Fern Ave. Public School Blog

Thanks to strong support and participation by students and parents, plus dedicated volunteers and staff, Fern will be continuing its lunch program in the 2012-2013 school year. There will be some small changes made to our current ordering system, which are all outlined in an information package being sent home with students. Details can be also found here and by visiting the Frequently Asked Questions . For parents who would like to have their children start the next school year off with healthy, nutritious lunches, they can submit their lunch orders by June 25, 2012, with lunches beginning September 4. The Food Committee would like to extend its thanks to the Fern community for helping to make this past year’s lunch program successful.

Click here to view the June newsletter.

FERN FUN FAIR – Friday June 15th 4pm – 8pm Looking to have some FUN and support a GREAT event please sign up for an hour or two to assist with the many events/activities. Some of the opportunities to have FUN!: Set-up of the Event – 2:00pm – 3:30pm Food Table for an hour Games for an hour Cake Walk station for an hour Water Station for an hour Cotton Candy station for an hour Clean up of the event 7:30-8:30pm Looking for 2-3 coolers (to hold freezies/water) let us know if you can provide one for the event Bucky Beaver is sitting on Helene’s desk in the school office awaiting your Canadian Tire $ Plain un-iced cakes are wanted for the Cake Walk (boxed cake mixes are welcome) Feel free to make in advance and drop off at the school office. The cakes will be kept frozen. Thanking you in advance for your support, time and energy. Please contact: Liz Leason Fern Fun Fair Parent Volunteer

The Fern Fun Fair is less than three weeks away and your fun and fabulous bake sale co-ordinators are calling on all aspiring Jamie Kennedy's and Martha Stewart's to contribute to our annual Bake Sale! For those of you who have not experienced the Fern Fun Fair Bake Sale , you are in for a treat! Our vintage-inspired celebration of all things sweet features a 20-foot long table laden with your favourite decadent delights. Serving up these offerings are apron clad Moms and Dads waiting to fill a plate OR please bring your own reusable container for Spring entertaining! We are looking for single-serving contributions of nut-free squares, cookies, cupcakes, loaves, cakes and pies. Whole contributions of pies, cakes and loaves are also welcome and will be sold as such. Please contact Karen Mondok at karenmondok@hotmail.com and let us know what you are donating  i.e.  “Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies”, “Lovely Lemon Squares”, “Bev’s Best Brownies” etc.  so we can make labels for yo

Please be reminded that Friday, June 1, 2012 is a PA Day, and the school will be closed for classes.

Please click here for information on the TDSB French as a Second Language Policy Development Consultations, taking place June 4th, 6th + 14th.

FERN AVENUE PUBLIC SCHOOL STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 2012 IF YOU ARE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE YOUR FAVOURITE DISH AND/OR HELP WITH SET-UP OR CLEAN-UP PLEASE CONTACT EVANGELINE ADAMS (416) 532-2000 OR Evangeline.adams@hotmail.com

On May 5th, members of Fern’s Free the Children participated in a 5K walk at Lightfest, an event sponsored by Light Patrol. After the walk, students participated in activities and enjoyed the entertainment. We raised $556.10 for Light Patrol; a large RV that serves as a mobile base for homeless youth in Toronto!! A special thanks to the Fern community for your ongoing support of Fern’s FTC Club. Together we have raised $1736 for our Health Care Project in Eorewuaso, Kenya, 900 pounds of food for the Daily Bread Food Bank and now $556 for homeless youth in Toronto!!

Please click here for information on the Vocal Music Academy Orientation Day.

The School Council is currently reviewing the possible impacts of the next round of reductions on the Fern community. If you have any comments, please forward them to the School Council Chair before the May 22nd meeting. The recommended reductions can be viewed below:

Each year parents, teachers and staff participate in fundraising activities to support and enhance our children's experience at Fern.  The money raised during the school year is spent on activities and programs for the following year that are not funded by the TDSB.  We are in the process of collecting requests for funding for next year and welcome your input.  Forms are available in the office or by contacting Pamela Wilson, Chair and are to be completed by Monday, May 21.  The SAC Executive will review and assess proposals looking at fairness/diversity (all students should benefit, although not from each proposal), value, resources required and available funds before our next monthly meeting on Thursday, May 24th.  The short list will be brought forward to the SAC meeting and voted on by attendees. People requesting funds will have a few minutes to present their proposals and answer questions prior to the vote. If you want to have a say in what programs the SAC will be fun

