Fern Ave. Public School Blog

There are workshops scheduled in January 2009 that will address the Indentification Placement and Review Committee process as well as the Individual Education Plan. If you are an interested parent/guardian please click the link below for more information. uploads/ParentFlyer%2020Jan09.pdf

NEWS! NEWS! NEWS! Please click the link below and read all about the happenings at Fern Avenue Public School. This is our final newsletter for 2008! uploads/DecemberNewsletter.pdf

Fern Ave PS wins $20,000 technology grant from Best Buy Canada Best Buy Canada has announced that Fern Public School is one of three Toronto schools awarded a grand total of $100,000 from the electronic and computer retailer’s “Best in Class Fund” (BICF). The fund is aimed at inspiring teachers and students to develop compelling educational projects that advance learning through the integration of technology in the classroom. “We’re thrilled with this announcement,” said Principal Craig Tsuji. “I’m very proud of our staff and students who worked hard on an application that would get the judges attention.” The Fern submission from the Grade 7 and 8 Science and Geography class requested tablet PCs and software to help students research and explore land use online. Students also requested camcorders to record science experiments and share ideas on a wiki. Ms. Stephanie Gunsinger, Mr. Brian Shreve and Ms. Ellen Douglas were instrumental in making this happen. All Toronto Grade 7 and 8 cl

We would love to see everyone at Fern's Winter Concert next Thursday December 18/2008 5:30-6:30pm A Red Dot Gallery—see what the entire School has created in the auditorium A Pizza Dinner—sold in the school cafeteria A Student Council Fundraiser—the senior students are selling glow bracelets & hot chocolate The Annual Food Drive—we are asking our parent community to bring a non-perishable food item 6:30-7:30PM Concert in the primary yard (RAIN OR SHINE) Bring in some holiday cheer with good food, great songs & wonderful company! We look forward to your participation!

Do you feel like going out and having a good laugh? This might be something you would be interested in attending. Click the link below for more details. uploads/LaughterForTheArts.pdf

There are many opportunities to attend workshops about family wellness. Just click the link below. uploads/FamilyWellness.pdf

Swansea is holding a Gala & Dream Auction in an effort to revitalize part of their school playground. If you are interested, please click the link below for additional information. uploads/Gala%20Feb%2028.pdf

Application forms for Camp Tapawingo can be found in the Fern Office. All questions and application forms are to be directed to YWCA Camping Department 177 Caledonia Road Toronto, ON M6E 4S8 phone: 416-652-9374 fax: 416-652-7006 e-mail: camping@ywcatoronto.org

Specialized Art Program At Central Technical Schoool 725 Bathurst Street (one Block south of Bloor on Bathurst) OPEN HOUSE Monday December 8, 2008 at 6:30pm Agenda 6:30 Meet in the Auditorium 7:10 See school programs in the cafeteria 7:30 Tour of the Art Building For more information call Michael Porco at 416-393-0070 ext. 20100

First term report cards were handed out to students Monday December 1st, 2008. Teachers are requesting interviews with parents the evening of Thursday December 4th or the morning of Friday December 5th, 2008. In some instances, some interviews may take place outside of this time-frame. Please notify your child's teacher should you have any questions with regard to interview times scheduled.

Just a friendly reminder that Public Health will be at Fern Avenue P.S. tomorrow at 9am. Only senior students that have filled out consent forms will be vaccinated.

Our November Newsletter is hot-off-the-press! Please click the link below to read all about Fern Avenue Public School! Also, parents have been given an option to receive a hard copy of the newsletter. We ask parents to return the form (that was sent home November 25th) indicating this preference with their child as soon as possible. Enjoy reading this lengthy newsletter! uploads/NOVNEWS.pdf

Please click the link below if you are interested in attending any open houses for grades 6 and 7. uploads/OpenHouses.pdf

This week at Fern Avenue it is Spirit Week. Mark your calendars for these upcoming fun days: Monday November 24th: Pyjama Day Tuesday November 25th: 70's Day Wednesday November 26th: Great Leaders Day Thursday November 27th: Crazy Hair or Hat Day Friday November 28th: Sport Day/Girls Basketball Team vs Teachers We value your participation!

Jump Rope For Heart Kick-Off will take place on April 6th, 2009 Fern Avenue Public School will have their official whole-school event on April 24, 2009 More information will be provided closer to the date in the new year!

We understand that there are concerns regarding the frequent closing of the pool. We must close the pool when it is not up to health standards. The pool filters and plumbing (pipes) are in need of repair and we are doing everything we can to keep the pool open. TDSB plumbers have checked the system and cannot give us any short term solution except intermittent closure. Please understand that the filters and plumbing are an on-going issue and the cost to repair and replace them is cost prohibitive. Therefore thank you for your understanding as we continue to do our best to maintain the pool.

In order to accommodate for the Dec 1st issue date of Term One Report Cards, the ESA application deadline has been extended to Fri Dec 5th, 2008. We hope that this extension will allow students to include a copy of their Term One report cards with their applications. If a report card is not available by Dec 5th, students should still submit their application and forward the report card to ESA when it becomes available. All students who submit an application package by Dec 5th, 2008 will receive an audition. Students will be telephoned with their audition time between Jan 5 – Jan 11, 2009. For more information please contact ACL Student Services, Etobicoke School of the Arts at 416-396-6910 ext 2004.

Thursday, November 20, 2008 7-9pm, school auditorium Approval of Agenda, 2 min Approval of October 16, 2008 Minutes, 2 min Report from Chair (John Richmond), 5 min Report from Treasurer (Sally Brady), 5 min Report fromWard 7 Rep (Paula Larrondo), 5 min Principal’s Report and discussion (Craig Tsuji), 30 min French as a Second Language (Lise Snelgrove), 5 min Committee Reports, 20 min --- Communications Committee --- Math, Science and Engineering --- Greening Committee --- Playground Committee --- Arts Collective --- Food Committee --- Fundraising Other Business: --- Christmas Concert --- Food Drive for Parkdale Food Bank --- December meeting?

