Happy Holidays

A big thank you to the community for supporting our Stonegate Holiday Baskets! Delivery happened today with great appreciation from the Stonegate community. Thanks to Student Council and our drivers; Karen DeBortoli (organizer),  Deric Jacklin, Joanna Sharp, Kerry Collings, Sara Beveridge, Susie Raymond, Karen Miller and Julie Riach.

Stonegate Delivery 2014 

We just finished our staff meeting at lunch. Ms. Kim and Mrs. Perrin led the staff in a variety of activities highlighting what they learned at the I-Think workshop they attended at Rotman awhile back. It was a lot of fun brainstorming our technology needs and prototyping solutions. Staff can use these strategies in the classroom with their students to promote critical thinking and problem-solving.

I just finished reading an article on holiday stress and the impact on adults and children. The holidays can be so much fun and exciting, but it can be very stressful on children.The author reminds parents and teachers to talk about stress with children and acknowledge that it exists. Talking about the negative feelings might allow kids to be "less hard" on themselves. Teaching children stress-reduction strategies like breathing techniques and mental imagining can also be helpful and finally, as adults, we need to be patient. For sure there will be arguments and some acting out, so we, as adults need to be the patient ones.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday celebrating with friends and family.

January 2015

5-School Begins
6th-Grade 1 Houseleague at lunch 
8th-Grade 2 Houseleague at lunch 
9-Grade 7 and 8 Madd Presentation; Grade 3 Houseleague at lunch  

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m; Grade 6-8 Science Fair; Grade 1-3 Author visit 
22nd-Scientist in School visits Grade 2 (Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi, Mrs. Hoffman); Grade 6-8 Author visit   

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Seeds of Hope Field Trip to Daily Food Bank 

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open
30th-Pizza Lunch 

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn

Gym Flooded

As you probably know by now, our gym was flooded on Friday. A sprinkler head was hit as we put the chairs away after the concerts. The fire alarm went off and we had to evacuate the building. After the fire department cleared us, we quickly got the kids back inside and then began clean up. Everyone pitched in to clear anything that was in the path of the flowing water. Staff picked up mops and shop vacs and worked for 3 hours or so to get the water under control.  The gym is being aired out over the weekend and should be ready for Monday. Although it was a very tiring day, I want to thank everyone who helped clean, supervised children and those who made sure Pizza Lunch still went ahead. Again, I can't say enough of this great staff and community. 

January 2015

5-School Begins
9-Grade 7 and 8 Madd Presentation 

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m; Grade 6-8 Science Fair; Grade 1-3 Author visit 
22nd-Scientist in School visits Grade 2 (Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi, Mrs. Hoffman); Grade 6-8 Author visit   

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Seeds of Hope Field Trip to Daily Food Bank 

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open
30th-Pizza Lunch 

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn

Thursday, December 11, 2014

A big thank you for coming to our concerts this week.  The concerts are so special as it gives the kids an opportunity to perform for an audience and you get to see the great things that are happening in the program. We are looking forward to our last performance at the Raptors game on Monday night when the Grade 8 Girls' Choir will be singing.

Along with our Parent Council Executive, we have many parents who sit on numerous committees. Their commitment has provided many enriching activities for the students and LKS community. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the following parents for their support.

Secretary: Mrs. Chechlik is the newest member of the Executive joining us in the Fall. Thank you for stepping up to the plate Mrs. Chechlik!

Pizza Lunches: Thank you to Mrs. Hodgson, Mrs. Copeland and Mrs. Trinder for feeding us every month!

Grade Parents: What would we do without our weekly memos? A big thank you to Ms. Mezger, Ms. Hynes, Ms. Barrett, Ms. Clarke, Ms. Drewnowska, Ms. Needham, Ms. Marcolin, Ms. Fox, Ms. Copeland, Ms. Race, Ms. Giancos, Ms. Beveridge, Ms. Busch, Ms. Keogh, Ms. Arrowsmith, Ms. Bracken, Ms. Stecher, Ms. McFadgen, Ms. Forte, Ms. Fenn, Ms. Sharp, Ms. Odorico, Ms. Barclay, Ms. Bonanno, Ms. Solby, Ms. D'Brass Donahue, Ms. C. Needham, Ms. Dmetrieva, Ms. Mehta, Ms. Fisher, Ms. Lowenborg Frick, Ms. Newton, Ms. Greifenberger, Ms. Suomi, Ms. Thompson, Ms. Teron, Ms. Vaux, Ms. Abbott, Ms. Zimmer, Ms. Stinson, Ms. Kim, Ms. Dodig, Ms. Strother, Ms. Kerfers, Ms. Parzyck, Ms. Miller, Ms. DeLonghi, Ms. Plewes and Mrs. Robinson

Literacy-Thank you to Ms. Tortorice and Ms. Sharp for helping Mrs. McGee organize our author visits and Book Fairs.

