News

News, announcements, and reminders from the council, school, and community.

Big Shout Out to Everyone Who Made the Talent Show a Great Success

Posted: 
Sunday April 23

I want to give a big shout out to all the parents (you know who you are) who helped make the Talent Show a great success once again this year. I have been organizing this for the last 6 years and every year it gets better. I will post a notice when DVDs are ready.

Regards,
Jonathan

Garden School News - Week of April 17-21

Posted: 
Monday April 17

In celebration of Earth Week and combining with our Eco-schools waste minimization goals we are having a used clothing and textile drive in support of the Diabetes Association and our school. From Tuesday April 18- Friday April 21 please drop off your used clothing and textiles to the bins in the front foyer. Each 20 pounds of goods is worth $2 towards our school. Join us in cleaning up our planet, de-cluttering your home and raising money for both the diabetes association and our school.

Exciting news!! Our gym is getting a much needed make over. Painters will begin on Tuesday April 18th. We are hoping that the painting will be completed quickly but it does mean during the next week the gym will be off limits. We are all hoping for nice spring weather because students are going to have to eat lunches outside, picnic style, for the duration of the painting. When we have our lovely, freshly painted gym we will all be glad for the sacrifice.

The Garden Talent Show will be Thursday evening at Fern Public School. There are lots of performances scheduled and tons of excited students. Please feel free to join us at Fern Public School. The start time is 6:30 PM.

This is a reminder to all parents/guardians about the TDSB Census. TDSB is hoping for a good response from parents so fill out those census forms and return them to the office. We are hoping to have them all collected by the end of the month.

Ms. Hardy

“If everyone helps to hold up the sky, then one person does not become tired.”
― Askhari Johnson Hodari

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of April 17-21

Tackling Anxiety and Stress Workshop - May 18

Posted: 
Monday April 17
Mark your calendars - on Thursday, May 18 from 6-8pm, please join us for a T.A.S.A.M. (Tackling Anxiety and Stress through the Arts and Mindfulness) parents workshop from Arts Express. Please read on for more information about this innovative day/evening of learning for you and your children. This workshop is funded through a Parents Reaching Out Grant from the Ministry of Education (http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/reaching.html).
 
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Using a creative arts approach to education, Arts Express has developed the T.A.S.A.M. Program, to provide children and their parents with lifelong strategies and techniques to cope with anxiety and stress, helping them effectively eliminate the stigma and discomfort of these issues for years to come.
 
During the school day, Garden students will experience one or more of the following - a storytelling performance on the topic of mindfulness called Milton’s Secret, a drama class, and a visual arts class, all focusing on helping students to use the creative arts to develop a tool box to use in every day situations when they encounter stress or anxiety.
 
Parents can then join us in the evening for a presentation led by a child development expert to discuss childhood anxiety, parental intervention and how to help your child develop the tools needed for a lifetime of wellness. Childcare will be provided. The animated movie, Inside Out, will be shown while parents are at the presentation.  Email us at info@gardenschoolcouncil.com with the names/ages of the children requiring care.
 
The topics addressed by this program will include:
 
  • Identifying the seriousness of your child’s anxiety and stress levels
  • Tools to use to help alleviate minor everyday anxieties and stress
  • Kid-friendly approach to developing useful strategies
  • Leading by example
  • The importance of exercise
  • Communicating with your anxious child without frustration
  • Developing a safe structure within the home environment
  • Knowing when to seek professional help
We hope to see you there! 

Please Donate Books for the Fun Fair Book Room!

Posted: 
Monday April 17

The Fun Fair Used Book Sale is a great opportunity to stock up on summer reading for both kids and parents – but we need donations to make it happen! 

A donation bin has been placed in the school foyer.  Please consider donating books any time before the Fun Fair.  All types of books for all ages are welcome!

And if you would like to volunteer with the book sale, please email Genevieve at cbeverid@umich.edu

Thanks for your help!

Earth Week Used Clothing and Textile Drive

Posted: 
Monday April 17
Earth Week

In celebration of Earth Week and combining with our Eco-schools waste minimization goals we are having a used clothing and textile drive in support of the Diabetes Association. From Tuesday April 18 - Friday April 21 please drop off your used clothing and textiles to the bins in the front foyer. Each 20 pounds of goods is worth $2 towards our school. Join us in cleaning up our planet, de-cluttering your home and raising money for both the diabetes association and our school.

