Edenrose Public School March Newsletter

Transcription

1 Edenrose Public School March Newsletter Principal: Ms. Anup Sidu 1342 Edenrose Street, Mississauga, ON. L5V 1K9 Vice Principal: Ms. Marsha Forbes Phone: (905) Superintendent: Mr. J. Robertson (905) ) Fax : (905) Trustee: R. Crocker (416) SAFE ARRIVAL Principal s News Dear Edenrose Community, Contents Principal s News 1 Upcoming Events 1 Edenrose Community 2 Spotlight on Edenrose 3 Reminders 4 Peel District School Board Enclosures Upcoming Events OFIP Tutoring (T/TH) Swimming (see calendar) Turn your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday March 11th. Day light savings time begins Sunday March 12th. March Break No School (03/12-03/16) Awards Assembly (03/23) Pizza Day (03/29) As I like to say, the countdown is on as we approach the final four months of the school year. I have taken some time to reflect and I can say that the first six months have been memorable for the entire Edenrose community! I walk the halls and visit classrooms frequently, and I know firsthand that our teachers continue to make a difference in the lives of our students. I see the happiness in the faces of our students and the efforts that many parents are making in helping our students to grow academically, socially and spiritually. Our students are working hard, playing hard and they too are making a difference in the lives of others by helping out, fundraising and taking on various leadership roles within the school. We hosted our first Character Conference on Thursday February 22d, 2018: it was a huge success! To kick off the conference students had an opportunity to listen to our guest speaker Saidat. During her interactive presentation she spoke about selfrespect, self-confidence and what means to be inclusive. For the remainder of that day students participated in various character lessons and engaged in team building activities. It was great to see students working together and learning the importance of how to cooperate, to be inclusive and care for one another! As we work toward closing out our school year we have to remember that much work is still to be done. Teachers will continue till working on teaching the curriculum to the end of June. Staff have been engaged in various professional learning focused on Literacy, Numeracy, Literacy in our learning goals, success criteria and descriptive feedback and bringing these strategies into the classroom. Our Grade 3 s will write the EQAO Assessment, and there are many various activities, assemblies and events that our students and parents will be engaged in the next 4 months. We will be successful in all of these events with your support. Finally, Edenrose s School Council will be hosting an interesting and informative community presentation on Thursday March 29 th, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. on Self- Regulation. Linda Warren from the Merhit organization and she will be looking what is Self-Regulation, the difference between Self-Regulation and Self-Control and share tools and strategies that parents and educators can use with children. More information to follow. Ms. Sidhu

2 Page 2 of 5 Edenrose Public School March Newsletter Edenrose Community Pizza Day Pizza Days continue at Edenrose. The upcoming Pizza days are: March 29th April 12th April 26th May 10th May 24th June 7th June 21st Please see communications that have been sent home to place your pizza order. Popcorn and Cookies Fridays are popcorn and cookie sales! Butter salt and white cheddar popcorn, as well as Chocolate chip and vanilla cookies for $2.00. Swimming Our Grade 3 classes will once again participate in the Swim to Survive program through the City of Mississauga Parks and Recreation. Students receive three in-water lessons, approximately 1 hour per lesson, from certified aquatic staff. This Lifesaving Society survival training program teaches the minimum skills needed if someone were to fall unexpectedly into deep water: ROLL into deep water TREAD water for one minute SWIM 50 metres Students become familiar with the water, the local community pool (Rivergrove Community Centre) and most importantly, learn a necessary life skill. Late Buses For over a year, many school communities have experienced ongoing, significant bus delays due to a shortage of bus drivers in the GTA. This week, Trustees launched a government lobbying campaign called Stop the Bus Delays, to seek provincial funding for bus driver recruitment. If you d like to learn more about the campaign and how you can get involved, please visit Students who are on a late bus will be provided a drinking box and a granola bar for an after school snack. For late bus notifications please sign up for Stopr. See Reminders section for more details. Move-a-thon Our annual move-a-thon is coming up! We are getting prepared for another fun year of music, prizes and fun for our students as we raise money for Edenrose. If you are interested in being a parent volunteer please let us know. If you do not yet have a criminal record check, please see Ms. Forbes in order to arrange to do so. Karate Kids Grade 1 and 2 students have participated in Karate Kids for the month of February and will continue in March. Students enjoy their time, learning basic Karate skills and growing in their discipline.