Story Staircases is a breathtaking art piece found on five stairwells at Queen Victoria Public School. 190 grades 3 and 4 students have transformed these stairwell walls into vivid allegorical paintings reflecting fables and mythology that express universal values of love and friendship, loyalty, trust, compassion and integrity. The 100+ feet of winding and climbing art introduces us to brilliant leopards, spiders, snakes, frogs, turtles, rabbits, woodpeckers, deer, monkeys, swans, roosters, hoopoe birds and humans too-all interacting with each other and with their natural world. These are the children's visual interpretations of the many stories told to the students: Jataka tales from South Asia, narratives from Africa and Europe, from Jewish and First Nations traditions. The project took six weeks to complete and involved many collaborators – including arts education partners Inner City Angels, Mariposa In The Schools, Ontario Trillium Foundation (funder) and education partner Yo

Just a friendly reminder that photo retakes are tomorrow. Bright Pics Photography will be at Fern at 9am. If your child(ren) absolutely need a retake or did not have photos taken this is the time to have them done. Thank-You!

LEAD VOLUNTEER NEEDED There are some senior students who would love to start a photography club, and are looking for someone to lead it for them. Fern has the equipment needed, and it could be held in Room 308. A teacher will be present to help, and expenses will be shared by the members. It is best to run this as an after school extra curricular activity. If you have any expertise in this area, and can spare the time, and are keen to inspire, please contact Ms. Basu at 416-393-9130.

The Fern Food Program is looking for new members for the volunteer steering committee. Steering committee members represent the community that benefits from the food program - this includes the school and the daycare. Help us think creatively about how to ensure the longevity of the program. The food program provides nutritious hot lunches for the daycare and the school, as well as healthy snacks for the kindergarten classes. The steering committee provides oversight for the food program so it can meet its goals: - ensuring no Fern child goes hungry at lunch - ensuring that the staff can perform their jobs in the most effective way possible - ensuring the program stays on budget Interested? Contact Kate McPherson ( kathryn@yorku.ca ) More on the committee and the food program - The steering committee is composed of representatives from the Fern School Council and the daycare, and includes the Principal of Fern is an ex-officio member. The committee monitors the monthly progress o

Please click on the links below to read more about continuing education opportunities. uploads/parentletter.pdf uploads/Flyer.pdf

This notice is to confirm that vaccinations for our grade 7 & 8 students is set for Wednesday December 3, 2008 at 1pm. Public Health has had to re-schedule several times and apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. We thank you for your understanding and patience.

Fern Avenue Public School distributed poppies to their students as a sign of remembrance on Tuesday November 11, 2008 Remembrance Day. They asked for a small monetary contribution to support the Canadian Veterans. Cash donations were received and totaled $313.56. These donations were forwarded to the Canadian Veterans on behalf of our Fern Community. As well, Ms. Basu’s class hosted a solemn whole-school assembly on November 11, 2008 in remembrance of those men and woman who served our country.

Garden Avenue Public School is hosting a craft sale this month. Mark your calendars and check out all of the possibilities at this sale. Click the link below to read their flyer. uploads/CRAFTSALE.pdf

Due to scheduling difficulties, we have had to re-schedule the Grade 7 & 8 vaccinations, again. Public Health will be visiting Fern Avenue on Monday December 1, 2008. We will confirm the time of day as soon as we are notified. We apologize for the change.

One of neighbouring schools is hosting a bazaar. We hope that you will be able to attend. Please click the link below for more details. uploads/Bazaar%20Flyer%2008-3%20%282%29.pdf

Please be advised that Toronto Public Health has re-scheduled vaccinations for our grade 7 and 8 students. The vaccinations will take place at Fern Avenue P.S. on Monday November 17, 2008 at 1pm. We informed our senior students of this change earlier this afternoon. Thank you for your understanding!

Remembrance Day, November 11, 4 pm - 6:30 pm . Bring the kids and help tidy up the school. Donations of bulbs and plants are welcome and can be dropped off at the office. Thanks, Jo Somers , parent and EcoSchool team member

How exciting is this news!! We can now be called Champions! Please click the link below for more information on our Fern Falcons! uploads/CHAMPIONS.pdf

Click the link to read about our very own Fern Falcons in yesterday's Star: http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Football/article/531555 Submitted by Carol Pauker , School Council Secretary

Springhurst LINC offers full-time English instruction for adults. Please click the link below and read more about their services: uploads/Springhurst.pdf

Fern Avenue is asking for donations. Please read the link below for further details: uploads/POPPY.pdf

Are you interested in playing HOCKEY! Are you ready to lace-up your skates! This might be exactly what you are looking for! Please be advised that we have made a correction on the flyer posted last week. uploads/HOCKEY.pdf

Fern Avenue is looking for coat hangers and a volunteer to help organize their Lost & Found area. Would you be interested? uploads/LOSTandFOUND.pdf

Dear Parents and Caregivers, As you are probably aware, Fern Ave P.S. has been very involved with eco-friendly projects, such as the lunch-time composting program and the shut down of computers. We are all very proud to again be recipients of the GOLD CERTIFICATE 2007-2008 from the Ontario EcoSchool board! We have many projects at the school that you and your children can be involved in. Click here to read more: uploads/Eco-newsletter-Nov08.pdf Cheers, Jo Somers , Fern EcoSchool Team

We are excited to share our October Newsletter with you. Please read all about what has been happening at our school. uploads/OCTOBER.pdf

There is something for everyone! Check out the sports/intramurals offered at Fern Avenue throughout the school year! uploads/PDFonline.pdf

Humberside Collegiate Institute School Advisory Council invites parents and community to participate in upcoming workshops. Wednesday, October 22 , 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Substance Abuse Identifying Stressors Contributing to Social-Behavior or Mental Health Concerns Presenter: AVRUM NADIGEL, Youth Outreach Program, CAMH Location: Staff Lounge, 2nd Floor of Humberside Collegiate Institute (HCI), 280 Quebec Avenue Wednesday, November 12 , 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Getting Your Child Ready for University Presenters: WILLIAM WETZEL and CURTIS COLE, Department of Academic Advising, University of Toronto Location: Lismer Hall, Humberside Collegiate Institute (HCI), 280 Quebec Avenue Submitted by Paula Larrondo , Ward 7 rep

