Keeping you engaged and informed
Keeping you engaged and informed
Ward 11 Weekly Update header
2018-19 Ward 8 Highlight Edition - Part 2 Schools J-Y

Below please find highlights from the schools in our ward (J-H) provided by the Principals.
I know you will enjoy reading them and join me in thanking all staff in our schools and parent/caregiver volunteers who support student well-being and achievement.
And that wraps the 2018-19 school year! Will be back to you in August! 
Have a wonderful summer! 
J R Wilcox Community School - Natalie Vine, Principal; Louis Mallinos, School Council Chair
As in our name, J.R. Wilcox truly is a community school.
This year, we focussed our efforts heavily on our school goals of Equity, Achievement in math, and Well-Being. Our teachers embraced new technology, and incorporated strategies to teach math in authentic and meaningful ways, after identifying gaps in learning and intentionally identifying ways to fill them. They spent time working together to co-plan and co-teach in order to improve their practice.
Through surveys and activities, we incorporated more opportunities for student and parent voice. Our Grade 7 and 8 students were able to attend Tim Horton’s Camp twice this year and their teamwork culminated in the painting of two student bathrooms – a response to their comments about the state of the bathrooms.
Grade 5-8 students created SOWAT, Students of Wilcox Action Team, and led our school in the first Pride assembly, parade and dance. They taught us all about the need for inclusion and diversity. At Wilcox, we are going beyond the learning. We are proudly acting to make our school community a place that welcomes all students, families, and staff and embraces high expectations for academics and well-being for everyone! #WeAreWilcox
John Polanyi Collegiate Institute - Antonio Santos, Principal; Catherine Chang and Aatif Choudhry, Vice-Principals; Ariane Bloch & Liza Stern, School Council Co-Chairs

Science Department
We had another successful and fantastic year in Science at JPCI!  The Science Club, a team that meets weekly, had a blast (literally) running two workshops for Grades 7 and 8 girls at the Metamorphosis Girls STEM Conference. Students explored rates of chemical reactions with a bang at the “Pop the Top” workshop designed and run by our students. Special thanks to Mr. Markham for taking the lead advising the students on this. Members of the club also promoted the fun of science at the Exhibitor’s hall for Metamorphosis.
JPCI Science Club enjoyed celebrating the holidays and end of year together. With the support of Ms. Wallace and Ms. Stone, teams of junior and senior students attended the University of Guelph Science Olympics for the second year in a row! This year we placed third in one of the events, go Jaguars!  Our Senior science lab coordinators did a great job assisting Ms. Stone set up labs, lab exams, count inventory and tidy up. A group of junior students participated in the UP4 Design Build Challenge with Evergreen Brickworks. This provides students with the tools and confidence to address social challenges within their community. By using a human-centred design process they worked together to create innovative solutions using STEM for positive change. 
Students taking Science courses had opportunities to attend enriching excursions including visits to St. Mike’s Hospital, Sick Kids Hospital, Science Center, Toronto Zoo, Toronto Science Fair, UOIT, UTM, and Ryerson University. Thank you to everyone who got involved this year!
This year our school was fortunate enough to be involved with the staff, scientists, doctors, and researchers at Baycrest Hospital by participating in neuroBRITE (Baycrest Research Innovation and Technology Education) (March-December 2018), and neuroBRITE 2.0 (February-May 2019). The program was created to educate high school students about the field of cognitive neuroscience by providing them the opportunity to run their own experiments under the mentorship of the Rotman Research Institute’s Research Training Centre staff and trainees. Through this unique program, our students had the opportunity to learn and use the latest technology to measure brain waves and study cognitive aging, as well as learn from and work with older adults on their experiments. For each session two teams participated and competed with students from Northview Heights and MacKenzie. Teams Mind/Matter and Deja View won the award for Best Experimental Design!  We are so proud of all the students and their hard work. This could not have happened without the incredible support and time given by the Science staff.
Follow us on twitter @JPCIScience     
 
