Blue Willow Spirit Club's FOOD DRIVE

PINK Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Pink Shirt Day

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

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http://pinkshirtday.ca/

This Wednesday, February 24^th is Pink Shirt Day.  We encourage everyone to wear a Pink Shirt on Wednesday to show support for this anti-bullying movement.  Wearing a Pink Shirt openly expresses that “kindness is one size fits all”.  We all have the capacity to spread kindness and we hope that this day will encourage everyone to spread kindness all year round. After all, kindness never goes out of style.  

Spread Kindness Blue Willow!  Wear a Pink Shirt on Wednesday.

 

Public Health - Respiratory and Enteric Illness

A Message from Public Health:

Student absences have increased recently within several schools in York Region, related to illnesses with respiratory and enteric symptoms.

To protect staff, students and families from getting ill, remember to:

·      -  Stay at home when you are sick, and keep your child home if they are sick

·       - Keep healthy by eating healthy foods, being physically active and ensuring your immunizations are up-to-date, including the seasonal flu shot

·      -  Avoid close contact with people who are sick

·       - Wash your hands often with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available

·       -  Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand, and throw away used tissues immediately

·       -  Avoid touching your face

·       -  Clean and disinfect common surfaces

Symptoms of respiratory and/or enteric illness can include:

·       -  Headache

·       -  Chills

·       - Fever (over 38 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit)

·       - Muscle aches and fatigue

·       - Runny nose

·       - Sneezing

·       - Sore throat

·       - Watery eyes

·       -  Loss of appetite

·       - Nausea and vomiting

·       - Diarrhea

If you or your child are sick and do not improve, contact your health care provider.

Many viruses are commonly active at this time of year, for example norovirus and influenza (flu). Both viruses are very contagious and can be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces, such as door knobs or eating utensils. For more information, read the norovirus and flu fact sheets online at the following links:

Norovirus fact sheet

Flu fact sheet

LUNCH ASSISTANTS WANTED

Are you available to support Blue Willow between 12-1:15pm as a Lunch Assistant? 

Are you a conscientious community member who is committed to building a safe, happy, and healthy learning environment for our children? 

If you have answered YES! then please contact the office for more information at (905) 851-0043.

Thank you Blue Willow P.S. from the Office of The Terry Fox Foundation

UNDERSTANDING LEARNING DISABILITIES AND ATTENTION DISORDERS

The workshop will help parents and students better understand Learning Disabilities.

o   What are Learning Disabilities/ADHD?

o   Advocating for children/youth

o   How to teach self-advocacy skills

o   Problem solving model

o   Building resiliency and well-being skills

o   Mental Health awareness and stress management strategies

o   Programming to support children, youth and families 

For more information and to register please contact:  YRDSB  905-895-5155 ext.144 

Pauline Costello, pauline.costello@yrdsb.ca  

or LDAYR 905-884-7933 ext. 23 Stephanie Gatti, info@ldayr.org

Additional Elementary and Secondary P.A. Days

As a result of provincial labour negotiations, a P.A. Day has been added for all York Region District School Board elementary schools on Friday, May 6, 2016 and secondary schools on Friday, June 3, 2016. 

You can see the full updated school year calendars on YRDSB’s website.

These additional P.A. Days are mandated by the Ministry of Education. On these dates, teachers will be taking part in professional development on provincial education priorities identified by the Ministry of Education. 

Connecting as a Community

Our first Family Yoga Night at Blue Willow was a great success... thanks to your participation and involvement!

Blue Willow Family Yoga Night

Together with School Council, Blue Willow organized the first of five health and wellness workshops for our extended community under the HIGH FIVE WELLNESS SERIES.  Our first event, FAMILY YOGA NIGHT was well attended and a lot of fun for participants of all ages.  The session began with fun and interactive Laughter Yoga, followed by family oriented de-stressing Traditional Yoga. 

Here are some captured quotes from our participants: 

"It was amazing. Thank you for organizing!"  

"What a fun evening for the family!"

"I never knew how much fun Laughter Yoga was!"

We look forward to enjoying the next session with you in February! Stay tuned for more information!

Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC)

Page Content We are currently seeking community members for the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee. Applications are being accepted until February 11, 2016. The Board of Trustees and Director of Education are committed to ensuring equity among all students, staff and members of the York Region District School Board community. The Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee is responsible for supporting York Region District School Board's commitment to equitable and inclusive schools and workplaces. EIAC will build on the work of the former Race Relations Advisory Committee and will provide advice and consultation to the Director of Education and the Board of Trustees on matters of equity and inclusion. Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee Agendas For further information on the Board's Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee, please contact Board and Trustee Services, extension 2049.        www.yrdsb.ca