We celebrated the holidays with our final kindergarten concert on Tuesday night. Thanks to all relatives and friends who came to see the singing and chanting! They certainly put us in the festive mood! Thanks to the kindergarten staff for working a little extra with the kids to get them prepared.
Today, the grade 6-8 students had a great time at the dance and the "candy grams" were delivered from the grade 8 students. The funds from the the candy canes will go towards their Quebec trip. On the fundraising note, the bake sale raised around $1300.00 for Sleeping Children and the Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund. Congratulations to all the students involved in any fundraising efforts this past month. Your enthusiasm is inspiring!
This week we had Officer Keith visit numerous classrooms. He covered a variety of topics with the kids: Elmer Safety (Kindergarten), Bullying (Grade 4), Personal Safety (Grade 2), Internet Safety (Grade 5) and Substance Abuse (Grade 6). Later, he will continue to visit our middle school.
We also had the pleasure of hosting an artist from Artist to Go. Landscape art was created in Mrs. Adair's, Mrs. Young's, Mrs. Gibson's and Dr. de Braga's classes (focusing on Group of Seven). They were absolutely fabulous! Every class will have the opportunity to work with an artist at some stage over the next six months.
Tomorrow we will host our final carol singing at 9:00 a.m. It should prove to be a good send off to the holidays!
Thank you for a great first term! We are very proud of the students' accomplishments, both in and outside the classroom. They should be very happy with themselves. Have a great holiday everyone and we will see you back on the 5th.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Parent Council Directory
We just finished our first carolling with the kids and it was so much fun! They also watched 3 movies of themselves; a big composite of the many pics I have snapped since September. They love seeing themselves on the big screen!
Just a reminder that if you haven't picked up your school directory and would like one, to please see Lianne Hill tomorrow night at the Kindergarten concert. Thanks for putting this together Lianne!
Just a reminder that if you haven't picked up your school directory and would like one, to please see Lianne Hill tomorrow night at the Kindergarten concert. Thanks for putting this together Lianne!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Upcoming Holidays
This week we hosted two of our three concerts this year. Many thanks goes to all staff and parents involved, especially Mr. Samotowka, Ms. Hoffman, and Mrs. Tyndall for organizing the whole program. The pieces that were picked this year were beautiful compositions and through many hours of practice, you could really see the difference in the kids' skill level from September. Next week the Kindergarten performance will be on Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. I'm sure like me, many parents appreciate the artistic talents demonstrated throughout our school.
On that note, a few of our junior classes have been working with a professional artist this past week. The kids have been working on landscape paintings. We cannot wait to display them as they look fantastic! Mr. Ourique's grade 6 art classes have also been creating some outstanding masks that will be displayed in the front hall shortly and a big thanks to Mrs. Iafrate's grade 2 "dragon" display in the front showcase; amazing renditions!
Many thanks to Mr. Page for hosting our First Term Athletic Assembly. The whole school recognized all the students who participated in Houseleague, Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Once again we thank our staff coaches: Mr. Page, Ms. Hoffman, Mr. Kuru, Ms. Shklar, Mr. Bracht, Mr. Elias, Mr. Ellerker, Mr. Blais and Mr. Ross. Thank you to all of the coaches for supporting our general philosophy of having fun, trying our best and playing safe!
Do you believe that among all the concert rehearsals the grade 4 (and 3 & 5 classes) hosted a Bake Sale on Wednesday! This has got to be one of the highlights for the students-they absolutely love this experience! It takes a lot of work from parents and staff to put on such a great event, and we thank everyone. A special thanks to Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi and Mrs. Stratton for organizing and counting all that money! Happy Eating!
Next week, we are looking forward to:
15th-Officer Keith begins visiting classrooms (16th & 17th also; Carols @ 1:00 p.m.; Grade 8 classes visit ECI (our feeder school) all day (Parents: Please drop the kids off at the main doors for 9:00 a.m.)
16th-Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
18th-Grade 6-8 Dance
19th-Carols @ 9:00 a.m.
On that note, a few of our junior classes have been working with a professional artist this past week. The kids have been working on landscape paintings. We cannot wait to display them as they look fantastic! Mr. Ourique's grade 6 art classes have also been creating some outstanding masks that will be displayed in the front hall shortly and a big thanks to Mrs. Iafrate's grade 2 "dragon" display in the front showcase; amazing renditions!
Many thanks to Mr. Page for hosting our First Term Athletic Assembly. The whole school recognized all the students who participated in Houseleague, Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, and Baseball. Once again we thank our staff coaches: Mr. Page, Ms. Hoffman, Mr. Kuru, Ms. Shklar, Mr. Bracht, Mr. Elias, Mr. Ellerker, Mr. Blais and Mr. Ross. Thank you to all of the coaches for supporting our general philosophy of having fun, trying our best and playing safe!
Do you believe that among all the concert rehearsals the grade 4 (and 3 & 5 classes) hosted a Bake Sale on Wednesday! This has got to be one of the highlights for the students-they absolutely love this experience! It takes a lot of work from parents and staff to put on such a great event, and we thank everyone. A special thanks to Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi and Mrs. Stratton for organizing and counting all that money! Happy Eating!
Next week, we are looking forward to:
15th-Officer Keith begins visiting classrooms (16th & 17th also; Carols @ 1:00 p.m.; Grade 8 classes visit ECI (our feeder school) all day (Parents: Please drop the kids off at the main doors for 9:00 a.m.)
16th-Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
18th-Grade 6-8 Dance
19th-Carols @ 9:00 a.m.
Friday, December 5, 2008
December 8
This week we will be hosting our concerts. We are looking forward to our grade 1-3 concert on Tuesday @ 6:00 p.m. and our grade 4-6 concert on Wednesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Other events around the school:
8th-All morning kindergarten classes out to see "Bird Brain"; Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m.
9th-Grade 4 Bake Sale in the afternoon; Debbie Gordon from Mediacs presents to our grade 8 classes on Self-Esteem and the Web
10th-Afternoon kindergarten classes out to see "Bird Brain"
12th-Term 1 Athletic Assembly around 12:40
15th, 16, 17-Officer Keith visits
15th-Carols @ 1:00 p.m.
16th-Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
19th-Carols @ 9:00 a.m.
From Mrs. Burdon and the Parent Council Community Outreach Committee...
LKS Annual Toy Drive for Stonegate Community Centre
Dec 8 - 16
Please come with your child to the School Christmas Tree.
( Located in the Lunchroom - Gym)
Pick a STAR.
Each Star has the gender and age of a child that needs a gift.
Buy a gift for them and put it back under the tree wrapped with the star attached to it.
Other events around the school:
8th-All morning kindergarten classes out to see "Bird Brain"; Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m.
9th-Grade 4 Bake Sale in the afternoon; Debbie Gordon from Mediacs presents to our grade 8 classes on Self-Esteem and the Web
10th-Afternoon kindergarten classes out to see "Bird Brain"
12th-Term 1 Athletic Assembly around 12:40
15th, 16, 17-Officer Keith visits
15th-Carols @ 1:00 p.m.
16th-Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
19th-Carols @ 9:00 a.m.
From Mrs. Burdon and the Parent Council Community Outreach Committee...
LKS Annual Toy Drive for Stonegate Community Centre
Dec 8 - 16
Please come with your child to the School Christmas Tree.
( Located in the Lunchroom - Gym)
Pick a STAR.
Each Star has the gender and age of a child that needs a gift.
Buy a gift for them and put it back under the tree wrapped with the star attached to it.
Friday, November 28, 2008
December Is Here!
This week we hosted a couple of great student presentations. Our junior and intermediate classes saw Nearly Lear; a dramatic rendition of the real Lear! It was a unique presentation that brought Shakespeare to life for the kids!
Also, our grade 6 students participated in a Wild Wild Web presentation with Debbie Gordon. Her key messages for the kids are: Think before you click, Practise Online Responsible Citizenship and Privacy=Safety. We'd ask that you take this time to review your child's online activities as a family. Many of the kids have blogs, email addresses and websites, and it might be a great time for you to go through them with the kids.
Finally, our grade 5 girls participated in an anti-bullying/empowerment presentation by Fitgirls. The girls learned about being a meanie, doormat, bystander and empowered girl. Again, the idea is for the girls to practise what they would say and do if difficult situations arise. The girls are bringing home a note for you regarding future workshops.
December Dates (as usual, lots going on):
1st-Report Go Home; Book Fair in Library
2nd-Grade 8 Special Education Reviews
3rd-A Christmas Carol for grades 1-3-p.m.
4th (evening) and 5th-Parent/Teacher Interviews
8th-Grade 8 HPV-2nd Shot for the girls; Kindergartens out to see Bird Brain (also the 10th; Grade 8 Students selling Candy Canes (be Kind and Caring-buy a friend a treat; Parent Council @ 7:30 p.m.(Library)
9th-Grade 4 Bake Sale-afternoon; Christmas Concert for grades 1-3 @ 6:00 p.m.; Mediacs Presentations for grade 8 classes
10th- Grades 4-8 Christmas Concert @ 6:30 p.m.
12th-Term 1 Athletic Assembly @ 2:45 p.m.
15, 16, 17th-Officer Keith visits a variety of classes (Safety Officer)
15th-Christmas Carols-1:00 p.m.
16th-Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
19th-Christmas Carols-9:00 a.m.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Also, our grade 6 students participated in a Wild Wild Web presentation with Debbie Gordon. Her key messages for the kids are: Think before you click, Practise Online Responsible Citizenship and Privacy=Safety. We'd ask that you take this time to review your child's online activities as a family. Many of the kids have blogs, email addresses and websites, and it might be a great time for you to go through them with the kids.
Finally, our grade 5 girls participated in an anti-bullying/empowerment presentation by Fitgirls. The girls learned about being a meanie, doormat, bystander and empowered girl. Again, the idea is for the girls to practise what they would say and do if difficult situations arise. The girls are bringing home a note for you regarding future workshops.
December Dates (as usual, lots going on):
1st-Report Go Home; Book Fair in Library
2nd-Grade 8 Special Education Reviews
3rd-A Christmas Carol for grades 1-3-p.m.
4th (evening) and 5th-Parent/Teacher Interviews
8th-Grade 8 HPV-2nd Shot for the girls; Kindergartens out to see Bird Brain (also the 10th; Grade 8 Students selling Candy Canes (be Kind and Caring-buy a friend a treat; Parent Council @ 7:30 p.m.(Library)
9th-Grade 4 Bake Sale-afternoon; Christmas Concert for grades 1-3 @ 6:00 p.m.; Mediacs Presentations for grade 8 classes
10th- Grades 4-8 Christmas Concert @ 6:30 p.m.
12th-Term 1 Athletic Assembly @ 2:45 p.m.
15, 16, 17th-Officer Keith visits a variety of classes (Safety Officer)
15th-Christmas Carols-1:00 p.m.
16th-Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
19th-Christmas Carols-9:00 a.m.
I hope you have a great weekend!
Monday, November 24, 2008
LKS LINK
A big thank you to Mrs. Laco for organizing the LINK this year. She asked that I put her link on my blog to let you know where to send pics (scroll to the bottom of staff blogs). Lots of pics will make a great yearbook!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Last Days of November
I love our Sharing Assemblies! These assemblies give me another opportunity to see the kids in a different light. There is singing, reciting of poems, acting and sometimes dancing. It is a time to showcase the good things that have been happening in our classes. They provide a "small moment" for me to cherish as a principal. I do want to thank the Parent Council Literacy Committee for getting the kids "excited" about reading. The kids are looking forward to the tatoos! Thank you to the grade 5 girls for a wonderful, nail biting, dance!
A big thank you also to Mrs. Quintal(Parent Council member) for organizing our many performances this year (next year the middle school students will experience Nearly Lear! It is great to celebrate the Arts in our school. We are so happy to see the great visual artwork and drama the teachers are doing with the kids in the classroom, and these performances only add to our artistic experiences.
Each month the Student Safety Reps have organized different events to celebrate our monthly Character Development Trait. This month is Empathy. Teachers have been providing lessons on this very important trait. Empathy is an advanced concept to learn, but kids really start understanding it as they get older. Here are a few suggestions to help talk about Empathy at home:
-doing family projects around helping others; reading and/or watching the news and encouraging discussion about how those involved might feel; engaging your child in volunteer opportunities and participating in discussions around family feelings (i.e. when siblings argue)!
*December Trait is Kindness and Caring!
Lots of things are happening next week:
25th-Junior Boys Volleyball at Runnymede all day
26th-Nearly Lear Performance for grades 6, 7 & 8
27th-Author Visit for grades 1 & 2
28th-Grade 5 Girls' Bullying Workshop
December
1st-Book Fair
2nd-Reports Cards Go Home!Grade 8 IPRC Reviews
3rd-A Christmas Carol for Primary
4th (evening) and 5th-Parent Teacher Interviews
8th-Grade 8 HPV;
9th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grade 1-3 @ 6:00 p.m.
10th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grades 4-8 @6:30 p.m.
12th-Term 1 Athletic Assembly @ 2:40 p.m.
15,16 and 17th-Community Officer Keith visits
A few parents asked me if we have clubs at the school...we do! In addition to lots of sports and houseleague, some teachers are offering clubs this term. So far we have a photography club with Mrs. Zappi (intermediate grades), an art club for grades 7 & 8 (Staff Advisor: Mrs. Walker), a Craft Club (December) for grade 7 (Staff Advisor: Mrs. Caddel); Guitar Club for grades 4-8 (Staff Advisor: Mr. Littlejohn).
A big thank you also to Mrs. Quintal(Parent Council member) for organizing our many performances this year (next year the middle school students will experience Nearly Lear! It is great to celebrate the Arts in our school. We are so happy to see the great visual artwork and drama the teachers are doing with the kids in the classroom, and these performances only add to our artistic experiences.
Each month the Student Safety Reps have organized different events to celebrate our monthly Character Development Trait. This month is Empathy. Teachers have been providing lessons on this very important trait. Empathy is an advanced concept to learn, but kids really start understanding it as they get older. Here are a few suggestions to help talk about Empathy at home:
-doing family projects around helping others; reading and/or watching the news and encouraging discussion about how those involved might feel; engaging your child in volunteer opportunities and participating in discussions around family feelings (i.e. when siblings argue)!
*December Trait is Kindness and Caring!
Lots of things are happening next week:
25th-Junior Boys Volleyball at Runnymede all day
26th-Nearly Lear Performance for grades 6, 7 & 8
27th-Author Visit for grades 1 & 2
28th-Grade 5 Girls' Bullying Workshop
December
1st-Book Fair
2nd-Reports Cards Go Home!Grade 8 IPRC Reviews
3rd-A Christmas Carol for Primary
4th (evening) and 5th-Parent Teacher Interviews
8th-Grade 8 HPV;
9th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grade 1-3 @ 6:00 p.m.