I-Think
This semester's I-Think Senior Business Leadership class was filled with empathy, reflection, research, communication, analysis and problem solving. Through endless team building activities and complex readings, we learned about our personal biases, and how they make us interpret this world in a unique way. Tackling a major organizational based challenge faced by PEACEBUILDERS CANADA was no easy task but it was such a delight to see our students rise to the occasion to utilize the Integrative Thinking problem solving process and provide real recommendations through their perseverance and insights. We are extremely pleased with their efforts which will have endless positive impact. Another amazing school year!     
John Ross Robertson Junior Public School - Deborah Stern, Principal; Michael Moore, Vice-Principal; Lisa Borden & Lisa Chandler, School Council Co-Chairs

JRR knows how to give back. Our annual Dance-a-thon was another huge success. Students JK to Grade 6 danced all day on April 12 and raised over $19,000. Two thirds of the fundraising went to Me To We and Covenant House.

Lip Sync is a tradition at JRR. On February 26 and March 27 students, staff and parents performed to the latest hits and a few oldies. Lip Sync for many students is the highlight of the year. This year was no exception.

JRR Staff have been engaged in ongoing professional development in mathematics. For the second year in a row teachers began the new school year with a week of Jo Boaler’s Inspirational Math to inspire and engage students. JRR teachers along with teachers from nearby Allenby ended the year with an afternoon of professional learning with renowned math guru Dr. Marian Small.
John Wanless Junior Public School - Peter Boross-Harmer, Principal; Rosa Lio, Vice-Principal; Madeleine Loewenberg & Eric Risen, School Council Co-Chairs
Each year the John Wanless community undertakes some major projects and this year was no exception.
#1 The year saw the culmination of over 2.5 years’ worth of effort on the part of our staff and parent community to create two beautiful play spaces dedicated exclusively for our kindergarten students. The spaces are large and well equipped thanks to the generosity of our community and the expertise of our staff. Our grant opening ceremony took place in late May much to the delight of our large number of very small students and their parents. The spaces and the purchased equipment will serve future generations for a long time!
 
# 2 Our school had a unique opportunity to work with Olympian Gabriela DeBues-Stafford for close to 5 months on topics covering goal setting, managing nerves, overcoming obstacles, incorporating healthy habits and building effective team chemistry. On behalf of our entire school community, we would like to extend to Head-to-Head our thanks for an amazing learning opportunity for our students, parents and staff. Gabriela brought an incredible high level of energy to each and every session and shared with our students many examples of not only her triumphs but also how she overcame many challenges. She connected with members of her audiences in both small class and large assembly-type settings. She participated in our school-wide track meet and acted as a phenomenal role model for our community members. The materials which were provided to us in advance of each session by Head-to Head were highly appropriate and we received much positive feedback regarding the learning which was taking place from our parents and staff. We would not hesitate for one second to recommend Head-to-Head to any school or organization. Program delivery can be customized for your specific needs and the sessions can be set up in virtually any learning environment. It is evident from the fact that so many of our students are still following Gabriela’s exploits overseas that she made a huge impression on many of our students!
#3  Young Authors - Each and every year we aim to bring into our school a number of writers to work with our students. The sessions (this one by Eric Walters) focus on building our students’ skillsets in the area of literature and help improve their writing and composition skills. It is evident that many of these sessions have proven very successful as becoming a writer/publisher/editor is quite a popular goal professed by so many of our junior students!
Joyce Public School - Susan Billington, Principal; Ankita Kapoor, School Council Chair

