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Dear Willowdale Parents, Guardians and community members,
Monday, February 8th is the official Chinese New Year. I would like to wish everyone in the Willowdale Community a second Happy New Year and hope that you remain healthy and propserous in the year of the Fire Monkey 2016!
Our schools function on many different levels, and through the various cultural connections our students have, we can learn about and engage in fascinating traditions that come together at the TDSB. Here is a link to Chinese New Year Events in Toronto - Shin Nian Kaui Le!
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I am proud to support our students in many different ways. At the governance level, we have the student based SuperCouncil which includes our two elected student trustees who work with and consult staff and the board of trustees on behalf of all students at the TDSB. It's group of caring, motivated students who participate in the process of determining the direction of our school board. I encourage parents to share this information with their children to give them the opportunity to get involved. Student voice is important!
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What is the TDSB Student SuperCouncil?
The TDSB Student SuperCouncil, is a school based student council. Democratically elected students from all four quadrants in the TDSB form this council and it allows the student voice to be heard in the TDSB Boardroom. SuperCouncil holds and/or participates in meetings throughout the year: Executive Meetings, Quadrant Meetings, Sub-Committee Meetings and TDSB Boardroom Meetings.
If you have any questions about the Student SuperCouncil please email me at alexander.brown@tdsb.on.ca and help me promote our students in essential leadership roles.
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February is Kindergarten Registration Month
Kindergarten is the first step in a lifelong journey that will see your child learn, grow, and succeed at the Toronto District School Board. At the TDSB, we know early learners learn best through doing. Our four and five year olds are introduced to math and science through play as part of K-12 STEM programming. To inspire a love for learning, Kindergarten classrooms are bustling with inquiry and exploration through science activities, math games, art projects and more. Visit your local school during February to register.
To attend Junior Kindergarten in September, children must turn four years old by December 31. To register for Senior Kindergarten, children must be five years old by December 31.
All of our schools now offer Full-Day Kindergarten where students will attend Kindergarten for the entire school day. This includes a morning and afternoon schedule and a lunch break. Find out more at Early Years.
o Children in Junior Kindergarten (JK) will receive a Summary Report during the week of February 8th, 2016.
o Teachers of children in Senior Kindergarten (SK) will contact parents/guardians to schedule a classroom observation visit or parent-teacher conference. No written report will be issued for students in SK, at this time, as per usual practice.
o Both JK and SK students are scheduled to receive a Kindergarten Progress Report in June 2016.
There is no provincial policy that directly mandates reporting in FDK. Each school-year, children in grades 1 to 8 receive three written reports and children in FDK receive two written reports. In December, due to the labour action, Kindergarten teachers did not complete progress reports for students in SK. All parents/guardians who have questions about their child’s progress, at any time, are encouraged to contact one of the educators in their child’s teacher.
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Russell-Rawlins, Executive Superintendent – Early Years Learning & Care, Professional Learning, Leadership & Training, at colleen.russell-rawlins@tdsb.on.ca.
February is African Heritage Month at the TDSB
The Toronto District School Board dedicates February to celebrate African Heritage Month, where students learn about African-Canadian history. It is important to study the invaluable contributions that have helped shape our society and make Canada the country it is today. It is an opportunity to learn about contributions, achievements and experiences and to acknowledge the historical narratives by those of African descent that may not be recorded in our history books.
All students, regardless of background, should receive a balanced picture and learn more about the African heritage. Locally, schools will participate in a variety of events throughout the month that celebrate the culture, history, countless triumphs and struggles throughout the centuries.
Budget Ward Forum
February 23rd Shaughnessy Public School (map) 7 pm to 9 pm
Community consultation is a very important part of the TDSB’s budget process. Leading up to the March meeting when the Board will vote on the balanced budget plan, Trustees will be holding ward forums to hear feedback from students, parents and the community.
Please join me, Trustee Ken Lister and TDSB Budget staff at our ward forum on February 23rd to discuss the 2016-17 budget and proposed recommendations to balance the budget. Your voice is important. Online Budget Forum
If you are unable to attend the budget ward forum in person, the TDSB will also be hosting an Online Budget Forum to hear from parents, students and the community on the 2016-17 budget.
