New school named Palermo Public School

At tonight’s board meeting trustees voted to name the new school located at 2561 Valleyridge Drive in the village of Palermo in Oakville, Palermo Public School.

The new schools in Milton and in Clearview in Oakville are named Tiger Jeet Singh Public School and James W. Hill Public School, respectively.

For more information, please see Reports 10035, 10034 and 10036.

Concours d’art oratoire/French speaking competition, Forest Trail, 4 Mar 2010

News Release – March 3, 2010

French Speaking Competition, Thursday, March 4, 2010 at École Forest Trail Public School
Core French and French Immersion students represent elementary and secondary schools in Halton

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The annual Concours d’art oratoire / French Speaking Competition will be held on Thursday, March 4, 2010 at École Forest Trail Public School beginning at 6:30 p.m.

In total, 19 students from the Core French and French Immersion programs in Halton elementary and secondary schools will participate. This speech competition is sponsored by Canadian Parents for French.

Competition winners will advance to the final competition on Saturday, May 8, 2010 held at the Glendon College campus of York University.

École Forest Trail Public School is located at 1406 Pine Glen Road in Oakville.

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For additional information, contact:

R. Meloche, Acting FSL Coordinator
Halton District School Board
(905) 631-6120 ext 437

Naming Oakville Ward 4’s newest school

The newest school in Oakville Ward 4 is scheduled to open this fall. At the board meeting this Wendnesday, March 3, trustees will choose its name from among these community submissions:

• Palermo Public School – Historical name for the community where the school is located.
• Kepler Public School – The Kepler Mission uses a NASA space observatory designed to discover Earth-like planets orbiting other stars. The mission is named in honor of German astronomer Johannes Kepler.
• Ellis Bell Public School – Ellis Bell is the pen name for author Emily Bronte. The street names in the school neighbourhood are associated with the literary works of Emily Bronte.
• Dr. Roberta Bondar Public School – Canadian scientist and physician, world’s first neurologist in space as an astronaut on the space shuttle Discovery mission STS 42 in 1992. Head of an international space medicine research team working with NASA for
  more than a decade. In 2007, the Ontario Government appointed Dr. Bondar Chair of the Working Committee on Environmental Education to strengthen environmental education in the curriculum of elementary and secondary schools.

The full board report is available here: Report 10035 – Shortlist of Names for Palermo School.

Snow Cancellations for 22-Feb-10

The weather has caused a few meeting cancellations tonight:

• French Advisory Committee at New Street Education Centre, Burlington
• Halton Council of Home & School Associations at WH Morden in Oakville – find more information at http://haltonchs.wordpress.com/.

“Ontario’s Next Step For Full-Day Early Learning”

The Full-Day Early Learning Statute Law Amendment Act, 2010 was introduced in the Ontario Legislature today. Read the Backgrounder below, or go to the Ministry of Ed news page to learn more:
http://news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2010/02/ontarios-next-step-for-full-day-early-learning.html.

The Early Learning Program will be introduced this fall in three public schools in West Oakville: Oakwood PS, W.H. Morden PS, and the new Palermo PS (at Lorne Skuce).

Implementing Full-Day Learning For Four- and Five-Year-Olds

February 17, 2010

Ontario’s new legislation
The Full-Day Early Learning Statute Law Amendment Act, 2010, would, if passed, amend the Education Act to:

• Give school boards the responsibility and authority to implement full-day early learning for four- and five-year-olds, staffed by teachers and early childhood educators
• Give school boards the responsibility and authority to implement an extended day program – before- and after-school -for four- and five-year-olds, led by early childhood educators
• Permit boards to offer before- and after-school programs for older children (ages six to 12)
• Permit boards to offer programs throughout the year for children aged four to 12, including non-instructional days such as professional development days, school breaks and summer holidays
• Give boards the authority and responsibility to set, charge and collect fees for the before- and after-school programs
• Recognize the new role of early childhood educators in elementary schools
• Require collaboration among teachers and early childhood educators to provide high-quality and effective play-based education to support enhanced learning and cognitive, emotional and social development for children.

If passed, the legislation would also make necessary amendments to the Education Act to ensure the entire full-day learning program and its staff are held to the same high quality and safety standards as any other component of the education system.

An enriched, integrated program
In September 2010, Ontario’s new full-day learning program for four- and five-year-olds will be offered in approximately 600 schools across the province. In this new program, our youngest students will benefit from a full day of learning with both a teacher and an early childhood educator in the classroom and an integrated, extended before- and after-school program, led by an early childhood educator.