At Joyce PS, we encourage all students to demonstrate leadership in an age-appropriate manner. A great example of this was the actions of our grade 3 / 4 class. The students and their teacher were deeply moved by the fire at York Memorial Collegiate. They talked as a class about what they could do to make a difference. Together they decided that they would dedicate themselves to making bracelets and that they would send the money they raised to the York Memorial Fire Relief Fund.  The students worked diligently as a team to make a variety of different bracelets from elastics, beads and yarn. Some were even made in White, Red and Black, Raptor’s Colours! Bracelets were sold for $1 each and some in Raptor’s Colours went to 5 lucky winners. Through this creative project, students raised $440 as they worked with excitement and diligence to make a positive difference! 
An important emphasis at Joyce P.S. has been on environmental stewardship. We have encouraged a high level of student leadership in our ECO Team and our students have worked diligently with the mentorship of our dedicated staff. Collectively our students, staff and parents have proven that we are dedicated to making a difference in our school, community and broader world. It is with great excitement that we learned that we have been awarded Platinum ECO School Certification for the second year in a row. This great honour is the result of a lot of hard work and dedication from our students, staff and parents.
We were pleased to have a delegation of 30 educators from Jiangsu, China visit Joyce PS, along with two interpreters. The focus for their visit was to observe how we are using technology effectively in our school as a tool to enhance student learning. We started with a presentation to the visiting teachers and principals in our school library where the Joyce P.S. principal and a group of teachers shared the TDSB Vision for Learning and what we are doing at Joyce P.S. to help our students gain digital fluency so that they can use technology well to engage in creative initiatives focussed on Global Competencies that help them solve problems and engage in higher-level thinking. As part of the visit, the educators visited classrooms. This was followed by a time for them to reflect on what they had observed in our school and to ask us questions. The visiting educators were very impressed with the good work that is happening at Joyce P.S. and they expressed their gratitude for having the opportunity to visit our school. In appreciation they presented us with a beautiful framed picture created by a student from China. 
Lawrence Heights Middle School - Juliet Sesanker-Daniel, Principal; Beverley Julien, School Council Chair
One of the activities we are very proud of was our play “A Chamada” (The Call) – A Wake for Refugees.  It was conceived, researched and directed by Mr. Terrence Saunders.    

As in all Wake ceremonies, we are both mourning and celebrating the lives of the refugees who perished at sea while trying to find a place to call home. In addition, we also look at memories from Canada's historical treatment of refugees, stories of refugees from the Caribbean and the present migrant caravan that is weaving its way from Central America toward the Mexican border.

This is a work of reflection and meditation and as academically sophisticated as it may sound for a Middle School production, the 12-14-year-old students you will observe always rise to the occasion and leave their audiences in awe. The student actors in this production are aware of what it means to have a voice/presence/history that is, sometimes ignored, discounted, forgotten, silenced or erased. This project allows them to tell these under represented character’s stories, reclaim their lives and in doing so, publicly remember and honour them. 

This production provided both student actors and the viewing public with new historical and contemporary revelations about refugees, a keener insight into the diverse understandings of spirituality and the role of faith in their/our human quests for locating safe places to live our best lives.

Our students were also able to participate in the Girls STEM Conference at Georgian College.
Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute - Joel Gorenkoff, Principal; Stephan Bibla and Ruth Kelly, Vice-Principals; Anna Richter, School Council Chair

At Lawrence Park CI, our Wellness Council had a busy year full of initiatives to celebrate and promote mental health. Daily mindful moments, the Terry Fox Run (we raised almost $4000!), Halloween events including a food drive, Charity Week to raise money for Skylark Youth Counselling Services, Bell Let’s Talk events, Orange Shirt Day (to promote awareness of Residential schools & Indigenous issues), Pink Shirt Day (to fight bullying), an amazing Wellness Fair with many school, board & community offerings, weekly Tea Club, Jack.org support boxes and an amazing Wellness Week with assemblies, tasty treats and a BBQ, wellness information booths and fun home form challenges were some of the initiatives offered by this group. 
LPCI continued to develop Global Competencies and 21st century skills by providing interesting opportunities to students such as 3-D printing (the pinball machine & pendulum below), VR goggles, podcasts, video conferencing with professionals (VROC), robotics, Hour of Code, “SMART” environments (the “SMART” house below) & transportation and video game design in order to provide opportunities for students to innovate, collaborate, critically think & problem solve, and to develop global citizenship, leadership skills, creativity, inquiry & entrepreneurship.
The Arts are a vital part of LPCI’s curricular & extra-curricular programs. Dance Show (Jan 31-Feb 1), May Lyrics – our penultimate Music experience (May 2), our school play (Little Women) on April 10-12, and the Visual Arts show (May 6-10) are some examples of the talent and creativity demonstrated by our students at wonderful performance events. 
LPCI students & staff worked diligently to promote tolerance, acceptance & equity. On March 26, we welcomed Elly Gotz, a Holocaust survivor who gave a powerful talk to students and spread the message of tolerance & kindness in spite of his experiences in WWII. Students kicked off African Heritage Month in an amazing assembly on February 5. LP celebrated Pride month in June. 
Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School - Paul Friberg, Principal; Andrea Gillard, Vice-Principal; Jason Rosen & Rachel Silver, School Council Co-Chairs
As we reflect on the 2018-2019 school year, please join us in acknowledging and celebrating the many wonderful learning experiences and educational opportunities that have taken place for our students at Ledbury Park. Ledbury is celebrating another wonderful and productive school year, where our students have experienced achievement & opportunities in their academic studies, well-being, technology, equity, sports, STEM, and The Arts.

