Brookside Connect! December 2024!
Principal's Message
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
As the calendar year draws to a close and the holiday season begins, we’re excited to share the latest updates and happenings in our December newsletter. This month is filled with opportunities for celebration, reflection, and growth. From special events and winter activities to academic highlights and important reminders, we’re here to keep you informed and engaged.
In November, our Brookside Student Council organized a meaningful Remembrance Day Assembly to honor the sacrifices made by those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada’s military. Meanwhile, our Global Citizens group continued their work supporting the local community.
This month, our Eco-Team is hosting Sweater Day on Friday, December 20th (a Non-Uniform Day), encouraging everyone to wear a cozy sweater as part of our annual tradition to reduce our carbon footprint. Additionally, our Student Council will be hosting our first Community Building and Spirit Assembly on Wednesday, December 18th.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. We wish you and your family a warm, joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and togetherness.
Eckleton Richards Jr. Sarah Sirbos
Principal Vice-Principal
Email: brooksidepublicschool@tdsb.on.ca
Follow us on X: @BrooksidePSTDSB
Website: schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/brookside
Table of Contents:
- The Halls of Brookside
- Brookside Global Citizens - Needs/Food Drive
- Brookside Student Council (BSC) Update!
- Eco Team: SWEATER DAY! Friday, December 20, 2024 (Non-Uniform Day)
- Change to Bussing Pick-Up Request Response
- School Community Council
- Brookside's First Debate Team!
- Primary Choir
- Volleyball at Brookside
- Girls' Basketball
- TDSB Scent Free Environment Policy
- Public Health Dental Screening
- Trustee Rajakulasingam November Update
- Learn4Life Adult Community Programs - Winter 2025 Registration Now Open!
- Google Calendar
- TDSB Days of Significance
- Hanukkah (Judaism)
- Christmas (Christianity)
- Kwanzaa (African Canadian/African American)
- The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery December 2nd
- National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women December 6th
- Human Rights Day December 10th
- Repeats and Reminders
- Reporting Absences and Lates / Safe Arrival
Global Citizens - Needs Drive Update!
Hello Brookside Families!!
This past month, the Global Citizens have been coordinating the Needs Drive at Brookside PS. We would like to thank all the families and staff members that have contributed to this event! Thanks to you we have successfully delivered 2 cars full of boxes to the Feed Scarborough Food Bank on Kingston Road! Together we have helped many families that are in need of different things they might need, such as non-perishable food items, baby and women's products, hygiene items, as well as books and toys! You can continue to send items in until this Friday, and the final car full of donations will be taken to Feed Scarborough's Food Bank!
Stay tuned for more information about upcoming events of the Global Citizens, so you can take part in these meaningful initiatives!
This week will be the fifth, and final, week, from December 2 to December 6. We will be accepting food, baby products and feminine products. This drive is held because it supports people in need and it can create a difference in many people's lives.
Thank you!
Brookside Global Citizens
- Sahana, Sajitha, Akshara and Poomiha
Brookside Student Council (BSC)
The Brookside Student Council is involved in many things, including the Kindness and Caring, Community Building and Spirit Assembly happening on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024. The purpose of this assembly is for students to understand that kindness has a positive impact on everyone. Also, we would like to distinguish the difference between bullying and meanness. Students often don’t understand if people are being a bully or simply being rude. The Brookside Student Council hopes to see that students will think about these concepts and will show small acts of kindness in their day-to-day lives.
-Poomiha
Eco-Team - Sweater Day (Friday, December 20th) - Non-Uniform Day!
On December 20th the ECO Team is hosting a Sweater Day Event. This is an important event that helps the globe as it helps in many ways to prevent rising issues going on in the world. Especially during the winter, we usually turn up the heat in our houses. Unfortunately, this is a contributing factor that increases the risk of global warming and climate change. Therefore, putting on a sweater is a simple, efficient, effective, more natural and warmth effective way to preserve our planet for longer. Another amazing fact is that you don't have to wear a sweater only on this specific day. You can wear it any day! It is highly recommended to wear a sweater instead of cranking your beloved home heater straight to the max. Did you know that having too much heat is both expensive and dangerous? It can affect you making you sick and have other long/short term illnesses. Sweaters that don’t match school colors will also be allowed as it will be a non-uniform day. So remember to wear your hoodie for you and our environment on December 20th, ECO Team Out!!
-Athieban and Sabbresh
Transportation Update: Change in Bus Pick-Up Location
Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the bus pick-up location. As a follow up to your concerns, we have shared our Brookside families’ safety concerns, and the Transportation Department reviewed this request to go back to the original pick-up location of Quietbrook and Turtledove Grove. However, the Transportation Safety Officer has assessed the current stop at Staines and Turtledove Grove and deemed it safe. Transportation has confirmed that the bus stop will remain at this location. We have requested a formal communication from the Transportation Department to share with families and we will share it when one becomes available.
