Each day, Ms. Norton and I visit classrooms to speak with the students and teachers. It's an opportunity for us to talk to the teacher about the program and observe the children learning. This week, we've talked to the teachers, specifically about their reading programs, looked at September assessments and discussed any student concerns.
We've also been updating our IT inventory. As you may know, we have purchased Smart Boards over the last five years with the assistance of your financial support. We have one more interactive board to buy for our music program. We will be purchasing this from the 2015-2016 Parent Council funds, in addition to the four IPADS for the kindergarten learning centres and a set of notebooks for the primary, junior and intermediate classrooms.
We are also in the process of working with the TDSB purchasing department to purchase licences for Smart Board software. As you may know, the Board didn't renew their contract with Smart last year. This was a big shock to us considering we just completed purchasing Smart Boards for the entire school. The good news is that the Board will continue to support (technically and financially) the current software at no cost to the school. Any upgrades to new versions of the software will be the sole responsibility of the school. We are looking into the cost of the new licence. Without the new upgrades, teachers have problems accessing their programs.
Although we continue to look at new technologies (i.e chrome books), we continue to replace outdated or broken hardware. This week we are placing an order for three laptops to replace old ones. All computers must be purchased through TDSB. We are also looking at purchasing a new cart of laptops for the junior and intermediate students. These students use the computers consistently all day for their studies. Unfortunately, 30 of the laptops (a class set) are being collected by the Board in October as the lease has expired. We will have to replace these sooner than later so our students' learning is not compromised.
The Board will also be updating our wireless throughout the school. The school has to purchase 4 of the 19 routers that will be installed, at one third of the price if we weren't part of this project. The routers will cost around $1800. This is so important as the students and staff can basically connect and learn from anywhere in the building.
As you can see our staff is working hard to keep abreast and on top of our IT concerns. It takes a lot of time and money. Mr. Ross and Mr. Littlejohn are the school's IT representatives and they have been given a couple of periods each week to help the school in this area. We also couldn't do much of what we do without your financial support. Seven thousand dollars has been allocated to IT (hardware/software and repairs) from the school's budget. The rest of the monies comes from Parent Council fund-raising initiatives. I cannot thank you enough for your contributions.
Finally, labour negotiations continue. Up until Phase III, most of the work to rule actions have mainly affected the Ministry, Board and administration. For example, Mrs. Norton and I have been collecting forms and counting money as this is "struck" work, no trips will be planned and no meetings (i.e. staff or planning) will be scheduled or attended by teaching staff. In Phase III, more sanctions have been put in place such as teachers will instruct and supervise only, not volunteer for extra-curricular on Wednesdays. You will also notice that teacher blogs or websites will not updated and rotating strikes will begin in October.
Please know that great teaching, assessment and learning is happening in the classrooms and to please contact your child' s teacher if you wish to book an appointment. You can stay updated on labour negotiations, including the CUPE work to rule, on the TDSB website.
Finally, the school has been allocated an additional teacher. The teacher will be team teaching with our grade 4 teachers to reduce the teacher/student ratio and provide additional support for those in need. We expect this process to begin shortly.
I hope you have a great weekend.