10th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grades 4-8 @6:30 p.m.
12th-Term 1 Athletic Assembly @ 2:40 p.m.
15,16 and 17th-Community Officer Keith visits
A few parents asked me if we have clubs at the school...we do! In addition to lots of sports and houseleague, some teachers are offering clubs this term. So far we have a photography club with Mrs. Zappi (intermediate grades), an art club for grades 7 & 8 (Staff Advisor: Mrs. Walker), a Craft Club (December) for grade 7 (Staff Advisor: Mrs. Caddel); Guitar Club for grades 4-8 (Staff Advisor: Mr. Littlejohn).
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Week of November 17th
Thank you to all the grade 8 parents who attended our information session about secondary school. We encourage parents and students to attend the high school open houses to learn what each has to offer. Mrs. Forte has spoken to the grade 8 classes and will work with the students and parents to complete the upcoming course selection sheets. Please remember if you need any optional attendance forms signed, to please drop them off in the office for me to sign.
On Monday, during the parent council meeting, we were able to share our school improvement plan. Staff has worked hard to create both language and math goals this term. Many will be working with our consultants to help implement those goals. We will have our powerpoint on the website shortly. We also had the opportunity to hear from the various parent committees. Once again, we would like to thank all the parents who have volunteered to "spearhead" these committees. Our Acorn fundraising campaign is complete and it was nice to hear it was met with great support. Remember, you can always order your magazines on-line with QSP. Thank you to Mrs. Wardrop and Mrs. Porter for your fundraising efforts!
We'd also like to thank Mrs. Dreger and Mrs. Crossland, and their team, for organizing our wonderful author visits. These are great literary experiences for the kids! Mrs. Greifenberger, we would like to say thank you for organizing our phys.ed clothing orders. Many people ordered LKS clothing, and we know this was a lot of work on your part. Thanks so much!
Please don't forget to give your books, clothing, and old soccer uniforms to the Community Resource committee. All donations can be placed under the stairwell by November 17th. Thank you to Mrs. Burdon and Mrs. Fernandes for organizing these good deeds!
We'd also like to invite any grade 5 parent interested in the Karen Kain School of the Arts (for grade 6 entry)to attend the information session on Thursday, November 20th @ 6:00 p.m. To get more info, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/schoolweb/karenkain.
For our grade 3 parents interested in the Grade 4 Junior Extended program or Middle School French Immersion program, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/pars. The application process is on-line. A brochure will be sent home with your child over the next few days.
Finally a few dates to remember:
November
17th-Grade 6 Classes on Outdoor Ed Trip
18th-Mrs. Young and Mrs. Gibson visit Outdoor Ed Centre
19th-Grade 7/8 Skills Canada
20th-Senior Girls BB @ Carleton and Sr Girls VBall @ James S Bell
21st-Sharing Assemblies
25th-Junior Boys Volleyball Tournament; Grade 3 Parent EQAO Night
26th-Grade 6, 7 & 8 Play
27th-Author Visit for grade 1 & 2
28th-Grade 5 Girls Bullying Workshop
December
1st-Book Fair
2nd-Reports Cards Go Home!Grade 8 IPRC Reviews
3rd-A Christmas Carol for Primary
4th (evening) and 5th-Parent Teacher Interviews
8th-Grade 8 HPV;
9th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grade 1-3 @ 6:30
10th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grades 4-8
12th-Term 1 Athletic Assembly @ 2:40 p.m.
15,16 and 17th-Community Officer Keith visits
On Monday, during the parent council meeting, we were able to share our school improvement plan. Staff has worked hard to create both language and math goals this term. Many will be working with our consultants to help implement those goals. We will have our powerpoint on the website shortly. We also had the opportunity to hear from the various parent committees. Once again, we would like to thank all the parents who have volunteered to "spearhead" these committees. Our Acorn fundraising campaign is complete and it was nice to hear it was met with great support. Remember, you can always order your magazines on-line with QSP. Thank you to Mrs. Wardrop and Mrs. Porter for your fundraising efforts!
We'd also like to thank Mrs. Dreger and Mrs. Crossland, and their team, for organizing our wonderful author visits. These are great literary experiences for the kids! Mrs. Greifenberger, we would like to say thank you for organizing our phys.ed clothing orders. Many people ordered LKS clothing, and we know this was a lot of work on your part. Thanks so much!
Please don't forget to give your books, clothing, and old soccer uniforms to the Community Resource committee. All donations can be placed under the stairwell by November 17th. Thank you to Mrs. Burdon and Mrs. Fernandes for organizing these good deeds!
We'd also like to invite any grade 5 parent interested in the Karen Kain School of the Arts (for grade 6 entry)to attend the information session on Thursday, November 20th @ 6:00 p.m. To get more info, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/schoolweb/karenkain.
For our grade 3 parents interested in the Grade 4 Junior Extended program or Middle School French Immersion program, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/pars. The application process is on-line. A brochure will be sent home with your child over the next few days.
Finally a few dates to remember:
November
17th-Grade 6 Classes on Outdoor Ed Trip
18th-Mrs. Young and Mrs. Gibson visit Outdoor Ed Centre
19th-Grade 7/8 Skills Canada
20th-Senior Girls BB @ Carleton and Sr Girls VBall @ James S Bell
21st-Sharing Assemblies
25th-Junior Boys Volleyball Tournament; Grade 3 Parent EQAO Night
26th-Grade 6, 7 & 8 Play
27th-Author Visit for grade 1 & 2
28th-Grade 5 Girls Bullying Workshop
December
1st-Book Fair
2nd-Reports Cards Go Home!Grade 8 IPRC Reviews
3rd-A Christmas Carol for Primary
4th (evening) and 5th-Parent Teacher Interviews
8th-Grade 8 HPV;
9th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grade 1-3 @ 6:30
10th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grades 4-8
12th-Term 1 Athletic Assembly @ 2:40 p.m.
15,16 and 17th-Community Officer Keith visits
Friday, November 7, 2008
Week Ahead!
What a busy week! We would like to thank all the parents who attended our first Family Night on Wednesday. The kids loved the pasta and bingo. We'd like to thank Mrs. Gillmeister for organizing this event. Today we all wore our pajamas to support our student council, and ate lots of pizza for lunch. Thank you to Mrs. Ayer and her team for organizing our first pizza lunch. In about 40 minutes, we are also having our final Terry Fox Assembly! We thank all the families who contributed to this very special cause.
Next week we invite you to Parent Council on Monday night in the library at 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday, the grade 8 parents are invited to the information night on secondary schools. Finally, Bruce Davis, the trustee, will be hosting his Ward meeting at Islington Junior Middle school @ 7:00 p.m. The topic is on Secondary Schools.
Hopefully, staff have sent home parent/teacher interview letters or emailed/called to schedule a first term interview. Please return responses by Wednesday as we need to meet as a staff to schedule common interviews times for siblings.
Finally, we invite you to our Remembrance Day Assembly @ 10:30 a.m. on the 11th. Thank you to Mrs. Wolfer and Mrs. Rychlik for creating our display in the front hall. It shows a wonderful piece of LKS history.
A final last plea...as of now we do not have a chair, co-chair or committee for Springfest. If you are interested, please contact Lianne Hill, the Parent Council Chair.
Next week we invite you to Parent Council on Monday night in the library at 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday, the grade 8 parents are invited to the information night on secondary schools. Finally, Bruce Davis, the trustee, will be hosting his Ward meeting at Islington Junior Middle school @ 7:00 p.m. The topic is on Secondary Schools.
Hopefully, staff have sent home parent/teacher interview letters or emailed/called to schedule a first term interview. Please return responses by Wednesday as we need to meet as a staff to schedule common interviews times for siblings.
Finally, we invite you to our Remembrance Day Assembly @ 10:30 a.m. on the 11th. Thank you to Mrs. Wolfer and Mrs. Rychlik for creating our display in the front hall. It shows a wonderful piece of LKS history.
A final last plea...as of now we do not have a chair, co-chair or committee for Springfest. If you are interested, please contact Lianne Hill, the Parent Council Chair.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
November
What a beautiful Fall day! Hopefully it is like this for tomorrow's Hallowe'en Parade. We will start around 9:00 a.m. if you would like to watch. Parent Council will be out in full force with warm beverages.
We'd like to welcome Mrs. Bartlett who is replacing Mrs. Magyari, our afternoon secretary for awhile. Mrs. Magyari will be leaving us on Monday for her new full-time office position. We thank her for all her assistance and commitment to the LKS community for the last six years.
I'd like to direct you to our new special education blog. Over the next few months, we will post information that will should be helpful to parents directly involved with spec ed, and also to the community at large. I'd really like to thank Mr. Ross for managing the posts.
Mrs. Hill would like to remind all parents to submit their information to their grade parent if you would like to be included in the school directory. Mrs. Hill began the directory with great success last year, and it continues to grow. Thank you for this valuable resource.
Mrs. Burdon would like to remind everyone that there will be a soccer uniform, winter clothing and book drive between Nov. 10th-14th. If you have items to donate, please bring those items into the school during that week. Details will be coming home via grade parents.
Just a few dates to keep in mind:
November:
5th-Pasta and Bingo Night-Thanks Mrs. Gillmeister (forms were due on the 29th)
7th-Pizza Lunch and Pajama Day; Terry Fox Assembly @ 2:35; Parent Teacher Letters go home around this time
10th-Parent Council @ 7:30 in the Library
11th-Remembrance Day Assembly
12th-Please return all Interview Letters back to homeroom teacher; Photo Retake Day!; Grade 8 High School Night-Library
14th-Grade 3 to Science Centre
17th-Grade 6 Classes on Outdoor Ed Trip
18th-Mrs. Young and Mrs. Gibson visit Outdoor Ed Centre
19th-Grade 7/8 Skills Canada
21st-Sharing Assemblies
25th-Junior Boys Volleyball Tournament; Grade 3 Parent EQAO Night
26th-Grade 6, 7 & 8 Play
27th-Senior Volleyball Tournament; Author Visit for grade 1 & 2
December
1st-Book Fair
2nd-Reports Cards Go Home!Grade 8 Reviews
3rd-A Christmas Carol for Primary
4th (evening) and 5th-Parent Teacher Interviews
8th-Grade 8 HPV
9th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grade 1-3 @ 6:30
10th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grades 6-8
We'd like to welcome Mrs. Bartlett who is replacing Mrs. Magyari, our afternoon secretary for awhile. Mrs. Magyari will be leaving us on Monday for her new full-time office position. We thank her for all her assistance and commitment to the LKS community for the last six years.
I'd like to direct you to our new special education blog. Over the next few months, we will post information that will should be helpful to parents directly involved with spec ed, and also to the community at large. I'd really like to thank Mr. Ross for managing the posts.
Mrs. Hill would like to remind all parents to submit their information to their grade parent if you would like to be included in the school directory. Mrs. Hill began the directory with great success last year, and it continues to grow. Thank you for this valuable resource.
Mrs. Burdon would like to remind everyone that there will be a soccer uniform, winter clothing and book drive between Nov. 10th-14th. If you have items to donate, please bring those items into the school during that week. Details will be coming home via grade parents.
Just a few dates to keep in mind:
November:
5th-Pasta and Bingo Night-Thanks Mrs. Gillmeister (forms were due on the 29th)
7th-Pizza Lunch and Pajama Day; Terry Fox Assembly @ 2:35; Parent Teacher Letters go home around this time
10th-Parent Council @ 7:30 in the Library
11th-Remembrance Day Assembly
12th-Please return all Interview Letters back to homeroom teacher; Photo Retake Day!; Grade 8 High School Night-Library
14th-Grade 3 to Science Centre
17th-Grade 6 Classes on Outdoor Ed Trip
18th-Mrs. Young and Mrs. Gibson visit Outdoor Ed Centre
19th-Grade 7/8 Skills Canada
21st-Sharing Assemblies
25th-Junior Boys Volleyball Tournament; Grade 3 Parent EQAO Night
26th-Grade 6, 7 & 8 Play
27th-Senior Volleyball Tournament; Author Visit for grade 1 & 2
December
1st-Book Fair
2nd-Reports Cards Go Home!Grade 8 Reviews
3rd-A Christmas Carol for Primary
4th (evening) and 5th-Parent Teacher Interviews
8th-Grade 8 HPV
9th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grade 1-3 @ 6:30
10th-LKS Christmas Concert-Grades 6-8
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Hallowe'en Week!
We are looking forward to our Hallowe'en Parade on Friday. We will be following the fence line if you wish to come and watch. Parent Council will be hosting some refreshments for your enjoyment.
This week we've cleaned up the lost and found. Thank you to Mrs. Lindsell who is helping us do this very dirty job! Please check the lost and found if your child is missing any items. We are displaying them the last week of the month with the hopes that most of the items will be claimed. If not, we will send the clothing to a needy area/charity.
Shortly, we will be sending home the annual Unicef envelopes. If your child wants to participate, please return the envelope the following week. Thank you for your support. A Unicef Rep will be picking up all donations at a later date.
The office sent home the annual Verification Reports. Please complete and send them back as soon as possible. This would help the office staff tremendously.
Finally, we welcome Mr. Piwowarcyzk, our new afternoon caretaker. Also, we have been assigned additional caretaker help this year and the person should be assigned shortly.
The kids are really going to enjoy next week:
27th-Football Finals
28th-Grade 3 & 4 Storytelling-Author Bob Baron visits-Thanks Parent Council!; Eco Reps (Staff and Parents) attend EcoSchools Celebration
29th-Grade 6-8 Dance
30th-Grade 5 go to Queen's Park
31st-Hallowe'en Parade; Haunted House; Unicef Envelopes go home!
Just a reminder that tomorrow is a PA Day. Our staff will be participating in Smart Board and Advanced Guided Reading Strategies workshops.
This week we've cleaned up the lost and found. Thank you to Mrs. Lindsell who is helping us do this very dirty job! Please check the lost and found if your child is missing any items. We are displaying them the last week of the month with the hopes that most of the items will be claimed. If not, we will send the clothing to a needy area/charity.
Shortly, we will be sending home the annual Unicef envelopes. If your child wants to participate, please return the envelope the following week. Thank you for your support. A Unicef Rep will be picking up all donations at a later date.
The office sent home the annual Verification Reports. Please complete and send them back as soon as possible. This would help the office staff tremendously.
