SCDSB Newsletter
April 2024
Days of Awareness 2023-24
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
April 7 – World Health Day
April 12 – International Day of Pink
April 21-27 – National Volunteer Week
April 22 – International Earth Day
SAVE THE DATE! Coming up at Cameron Street Public School.
April 2-12 – Order your Spirit Wear - We are excited to bring back Cameron Street Spirit Wear. These clothing items are a big hit with families each year. The spirit wear promotes school spirit in our community but is not a fundraiser for our school. This year, our Spirit Wear will be available for purchase starting April 2nd. The cutoff date for orders will be April 12th. It takes approximately 3 weeks for delivery. All items will be shipped for free to the school and distributed by the School Council when they arrive.
April 3 – KM Club Planning Meeting – All are welcome
April 4 – Math @ Home Webinar
April 10 – Pink Shirt Day
April 17-18 – Here Comes the Sun – A Primary Spring Celebration – Primary (Grade 1-3) students will be performing and showcasing their musical talents with a collection of songs that they have learned this year. A Google Form has been sent out to the Primary families to reserve tickets for the scheduled performances.
June 12 – Junior (Grade 4-6) students will put on a performance to showcase their talents in the arts (music, drama, dance, visual). There will be 2 performances. This will be a no cost ticketed event as seating is limited. Watch for details closer to the date.
June 24 – Grade 8 Graduation – We celebrate our grade 8 graduates and present our graduating class with their certificates. Refreshments to follow the ceremony. Parents of grade 8 students will receive details through their grade 8 teacher.
Please refer to our school Calendar for updates!
May 6-10 – KM Club – Get ready for some KM Club fun! Find your charms and be ready to Run or Walk with your family and friends.
May 30 – Spring Fair - We are getting really excited about all the fun things that are being planned for our Spring Fair on May 30, 4:30pm – 7:00pm. Our team is working hard planning games, food, entertainment and more!
We are looking for any parents who would be interested in being a Vendor in our Artisan market during the fair. Please contact [email protected]
We are also looking for donations for our silent auction that evening. Please contact [email protected] if you would be willing to donate.
Please contact [email protected] if you are interested in helping plan this fun event or would like to be a volunteer that evening.
Spring Cleaning - When you are doing your Spring Cleaning, if you come across gently used outdoor toys (balls, skip balls, bubbles, etc.) please consider donating them to the school for playground fun at recess.
Make it Sow Fundraiser - Thank you to everyone that participated in our Make It Sow seed fundraiser. Together, we raised $440.00 that will go towards Wellness initiatives at the school.
Tru Earth Fundraiser - We are excited to announce our newest fundraiser with TruEarth! TruEarth cleaning products and vision align with our Green Schools initiative.
This is an ongoing fundraiser that will be available whenever you need it. (Similar to Mabel's Labels [50% off sale on right now] and Scholastic Books [add a Class Code to your account])
All funds raised go to support Mental Health & Well-being and Parent Engagement at the school.
Backpacks for Learning – Thank you to Loblaws Collingwood, Cobs Bread Company, The Georgian Good Food Box and First Presbyterian Church, we couldn’t do it without you!
Donations of the following items are always greatly appreciated: Shelf stable milk, cereal, granola bars, fruit, vegetables, soup, crackers, fruit cups, apple sauce cups, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, Chapstick, soap, Kleenex, Goldfish, Mac & Cheese, laundry detergent.
Donations can be dropped off at the school office, or you can contact [email protected] for more details.
The next school council meeting is Monday May 6th at 6pm in the school library. All are welcome!
French as a Second Language Family toolkit - Families of SCDSB students can access activities, supports, and resources to participate in their child's learning of French, either in the core FSL program or French Immersion in the FSL Family Toolkit.
During the upcoming months, Cameron Street will be conducting emergency drills (fire, tornado, lockdowns), these drills are approximately 15 minutes in duration. During these times, the office staff will not be available to answer calls or assist anyone at the door.
Our peak office hours are 2:30 PM – 3:25 PM. If you need to arrange for your child’s early pick up, please notify the admin team before these hours. You may call us at 705-445-2902 or email at [email protected]. Please note, on Thursdays during second nutrition break, we train office helpers, and your calls may be forwarded to an answering system. We appreciate your help!
Indigenous leadership and career pathways event hosted by the SCDSB
Are you a SCDSB staff member, graduating student, or member of the public who is of Indigenous ancestry? Are you looking to learn more about leadership opportunities and career pathways at the SCDSB? Join us on May 2 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at the SCDSB Education Centre in Midhurst to:
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Learn about the various career opportunities within the SCDSB, the required education and skills, and how to apply.