The Ontario Association of Education Advocates (OAEA) in partnership with the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario (LDAO) were awarded a Ontario Trillium Foundation grant to bring together students identified with special needs, their parents, and educational professionals for an intensive 2 ½ day training program (November 20 - 22) in advocacy, self-advocacy and collaboration. There is no tuition, materials, or meal costs for attendees. Attendees at the Institute will learn: · How to develop collaborative working relationships · Solving conflicts successfully · Communicating for change · The psychology of advocacy · Advocating for self The Institute would be of special interest to: · Secondary students identified with special needs · Parents of students identified with special needs · Teachers · Teaching assistants · Educational administrators · And other educational professionals Please see the attached documents for more information. uploads/Announcement_Bulletin.pdf uploads

Workshop for School Council Members, Vice-Principals and Principals Presented by TDSB Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) Through the sharing of experiences, these workshops are designed to provide information and strategies for all school councils whether experienced or inexperienced on how to strengthen existing parent-school partnerships. Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Richview Collegiate Institute Library, 1738 Islington Ave. (@ Eglinton) Thursday, October 23, 2008 David and Mary Thompson CI Library, 2740 Lawrence Ave. East (@ Midland Ave.) Thursday, October 30, 2008 Jesse Ketchum Public School Library, 61 Davenport Road (@ Yonge) Thursday, November 6, 2008 York Mills Collegiate Institute Library, 490 York Mills Road (@ Bayview) § Light Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. Sessions commence at 7:00 p.m. § All interested participants are encouraged to pre-register for the session of their choice. To register, please call 416-395-5040 OR email piac@tel.tdsb.on.ca . § Inter

Experience at schools where parents have been involved with the planning of program models strongly suggests that an inclusive and co-operative culture among administration, teachers and parents is achieved. Parents who understand the constraints under which the school staffing committee must operate and how difficult it is to create the models are more supportive and less critical of the final result. To that end it is recommended that the T.D.S.B. work toward this collaborative culture. For the 2008/09 staffing year, Principals are asked to work toward ensuring that a parent group of at least two parents, identified by the School Advisory Council, have the opportunity to (a) review and understand the staff allocation numbers and projected enrolment for the school (b) develop possible program organization models Principals are asked to ensure that any such staffing models are considered by the school staffing committee in their deliberations. To maximize parent engag

Where: Carleton Village Public School 315 Osler St; 416-393-1600 When: Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 6:45 p.m.

Secondary School Parent Information Nights Dear Parents of Students in Grade Eight, The selection of a Secondary School for your child is extremely important and can be somewhat confusing. By the end of November all Grade 8 students will be bringing home a brochure entitled “Choices for Nine”. This brochure provides you with an overview of all the programs offered in Secondary Schools in the Toronto District School Board. To ensure clear understanding of the expectations and procedure for entry into Secondary School, we are inviting you and your child to an information meeting. Where: Parkdale Public School 78 Seaforth Ave; 416-393-1280 When: Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. To help you in selecting a Secondary School with your child, we have invited representatives from our local South West 2 Secondary Schools to speak with you in a storefront forum. Grade 8 Parent Information Night Agenda 6:45 p.m. Welcome David Freedman, Principal Parkdale CI June Stavropoulos, Principal Humb

A Visit From Rosedale Heights: On Monday October 27, 2008 As part of their transitions work, Rosedale Heights is visiting Fern Avenue Public School to perform an exciting assembly for our entire school. They would like to make our students aware that Rosedale Heights is a centre for performing and visual arts as well as to introduce them to some of their programs. The assembly will consist of performances by Rosedale Heights’ student dancers, musicians, vocalists and improv team members. The assembly will last approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. We look forward to their visit on Monday October 27, 2008.

Thursday, October 16, 2008 7:00 – 9:00 School Auditorium. Childcare Available. (1) Approval of Agenda, 2 min (2) Approval of Minutes from September 18, 2008, 2 min (3) Executive Elections, 15 min --- Chair --- Vice-Chair --- Treasurer --- Secretary --- Ward 7 Rep (4) Reports: --- Chair (John Richmond), 5 min --- Treasurer (Amy Stein), 5 min (5) Funding Requests (John Richmond), 10 min (6) Principal’s Report and Discussion (Craig Tsuji), 30 min (7) French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (Lise Snelgrove), 5 min (8) Committee Reports, 20 min --- Math, Science and Engineering --- Greening Committee --- Playground Committee --- Arts Collective --- Food --- Fundraising (9) Grade 8 Grad, 5 min (10) Other Business, 5 min --- Day Care Update --- Meeting Dates Next Meeting: Thursday, November 20, 2008

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Thank you to the many families that purchased and donated books to the Fern Avenue Library at the recent Scholastic Book Fair. Submitted by Crystal Rasa , parent

Ontario Ecoschools work with the TDSB to ensure environmentally friendly curriculum. Fern Ave P.S. has implemented many strategies to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE. Learn more about EcoSchools by going to their website. This year instead of an awards ceremony they are having a Kick-Off day, which should be very interesting and informative. Available to any parents, teachers or other adults who want to get involved with the EcoSchools program at Fern. KICK OFF DAY Tuesday, October 28 8.30am - 11.40 am Civic Court Centre Burnhamthorpe & West Mall NB - Transportation available Email Joanne Somers : joannesomers@rogers.com

The orders for the magazine drive must be received by October 15 . Remember, you can place your orders on-line! It’s easy . . . visit http://www.qsp.ca/ . The Fern group number is 9160. Submitted by André Breau , co-chair, Fern School Council

In the wake of Curriculum Night, we've added a couple of items to our Links section. These new links point to the website of the Ontario Ministry of Education, where you can read all about the Ontario Curriculum by grade or by subject , plus lots of other documents and reports too numerous to mention.

