Kids' Run for Nature!

Once again, the Kids’ Run for Nature (www.kidsrunfornature.ca) is coming to West Toronto! On June 11, 2017, 300 kids aged 4-12 will be running through Etienne Brule Park to celebrate nature and raise funds for WWF-Canada that will help protect wild species and their habitats across Canada. 

There are 3 distances to choose from a 1km, a 3km and a 5km.  It is a great way for us to get outside and enjoy nature while exercising and raising money for animals and our environment.

WHERE DOES FEE MONEY GO?  All proceeds from the registration fee will go directly to World Wildlife Fund Canada, a global conservation organization.  They work diligently to conserve species at risk, protect threatened habitats, and address global threats. Theylook for long term solutions to benefit both people and nature.

If you would like to register for the event, you can visit: http://www.kidsrunfornature.ca

If you would like further information contact, Amanda Brown at 647 998 2934 or manda.brown77@gmail.com I hope to see you there!

May 12, 2017

Thank you to Mrs. Forte, our Parent Council representative, who organized our parent information night on Tuesday night. Our guest speakers, Dr Susan Mackenzie, Child and Adolescent psychiatrist at CAMH and Carm Viola, Social Worker at George Hull Centre for Children and Families, spoke on numerous topics related to our children's well-being. We will post links to resources on our website in the next couple of weeks. 

Last week, we posted our Evacuation Plan. Each school has to have a plan in place in case we have to evacuate for any reason (i.e. gas leak, heat and generator break in the middle of winter). If we were to evacuate, we will go to the Shale Pit and line up and then head to the church, or we might just go to the church depending on the situation. Our final evacuation site is Lambton-Kingsway United Church. If we were to evacuate, we will execute a mass email and/or phone call and the grade parents will send a message. All parents are to meet in the Shale Pit, west of the south baseball diamond. The vice-principal will co-ordinate the area. When you are instructed, you can sign out your child with the teacher. All children must be signed out with the teacher. If we end up at the church, you can sign your child out with the teacher there. 

Have a great weekend. Happy Mother's Day

May 2017
16-Mayor's Cricket Tournament; Grade 6-8 Concert at 6:00 p.m. 
17-Mrs. Hall hosts Scientist in the School
19-Forest of Reading Lunch; Whole School Author visit 

22-Victoria Day
23-Book Fair until the 26th
24-LKS Folk Dance Festival-Mrs. Hall and Ms. Santiago; Sr Girls Soccer Tourney 
25-Bike Safety Presentation from Officer Rich; Terry Fox Assembly 
26-Pizza Lunch; Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Grade 6-8 House Event 
29-Parent Council at 7:00 in the library 
30-Grade 3 and 6 EQAO begins; Grade 7s to drop off donated books to Children's Book Bank 

June 2017 
3-Springfest 
8-Mrs. Souter and Ms. Furczon go to Outdoor Ed Centre 
9-PA Day
16-Grade 8 Graduation 
23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly 
26-Report Cards Go Home 
29-Last Day for Students; Pizza Lunch-Lunch on the Lawn; Year End Assembly 

May 8, 2017

Next week is Children's Mental Health Week. Recently, our staff reviewed the goals that we set in this area for our current school year. Staff believe that they are learning more about the issues that young people are facing today and are using strategies in the class to create positive mental health. Furthermore, they believe that our school-wide monthly activities has been an effective way to promote positive mental health awareness. This is very important as staff, teachers and support, are with the students for a good portion of the day and we must work with parents to recognize concerns and provide support to families. 

Staff recognized a few strategies that promote a positive space including but not limited to: 

• creating a safe, warm environment through routines and rules 

• ongoing communication with parents 

• meditation 

• daily breathing techniques and yoga

• quiet times and moments of thoughtfulness 

• creating a positive growth mindset and being mindful

• celebrating positive character traits 

• community circles, class meetings, or class councils to talk and listen about student concerns 

• promote encouragement and positive conversations 

• conversations that reflect on successes and ways to improve 

In addition, Ms. Norton has been meeting with staff and students to already begin planning for next year. 