Finally, we welcome Mr. Piwowarcyzk, our new afternoon caretaker. Also, we have been assigned additional caretaker help this year and the person should be assigned shortly.
The kids are really going to enjoy next week:
27th-Football Finals
28th-Grade 3 & 4 Storytelling-Author Bob Baron visits-Thanks Parent Council!; Eco Reps (Staff and Parents) attend EcoSchools Celebration
29th-Grade 6-8 Dance
30th-Grade 5 go to Queen's Park
31st-Hallowe'en Parade; Haunted House; Unicef Envelopes go home!
Just a reminder that tomorrow is a PA Day. Our staff will be participating in Smart Board and Advanced Guided Reading Strategies workshops.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Week Ahead!
What a beautiful day it has turned out to be! Thank you to all the parents who came to our sharing assemblies. It was the first time we celebrated together.
Just a few things to keep in mind this week:
20th-Grade 8 Girls HPV and Grade 7 HEP B; Junior Football @ Burnamthorpe; Grade 6 Parent Night on EQAO and Overnight Trip
22nd-Cross Country Finals
23rd-Football Semi-Conference Finals
A reminder that Friday is a PA Day. Many of our primary/junior staff will be participating in an advanced guided reading strategies course with speaker, Pam Haack from the Bureau of Education and Research. Others will be learning about our Smart Board and new document cameras and how to incorporate them into their classrooms. It's going to be a great day!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Just a few things to keep in mind this week:
20th-Grade 8 Girls HPV and Grade 7 HEP B; Junior Football @ Burnamthorpe; Grade 6 Parent Night on EQAO and Overnight Trip
22nd-Cross Country Finals
23rd-Football Semi-Conference Finals
A reminder that Friday is a PA Day. Many of our primary/junior staff will be participating in an advanced guided reading strategies course with speaker, Pam Haack from the Bureau of Education and Research. Others will be learning about our Smart Board and new document cameras and how to incorporate them into their classrooms. It's going to be a great day!
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Parent Council
Sorry everyone! The next PC meeting isn't until November 10th, not next Monday as was written in my last blog entry. Hope to see you there!
Week Ahead!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. It certainly was hard getting to cross-country today! I'm sure we will be back into routine tomorrow. We've got a few things happening of interest this week:
Today:
-Welcome to Jim Spyropoulos, our superintendent. He visited Ms. Malobabic's class to see the comic book workshop
-Our semi-finalists in cross country had their final run before tomorrow's meet at Centennial
-Mr. Kuru and the Senior Boys' Football team are at a tournament for the day
-The grade 6 classes are enjoying the nature trip right now
Thursday:
-Acorn Day!-All classes will be participating in our card making fundraising activity
-We have Bus Safety Presentations for our primary classes
-The Senior Girls have a football tournament
Friday:
-Our Junior Girls have a football tournamnet
-Our first Sharing Assemblies throughout the day
Just a reminder of our Parent Council Meeting next Monday!
Today:
-Welcome to Jim Spyropoulos, our superintendent. He visited Ms. Malobabic's class to see the comic book workshop
-Our semi-finalists in cross country had their final run before tomorrow's meet at Centennial
-Mr. Kuru and the Senior Boys' Football team are at a tournament for the day
-The grade 6 classes are enjoying the nature trip right now
Thursday:
-Acorn Day!-All classes will be participating in our card making fundraising activity
-We have Bus Safety Presentations for our primary classes
-The Senior Girls have a football tournament
Friday:
-Our Junior Girls have a football tournamnet
-Our first Sharing Assemblies throughout the day
Just a reminder of our Parent Council Meeting next Monday!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Fire Drills and Lockdown!
Every year we practise fire drills and lockdowns with the kids. Generally we do 3 fire drills and one lockdown in the Fall and Spring. Hopefully, we are never in either of these situations, but it is really important that we continue to practice so the kids know what to do just in case.
We just finished practising a "mock" lockdown with the staff and students. During a lockdown the students and teachers stay in their classrooms after an announcement is made from the office. Generally all lights are off, blinds and windows are closed and all glass on the classroom doors is covered under these conditions. The students and teacher are then asked to sit quietly in an area of the room, away from the glass. We've practised this with the school a few times and the staff and students are commended for their efforts. As we walk through the halls, it is eerily quiet. It is evident that everyone takes the practice seriously and we thank them for this.
If we were ever in a real lockdown situation, the police would also set up a command station a few blocks from the school for parents to seek information.
We've also practised our fire drills this month and once again, the children were wonderful. We exit the building very quickly and quietly and also re-enter in the same fashion. The students really know the importance of practising this drill.
Furthermore, if we needed to evacuate the school (i.e. gas leak in the neighbourhood), we would walk to our evacuation site of Kingsway Lambton United Church.
Finally, remember that October is the month we all should be checking smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at home also...check for your "fire safety" pamphlet in the mail. It's has some great tips!
We just finished practising a "mock" lockdown with the staff and students. During a lockdown the students and teachers stay in their classrooms after an announcement is made from the office. Generally all lights are off, blinds and windows are closed and all glass on the classroom doors is covered under these conditions. The students and teacher are then asked to sit quietly in an area of the room, away from the glass. We've practised this with the school a few times and the staff and students are commended for their efforts. As we walk through the halls, it is eerily quiet. It is evident that everyone takes the practice seriously and we thank them for this.
If we were ever in a real lockdown situation, the police would also set up a command station a few blocks from the school for parents to seek information.
We've also practised our fire drills this month and once again, the children were wonderful. We exit the building very quickly and quietly and also re-enter in the same fashion. The students really know the importance of practising this drill.
Furthermore, if we needed to evacuate the school (i.e. gas leak in the neighbourhood), we would walk to our evacuation site of Kingsway Lambton United Church.
Finally, remember that October is the month we all should be checking smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors at home also...check for your "fire safety" pamphlet in the mail. It's has some great tips!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 1
Happy first of the month everyone! It's nice to have a month of school behind us already. We've accomplished a lot already; teachers have completed initial diagnostics and their programming is well on the way. We just completed our CTBS testing with grades 3-8 and we should have the results back shortly. All Spring EQAO scores were sent home this week.
A couple of people have asked me why we have a shorter recess this year. This year we have a 10 minute a.m. and p.m. recess for our grades 1-6 students. This has changed from last year's 15 minutes because this is the first year that teachers receive 200 minutes of prep time in the week. Every year the staff revisit the day schedule to accommodate prep time, mandatory recess for 1-6 (the intermediates have an indoor snack break in the morning), 300 minutes of instruction, a lunch and a 2 minute interval time between intermediate classes. There aren't a lot of options to play with when completing this exercise, but even though the recess is shorter, it is great to get the kids outside playing.
We are so excited to be participating in the Terry Fox Run today; we are hoping that it doesn't rain. We also are saying goodbye to our grade 7 students. We hope they have a great time at Albion Hills. Today our junior boys softball team is at Swansea for a tournament. Good Luck!
The month looks very busy:
Student Council Elections continue
Safety Reps begin planning October Character Development: Responsibility
Early Voting for Elections Canada: This Friday, Saturday and Monday-Gym
7th-Cross Country Meet
8th-Junior Girls Softball Tournament
10th-Elections Canada
13th-Happy Thanksgiving
14th-Elections Canada; Ms. Malobabic's class going to comic book workshop
15th-Cross Country Meet; Spec Ed-IEPs sent home to parents
16th-Acorn Morning-Students will be making cards for a Parent Council Fundraising Activity
16th-School Bus Safety Presentations
17th-Sharing Assemblies
20th-Grade 7 Hep B shots and Grade 8 HPV; Parent Council @ 7:30 p.m.
22nd-Cross Country Finals
31st-Hallowe'en
The football dates will be updated later.
A couple of people have asked me why we have a shorter recess this year. This year we have a 10 minute a.m. and p.m. recess for our grades 1-6 students. This has changed from last year's 15 minutes because this is the first year that teachers receive 200 minutes of prep time in the week. Every year the staff revisit the day schedule to accommodate prep time, mandatory recess for 1-6 (the intermediates have an indoor snack break in the morning), 300 minutes of instruction, a lunch and a 2 minute interval time between intermediate classes. There aren't a lot of options to play with when completing this exercise, but even though the recess is shorter, it is great to get the kids outside playing.
We are so excited to be participating in the Terry Fox Run today; we are hoping that it doesn't rain. We also are saying goodbye to our grade 7 students. We hope they have a great time at Albion Hills. Today our junior boys softball team is at Swansea for a tournament. Good Luck!
The month looks very busy:
Student Council Elections continue
Safety Reps begin planning October Character Development: Responsibility
Early Voting for Elections Canada: This Friday, Saturday and Monday-Gym
7th-Cross Country Meet
8th-Junior Girls Softball Tournament
10th-Elections Canada
13th-Happy Thanksgiving
14th-Elections Canada; Ms. Malobabic's class going to comic book workshop
15th-Cross Country Meet; Spec Ed-IEPs sent home to parents
16th-Acorn Morning-Students will be making cards for a Parent Council Fundraising Activity
16th-School Bus Safety Presentations
17th-Sharing Assemblies
20th-Grade 7 Hep B shots and Grade 8 HPV; Parent Council @ 7:30 p.m.
22nd-Cross Country Finals
31st-Hallowe'en
The football dates will be updated later.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Mediacs Presentaion
Thank you to all the parents who came for our parent night on Monday. Debbie Gordon presented some great tips for dealing with tweens and the web! Just a few points of interest that came from the presentation that might be useful fo all of us:
-Remember that dealing with the internet is still 80% parenting and 20% being a techie
-#1 issue today is time management-how do you get your child off the computer?
-reminding kids to think before they click-it's so immediate they forget to think first
-the new term being used is the "Digital Footprint"-a new term being used in the marketing/technological world -"Scrubbing"-parents are now paying companies to scrub their child's past inappropriate "on-line" activities as more and more companies, universities, scholarship funds are doing searches on candidates
-as parents, we need to learn about "privacy" settings on Facebook etc.-our children can be "default junkies" and tend not to even look at the above
She also fowarded a couple of links that may be useful for you:
http://www.ipc.on.ca/index.asp?navid=46&fid1=615
http://safety.sympatico.msn.ca/
Look forward to another daytime presentation for parents and also a hands-on workshop for those of you who want to know how to open up a Facebook account.
-Remember that dealing with the internet is still 80% parenting and 20% being a techie
-#1 issue today is time management-how do you get your child off the computer?
-reminding kids to think before they click-it's so immediate they forget to think first
-the new term being used is the "Digital Footprint"-a new term being used in the marketing/technological world -"Scrubbing"-parents are now paying companies to scrub their child's past inappropriate "on-line" activities as more and more companies, universities, scholarship funds are doing searches on candidates
-as parents, we need to learn about "privacy" settings on Facebook etc.-our children can be "default junkies" and tend not to even look at the above
She also fowarded a couple of links that may be useful for you:
http://www.ipc.on.ca/index.asp?navid=46&fid1=615
http://safety.sympatico.msn.ca/
Look forward to another daytime presentation for parents and also a hands-on workshop for those of you who want to know how to open up a Facebook account.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Week Ahead
It was great seeing everyone at Curriculum Night last night. If you weren't able to make it, you can view your teacher's long range plans on our website shortly.
We'd like to invite all of grade 4-8 parents to a special presentation on the Wild Wild Web on Monday night @ 6:15 p.m.- 7:30. Debbie Gordon will be presenting on social networking sites and new things the tweens are exploring on the web! Please feel free to stay for our Parent Council meeting @ 7:30.
School Photo Days are on the 24th and 25th. Please watch for communication from your teacher.
Please remember that Friday is a PA Day. The teachers will be working on finalizing team goals for our School Improvement Plan and short-range planning.
Have a great weekend everyone!
We'd like to invite all of grade 4-8 parents to a special presentation on the Wild Wild Web on Monday night @ 6:15 p.m.- 7:30. Debbie Gordon will be presenting on social networking sites and new things the tweens are exploring on the web! Please feel free to stay for our Parent Council meeting @ 7:30.
School Photo Days are on the 24th and 25th. Please watch for communication from your teacher.
Please remember that Friday is a PA Day. The teachers will be working on finalizing team goals for our School Improvement Plan and short-range planning.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Terry Fox
We just had our Terry Fox Kick-Off Assembly and the students seem really ready to go. I'd like to thank you in advance for supporting the kids as they begin their fundraising. Judging from their responses, they seem very passionate about this very worthy cause. Good Luck everyone!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Week Ahead
I hope everyone had a great weekend! What a dreary looking day. Hopefully it doesn't rain...at least not at recess and lunch!
Just a reminder that we will be hosting Curriculum Night on Thursday. We have a variety of times and rooms scheduled, so please read your teacher's communcation around your particular one. Also, the times are posted on a previous blog.
On Tuesday, the students will attend our Terry Fox Kick-Off Assembly in the afternoon. We look foward to the walk on October 1st.
This year the grade 4-8 Student Safety Reps will launching the TDSB's Character Development initiative. Every month they will be promoting one of the 10 character traits that TDSB encourages all students to possess. September's trait...RESPECT. All students were invited to demonstrate how they show respect at LKS through either a drawing (grade 1-3) or a short essay (grade 4-8). All entries are due this Friday.
Just a reminder that we will be hosting Curriculum Night on Thursday. We have a variety of times and rooms scheduled, so please read your teacher's communcation around your particular one. Also, the times are posted on a previous blog.
On Tuesday, the students will attend our Terry Fox Kick-Off Assembly in the afternoon. We look foward to the walk on October 1st.
This year the grade 4-8 Student Safety Reps will launching the TDSB's Character Development initiative. Every month they will be promoting one of the 10 character traits that TDSB encourages all students to possess. September's trait...RESPECT. All students were invited to demonstrate how they show respect at LKS through either a drawing (grade 1-3) or a short essay (grade 4-8). All entries are due this Friday.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Week of Septebmer 9th
I hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm sure just like in my household, you are still trying to figure out the new Fall routines. We really hope all the kids had a great week! It was good to catch up with them.
I'd like to give you an update on our playground/yard. Last year the Board was going to create a partnership with the city to allow us to use the small parkette East of the school. After a community meeting in late August it was decided that this venture would be put on hold. As a result, the Board will be installing artificial turf on our playground to help alleviate our "mud pit" issues. We will keep you updated on this new venture. We are very excited to have a solution to our problem!
September is also a time of restructuring some classes. Currently, we have 755 full-time students. The Board will be looking at the number of students in our primary classes to see if we are over our exemptions and then decide staffing accordingly. This will take place over the next couple of weeks. We have adjusted some of the kindergarten classes to reflect the caps/exemptions, and we are over only by a few students. We are not sure what the staffing result will be at this time, but we will keep you posted. September 26th is the day that all classes should be restructured across the system.
