Fern Ave. Public School Blog

As you may be aware, we have been dealing with an ongoing outbreak of head lice for the past couple of months. In an effort to ensure that we eliminate the problem as effectively as possible, we will be having The Lice Squad come into the school and Daycare to check every child’s hair as soon as the children return from winter break. This process is a 2-3 minute check of each child’s hair to assess for live lice, nymphs, or nits. Any child found with live lice or eggs will be sent home for treatment, and will not be able to return until the problem is adequately addressed. This is a TDSB policy. Toronto Public Health recognizes the persistent nature of this problem, and advocates for the removal of all nits found in a child’s hair in order to prevent spreading from child to child, and as treatment products are not effective without manual removal. Any lice that may be in the school will die off over the break, leaving any live lice on the children only. To prevent the lice cycle from b

The recent "Holiday Gift Sale" of used books, CD's, DVD's and videos was a huge success and we were very surprised to make $1,700!! A big thanks goes to all the families that donated all the books and movies, and a special thank you goes to the parents who volunteered to help sell these items. This event would not have been possible without the assistance of Ms. Douglas and her intermediate book club, who sorted through all the donations for us. We are very proud also to mention that the remaining items have been donated to a number of shelters and a large box of children's books was sent to be shared by 4 daycare facilities in the Philippines. The Ecoteam is extremely appreciative to all who came and made purchases. Happy Holiday, Fern! Submitted by Jo Somers , parent volunteer

Fern will be holding a clothing drive. We will be collecting gently used/new clothing and winter gear (pants, hats, gloves, boots etc) to donate to underprivileged children in the city. Please make sure you check the school Lost and Found located in the front foyer. Friday December 11th is the last day to check the Lost and Found. Any unclaimed items will be added to the donation pile after this date. If you have items you wish to donate, please send to school in a marked bag (so it’s not mistaken as your child's spare clothes) and drop off at the clothing drive table located across from the office. Thanks for your help and support.

Fern School Council Meeting Agenda Wednesday December 9, 2009 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. School Auditorium 1. Approval of Agenda 2 min 2. Approval of Minutes from October 2 min 3. Chair’s Report 5 min 4. Treasurer’s Report 5 min 5. Ward 7 Report 10 min 6. French as a Second Language Advisory Committee 10 min 7. Committee Reports 20 min a. Communications Committee b. Math, Science and Engineering c. Eco Schools d. Playground e. Arts Collective i. Canadian Opera Company f. Food g. Fundraising i. QSP Magazine Sale ii. Parent Handbook iii. Book sale iv. Dance-a-Thon 8. Other Business 10 min 9. Principal’s Report 30 min Next Meeting: Thursday January 21, 2010

Jack of Sports offers extracurricular swimming lessons at Fern for children of all ages and skill levels. The programme costs $150 for ten one-hour lessons in a ten-week session and is open to all children in the neighbourhood. The winter session starts the week of January 25, 2010. Registration is Monday, December 7. 3:30-6:30 P.M. in the auditorium, or phone 416-489-4777 to sign up. Click here to download the registration form. Click here to learn more about Jack of Sports.

The Fern Ave EcoTeam will be taking further donations this Monday to Thursday for the used book, CD, DVD and video fair. We have extended the sale and it will be open until December 10 before and after the school concert. It has been a huge success so far...... Come and check out the bargains and do something GREEN for your school! Submitted by Jo Somers

Winter Solstice Concert Thursday, Dec. 10 th Fern P.S. Auditorium 6:30pm Primary Division (K – Gr. 3) Intermission 7:30pm Jr./Sr. Division (Gr. 4 – 8) If you only have Jr. and Sr. Children please arrive at 7:30 Please support Fern school fundraisers: 5:30 – 6:15pm School Council Pizza dinner – Cafeteria Book Sale – Fern Ecoteam Craft Sale – Sr. Girls’ Entrepreneur Club Annual Food drive – Bring a non-perishable food item Primary Students should meet in their classrooms by 6:15pm

The next School Council meeting will be Wednesday, December 9. Please forward agenda items to abreau1@bell.net or drop a note into the council box in the office by Friday, December 4. Submitted by Andre Breau , Council Chair

Click on the link for an update from last week's Ward 7 Education Council meeting: W7_Update_20091124.pdf Submitted by Paula Larrondo , Ward 7 rep

The Fern Eco-Team's book sale fundraiser is on: Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1:30 - 4 pm Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1:30 - 4 pm Thursday, Dec. 3, 3:30-7:30 pm (during parent-teacher interviews) Submitted by Kristyn Drever , EcoTeam parent volunteer Reminder: Donations of gently used books, CDs and DVDs are still being requested, to end of day Friday.

DONATIONS REQUIRED for upcoming holiday gift sale Fern Avenue PS Ecoteam needs your gently USED BOOKS Children's, adult, hardcover, paperback, Cookbooks, gardening books, reference books DVD’S CD’S VIDEOS Donation box located in main foyer outside office Until November 27 Volunteers can contact Kristyn Drever kristyn@simplifier.ca

Please put these important dates in your calendar. Nov. 26: Extended French Grade 4 Orientation - Room 102 at 7:00 PM Nov. 30: 1st term Report cards go home Dec.1-3: CD, Video, Book SALE TBA: School Council Meeting (November's meeting rescheduled) Dec. 4: P.A. Day - Parent Teacher Interviews Dec. 10: School Winter Concert - more information to follow Dec. 19 - Jan. 3: Winter Break

Senior Student Council Spirit Week! November 23: Pajama Day: Stay in your PJs all day long! (All students welcome) November 24: Blast from the Past: Dress up in your favorite era. (All students welcome) November 25: Fern Day: Show your school spirit and dress up in Fern's colours. (All students welcome) November 26: Silly Clothes Day: Forget about fashion and dress up in wacky clothes! (All students welcome) November 27: Air Band: Imitate your favorite band or sing your favorite song. (Seniors only) Please note: All clothing must follow Fern's dress code

Fern Avenue Public School depends on parents to help us enrich the lives of Fern Avenue Public School students with arts, science, sports and much more. Volunteer your time or help by contributing to one of fun-raising event, and you'll bring students additional opportunities outside of the standard school programs and enrich our school community. Click here to download more information.