Talent Show - Thursday, April 20

Posted: 
Monday April 17

The Garden Avenue P.S. Talent Show returns this Thursday, April 20 in the auditorium at Fern Avenue P.S. The doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 6:30pm.

** Performers are asked to be at Fern no later than 6pm **

There are over 35 acts - jokes, basketball tricks, singing, dancing, guitar, piano, ukelele, original percussion, gymnastics, improv, comedy skits, magic, trumpet and MORE! Come out to support our students and celebrate their talents.

We hope to see you there!

TDSB Public Consultation - FDK Before/After Care and Lunchtime Programming

Posted: 
Sunday April 9

The TDSB is reviewing before- and after-school child care programs and lunchtime supervision for children in full-day kindergarten (FDK) classrooms, so they can learn about areas of strength and areas for improvement. 

If you have a child in FDK you are invited to take a survey (www.surveymonkey.com/r/tdsbfdk2017) and to participate in the public consultation which will take place on Saturday April 22nd between 9:30-11:30 am at the Toronto District School Board’s office located at 5050 Yonge Street. Members of the public or staff who are interested in attending are asked to register by emailing us at tdsbfdk2017@gmail.com. Written submissions are welcome and can be submitted by email to tdsbfdk2017@gmail.com

Garden School News - Week of April 3-7

Posted: 
Sunday April 2

This upcoming week we have all six of our Primary classes, from grade 1-3 participating in a pottery workshop. Toronto potter; Paul Steward is returning to Garden for 3 full days. The students will hand-throw a piece of art with clay, the pieces will then be bisque fired. Thank you to our wonderful School Council for generously sponsoring fifty percent of the cost of the workshops.

International Day of Pink is fast approaching. As always we will show our Garden support of this day by all wearing pink shirts. Please let me know in the office if you would be interested in ordering a pink Garden shirt in time for April 12. If we have enough interest we will once again open up the Garden T-shirt website for ordering.

Either this past week or early next week you will be receiving the TDSB Parent Census. This census is voluntary however the data collected from the census helps to provide the school system, parents and the community with valuable information to help improve our schools for the benefit of all our students. If you do not receive your parent census please speak to your child’s classroom teacher or speak to us in the office. Students from grade 4- 6 will also be filling out a Student Census however this brief census will be conducted during class time. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask in the office.

Ms. Hardy

“If everyone helps to hold up the sky, then one person does not become tired.”
― Askhari Johnson Hodari

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of April 3-7

TDSB Letter - Parent Census

Posted: 
Sunday April 2

Students will be bringing home a letter this week from the TDSB about the Parent Census. A photocopy is attached.

File(s): 
TDSB Letter - Parent Census

Talent Show

Posted: 
Sunday March 19

The most fun night of the Garden school year returns on Thursday, April 20 - The Talent Show!

All students from Grades 1-6 are invited to showcase their talent, be it comedy, music, dance, gymnastics, scientific, or otherwise.

Auditions will be held on Wednesday, April 5 (Grades 1-3) and Friday, April 7 (Grades 4-6) at lunchtime, and a dress rehearsal will take place on Thursday, April 13, after school.

The show is on Thursday, April 20 at 6:30pm in the auditorium at Fern P.S. 

Volunteers are needed to help with the show!  Please email Jonathan Spence at jonathanspence.cmg@gmail.com to get involved. 

 

Garden School News - Week of March 27-31

Posted: 
Sunday March 26

Great to Share Good News: Today our students were rewarded with an extended PM recess because we have had no students in our recess reflection room with blue sheets for three days in a row!! Our students are working hard remembering all our school rules:  Keep hands and feet to yourself.  There is always room for one more. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Keep up the great work Garden!!  We are all very proud of you. Respectful and kind behavior helps everyone feel happy and safe at school.

Next Month: April 2017 is Census Month at the TDSB!

We will conduct the third Student and Parent Census, which will include Grade 4-6 students for the first time, along with Grade 7-12 students. Students will complete the Census in class. Parents of JK-Grade 6 students will also be invited to fill out the Parent Census. Forms will be sent home with students in April 2017.

