Translated School Communications

 

Translated School Communications

Brookside Connect! February 2025!

Principal's Message

Hello Parent/Caregivers!

Love and kindness is in the air as we start the month of February!  This month, our newsletter is filled with exciting student writing and announcements from our Newsletter Team about our Eco-Team, Global Citizens, Student Council (BSC), and special events.We are so excited to announce that Brookside will be starting a school band for Grade 6-8 students! We will also be focusing on bullying prevention at our school with Pink Shirt Day on the 26th of February.

Parent/Teacher Interview information was sent home on Friday, January 31st and requests for interviews are due on Tuesday, February 11th using the link: https://schoolinterviews.ca/code/z7amz. Please be sure to take advantage of this month’s opportunity to receive formal feedback about your child’s performance at school by scheduling a Parent/ Teacher Interview on February 13th or 14th. You will receive your child's Term 1 Report Card on Tuesday, February 11th. A helpful Parent Tip Sheet is located in this newsletter.

Eckleton Richards Jr.          Sarah Sirbos

Principal                              Vice-Principal

Email: brooksidepublicschool@tdsb.on.ca

Follow us on X: @BrooksidePSTDSB

Website: schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/brookside

The Halls of Brookside

Table of Contents:

  • Brookside is Getting a Band!
  • Brookside Student Council (BSC) Update!
  • Eco-Team
    • Battery Drive
    • Walk to School Day
    • Sweater Day
  • Shark Awareness in Mr. Lee's Room
  • Art Club
  • Brookside Global Citizens
  • Bussing (Transportation) Information
  • School Community Council
  • Basketball
  • Ball Hockey
  • Volleyball
  • Parent Teacher Conference Tips
  • Affirming Muslim Identities
  • Public Health Reminder: Reducing the spread of Respiratory Illnesses
  • Google Calendar
  • TDSB Days of Significance
    • African Heritage Month
    • Chinese Heritage Month
    • Children’s Mental Health Week (Feb 3rd-9th)
    • World Cancer Day
    • Valentine's Day
    • Family Day- Feb 17
    • Pink Shirt Day - Feb. 26th (Non-Uniform Day)
  • Repeats and Reminders
    • Severe Weather Procedures – TDSB Policy
    • Kindergarten Registration

Brookside is Getting a Band!

Brookside Public is proud to announce that we are rejuvenating our Band program, as we have been assigned a Band Itinerant Instructor, Ms. Tara MacDonald, to organize and facilitate a band program at our school. Students in Grade 6-8 will be working on mastering one of the many instruments including: flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, alto sax, tenor sax, baritone, and drums.

We are so excited to have music, in the form of a band, at Brookside again!

Eco-Team

Hey Bulldogs,

The Eco Team is planning a Walk to School Day, but what is Walk to School Day? Walk to School Day is literally walk to school day. Also, if you live very far and you take the bus that is okay, but if you take vehicle that isn't a bus and you want to participate, then here is a solution:you can the vehicle that isn't a bus and drive it to a close place that is near the school and walk.

Brookside, let's make the world a better place by making the world eco-friendly.

Prithikaa & Hashini

It’s February and we are introducing our next initiative for Bulldogs. The ECO Team presents: the Battery Drive! You can donate used batteries to be donated to our local Staples Store. Why is it necessary to donate batteries? Batteries contain valuable materials that can be recycled, preventing them from ending up in landfills where they can be harmful chemicals into the environment. Proper battery disposal helps prevent fires and protects our community. Coin batteries, AA, AAA, C, and D batteries are allowed only! To follow more, please listen to the announcements! Eco Team Out!

Athieban & Sabbresh

Hey Bulldogs!

Sweater day is coming up, you’re probably wondering why we’re having another sweater day. Well actually, this time it’s National Sweater Day! On February 4th, you can wear a hoodie, sweater and a sweatshirt! The reason why we are doing this is because in the winter the temperatures can go down to -20 degrees in the winter! People also use the heaters and that can be bad for us! So brookside, wear a sweater, hoodie or a sweatshirt on February 4th!

By: Lakshara & Kavinash

Brookside School Council (BSC)

In February, the Brookside Student Council will be having a Love and Kindness Dance and will be talking to classes about fairness. The Love and Kindness dance will be held on February 26, and it will be a non-uniform day where students can wear red and/or white. Also, students from the Brookside Student Council will be visiting classes and will have short presentations, educating students about fairness.