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Discover the various pathways to leadership within the SCDSB.
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Network with SCDSB staff from the Indigenous Education department and community partners.
April PA Days
Due to the solar eclipse set to occur in our region, the Simcoe County District School Board has made the decision to move the elementary school PA Day originally scheduled for April 26, 2024 to April 8, 2024.
Below is a summary of the activities planned for the April 8 PA Day:
Topic: Curriculum content, student mental health and well-being, skilled trades, and apprenticeships
Host: Simcoe County District School Board
Presenters/Facilitators: Combination of administrator-facilitated and self-directed learning modules planned by central staff.
All educators will engage in professional learning with a focus on mental health promotion and literacy planning for students. Educators will learn about Wayfinder, a sequenced guide that offers a variety of mental health lessons and activities organized by grade. Included are core mental health literacy lessons, lessons linked to HPE curriculum, learning activities, and tools to support and consolidate student learning. Professional learning for Grade 7 and 8 teachers will include a specific focus on the implementation of the mandatory Grade 7 and 8 mental health literacy modules. All educators will also learn about strategies to support students who are dysregulated in the regular classroom.
Kindergarten educators will work collaboratively to use the data from the early reading screener to determine and plan next steps for small group reading instruction. They will also explore the new Kindergarten Math Course of Study instruction and assessment resources and create plans for an upcoming topic of study that is responsive to the needs and interests of their students.
Grade 1 to 3 educators will learn about the revised social studies curriculum related to the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Peoples. They will review the Indigenous Education department online resources, learn about the human library available for all SCDSB teachers, and plan a cross-curricular literacy lesson which embeds the new social studies content. They will also engage in self-directed learning about math content knowledge for teaching planned by the district math team. This learning will focus on strategies for teaching number and algebra.
Grade 4 to 6 educators will analyze and use their classroom reading data to determine and plan next steps for literacy instruction. They will also engage in self-directed math content knowledge for teaching learning planned by the district math team. This learning will focus on strategies for teaching number and algebra.
Grade 7 and 8 educators will learn about each of the SCDSB programs offered to students which may lead to a career in the skilled trades including OYAP, Cooperative Education, SHSM, SWAC, and Dual Credit. Educators will also engage in case studies on the topic of skilled trades pathways and then discuss in whole group sessions. School administrators will facilitate this centrally planned learning experience. They will also engage in self-directed learning about math content knowledge for teaching planned by the district math team. This learning will focus on strategies for teaching number and algebra.
SCDSB Equity Advisory Committee seeks parent/guardian members
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to identifying and removing barriers within our system to ensure that all students and staff are offered supportive, inclusive, and respectful learning and working environments. To support this work, the SCDSB has an Equity Advisory Committee (EAC) comprised of parents/guardians, trustees, students, community partner organizations or associations, and board staff.
The SCDSB is seeking new parent/guardian members for the EAC. Applications are open until May 20, 2024. Applicants must:
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be from a community that has traditionally experienced barriers to equal access, opportunities, and resources
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reside in Simcoe County
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not be an employee of the SCDSB
The role of the EAC is to work in partnership with the SCDSB on the review, development, implementation, and monitoring of initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The EAC supports members of the SCDSB community and encourages equitable outcomes, sense of belonging, student achievement, and well-being, in alignment with the SCDSB Strategic Priorities.
How to communicate your appreciation or concern
At the SCDSB, we believe that open communication strengthens important relationships between families, schools, and communities. You may sometimes wish to relay appreciation or positive feedback to school or board officials. As well, areas of concern may arise, and our staff will strive to be helpful and effective in addressing your concerns. Further information on how to communicate your appreciation or concern is available on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/about/contact_us.
Subscribe to Community Connects
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is excited to launch Community Connects, a new bimonthly newsletter for the SCDSB community. Our shared goal with this new tool is to keep our community partners and stakeholders informed while nurturing relationships that are built on accountability, trust, and transparency.
Kindergarten registration for September 2024 is open!
Kindergarten is the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning, and we want your child to begin their journey in a SCDSB school! Do you have a child who is turning four in 2024? If so, we invite you to register your child for Kindergarten. To register online or for more information visit: www.scdsb.on.ca/kindergarten.
Kindergarten orientation
Kindergarten orientation sessions will be held throughout the SCDSB in the spring of 2024. These sessions provide families with the opportunity to engage with their school community as their children prepare to enter school. Learn more about the sessions and find out when your child's school is holding theirs: www.scdsb.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=210982&pageId=8385299.