3 Edenrose Public School March Newsletter Page 3 of 5 Spotlight on Edenrose Report From Student Council Character Education Day The Saidat Show: When I was at the Saidat performance I had a great time. We played with beach balls, danced and sang to songs about character and respect. I show respect and good character by listening and respecting others opinions. Everyone should show character because if they do we would have a better world. I think that the Saidat Show was great and inspirational to the students of Edenrose. By: Louie Yannopoulos 45E Character Education Activities: Character Education Day was a fun day for everyone! At the start we played fun activities. One of them was Rock, Paper, Scissors, Cheer! We also read a story called Rainbow Fish which taught many kids to be respectful and not be selfish. The day was fun but also a day of learning about respect for others. By: Kumar Pulivarthi 5A Trip to Evergreen Retirement Community On Monday February 26th, 2018, the Terrific Ticket Winners went to visit Evergreen Retirement Community. We met some seniors and we got to play board games with them. It was really nice to meet them. After we played some games, they gave us apple and orange juice to drink. The seniors we met were so helpful and happy to have us visit them. We had so much fun! By: Julia K., Asija M., and Angel N., from 2D (February's terrific ticket winners)

4 Page 4 of 5 Edenrose Public School March Newsletter Early Pick Up From School From time to time early pickup of students is required, (e.g., to attend an appointment). We ask that any student that requires early pick up from school be signed out from school no later than 3:00 pm, (unless it has been recorded in Safe Arrival before the start of the school day). Sign up for bus notifications Parents with students riding the bus, we encourage you to sign up for late bus notifications with Stopr. Please visit with your child s OEN number, which can be found on their latest report card. Parking Lot Safety Playground Supervision Student safety is of the utmost importance at Edenrose. In the morning we have a number of large and small busses dropping students off and we have parents, entering and exiting the school to drop of their children. When using our Kiss & Ride remember the following rules: honour the Bus Lane, Kiss & Ride, and Passing Lane reduce your speed entering and exiting the school refrain from making a left turn into the school We need everyone s cooperation in this matter because we want everyone to be safe! Morning playground supervision begins at 8:40 a.m. If your child/ren is not bussed, please do not drop off your child/ren before 8:40 a.m. Also, at the end of the day staff are on duty supervising dismissal from 3:25 3:40 p.m. Students who are not picked up at this time will be brought to the office. After School Pickup Just a reminder, at the end of the school day there will be no Kiss & Ride to help accommodate the many buses that come to Edenrose. The parking gate is closed at 3:00 pm. If you have a child with special needs the parking is available to you after 3:00 & a special parking pass has been issued to you. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

5 Family Literacy Program Talk.Read.Play.Sing Join us at Huntington Ridge Public School 345 Huntington Ridge Drive Library Every Thursday: February 15, 2018 April 19, 2018 Time for all programs: 6:30 p.m. 8:00 p.m. Topics: Reading Readiness Word Power Power Off More than Words Math Fun Let it Move You! Riddles and Rhymes Signs and Symbols Write it Down The workshops will provide opportunities for storytelling and rhymes, key messages on early literacy, fun activities, resources and snacks. The program is offered to families with children 0-6 yrs. old, older children are welcome to attend. Register: online click on Services for Children and Families/Family Literacy or call ext. 7222

6 ParentConnect Online parent portal to access important student information The Peel District School Board is excited to announce the launch of ParentConnect, an online parent portal to access important student information. The pilot program was introduced at select schools and phased in to all Peel schools on Feb. 23, What is ParentConnect? ParentConnect is a safe and secure website, created by the Peel District School Board, that acts as a single point to stay informed and to access all electronic services provided to Peel board parents and legal guardians. The parent-friendly website will allow you to: view school-based alerts and information access real time absence reporting view current and historic elementary report card information get up-to-date busing information review secondary school credit history and diploma status and more To learn more about the benefits of ParentConnect, visit our school website or

