Fern Ave. Public School Blog

Learning Skills Initiative: Responsibility, Collaboration, Initiative, Self Regulation, Independent Work and Organization The learning skills found on the report card are an important part of the learning and growth process that teachers facilitate and develop in our students. Studies show that reflecting and developing Learning Skills enhances academic learning and success. The “Growing Success” document put out by the TDSB outlines these values: “This Ministry of Education policy emphasizes the significance of developing learning skills and work habits in our children. It is expected that teachers will work with students and their parents to ensure that they understand learning skills and work habits and their importance. Students benefit when teachers model the skills and habits and explain how they will be assessed and evaluated.” In order to support this learning and growth Fern Public School is implementing a Learning Skills Interim Report where students will self reflect

As the daylight hours get longer, your family may enjoy more activities with little time left to pack a delicious yet nutritious lunch for school – 20 of them in April. If you haven’t already signed up for Maggie's yummy, healthy lunches, you still can. Spend less time rushing around to make lunches and more time with your family. To save even more time, sign up for the rest of the year right now! Click here for the spring menu. Simply fill out and submit the form with your payment. A secure deposit box is located outside the Ferncliff Daycare office (Room 103). The deadline for April order forms is Monday, March 17 to begin lunch on Tuesday, April 1. Thanks, Fern Food Committee

Please click here for the Fern February Newsletter.

Please click here for an upcoming Parent Information Evening on "Video Games and the Internet Among Youth".

Green 13 events in Ward 13 March 1st, 2014 – 1-3 pm Jane/Dundas Library – 620 Jane St (south west corner of Jane and Dundas) Join Green 13 & Jane/Dundas Library for the screening of the CBC 5th Estate Documentary “Silence of the Labs” followed by a presentation & discussion with Dr. Katie Gibbs Science Uncensored as part of Toronto Public Library “Freedom the Read & Expression” series. See poster attached for more details and visit evidencefordemocracy.ca

It's time to get those pledge forms in! We are down to the final week of the Spread the Net Challenge to raise money to combat malaria in some of the world's most vulnerable places. There are three ways you can still donate: 1) Forms were sent home the other week, but you can also download and fill out a pledge form with your kids to buy a net, and ask friends and family to pitch in. All pledge forms and payments must be submitted to the school office by Feb 24 at the latest! 2) You can donate online at: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=2172089 . All online donations must be made by February 28, 2014 at 11:59PM ET . 3) And you can also buy a net by texting the Fern Avenue Public School keyword (NETS39) to 30333 , also by February 28, 2014 at 11:59PM ET. If you have any questions, you can contact Matt Bera at mbera@rogers.com

Dear Fern and Ferncliff Daycare families, Please note that we are going to begin painting today on the first floor hallways, on the walls and the doors and the door trim. The new unifying colour is going to be soft yellow on the walls and a sapphire blue for the doors and trim. Please advise your children not to touch the work being done by the painters. We hope that this will freshen up the schools entrance and interior. Thank you. Mr. A. Moy Principal Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public School Toronto District School Board 128 Fern Avenue Toronto, ON M6R 1K3

Hello Friends & Neighbours • Hard to believe with the chilly temperatures that the 2014 Sorauren Park Soccer Season is fast approaching. • Sorauren Park Sports : Registration is : Wednesday March 05, 2014 (Soccer and Baseball) COACHES • We are in need of 16 Coaches for the 4-5 yr old Soccer league this 2014 season. • The league needs YOU to be a Coach. It is a short 12 week commitment, a lot of fun & a great way to meet families in our fantastic neighbourhood. • Please let us know that you are returning / joining as a Soccer Coach. UPDATES: • For the 2014 Season the 3 years old will register for a Soccer Clinic. • There will be a total of (16) Teams - 4-5 year old Soccer, playing Mondays at Sorauren Park. • The 4-5 yr old Soccer league will be teams of all girls and all boys. This is a test program for the 2014 season and will be evaluated at the end of the season. Registration: Wednesday March 05 • Being a coach does not automatically register your ch

Thursday February 27, 2014 6:30 – 8:00pm Fern Ave Public School Council invites parents and members of the community to attend a free parental workshop “The S.O.S. (Stressed Out Student) Solution” presented by Rob Stringer of Youth Coach Global. During the 90 minute workshop we will learn: · How stress affects our brains · What the top 10 negative sources of stress for kids are · How to help our kids to recognize stress and the sources of it in their lives · Stress management techniques to reduce, prevent or cope with stress at home and school (including mindfulness and emotional intelligence practices) This will be an informative and interactive workshop as we examine how to help children better understand and manage their stress, building resiliency and capacity for life. All are welcome and free babysitting will be available. Please RSVP to liz.leason@rogers.com as we would like to have an idea of how many parents are planning on atten

It's time to get those pledge forms in! We are down to the final week of the Spread the Net Challenge to raise money to combat malaria in some of the world's most vulnerable places. There are three ways you can still donate: 1) Forms were sent home the other week, but you can also download and fill out a pledge form with your kids to buy a net, and ask friends and family to pitch in. All pledge forms and payments must be submitted to the school office by February 24 at the latest! 2) You can donate online at: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=2172089 . All online donations must be made by February 28, 2014 at 11:59PM ET. 3) And you can also buy a net by texting the Fern Avenue Public School keyword ( NETS39) to 30333, also by February 28, 2014 at 11:59PM ET. If you have any questions, you can contact Matt Bera at mbera@rogers.com

Please click here for the most recent information on an upcoming street proofing workshop.