The before- and after-school program is optional and parents would pay a reasonable fee if they enrol their child. Subject to legislative approval, school boards will set and collect fees. Subsidies will be available to some families based on need.

This innovative new program will build on the strong kindergarten programs already in place across the province. Schools and boards that currently offer their own full-day kindergarten program will continue to do so and will eventually align with the provincial program.

Schools on Twitter and Facebook

Student Services at TA Blakelock HS (tab.hdsb.ca) is now on twitter! Get up to the minute information about course selection, scholarships and other upcoming events. To follow, click twitter.com/tabguidance.

If you really want to know what’s going on at Eastview PS (eas.hdsb.ca), click twitter.com/EastviewPS to follow on twitter, or join hundreds of parents and students who are Eastview Facebook Fans.

Welcome to the 2010!

“Dealing with Challenging Behaviour in Children and Teens”, Dr. Stuart Ablon – Mon 29 Mar, 7:30 PM

Dealing with Challenging Behaviour in Children and Teens: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach

By: Dr. Stuart Ablon

Collaborative Problem-Solving focuses on understanding the thinking and behaviour of children and teens so that we can help them develop the skills that are needed to behave well.

These skills include:

• Impulse and emotional control
• Problem-solving
• Interpersonal and social skills
• Adaptability

Free! No Reservations Required
Date: Monday, March 29, 2010
Time: 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Place: Operating Engineers Banquet Hall and Conference Centre, 2245 Speers Road, Oakville (Between Bronte Road and Third Line) — Please Car Pool

American Sign Language-English Interpreters available upon request. If you wish to use this service, please RSVP by March 22, 2010 to bastaj@hdsb.ca

Stuart Ablon, Ph.D., is Associate Director of the Collaborative Problem-Solving Institute in Boston Mass., and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is coauthor of Treating Explosive Children with Dr. Ross Greene. The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach has been featured on Dateline NBC, Good Morning America, The Early Show and the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Early Learning Update

It would be an understatement to suggest that the Early Learning Program being introduced across Ontario this fall is simply all day every day kindergarten.  The Extended Day (or before and after school care) may possibly be the most controversial component of this program for parents and communities. 

The Ministry of Eductation provides information and guidance to school boards on the Early Learning Program through “EL Memos”.  The most recent 10 pager from Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for the ELP, Jim Grieve, 2010 EL2: Early Learning Program – Extended Day Component dated January 13, addresses before and after care. In a subsequent Letter regarding the Early Learning Program dated February 3, the ADM provides additional clarification on the Extended Day program options for school boards.

The first memo of 2010, 2010 EL1: Early Learning Program – Site Selection Confirmation confirms the schools that will offer the ELP in year one of implementation. In West Oakville these are Oakwood, W.H. Morden and the as yet to be named Palermo school.

Ministry communications to school boards can be accessed online at http://cal2.edu.gov.on.ca/index.html

News and updates on the HDSB’s Early Learning Program implementation can be found at http://www.hdsb.ca/Programs/Pages/All-DayKindergartenInformation.aspx.

Your comments are welcome.

Board to buy Lakeshore Woods school site

On Wednesday, February 3, the board approved the purchase of the elementary school site on the south side of Nautical Drive in Lakeshore Woods. The background and rationale for the purchase are outlined in HDSB Report 10007. This report includes the following Analysis:

At this point staff has not presented a report to the trustees requesting direction with respect to the potential school within the Lakeshore community. As a consequence, in accordance with the agreement with Metrus, it is recommended that the site be purchased in advance of the planning for the 2010 – 2014 Long Term Accommodation Plan.

This maintains flexibility to act to ether build the school or maintain the present capital infrastructure. There is no economic disadvantage to this purchase as it was contemplated in the Board’s Education Development Charges By-law passes in June 2009.

It has not been decided that a school will be built on this site. This will be part of a public and inclusive process in Wards 1&2 Oakville.

To learn more, consider attending one of the public information meetings being held this month to review the Halton District School Board’s Long-Term Accommodation Plan. A meeting for Oakville is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 23 at Abbey Park High School.

News and information will also be available on the HDSB website (http://hdsb.ca) and the West Oakville Family of Schools website (http://wofos.ca).  You are welcome to comment below.

