News

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.

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. 

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

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

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

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-...

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

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

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!

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