Westminster Public School

A conjecture is “an opinion or idea formed without proof or sufficient evidence” but with good reason, in other words or, it's providing a “reasonable guess”. We make conjectures in all subjects not just mathematics and we can use different vocabulary for each strand to help our students understand what they are doing when they make a conjecture. A visual that we discussed is an umbrella with “Conjecture” as the overhanging idea and different synonyms to help our students be aware of vocabulary they can use for the different subjects. 
Moving along with our Math Adventure, we are developing a clearer understanding of what is needed for students to demonstrate their ability in Reasoning and Proving. Students are being exposed to the Success Criteria for Reasoning and Proving best suited for their age group. 
Here’s an example with language that can be used in a variety of age groups: Success Criteria for Reasoning and Proving   1.Make a conjecture (Reasonable Guess) 2.Explain why you ma…

We're having a "Math Adventure" at Westminster! As part of our School Improvement Plan this year we are focussing on critical thinking in math and supporting our students especially in the areas of reasoning and proving when working on solutions. Such problem solving skills include making conjectures or reasoned guesses. They also include justifying their thinking and explaining how they plan to solve the problem and provide reasons for their ideas.  

This may sound complicated but it isn't really, it is actually common sense and what we do when we solve problems and make decisions every day.  If we understand the concept and why we do things, then we can try different ways to reach the best solution. Like everything, it gets easier with practice...and practice....

If our students can explain their thinking in a reasonable way and provide justification for their thinking in a logical way then they will be able to think critically about what makes sense and what doesn&#…

As part of our Healthy School Initiatives and looking forward to the spring weather, our school is in the process of training students selected from grade 5 - 8 to become student playground leaders. The PLAY Student Leaders program will support students at recess by teaching them new games, helping the students become more physically active, enhancing their social skills and improving their overall well being. Thanks to a Healthy Schools grant we have purchased extra outdoor equipment in a designated crate for our students to enjoy at recess such as balls, hula hoops and Frisbees. 
Now just bring on the good weather...

On Friday we are happy to be welcoming a "Scientist in the School" to our Junior classrooms Grades 4, 5, and 6. To get into the spirit we are encouraging our students to dress as scientists! Bring out your lab coats, test tubes or anything else that represents your love for science. Be creative! Thank you for those who have already submitted your fee for this enhancement program. Grades 1-3 will have the opportunity to enjoy this program in April. Stay tuned for more information coming soon.  

Scientists in School is a leading Canadian educational program dedicated to sparking children's interest in and love of science, technology, and the environment through hands-on discovery. SiS workshops enrich our science curriculum and are fast-paced, engaging and fun! Students will conduct experiments and engage in other hands-on activities. This Scientist in the School program works with our teachers and brings all the equipment and activities to supplement the work already being…

Pierre Berton P.S. invites our community to a series of Parenting Workshops: 

Thursday, March 30, 2017 6:30-9:00 p.m.
What is ADHD & Understanding ADHD
This session will be geared towards what is ADD/ADHD and how it impacts children and families. The presentation further promotes the understanding that each child is a unique individual with his/her own gifts & challenges. Parents will receive guidance in developing strategies.

Thursday, April 13, 2017 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Simple Gift: Teaching Children Emotional Regulation
This session will explain how parents can teach their child/children to be aware of their feelings, learning to recognize them and develop ways to cope and manage their emotions. The 8 principles of Emotional Regulation will be explained to bring awareness and help develop coping strategies.

Tuesday April 25, 2017 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Parenting Traps and Strategies
This session explains how parents may get “trapped” in escalations and power struggles. It explains why parents exp…

We had a great time with our Jungle Sport program last week! Can't wait for next year!

It's Earth Hour—March 24th at WPS!There is no doubt about it: the world is facing some of the most critical environmental challenges in its history. That may make the journey to a sustainable future seem difficult to imagine, but it is far from Impossible.  

Together our individual actions add up to make a difference collectively.  On Saturday, March 25th from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. join with communities from across the world and celebrate a commitment to the planet by switching off non-essential lights for this one designated hour.  Do what you can and show your children that we all can make a stand against climate change if we stand together. 

At Westminster we will be switching off (i.e. computers, printers, non-essential lights) for one hour Friday, March 24th from 1:30-2:30 p.m.Every bit helps!

Wishing all those in our community who celebrate the Persian New Year a happy and healthy new year and spring season.

Hello everyone! We hope you enjoyed your March Break despite the cold weather...we hope too that the sun continues to shine and spring is now finally on its way to us. 

A quick reminder that Jungle Sport is arriving at our school tomorrow, Tuesday March 21st for the rest of the week.  All K-8 classes have been scheduled in to enjoy the fun activities and exciting physical challenges that this apparatus allows such as rock climbing, bridge walking, zip lining and much more. It is really fun for all ages and a very popular extra-curricular learning enhancement through our Arts and Athletics Package each year. 