Your voice counts! Complete the TDSB Census and make sure your voice is heard. Learn more at www.tdsb.on.ca/census

Ms. Hardy

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.” - William Shakespeare

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of March 27-31

Garden School News - Week of March 20-24

Posted: 
Monday March 20

A great big, humongous thank you to Mr. McClure, Ms. Childs and Ms. Chawla for their participation in our Grade 5/6 students Island adventures. I know that each and every student that participated will never forget their time in nature at our Toronto Center Island Outdoor Education Center. All our students came home exhausted and smelling of camp fire which means that a great time was had by all. It was especially nice to hear from the Island Staff just how polite and well behaved our Garden students were on the island.

This week student have continued with our Garden is grateful wall. Here are some of the things students are grateful for: “I am grateful for family and friends”, “I am grateful because Alex makes me laugh”, “I am grateful for the trampoline”. Here is my challenge to all of you. What are you grateful for? If you would like to contribute to our wall feel free to come and grab a heart in the office and add to our wall. We all have too much to be grateful for.

I do hope that everyone has a wonderful March break with their families and friend. Take some time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. We are looking forward to welcoming students back to school Monday March 20th.

Ms. Hardy

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.” - William Shakespeare

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of March 20-24

French as a Second Language Advisory Committee Newsletter for March 2017

Posted: 
Sunday March 5

The French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (FSLAC) newsletter for March 2017 was sent out to us by Robin Pilkey, who is the trustree representative on this advisory committee as well as being the TDSB Chair. Parents can sign up to receive this newsletter directly (see instructions at end)

In this issue:

  1. Toronto Public Library - Free March Break Fun in French
  2. Children in Paris 1950- free exhibit
  3. Parents as Partners Conference
  4. Reviews at the TDSB
  5. Enrolment Update
  6. Gifted and French Immersion
  7. Planning Ahead – Summer French
  8. Meet our New FSL Principal
  9. You are Invited!

Link for tweeting, posting electronically or printing the newsletter:http://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/docs/FSLAC%20Newsletter%20-%20March%202017.pdf

1. FREE March Break Fun in French

Toronto Public Library will be hosting lots of entertaining events in French for children including Reptilia en français, solving a mystery using science, interactive theatre and musical performances at branches across the city. Some performances require registration. Details here.

Kids age 10-14 are invited to ‘Seul à la maison!’, a workshop on staying at home alone at the Woodside Square branch on Wednesday, March 15 at 6 pm. Registration is required at 416-396-8979.  

2. Children in Paris 1950 – Free Exhibit at the Alliance Française

From March 8th to April 1st, the Alliance Française is hosting a photography exhibit called Photographic Memories Of Lost Spaces : The Children Of Cité Lesage-Bullourde And Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris 1950. Admission is free. Details here

The Alliance Française is a not-for-profit French language and culture centre. It was established in Toronto in 1902 by University of Toronto professors. Among its first language students were Canadian military officers who were shipping off to France during World War I. Their downtown centre, at Spadina and Bloor, offers French programming for children, language classes and workshops for adults, an art gallery, a theatre and a bookstore with a great children’s section. Language courses are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the internationally recognized language proficiency benchmarks and they are an official testing centre for the Diplôme d'Études en Langue Française (DELF) Their other locations are in North York, Markham, Oakville and Mississauga.

3. Parents as Partners Conference

Saturday, April 1st, TDSB parents will be gathering at the Allstream Centre (at the CNE) to learn about improving student achievement and well-being at school and at home. The conference is free but registration is required. Keynote speakers are Director John Malloy who will speak about the Learning Centres and Itah Sadu, writer, entrepreneur and community builder. There will be more than 80 workshops to choose from, including session C19 on Supporting All Learners in FSL Programs presented by Kirsten Johnston, FSL Program Coordinator. More information and registration here.

4. Enrolment Update

Applications for SK Immersion and Grade 4 Extended French are up this year. As a result, these schools will have new SK Immersion programs in September: Ellesmere-Statton (Scarborough, Ward 19), Ernest (North York, Ward 17), O’Connor (North York, Ward 17), Secord (East York, Ward 16). For Grade 4 Extended, one new site is expected.