Our VP - Stephanie Fetterolf has finished her term with us. She will be missed as she brought her style, knowledge, caring and professional practice to the Fern community. Please welcome, Margaret Simmons a retired principal from the TDSB . She continues to be involved by assuming occasional replacement positions for administrators. She has had experience teaching from JK though grade eight. As well, she has had extensive experience working with students with special needs. Her grandson, tap dancing, golf, reading, and volunteer work fill her non-working days. We are glad that Ms. Simmons will be able to bring her experience and expertise to Fern, helping us make a smooth transition to the end of December.

Jack of Sports has updated it's page with the Fern School Pool . Please click here for the swimming program schedule offered at Fern Pool with Jack of Sports. Registrations are still being accepted. Please support our pool!

Our second newsletter of the 2009-2010 school year is now ready to download . Please take a minute to read it as there are important items and celebrations. Submitted by Stephanie Fetterold, Vice Principal

Hi all, We just found out that we made and error in the calculation for the monthly passes if purchasing 2 or 3 passes. The cost should be $123.00 for the purchase of 2 lunch passes and $180 for the purchase of 3 passes. Sorry for the inconvenience but it is very important that we collect the right fee's as we run a very tight budget. Tracy Spence

Irene Atkinson, School Board Trustee, notes that there were several issues brought to the forefront at the October 20 TDSB Planning and Priorities Meeting. The various documents that were provided for the meeting are available at this page: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/boardroom/bd_agenda/AgendaMeeting.asp?siteid=88&menuid=391&enablenav=true&id=9269 Submitted by Paula Larrondo , Ward 7 rep

Every year on November 11, Canadians pause in a silent moment of remembrance for the men and women who have served, and continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict and peace. We honour those who fought for Canada in the First World War (1914-1918), the Second World War (1939-1945), and the Korean War (1950-1953), as well as those who have served since then. More than 1,500,000 Canadians have served our country in this way, and more than 100,000 have died. They gave their lives and their futures so that we may live in peace. We would like to distribute poppies to our students as a sign of remembrance. We ask for a small monetary contribution to support our Canadian Veterans. Please give all cash donations to your child’s classroom teacher. We will then forward all donations to the Canadian Veterans on behalf of our Fern Community. At Fern, we will have an assembly on November 11, 2008 in remembrance of those men and woman who served our country.

This is a reminder that we have Photo re-take day on: November 18th from 10:30 to1:30pm Mark it on your calendars!

More information about our Halloween Parade that will be on Friday and start at 10:40. Please make sure that all the students are ready to go, if they need time to put on their costumes. If your child does not want to participate, we can make arrangements for these students. (please let your teacher know). We will walk along Wright to Roncesvalles and back to our school via Fern. This should take no more than 15 min. Please remind the students to wear appropriate costumes (no weapons) and their vision should not be obscured by the costume. Any snacks brought to the school should be nut free. We invite all parents/guardians and caregivers to come and watch the parade.

Dear Parents and Guardians: Students in Rooms: 215 (Schock), 208 (Eyre), 213 (Nitsis), 108 (Burns), 207 (Archdekin), 203 – Grade 3’s (McDonnell) Re: Halloween Parade for primary students When: Friday, October 30th Time: between 10:30 and lunch The students in the above classes will be participating in a neighbourhood parade. Our destination will be the Copernicus Lodge - a seniors home. This is an opportunity for the students to make a connection with the community and to put a smile on some faces. We will be leaving the school just after 10:30 and will return before lunch. As the students will be walking, we would ask that they wear a costume that allows them to move freely and see clearly. Students are not permitted to bring plastic weapons of any sort into the school. As this is a community walking excursion, a permission form is not necessary (form was previously returned). Sincerely, D. Schock, C. Eyre, B. Nitsis, M. Burns, A. Archdekin, J. McDonnell

To begin I would like to thank John Richmond and Carol Pauker for their service for on the 2008-2009 School Council. As well, I would like to thank the following individuals who have agreed to serve on the 2009 -2010 School Council Executive. Marissa Heisel – Co-Chair Sally Brady – Treasure Liz Leason – Secretary Paula Larrondo – Ward 7 Representative Lise Snelgrove – Ward 7 Representative This will be my fifth year serving in an executive role on the Fern School Council. Each consecutive council has had its challenges but has managed to continue sponsor quality programming for our children. It is my goal to continue to provide quality programming and to take on some new challenges. Specifically, I will strive to improve: Parent participation on Council Volunteer participation Community building Communication from the Council executive to the school community I ask you to help me meet my challenges as a community by stepping forward and giving a little bit of you time. The time spent

OUR FERN AVE P.S. ECOTEAM is looking for adult volunteers to help our students with all their plans for this year. There are many different ways to be involved with our ECO team. We are looking specifically for people who can come to Tuesday lunchtime meetings at 12.15- 12.50 pm to help the students with their projects. We are organising their first assembly for the year and need some support to get their presentations ready. Please contact Joanne at joannesomers@rogers.com if you can help with this or any other eco-project. STAY GREEN!

