News

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

Cross-Country Starts September 13

Posted: 
Wednesday September 12

Cross-country running practices start on Thursday, September 13, and continue through to Wednesday, October 3. The meet will be on Thursday, October 4 at Ashbridges Bay.

If your child wants to participate, please return the signed forms to Mr. Goetz and come ready to run on Thursday!

Students in Grade 2-3 will practice 2 afternoons per week. Students in Grade 4-6 will practice 2 mornings and 1 afternoon per week.

Grade 2-3: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 3:30-4:15pm

Grade 4-6: Tuesdays & Thursdays at 8-8:45am; Wednesdays at 3:30-4:15pm

If you can help out with practices, please let Mr. Goetz know!

File(s): 

Inclement Weather Procedure for Kindergarten

Posted: 
Monday September 10

Morning:
Students will enter through the Galley Avenue kindergarten doors or will be gathered in the main entrance area by an educator. Parents should not walk their child into his/her classroom.

Lunch procedure:
Parents should drop off their kids in the gated kindergarten area. Late students should be dropped off at the office. The office will arrange delivery of the student into the classroom. Parents should not walk their child into his/her classroom.

Inclement weather lunch procedure:
Please drop off your child in the main entrance area. An educator will gather the kindergarten students and bring them into their classrooms. Late students should be dropped off at the office. The office will arrange delivery of the student into the classroom. Parents should not walk their child into his/her classroom.

 

Room 102 - Ms. Lawson is away

Posted: 
Sunday September 9

Ms. Lawson will be away this week due to medical reasons. Ms. Laloshi will continue to be the teacher until Ms. Lawson comes back on September 17.

Curriculum Night - Thursday, September 20

Posted: 
Sunday September 9

Curriculum night provides an opportunity for parents to visit the classrooms and learn as the teacher shares information such as classroom routines and homework expectations.

Children are welcome to come and show parents around their classroom and share some of the work they've done so far.

If you need to speak to the classroom teacher about your child’s individual progress, please schedule a meeting at another time. 

Curriculum documents may be accessed at www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary

Another Story will be hosting a book fair. Proceeds from the book fair will benefit our school library.

**Visit the School Council table to find out more about what we do and grab a frozen treat - on us!**

Cross-Country Starts September 13

Posted: 
Sunday September 9

It's cross-country running season again! Forms are due back on Thursday, September 13 and practices start the same day. The meet is on Thursday, October 4 at Ashbridges Bay.

JUNIOR PRACTICES (Grades 4, 5 and 6)

  • 8:00am-8:45am, meet in the gymnasium, proper running shoes required

PRIMARY PRACTICES (Grades 2 and 3)

  • 3:35pm-4:15pm, meet in the gymnasium, proper running shoes required

For more info, or if you can volunteer to help with practices, please see Mr. Goetz.

Garden School News - Week of Sept 10-14

Posted: 
Sunday September 9

We had a great first week of school. We were very pleased with students’ behaviour. Students remembered to say “Good Morning” to the adults and their school mates, and were respectful and responsible. They are settling into our school routines nicely. 

Please read the Parent Handbook that you received last week and go over it with your child.

A reminder to keep the strollers out of the main and back entrance as this is against the fire code.

Children should not be walked to class by parents.  Parents should drop off their child at the yard at 8:45 AM.  If you are late, please drop your child off at the office.  Please do not walk your child directly to class. 

A reminder to all parents/guardians that dogs are not permitted on school grounds during the hours of 8:00 AM to 6:00PM.  If you bring a dog when you pick up your child, please keep your dog outside of the school fence. 

Please remember that if there are any concerns, contact your classroom teacher first.  Please know that my door is always open if you have questions or concerns.

A reminder of the School’s Code of Conduct

  1. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS, RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
  2. KEEP HANDS, FEET AND OBJECTS TO YOURSELF
  3. WALK QUIETLY IN THE SCHOOL AT ALL TIMES
  4. TREAT OTHERS THE WAY YOU WANT TO BE TREATED
  5. THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR ONE MORE

Please follow us on twitter @GardenAvePS

Ms. Guffin

“Respect for ourselves guides our morals, respect for others guides our manners.” Laurence Sterne

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of September 10-14

Garden School News - Week of Sept 3-7

Posted: 
Monday September 3

Welcome back everyone!!!!  I hope that everyone had a wonderful and relaxing summer with your family and friends. ☺

I am very honoured to be the principal of Garden PS and very excited and inspired to have the opportunity to work with all the stakeholders of this wonderful community.

