“We are striving to forge a union with purpose

To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters, and conditions of man

And so, we lift our gazes not to what stands between us but what stands before us

We close the divide because we know, to put our future first, we must first put our differences aside

We lay down our arms so we can reach out our arms to one another

We seek harm to none and harmony for all”.

Amanda Gorman (Poet and Activist and her work focusses on issues of oppression, feminism, race, and marginalization)

Dear Mount Royal Families:

I am hoping that you are staying safe, staying healthy, staying humble and staying kind. At this time, it is important that we remember how far we have come together since March of 2020. The quote above from Amanda Gorman reminds us that we continue to strive towards harmony for all. We listen to the narratives of others and learn from their experiences. When we listen and empathize with others, we can be the best that we can. February is Black History Month. Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. At Mount Royal and the Peel District School Board we strive to honour our black students every month of our school year and continue to work towards serving other marginalized people including our Indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities.  I invite you to join our upcoming Virtual School Council meeting on Tuesday February 16^th at 7:00 p.m. to hear about the work that Mount Royal is doing to dismantle anti-black racism.

I know during this time, staff, students, and families continue to face new and difficult challenges. It is important to know that you are not alone and there are supports available to help.  Guide to Mental Health Supports and Community Resources. We appreciate that these are already challenging times for students and families and are grateful for your adaptability during this time.

As we return to in-person learning for some on February 16^th, please ensure that you have read and reviewed the email that was sent earlier this week regarding Active Daily Screening and Safety protocols that are in place for students. Mandatory mask wearing for all students, including Kindergarten is in effect under the advice of Peel Public Health. When students are outside, they will also be wearing masks.

Beginning February 18^th, elementary students will begin to receive Term 1 report cards, Kindergarten Communication of Learning documents and Individual Education Plans. As we approach reorganization day on the 16^th of February, please remember that this is the last time that this process will be taking place for the 2020-2021 school year.  Thank you for your understanding and remember that safety of your children is always at the front of any decision making.

We encourage you to please continue to communicate with us through the email mountroyal.ps@peelsb.com as it is checked regularly by our office staff. We look forward to one day returning to normalcy where we can all come together and share a smile, have a conversation, and welcome all of you into the walls of Mount Royal. For now, please be patient and take care of each other.

Sincerely,

Aamer Zuberi

Principal

Mount Royal P.S.

Mount Royal puts the spotlight on Black History

Each February, Canada celebrates Black History Month by recognizing and celebrating the contributions made by Black people to Canadian society. Black History Month provides the opportunity for students, staff and families to learn more about and celebrate Black history and heritage and to honour the legacy of Black Canadians and Black communities globally. As we participate in month-long festivities and events, we take the time to recognize the outstanding achievements of Black Canadians in all areas of Canadian life including in science and technology, media, the arts, sports, education, law, healthcare, military services, financial services and more.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine.

During Black History Month, schools across Peel will participate in a number of activities that recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Black Canadians as well as Black communities from around the world.

Here are some of the events/ activities that are happening at Mount Royal during Black Hisory month

• Learning about inventions and products that have sprung from the minds of famous black inventors from the traffic light to the ironing board; their creations have had a significant impact on our daily lives (Grade 6) 
• Movies that inspire our students to recognize differences, speak up for equality and injustice and to pursue their dreams and passions such as “My friend, Martin” (Marin Luther King) – grade 5
• Collages: We’re In this Together.’  The Black Lives Matter demonstrations are a key fixture in students’ collages. It reminds us that it will take a global movement to strengthen human rights and solve injustice. (Grade 8)
• Online workshops (one every week) with successful people of African descent . The purpose is to inspire students to use the stories of these successful black personalities to plan for their own journey as they move forward into the future (Grade 8)
• Examining music that addresses racism (Grade 8)
• Examining Trail Blazing African Americans (Kindergarten)
• dismantling the stereotypes associated with blackness with the question, “how have blacks contributed to society?”
• “What it means to be black”. Teacher and a student will share experiences of why this month and their race is important to them (grade 7)

As part of the Peel board’s commitment to equity and inclusion and to help better reflect student identity, in addition to Black History Month, the Peel board approved a series of motions recognizing a number of months of recognition. For more information, visit www.peelschools.org/aboutus/equity.
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Student immunization for grades 7, 8, 9 and 12 on hold until further notice

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, Peel Public Health is placing school-based clinics on hold until further notice due to COVID-19.

Cancellation notices will be sent via the Peel Public Health e-booking system to families who have already booked appointments for the new year. Information will be shared when school-based vaccinations resume.

