Families Monthly Update - May 2, 2024
From May 6 to 10, we will proudly be celebrating Education Week 2024, under the theme Together We Thrive. Education Week provides an opportunity to recognize the impact of education and to honour educators, students and community who contribute to the pursuit of knowledge.
Director of Education Rashmi Swarup kicks off Education Week with a message.
Sharing timely information and keeping you informed continues to be our priority. We invite you to stay connected with us via our website at www.peelschools.org and our social media channels for updates impacting students, staff and families.
Please visit the What’s New page on our website for past family updates.
This month’s update includes:
- Celebrating Education Week 2024
- 5 Reasons to Support Apprenticeship Pathways Virtual Event - May 14
- 2024 Critical Thinking Thru the Arts Symposium
- KnowMore Hacks - May 25
- Camp Explore and Coding Camp
- Grade 9 Math & English Summer Bridge Courses
- The 2024-2025 school year calendars are now available
- Asian Heritage Month
- South Asian Heritage Month
- Jewish Heritage Month
- Peel IT Support Staff and Media Support Services Appreciation Day
- School Anniversaries
- Mental Health Month
- Mental health and well-being support and resources
- Peel Music Showcase Tonight - May 2
- Two Spirit & LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Session - May 29
- Board meeting - May 22, 2024
- PAACE presents An Evening of Black Excellence and Joy - June 5
- PIC hosts event for parents/caregivers and schools
- Visit Share the Smile
- Visit Community Corner
- Important reminders
Continuation of Learning
Celebrating Education Week May 6-10
Peel District School Board will join school boards across the province in celebrating Education Week during the month of May. Education Week provides an opportunity to recognize the impact of education and honour educators, students and community who contribute to the pursuit of knowledge. PDSB celebrations will take place May 6-10, under the theme Together We Thrive.
Be sure to follow @Peelschools on social media (X (Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram) throughout the week as we highlight stories of students, educators, staff, families and community members who have gone above and beyond to strengthen our schools, worksites and communities. We look forward to continuing to recognize and celebrate our collective efforts throughout Education Week.
5 Reasons to Support Apprenticeship Pathways Virtual Event - May 14
Parents and guardians are invited to the 5 Reasons to Support Apprenticeship Pathways virtual event, presented by Dr. Jon Callegher, Executive Director, Job Talks. Dr. Jon Callegher, an award-winning employment researcher, will explain why parents can be confident in their support of the Skilled Trades as a potential post-secondary pathway for their children.
Date: May 14
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
2024 Critical Thinking Thru the Arts Symposium
On May 22, The Woodlands Secondary School is hosting a Critical Thinking Thru the Arts (CTTA) Symposium for secondary school students interested in pursuing an arts career. The full day symposium includes a variety of arts workshops including drama, dance, music and visual arts. Students will work collaboratively and independently to explore their passions and produce their own artistic creations.
For more information about the workshops, presenters and to register speak with your school's arts teacher.
KnowMore Hacks - May 25
Is your child between Grades 6 to 10 and interested in learning to build AI, websites, videos and more? The KnowMore Hacks event is a great way to have fun, learn new skills and compete for prizes.
When: May 25 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Port Credit S.S.
Register by May 10.
Camp Explore and Coding Camp
Camp Explore and Coding Camp are exciting new literacy and numeracy-connected summer learning opportunities for students currently in Grades 6 to 10. Registration is now open and closes June 4 at midnight.
Grade 9 Math & English Summer Bridge Courses
Peel District School Board is offering both English Bridge and Math Bridge courses to students entering Grade 9 in September this year and who are achieving below level 2 or on a modified program in these crucial areas of study.
Online registration will close June 4, 2024.
For more information and to register, visit our website or view this flyer.
The 2024-2025 school year calendars are now available
- Regular school year calendar for elementary and secondary schools.
- Balanced school year calendar (for Roberta Bondar, Ray Lawson and Tony Pontes Public School).
PDSB Recognizes
Asian Heritage Month
Asian Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the many contributions of Asian communities in Canada and around the world who, throughout history, have contributed greatly to the transformation of Canada into the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous country we know today.
South Asian Heritage Month
Throughout the month of May, PDSB schools will recognize South Asian Heritage Month to learn and deepen their understanding of the rich culture, heritage and contributions of South Asians in Canada and beyond.