Music: Thank you to Mrs. Greifenberger for helping Mr. Samotowka organize the music nights and the grade 6 music camp.

Classroom Enrichment: Thanks to Ms. Forte for helping Mrs. Norton plan a variety of visitors to the classrooms including Scientists in the School and Artists. Mrs. Forte also organizes guest speakers for parents throughout the year.

Physical Education: Thanks to Mrs. Raymond, Mrs. Beveridge and Ms. Mohtashani for helping Mr. Bracht organize special visitors to enrich our physical education classes, purchase equipment and organize our clothing sales.

Fundraising: A big thank you goes to Mrs. Delonghi, Mrs. Moorehead and Mrs. Barrett for organizing our LKS Social this year. A Dinner Dance is being planned for the Spring. Thank you also needs to be extended to Ms. Fisher for organizing our fall QSP fundraiser. Although we are still looking for a Chair or Co-Chairs to head up Springfest, we'd like to thank Mr. Cunningham and Ms. Forte for organizing the Games and Food so far! Looking forward to it!

Community Outreach: Thank you to Ms. DeBortoli, Ms. Sharp, Ms. Gardner and Ms. Collings for organizing our fall food and lego drives and our current Stonegate Holiday Baskets. All donations have been appreciated by our local schools.

Environment: Thanks to Ms. Clarke for helping book our special guests for our Earth Week Assemblies!

TDSB Liaison: Thanks to Ms. Almeida for keeping the council posted on Trustee information.

Grade 8 Graduation: Finally, a big thank you goes to Ms. Taylor and Ms. Miller for striking a committe and planning this very special year end celebration for our grade 8 families.

I hope I haven't missed anyone. Please let me know if I have as everyone deserves the recognition for the good workt that is being done. As you can see, it really does take a lot of help to run such a successful school. We haven't even mentioned the countless number of friends the above committee Chairs have recruited, the drivers of our sports teams, the parents who come in every week to read to the children or those who volunteer for craft day. Your support is endless and is truly appreciated!

I hope everyone enjoys the weekend.

December 2014

15-Grade 8 Girls sing "O Canada" at Raptors Game; Grade 1-3 Sharing Assembly; Huddle Up Leadership meeting  

16-Grade 4-8 Sharing Assembly; Skills Ontario presentation for grade 7 and 8 
18-Grade 6-8 Dance 
19th-Carol Sing in the morning 

22-Holidays Begin

January 2015

5-School Begins
9-Grade 7 and 8 Madd Presentation 

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m; Grade 6-8 Science Fair; Grade 1-3 Author visit 
22nd-Scientist in School visits Grade 2 (Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi, Mrs. Hoffman); Grade 6-8 Author visit   

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Seeds of Hope Field Trip to Daily Food Bank 

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open
30th-Pizza Lunch 

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn

Thursday, December 4, 2014

This week, Mrs. Norton and I finished meeting with staff to review their program, including assessments and final evaluations. Throughout our discussions, it became clear how great our teachers and support staff are at the school. What I admire is their willingness to always try new things and implement current best practices in their program. I admire the skill level involved to improve student achievement and instill a love of learning. I am very fortunate to be working with such a staff. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs. Kidd, Mrs. Fuda, Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Riach, the Parent Council Executive. The committee has worked hard this term to organize meetings, establish goals, and carry out some wonderful, fundraising activities this term in order to provide enriching programs for your children. Again, we are all very fortunate to be working with such talented individuals. 

Just a friendly reminder to always remind your children about safety procedures when walking home from school. Tips are on our website. There have been a couple of incidents in nearby neighbourhoods involving cars stopping young adolescents. 

I hope to see many of you at the concerts this week. Don't forget to check out our lost and found as we will doing a final clean up in a couple of weeks. 