Academic Foci: This year we worked very hard at developing a healthy, progressive school culture in our technology initiative. Ledbury has moved forward with a “paperless” school environment, and believe that students are a key stakeholder in this digital learning. Grade 1 to Grade 8 students participated on the Google Classroom blended learning platform and used GAFE, Google Apps for Education where they gain skills in submitting assignments, completed quizzes,access shared documents and commented on posts while easily access class files with Google Drive each and every day. Through many tech partnering periods students experienced STEAM project based learning, and coding with Ozobots and Dash & Dot...both robots that can sense, act and think when being coded by students. Another achievement and experience was reducing the amount of interruption with our morning announcement by streaming live or having pre-recorded announcements. 

Another first for Ledbury this year was our Speech Arts Competition, where all students Grades 1 - 8 engaged in the writing process to write and communicate effectively in front of either their classroom audience and or assembly audience. The emphasis and belief was that with this opportunity students gained a transferable skill, an asset that will empower students at future job interviews, when networking, in the workplace, and in any career. Ledbury also hosted our Learning Centre’s first Speech Arts Competition.  It was so lovely to observe all students from many different schools implement and showcase the techniques they have developed throughout the process of public speaking, and how it has helped students build self-confidence, increase their expressive skills and develop strong techniques for oral presentation through speech arts. 

Well-Being Foci: This year Ledbury is proud to share that there was a focus on self-exploration, creativity and self-expression, and that there are other channels for communication, showing us a window into a person’s world. Events like Mental Health & Well Being Week as well as a week devoted to recognizing and understanding Autism allowed us to exercise, play and experience a gateway to physical health, self-confidence, and socialization. Congratulations to our girls Grade 8 Basketball team who are the TDESSA 2018-2019 conference champions.  We also provided multiple students in various grades opportunities to shine in our production of Alice in Wonderland.

Equity Foci: This school year Ledbury’s equity focus was to support the uniqueness and diversity of students. Through student voice, we continue to develop a positive school climate. Students have various opportunities to lead and/or contribute to school activities. Ledbury students have showcased students’ unique strengths, talents and interests through student-led assemblies (Holocaust Remembrance Day, Black History Month, Filipino Heritage and National Day of Remembrance and Action On Violence Against Woman), mentoring with the traditional strategy game Oware in various classrooms, and traditional ethnic musical and dance events). 

School Advisory Council at Ledbury Park
Our SAC is a thriving and incredibly hard working group of parents who work diligently to support the goals of the school through fundraising activities as well as partnerships with the staff to enrich the student experiences. SAC organized social events including the Welcome Back BBQ, Movie Night, Ski Day, Skate Night, Lip Sync, and Ice Cream Day. Fundraising efforts continued with the Believe Campaign, Cookie Dough, Ladies Night and the Marketplace. After working with the Principal to determine school priorities the SAC provided the necessary resources to purchase: more technology to put the devices in the hands of more students, an outdoor storage shed & playground equipment, Jungle Sport indoor gym week, a sport canopy tent, math & literacy resources, ukuleles, and helped to subsidize Project Give Back & the Grade 8 Graduation trip and ceremony. A truly dedicated and supportive parent body works at Ledbury Park! 

Ledbury Park is excited to share with you a few things that we are working on for the 2019-2020 school year:
● Robotics, First Lego Challenge and Coding “Power Up” student session and competitions
● House Events - collaborative team building whole school approach 
● Project-Based Learning/STEAM/UDI (universal design learning) - student centred approach that provides a blueprint to support flexible, inclusive instruction that can be customized to meet individual needs.
● Continue to support each other through safe, equitable and inclusive learning culture and create spaces to reflect on our own individual biases and learning needs.  

