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Showing posts from 2013

Fern December Sports Update

Please click here for updates on Fern Junior Basketball and Senior Volleyball.

Mosquito Nets (NOT JUST) for Christmas!

Thank you to everyone who purchased holiday cards in support of for  Plan Canada ’s  Spread the Net  Student Challenge  at Fern, and to the students of M. Gelinas' class who donated their time and creativity to creating the cards. They were a huge success, resulting in a total of $2740 raised to date! That's 274 nets that can protect up to 548 kids for 3 years from malaria. Fern students are competing with elementary schools across Canada to raise the most money for the program, and win a visit from the Rick Mercer Report. Last year the top fundraising elementary school raised approximately $5500. We still have until February 28 to continue to raise money for more nets! Stay tuned in the New Year for more fun and exciting events being planned by Fern students, but in the meantime: You can keep the pledges coming by downloading a pledge form here to fill out with your kids to buy a net, and ask friends and family to pitch in. Too plugged in for paper? You can also bu

Last Chance for Spread the Net Holiday Cards!

Limited edition holiday cards, featuring the artwork of M. Gelinas' class, will be on sale for one final day at the Kindergarten holiday concert on Tuesday, December 17. Click here for more details about the Spread the Net Student Challenge at Fern.

The Annual Fern Food Drive is On!

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During this time of year when many people have opportunities to share food with friends and family, there are a growing number of individuals and families in our community who struggle to have their basic food necessities met. The annual Fern Food Drive is a time to discuss empathy with children so that they may better appreciate what they have and take actions to make a positive impact on their community. One such tangible action can be to donate non-perishable food items to the Fern Ave. P.S. Food Drive next week from Monday, December 16th to Thursday, December 19th. Thank you very much on behalf of those in need.

Senior Kindergarten French Immersion Information Night

Wednesday January, 8, 2014 7pm Auditorium At Fern Avenue Public School Please note other school sites (in January 2014) will host information nights regarding the Immersion program should you not be able to attend that evening.

December 12 Christmas Concert!

Fern Avenue J&S PS Christmas Concert: Dec 12, 2013 6:30pm, Auditorium Dress code: white or light tops, dark bottoms Children to Arrive 6:15pm , go to their classroom. Runners will call your class when time to perform. MCs: Joseph and Natnael Gaudet & Whalen: La neige tombe, Vive le Vent, Rudolf Nitsis: Drummer Boy Gelinas & Desilets: Les douze Jours de Noel Eyre & Maxted: Nuttin’ for Christmas, Santa Clause is Coming to Town Dibon-Smith: L’enfant Au Tambour Venn: D’ou viens-tu bergere, Surprise piece Archdekin: Jingle Bell Rock, Feliz, Deck the Halls, We Wish You See you there!

December Newsletter

Please click here for the December Newsletter.

A Note for Grade 8 Parents!

Grade 8 Parents! An important letter was sent home this week regarding the Montreal Trip. Should you need another copy please drop by the office. Regards, Bogdan Nikolajevic

Support Fern!

Please shop at Scooter Girl on Roncesvalles on Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th as a portion of the sales from these two days will be donated to our School! This has become a yearly tradition and we thank Terri and her staff very much for their continued support of our school. Thank you for your support!

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser Update

The ESL Class Announces: Fern raised $748 for the Philippines through the Pancake breakfast and the Hot Chocolate sale! The money will be donated through the Red Cross and the government will match our donation, for a grand total of $1496! Thanks once again to the Fern community for your amazing generosity and support.

Changes to our mailing list

Over the past few weeks we have slowly been moving over to a new provider to deliver our weekly e-mail blasts. Older subscribers signed on with a provider called iContact; but as of today, new subscribers will sign up with MailChimp. And, as part of this process, we have imported all our current subscribers to their system. If you signed up for text-only e-mail, you’ll probably need to change your preferences. To do so, click the Update Subscription Preferences at the bottom of the next e-mail you receive from us. Also, there is a small chance that people who recently signed onto our mailing list may have been fallen through the cracks during the transition. So, if you do not receive an e-mail from us this weekend, click here to rejoin the list; or send us a message at  fernnoticeboard@gmail.com .

Downtown Vocal Music Academy Open House

Please click here for the Downtown VMA’s Open House flyer for all grade 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 students.

Transitions Evening

Please click here for the upcoming Transitions Night for Grade 6's at Winona Drive Sr. PS on 16 January 2014.

Fern Falcons Hockey

The Fern Falcons Hockey Team is ready to lace up our skates and play HOCKEY!!! Dear Parent/Guardians, Coaches Vera and Madame Miya will be sending out permission forms and a hockey package for your information next week. Please read the information carefully with your child, sign and return to Vera in the office. Attached to your forms will be a detailed note of ALL practice times, locations, and hockey games. Please feel free to call Vera should you require any further questions @ 416-393-9130.

Horizon Alternative—Open House for grades 6,7,8

Are you looking for an alternative? The program at Horizon offers: Enriched, quality programming in all subject areas Students responsibility and time management skills Real-life and simulation based teaching Teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills Diversity Lots of trips and special events When is it? Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 6:30 pm Where is it? Central Commerce auditorium 570 Shaw Street (right near Harbord and Ossington) The Open House will offer prospective families a chance to hear current students talk about the program, to ask questions of staff and students, and to pick up the application package overview. Contact information: Phone: (416) 393-1298 Email:   horizon_alt@hotmail.com Fax:  (416) 393-1214 Website: http://horizonalternative.ca

Primary and Kindergarten Holiday Concerts!

Please click here for the Primary and Kindergarten Holiday concert flyer!

Ease back into the school routine without any post-holiday stress

The whirlwind of the holiday break may sweep you up and before you know it, school begins and you need to find the lunch box and thermos again! Why not alleviate your stress, energy and time and sign your child(ren) up for January’s lunch program? Better yet, sign up for the rest of the year and you won’t have to worry about uneaten lunches coming back home. The winter menu features student favourites such as vegetarian chili, taco salad, spaghetti, balsamic chicken and beef goulash soup. Not only are they delicious, but they’re nutritious too (you don’t need to tell your kids that though). Ready to sign up? Please fill out, detach and submit the form with your payment in a sealed envelope. The secure deposit box is conveniently located outside the Ferncliff Daycare office (room 103). The deadline for your order is Thursday, December 12 to begin lunch on Monday, January 6.