Full details will be in the Enrolment Report that is published in May/June. A big thank you TDSB staff for continuing to expand opportunities for our students.

5. Reviews at the TDSB

Three Pupil Accommodation Review Committees (PARCs) are currently looking at recommendations on potential changes such as school closures, relocation of special education classes, French programs and configuration of grades. Info here.   

Detailed planning information for 2016-25 is here

Alternative School Review – public consultation meetings March 23 and 28, 2017. Info here.    Currently, there is one alternative school with a focus on French, Hawthorne II Bilingual Alternative Junior School.

Access and Secondary School Review – as part of the Equity Strategy, Framework and Action Plan. For the 2016-17 school year, consultation is on-going with students in grades 7-12. In 2017-18, parents and community members will have the opportunity to provide feedback and input.

6. Gifted and French Immersion

Parents ask…

How does the new screening process for gifted for all students work with French immersion?

Starting this school year, every grade 3 student (with prior parent permission) wrote the Canadian Cognitive Abilities Test (CCAT) in class. This is a paper and pencil test that is done in English and each of the three parts takes 30 minutes. The purpose of the screening is to improve equity of access to differentiated programming including gifted. It gives the classroom teacher and parents information on the strengths and learning needs of the student. Results are confidential and do not affect the student’s report cards.

The screening identifies students who will be assessed further by their classroom teacher and the School Support Team which includes the principal and the special education teacher. If a student meets the criteria on the Gifted Rating Scale and obtains a 98th percentile in General Abilities Index of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, the Identification Placement and Review Process starts. An offer may be made to place the student in a gifted class starting in grade 4. (IPRC information)

For parents of a French immersion child identified as gifted, there is choice between staying in French immersion or joining a gifted class in the English program. The TDSB does not have classes that are both French immersion and gifted. Students identified as gifted who stay in immersion have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which outlines how the student’s strengths and needs will be accommodated by the teachers. If the French immersion student goes into a gifted class in grade 4, the language of instruction is English with Core French for 40 minutes a day where most of the class will be learning French for the first time. It is important to note that accommodations are made within the expectation of the student’s grade or from grades below. If a student is identified as gifted, the IEP allows for broader and deeper work at the current grade level, never for work from a higher grade.

-Angela Caccamo, Central Co-ordinating Principal, Teaching & Learning

7. Planning Ahead – Summer French

The TDSB offers French programs for elementary students and French credits for secondary students over the summer at several locations. Information is posted here as it becomes available.

EduTravel offers travel and secondary French credits including Civics/Careers, Grade 10 History and core, extended and immersion French credits. Info here.

FRENCHSTREET.CA   is the go to site for finding French summer camps, exchanges and all kinds of opportunities for kids to use their French outside of the classroom. Search for opportunities by region and by age group and then, link right up to the organization providing the opportunity. This site is a project of the Ministry of Education andCanadian Parents for French.

The YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange gives 16 & 17 year olds the opportunity to live and do paid work in a French community during the summer.

Applications due March 15th. Details here

8. Meet our new FSL Principal – Angela Caccamo

Born and raised in Toronto, I began learning French in the regular Core French Program. Languages were soon understood to be a passion of mine. My love for the French language led me to several French summer camps, various trips to French speaking countries, and to the volunteer teaching of French classes on weekends through Continuing Education. My French studies continued well throughout my high school and university years. I completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Languages & Individual and Society at the University of Toronto, and then,  a Bachelor of Education specializing in International Languages & Literature. Subsequently, I earned a Specialist qualification in French as a Second Language and English as a Second Language.

Passionate about languages and the instruction of children, teaching was a natural fit for me.  As a young first year teacher, many moons ago, I remember the excitement I felt to be able to share my love of the French language and culture with grade 7 students; what could be better! And so began a life-long career of teaching Core, Extended and Immersion French at TDSB schools. Ultimately, I brought my passion for teaching and making a positive difference for children to educational leadership roles. I have been a Vice-Principal and Principal in several schools including triple track schools and a French Immersion Centre.

I now proudly serve as the Central Coordinating Principal in Teaching & Learning. I hope to continue to make a positive impact on student success, achievement, and wellness as we all work together to meet the needs of all learners.

