Fern Ave. Public School Blog

On October 29th, we had a pre-construction meeting regarding the School yard. We are happy to report that we have signed off on the construction commencement form. The scope of the work includes school yard improvements in the north-west and the east yard. This will include, but not be limited to, pavement and field removals, the replacement of asphalt pavements, artificial turf field, play equipment and safety surfacing, basketball court, concrete seat walls, sub-drainage and drainage improvements, new pavement markings, wood work, mulch surfaces, tree planting with soil cells, storage unit and fencing. The contractor proposes that we start this work on the East Yard (new play structure area and Daycare area), weather permitting, in the Spring (April/May). The play equipment (Dynamo) will be ordered. Outdoor Daycare space will be coordinated during this construction phase. The contractor proposes a potential fenced area for the Daycare while work is being completed in the Dayc...

Important Information for Families of JK Students (Early French Immersion Application Process – SK Entry)  Please note that a central school messenger email with attachment will be sent to all Junior Kindergarten families in virtual schools and in-person schools as well. In addition, this information is being shared via digital advertising and print media, amongst other forms of communications.  Early French Immersion Program - SK Application Information:  For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's Early French Immersion Program (begins in Senior Kindergarten), we offer an online process to apply. Click here for an important information package.  To apply for the Early French Immersion Program (SK entry) for September 2021 , applications must be completed online between November 2 and November 27, 2020 . An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants and will be made in the weeks following...

We are proud of our New Fern School Website. Please visit us at: https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/fern   To help you make informed decisions when choosing a high school, the TDSB will be hosting Virtual Open Houses this year. Please visit our school website (above) where Ms. McGovern will be posting updates as they come from our School Board and High Schools.  Please go to the Tab :" From Gr. 8 - 9 steps to applying to High School". 

Please see below link to Trustee Robin Pilkey's Ward 7 Facebook page for parents where she shares important and timely information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TDSBWard7Coucil

Hello Fern Families,   It's hard to believe that it is the last day of October! Now that we have settled into our new routines and re-organization is behind us, there is exciting teaching and learning happening and continuing at Fern. Despite the few rainy days we manage to get outside almost every day for recess and lunch hour. Students really need the fresh air and a mask break!  New School Parent Council: 2020-2021   We recently had our School Parent Council elections for Fern PS. We would like to thank the parents for putting their names forward to support our work as a school. We are pleased to share our 2020-2021 school council executive:  Alison McLean- Chair,  Bliss Edwards-Co-Chair,  Aurora Ratcliffe- Secretary,  Madeleine Cruickshank-Treasurer,  Jessica Chester- Ward 7 Rep,  Heather Johnson-Ward 7 Rep,  Corinne Muccilli- Ward 7 Rep.  Our next School Council meeting is Nov. 26th via ZOOM from 6:30-8:30 pm .  Ha...

Western Technical Commercial School (WTCS) will be posting their Grade 8 Virtual Open House videos and applications on Thursday, November 12, 2020 .  WTCS will also host a live virtual Q & A evening for parents and prospective students on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at 7:00 pm (the zoom code will be posted on wtcs.ca ). Click here for the flyer with more information.

Click here for information on upcoming Virtual Parent Group Programs.

Please be advised that Claude Watson, will be hosting our annual open house virtually this year.  Date: Thursday, November 12th, 2020.  6:00 pm Drama & Music  7:00 pm Dance, Film & Visual Arts  Here is the CW Open House link for Thursday, November 12th.

Art in Action is ONLINE this Fall...create with us!  Join Art in Action for our Autumn Art Lessons and receive the supplies to create 4 unique paintings - one to do each week. Click here for more information.  Here's how Art in Action ONLINE works:  · Art in Action delivers the art material to your home  · Students create along with a teacher live online  · Students can ask questions and interact  · Parents can choose a variety of days and class times  These painting classes are geared for students 6 years and up and each project will take approximately one hour to complete.  We are also offering Adult Art lessons, if you interested please click here to learn more.

This year, there will be some changes to how Hallowe'en can be recognized and celebrated at school. Regular masks/face coverings must be worn and not replaced with costume masks. In line with physical distancing practices, school parades and dances are not allowed. Students may bring their own individualized snacks but are not allowed to share their snacks with other students.  As Hallowe'en approaches we wanted to remind you of some important information about a safe Hallowe'en. We recognize that not all students observe this celebration and participation is voluntary. Hallowe'en Classroom Costume Information- Friday Oct. 30th , 2020:   -As per our usual Hallowe'en festivities, students may choose to wear a costume to school for the day on Friday, October 30th.  -Students will continue to be required to wear a mask/face covering.  -A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask or face covering and should not be worn over a cloth mask as it may make it d...