Inside this issue: Upcoming events and sports schedules (page 1) Arriving on-time to school (page 1) From the library (pages 2-3) Fire drills (page 3) Lockdown procedures (page 3) Fern strings and band (page 4) French programs (page 4) Ferncliff Daycare and After-School Group (page 5) Parenting and Family Literacy Centre (page 5) Staff list (page 6) Click on this link to read the full newsletter: FernNewsSept08.pdf Paper copies will be distributed to all students. Please note that we are working to reduce the amount of paper photocopied at the school; however, September is a very busy time for the office, and the information needed to reduce paper handouts - such as one copy per family - is not yet fully incorporated. Please be patient as we work on this initiative. - a note from Amy Stein , communications committee

We hope that all families will join us! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

The magazine drive information that went home in backpacks contained an incorrect deadline of October 30. Orders for the magazine drive must be received by September 30 . Click here for more information. Submitted by Andre Breau , co-chair, Fern school council

...but need some $$$ ? Each year parents, teachers and staff participate in fundraising activities to support and enhance our children’s experience at Fern. The money raised during a school year is spent on activities for the following year. The School Council funding policy also takes into account in-year requests for funding. 20% of the money raised during any school year is available to be spent in the current school year. Who can request funding? • It’s open to everyone - parents, guardians, teachers, school administration, students • Requests can be made by individuals or groups of people. Process for requesting funding • There is a form to make it easier to request funding: - available in hard copy in the office and taken home by each student - available online here • Complete and submit the form 2 weeks prior to the next School Council meeting: - preferred: via email to fernschoolcommunity@hotmail.com - if hard copy: to Vera in the office or put in the School Council mailbox • T

Exit 7 (also known as the Senior Entrance) is having new doors installed today. This construction should be completed by September 19, 2008. For your safety, please keep your distance from this entrance. The Senior students will be using exit 2 (which is at the front - west side of the school) to enter and exit the school. Thank you for your understanding,

Welcome to the new school year. I hope your summer was enjoyable and your children are off to a good start. A special welcome to parents new to French programs and to the new SK immersion programs at Fern PS and Duke of Connaught PS. The FSLAC works with parents, staff and trustees to foster growth and excellence in TDSB French Second Language programs. Trustee Chris Tonks and I co-chair the committee and parent members are elected by ward councils. Meetings take place at the TDSB offices and parents, staff and trustees are welcome. Information about the FSLAC can found at: www.tdsb.on.ca/fslac . Looking forward to a great year, Lise Snelgrove Meeting Date Changed The first FSLAC meeting of the school year, originally scheduled for Oct.14, has been changed to Tuesday, October 7, main floor cafeteria, TDSB Offices, 5050 Yonge St. Grade 7 Extended Program to be Reviewed by TDSB A report with recommendations on the future of the grade 7 Extended French program is expected this fall from

Tomorrow morning at 8:00am is the first cross-country practice. Students who are interested had the opportunity to pick up a permission form in the office. If your child has not picked up a form it is not too late! We look forward to seeing the kids at practice!

Upgrades to the Fern notice board Thanks to the work of Roy Schulze (parent), our notice board now has a school calendar, which includes Fern School and TDSB events, as well as the daily Fern lunch program menu. Next step is to populate the calendar with more events. If you know of any school event that is not on the calendar, please email it to fernnoticeboard@gmail.com . More improvements to the site are in the works - please check back. How to submit events and messages to the notice board Allan Lowson (parent) has set up a new email address for the communications committee to receive submissions for the notice board (calendar and all other postings): fernnoticeboard@gmail.com . Some people have asked if their emails automatically appear on the notice board. The answer is no: all emails are read by a parent volunteer, and then posted, if they are directly connected with Fern Ave. Public School or the Toronto District School Board. Please send the message text as you wish it to appea

Fern Avenue Public School is holding a Scholastic Book Fair during the week of September 22 - 25, in the Music Room down the main hall from the Main Office. At the Book Fair you will find a wide variety of reasonably-priced books that appeal to all kinds of interests and reading abilities. You will find both newly published titles and well-loved classics of fiction and information text. Funds raised during this event will support the acquisition of new and needed picture story books, novel sets and information texts to enhance classroom programs. They will also help to pay for the Boys’ Book Club, the Girls’ Book Club, and the Intermediate Book Club. Last year, the Book Fair made it possible for 26 junior and intermediate students to attend the Silver Birch and Red Maple Awards Ceremonies at Harbourfront, where four of our students helped to introduce nominated authors Matthew Skelton and Deborah Ellis. It also paid for two class parties to celebrate the entire class’ entry into the R

School Council Meeting Agenda September 18, 2008 7:00 – 9:00 School Auditorium Chair’s Welcome and Introductions (John Richmond, 10 min.) Approval of Agenda (2 min.) Approval of Minutes from June 12, 2008 (2 min.) School Council Executive Positions (John Richmond, 10 min.) Communications (website and email) (Amy Stein, 5 min.) Volunteers (5 min.) Principal’s Report and Discussion (Craig Tsuji, 30 min.) Treasurer’s Report (Amy Stein, 10 min.) Ward 7 Committee (Paula Larrondo, 5 min.) French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (Lise Snelgrove, 5 min.) Committee Reports (20 min.): Arts Committee Greening Committee Playground Committee (André Breau) Math, Science & Engineering (Haig Baronikian) Food (Kate McPherson) Draft School Council Constitution/Rules of Procedure (André Breau, 5 min.) Other Business (10 min.) Next Meeting: Thursday, October 16, 2008

We are having a gardening session/clean-up at the front of the school this Wednesday, Sept. 10, between 4 pm and 7 pm . Bring along your tools, gloves and anything for turning the soil. Light refreshments will be provided by some of the parents and teachers. Any donation of seeds, plant cuttings or plants would be greatly appreciated. Any left over mulch would also be great! Contact Joanne Somers ( joannesomers@rogers.com ) or Margot Davis (via the school office) for further information.

This afternoon, we've been updating the format and some of the functionality of the Notice Board. If things don't look right (columns out of alignment, overlapping text) try clicking the Refresh button on your browser. If that doesn't work, hold down the Alt key (Option on a Macintosh) and click Refresh again.