Class of 2012! Parents, Guardians, Family & Friends: The Fern Avenue P.S. Graduating Class of 2012 cordially invites you to attend their Grade 8 Graduation Ceremony Where :   Parkdale Collegiate Institute - 209 Jameson Avenue When:   Tuesday, June 26, 2012 Time:  4:30-5:30pm A chaperoned Student Reception Dinner & Dance will follow the ceremony at Lula Lounge 1585 Dundas Street West (at Brock Avenue)   Graduates will have the opportunity to pose for a Group Graduation Photograph to take place at PCI immediately before the ceremony and also an Individual Photograph to be taken on the Red Carpet outside Lula Lounge! The cost of the Student Reception and commemorative photographs is $40 .   Please return the bottom portion of this form with payment to Vera in the school office b y June 4, 2012 .  P lease include your graduate’s name, a contact e-mail, telephone number and address to facilitate summer time delivery of your photos. -----------

Dear Parents/Guardians, Graduation is quickly approaching for our grade eight class.  This event greatly depends on parent involvement to make the day as special as possible not only for our graduating class but families as well. Traditionally grade seven parents have supported this event by volunteering their help during the day and evening to set up for the ceremony and reception and we hope to continue this role this year. The parent council graciously donates money towards this event.  This money goes towards supporting the actual graduation ceremony including the awards that the graduates receive.  We still, however, need to raise funds to cover the cost of the Graduate Dinner/Dance. We are hoping you will consider a donation in some form. If you would like to donate cash, we are happy to accept any amount that you can give.  Cheques are to be made out to Fern Avenue Public School.  Cash donations can be brought to Vera Ciric. If you would like to donate some

The minutes for the meeting of the School Council that took place on April 24 are now available for download from the  School Council  page.

 FERN AVENUE PUBLIC SCHOOL STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 2012 IF YOU ARE ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE YOUR FAVOURITE DISH AND/OR HELP WITH SET-UP OR CLEAN-UP PLEASE CONTACT EVANGELINE ADAMS (416) 532-2000 OR Evangeline.adams@hotmail.com Please drop off your dish (labelled with your name) in the staff room before 11:00 a.m. on Friday morning. If possible, please provide serving utensils. Dishes may be picked up from the staff room any time after lunch. Thank you in advance for your support

Information on the Track & Field meet and championships is available. Information on the prep for the meet is available for download here . And a file with information on the track schedule is available here .  For information on team members and participants please contact Mr. Katsihtis.

Click here for the agenda of tonight’s events. Click here for a welcome to Fern and ‘what to expect’ this evening.

Information from the last Ward 7 Parent Council meeting held Tuesday April 3rd; http://www.tdsb.on.ca/wwwdocuments/Trustees/Ward_7/docs/E28_W7_Council_UPDATE-2012-04-03.pdf http://www.tdsb.on.ca/wwwdocuments/Trustees/Ward_7/docs/WARD_7_Budget_Update_2012-04-19.pdf The next meeting of the Ward 7 Education Council is Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Western Tech Auditorium, 7:00 p.m. This meeting will be the Ward 7 Budget Consultation and is open to the general public . I will endeavor to share the list of proposed reductions after the May 9th TDSB Budget Committee (once made publicly available). If you are at all concerned with the reduction of programs that may affect your school, please make your attendance a priority. adameizinas@gmail.com

The grade 6 girls soccer team has been cancelled. After many attempts to keep the Grade 6 Girls Soccer team running, we unfortunately do not have enough players and had to pull the soccer team from the tournament. All TTC monies collected will be returned. Thank you, Ms. Geridis

