Fern Ave. Public School Blog

We still need volunteers to help us on Thursday, March 30th , Fern's Dance Day! We need parents to hand out water to the kids and basically help manage the flow of the event. Kids will be dancing during the day between the hours of 9:30 and 3 pm (not including lunch hour, 11:30-12:45). Please sign up for one hour shifts (or more or less). Click here to see times and to participate If anyone would like to volunteer at this fun event, please sign up here: http://signup.com/go/p3kdgr

Thursday is Dance Day! This year’s Dance-A-Thon is special because we are raising money specifically for the benefit of our children’s physical well-being. All money raised will be used by School Council to support the purchase of sports equipment, playground items, and/or other items to enhance student’s health and participation in physical activity. Please go to donatetofern.com to submit pledges and make a payment (tax receipt with donations over $25). Kids can gather pledges from family members, neighbours, local businesses etc. The class with the highest rate of participation will win a gift certificate at Scooter Girl to use for their classroom! If you're unable to get pledges, kids can bring coins/cash and drop it in the cash box on Dance Day! Dance performances and inspiration by Broadway Arts Centre. Sound by alienInFlux Sound System. Music by DJ T Dot. Thank you so much for your support! PS: If any parents would like to volunteer at this fun event, please si

REGISTRATION STILL OPEN FOR PARENTS UNTIL MARCH 30! Please note that registration is closed for child care and accessibility support. This year, the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC), Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), Mental Health and Well-Being Parent Partnership Committee and Model Schools for Inner Cities' Parent Academies are thrilled to join together to bring one all-inclusive conference to TDSB parents and caregivers. Click here for information.

Friendship In Action (FIA) is excited to announce our new summer workshop series set to run this August 21-25, 2017 . The new school year is exciting, but for some students it requires additional guidance and strategies to cope with the social and academic demands. Transitioning to a new grade, classroom, or school can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. To help support a successful new year, we are offering a week long, end of summer workshop series aimed at building confidence and strengthening communication and collaboration skills. A team of experienced educators will guide participants through numerous developmental activities that will help them understand how to be engaged and connected members of their school community. It is through our shared experiences that we begin to develop a deeper sense of respect, perspective and patience for ourselves and those around us. Please find attached our flyer for this exciting summer workshop series. Thank you very much, Gera

On Thursday, April 20, Runnymede Collegiate Institute is hosting a presentation on Managing Teenage Anxiety and Stress at Home and School by MOSAICS Approach. RCI is opening this presentation to parents in its extended community. Please see here for the flyer - space is limited, so RSVPs are requested by April 10th to runnymedeschoolcouncil@gmail.com

Re: Final School Immunization Clinic Fern Avenue PS  Grade 7 and 8 student immunization clinic is scheduled on: Monday, 03 April 2017  All Day Dear Parents/Guardians, The following vaccines will be given: • Second dose of hepatitis B vaccine to Grade 7 students • Second dose of human papillomavirus vaccine to Grade 7 students and Grade 8   female students • Toronto Public Health nurses will also immunize Grade 7 and 8 students who missed   their hepatitis B, meningococcal, and human papillomavirus vaccines at earlier   scheduled clinics. Thank you for your ongoing support to keep all students healthy. Sincerely, Vera

On April 5th , Fern’s FTC will be hosting our 7th We Are Silent campaign. Students will be encouraged to “go silent” to help raise awareness for those who don’t have a voice! We Are Silent for...bullying, poverty, sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, ageism, abuse, child labour, exploitation, mental illness, inequality, women’s rights, lack of access to education. Letters will be sent out by participating teachers next week. WE can take a silent stand for those in need .

Hello all Attached are the Ward 7 minutes from our last meeting. Regards, Robin

TDSB schools will be participating in TDSB Earth Hour this upcoming Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Fern will be doing its part by turning off all lights and fans from 2-3 pm on Friday. Fern's caretaking staff will help to reduce the use of electricity over the weekend by turning off all outside lights and fans, and the boiler. Thank you to Mr. Bataga, our chief caretaker, and his staff for their participation in this event. All staff (office, teaching, support and daycare staff) will turn off all classroom lights, computers and other equipment on Friday from 2-3 pm. We encourage students and their families to do their part by participating at home as well. The Global Earth Hour is 8:30 to 9:30 pm on Saturday, March 25th. Thank you for your participation and support! The Eco Team

This year’s Dance-A-Thon is special because we are raising money specifically for the benefit of our children’s physical well-being. All money raised will be used by School Council to support the purchase of sports equipment, playground items, and/or other items to enhance student’s health and participation in physical activity. Please go to donatetofern.com to submit pledges and make a payment (tax receipt with donations over $25). Kids can gather pledges from family members, neighbours, local businesses etc. The class with the highest rate of participation will win a gift certificate at Scooter Girl to use for their classroom! Dance performances and inspiration by Broadway Arts Centre. Sound by alienInFlux Sound System. Music by DJ T Dot.  Find the flyer here . Thank you so much for your support!

Click here for information on Fern's spring 2017 athletic and sport clubs.  

Fern's Free the Children club has been busy supporting many causes including raising money to build a schoolhouse in Kenya.   Click here for details on all of the activities since January 2017.

