Happy Holidays!

On behalf of the staff at Silver Stream, we would like to wish all of our families a wonderful holiday, filled with laughter, family and friends.  Be safe and enjoy the time with your children.  May 2016 be filled with peace and happiness.  See you on January 4.  

Lost and Found Reminder

Students and families are reminded to check the lost and found tables located outside the library for their belongings.  Any unclaimed items will be donated to a charity over the holidays.

Holiday Sing-a-long

On Friday December 18 at aprox 10:40am, our school will be gathering for a holiday sing-a-long in the gym.  Parents, you are welcome to join if you are able. 

Social Skills Program through LDAYR

Extra Curricular Activities coming in January!

Students will have an opportunity to participate in several extra curricular activities continuing or starting in January.  Students need to listen to announcements to hear when and where to join and for what grades: 

Knitting and Crochet Club  
Chess Club  
Intermediate Band 
Basketball Tryouts and Team 
Pick up Basketball (no tryout)
French Club (Int)
French Tutoring/Homework Club 
Math Club
Robotics Club (Gr 8 only)
Eco Club
Snowshoes available for gym (week of Jan 18)

In addition to activities offered by staff, we will be continuing with external providers MAD SCIENCE and introducing two new options of HIP HOP (Grades 1 -6) and CARTOONING (Gr 1-6) through the Town of Richmond Hill at lunchtime. This information will be coming home with your child and/or posted here on the blog. 

Any other activities will be posted as they are announced. 

Friendly Volleyball Game

This afternoon, to evoke some school spirit, several of our staff members played volleyball against our students. Students enjoyed cheering on their favourite team and were energized by the competition.   

School Council Mtg Tues. Dec. 15 at 7pm

Winter Day Camp

Art Program @Baythorn PS

Lost and Found

During the week of Dec 14, items from the lost and found will be placed on tables in the hallway.  Students are encouraged to check for their belongings.  Unclaimed items will be donated to a local charity at the end of the week. Thank you. 

Attitude Matters in Math

Taken from "Inspiring Your Child to Learn and Love Math" Resource Guide from CODE. 

When students are positive about math, they tend to be more motivated to learn.  They accept new ideas and try more challenging tasks.  Refer to this inspirational chart when your child finds homework difficult, loses interest or becomes negative. 

FINAL: Youth Leadership Club

Mad Science Returns

Pajama Day and Movie Night Thursday Dec 3 @6:30pm in the GYM

Just a reminder to our families that on Thursday Dec 3, our students are encouraged to get cosy for movie night by wearing their pajamas to school.  Organized by our Student Leadership Council, families are asked to consider bringing a non perishable food item OR mittens/hat for those in need. Any donation of non perishable food, mittens or hat can be dropped off at the school until Dec 11.

Thank you. 

Volleyball

Today our school hosted an Intermediate Girls' Volleyball tournament.  There were 6 schools competing (Silver Stream PS, Bayview Hill ES, Adrienne Clarkson, Red Maple PS and  Beverley Acres PS).  Our girls won 2 out of 5 games and played well, trying their best. Thanks to our coaches Ms. Khorakchi, Mr. Brad Smith  and Mr. Chau for your time and commitment to the team. 

On Wednesday, our school is hosting the Intermediate Boys' Volleyball tournament.  Good luck to our boys!

School Council Movie Night Dec 3

Our School Leadership Council in conjunction with our School Council would appreciate your consideration of bringing a non perishable food item or mittens/hat to be donated to those in need.  Our character trait for this month is empathy.  What a wonderful way to demonstrate compassion for others. 

Earth Rangers visits SSPS

On Monday, our students in grades 1 to 6 attended an educational presentation by Earth Rangers.  They discussed the plight of endangered animals in North America and brought animal ambassadors with them.  Students learned about what they can do to protect these animals. 

Kindergarten and French Immersion REGISTRATION

Kindergarten Registration to Commence January 15, 2016

Kindergarten registration will commence on January 15, 2016 for the 2016-17 school year. Registration forms are available on YRDSB’s website: www.yrdsb.ca. Children who turn four or five years old during 2016, live within the school boundary and whose parents are public school tax supporters will be eligible to register for kindergarten. A kindergarten information session for parents is being planned for this spring. For more information please visit the YRDSB website or contact your local school.

