Thursday, October 29, 2015

Grade 8 Haunted House!

What a great week at LKS! Lots of learning and celebrating! The students do love Hallowe'en-the class parties, the Haunted House, the middle school dance and of course the traditional Parade!

Learning Skills 

Although we've been celebrating, there has been lots of learning happening within the classrooms also. The grade 3 classes have been developing their learning skills. In groups, the students had to organize statements into categories that reflected self-regulation, initiative, collaboration, independent work, organization and responsibility. The discussions were rich and it was evident that even at a young age, the students are understanding what skills they have to focus on to achieve in their studies. 

Grade 7 Science 

Ms. Chandra's grade 7 science classes are learning which materials conduct heat faster. It's the beginning of a new unit. 

Ms. Younger's Class Sings!

Ms. Younger's grade one class learned a new poem "Five Little Pumpkins" while Ms. Kim's grade one class participated in a fun activity that taught them how to write a good sentence. At this point of the year, it is evident how quickly the grade ones are developing their literacy skills transitioning from letter recognition to actually reading and writing simple sentences. It's so important that our primary teachers set a solid foundation to build upon in the upper grades. 


See you at the Parade tomorrow morning. Please meet around 9:00 outside. 

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- "Grow" Presentation (Jr/Intermediate) 
11-Remembrance Day Assembly at 10:30 in the gym 
13-PA Day 
16-Bullying Awareness Day 
17-Scientist in the School visits Ms. Kim 
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 

Hallowe'en Parade

The Parade will begin at 9 after morning announcements. Please meet us outside.

Sports

Another big congratulations to our Sr Girls' and Sr Boys' Football teams as both advanced to the city finals next week, and to our Jr. Girls Football team who will be playing their tournament on Monday.  Furthermore, more congratulations goes to our Jr. Boys Football who unfortunately lost in the conference finals last week.

Our Jr and Sr Girls' and Jr Boys'  Softball teams lost in their local tournaments and did not move on. A great effort was put forth by all teams. Sr Boys were West Conference Finalists. 


I'd like to thank Mrs. Hall, Mr. Littlejohn, Mr. Ross, Mr. Kuru and Mr. Bracht for coaching our Fall sports this year. 

Friday, October 23, 2015

Congratulations to our Cross Country Runners who participated in the City Championship yesterday. We'll get official results next week, but the grade 3 girls and grade 4 boys both came back with medals and banners. Mr. Ellerker, Ms. Kim and myself want to congratulate all the runners who participated on the team this year and we will see you again next Fall!

On Friday, most of the IEPs (Individual Education Plans) will be sent home.   Some may be sent home after Friday depending upon completion. Due to the Work to Rule, the completion has been delayed in some cases. Please connect with your child's teacher to discuss your child's program and progress thus far. 

Report Cards are to be sent home on Friday, November 6th. Due to the Work To Rule, this might be delayed. I am waiting for further direction from TDSB. 

A big thank you to Allison Needham, Sara Beveridge, Kerry Collings, Maxine Williams, Susie Raymond, Julie Riach, Tina Gazoza, Joanna Sharp, Regina Buecker, Sue Moorehead and Kristin Kidd for volunteering and organizing the Fall Fair. Although the weather wasn't so great, the kids still had a great time at the petting zoo, face painting and eating some delicious cupcakes.  Thanks also goes to Paul Nusca for donating the pumpkins and to Ms. Drewnawski for the cupcakes! 

See  you at the Parade next week. Please join us outside as the parade begins right after morning announcements. 

October 2015

26-Primary Sharing Assembly; Jr Girls' Football; Parent Council at 7:00-Library; Terry Fox Assembly at 2:00 
27-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
28-Haunted House
31-Hallowe'en Parade and Middle School 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) 
11-Remembrance Day Assembly 
13-PA Day 
16-Bullying Awareness Day 
17-Scientist in the School visits Ms. Kim 
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, October 15, 2015

This week, I visited Ms. Chandra's grade 6 science class. Ms. Chandra teaches science to  all of our grade 6-8 students.   The grade 6 classes are learning about electricity. The students were creating circuits. Ms. Chandra will continue to teach about specific circuits over the next few weeks. Go to https://www.pinterest.com/bwilliams1210/stem-electricity/ for more activities that you can do at home! 

A big thank you to Mrs. Zappi, Ms. Tyndall, Ms. Young and Ms. Sunde for  volunteering to be the advisors for the Seeds of Hope Club. Under their direction, middle school students plan initiatives that teach the student body about community and global issues, with the end goal of giving back to others. "We Scare Hunger" will run from Oct 19-30. Students are asked to bring in non-perishable foods for the Daily Bread Food Bank. 