The Online Budget Forum will take place on Thursday, March 3, 2016 at 8 p.m. To access the Online Budget Forum, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca on March 3 and click on the banner on the home page.
During the Online Budget Forum, you will be able to watch a live presentation by TDSB Budget staff. Following the presentation, you will have the opportunity to submit your questions online. Questions will then be answered live by Budget staff during the forum.
As the Trustee for Willowdale, I value your input and feedback on the options to balance the budget. I hope that you will join me in person on February 23rd at Shuaghnessy PS or take part in the Online Budget Forum.
Additional PA Day Important Information for Parents/Guardians
An additional Professional Activity Day (P.A. Day) 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. Details on the school year calendar can be found at www.tdsb.on.ca/AboutUs/Calendar.
February 15 is Family Day
Please note, there will be no classes on Monday, February 15, 2016 to reflect the province-wide statutory holiday called Family Day. This holiday occurs on the third Monday in February of each year to celebrate the importance of families taking time to be together.
Also, because teachers are involved in professional learning on Friday, February 12 for the Board-wide Professional Activity Day (P.A. Day), students will not be attending school on Friday, February 12.
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| I joined the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) at the TDSB as a trustee member in 2014. I have been working with a dedicated group of volunteers to focus on the most pressing issues to improve how we support our students. In January 2016, I became the vice-cair of the committee; with David Lepofski as the chair.
We are interested in hearing your personal stories and experiences so that we can better support our student's needs at the TDSB.
I sincerely encourage you to connect with me by email at alexander.brown@tdsb.on.ca and let me know what your child needs. #TDSBSEAC (on Twitter)
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Coalition for Children and Youth Mental Health Summit: Thursday April 7, 2016
Read the Flyer more information
I am pleased to provide you with the January edition of the "Mental Health and Well-Being Belongs To Us" newsletter. This month’s publication features “Bringing Mental Wellness to Life”. This edition, as well as all previous editions, can be found on our website.
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School Council Appreciation and Information Evening
Please join us on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at Montecassino Hotel, Downsview, for a special evening to celebrate the work and contributions of school councils and parents to the education system. It’s an opportunity to enjoy a wonderful dinner, network with school council members, and participate in round-table discussions. Visit community@TDSB to register.
For more information, please contact Central Coordinator Michelle Munroe, Parent and Community Engagement at 416-397-3529 or michelle.munroe@tdsb.on.ca
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Regular Board Meeting - February 10th, 2016
Board meetings are open to the public. I encourage you to check out the board agendas here and to get involved through your school council or by contacting me directly. You are welcome to attend the meetings or watch them live streamed from the Boardroom at 5050 Yonge Street. I've included a few links here for your convenience.
At our next board meeting on Wednesday February 10th, we will be celebrating some of the great accomplishments of our teachers and students. Cliffwood PS principal Sarah Frost has been chosen as one of Canada's Outstanding Principals along with three other TDSB principals. Congratulations Sarah! InsideToronto Article
As well, we will be recognizing the great work of the Highland JHS grade nine wood-shop students and teacher and their incredible environmental initiative - recycling trees from TDSB properties and turning them into outdoor classroom furniture for other schools in the area. The students will be presenting a plaque to the Chair and me on behalf of the TDSB. I am very proud of their great work and dedication. Congratulations Highland JHS! Toronto Star Article
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Willowdale Ontario Early Years Centre Triple P Seminars
The Willowdale Ontario Early Years Centre will be hosting its next Triple P Seminars (parenting) series on Wed. Feb 24, Wed. Mar. 2 and Wed. Mar. 9, 2016. Please see attached for details. Click Here for flyer.
TRIPLE P (parenting) SEMINARS
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Topic 1: Power of Positive Parenting: Wednesday, Feb. 24th 2016 from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. -
Topic 2: Raising Confident, Competent Children:Wednesday, Mar. 2nd 2016 from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. -
Topic 3: Raising Resilient Children:Wednesday, Mar. 9th 2016 from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m
Location: Willowdale Ontario Early Years Centre 155 McNicoll Avenue In the GYM Register in person at the Willowdale Ontario Years Centre or by telephone at 416-494-1579 ext. 301.
