Friday, November 26, 2010

November 26, 2010

Our Sharing Assemblies today focused on the character trait of "empathy". It is really impressive to hear the older students present their thoughts on what empathy means to them. It can be a hard concept to understand, but the students really do begin to understand what it means to really "walk in someones shoes" as they get older. Please follow up with these discussions at home also.

One way to really understand this concept is through the act of sharing with another person who is less fortunate. The students are learning about our Community Outreach drive for the holiday season as the toys and food are coming in quickly. We will be delivering our gifts on December 10th. We thank you for your community support!


November Dates

30th-Grade 8 Parent Night @ ECI

December Dates
1st-Kindergarten to Theatre in morning; Walking Wednesday
2nd-Afternoon Kindies off to Theatre
6th-Second dose of HPV-grade 8 girls only
7th-10th-Book Fair in the Library from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
8th-Grade 1-5 Concert @ 6:30 p.m.
9th-Middle School Concert @ 7:00 p.m.
10th-Pizza Lunch; Delivery of gifts to Stonegate and Women's Shelter (grade 7/8)
13th-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m. ; Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.; Carols in gym @ 9:00 a.m.
15th-Middle School Dance
17th-Carols @ 1:00 p.m.
20th-31st-Happy Holidays!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

November 19, 2010

On Tuesday, it was wonderful to host Philip Gray, a veteran who served as a bomber pilot in WWII. The grade 4-6 students listened intently as he shared his memories with us. Mr. Gray also wrote a book called, "Ghosts of Targets Past". If you are a history buff, you can get the book at the library. I haven't had a chance to see if you can get the book at a book store or on-line, but I'm sure we can. It looks like a good read.

Thank you for attending the parent/teacher interviews over the last couple of weeks. It was a great opportunity to see you in the school to discuss your child's progress. The intermediates interviewed in teams that took more time than usual, and we will work out those glitches for next time. It was nice to talk to those middle school parents as they waited. Lots of conversations with the grade 8 parents as they plan for high school next year.

We would like to congratulate Mrs. Zappi and her family as they recently adopted their new baby girl. Mrs. Zappi will be on a leave for the remainder of the year. We are in the process of interviewing for a new teacher. We welcome Ms. Sunde for the short term.

November Dates
24th-Senior Boy's VBall @ LKS
25 & 26 (8:15 a.m.)-Mr. Blais' class performs at mini-concert; Grade 7 & 8 presentation from Etobicoke Women's Shelter
26th-Sharing Assemblies; Jr Girl's Basketball Tourney
30th-Grade 8 Parent Night @ ECI

December Dates
1st-Kindergarten to Theatre in morning; Walking Wednesday
2nd-Afternoon Kindies off to Theatre
6th-Second dose of HPV-grade 8 girls only
7th-10th-Book Fair in the Library from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
8th-Grade 1-5 Concert @ 6:30 p.m.
9th-Middle School Concert @ 7:00 p.m.
13th-Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m. ; Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.; Carols in gym @ 9:00 a.m.
15th-Middle School Dance
17th-Carols @ 1:00 p.m.
20th-Happy Holidays!
20th-31st-Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

November 8, 2010

On Wednesday, we had a follow-up assembly to present the LKS cheque to the Terry Fox Foundation. This year we raised $22, 206.94, which brings our total to $306, 995.01, over the past 10 years. This truly is amazing. A big thank-you to all the students who helped Mrs. Gibson organize this big event for us, and a special thank you to Mrs. Gibson and Mrs. D'Angelo, our parent rep, who spent hours counting funds and organizing paperwork. Your efforts are appreciated.

Our Remembrance Day Assembly is on November 11th at 10:30 a.m. You are welcome to join us in the gym.

Just a reminder that we will be sending home the new Progress Reports on Monday, November 15th. We will include a letter explaining the new process, but if you want to see it earlier, see the website under Notices.

November Dates
9th-Royal Winter Fair Trip for Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Younger; Grade 4 Artist Visit-Mr. Littlejohn
11th-Remembrance Day Assembly @ 10:30 p.m.
12th-Pizza Lunch
15th-Progress Reports Go Home; Grade 2 to Kimsa Theatre; Reports Go Home
17th-Author Visit for Grade 4-6
19th-Parent/Teacher Interview
24th-Senior Boy's VBall @ LKS
26th-Sharing Assemblies
30th-Grade 8 Parent Night @ ECI

December Dates
1st-Kindergarten to Theatre in morning
2nd-Afternoon Kindies off to Theatre
8th-Grade 1-5 Concert @ 6:30 p.m.
9th-Middle School Concert @ 7:00 p.m.
13th-Parent Council; Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
20th-31st-Happy Holidays!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

October 31st, 2010

A big thank you to the grade 8 students for organizing the "Haunted House". This has become quite an exciting tradition at LKS! Another thank you to the community for coming to see the Hallowe'en Parade...again a great tradition that is so exciting for the kids. Have a wonderful time this weekend if you are trick or treating.