The school year has begun and the cafeteria is in full swing. The Eco School team has started off our 2008-2009 ENVIRONMENT-CONSCIOUS year by spending lunch times with the children, composting and recycling their lunch leftovers. This is a great way to teach the children about recycling. We need more green compost bins, cords to tie up the bins (to rodent-proof them) and then a team of volunteers to take them home to have them emptied on wednesday mornings. Anyone interested in helping with this hands-on committee, email Joanne Somers (Isabelle and Ben's mom) at joannesomers@rogers.com . We are also planning a garden clean-up for next week. It will be one evening from 4-7 pm; stay tuned for details.

We would like to inform you of an exciting opportunity that has presented itself for us here at Ferncliff Daycare and the Fern School community. We have the potential to expand our childcare program and open a new Kindergarten Room. The TDSB has agreed to let us share a space with the Kindergarten in Room 109. This would allow us to operate a Preschool Room, a Junior Kindergarten Room and a Senior Kindergarten Room. In order for the daycare to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, we need to be able to fill the spaces. If you are looking for childcare and are in need of a space, please fill out a wait list registration form that you can get at the daycare office, Room 103, located down the hall from the school office. It is our goal to determine the feasibility of this expansion as soon as possible and have the program up and running by no later than October 1, 2008. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Tracy Spence, Childcare Supervisor, at 416-588-1463 or

School councils are an excellent way for parents/guardians to get involved in their child’s education. Every Toronto District School Board (TDSB) school has an elected school council. The school council is made up of an elected committee of parents, staff and student representatives, appointed community members, the principal, and a general membership which includes all parents/guardians of children attending the school. The school council advises the principal and the TDSB on a variety of issues and activities relating to student achievement, curriculum goals and priorities, school budget priorities, school safety, renovation plans, after school activities, and criteria for selection of new principals. The council should: - focus on student learning and the best interests of all students, - provide a forum through which parents and other members of school communities can contribute to improving student achievement and school performance, - make recommendations to the school

Your school community needs you! Can you spare an hour, a day, a month? Whatever the amount, your participation is most appreciated. There are many events and activities at Fern that will not happen without an active group of volunteers. Every year the Fern School Council sponsors and coordinates events that rely on the good will and generosity of the Fern community. This includes the school administration, teachers, the parents/guardians of Fern students, and the students themselves. Some events for the 2008/2009 year: * Rummage Sale * Dance-a-thon * Fun Fair * Auction * Magazine Drive This year, we are pleased to have Karen Mondok as the Volunteer Coordinator. She will be a great support for Fern activities that would benefit from participation from the Fern community. Any and all participation is welcome. Please send an email to Karen at karenmondok@hotmail.com , or fill out the volunteer information form that went home with students today and submit it to the school office. Submit

Each fall, the Fern School Council holds the QSP magazine subscription fundraiser to raise money to benefit our students. The success of the program depends on your participation. This year's magazine drive is being launched on September 15 . Please save your magazine subscription renewals for our sale. It is only when you renew directly through our program that our school receives any profit from your order. If you are anxious to renew before the official campaign begins, you can support us today by shopping on-line! It’s easy . . . visit http://www.qsp.ca/ . The Fern group number is 9160. How about planning ahead and helping even more: Consider giving magazine subscriptions as gifts this year! Also, let friends and family know about our fundraiser and ask them to save their orders for our program. Submitted by Andre Breau , Vice-Chair, Fern School Council

Dear parents, On behalf of the Fern School Council I want to welcome back returning parents and students to what I am sure will be another great year at Fern. Welcome also to all our new parents and students. As many of you may already be aware, Fern has been chosen by the TDSB as a new site for French immersion. We look forward to making the new program, teachers, students and parents an important part of the Fern community. The Council has set itself a number of objectives for 2008-2009, particularly the continued improvement of our e-communications system. We want to ensure that parents have better, more timely information. To this end we are making a commitment to send out notices - including agendas - at least one week prior to Council meetings. Please make a note on your calender (day planner, Blackberry, etc...) for our next Council meeting: Thursday Sept. 18 , 2008, 7:00 pm, Fern School auditorium. I encourage all interested parents to attend this important introductory meet

Welcome to the 2008-09 school year! Please check back to Fern's on-line notice board, as we will be posting lots of information for the new year. If you have a Fern School community-related submission for this notice board, please email it to . Amy Stein (parent & site co-administrator)

Some members of the Let's Make Waves team have been hard at work putting a full press package together, in anticipation of the last TDSB Board meeting before summer break - June 25th at 7:30 pm. We need your help RIGHT NOW! This Wednesday night, there is a motion before the Board from Josh Matlow and Chris Tonks for the following: 1. That the Board reconsider its decision of June 27, 2007, as follows: That if, by February 2008, the provincial government does not agree to fund Board unfunded pools either through operating or capital grants or through a specific education mill rate, that the process of decommissioning all school-based pools effective June 1, 2008 be implemented. 2. That the Minister of Education be requested to appoint a professional with aquatics/auditing experience to help the Board review its pools before a single pool is drained in order to have correct and complete data before making decisions affecting aquatic programs. PLEASE EMAIL YOUR TRUSTEE TODAY! a) Let y

Parents, please come by the school and view the lost and found items. They are spread out in the school main floor hallway. Whatever is not claimed by next Tuesday will be sent to Goodwill. Thank you on behalf of the Early Years Team. Submitted by Tracy Spence , Ferncliff

The Math, Science and Engineering Committee has several initiatives planned for the next school year. This year, for the first time at Fern, we participated in the First Lego League (robotics) as well as Destination Imagination (blending art, science and imagination). We're eager to have more volunteers on our Committee and to bring even more enriching experiences to Fern for our children. We need your ideas and energy! Come and join us. We are also looking for a professional engineer who can volunteer in Professional Engineer Ontario's Engineer-in-Residence program at Fern. You would be working closely with teachers and students to help bring the excitement of science and engineering into the classroom. Please contact Haig at hbaronikian@yahoo.ca or 416.530.4877 for more information.