REMINDER… Swimming lesson registration will take place at Fern PS this Wednesday and Thursday. 10-week lessons (1 hour) are $150.00 in total Please consider registering your child here at Fern as it will help to save our pool!! More information can be found at www.jackofsports.com

To ensure that everyone at Fern is safe during the Halloween season, we would kindly ask that the following guidelines be followed regarding foods and allergies. We know that many families have great bakers and cooks, who are generous and may want to share their wonderful food with the class. Unfortunately, any surface that has been in contact with goods containing peanuts/tree nuts, trace amounts of the oil may remain on food preparation tools and containers, thereby potentially exposing an anaphalatic person to a very great risk. Therefore, please: 1. not send in baked goods 2. ensure food has a labelled wrapper, which should state that it is "nut free" or "made in a nut free facility." Below are some links to lists containing foods which are nut-free: http://www.allergymoms.com/modules/wordpress/index.php?p=299 http://www.peanutallergykid.com/2008/10/some-peanut-free-snacks.html If you want to share something, it doesn't have to be food. It could be inexpensi

Dear Parents/Guardians, Fern's ECO School Council are asking for YOUR help! Please help our school stay green and the Earth stay healthy by considering the following ideas when packing a lunch for or with your child. Not only is a waste-free lunch better for the environment, it can save you money as well. RECIPE FOR A WASTE-FREE LUNCH Here are some packing tips to MUNCH on: REUSABLE lunch carrier* REUSABLE container (plastic), tupperware* REUSABLE drink bottle or thermos* CLOTH NAPKIN to wash and re-use* CUTLERY to wash and re-use* HEALTHY snacks (apples, bananas, carrot sticks, etc.) PLEASE AVOID: * AVOID paper or plastic bags * AVOID plastic wrap, foil, or Styrofoam * AVOID single-use cans, bottles, or cartons * AVOID paper napkins * AVOID plastic utensils * AVOID over-packaged snacks Why pack a waste-free lunch? It's waste-free, it costs less, and it's healthier! Please talk to your child about the 3 Rs - Recycle, Re-use, Reduce, as well as the importance of compo

Fern Avenue Public School is holding a Scholastic Book Fair during the week of November 2nd to 5th in the Design and Technology Room (Room 104). Funds raised during this event 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 Click here for more information. Volunteers Needed! 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, please contact Ellen Douglas, in the library by phone (416-393-9130) or e-mail m

Yes! We are finally are going to be able to open Fern's pool We have found some temporary swim instructors for Monday, October 26 (Day 4). We are still waiting for the TDSB to hire permanent staff for the pool. At this point temporary staff will be used to open the pool A big thank you to all the parents who are on the "Save the Pool Committee" for their ongoing support in keeping Fern's pool open. Please make sure your children are prepared to swim next week. Monday's classes: 211, 215, 203, 207

QSP Magazine Fundraiser! PLEASE SUPPORT OUR BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR! It is not TOO late! This year’s fundraiser officially ended on Tuesday October 6th but sales to-date are significantly less than last year. Please remember that the magazine fundraiser supports programs and activities at Fern Ave PS that benefit our children, including Scientists and Artists in the School, improvements to the playground and much much more! If you, your family members or friends were planning to support this fundraiser, please return you orders to the school by Friday October 23rd. For your convenience orders can also be made on-line at www.qsp.ca, our School’s GROUP NUMBER is: 9160

Jack of Sports offers extracurricular swimming lessons at Fern for children of all ages and skill levels. The programme costs $150 for ten one-hour lessons in a ten-week session and is open to all children in the neighbourhood. Registration is October 21, 22, 28, and 29. 4:00-7:00 P.M. in the auditorium. Click here to download the registration form. Click here to learn more about Jack of Sports.

Grade 8 students have received a form indicating information nights for secondary schools. The area information meeting is to be held on October 27 at Parkdale Public School. It is a very good opportunity for you and your child to ask questions and learn about the process. Click here to download a copy of the handout. It includes a form you need to fill out and return to your child's homeroom teacher. Or click here to download a copy of the complete schedule of upcoming information nights.

Parents of Students in Grade Eight The selection of a Secondary School for your child is extremely important and can be somewhat confusing. By the end of November all Grade 8 students will be bringing home a brochure entitled “Choices for Nine”. This brochure provides you with an overview of all the programs offered in Secondary Schools in the Toronto District School Board. To ensure clear understanding of the expectations and procedure for entry into Secondary School, we are inviting you and your child to an information meeting. Where: Parkdale Public School 78 Seaforth Ave; 416-393-1280 When: Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 6:45 p.m. To help you in selecting a Secondary School with your child, we have invited representatives from our local South West 2 Secondary Schools to speak with you in a storefront forum. Grade 8 Parent Information Night Agenda 6:45 p.m. Welcome – James Smyth, Principal, Parkdale P. S.

On Thursday October 15, 2009 7 - 9 pm in the Auditorium We will be holding our first school council meeting of the year. Please come and join us! Learn about council & what you can do to support the school or how you can get involved in school life, elect representatives, meet & greet with parents and more!

Please find attached a FLYER with pertinent information regarding a Pool Update at Fern P.S. and upcoming meetings regarding the Fern pool. uploads/PoolFlyer.PDF

Very Important Crossing Guard Changes 1. The pedestrian crossing at Galley Avenue and Roncesvalles is going to be closed Sept.28 for excavation. The crossing guard is being relocated from Pearson Avenue and Roncesvalles to Garden Avenue and Roncesvalles for September 28th only. The crossing guard will be back at Galley Avenue and Roncesvalles on September 29th 2.) The pedestrian crossing at Marmaduke Avenue and Roncesvalles will be moved to Howard Park from Sept. 30th to October 7th If your children walk across Roncesvalles, you are strongly encouraged to walk your children to school.

The following committees are run by parent volunteers under the Fern School Council. New members are always welcome. Communications Committee Eco Team Arts Committee Playground Committee Math, Science, and Engineering Fern Food Program Advisory Committee To learn more or to contact the members of a specific committee, click here . Or choose "School Council Committees" from our Links menu.