We hope that you are able to attend our Parent Information Night on the 9th at 7:00 in the library. Mrs. Forte, a Parent Council member, has organized our session that will focus on  key parenting strategies to promote mental health and well-being in our children (including the value of boredom, managing conflict resolution and the importance of failure).  Guest speakers include Dr Susan Mackenzie, Child and adolescent psychiatrist at CamH, Carm Viola, Social worker at George Hull Centre for Children and Families. The talk will be facilitated  by Dr Milena Forte, Mount Sinai Hospital, U of T.

Childcare will be provided.  Please RSVP  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/supporting-mental-health-wellness-tickets-34001215551

Please visit our website http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/lambtonkingsway/Home.aspx as I spent some time updating our School Improvement Plan goals and added information on the Turf and Cashless. 

Have a great weekend. 

May 2017 
8-12-Children’s Mental Health Week
9-Parent Council Information Night: Guest Speaker at 7:00 p.m. 
10-Grade 4-8 Track and Field  
11-Grade 8 Scientist in the School 
12-Grade 4-8 Author Visit; Dental Screening begins 
16-Mayor's Cricket Tournament; Grade 6-8 Concert at 6:30 p.m. 
17-Mrs. Hall hosts Scientist in the School
19-Forest of Reading Lunch; Whole School Author visit 

22-Victoria Day
23-Book Fair until the 26th
24-LKS Folk Dance Festival-Mrs. Hall and Ms. Santiago 
25-Bike Safety Presentation from Officer Rich
26-Pizza Lunch; Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
29-Parent Council at 7:00 in the library 
30-Grade 3 and 6 EQAO begins 

June 2017 
3-Springfest 
8-Mrs. Souter and Ms. Furczon go to Outdoor Ed Centre 
9-PA Day
16-Grade 8 Graduation 
23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly 
29-Last Day for Students; Pizza Lunch-Lunch on the Lawn 

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

As the warm weather approaches, it is a good time to remind the students of traffic safety precautions. We will talk about those during our Sharing Assemblies and in the classroom, but you may want to have those conversations also. The following link was sent from our school's Community Officer, Officer Rich, that will help guide those discussions:  http://www.elmer.ca/safety-village/traffic-safety.

We've heard from Bob, our Crossing Guard, and his knee surgery recovery is doing well. We aren't sure if we are going to see him again this year, but time will tell. Crossing guards fall under the Toronto Police Services and they, as you know, will not be replacing Bob right now. I think the city is short of crossing guards overall.

At this weeks staff meeting, our learning coach, Katrina, presented on Equity and presented staff with some challenging activities. We will be forming an Equity Committee that will focus our goals for next year.

Thanks to Mrs. McGee for organizing the Forest of Reading Breakfast today. They had around 45 students show up to eat and vote!

On a final note, Kiss and Ride is getting a bit jammed up again. You are not allowed to park or idle in the Kiss and Ride as the traffic needs to keep moving. Please do not allow your children to leave the car if you are on a street (i.e. moving on Prince Edward and/or Government. It is extremely unsafe and it creates traffic jams on the street.

April 2017 
24-Grade 1-4 to TSO-thanks Ms. Barry; Parent Council at 7:00 p.m.
25th-Trustee Gough's Ward Meeting at Karen Kain at 7:00 p.m. 
26-Forest of Reading Pancake Breakfast 
27-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Wellness Activity 
28-Grade 6-8 House Event; Pizza Lunch 

May 2017
1-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly
8-12-Children’s Mental Health Week
9-Parent Council Information Night: Guest Speaker at 7:00 p.m. 
10-Grade 4-8 Track and Field 
11-Grade 8 Scientist in the School 
12-Grade 4-8 Author Visit; Dental Screening begins 
16-Mayor's Cricket Tournament 
17-Mrs. Hall hosts Scientist in the School 
19-Forest of Reading Lunch; Whole School Author visit 