This Spring has been busy for the arts at Fern. In March we had Steven McCabe with poetry and Jim Hake’s collage project. In April we had the  Aché Brasil show and Patricia Phelan with her textile tapestry project. We showcased and auctioned off Jim Hake’s students amazing pieces at the Spring Fling. We are now moving into May and our Fern Family Tree project is moving right along too. We are working together to have it up by the end of May. Helping to inspire art, beauty and creative confidence in our kids! Patricia Phelan: Medieval Textile Students in Ms. Tse and Ms. Cardilluci classes examined the famous Medieval Textile: The Bayeux Tapestry with artist in residence  and Fern parent , Ms. Patricia Phelan.  Inspired by themes and characters from this elaborate work, the students expanded on these themes to create their own collaborative ‘Tapestry’ depicting modern times. The finished product will measure approximately 3 metres by 50 cm. The students drafted designs on

LETTER TO GRADE 7 & 8 PARENTS/GUARDIANS: Parents & Guardians of Grade 7 & 8 Students: Your Grade 8 Graduation Committee is hard at work planning a fantastic ceremony and reception for our graduating class.  Fundraising for this event is critical to its success.  You can help by getting involved in our Fundraising initiatives.   On Friday, May 11 the Student Senior Council will be hosting a Bake Sale!  The sale will take place in the primary yard at lunch time and after school.  Contributions of nut-free baked goods - homemade or store bought are needed.   Please bring your contribution to Vera in the school office on Thursday, May 10 or the morning of Friday, May 11.  Be sure to label your plate and serving utensil if you would like them back.  Please also encourage your kids to shop at the Bake Sale! For other ways to get involved with Grad planning, please contact Vera in the school office.  Your involvement and enthusiasm in helping with graduation is the best way

Buy Your Mom a Sweet Treat and support your Grade 8 Graduates at the Student Senior Council Bake  Sale! The Student Senior Council is holding a Bake Sale in the primary yard at Noon and after school on Friday, May 11!  Proceeds from the sale will support this year’s Grade 8 graduation ceremony and reception.  Remember Mother’s Day is next week-end.  Bring a re-usable container to buy treats for your mom, Aunt or Grandma!   Students (and parents with kids) in Grade 7 & 8 are encouraged to contribute nut-free baking to the sale.  Contributions can be given to Vera in the school office on Thursday and on Friday morning.

Suspicious incident, Roncesvalles Avenue/Geoffrey Street area The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a suspicious incident on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at 10 p.m. It is reported that: - a 15-year-old girl was walking in the Roncesvalles Avenue/Geoffrey Street area, when a man in a dark-coloured SUV got out of his vehicle and approached the girl - the man asked the girl her name, then asked if she wanted to come with him - the man placed his hand on the girl's shoulder - the girl ran from the suspect The suspect drove away and police were called. The suspect is described as white, over 40, medium build and was wearing a dark jacket. The public is reminded to be aware of their surroundings and to remain vigilant at all times. Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at http://www.222tips.com/ , text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook . Cons

To view the Track and Field preparation document, please click here To view the Track and Field schedule click here

Mark your calendars: Artists from the Hood is a special three-day art show in the beautiful upstairs gallery space above Pizzeria Defina on Roncesvalles . . . with 15% of all proceeds donated to the non-profit Wabash Building Society for the Sorauren Park Town Square fund. You’re invited to this special event taking place May 11 to 13 upstairs at the restaurant, 321 Roncesvalles, between Geoffrey and Grenadier:      Opening Reception: Friday, May 11, 7 – 10 pm      Saturday 12 – 6 pm      Sunday 12 – 4 pm Our thanks to artists Catherine Beaudette, Maihyet Burton, Michael Gerry, Frances Patella, and James Ridyard . . . come see their work and bring your chequebook! Big thanks also to organizer Michael Craig of the Sunnyside Community Association, and Pizzeria Defina owner Roksolana Curkowskyj. Help us expand Sorauren Park into the new Town Square space. See you there! Web site: http://www.soraurenpark.com/

Dear Parent/Guardian, Fern Avenue PS is participating in the Heart & Stroke's Jump Rope For Heart/HOOPS for Heart program on Thursday, May 17, 2012 .  This is a unique and fun program that gets kids physically active, teaches them about heart healthy choices and provides the school with valuable resources.  The event also raies funds to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation in reducing the devasating effects of heat disease and stroke.  In Jump Rope for Heart students participate in fun skipping and jumping challenges as well as basketball hoop challenges.  Leading up to event day, kids are encouraged to raise funds (pledges) and, in return, earn thank you prizes for their fundraising efforts.  Each student is given a collection envelope they can use to raise pledges from family, friends and other people they know.  For safety reasons, we suggest students DO NOT go door-to door. All collection envelopes and pledges must be returned by:  Monday, June 4, 2012. Please co

To be held on Friday, May 11 th , 2012 During lunch & afterschool In the primary yard MAKES A GREAT MOTHER’S DAY GIFT!!!

