Fern Ave. Public School Blog

Click here for the February newsletter.

Dear Parent/Guardians, Individual Graduation Photographs for grade 8 students will take place on Thursday, February 7th at 9:00am. PLEASE remember if you wish to purchase a 11x14 Graduation Class Composite with a vinyl folder please send $22.00 with your child.  An envelope will be provided by the photographers on the day of photos or a few days before the photo day.  Payment will need to be provided in order to secure the order. Kindly keep in mind the graduation class composite is a separate purchase from the individual student shot, you will have an opportunity to pick your desired packages. (prices will range based upon packages selected). If you have any questions please feel free to call Vera in the main office at 416-393-9130.

This month the arts collective is working on our first student films! Ms. Joyet Chakungal's grade 7 Ext F. class is working with the Academy Award-winning producer/director Brigitte Berman. The students will write, direct, film and star in their own short films. The workshop will also cover film lingo, writing techniques and camera use. The students will all get a copy of their films to take home and we look forward to viewing them at the school at some point later in the year. Music has been a big request from the teachers this year and we love to support our teachers! In February we are bringing in another drumming workshop featuring Ruben Esquerra. This amazing Afro-Colombian workshop is spanning over a week starting February 20 with the grade 2, 3 and 4 classes of Monsieur Luc, Mr. Archdekin, Madame Karsemeyer, and Mrs. Kertesz. Look for a show invite during school hours at the end of the workshop. We also hope to bring a week long music workshop to the two grade 6 Ex F

Dear Fern Families, You may have received an automated telephone call from the school. This is merely a test. There is no need to call the school unless you experienced difficulty with receiving the message. Everything is fine at the school. We are trying to enable and improve our emergency systems. Thank you for your patience. I apologize for any inconvenience. Regards, Mr. Moy Principal

To the many families that contributed to our QSP Magazine Fundraiser and Parent Appeal – Direct Ask Campaign.   Together, we raised over $6,500.00 to support enhanced learning initiatives for our young people at Fern.     The Magazine Drive netted just over $1,900.00.   The efforts of our top three sales students were rewarded with a $50.00 Gift Certificate to Scooter Girl Toys, iTunes or Sweet Thrills .   CONGRATULATIONS to:   T homas (Grade 3), Nicola (Grade  3/4) , Noah (Grade 2), and to Mr. Gelinas’ room for being the classroom with the highest magazine sales.   Students in Mr. Gelinas' room will be treated to a special catered lunch in February.   We are encouraged by the positive feedback and response we received from the Parent Appeal - Direct Ask Campaign which raised over $4,600.00.   This is one of the most efficient, cost effective ways to raise money for the school and your contributions are greatly appreciated.     For those parents that requested tax receipts,

Dear Parent/Guardians, Individual Graduation Photographs for grade 8 students will take place on Thursday, February 7th at 9:00am. GRADUATION PHOTO TIPS : Graduation gowns, props and school colours will be provided at our school on photo day. For your graduation photos, the photographers recommend a white blouse for the girls and a white collared shirt and dark tie for the boys. PLEASE remember if you wish to purchase a 11x14 Graduation Class Composite with a vinyl folder please send $22.00 with your child in the envelope provided. Payment will need to be provided in order to secure the order. If you have any questions please feel free to call Vera in the main office at 416-393-9130.

Inviting all grade 7 & 8 parents to our second grade 8 parent graduation meeting. Come and brainstorm ideas on fundraising and making this  a special memorable day and evening for our 2012-2013 Fern graduates! Meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 05th at 7:30pm at Vera's house.  Please email Vera at Vera.ciric@tdsb.on.ca for more information. Thank you!

City View Alternative Senior School is holding an Open House on Wednesday January 23rd. If your child is interested in attending City View, attendance at the Open House is mandatory. Parents and students will learn about City View, assess its suitability, and receive the application package. Click here for more information.

For an update on our successful Free the Children penny drive and other initiatives, read the January FTC newsletter .

Join us Thursday evening for an exciting, one-of-a-kind presentation. THE SOCIAL WEB 101: OUR KIDS WERE BORN ON THE INTERNET Understand the significant impact Social Media plays in students' lives. Learn how to minimize potential risks associated with cyber-bullying with Chris Vollum, creator of Facebook 101 recognized authority on Facebook, Twitter & Tumblr. Date: January 17, 2013 at 6:30 pm Fern Avenue Public School, in our school auditorium. This is a free event open to all parents and their children, or you can purchase the complete presentation on CD for $10.00. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Vera Ciric at 416-393-9130.