Brookside Athletic Association (BAA) is Starting Junior House League

Get ready Juniors for an amazing recess, once a week, where we get active and play lots of fun games outdoors!

The BAA has just finished Primary House League with many fun activities. Get ready Juniors, we have fun games for you too!~ Arushi

SOS (Save Our Sharks)- Mr. Lee's Class

In Mr Lee’s Grade 4 Science class, we were learning about Ecosystems and the importance of our oceans.  We explored and researched about sharks and how impactful they are.  Sharks have been around since the age of dinosaurs and they play an important role on how our planet is shaped. They keep our ecosystem in balance and our earth healthy.  Saving sharks is saving our own human existence.  We also learned from our media that Sharks have been negatively stereotyped around the world as “monsters”. Truth is that these wonderful apex predators have a role to play for our oceans keeping a balance in our ecosystems; ensuring that there is enough oxygen for all living things on Earth.  We also learned that it’s important not to allow the media to affect our ideas and negatively stereotype things such as animals and other people.

We loved working on this project.  During group work, we listened to each other's ideas and cooperated on how to create a three-dimensional shark of our choice. Our class chose

the Hammerhead, Great White, Bull Shark, Tiger, and the Caribbean Reef Shark.  This science/art lesson began with the process of using STEM strategies to create the inside structure of the shark.  We used  thin cardboard to create the shape and then applied paper mache as skin.  We finished off the assignment by painting the sharks to bring them into life.  We appreciate the beauty of our oceans and the endless wonder of sharks.  It is all of our responsibility to protect sharks and look at ways we can keep our oceans and planet more healthy for centuries in our future .  Come down to the library to see them on display.

In closing, here are some things we can do to keep our oceans healthier.

  • Use biodegradable alternatives when choosing products
  • Stop hunting sharks for teeth and finns 
  • Stop overfishing and depleting marine life
  • Reduce the use of the vehicle to prevent pollution 
  • Conserve the use of water 

By: Shruti and TJ                              

Art Club

The Art Council is ready to do some art, but what art are they going to do well?

The Art Council is planning to do murals, a fish sculpture and more. Right nowMr. Lee has made some canvas with quotes to spread inspiration around the school.

February Student Workshop:

Origami: Brookside! The Art Council has prepared ANOTHER workshop. So the workshop is *drumroll please* origami! Yes, origami is the Art Council’s February workshop. If you want to join, make sure that you sign up at room 223 and wait for the announcements.

January Student Workshop:

Wow, the Manga Workshop was great we got to make our own characters, ourselves in anime, and drew our friends (with permission). We even hung our art on the bulletin board for everyone to see the skill that our Bulldogs have. We can’t wait for the next workshop.Prithikaa & Hashini

Brookside Global Citizens

The Global Citizens have a new initiative! The Kindness Campaign. As February is starting, we are bringing in the new initiative to spread kindness in- not only our school- but our community. From Bingo activities, class kindness swaps, kindness boards; to class visits where we are teaching our Bulldogs the importance of being kind and how it affects people. So bulldogs, get ready for some fun! By: Nihashini

Bussing (Transportation) Reminders!

Our school bus operators have asked to remind families we do need parents/caregivers to come to the bus at pick-up to receive the children off the bus when it arrives at the drop off.It is too easy for students to dart off the bus and into traffic if their guardian is not there to take custody of the student off the bus.  Parents should come to the bus doors to receive their child then move away quickly to allow other parents to receive their children off the bus.

School Community Council

Please join us for our next School Council Meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 6:30, in the Library.

Regards,

School Council Co-Chairs

Neerajah Ponnampalam and Andrew Ariyaratnam

Email: 4073SC01@tdsb.on.ca


Grade 5/6 Basketball

We are so proud to be a part of the Grade 5/6 basketball team this  year. We had intense tryouts to show our dribbling, shooting, and layups skills,but most importantly, we had to show teamwork. After four challenging tryouts, this is our team:

Heer, Gajaanan, Kennis, Jayden, Rithuun, Viyoshin, Karikalan,Shalin ,Diyan ,Erfan ,Rishigan ,Agharan, Madhav, Dhruv, and Pierce.