Ledbury’s belief is that of a great school is to continuously work to improve learning for each and every child, that we should always seek to do better; to challenge ourselves and our students to set the highest standards and achieve our ambitious goals. We are looking forward to what is planned for our 2019-2020 school year. 
McMurrich Junior Public School - Colin Pinkney, Principal; Lisa Issenberg, Vice-Principal; Kathleen Allan, School Council Chair

The 2018-2019 school year has been an exciting one at McMurrich Jr PS! We continue to focus on our Three Goals as a learning community:
Student Achievement Goal:  If we as a staff expand our instructional practices around guided reading strategies in our classrooms then we will ensure that our students are progressing at the appropriate level and exit level for every grade.
We have worked collaboratively with a focus on using rich tasks and have provided students with multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning!  We have incorporated technology in our day to day practice from Kindergarten to Grade 6.  
Our primary students have access to many new levelled reading materials and are excited about the classroom levelled libraries!
Well-Being Goal:  If we develop our staff understandings around issues of wellness then our students will use these specific strategies in and out of the classroom consistently.
Wellness is valued at McMurrich and was evident when staff participated in a mindfulness program to support the philosophy of healthy body, healthy mind. Wellness and well-being is a daily focus and students have been consistently engaged in wellness activities.
We have been fortunate to work with Toronto Public Health and participated in staff training pertaining to the implementation of strategies to support all learners.  
Toronto Public Health also provided a Mindful Parenting Presentation to support our parent community and provided a clear understanding of mindfulness tools, strategies and well-being.
Equity Goal:  If we as a staff identify our own biases and barriers around the stories of the children in our school and we use the Class Profile sheets to identify our students who are most at-risk then our most at-risk students will achieve in new ways.
There have been ongoing discussions around sharing best practices as a staff and in particular the use of best digital practices and how to engage students through technology.  
Our Kindergarten team has been committed to organizing guided reading, assessment and learning using G Suite Tools.

We are excited that as an OPAL school we continue to improve access to play and that play is encouraged in all weather. Students are engaged when playing with loose parts and improve their collaboration skills, development and wellness.  Students always know that they are to ask themselves three questions: Is it safe? Is it fun? Is it inclusive?  McMurrich students enjoy the opportunities when playing and the variety that is offered when participating in OPAL play!
These are just a few of so many examples of why it has been a successful and exciting year at McMurrich!
North Preparatory Junior Public School - Andrew Paladino, Principal;  Stephanie Rogers & Aubrey Freedman, School Council Co-Chairs

The North Prep Green Team had a very busy year.  The Green Team was responsible for our school getting Gold certification once again and was working towards Platinum certification. The Green Team started several initiatives; collecting dry/used marker as part of a new recycling program, litter less lunch, waste audit, walking and biking awareness campaign, morning announcements just to name a few.
 
One of the highlights of the school year was having students from Beijing, China come to our school for 6 weeks.  The students were divided between the grade 5 and 6 classes.  They had an opportunity to experience a Canadian winter and to share their culture with our students.
What a fantastic year it has been for extra-curricular activities at North Prep. school.
Our primary and junior students had opportunities to join many different clubs from Eco-Club, Science Club, Primary Sports Club, Art Club, Mind Games club and so many sports team including basketball, volleyball, cross country to name but a few. A new club for the school was our Ukulele Club. Thanks to the support of our parent council, school was able to purchase 15 new ukuleles. Once a week at lunch students had a chance to learn how to play this new instrument.
North Toronto Collegiate Institute - William Mack, Principal; Jennifer Kurtz and Kathleen Pyper, Vice-Principals; Jess Hungate, School Council Chair

The North Toronto student newspaper, Graffiti, was honoured with 16 Toronto Star High School Journalism awards, including reporting, feature writing, illustration and humour. Congratulations to staff advisors Baruch Zohar and Jessica Bulgutch and the student award winners.
Well-Being – The athletic program at North Toronto had over 35 teams, sports and clubs keeping many students active this year. Highlights include: OFSAA Provincial Medals: Gold (Alpine Ski, Tennis-Girls’ Singles), Bronze (Badminton-Boys’ Doubles). City Championship: NT Junior Ultimate Team. Regional Championships: 9 Teams placing 1st in the South Region.