This week, we had our pre-construction meeting for the installation of the solar panels. Many TDSB schools have had panels already installed.  A TDSB letter will be sent home shortly. I found the following information regarding the project on the TDSB website: 

Immediate Repairs to Begin on 32 TDSB Rooftops

The TDSB Solar Schools Project kicks-off this fall with immediate repair and replacement work for thirty-two school roofs.

Following the receipt of 311 FIT contracts from the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) this summer and the recent finalization of an agreement with its partner, School Top Solar Limited Partnership (SSLP), plans are moving forward to immediately begin work on the roofs where repairs are needed most.

Over the course of the project, the revenue generated by installing solar panels on school roofs will be used to fund millions of square feet of school rooftop repairs and replacements. The Solar Schools Project is another example of the TDSB’s ongoing commitment to being one of the greenest school boards in Canada and operating in a way that aligns with the environmental education being taught to students. 

Quick Facts

• Roof repairs and replacements will be completed at 32 TDSB schools beginning this fall: Albert Campbell CI, Bennington Heights MS, Brian PS, Brockton Learning Center, Cedarbrae CI, Claireville JS, Corvette JPS, Danforth Collegiate & Technical School, Daystrom PS, Dunlace PS, East York CI, Elmlea JS, Etienne Brule JS, Fairmount JPS, Hodgson MS, J R Wilcox CS, John Ross Robertson JPS, Kipling CI, L'Amoreaux CI, Maple Leaf PS, Oakdale Park MS, Oakwood CI, Ossington Old Orchard PS, Pleasant PS, Rosedale Heights School of the Arts, Sir Oliver Mowat CI, Sir Wilfred Laurier CI, The Elms JMS, Victoria Park CI, Wedgewood JS, Westview Centennial SS and West Education Office (Civic Centre Court)
• 
  
• The Solar Schools Project will roll out in phases over the next three years and will see solar panels installed on 311 TDSB roofs
• In total, approximately 4.3 million square feet of school roofs will be repaired and/or replaced over the course of the project

“The TDSB Solar Schools Project is a leading green initiative that demonstrates the Board’s commitment to exploring new and innovative ideas to address our major infrastructure needs.”   

- Chris Bolton, Chair, TDSB

“It is exciting to see this project become a reality. We look forward to immediately starting work on our school roofs and beginning to generate green energy for the community."

- Donna Quan, Director, TDSB

Last Updated: Thursday , September 19, 2013

October 2015

19-Election Day; Officer Rich visits Grade 6 ad 2; Jr Girls' Softball 
21-Parent Council Fall Fair 
22-Scientist in the School-Grade 4 and 2; Cross Country City Finals  
23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch 
26-Primary Sharing Assembly; Jr Girls' Football 
27-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
29-Haunted House 
31-Hallowe'en Parade and Middle School 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 

Tuesday, October 13, 2105

We raised $15, 000 for Terry Fox. To help celebrate, the students are invited to bring a stuffy and wear their pajamas tomorrow.

Please visit www.claudewatson.org if you have a child in grade 3 who is interested in auditioning for Claude Watson School for the ARTS for September 2016.

Terry Fox Update

Terry Fox Update

A huge thank you to all of the parents, grandparents, and caregivers, who joined all of the staff and students of LKS on Friday afternoon, for the annual Terry Fox Assembly and Walk.  It was a great afternoon, and a good time was had by all.  A huge thank you to the wonderful group of student Terry Fox Helpers, Laura Keogh for making her delicious homemade lemonade, and to the grade three students and teachers for their fantastic performance of the Terry Fox Rap and wonderful slideshow!  As Mrs. Gibson said during her presentation, "It is more than just a beautiful walk along the scenic Humber River….it is a day for all of us to come together and to continue what Terry started, and that is, raising money for cancer research!  Terry believed that he was only one small part of the Marathon of Hope, and that anyone who has donated to the cause, is part of it."  Over the past 14 years, the LKS community has raised an incredible $395, 098.06.  The past 10 of those years, we have been among the top fundraising schools in the province.  Our goal this year is to beat last year's total of $21,196.45.  As of Friday evening, we are just over $13,000.  We will continue to accept corporate and personal donations, either online at www.terryfox.org (click on Donate to a Student/School) or through cash and cheque donations (made out to The Terry Fox Foundation) until after the Thanksgiving weekend.  What will you do to make the 35th Anniversary of Terry's Marathon of Hope a successful one?