Primary and Kindergarten Holiday Concerts!

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The Primary Holiday Concert will be held on December 12th at 6:30pm in the auditorium. The Kindergarten Holiday Concert will be held on December 17th at 6:00pm in the auditorium.

City of Toronto Community Budget Meeting - For Information Only

Councillor Sarah Doucette and Councillor Gord Perks invite you to participate in a Ward 13 and 14 round table discussion on the 2014 City of Toronto Budget. This evening is an opportunity to examine the City Budget with your neighbours and begin a conversation about delivering and funding services with the 2014 City Budget. Wednesday, December 4th, 7 pm - 9 pm Bishop Marrocco/Thomas Merton School 1515 Bloor Street West, 3rd Floor Staff Room If you have any further questions, please contact Councillor Perks' Office: councillor_perks@toronto.ca 416-392-7919 This meeting announcement is posted to raise awareness of a discussion that will affect the Fern Ave PS vicinity. The notice does not imply endorsement of or support the position of individuals/organizations. This is also not soliciting direct feedback to the Noticeboard

Join us for Pancakes: Thursday November 28: 8-8:45am

Ms. Chakungal’s Grade 8 Class will host a pancake breakfast, which will take place in the auditorium across from the office. Thursday November 28 08:00-08:45am All of the proceeds from this event will be sent to the Philippines to assist with relief efforts for the more than 11 million people affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Pancakes - $2.50 Pancakes with fruit - $3.00 Please join us and support this very worthwhile cause. Thank you.

Direct Appeal

Thank you for your generous donations and please help us raise an additional $4,500.00 to match the amount we raised during the 2012 school year. Donations for the 2013 school year will be accepted until November 29, 2013. Your donations support great programs such as Scientists in the school as well as dance, music and fine art workshops that are enjoyed and available for all students. A tax receipt can be issued for donations of $25.00 and greater. Thank you for your continued support and efforts in making Fern the very best for all our children.

Spread the Net this Christmas . . . and help combat malaria

This year, Fern students have signed our school up for Plan Canada ’s Spread the Net Student Challenge to help combat malaria in some of the world’s most vulnerable places. Fern students are competing with elementary schools across Canada to raise the most money for the program, and to win a visit from CBC’s Rick Mercer Report. Last year, the top fundraising elementary school raised approximately $5,500. Every year, approximately 660,000 people around the world die after contracting malaria from a mosquito carrying the plasmodium parasite. Most of these victims are children under five. It is a disease that costs the African economy an estimated 12 billion dollars and can devastate the families it effects. Fortunately, one of the best ways to prevent the spread of malaria is to keep them away from people while they sleep by using treated bed nets. Fern’s Spread the Net campaign will raise money to buy as many nets as possible by the end of February 2014. Ten bucks buys a net

Community Meeting Announcement - For Information Only

Community Meeting with Tim Hortons' representatives to discuss Tim Hortons' new location at 175 Roncesvalles Avenue (at Fern Avenue): Thursday, November 28th, 2013 7:00PM - 8:30 PM at St. Casimir’s Church 156 Roncesvalles Avenue Should you have any questions, please contact Councillor Perks' Office: councillor_perks@toronto.ca 416-392-7919 This meeting announcement is posted to raise awareness of a proposal discussion that will affect the Fern Ave PS vicinity. The notice does not imply endorsement of or support the position of individuals/organizations. This is also not soliciting direct feedback to the Noticeboard.

Restaurant Raffle from the Fern Student Council!

Come buy a raffle ticket for $1 each! You could win a $10 gift card for ARIS PLACE or PIZZA FLORA or BOTH if you buy a ticket for each!!! Tickets will be sold during ALL of lunch outside the office Thursday November 21 Friday November 22 Monday November 25 (Only until 12:10) Tuesday November 26 The WINNER will be announced on WEDNESDAY the 27th on the morning announcements. IT COULD BE YOU!

Parent Information Session

SKILLS FOR LIVING Presentation January 14, 2014 All members of the community are invited to attend a free presentation by Dr. Audrey Huberman on Skills for Living at the Swansea Community Centre on the evening of January 14, 2014 at 7PM. Click here for the flyer. Dr. Huberman will share social , emotional and behavioural skills for parents, teachers, students and others to help them manage the complexities of family life and to support young people in improving their social-emotional functioning at school and at home. Mark your calendars!

School Council meetings

The Fern Avenue Public School Council meets tonight in the auditorium: School Council Meeting Tuesday, November 19 @ 6:30 P.M. We will be providing childcare to anyone who needs it, so come on out and learn what’s been happening at the school and all the good stuff that’s coming up!  Future council meetings for the remainder of year are listed below. To give everyone a chance to attend, meetings generally alternate between the third Tuesday and the third Wednesday of each month, but check the calendar or the Fern blog for announcements. Tuesday, November 19  December, no meeting  Wednesday, January 15  Tuesday, February 18  Wednesday, March 26 (delayed due to the March break)  Tuesday, April 15  Wednesday, May 21 Tuesday, June 17 We hope to see you there. 

Wear Pink Tomorrow - November 19th!

In support of Anti-Bullying week, we are asking all students and staff to wear PINK tomorrow, Tuesday November 19, 2013 . Students in grades 1-8 will partake in an assembly with Duane “D.O.” Gibson during the morning. Thank you, Linda Tasevski Vice Principal

Ward 7 Report from November 12, 2013 Meeting

Part 1 of the meeting was an engaging and energetic presentation by Child and Family Therapist, Jennifer Kolari, entitled "Connected Parenting." For more information on her C.A.L.M. approach to working with children go to her website www.connectedparenting.com Part 2A of the meeting consisted of information from Trustee Atkinson. Challenges of Regulation 274 and the effect it has on Principals in their hiring process were discussed. TDSB Director of Education, Donna Quan, submitted a letter to the Minister of Education, Liz Sandals, expressing her concerns over Regulation 274. For more information on this regulation please see the Sept. 19th Ward 7 blog posting for more information.    Trustee Atkinson has submitted a proposal that would have Western Technical-Commercial School become an Institute for Excellence for the Construction Trades with a focus on skills required for apprenticeship programs and other trades related employment and educational opportunities.