7 Important changes coming to SafeArrival system in May 2018 The Peel District School Board is currently using the SafeArrival system by Synervoice Technologies. As Synervoice has been sold to West Communications, there will be slight changes to our SafeArrival system and how you will report your child s absence from school. The phone number to report your child s absence will stay the same, but there are a few other changes. Beginning May 14, 2018, all elementary school parents/guardians need to report their child s full-day absences, late arrivals and/or early departures from school via our new School Messenger SafeArrival system. The phone number will stay the same: Website has changed to: go.schoolmessenger.ca Download a new app: School Messenger App (from Google or Apple) (please be sure to delete the old Safe Arrival app after May 11) Please continue to use our current Synervoice system until Friday, May 11, The new School Messenger SafeArrival will be live on Monday, May 14, Important to note: The transition to a new company and system will require parents to set up a new account with School Messenger SafeArrival as data will not be transferred from the old system to the new. More information on how and when to set-up your new account will be coming in the next month.

8 Build Happiness External factors often only have a partial influence on our level of happiness. Promotions, new relationships and lucky lottery wins give only a temporary boost to happiness before we return to our baseline. Sustained happiness takes work. Listed here are a few exercise ideas that, when practiced frequently, can build habits of happiness. Journal About Gratitude Every night write down three good things about your day. They don t have to be major. They might be as simple as a good meal, talking to a friend, or getting through something difficult. Say, Thank You Keep your eyes open throughout the day for reasons to say thanks. Try to notice and recognize the actions that people do, such as a coworker who works hard or a friend who seems willing to listen. Take a Gratitude Walk Go for a walk and make a special effort to appreciate your surroundings. You might notice the smell of flowers, a pretty building, or a soothing breeze. Spend a few minutes focusing on each of your senses (sight, hearing, taste and touch) to find new things you may not have noticed.

9 It's time to register children born in 2014 for kindergarten We inspire success, confidence and hope in each student and it all starts in kindergarten! If your child was born in 2014, he or she can start kindergarten in September You can register your child at any time during regular school hours just visit the school he/she will be attending to register. What you will need to bring to registration Proof of child's age (one of the following) Canadian birth certificate Canadian passport citizenship card/certificate Permanent Resident Card confirmation of permanent residence work permit refugee permit Proof of address (one of the following) Ontario driver's license utility bill bank statement/client slip (directly from financial institution) credit card statement federal government forms (e.g. Social Insurance Number, Service Canada documents) purchase agreement Proof of custody children must live with their parent(s) unless provided documentation supports an alternate living arrangement Proof of immunization proof that your child has been immunized/vaccinated

10 Prevent the flu. It's in your hands. Hand washing is the most important way to prevent the spread of infection. Always wash your hands with soap and water when they are dirty. Clean your hands before: i. touching your eyes, nose or mouth ii. touching/preparing food or drinks iii. eating or drinking iv. caring for someone in your home who can easily get sick (baby, elderly or someone who has an unhealthy immune system) v. first aid Clean your hands after: i. touching pets or other animals ii. touching raw meat, particularly chicken iii. touching surfaces such as a railing or grocery cart iv. touching money v. touching objects sick people have touched vi. touching blood or body fluids such as urine, vomit or feces vii. contact with those who have a cold, the flu, diarrhea or virus of any kind viii. changing diapers ix. wiping your own or a child's nose x. sneezing or coughing xi. using a facial tissue xii. using the washroom xiii. removing gloves xiv. cleaning xv. gardening What to do when you cough or sneeze: i. cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve ii. put used tissues in the wastebasket iii. clean your hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer For more information call Peel Health at or visit

11 2018 March Break Maple Syrup Days at the Jack Smythe Field Centre Open Wednesday, March 14 th - Saturday, March 17 th 10:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature as Spring blossoms. Jack Smythe Field Centre offers an exceptional family experience with a visit to its maple syrup bush. The March Break programs runs from Wednesday, March 14 to Saturday March 17 from 10 a.m. with the last presentations of the day at 3 p.m. The Peel District Sugar Bush program has been in operation for more than 40 years and provides families with an educational activity and a hands-on experience. The program is run by Peel District School Board teachers and staff during March Break. Families are invited to get involved as spring come to life in the following activities: help tap trees and empty sap buckets. Sample some homemade maple syrup. Hike along our trails and feed the friendly chickadees by hand. Learn how pioneers collected and produced syrup compared to modern-day operations. Experience the indigenous roots of sweet water. Visit the sugar shack where the sap boils and clouds of sweet smelling steam billow out of the chimney. The cost is $5.00/adult and $4.00/child 12 and under. Lunch will be available for purchase. It will include: hot chocolate, cookies and hotdogs for you to roast over an open fire. Directions to Jack Smythe Field Centre, Winston Churchill Blvd., Terra Cotta: North on Mississauga Rd, Left on King Street (You will see Credit View P.S. on your left), Right on Winston Churchill Blvd (You will pass the Terra Cotta Conservation Area on your left) to the top of the hill and left into the Jack Smythe site. For more information, please contact the Jack Smythe Field Centre at