“Boys and Girls Learn Differently” – Mar 2, 7:30PM at Nelson HS

C.A.P.P. for KIDS

*Community & Parent Partners for Kids*

Boys and Girls Learn Differently

How Gender Differences Influence Learning and Behaviour

Guest Speaker: Michael Reist

Gender differences have a profound influence on learning and behaviour. Boys’ brains and girls’ brains develop and operate very differently. Current brain research has revealed differences between the way boys and girls think and communicate. Parents of children 0-18 years will benefit from this enlightening workshop. Come learn some practical strategies for raising and teaching boys and girls. Michael Reist is a teacher with over 25 years of experience in the classroom. He is a frequent speaker to local parent groups and education conferences.

Free!	No Reservations Required
Date:	Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Time:	7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. (Community displays 7:15 – 7:30 p.m.)
Place:	Nelson High School, Auditorium 4181 New Street, Burlington (Between Appleby and Walkers Line, South of the QEW)

*Donations towards future speakers will be gratefully accepted*

American Sign Language-English Interpreters available upon request. If you wish to use this service, please RSVP by February 25, 2010 to 905-827-9833 TTY or email accesshalton@halton.ca

For additional information contact Halton Region at:
   Dial 311 or 905-825-6000 TTY: 905-827-9833

“Recognizing Depression” – Feb 8, 7:00PM at TAB

Recognizing Depression

Approximately 20% of teenagers and adults will experience depression

Free Admission, Everyone Welcome

Learn:

• What depression is
• The early signs and symptoms
• How to get help
• The impact of depression

Tuesday, February 9, 2010
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Thomas A. Blakelock High School
1160 Rebecca Street, Oakville

Presentation by the Centre For Addiction and Mental Health
Speakers sharing their personal experiences with depression

Please RSVP to reserve a seat. 

For more information or to RSVP dial 311 or (905) 825-6000 ext. 2988 or email: Sabrina.thiffault@halton.ca

Click her for printable notice.

Congrats Kevin!

News Release

FLYNN APPOINTED PARLIAMENTARY ASSISTANT TO THE MINISTER OF EDUCATION

OAKVILLE — MPP Kevin Flynn has been appointed by Premier McGuinty as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education.

“I know that the people of Oakville value public education and recognize that the future of our community and province in a global economy depends on excellence in the public education of our young people,” said Flynn. “I’m honoured to be asked by the Premier to assist in such an important responsibility and continue to implement the tremendous improvements we’ve seen during the McGuinty years.”

Flynn has served as Parliamentary Assistant in several Ministries since being elected in 2003. Flynn recently served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

“It has been a privilege to work with Minister John Milloy and move forward important legislation expanding labour mobility and creating an Ontario College of Trades,” said Flynn.

Parliamentary Assistants carry out duties assigned by their minister or the Premier. Their responsibilities may include carrying bills through the house or its committees on behalf of their ministers, leading ministry consultations with the public and taking responsibility for specific programs or policy initiatives.

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For more information contact:
Steven Ball, Legislative Assistant to MPP Kevin Flynn
(416) 325-7215

SEAC Community Consultation, Abbey Park on Feb 10, 2010

News Release – February 1, 2010

Public meetings scheduled to review Special Education Plan
Input welcome from students, parents and community members

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The Halton District School Board’s Special Education Advisory Committee invites students, parents and community members to attend a public meeting to review the Special Education Plan.

The Student Services Department will provide a brief presentation about programs and services offered, followed by an opportunity for students, parents and community members to provide input. The Special Education Advisory Committee welcomes this as an opportunity to better understand the special education priorities of students.

Meetings will be held during February on following evenings and locations. All meetings begin at 7 p.m.:

• Milton: Monday, February 8, 2010 (Milton District High School, 396 Williams Street, Milton)
• Burlington: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 (M.M. Robinson High School, 2425 Upper Middle Rd., Burlington)
• Oakville: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 (Abbey Park High School, 1455 Glen Abbey Gate, Oakville)

Students, parents and community members are welcome to attend on any of these evenings. If you need any special assistance or accommodations, please contact Pam Cooley at 905 631-6120 ext 323. We would be happy to make the appropriate arrangements.

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For additional information, contact:

David Boag, Superintendent of Education
Halton District School Board
(905) 335-3663, (905) 842-3014, (905) 878-8451

Student Fees Policy – HDSB Report 10005

Report 10005 – Student Fees Policy, describes an Administrative Procedure that will affect every public school and student in Halton starting this fall. Elementary schools will receive $20 per student and secondary schools will receive $35 per student, to reduce the fees charged for program materials or activities. The cost of implementing this policy will be about $1.27 million for the 2010-2011 school year.