Arts Collective Update

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Metis Fiddle Show and Student Concert Friday Nov. 22nd in the Auditorium Mr. DeSantis and Mr. Nikolajevic’s classes will perform at: 10:35 am Madame Desilets and Mr. Sy’s classes will perform at: 2:20 pm Please join us if you can. Everyone is welcome! Arts Collective Update Get ready for our Fern Fun Flicks! The Arts Collective will be hosting a movie night fundraiser in the auditorium on Thursday December 5th . There will be snack food, drinks and of course popcorn! Our feature film will be Arthur Christmas to get us in the mood for the holidays! We hope you can join us. Tickets will go on sale November 25th.

Messages from the School Council

Direct Appeal A bright and colourful memo was sent home with your child. If you did not receive a copy & would like one please contact liz.leason@rogers.com There is still time to send in a donation. Many thanks to the families who have sent in a donation. Your support is most welcomed and greatly appreciated. School Council Meeting: Tuesday November 19 @ 6:30pm .  Child care services are provided. Come on out and learn what’s new with the school and all the good stuff that is coming up!

Family Information Night - Grades 5 - 8

For families of students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 to explore our buildings, programs, activities and unique curricular offerings. Come discover why great things happen at Central Technical School. Click here for more information.

Information for Parents of Students in the French Programs

A list of workshops for pupils from grades 4 to 6 can be found here: http://www.salondulivredetoronto.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=67&Itemid=88 Here is the link for grades 7 and 8: http://www.salondulivredetoronto.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=89 There is also the possibility of visiting the book fair without attending a workshop, or coming to meet the crew of Flip TV, a children's show on TFO. It all takes place at the Toronto Reference Library, Dec. 4th to 7th. Please peruse through the rest of the website. The book fair has existed for about 20 years, but until now has been really turned towards the Francophone community. We would like to expand it to "francophiles."

Special Education Forum

What does special education look like in High School? Monday, November 25, 2013 6:30-8:30pm (Pizza will be served at 6:15pm)   Central Technical School –Room 208 725 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario Work together with our staff, students and parents to improve Special Education services. Let us know what has worked for you? What can be improved? Participants are encouraged to bring their questions to the event. Please click here for the flyer. Refreshments and childcare will be provided. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Hannah.Liu@tdsb.on.ca Thank you Hannah

Deadline to register for the Grade 8 Montreal Trip - Nov 20th

Dear Grade 8 Parents and Guardians, Please register by Nov. 20th with your 99 dollar deposit so that we can determine the final interest and set the correct price for the trip. If you did not receive an information package please pick one up at the office. If you have any further questions e-mail bogdan.nikolajevic@tdsb.on.ca . Regards, Bogdan Nikolajevic

TDSB Special Education Information Sessions

Please click here for information on the upcoming Special Education Information Sessions for Parents/Guardians.

Looking for Parent Volunteers!

Fern Avenue Public School is holding a Scholastic Book Fair during the week of November 11th to 14th in the Music Room, across from the Main Office. Funds raised during this event will help to support the literacy initiatives the school library, including the Boys’, Girls’ and Intermediate Book Clubs, the Silver Birch and Red Maple Reading Programs, and the Get Caught Reading Program. It will also make it possible to put the most up-to-date resources urgently needed by teachers and their students. The Scholastic Book Fair will be open - 12:15 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Wednesday 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening We are looking for adult volunteers who might be able to give us a couple of hours to help out with manning the desk during this fund-raiser! No experience necessary! If you would like to help with the Book Fair, please speak Ellen Douglas, in the library, or call or e-mail me! Many thanks! Ellen

Parent Info Evening for Grade 8 Montreal Trip

Just a reminder to all parents/guardians interested in attending the information evening for the grade 8 Montreal trip, the meeting will be held this evening Wednesday, November 6th beginning at 6:00 pm in the school auditorium. If you are unable to attend please direct all questions to Mr. Nikolajevic at 416-393-9130. Thank you.

Karen Kain School of the Arts Information Evening

Please click here for information on the upcoming Admission and Information evening at this Arts-Focused Middle School.

Stay Driven Performance

On Tuesday November 19th, 2013 , Duane “D.O.” Gibson will be bringing his Stay Driven performance to Fern. This is in support/celebration of anti-bullying! As a sign of solidarity, we are asking all students to wear PINK . Thank you, Linda Tasevski Vice Principal

Junior Extended French Program

Parents/Guardians of Children in Grade Three, You have a choice to make about French programming for your child. Grade 4 is the ONLY time your child can begin a Junior Extended French program. Please join us in a public information meeting to be held at Fern Avenue PS tonight on Tuesday, November 5th at 7:00 pm in the auditorium. Please feel free to call Vera in the main office should you have any further questions.

Don’t miss Maggie’s new winter menu!

The holidays are approaching and schedules may become more chaotic with concerts, parties and other festivities. If you haven’t done so already, why not alleviate some of that stress and sign up for Fern’s hot-lunch program? Better yet, sign up for the rest of the year because, let’s face it, packing lunches every day is seldom a stress-free job. A new winter menu begins this December with yummy (and healthy – but you don’t need to tell your kids!) dishes. Favourites such as vegetarian chili, taco salad and spaghetti are featured along with newer dishes including baked balsamic chicken and beef goulash soup. Click here to see December's menu. Ready to sign up? Please fill out, detach and submit the form with your payment in a sealed envelope. The secure deposit box is located outside Room 103. The deadline for your order is Thursday, November 14 to begin lunch on Monday, December 2. Thanks, Food Committee

We need your yarn!

The Fern Avenue PS Knitting Club is kicking off, and we are seeking donations of any unwanted yarn and/or knitting needles. Our club is going to make items for those in our community who need some extra warmth during the harsh Toronto winters. If you'd like to help out, please bring your donations to the office and drop them in the box labelled "The Knitting Club." A big thank you from the Arts Collective for your help!!

Hallowe'en Haunted House Activity - Important Update

Please be advised that The Hallowe'en Haunted House activity is no longer open to the Junior Grades owing to time constraints. Sorry for any inconvenience. Sathi Basu Senior Student Council Teacher

Parenting Network Flyer

On behalf of Trustee Atkinson, please click here  for information on the upcoming Parenting Network event. Speaker Doone Estey will present at Humberside C.I. on Thursday November 7th at 7:15pm .

October Newsletter

Please click here for the Fern October Newsletter. Thank you.