-Angela Caccamo, Central Co-ordinating Principal, Teaching & Learning

9. You are Invited!

Parents, students, trustees, teachers and staff are invited to attend and participate in FSLAC meetings. The Board’s mission for the FSLAC is:  “to consult with and advise the Board on French as a Second Language matters. As a Board community advisory committee, the FSLAC will contribute to the work of trustees and staff. This partnership of trustees, staff and parents will foster excellence and growth in FSL programs at the Board.” Meetings start at 7 pm at the TDSB offices at 5050 Yonge St., ground floor. FSLAC information is posted on the TDSB website:tdsb.on.ca/fslac .

Upcoming meetings are: April 4, May 9, June 13, 2017.

Note: This email list is being maintained by FSLAC parent volunteers and will be used for this newsletter and occasional FSL news for interested community members. To get on or off the distribution list or to get in touch, please email fslactoronto@gmail.com . Please provide your first and last name and the name of your child’s school, if applicable.

Parent Councils: This email has been sent to TDSB school email addresses and trustees with the request to forward it to parents. Please share this newsletter with your school through your own distribution network. If your parent council has its own permanent email address, please let us know at fslactoronto@gmail.com .

Have a great March break, 

Kristina Laperle
FSLAC Parent Co-chair

File(s): 
FSLAC Newsletter - March 2017

The Sudoku Challenge is On!

Posted: 
Monday March 27

The Sudoku Challenge is On! Back by popular demand! The Sudoku Challenge contest will be running again this year. Sudoku is a number puzzle game a little like a crossword puzzle. The challenge is open to the entire school and you can find the entries for the puzzle in the front foyer. There will be 4 puzzles in total, one per week. One entry per student please. Fill out the puzzle and place it in the box that is also in the foyer. Thanks to the generous donation of the parent council, one prize each will be awarded to 4 winners chosen from the correctly answered entries every two weeks. 8 prizes to be won in total! The Sudoku Challenge will run for the next 4 weeks and the draws will be held Wednesday April 5th and April 19. Good Luck!

TDSB Parents as Partners Conference - Registration Open

Posted: 
Tuesday March 7

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.

Who:
ALL parents/guardians and caregivers of TDSB students are invited and welcome to attend

What:
Parents as Partners Conference 2017 is a FREE conference. Whether your child is just beginning on their educational journey in elementary school or closer to graduation and planning for the future, there are informative and empowering sessions for parents/guardians and caregivers of students of all ages and all stages of education. 

Where:
- Allstream Centre (105 Princes' Blvd, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3).
- Busing is available and can be chosen when you register online. Pickup at each busing location is at 8:00 a.m. on April 1.

When:
Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 9am to 4pm

Why:
The Parents as Partners Conference 2017 is planned by parents, for parents and we are so pleased to be able to offer a selection of sessions that cover a broad range of topics to provide parents with useful information and resources to help your child improve their achievement and well-being at school and at home.

Registration closes March 20th. Click the link below to register:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/parents-as-partners-conference-2017-tickets-...

Special Education Advisory Committee Survey

Posted: 
Tuesday March 7

From the Special Education Advisory Committee of the Toronto District School Board:

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) of the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) wants to hear from you. This survey gives you a chance to give us ideas on how the TDSB can improve the education it offers to students with special education needs. It also lets you tell us what your experiences have been like for your special needs children.

Fill out Survey

While SEAC members are appointed by the Trustees of the TDSB, we are independent of them. Our role is to provide advice and direction to TDSB Trustees. The results of this survey will be going directly to SEAC and not to staff at the TDSB.

Please fill out this anonymous survey if you are a parent or guardian of student(s) with special education needs. We want to hear from you whether your child with special needs is currently enrolled or was in the past.

We appreciate whatever time you can take to do this survey. There are a total of 18 questions. We estimate it may take up to 20 minutes to complete if you have many comments you wish to leave. Not all questions will apply to you. You can skip any questions you don’t want to answer. If you have very limited time, please answer at least the first question which is a general question asking you to give us your recommendations on how the TDSB can better meet the needs of students with special needs.