We had 2 tournaments:

Brian Duez Memorial Tournament (Invitational tournament)

At Cornell Public School - Tuesday, January 28, 2025

On Tuesday we played 3 teams (Guildwood,Cedarbrook and Mary Shadd). It was a great experience to play basketball in this tournament.

On Thursday, January 30th, we hosted another tournament at Brookside. We played 4 tough matchups; North Agincourt, West Rouge, Mary Shadd and Charlottetown. Out of the 4 schools we only managed to beat Charlottetown. We still gave a tough fight and we placed 4th to go into the Playoffs. In the Playoffs we went against North Agincourt, and unfortunately, our journey in this tournament came to end.

A HUGE shout out goes to our coaches, Ms. Holman and Mr. Thibideau. Thank you for your dedication and support for our team! 

-Gajaanan and Heer

Ball Hockey

On February 11th or 12th, the Grade 7/8 Ball Hockey teams will be participating in their first tournament of the season.

Good luck to both teams, and GOOO, BULLDOGS!!!

~ Arushi

Volleyball

On February 11th, the Grade 7/8 Girls will be participating in their first Volleyball Tournament of the season.

Good luck girls and GOOOO, BULLDOGS!!!

~ Arushi

Parent Teacher Interview Tips

1 - Source: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/ward8/_m/docs/Fact%20Sheet%20-%20Parent%20Teacher%20Interviews%20(2).pdf

Before the interview:

Teachers: In elementary and middle schools, the teacher will often bring sample work and grades for individual assignments. In secondary schools grades for individual assignments will usually be on hand. 

Parents: It is really helpful to prepare by spending time in advance thinking about what you want to know about your child's performance at school. Writing your questions down will help you get the most out of your interview. (Some sample questions at the bottom of the next page)

Talk to your child before the interview. Find out what he or she enjoys most about school and if your child has any worries or concerns to address with the teacher. Does your child seem happy about school? What is their favourite part of the day? What is the best thing that happened to them? What makes them sad? These are open-ended questions that will allow your child to answer more than yes or no.

Consider what special things you would like the teacher to know about your child. Does your child have any special interests or hobbies? This may be helpful for the teacher to know when trying to spark your child's interest. Has anything important happened that may be useful for the teacher to know about? This information will remain confidential. Families have insight that will help the school better support learning.

If you need a translator to fully communicate, please arrange this with the school ahead of time.

During the interview:

  • Be clear about what you want out of the interview at the beginning. For example: “Thank you for Meeting with me. I would like to discuss my daughter’s progress in math.”
  • Use your list of questions to make sure you haven't left anything out.
  • Don't hesitate to make notes while the teacher is talking so that you will remember what he or she said once you get home.
  • If there is a particular troubling concern you may need to develop an action plan together.
  • Listen carefully; be open to other points of view; you both want the best for your child. It is difficult to stay focused on your child if either of you is defensive.
  • Ask the teacher about the classroom rules, homework, and student expectations.
  • Ask about your child's work habits, behaviour, participation, and learning style.
  • Highlight your child’s strengths. We all have weaknesses, but we build from our strengths.

After the interview:

  • End the interview on a positive note and keep in regular contact with the teacher to follow-up on the mutually agreed plan.
  • Most children are aware of these interviews and may be anxious about them – as soon as possible you should talk to your child about what was discussed and how you and the teacher will work together to support his or her learning.
  • Stay involved in the life of the school and classroom to better support your child.

Sample Questions:

  • How is your child getting along with other children?
  • What are the children working on right now in class?
  • Is there anything the teacher feels your child needs extra help or practice with at home?
  • How are grades determined/ how will your child be evaluated?
  • What will you cover in this grade or subject area this year?
  • Are your concerned about any particular are of learning for my child?
  • What are your expectations for homework? Has my child missed any assignments?
  • How are my child’s work habits? Is the time in class spent well?
  • Does my child read at the level you would expect for this grade?
  • Is my child able to do the math you would expect for a student in this grade?
  • Is my child in different groups for different subjects? Why?
  • Has my child missed any classes other than the ones I contacted the school about?
  • Does my child come prepared for class (e.g., arrives with pen, paper/notebook, etc)?
  • Does my child qualify for any special programs or additional supports (e.g., gifted, learning disabilities, English as a Second Language)?
  • Does my child get along well with the other students in the class? What is his/her attitude towards school, peers and adults?
  • What can I do at home to help my child be more successful at school?
  • Can you explain school terminology/methods for instruction? (e.g., schools have so many different programs which may be confusing, for example DEAR – stands for Drop Everything And Read Time – developed as a fun way to put more emphasis and importance on reading. Don't be afraid to ask what something means)
  • How do I inform the school about my child’s allergies?