In the next couple of weeks, we will be saying good-bye to Mr. Mahendran, our day caretaker, as he will be retiring to spend some quality time with his family. We thank him for his service in TDSB.
Hope to see you all out for Curriculum Night. The following may help you plan your evening:
6:00-Kindergartens (Gym)
6:30-Primary Presentations (Grade 1-non-stage side of gym; Grade 3-stage side of gym; Grade 2-lunchroom; Grade 1/2 Splits-Library; Mrs. Heath-Room 234
7:00-Staff Presentations
7:15-Junior Intermediate Presentations and Mr. Littlejohn (Grade 3/4)- (Grade 6-stage side gym; Grade 7-Library; Grade 8-stage side gym; Mrs. Gibson-Room 242)
Throughout the Evening: Mrs. Hoffman, Mr. Page, Special Education Teachers, Mrs. McGee and French Teachers will be available
7:00-Staff Introductions-Gym
We have lots going on over the next couple of weeks:
18th-Curriculum Night
22nd-Mediacs Presentation (Grades 4-8)@ 6:15 (we changed to accommodate the Parent Council Evening); Parent Council Meeting @ 7:30
24th and 25th-Photo Day (changed from the 26th)
26th-Professional Development Day-no school
October
1-3rd-Grade 7 Outdoor Trip
1st-Terry Fox Walk
6th, 7th, 15-Cross Country Meets
13th-Happy Turkey Day!
16th-Parent Council Family Night
20th-Grade 7 Hep B and Grade 8 Girls HPV shots
I'd like to give you an update on our playground/yard. Last year the Board was going to create a partnership with the city to allow us to use the small parkette East of the school. After a community meeting in late August it was decided that this venture would be put on hold. As a result, the Board will be installing artificial turf on our playground to help alleviate our "mud pit" issues. We will keep you updated on this new venture. We are very excited to have a solution to our problem!
September is also a time of restructuring some classes. Currently, we have 755 full-time students. The Board will be looking at the number of students in our primary classes to see if we are over our exemptions and then decide staffing accordingly. This will take place over the next couple of weeks. We have adjusted some of the kindergarten classes to reflect the caps/exemptions, and we are over only by a few students. We are not sure what the staffing result will be at this time, but we will keep you posted. September 26th is the day that all classes should be restructured across the system.
In the next couple of weeks, we will be saying good-bye to Mr. Mahendran, our day caretaker, as he will be retiring to spend some quality time with his family. We thank him for his service in TDSB.
Hope to see you all out for Curriculum Night. The following may help you plan your evening:
6:00-Kindergartens (Gym)
6:30-Primary Presentations (Grade 1-non-stage side of gym; Grade 3-stage side of gym; Grade 2-lunchroom; Grade 1/2 Splits-Library; Mrs. Heath-Room 234
7:00-Staff Presentations
7:15-Junior Intermediate Presentations and Mr. Littlejohn (Grade 3/4)- (Grade 6-stage side gym; Grade 7-Library; Grade 8-stage side gym; Mrs. Gibson-Room 242)
Throughout the Evening: Mrs. Hoffman, Mr. Page, Special Education Teachers, Mrs. McGee and French Teachers will be available
7:00-Staff Introductions-Gym
We have lots going on over the next couple of weeks:
18th-Curriculum Night
22nd-Mediacs Presentation (Grades 4-8)@ 6:15 (we changed to accommodate the Parent Council Evening); Parent Council Meeting @ 7:30
24th and 25th-Photo Day (changed from the 26th)
26th-Professional Development Day-no school
October
1-3rd-Grade 7 Outdoor Trip
1st-Terry Fox Walk
6th, 7th, 15-Cross Country Meets
13th-Happy Turkey Day!
16th-Parent Council Family Night
20th-Grade 7 Hep B and Grade 8 Girls HPV shots
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Brain Research
Mrs. Ayer, one of our LKS parents, asked me to put this on my blog regarding the Scotia Bank Marathon. She will be running on September 28th to help raise funds for Sick Kids Hospital. I'm sure many of you remember their family was affected last year with news of their son having a brain tumor. If you are interested in participating in running (even partially), please check out the website.
http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/charity/runforjason.htm
http://www.torontowaterfrontmarathon.com/en/charity/runforjason.htm
First Day!
It's great to be back! The weather was absolutely beautiful and the kids are really excited about returning; I have a strange feeling more for meeting their friends and new teacher, rather than for the academics.
Your child's teacher will be sending home a package of forms for you to sign and return to the school. We are asking that all forms be back by the 12th.
Just a few dates to keep in mind:
4th-Grades 4-8-Motivational Speaker visits
5th-Grade Safety Assemblies
8th-All Kindergarten Students are here
12th-All parent forms are due!
16th-Terry Fox Assembly!
18th-Curriculum Night (details to follow)
22nd-Parent Presentation @ 7:00 p.m. -Wild Wild Web (All Parents from grades 4-8 are welcome)
26th-Professional Development Day-no school
October 1-3-Grade 7 students on Outdoor Trip!
Your child's teacher will be sending home a package of forms for you to sign and return to the school. We are asking that all forms be back by the 12th.
Just a few dates to keep in mind:
4th-Grades 4-8-Motivational Speaker visits
5th-Grade Safety Assemblies
8th-All Kindergarten Students are here
12th-All parent forms are due!
16th-Terry Fox Assembly!
18th-Curriculum Night (details to follow)
22nd-Parent Presentation @ 7:00 p.m. -Wild Wild Web (All Parents from grades 4-8 are welcome)
26th-Professional Development Day-no school
October 1-3-Grade 7 students on Outdoor Trip!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Welcome Back!
I hope everyone had a great summer and I can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks. Just a reminder that school starts on September 2nd at 8:45 in the morning, so get lots of sleep the night before. It won't take long before everyone is right back into routine again.
I know that some of you may be shopping over the next couple of weeks; can't wait to see your new clothes. Parents, you may want to hold off buying too many school supplies until you know what the teacher has in mind for set-up. Get that special pencil case or dictionary, but the school will supply the basics for the kids. We just don't want you spending too much money on binders etc. Have fun and I'll write again next week with more details.
Remember if you want to see the year calendar and day schedule, please visit our website.
I know that some of you may be shopping over the next couple of weeks; can't wait to see your new clothes. Parents, you may want to hold off buying too many school supplies until you know what the teacher has in mind for set-up. Get that special pencil case or dictionary, but the school will supply the basics for the kids. We just don't want you spending too much money on binders etc. Have fun and I'll write again next week with more details.
Remember if you want to see the year calendar and day schedule, please visit our website.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Summer Holidays
We hope everyone is having a great summer so far. Just a reminder that the office will be open the last week in August for registrations.
Enjoy your family and friends.
Mrs. Caddel
Enjoy your family and friends.
Mrs. Caddel
Friday, June 20, 2008
Last Week
What a great couple of days! We hosted Play Days for our kindergarten through six students, under the leadership of our grade 7 & 8 students. The weather cooperated and the kids had a great time together.
Just a reminder that report cards go home on Monday with the students. We would like to congratulate the students on their academic achievements; the report cards are evidence that our students have achieved high academic standards!
We are really looking forward to our grade 8 graduation on Tuesday. We will be celebrating with the grade 8 students on Monday with a BBQ Lunch; so don't pack a lunch that day!
The last day is on Wednesday and we will be hosting our year end assembly in the morning shortly after 9:00. This is usually a time when we recognize our last sports teams, distribute our Win-It award winners in grade 6-8 and say good-bye to staff.
We look forward to seeing you at the Lunch on the Lawn on Wednesday!
Just a reminder that report cards go home on Monday with the students. We would like to congratulate the students on their academic achievements; the report cards are evidence that our students have achieved high academic standards!
We are really looking forward to our grade 8 graduation on Tuesday. We will be celebrating with the grade 8 students on Monday with a BBQ Lunch; so don't pack a lunch that day!
The last day is on Wednesday and we will be hosting our year end assembly in the morning shortly after 9:00. This is usually a time when we recognize our last sports teams, distribute our Win-It award winners in grade 6-8 and say good-bye to staff.
We look forward to seeing you at the Lunch on the Lawn on Wednesday!
Monday, June 9, 2008
A Hot Day!
It was such a hot day to be running Track and Field, but the kids fought through the heat and showed such talent and sportsmanship today. A congratulations goes to all the kids who participated today, and continued success to those moving on to U of T on Thursday. Mr. Page and Mr. Bracht will keep you posted of the results when they receive them. Thank you to all the parents who sat under the umbrellas today cheering the kids on; we really appreciate your support.
Recently, we received our Spring CTBS (Canadian Test of Basic Skills) results that our grade 4-8 students complete. Feel free to scroll through previous blogs to receive more info on the assessment, but in a nutshell, it is a standardized diagnostic that we use in the junior and intermediate grades to determine grade levels in reading, language and math. This is just an in-house assessment, not a standardized TDSB one, that we use to compile whole school data. Just like every other assessment, we take it with a "grain of salt" as there is good and bad about every standardized test. But it does give us an opportunity to have another piece of data to compare to other assessments, like EQAO. The following shows how the grades did comparing Fall to Spring assessments. As you can see from the data, growth was experienced in most areas; a very impressive result. When you read the results keep in mind that "GE" stands for Grade Equivalent-the number indicates what you would expect a student of that grade and month to achieve on the test. We'll post results on website also! (Sorry, the formatting shows up a bit strange on the blog)
Grade (Reading-GE, Language-GE, Math-GE, Composite-GE (overall)
4
Fall 5-7, 5-5, 5-7, 5-7
Spring 6-9, 7-1, 7-0, 6-9
Grade 5
Fall 7-6 ,7-4,7-6,7-5
Spring 8-4,8-8,8-7,8-8
Grade 6
Fall 8-4,9-1,9-6,9-0
Spring 9-1,11-2,10-7,10-4
Grade 7
Fall 8-9,9-5,8-8,9-1
Spring 10-3,10-6,10-2,10-5
Grade 8
Fall 10-3,9-2,12-3,10-5
Spring 12-1,9-9,12-1,10-8
Recently, we received our Spring CTBS (Canadian Test of Basic Skills) results that our grade 4-8 students complete. Feel free to scroll through previous blogs to receive more info on the assessment, but in a nutshell, it is a standardized diagnostic that we use in the junior and intermediate grades to determine grade levels in reading, language and math. This is just an in-house assessment, not a standardized TDSB one, that we use to compile whole school data. Just like every other assessment, we take it with a "grain of salt" as there is good and bad about every standardized test. But it does give us an opportunity to have another piece of data to compare to other assessments, like EQAO. The following shows how the grades did comparing Fall to Spring assessments. As you can see from the data, growth was experienced in most areas; a very impressive result. When you read the results keep in mind that "GE" stands for Grade Equivalent-the number indicates what you would expect a student of that grade and month to achieve on the test. We'll post results on website also! (Sorry, the formatting shows up a bit strange on the blog)
Grade (Reading-GE, Language-GE, Math-GE, Composite-GE (overall)
4
Fall 5-7, 5-5, 5-7, 5-7
Spring 6-9, 7-1, 7-0, 6-9
Grade 5
Fall 7-6 ,7-4,7-6,7-5
Spring 8-4,8-8,8-7,8-8
Grade 6
Fall 8-4,9-1,9-6,9-0
Spring 9-1,11-2,10-7,10-4
Grade 7
Fall 8-9,9-5,8-8,9-1
Spring 10-3,10-6,10-2,10-5
Grade 8
Fall 10-3,9-2,12-3,10-5
Spring 12-1,9-9,12-1,10-8
Friday, June 6, 2008
Week Ahead
What a great week we had at the school. Thank you to all the parents and staff who participated in Track and Field this week. Congratulations to all the students and good luck to those moving to the meets scheduled next week (Monday and Thursday).
We also had two more concerts this week; our grades 6-8 and grades 1-3. Both nights gave us the opportunity to witness again what talented students there are at LKS. We look forward to our final Grade 4/5 concert this week on Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.
We hope all of our grade 8 students and staff have a great time in Quebec. It is a great way to end the school year as they learn about our history hands-on, and have a great time with their friends.
We will also be hosting our Volunteer Tea on Friday, June 13th @ 9:00 in the Library. Please join us for some treats and coffee in appreciation for all the you do for LKS!
Finally, for our new families who are less familiar with our end of year processes. Report Cards will be going home on the 23rd. The report card will also have your child's teacher and room number for 2008. Some people have asked for that information now, but please understand that all of our staffing isn't complete and we like to tell everyone at the same time. We thank you for your understanding.
Have a great weekend everyone!
We also had two more concerts this week; our grades 6-8 and grades 1-3. Both nights gave us the opportunity to witness again what talented students there are at LKS. We look forward to our final Grade 4/5 concert this week on Tuesday @ 7:00 p.m.
We hope all of our grade 8 students and staff have a great time in Quebec. It is a great way to end the school year as they learn about our history hands-on, and have a great time with their friends.
We will also be hosting our Volunteer Tea on Friday, June 13th @ 9:00 in the Library. Please join us for some treats and coffee in appreciation for all the you do for LKS!
Finally, for our new families who are less familiar with our end of year processes. Report Cards will be going home on the 23rd. The report card will also have your child's teacher and room number for 2008. Some people have asked for that information now, but please understand that all of our staffing isn't complete and we like to tell everyone at the same time. We thank you for your understanding.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Music Concerts
Just to confirm our upcoming music nights:
June 3rd-Grade 6-8 Concert
June 4th-Grade 1-3 Concert( not the 12th)
June 10th-Grade 4-5 Concert
We are looking forward to celebrating our student talent!
June 3rd-Grade 6-8 Concert
June 4th-Grade 1-3 Concert( not the 12th)
June 10th-Grade 4-5 Concert
We are looking forward to celebrating our student talent!
Friday, May 23, 2008
Week Ahead
All the kids are back from Track & Field; looking a bit tired. It was an amazing day for the kids and staff. The kids had such a great time. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped today, especially the ECI students.
Thank you to all the families who came to our Kindergarten Spring Concert last night. It was a huge success. Thank you to all the staff and students who participated. Also, we had to postpone our Mediacs presentation on Tuesday as the speaker was caught in an accident on the way. We will reschedule for the Fall.
Congratulations to the Junior Boys Soccer team. They will be moving on to the semi-finals on Monday morning!
Next week EQAO starts for our students in grades 3-6. We thank the staff involved as they have worked hard to help prepare the kids for the assessment. We will receive our results in the Fall.