September 2015
28th-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m.; Primary Sharing Assembly
29-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
30th-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
October 2015
1-Picture Day
2-Pizza Lunch; Terry Fox Run (moved from the 30th)
5-Officer Rich visits Grade 2 and 6
12-Thanksgiving
15-Cross Country Semi-Finals
23-Primary Sharing Assembly
27-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
31-Hallowe'en Parade
November 2015
2-Officer Rich visits grade 4 and 5
3-Picture Retakes
4-"Grow" Presentation (Kindie and Primary)
5-"Grow" Presentation (Primary/Junior)
6-Report Cards go home; "Grow" Presentation (Jr/Intermediate)
9-Remembrance Day Assembly
13-PA Day
16-Bullying Awareness Day
26-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
27-Kindie Sharing Assembly: Pizza Lunch
30-Parent Council; Primary Sharing Assembly
December 2015
10-Special Education (Grade 8) Annual Reviews
11-Pizza Lunch
14-Primary and Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
15-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
Dec 21-Jan 1, 2016-School Holidays
January 2016
4-School Begins
11-Officer Rich visits grade 1 and 8
18-Primary Sharing Assembly
21-Junior/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
22-PA Day
29-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
February 2016
5-Report Cards go home
9 and 10-Kindergarten Registration
12-PA Day
15-Family Day
18-Special Education Annual Reviews
22-Parent Council
23-Primary Sharing Assembly
24-Jr and Intermediate Sharing Assembly
26-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch
March 2016
14-18-March Break
25-28-Good Friday/Easter Monday
May 2016
23-Victoria Day
June 2016
10-PA Day
29-Last Day for Students
Thursday, September 24, 2015
Monday, September 21, 2015
Monday, September 22, 2015
Just a quick reminder that dogs are not allowed to be on school property, nor tied up to the fences, trees, etc. This precaution is to protect people and dogs. We ask that you talk with your caregiver about this matter. Thank you in advance.
Friday, September 18, 2015
September 19, 2015
This week, many students participated in try-outs for softball and football. We also started cross-country for our grade 1-8 students. I'd like to thank Mr. Kuru, Mr. Bracht, Mr. Ross, Mr. Ellerker, Ms. Kim, Mr. Littlejohn and Mrs. Hall for volunteering their time to coach. I'd also like to thank Mrs. Copeland as she is coaching our little ones in cross-country.
I'd also like to thank the following parents who have graciously volunteered to run our pizza lunches this year; namely Mrs. Gardner, Mrs. Hodgson, Mrs. Kansee and Mrs. Copeland. Don't forget to order your pizza using the friendly on-line payment system.
Next week, at our staff leadership meeting, we will be finalizing our budget. As Chairs, Mr. Ross, Mr. Kuru and Ms. Kimm will be working with staff to set priorities for the year. We were allocated $101, 532 to purchase everything we need for our programs, excluding most facility items and salaries. Items that come out of our school budget are photocopier rentals, telephone, supply teachers (i.e. not for personal sickness, but to cover a class for professional development, taking students to an activity etc. ), furniture, textbooks, consumables, computers (hardware and repairs) musical instruments (including repairs), physical education equipment and items for French and Special Education.
At the end of last year, Parent Council also created their 2015-2016 budget. The Operating Budget supports items like administrative costs, awards, grade 8 graduation, JK Registration, staff recognition, physical education, library, music, community events, environmental initiatives and guest speakers for parent information nights. The Capital budget supports proposals based on staff requests. For the upcoming year, the following items will be supported based on the amount of funds raised: music instruments, IPADS for the kindergarten and music classes, class set of netbooks and cart to be used by the primary teams and any STEM initiatives across the grades (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Finally, two other donation requests will be sent home shortly for the Classroom Fund (funds used by individual classroom teachers) and the Grade 6-8 Instrumental Program Fund (funds used to repair instruments). Although we greatly appreciate all the financial support, families are under no obligation to donate.
As you can see, it takes a lot of money to support the many programs and initiatives that are offered to provide an enriching experience for all the students at LKS. We truly thank you for your support.
Just a reminder to please be cognizant of the illegal parking areas and the designated staff parking. The lots get full in the morning because of sports drop-offs, so everyone needs to be mindful of each other. We encourage you to walk to school.
Finally, yesterday we had quite a few parents drop off forgotten lunches and sporting equipment to the office. Those items can be dropped off in the office and your child can pick them up in the office. The office does not call into the classrooms. On that note, please write a note to your child's classroom teacher to dismiss him/her for appointments. The office cannot call into the classrooms to remind your child. Yesterday, one classroom was interrupted five times and quite frankly that is unacceptable. Although not always possible, we ask that you schedule medical appointments outside of school hours.