During the summer, the caretaking staff along with our wonderful teachers and ECEs have worked really hard to get the school ready for September. Please join me in thanking them for making our school ready!!

We are pleased to welcome David Mallon, our new night caretaker and Ms. Hritzun, as a permanent staff member. Ms. Hritzun will continue as our HSP/Resource teacher. Also, we welcome Ms. Theofilopoulos, our Gr 2/3 teacher and Mrs. Hoenhous, our Kindergarten teacher. Ms. Hoenhous is in place of Ms. Swail, who is currently on maternity leave. In addition, we welcome Ms. D’jan, our ECE and Ms. Ruth, our SNA.

For the first day of school the grade 1 and 1/2 classes will eat in the lunchroom in order to support them with learning the new lunchroom rules/routines. All other classes will be eating outside weather permitting.

Please follow us on twitter, @GardenAvenuePS for exciting news and events.

Looking forward to meeting everyone this week!! 

Ms. Guffin

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - 2018-09-03

TDSB Welcome and Parent Resource Page

Posted: 
Monday September 3

The TDSB (Toronto District School Board) has a Welcome Parents resource page with a list of resources, tools, information and more that support your involvement in your child’s education, their school and in the TDSB.

From the page:

Welcome! Parents and caregivers play a vital role in their child’s success. We know that when schools, families and communities work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer and enjoy school more. 

 

Happy Summer!

Posted: 
Thursday June 28

We made it! Today is the last day of school.

At the end of the school day today, at 3:30pm, the grade 1-5 students and teachers will exit out the east doors into the playground and gather to clap out the Grade 6 graduates. Parents are invited to join in and cheer on our departing students.

We are also saying goodbye to four staff members today: Ms. Hardy, Mrs. Baigent, Mr. Stanley and Ms. Swail, who will be on maternity leave starting in September. We wish Ms. Hardy and Mr. Stanley all the best at their new schools and we wish Mrs. Baigent a long and happy retirement, after more than 20 years of service to Garden.

School Council is also losing a number of long-time, superstar volunteers. We would like to thank Dave and Amanda Cooper, who, among other things, have helped Mr. Goetz to coach cross-country and track & field for many years, and Kam and Sarb Nagra who have volunteered at every event from movie nights, to BBQs and potlucks, to the Fun Fair and beyond. Their commitment to our school has made a difference to each and every student at Garden.

As we head into summer, we ask that you consider joining School Council in the fall. We are in need of new faces and new hands to help us with the work of fundraising, event planning, volunteer coordination and direction setting. We have an urgent need for a new Treasurer, as Wendy Hammond, who so expertly filled the role this year, is leaving us as well.

We wish everyone a safe & happy summer and see you in September!

Happy Summer! See you in September.

Garden School News - Week of June 25-29

Posted: 
Sunday June 24

Don’t forget on Tuesday June 26th to have your child wear rainbow colours as we will be celebrating Pride week at Garden.  There will also be dancing in the yard at 10:00 AM just before morning recess.  So make sure your child wears their dancing shoes.

Since this is my last Week At a Glance as Principal of Garden I want to say how much I have loved getting to know each and every one of you.  I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to be Principal of such an incredibly, special place.  Thank you for sharing your children with me.  As I told all of them at our assembly this week I will be taking a little piece of each of them and all of you with me in my heart.  Don’t forget I am only moving around the corner so if you are in the neighborhood pop by.  Till we meet again…

Ms Hardy

“Work hard and you will earn good rewards. Work smart and you will earn great rewards.
Work hard and work smart and you will earn extraordinary rewards.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of June 25-29

Summer BBQ - Wednesday, June 20

Posted: 
Sunday June 17

Dinner is on us!

Instead of Wednesday’s planned potluck dinner, school council is hosting a free BBQ.

We’ll be serving burgers, hot dogs and veggies burgers starting at 6pm in the playground on Wednesday, June 20. We’ll have drinks, chips and ice cream sammies, too. Bring your own cups and plates to help us cut down on the waste.