Affirming Muslim Identities

TDSB Muslim Community Members: We want Your Feedback

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) invites TDSB students, families and community members who self-identify as part of the Muslim diaspora to attend a community consultation. These consultations will support the development of a multi-dimensional strategy to affirm Muslim identities and address Islamophobia within the TDSB. Attendees are encouraged to participate in conversations exploring the various ways the TDSB can nurture, affirm and support Muslim students, families and community members, while also understanding and addressing manifestations of Islamophobia.

Please see the flyer for dates, locations and times of the different community consultations taking place between January and February 2025.

Public Health Reminder: Reducing the spread of Respiratory Illnesses

Calendar


TDSB Days of Significance

TDSB Days of Significance


African Heritage Month

Black History Month this year is going to be about  Black Legacy and Leadership also Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.

Black History month is a time to reflect on the past and unlearn some things and come together as a community and show love instead of hate. We also recognize Black achievements and show justice and equity to all and put an end against racism. In the future we will have better people in the future to say NO! To racism, then we will have a better future and society. In this newsletter we will be including influential moments that we can remember, as well as black people who showed great contributions to science, arts, politics etc.

Rosa Parks; Mother Of The Civil Rights Movement

Rosa Parks played a big role in the Civil Rights Movement, she sparked activity in the Montgomery Bus Boycott which lasted around a year and she did with lots of people by her side. It all started when Rosa Parks sat on a segregated bus seat but then she had to give it up to white man but she refused then she got arrested. She proved to the United States through protests that segregation is bad. However that did not fully stop segregation, there is still some today in schools, restaurants, and other public areas. Hopefully, one century of segregation will end in our society.

Important Black People And Black Historical Figures

There were a lot of important Black people in the past in the majors of science, math, politics, sports, and arts, so as a community and appreciate their work. There were people like: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Lincoln Alexander, James Baldwin, Viola Desmond, Muhammad Ali, Kobe Bryant, Neil Degrasse Tyson, and many more. We're also here to honor their work and talk about these important people. Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks played the biggest roles in the civils rights movement on their way to end racism.

How Can We Do Our Part In Black History Month?

We can take our part by reading books that are about Black History Month or about black people like The Undefeated by Kwame Alexander, Hidden Figures by Margot Lee. We can also have conversations about what horrible things happened in the past and how we can fix that. Lastly we learn about important black people like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. or other people in politics, science, or math

February is African Heritage Month. This year it is from February 1st to February 28th. This month we honor this culture, achievements they have made, and contributions of the Black Nova Scotians. This year the theme for African Heritage Month is “Legacy in Action: Celebrating Black Brilliance.” They chose this theme because it shows the Black Nova Scotians resilience, achievements, and impacts through history. African Heritage Month started when a Harvard student named Carter G Woodson founded Negro History Week to show the achievements of the African Americans. So this month we honor African Heritage Month!

Raghavi and Lakshara

Chinese Heritage Month

Chinese Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of Chinese communities, especially in countries like the U.S. and Canada, where the Chinese diaspora has played a significant role. Officially recognized in the U.S. in 1979 and in Canada in 2002, the month highlights the achievements of Chinese individuals in fields such as arts, business, technology, and science, while also raising awareness about the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants. Through cultural festivals, educational events, and community activities, Chinese Heritage Month fosters understanding, promotes inclusivity, and ensures that the contributions of Chinese people to society are celebrated and remembered.

