Thursday, october 2, 2014

It was a fantastic day for our first Cross-Country Race. We have some pretty fast runners at this school and many of our students will be advancing to the Conference Finals. Practice will continue next week as regularly scheduled for those moving on. I'd like to congratulate all the students who participated on the team this year-around 140 in total! You all showed great dedication, perseverance and sportsmanship. You have made Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Ellerker and myself very proud. Thanks to Mr. Blais, Mrs. Norton and all the parents who attended today's meet. 

Lately, a few of our older students have been darting into the streets and "jumping" over curbs etc on their scooters and skateboards. We've spoken to the students about this safety issue and ask you to do the same at home. There is so much traffic around the school that we need to do everything we can to prevent any accidents. 

On another safety note, I've asked Mrs. Miller, our mom who organizes the weekly Parent Bulletin, to include some Street-Proofing tips for you to go over with your children. They can also be found on our website for the future. 

I'd like to thank all the parents who attended the Parent Council Meeting on Monday night. Mrs. Kidd and Mrs. Fuda, Co-Chairs, welcomed the parents and gave an introduction to Council. We hope to see you out again on the 27th. Mrs. McGee also showed how parents can navigate the TDSB Virtual Library.  Bookmarks and instructions on how to navigate the library were sent home. You can access it by going to tdsb.on.ca and then "Find Your School". The virtual library has some amazing resources for the students. It's really worth looking at. 

Another great resource for students in grade 7-10 is "Homework Help". It's a free online math tutoring program available every Sunday to Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm. You can access it at Ontario.ca/HomeworkHelp.  

I hope everyone has a great weekend! 

October 2014

9-IEPs go home; Grade 6 students to Science Centre; Jr Girls Football game 

13-Thanksgiving

14-Book Fair Begins; Jr Boys Football game
15th-Grade 8 Parent Night-Secondary School; Sr Girls and Boys Football game 

16-Parent Council Welcome Wagon-4:00-7:00; Cross Country Conference Finals 
17th-NED Assembly! 
20th-Officer Rich visits grade 1 and 2 

23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Jr Boys Softball 

24-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

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

28-Photo Retakes

30-Parent Interview Bookings Begin; Mrs. Olson and Mrs. Gibson visit Outdoor Ed Centre 

31-Hallowe’en Parade

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

Friday, September 26, 2014

I'd like to thank Mr. Kuru, Mrs. Taylor and Mr. Ross for taking our grade 7 classes to Camp Manitou this week. Everyone had a fabulous time. The students participated in some fantastic activities like low ropes courses and archery, in addition to some team building activities; a great way to start off their middle school years. 

I'd also like to thank Mrs. Gibson and her Terry Fox helpers for organizing a great walk on Wednesday. The community has helped raise around $10 000 so far! Donations will be accepted until Thanksgiving. Great lemonade Mrs. Keogh! 

This week, Mrs. Norton was busy putting together our draft copy of the School Improvement Plan. At next week's staff meeting, all staff will be finalizing our plan and then begin planning professional development opportunities based upon it. 

I'd like to end by sending you a link one of our mom's sent to us on equity. It's a good reminder that we all have to be careful when choosing our words...

http://youtu.be/XjJQBjWYDTs

I hope you all have a great weekend. 

September 2014
29-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m. 

30-School Photos

October 2014

1-School Photos
2nd-First Cross-Country Race; Me to We Day! (Grade 6-8) 

4-Grade 6 Instrumental Music Camp

9-IEPs go home

13-Thanksgiving

14-Book Fair Begins

16-Parent Council Welcome Wagon-4:00-7:00

23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly

24-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

27-Parent Council

28-Photo Retakes

30-Parent Interview Bookings Begin

31-Hallowe’en Parade

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

Friday, September 19, 2014

School Budget

I've been working with staff to finalize our school's budget. This year, we were allocated approximately $105, 000 to operate the school. This does not include staff salaries and facilities expenses. The following is a breakdown of the budget:

-our spending priority continues to be curriculum items (i.e. textbooks, manipulatives etc); approximately 70% of the budget has been allocated in this area
-15 % has been set aside for professional development
-approximately 15% will be spent on photocopiers, telephone, office supplies, furniture and a "cushion" for emergencies

At LKS, staff work together in teams to prioritize their needs and then spend accordingly. Appointed staff are responsible for each budget line. In addition to our own school budget, we work closely with Parent Council to prioritize capital budgets.