Finalizing the School Council By-laws

The draft version of our School Council by-laws were presented and discussed at last Wednesday's School Council meeting. You are invited to view the final draft . . . Fern Avenue Public School Council By-Laws (Draft) . . . and pass along any comments or concerns you may have to Lori Lyn Adams ( ) before November 12. From this, we will compile a final document, which will be discussed and voted on at the November 19th meeting of the School Council. Some background: School councils in Ontario are required to have by-laws in place to—at the very minimum—address election procedures, the filling of vacancies, conflict of interest guidelines, and conflict resolution. Executive members of the Fern Avenue Public School Council, plus interested parents, met late in September with a representative of PIAC to further the development of our School Council’s by-laws. One of the roles of the Parent Involvement and Advisory Committee is to help us in this process. After a discussion of

Message from the Fern Food Committee

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We need your help! Do you have even one hour, once a month, to spare at lunchtime? If yes, please let us know! The hot-lunch program is a volunteer-driven initiative and we are looking for more Fern community members who can help in Maggie’s kitchen from 11:30 to 12:45 . Some of our volunteers do not even have children in the lunch program yet they enjoy seeing the excitement and activity in the lunchroom, engaging with other parents, being a part of the hub that helps sustain the program and maybe sneaking in a hug or wink to their kids. Our awesome volunteers have found the experience rewarding and say that it’s a fun way to be a part of the Fern community and stay connected in support of healthy food, a healthy school and a healthy community. Anyone who is interested in volunteering please contact Pamela Lapierre at pamlapierre@gmail.com Thanks, Fern Food Committee

The Senior Halloween Dance – for Grades 7&8

On the afternoon of Hallowe’en, the seniors will be participating in a Hallowe’en Dance in the auditorium. Bring $2 for entry to the dance, and $3 for a cookie and drink to go with! If you have decorations for the dance please bring them in! Hooray for the first dance of the year! Thank you, Student Council

Hallowe’en Haunted House - Grades 4-8

On the morning of Hallowe’en, there will be a haunted house experience for the seniors and juniors in the auditorium! Bring $2 for entry to the Haunted House! (SPECIAL REQUEST FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS: If you have any decorations/costumes/props that could be used in a haunted house, please bring them to room 308 ASAP! ) The haunted house will be designed and run by the student council! Have fun! Thank you, Student Council

Photo Retakes

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JUST A REMINDER . . . Bright-Pics will be at Fern Avenue PS on Wednesday, October 30th beginning at 9:00am. If your child attends the afternoon kindergarden classes and you wish to have their picture retaken please bring them at 9:00am. Contact Vera Ciric in the main office, if you have any further questions.

Arts Collective Fall Up-Date

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Fall is here welcoming the arrival of the Fern Arts Collective artist’s workshops. Latin American Drummer, Rodrigo Chavez returned to Fern to kick-start the year with a percussion workshop for four of Fern’s classes. The students spent a week learning the rhythms of salsa, samba, conga, bolero, soca and rumba followed by a performance in the auditorium. The audience was treated to the contagious Latin rhythms and sing-along performed by the students. The lively and energetic show had our students and teachers dancing and moving to the rhythms, a beautiful reminder of why the arts are so essential and rewarding to our children’s education. Thank you to Ms. Ashforth, Ms.Tse, Mr. Cline, Mr. Nilolajevic, Ms. Grant and to all of the students that participated in this incredible workshop. We will be bringing more music to Fern this October with The Métis Fiddler Quartet's OAC “Stomp the Floor” workshop. Using fiddle music passed down from various elders, they will explore the history

School Council By-laws (for review)

Executive members of the Fern Avenue Public School Council, plus interested parents, met late last month with a representative of PIAC to further the development of the School Council’s by-laws. School councils in Ontario are required to have by-laws in place to—at the very minimum—address election procedures, the filling of vacancies, conflict of interest guidelines, and conflict resolution. And one of the roles of the Parent Involvement and Advisory Committee is to help us in this process. After a discussion of our concerns and expectations, we took the template provided by PIAC and modified it to our specific needs. You can download that document here: Fern Avenue Public School Council By-Laws (Draft) This draft will be presented and discussed at Wednesday’s School Council meeting, and we welcome any input or questions you may have. We will then incorporate all comments into a final draft, which will be voted on at a future Council meeting.

October School Council Meeting - This Week

School Council Meeting Wednesday October 23 6:30 - 8:30 pm in the Auditorium New members are welcome. Fun and fresh ideas are encouraged!

Free the Children's "We Scare Hunger"

Our third annual food drive, "We Scare Hunger" is just around the corner! Your children can drop off canned goods to the box in their classrooms, starting October 23rd, running to October 31st . Food Banks Canada has suggested a few key items: •canned fish •canned meat •canned stew •canned soup •canned beans •canned fruit •canned vegetables •canned milk Thanks for supporting the Good Shepherd Food Bank! Members of Fern's FTC

TDSB Special Education Event

The TDSB, together with the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee, and the Special Education Advisory Committee, are excited to host a special education event for parents/families within the TDSB.  This event will take place  on Saturday, October 19, 2013  at Earl Haig SS.  Workshops will include such topics as: technology; transitions - elementary; transitions - elementary to secondary; Individual Education Plan (IEP); parent consultation in the development of an IEP; Identification Placement and Review Committee; and many more.  Please see the attached flyer to view all the workshops available and details of the event.    Please Note:  Registration is online ONLY at www.tdsb.on.ca/parentconference .    

Free the Children's third annual food drive is back!!

Formerly known as Halloween for Hunger, WE SCARE HUNGER will run from October 23rd-31st . Last year the Fern community donated 1202 pounds of canned goods for the Good Shepherd Food Bank. This year, we hope to surpass this amount! Donations can be dropped off to your child's class. Fern FTC

Student Agendas for Sale at Curriculum Night

Student Agendas will be on sale for $7 at tomorrow night’s Fern Curriculum event, in the main foyer. They are available for Primary, Junior and Senior students, if they have not already purchased one. Thank you. Mr. A. Moy Principal Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public School Toronto District School Board 128 Fern Avenue Toronto, ON M6R 1K3 416 393-9130 fax 416 393-9132

Introduction Letter From Fern's Guidance Counsellor

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s), Please click here for an introduction letter from Ricardo A. Rodriguez, Fern Guidance Counsellor. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Ricardo A. Rodriguez Itinerant Guidance Counsellor WR7 Fern P. S. 416 393 9130 ricardo.rodriguez@tdsb.on.ca

Choices for Nine

Fern Avenue PS parents and guardians are welcome to attend an information evening regarding the transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9. Click here for more information.

