Fern Ave. Public School Blog

Please click here for the January Newsletter.

Millennium Kids recently launched a WELCOME CARD project to welcome 25,000 Syrian refugees coming to Canada while encouraging the government to keep moving forward. Children and youth across Canada are invited to create handmade Welcome Cards to welcome thousands of expected newcomer refugees to our amazing Canada! They are asked to mail their Welcome Cards to their local Member of Parliament in Ottawa (no postage required) to support Canada’s 25,000 refugees effort. This project provides a powerful way for kids to participate in and strengthen Canada’s greatly anticipated refugee response. They are aiming for 25,000 cards. Together we can create a beautifully welcoming Canadian culture!! Fern students participated in the Millennium Kids initiative and MP Virani responded. Click here for his letter. His handwritten note states “Keep up the amazing work – you’re making Roncy residents like me very proud.” Well done, Fern!

Dear Parents/Guardians, Please note the office phones including the safe arrival line is currently not working, we have taken every measure to contact telecommunications to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Safe Arrival and attendance is the top priority for us in the office,therefore,we are asking your assistance during tomorrows attendance calls. Should you call your child's attendance ahead of time and  receive a follow up call from Cyner Voice (the robo-cop), we apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your cooperation.

The Fern Arts Collective is proud to be hosting another fantastic show February 4th at 6:30 ! Corpus Theatre company performing CAMPING ROYAL ! Don't miss this hilarious show, perfect for the whole family. Click here for the flyer with more information. Come join us for a light dinner at 5:45. Pogos from Costodios and Sushi from Kami Sushi on Roncy. Home baked dessert table too. Tickets only $5 in the office or in the yard.

Dear Parents/Guardians,  Kindergarten Registration will be extended to 6:00 PM   on Thursday, February 18, 2016. Please contact the Office Administrator, Vera Ciric for any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Dear Parents/ Guardians of the Graduating Class, Bright Pics photographers will be at Fern Avenue PS on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 beginning at 9:00 am to take pictures of the graduating students. Individual photos will be taken as well as graduating class group composites. Graduation gowns, props and school colours will be provided at our school on photo day. It is recommended a white blouse for the girls and a white collared shirt and dark tie for the boys. Please note the class composite order form has come home with your child, please complete the order envelope, enclose your payment of $25.00 in the envelope and return payment to the photographer on February 3rd.  Any late orders please mail to Brightpics. The Class Composite will be delivered to the school separate from any photo package you may have ordered.  Please check with Vera in the main office if you have any questions. Thank you.

Dear Parent/Guardians, We are writing to provide you with important information about an additional Professional Activity Day (P.A. Day) that has been added to the calendars of all schools in the Toronto District School Board. All TDSB schools will have a newly designated P.A Day on Friday, April 15, 2016.  This additional P.A. Day has been mandated by the Ministry of Education as a result of provincial labour negotiations. All TDSB schools will be closed to students on Friday, April 15, 2016.  On this day, teachers will be taking part in professional development on provincial education priorities identified by the Minister of Education. Most Before-and-After School Programs will offer full-day care for children currently registered in their program on the P.A. Day.  Parents/Guardians are encouraged to speak to their local child care provider for further details. The remainder of the 2015-2016 school year calendar remains unaffected.  As always, details on the school year cal

Please see below for information on the upcoming Garden Variety Show at the church at Roncey & Wright (formerly Emmanuel Howard Park recently renamed Roncesvalles United Church). The event is Saturday January 30. Doors 7:30 p.m. Show 8:00 pm. The Facebook event link is below. https://www.facebook.com/events/1674619962817601/

Dear Parents/Guardians. Just a reminder that the application deadline for the  Junior Extended French Program is THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 2016. Offers of placement will be on going through the weeks and months following the close of application period.  Please check your email regularly. Thank you.