The Fern Pool was re-opened by the TDSB Board on Wednesday September 23, 2009. The projected day to open is as close to October 12/09 as possible. Our pool is operational, which means the facility itself is functional and can be used by permits only at this point. It is not yet staffed by the TDSB, and we are working toward having it staffed (caretaker and lifeguards) by October 12, 2009 . To keep our pool open, we still have the issue of the shortfall of permit revenue. Our parent group and Aquatics Working Group (AWG) are still brainstorming on how to generate more than $15,000 to keep the pool open. To ensure that our pool remains open, we must work collectively with our community to address further risk of pool closure. There is an AWG meeting scheduled for Tuesday September 29, 2009, from 5 - 7 pm at the Canadian Tire Conference Centre located at 2200 Yonge Street, 3rd Floor . The meeting will be held by David Crombie to bring the Toronto Community together to develop str

As many of our community members already know, Fern Avenue Public School produces a monthly newsletter. We do our very best to communicate updates, upcoming events, good news stories, showcase student work and provide parents with information pertaining to school events, school initiatives, school sports and much more. We also encourage our community to read the newsletter on-line. As an ECO school we are trying to do our part in producing as few paper copies as possible. We hope that you enjoy reading our first newsletter of the year! uploads/SeptemberNewsletter2009.pdf

It’s Time For Our QSP Magazine Fundraiser! PLEASE SUPPORT OUR BIGGEST FUNDRAISER OF THE YEAR! Proceeds from the magazine sale support programs and activities at Fern Ave PS that benefit our children, including Scientists and Artists in the School, improvements to the playground and much much more! This year’s fundraiser is taking place from Tuesday September 22nd to Tuesday October 6th. Please refer to the catalogue that your child brought home for the selection of great magazines. For your convenience orders can also be made on-line at www.qsp.ca, our School’s GROUP NUMBER is: 9160 All questions about the fundraiser can be e-mailed to Andre Breau at abreau@look.ca . Make a DIFFERENCE! We need your help more than ever! Please Support our biggest Fundraiser of the Year!

Here is something worth marking on your calendar. Please read the attached information. uploads/HumanTrainPosterFAQ.pdf

Saturday September 26, 2009 HUMAN TRAIN FOR CLEAN AIR Main Rally at Sorauren Park, 1 PM Plan to hop on board the Human Train to send a message to scrap plans to run hundreds of polluting diesel trains a day through our neighbourhoods, and direct Metrolinx to use only clean, quiet electric trains for any expansion of rail traffic along the Georgetown corridor. The Route of the Human Train The Human Train will get rolling in Weston at 8:30 am with “Whistle Stops” in a number of communities along the way. People will gather in Sorauren Park at 1:00pm to welcome the Human Train for the Main Rally of the day! At 2:30, the Human Train will leave Sorauren Park for a parade through Queen West. We urge everyone to join us at SORAUREN PARK for this family-friendly main event at 1:00 pm. We will all gather together in the largest park beside the railway tracks to demonstrate the strength

Fern Avenue Public School 128 Fern Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6R 1K3 Tel: (416) 393-9130 September 16, 2009 Very Important Crossing Guard Change for Sept. 17th The pedestrian crossing at Galley Avenue and Roncesvalles is going to be closed Sept. 16 and Sept. 17th for water main repairs. The crossing guard is being relocated from Pearson Avenue and Roncesvalles to Garden Avenue and Roncesvalles for September 17th only. The crossing guard will be back at Galley Avenue and Roncesvalles on September 18th If your children walk across Roncesvalles, you are strongly encouraged to walk your children to school.

TTC Photo Day for our senior students will take place October 14, 2009 (AM) at Fern Avenue Public School. TTC FARE OVERVIEW: Student fare privileges are only available to teenage students who are 19 years of age or under at the commencement of the school year, effective September 8, 2009. Students must attend regular full-time classes at approved schools up to and including the high school level in Toronto. Children's fares are available to students 12 years of age or under -- a Student Discount Card is not required. We strongly suggest, however that any students about to turn 13 years of age obtain a card during the October photo visit. A letter to parents will be distributed approximately one week prior to the TTC Photo Day from the Fern P.S. office.

The Fern School Student Eco-Team had their first meeting on September 15, 2009 and they have identified the need for more blue/gray recycle bins in the classrooms. If you have any of these laying around the house please drop them off at the school office. Once again the school achieved Gold Certification and the Fern Eco-Team and school community are striving to maintain this fantastic achievement. Submitted by Joanne Somers , Fern Eco-Team

In consultation with the TDSB Grounds Staff, we will determine when the grass has had sufficient time to take root. At that point we will have the fence removed around our new grass in the senior yard. Parents have been inquiring as to when this will happen, and we continue to keep you up dated as we hear from the TDSB Grounds Staff. We hope to have the fence removed by the end of October for all of our students to enjoy. We appreciate your continued support with this.

Attached you will find an Athletic Calendar produced by the TDSB. It shares information as to when conferences, finals, championships and other pertinent dates/athletics take place. We hope that you find this of interest. uploads/TDESAA%20Calendar.pdf

Dear Parents/Guardians, The date on the Student Media Release form sent out in the Student Package last week reflected the 2007-2008 school year. A new Student Media Release form will be sent home today reading 2009-2010. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Please return the form back to your child's teacher. Thank You!

FERN AVENUE P.S CURRICULUM NIGHT THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 6:30-7:00pm Visit Classrooms 7:00-7:30pm Gathering In the Auditorium Meet The Faculty More Information About Curriculum 7:30-8:00pm Parent Council Meet & Greet Looking Forward To Seeing You There! Stay Tuned….More Information to Come!