We've had a few cases of lice in the school since September. Please call the school if your child has lice as we need to send a letter home informing all parents of the class. It really is the best prevention to help control the situation. If your child does get them, please do not return to school unless all the nits are gone. . The public health nurse and some parent volunteers are going to check all the kids in the school next week. I've included the Toronto Public Health website if you want further information: http://www.toronto.ca/health/hl_index.htm

November Dates
1st-Parent/Teacher Interview Letters sent home
2nd-Artist with Mrs. Taylor (and the 9th)
3rd-Artist visit with Mr. Littlejohn (and the 10th; Terry Fox Assembly @ 9:00
4th-Photo Retake Day; Artist Visit with Ms. Kim (and the 11th); Lice Check
5th-Outdoor Ed for Mrs. Olson and Mrs. Gibson's classes; Parent/Teacher Interview Letters Returned
9th-Royal Winter Fair Trip for Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Younger; Grade 4 Artist Visit-Mr. Littlejohn
11th-Remembrance Day Assembly @ 10:30 p.m.
12th-Pizza Lunch
15th-Progress Reports Go Home; Grade 2 to Kimsa Theatre; Reports Go Home
17th-Author Visit for Grade 4-6
19th-Parent/Teacher Interview
26th-Sharing Assemblies
30th-Grade 8 Parent Night @ ECI

December Dates
1st-Kindergarten to Theatre in morning
2nd-Afternoon Kindies off to Theatre
8th-Grade 1-5 Concert @ 6:30 p.m.
9th-Middle School Concert @ 7:00 p.m.
13th-Parent Council; Kindergarten Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
20th-31st-Happy Holidays!

Friday, October 22, 2010

October 23, 2010

We'd like to thank all the parents who have come out to support the many sports teams that have had tournaments and finals over the last couple of weeks. The students and staff really appreciate a cheering audience. Congratulations to all the students for putting your best foot forward. Whether you win or lose, you always show a positive LKS spirit!

Congratulations to all the students who ran for Student Council. It takes a lot of confidence to give a speech in front of your peers, and you all did a great job. Good luck to the candidates.

Thank you again, to Mrs. Laco for organizing our Pizza Lunches. The students really enjoyed their lunches today!

Today we celebrated the Character Trait of Responsibility at our Sharing Assemblies. This is a trait that can be understood from Kindergarten to Grade 8 and it is evident that we have many LKS students who display this trait. Please follow up with the discussion of responsibility at home.

Next week we are so excited to be celebrating Hallowe'en. We invite you to participate in our Parade. We will start around 9:15 a.m. The grade 8 Haunted House is on the 28th.

25th-Elections all day in gym; Grade 5 to Queen's Park
26th-Artist visit in Mrs. Taylor's class; Author visit K-3
27th-Artist visit in Mr. Littlejohn's class;Junior Girls' Softball @ Centennial
28th-Peer Training in the afternoon; Grade 8 Haunted House
29th-Hallowe'en Parade @ 9:15 and Grade 6-8 Dance

November Dates
2nd-Artist with Mrs. Taylor (and the 9th)
3rd-Artist visit with Mr. Littlejohn (and the 10th; Terry Fox Assembly @ 9:00
4th-Photo Retake Day; Artist Visit with Ms. Kim (and the 11th)
5th-Outdoor Ed for Mrs. Olson and Mrs. Gibson's classes; Parent/Teacher Interview Letters will be sent home this week
9th-Royal Winter Fair Trip for Mrs. Gibson, Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Younger
11th-Remembrance Day Assembly @ 10:30 p.m.
12th-Pizza Lunch
15th-Progress Reports Go Home; Grade 2 to Kimsa Theatre; Reports Go Home
17th-Author Visit for Grade 4-6
19th-Parent/Teacher Interview
26th-Sharing Assemblies
30th-Grade 8 Parent Night @ ECI

December Dates
1st-Kindergarten to Theatre in morning
2nd-Afternoon Kindies off to Theatre
9th-Middle School Concert
13th-Parent Council
20th-31st-Happy Holidays!

Friday, October 15, 2010

October 18, 2010

Thank you to everyone who came to our Internet Safety Presentation on Wednesday. Mrs. Dellandrea presented some key messages for parents to take back home and we will forward some links that will provide further tips for you. It's so important that we continue to educate ourselves to provide guidance for our children.

Staff have completed their team goals for the School Improvement Plan. As always, we will create a PowerPoint and present it at Parent Council and on our website.

I have two requests of you: Could you call me if you know someone who could play the bagpipes at our Remembrance Day Assembly. We are still looking for a veteran who may want to speak also. In addition, I'm looking for wood picture frames that would fit grade 8 art drawings (15" X 17" or larger). If you have any old frames you aren't using, we'll take them. Thanks so much!