September 2015
28th-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m.; Primary Sharing Assembly
29-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
30th-Terry Fox National Run Day; Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
October 2015
1-Picture Day
2-Pizza Lunch
5-Officer Rich visits Grade 2 and 6
12-Thanksgiving
15-Cross Country Semi-Finals
23-Primary Sharing Assembly
27-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
31-Hallowe'en Parade
November 2015
2-Officer Rich visits grade 4 and 5
3-Picture Retakes
4-"Grow" Presentation (Kindie and Primary)
5-"Grow" Presentation (Primary/Junior)
6-Report Cards go home; "Grow" Presentation (Jr/Intermediate)
9-Remembrance Day Assembly
13-PA Day
16-Bullying Awareness Day
26-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
27-Kindie Sharing Assembly: Pizza Lunch
30-Parent Council; Primary Sharing Assembly
December 2015
10-Special Education (Grade 8) Annual Reviews
11-Pizza Lunch
14-Primary and Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
15-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
Dec 21-Jan 1, 2016-School Holidays
January 2016
4-School Begins
11-Officer Rich visits grade 1 and 8
18-Primary Sharing Assembly
21-Junior/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
22-PA Day
29-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
February 2016
5-Report Cards go home
9 and 10-Kindergarten Registration
12-PA Day
15-Family Day
18-Special Education Annual Reviews
22-Parent Council
23-Primary Sharing Assembly
24-Jr and Intermediate Sharing Assembly
26-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch
March 2016
14-18-March Break
25-28-Good Friday/Easter Monday
May 2016
23-Victoria Day
June 2016
10-PA Day
29-Last Day for Students
I'd also like to thank the following parents who have graciously volunteered to run our pizza lunches this year; namely Mrs. Gardner, Mrs. Hodgson, Mrs. Kansee and Mrs. Copeland. Don't forget to order your pizza using the friendly on-line payment system.
Next week, at our staff leadership meeting, we will be finalizing our budget. As Chairs, Mr. Ross, Mr. Kuru and Ms. Kimm will be working with staff to set priorities for the year. We were allocated $101, 532 to purchase everything we need for our programs, excluding most facility items and salaries. Items that come out of our school budget are photocopier rentals, telephone, supply teachers (i.e. not for personal sickness, but to cover a class for professional development, taking students to an activity etc. ), furniture, textbooks, consumables, computers (hardware and repairs) musical instruments (including repairs), physical education equipment and items for French and Special Education.
At the end of last year, Parent Council also created their 2015-2016 budget. The Operating Budget supports items like administrative costs, awards, grade 8 graduation, JK Registration, staff recognition, physical education, library, music, community events, environmental initiatives and guest speakers for parent information nights. The Capital budget supports proposals based on staff requests. For the upcoming year, the following items will be supported based on the amount of funds raised: music instruments, IPADS for the kindergarten and music classes, class set of netbooks and cart to be used by the primary teams and any STEM initiatives across the grades (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Finally, two other donation requests will be sent home shortly for the Classroom Fund (funds used by individual classroom teachers) and the Grade 6-8 Instrumental Program Fund (funds used to repair instruments). Although we greatly appreciate all the financial support, families are under no obligation to donate.
As you can see, it takes a lot of money to support the many programs and initiatives that are offered to provide an enriching experience for all the students at LKS. We truly thank you for your support.
Just a reminder to please be cognizant of the illegal parking areas and the designated staff parking. The lots get full in the morning because of sports drop-offs, so everyone needs to be mindful of each other. We encourage you to walk to school.
Finally, yesterday we had quite a few parents drop off forgotten lunches and sporting equipment to the office. Those items can be dropped off in the office and your child can pick them up in the office. The office does not call into the classrooms. On that note, please write a note to your child's classroom teacher to dismiss him/her for appointments. The office cannot call into the classrooms to remind your child. Yesterday, one classroom was interrupted five times and quite frankly that is unacceptable. Although not always possible, we ask that you schedule medical appointments outside of school hours.