Thank you!
Special Education Advisory Committee for the Toronto District School Board

Your Family's Vaccinations and the Mumps Virus

Posted: 
Tuesday March 7

 

Letter from Toronto Public Health (sent home March 7, 2017)

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Re: Your family's vaccinations and the mumps virus

Toronto Public Health (TPH) is investigating a mumps outbreak in the city. The mumps virus is
found in saliva, and is spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, and sharing drinks, utensils,
food or water bottles. The majority of the mumps cases in Toronto have been confirmed in
young adults aged 18 to 35 years; however, recently a case was identified in a Toronto school.

The risk of acquiring the mumps in Toronto schools is low because most schools have high
vaccination rates and the mumps vaccine is required for school attendance in Ontario. Students
who are not up-to-date with mumps vaccinations can be excluded from school.

Since the mumps has now been identified in a Toronto school, we are asking parents/guardians
to take the following general precautions:

1) Check vaccination records for you and your child:

  • Two doses of mumps vaccine (MMR, MMRV) are recommended.
  • Children 4 years and older need two doses; check your child's yellow immunization card.
  • Parents/guardians born between 1970 and 1992 may have received only one dose as a child. If an adult is unsure about their vaccinations or has only received one dose of mumps-containing vaccine, a booster dose is recommended.

2) Watch for symptoms of mumps:

The mumps infection causes fever, swelling of one or more salivary glands, loss of appetite,
tiredness, and headache. If you or your child have symptoms of the mumps and are ill, please
contact your health care provider and do not attend work or school.

3) Planning to travel:

Ensure that your immunizations are up-to-date for you and all your family members before
travelling.

For further information visit www.toronto.ca/health. If you have any questions, please contact
TPH's, Health Connection at (416) 338-7600 during business hours (8:30am to 4:30pm).

Sincerely,

Vinita Dubey MD CCFP FRCPC
Associate Medical Officer of Health

 

File(s): 

Lost and Found

Posted: 
Sunday March 5

The Lost and Found (by the east stairwell) is overflowing with all kinds of good stuff. If you've lost a hat, mittens, boots or last week's lunch, it's probably there.

If you have a chance, please take a look and see if anything looks familiar.

Garden School News - Week of March 6-10

Posted: 
Sunday March 5

The recess reflection room has been up and running this week. It has been running smoothly and students have been supported, continuing to learn about respectful and co-operative behaviors at school. If you do receive blue reflection sheet home with your child please do take a few moments to talk to your child about what they learned from the experience. Let’s all work together to make Garden a respectful and caring environment for all.

Our students and staff have been working on two “Garden’s Grateful” bulletin boards. One is located on the first floor at the bottom of the stairs and one is next to the library. The next time that you are in please feel free to take a glance at these walls to see what students are truly grateful for at Garden. We do have so much to be grateful for. 

The Toronto and Region Conservation monitors’ hazardous ice conditions as thaw begins and are reminding everyone to be very careful around all bodies of water. The first hint of warming weather and the promise of spring thaw can bring extreme danger to the shores and surfaces of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes, according to Toronto and Region Conservation.

As warmer temperatures arrive, stream banks become increasingly slippery and unstable. Lake and river ice weakens, becoming thinner or with higher flows breaking with little or no warning. During this time, the potential for flooding and ice jamming is high.

Higher, faster-flowing water and extreme cold temperatures combine to create increased dangers on or near rivers, streams and ponds for people wishing to enjoy the seasonal changes. Parents and caregivers are being asked to keep children away from stream banks, ponds and lakes.

Have a great weekend.

Ms. Hardy

"No legacy is so rich as honesty."  - William Shakespeare

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of March 6-10

Save the Date! MAY 27: Garden Avenue School Fun Fair

Posted: 
Sunday March 5

The best FUNdraiser of the year. Come join us at school on Saturday May 27 from 10:00 to 3:00 for the Annual Garden School Fun Fair. Bouncy castles, games, entertainment, silent auction, food, book sale, plant sale, raffles...it all happens here. SAVE THE DATE and tell your friends, neighbours, and family. Everyone is welcome.

Fun Fair - Request for Volunteers!