Dear parents and guardians, I am pleased to announce that this summer from July 5-18, Fern will be hosting a full-day Summer School in both French and English for students finishing grade 2-8 this June. The focus will be on mathematical literacy, and during the day activities will be integrated with the Arts, Phys-Ed and will also include STEAM activities. Please see the attached flyer . If you are interested in your child attending please fill out the attached application in full. You will need to speak to your child's teacher as there is some additional administrative work to be completed by the school. Have a restful and enjoyable March break. Sincerely, Principal Szonyi

Fern Friends Program registration starts Tuesday March 21st The Art Garden    10 week    $ 160.00 Cubs Creative Arts Gr. 1-3 Tuesdays 3:30 - 4:45  April 4th - June 6th Foxes Creative Arts Gr. 3-6 Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:45 April 5th - June 7th  With Artsist Educator Taya Kozak SWAHILI Soccer Club    10 week    $ 110.00 Primary Soccer Gr. 1-3  Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:45  April 5th - June 7th  inside/outside Junior Soccer Gr. 3-6    Thursdays 3:30 - 4:45 April 6th - June 8th  inside/outside With Professional Coach Malam Mbarak Sign up sheets will be sent home on Monday March 20th and posted to the Fern blog .

It is that time of year again: Sorauren Park Sports Soccer & Baseball programs.  I hope to see you back as a Coach for the 2017 season.  As you know, it is a fun & challenging experience being a coach. It is also a great way to meet neighbours and be involved in our fantastic neighbourhood. Registration began Wednesday March 08.  Below are the program details. Remember to have your Family number & the Client number for “each” of the participants that will be registered. If you do not get into the preferred program PLEASE register and you will be placed on the wait-list.  Most if not all of the participants that are registered & placed on the wait-list will be placed on a team. Thank you for your consideration to be a Coach for the 2017 Sorauren Park Season. With thanks, Liz Leason Volunteer Convenor Sorauren Park Sports Association 416-697-5902

Dear Parents/Guardians, Just a gentle reminder of tomorrow evenings performance showcasing students in rooms 104 lower, 108, 215, 202 and 201. The second spring concert will take place in late May with students from other classes showcasing their amazing talents. Please see note below from Ms. Cox. Thank you, Vera       March 8th Showcase: Stories that  Move : Integrating Literacy and Dance/Drama   Performing classes will be: Ngai, Chiang, Kertesz, Hall and Sy.   Start time: 6pm Students are to arrive between 5:30 and 5:45pm   The concert should be about 45 minutes.    Look forward to seeing you there! Ms. Cox

The Parents as Partners Conference 2017 is on Saturday, 1 April and all parents are welcome! Please see the flyer for information about this valuable opportunity. This free conference – planned by parents, for parents – includes a variety of workshops (transitions, planning, special education, mental health and well-being, literacy and more!) and resources that will help any parent support their child in their achievement and well-being at school and at home. Transportation, childcare, food and translators are all provided. Registration opens mid-February . Registration is open until 20 March 2017 . www.parentsaspartners.ca

On Friday, March 24th , there will be a special drop-in lunch to sample our tasty cod fish nuggets or falafels, with baked potato wedges and broccoli spears. This is a student favourite, for only $5 cash . After that, we hope that you won't be able to resist signing up for the hot lunch program. Just think about the time, stress and money you can save! Interested students should see Vera in the office to pay in advance and place their name on a list. They can also pay day of in the cafeteria. Drop in lunches will also be offered on Friday, April 28th and Friday, May 12th ! Families who wish to close out the school year with healthy, yummy lunches for their children may do so by submitting their lunch orders by Monday, March 20th . Full details and an order form can be found here . The Lunch Menu can also be found on the Fern website at fernavenuepublicschool.blogspot.ca . Thanks for supporting healthy food, a healthy school and a healthy community. Fern Food Commit

Hello all, Please click here for the March 2017 French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (FSLAC) newsletter. As you may know, I am the trustee rep to this advisory Committee. Parents can also sign up to receive directly. Thanks. Trustee Robin Pilkey Ward 7

On Friday March 11, Free The Children will be selling popcorn during the afternoon recess for $1.     All money raised will go towards building a school in Africa.   

Fern’s Free The Children is hosting a Movie Day on Friday March 10 th at 1pm for kindergarten students. We are raising funds to help Free The Children Build a School.  By improving access to schools, and providing additional resources like teacher training and supplies, Free The Children’s Education initiatives brings long-term sustainable education opportunities to communities who need it most.     We are asking for a suggested donation of $5 per child for the movie and popcorn.   A tax receipt will be issued for donations of $10 or greater. Please submit all donations to your child’s teacher.   Cheques should be made payable to Free The Children . Thank you in advance for your support. Fern's FTC                             

Dear Parents/Guardians of Students in rooms 213, 208, 206, 107 and 214 our Spring Concert date has been tentatively been set for: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 beginning at 6:30PM. More details to follow.

Re: Final School Immunization Clinic Fern Avenue PS  Grade 7 and 8 student immunization clinic is scheduled on: Monday, 03 April 2017  All Day Dear Parents/Guardians, The following vaccines will be given: • Second dose of hepatitis B vaccine to Grade 7 students • Second dose of human papillomavirus vaccine to Grade 7 students and Grade 8   female students • Toronto Public Health nurses will also immunize Grade 7 and 8 students who missed   their hepatitis B, meningococcal, and human papillomavirus vaccines at earlier   scheduled clinics. Thank you for your ongoing support to keep all students healthy. Sincerely, Vera