Feed Tomorrow Week is Here!

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Starting October 7th, we will be out in the community spreading awareness about child hunger and raising funds for Student Nutrition Programs. Exciting, right? You’re probably asking yourself, “Hey, what can I do to help?”. Great question. It’s easy: Get Involved. If you’re a student, staff, or parent, it’s not too late to get involved yourself. For ways to help, visit http://tfss.ca/feed-tomorrow-2013 . Spread the word. Tell your family, tell your friends, tell the people you work with. One of the biggest steps to influencing change is creating awareness. Post on Facebook, Tweet, forward this email; why not do it all! You can make a difference. www.tfss.ca Donate! This one’s really important. While you’re “spreading the word”, get everyone to donate. This year, donating is easier than ever. You can text “ TFSS” to 45678 and donate $5 instantly! As always, you can also donate by visiting tfss.ca , and clicking “Donate Now”. The grim reality is that one in three childre

Claude Watson School for the Arts

For interested parents of grade 3-7 children: Each year the Claude Watson School for the Arts auditions students for admission to the school. There are 60 places available in the grade four year. Auditions for possible vacancies in grades 5-8 will also be held. The screening process for students is a series of studio experiences in dance, drama, visual arts and music. Auditions take place at the school, located near Yonge St. and Sheppard Ave. and are conducted by a team of adjudicators, both professional artists and teachers. The auditions will be conducted on Saturdays during the months of February and March. The school will be holding two information evenings at the Claude Watson School for the Arts, 130 Doris Ave. on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 and Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at 6:30 p.m .

Reminder Message from the Office

Parents/Guardians/Caregivers: All students are required to line up with their classes at the start of the day, and after lunch. The number of students entering through the front doors each morning and after lunch is reaching very high numbers. All students must enter and exit through the rear doors of the school! Students that are being driven and dropped off at the start of the day, must line up at the back of the school with their classes, therefore are expected to walk around rather than cutting through the school. Teacher supervision starts at 8:45am in back yards. All students are required to be at school on time and lined up by 8:58am, for morning entry. Your assistance in ensuring that this process is followed is appreciated. Thank you, Linda Tasevski Vice-Principal

Fuel your Child’s Mind and Body with Maggie's Yummy and Healthy Lunches

Has your family finally settled into a routine? School, homework, hockey, gymnastics, music lessons…. Have you had to skip some meals or eaten fast food to fit everything in? Now’s your chance to ensure that your child(ren) eats one nutritious – and delicious – meal each school day. Sign up for Fern’s hot-lunch program today for lunches starting in November. To save more time, sign up for the rest of the year right now! Click here to download the order form and here for the menu. Hard copies are also available on the bulletin board outside of room 103. The deadline for your order is Tuesday, October 15 to begin lunch on Friday, November 1 . If you’d like to learn more about Fern’s hot-lunch program, click here or contact Tracy Kett at tracykett@rogers.com or 416-535-0205.

Free the Children October News

Please click here for the October Newsletter for Free the Children.

Curriculum Night October 9th

Please click here for information on the upcoming Curriculum Night on October 9th 2013.

September Newsletter

Please click here for the September newsletter.

Food Committee Meeting

Please join us at our drop-in lunch meeting! Just a reminder that anyone who is interested in the Food Committee and the lunch program is invited to our meeting on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 37 Fern Avenue, 8 p.m. We have awesome volunteers but we’d love to have more! There are many opportunities to get involved both in the lunch room and on the committee. Please come to our meeting and hear about how you can support healthy – and delicious – food for a healthy Fern community. If you plan to attend, please contact Pamela Lapierre at pamlapierre@gmail.com

Photo re-take day—October 30

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Photos will be re-taken for those students and or class groups that missed the original photo day on Wednesday, October 30th beginning at 9:00 a.m. Don’t forget to bring your smiles!

Grade 7 & 8 Immunization Clinics

Dear Parents/Guardians, Each year, Toronto Public Health offers hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccines to all grade 7 students and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to all grade 8 female students. These vaccines help protect students and our community from infections which can cause serious disease. Look for your child's consent package. Please read, sign and return the consent forms to the school. This package also includes fact sheet providing complete information about each of these vaccines. If you did not receive your child's vaccination package, please visit the TPH website at www.toronto.ca/health or call the Immunization Line at 416-392-1250. Fern Avenue's first school immunization clinic for grade 7 (male and female) and grade 8 (female) students is scheduled on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 in the AM.  The second and third clinics will be posted as we learn of the scheduled dates. Please call Vera in the main office should you have any further

TTC Photo Discount ID Cards

  TTC Students Discount ID Cards will be taken on Thursday, October 3, 2013 from 12:50pm. Students who are currently 13 or about to turn 13 are eligible for this student ID discount card. PLEASE remember to bring exact change of $5.25 on the day of photos, since the photographer is not able to make change. If you are absent on the day of photographs, you may pick up a TTC application from Vera in the main office. Complete the application and bring it along with $5.25, to Sherbourne Station, Mezzanine level, TTC Photo ID Centre. Please feel free to contact Vera Ciric in the main office should you have any questions or concerns.

Our school council needs a chair

A strong School Council makes for a positive and energetic environment at our school, but the position of Chair is currently vacant and needs to be filled by September 30th in order for our School Council to continue. This is mandated by the TDSB. Without a School Council many of the fantastic programs your children enjoy and benefit from will be lost. Programs such as : Scientists in School—exploring the wonders of science in every classroom Arts Collective—music and dance workshops, fine art installations and guest performances Get Caught Reading novel sets—encouragement for young readers Hot Lunch program—healthy bodies for healthy minds Grade 8 Gradation—an annual celebration of achievement Robotics Club & Competition—hands-on technical learning Eco-Club and Free the Children—social justice initiative By September 30th the name of the Chair is to be submitted to the TDSB. There is a strong team of Executive members and Committee Leads who will provide assistanc

Help draft our new School Council by-laws

The executive members of the School Council will be attending a by-law workshop this Wednesday: September 25th from 6:30 – 9:00 P.M. Staff Room, Primary Wing, Second Floor The workshop will be led by Jerako Biaje-Wendt our PIAC (Parent Involvement and Advisory Committee) Co-chair & Outreach Working Group Member. During the workshop a draft set of by-laws will be prepared that will be used to govern the conduct of School Council affairs. School councils in Ontario are required by law to make by-laws to address election procedures, filling of vacancies, conflict of interest among members and conflict resolution processes. Time permitting we may also draft optional by-laws to address meeting guidelines, agenda setting and recommendations. The draft by-laws will be presented at the October School Council meeting for consideration. If you are interested in participating in the workshop, please join us in the staff room this Wednesday.