December 2014
9-Grade 5 Queens Park 
10-Grade 1-3 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 
11-Grade 6-8 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 

12-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch 
15-Grade 8 Girls sing "O Canada" at Raptors Game 

16-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly; Skills Ontario presentation for grade 7 and 8 

22-Holidays Begin

January 2015

5-School Begins
9-Grade 7 and 8 Madd Presentation 

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m; Grade 6-8 Science Fair; Grade 1-3 Author visit 
22nd-Scientist in School visits Grade 2 (Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi, Mrs. Hoffman); Grade 6-8 Author visit   

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Seeds of Hope Field Trip to Daily Food Bank 

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open
30th-Pizza Lunch 

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn

Friday, November 28, 2014

I'd like to thank everyone who attended the Parent Council on Monday night. There were updates from the committees and we shared an article on fixed and growth mind-sets that I mentioned in last week's blog. The next meeting will be in January. 

This week, our IT committee met to continue planning. The committee consists of Mr. Ross, Mr. Littlejohn, Ms. Norton, Dr Grant, Mr. Iceton and myself. Schools do not have dedicated IT support staff, so the majority of the work (planning, purchasing and maintaining equipment) falls to the volunteer efforts of staff. 

As you may know, we are very much supported in this area because of the funds raised at the school. Each year, we allocate around $5000 from the school budget to cover the cost of the hardware and software. Not a lot comes from the Ministry nor TDSB. In addition to the limited funds, the school has many restrictions when it comes to purchasing. We must use TDSB approved contracts. Further complications arise when trying to get repairs done quickly. Although this portfolio is not easy to manage in a school, I am really proud of what our staff has accomplished. 

So far we've completed the following: 

• Checked the working order of our two mac labs. Both labs are very old and not under warranty. The working ones have been distributed to classrooms. 
• We've taken an inventory of working classroom desktops. Those not working and not under warranty have been removed. 
• Four Smart Boards that were purchased with your financial support have been installed and are up and running. 
• Liaised with Parent Council to see if we can purchase any of the five remaining Smart Boards required to outfit all classrooms. 
• Work orders continue to be placed for broken equipment under warranty. 
• Our wireless isn't working properly in the school and a work order has been placed. Hopefully things gets done quickly as it affects are programming. 
• At our December staff meeting, Ms. Kim and Mrs. Perrin will be working with staff to create a "needs list". They will be working through the "I think" strategies that we learned at the Rotman workshop a couple of weeks back. These are great strategies that teachers can implement in the classroom. 
• One of our parents donated playbooks to the school. They have been distributed to teachers for classroom use. 
• Mrs. Norton will be writing a few grants for funds to purchase more hardware. 

I'm also very proud of the work of our Mental and Well-Being Health Committee consisting 

December 2014

1-Jr Boys Vball at LKS; Grade 7 and 8 Vaccines  
2-Grade 1-3 visit Young People's Theatre 
3-Kindergarten Trip 
4-Safe Schools: Grade 4-8 Huddle Up Lunch; Girls Bball @ ECI all day 
5-PA Day
9-Grade 5 Queens Park 
10-Grade 1-3 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 
11-Grade 6-8 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 

12-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch 
15-Grade 8 Girls sing "O Canada" at Raptors Game 

16-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly; Skills Ontario presentation for grade 7 and 8 

22-Holidays Begin

January 2015

5-School Begins
9-Grade 7 and 8 Madd Presentation 

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m; Grade 6-8 Science Fair 
22nd-Scientist in School visits Grade 2 (Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi, Mrs. Hoffman)  

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Seeds of Hope Field Trip to Daily Food Bank 

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open
30th-Pizza Lunch 

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn

Thursday, November 20, 2014

We've had a really rewarding week as Mrs. Norton and I have begun formally meeting with  teachers to learn about the wonderful things they are doing in their class. Our discussions have mainly focused on the language and/or math program. During the meetings, we have the opportunity to go through each mark book and see one or two assignments. Discussions focus on assessment and student inquiry.  

Staff will also be reading an article on "Mind-Sets and Equitable Education", watching video clips and participating in follow up activities over the next few months. Basically, there are two sets of beliefs that teachers (and parents) can have about a student's intelligence. A fixed mind-set is static-some students can get it and some can't. A growth mind set implies that  intelligence is fluid and can be developed. Studies have shown that teachers with a growth mind-set can positively influence their students' learning-if students have a growth mind-set (i.e. "If I persist, I will get this math concept"), achievement scores can improve. 

Parents who have a growth mind-set can also strongly influence the way their children view their own capabilities. By incorporating the word "yet" each time your child says they can't do something begins to develop a growth mind-set. 