As many of you know, the Parent Council allocated $18, 550 on a variety of projects including purchasing 4 more Smart Boards, IPADS and 2 trumpets for the music program, a sister school donation and a picnic table for the kindergarten play area. The remaining $38, 700 has been allocated on their operating budget which includes administration and permit fees, banking charges, student awards (i.e. graduation/end of year), student activities (i.e. play days), Grade 8 Graduation, JK Registration, Staff Recognition, Physical Education, Literacy/Library (i.e. author visits), Classroom Enrichment (i.e. Scientists/Artist in the School), Music, Community Outreach, Environment, Parent Education (i.e. Guest Speakers) and a Student Emergency Fund (i.e. subsidize trips etc).

We are very fortunate to have such a large budget to be working with and we will continue to work together to enhance our students' school experiences.

EQAO Results 

This week, EQAO results were released to the public. We are very proud of our students' progress thus far. The data indicated that 91% of our grade 3 students scored at Level 3 or 4 in reading, writing and mathematics along with 84%, 89% and 78% of our grade 6 students. Individual results will be sent to the school next week and we will get them home shortly after. In the next few weeks, staff will be looking at the scores along with our CTBS and early classroom diagnostics to help form our goals for our School Improvement Plan. We will share the SIP at Parent Council in October.

Staffing 

We'd like to welcome Ms. Perrin to LKS. Ms.Perrin has taught at the school in a long-term position in the past and she will now be working at the school on a permanent basis. She has accepted our half-time morning position teaching some primary classes in computers and health.  

Important Dates to Remember 

September 2014
22nd-Grade 7 Trip until the 24th; Officer Rich visits Grade 8s and 4s 

24-Terry Fox Walk

25-Terry Fox Walk Rain Date; Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly; Sr Boys Football @ Deer Park 

26-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Pizza Lunch; Whole School Lice Check 

29-Parent Council

30-School Photos

October 2014

1-School Photos
2nd-First Cross-Country Race 

4-Grade 6 Instrumental Music Camp

9-IEPs go home

13-Thanksgiving

14-Book Fair Begins

16-Parent Council Welcome Wagon-4:00-7:00

23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly

24-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

27-Parent Council

28-Photo Retakes

30-Parent Interview Bookings Begin

31-Hallowe’en Parade

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

Friday, September 12, 2014

Curriculum Vision 

I'd like to thank everyone who was able to attend Curriculum Night on Tuesday. It was a great opportunity to meet your child's teacher and learn about the new routines and expectations for the year. 

During the presentation I spoke about the the skills that our students, your children, will need for 21^st century careers and citizenship; namely Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving, Collaboration and Leadership, Agility and Adaptability, Initiative, Effective Oral and Written Communication, Accessing and Analyzing Information, and Curiosity and Imagination. 

Furthermore, we have moved from Generation X, to Y and now to Z-those born from 1995-2012.  According to The Social Librarian, this last cohort of children posses the following attributes 

-incredibly sophisticated in technology 

-immune to most traditional marketing and sales pitches and as a result aren’t brand loyal-they’ve been exposed to it all on the Internet

-they have learned to be flexible and are constantly changing in views

-this group are much more racially and ethnically diverse and more segmented because they can get their information from a variety of sources including cable, TV channels, satellite radio, the Internet etc

-often they’ve been raised in single parent or dual income families

-they will most likely have to get a parent to co-sign their loans or credit card applications

Little is known about Generation Z, but we do know that schools will have to be more diverse and that technology will have to be integrated more into the school system and allow for individual instruction, remediation and acceleration. 