Our Terry Fox song

In preparation for the upcoming Terry Fox run on September 26, Mr. de Jong recorded this song at the Terry Fox assembly this morning, with all primary classes singing together.

Learn More about Fern's Lunch Program

Would you like to learn more about Fern’s lunch program or the Food Committee? Fern community members who are interested in the lunch program or the Food Committee are invited to our next meeting on Wednesday, October 2 at 37 Fern Avenue, 8 p.m. (We promise we won’t sign you up for lunch duty every week upon entering!) You are welcome to sit quietly and listen to how the program works or pipe up with suggestions that might help ease the parent volunteer load. Please contact Pamela Lapierre at pamlapierre@gmail.com if you plan to attend. Our volunteers are awesome but we’d love to have more! Fern's lunch program is a volunteer-driven initiative and its success depends on parents. Parents who have been volunteering with the program have found it to be a rewarding experience, from seeing how excited the kids are to be eating Maggie’s food (and trying foods they never eat at home!), to engaging with parents and being part of the hub that helps sustain the program through col

From our Ward 7 Rep—Regulation 274

Please see the following from Trustee Irene Atkinson: Regulation 274 Charles Wakefield, a Toronto Parent and volunteer at Rose Avenue School, is helping to build a coalition of school council chairs and parents across Ontario to advocate that quality and suitability of teachers rank far above seniority in the hiring process. Concerned parents should email our Premier and Minister of Education advocating that Regulation 274 be rescinded. Globe and Mail article on Regulation 274 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/education/seniority-based-hiring-of-ontario-teachers-under-attack/article12542791/ Charles Wakefield, e-mail: doncha99@gmail.com

Calling All Musicians!

The Fern PS Band and Strings Programs are underway once again and we need the great enthusiasm and energy of the students of Fern. We are looking to build our performance groups. All students from Grades 5 through 8 who have an interest in learning to play a musical instrument are invited to join. No experience is necessary however we welcome all levels of skill, including students studying privately. Instruments will be provided or students may use their own. Students who wish to participate in either Band OR Strings, including those already in the programs in previous years, should attend one of the following information meetings: Band – September 24, 2013 at 2:00 pm Strings – October 2, 2013 at 2:00 pm Both meetings will be held in Room 104. Come out and explore the joy of music and let's make Fern PS famous for its love of music again.

Calling all Parkdale Youth!

Join us for two days of amazing stop motion animation workshops in association with the Toronto Animated Image Society. Parkdale Then and Now: Bringing Our Past to Life With Collage Animation Join artists Lynn Dana Wilton and Evan DeRushie for workshops that explore the fun of stop motion animation. Each day includes an introduction, examples, and time to make your own animation, with every student making a few seconds that everyone will watch at the end! Cost:  Free! Ages:  11-15 years* Times: Saturday, September 21, 2013 - 12:30pm - 3:30pm - 20 spots Saturday, October 5th, 2013 - 12:30pm - 3:30pm - 20 spots

The Broadway Arts Center returns to Fern

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Fall 2013 registration is on NOW for classes at Fern Avenue Public School   Hello Fern Parents! The Broadway Arts Centre is extremely excited to be back at Fern this year, and we are looking forward to continue working with your children on new exciting technical skills and performances! How to register Download the registration form and return it to the school office at Fern or click here for online registration . We will be working on Beauty and the Beast this fall in the Musical Theatre program as well as introducing a new ballet/jazz combo class that will work on dance technique.   These classes are offered at Fern Avenue Public School, but if your child is ready for advanced classes please consider one of our studio programs, only a few blocks a way at 35 Golden Avenue, Suite 108 (Roncevalles and Dundas).   If you have any questions please let us know! Sincerely, Meaghan & The BAC Team

Understanding the Teenage Brain

Please click here for information on a community forum for understanding the mysteries behind our teenagers! Wednesday October 2nd at Runnymede Collegiate Institute.

Terry Fox Run

The Terry Fox run will take place on: Thursday, September 26 : (Day 3) 10:30 AM - Primary Terry Fox Run on outside track 11:05 AM - Junior Terry Fox Run on outside track Friday September 27: rain day.

School Council meeting and elections, Thursday

School Council Meeting and Elections Thursday, September 19 6:30 – 8:30 pm in the Auditorium New members are welcome. Fun and fresh ideas are encouraged! Parent involvement at Fern Public School is not just helpful, it is vital to making the school function the way we all want it to. You may not realize that many of the programs that define our children’s experience and create positive memories are not part of the Toronto School Board’s operating budget. Funds raised by Parent Council initiatives and volunteers are what power the activities families have come to enjoy year after year.

TDSB Special Education Workshop

Please click here for information regarding a TDSB Special Education Workshop on 19 October 2013.

Photo Day!!!

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Photo Day at Fern Avenue PS is on Monday, September 23rd, 2013. For Best Results bring your best SMILE!!!

Dental Screening at Fern Avenue PS

Toronto Public Health provides dental programs to children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Dental Screening for Fern Avenue PS will take place from Monday, October 28 to November 8th To identify children with oral health problems, a screening program is offered to students in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health requirements for mandatory health programs. The screening is an assessment by a dental hygienist using sterilized instruments. The dental hygienist will assess the need for topical fluoride, scaling, sealant and any other obvious dental needs. As a follow up to the screening, only parents whose children are identified as requiring dental services will be notified. A note to that effect will be sent home with your child/ren for your information and action. You may also receive a phone call from T.P.H dental staff to assist you in accessing care. Please be advised that this screening assessment does not replace the dental examination done by a licensed denti

Free workshop for parents: Helping your child cope with anxiety

FREE WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013 @ 6:30-8:00pm LOCATION: HIGH PARK LIBRARY, 228 RONCESVALLES AVE. Helping your child cope with anxiety and fear based emotions and behaviours related to school. Learn practical applications on how to help your child (4-11yrs) when experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges coping with anxiety due to academics challenges or fears, social issues including behaviour and bullying, and how to seek help. Workshop presented by Mardi Ennis-Gregory, C.Y.C.,B.A. Parent Support Facilitator. Please contact Mardi Ennis-Gregory to reserve your space today @ 416-526-2617 or info@mardiennis-gregory.com

Community Information

Please find below a message from Councillor Gord Perks on the 383 Sorauren Development Application for your information. "On Tuesday, September 9th, a Request for Direction Report-383 Sorauren Avenue, prepared by City Planing staff, will be introduced at Toronto and East York Community Council. This report will recommend that City Council direct the City Solicitor to oppose the appeal of the 383 Sorauren Avenue Development application at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing and also to work with the owner to enter into a settlement should the opportunity arise. I will be supporting the Direction Report at TEYCC. Over the last year and a half, two community meetings have been held about the application for 383 Sorauren Avenue. At both meetings, local residents shared concerns with the proposed development. At the request of the community, a working group was formed that included local residents, representatives of the Roncesvalles Macdonell Resident Association and t

TDSB Workshop

Please click here for information on a TDSB Workshop on Special Education.