For details, please read Report 10005 – Student Fees Policy, which includes the rationale for this change and the draft procedure.

School Board Agendas and Minutes are available online at http://www.hdsb.ca/BoardroomTrustees/Pages/BoardAgendaMinutes.aspx.

HCHSA Meeting Feb 22, 2010

The Halton Council of Home & School Associations is meeting on Monday, February 22 at 7:15 PM in the Library at WH Morden PS, 180 Morden Rd, Oakville. Representatives from all Home & School Associations in Halton are invited to attend. There will be the usual networking opportunities, plus, WH Morden Principal, John Pennyfather, is on the agenda and will talk about the new Ealry Learning Program at the school.

For more information head over the the HCHSA Blog at http://haltonchs.wordpress.com/.

New Minister of Education

There has been a cabinet shuffle at Queen’s Park. Leona Dombrowsky (Prince Edward Hastings) will take over as Minister of Education from Kathleen Wynne, who is moving to Transportation.

For more information:
http://www.news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2010/01/new-decade-new-challenges-new-cabinet.html

Haiti Relief

The CBC has created Haiti Relief at http://www.cbc.ca/haitirelief/, a website to facilitate donating online, finding family and friends, and for keeping abreast of news on the relief efforts in Haiti.

People for Education – 1st School Council Survey

Just two weeks left to participate in the People for Education School Council Survey:

Are you part of the School Council?
 
We are asking school councils to fill out our new School Council Survey by clicking on the link below:
  
Click here to fill out the school council survey online, in English.
 
Cliquez ici pour commencer le sondage en français. 
 
You can also print (or save) a copy of the blank survey if you wish to circulate it to members for their input. The online deadline is extended until January 31st, so please fill it out, or forward this message now.

The results from the survey provide valuable data that will not only help you in your work, but also help all of us to keep track of how well Ontario’s parent involvement strategies are working. We’ll know more about fundraising, we’ll gain insight into what school councils see as their purpose and we’ll have useful information about communication between parents and the school system. (Read more)
 
Every school will receive a summary of the results which will be published in the fall 2010.
 
Thanks so much for participating in this work,
 
Annie Kidder
Executive Director, People for Education
www.peopleforeducation.com

View a copy of our Annual Report on Schools.

Only three weeks left for Premier’s Awards nominations

February 1 is the final day to nominate an Ontario educator for this year’s Premier’s Awards for Teaching Excellence.

The awards recognize outstanding school and school board staff who make exceptional contributions to Ontario schools, and support, motivate and inspire Ontario students.

There are six award categories that recognize individuals who make a difference in education:

• Teacher of the Year
• New Teacher of the Year
• Excellent Support Staff
• Excellence in Leadership
• Team of the Year
• Lifetime Achievement

For more information go to http://news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2010/01/only-three-weeks-left-for-premiers-awards-nominations.html

New uses for synervoice?

This Saturday morning at 5:16 AM we were among the many families to be reasured by the school board’s synervoice system that there was no school today (see the apology below). What the heck, it got me thinking that this system might be useful on school days for prying my teenager out of bed in time for class. I imagine he is like many other kids his age, sleeping with iPod and cell phone close at hand, conditioned like a Pavlovian hound to reach out at the first tinkling of the ringtone to see or hear what important message is bubbling up through the ether. Perhaps synervoice could be programmed with the cell numbers of kids who tend to arrive late for class to send a 6:45 AM wakeup call? “OMG U B L8 4 skul!!!!”

News Release – January 16, 2010

Automated phone message sent in error Saturday January 16
Board apologizes for disruption and inconvenience

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In the early morning of Saturday, January 16, 2010 automatic phone message was sent IN ERROR to all homes that subscribe to the Board’s Syner-voice Home Notification System.

The Halton District School Board apologies for this disruption and is following up to ensure an error such as this cannot happen again.

The inaccurate message was related to school closures and cancelled transportation due to inclement weather.

Again the Halton District School Board sincerely apologizes for any disruption or inconvenience this may have caused.

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For additional information, contact:

Bruce Smith, Chief Information Officer
Marnie Denton, Manager, Communication Services
Halton District School Board
(905) 335-3663, (905) 842-3014, (905) 878-845