Why is it important for our staff to know this? It’s important because knowing what are students’ will need is the first step in planning our programs. As a staff we need to make sure that kids are engaged in their own learning. We will continue to implement inquiry-based learning-a focus from last year, and continue to our work on creating authentic assessments and evaluations. We must continue to teach how to ask a higher level questions and give the kids the tools to find the answers.  Staff must teach rote, paper and pencil techniques, but not make it their sole assessment strategy. We will continue to balance these traditional assessments with more creative ones. 

I’ve never believed in throwing out the baby with the bathwater-but staff have to be willing to change and try new things in order to improve student achievement! And finally, technology must be incorporated into the program and we are so fortunate to be working in a school community that can support this aspect of learning. As many of you know, we are so close to having a Smart Board in each of our classrooms which have been a wonderful teaching and learning tool. We will continue to seek more IT learning opportunities in the future-as we know-it’s constantly changing. 

From Parent Council...

The following classes still need a Grade Parent. If you are interested in the position, please contact your child's teacher. Thank you. 

- Mrs. Mandel

- Ms. Shklar/Ms. Najder-March

- Mr. Littlejohn

- Mr. Ellerker

- Mr. Kuru

- Mr. Ross

Flyers were sent home for September Pizza Day and the Fall Festival. Next week, the weekly Bulletin will be sent home electronically. 

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Important Dates to Remember 

September 2014
15th-Cross Country Begins 

24-Terry Fox Walk

25-Terry Fox Walk Rain Date; Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

26-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly

29-Parent Council

30-School Photos

October 2014

1-School Photos

4-Grade 6 Instrumental Music Camp

9-IEPs go home

13-Thanksgiving

14-Book Fair Begins

16-Parent Council Welcome Wagon-4:00-7:00

23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly

24-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

27-Parent Council

28-Photo Retakes

30-Parent Interview Bookings Begin

31-Hallowe’en Parade

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

Welcome Back Everyone! It's been a wonderful week at LKS as we have all settled back into the routine of the day. A big welcome to our new families. 

As many of you know Mrs. Miller, a member of the Parent Council Executive, is busy finding Grade Parents for each classroom. Grade Parents are still required for the following classes: Ms. Kim, Mrs. Olson, Mrs. Mandel, Ms. Najder/Shklar, Ms. Walker, Ms. Moser, Ms. Caligiuri, Mr. Littlejohn, Mr. Ellerker, Mr. Kuru, Mr. Ross and Mr. Bracht. If you would like to be a Grade Parent, please make sure you contact your child's teacher. 

We had a pretty smooth transition back to school. We had quite a few new registrations over the last couple of weeks and we will be looking at our final numbers shortly. It looks like our kindergarten classes will be just above 30 and our primary classes are at cap, with the exception of one grade one class. Our highest classes are our two grade four classes that are sitting at 32 and 34. At this point, it doesn't look like we will have to do a lot of reorganization. 

As some of you know, development continues at 2208, 4210 and 4214 Dundas Street West. We were sent communication stating that any children residing in the buildings will not be attending LKS as we have insufficient space. Potential residents will be instructed to attend another school appointed by the Board. 

I hope you all have a great weekend and I hope to see you on Curriculum Night. 

September 2014

8th-Terry Fox Assembly

9th-Curriculum Night-see Flyer sent home

10th-Grade 4-8 Student Assembly

24-Terry Fox Walk

25-Terry Fox Walk Rain Date; Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

26-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly

29-Parent Council

30-School Photos

October 2014

1-School Photos

4-Grade 6 Instrumental Music Camp

9-IEPs go home

13-Thanksgiving

14-Book Fair Begins

16-Parent Council Welcome Wagaon-4:00-7:00

23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly

24-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly

27-Parent Council

28-Photo Retakes

30-Parent Interview Bookings Begin

31-Hallowe’en Parade

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

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Yesterday was a lovely day for Lunch on the Lawn; the rain actually held out for us. Thank you to Mrs. Teti and Mrs. Hodgson for organizing such a big order of pizza-job well done! I'm sure you don't want to see anymore pizza slices for a while.