22-Victoria Day
23-Book Fair until the 26th
25-Bike Safety Presentation from Officer Rich
26-Pizza Lunch; Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
29-Parent Council at 7:00 in the library 
30-Grade 3 and 6 EQAO begins 

June 2017
3-Springfest 
8-Mrs. Souter and Ms. Furczon go to Outdoor Ed Centre 
9-PA Day
16-Grade 8 Graduation 
23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly 
29-Last Day for Students; Pizza Lunch-Lunch on the Lawn 

Thank you so much for attending last night's grade 1-5 Inquiry Fair. The students and staff were thrilled that you came out to support their learning. The positive comments left for the students were very much appreciated. The classes have been reading them all day. Once again, thanks to Ms. Kim, Mr. Bracht, Mrs. Furczon, Mrs. Younger and Mrs. Olson for providing professional development and for organizing the actual night. They did a fantastic job! 

Happy Earth Day! The classes will be cleaning the Shale Pit and school yard throughout the next month. 

Just a reminder if you are looking for counselling to reach out to the The Etobicoke Children's Centre Free Walk-In Clinic Counselling Service. They provide much needed support and can be reached at www.etobicokechildren.com or 416-240-1111. 

April 2017 
24-Grade 1-4 to TSO-thanks Ms. Barry; Parent Council at 7:00 p.m.
25th=Trustee Gough's Ward Meeting at Karen Kain at 7:00 p.m. 
26-Forest of Reading Pancake Breakfast 
27-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Wellness Activity 
28-Grade 6-8 House Event; Pizza Lunch 

May 2017
1-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly
8-12-Children’s Mental Health Week
9-Parent Council Information Night: Guest Speaker at 7:00 p.m. 
10-Grade 4-8 Track and Field 
11-Grade 8 Scientist in the School 
12-Grade 4-8 Author Visit; Dental Screening begins 
16-Mayor's Cricket Tournament 
17-Mrs. Hall hosts Scientist in the School 
19-Forest of Reading Lunch; Whole School Author visit 

22-Victoria Day
23-Book Fair until the 26th
25-Bike Safety Presentation from Officer Rich
26-Pizza Lunch; Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
29-Parent Council at 7:00 in the library 
30-Grade 3 and 6 EQAO begins 

June 2017
3-Springfest 
8-Mrs. Souter and Ms. Furczon go to Outdoor Ed Centre 
9-PA Day
16-Grade 8 Graduation 
23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly 
29-Last Day for Students; Pizza Lunch-Lunch on the Lawn 

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Congratulations to the LKS community as we were ranked #4 in the elementary division of the "Top 50 Fundraisers of 2016" for The Terry Fox Foundation. Thanks to all the students, staff and parents who have contributed and to Ms. Gibson and the Terry Fox Helpers for organizing our events.

Another congratulations goes to Daria, one of our grade 7 students, who was the School Champion in "The 2017 Canadian Geographic Challenge." Thanks to Mr. Ellerker who organized and encouraged our intermediate students to participate in this very challenging competition.

We are looking forward to seeing our grade 1-5 students on Thursday night for our Inquiry Fair.

I hope everyone has a great long weekend, and extended warm wishes to those celebrating Easter.

See you on the 18th.

APRIL 2017 

14-17 Good Friday/Easter Monday
18-Folk Dance at lunch
20-Inquiry Fair-Parent Night; Folk Dance at lunch

22-Earth Day
24-Grade 1-4 to TSO-thanks Ms. Barry; Parent Council at 7:00 p.m.
26-Forest of Reading Pancake Breakfast 
27-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Wellness Activity 
28-Grade 6-8 House Event; Pizza Lunch 