Hello Fern Families.  On behalf of the Fern staff we would like to thank you for your ongoing support and understanding as we continue to work together to ensure the Health and Safety of all our Fern Community. We are thankful and grateful for all the learning that is happening both inside of school and in Virtual school for all our students , due to the extraordinary efforts of our teachers, ECE's and education workers. Their tireless efforts support positive and equitable outcomes for all our students. I am thankful to have you, as a supportive community who is passionate about using your voice to advocate for our children and in support of our public education.  Current Enrolment: Our enrolment is 700 students of which we have 75 enrolled in Virtual School. Our overall enrolment currently is 623 in- school students. We will be funded based on this enrolment for our school budget.  School Budget: We have not received our school budget for this year yet. W...

Click here to review the meeting minutes from the September 24, 2020 Parent Council meeting.

Join us on October 24 and 25 for our first-ever virtual parent conference. This online version offers all the same exciting, inspiring and informative content as our in-person conference, but allows you to participate all from the comfort of your own home. This year’s conference includes two amazing keynotes as well as a host of breakout sessions that you can choose to tailor to your own interests and needs. Some of the sessions offered include special education, mental health and well-being, anti-Black racism and virtual engagement. In the breakout sessions – led by both TDSB experts and panelists from outside organizations – you also get a chance to connect in a more intimate way with other parents, ask questions and participate in discussions. Learn more at www.parentsaspartners.ca

Click here for the latest "Hearts and Minds" newsletter from the TDSB.

SAVE THE DATE -- Thursday October 22, 6:30-8:30 Zoom  All Fern Ave PS Parents and Caregivers are Welcome (including our friends who have gone virtual)!  ZOOM link  is at the bottom of this message.  ELECTION: We have one position open, Co-Chair of the School Council. So if you're interested, let us know. We need someone open to seeing issues from the perspective of parents from JK to grade 8, English, French, and Extended French, who can help arrange the puzzle pieces of our various committees and fundraising efforts, and who is prepared to jump in and help as needed with the details. Happy to provide you with more details if you'd like to join our team. To dispel any rumours, Alison McLean will still be the other co-chair, and she'll show you the ropes. We also have a number of committee lead positions open, so if you are interested in STEM, Eco-Club, Food Committee, or just pitching in as needed, feel free to put up your hand.  PRINCIPAL UPDATE: Who kno...

It is time to purchase the November Bagged Lunch.  Please pay careful attention to the opening date and closing date. After the closing date, you will no longer be able to purchase for the month of November.  The program is offered to students from grades 1 to 8. Please note the cost for Ferncliff daycare students in grades 1 to 3 will be provided as part of their program fees. (if in daycare and over the age of nine please pay on cash on line)  Bagged Lunch will be offered on a monthly basis, no cheques or cash accepted. All meals have a vegetarian option.  Vera Ciric  Office Administrator  Telephone: 416-393-9130

The Kinder Hot Lunch for the month of November is now available for purchase on cash on line. The program will be available to our JK & SK students.  ***Please note that the cost for kindergarten students in daycare is NOT part of their program fees. *** Please note the opening and closing dates.    View the Kinder Hot Lunch Menu . Should you have any further questions please contact Vera Ciric in the main office. Vera Ciric  Office Administrator  Telephone: 416-393-9130  

View the updated Kinder Hot Lunch Menu .

Please click here for the 2020-21 Fern Physical Education Program Information and the Physical Education and Health Curriculum document. Information can also be found on the blog .

June 21st -  National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21st – Rehearsal for Graduation at PCI from 1-3:30 pm June 22nd - Gr 8 Graduation Ceremony @ PCI 5-6 pm (after party at the Legion to follow 6-10 pm) June 23rd - Pride Parade - school wide activities June 26th - "Action Man"  9:30am -  Grades 1- 4 Audience: students only  (dress rehearsal )  June 27th - "Action Man"  9:30am -  Grades 5-8 Audience: Students only  June 27th - "Action Man"  1:30pm -  Grades 5-8 Audience: Parents and caregivers welcome  June 27th - Final Report Cards go home June 28th – Awards Assembly/ AM in auditorium June 29th – Fun Fair from 5-8 pm  NEW DATE June 30th - Last day of school June 30th - Grade 8 Clap Out/  3 pm at Exit #3

Hello Fern Families.  We've completed our first 2 full weeks of school, and what a 2 weeks they have been. We welcomed October this week with windy and chilly weather. It's so nice to see all the smiling faces of our students , staff and families each day! Considering that we have and are facing unprecedented obstacles and completely new processes, we are making things work thanks in large part to your help , understanding , patience and co-operation. Your words of support and offers of help have been much appreciated. We truly are that "village" that works together to raise our kids. Thank you!  Quarantine :  On Friday, October 2nd , we welcomed back staff and students from quarantine. We are so thankful and grateful that they are all healthy and well.  All Weather Gear:  As we are going to be spending more time outdoors this year, as well as have classroom windows wide open daily, students are going to need to bring clothing that is appropriate for th...