The Human Train for Clean Air ride/march organized by the Clean Train Coalition will be making a "whistle stop" at Sorauren Park on Saturday Sept. 26. Indeed, the Sorauren stop is shaping up to be the major event of the day. Event organizers have put out a call for volunteers. Below are the needs; if you can spare an hour or two or contribute skills, please e-mail the contact person indicated. Many thanks! More details on the march and many upcoming Sorauren events are posted on our web site: http://www.soraurenpark.com Volunteer Needs for Sorauren Park Whistle Stop of the Human Train for Clean Air March Pre-event:Flyering and distributing drop cards in Brockton, Sorauren and Roncey areas (various dates, including Sept 19/20 at the Polish Festival on Roncesvalles): 10 people needed. Contact lancedixon@rogers.com for details and schedules.At the event at Sorauren Park, Sept. 26:Volunteers will be needed from about 12:30pm-2:30pm on Sept 26th.Contact farzanadoctor@rogers.com

Welcome Back for another school year! Please find attached staffing changes, room numbers and additional information to start off the new school year! uploads/BLOGWelcomeBackLetter.doc

Fern Avenue Public School 128 Fern Avenue Toronto, Ontario M6R 1K3 Tel: (416) 393-9130 Dear Parents/Guardians, The safety of our students is of utmost importance. As you know, Roncesvalles is under construction. I have been in contact with the police, construction manager, and crossing guard coordinator with regard to the traffic flow and pedestrian crossovers and crosswalks. For those students who have to cross Roncesvalles, I would strongly suggest that you walk your children to school. I also encourage all parents when possible to walk their children to school to avoid any traffic congestion on Fern Avenue with back up of cars turning onto Roncesvalles. For the upcoming week of September 7, 2009: the following is an update on the intersections along Roncesvalles Avenue with crossing guards. 1. Galley Avenue - pedestrian cross-over is open. 2. Fern Avenue - the intersection, including the pedestrian cross-over, is closed. The intersection is anticipated to be re-opened during the

It's the 2009 - 2010 School Year at Fern! Communications Update: The Communications Committee at Fern is made up of parent volunteers. This year, the Communications Committee will continue to work with the school office, teachers and parents in an effort to increase the flow of communication to the website. If you have any information you want to share with the school community, send a message to fernnoticeboard ( at ) gmail ( dot ) com . Join our Mailing List: To join, visit http://schools.tdsb.on.ca/fern/mail and sign up. If you were on the mailing list last year, you do not need to sign up again. Save Trees : The principal and staff at Fern Public School produce a monthly newsletter, in an effort to cut down the amount of paper used by the school, it is now posted on the website instead. If you prefer a paper copy, contact the office at 416-393-9130.

As we start off the new school year, I'd like to share with you the results of the communications survey that the communications committee conducted by email in June. The main themes of the survey results were: - high approval for electronic communications (this Notice Board and the email list) - a wish for more information about school activities, including classroom updates, after-school clubs and sports team tryouts - more advance notice of upcoming events For full survey results, click here . Amy Stein , communications committee member (parent volunteer)

Attached you will find a letter outlining some staffing announcements. Once again, have a wonderful summer holiday. We look forward to seeing everyone in September. uploads/Fern%20Final%20Letter.doc

A Garden Avenue student reported that a man approached her as she left her home on Marion Avenue for school this morning. He asked for money, saying his car had been vandalized. Description: - Brown male - approx 5'8 tall - age 25-35 - dreads - wearing baggy black knee length parachute pants - black t-shirt with green neon logo - hoop earring Police were called and they are investigating. The safety of the students remains top priority at each and every one of our schools. I again want to emphasize to students, staff and parents the importance of awareness and the need for extra care in even the most ordinary and everyday routines. (Please note that our computer system was down all day and a paper copy will be sent out tomorrow)

Please note that the pool, daycare and parenting centre at Fern Avenue Public School are open. The school continues to operate as usual. Thank You!

Here is the final newsletter of the school year! Enjoy! uploads/JuneNewsletter.pdf

Yesterday everyone on the Fern School Community email list* received a survey from the communications committee in their email inbox. If you have not completed it yet, this is a reminder to please do so - it should not take more than a couple of minutes to fill out. The purpose of the emailed survey is to get a sense of how well communications are working, and provide a benchmark against improvements being planned for next year. The level of response will also give us a sense of how well email surveys can work, for getting feedback and opinions from parents and staff on other topics in future. Your participation is very much appreciated! Amy Stein , parent volunteer * Not on the email list? Click here to subscribe.

Thank you to all the parents who contacted our Trustee Irene Atkinson on the topic of keeping our pool open. Trustee Atkinson has heard loud and clear from the parents of the Fern community that we want to keep our pool open. She is in support of keeping the pools open and she will be voting in support of keeping Fern pool open. She would also like to convey the information that she provided at the Ward 7 meeting: - New permit rate of $50/hour was in effect as of June 29th. - Fern is only permitted for 150 hours, which in 2008/09 brought in $3,100. - The operating cost of your pool for 2009/10, not including aquatics instructors, is $83,047 The School Council has had an active campaign for the last 2 years in trying to keep our pool open. John Richmond our School Council Chair is also looking for anyone who interested in taking action on this issue. Please feel free to contact John Richmond, Chair, Fern School Council at: smarty_panz@yahoo.com. Thank you, Craig Tsuji Principal

Come in and check out the Fun Fair photos, now on display in the front foyer. These fantastic pictures taken by Ann Wright, can be purchased in two sizes. 4" x 6" = $1.00 5" x 7" = $2.50 Orders are due by Friday, June 19. Submitted by Dianne Nicholson , Fern parent volunteer

This is a reminder for the senior division that Ms. Basu's grade 8 class will be sharing the results of its Fern Avenue Public School oral history project in a special presentation on Thursday, June 18, at 9:30 am in the auditorium. Throughout the year, students have interviewed four former students who graduated between the years 1936-1976. This message was sent by Julie Glenn, a Fern parent volunteer.