12 Using social media safely With the growing number of social media sites, it is no surprise that social media is the most common form of communication for children and teenagers. Posts, status updates, comments, instant messages, video uploads, tweets and texts have become a regular part of their lives. While there are many positive benefits to using social media, including staying connected with friends and expressing your interests, students must be cautious in their use of these networks. Among the most popular social media platforms used are Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube and Whatsapp Messenger. Many of these platforms are free and are available on smartphones and other electronic devices. These platforms are easy to navigate and often allow information to be shared instantly, not only with friends, but with strangers. On social media, it is important to remember that the world is watching. Here are some tips, provided by the Canadian Safe School Network and GetSafeOnline.org, to keep your children safe and help them make smart choices when using social media: Set some boundaries for your child before they get their first connected device (mobile, tablet, laptop or games console). Once they have it, it can be more difficult to change the way they use it or the settings. Have a conversation about what is appropriate online behaviour and what actions could have huge repercussions that could damage their reputation and be harmful to others. Talk to your child about the kind of websites they look at. Encourage them to speak to you if they come across something they find worrying or upsetting on websites, games or social media. Discuss with your child what is safe and appropriate to post and share online. Written comments, photos and videos all form part of their digital footprint and could be seen by anyone and available on the internet forever, even if it is subsequently deleted. Explain to your child that being online doesn t give them anonymity or protection, and that they shouldn t do anything online that they wouldn t do face-to-face. Users should only accept people they know in order to protect themselves from spammers, strangers and others who may be using social networking sites to commit crimes. Unlike when they re meeting someone face-to-face, children don t always know who they re actually talking to online, even if they think they do. Tell your children they must never , chat, or text with strangers, and it s never okay to meet a stranger in the real world. Ensure your children set their privacy settings appropriately. Take the time to learn how privacy settings work on your children s favourite sites, and teach them how to control their privacy. Tell your children never to share personal and private information with anyone online. This includes, but is not limited to, his or her full name, age, birth date, address, phone number, social insurance number, credit card information and parents full names. Limit the amount of time that your children spend on social media platforms and talk about the importance of healthy and appropriate use of technology.

13 Parent resources help you support your child s learning At the Peel District School Board, our mission is to inspire success, confidence and hope in each child. There is no doubt that families play a vital role in helping us achieve this goal. As our partner in education, we hope you'll stay connected to your child's learning throughout his or her entire school experience. Visit to explore all resources available to parents. There you will find easy-to-navigate buttons that connect families to tip sheets and web pages on a number of different topics, including math, homework, special education, EQAO and mental health.

14 Celebrating Faith and Culture March 2018 DATE CELEBRATION FAITH AND CULTURE March Xsaak and Sugar Moon Aboriginal Spirituality Eve of February 28 to Holi Hinduism March 1 Sunset of February 28 Purim Judaism to March 1 Sunset March 1 to 20 Alá (Fasting month) Bahá'í March 2 Lantern Festival/Magha Puja Buddhism March 2 World Day of Prayer Christianity March 2 Hola Mohalla Sikhism March 14 New Year Sikhism March 16 to 20 Ghambar Hamaspath-meadem Zoroastrianism March 17 St. Patrick's Day Christianity March 18 Vasant Navratri and New Year s Day Hinduism March 20 Shunki-sorei-sai Shinto March 20 Lady Day (Ostara) Wicca March 20 or 21 Naw Ruz/Navroze Bahá'í and Zoroastrianism March 21 Eid e-navroz Islam March 25 to 31 Holy Week begins Christianity March 25 Palm Sunday Christianity March 25 Shri Ramnavami Hinduism March 26 Khordad Saal Zoroastrianism March 29 Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) Christianity March 29 Mahavir Jayanti Jainism March 30 Good Friday (Holy Friday) Christianity Sunset of March 30 to Pesach (Passover) Judaism April 6 March 31 Sakyamuni Buddha s Nirvana Day Buddhism