The work of Carol Dweck is really fascinating and worth exploring.  We will be talking about this more at the Parent Council meeting on Monday.  The following link might be helpful: http://www.mindsetworks.com/webnav/parenttips.aspx

I hope everyone has a great weekend. 
November 2014

24-Parent Council Meeting; Grade 6-8 Science Fair sharing in Homeroom 

25-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly; Scientist in School visits Mrs. Tyndall 
27-Jr Girls Bball Tournament @ LKS 
28th-Pizza Lunch; Sr Boys Vball at John English 
30-Grade 4-6 classes sing "O Canada' at Marlies Game 

December 2014

1-Jr Boys Vball at LKS; Grade 7 & 8 Vaccines  
2-Grade 1-3 visit Young People's Theatre 
3-Kindergarten Trip 
4-Safe Schools: Grade 4-8 Huddle Up Lunch; Girls Bball @ ECI all day 
5-PA Day
9-Grade 5 Queens Park 
10-Grade 1-3 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 
11-Grade 6-8 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 

12-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch 
15-Grade 8 Girls sing "O Canada" at Raptors Game 

16-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly; Skills Ontario presentation for grade 7 & 8 

22-Holidays Begin

January 2015

5-School Begins
9-Grade 7 & 8 Madd Presentation 

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m; Grade 6-8 Science Fair 
22nd-Scientist in School visits Grade 2 (Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi, Mrs. Hoffman)  

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Seeds of Hope Field Trip to Daily Food Bank 

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open
30th-Pizza Lunch 

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn

We had a very special Remembrance Day Assembly on Tuesday. I'd like to thank the community for attending. A special thank you to our grade 8 students who organized the assembly: Maddy, Justin, Liam, Alex, Sam, will, Adam, Brian, Jack, Shaziah, Callum, Sophie, Matisse, Jazlyn, Veronica, Sule, Lilli, Emma, Ginny and Harry. A job well done.  Thank you to the Primary Choir, under the direction of Dr Grant, Mrs. Zappi and Mrs. Younger, for opening up the assembly and to the children who participated as a wreath rep or the Colour Guard.

This week, we will finish up most of the parent-teacher interviews. The interviews are a time for parents to hear about the progress their child has been making since the first day of school, and of any concerns. After the interview, it's important to keep the following in mind for a follow up: (Source: ETFO and B.C. Teacher's Federation)  

1. Speak honestly with your child about the discussion you had with the teacher. Talk about the  the positives and any problem areas that were discussed, as well as plans that you and the teacher made to help your child make improvements.
2. Start right away on any plans for improvement and be very consistent. This helps show your child that you consider them important and that everyone (parent, teacher and child) can work together to make positive changes. It also models for your child how to take on problems and turn them around.
3. Keep in regular contact with the teacher. Contact the teacher after two or three weeks as a follow-up to the meeting and to check up on how things are going.

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Remember, there is no school tomorrow (14th) 

November 2014

17th-Officer Rich visits Grade 5 and 6 

18th-Scientist in the School visits Mrs. Gibson, Ms. Kim and Mrs. Younger 
19th-Scientist in the School visits Mrs. Olson 

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Sr Boys Volleyball @ LKS and Sr Girls BBall @ Rockcliffe 

24-Parent Council Meeting

25-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly
26-Scientist in School visits Mrs. Tyndall 
28th-Pizza Lunch; Sr Boys Vball at John English 
30-Grade 4-6 classes sing "O Canada' at Marlies Game 

December 2014

1-Jr Boys Vball at LKS 
2-Grade 1-3 visit Young People's Theatre 
3-Kindergarten Trip 
5-PA Day
9-Grade 5 Queens Park 
10-Grade 1-3 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 
11-Grade 6-8 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 

12-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch 
15-Grade 8 Girls sing "O Canada" at Raptors Game 

16-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly; Skills Ontario presentation for grade 7 & 8 

22-Holidays Begin

January 2015

5-School Begins
9-Grade 7 & 8 Madd Presentation 

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m; Grade 6-8 Science Fair 
22nd-Scientist in School visits Grade 2 (Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi, Mrs. Hoffman)  

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Seeds of Hope Field Trip to Daily Food Bank 

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open
30th-Pizza Lunch 

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn

Last week I shared our literacy and math goals that form our School Improvement Plan. This week, I will be sharing our goals in the last two areas; namely Pathways and Community, Culture and Caring. 

