Fern Ave. Public School Blog

Dear Fern Parents, As you are aware, the decision was made in late September to cancel the Fern School Food program. Following this decision a food committee was established to develop options for a new food program at Fern. In the short term, the committee has established a contract with Choice Children’s Catering so that parents can continue to purchase hot lunches for their children. Over the long term the committee will continue to explore options for a school-based hot lunch program, but we are pleased to be able to provide parents with this option in the interim.  Choice Children’s Catering will begin delivering lunch to the school on Monday, November 8, 2010 at a cost of $3.85 per lunch, which includes 2% milk . Parents will receive a menu on a weekly basis, which must be returned to Vera Ciric in the school office no later than the Tuesday prior. For this first week only, you will be able to submit your form as late as Wednesday, November 3. For the next

Wednesday evening's "Mommy's Night Out" at Cafe Taste was a huge success, raising $650.00 towards school programs funded by the Parent Advisory Committee. The event was attended by more than 25 mothers and it was a night filled with laughter, wine and amazing door prizes. On behalf of the Council, I would like to extend a special thank-you to Izumi Kyle who single-handedly pulled this event together. I would like to point out that Izumi is not a member of our fundraising committee (yet!) and this was an idea she had as something she could do to contribute to not only the school, but the community at large. It is a perfect example of "gorilla fundraising" - which I encourage more to participate in. Thanks to all the great ladies who lent their support to the evening. Was was great to meet some of the new mom's in the community and and reconnect with some that have been around the yard for years. And again to Izumi, thanks for a job well-done! If yo

We are pleased to announce hot lunches will start again on Monday, November 8! Following the decision to cancel the Fern food program, a food committee was established to develop options for a new food program at Fern School. In the short term, the committee has established a contract with a TDSB-approved caterer so that parents can continue to purchase hot lunches for their children. Over the long term the committee will continue to explore options for a school-based hot lunch program, but we are pleased to be able to provide parents with this option in the interim. The caterer will begin delivering lunch to the school on Monday, November 8, 2010 at a cost of $3.85 per lunch, which includes 2% milk. Parents will receive a menu on a weekly basis, which must be returned to Vera Ciric in the school office no later than the Tuesday prior. For this first week only, you will be able to submit your form as late as Wednesday, November 3. Look for the form in Friday's papers. For the n

Fern’s November newsletter is hot off the press, click here to download it.

Dear Fern Parents, Guardians and Families,   This is a friendly reminder that the school-based hot lunch program will end this Friday, October 29, 2010.   Please make sure that you send a lunch with your child(ren), preferably in a marked bag with their name, as of October 29, 2010.  There will be no cooking for lunch. Please note that we are still working on a replacement program, and it will be announced to the Fern families as soon as it becomes available.   Thank you,   Alexander Moy, Principal

Within the 2010-2011 school year, new reporting procedures will be underway. Elementary reporting for grades 1-8 will result in ONE progress report in the first term, followed by a provincial elementary report card for terms TWO and THREE. Toronto District School Board Reporting Timelines are: Between November 12 and 18, 2010 - Progress Report Goes Home Senior Kindergarten Progress report goes home Between February 11 and 17, 2011 - Provincial Report Card 1 goes home Junior Kindergarten Summary Report goes home Between June 28 or 29, 2011 - Provincial Report Card 2 goes home Kindergarten Progress Report for Junior & Senior Kindergarten goes home

Over the next two months high schools will be holding information meetings for grade 8 students and their parents. To start this process the grade 8 schools in SW2 will be hosting a Transition Night on Wednesday, October 27 at 6:45pm at Parkdale PS. Guidance staff will go over the transition process and local high schools will be there to give an overview of their program and answer any questions you may have. Dates to Note Wednesday, October 27 – 6:45 – Transition Night at Parkdale PS Thursday, October 28 – 6:15 & 7:30 – Etobicoke School of the Arts Tuesday, November 9 – 7:00 – Ursula Franklin Academy Tuesday, November 16 – 6:30 - Western Technical Commerce School Tuesday, November 30 – 6:30 – Western Technical Commerce School – Specialized Programs Wednesday, December 8 – 7:00 – Parkdale CI Thursday, December 9 – 7:00 – Parkdale CI – International Baccalaureate Program Wednesday, January 5 – 7:00 – Humberside CI If there is another high school you are interes

Click here to download our first newsletter of the school year.

Come and see what the Go Be Tweens after-school programme is all about. Free Drop-in Week October 25-30 Fern Auditorium 3:30 to 5:30 PM A different activity each day . . . Create models with clay Mask making Make your own designs using screen printing Do improvisation Learn how to read scripts For more information contact Teresa Emmanuel at 647-292-7170 or gobetweensmail@gmail.com .