May 2017
1-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly
8-12-Children’s Mental Health Week
9-Parent Council Information Night: Guest Speaker at 7:00 p.m. 
10-Grade 4-8 Track and Field 
11-Grade 8 Scientist in the School 
12-Grade 4-8 Author Visit; Dental Screening begins 
16-Mayor's Cricket Tournament 
17-Mrs. Hall hosts Scientist in the School 
19-Forest of Reading Lunch; Whole School Author visit 

22-Victoria Day
23-Book Fair until the 26th
25-Bike Safety Presentation from Officer Rich
26-Pizza Lunch; Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
29-Parent Council at 7:00 in the library 
30-Grade 3 and 6 EQAO begins 

June 2017
3-Springfest 
8-Mrs. Souter and Ms. Furczon go to Outdoor Ed Centre 
9-PA Day
16-Grade 8 Graduation 
23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly 
29-Last Day for Students; Pizza Lunch-Lunch on the Lawn 

This week, it was wonderful to talk to the students about their Inquiry projects. Across the grades, the children are so immersed in the process and are excited about their learning. We look forward to seeing the grade 1-5 parents on April 20th when the children will be showcasing their learning.

The staffing committee finalized our classroom organization for the next school year based on the number of staffing and parameters given to us from the Board; 4 Kindergarten classes, three grade 1, three grade 2, one 2/3 combined, two grade 3, one 3/4 combined, two grade 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 classes each and one Primary/Junior Autism class. The remaining staff will teach French, Special Education, library, Physical Education and Information Library. We have also been allocated our support staff: 2 Office Clerical, 4 Early Childhood Educators, 1 Educational Assistant (Special Education).

Thank you to Parent Council for funding our Birds of Prey assemblies this week. It was very informative. The students got to learn and see a variety of raptors native to Ontario. You can visit http://www.conservationhalton.ca/mountsberg-raptor-centre for more information on Spring and Summer programs. Thanks to Mrs. Clarke for organizing this assembly.

This week, I received information from our Special Education Department about a webinar on recognizing and supporting students with anxiety and learning disabilities. Here is the link if you want to join: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2069492370995574786

Please remember to wear PINK on the 12th next week to support Anti-bullying! Let's build a positive space for all of us! Thanks to our Huddle Up Committee as I know they are planning something for that day.

Have a nice weekend!

APRIL 2017 

10-Dufflebag Theatre present Little Red Riding Hood (funded by Parent Council) 
11-Folkdance at lunch; Grade 1-8 Sharing Assemblies 
12-International Day of Pink-Wear Pink to support our positive, inclusive school 
13-Jr VBall Tourney at LKS; Folk Dance at lunch 
14-17 Good Friday/Easter Monday
18-Folk Dance at lunch
20-Inquiry Fair-Parent Night; Folk Dance at lunch

22-Earth Day
24-Grade 1-4 to TSO-thanks Ms. Barry; Parent Council at 7:00 p.m.
26-Forest of Reading Pancake Breakfast 
27-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly; Wellness Activity 
28-Grade 6-8 House Event; Pizza Lunch 

May 2017
1-Grade 1-8 Sharing Assembly
8-12-Children’s Mental Health Week
9-Parent Council Information Night: Guest Speaker at 7:00 p.m. 
10-Grade 4-8 Track and Field 
11-Grade 8 Scientist in the School 
12-Grade 4-8 Author Visit; Dental Screening begins 
16-Mayor's Cricket Tournament 
17-Mrs. Hall hosts Scientist in the School 
19-Forest of Reading Lunch; Whole School Author visit 

22-Victoria Day
23-Book Fair until the 26th
25-Bike Safety Presentation from Officer Rich
26-Pizza Lunch; Kindergarten Sharing Assembly
29-Parent Council at 7:00 in the library 
30-Grade 3 and 6 EQAO begins 

June 2017
3-Springfest 
8-Mrs. Souter and Ms. Furczon go to Outdoor Ed Centre 
9-PA Day
16-Grade 8 Graduation 
23-Kindergarten Sharing Assembly 
29-Last Day for Students; Pizza Lunch-Lunch on the Lawn