15 Celebrating Faith and Culture Backgrounder March 2018 The Peel District School Board is a mosaic of many cultures and faiths from all over the world. To commemorate this diversity, the board recognises special faith and culture days of our communities. March 2018 has several special faith and culture days to celebrate and remember: March Xsaak and Sugar Moon in Aboriginal Spirituality Xsaak is celebrated by Nisga'a people of the Nass Valley in Northwest British Columbia. It is the season when they fish for swarming Oolichan also known as candle fish (dried fish burnt and used for light). The fish is dried, smoked and rendered into oil for trade and use in winter. The third moon of Creation is known as Sugar Moon by the Ojibwe people. This month the sap from Maple trees begins to run and it is collected by the Anishnabe as a healing medicine. Eve of February 28 to March 1 - Holi in Hinduism Holi is the Hindu festival that welcomes spring and celebrates new life and energy of the season. It has religious roots (attempt to burn Prahalaad by Holika and Hiranyakashyap), but the festival is also filled with fun and good humour. On the evening of Holi, large fires are lit and prayers and offerings are made. The next day is celebrated with colours, so Holi is also called the "Festival of Colours." People celebrate the festival by daubing each other with paint and throwing coloured powder (gulaal) around in an atmosphere of fun and frolic. The religious significance of the festival of Holi is to mark the burning of self-conceit, selfishness, greed, lust, hatred, in fact all the undesirable tendencies, thoughts and behaviours. Sunset of February 28 to March 1 - Purim in Judaism Purim is one of the most joyous holidays in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the story of Esther and how she saved the Jewish people who were living in Persia from extermination at the hands of an oppressive ruler and his advisor. This festival is celebrated through feasting, carnivals and group celebrations. Followers of the faith send food to friends and neighbours. Like all Jewish holidays, it begins at sundown and ends the next night.

16 Sunset March 1 to 20 - Alá (Fasting month) in Bahá'í In the Bahá'í calendar, there are 19 months of 19 days each. The Bahá'í day starts and ends at sunset. Alá signifying loftiness is the nineteenth and last month of the Bahá'í year, and it is a month of fasting. Members of the Bahá'í faith who are over the age of 15 abstain from food and drink each day from sunrise to sunset. March 2 Lantern Festival/Magha Puja in Buddhism Magha Puja is celebrated on the full moon day of the third month in the Buddhist calendar. The festival commemorates the day on which Buddha recited the Ovadha Patimokkha (the Fundamental Teaching) to his disciples. The day is also celebrated for the Fourfold Assembly - gathering of 1,250 Arahantas (accomplished holy ones) at Veruvana Temple in Rajgarh city (India) of their own accord without notification on the full moon day and all 1,250 disciples being ordained by Buddha himself. Adherents renew their dedication to Dhamma (teachings of Buddha) practice on this day. Lantern festival, is celebrated mid-autumn on the full moon night of the eighth month of the lunar calendar by Chinese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese and Timorese communities. This festival celebrates the summer harvest and is a time for rejoicing. Brightly coloured lanterns are hung in front of homes, and parades are held in towns and villages. In Vietnam this festival is also called Children's Festival. Families gather together to share meals and moon cakes. March 2 - World Day of Prayer in Christianity World Day of Prayer is observed on the first Friday in March by Christian women of diverse traditions and countries. They come together in prayer on this day to affirm their faith. March 2 - Hola Mohalla in Sikhism Hola Mohalla is a festival of mock battles where followers practice martial arts known as gatka. The festival is celebrated on the day following Holi. Guru Gobind Singh started it as a gathering of Sikhs for military preparedness against the ruling Moguls in Anandpur Sahib (in Punjab, India). Today it is a celebrated by holding competitions and display of martial skills. The day of observance varies for followers of revised and old Nanak Shahi Calendar.