Fern Avenue P.S. Cross Country

Whatever your goal is, for fun, being healthy or for a challenge, you are all invited to come and run with us at school and at the cross country meets. Practises: Our primary and junior running club will be practising on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:15a.m. at Fern Avenue P.S. and on Fridays at 8:15 at Sorauren park. Seniors will practise for cross country at High Park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings 8:00am. Coaches: Primary: Kerry Heller, Juniors: Sarantos Katsihtis, Seniors: Bogdan Nikolajevic. Our cross country meet will take place at Ashbridges Bay on Thursday October 10th . Our Conference Final will be held Monday October 21st at the same location. City Finals will be held at Centennial Park in Etobicoke on Thursday October 24th Sarantos Katsihtis

Roncesvalles Polish Festival this weekend!

Do you know the new grade 8 student Eric? He may be new to Fern, but he's not new to the Roncesvalles Polish Festival! Come hear his rock band Interhead perform for their third year in a row and look out for Eric playing lead guitar and back-up vocals! Date: Saturday, September 14, 2013 Location: North Stage (Roncesvalles Avenue and Marmaduke Avenue) Time: 2:30 to 3:45 See you there!

Primary Cross Country

Primary Cross Country Race day is on Thursday October 10th, 2013 at Ashbridges Bay. Grade 1 and 2 students will run 1000m. Grade 3 students will run 1500m. Starting on Tuesday September 10th , students from grades 1-3 are practising at 8:15 am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the junior yard. There will also be optional Friday practices at Sorauren Park at 8:15 am. If you are able to help walk the students back to school on Fridays after practice, it would be greatly appreciated. Students who are in daycare will be walked to the park by a teacher no later than 8:05am. On rainy days, practices will be held in the auditorium. It is important that you check in with Mme Gaudet when you arrive to every practice. Due to the location of the race this year, students in grade 1 and possibly students in grade 2 will need to be driven to the race rather than take the bus. The reason for this is because the bus might not arrive on time for their race due to traffic. If you are plannin

Workshop Space for Youth in Roncesvalles

MakerKids is a makerspace for youth in Toronto, offering hands-on after school programs, open shops for kids, teens and adults, workshops, Minecraft programs and birthday parties for adults and kids based on 3D printing, electronics, woodworking, coding, sewing, crafting and making of all kinds! MakerKids has announced their fall programming for kids, teens and adults. If you know anyone who might be interested, please share it with them. The 10-week after school Inventions program starts this coming Monday and the Robotics program starts on Wednesday.

Toronto District School Board Head Lice Check—Whole School

On Tuesday September 10, 2013 all students at Fern Avenue Public School will go through a Lice Check. A qualified TDSB nurse will conduct the checks of all students. The checks will take place during the entire day. Please note, that classrooms have already been affected by lice. Letters were sent home with children from those specific classrooms. Please feel free to call the main office should you require more information. We appreciate your understanding.

Sign up now for October lunches

If you haven’t already signed up, you can participate in Fern’s lunch program starting in October. Click here for the order form and check out October’s menu—featuring everything from chicken paprikash, Asian sticky chicken and spaghetti to chickpea & pasta soup, Sloppy Joes and fishcakes—on the website’s School Calendar or click here . The deadline is Monday, September 16 for lunches beginning Thursday, October 1.

Sample a Fern Lunch on Monday

Are you having a difficult time deciding what to pack for your child’s lunch, finding the time to do it or even remembering to make one before you get to school? It may be hard to settle into back-to-school routines but some Fern families have relieved their stress and time by signing up for the hot-lunch program. But, for one day only, all Fern students are invited to sample Maggie’s popular pasta with garlic and oil served with a lettuce, cucumber, tomato and white bean salad (fruit and milk also included). On Monday, September 9, students can drop in and have a yummy lunch for only $3.75 (exact change would be appreciated). After your child has a taste of Maggie’s menu, we’re hoping you won’t be able to resist signing up for next month’s lunch program!

Fern Avenue School featured in the Toronto Daily Star!

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Every Saturday in 1905, the Toronto Daily Star would turn over a page of their weekend edition to the pupils of a local area school. On November 18, it was Fern’s turn to present themselves to the city. These days—when this sort of self-promotion is but a few clicks away—it serves us well to reflect on how things have changed at a school that will soon be 120 years old . . . and how much has pretty much stayed the same, here and in our community. Below are some excerpts, or you can click here to view the entire page.

A new look for a new year!

In preparation for the new school year, this weekend we’ve given the old Fern notice board a long overdue facelift. If you’re still seeing the same old look, try refreshing—or even restarting—your browser. If, however, you encounter any persistent problems, please let me know, together with a description of the operating system and browser you’re using. Roy Schulze Communications Committee

Spots available in Ferncliff Daycare’s School Age Program

Ferncliff Daycare is currently looking to fill some vacancies in their School Age Programs for Grades 1 and up. You can find an application form on their blog along with their fee schedule and other information. If you are interested, please call Karen Arnold at 416-588-1463 or e-mail ferncliff@on.aibn.com to find out more.

The First Day of School

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If this is your first year at Fern or you just need a little refresher, the Orientation Committee invites you to download the Fall 2013 edition of their Fern Welcome document . It includes maps, scheduling, busing and lunch program information, plus important instructions for the first day of school. Where to go: See the map below. Student class placements will be posted near the doors. What to bring: A pencil and paper, snacks for Grades 1-8, lunch, and smiles. Bused students: A school staff member will receive students at the Wright Avenue bus stop. See you all on September 3!