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting a number of classrooms to observe the great teaching that is going on at LKS. I had the opportunity to watch a grade 7 class present their French dialogues.   Mme Freitas told me that she introduced dialogues to the class by reading a passage together, brainstorming topics of conversation including phrases and vocabulary.  The students spent time writing their own conversations with a partner and presented to the class. Each presentation was less than a minute. I was really impressed with the new vocabulary the children have mastered. As Mme says, writing a full French conversation is very difficult at this level and the students have enjoyed the assignment as it was authentic and purposeful- a goal of the new French curriculum. If you are interested in learning more about the new curriculum (2013), please visit  http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/ .

Over the next two weeks, staff will be sharing with Ms. Norton and myself, how their students are progressing in the area of the Learning Skills identified on the report card: Responsibility, Organization, Independent Work, Collaboration, Initiative and Self-Regulation. All important skills our students will need moving into 21st Century careers and citizenship.

As you know, CUPE and ETFO Work To Rule continues. This week OSSTF, Professional Student Services Personnel Unit, began a Work to Rule. This includes Attendance Counsellors, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Social Workers and Social Workers. Please check the TDSB website for any new updates.


Although it hasn't been a "normal" opening to the school year, I continue to be impressed by what we have accomplished in the last six weeks, both inside and outside of the classroom.  The students have settled in and are working hard on their academics. I am very proud of their efforts and positive mind-sets.

If you want to speak to your child's teacher regarding your child's progress, do not hesitate to ask for an appointment.

I wish you the best over the holiday weekend. Enjoy your family and friends.

October 2015

12-Thanksgiving 
15-Cross Country Semi-Finals; Grade 5 and 6 Student Vote 
19-Election Day; Officer Rich visits Grade 6 ad 2; Jr Girls' Softball 
22-Scientist in the School-Grade 4 and 2 
23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch 
26-Primary Sharing Assembly; Jr Girls' Football 
27-Jr/Intermediate Sharing Assembly
29-Haunted House 
31-Hallowe'en Parade and Middle School 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 

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Students are encouraged to wear anything that supports the Blue Jays on Thursday! Go Jays Go!

We will continue collecting for Terry Fox until the end of next week. Please complete your donation on-line.

Thanks.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Mr. Ellerker, Ms. Kim and I would like to congratulate all the grade 1-8 cross-country runners who participated in yesterday's meet. The grade 3 and 4 runners who placed in the top 50 should be at practice tomorrow with Ms.Caddel and the grade 5-8 top 50, will practise with Mr. Ellerker on Thursday. We will get the "official" list of the students moving on in the next couple of days. The West Conference is scheduled for the 15th.

Today, at recess, Thomas, Sean and Evan, grade 8 students, running the Robotics Club met with the grade 4-6 students who signed up for a brief meeting. We've added additional club dates as we had a great response to the club. If your child signed up already, they will be coming in October or November. Please check with your child. I will post both groups on my office door.

Have a great day.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Smile everyone-it's picture day! 

Thank you to all of the parents who attended our first Parent Council meeting on Monday night. A special welcome was made from our current Co-Chairs, Mrs. Fuda and Mrs. Kidd, followed by a brief introduction of the budget and committee goals. I believe you will be receiving the minutes and a link to the new website. 

I received last Sprng's CTBS (Canadian Test of Basic Skill) results for our grade 3-8 students. For those who are new, this is a standardized test that our grade 3-8 students write.  In addition to the EQAO results, report card marks and teacher diagnostics, the CTBS  provides staff more information about their students. Normally we send home the individual  results but this has been delayed to the Work to Rule. 

Overall, the students did very well. Grade Equivalents are shown per grade for Reading, Language and Mathematics respectively: 

Grade 3: 5-1, 5-1, 5-0
Grade 4: 6-7, 7-0, 7-4
Grade 5: 8-2, 8-8, 8-6
Grade 6: 8-8, 11-1, 10-2
Grade 7: 9-6, 11-4, 11-9
Grade 8: 11-8, 12-3, 13-2 

Looking forward to our pizza lunch and Terry Fox Run tomorrow. 

October 2015

2-Pizza Lunch; Terry Fox Run (moved from the 30th)  
5-Officer Rich visits Grade 2 and 6; Grade 1-8 Cross Country Race 
8-Sr Girls' Football
9-Sr Boys Football 
12-Thanksgiving 
15-Cross Country Semi-Finals; Grade 5 & 6 Student Vote 
19-Election Day 
20-Grade 8-9 Parent Information Session for Parents (9:15-10:15) 
22-Scientist in the School-Grade 4
23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch; Jr Girls' Softball 
26-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