LKS Pathway Goals
-Full Implementation of Full Day Kindergarten and Early Learning Strategies
-Supportive transition for our grade 8 students moving to Secondary Schools 
-Staff will continue to focus on learning skills (as outlined on report card)

Community, Culture and Caring (Safe School Goals) 
-Working with our community liaison officer, continue to develop safety awareness at each grade level 
-Continue to develop a Bully-free culture in partnership with the Toronto Argonauts and student leaders
-Through the Peer Mediation program, empower students to become problem-solvers and reflective thinkers
-Continue to promote a community spirit through the TRIBES Agreements  and TDSB Character Traits
-Continue to contribute to the Global Community through the work of Parent Council, LIVE, ECO-Club and Seeds of Hope initiatives
-Through the work of the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee, increase an awareness of mental health concerns and provide support to those needing assistance 

As you can see from our School Improvement Plan,  schools are required to accomplish or at least set out to accomplish a myriad of initiatives. Although it looks like a lot, the staff at LKS will continue to set priorities as the year continues focusing on student learning! 

Just a reminder that report cards go home next Monday. We will see you next week during interviews. 

Have a great weekend! 

November 2014

6-Parent Interview Booking Closed

10-Report Cards Go Home

11-Remembrance Day Assembly @ 10:30 a.m. 

12-“Grow Assembly”

14-PA Day
17th-Officer Rich visits Grade 5 and 6 
18th-Scientist in the School visits Mrs. Gibson, Ms. Kim and Mrs. Younger 
19th-Scientist in the School visits Mrs. Olson 

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Sr Boys Volleyball @ LKS and Sr Girls BBall @ Rockcliffe 

24-Parent Council Meeting

25-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly
26-Scientist in School visits Mrs. Tyndall 
28th-Pizza Lunch; Sr Boys Vball at John English 
30-Grade 4-6 classes sing "O Canada' at Marlies Game 

December 2014

1-Jr Boys Vball at LKS 
2-Grade 1-3 visit Young People's Theatre 
3-Kindergarten Trip 
5-PA Day
9-Grade 5 Queens Park 
10-Grade 1-3 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 
11-Grade 6-8 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 

12-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch 
15-Grade 8 Girls sing "O Canada" at Raptors Game 

16-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly; Skills Ontario presentation for grade 7 & 8 

22-Holidays Begin

January 2015

5-School Begins
9-Grade 7 & 8 Madd Presentation 

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m; Grade 6-8 Science Fair 
22nd-Scientist in School visits Grade 2 (Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Zappi, Mrs. Hoffman)  

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Seeds of Hope Field Trip to Daily Food Bank 

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open
30th-Pizza Lunch 

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn

Thank you to those who came to the Parent Council meeting on Monday. It was great seeing so many new parents at the meeting. It looks like we have lots of volunteers for the committees. Ms. Norton and I presented part of the School Improvement Plan. The TDSB template consists of 4 parts, namely Literacy, Math, Pathways and Community. Staff will be working on the following goals in the areas of math and literacy. We will present the other two at the next meeting. 

LKS Literacy Goals
-Students will show measurable improvement in reading and writing based on our current assessments (i.e. EQAO, DRA,CTBS, CASI and Report Cards)
-All senior kindergarten children will meet the reading expectation as measured by DRA 
-Students will be engaged in higher level thinking 
-Students will continue to be actively engaged in collaborative inquiry 
-Identified Special Needs students will successfully meet individualized goals as outlined in their IEPs 

LKS Math Goals
-Increase in grade 6 EQAO math by 10% 
- Students will show measurable improvement in math 
based on our current assessments (i.e. EQAO, DRA,CTBS, CASI and Report Cards)
-Students' basic computational skills will improve
-Students will acquire an understanding of complex math processes 
-Identified Special Needs students will successfully meet individualized goals as outlined in their IEPs 

On Wednesday, we hosted our final Terry Fox Assembly. The LKS community raised just over $21, 000. Staff and students celebrated through a variety of games, including Mrs. Norton and I dressing up as Human Hot Dogs! The ketchup, mustard and relish tasted great! Congratulations everyone! 

Don't forget to check the Parent Bulletin this week as it has the code required to book your on-line teacher interview. 

Hope to see you at the Parade in the morning. We usually start around 9:15 a.m. Please line up outside. 

Have a great weekend. 