We hope the kindergarten students enjoy their trips this week!
Our staffing is almost complete and we will be sharing the information with you in the next couple of weeks. Please check our website under the 2008-2009 section. We have begun posting information for you. For example we just put in the Day Schedule, and we will post the School Year Calendar next week.
We hope everyone enjoys the weekend!
Thank you to all the families who came to our Kindergarten Spring Concert last night. It was a huge success. Thank you to all the staff and students who participated. Also, we had to postpone our Mediacs presentation on Tuesday as the speaker was caught in an accident on the way. We will reschedule for the Fall.
Congratulations to the Junior Boys Soccer team. They will be moving on to the semi-finals on Monday morning!
Next week EQAO starts for our students in grades 3-6. We thank the staff involved as they have worked hard to help prepare the kids for the assessment. We will receive our results in the Fall.
We hope the kindergarten students enjoy their trips this week!
Our staffing is almost complete and we will be sharing the information with you in the next couple of weeks. Please check our website under the 2008-2009 section. We have begun posting information for you. For example we just put in the Day Schedule, and we will post the School Year Calendar next week.
We hope everyone enjoys the weekend!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Mediacs Presentation
Just a reminder to all parents in grade 4-8 that we will be hosting a presentation by Debbie Gordon, from Mediacs, on the Wild, Wild Web tonight! Come to the lunchroom to learn about social networks and how children are using the web. The evening begins at 7:00 p.m.
A big thank you goes to Ms. Hoffman and Mr. Ellerker for helping the grade 8 students organize the Lambton Idol yesterday. It was absolutely fabulous to see such talent at our school. Congratulations to all the kids who tried out and hopefully we see more of these shows in the future.
Don't forget that our Kindergarten Spring Concert will be tomorrow night @ 6:30 p.m.
A big thank you goes to Ms. Hoffman and Mr. Ellerker for helping the grade 8 students organize the Lambton Idol yesterday. It was absolutely fabulous to see such talent at our school. Congratulations to all the kids who tried out and hopefully we see more of these shows in the future.
Don't forget that our Kindergarten Spring Concert will be tomorrow night @ 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Week Ahead
Our soccer teams just got back and they told me they had a great day! Although they lost out at the end, both teams had some exciting moments!
Our Equity Conference was a hit on Tuesday. I'm going to have the students actually blog you next week about it!
Just a reminder that Debbie Gordon from Mediacs will presenting on Wednesday the 21st @ 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. She does a great presentation on social networking and issues around the Internet. If you are a grade 4-8 parent, please join us that evening for an informative session.
Next week, we will host our Track & Field Days. Mr. Page will host the grade 1-3 day on the morning of the 21st and Mr. Bracht has organized our grade 4-8 day on May 23rd at ECI. We are also looking forward to seeing our own "Lambton Idol" on Tuesday. The grade 8 students have done a great job organizing this assembly!
A reminder to those parents deciding upon a gifted program for next September. Please make sure you send in the letter either accepting or declining the placement. We need send them in to the Spec Ed Department by the 23rd!
Just a reminder that if you are moving, please inform the office and/or classroom teacher. This information is really important for setting up September classes.
Just a reminder to please be careful when driving around the school. As the warmer weather draws upon us, we tend to have more kids out and about on the sidewalks and streets. We will also remind them to mind the cars and to cross at the crosswalk. Thank you to Bob, our crossing guard, for taking care of our community.
Have a great long weekend! See you on the 20th!
Our Equity Conference was a hit on Tuesday. I'm going to have the students actually blog you next week about it!
Just a reminder that Debbie Gordon from Mediacs will presenting on Wednesday the 21st @ 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. She does a great presentation on social networking and issues around the Internet. If you are a grade 4-8 parent, please join us that evening for an informative session.
Next week, we will host our Track & Field Days. Mr. Page will host the grade 1-3 day on the morning of the 21st and Mr. Bracht has organized our grade 4-8 day on May 23rd at ECI. We are also looking forward to seeing our own "Lambton Idol" on Tuesday. The grade 8 students have done a great job organizing this assembly!
A reminder to those parents deciding upon a gifted program for next September. Please make sure you send in the letter either accepting or declining the placement. We need send them in to the Spec Ed Department by the 23rd!
Just a reminder that if you are moving, please inform the office and/or classroom teacher. This information is really important for setting up September classes.
Just a reminder to please be careful when driving around the school. As the warmer weather draws upon us, we tend to have more kids out and about on the sidewalks and streets. We will also remind them to mind the cars and to cross at the crosswalk. Thank you to Bob, our crossing guard, for taking care of our community.
Have a great long weekend! See you on the 20th!
Happy Long Weekend
Our soccer teams just got back and they told me they had a great day! Although they lost out at the end, both teams had some exciting moments!
Our Equity Conference was a hit on Tuesday. I'm going to have the students actually blog you next week about it!
Just a reminder that Debbie Gordon from Mediacs will presenting on Wednesday the 21st @ 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. She does a great presentation on social networking and issues around the Internet. If you are a grade 4-8 parent, please join us that evening for an informative session.
Next week, we will host our Track & Field Days. Mr. Page will host the grade 1-3 day on the morning of the 21st and Mr. Bracht has organized our grade 4-8 day on May 23rd at ECI. We are also looking forward to seeing our own "Lambton Idol" on Tuesday. The grade 8 students have done a great job organizing this assembly!
A reminder to those parents deciding upon a gifted program for next September. Please make sure you send in the letter either accepting or declining the placement. We need to send them in to the Spec Ed Department by the 23rd!
Just a reminder that if you are moving, please inform the office and/or classroom teacher. This information is really important for setting up September classes.
Just a reminder to please be careful when driving around the school. As the warmer weather draws upon us, we tend to have more kids out and about on the sidewalks and streets. We will also remind them to mind the cars and to cross at the crosswalk. Thank you to Bob, our crossing guard, for taking care of our community.
Have a great long weekend! See you on the 20th!
Our Equity Conference was a hit on Tuesday. I'm going to have the students actually blog you next week about it!
Just a reminder that Debbie Gordon from Mediacs will presenting on Wednesday the 21st @ 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. She does a great presentation on social networking and issues around the Internet. If you are a grade 4-8 parent, please join us that evening for an informative session.
Next week, we will host our Track & Field Days. Mr. Page will host the grade 1-3 day on the morning of the 21st and Mr. Bracht has organized our grade 4-8 day on May 23rd at ECI. We are also looking forward to seeing our own "Lambton Idol" on Tuesday. The grade 8 students have done a great job organizing this assembly!
A reminder to those parents deciding upon a gifted program for next September. Please make sure you send in the letter either accepting or declining the placement. We need to send them in to the Spec Ed Department by the 23rd!
Just a reminder that if you are moving, please inform the office and/or classroom teacher. This information is really important for setting up September classes.
Just a reminder to please be careful when driving around the school. As the warmer weather draws upon us, we tend to have more kids out and about on the sidewalks and streets. We will also remind them to mind the cars and to cross at the crosswalk. Thank you to Bob, our crossing guard, for taking care of our community.
Have a great long weekend! See you on the 20th!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Mid-Week Update
Thank you to all of the parents who attended our Parent Council meeting on Monday. Just a reminder that Parent Council continues to look for volunteers for many of their committees; especially Springfest. If you are interested in volunteering for this, please contact Corry Haslam or come to the office and we will point you in the right direction!
The next Ward Council Meeting is on Tuesday, May 27th @ 7:00 p.m at Norseman Public School. Topics include: New Homework Policy, School Closures in South Etobicoke, applying to Lakeshore Lions Sports Fund Grant and updates from School Councils and the Board.
Pizza lunch has been changed to June 6th everyone! Good Eating!
We continue to be busy planning for next year. Staffing continues to change and will continue over the next month as teachers apply for different positions. When we finalize the staff list (usually June), we will post on-line. We do know that our office staff, VP allocation, and caretaking staff remains the same. We dropped .5 of an educational assistant (usually helpin the kindergarten classes), and we do not know how many special needs assistants will be with us. This number will come later.
In the final report card, we will also include for you the daily schedule. Times are the same, except the periods are two minutes longer. Also, the intermediates (grade 7 & 8) will have a short indoor break in the morning instead of going outside. Their schedule is usually different as we have to account for their travelling time between classes.
Looking foward to Lambton Idol on May 20th @ 2:30 p.m. Thanks to the grade 8 students who worked so hard to put this together.
The next Ward Council Meeting is on Tuesday, May 27th @ 7:00 p.m at Norseman Public School. Topics include: New Homework Policy, School Closures in South Etobicoke, applying to Lakeshore Lions Sports Fund Grant and updates from School Councils and the Board.
Pizza lunch has been changed to June 6th everyone! Good Eating!
We continue to be busy planning for next year. Staffing continues to change and will continue over the next month as teachers apply for different positions. When we finalize the staff list (usually June), we will post on-line. We do know that our office staff, VP allocation, and caretaking staff remains the same. We dropped .5 of an educational assistant (usually helpin the kindergarten classes), and we do not know how many special needs assistants will be with us. This number will come later.
In the final report card, we will also include for you the daily schedule. Times are the same, except the periods are two minutes longer. Also, the intermediates (grade 7 & 8) will have a short indoor break in the morning instead of going outside. Their schedule is usually different as we have to account for their travelling time between classes.
Looking foward to Lambton Idol on May 20th @ 2:30 p.m. Thanks to the grade 8 students who worked so hard to put this together.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Week Ahead
Thank you to Mrs. Haslam and her committee for organizing Springfest this year. It was so much fun for the community, in spite of the rain!
A big thank you to all staff and students involved with our Free the Children Assembly and fundraiser. What a wonderful activity to be part of this year. The assembly was so moving and thoughtful.
Congratulations to our badminton teams. Although our grade 6 & 7 teams put forth a great effort yesterday, only our grade 8 teams will be moving on to the City Finals on the 13th.
Next week, we have a few soccer and frisbee games and track and field practises, so please check the phys.ed website for times and locations. We also hope our grade 5 classes have a great day at the Kortright Centre on the 15th. Furthermore, Mr. Blais, Mrs. Hill, Mr. Mclean and myself will be attending a student Equity Workshop with some of our grade 6 and 8 students on the 13th. We will share when we get back!
Finally, a big thank you to our grade 6 Peer Mediators who began their program this week. We are so happy to see you outside helping the little ones solve their problems! What a great help you are to all of us!
A big thank you to all staff and students involved with our Free the Children Assembly and fundraiser. What a wonderful activity to be part of this year. The assembly was so moving and thoughtful.
Congratulations to our badminton teams. Although our grade 6 & 7 teams put forth a great effort yesterday, only our grade 8 teams will be moving on to the City Finals on the 13th.
Next week, we have a few soccer and frisbee games and track and field practises, so please check the phys.ed website for times and locations. We also hope our grade 5 classes have a great day at the Kortright Centre on the 15th. Furthermore, Mr. Blais, Mrs. Hill, Mr. Mclean and myself will be attending a student Equity Workshop with some of our grade 6 and 8 students on the 13th. We will share when we get back!
Finally, a big thank you to our grade 6 Peer Mediators who began their program this week. We are so happy to see you outside helping the little ones solve their problems! What a great help you are to all of us!
Week Ahead
Thank you to Mrs. Haslam and her committee for organizing Springfest this year. It was so much fun for the community, in spite of the rain!
A big thank you to all staff and students involved with our Free the Children Assembly and fundraiser. What a wonderful activity to be part of this year. The assembly was so moving and thoughtful.
Congratulations to our badminton teams. Although our grade 6 & 7 teams put forth a great effort yesterday, only our grade 8 teams will be moving on to the City Finals on the 13th.
Next week, we have a few soccer and frisbee games and track and field practises, so please check the phys.ed website for times and locations. We also hope our grade 5 classes have a great day at the Kortright Centre on the 15th. Furthermore, Mr. Blais, Mrs. Hill, Mr. Mclean and myself will be attending a student Equity Workshop with some of our grade 6 and 8 students on the 13th. We will share when we get back!
Finally, a big thank you to our grade 6 Peer Mediators who began their program this week. We are so happy to see you outside helping the little ones solve their problems! What a great help you are to all of us!
A big thank you to all staff and students involved with our Free the Children Assembly and fundraiser. What a wonderful activity to be part of this year. The assembly was so moving and thoughtful.
Congratulations to our badminton teams. Although our grade 6 & 7 teams put forth a great effort yesterday, only our grade 8 teams will be moving on to the City Finals on the 13th.
Next week, we have a few soccer and frisbee games and track and field practises, so please check the phys.ed website for times and locations. We also hope our grade 5 classes have a great day at the Kortright Centre on the 15th. Furthermore, Mr. Blais, Mrs. Hill, Mr. Mclean and myself will be attending a student Equity Workshop with some of our grade 6 and 8 students on the 13th. We will share when we get back!
Finally, a big thank you to our grade 6 Peer Mediators who began their program this week. We are so happy to see you outside helping the little ones solve their problems! What a great help you are to all of us!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Environment Week
What a great week it has been so far. Green Day was very successful, as was our opening kick-off assembly. We are looking forward to Family Night tonight. They'll be some activities and a guest speaker. Looking forward to Litter less Lunch tomorrow (although we encourage that everyday)!
It is a really busy time of the year as teacher's are almost at mid-point in third term. In May, our grade 3 & 6 students will participate in EQAO and our grade 4-8 students will complete the quick CTBS (Canadian Test of Basic Skills) diagnostic. This diagnostic gives the teachers a "snapshot" of their students' year long learning. We will share those with you in June. EQAO results will be released next September.
During the next two months, we are busy closing a school and preparing for next year. Please read last week's blog to see the model (projected enrolment and number of classes). Teaching assignments will be provided to the community at the end of the year. We will also be placing the children in classes over the next month or two, and it is important that you know that staff work very hard to place children appropriately. Generally, we look at academic needs, social skills, the number of students in each class and gender (i.e. how many boys vs girls). The idea is to achieve "balance" across the grades and in each class. Placements for new kindergarten children will be sent home late May/early June.
It is a really busy time of the year as teacher's are almost at mid-point in third term. In May, our grade 3 & 6 students will participate in EQAO and our grade 4-8 students will complete the quick CTBS (Canadian Test of Basic Skills) diagnostic. This diagnostic gives the teachers a "snapshot" of their students' year long learning. We will share those with you in June. EQAO results will be released next September.