The same excitement, inspiration and information as in-person, but from the comfort of your home.  Two days,  October 24 and 25 , two amazing keynotes and a host of breakout sessions.  Info & Registration ( from October 12 ) parentsaspartners.ca

The Ministry of Education announced on Thursday that it has updated its COVID-19 school and child care screening guidance . In line with this new direction, Toronto Public Health has also revised their guidance for students and related materials.  As such, there is a newly updated Student Health Paper Pass. The TDSB is working with the vendor to update the screening app Now Mobile to reflect the updated screening. The new Paper Pass can be downloaded at this link: Revised TDSB Student Health Pass (clicking this link will download a pdf file from the TDSB server).  Please print and use this new paper pass for school starting tomorrow - Monday October 5, 2020 .  The updated screening includes the following:  Part 1:   Does your child have any of the following?  - Fever greater than 37.8 Celsius?  - Cough?  - Difficulty Breathing?  - Loss of Taste or Smell?  If you answer YES to any of the four above symptoms, your child is to stay hom...

Hello Fern Families,  Please see below the link for the most up-to-date COVID-19 updates and revised Health Pass effective immediately.  Updated TDSB guidelines for health screening:  https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Return-to-School/Health-and-Safety/Daily-Health-Screening

At the Toronto District School Board, Islamic Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of October.  On June 22, 2016, the TDSB passed a motion to recognize Islamic Heritage Month in October. Subsequently, in 2016, the province of Ontario established October as Islamic History Month (IHM) through the Islamic Heritage Month Act, “ proclaiming a month to be Islamic Heritage Month in Ontario will provide all Ontarians, both today and in future generations, with an opportunity to reflect, celebrate and learn about the rich and longstanding Islamic history in the Province and the diverse roles and contributions of Muslim people in communities across Ontario. This new understanding will in turn help combat anti-Islamic sentiment.”

Since June 2016, the TDSB has had the privilege to recognize Somali Heritage Month. The TDSB affirms our commitment to celebrating Somali Heritage Month and encourages students and staff to take this opportunity to learn about the history, heritage and diversity of the Somali community. The theme “ Educate. Elevate. Excel. ” continues to be explored this year.  There are many Somalians who immigrated to Canada who continue to participate and to educate others in their traditions within their new environment. Music has always been an integral part of Somali tradition, and one well-known Somali-Canadian artist who has been sharing his love of songs on the world stage is Keinan Abdi Warsame (K'naan ). K’naan was born in May 30, 1978 in Mogadishu which is located in the southeastern Banaadir province of Somali and later moved to Toronto’s Rexdale community as a young teenager with members of his family. K’naan is identified as a poet, rapper, singer, songwriter and instrumentalist; how...

Save the Date -- Thursday October 22, 6:30-8:30 ZOOM   All Fern PS parents and caregivers are welcome (including our friends who have gone virtual, and parents of not-yet-school-aged at Ferncliff)!  Election: We have one executive position open, Co-Chair of the School Council. If you're interested, let us know. We need someone open to seeing issues from the perspective of parents from JK to grade 8, English, French, and Extended French, who can help arrange the puzzle pieces of our various committees and fundraising efforts, and who is prepared to jump in and help as needed with the details. Happy to provide you with more information if you'd like to join our team. Send any questions to:  fernaveschoolcouncil@gmail.com We also have a number of committee lead positions open, so if you are interested in STEM, Eco-Club, Food Committee, or just pitching in as needed, feel free to put up your hand.  Principal Update:  Ms. Sardella will update us on the specifics ...

...Supporting Child & Family Well-Being During COVID-19 OCTOBER 5, 2020 06:30 PM, ZOOM   COVID-19 has represented a time of large social upheaval for all families. With that has come feelings of uncertainty and stress for many children and families. In this workshop, Dr. Heather Prime will provide parents/caregivers with the tools to build resilience within the family.  Topics will include:  -How caregivers can recognize children’s distress and help them to cope with feelings that come up, and when to seek professional support  -How caregivers can promote healthy family relationships   -How caregivers can support their own well-being  Dr. Prime is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Psychologist in the Department of Psychology at York University. Her research and teaching are in the area of child development and mental health, with a focus on the role of family relationships and interactions in child well-being. Dr. Prime is registered with the College ...

Please click here  for the revised Bagged Lunch Menu.

If your teen is looking for volunteer hours and a reason to get out of bed on those "Independent Learning" mornings, the Fern Outdoor Learning Committee is looking for volunteers.  We need help with putting up and taking down tents and other outdoor learning equipment (8:40-9:10 in the am, 4-4:30 in the pm).  So, if your teen needs some motivation on those asynchronous at-home learning days, or a break in the afternoon, or if you just really, really want them out of the house, please email Kate at: fernaveoutdoors@gmail.com .  Thanks! Outdoor Learning Committee