Join the SCDSB on Facebook Live to learn about all things Kindergarten!
Do you have a child who is turning four in 2024? Are you interested in learning about Kindergarten in the SCDSB? On Tuesday, April 16 from 7 to 7:30 p.m., members of the SCDSB’s Early Years team are hosting a virtual information session via Facebook Live.
The session will highlight important information parents/guardians need to know about Kindergarten in the SCDSB, including details on transitions for students with special education needs.
To virtually attend the presentation, visit the SCDSB Facebook page at 7 p.m. on April 16. To get a head start on learning about Kindergarten in the SCDSB, watch last year’s information session: https://fb.watch/qM3niHW7IE/.
Subscribe to Kindergarten Connections!
Will your child be turning four in 2024? If so, the SCDSB invites you to Kindergarten Connections! This is a monthly enewsletter informing families of everything they need to know about preparing their child for school, as well as registering them for Kindergarten in the SCDSB. To learn more and subscribe, visit the Kindergarten page on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/kindergarten.
Is your child starting JK or SK in September?
The Simcoe County EarlyON Child and Family Centres are excited to offer in-person and virtual programs that help prepare children and parents for Kindergarten. Parents/guardians and children will have the opportunity to interact together in a variety of school readiness activities.
These programs will look at and discuss: How Does Learning Happen, Self Regulation, Social Skills, and How to Get Ready to Start School. To register for a program in your area visit: www.earlyonsimcoenorth.ca/GRFK.
Summer learning programs in the SCDSB
The SCDSB continues to support student achievement and well-being throughout the summer months by providing a range of elementary summer learning programs. This summer, the SCDSB is offering programs that will focus on reading (Grades 1-3), math (Grades 4-8), multilingual learners (Grades 1-8), and students with learning disabilities who use assistive technology at school (Grades 4-8). The programs will be delivered through both a virtual synchronous learning format (Google Classroom) and in-person (Terry Fox Elementary School). The programs will run from July 8-26 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. daily.
Interested families are asked to contact their children’s school principal for further details and registration information. Registration is completed through the SCDSB website (www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/summer_learning) beginning on Monday, April 29. The deadline to register is Friday, May 17.
Registration now open for summer eLearning!
Create flexibility in your timetable and earn a credit! The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2024 for current high school students or adult learners who are interested in creating flexibility in their schedule, earning a new credit, or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online learning skills, earn missed credits, or fast-track preparation for graduation or post-secondary in just four weeks.
The SCDSB also supports secondary students in participating in a variety of EDUTravel credit programs in July and August. EDUTravel programs are offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe. For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of commitment, visit: www.edutravelforcredit.com.
Grade 8 students – register now for summer eLearning!
Earn a reach-ahead credit with summer eLearning in the SCDSB! The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2024. Current Grade 8 students are invited to complete a reach-ahead credit, creating flexibility in their high school timetables!
For summer 2024, courses available to students entering Grade 9 are:
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CGC1D - Issues in Canadian Geography
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PAF1O - Healthy Living and Personal Fitness Activities
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CHC2D - Grade 10 Academic - Canadian History since WWI
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CHC2P - Grade 10 Applied - Canadian History since WWI
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CHV2O/GLC2O – Civics/Careers
Dogs on school property
For the safety of all staff, students, and visitors, dogs (with the exception of service animals) are not permitted on school property.
Join us! A learning series for parents/guardians with Pine River Institute
Mental health and well-being continues to be a key strategic priority within the SCDSB. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Centre for Family Initiatives at Pine River Institute (CFI@PRI) to provide several curated learning sessions focused on student mental health and well-being to SCDSB families.
There are eight webinars specifically planned for parents/guardians and other caregivers during this school year. The final webinar is:
April 18, 2024 - Vaping, weed, and alcohol
We hope you save this date in your calendar and join us for this learning opportunity. For more information and to register, please visit the SCDSB website: https://bit.ly/3jGaC74.
Pine River Institute is a live-in treatment centre and outdoor leadership experience for youth aged 13 to 19 struggling with addictive behaviours and often other mental health issues. Combining therapy with a fully-accredited education program, PRI reinforces the healthy life skills required for a successful future. CFI@PRI extends PRI’s knowledge, experience and evidence-informed treatment approach to families and care providers in the community to support youth mental wellness and prevent the need for more intensive interventions. Learn more about PRI by visiting their website at www.pineriverinstitute.com.