During the next two months, we are busy closing a school and preparing for next year. Please read last week's blog to see the model (projected enrolment and number of classes). Teaching assignments will be provided to the community at the end of the year. We will also be placing the children in classes over the next month or two, and it is important that you know that staff work very hard to place children appropriately. Generally, we look at academic needs, social skills, the number of students in each class and gender (i.e. how many boys vs girls). The idea is to achieve "balance" across the grades and in each class. Placements for new kindergarten children will be sent home late May/early June.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Earth Week
Thank you to Mr. Mclean, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Cooper (Parent Council Environmental Rep), and the many parent volunteers for all their help organizing all the events that will take place next week. Our Kick-Off Assembly starts on Monday, followed by Green Day on Tuesday, the evening presentation on Wednesday, Litterless Lunch on Thursday and the final clean-up of the grounds on Friday. It should prove to be a great success. A special thank you goes out to the student Environmental Warriors! You've done a great job so far encouraging all of us to be more conscientious of our environment.
This week we met with the City and the Board to finalize plans for expanding our playground into the property next to the pool. The plan is to have the work complete for September. Also, the windows in Mr. Bracht's room are to be replaced with ones that open; we are hoping the work gets done sooner than later.
This week we had an entertaining play, Robin Hood, for the primary and grades 4-5 classes this week. Thank you to Parent Council for organizing this great event. We do love hosting performances for the kids as they allow another learning opportunity for storytelling.
Our grade 6 and 3 teachers having been working with our math consultant to help plan for EQAO. The students have been practising sample questions in preparation. The kids really get a chance to see where they can improve their skill level as they take the questions up together. If you would like more information on EQAO, please feel free to visit the Ministry website.
May Dates
3rd-Springfest
8th-Dr. de Braga and a few grade 8 scientists attend Hydraulics workshop
9th-Sharing Assemblies
12th-Senior Girls' Soccer all day and Parent Council Meeting @ 7:30 p.m.
13th-Mrs. Caddel & Mr. Blais take grade 6 & 8 students to an Equity Conference
15th-Author Veronika Charles visits and Jr.Girls' Soccer
16th-Senior Boys' Soccer all day; Free the Children Assembly
20th-Forest of Reading Celebration @ Harbourfront for some grade 6-8 students
22nd-Celebration Lunch for Forest of Reading; Junior Boys Soccer all day; Kindergarten Spring Concert
23rd-Track & Field
26th-EQAO Begins for grade 3 & 6
This week we met with the City and the Board to finalize plans for expanding our playground into the property next to the pool. The plan is to have the work complete for September. Also, the windows in Mr. Bracht's room are to be replaced with ones that open; we are hoping the work gets done sooner than later.
This week we had an entertaining play, Robin Hood, for the primary and grades 4-5 classes this week. Thank you to Parent Council for organizing this great event. We do love hosting performances for the kids as they allow another learning opportunity for storytelling.
Our grade 6 and 3 teachers having been working with our math consultant to help plan for EQAO. The students have been practising sample questions in preparation. The kids really get a chance to see where they can improve their skill level as they take the questions up together. If you would like more information on EQAO, please feel free to visit the Ministry website.
May Dates
3rd-Springfest
8th-Dr. de Braga and a few grade 8 scientists attend Hydraulics workshop
9th-Sharing Assemblies
12th-Senior Girls' Soccer all day and Parent Council Meeting @ 7:30 p.m.
13th-Mrs. Caddel & Mr. Blais take grade 6 & 8 students to an Equity Conference
15th-Author Veronika Charles visits and Jr.Girls' Soccer
16th-Senior Boys' Soccer all day; Free the Children Assembly
20th-Forest of Reading Celebration @ Harbourfront for some grade 6-8 students
22nd-Celebration Lunch for Forest of Reading; Junior Boys Soccer all day; Kindergarten Spring Concert
23rd-Track & Field
26th-EQAO Begins for grade 3 & 6
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Staffing
Thank you to all who came out for last night's Parent Council Meeting. I was unable to attend as I'm just recovering from this stomach flu that is going around. We shared our staffing numbers and we'd like to share with everyone. Here are the following things we know so far:
Projected Enrolment: 745
# of Teachers: 36.5
*We had to declare 3.5 teachers surplus to the school
Number of classes:
We were given 12 teachers to teach at the primary level, therefore we have 3 straight ones and 2 grade one/two splits, 3 straight grade 2s and 1 grade 2/3 split, and finally 3 straight grade 3 classes. We were also told that we have to have one grade three/grade 4 split. We were assigned 12 junior/intermediate teachers, therefore we have 2 straight four classes and one 4/5 split, 2 straight grade 5 classes, 3 grade 6 classes and 2 grade 7 and 8 classes. Finally, we have been assigned 3.5 kindergarten classes. We have been allowed 2 exemptions at the kindergarten level (2 are at 23 students) and the grade 3/4 split will also be at 23 students. We were also given 2.5 special education teachers.
As you can see, there isn't a lot of "play" with the model as we are now so restricted as to where we can use the allocated teachers. Please watch for more staffing information over the next couple of weeks.
I also wanted to thank Ms. Malobabic for her leadership in organizing the play, Comedy of Errors, last week. The intermediate students really enjoyed performing and it was delightful. Thank you to Mr. Spruin and Mr. Samowtaka for assisting.
We would also like to thank Mr. Page, Mr. Ross and Mr. Ellerker as they took our swim teams to their meets last week. Mr. Page also convened the meets for the entire area. The finals were yesterday.
Last week, we had many events hosted by Parent Council. Some of the classes listened to Mrs. Pollock as she described her experiences as an author. The grade 4-8 students were entertained by Allan Shain who talked about living with a disability. Both of these were hosted by the parent Literacy Committee,led by Jenn Abbott, and Resources, led by Diane Moore, respectfully. We would also like to thank Karen Miller and her committee for hosting the Dinner Dance. We really appreciate your support of this evening and LKS!
Projected Enrolment: 745
# of Teachers: 36.5
*We had to declare 3.5 teachers surplus to the school
Number of classes:
We were given 12 teachers to teach at the primary level, therefore we have 3 straight ones and 2 grade one/two splits, 3 straight grade 2s and 1 grade 2/3 split, and finally 3 straight grade 3 classes. We were also told that we have to have one grade three/grade 4 split. We were assigned 12 junior/intermediate teachers, therefore we have 2 straight four classes and one 4/5 split, 2 straight grade 5 classes, 3 grade 6 classes and 2 grade 7 and 8 classes. Finally, we have been assigned 3.5 kindergarten classes. We have been allowed 2 exemptions at the kindergarten level (2 are at 23 students) and the grade 3/4 split will also be at 23 students. We were also given 2.5 special education teachers.
As you can see, there isn't a lot of "play" with the model as we are now so restricted as to where we can use the allocated teachers. Please watch for more staffing information over the next couple of weeks.
I also wanted to thank Ms. Malobabic for her leadership in organizing the play, Comedy of Errors, last week. The intermediate students really enjoyed performing and it was delightful. Thank you to Mr. Spruin and Mr. Samowtaka for assisting.
We would also like to thank Mr. Page, Mr. Ross and Mr. Ellerker as they took our swim teams to their meets last week. Mr. Page also convened the meets for the entire area. The finals were yesterday.
Last week, we had many events hosted by Parent Council. Some of the classes listened to Mrs. Pollock as she described her experiences as an author. The grade 4-8 students were entertained by Allan Shain who talked about living with a disability. Both of these were hosted by the parent Literacy Committee,led by Jenn Abbott, and Resources, led by Diane Moore, respectfully. We would also like to thank Karen Miller and her committee for hosting the Dinner Dance. We really appreciate your support of this evening and LKS!
The LINK
Thank you to Kristine Laco and her committee as they have been taking pics and videos capturing life at LKS; particularly last Friday during the sharing assemblies! A big thank goes to all the people who have sent in their pictures. We know the LINK, our video yearbook, is being put together right now and we look forward to seeing it!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Parent Interviews, Week Ahead
Thank you to all the parents who came to interview night. It was a good opportunity to discuss your child's academic progress and/or concerns.
A few facility updates for you as we had a quick inspection today. Please refer to the last blog for roof and playground updates; we've put in orders for the windows to be cleaned, especially the mess at the front of the school and the washrooms will be scrubbed tomorrow. Although we do have some areas of concern, overall the school is in pretty good shape. Our computer lab is to be moved over to the new lab tomorrow, and then we are almost finished with the renovations. We still need to put up our plaques in the front hall.
Next week brings an art performance for the junior/intermediates grades on Tuesday; The Comedy of Errors Play on Wednesday (student matinee & parent performance @ 7:00 p.m.); Author visits for grades 3(Thursday) and 5 (Wednesday); Junior Swim meet on Wednesday and Senior on Thursday and Sharing Assemblies on the 11th.
Please don't forget about the Parent Council Dinner Dance next Friday, and if you want to be in the Parent Council School Directory, please get your form into Lianne Hill, our chair. You can return those to the office also.
We also got our final numbers for staffing and we will be held at 36.5 teachers for '08/09. We have yet to hear about special needs assistants, and the number of lunchroom supervisors is status quo.
Next week, we will also finish up our Special Education Annual Reviews. Every year, all students who are indentified with an exceptionality (i.e. Learning Disability, Gifted, etc) are discussed at a meeting to review progress and plans for the following year. We started in the Fall with our grade 8 students, and are now completing the process. Thank you to all the parents and staff involved as these meetings are such an important part of our school process.
Finally, Mrs. McGee downloaded some library data, and we have read 1091 more books in the first three months of '08 compared with the same time last year! Congratulations to our readers!
*Also, our April Newsletter is on our website: http:/schools.tdsb.on.ca/LambtonKingsway
A few facility updates for you as we had a quick inspection today. Please refer to the last blog for roof and playground updates; we've put in orders for the windows to be cleaned, especially the mess at the front of the school and the washrooms will be scrubbed tomorrow. Although we do have some areas of concern, overall the school is in pretty good shape. Our computer lab is to be moved over to the new lab tomorrow, and then we are almost finished with the renovations. We still need to put up our plaques in the front hall.
Next week brings an art performance for the junior/intermediates grades on Tuesday; The Comedy of Errors Play on Wednesday (student matinee & parent performance @ 7:00 p.m.); Author visits for grades 3(Thursday) and 5 (Wednesday); Junior Swim meet on Wednesday and Senior on Thursday and Sharing Assemblies on the 11th.
Please don't forget about the Parent Council Dinner Dance next Friday, and if you want to be in the Parent Council School Directory, please get your form into Lianne Hill, our chair. You can return those to the office also.
We also got our final numbers for staffing and we will be held at 36.5 teachers for '08/09. We have yet to hear about special needs assistants, and the number of lunchroom supervisors is status quo.
Next week, we will also finish up our Special Education Annual Reviews. Every year, all students who are indentified with an exceptionality (i.e. Learning Disability, Gifted, etc) are discussed at a meeting to review progress and plans for the following year. We started in the Fall with our grade 8 students, and are now completing the process. Thank you to all the parents and staff involved as these meetings are such an important part of our school process.
Finally, Mrs. McGee downloaded some library data, and we have read 1091 more books in the first three months of '08 compared with the same time last year! Congratulations to our readers!
*Also, our April Newsletter is on our website: http:/schools.tdsb.on.ca/LambtonKingsway
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Facilities & Internet
As you can tell our field is a mud pit! In order to have enough room for the kids to play, we have been taking a group of grade 3-5 students to the Shale Pit so they can continue to play soccer and tag games. Right now it seems to be the "lesser of the two evils". In the next two weeks, the City and Board are coming to finalize plans for the fence to be moved, so we can possibly use the City property. This is the area beside the pool. Also, we've asked the Board to plant sod to replace the mud (although it can be fun too)! They may choose to wait until the City/Board finalizes their plans, as it doesn't make sense to plant if they are going to track heavy machinery over it in the process. We do know that we are going to have to stay off of it for 3 months for the grass to take. I figure we've been using the shale pit for 2 days now, what is another 12 or so more weeks! When we know exactly what the plan is, I will share on the blog and also at Parent Council.
We are also having difficulty with our roof, as many of you know. We have many leaks in the roof for various reasons, one being that the roof (inverted) wasn't installed properly. We have had the Board in to come up with a plan to fix the leaks as they are not acceptable. They are going to fix the leaks that are causing the most concern, and then they will either repair the 15 year old roof or replace it. Again, I will let you know when that decision has been made.
A couple of issues have come up lately with student access to the internet. The internet, when used properly, can be a great educational tool, and the majority of our student body is respectful of the boundaries. We have had a couple of incidents lately that leads to a few reminders of the internet rules. Just to let you know that the kids are not allowed to be using social networks, like Facebook or You Tube at the school, unless under direct supervision of staff, for educational purposes. Sometimes the kids do use email to send their essays to staff, but that should be the extent of its use. They shouldn't be "checking" emails for social reasons. We will reiterate to the students, particularly the junior/intermediate students as we just finished discussing this at our last staff meeting. Of note, we are in the process of rescheduling our Mediacs presentation for May. We will send home a flyer later.
We are also having difficulty with our roof, as many of you know. We have many leaks in the roof for various reasons, one being that the roof (inverted) wasn't installed properly. We have had the Board in to come up with a plan to fix the leaks as they are not acceptable. They are going to fix the leaks that are causing the most concern, and then they will either repair the 15 year old roof or replace it. Again, I will let you know when that decision has been made.
A couple of issues have come up lately with student access to the internet. The internet, when used properly, can be a great educational tool, and the majority of our student body is respectful of the boundaries. We have had a couple of incidents lately that leads to a few reminders of the internet rules. Just to let you know that the kids are not allowed to be using social networks, like Facebook or You Tube at the school, unless under direct supervision of staff, for educational purposes. Sometimes the kids do use email to send their essays to staff, but that should be the extent of its use. They shouldn't be "checking" emails for social reasons. We will reiterate to the students, particularly the junior/intermediate students as we just finished discussing this at our last staff meeting. Of note, we are in the process of rescheduling our Mediacs presentation for May. We will send home a flyer later.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Welcome to April
Just a reminder that report cards go home tomorrow and parent teacher interviews are Thursday night and Friday. Please see my previous blogs for further details on the second term interview process.
We would like to welcome Bill Miller, our new headcaretaker. Recently, we found out that Mr. Britton accepted a promotion at a secondary school. We wish Mr. Miller great success at LKS!
Also, we just received our staffing numbers for 2008/09. Unfortunately, we were cut from 2 to 1.5 educational assistants, subsequently we have to declare Mrs. Koch surplus to the school. Mrs. Koch has been a wonderful addition to our kindergarten classes and we will miss her greatly next year. We have yet to hear about our special needs assistants, but our office staff and vice-principal remain status quo. Our teacher staff is 36.5 as of now. We may get additional staffing by the end of the week, and I'll repost if that happens.