So what’s going on next year? Take a look!

We’ve posted the minutes from our June School Council meeting here  along with the results of our Parent Engagement Survey. I strongly encourage you to review these documents and familiarize yourself with the programs powered by School Council volunteers and the funds required to make them happen. Thank you to the many families that filled out our first on-line survey. Your feedback was shared at the June Council meeting and helped shape our budget for the 2013-2014 school year. Results of the survey and details about where funds have been allocated have been carefully recorded by our Secretary, Jacqueline MacDonald. Thank you Jacqueline for keeping our Fern Community well informed. Our next School Council meeting is on Thursday, September 19th in the auditorium, and your participation is urgently needed. Several members of our Executive are moving on this year, and we need some new blood to champion the roles of: Chair, Ward 7 Rep and Fundraising Lead. If you are inte

School Council Minutes

The minutes for the meeting of the School Council that took place on June 20 are now available for download from the  School Council Minutes  folder on Google Drive. The School Council will next meet on  Thursday, September 19, 2013 , from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. in the auditorium.

September Hot Lunch Deadline Extended!

Deadline extended: Your family can still sign up for Maggie’s yummy and healthy lunches in September! In order to allow new Fern families to enroll in the hot-lunch program, and to give another opportunity to all students to start the school year off with delicious and nutritious lunches, the FINAL deadline for September lunches, starting September 3, has been extended to Thursday, August 15. Act right now and forget about lunches for the rest of the school year! Click here to download the order form. Check out the menu on Fern’s noticeboard September calendar or download a copy here . For more details about the lunch program, click here The school remains open during the summer so order forms and payments can be dropped off in the black mail box located outside the Ferncliff Daycare office (room 103). Thanks for your support. Fern Food Committee

FTC June Blog

Please click here for the June blog update for Free the Children.

Summer Watering Schedule

Happy Summer Holidays from the Fern Eco team. This year has been a quiet one for the team but the students were busy over the last few months planting and looking after the Fern Children's Garden. We hope the team will be back in full swing at the start of next year. I am stepping down as the Parent Chair of the team after 5 years and look forward to working with Jan Hoard who will be taking over. As usual we are asking Families of Fern to sign up for the Summer Watering Schedule to help water (if needed!) and weed the gardens for a week over the summer. Also please harvest any veggies that are ready to enjoy with your family, there are lots of Herbs too. Jo Somers Fern Eco team

Desperate Message from the Library

The gerbils are in urgent need of a summer home. They have their own cage and bedding and food. If you are interested in looking after the Library gerbils this summer, please contact Ms. Douglas at ellen.douglas@tdsb.on.ca Thank you. Ms. Douglas

Get your Fabulous Fun Fair Photos!

Photos from the Fern Fun Fair are now on display in front of the main office. If you would like to place an order for photos, please complete an order envelope and place the envelope in the office. Payment must accompany all photo orders. Orders without payment cannot be processed. Thank you.

Ward 7 Report from the June 4, 2013 Meeting

1. We received an update that Trustee Atkinson is recovering and has moved into a facility to focus on rehabilitation. 2. The primary focus of the meeting was to discuss the TDSB budget. The board is facing a funding shortage primarily due to the funding formula and declining enrollment. In the past, the board has overtime attempted to address this issue by closing underutilized schools, reducing maintenance and utility costs, reducing administrative costs and increasing revenue from charging fees. Budget shortfall for this year is $55 million. Plans to reduce budget shortfall: Reduce central staffing Reduce service contracts for facility services Use technology to operate more efficiently Reduce reading recovery lead teachers Reduce spending for travel, furniture and equipment Review partnership criteria Savings in Continuing education programs Reduce school and central discretionary budgets by 4% Reduce Itinerant Music Program (note that this was defeated at the TD

Fern Volunteer Celebration

Please join us for our Fern Volunteer Celebration We want to acknowledge the contribution you have made in helping to make our school a special place! Tuesday, June 18, 2013. 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. Fern Avenue Public School Auditorium Childcare will be provided in the primary playground. We hope you can join us! Please call Vera Ciric in the office to  RSVP at 416-393-9130

Pack 188 Lunches in Just One Envelope!

Just a reminder (if you haven't already done so) that your family can sign up for the 2013-2014's lunch program right now. A letter with all the details and an order form were distributed to SK - grade 7 students at the end of May. If that got lost somewhere between Fern and your house, you can download the order form and submit it by Friday, June 21 . Full details can be found in our letter outlining next year’s program and at http://fernavenuepublicschool.blogspot.ca/p/lunch-program.html . Hard copies can also be found on the bulletin board outside Ferncliff Daycare’s office (Room 103). We thank the Fern community for supporting this program and wish everyone a happy, healthy summer. Fern Food Committee

Guidance News

Our Grade 8's have received information on Community Hours as a requirement for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma. You can also access this information through this link : Both our Grade 7's and 8's are learning about MyBlueprint and will be receiving material on this online education tracker. You can visit the website . Our Grade 8's have accounts on it and we are in the midst of setting up our Grade 7's too. This tool will be used for course selection for secondary school, goal setting and career exploration. Dara Schwartz Elementary Itinerant Counsellor Fern Avenue PS Swansea PS

School Council Minutes

The minutes for the meeting of the School Council that took place on May 21 are now available for download from the  School Council Minutes  folder on Google Drive. The School Council will next meet on  Thursday, June 20, 2013 , from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. in the staff room on the second floor of the primary wing.

ARTS COLLECTIVE - MAY & JUNE ACTIVITIES

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BALLET JORGEN First we would like to thank everyone who came out to our bilingual Ballet Jorgen Canada show on May 2nd. We had a smaller than usual turnout but it was absolutely worth it. Everyone felt so lucky to have seen such a high quality, beautiful show. Exceptional dancers, costumes, props, a moving stage, an audio and visual screen and a lovely story made it a memorable show for everyone. The audience was taught how to experience the story through movement, costume, music and expression. Many of the audience kids were taught and performed a small dance at the end. It was an inspiring event! The Arts Collective feels very fortunate that we have been able to bring such amazing shows to our kids. We want to give special thanks to the Prologue to the Performing Arts for helping us make this happen. CHAIR AS ART This years Spring Fling was very successful and we are so proud of Mr. Carrasco's two grade 6 classes that worked on our decoupage chairs that were auctioned off.