The next parent council meeting will take place in the auditorium on Thursday, October 21st - 7pm start. Daycare will be provided. Agenda as follows: Welcome Approval of minutes of previous meeting Introduction of Executive Members, committee members and structure of Parent Council Fundraising update Eco School Update Arts Committee Update Principal's Report Food Committee Update Other

Last chance to get your tickets for Mommy’s night out! Where: Cafe Tast When: Wednesday, October 27 7:30 A portion of the money from every ticket sold will go to Fern School Council to support our school programs. Take this opportunity to meet some of your neighbours and support the school. We hope to see you there! Tickets are $40 and are limited in number (36 only). If you are interested, please contact Izumi Kyle at Izumi_Kyle@hotmail.com.

What is happening with the Fern Avenue School Lunch Program? The Fern Avenue School Lunch Program was a joint initiative between Fern School and the Ferncliff Day Care Centre for several years. Due to financial issues and division of responsibilities between the school and the day care, it has been determined by both that the current operation of the program is no longer viable. As a result, the existing program has been cancelled effective October 31, 2010. What is being done to provide an alternate program for students ? A parent food committee has been established to develop options for a new program at Fern. In the short term, the food committee will arrange a contract with a catering company so that parents can continue to purchase hot lunches for their children. Over the long term, the food committee will continue to explore options for a school based hot lunch program. What will this new program cost? Parents could see an increase in costs. Current estimates pro

Due to the huge success of our used book fair last year, we are asking family and friends to put aside those movies and books that you have finished with. The student ecoteam will start collecting at the beginning of November, for the sale later in the year. This is such an easy way to clean up your shelves and show how we are dedicated to RECYCLING AND REUSING at Fern Ave; not to mention the great bargains we all got last year! Jo Somers , parent ecoteam

The next Parent Council meeting will be held on Thursday, October 21 (7 - 9 pm) in the school auditorium. Daycare services will be provided. If you have something specific you would like to see on the agenda, please email it to me (LDOOHER@rogers.com) by end of day. Agenda will be posted on Tuesday afternoon. The Food Committee will be providing an update on recommendations/changes to the current food program which comes to an end this month. We are still looking for volunteers to sit on various committees which will be discussed this week. Please come out and get involved! See you all then. Lisa Dooher Chair Fern Avenue Parent Advisory Committee

TDSB’s 4th Annual Parents Make a Difference Conference: Navigating the System Saturday 13 November 2010 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Earl Haig Secondary School, 100 Princess Ave. Registration is now open at: www.tdsb.on.ca/parents/parent_community For more information contact: tdsbpic2010@hotmail.com or phone: 416 394-2070

The seasonal flu shot is available at doctors’ offices, community health centres, and walk-in medical clinics. Some employers also provide vaccination clinics in the workplace. The vaccine is free and available to people six months of age and older who live, work, or attend school in Ontario. Find a flu shot clinic near you. Download the full flu shot clinic schedule here or view a map of clinics across the city. For more information . . . Download the The Influenza Vaccine Fact Sheet or visit http://www.toronto.ca/health/flu .

Family Information Meeting & Social Evening on Being a Kid With Gender Independence And/or Being a Kid In a Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual or Trans Family Ø Come to a FAMILY MEET & GREET Ø Screening of children’s film Tom Boy Ø Q&A with Steven Solomon, School Social Worker, Triangle Program & TDSB Anti-Homophobia Educator Ø Sign up for NEW Afterschool Kid’s Group to be held at Palmerston School Date: Thursday October 28, 2010 Time: 5:30 – 8 p.m. Place: Palmerston Avenue Public School library 734 Palmerston Ave. (Bathurst and Bloor) Pizza and refreshments: $3 per person RSVP attendance & food: Laura (parent) - #(416) 531-7977 or lcoramai@rogers.com More Info: Steven Solomon – #(416) 985-3749 or steven.solomon@tdsb.on.ca www.tdsb.on.ca/socialwork/lgbt Ms. Tasevski , vice principal

TDSB’s 4th Annual Parents Make a Difference Conference: Navigating the System Saturday, 13 November, 2010 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Earl Haig Secondary School, 100 Princess Ave. Registration is now open at: www.tdsb.on.ca/parents/parent_community For more information contact: tdsbpic2010@hotmail.com or phone: 416 394-2070 Mr. Moy , principal

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2011-2012 APPLICANTS Wednesday, October 27, 2010 Information Afternoon for Grade 8 Students, 1:00 - 3:15 P.M. This program is for students and teachers only. Click here for more information. Thursday, October 28, 2010 Open House & Information Evening for Parents Students currently in Grades 9, 10 and 11 are also welcome to attend. Open House – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. First Arts Performance – 6:15 p.m. Repeat Arts Performance – 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 3, 2010 Application Deadline New this year, application packages will no longer be distributed at the Open House. All forms will be posted on the school website on October 18, 2010. Friday, January 21, 2011 Audition Day, 8:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. All students who submit a complete application on time will be granted an audition. Students will be contacted with their audition time via email by Tuesday, January 18, 2011. Etobicoke School of the Arts 675 Royal York Rd., Toronto, Ontario, M8Y 2T