Let’s celebrate the summer solstice, and the end of another school year, by sharing a meal together.

The Lost & Found will be set up in the playground one last time so please make sure to have a look for your lost things!

Garden School News - Week of June 11-15

Posted: 
Sunday June 10

After being postponed in April due to the ice storm the Bike Rodeo is finally happening on Tuesday June 12th rain or shine.  The rodeo is for all students in the Primary division (Ms. Bell, Ms. Cochrane, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Schultz, Ms. Baigent and Mr. McClure).  Students will have the opportunity to learn about and practice safe bicycling skills.  If your child has a bicycle, please support them to ride the bike to school or help them to get the bike to school.  Your child may be asked to share their bike so others can also participate.  When you arrive at school please place the bikes along the East fence by the baseball diamond.  Don’t forget your helmets.

Wednesday June 13th will be our Kindergarten Open House.  This is an opportunity, for both parents and students, entering JK or new to kindergarten to visit the school.  It will support both parents and children with the transition to full day learning.  The overview will begin in the gym at 3:30.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone there.

June is Pride Month 2018 at the TDSB! It’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness among all staff and students about the rich culture and history of our LGBTQ community.  Garden will be having a Rainbow Pride day on June 26th.  Wear your rainbow colours with PRIDE.

Ms. Hardy

“Work hard and you will earn good rewards. Work smart and you will earn great rewards.
Work hard and work smart and you will earn extraordinary rewards.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of June 11-15

Primary Bike Rodeo - Tuesday, June 12

Posted: 
Sunday June 10

After being postponed in April due to the ice storm the Bike Rodeo is finally happening on Tuesday, June 12, rain or shine. The rodeo is for all students in the Primary division (Mrs. Bell, Ms. Cochrane, Ms. Lawson, Mrs. Schultz, Mrs. Baigent and Mr. McClure). 

Students will have the opportunity to learn about, and practice, safe bicycling skills. If your child has a bicycle, please support them to ride the bike to school or help them to get their bike to school. Your child may be asked to share their bike so others can also participate. When you arrive at school please place the bikes along the East fence by the baseball diamond. Don’t forget your helmets!

End of Year Potluck - Wednesday, June 20

Posted: 
Sunday June 10

Join us for an End of Year Potluck. Weather permitting, we'll gather in the playground from 5:30-7pm on Wednesday, June 20.

Everyone is welcome. Bring a dish to share with old and new friends. Please list ingredients and remember that all items should be nut free.

If you have no time to prepare something at home, feel free to pick something up on your way over. Baguette and cheese, hummus and pita, fruit and veggies are always a good choice!

Please bring your own plates & cutlery, if possible, to help us keep the waste to a minimum.

Garden School News - Week of June 4-8

Posted: 
Sunday June 3

On Monday Garden Avenue will be closed to all traffic.  They are cutting down the tree that lost a limb during the wind storm in May across the street from the school.  The Forestry Foreperson has told me that the street will be closed at approximately 9:15 AM to accommodate our morning routine and will be re-opening at approximately 2:00 PM for home time dismissal.

This week has been a hot one but we have been working together to keep our students and staff cool.  This year TDSB installed air conditioners in our library which has allowed us to use our library as a cooling station when need be.  We also have a number of classrooms on the first floor which are air conditioned because they are lucky enough to share a space with the Sunnyside Daycare.  Teachers have also been taking their students outside to enjoy the great outdoors especially when the breeze is blowing.  Let’s hope for cooler temperatures for the rest of June. ☺

We had a great bike, roll and walk to school week.  It was so exciting to see so many of our students and families outside in the fresh air and enjoying the bike, roll and/or walk to school.  Thank you to Mr. McClure for all your organization and support with this fun initiative and to Ms. Cox for providing all of the music in the yard on Friday before school.

Ms. Hardy

“Work hard and you will earn good rewards. Work smart and you will earn great rewards.
Work hard and work smart and you will earn extraordinary rewards.”
― Matshona Dhliwayo

File(s): 
Parent Week at a Glance - Week of June 4-8

TDSB French Review - Survey

Posted: 
Sunday June 3

Parents/guardians/grandparents of current and former students, former students and community members are invited to share their experiences and ideas on TDSB French programs via the online survey. It just takes a few minutes.