Photographs of the FUN FAIR Displayed in the School Lobby On Sale Now! Order by Friday, June 20th

Fern Spring Concert 2008 Date Change: Thurs. June 19 Time: 6:30 PM Please have all students involved arrive by 6:15 PM Grades 1 – 2 students meet in Auditorium Grades 3 – 6 students meet in their Classrooms See you there!

We will be serving coffee (possibly iced coffee), lemonade and light refreshments at the concert next week (June 18*) for about one hour. If anyone wants to help out, then it may be open longer! To volunteer, please contact Joanne Somers at joannesomers@rogers.com . All funds raised will go to the school council. * Rain date June 19.

Fern Avenue Ecoschool Committee proudly announces that we have once again achieved Gold Certification. This program formally recognizes our school's excellent environmental initiatives. Even though sadly we have lost the compost bins, we have managed to stay in the race with other initiatives: ''Shutdown" - the teachers are now shutting down their computers every night; and "Let the Sun In" - all classes turn off the lights when it is bright and sunny outside. Our level of electrical consumption has been markedly reduced and we can all be proud of our school community. Our continued recycling campaign is still going strong and we are looking at alternatives to the compost bins for the hot lunch program waste. Please contact Joanne Somers at (416) 530-1284 or email joannesomers@rogers.com if you are interested in joining our enthusiastic team.

1. FSL Policy Development Policies and procedures on aspects of FSL programs have developed at the Board over the years but there is no overall policy in place against which procedures can be developed and evaluated. The Gossling report of 2005 noted this and the Board responded by passing a motion for the development of an Extended and Immersion French policy "establishing a commitment to French-as-a-Second Language as a community-based program that supports French-language proficiency and bilingualism." System Superintendent Nadine Segal formed a policy review committee of staff to work on an initial draft. In May, the committee expanded to include trustees and FSLAC members. It will meet again in September and in the coming months, the policy will go to the FSLAC, to the Program and School Services Committee of the Board and then to the full Board. The FSLAC is proposing that the commitment be as stated in the Board motion but also include a commitment to research and inno

June 12, 2008 7:00 – 9:00 pm This is the last School Council meeting of the 2007/2008 school year. Please come and participate in deciding how to spend our money for the next school year. We also welcome everyone to join us in celebrating the work we’ve done and the beginning of summer with some home baked goodies and something to drink. Items marked with ** are those that require a decision from School Council members. Click here to download a copy of the proposed budget. Approval of Agenda, 2 min Approval of Minutes from the May 22 meeting, 2 min Chair’s Report (John Richmond), 5 min Ward 7 Report (Catherine Marjoribanks), 5 min Committee Reports, 15 min — Arts Committee — Greening Committee — Playground Committee — Science & Technology — Food Principal’s Report (Craig Tsuji), 10 min Treasurer’s Report (Amy Stein), 15 min Budget Proposal Discussion (John Richmond; discussion of the executive’s proposal), 60 min Budget Vote (John Richmond; does council accept the budget as propos

The Annual Fern Staff Luncheon will be held on Tuesday, June 24. This is a wonderful opportunity to thank our teachers, administration and support staff for another great school year. Contributions of nut-free hot or cold entrées and desserts are needed to create a sumptuous lunch buffet. Please contact Karen Mondok at karenmondok@hotmail.com with questions or to add your name and dish to our menu.

Ann Wright will be our roving photographer again at this year's Fun Fair. Photos will be displayed in the front foyer after the Fun Fair. Copies will be available for $1.00 each. See you on Friday! Submitted by Dianne Nicholson , parent and Fun Fair organizer

Ontario has a Provincial Parent Board whose role is to advise the Minister of Education on how to increase parent involvement. It also helps the minister develop effective programs and supports for parent involvement - locally, at the board level, and across the province. For more information on the Provincial Parent Board, please go to: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/ppb/ And the Board now has a Suggestion Box. If you would like to offer input or make recommendations to the Board, you can do so at: English: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/ppb/contact.html French: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/fre/parents/ppb/contact.html Submitted by Catherine Marjoribanks , Ward 7 rep to the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee.

The new full-day kindergarten -- looking for parent input. Dr. Charles E. Pascal has been appointed by the Province to offer advice on implementation of the new program of full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds (full-day Kindergarten). Parents who are interested in this topic can go to the following site to learn more and to offer their own input. http://ontario.ca/earlylearning The site provides a discussion guide to help understand the process. Submitted by Catherine Marjoribanks , Ward 7 rep.

From Trustee Irene Atkinson – May 8th, 2007 meeting. To view this document, please click here .

Tuesday, June 10, 4:00 - 7:00 pm (remarks at 4:30) 79 Jackman Ave (Chester subway station) Premiere of Raising the Green Roof , a 15-minute documentary of the Jackman Green Roof. Event includes refreshments, industry experts, information and tours. Click here for more information.

Free Community Information Session on Education in English/Mandarin/Cantonese Wednesday, June 4, 6:30 - 9:00 pm 多伦多小学教育体制与ESL 课程、中文学校课程及在校安全话题 TDSB Elementary School: ESL, International Language Programs at TDSB & School Safety 地点(Location): Ryerson Community School 96 Denison Avenue, Toronto (near Dundas and Bathurst) 联系人 Contact ： 赵女士 Cathy Zhao 电话 Tel: (416) -596-0833 ext. 5 Click here for more information.

The sounds of spring and summer are soon upon us! Our outdoor Spring Concert will be held on Wednesday, June 18th. (Rain date: Thursday, June 19th). Bring a lawn chair, bring a blanket, bring a picnic! The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Student check in time is at 6:15 in your child’s classroom. P.S. Our incredible Fern staff singers will be making their world stage debut!