Posted: 
Sunday March 5

Now that you have the date in your calendar (Sat 27 May), the next step is to get involved and help be a part of the awesome team that makes the Garden Fun Fair the well oiled machine it is ;)

The Fair is in need of:

1. SIGNAGE COORDINATOR
A volunteer to work with our graphic artist to manage indoor and outdoor signage, posters and promotional flyers. This is a 4-6 hour commitment in the days leading up to the Fair.

2. SITE COORDINATOR
Someone who wants to learn the ropes, preferably with small kids, in hopes of taking the lead in years to come. This involves: overseeing the bouncy castle, games, coordinating volunteers and the logistics of the day to keep things moving smoothly. Also managing set up and tear down.

If you are interested in one of these roles or just getting Involved in some way please contact Madeleine Cruickshank or send an email to the School Council at info@gardenschoolcouncil.com

This is a really fun group to work with and more hands will make it more fun!

School Note - Great Big Crunch Assembly on Thursday

Posted: 
Sunday March 5

On Thursday, March 9th, Garden Avenue students will be participating in "the Great Big Crunch" in the afternoon in the gym. The Great Big Crunch is a nation-wide FoodShare initiative in which people across the country take a bite out of an apple at exactly the same time. This event promotes nutritious, locally-grown food to our students in a fun and co-operative way. It is the 10th anniversary of The Great Big Crunch and Garden Avenue's 3rd year participating in this fun event.

Please let us know if there are any allergies or other concerns with respect to this event. Each student will be given her/his own whole apple to bite into for the Crunch.

Also, for this year, we're encouraging students to dress in their favourite apple colour if they would like (red, green or yellow).

Thank you for your continued support of our health and wellness initiatives!

Carrie Cox
Teacher-Librarian

Garden School News - Week of Feb 27 - March 3

Posted: 
Sunday February 26

On Monday, February 27, 2017 at 1:40 pm Garden students will be participating in the Polar Bear Walk, an exciting initiative by the WWF. Feel free to check out the exciting link http://polarbearwalk.wwf.ca/

Please support this worthwhile fundraiser by sending in a twoonie to school with your child. Each class will have their own twoonie cup where students will be ask to place their toonies. Thank you so much for your support.

The roof renovations continue. We have been lucky with the weather which has allowed the roofers to work most days. As there is little or no smell students have been little affected except that there is a large garbage bin at the east side of the building. We are reminding students to stay away from that area during recess and lunchtime. If you do stay after school to play in the yard please do make sure that your child stays away from this area.

With all this unseasonably warm weather we have been having difficulty with our yard. It seems to have turned very quickly into a large mud bowl. We are trying to keep the really wet areas cordoned off however if your child does have waterproof boots this would be the time to send them in. It would also be great if parents could speak to their children about staying out of these muddy areas in order that they can be dry for the afternoon.

Are you ready to crunch, Garden Avenue? On Thursday March 9th all staff and students will participate in the Great Big Crunch, a FoodShare initiative that promotes nutritious, locally grown and delicious snacks. Apples will be provided for everyone, and if you'd like, you're welcome to dress in your favourite colour of apple (green, red or yellow). Crunch an apple!

Ms. Hardy

“The future which we hold in trust for our own children will be shaped by our fairness to other people's children.”
- Marian Wright Edelman

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of February 27 - March 3

Polar Bear Walk on Monday

Posted: 
Sunday February 26

On Monday, February 27, 2017 at 1:40 pm Garden students will be participating in the Polar Bear Walk, an exciting initiative by the WWF. Feel free to check out the exciting link http://polarbearwalk.wwf.ca/

Please support this worthwhile fundraiser by sending in a twoonie to school with your child. Each class will have their own twoonie cup where students will be ask to place their toonies. Thank you so much for your support.

Silent Auction - Call for Donations

Posted: 
Sunday February 12

The Silent Auction is a big part of our fundraising effort at the annual spring Fun Fair, and a community favourite.

We couldn't put on the auction every year without the unfailing support of members of the parent community - not to mention the fabulous donations from our local neighbourhood businesses. As always, council is so grateful for each and every donation made. So if you are able to contribute something to this year's auction, it would be so very appreciated! It could be a physical prize, a gift card, a service or a special event.

For more info contact: Erica Spencer (ericafspencer@gmail.com) Sara Clark (saradclark@sympatico.ca) Sarb Nagra (sarbnagra@hotmail.com)