We would like to welcome Bill Miller, our new headcaretaker. Recently, we found out that Mr. Britton accepted a promotion at a secondary school. We wish Mr. Miller great success at LKS!
Also, we just received our staffing numbers for 2008/09. Unfortunately, we were cut from 2 to 1.5 educational assistants, subsequently we have to declare Mrs. Koch surplus to the school. Mrs. Koch has been a wonderful addition to our kindergarten classes and we will miss her greatly next year. We have yet to hear about our special needs assistants, but our office staff and vice-principal remain status quo. Our teacher staff is 36.5 as of now. We may get additional staffing by the end of the week, and I'll repost if that happens.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
John G. Althouse
John G. asked me to pass this information on to the community. There will be a 50th Reunion on Saturday, May 3, 2008 between 1:00-5:00 pm. Please check out John G. Reunion on FACEBOOK.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
March 25th Week
We hope everyone had a wonderful March Break and Easter weekend relaxing with friends and family. Although the breaks helped many people "reboot", they have created a few short weeks for us. I had Mr. Bracht's class today for a library period and we talked about how hard it is to keep focused due to the lack of routine. Through their discussions, it really did show me, once again, how important routines are for kids, and adults!
Even though Spring has arrived, you would never know it as I watch the wet snow come down right now. Please remember that we do still have ice underfoot, especially from the back gate leading into the school. Mr. Britton continues to salt, and we have put a couple of calls into the Board for backup salt if it continues to snow and ice. Please be careful when coming into the parking lot or playground.
Just a reminder that report cards will be sent home on April 1st. Parent/teacher interviews will be held next Thursday night and Friday, although other arrangements have been made between staff and parents. Second term interviews are usually arranged if there is a teacher or parent concern. If you didn't get a parent/teacher interview letter, and would still like to speak to the teacher after receiving the report card, please do not hesitate to call the teacher.
John G. is having a reunion! I'll put the information on my blog tomorrow or the next day.
Even though Spring has arrived, you would never know it as I watch the wet snow come down right now. Please remember that we do still have ice underfoot, especially from the back gate leading into the school. Mr. Britton continues to salt, and we have put a couple of calls into the Board for backup salt if it continues to snow and ice. Please be careful when coming into the parking lot or playground.
Just a reminder that report cards will be sent home on April 1st. Parent/teacher interviews will be held next Thursday night and Friday, although other arrangements have been made between staff and parents. Second term interviews are usually arranged if there is a teacher or parent concern. If you didn't get a parent/teacher interview letter, and would still like to speak to the teacher after receiving the report card, please do not hesitate to call the teacher.
John G. is having a reunion! I'll put the information on my blog tomorrow or the next day.
Friday, March 7, 2008
March Break
We hope everyone has a wonderful holdiday and we will see you back on St. Patrick's Day! Thank you for a great term.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
March Newsletter and Bullying Results
Please check out our website as we have just added our March Newsletter. As we talked about previously, we are trying to post the monthly Newsletters on-line every month to save on paper. We do have hard copies in the office if you want to pick one up. Parent Council also just put out a Newsletter outlining all the wonderful things that have taken place at the school thus far, or will in the next couple of months. Thank you again to all of our volunteers who are instrumental in making things happen around the school!
We also posted the results of our bullying survey the grade 4-8 completed. The findings are very interesting and spark some great discussion. We will be discussing the results further with staff and students. We continue to use the Power of One when dealing with such issues. Please check out yesterday's blog for a great website on bullying! The survey results are under Safe Schools on the left hand side.
We also posted the results of our bullying survey the grade 4-8 completed. The findings are very interesting and spark some great discussion. We will be discussing the results further with staff and students. We continue to use the Power of One when dealing with such issues. Please check out yesterday's blog for a great website on bullying! The survey results are under Safe Schools on the left hand side.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Quiet Week!
It looks like we have a quieter week at the school. Jr Swim Practice is on Thursday morning. Our Junior Hockey team just got back from winning the Semi-Finals at Ted Reeve. It looks like Dr. debraga, Mr. Mclean and the team are off to the finals at Varsity on Thursday. They will be sending home some information with the players shortly. Congratulations!
I just want to thank Alison Leung, an LKS parent, who works for Dove. Along with her partner, Ms. Leung presented a self-esteem workshop to our grade 7 classes on Friday. The students participated in some lively discussion and activity. I also wanted to pass on their website if you and your child/ren want to explore the topic a little more: www.campaignforrealbeauty.ca.
I just want to thank Alison Leung, an LKS parent, who works for Dove. Along with her partner, Ms. Leung presented a self-esteem workshop to our grade 7 classes on Friday. The students participated in some lively discussion and activity. I also wanted to pass on their website if you and your child/ren want to explore the topic a little more: www.campaignforrealbeauty.ca.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Ski Trip
Just a reminder to those skiing, to arrive at the school at 6:30 a.m. as the bus leaves @ 7:00 a.m.
I found a website for our older children that talks about bullying. In a kid-friendly way, it gives basic tips about this very important topic that we have worked on this year through our Power of One initiative. They can even share their own stories and poems. The site is www.bullyingcanada.ca. Our student safety reps will be choosing the winners of our anti-bullying poster contest soon!
I found a website for our older children that talks about bullying. In a kid-friendly way, it gives basic tips about this very important topic that we have worked on this year through our Power of One initiative. They can even share their own stories and poems. The site is www.bullyingcanada.ca. Our student safety reps will be choosing the winners of our anti-bullying poster contest soon!
Wild, Wild West
Just a reminder that the presentation tonight was cancelled last week due to an illness in the speaker's family. We will reschedule for third term.
Thank you to all the parents who helped us with Kindergarten registration last week. A warm welcome is special to our new students and parents.
We hope the grade 6-8 students have a great time at the ski hill this Thursday.
Thank you to all the parents who helped us with Kindergarten registration last week. A warm welcome is special to our new students and parents.
We hope the grade 6-8 students have a great time at the ski hill this Thursday.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Community Alert, Mediacs Presentation
Please be advised that another media alert was issued today. Please read the release under "Safe School" on our website. Thank you to the parents who came by yesterday to meet with Officer McCann regarding our letter that went home last week. He gave us some reassurance and suggested we all continue doing what were doing to keep the kids safe.
Also to let you know that we have to cancel our Wild, Wild Web presentation on February 26th. There was an illness in the presenter's family. We will reschedule when she is available.
Also to let you know that we have to cancel our Wild, Wild Web presentation on February 26th. There was an illness in the presenter's family. We will reschedule when she is available.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Question and Answer Period
On Wednesday, February 20th at 12:00, Officer Keith, our community officer will be answering any questions that you may have around the sex offender that was talked about in last Thursday's letter. He is in some of our classes over the next two days presenting on a variety of topics, so we thank him for doing this for our community. Please join us stage side of the gym.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day
We had such a great Valentine's Day! It is so great to see the little ones (and big ones) enjoy this wonderful day. I love seeing everyone dressed in red or pink and celebrating love and friendship. A big thank you goes to the grade 8 students who organized the "Crush" Valentine. You put a lot of time into making it a successful day! Also, thank you to all staff and parents for making this day special for the students. We know it takes a concerted effort when creating something great!
Unfortunately, we also had to send home a form letter from the Board indicating some bad news. Apparently, there will be a media release from Toronto Police indicating a potential sex offender living in the community. This news is very disturbing to all of us at LKS! As we just got this news at the end of the day, we will be discussing this in great detail next week. Safety is of the upmost importance and we will continue to teach the kids the Streetproofing Tips and using the buddy system to go to the washroom or other rooms. We will also be working with the lunchroom staff so they are aware and even more diligent on outside duty at lunch. All staff, will continue to provide supervision at the regular times. Mr. McLean and I will continue to be outside also.
Please remember that students and parents must enter by the front door only. Sometimes parents want to bring their kids in another door and knock for the students to open the doors. We ask that you do not do this, but instead use the front door. The kids do not know who the parents are and it is not really their responsibility to open the doors; they do it because they are great, kind kids. By continuing this, we are putting them in a tough situation. Also, please do not enter the building before school hours. On cold days (or rainy, please feel free to stand in the stairwells until we ring an early bell, but we ask again not to enter the hallways or go to the classrooms. Finally, please report to the office upon beginning your visit. We will give all volunteers indentification badges.
Our community police officer, Officer McCann was scheduled to come to the school next week, so we will be asking him to reiterate streetproofing tips to the classes he visits.
We thank you for your support in our efforts to keep the students safe and we will keep you posted if we receive anything else from the Board or Toronto Police. Please visit their website for further information. I'll be doing this when finished writing this post.
Unfortunately, we also had to send home a form letter from the Board indicating some bad news. Apparently, there will be a media release from Toronto Police indicating a potential sex offender living in the community. This news is very disturbing to all of us at LKS! As we just got this news at the end of the day, we will be discussing this in great detail next week. Safety is of the upmost importance and we will continue to teach the kids the Streetproofing Tips and using the buddy system to go to the washroom or other rooms. We will also be working with the lunchroom staff so they are aware and even more diligent on outside duty at lunch. All staff, will continue to provide supervision at the regular times. Mr. McLean and I will continue to be outside also.
Please remember that students and parents must enter by the front door only. Sometimes parents want to bring their kids in another door and knock for the students to open the doors. We ask that you do not do this, but instead use the front door. The kids do not know who the parents are and it is not really their responsibility to open the doors; they do it because they are great, kind kids. By continuing this, we are putting them in a tough situation. Also, please do not enter the building before school hours. On cold days (or rainy, please feel free to stand in the stairwells until we ring an early bell, but we ask again not to enter the hallways or go to the classrooms. Finally, please report to the office upon beginning your visit. We will give all volunteers indentification badges.
Our community police officer, Officer McCann was scheduled to come to the school next week, so we will be asking him to reiterate streetproofing tips to the classes he visits.
We thank you for your support in our efforts to keep the students safe and we will keep you posted if we receive anything else from the Board or Toronto Police. Please visit their website for further information. I'll be doing this when finished writing this post.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Week Ahead
This was a very busy week as we continued with our studies and experienced more heavy snowfalls. It really has been great to see the kids have such a fun time outside at lunch and recess. Many of our staff have skated with the kids and enjoyed some winter fun in the Shalepit.The 100th day was celebrated in our primary division and the kids really had fun with these learning acitivities!
On the 26th, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Debbie Gordon, will be presenting a parent workshop on the "Wild, Wild, Web"! Her workshop will explore the world of the internet seen through the eyes of a teenager and preteen. We sent a flyer home with the kids in grades 4-8. If you think you are going to attend, please tell your classroom teacher so we get a sense of the number of parents coming. If we have room, we will open it up to the younger grades also, although the content is probably more applicable to the parents with older children.
We have a great week ahead:
11th-Grade 8 classes have a presentation from Debbie Gordon, from Mediacs, on the internet, body image and self-esteem; Parent Council @ 7:30 p.m.
12th-Student Council presents "Free the Children" to students in grades 1-8 @ 10:30; Mrs. Adair's class participates in an art workshop and we continue with our Grade 3 and 5 Special Education Reviews
13th-Valentine's Dance for grades 6-8
14th-Happy Valentine's Day
15th-PA Day-Teachers involved with professional workshops outside the school
18th-Family Day!
19th-DAY 1-Instrumental for grades 6-8
Next Week:
20th-Officer Keith begins his visits to the classes
20th-21st-Kindergarten Registration; Grade 4 classes visit Medieval Times; Grade 7 & 8 Orchestra attend Kiwanis
22nd-Grade 3 classes have Scientists in the School visit
26th-Debbie Gordon returns to give a parent presentation (grades 4-8) on the Wild, Wild Web @ 7:00
28th-Grades 6-8 Ski Day
29th-Sharing Assemblies
P.S. There was a spelling mistake on our printed Newsletter. We apologize as our editing team, consisting of three people, didn't catch it! Just a reminder that future Newsletters will be posted on the LKS website only. There will be a few hard copies in the office if you need them. Being an EcoSchool, we are trying to cut down on paper.
On the 26th, from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Debbie Gordon, will be presenting a parent workshop on the "Wild, Wild, Web"! Her workshop will explore the world of the internet seen through the eyes of a teenager and preteen. We sent a flyer home with the kids in grades 4-8. If you think you are going to attend, please tell your classroom teacher so we get a sense of the number of parents coming. If we have room, we will open it up to the younger grades also, although the content is probably more applicable to the parents with older children.
We have a great week ahead:
11th-Grade 8 classes have a presentation from Debbie Gordon, from Mediacs, on the internet, body image and self-esteem; Parent Council @ 7:30 p.m.
12th-Student Council presents "Free the Children" to students in grades 1-8 @ 10:30; Mrs. Adair's class participates in an art workshop and we continue with our Grade 3 and 5 Special Education Reviews
13th-Valentine's Dance for grades 6-8
14th-Happy Valentine's Day
15th-PA Day-Teachers involved with professional workshops outside the school
18th-Family Day!
19th-DAY 1-Instrumental for grades 6-8
Next Week:
20th-Officer Keith begins his visits to the classes
20th-21st-Kindergarten Registration; Grade 4 classes visit Medieval Times; Grade 7 & 8 Orchestra attend Kiwanis
22nd-Grade 3 classes have Scientists in the School visit
26th-Debbie Gordon returns to give a parent presentation (grades 4-8) on the Wild, Wild Web @ 7:00
28th-Grades 6-8 Ski Day
29th-Sharing Assemblies
P.S. There was a spelling mistake on our printed Newsletter. We apologize as our editing team, consisting of three people, didn't catch it! Just a reminder that future Newsletters will be posted on the LKS website only. There will be a few hard copies in the office if you need them. Being an EcoSchool, we are trying to cut down on paper.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Junior Extended French Program
Just a reminder that the grade 4 Junior Extended French Program application is due on February 11, 2008. Applications can be located at www.tdsb.on.ca/pars. We also have a few hard copies in the office.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
News for the Week
It's a very dreary day out there, but thoughts of the upcoming Dinner Dance should get you excited. The following is a message from Karen Miller, one of our parent reps organizing this event: "Get Creative with your Cocktail Attire" at the Diamonds & Denim LKS Dinner Dance on April 11, 2008! Once again at the elegant Palais Royale Ballroom nestled on the shore of beautiful Lake Ontario. Be prepared to dance the night away with Gordon Deppe and The Lost Boys all while supporting LKS. This year we will be hosting a Silent Auction and if you wish to make a donation please contact Linda Scapillati (416) 233-7942 or Allison Brady (416) 233-8558.