Fern Fun Fair Friday, June 6 4 – 8 pm Students, their friends, and families are invited to an evening of fun in the Fern schoolyard. Bounce in four huge castles and play games designed for every age and size! Eat pizza, popcorn and candy floss . Enjoy delicious baked goods at the bake sale ! Drink gourmet coffee in our Bistro. Decorate your bike to ride in the bike parade ! Become a Guitar Hero ! Do the cake walk and win a cake to eat on the spot! Get your face painted, sing karaoke and much, much more! If you have some Canadian Tire dollars to donate, please have your kids drop them off in the Fern school office. All money raised from the Fun Fair event goes toward funding great programs for your children right here at Fern. We need parent volunteers to help make it happen. High school age siblings are also welcome and will receive community service hours. To volunteer for a Fun Fair shift (1 hour), contact Susan Anthony, fernfunfair@gmail.com . Calling all Bakers! We need lot

School Council Meeting Agenda Thursday, May 22, 2008 7:00 – 9:00 pm Items marked with ** are those that require a decision from School Council members. This meeting will be divided into 2 main parts (in addition to the regular meeting items): :: review of budget and funding requests to date :: fundraising discussion – note there will be 2 votes: (1) council approval to continue with the funding strategy approved last year (80% of the funds raised this year to be used for the next year, 20% to be available for in-year requests) (2) proposal for a pilot project – incentive-free fundraising for 2008/2009 Approval of Agenda – 2 min Approval of Minutes from April 24 and February 21 meetings – 2 min Chair’s Report (John Richmond) including committee volunteers – 5 min Ward 7 Report (Paula Larrondo) – 5 min Committee Reports – 10 min :: Arts Committee :: Greening Committee (compost) :: Playground Committee :: Science & Technology :: Food Principal’s Report (Craig Tsuji) – 10 mi

Community. It is one of the most amazing things about living in this neighbourhood and being part of Fern Ave. Public School. There are so many folks who contributed to the success of this past weekend's rummage sale/fundraiser at the school. I would like to start out with special thank-you to Jo Somers, Crystal Rasa, Mary Tremain and Nancy Marini, who were not only a pleasure to work with, but really helped bring the event together and make it a fun day. This year's fundraiser was truly a group effort, as well as a community event. Aside from raising over $3,000 which will go towards next year's programs, this event also allowed folks an opportunity to clean out their closets. Along the way we also helped out several charitable organizations, donated to an additional fundraiser for an orphanage overseas and made a new refugee family in the neighbourhood very happy. The parents, students, and administrators all gave an enormous amount of their time with respect to sorting,

Toronto Sports Council Summit Series Be a voice for aquatics in Toronto - join David Crombie and help chart the way forward! Date: Thursday May 15th, 2008 Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm (light refreshments) Location: Canadian Tire Conference Centre 2200 Yonge Street 3rd Floor, at Yonge/Eglinton Subway Station RSVP: by May 9th, 2008, via email: info@torontosportscouncil.com Sent on behalf of Trustee Irene Atkinson , TDSB

FRIDAY, May 23rd Argonaut Rowing Club 8pm to 1am $10/ticket in advance, $15/ticket at door tickets available at: Pollock's Home Hardware High Park Paint and Wallpaper Scooter Girl more info call: 416-537-1170

Please donate your Canadian Tire money to support the Fern Avenue P. S. Fun Fair, which takes place on Friday, June 6. It's a great use for that colourful cash collecting in your glove compartments and junk drawers! Please have your kids drop off the Canadian Tire dollars in the Fern school office. All money raised from the Fun Fair event goes toward funding great programs for your children right here at Fern. Submitted by Suzanne Loch , parent

Each year parents, teachers and staff participate in fundraising activities to support and enhance our children’s experience at Fern. The money raised during a school year is spent on activities for the following year. This means that the money we raise this year (2007/2008) will be spent in the 2008/2009 school year. We need your help to figure out how best to use the funds we have raised. Click here for more details. The School Council executive would like you to know about the process for requesting and approving funding. Process for requesting funding • We have a form this year to make it easier to request funding, which is available in hard copy in the office and will be taken home by each student. You can also download it here . • Complete and submit the form. Preferred: via email to . If hard copy, to Vera in the office or put in the School Council mailbox. • There is more than one opportunity to have your request considered by the School Council. For the May 22 meeti

Music Monday was launched in May 2005 to celebrate the importance of music in our society and to demonstrate the power that music has to unite us and how, by working together in harmony, we can make something truly beautiful. There will be 1,450 schools participating in outdoor concerts events nationwide. To unite the country in song, "Our Song" will be simultaneously sung/played at 1pm Toronto time. CBC Radio will also profile Music Monday events across Canada including TDSB school performances at Queens Park. This year, Music Monday festivities at Fern will be held on Monday, May 5th at 1pm in the Junior Yard. (Rain location: Cafeteria)

Pelléas et Mélisande Saturday, May 3, 2008 Student dress rehearsal performances are an exciting and inexpensive way of introducing students to the wonder of opera. A full synopsis for the remaining opera is available at www.coc.ca The performance begins at 7:30 pm, at the Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts. If you would like to order tickets, please contact Karen Mondok at karenmondok@hotmail.com . Tickets are $14 each and are sold in a 1:2 adult to student ratio (i.e. each ticket order must be for 3 tickets; 1 adult chaperone and two students).

The following information is provided by parent council, which received it from the office of TDSB Trustee Irene Atkinson: Let's Make Waves & Save our Pools! Save Toronto Pools Rally - May 1st 4:15-6:15pm at Queen's Park (front lawn) If you can swim, or you ever want to learn to swim, this rally is for you! We need YOUR help to save Toronto pools for all the citizens of this city. We want them open so all children can learn to swim and stay safe, youth can train and compete, and adults can stay fit and healthy. Come out to show our elected officials that this is an important issue for the people of Toronto! We want the Province, City, and TDSB to work together to find a sustainable long-term solution. Make the rally a fun event with friends and family. Make signs. Wear your swim suit, bathing cap, and goggles. Bring your life jacket and water wings. Wear your swim team track suit!!! Please do what you can to attend and make a difference. Come after school, leave work a