Thank you to everyone who contributed their favourite dishes and who volunteered their time and energy to make the Staff Appreciation Luncheon a big success. With so much else going on at the school this past week - Fun Fair, Music Night - your efforts were truly commendable! Thank you again for your support. Best regards, Evangeline Adams , parent volunteer

Dear Fern Community, The TDSB Trustees will again be voting on the future of our pool at their next meeting June 27. Our pool is a community pool in the true sense of term - it is used by community groups and is a hub for social and recreational activity. It is part of the school curriculum and very much appreciated by our students on the Fern swim team. Once again we need to raise our voices in defense of our pool. Please call or write Ward 7 Trustee Irene Atkinson and the TDSB itself to let them know how much we love our pool. Anyone interested in taking action (in the past we have been to the Legislature at Queen's Park for example) on this issue please feel free to contact John Richmond, Chair, Fern School Council at: smarty_panz (at) yahoo (dot) com. And "thank you" to everyone who has so far made their voices heard... Submitted by John Richmond , Chair, Fern School Council

Budget:  The Fern School Council approved the budget for 2009 - 2010 at the June 11 School Council meeting. Thanks to all those who participated in the process.  Most especially our Treasurer Sally Brady and our Secretary Carol Paulker. The Council has budgeted approximately $13,000 in expenses for 2009 - 2010  with a surplus of approximately $1,500 (please note this does not include money already put aside for the playground and the COC Opera Trust). This year's budget represents a roughly 30% decline in spending over  2008 - 2009 and we hope parents will be able to help us with additional fundraising in the coming year. Thanks again and we look forward to working with everyone again next year. Events:  Fern parent volunteers were once again involved in two recent very successful events - the Spring Concert and the Fun Fair. A special thanks Diane Nicholson and the other organizers of the Fun Fair - the feed back received from both parents and students was excellent.  Everyone had

The Fern School Council invites you to participate in the Fern School Council Budget for 2009/2010. You’ve contributed to fundraising events at Fern. Voice your opinion on how we should spend our money, and participate in making these important decisions. We welcome your ideas, questions, concerns, and participation! Thursday, June 11, 2009 7:00 – 8:00 pm in the Auditorium Other Agenda Items 8-9 PM (1) Approval of Agenda (2) Approval of Minutes from May 21, 2009 (3) Reports: Chair (John Richmond), Treasurer (Sally Brady) – Budget allocation (4) Principal’s Report and Discussion (Craig Tsuji) (5) French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (Lise Snelgrove) (6) Committee Reports (7) Other Business Childcare available in the Parenting Centre Snacks provided Submitted by Carol Pauker , School Council Secretary

Today, on Friday June 5, 4 – 8 pm, students, along with their friends and family, are invited to an evening of fun in the Fern schoolyard. All money raised from the Fun Fair event goes toward funding great programs for your children right here at Fern. Bounce in four huge castles and play games designed for every age and size! Eat pizza and candy floss. Enjoy delicious baked goods at the bake sale! Drink gourmet coffee in our Bistro. Become a Guitar Hero! Do the cake walk and win a cake to eat on the spot! Get your face painted, sing karaoke and much, much more! Be sure to check out the Silent Auction. Bid on gift baskets, artwork, crafts, gift certificates and passes to a variety of attractions. Thank you to the students, school staff, parent volunteers and everyone who has volunteered their time and energy for this great annual event!

Some of our Fern parents are putting on a staff luncheon for the staff of Fern Avenue on Thursday June 11, 2009. They are looking for interested parents to make and provide their favourite dish for the luncheon. Parents are asked to bring their dish after 9am/before 11:30am on June 11. If parents could also provide serving utencils that would be great! Please don't forget to label all of your items. If you are able to provide a dish for this luncheon or are able to volunteer your time to set-up and/or clean up please contact Vangie Adams at evangeline.adams@hotmail.com . Thank you!

End of School Year Up-date For Parents Regarding H1N1 Influenza Virus Since the new H1N1 influenza virus began to circulate in Toronto in late April, Toronto Public Health, the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and others have been providing information to schools, day cares and parents about this virus. At this point, we know that: Influenza is commonly seen in schools and day cares every year. As expected, students and children attending a number of Toronto schools and day cares have become infected with the H1N1 influenza virus. H1N1 influenza is not being seen in more children than would happen during a regular influenza season. H1N1 influenza causes illness very much like regular seasonal influenza. People who are ill with H1N1 influenza can get fever, chills, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and sometimes nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Most people infected with this new virus have recovered without the need for medical care. As with seasonal infl

· Last Tango Productions - Consultation for anyone who wants to know how to ‘make it’ in the music business. Find out what is available to you in the way of commercial radio, non-commercial radio and publicity and what you need to be ready to pursue those avenues. Value - $150   www.lasttangoproductions.com · Comrags gift certificate $100 - www.comrags.com · 6 Pilates sessions $60 – Alison Crouch · 1 Hour massage - www.seraphicmassage.com · Opera Tickets - www.coc.ca Canadian Opera Company  Hand Made Jewelry · Yelena Suroznikova – 5 Pieces · Alyssa Hawkins - www.alysahawkinsdesigns.com · Natasha – www.fort-knox.ca Gift Baskets Scooter Girl, Second Cup, Alternative Grounds & Babes in Black Gift Certificates Lit, Balluchon and Brad’s Passes Wonderland, The Metro Zoo, Wild Water Kingdom, Casa Loma, Montgomery Inn, Toronto Conservation Authority, Science Centre, CN Tower, Solar Stage Theatre