If you have not yet sent in your permission form, you much do so by tomorrow or your child will not be allowed to participate. This is a strict rule by the providers. So make sure your child doesn't miss out. We want all our children to be included in this special opportunity. 

Thanks! 

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With spring approaching and the hours of daylight increasing, now is a good time to enjoy the outdoors and our natural environment. Did you know that our Board has five outdoor education centres, and students have opportunities to visit them and other outdoor learning spaces throughout their schooling? This is part of our commitment to giving students an opportunity to learn in and about the natural world. This learning supports students in gaining a deeper appreciation for nature and the importance of environmental sustainability.    “Modelling continuous environmental sustainability” is one of the goals outlined in our Board of Trustees’ Multi-Year Plan. We believe that we all have a role to play in reducing waste and protecting our environment. Our students, staff members and families continue to show leadership when it comes to supporting student learning and initiatives to reduce our ecological footprint.
Spending time outside as a family also provides a great opportunity to suppo…

It's March Break March 13-17 and time to spend with your family and friends. We wish you a happy and safe holiday this week and look forward to seeing you all again on March 20th when hopefully, Spring will be here to stay!

Happy March Break!

Today, we acknowledge International Women’s Day. The Government of Canada has declared Equality Matters as this year’s theme to highlight the importance of gender equality, and of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.


We congratulate the potential of our female students along with our male students equally and we encourage all to persevere in their goals and follow their dreams.


To all our staff, students and family members, we wish you a happy International Woman's Day Westminster!

A reminder that Jungle Sport is coming the first week after the holidays!  For four days our gym will be transformed into a climbing and swinging experience for all our students.  Each child must have handed in their signed consent form to participate. If you haven't already done so, please make sure that you send in your child's consent form this week, before the holidays to meet Jungle Sport regulations. Without consent, your child will not be allowed to participate. We want everyone to have fun with their classmates so don't let them miss out!

Honey, I Wrecked the Kids! Misbehaving children always make us question if we are parenting properly. We feel like we are messing up all the time! In this talk based on her best selling book, Alyson discusses why millennial children are a different kind of child from past generations and how to parent them effectively.

Parents will learn:
• The conditions that have lead to our current parenting confusion
• The 4 misbehaviour “dances” we do with our children
• New effective discipline techniques to replace punishment and rewards.
• To feel more confident and positive about their parenting!

EVENT DETAILS
Date: Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Time: 7:00-8:00pm
Location:  Anne Frank Public School, Vaughan
RSVP:  by email to Carly: carlycohen@hotmail.com

*Include age of children and if childcare is needed

Alyson Schafer

In February and March we have been focussing on the character trait of Perseverance. This trait is very important for students to practice at school but in life as well.  By having perseverance we can develop a growth mindset.  A mindset that allows for failure yet does not accept failure instead, learns from it.  With optimism and perseverance.... anything is possible!  
In Math class, our students have been working on not only persevering when solving problems but also demonstrating their reasoning and proving skills as well. It takes these skills to think through a problem and find a solution. It takes perseverance to work at solving this problem even when we just want to quit....we do not quit....we may fail but we try again.... This belief serves us well in all aspects of life, in any problem we have to solve, be it academic, social or emotional.  We must model perseverance and help our children grow into resilient, productive and happy individuals.  

On Tuesday, March 7th we will …

Free Classes for Adults available from York Region District School Board. Continuing Education has many programs for adults that you can access free of charge such as ESL, computer skills, job searches and academic preparation. If you have any questions, you can call 905 731 9557 or follow the links below. 
Follow the links below for more information regarding Adult classes such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and others. 
http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/westminster.ps/NewsEvents/Documents/Adult%20ESL%20Classes.pdf
Follow the links below for more information regarding registration for a variety of adult classes. 
http://www.yrdsb.ca/schools/westminster.ps/NewsEvents/Documents/Computer-Skills-Training.pdf

Heads- up!  Our photographer will be back on Monday, March 6th to finish any sibling pictures that he couldn't get to last time he was here. 
Smile!

York Region District School Board School Climate Survey for Students
Students in Grades 5 to 12 at the York Region District School Board will be invited to participate in a survey between March 20 and April 28, 2017.  The survey is voluntary, anonymous and confidential, and will take place at school. 
The YRDSB survey fulfills the Ontario Ministry of Education’s requirement for schools to conduct student surveys and is aligned with the YRDSB’s Board Improvement Plan for Student Achievement and Well-Being. Survey questions will address topics related to Math, Modern Learning, Mental Health and Well-Being, Equity and School Safety.
This survey provides an opportunity to hear directly from students and the results will be used to identify student needs and plan strategies to support student achievement and well-being. If you have questions, please contact the school office.
If you do not wish your child(ren) to participate in the survey, please contact the school by March 10, 2017.