Thursday, April 24, 2008 7:00PM Auditorium – Fern (1) Approval of Agenda (2) Adoption of Minutes – February 21, March 27 meetings (3) Chair’s Report – John Richmond - Update: Save our Pool Campaign (and discussion - what next?) - Update: French Immersion at Fern - Homework Survey – Report (4) Treasurer’s Report – Amy Stein (5) Committee Reports: - Greening/Gardening (ACTION: Compost Plan, Gardening Schedule) - Arts (ACTION: New Volunteers needed for this committee) - Science and Technology - Fundraising (ACTIONS: Magazine Drive. Paula Larrondo will report on planning for the Fern Fun Fair) *Please note – the May Council meeting (May 22nd) will be dedicated to Fundraising and planning for next year’s budget (5) Ward 7 Report – Cathorine Marjoribanks - TDSB budget update (6) Lise Snelgrove – French Immersion Parents’ Alternate Rep, Ward 7 - Report: Work of French Immersion Parents’ Group (7) Principal’s Report – Craig Tsuji Other Business

The Ward 7 Education Council is a forum for all the schools in our area to meet with our trustee, bring forward issues from our schools, and offer our recommendations concerning matters before the Board. For information on the most recent meeting of the Council, click here to download a PDF of the latest Ward 7 Update document. The next Ward 7 meeting is on May 27, and if you are interested in attending along with Fern's Ward 7 reps, please contact Catherine Marjoribanks at wordplay@sympatico.ca

When: May 10, 2008 Where: Fern Ave P.S. Auditorium Time: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm Admission: One Dollar Tired of living in clutter? Looking to clean out that basement or attic just in time to get out and play in the garden? We are currently looking for donations of gently used household items (furniture, clothing, appliances, books). All funds raised will go towards funding school programs for 2008/2009 school year! Items may be dropped off in the school auditorium , beginning the week of April 14 and ending on Wednesday, May 7. Monday 8:30 am – 9:00 am Wednesday 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm Friday 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm If you would like to volunteer, or need a special pick-up of a larger item, please contact Lisa Dooher at ldooher@rogers.com or call at 416-533-4824.

The latest media reports (as of today, April 16) indicate no progress has been made by the TDSB, City of Toronto and the Provincial government in saving the TDSB school pools slated for closure in 2008 and 2009 (including our pool here at Fern). Parents have been asking what else can be done to save the pool. A number of parents have made suggestions such as partnerships with outside organizations and a fundraising campaign. The issue of the pool will be on the agenda for our next meeting, Thursday, April 24, at 7:00 pm. Everyone interested in this issue is encouraged to come out and join us for a discussion. John Richmond , Chair, Fern School Council

Dear Fern parents and Fern community, just a few quick updates: Cyber-Bullying: Thanks to the parents who came out for the info night on cyber-bullying. I was not available that evening but Mr. Tsuji reports it was both informative and interesting. This is an important topic for parents, teachers and students and is rapidly developing into a major problem for high school students. We are looking into posting some info links on the web site. Parent council campaign to save Fern pool: As you will see from the TDSB posting, the School Board has decided to proceed with closing our pool. A number of parents have asked me what the parent council is doing to save our pool. We are the in the process of lobbying the provincial government to save the TDSB pools and change the funding formula - as was recommended in the Rosanski Report on the funding for public education and as was promised by the provincial government several years ago. Changing the funding formula to recognize the unique ne

The Canadian Council on Learning is pleased to inform you that the fifth speaker of the Minerva Lecture Series will soon be visiting Toronto. On Monday, April 14 , Dr. Fred Genesee will be giving a free, public talk at the Toronto Public Library’s Deer Park Branch, at 7:00 PM . The title of his lecture is “Early childhood bilingualism: Perils and possibilities”. We believe this presentation will appeal to anyone interested in issues pertaining to bilingualism in education, second language learners, immersion, and the challenges associated with accommodating the varied needs of learners from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Dr. Genesee is a world-renowned scholar of bilingualism, language development and language immersion programs, a Professor of Psychology at McGill University and the author of numerous scientific research books and reports on language learning in children. The Minerva Lecture Series was created by the Canadian Council on Learning to foster discussion betwe

TDSB Closes 23 Pools in June 2008 to Fund Other Priorities Toronto, ON, April 4, 2008 – Effective June 2008, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) will be closing 23 school pools. Additional pools have been identified to close effective June 2009 (see attached list). The pools where the City runs community programs, as well as pools that are needed for Special Education programs, will remain open. The estimated cost savings of $4 million can be applied towards the Board’s budget shortfall or used to fund new investments such as the increased number of ESL teachers approved by the Board for 2008-09. The decommissioning of these pools is a result of a previous Board decision, made by Trustees, in June 2007, stating, “if, by February 1, 2008, the provincial government does not agree to fund Board unfunded pools either through operating or capital grants or through a specific education mill rate, that the process of decommissioning all school-based pools effective June 1, 2008 be implem

All parents of students from JK–Grade 6 will be invited to complete a Parent Survey from April 21–May 5, 2008. This research project will give us very important information about our students that will help us in our mission to enable all students to achieve high levels of success. The Parent Survey for JK-Grade 6 students will be sent home to each parent/caregiver. Translations of the survey will be available. If you require assistance with completing your survey, please contact the TDSB Student and Community Equity department at 416-397-3138. The survey is voluntary, but we encourage all parents/caregivers to complete the survey. The survey is confidential and only the staff of the TDSB Research Department will have access to the information. Please return your completed survey(s) by May 5th. Please visit the TDSB equity in education website: www.tdsb.on.ca/equity .

We would like to inform the Fern community that on April 3, we unfortunately had several students’ personal expensive items stolen from the girl’s change room. There is some security as the doors were locked but unfortunately incidents like this do occur. We do take this seriously and we have reported it to the police. To protect all students from loss, disappointment and heartache, we suggest that valuable items such as jewellery, money, expensive toys and electronics be left at home. We strongly recommend that students keep personal audio devises, such as Ipods, MP3 players and cell phones at home. Cell phones should be turned off in school and they should stay in your backpacks or lockers during the school day.

Western Tech School Council is hosting a workshop for parents. This year there will be a representative from the Parent Education Network present on the topic of “How to Cope with the Stressful Teenage Years.” The workshop will give parents strategies on how to deal with difficult situations they face at times raising teenagers. The session is being held at Western Techs library on Thursday April 3 at 7:30 pm . Submitted by Irene Atkinson , TDSB Trustee.