Trustee Irene Atkinson Invites you to a meeting to discuss the impact of the proposed new Metrolinx Service. Where: Fern Avenue Public School in the Auditorium When: Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 PM Air Quality Impacts of Proposed New Metrolinx Service __________________________________ Issue/Problem: Understand what air quality impacts may be anticipated from proposed new Metrolinx rail service between Union Station and LB Pearson Airport. Background Information: In November 2008, Metrolinx adopted The Big Move, a regional Transportation Plan for Greater Toronto. A new Union–Pearson Rail Link will operate on tracks that have thus far served the Georgetown Go Train line. This service will have the effect of increasing the traffic on the line as well as introduce new tracks, building or rebuilding bridges and underpasses. The project’s environmental impact will be assessed under Ontario’s Transit Project Assessment Process (Regulation 231/08 under the Environmental Assessment Act). On April

The Fern Fun Fair is almost here! Friday June 5, 4-8 pm Come for · 4 bouncy castles · pizza · bake sale · Starbuck’s coffee · cake walk · games · Guitar Hero · silent auction We still need Canadian Tire Money. Keep it coming! Calling all Bakers! We need lots of baked goods (nut-free, as always) for the Bake Sale. Please contact Kelly Mansell, 416-535-5864 or fernfunfair09@gmail.com . We need plain, un-iced cakes (nut-free, as always), wrapped in plastic wrap for the Cake Walk. They will be kept frozen until the Fun Fair, so bring them to office ASAP or contact Kathie Duncan 416-277-0515 or fernfunfair09@gmail.com . Volunteers, send in your sign-up forms or email fernfunfair09@gmail.com . Submitted by Dianne Nicholson , Fern parent volunteer

Please note that our Spring Concert scheduled for Wednesday May 27/09 has been re-scheduled on Wednesday June 10/09. A flyer will be sent home with further details.

The Fern communications committee is pleased to welcome two new parent members - Craig Charnock and Carmen Victor - who will help out as email editors and on other communications initiatives. We also thank Luiza Monteiro for her tremendous help as email editor this year. Short-term committee goals are: Getting more school events into the calendar section of the on-line Notice Board Surveying parents on what communication improvements they would like to see Working with the school administration to plan for collecting communications information from Fern families in September, particularly those who are new to the school Longer term (during the next school year) committee goals and ideas include: Increasing the participation of Fern teachers in the on-line Notice Board and email distribution list Working with school administration and school council to improve the consistency/thoroughness of news, events and other information getting onto the Notice Board Making Notice Board modificatio

Read all about it! Here is this month's newsletter! uploads/MayNewsletter.pdf

Fern's track and field team did really well at the area championships meet at York University. Our student-athletes have been practising extensively over this past month and at the meet they had the chance to challenge themselves and compete in their events at a beautiful track facility at York. All of our students demonstrated a wonderful school spirit by giving their best effort at their events and in cheering each other on. Overall, our school athletes did exceptionally well, as a large number of our athletes in the junior and senior divisions have qualified for the conference championships on June 4th at York. Twenty six of our athletes won a top three spot, in a variety of events from sprints and jumps, to the football throw. Yes we have a football throw event, and our girl representative came in 1st! Congratulations to all that participated in the meet and we wish all the best to our athletes that qualified to the track and field championships.

The Spring Concert is scheduled for May 27/09. The forecast for Wednesday May 27th is rain. Because we are using bicycle power, we are trying to keep the concert outside; therefore we will wait until Monday, May 25 to decide if we will go with an alternative date of Wednesday June 10th. Craig Tsuji Principal

Student Support Leadership Initiative Consultation Session for May 21/09 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM has been CANCELLED . Please note, the regular school council meeting will proceed at 7:00 PM. Sorry for the short notice.

The Fun Fair needs you! We need lots of baked goods for the Bake Sale during the Fun Fair on June 5. Please contact Kelly Mansell, at fernfunfair09@gmail.com . We also need plain un-iced cakes (nut-free), wrapped in plastic wrap for the Cake Walk . They will be kept frozen until the Fun Fair, so they can be made in advance. Drop them off at the school office anytime before the 5th or contact Kathie Duncan at fernfunfair09@gmail.com . Submitted by Dianne Nicholson , Fern parent volunteer

Please be advised that Window Replacements will be taking place at Fern Avenue Public School. Due to this, the main entrance of the school will be CLOSED from May 25 to June 5th. Alternately, we ask families to use the South East Entrance #3 to enter and exit the building. We continue to ask all individuals that enter the building to report to the office. Thank you for your understanding!

EQAO testing dates for our Grade 3 & Grade 6 student's are set for June 1, 2 and 3rd . Parent Information letters were sent out several weeks ago. If you have any questions regarding the testing, please contact your son/daughter's teacher. Thank You!

On Friday June 5, 4 – 8 pm, students, along with their friends and family, are invited to an evening of fun in the Fern schoolyard. All money raised from the Fun Fair event goes toward funding great programs for your children right here at Fern. Bounce in four huge castles and play games designed for every age and size! Eat pizza and candy floss. Enjoy delicious baked goods at the bake sale! Drink gourmet coffee in our Bistro. Become a Guitar Hero! Do the cake walk and win a cake to eat on the spot! Get your face painted, sing karaoke and much, much more! Be sure to check out the Silent Auction. Bid on gift baskets, artwork, crafts, gift certificates and passes to a variety of attractions. Do you have a product or service to donate? We would love to include it in the auction. Contact Dianne Nicholson 416-532-3600 or email – fernfunfair09@gmail.com . If you have some Canadian Tire money to donate, please have your kids drop it off in the Fern school office. We will use it to buy thing

Playground consultation Thursday, May 21 7 - 9 pm in the auditorium Please come participate in a discussion about options for improving our schoolyard playground. See the attached flyer for details. uploads/playground_consultation_May_21.pdf Submitted by Carol Pauker , school council secretary

The attached information shares how Fern Avenue Public School will be organized for the 2009-2010 school year. Staffing changes may occur up to the end of September 2009. Thank you for your understanding. uploads/Fern%20Avenue%20School%20Organization.pdf

There are spaces available in the Ferncliff Daycare. Please see the attched flyer. uploads/fern_cliff_03.pdf

The Fern Avenue Graduation for our Grade 8 students will be held on: Tuesday June 23, 2009 More information will follow within the next few weeks. Please look forward to an invitation and request for assistance (the committee is looking for grade 7 parents to help).