Jewish Heritage Month
During Jewish Heritage Month, schools across PDSB will participate in activities that recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Jewish Canadians and Jewish communities from around the world.
Peel IT Support Staff and Media Support Services Appreciation Day
May 8 is Peel IT Support Staff and Media Support Services Appreciation Day. Let's take some time to give a big thanks to them for everything they do. We appreciate your creativity and top-quality services!
School Anniversaries
Port Credit Secondary School will be celebrating their 100+4 anniversary on May 4 from 2 p.m. to midnight. Join them as they reflect on the past, reminisce with friends, and experience the school as it is today. For more information and details about the day/evening program, please visit the school website.
Middlebury Public School will be celebrating their 30th anniversary on May 30 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Staff, families and students are invited on a trip down memory lane for an evening of food trucks, music, games and fun.
Mental Health Month
Registration is now open for three PDSB parent/caregiver events that will be happening in May for Mental Health Month. Please note that all events will be held virtually. For registration or more information, please visit PDSB Mental Health and Well-Being (peelschools.org)
Mental Health & Wellness
Mental health and well-being support and resources
At PDSB, we are committed to the mental health and well-being, safety and success of all students and staff. It’s important to maintain one’s mental health and well-being, so we ask and remind you to please continue to take care of yourselves and seek support if needed. Should you require any support, mental health and well-being resources are available on our website.
Learn more about being “Well in Peel” during the month of May.
Community Engagement
Peel Music Showcase Tonight - May 2
Peel District School Board invites you to its annual Peel Music Showcase tonight, May 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Living Arts Centre. The evening will turn a spotlight on the incredible musical talents of PDSB’s Grades 3 to 12 students.
Learn more and get your tickets today
Two Spirit & LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Session - May 29
PDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC), invites PDSB parents/guardians to a Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion session on Wednesday, May 29 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at David Suzuki S.S.
The session will cover the following topics:
- PDSB's Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Action Plan
- Key terms and pronoun use
- Strategies to create more inclusive and supportive spaces
May 22 - Board meeting
The Peel District School Board community is invited to join our Board meeting on Wednesday, May 22 at 7 p.m.
Peel Association of African Canadian Educators (PAACE) - An Evening of Black Excellence and Joy
On Wednesday June 5, 2024, PAACE will be hosting an event to celebrate Black excellence at Chinguacousy Secondary School from 5:30-8:00 p.m.
This event will showcase the talented works of Black, African and Caribbean students throughout Peel District School Board. Learn more and register today
Save the Date! PIC event for parents/caregivers and schools - June 11
PDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) presents An Essential Partnership: Parents/Caregivers and Schools. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 11 from 5:30pm to 9:00 pm at David Suzuki S.S. Registration details coming soon!
Visit Share the Smile for everything good news
Share the Smile is a place where we celebrate, acknowledge and share good news happening within our PDSB community. Visit Share the Smile regularly to read our latest stories that include stories on The Afrofuturist Journey of Former Student Quentin VerCetty, Glenforest US Immersive, student Sriyanshi Gyawali, Fletcher’s Creek’s Partnership with Sheridan College, From the halls of Humberview to the PWHL: The Zoe Boyd story and more or to share your own story.
Visit Community Corner for events and activities happening throughout Peel!
Have you visited our Community Corner? Community Corner has information, resources, and links to local events and opportunities that may be of interest to PDSB staff, students and their families.
Visit Community Events to view what's taking place in Peel throughout the year.
Important reminders
Peel Public Health encourages families to stay up to date with childhood vaccinations
Peel Public Health would like to remind families that all children attending primary and secondary school in Peel are required under the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA) to be immunized against the diseases outlined on the Province’s website. Parents or guardians must submit immunization records for these diseases or valid exemption documents to Peel Public Health.
For more information on childhood immunizations, vaccines required to attend school in Ontario and how to book a vaccine appointment for your child please read the letter from Peel Public Health.
Kindergarten registration open for the 2024-2025 school year
It’s time to play, wonder, and learn in kindergarten. Children born in 2020 are eligible to begin kindergarten in September 2024.
Families can register online and learn more about the kindergarten program by visiting peelschools.org/kindergarten.
If your child will be riding the school bus for the first time, on Saturday, August 24, 2024, STOPR will be holding their annual first time rider safety program for all kindergarten children.