September 2015
28th-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m.; Primary Sharing Assembly
29-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
30th-Terry Fox National Run Day; Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
October 2015
1-Picture Day
2-Pizza Lunch
5-Officer Rich visits Grade 2 and 6
12-Thanksgiving
15-Cross Country Semi-Finals
23-Primary Sharing Assembly
27-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
31-Hallowe'en Parade
November 2015
2-Officer Rich visits grade 4 and 5
3-Picture Retakes
4-"Grow" Presentation (Kindie and Primary)
5-"Grow" Presentation (Primary/Junior)
6-Report Cards go home; "Grow" Presentation (Jr/Intermediate)
9-Remembrance Day Assembly
13-PA Day
16-Bullying Awareness Day
26-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
27-Kindie Sharing Assembly: Pizza Lunch
30-Parent Council; Primary Sharing Assembly
December 2015
10-Special Education (Grade 8) Annual Reviews
11-Pizza Lunch
14-Primary and Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
15-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
Dec 21-Jan 1, 2016-School Holidays
January 2016
4-School Begins
11-Officer Rich visits grade 1 and 8
18-Primary Sharing Assembly
21-Junior/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
22-PA Day
29-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
February 2016
5-Report Cards go home
9 and 10-Kindergarten Registration
12-PA Day
15-Family Day
18-Special Education Annual Reviews
22-Parent Council
23-Primary Sharing Assembly
24-Jr and Intermediate Sharing Assembly
26-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch
March 2016
14-18-March Break
25-28-Good Friday/Easter Monday
May 2016
23-Victoria Day
June 2016
10-PA Day
29-Last Day for Students
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Thursday, September 10, 2015
It's been a great start to the new school year. The students have settled in nicely and are getting back into regular routines.
Currently, we have 632 students. We have shuffled a few primary students to different classes to stay within the government caps, so we should be finished re-organizing.
I'd like to thank everyone for keeping careful eyes on the students as they make their way to school. As you know, the streets are very busy during drop off and pick up times. We are lucky to have Bob, our crossing guard back, but Steve will not be returning. The Police are currently looking for a replacement and they will be sending an officer to do the duty until a permanent replacement has been found.
I'd like to welcome Ms. Mosun to the school. Ms. Mosun is an Early Childhood Educator who will be working with Mrs. Hall in the kindergarten class. At this point, we have secured most staff, but Mrs. Norton continues to hire a couple more lunchroom supervisors. Currently, we have 4 supervisors for the grade 1-8 classes and 5 for the kindergarten program (one for each class).
I'd also like to thank all the parents who have volunteered to be grade parents this year. You play such an important role at the school and we truly appreciate your support.
The teacher Work to Rule continues, but negotiations are still happening. Today, CUPE has begun Work to Rule. At the school level, CUPE workers include the instrumental teachers, office administration, caretakers, lunchroom supervisors and support staff (Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators and Special Needs Assistants).
Have a great weekend everyone.
September 2015
8-School Begins
14th-Terry Fox Assembly
15-Curriculum Night at 7:00 p.m-postponed
17th-Grade 7 and 8 MADD presentation
28th-Parent Council
30th-Terry Fox National Run Day
October 2015
1-Picture Day
12-Thanksgiving
November 2015 3-Picture Retakes
13-PA Day
16-Bullying Awareness Day
December 2015 Dec 21-Jan 1, 2016-School Holidays
January 2016 4-School Begins
February 2016 12-PA Day
15-Family Day
March 2016 14-18-March Break
25-28-Good Friday/Easter Monday
May 2016 23-Victoria Day
June 2016 10-PA Day
Currently, we have 632 students. We have shuffled a few primary students to different classes to stay within the government caps, so we should be finished re-organizing.
I'd like to thank everyone for keeping careful eyes on the students as they make their way to school. As you know, the streets are very busy during drop off and pick up times. We are lucky to have Bob, our crossing guard back, but Steve will not be returning. The Police are currently looking for a replacement and they will be sending an officer to do the duty until a permanent replacement has been found.
I'd like to welcome Ms. Mosun to the school. Ms. Mosun is an Early Childhood Educator who will be working with Mrs. Hall in the kindergarten class. At this point, we have secured most staff, but Mrs. Norton continues to hire a couple more lunchroom supervisors. Currently, we have 4 supervisors for the grade 1-8 classes and 5 for the kindergarten program (one for each class).