School Community Council
The Brookside School Council would like to thank all of our volunteers and students that helped with our first major initiative (Pizza Lunch!) on November 20th. With all of your help, the event was a huge success! Our next School Council Meeting will be held virtually on January 27th, 2025. We will share more information in January 2025.
Regards,
School Council Co-Chairs
Neerajah Ponnampalam and Andrew Ariyaratnam
Brookside's First Debate Team!
Are you nervous about public speaking? Do you want to improve your communication skills? Join our new Intermediate Debate Team!
Our Goals:
Build Confidence: Make students more comfortable with public speaking
Master Public Speaking: Learn techniques for effective speeches, presentations, and announcements.
Exploring: Diving into the world of debate and speech arts while sharpening your argumentation skills.
Connecting: Meet like-minded peers and build relationships through networking.
Enhancing Skills: Improve your vocabulary, grammar, and overall language proficiency.
What to Expect:
Introduction to Speech Arts: Learn the foundations of public speaking, including body language, voice projection, and audience engagement.
Practice: Regular speech and presentation activities.
Debate Challenges: Engage in fun debates on various topics.
Stepping Forward: Receive constructive feedback and encouragement from peers and teachers.
Who Can Join?
Intermediate students who are eager to develop their public speaking skills.
When and Where?
Rm. 303
First Meeting: November 18th
Meeting Schedule: Almost every Monday
Don't miss this opportunity to unlock your potential! Join the Intermediate Debate Team and discover the power of your voice.
-Arushi
Primary Choir
This year, Ms. Rajballie Kramer and Ms. Rajaratnam have worked hard to train the Grade 3s to sing the Remembrance Day Song. Later on this year, during the winter, the Grade 2 students will be singing a winter song. Followed by that the grade 3s, who will be performing a Bollywood Dance for the Spring Concert. Reminder, students are expected to be on their best behavior during practices and performances. Parents and guardians will receive an email regarding information about practices and more information.
-Nihashini
Volleyball at Brookside
On Monday, November 25th, 2024 our Brookside Bulldogs welcomed Lucy Maud Montgomery P.S. and White Haven P.S. to play in the Grade 8 Boys Volleyball Tournament. The boys played 4 total games and only lost 1! We had an amazing tournament and the Grade 8 Boys Volleyball Team will be advancing. Go Bulldogs!
Arushi & Tiana
Girls' Basketball
The Grade 8 girls Basketball team has trained hard for their upcoming tournament on Tuesday December 3rd. We wish you all the best of luck and hope you all enjoy your tournament! Go Bulldogs!
-Nihashini
TDSB Scent Free Environment Policy
Public Health Dental Screening
Dear Parent/Guardian:
To identify children with oral health problems, a screening program is offered by Toronto Public Health (TPH) to students in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health requirements for mandatory health programs. The screening is an assessment by an oral health staff member using a separate sterilized mouth mirror for each child. The oral health staff member will assess the need for topical fluoride, scaling, sealant and any other obvious dental needs.
As a follow up to the screening, only parents whose children were screened will be notified and a note to that effect will be sent home with their child for your information and action. You may also receive a phone call from TPH dental staff to assist you in accessing care.
Please be advised that this screening assessment does not replace the dental examination done by a dentist.
The screening date for your child/ren's school has been scheduled for:
If you do not wish your child/ren to be screened, please inform the school staff and the classroom teacher.
For additional information, please visit us at http://www.toronto.ca/health/dental/children_youth.htm or contact the oral health staff member on the phone number/email listed above.
Please note that all personal health information (PHI) collected during the screening process will be protected under the provincial Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA).
Dr. Manisha Mehta, DDS
Manager Dental and Oral Health Services
Trustee Rajakulasingam November Update
Learn4Life Adult Community Programs - Winter 2025 Registration Now Open!
Schools are encouraged to share the following information for parents in their school newsletters. Staff are also encouraged to participate!Registration for winter courses in the Learn4Life Adult General Interest Program opens on November 13 at 8:30 a.m. Available to adults 18 and older, the Learn4Life program offers a unique opportunity to pursue interests, expand knowledge, and engage in lifelong learning. The program features a wide range of courses and activities designed to cater to diverse interests and passions—from art and fitness to languages, sports and handiwork.