Yesterday, we hosted our Extra-Curricular Assembly for the students. The students who participated in any extra-curricular club or sport were recognized. It's really important for the students to be recognized for their efforts and it gives the younger students a chance to get excited about clubs or sports that they may want to try in an upper grade.

Although it's the last week, the kids still have lots to share. Last Friday, the grade 4 students presented their Medieval projects in the lunchroom for the classes to tour. The projects were outstanding. The projects were inquiry based giving the students an opportunity to explore a topic of their choice about the Medieval times. I saw projects on art, religion, weapons and war formations to name a few. It was evident the student's really expanded their learning.

Yesterday, the Game Design Club, under the direction of Mr. Kuru, Mr. Littlejohn and Mr. Ross, presented their games to many of the classes in the school. The students had the opportunity to play each other's games. I gave a few of the games a try and they were so much fun. This club has been such a hit with the students and it has taught them so many skills. The teachers are hoping to expand it to accommodate more students next year.

Grade 4 Medieval Projects

Game Design Club 

As you know, report cards will go home today. Yesterday, I included my June year-end report in the Grade Parent email, so if you get the chance, please read it as it contains valuable information for next year. Also, in the email is an anti-spam consent form that you'll need to complete if you want to continue to receive any information from the school regarding fundraising events held at the school (i.e. Springfest, Grade 8 Yearbooks, Gym T-shirts, Terry Fox information, etc.).  It is vital that you complete this form as new legislation regarding anti-spam takes effect on July 1st. The link to the consent form is:

https://surveys.tdsb.on.ca/index.php?r=survey/index/sid/412281/lang/en.


I'd like to end my last blog of the year with a photo of  a piece of artwork produced from one of our grade 7 girls. This multi-media piece represents a quote that truly embodies what we should all strive to live by and one that we continue to instill in the children....

Grade 7 Inspiration 

 You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore-Winston Churchill 

I hope you all have a great summer!

Friday, June 20, 2014

It's the second last week of school and the kids keep learning. I saw some terrific presentations this week. Mr. Ross's class entertained the Kingsway residents with their Greek plays and all the Grade 3 classes participated in a variety of activities to end their  Pioneer unit. They had a great time on Wednesday afternoon. 

I'd also like to thank Mrs. Young, Ms. Plumley and Mrs. Taylor for taking many of our grade six students to the Convention Center last Friday to participate in workshops that focused on current Aboriginal issues; the excursion tied in with what the kids have been learning this year in their social studies lessons. 

I'd like to extend my congratulations to Ms. Plumley as she has accepted a full-time position at another school. Ms. Plumley was hired in October and has taught language classes to our two grade 6 classes and with our special education team. We will miss her and wish her the best of luck in her career. 

We are going to have a terrific end to the school year. I hope to see you at the Lunch on the Lawn. Have a great weekend! 

Final Eco-Club Meeting! Packing Seeds!

Grade 3 Pioneer School 

Grade 6 Conference 

Grade 5 Class entertains Kingsway Residents 

June 2014 
23rd -Mrs. Burn's Graduation; Grade 8 BBQ 
24th-Mrs. I's Graduation; Volunteer Breakfast @ 8:10-library  

25th-Lunch on the Lawn; Mrs. Tyndall's Graduation; Athletic Assembly-afternoon; Game Design Showcase-lunchroom in the afternoon   
26th-Reports Go Home 

27th-Last Day for Students; Year End Assembly @ 9:00 a.m. 

August 2014
25th-Office Opens

September 2014
2nd- School Begins 
8th-Terry Fox Assembly
9th-Curriculum Night
24th-Terry Fox Walk
25th-Terry Fox Rain Date
29th-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m. 
30th-School Photos

October 2014
1st-School Photos
13th-Thanksgiving
27th-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m. 
28th-Photo Retakes