I'd also like to thank all the parents who have volunteered to be grade parents this year. You play such an important role at the school and we truly appreciate your support.
The teacher Work to Rule continues, but negotiations are still happening. Today, CUPE has begun Work to Rule. At the school level, CUPE workers include the instrumental teachers, office administration, caretakers, lunchroom supervisors and support staff (Educational Assistants, Early Childhood Educators and Special Needs Assistants).
Have a great weekend everyone.
September 2015
8-School Begins
14th-Terry Fox Assembly
15-Curriculum Night at 7:00 p.m-postponed
17th-Grade 7 and 8 MADD presentation
28th-Parent Council
30th-Terry Fox National Run Day
October 2015
1-Picture Day
12-Thanksgiving
November 2015 3-Picture Retakes
13-PA Day
16-Bullying Awareness Day
December 2015 Dec 21-Jan 1, 2016-School Holidays
January 2016 4-School Begins
February 2016 12-PA Day
15-Family Day
March 2016 14-18-March Break
25-28-Good Friday/Easter Monday
May 2016 23-Victoria Day
June 2016 10-PA Day
29-Last Day for Students
Friday, September 4, 2015
First Day of School
|
It's been a terrific week at school catching up with staff and registering many new students to the school. Our grade 4 and 7 classes classes look like they are going to be high in number.
When you come to school on the 8th, please stand behind the chair with your teacher's name on it. The grade 7 and 8 students will meet north of the building, the grade 1-3 students will meet by the portable and the grade 4-6 students will line up by the front office.
If you are unsure of your teacher, just go to the office and staff will assist you.
A number of items will be sent home with your child on the first day. Please return September forms by the 11th. If you need to try on a gym shirt for size, please feel free to do so in the office.
Stay in touch every week through our blogs/websites. Currently, we are trying to update the content of our website, but can't get into it. Stay tuned.
Labour negotiations continued this week; no details given to date.
Enjoy your long weekend.
September 2015
8-School Begins
14th-Terry Fox Assembly
15-Curriculum Night at 7:00 p.mm-postponed
17th-Grade 7 and 8 MADD presentation
30th-Terry Fox National Run Day
October 2015
1-Picture Day
12-Thanksgiving
November 2015 3-Picture Retakes
13-PA Day
16-Bullying Awareness Day
December 2015 Dec 21-Jan 1, 2016-School Holidays
January 2015 4-School Begins
February 2015 12-PA Day
15-Family Day
March 2015 14-18-March Break
25-28-Good Friday/Easter Monday
May 2015 23-Victoria Day
June 2015 10-PA Day
It's been a terrific week at school catching up with staff and registering many new students to the school. Our grade 4 and 7 classes classes look like they are going to be high in number.
When you come to school on the 8th, please stand behind the chair with your teacher's name on it. The grade 7 and 8 students will meet north of the building, the grade 1-3 students will meet by the portable and the grade 4-6 students will line up by the front office.
If you are unsure of your teacher, just go to the office and staff will assist you.
A number of items will be sent home with your child on the first day. Please return September forms by the 11th. If you need to try on a gym shirt for size, please feel free to do so in the office.
Stay in touch every week through our blogs/websites. Currently, we are trying to update the content of our website, but can't get into it. Stay tuned.
Labour negotiations continued this week; no details given to date.
Enjoy your long weekend.
September 2015
8-School Begins
14th-Terry Fox Assembly
15-Curriculum Night at 7:00 p.mm-postponed
17th-Grade 7 and 8 MADD presentation
30th-Terry Fox National Run Day
October 2015
1-Picture Day
12-Thanksgiving
November 2015 3-Picture Retakes
13-PA Day
16-Bullying Awareness Day
December 2015 Dec 21-Jan 1, 2016-School Holidays
January 2015 4-School Begins
February 2015 12-PA Day
15-Family Day
March 2015 14-18-March Break
25-28-Good Friday/Easter Monday
May 2015 23-Victoria Day
June 2015 10-PA Day
29-Last Day for Students
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