All Ward 7 Parents are invited to a presentation at Swansea Public School on the topic of Tackling Bullying and Other Obstacles to Kids’ Learning and Well Being on February 6, 2013 at 7PM. This presentation is being given by Jennifer Kolari of Connected Parenting (www.connectedparenting.com) and should be an interesting and helpful session on how to help children surmount anxiety, bullying and other barriers to learning. Click here for more information. Questions concerning the session can be addressed to swanseaps@gmail.com

A reminder that the opportunity to apply for Early French Immersion (starting in Senior Kindergarten) for next year runs from January 7 through January 31. Refer to the TDSB PARS website for more information.

Take part in a unique program that engages students with a passion for music, performance and high academic achievement. Attend the open house for the Vocal Music Academy at Ryerson Community School on January 31st for more information.

This is just a friendly reminder……. Fern is hosting their Senior Kindergarten French Immersion Information Night this evening. The evening is to highlight the application process and what to anticipate as your child enters the SK Immersion stream. Please join us at 7pm in the auditorium (across from the office).

Fern Avenue will be conducting a practice lockdown on Tuesday, January 15th at 9:30 am. I do not want parents to be concerned at all. This process will allow us to examine our school’s security situation, its deficiencies, if any, and our emergency preparedness. Teachers have been speaking to their students about it in age- appropriate ways to get them ready. It may come up in conversation at home. Please re-assure your child that this is for practice purposes, just as we practise in case of fire and that there will be no threat to their safety, however they are to take the process seriously and follow the teacher’s directions.

Schools are OPEN today and all students are welcome but like a severe weather day, transportation will NOT be running. Staff is expected to report to work. Please refer to TDSB website for additional information.

Please let your friends with children in grade 6 at Howard and Garden Public Schools know that we are providing an opportunity to visit Fern for a grade 7 orientation. Click here for additional information.

10 January 2013 Dear Parents/Guardians of Elementary and Junior High School Students, This letter is to update parents/guardians on the announcement of a one-day political protest by the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario that will take place on Friday, January 11, 2013 . All elementary and junior high schools will be closed to students due to the unpredictability of maintaining adequate supervision at schools and ensuring a safe learning environment. All transportation to elementary and junior high schools will be cancelled for that day. The safety of students continues to be our first priority. We understand that this is challenging for many parents/guardians. However, we ask that alternative arrangements for children be made prior to this one-day political protest. Parents/guardians should speak to their school-based childcare centres for further information on their operating schedule. We will continue to update parents/guardians and provide information through loc

Interested in more information on the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Identification, Placement and Review Commitee (IPRC)? Attend a Special Education Information Session for Parents/ Guardians of TDSB Students at either the east or west location. Click here for more information.

The High Park Alternative School is holding an information night on January 30, 2013. Click here for additional information.

 Welcome to Kindergarten Kindergarten Registration begins  February 19-22, 2013 Welcome to Kindergarten in the Toronto District School Board! Starting school is an exciting time of many firsts for all children. Our schools provide a rich learning environment with support from caring, competent teachers, every child can learn, grow, and experience success. In the Kindergarten program, your child will participate in all kinds of exciting activities, planned, taught, and supported by caring adults. This is the beginning of a lifelong adventure. We invite you to register your child for Kindergarten at Fern Avenue Public School during the week of February 19th-22nd, 2013 from 8:30am-4:30pm.  For registration purposes please bring the following documentation: child's birth certificate or passport child's Health Card child's updated Immunization Record Proof of address (two pieces with your current address examples: utility bills, lease

ATTENTION all grade 7 & 8 parents wishing to be part of the Parent Grad Committee we will be hosting our first GRADUATION meeting on Thursday, January 17, 2013 at 7:00 pm. Please email Vera Ciric at vera.ciric@tdsb.on.ca if you are interested in supporting our graduates and being part of this great group! Dates and times are flexible. Thank you!

Winter weather has settled in and there’s nothing like a hot lunch to fuel the rest of your child(ren)’s school day. Comfort foods such as Sloppy Joes, Vegetarian Lasagna and Chicken Noodle Soup are sure to satisfy Fern’s hungry students. If you haven’t done so already, you can still sign up for the hot lunch program and save yourself the stress of packing a lunch while still providing your child with a delicious and nutritious lunch. To save even more time, sign up for the rest of the year right now! Download the order form and submit it with your payment in the secure mailbox beside the Ferncliff Daycare office (Room 103). The deadline for February lunch forms is Tuesday, January 15 . Check out the February menu on the School Calendar on the right-hand side of Fern’s website pages or click here . For more information about the hot-lunch program please visit our Frequently Asked Questions . Thanks, Fern Food Committee