Equity & Social Justice – 2018-2019 was another exciting year of learning for our students and community of North Toronto C.I. On Sept. 28th, our students recognized Orange Shirt Day, honoring the victims and survivors of Indigenous Residential Schools. On December 6th, our students organized a powerful Anti-Violence assembly, honoring the victims and survivors of Violence against Women. In February 2019, NT’s Holocaust Education Committee organized a powerful Holocaust education and awareness assembly which included guest speakers who shared their survival stories of the Holocaust. In the following months, Holocaust Education committee members continued their work with the student community sharing stories of their experiences travelling on the annual March of the Living Tour to Poland and Israel. 
As part of the Grade 10 Civics course, students are involved with YPI (Youth and Philanthropy Initiative). As a result of the efforts of NT students, a cheque for $5000 was donated to their chosen charity, Skylark, a Toronto-based charity dedicated to serving children, youth and families struggling with complex mental health and developmental needs.

On March 8th, NT hosted the Toronto St. Paul’s International Women’s Day Summit. The afternoon included interactive sessions engaging guest speakers with students from across Toronto. Students shared their experiences related to Equity and Women’s rights. 
In April of 2019, members of NT’s Equity Committee attended an Equity Forum held at Lawrence Park C.I. Students had opportunities to learn and share their voices on issues of Equity, as it relates to their experiences as students in the TDSB. 
On May 2nd, NT’s Holocaust Education Committee and Chamber Choir attended the launch event of Liberation 75, at William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute. Students performed at this important event which launches a year of Holocaust Education for students in the TDSB. From May 31st-June 2nd, 2020, Toronto will be host to Liberation75 - a global event dedicated to commemorating and celebrating the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 and liberation from the Holocaust. Alex Krawczyk from the Sherman Foundation (lead sponsor) stated– “Liberation 75 is a movement that we are all a part of, a coming together of diverse international organizations to not only remember the Holocaust, but ultimately remind the world of the importance of defending global human rights, and to do our part as citizens of humanity to foster education, growth, and hope… In a world where violence and hatred seem to be growing, this is our chance to push back against Holocaust deniers and those trying to rewrite history – our chance to share inspiring humanitarian stories, and build each other up to be stronger, wiser, safer, and more prepared for our future. Liberation75 will focus on remembering the victims, honoring the survivors, showcasing the future of Holocaust and genocide prevention education, reflecting on Anti-Semitism in the world, celebrating the role of the liberators, and committing to protect freedom, diversity, human rights, and inclusion. For more information – www.liberation75.org. This initiative is being supported by the leading Holocaust education, genocide prevention, and human rights organizations in the world.”

Community Involvement – Charity Week at North Toronto this year focused on raising awareness and support for “Forests Ontario”. Student activities at NT raised $12,500 which was donated to help make Ontario’s forests greener! 
Oriole Park Junior Public School - Neil Quimby, Principal; Andrew Smith, School Council Chair

PEACE WALK – ACTION AGAINST BULLYING
On November 23, 2018 at 10:30 am, the students of Oriole Park marched in action against bullying, racism, and hate. The students had not only engaged in meaningful equity learning, they engaged in meaningful action as change agents in their own community! This commenced as a co-teaching lesson during Learning Buddies with a grade 2 and class and grade 5 class.  Students learned about a recent hate crime that occurred in their neighbourhood. They engaged in an inquiry on the facts of what happened to these teenagers. The two classes met again to plan possible action plans. Students brainstormed ideas on how to involve the community. They co-created and planned our school’s Walk for Peace. Students created personal banners for the Peace Walk with messages including: “Stop bullying”, “We all Belong”, and “Show Peace”. This plan was extended to the other classes. All classes engaged in this critical learning, banner making, and it culminated in the school-wide Walk for Peace. On this day, a hashtag was created on Twitter:  #oriolecares.
Their signs, voice, and actions mattered on the day that we marched in the neighbourhood to let the community know that we do not tolerate hate, and it is okay to be different. As we walked, the community joined us, such as busses honking, people talking, and cars stopping. Students learned that, we can do something positive for change. Students, teachers, and parents walked together, bringing a sense of community, belonging, and accomplishment.  