French Immersion Information Sessions and Registrations

Information sessions for the French Immersion (FI) program will take place at French Immersion schools on January 14, 2016 at 7 p.m. Please visit YRDSB’s website in January 2016 (http://www.yrdsb.ca/Programs/fi/Pages/Program-Locations.aspx) to find the FI program location for your elementary school location. FI registration will begin January 15, 2016. Parents or guardians of Senior Kindergarten students entering Grade 1 in 2016, and wishing to enrol in the FI Program, can visit or call the school office and request an Office Index Card - short version. The Office Index Card must be signed by the principal of the home school. Parents or guardians then take this form, along with one piece of identification showing their address to the designated FI program location to register between January 15 and February 12, 2016. This eliminates the need to provide duplicate enrollment information or to pre-register.

YRDSB’s FI Accommodation Plan provides long-term consistency and equity of access to all students in York Region and will enable YRDSB to continue to offer the FI program to all who wish to enrol. The FI program will be offered in Dual Track or Single Track settings, in a variety of configurations. In order to meet community needs and optimize available space in our schools, a community's Grade 1-8 FI program may be provided over more than one school during the course of a student's FI education. This will allow flexibility in addressing community needs and the opportunity to use existing space in schools. More information is available on the Board’s website: www.yrdsb.ca. Please note: Some of the FI accommodation plans will require facility modifications or the development of new schools and will require short-term transition plans that might include overflow while we work toward the long-term vision. Overflow refers to situations in which the Board directs students to attend a school other than their community school or optional program for a specific period of time, as defined in Policy #108.

Message from our Trustee

        Carol Chan
       Trustee

Grade 8 Science

Students were challenged to creatively demonstrate what animal or plant cells are composed of.  Amazing work by our students!

 

REMINDER: School Council Movie Night Thursday Dec 3

It's family movie night at Silver Stream PS (gym) 

 Thursday Dec 3 

Our Student Leadership Council will be having a school spirit day on the same day.  Students will be encouraged to wear their pajamas to school. 

The Student Leadership Council is also asking families to contribute a non perishable food item beginning Monday Nov 30 until the evening of Thursday Dec 3.  It is an opportunity for our students to demonstrate compassion and empathy towards others. 

Mad Science Winter Program Available

REMINDER School Council BOOK SWAP

Friday Nov 27 2015 PA DAY

Just a reminder that Friday November 27 2015 is a PA DAY.  There is no school for students. This day has been set aside for teacher initiated interviews about student progress.  

School Council Family Movie Night

We climbed the CN Tower !

Congratulations to our students!  This week, as part of our Healthy Schools Action Plan, our students were challenged to climb as many steps as the CN Tower.  Well, they did... they climbed the equivalent of 163 times!  Best of all, we promoted the message to be active and eat healthy as every student received an apple. 

School Council Book SWAP

Youth Leadership Club Available for Gr 5-8

School Council Movie Night

Please mark your family calendar... Thursday December 3 is Movie Night at Silver Stream PS.  Stay tuned for more information. 

Step Up Challenge

How many times can our students climb the CN tower?  This week, as part of our Healthy Schools Initiatives, all of our students are climbing stairs to promote an active lifestyle and aim to climb the same number of steps as the CN Tower.  At the end of the week, students will receive an apple to promote healthy eating habits.  To align with National Sports Week, our students are encouraged to wear a sports jersey of their choice on Friday. 

Mark your calendars: For Parents of Grade 8's

Please mark your calendars.  The following are dates for Information Nights for parents of grade 8 students entering secondary school in September 2016:

Richmond Hill High School (Gifted programming):  January 12, 2016 at 7pm
Bayview Secondary School : January 21, 2016 at 7pm 

Individual Education Plans

If your child has an individual education plan (IEP), you will receive an updated copy during the next reporting cycle in January.  

Elementary Progress Reports

Our teachers are currently completing the fall progress report for students in Gr 1 to 8.  As referenced in the letter from the Director of Education dated Nov 3, 2015, these reports will be distributed in our school on Thursday December 10, 2015.   If your child's teacher has concerns about your child's progress, he/she will contact you to set up a meeting.  If you have questions about your child's progress and a meeting has not been set up, please speak with your child's teacher.  Progress reports will not be completed for Junior or Senior Kindergarten students. 