For more information contact: Lisa Werlich
Willowdale OEYC/Adventure Place
155 McNicoll Ave.
(416) 494 - 1579 X 303
Willowdale Ontario Early Years Centre Program Calendar - FREE Programs!! January – March 2016
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Toastmasters International Youth Leadership Program Open to all Secondary School Students in Willowdale Hosted by Trustee Alexander Brown
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| Think of the successful leaders you know. They probably have one trait in common – the ability to communicate effectively. Kids need the Youth Leadership Program so they can grow to meet the challenges of adulthood and leadership successfully. The Toastmasters YLP helps young people build their communication and leadership skills so they may become tomorrow’s leaders in business, industry and their communities.
Purpose of the Program
Participants learn to: -
Overcome nervousness when speaking before an audience -
Organize and present ideas logically and convincingly -
Listen carefully to others’ ideas -
Offer advice to help others improve their speaking and leadership skills -
Participate in- and even lead- group discussions or meeting
The Participants A maximum of 25 participants. The program is open to students between Grades 9 and 12, with priority given to those who attend a TDSB school in Willowdale, or who live in Willowdale. Participants will have a chance to submit their applications until Monday, February, 29th 2016. A lottery process will take place to choose the 25 students accepted into the program. How It Works The program will be presented in 8 sessions, held every Thursday evening between 6pm and 8pm, beginning on March 24th, 2016 and ending on May 12th, 2016. Each session usually lasts about 2 hours. Meeting will be taking place at Newtonbrook SS Library.
There is no cost to participate in the program!
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CANADA'S OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL
Cliffwood Public School Principal SARAH FROST CONGRATULATIONS!!!
The Learning Partnership Four Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Principals have been recognized by The Learning Partnership as being among Canada’s Outstanding Principals of 2016.
The winning TDSB Principals are:
• Sarah Frost, Cliffwood Public School - InsideToronto.com
• Alison Gaymes San Vicente, Lanor Junior Middle School
• Arlene Knights-Svarich, Elizabeth Simcoe Junior Public School
• Duncan LeBlanc, Maplewood High School
Join me in congratulating Principal Sarah Frost for being one of Canada's Outstanding Principals. I am proud to recognize Principal Frost among the many exceptional principals and teachers in Willowdale School
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Yorkview Public School Needs Your Help
A message from Robert Radovski, Prinicpal:
We are very excited to have been selected as a Top 10 National Finalist in the Win4Kids GoodLife Kids Foundation grant competition! This is an incredible opportunity for our school to be awarded funds to buy sports equipment for our students to enjoy. As a Top 10 Finalist, we are already guaranteed a prize of $5 000. Our goal is to win the online voting competition and be awarded the top prize of $25 000. With this money, we will be able to purchase equipment for games of lacrosse, cricket, softball, soccer, flag football, ultimate Frisbee, golf, tennis, and track and field, just name a few. Students will be able to play games that are new to them, that promote physical activity, sportsmanship, and healthy competition. We will also offer equipment to be signed out on weekends by families that wish to enjoy playing together. Our ultimate goal is to get Yorkview students physically active, and promote a healthy lifestyle with family.
We need your votes, your friends, family, neighbours, co-workers, and distant relatives…
Online voting ends on March 4, with winners announced on March 5. Please vote at www.win4kids.com and share with everyone you can. Please use all means of Social Media i.e., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter to reach everyone you know and support Yorkview!
Thank you!
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NORTH YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMMUNITY NEWS
NORTH YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY has speaker program meetings on the
3rd Wednesday of February, March, April, May, September, October, November, at 7.30 p.m.,
in the North York Library, 5120 Yonge Street, on the 2nd floor, west side of atrium, use elevator outside library.
Meetings are co-sponsored by the North York Historical Society and the North York Central Library’s Canadiana Department.
Meetings are free and open to the public.
Wednesday February 17, 2016 at 7:30 p.m., North York Central Library Auditorium
Speaker:Nikki Clarke: Media Personality, Host and Producer of the Nikki Clarke Show
The North York Historical Society
PO Box 45045, 5845 Yonge Street
North York ON M2M 4K3
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Just a reminder... Please Drive Safely in School Zones | |
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