POETRY CLUB 
During the months of October to March, a group of twenty-two students gathered weekly to read, write, and share poetry. With simple prompts and writing themes, students were encouraged to create freely and openly in a safe space. Throughout this process, students learned to collaborate and support fellow writers in their poetry community. Students learned that writing poetry can help keep them calm and focussed. They also learned that poetry writing can be used for creativity and self-expression. Many of our students submitted a poem to Urban Voices, an annual collection of poetry from students across the Toronto District School Board. After the submissions, students began to write more deeply, seeking words and ideas to share feelings and emotions. Together we came to acknowledge that poetry is something that allows freedom of expression. After months of writing and sharing with each other, students were asked how they wanted to share their poetry with the community. Together we brainstormed event ideas that eventually lead to the creation of a three-day poetry showcase in honour of National Poetry Month. The first event was a poetry reading and art installation open to students’ families. Each child shared two poems of their choice to read. Additionally, one of their poetry pieces was on display, along with an art piece and reflection. Students’ reflections shared their inspirations about their poetry and art.  After performing in front of their families, students welcomed other students to listen to their poetry at a special reading over lunch recess. The poets then encouraged students in the audience to consider writing and sharing their own poetry as well. An “Open Mic” session was created that allowed all students to share their poems with the school over lunch recess. A total of twenty-two students signed up to present poetry for the first time. The event was a great success, and students are hoping to host more “Open Mic” events in the future.  

LIP SYNC – A NIGHT AT THE OSCARS
Each spring time for one night only, parents, children, former students and staff pack the Forest Hill Junior and Senior Public auditorium to watch a night of entertainment with Oriole Park’s Annual Lip Sync! The event has become a right of passage for Oriole Park students and one that they look forward to leading up to the big event. Although the event is student led, it wouldn’t be possible without all the support of parent volunteers during practice times and Oriole Park staff who host and perform at the event. It is a wonderful way to bring the Oriole Park community together.

Lip Sync isn’t just a showcase of Oriole Park students doing their best.  It is an event that allows students to work towards a common goal, meet new friends and create their own performances! This year was no exception as students from Grade 1 to 5 dazzled the sold out audience with movie-themed performances throughout the night. The night wouldn’t have been complete without the spooky performance from the Ghostbusters performed by the Oriole Park staff. Lip Sync is one night that encapsulates the tremendous spirit and fun that exists each day at Oriole Park.
Spectrum Alternative Senior School - Shona Farrelly, Principal;  Daveed Flexer & Sharon Alexander, School Council Co-Chairs
Students at Spectrum Alternative had an opportunity to participate in the “Engineer in Residence” program. They had a chance to speak to “real” Engineers, learn about possible careers and work with their hands. Students were very positive about the program.
The grade 8 students had a fabulous time in Quebec City again this year in February. Students spent 4 days learning about the history of Quebec, exploring the culture, experiencing the food and language. It is the highlight of grade 8 every year. This year was extra special! Sixty centimeters of snow fell on our 2nd day, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. We continued on to the Ice Hotel and to the tubing hill. It was a spectacular site to see snowbanks as high as rooftops and walking through 60 centimeters of snow was no easy feat! It is something the students will remember for the rest of their lives. 
Daily Apple was back for a 3rd year doing our annual cooking classes. Students participate in 4 half day sessions where they learn about the importance of buying local, how to source and cook healthy foods and the importance of a nutritious diet. Students also stretched their creative skills during the “Cook Off” where each group of students receives the same variety of items which they have to create into food that looks and tastes appealing. The administration has the honour of coming to determine which team did the best job. 

