Fern Ave. Public School Blog

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!