Parent Council Update
Thanks to the many parents who came out for our busy March 27 parent council meeting, as well as Vice-Principal Lisa Walters (Principal Craig Tsuji had a prior engagement).
The parent council arranged for a notice of the meeting to go home with students in order to make sure everyone was aware of the meeting and its subject matter. I received considerable positive feedback for this and therefore we will continue with this process.
French Immersion Class at Fern
As many of you already know, Fern will be starting an SK French Immersion program beginning this September. Many Fern parents are excited about this and are pleased that Fern has been chosen as the location for this program; however, many parents were also concerned about the lack of the notice given to Fern parents who had not previously applied for French immersion (because the program was based out of Howard). I cannot go into all the details here, however at the March 27 meeting parents were given the opportunity to address the issue with Alyson Pearce from the TDSB French Immersion program, Manon Garner, our new Ward 7 Superintendent, Trustee Irene Atkinson and our Vice-Principal Lisa Walters. I spoke with our Principal regarding this issue – in particular the failure to notify myself and the Fern parent body about the roll-out of this program. I will be working with Manon Gardner, Alyson Pearce and Craig Tsuji to ensure the remaining vacancies for the program are filled in a fair and timely manner. While I appreciate all the feedback I have received about this issue, please direct all future communication to Craig Tsuji as he is working hard to make sure this program is a success.
Other Important Issues
Homework Survey: the results have been amazing, with more than 30% of parents responding. We will have a formal report for you next month.
Fundraising: A group of parents have started preparing for the annual Fern Fun Fair to take place June 6 (mark your calendars!). Please contact me directly if you are interested in helping out. So far this year we have raised fewer funds than last year - and that means less funds for important school programs like "Scientists in the Classroom". Stay tuned for a fundraising "barometer" coming home - it will give you a good idea of our situation and what we can do...
Pool Closure: Will we lose our pool due to Ministry of Education/TDSB cutbacks? Despite the short time left for this important issue we had a good, far-ranging discussion. Trustee Atkinson has suggested the City raise the necessary funds through a new property tax levy. Parents at the meeting had many suggestions - including corporate funding, community fundraising, and increased funding from the Provincial and Federal governments. A letter writing campaign by the kids to save the school pool will be presented to our municipal, provincial and federal leaders in order to recognize the many benefits of community school pools.
Please mark your calendars for our next meeting: Thursday, April 17, 7:00pm.
John Richmond, Chair
smarty_panz@yahoo.com
The parent council arranged for a notice of the meeting to go home with students in order to make sure everyone was aware of the meeting and its subject matter. I received considerable positive feedback for this and therefore we will continue with this process.
French Immersion Class at Fern
As many of you already know, Fern will be starting an SK French Immersion program beginning this September. Many Fern parents are excited about this and are pleased that Fern has been chosen as the location for this program; however, many parents were also concerned about the lack of the notice given to Fern parents who had not previously applied for French immersion (because the program was based out of Howard). I cannot go into all the details here, however at the March 27 meeting parents were given the opportunity to address the issue with Alyson Pearce from the TDSB French Immersion program, Manon Garner, our new Ward 7 Superintendent, Trustee Irene Atkinson and our Vice-Principal Lisa Walters. I spoke with our Principal regarding this issue – in particular the failure to notify myself and the Fern parent body about the roll-out of this program. I will be working with Manon Gardner, Alyson Pearce and Craig Tsuji to ensure the remaining vacancies for the program are filled in a fair and timely manner. While I appreciate all the feedback I have received about this issue, please direct all future communication to Craig Tsuji as he is working hard to make sure this program is a success.
Other Important Issues
Homework Survey: the results have been amazing, with more than 30% of parents responding. We will have a formal report for you next month.
Fundraising: A group of parents have started preparing for the annual Fern Fun Fair to take place June 6 (mark your calendars!). Please contact me directly if you are interested in helping out. So far this year we have raised fewer funds than last year - and that means less funds for important school programs like "Scientists in the Classroom". Stay tuned for a fundraising "barometer" coming home - it will give you a good idea of our situation and what we can do...
Pool Closure: Will we lose our pool due to Ministry of Education/TDSB cutbacks? Despite the short time left for this important issue we had a good, far-ranging discussion. Trustee Atkinson has suggested the City raise the necessary funds through a new property tax levy. Parents at the meeting had many suggestions - including corporate funding, community fundraising, and increased funding from the Provincial and Federal governments. A letter writing campaign by the kids to save the school pool will be presented to our municipal, provincial and federal leaders in order to recognize the many benefits of community school pools.
Please mark your calendars for our next meeting: Thursday, April 17, 7:00pm.
John Richmond, Chair
smarty_panz@yahoo.com