I would like to inform parents of an upcoming fundraiser, "Mommy's Night Out," to be held at Cafe Taste on Wednesday, October 27. Tickets are $40 and are limited in number (36 only). If you are interested, please contact Izumi Kyle at Izumi_Kyle@hotmail.com . Lisa Dooher , Chair, Fern Avenue Parent Advisory Council

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everybody back to a new school year. I am excited to be back on the Parent Advisory Committee and look forward to what will, no doubt, be a great year for the school and our community. I would like to welcome Liz Leason and Paula Larrondo back to the council. They will be reprising their roles as Secretary and Ward 7 Rep. I am excited to introduce Nick Szymanis as our new Co-Chair. Nick is relatively new to the school community but brings with him an eagerness to build on engagement and fundraising. We are still looking for a Treasurer so if there is someone out there who wants to get involved, please let me know. I would also like to thank Andre Breau, Marissa Heisel and Sally Brady for their work on the council over the past few years. Although they are no longer part of the Executive, it is my hope they continue as integral contributors to the council. The next Council meeting will be held in the auditorium on Thursday, October 21, at

If you’re in grades 5 – 8, have a guitar and are interested in joining the guitar club, we will be meeting every Tuesday after school from 3:30 pm to 4:15 pm in Room 201. We will be learning hits from today and yesterday and maybe even a few hits of our own design. Mr. Cline and Mr. Morra will be leading this group of aspiring Rock Stars! Our first gig will be Tuesday, October 19, in Room 201. Please arrange for pickup outside the office at 4:15 pm. There is a permission form that needs to be picked up from Mr. Cline in Rm 201 and returned by October 11. Mr. Cline , teacher

Fern Avenue School Photo Retake Day will take place on Tuesday, November 2, 2010, beginning at 9:00 am. Vera Ciric , school office

Solar panels coming soon! We have had a great start to the school year with our Platinum Certification Celebrations continuing! We are very pleased to announce we have opened up student participation from GRADE 3 - GRADE 8 due to the demand from the younger, very enthusiastic students. We will continue to meet Tuesdays in room 204 at lunch time. The meetings are going to start earlier: from 12.00 - 12.35 pm, to allow students time after this to get outside in the fresh air for 15 minutes. We continue to develop our mentorship program with older students helping and working with their younger partners. We will also be taking the Grade 3-4 students to room 205 to make posters and art and craft out of LANDFILL items so they have an appreciation of how we can REUSE many items. We have introduced the term RETHINK to them and they have created amazing posters to share their ideas to the rest of the school. They discussed terms like Rethink before you buy too much packaging, Rethink before yo

A TTC Photo Day for students attending Fern Avenue P.S. has been scheduled on Friday, October 15, 2010. All senior students (grades 7 & 8) that are 13 years of age or older may purchase a TTC photo card on this day. A temporary TTC Student ID Card will be issued at a cost of $5.25 for the 2010-2011 school year. Vera Ciric , school office

Dear Parent/Guardian: Head Lice Screening Day Head lice and their eggs (nits) are a nuisance that can infect any of us. If you have experienced them, you know how frustrating and time consuming it is eliminating the lice and nits from your child(ren), and your home. The first school-wide classroom screening for head lice and nits will take place at our school on Thursday, October 7, 2010. Our Pediculosis Co-ordinator will screen all children in all classrooms. If a child is found to have lice or nits, the parent or guardian will be informed through the office by letter. Children will not be informed in the classroom in order to maintain confidentiality. In accordance with TDSB procedures, if a child is identified as having head lice or nits, the parent will be required to make arrangements for treatment and to keep the child at home until the problem is cleared. Nits must be removed before the student returns to school. The student will be re-admitted with a form signed by the parent

Dear Fern families, In an effort to clarify the issue of the Hot Lunch Program at Fern, concerned families need to know that the Program was not operated by the school. It has been run by the Fern Food Program which was created by volunteers from the School Advisory Council, in conjunction with the Ferncliff daycare. The program is unique for a number of reasons. The funding for the program is given to provide a hot lunch opportunity in the school at a minimal cost to our families and limits how much the charge for lunch can be. The majority of schools that offer a food program are run largely if not entirely with volunteers so that the grant money can provide a quality meal for the children. In our case, the cook is an employee of the daycare and is a union member covered by the daycare’s current collective agreement. The cook was shared between the daycare and the school’s needs, which has led to blurred lines between the daycare and the lunch program. The grant stipulation is that t