By Nihashini

3 - Mr. Lee's Grade 4 Class

Children’s Mental Health Week (Feb 3rd-9th)

Children’s Mental Health Week happens from February 3rd to 9th and aims to raise awareness about young people's mental health. It is organized by a charity called Place2Be and encourages schools, families, and communities to talk about kids' emotional well-being. Many children struggle with anxiety and stress, so this week highlights the need to support them early and create caring environments where they feel heard and valued. This year’s theme focuses on helping kids express themselves and connect with others. They can do this through art, music, movement, or just by talking about their feelings. Parents, teachers, and caregivers are encouraged to have open conversations, show kindness, and teach healthy ways to cope with feelings. By working together, we can help make sure every child’s mental health is taken care of.

  • By Tiana

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day happens on February 4th and this year’s theme is “United by Unique”. The whole purpose of World Cancer Day is to spread awareness about those who are currently fighting cancer. We can spread awareness about World Cancer Day by discussing what exactly is cancer? By having these discussions we can really understand what people with cancer went through.

Tharaki & Terese

Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day takes place on February 14. Valentine’s day originated from a feast day in honour of a martyr, Valentine.It originated from a roman festival. It' s an annual festival to celebrate love, friendship and admiration.We honour the people who truly matter to us, and this is a day where people usually show their tokens of appreciation. It’s a special time of year where people show their affection for different people by exchanging and receiving gifts. 

By: Akshara and Poomiha

Family Day

4 - https://attractionsontario.ca/family-day-events-and-activities/

Family Day is a special holiday dedicated to celebrating the importance of family connections and spending quality time together. It is widely celebrated in Canada on the third Monday in February, with its roots going back to Alberta in 1990. The day encourages families to come together, whether through shared meals, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying each other's company, to reflect on the emotional support and love that families provide. While celebrations vary, Family Day emphasizes the value of family in promoting well-being and strong community bonds, reminding us of the diverse forms of families and the vital role they play in shaping individuals and society.

By: Nihashini

Pink Shirt Day - Feb. 26th (Non-Uniform Day)

Pink Shirt Day, also known as Anti-Bullying Day, is a Canadian national day that raises awareness about bullying. This year, Pink Shirt Day will take place on Wednesday February 26th. Pink Shirt Day started in 2007 because a teenage boy was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. A group of the boy’s classmates organized a school-wide event to wear pink. Now, TDSB Did you know that 1 in 5 kids are affected by bullying? We must raise awareness about bullying and put an end to it. Bullying is affecting kids’ mental health and self-esteem. It starts self-hate and may eventually lead to thoughts of self-harm or even suicide. We can push back against bullying by raising awareness, being inclusive, being kind, not saying or doing something that can emotionally or physically affect someone, and standing up for the person getting bullied and for yourself. Parents, teach your child how to stop bullying and also learn how to love themselves.

~ Arushi

Repeats and Reminders...

Severe Weather Procedures – TDSB Policy

Children need an opportunity to get exercise and have free play time outdoors, however, weather conditions sometimes warrant that indoor recesses, lunch periods and pre-entry periods be considered necessary for student and staff safety. When an outdoor recess is not possible, we strive to find alternative opportunities for students to engage in daily physical activity to keep their bodies and minds active and alert.

Please be advised, when temperature and/or wind chill factor indicates -28C or lower, students will remain indoors due to risk of frostnip and frostbite. On cold and inclement days (-20 to -28 C), recesses may be shortened to 10 minutes and lunch recess to 20 minutes.

Please send your child/children to school dressed for the weather outdoors.  Whenever possible, we will go outside for morning and afternoon recess, and a 40 minute play time at lunch.  You can check the daily weather at: http://weather.gc.ca/city/pages/on-143_metric_e.html

As we enter the winter season, severe weather will be part of our daily lives for the next several months. From time to time, it is helpful and important to review safety tips for snow and ice, particularly for parts of the school yard that are not cleared.

Our school facility team works hard throughout the winter to maintain pathways and clear snow and ice along designated walkways and play areas. It is important to note, however, that some parts of school property – like the back field and paved area – are not cleared. We would like to encourage students, parents/guardians and community members to use cleared pathways to enter and exit school property whenever possible and to exercise extra caution when crossing the field and other areas that are slippery due to snow and ice.

Kindergarten Registration

Registration for all TDSB English Kindergarten programs begins in January. Families have the option of registering their child online at www.tdsb.on.ca/kindergarten or in-person at the school. With both options, families will be invited to come to the school to validate registration information and participate in a Welcome to Kindergarten event hosted by the school.