Click here to download the May newsletter.

Partnering with Schools for Student Success: Effective Parent Advocacy The Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, in partnership with Integra Children’s Mental Health Centre, is launching a newly revised online workshop for parents and those who are helping parents navigate the school system. The course is called Partnering with Schools for Student Success, and promotes a collaborative approach to advocacy, based on knowledge and understanding on both sides. The seven units explore perspectives of parents and schools, promote an understanding of the needs of students and of special education and behaviour management processes in schools, and teach strategies for successful negotiation. Scenarios will be used to help illustrate the ideas presented.

Are you too busy running your kids from soccer to baseball to their friends’ homes that there’s no time to pack their lunches? Sign up for Fern’s June lunch program and you’ll be giving yourself some extra time and your children yummy and healthy meals. Maggie has designed a special menu that includes students’ all-time favourites such as hamburgers, “saucy legs”, taco salad, pizza, burritos and pancakes. The June menu and lunch order form are also available in hard copies on the bulletin board outside the Ferncliff Daycare office (Room 103) or let us know if you would like them sent home with your child. Lunch orders and payments can be dropped off in a secure mailbox just outside the Ferncliff office by Tuesday, May 15 . And great news: the hot-lunch program will continue next year! Thanks to strong support and active participation by students and parents – plus a team of dedicated volunteers and staff – Fern will once again be offering the lunch program in 2012-2013. More

To celebrate Education Week, Fern Avenue Jr/Sr PS is pleased to announce our Spring Blooms evening event.    On May 8th, at 5pm, we will begin with a French Café experience, hosted by the classes of Ms. Foti and Mr. Nikolajevic in our lunchroom downstairs.  Fresh crepes, and assorted goods will be available for sale, and presented in French.    At 6pm, we will begin the Concert portion of the evening in the Auditorium. In the meantime, student works from several grades will be showcased in the foyer and main floor hallway, as well as some select classrooms.   We look forward to seeing you at the school.

The Department of Public Health's Dental Screening will be at Fern Avenue Public conducting a dental check of all students during the week of June 11-18th. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Vera in the main office.

Dear Parent/Guardian, Fern Avenue PS is participating in the Heart & Stroke's Jump Rope For Heart/HOOPS for Heart program on Friday, May 18, 2012 .  This is a unique and fun program that gets kids physically active, teaches them about heart healthy choices and provides the school with valuable resources.  The event also raies funds to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation in reducing the devasating effects of heat disease and stroke.  In Jump Rope for Heart students participate in fun skipping and jumping challenges as well as basketball hoop challenges.  Leading up to event day, kids are encouraged to raise funds (pledges) and, in return, earn thank you prizes for their fundraising efforts.  Each student is given a collection envelope they can use to raise pledges from family, friends and other people they know.  For safety reasons, we suggest students DO NOT go door-to door. All collection envelopes and pledges must be returned by:  Monday, June 4, 2012. Please cont

Ask the youngsters from JK to Grade 3 who have been very busy growing Beans , Corn , and Squash seeds in their classrooms. They are also growing a huge variety of other seeds donated by SWEETPEA’S on Roncey. The plants will be part of our new garden bed being dug in the Primary Yard. The old green structure on the playground will be a perfect help for the Beans who sometimes grow faster than their Corn helpers do! Contact Joanne Somers if you can spend an hour helping the children plant in late May or if you can help mulch our trees. We are also collecting old hockey sticks to create a sports themed fence around the new garden. Please drop these off at any in the kindergarten classes, who will be painting them for us. Any volunteers or questions, please contact Joanne Somers at joanneginosomers@gmail.com