Supporting Children when Acts of Violence are reported

Supporting Students When Acts of Terrorism are Reported:  Tips for Teachers and Parents

Intentional acts of violence that hurt innocent people are frightening and upsetting. Children and youth will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Families and school personnel can help children cope first and foremost by establishing a sense of safety and security. As information becomes available, adults can continue to help children work through their emotions and, perhaps, even use the process as a learning experience.

All Adults Should:

1. Model calm and control. Children take their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives. Avoid appearing anxious or frightened.

2. Reassure children they are safe and (if true) so are the important adults and other loved ones in their lives. Depending on the situation, point out factors that help ensure their immediate safety and that of their community.

3. Remind them trustworthy people are in charge. Explain that emergency workers, police, firefighters, doctors, and the government are helping people who are hurt and are working to ensure that no further tragedies like this occur.

4. Let children know it is okay to feel upset. Explain all feelings are okay when a tragedy like this occurs. Let children talk about their feelings and help put them into perspective. Even anger is okay, but children may need help and patience from adults to assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.

5. Tell children the truth. Don’t try to pretend the event has not occurred or that it is not serious. Children are smart. They will be more worried if they think you are too afraid to tell them what is happening. At the same time it will be important to tell children that while the threat of terrorism is real, the chances they will be personally affected is low.

6. Stick to the facts. Don’t embellish or speculate about what has happened, or where another attack might occur. Don’t dwell on the scale or scope of the tragedy, particularly with young children.

7. Be careful not to stereotype people or countries that might be associated with the violence. Children can easily generalize negative statements and develop prejudice. Talk about tolerance and justice versus vengeance. Stop any bullying or teasing immediately.

8. Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate. Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that the daily structures of their lives will not change. Upper elementary school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Upper elementary school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence and threats to safety in schools and society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. They will be more committed to doing something to help the victims and affected community. For all children, encourage them to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Be a good listener!

9. Maintain a “normal” routine. To the extent possible stick to normal classroom or family routines but don’t be inflexible. Children may have a hard time concentrating on schoolwork or falling asleep at night.

10. Monitor or restrict exposure to scenes of the event as well as the aftermath. In particular, monitor exposure to social media. For older children, caution against accessing news coverage from only one source.

11. Observe children’s emotional state. Depending on their age, children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of grief, anxiety or discomfort. Children will express their emotions differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel or express fear or grief.

12. Be aware of children at greater risk. Children who have a connection to this particular event, have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others. Be particularly observant for those who may be at risk of suicide. Seek the help of a mental health professional if you are at all concerned.

13. Provide an outlet for students’ desire to help. Consider making get well cards or sending letters to the families and survivors of the tragedy, or writing thank you letters to doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals as well as emergency rescue workers, firefighters and police.

14. Keep lines of communication open between home and school. Schools are a good place for children to experience a sense of normalcy. Being with their friends and teachers is helpful. Schools should inform families about available resources, such as talking points or counseling, and plans for information sharing and discussions with students. Parents should let their child’s teacher or school mental health professional know if they have concerns or feel their child may need extra support.

15. Monitor your own stress level. Don’t ignore your own feelings of anxiety, grief, and anger. Talking to friends, family members, religious leaders, and mental health counselors can help. It is okay to let your children know you are sad, but that you believe things will get better. You will be better able to support your children if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner. Get appropriate sleep, nutrition, and exercise.

*Adapted from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), 2015. www.nasponline.org

Photo Retake Day

If your child missed having a school photo taken or needs to have a photo retaken, Lifetouch school photographers will be at the school during the morning of Thursday November 19.  Please remind your child if a photo needs to be taken.  

Reminder: WINTER School Bus Info

 Please review the information below to assist you with planning for your child/children on inclement weather days.

Resources for Parents

New websites have been posted on this blog specifically for parents/guardians under "Resources for Parents" (right hand side).  When you have a chance, please take a look. 

Terry Fox Fundraiser

to the Silver Stream community, our school raised $765.00 for the Terry Fox Foundation. Our students, staff and families continue to keep Terry's Fox's memory alive and carry on his message of hope. 