17 March 14 - New Year in Sikhism March 14 is the first day of the new Sikh Calendar Year. This is year 548 in the Sikh Nanakshahi calendar. The years in the Sikh calendar start with the birth of Guru Nanak Dev in March 16 to 20 - Ghambar Hamaspath-meadem in Zoroastrianism Zoroastrian followers celebrate six seasonal festivals, known as the Gahambars. These are associated with agricultural seasons, and each Gahambar is celebrated by performing a Jashan (festivity) and thanking Ahura Mazda (the omniscient and omnipresent creator) for the seasons and the beautiful creations. Ghambar Hamaspath-meadem is also known as "All Souls" feast where departed relatives are remembered. March 17 - St. Patrick's Day in Christianity This feast day commemorates the anniversary of St. Patrick's death in the 5 th century CE. The Irish observe this day as a religious holiday. Multi-day celebrations feature parades, concerts, outdoor theatre productions and fireworks shows. One traditional icon of the day is the shamrock. March 18 - Vasant Navratri and New Year s Day in Hinduism Chaitra Navratri (March 18 to March 25) begins from this day. This festival is observed twice a year, in the month of Chaitra and then in Aswayuja (September/October). It lasts for nine days in honour of the nine manifestations of goddess Durga. During Navratri (the word literally means "nine nights"), devotees of Hinduism observe a fast and undertake religious activities like puja. This day is also the beginning of a New Year 2075 for Hindu followers of Vikram Samvat Calendar. The New Year s Day celebrations and festivities vary amongst the many denominations of the faith. Gudi Padwa will be observed on this day and Ugadi will be celebrated on the 18th. March 20 - Shunki-sorei-sai in Shinto Known also as Shubun-no-hi, on this holy day, ancestors are given reverence on home alters, as kami (god), and are considered active members of the living family. Grave sites are cleaned and purified.

18 March 20 - Lady Day (Ostara) in Wicca The spring equinox is "Lady Day." To followers of Wicca, it is a time of conception and new growth. It is celebrated by undertaking activities like planting seeds in the garden, collecting wild flowers, decorating and eating eggs, and cleaning the home that lead to prosperity. Green and yellow are colours specific to this feast. March 20 or 21 - Naw Ruz/Navroze in Zoroastrianism, and Bahá'í The spring equinox marks the New Year for members of the Zoroastrian community (following Fasli Calendar). The New Year s Day will be observed on March 20 or 21 by followers of the faith. People from Persia or Iran who also celebrate Naw Ruz (Noruz) will observe it on 20th. The traditional Naw Ruz table called "Sofreh haft-seen" consists of seven kinds of food each beginning with the letter "s" or "sin" in Farsi symbolising life, health, wealth, abundance, love, patience and purity. sabzeh, wheat or lentil sprouts, symbolizes rebirth samanu, a creamy pudding made from wheat germ, represents holiness seeb, an apple, stands for health and beauty senjid, the dried fruit of lotus tree, signifies love sir, garlic (which is considered medicinal), represents health somagh, sumac berries, stands for the colour of sun and the victory of good over evil serkeh, vinegar, indicates old age and patience Other things associated with this celebration: a book symbolizing wisdom (holy texts or books of Iranian poetry) sekeh, coins, representing wealth sonbol and laleh, hyacinth and tulips, symbolizing spring painted eggs to reflect the fertility of the people and the land a mirror to symbolize reflection of life candles, indicating happiness goldfish to represent life From the first to the 12th day of the New Year, people visit each other. On the 13th day, called Sizdeh bedar, everyone goes on picnics, as it is considered unlucky to stay indoors on the 13th day. The Bahá'í people have adopted the Iranian custom of beginning the New Year in the spring equinox. The day begins at sunset, and the New Year celebrations are held during the evening of March 19th. It is one of the nine Bahá'í holy days on which work is suspended. It is generally observed with a meeting for prayer and celebration.