Kiss and Ride Reminders
Kiss & Ride is still in need of more volunteers to make this valuable service run smoothly. If you can help at least once a month from 8:20-8:50, please contact Nori Ayer at norigeorge@rogers.com .

Unfortunately, at this time, we are not able to escort Kindergarten children to their classroom. And please remember that the volunteers are just that....volunteers helping your children....so please be courteous and polite and understand they are trying their best.

Also please remember that at lunch and after school there is no Kiss & Ride so please help to keep our children safe by keeping the following in mind:
- Remind your children to not wander through the parking lot looking for you
- Please do not park in the exit lanes beside the fence
- Do not park and wait for your children in the lanes and block others from exiting the parking lot.

October Dates

18th-Sr Boys' Football @ Swansea; Parent Council @ 7:00 p.m.; Grade Tyalor has Artist visit
19th-QSP Ends; IEPs go home; Jr Girls' Football @ Burnamthorpe
20th-Mr. Littlejohn has Artist visit
21st-Cross Country Race; Free the Children Assembly @ 9:15; Ms. Kim has an Artist visit
22nd-Sharing Assemblies; Student Council Speeches (Grade 6-8) @ 9:00; Pizza Lunch
25th-Elections all day in gym
26th-Artist visit in Mrs. Taylor's class
27th-Artist visit in Mr. Littlejohn's class
28th-Peer Training in the afternoon; Grade 8 Haunted House
29th-Hallowe'en Parade

November Dates
2nd-Artist with Mrs. Taylor (and the 9th)
3rd-Artist visit with Mr. Littlejohn (and the 10th)
4th-Photo Retake Day; Artist Visit with Ms. Kim (and the 11th)
11th-Remembrance Day Assembly @ 10:30 p.m.
12th-Pizza Lunch
15th-Progress Reports Go Home
19th-Parent/Teacher Interview
26th-Sharing Assemblies
30th-Grade 8 Parent Night @ ECI

December Dates
9th-Middle School Concert
20th-31st-Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

I am so happy to be in a school that keeps us busy. Busy is a good sign because it means that we are doing more for the children. One activity that keeps us busy and that the kids love is Pizza Lunches. Mrs. Laco, our parent rep, reminds everyone that the pizza lunch forms need to be submitted by this Wednesday the 13th. Late forms cannot participate in the first pizza lunch on October 22. Kindergarten participation is only on June 29th and the forms for their lunch will be distributed in May.

Next week,Allison Dellandrea, another parent, has volunteered to present a workshop on Internet safety to our parent community. We are so appreciative as this is such valuable information. We also have the pleasure of working with Mrs. Dellandrea in the classroom with the older students throughout the year. The following will give you an idea of what she will be presenting. We hope to see you there.

Are you wondering where your children might be going on-line?
Struggling to keep up with your kids’ use of technology, and social networking?
Do you want to increase your knowledge about how to guard your kids against inappropriate Internet content, cyberbullying, and on-line predators?
Would you like to learn more about:
• Instant messaging (on computers and handheld devices)
• Social networking sites (Facebook, MSN)
• Strategies for protecting personal information on-line
• “webfilters” and “parental controls”
• Where and how to report on-line exploitation, or concerning content
• Reliable resources for you and your children

If so, please come to this one-hour ‘primer’ in Internet Safety for Parents, led by LKS Mom and Internet Child Exploitation prosecutor, Allison Dellandrea, and a member of the Toronto Police Service.

Date & Times: Wednesday, October 13th. 2-3 pm or 6-7 pm
Location: Room 211

PLEASE SIGN IN AT THE OFFICE FIRST FOR A VISITOR TAG!


We hope you all have a wonderful weekend with your family and friends.

October Dates

12th-Cross Country Race
13th-Grade 8 Information Night by our Guidance Counselor @ 7:00; Sr Boys' Softball @ LKS and Jr Boys' Football @ John English; Internet Safety Presentation for parents-see above
14th-Mr. Ross and Mrs. Shklar's classes at Outdoor Ed; Jr Boys' Softball @ LKS; Sr Girls' Softball @ Swansea
15th-Sr Girls' Softball @ LKS
18th-Sr Boys' Football @ Swansea
19th-QSP Ends; IEPs go home
21st-Cross Country Race; Free the Children Assembly
22nd-Sharing Assemblies
29th-Hallowe'en Parade

November Dates
4th-Photo Retake Day
11th-Remembrance Day Assembly
15th-Progress Reports Go Home
19th-Parent/Teacher Interview
26th-Sharing Assemblies
30th-Grade 8 Parent Night @ ECI

December Dates
9th-Middle School Concert
20th-31st-Happy Holidays!