November 2014

6-Parent Interview Booking Closed

10-Report Cards Go Home

11-Remembrance Day Assembly

12-“Grow Assembly”-Junior Presentation 

14-PA Day
17th-Officer Rich visits grade 5 & 6 
18th-Scientist in the School visit Ms. Kim, Mrs. Younger and Mrs. Gibson 
19th-Scientist in the School visit Mrs. Olson 
20th-Huddle Up Meeting at lunch 

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

24-Parent Council Meeting

25-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly; Scientist visits Mrs. Tyndall 
30th-Grade 4-6 sing at Marlies Game 

December 2014

1-Grade 7 & 8 Vaccines
2-Grade 1-3 to Young People's Theatre 
4th-Kindergarten Trip 
5-PA Day
9th-Grade 5 to Queen's Park 
10th-Grade 1-3 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 
11th-Grade 6-8 Concert @ 6:30 p.m. 

12-Kindie Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch 
15th-Grade 8 Girls sing at Raptors Game 

16-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

22-Holidays Begin

January 2015

5-School Begins
9th-Grade 7 & 8 MADD Presentation 

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m; Science Fair 
22nd-Scientist in the School visit Mrs. Gibson and Mrs. Zappi  

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn

Thursday, October 23, 2014

On Wednesday, we heard the sad news from Ottawa as you all did. We sent home a letter through the grade parents on behalf of the Director. It indicated ways in which you could speak to your children about the events. These tips were also shared with staff who no doubt will be  answering questions, especially in the older grades. Please let us know if we can support you as more news unfolds. 

I've heard about some incidents regarding "strangers" in nearby neighbourhoods stopping some kids. Nothing has come from police services, but I encourage  you to have those discussions at home around street proofing-again tips can be found on our website. 

Our flood is getting cleaned up. A big thank you to our caretaking staff. The library has been open for classes, but we've had to take down some books waiting for the drywall to dry. The computer room has been closed and classes rescheduled, again waiting for material to dry out. We also have to have another safety report back (i.e. mould growth) before letting classes resume. New computers have been ordered to replace damaged ones. We are hoping this gets cleared up in the next week. LKS is now scheduled to have roof replacement for November. 

During a recent conversation at the school, a comment was made that all of our LKS students will continue their post-secondary education at the university level. I thought I would comment on this because as educators we know that this is simply not true. We have very high expectations of our students and we want them to be successful at whatever level of education they and their families choose once leaving high school. As educators, we know that all students learn at different rates and they all have different passions and styles of learning-university will not be for everyone.  The aforementioned ideology undermines what we as educators have worked hard to achieve for a long time; that all kids should be supported at whatever level they are working at in order to achieve academic successes. Obviously, educators and the system at large still have some work to do in this area of communication and I hope I've helped clear up some misconceptions. Thank you. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend. 


October 2014

27-Parent Council; Cross-Country City Finals; Elections in the gym 

28-Photo Retakes
29th-Terry Fox Celebration Assembly; ESA open house for grade 8s  

30-Mrs. Olson and Mrs. Gibson visit Outdoor Ed Centre; Grade 8 Haunted House  

31-Hallowe’en Parade; Parent Interview Bookings Begin 

November 2014

6-Parent Interview Booking Closed

10-Report Cards Go Home

11-Remembrance Day Assembly

12-“Grow Assembly”

14-PA Day

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

24-Parent Council Meeting

25-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

December 2014

5-PA Day

12-Kindie Sharing Assembly

16-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

22-Holidays Begin

January 2015

5-School Begins

19-Parent Council Meeting @ 7:00 p.m 

23-PA Day

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

28-Kindie Sharing Assembly

29-Parent On-Line Interview Bookings Open

February 2015

5-Parent On-Line Booking Closed

9-Report Cards Go Home

10 and 11-Kindergarten Registration

13-PA Day

16-Family Day

19-Kindie Sharing Assembly

20-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

23-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

March 2015

16-20-March Break

24-Kindie Sharing Assembly

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

30-Parent Council meeting @ 7:00 p.m.

April 2015

3 and 6-Good Friday and Easter Monday

20-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

21-Kindie Sharing Assembly

28-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

May 2015

18-Victoria Day

20-Kindie Sharing Assembly

25-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m

27-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

June 2015

5-PA Day

12-Grade 8 Graduation

15-19-Grade 8 Quebec Trip

17-Kindie Sharing Assembly

19-Grade 1-7 Sharing Assembly

24-Report Cards Go Home

25-Day 0; Student Assembly; Lunch on Lawn