19 March 21 - Eid e-navroz in Islam Shia followers of Islam observe this Eid. The day is associated with significant religious milestones for observers of the faith. Adherents believe that on this day the Prophet received his first revelation and also named his successor. This feast is an important celebration for Ismaili Muslims. March 25 to 31 - Holy Week begins in Christianity Holy Week is the period from Holy Monday to Easter Sunday. In Eastern Orthodox Christianity it is also known as Great Week. It is the last week of Lent. Each of the days of Holy Week has its own traditions of services. March 25 - Palm Sunday in Christianity Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week leading up to Easter for Eastern Orthodox churches who follow the Julian calendar. It celebrates the story of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where people spread palm branches and clothing before him. During Palm Sunday services, many churches distribute cut palm leaves, sometimes woven into the shape of a cross. March 25 - Shri Ramnavami in Hinduism Ramnavami celebrates the birth of Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu and son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya in India. He is the hero of Ramayana, the Sanskrit epic of 24,000 stanzas. A continuous recital of the book takes place for about a week prior to the celebration and on the day itself, the highlights of the story are read in temples. Many communities and temples celebrate this festival for nine days, beginning from Gudipadwa the first day (pratipada) of the month of Chaitra. Celebrations on the day begin with a prayer to the sun early in the morning. At midday, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born, a special prayer is performed. In northern India especially, an event that draws popular participation is the Ramanavmi procession or Ramleela depiction by drama/play. March 26 - Khordad Saal in Zoroastrianism Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek; Zarthosht in India and Persia) is the founder of Zoroastrian religion. Historians and religious scholars generally date his life sometime between 1500 and

20 1200 BCE. This day is recognised by members of the Zoroastrian faith following the Fasli calendar as Zarathushtra s birth anniversary. March 29 - Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) in Christianity Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday) is remembered as the time Jesus ate a final meal together with his followers. On the evening of Maundy Thursday, Christians remember Judas' betrayal of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The end of Lent is observed differently by the various Christian denominations. Followers of the faith mark this period with prayer, fasting and abstinence. March 29 - Mahavir Jayanti in Jainism Mahavira-Jayanti is the festival to commemorate the birth of Lord Mahavira, who was the 24 th and the last Jain Tirthankara (enlightened soul). He was born on the 13 th day of the rising moon in the month of Chaitra (March/April) in 599 BCE in India. Jain temples all over the world are decorated with flags for the occasion. On his birth anniversary, the followers of the faith observe the day by visiting temples, offering prayers, reaffirming their beliefs, meditating and listening to discourses on Mahavira's life and teachings. Mahavira-jayanti is celebrated not only to mark the birthday of Mahavira, but also to inculcate his teachings in one s life. Mahavira preached that right faith (samyak-darshana), right knowledge (samyak-gnana), and right conduct (samyak-charitra) together is the real path to attain the liberation of one's self. March 30 - Good Friday (Holy Friday) in Christianity and Canada Good Friday commemorates the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. It is a day of mourning for followers of the faith. During special Good Friday services, Christians meditate on Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, and what this means for their faith. Sunset of March 30 April 6 - Pesach (Passover) in Judaism Pesach, or Passover, commemorates the liberation of the Jews from Egypt and slavery. It is celebrated for eight days. Pesach begins at dusk (before sundown) on March 30 th. The first and last two days of the festival are full holidays - work is not done by followers. A highlight is the Seder (meaning "order") meal held in each family s home on the first evening of Pesach, when the story of their deliverance is recounted as narrated in the Haggadah (the Telling, the Story). Matzah (unleavened bread) is eaten throughout the festival, as are other

21 foods that contain no leaven and are symbolic to the struggle. There is a great spring cleaning in the home before the festival to ensure that no trace of leaven is left in the home during Pesach. March 31 - Sakyamuni Buddha's Nirvana Day in Buddhism Nirvana Day, also known as Parinirvana, is an annual Buddhist festival celebrating the death of Buddha after achieving Nirvana (liberation from cycle of rebirth and suffering) at the age of 80. Followers of the faith visit temples, offer prayers, meditate and read scriptures describing the last days of Gautama Buddha. If you have a colleague who celebrates one of these days, don't forget to offer them best wishes! If you have students in your school who are followers of any of the listed religions: - Make sure the dates are included on your school calendar - Have your principal announce the day over the PA system - Hold an assembly to talk with students about the importance of these days - Include a mention of these days in your school newsletter - Include information on your school website - Display student artwork announcing these days or depicting their ideas about these days - Invite a member of a local faith group to come in and discuss the significance of this day with students - Have class discussions about these days - Ask some of your students who celebrate certain holidays to write a short essay on how they celebrate this day at home. Have them read it to the class to share this celebration with the other students. - Have parents offer a cultural session Questions: If you would like any more information on how to celebrate these days, please call , ext. 2809