-presentation by Michelle Munroe (TDSB Central Coordinator Parent Community and Community Involvement) about the importance of school councils having e-mail communication with parent community, need to create bylaws around the use of e-mail and other forms of social media -parents asked for consistency in the board and with parent councils in how e-mail etc is used, the need for board provided templates and sharing of best practices from councils that are already using e-mail to communicate with parents   -report by Trustee Atkinson who will retire Nov. 2014, she endorses Robin Pilkey (meeting chair) -TDSB 14 million deficit this year, 55 million last year (based on same Min. of Ed. funding) -Program Services will look at Irene's proposal for Western Tech and continuation of Sistema music program at the secondary level (currently at Parkdale P.S. elementary level)  -many TDSB schools have low enrollment, but board not planning to sell buildings (thinking long term needs

Fern is in the top five elementary schools but the competition is really tight so every little bit helps! We are down to the final couple of weeks to donate to Spread the Net! Fern students have signed up our school for Plan Canada's Student Challenge to combat malaria in some of the world's most vulnerable places. We are competing with elementary schools across Canada to raise the most money for the program, and to win a visit from CBC’s Rick Mercer Report. 1) Forms were sent home the other week, but you can also download and fill out a pledge form with your kids to buy a net, and ask friends and family to pitch in. All pledge forms and payments must be submitted to the school office by February 24 at the latest! 2) You can donate online at: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=2172089 . All online donations must be made by February 28, 2014 at 11:59PM ET . 3) And you can also buy a net by texting the Fern Avenue Public School keyword (NETS39) to 303

Fern Avenue Dance-a-thon The class in each division that raises the most in donations will be awarded a pizza party! Thank you for your support

Thursday February 27, 2014 6:30 – 8:00pm Fern Ave Public School Council invites parents and members of the community to attend a free parental workshop “The S.O.S. (Stressed Out Student) Solution” presented by Rob Stringer of Youth Coach Global. During the 90 minute workshop we will learn: · How stress affects our brains · What the top 10 negative sources of stress for kids are · How to help our kids to recognize stress and the sources of it in their lives · Stress management techniques to reduce, prevent or cope with stress at home and school (including mindfulness and emotional intelligence practices) This will be an informative and interactive workshop as we examine how to help children better understand and manage their stress, building resiliency and capacity for life. All are welcome and free babysitting will be available.

Dear Parents and Guardians, Graduation Photo Re-Takes will take place on Thursday, February 20th beginning at 9am. Please note the photographers have asked that this day and time be used ONLY for those students who were absent on the day the original photos were taken. If you were not happy with your  child's  photo and wish a re-take, a written request is being asked by the company, as well as the original proofs.  Please feel free to contact Vera in the main office should you have any questions or concerns. Thank you! 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 BrightPICS order form previously sent home.   Payment will need to be p

CONGRATULATIONS to the Grade 7-8 Fern Falcons Hockey team for their outstanding hockey season and even though we did not make the finals on behalf of myself and Coach Miya I wish to thank all of the players for their awesome sportsmanship, dedication and teamwork. You make us proud coaches!!! A HUGE THANK YOU to Coach Derek Robinson, Michael Lang, Jamie Cuthbert and Tom Carnegie, your time, effort, patience and persistence got us through another hockey season and the polar vortex! To ALL of our parent volunteer drivers who dedicated their time and continuing support to get us back and forth from the various arenas, THANK YOU! Cheers, Coach Vera

Full-Day Kindergarten Information Night at Fern Avenue Public School 5:00–6:00 PM Wednesday, March 5, 2014 In the Auditorium

CANDY GRAMS! The Student Council will be selling Candy Grams outside the main office during lunch from Tuesday, February 11th - Friday, February 14th! Candy Grams are 50 cents each and will be delivered by a 'cupid' after lunch on Valentine's Day. Everyone is welcome, so come on out and support the Student Council, and get something nice for your friends! BALLET CREOLE DANCE PERFORMANCE Student Council Table - Don't forget to bring your loonies and toonies! The Student Council will be having a restaurant raffle outside the auditorium starting at 5:45! You could win $15.00 to Pizza Flora or the Chocolateria!!! Raffle Tickets are only $1! Parents that are in for interviews are welcome to buy raffle tickets as well as those who are attending the Creole Dance performance! The WINNER will be announced on the morning announcements on Valentine's Day! IT COULD BE YOU!!! SENIOR VALENTINE'S DAY DANCE! The Student Council is hosting a Valentine's

Dear Parents/Guardians, PLEASE NOTE our SAFE ARRIVAL LINE/VOICE MAIL is still not functioning. Please try and bare with us as we have placed an urgent call to have the system repaired. Thank you for your patience. Vera