Indigenous leadership and career pathways event hosted by the SCDSB
Are you a SCDSB staff member, graduating student, or member of the public who is of Indigenous ancestry? Are you looking to learn more about leadership opportunities and career pathways at the SCDSB? Join us on May 2 from 4:30 – 7 p.m. at the SCDSB Education Centre in Midhurst to:
-
Learn about the various career opportunities within the SCDSB, the required education and skills, and how to apply.
-
Discover the various pathways to leadership within the SCDSB.
-
Network with SCDSB staff from the Indigenous Education department and community partners.
Interested in learning more about the ways that the SCDSB supports students with special education needs and their families? Join us for a virtual special education information series
During the 2023-24 school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting virtual special education outreach sessions to assist parents/guardians in learning more about programs, supports, and ways that we work together to support students with special education needs.
Supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
April 16
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Every day mental health strategies
May 14
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Participants are asked to register in advance. Information to access the sessions will be shared via email with individuals who have pre-registered. Learn more about each session and how to register on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/special_education/special_education_outreach_sessions.
Looking for ways to support your child in learning math? Check out the SCDSB’s new Math at Home resource!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is committed to supporting students in understanding and doing mathematics. The SCDSB has developed the Math at Home resource, a compilation of family-friendly, accessible, and engaging math resources and tools designed to engage families in supporting their children’s learning.
The Math at Home page on the SCDSB website, available at www.scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome, includes a variety of math games, number talks, problem solving opportunities, and practice tasks for students from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 10. Families will learn about how to support the development of positive math mindsets in their children and discover activities with connections to math in the world. The resource also includes a variety of print and digital resources for students and their families.
Math @Home parent and caregiver series
It’s back! The SCDSB math team is pleased to offer virtual sessions for parents and caregivers of SCDSB students. These sessions focus on practical and fun ways to support children with their mathematics learning and engagement at home. The first 200 registrants will receive a Math @Home kit of resources to use at home. Participants must pre-register for each of the sessions.
Games to support your child’s math learning @Home
Thursday, April 4, 2024, 7 to 8 p.m.
This session is for parents, caregivers, and their children. Playing games at home is a great way to support child(ren)’s math development. In this session, several games will be explored, and participants will have the opportunity to try the games with their children during the session. The guided portion of the session will be 45 minutes in length followed by 15 additional minutes for further game play or to ask questions of our math facilitators. Bring your child(ren) and your math kit to this session!
Participants must pre-register. Registered participants will receive a kit of hands-on resources that will be sent to the school indicated on the registration form. Use this link to register: https://bit.ly/24MathAtHome. If you couldn’t attend the previous sessions, visit the Math at Home page on the SCDSB website to view past sessions: www.scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome.
Mental health promotion strategy of the month - Just Notice
Well-being is a strategic priority in the Simcoe County District School Board, and our mental health and well-being department provides monthly strategies to support student and family well-being.
This month’s strategy is Just Notice. This strategy helps children and youth develop the skills to ground themselves. Grounding is a way to focus your attention to the sensations you are experiencing in this moment. It is good to practice at any time but especially helpful when emotions or thoughts are stressful.
To practice Just Notice at home, together with your child, model this grounding practice by verbally sharing the following:
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Notice five things you can see.
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Notice four things you can hear.
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Notice three things you can feel/touch.
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Notice two things you can smell.
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Notice one thing you can taste.
Follow along the Mental Health and Well-being social media accounts (@SCDSB_MHWB) to see how well-being is being supported in our schools.
Celebrating poetry
April is poetry month, a chance for students to celebrate a love of language through an appreciation of poetry. Students of all ages enjoy the lyrical, rhythmic qualities of poetry making it a wonderful choice for at home reading. Poems provide an excellent opportunity for students to practice reading aloud, developing fluency and expression. For ideas and resources please visit the resources for families page on the SCDSB website: www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/parent/resources_for_families.
April cyber awareness topic: Safe gaming and the metaverse
In today’s digital landscape, safe gaming practices and understanding the metaverse are crucial for families to navigate the digital world securely. Understanding safe gaming practices protects personal information, while metaverse awareness helps prevent identity risks. Parents/guardians play a vital role in guiding their children’s online experiences.
Stay informed to help provide a safer online gaming environment for your children!
Your child’s immunization record
The Ontario Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) requires the health unit to have up-to-date immunization records for all students attending school. According to ISPA (2014), students are required to be vaccinated against the following diseases: