Owen Online Newsletter: Owen Family Update-- Week of May 9th, 2022

Dear Owen Parents/Guardians,

We have many events, sports teams, and field trips ongoing and/or upcoming as we continue to get back to normal as a school. However, this "return to normal" has seen new challenges as kids learn to re-socialize with their peers and form new friendship groups. As a result, we are currently seeing a rise in the number of physical altercations at recess or lunch times. As a school, we have been showing videos during the morning announcements on conflict resolution, or going into the classrooms to conduct role plays and lessons, in order to help our kids understand that they need to keep their hands to themselves, and solve problems with their peers by seeking out an adult.

Please have a conversation with your child about the best ways to respond to conflict with their peers.

-- Sima and Jamie

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Ms. Rosenbloom continues to recover at home from her surgery. Thank you parents for creating a lovely care basket for her.

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Asian Heritage Month at the TDSB - May 2022

We are proud to celebrate the numerous achievements of Asian-Canadians and their significant role on the global stage. This year our theme at the TDSB is Many Voices United as One

The TDSB is the largest and one of the most diverse school boards in Canada. Nearly one-quarter of our students were born outside of Canada and collectively we speak more than 120 languages. According to the 2017 TDSB Student & Parent Census 40% of TDSB students self-identified as Asian.

During the month of May we are honoured to share with you several opportunities and resources to learn about the traditions, customs, and significant individuals that the Asian heritage brings:

1. A PowerPoint presentation on Asian Heritage Month reflecting our theme, Many Voices United as One, was created and will be posted to the TDSB public website www.tdsb.on.ca and internal website Heritage/History Month website under the Asian “tab” (Link: http://tdsbweb.tdsb.on.ca/equity/Heritage-History-Months/2021-2022

2. The winning posters from the Poster Contest will be posted shortly to the TDSB public website www.tdsb.on.ca and internal website Heritage/History Month website under the Asian “tab” (Link: http://tdsbweb.tdsb.on.ca/equity/Heritage-History-Months/2021-2022

3. All TDSB students, staff and community are invited to attend the TDSB Asian Heritage Month Virtual Celebration.

Join us to learn about the vibrant and significant contributions that Asian-Canadians have made to our great country that our staff, students, and community members call home. Canada has been enriched by the vibrant traditions that we continue to recognize in our brilliant city by celebrating our heritage proudly through festivals and customs. Join us for an extraordinary time to learn about the Asian Heritage.

Date: Monday, May 9th, 2022

Time: 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Zoom Link: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/9450659

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Jewish Heritage Month at the TDSB - May 2022

Please continue to check back for updates on more activities, events and resources to celebrate Jewish Heritage Month at the TDSB.
Note: Resources available through TDSB Professional Library, please see the Heritage/History Month website: http://tdsbweb.tdsb.on.ca/equity/Heritage-History-Months/2021-2022/Jewish-Heritage-Month-May-2022 or Jewish Heritage Month Resource Guide: bit.ly/PLJewishHeritageMonthGuide

For more information, please visit the Jewish Heritage Month Committee webpage. If you have any questions, please contact Shari Schwartz-Maltz; shari.schwartz-maltz@tdsb.on.ca .

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African Heritage Educators’ Network – Toronto Black Educators’ Network

The 10th annual African Heritage Educators' Network - Toronto Black Educators' Network (AHEN-TBEN) Black Student Awards will be taking place live! at Earl Haig Secondary School on May 26, 2022, with premiere keynote speakers and student performances. Students in grades 4-12 will be recognized for outstanding achievements in one of the following six categories: Academic; Arts; Aspiration; Athletics; School and Community Involvement; and STEM.

Nominate students at the following link: https://forms.gle/ZaV1E6zw2NpZXVve8. Nominations close May 9, 2022 at 4:00 pm. If you are a staff/teacher nominator, please coordinate with the Principal of the school. There are two nominations maximum per school.

Queries, please contact Valarie Taitt at valarie.taitt@tdsb.on.ca, Michael Griesz at michael.griesz@tdsb.on.ca , or aheninfo@gmail.com

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Want to Volunteer? Police Check Required

As we slowly transition to having visitors back at school we want to remind parents that a police check is required to volunteer at our school events, lunch programs or class trips. Police checks are mandated to ensure the safety of all students.

If you have already done a police check please see Ms Nahid in person in the office to do your annual declaration.

If you have not done one, please pick up a police check form from the office or download the police check form. It requires an office staff to witness it. Please bring this to the office ASAP if you would like to volunteer. It does take several weeks so please start this process early so you won't be disappointed!

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Kids Kitchen Hot Lunch Program

Do you want to order a hot lunch for your child? You can find details for Kids Kitchen Hot Lunch Program by visiting their website.

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Special Education Summer School - 2022

Registration Now Open!

The Toronto District School Board will be offering a summer program for students who receive support from the Developmental Disability Special Education Program, Physical Disability Program, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing - and who have an Individual Education Plan (IEP). These half-day programs will be held at various locations throughout the TDSB. They will support students to develop their independence through programming in the areas of functional literacy and numeracy skills, activities of daily living, communication and social skills through a creative curriculum that can include technology, physical fitness, art, music and drama. The information below will give you a brief outline of the programs.

DATES: Monday, July 4, to Friday, July 29, 2022
HOURS: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
LOCATIONS: Various locations

The on-line application is below. Please note that the number of students admitted will be contingent on the staff resources available. Applications must be submitted by May 2, 2022. If necessary, a selection lottery will be held on May 9, 2022, and parents will receive confirmation of acceptance shortly thereafter.

Bus transportation for students is provided and the transportation code of conduct will still apply. Please complete the application accurately. Please note - incomplete applications will not be processed.

Summer Programs Application Google Form Links only:

Elementary DD Application Link
Elementary DHH Application Link
Elementary PD Application Link
Secondary DD Application Link

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Elementary Summer School 2022
Registration for Elementary Summer School has begun. The focus of the 2022 Elementary Literacy and Numeracy Summer School Program is to continue student engagement through the month of July. Programs, embedded in Literacy and Numeracy, are developed by the local summer school principal to reflect the local school focus.
Programs are offered in-person to students in K to Grade 8, from July 4 to July 29, 2022. Some programs have filled up already, but there are still spots available at some sites. Please see the website for more information: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Elementary-Summer-School
Information for Special Education Summer School Programs:
Special Education Elementary Developmental Disability Summer School – various locations
Special Education Secondary Developmental Disability Summer School – various locations
Special Education Elementary Physical Disability Summer School - Sunny View School
Special Education Elementary Deaf or Hard of Hearing - Glen Park Public School
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Student News

If you have photos, student work or family activities you would like to share on the Owen Online for next week, please email them to jamie.parkes@tdsb.on.ca.

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