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