Just a few more items to remember this week:
5th-Sr Hockey @ 7:00; Mrs. Younger and Ms. Malobabic's classes visit Science Centre; Happy Pancake Tuesday!
6th-Grade 8 Course Selection Sheets are due; Jr. Hockey game @ Humbercrest @ lunch
7th-Special Education Reviews; Sr Hockey @ George Bell in the morning; John G. @ LKS for Jr Girls Vball and finally Swim Practice @ 7:00
8th-100th Dat!
Just a few more items to remember this week:
5th-Sr Hockey @ 7:00; Mrs. Younger and Ms. Malobabic's classes visit Science Centre; Happy Pancake Tuesday!
6th-Grade 8 Course Selection Sheets are due; Jr. Hockey game @ Humbercrest @ lunch
7th-Special Education Reviews; Sr Hockey @ George Bell in the morning; John G. @ LKS for Jr Girls Vball and finally Swim Practice @ 7:00
8th-100th Dat!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Schools On!
It's snowy out there, but we are still open! See you at school boys and girls!
We are very excited that our classes will be skating this year. Teachers will be sending home notices to you. Please remember that all students from K-3 must wear a CSA approved helmet, and all other kids are strongly encouraged to do the same.
Just a reminder that our Newsletter has been published. We sent home our final print versions of the year. As part of our EcoSchools plan, we are trying to cut down on paper, therefore our newsletters will be on our website on the first of each month. A few print copies will be in the office if you want to pick one up also! Thank you to our parents,students and staff who have worked hard on our Environment Club this year!
We are very excited that our classes will be skating this year. Teachers will be sending home notices to you. Please remember that all students from K-3 must wear a CSA approved helmet, and all other kids are strongly encouraged to do the same.
Just a reminder that our Newsletter has been published. We sent home our final print versions of the year. As part of our EcoSchools plan, we are trying to cut down on paper, therefore our newsletters will be on our website on the first of each month. A few print copies will be in the office if you want to pick one up also! Thank you to our parents,students and staff who have worked hard on our Environment Club this year!
Friday, February 1, 2008
School Closed
As of 11:15 this morning, the Board closed the schools due to the weather. We are still in the process of dismissing, with a few students left. Thank you for the quick response.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Ms. Hazelton
Last night we learned that Ms. Hazelton has been promoted to vice-principal of Bloordale Middle School. We are sad that Ms. Hazelton is leaving the LKS community as she has brought many strengths to the intermediate staff and program.
We are very pleased to have Ms.Walker join our staff as Ms.Hazelton's replacement. Ms. Walker is an experienced teacher who is very excited to be working with the intermediate staff and students. She has been a supply teacher at LKS and many of the students already know her as a past teacher.
This promotion came upon us rather quickly as does Ms. Hazelton's departure as of the 4th. We wish you much success in your new role as vice-principal.
We are very pleased to have Ms.Walker join our staff as Ms.Hazelton's replacement. Ms. Walker is an experienced teacher who is very excited to be working with the intermediate staff and students. She has been a supply teacher at LKS and many of the students already know her as a past teacher.
This promotion came upon us rather quickly as does Ms. Hazelton's departure as of the 4th. We wish you much success in your new role as vice-principal.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Kids on the Block
Today we had a wonderful presentation for our students in grades 1-3. Through the group, The Kids on the Block, the kids learned about disabilities, and that we should treat each other the same, regardless of our differences. Thank you kids for beings such a great audience!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Crestwood PS: South West Arts School
Tonight was the open house for the new Arts Focused Middle School for South West Toronto. We mentioned this before to our LKS community, particularly to our grade 5 parents and students as next year is the first year it will be open for grade 6. If you are in grade 5 and interested in attending this unique school, please visit the website: www.tdsb.on.ca/Crestwood or email SWartSchool@tdsb.on.ca (you can pick up an application from the latter email). The application is due Feb. 22nd!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Week Ahead
Today is Family Literacy Day and I do hope that you are enjoying it together as a family. This special celebration began 10 years ago with the hopes that families would enjoy literacy together So, we hope you take some time today to read, sing, play games etc. together as it is just one more way to support our family bonds, and literacy!
We would also like to welcome Michelle Hoffman to our staff. She is officially replacing Dr. Grant for the remainder of the year. She will be teaching our grade 5 afternoon class and music from grades 1-6. Welcome Michelle to our LKS community!
We have a very busy week ahead:
29th-Special Education Reviews continue; Jr Boys BB @ Marchant
30th-Kids on the Block Presentation for Grades 1-3 in the afternoon; Sr Hockey practice @ 7:00 a.m.; Grade 5 classes visit the Science Centre; Sr Boys BB Tourney @ LKS all day
31st-Grade 6 & 7 Reviews; Jr Girls VBall @ Hilltop
February:
5th-Sr Hockey Practise @ 7:00 a.m.; Ms. Malobabic and Mrs. Younger at Science Centre
6th-Course Selection sheets due for grade 8 students; Jr Hockey Game @ Humbercrest
7th-Sr. Hockey Game @ George Bell; Jr Girls Vball-John G @ LKS; Special Education Reviews
8th-100th Day!
11th-Jr Hockey Game @ Runnymede; Grade 8 Media Presentation; Parent Council @ 7:30 p.m.
12th-Student Council Presentation-Free the Children; Mrs. Adair's class has art workshop all day; Spec Ed Reviews
13th-Grades 6-8 Video Dance
14th-Happy Valentine's Day
15th-PA Day-no school and 18th-no school as it is Family Day!
19th & 20th-Community Officer presents to classes
20th & 21st-Kindergarten Presentations
21st; Kiwanis Festival for grades 6-8 Instrumental
22nd-Scientists in the School visits grade 3 classes
26th-Parent Night: Please come out to learn about the Wild, Wild Web-more details to follow shortly
28th-Ski Day!
29th-Sharing Assemblies-changed from the 22nd!
March Break: Week of March 10th
Report Cards: Go Home April 1st; Parent Teacher Interviews: April 4th
We would also like to welcome Michelle Hoffman to our staff. She is officially replacing Dr. Grant for the remainder of the year. She will be teaching our grade 5 afternoon class and music from grades 1-6. Welcome Michelle to our LKS community!
We have a very busy week ahead:
29th-Special Education Reviews continue; Jr Boys BB @ Marchant
30th-Kids on the Block Presentation for Grades 1-3 in the afternoon; Sr Hockey practice @ 7:00 a.m.; Grade 5 classes visit the Science Centre; Sr Boys BB Tourney @ LKS all day
31st-Grade 6 & 7 Reviews; Jr Girls VBall @ Hilltop
February:
5th-Sr Hockey Practise @ 7:00 a.m.; Ms. Malobabic and Mrs. Younger at Science Centre
6th-Course Selection sheets due for grade 8 students; Jr Hockey Game @ Humbercrest
7th-Sr. Hockey Game @ George Bell; Jr Girls Vball-John G @ LKS; Special Education Reviews
8th-100th Day!
11th-Jr Hockey Game @ Runnymede; Grade 8 Media Presentation; Parent Council @ 7:30 p.m.
12th-Student Council Presentation-Free the Children; Mrs. Adair's class has art workshop all day; Spec Ed Reviews
13th-Grades 6-8 Video Dance
14th-Happy Valentine's Day
15th-PA Day-no school and 18th-no school as it is Family Day!
19th & 20th-Community Officer presents to classes
20th & 21st-Kindergarten Presentations
21st; Kiwanis Festival for grades 6-8 Instrumental
22nd-Scientists in the School visits grade 3 classes
26th-Parent Night: Please come out to learn about the Wild, Wild Web-more details to follow shortly
28th-Ski Day!
29th-Sharing Assemblies-changed from the 22nd!
March Break: Week of March 10th
Report Cards: Go Home April 1st; Parent Teacher Interviews: April 4th
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Student Safety Line
TDSB has launched a pilot Student Safety Line for students to call and report school-related or personal safety concerns. A parent letter has been placed on our website, under Safety if you are interested in more details. We will also be sharing the information with the students when more materials are sent to the school.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Week Activities
School Improvement Plan
Last week our Leadership team (grade reps) met to continue work on our writing plan. One of our goals in our School Improvement Plan, was to work collaboratively within grades to look at how we teach a variety of genre. Even though the Ontario Curriculum dictates our Expectations at each grade level, we want to be consistent with our content, resources and assessment and evaluation. The first genre we worked on was the narrative, followed by report writing. This week staff will also be working together in grade teams and assessing narrative pieces produced in the various grades. This exercise allows us, as educators, to become more consistent in our assessing and evaluating.
Week at a Glance
21st-Literacy Day; Sr Hockey @ George Bell; Scientists in the School with Ms. Moser and Ms. Kim; Junior Sharing Assembly @ 9:00
22nd-LKS Junior Girls VB @ John G.; Scientists in the School with Mr. Blais
23rd-Jr Boys Hockey practise @ 7:00; Jr. Boys BB @ LKS (vs Rockcliffe)
24th-Boys BB @ LKS (vs Portage)
Last week our Leadership team (grade reps) met to continue work on our writing plan. One of our goals in our School Improvement Plan, was to work collaboratively within grades to look at how we teach a variety of genre. Even though the Ontario Curriculum dictates our Expectations at each grade level, we want to be consistent with our content, resources and assessment and evaluation. The first genre we worked on was the narrative, followed by report writing. This week staff will also be working together in grade teams and assessing narrative pieces produced in the various grades. This exercise allows us, as educators, to become more consistent in our assessing and evaluating.
Week at a Glance
21st-Literacy Day; Sr Hockey @ George Bell; Scientists in the School with Ms. Moser and Ms. Kim; Junior Sharing Assembly @ 9:00
22nd-LKS Junior Girls VB @ John G.; Scientists in the School with Mr. Blais
23rd-Jr Boys Hockey practise @ 7:00; Jr. Boys BB @ LKS (vs Rockcliffe)
24th-Boys BB @ LKS (vs Portage)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Staffing
Just to let you know that we have been told that we can hire a full-time teacher to replace Dr. Grant, who is on maternity leave. We have had to replace Dr. Grant with a few LTO positions over the last four months, but we can now hire a full-time teacher until June. We will be interviewing and hiring over the next couple of weeks, and hopefully start for January 28th, if not sooner. We will inform you when we "officially" hire. Thank you.
Monday, January 14, 2008
New Superintendent
We would like to wish Kathleen Meighan, our superintendent, best wishes in her new position in the Board. She will be working with the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat. Usha Finucane will be taking over as Superintendent for the South West Family of Schools until the end of the school year.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
January Parent Meetings
The Final Safety Report for TDSB was released in the media last week. If you are interested, please go to our website, under Safe Schools, and download the parent letter from the TDSB. The letter indicates a website you can go to if you are interested in reading the whole report.
Here at LKS, the students in grades 4-8 completed a bullying survey in the fall. The data has been collected and it will be shared with our safety committee and class reps during the month. The committee, including parents, students and staff will now analyze the collected data. We will present our findings at the next parent council meeting and we'll also put the results on the website. Our committee will also be hosting a poster contest for the kids related to anti-bullying or TRIBES and also, our community police officer will be in over the next month or two to present to the classes. We will give details later.
Just a reminder to our grade 5 parents that there is an information session on January 29th at Norseman if you are interested in learning about the new South West Arts School that will be opening in September 2008. More information is on our website, under Curriculum.
Also under Curriculum, on the website, is a flyer indicating a Special Education information night on January 22nd.
Here at LKS, the students in grades 4-8 completed a bullying survey in the fall. The data has been collected and it will be shared with our safety committee and class reps during the month. The committee, including parents, students and staff will now analyze the collected data. We will present our findings at the next parent council meeting and we'll also put the results on the website. Our committee will also be hosting a poster contest for the kids related to anti-bullying or TRIBES and also, our community police officer will be in over the next month or two to present to the classes. We will give details later.
Just a reminder to our grade 5 parents that there is an information session on January 29th at Norseman if you are interested in learning about the new South West Arts School that will be opening in September 2008. More information is on our website, under Curriculum.
Also under Curriculum, on the website, is a flyer indicating a Special Education information night on January 22nd.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Welcome Back!
A warm welcome back to all the students and parents. After visiting the classrooms, it seems that most of the kids really had a great holiday visiting with family and friends. Some seemed to get in lots of skiing, shopping and/or just "hanging out". That's what it is all about! I'm glad they are learning to relax and enjoy life early.
We do have a few things on the go for second term. Mr. Page is busily organizing our ski trip and skating, now that the rink is open. More details will follow regarding both events. We are also busy with hockey and basketball.
We had a special presentation for the grade 4-8 classes on Wednesday. Representatives from Kids Help Phone came out to the school to talk about their service. Just a reminder to the kids that their counselling service can be accessed by telephone @ 1-800-668-6868 or by website: kidshelpphone.ca Thank you to Ms. Forte for arranging this presentation.
Ms. Forte also wants to remind all grade 8 students and their parents that High School course selection sheets are due to Ms. Forte on Feb. 6th. Please advise her of your choice of school whether it be in the TDSB or any other Board. Her number is 416-394-7890 if you need to contact her.
The office was also moved over the holidays into our new home. We've been unpacking boxes and putting all the rooms together over the last three days. The construction crew will now begin work on renovating the new classroom in the old space. We are hoping that all construction, including moving the computer lab into the new space will happen before March Break!
We look forward to a wonderful second term. Thank you for all the warm wishes over the holidays. Kelly Caddel
We do have a few things on the go for second term. Mr. Page is busily organizing our ski trip and skating, now that the rink is open. More details will follow regarding both events. We are also busy with hockey and basketball.
We had a special presentation for the grade 4-8 classes on Wednesday. Representatives from Kids Help Phone came out to the school to talk about their service. Just a reminder to the kids that their counselling service can be accessed by telephone @ 1-800-668-6868 or by website: kidshelpphone.ca Thank you to Ms. Forte for arranging this presentation.
Ms. Forte also wants to remind all grade 8 students and their parents that High School course selection sheets are due to Ms. Forte on Feb. 6th. Please advise her of your choice of school whether it be in the TDSB or any other Board. Her number is 416-394-7890 if you need to contact her.
The office was also moved over the holidays into our new home. We've been unpacking boxes and putting all the rooms together over the last three days. The construction crew will now begin work on renovating the new classroom in the old space. We are hoping that all construction, including moving the computer lab into the new space will happen before March Break!
We look forward to a wonderful second term. Thank you for all the warm wishes over the holidays. Kelly Caddel
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