TDSB Days of Significance
Hanukkah (Judaism)
Hanukkah is a Judaism celebration that lasts for eight days. This year (2024), Hanukkah is on December 25th to January 2nd. On these eight days a menorah is lit. Each day a candle on the menorah is lit. Hanukkah is celebrated to honor the Second Temple of Jerusalem. On Hanukkah people eat LATKES, KUGEL, BRISKET, RUGELACH, and many other delicious foods. On this day people play dreidel. On the dreidel there are four sides. Each side has a different word. The words are SHIN, HEY, GIMEL, and NUN. It is very entertaining to play. So Happy Hanukkah to all those who celebrate!
-Raghavi and Lakshara
Christmas (Christianity)
Christmas is a festival that is celebrated by most Christians on December 25. You may be wondering what the history behind Christmas is. Well, Christmas is celebrated to remember the birth of Jesus Christ who Christians believe is the Son of God. Christians celebrate Christmas by having Christmas trees, going to church, giving gifts to one another, and eating meals with family and friends. Christmas has been celebrated since 1870. For anyone who celebrates Christmas, Merry Christmas, and for those who do not celebrate we still hope you have a good Winter Break. Happy Holidays!
-Tharaki
Kwanzaa (African Canadian/African American)
Kwanzaa is an African-American celebration starting from December 26 to January. It was first celebrated in 1966 and was created by Maulana Karenga, who was an activist. He created Kwanzaa because of his goal, which was to “give Blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and their history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society.”
The seven candles represent Kwanzaa. Kinara, the black candle, represents the Candle Holder, Mkeka, the Mat, Muhindi, which is the corn to represent the children, Mazao, the fruit to represent the harvest, and Zawadi, the gifts. Now, we hope you have a great time celebrating Kwanzaa!
-Hashini
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery - December 2nd
Hello Brookside! Today is a sad day – it’s the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. You might be asking, what does that mean? Let me explain!
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is a day to remember when the world decided to stop people from being forced to work or treated badly. It’s about making sure everyone is free and treated kindly.
But why do we have this day? Well, it was made to remind us that some people are still being forced to work or treated unfairly, even though slavery is illegal. This day helps us remember to keep working to stop this and make sure everyone is treated with respect.
-Prithikaa and Hashini
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6th
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is on December 6. This day was made after the École Polytechnique massacre in 1989.The École Polytechnique, also known as the Montreal massacre, is an unfortunate homicide that started the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. 25-year-old Marc Lépine, the soon to be murderer, came to École Polytechnique, an engineering school, armed with a legally-approved rifle and a knife used for hunting. He entered the mechanical engineering class and separated the male and female students. He ordered the men to leave but shot all nine women in the room, sadly killing six. He moved through multiple floors, and classrooms, targeting only women. He wounded more students before ending himself with his rifle. All together, he killed 14 women. We pay respect to the victims of this unfortunate homicide and to women who died because of abuse or other reasons.
-Hashini
Human Rights Day - December 10th
Human Rights Day is celebrated on December 10th each year. It marks the day in 1948 when the United Nations created the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a document that says all people have basic rights and freedoms, no matter where they live. These rights include things like the right to be treated equally, the right to speak freely, and the right to live safely. Human Rights Day is a time to think about how far we have come in protecting these rights and to remind us that many people still face injustice and need support. It encourages people and governments to keep working together to make sure everyone’s rights are respected and protected.
Repeats and Reminders...
Safe Arrival
The Toronto District School Board uses SchoolMessenger as its automated call-out system for our Elementary Safe Arrival Program.
- Parent/Guardians may now call SchoolMessenger directly Toll-Free 1-833-250-2290, (between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to report their child(ren)’s absence for the current day or a future date. If Parent/Guardians do not report their child(ren)’s absence(s) prior to the start of school, they will be contacted by SchoolMessenger and must indicate the reason for the absence. The telephone number 1-833-250-2290 will display on the caller ID. For unexplained absences, the system call-out will work as follows:
- Parents/Guardians identified in the TDSB’s student database who have access to student records and are an emergency contact with priority 1 or 2 will receive both e-mail notification and call(s) of the unexplained absence.
- If you are aware of the absence, you will be asked to enter the reason for your child’s absence. The following options will be provided for you:
- Illness
- Doctor Appointment
- Dentist Appointment
- Family Matter
- Weather
- Other For a late arrival, you will be prompted to enter a time of arrival. Once the child signs in at the school office, the absence will be changed to a late (provided they arrive prior to the lunch hour). At the end of the message, you will have to press 2 to confirm you received the message. This same process will be followed for the afternoon attendance. With this in mind, it is important that your contact information on file at the office is up to date. Please let the office know immediately if your contact information changes at any time throughout the school year. We recognize that regular attendance is essential to the safety, academic success, and wellbeing of all students. Thank you for your continued co-operation with keeping your child safe and accounted for.