Please read the attached information about Track & Field for Fern Avenue Public School. Please be advised that the Track & Field event will take place on Monday May 11, 2009. uploads/West%20Field%20%202009a.doc uploads/West%20Track%202009a.doc

This is just a friendly reminder that Toronto Public Health will be back at Fern on Monday May 11/2009 to vaccinate all grade 7 students with their second dose of HEP B and only the grade 8 girls with their third HPV shot. Those students that provided permission forms will be vaccinated only.

This year our Junior and Senior swim teams were learning and improving their competition skills and physical capacity during three months, working very hard three times per week.Ten swimmers from the junior swim team qualified for the city finals at Riverdale. There they achieved two gold and two bronze medals, one fourth, three fifth and one sixth place. From the seniors, six of them qualified for the city finals and they won one gold and six bronze medals.We are very proud with their successful work.

The communications committee at Fern School, which is made up of parent volunteers, is seeking two new email editors. The emails are distributed at least once per week to a list of about 400 people, highlighting items that appear on this notice board. If you are: detail-oriented; skilled at editing; comfortable with using (or learning to use) web technology; and, interested in helping to improve communications in our school community; then this may be a good volunteer opportunity for you. The commitment is approximately two hours per month, and is flexible in terms of time/location. You do not need to be at the school, but you do need to have good computer access. Please contact me via fernnoticeboard@gmail.com if you are interested in this role. Amy Stein , communications committee (parent volunteer)

Here is some questions and answers about swine flu. uploads/frequently%20asked%20question%20Pub%20H-29pm.pdf

Students are asked to be at school by 8:45am on the day of Track and Field. The busses will depart by 9:10am .

Fern Avenue P.S. Athletics Track and field Dates and Locations Conference meet - Monday May 11th at York University Conference Championships - Thursday June 4th at York University City Championships - Wednesday June 10th at U of T Departure : 8:30a.m. You should meet in the auditorium 15 minutes prior to departure time. Our 1500m runners will have to leave earlier (event starts at 8:30a.m.) Arrival: The first bus will be back before the end of the school day with the primary students. The second bus will be back at approximately 5:00p.m. with the junior/senior students. Track and field practices Primary students will be practicing their events at Fern Ave. P.S. during school hours with coach Andrew Archdiken Junior and Senior students will be practicing their events on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (8:00-8:50) with coaches Bogdan Nikolajevic and Sarantos Katsihtis. Things to do bring at the track and field meet WATER-lots of it HEALTHY SNACKS-fr

The Fern Food Program Advisory Committee invites all parents, guardians and members of the Fern Community to an Open House on: Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 7:00 – 8:00 pm in the School Cafeteria. Childcare provided in the Parenting Centre. Would you like your child to have a nutritious hot lunch at school? Is your child already enjoying the lunches and you’d like to know more about how they are made and funded? Did you know that Fern is one of the only public schools in Toronto with a hot lunch program? Your child could join the legions of Fern kids who over the years have enjoyed and thrived on the healthy lunches they get every day in their own cafeteria. Meet our cook, Maggie, who will present some of her menus. Find out about lunchroom supervision. Learn about Fern as an Eco-School. We welcome your ideas, questions, concerns, and participation! Click here for more information about the Fern Food Program: Food Program description 2009.pdf Submitted by Carol Pauker , secret

April 29, 2009 Public Health 277 Victoria Street 5th Floor Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W2 Tel: 416-338-7820 Fax: 416-392-0713 dmckeown@toronto.ca www.toronto.ca/health Information for Parents About Swine Flu Toronto Public Health is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to monitor the progression of the outbreak of swine influenza and specifically to investigate reports of possible cases in Toronto. The World Health Organization has raised the alert level for pandemic influenza preparedness and is calling on all countries and populations to participate in preventing the transmission of swine flu. What is swine flu? Swine flu is a variant of seasonal influenza and contains parts of flu viruses from birds, pigs and humans. Symptoms of swine flu are the same as seasonal influenza and include fever, headache, cough, muscle aches, sore throat, chills, and weakness or fatigue, and may include vomiting and diarrhe

Draft minutes attached: uploads/April 16, 2009 minutes.pdf Submitted by Carol Pauker , school council secretary Note: minutes from all the school council meetings since the beginning of this year will be posted in the next few weeks.

A few cases of Pediculosis have been found in a few classes at Fern Avenue Public School. Pediculosis is an infestation of head lice or head lice eggs (called “nits”) which is spread by direct contact with an infested person and, indirectly, by contact with his/her personal belongings. These include clothing, combs, brushes and head gear. We have currently screened our students and have contacted parents. We ask that you take the following precautions: 1. Inspect your child’s hair and scalp frequently for the next 10 days. The louse may be brown or grayish, with a flat wingless body 2-3 mm in length. It has six legs. The eggs may be yellow, brown, or white tear drop shaped, are glued to the hair near the scalp and are called “nits”. It is usually the eggs which are first noticed. 2.If your child complains of an itchy scalp, you should check for lice and/or nits. 3.If your discover your child has lice or nits, please notify the school right away. We will send you a Treatment Inst