News from the Principal's Office

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

Halloween/Pumpkins: 
This year Halloween was a little different than usual, but costumes and pumpkins made it so much fun! We are very thankful once again, that this year we received a donation of pumpkins for each classroom. Special thanks to our Parents and School Council for this donation. Since we could not go to the field trip, they brought the experience to the students. Thank you to our staff for going above and beyond and coming up with creative ways this year to make Halloween as fun as normal as possible for our students! 

Road Safety Alert: Mcdonnell / Rideau Parents have informed us that the construction detour is causing traffic jams at Mcdonnell between Wabash and Rideau where many of our Fern students cross the street to go to and from school. Parents have advised that some cars are going on the sidewalk and not observing the rules of the road. Police and Counsellor Perks office have been notified. The construction will be ongoing until the end of this year. Please review road safety with your children. 

Toronto Public Health: 
Thank you for your support in using the updated screening tool and having it signed for your child each day they are cleared to come to school. We as Principals have the opportunity to participate in a weekly webinar with TPH so that we are aware of important updates and best practices. We have a scheduled visit from our TPH nurse on Nov 3rd. 

Report Cards
Students from Grade 1-8 will be receiving a progress report on Nov. 17th . It is meant to be an update on how your child is progressing so far with their learning skills and work habits and in specific curricular areas. A more in depth report card will be sent home in February. Kindergarten students will receive a Communication of Learning : Initial Observations as well on Nov. 17th.

School Improvement: The school leadership team has been working on the school improvement plan and has been refining the school learning goals in the 3 areas: Equity, Well-Being and Achievement. Please stay tuned as we will share these goals with you. 

Important Dates: 
Nov. 11th - Virtual Remembrance Day Assembly 
Nov. 17th - Report cards go home 
Nov. 20th - PA Day / Parent/Teacher Conferences 
Dec. 21st - Jan. 1st - Winter Break 
Jan. 4th - First day back after Winter Break 
Jan. 15th - PA Day 
Feb. 12th- PA Day 
Feb. 15th - Family Day 

Thank you for your partnership in learning.

Yours in partnership, 
R. Sardella 
Principal/Directrice