If your child has been offered a part in our upcoming original musical A Night in Round Corners, you can download the rehearsal schedule at the following link:             http://bit.ly/roundcornersschedule Due to the time commitment required for these roles, and a protracted time schedule, it is imperative that your child comes to all schedule rehearsals for his or her part. While most of these will be held during the lunch break on Mondays and Fridays—plus Tuesdays for the singing parts and our musicians—as we get closer to the show performances, after-school rehearsals will be necessary. In the even that your child is unable to come to any scheduled rehearsal, please e-mail me at geoffrey.brooks@tdsb.on.ca . If your child misses any three scheduled rehearsals, for any reason, the part may be recast at the Director’s sole discretion. Thank you in advance for your support, Mr. Brooks

Click here for information on the High Park Alternative Open House.

Please click here for the Spectrum Open House flyer, which will be taking place this Wednesday, January 13th. There are three times available to attend throughout the evening. Students do not need to register for this event.

On December 16, Free The Children held a fundraiser to raise money for Syrian Refugees. The students from Grade 1 to 4 had a great afternoon eating popcorn and watching the Minion movie. Due to your generous donations we raised $2,319.20 . All donations will go to Lifeline Syria, specifically It Takes A Village - a local Roncesvalles group. The money will help the group to sponsor 3 linked families (2 grandparents, 4 parents and 3 children (aged between 1 to 13)). Thank you for your support.

Due to overwhelming response, auditions for Fern's original musical "A Night in Round Corners" will be held also on Monday, January 11th at 11:45 in the Music Room.  All students who have already signed up, but did not have an opportunity to audition today, and any additional students interested in trying out for the play, will be seen at that time. Thank You!

Kindergarten at Fern Avenue PS At Fern Avenue PS we look forward to opening our doors to your family.  Our kindergarten program provides young students with a rich and safe learning environment  designed to give them the best possible start. At the TDSB your child will have many opportunities to learn, build new skills and make new friends. Stating Kindergarten is a very exciting time.  We are here to support you and your child in getting ready for school. Registration To qualify for Junior Kindergarten, children must be four years of age by December 31 of that year. Fern Avenue PS Junior Kindergarten  Registration will take place from Tuesday, February 16th to Friday, February 19, 2016 Please note registration will take place from 10:30am to 3:30pm. In order to register your child the office staff will require you to bring the following documentation: Child's birth certificate or Passport Child's Health Card Child's Immunization Record Two pieces of ident

The Fern Grade 8 Graduation will take place on Tuesday, June 28, 2016. More details to follow.....please feel free to contact Vera Ciric at vera.ciric@tdsb.on.ca should you have any questions.

Dear Parents/Guardians, There will be an information meeting Wednesday, January 13, 2016 beginning at 6:30 PM for all those interested in the Junior Extended French Program. The meeting will take place in the auditorium located on the first floor across from the main office. Thank you.

Ready to start the New Year by simplifying? Simply join the hot lunch program and be assured that tasty, nutritious and diverse lunches will be taken care of. Please click here for the order form. February menu is here . Entry cutoff date is Monday, January 18th.

Dear Parents/Guardians: There have been two reported cases of Fifth Disease at our school. Fifth Disease is an infection of the respiratory system and sometimes called ‘Slapped Cheek Disease’ caused by a virus that is spread in much the same way as the cold virus. The symptoms of Fifth Disease are a red rash on the cheeks which then spreads to the arms and legs. In more severe cases, the rash is accompanied by fever and painful joints. Fifth Disease presents a small risk to pregnant women. Children with sickle cell anemia or certain other forms of anemia may be at risk as well. At this point, there is no vaccine and no medication to treat Fifth Disease. Please click to review the Fact Sheet for more information. Contact your family doctor if you suspect you or your child has Fifth Disease. Please let the school know if the diagnosis is positive. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school or you may also call Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7

Thank you Fern community! Many thanks to everyone who contributed food items during the Annual Fern Food Drive. The students of Room 207 helped to make posters and to collect more than 14 large boxes of food for the Parkdale Community Food Bank. This food bank distributes food to those in need, such as people who are in a cycle of poverty, new immigrants and people with disabilities. The volunteer staff and clients that I met at the Parkdale Community Food Bank were very thankful for the generous donations and energized by the efforts of our school community. On behalf of the more than 3000 people who use the Parkdale Community Food Bank, THANK YOU! Andrew Fennell Archdekin