS NEED TO KNOW
Parents need to know that the level of violence is very intense in Squid Game. Characters are systematically tortured and killed for the sadistic pleasure of a game master. Adults have sex, and there are threats of sexual violence: Women are grabbed by the hair and beaten. Themes concerning the highs one gets from gambling, winning, or conning money are a main focus.
Animal Services - Town of Whitby
? Avoid approaching or feeding wildlife
? Avoid taking shortcuts through fields, wooded areas and parks
? Always walk with a buddy to and from school
? Never walk alone, especially at night
? Always be aware of your surroundings when wearing earphones
Nuisance Wildlife
Help keep wildlife wild and healthy. The Town encourages residents to avoid feeding wildlife such as ducks, geese, raccoons, squirrels or coyotes. Help reduce wildlife conflicts with people by not feeding wildlife near homes and parks. Human food is not healthy for wild animals!
While we do not provide trapping or relocation services for nuisance wildlife, our trained staff can offer solutions to help you wildlife-proof your home or business. Contact us at 905.655.0283 for support.
Coyotes
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry offers information about preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes.
Because coyotes have adapted to urban areas, seeing them in the Town is fairly common. Along with being opportunistic animals that are drawn to places where they can find food easily, coyotes are generally shy and avoid confrontation. Here are some tips for dealing with coyote encounters:
Do not turn your back or run away. Instead, remain calm and back away slowly.
Bring a whistle on your walk as an effective way to frighten any approaching animal.
Always walk your pets on a leash and keep cats inside.
Click on image for Chores for Children Article
Many of our students revel in sharing the chores they are participating in at home, to help out and contribute to their family! Great work kiddos! For anyone who has questions about the age-appropriate household jobs children can do, read the article or the infographic below.
Click on the image to view the Director’s Annual Report 2021
- Featuring Ormiston PS Intermediate Student Leaders
As we come to a close for the 2021 year, and enter into 2022, both Mr. Smart, our Vice Principal, myself, Mrs. McMurray, Principal, and Ormiston PS Staff wish all of our students and their families all the best over the holidays and look forward to celebrating 2022 upon our return in January!
We are exceptionally fortunate to have the privilege to serve our wonderful students, who strive to always be their better, with your guidance. Thank you for trusting in us and sharing your most precious gifts with us.
Continue to keep yourselves well, give grace to you and your family during these times, as well as to our neighbours.
Best Wishes from:
Early Years Team
Mrs. Animashaun, Mrs. Asselin, Mrs. Brackett, Mrs. Bright, Mrs. Duncan, Ms. Harrod, Mrs. Kalnay, Ms. Princis, Ms. St Jean, and Mrs. Stephens.
Primary Team
Mrs. Bickle, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Marangozis, Mrs. McLean, Mrs. Pittman, Mrs. Sertsis, and Mrs. Vandenbrink
Junior Team
Mrs. Best (SERT), Mr. Delaney, Ms. Fatima, Mrs. Flanagan, Ms. Sharma, and Ms. Sivalingam
Intermediate Team
Mr. Cohen, Mr. Mcnairn, Mrs. Rossi, and Mrs. Shaikh
School Support and Hubs
Mrs. Bowman - Core French, Ms. Cann - EA, Ms. Caster - Core French, Ms. Coscarella - EA, Mrs. Douglas - Physical Ed., Ms. Godfrey - EA, Mrs. Henwood - SERT, Mrs. Hutchings - Library; Mr. Khan - EA, Mrs. Khurshid - EA, Ms. Tompkins, Mrs. Weir - Physical Ed., and Mrs. Young - EA
Lunch Room Supervisors
Ms. Divyathangam, Ms. Faye, Ms. Humera, Ms. Sobia, Ms. Sonia, Mrs. Tanya, Ms. Tharmini, Ms. Wanda and Ms. Yasmien
Custodial Team
Mrs. Faryna - Lead Custodian, Mr. Lavender, and Mr. Seymour
Office Staff
Mrs. Kershaw (Rowland) - Secretary
Mr. Smart - Vice Principal
Mrs. McMurray - Principal
Click on Image or Link to Learn about Parent/ Guardian Resources available at the Durham District School Board
Crisis help lines
If you are experiencing a personal or situational crisis, you can call:
911 or visit the nearest emergency department
Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 for emotional support on a variety of issues. They offer text and online chat services as well.
ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 for addiction, mental health and gambling treatment services.
Distress Centre Durham at 905-430-2522 for 24-hour help. They run a series of specialized phone lines for suicide survivors, LGBTQ+ and community support.
Durham Region Mobile Crisis Service at 1-800-742-1890 or 905-666-0483 for free confidential support during a crisis.
Good2Talk at 1-866-925-5454 for free and confidential professional counselling and referrals for mental health, addiction and well-being.
ONTX Ontario Online and Text Crisis Services by texting 258258.
Youthline at 1-800-268-9688 for confidential LGBTQ+ peer support. They offer telephone, text and chat services.
Click on image or Niijkiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle Link
Click image or Rainbows: Guiding Kids Through Life’s Storms Link
SEARCH FOR SERVICES IN DURHAM REGION
Click on Image or Link to Learn about Parent/ Guardian Resources available at the Durham District School Board
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