For more information, please call Peel Public Health 905-799-7700 or visit www.peelregion.ca/immunize.

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It’s time to register children born in 2017 for kindergarten

We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student…and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2017, they can start kindergarten in September 2021.

Starting January 1, 2021, families can register online for the 2021-22 school year by visiting www.peelschools.org/Kindergarten

Documents required for registration

Families will be required to upload scanned copies of the following documents while completing online registration. 

Proof of child’s age and legal name (one of the following)

• Birth Certificate/Birth Registration Card
• Citizenship Card / Certificate / Passport / Permanent Resident Card / Confirmation of Permanent Residence
• Certificate of Indian Status
• Refugee/Convention Refugee Permit

Current proof of address (one of the following)

• Agreement of Purchase and Sale of House
• Latest Municipal Tax Assessment (MPAC) / Tax Bill
• Phone / Cable/ Internet Bill
• Utility Bill (water, hydro, gas)
• Bank Statement / Letter from Financial Institution / Credit Card Statement
• Government forms (e.g. Canada Post, Service Canada documents)

Proof of Citizenship/Immigration Status (if applicable)

Proof of custody – children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate living arrangement.

Proof of immunization – proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated.

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Regional Learning Choices Programs empower students to unlock their passions

Regional Learning Choices Programs offered by the Peel District School Board empower students by providing them with opportunities to develop and explore skills in a particular area of interest. Regional programs are open to all students who meet the criteria for acceptance. Students and families are encouraged to visit www.peelschools.org/regionalprograms to learn about the programs, application details and how supports are available to help families choose the program(s) of their choice. 

New self-identification process: All African, Black, First Nations, Inuit and Métis students who self-identify on the application form and meet the criteria for admission, will be accepted into the program without participating in the random selection process. Learn more.

Transportation is not provided for students in regional programs. If students have been accepted into a regional program and they live within the school boundary, they are only eligible for busing if they meet the distance criteria outlined in the board’s Transportation Policy #39.

All regional programs include annual fees, including a non-refundable $40 application fee. Please note that supports are available for families who are interested in applying and may require financial assistance – please speak with your principal.

Important dates to note:  

	Applications open	Applications close
ELEMENTARY	Jan. 25, 2021 at 8:30 a.m.	Feb. 8, 2021 at 3 p.m.

Programs	Schools offered at	Starts in grade:
6	7
Actively in Motion (AIM)	Royal Orchard MS
Arts	Earnscliffe Sr. PS (starts in grade 6), Queen Elizabeth Sr. PS
Arts and Technology	Morning Star MS
International Baccalaureate (IB)	Bristol Rd. MS, WG Davis Sr. PS
International Business and Technology (IBT)	Allan A. Martin Sr. PS, Lisgar MS, Williams Pkwy Sr. PS,
SciTech	Centennial Sr. PS, Macville PS, Tomken Rd. MS

For more information about program information nights, busing and the
application process, visit www.peelschools.org/RegionalPrograms

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Helping your child or teen learn about mental health

From the PDSB Mental Health Resource Team and School Mental Health Ontario

Mental health is everyone’s business, and we all have a role to play. As a parent, guardian, caregiver or family member, you have a particularly special role in supporting child and youth mental health.

Naturally, this begins with supporting your own child(ren) and young family members, to help them to grow into mentally healthy and resilient adults. Understanding the sorts of skills that help to support good mental health in an ongoing way, and how best to reinforce these skills as part of regular family life, can also help to start and keep young people on a good path.

Here are six ways you can help your child or teen learn about positive mental health:

1. Develop a shared understanding about what mental health actually is, including the differences between mental health and mental illness.
2. Support social emotional skill development and overall well-being. Help your child/teen understand why these skills are so important in our lives.  Invite open conversations about your child/teen’s thoughts, feelings and discuss any mental health struggles they may be having.
3. Know the signs of mental health problems, and help your child/teen to also know and recognize signs of struggle.
4. Help your child to be aware of supports and help available, and assist them in reaching out for help if ever needed.
5. Remind your child/teen that there will be ups and downs in life, and that you will always be there to support them.
6. Take care of your own mental health and model good self-care!

If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, or have questions about how to talk to your child about difficult topics, visit bit.ly/PDSBStudentMHandWB for further information and links to school and community resources. The PDSB Mental Health Resource Team is made up of registered psychologists and social workers.  Follow them on Twitter @MHRTPeel to join the #WELLinPEEL conversation.