Click here for the online survey:
http://surveys.tdsb.on.ca/index.php?r=survey/index&sid=449816&lang=en

Current students can get their survey link from their principal. The survey will remain open until June 15.

June is Pride Month!

Posted: 
Sunday June 3

June is Pride Month 2018 at the TDSB. It’s an opportunity to celebrate diversity and raise awareness among all staff and students about the rich culture and history of our LGBTQ community.

Here are some of the things TDSB is doing to recognize Pride Month 2018:

  • Sharing curriculum resources with all schools
  • Encouraging all schools to raise the Pride flag on their flag pole or hang in the school
  • Participating in the city’s Toronto PRIDE 2018 Parade onSunday, June 24 – Everyone is welcome!

Please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/pride to learn more about these activities and find out how you can get involved. Follow and join in the conversation on Twitter, #PrideTDSB!

Garden will celebrate Pride on Tuesday, June 26, with a Rainbow Dress-Up Day - everyone is invited to dress up in their favourite rainbow of colours and celebrate diversity in our rainbow community.

Garden Spirit Wear is BACK!

Posted: 
Sunday May 27

The Garden Spirit Wear store will open on Monday, May 28 featuring youth and adult shirts, shorts, track pants and hats.

https://gardenavesummerstore.itemorder.com/

We have special option for Grade 6 grads to add 'Class of 2018' to their item.

The store will be open until Wednesday, June 6 and items will be delivered to school the week of June 18.

Thank YOU from School Council

Posted: 
Sunday May 27

What a day! Saturday's Fun Fair was a big success - together, we raised over $13,000 for School Council.

We use this money to pay for things like Robotics Club and trips to the TSO, to buy new Science Equipment and Musical Instruments, to buy new Floor Hockey sticks and books for the Forest of Reading programmes.

We couldn't do it with you.

Thank you to everyone who came, had fun, donated books or baked goods, bought a water bottle or a cookie, enjoyed a burger or bid on an item at the Silent Auction.

Above all else, we do this for the kids. If the smiles, painted faces and endless karaoke are any indication, I think it's safe to say it was all worth it.

Garden Avenue Fun Fair Today! (Sat May 26 from 10am-3pm)

Posted: 
Saturday May 26

Join us on Saturday from 10am to 3pm for the Annual Garden Avenue Fun Fair.

The best FUNdraiser of the year! With bouncy castles, face painting, raffle baskets, games, entertainment, BBQ, book sale, bake sale, and more...it all happens here. Tell your friends, neighbours, and family. Everyone is welcome.

Garden Avenue Fun Fair poster

About the Fun Fair

The Fun Fair is the largest single fundraiser for School Council. Garden School Council helps foster a creative learning environment for our children by providing funds for a range of school activities, including teacher grants, arts performances in the gym, field trips, and more.

Early Bird Wristband Sales

Posted: 
Monday May 21

Avoid line-ups at the 2018 Fun Fair! Buy your Play-All-Day wristbands ahead of time and spend more time having FUN, browsing the Book Sale, and bidding at the Silent Auction.

You can still purchase wristbands, and individual tickets for rides and games, at the Fun Fair – but buying early will let you hit the Fun Fair grounds running!

  • Wristbands will be on sale before and after school, in the foyer, the week of May 22.
  • Payment can be made by cash, cheque, email money transfer or credit card.

Play-All-Day Wristband Pricing
Ages 4 and up $25
Ages 3 and under $10

Wristbands can be used for all rides, games, arts & crafts and face painting.

Spring Cleaning for the Fun Fair

Posted: 
Sunday May 13

We are looking for small items - in “gift quality” condition - like matchbox cars, little figurines, pins, erasers, unused fun pencils, small books, etc. to be used as prizes for the games at the Fun Fair. A donation box will be in the foyer until May 24.

Reusable Water Bottles

Posted: 
Sunday May 13

This year, we will not be selling bottled water at the Fun Fair.

Bring your reusable water bottle to the Fun Fair and help the environment by reducing the amount of plastic and waste.

Garden logo water bottles will be on sale at school, and at the Fun Fair, the week of May 22 for $10. These bottles are stainless steel, BPA free and hold up to 500mL.

Get yours while supplies last!

water bottle