Join your Fern community this Thursday, February 13th as we proudly host Ballet Creole, an exuberant presentation of African and Caribbean dance set to lively drumming and percussion! Ballet Creole is a not-for-profit Contemporary Afro-Caribbean Dance Company that combines traditional and folkloric dance styles from places such as Benin, Jamaica and Haiti to create a festive and carnival atmosphere typical of the Caribbean. Tickets are $5 per person and can be purchased in the Main Office or through one of the Arts Collective members. Tickets will also be available at the door the evening of the performance. Join us for a slice of gourmet Cherry Pie by Sugar Pie Honey Bunch and homemade cookies baked by the Arts Collective. Dessert and coffee will be served in the main foyer at 6pm. The show will begin at 6:30pm sharp! For more information about Ballet Creole, please visit www.balletcreole.org

Dance-a-Thon! A School Council Fundraiser to support additional programs and enhanced learning opportunities. Where: Fern Avenue Public School When: Friday, February 21, 2014 With DJ James spinning the tunes Dance inspiration from Broadway Arts Centre Lights and sound by alienInFlux Sound System The Class that raises the most money will be rewarded a pizza lunch! We need volunteers. If you can help out email: liz.leason@rogers.com Volunteers required for a brief shift between 9am – 11:30am and 12:45am – 3:00pm . Please help out if you can. Pledge sheets will be sent home in the backpacks on Monday February 10 . Return Donations in the donation envelope before February 21 to the Drop box in the main office.  Please make cheques payable to “Fern Avenue School Council” Thank you for your support.

Dear Parent, Fern’s FTC is sponsoring our second “We are Love” campaign. Why Love? Because LOVE IS A CURE for 40 million children who don’t have access to even the most basic health care. LOVE IS LEARNING for the 57 million children who still are out of school. LOVE IS FREEDOM for the 2.4 billion people living on less then 2$ a day. LOVE IS PURE for the 793 million people who lack access to clean sources of drinking water; because LOVE IS GROWING for the 870 million people in the world who don’t have enough to eat; because WE ARE LOVE; because LOVE IS HERE. We will be selling inspirational buttons for $2. Each button has one of the “LOVE...” phrases from above. The sale takes place February 9th, 10th, and 11th from 11:50-12:30 , outside the office. This event will help to raise awareness and money for Fern’s Education Project in Kenya. Thank you for your support! Fern’s FTC

Dear Parents/Guardians, Please note our phones are currently experiencing technical difficulties and the SAFE ARRIVAL voice mail is not working. We have put in an urgent repair request! Thank you for your patience and understanding. Vera

Due to a decision by the Board, and the inclement weather, all events at TDSB schools for tonight have been cancelled.   This includes the Transitions meeting for grade 6 students and families considering Fern Avenue as their Grade 7 school, set for  6 pm tonight.  We will reschedule and share that date and time once it is decided upon.  We asked the home schools to make an announcement prior to dismissal to inform their students.  Our apologies for the situation.   Thank you for your understanding.

Olympic Spirit An Announcement was made today inviting students and staff to show their silent support of our Olympic team by wearing articles of clothing that are red, white, a combination, or items that have the word Canada on them for the duration of the Olympic games. The Games start on Friday, February 6 . This is not a requirement in any way, but an opportunity to show our school solidarity with the efforts of our Olympians, as well as to build school spirit. Thank you.

When it’s cold and snowy outside it’s hard to think of spring and crocuses popping up in the garden. However, beginning Monday March 3, Maggie’s menu will spring ahead featuring new dishes such as lemony chicken burger and rotini beef lasagna as well as some favourites such as quesadillas, crispy baked fish and honey garlic chicken – all delicious and nutritious. Click here to check out all the yummy lunches. Next month includes March Break so why worry about finding that lunch bag after the holiday? Sign up now! Please fill out, detach and submit the order form with your payment in a sealed envelope. Better yet, sign up for the rest of the year and you won’t have to worry about packing lunches that your child may or may not eat. The secure deposit box is located outside the Ferncliff Daycare office (room 103). The deadline for your order is Friday, February 14 to begin lunch on Monday, March 3. Thanks, Fern Food Committee

Please click here for the latest update from Division 11 for February 2014.

Fern students have signed up our school for Plan Canada's Student Challenge to combat malaria in some of the world's most vulnerable places. We are competing with elementary schools across Canada to raise the most money for the program, and to win a visit from CBC’s Rick Mercer Report - and Fern is currently among the top five schools! There is less than one month to go, but there are still lots of opportunities to donate: 1) You can download and fill out a pledge form with your kids to buy a net, and ask friends and family to pitch in. All pledge forms and payments must be submitted to the school office by February 24 at the latest! 2) You can donate online at: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=2172089 . All online donations must be made by February 28, 2014 at 11:59PM EST . 3) And you can also buy a net by texting the Fern Avenue Public School keyword (NETS39) to 30333 If you have any questions, you can contact Matt Bera at mbera@rogers.com Let&#