We look forward to many more exciting events next year. 
West Preparatory Junior Public School - Manny Da Luz, Principal; Leanne Bellec, Vice-Principal; Jessica Ungerman & Shaughnessy Dunnell, School Council Co-Chairs

Another exciting year at West Prep is coming to an end and we are so proud of all our accomplishments! Take a look at some of the events that we had this year.
West Prep was humbled and honoured to welcome Andy Redi, a child Holocaust survivor, to share his personal story and perspective with our junior students on how we can fight for human rights today and learn from our past mistakes.
West Prep student-athletes continued to make us proud by participating in a wide variety of co-curricular athletics with accolades being earned throughout the year. In Ultimate Frisbee, both our Gr. 5 & Gr. 6 students were Conference Champions and our Gr. 6 team Ultimate Frisbee City Champions!  Very proud of their dedication and spirit as well as the amazing coaching from our volunteer coaches! Go Wolves Go!
Everyone from our kindies onward were excited to expand their learning in Science Technology Engineering Arts and Math … STEAM this past year.  From Lego Robotics to Dash & Dot Robots were used as our young engineers learned to code.
Once again West Prep was able to showcase our musical talents. The students both sang and danced at our annual Spring Concert followed by our participation at the Harbourfront Share Dance event. What a blast! 
Our Annual Bingo Night was another successful community event hosted by our dedicated Parent Council.  Students and their families participated in the fun-filled night of food, popcorn and prizes … a wonderful evening was had by all!
At West Prep, we always look forward to learning, growing and thriving together with our community!
Winona Drive Senior Public School - Thelma Sambrook, Principal; Craig Silvera, Vice-Principal; Racheal Embury & Stephanie Ayers, School Council Co-Chairs

Winona Art and Music Festival
On May 22nd, we held our second annual Winona Spring Art and Music Festival. Hundreds of guests turned out to hear our student groups perform a wide selection of engaging musical numbers. There were dynamic performances by our steel pans, string ensembles, ukulele club, bands, and choir groups. Visitors to the school also had the opportunity to take in an amazing array of visual arts displayed throughout the school and learn about the design and technology building process and experiments. 

Winona Walk Though Diversity
On May 24th 2019, Winona's grade 7 students participated in a variety of workshops that were designed to promote equity, celebrate diversity and promote inclusion. Workshops ranged from hiphop dance, expressive arts, anti-racism & oppression dramatic arts and spoken word. These workshops aimed to promote fairness, equity, diversity, acceptance, inclusion, and the elimination of all forms of Discrimination. We hoped that participants would be self-reflective so that they could continue to build on the climate of inclusion and respect, which would hopefully expand into the greater community. 

Winona Grade 8 Graduation Trip
The Grade 8 Graduation Trip at Winona is always a special end of the year bonding experience. This year was perhaps more special than other years. As not only did students bond in teams while they learned to fish, canoe, climb, build, and gain skills in new sports. On Thursday, June 13th they stayed up late into the second night of camp to cheer on our their beloved Raptors and watch them become the NBA Champions for the first time history. A moment they will never forget and a school camping experience at Camp Tamarack that will last them a lifetime.
Yorkdale Adult Learning Centre and Secondary School - Eric Dallin, Principal; Carol Doucette, Vice-Principal

At Yorkdale, our slogan is: “We believe in your success!” Our team of caring teachers and support staff will always be there to support both the academic needs and well-being needs of our adult students using an equity lens. Our EdVance program serves students aged 18 to 20; our Adult program and specialty programs serve students aged 21 plus. All pathways are offered (university, college, workplace, apprenticeship). We welcome students from all over the city including new Canadians!
For some schools, you just walk in, take a couple of courses, then leave. Yorkdale is not like that. We serve the whole student and address their well-being. This takes on so many forms which includes counselling, tutoring, lunch & learns, nutrition programs, sports & clubs, West 38 performance lab, foyer events, assemblies, guest speakers (eg. Jully Black), field trips, and whole school events that bring the whole community together.
Some of our more notable events outside the classroom this year included our winter holiday festive assembly (talent show), our ski trip to Mt St. Louis Moonstone, our whole EdVance program field trip to High Park, Job Fair & Career Fair, Mental Health Conference, all Adult schools sports tournaments, and the year-end BBQ.
If you search “Humans of Yorkdale” on Facebook, you can read about the stories of some of our students. In the media (January), our new “guitar-making” course was featured where EdVance students built their own guitars and then learned how to play them! Some of our specialty programs include PSW (Personal Support Worker), Child Care Assistant, Hairstyling, Business I.T., Personal Trainer, Introduction to Health Care, and Co-operative Education. There is something for everyone at Yorkdale! Go Dragons!
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