

Interested in the International Baccalaureate Program for High School? Click here for information about registering for the program.
Good afternoon Brownridge Families,
This is a final reminder that tonight is the virtual “Meet the Teacher” night at Brownridge. The link for the presentation (One at 6:00-6:30 and an identical one at 6:30-7:00) can be found in your child’s Google Classroom. As mentioned in previous emails, you need your child’s user name and password to access the link.
Have a wonderful evening.
Each year, students, educators and allies bring attention to the need for safer and more inclusive learning and working environments for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (2SLGBTQ+) people. October 15 is a Spirit Day. It is an annual day in October when millions of North Americans wear purple to show their support for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and to take a stand against bullying. Wear purple on Thursday.
According to Vaughan Animal Services, coyotes are commonly found in urban areas throughout North America, including Vaughan. Seeing a coyote in Vaughan is not cause for alarm. Coyotes are not considered a significant risk to people. They are naturally wary of humans and avoid contact with people whenever possible; however, as with all wild animals, humans should avoid any direct contact. Most negative coyote interactions are preventable.
Best Practices to Deter Coyotes
Food
Intentional and unintentional feeding (food habituation) will lead coyotes to associate humans with sources of food, which can result in negative interactions between coyotes, people and pets.
Water
Remove all standing water sources from properties, such as water bowls for pets and watering cans. Even backyard water features can serve as water sources to wildlife.
Shelter
Spring is denning and pupping season, when coyotes concentrate their activity around dens or burrows to shelter their young. To reduce attraction to private property: remove debris, dead brush and wood piles; cut long grass; secure any gaps in sheds, decks, crawl spaces or foundation walls; secure any outbuildings on the property.
Unattended Pets
To minimize risk to pets, never leave pets outside unattended and always keep dogs close on leash during walks. Free-roaming pets, especially cats, may attract coyotes into neighbourhoods. Preferred prey for coyotes consists of rodents (mice, moles/voles, rats, etc.), rabbits, birds, amphibians, and insects. They also feed on eggs, wild berries, fallen fruit, nuts, carrion, and any found food source (e.g. human garbage). While they may not distinguish cats from their preferred prey, coyotes do not consider dogs as prey. Off leash or unattended dogs can however be vulnerable if perceived as threats by coyotes, or with coyotes who are protective of their territory and pups (usually during breeding season).
Aversion Conditioning (Hazing)
Hazing is an activity or series of activities intended to reintroduce or reinforce coyotes’ natural wariness of humans, to discourage coyotes from entering areas where people are present (such as parks and yards), to discourage coyotes from directly approaching people and pets, and to increase awareness about coyote behaviour and involve the community in coyote management efforts.
Hazing involves generating loud noises, making humans appear larger by waving arms over head, pulling a grocery bag from your pocket and snapping it in the air, spraying water, shining bright lights, using motion sensors, or throwing objects near (but not at) the animal. It is important to continue hazing efforts until the animal leaves the area. We discourage residents from stopping to take photographs, as this only contributes to coyotes being less wary of humans.
The above strategies promote and support safety of residents, wildlife, and pets. The goal is to adjust the way that our communities coexist with nature while re-habituating coyotes to exhibit greater wariness of people, and to achieve community wildlife resiliency while ensuring public safety, as already achieved in municipalities across Canada.
Information from Vaughan Animal Services
You can protect yourself and others from COVID-19 by observing the following measures:
It is also important to keep your body healthy and strong by getting lots of sleep, eating nutritious food, drinking plenty of water, exercising and spending time on self-care.
Unmonitored and private social gatherings are limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Unmonitored and private social gatherings include functions, parties, dinners, gatherings, BBQs or weddings held in private residences, backyards, parks and other recreational areas. You must continue to practice physical distancing when gathering with individuals outside your immediate household.
See “Public Gatherings” section at york.ca/covid19forbusiness for guidance on social or public gatherings (e.g., weddings, funerals, etc.)
As of October 2, 2020, the Government of Ontario is pausing social circles. All Ontarians are advised to allow close contact only with the people living in their own household and maintain 2-metres physical distancing from everyone else. Individuals who live alone may consider having close contact with another household.
Face masks or coverings have been mandated for use in all public indoor settings across the province, such as businesses, facilities and workplaces, with limited exemptions, including corrections and developmental services under the amended order O. Reg 364/20.
Children in grades 4 and higher are required to wear face masks or coverings at school and those in grades 3 and under are strongly encouraged, if tolerated and safe. Visit york.ca/SafeAtSchool
Wearing a face mask or covering helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Face masks are not a substitute for physical distancing and other public health measures but add an additional layer of protection. Visit york.ca/MandatoryMasks for more information.
Get a phone alert if you have been exposed to COVID-19 , and let others know if you test positive without sharing any personal, health, or location information. Visit covid-19.ontario.ca/covidalert for more app details and links to download to your Smartphone.
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer and Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health have advised against all non-essential travel. Visit travel.gc.ca for the latest travel advice.
If you have returned from travel, you may have been exposed to COVID-19 by airplane, cruise ship or train (any public conveyance). Being aware of the risk can help you take the necessary steps to protect your health and the health of others around you. Please visit Government of Canada for locations where you may have been exposed to COVID-19.
If you have returned from international travel, including the United States
Self-isolate for 14 days. Stay home and only leave your house if you need urgent medical attention. This means go straight home, do not stop for groceries and avoid close contact with others, even in your home.
The Government of Canada has amended the emergency order under the Quarantine Act to mandate all who arrive in Canada by land, sea or air, whether or not they have symptoms, to self-isolate or quarantine for 14 days. Returning travellers must demonstrate that they have an appropriate self-isolation plan with access to food and medication. People without an appropriate plan will have to self-isolate in a location selected by the Chief Public Health Officer, such as a hotel room, until their quarantine period is over. For more information, visit Government of Canada COVID-19.
If you have returned from travel and you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, have been exposed to a close contact with COVID-19 or are concerned about your own health, please visit Symptoms, Transmission, Treatment, and Testing to learn about next steps.
Individuals 70 years of age and older or who are immunocompromised are at higher risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19. The Ministry recommends these individuals talk with their doctor about self-isolating, reducing their time outside their home, wearing a face covering or mask and keeping distance from others as much as possible.
Have a wonderful weekend!
The Brownridge Team
Ongoing Open Registration for 2020-2021 Adult ESL, LINC & LBS Programs
English as a Second Language (ESL); Language Instruction for New Comers (LINC); and Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) Classes
YRDSB offers Adult English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for those who want to develop effective language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing for daily life in Canada. We also offer specialized classes in Citizenship and Conversation.
Adult ESL Program Registration – In person and online options available!
For an assessment or to register, please call: 905-731-9557
If you are interested in improving your digital skills, want to work on your resume or interview skills, or prepare to take your GED exam, our Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program is for you!
Literacy and Basic Skill Assessment – In person and online options available!
1. Email uplands@yrdsb.ca or call 905-731-9557 Ext. 307 with the following information:
NOTE: Due to the high volume of inquires, it may take a few days to receive a reply communication from our office. We appreciate your patience.
Thank you for your interest in our programs. We look forward to serving you.