Reminder: Youth Leadership Club

Labour Update

Lunch Drop off

Dear families,
Please drop off your child's lunch on the cart outside the front office BEFORE 11:55am.   This is to ensure that your child receives his/her lunch in a timely way and has enough time to eat it.  We appreciate your cooperation.

Speaker: Mental Health

REMINDER Safe Drop off and Pick up

Dear Families of Silver Stream,

For the safety of our students, please do not park on Farmstead Drive next to the school.  This puts students at risk when crossing the street and there is not sufficient space for vehicles to pass safely.   If you need to drive to school and escort your child to school, please park in the community centre lot adjacent to the school and follow the walkways to the school.   Students/parents may safely cross on the red lines shown below.

If your child can independently  exit the car, please enter the loop slowly at the front of the school and your child(ren) can exit the vehicle curbside.  Drivers can then move safely and slowly to the left lane to exit the loop.  

In following safe practices, parents/guardians MUST meet their child(ren) outside at the end of the day.  Because we do not know all of our parents and guardians, and we need to monitor all adults who enter our building,  it is important that all adults remain outside at the end of the day during dismissal, for your children’s safety.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in keeping all of our students safe. 

Reminder: Re Halloween

Dear Silver Stream families:

Individual classrooms may be engaged in various activities related to Halloween on October 30.  If your family does not celebrate Halloween, please let your child's teacher know so that alternative arrangements can be made.  A few reminders for parents and students regarding Halloween:

• any foods that come to school to be shared must be healthy and nutritious.  Candy, chocolate, pop etc. will be sent home. 
• any foods that come to school to be shared MUST BE nut and peanut free 
• any costumes worn at school cannot include masks or weapons

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Computer Use and Eye Strain

Computer Use and Eye Strain - a 45/15 Practice for Students

Students spend more and more time with electronics and engaged in passive activities like watching TV, playing video games or using a computer.  More than ever, it is important that our students are encouraged to be active. Regular vision breaks from computer use are important in preventing eye strain. Changing activities after forty-five minutes of near work is recommended.  More information can be found at http://goo.gl/ETGFtQ.

Update re Job Sanctions

Mathletics 2015

Parents, you may be interested in having your children participate and it is up to individual families to register and attend. 

Building a Child's Self Esteem

Youth Leadership Club available for grades 5 to 8 students

Halloween

Dear Silver Stream families:

Individual classrooms may be engaged in various activities related to Halloween on October 30.  If your family does not celebrate Halloween, please let your child's teacher know so that alternative arrangements can be made.  A few reminders for parents and students regarding Halloween:

• any foods that come to school to be shared must be healthy and nutritious.  Candy, chocolate, pop etc. will be sent home. 
• any foods that come to school to be shared MUST BE nut free 
• any costumes worn at school cannot include masks or weapons

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Mathematica Math Contests Grade 4 to 8

On Tuesday, a letter went home with all students in grades 4 to 8 with an opportunity to participate in Mathematica Math Contests in April.  The registration needs to be submitted at this time in order to participate.   Thank you.

Mad Science Lunchtime program available

IB Program Information evening at Bayview SS for grade 8 Parents

The application process for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program that is offered at Bayview Secondary School will begin shortly.  The IB Information Evening will be held on October 29, 2015 at 6:30pm and 8:00pm.  

·         See YRDSB website: http://www.yrdsb.ca/Programs/IB/Pages/IB-Information-Evenings.aspx

QSP Magazine campaign - LAST WEEKEND

Spirit Day Friday Oct 16 ~ Wear Blue or Blue Jays Clothing

On Friday October 16, to show school spirit and to support our Toronto Blue Jays, students and staff will be wearing blue or Blue Jay clothes. Go Jays Go!

REMINDER: Student Registration Verification Card

If you have not already done so, please ensure that you have updated and submitted the Student Registration Verification Card to the office as soon as possible.  It is very important that we have the most accurate and up-to-date contact information in our files. Thank you for your attention to this. 

Free Classes for Adults

Free Programs for Adults

We appreciate your help. QSP Fundraiser extended.

Unionville High School Arts Program

Our Primary Students at Work

 Learning About Van Gogh

All About Me in Kindergarten and Gr 1

Numbers are Everywhere!

Picture Day Reminder

Just a reminder to our families that Picture Day is Wednesday October 14.   Bring your smiles!

Donate/Swap Halloween Costumes