Here are a few important dates to help you get through the month of November. As always please check our website and the individual teacher blogs to the right of this page.
November 9th - Parent Council 7:00pm in the Library.
November 11th - Remembrance Day Assembly 11:00am in the Gym.
November 13th - PA Day (No School)
November 27th - Pizza Lunch and Sr Boys Volleyball @ LKS all day.
November 25th - Sr Girls Volleyball @ LKS all Day.
November 30th - Report Cards go Home.
Here is some extra information you may find useful.
Successful Parent-Teacher Interviews As parent teacher interviews are upon us, we encourage you to take this opportunity to find out about your child’s progress. Report cards will be sent home November 30th. Below are some questions and tips that you may find useful for the interview. Interpreters are available. Please contact your child’s teacher or indicate your requirements on the parent-teacher interview form.Great Questions to Ask• What skills does my child need to work on? • What activities can we do at home to strengthen those skills? • Does my child complete his/her work and assignments efficiently and conscientiously? • Is my child facing any struggles in class not related to her/his schoolwork? Interview Tips• Talk to your child about school before the interview. Ask how they think they are doing and how the teacher can help them meet their goals. • Get an idea of what the curriculum is like, the level your child is working at, and areas where they are struggling. • Make a list of what you want to know before you go into the interview. You can even prepare questions ahead of time if it will make you feel more at ease. Knowing what you want to know and writing it down ensures that you don’t forget anything, and that you get the information you need. • Be open and honest. Feel free to add your own observations around your child’s behaviour, strengths and weaknesses. • Find out what they’re learning. Ask curriculum questions, find out what your child has learned and what is coming up in the term ahead. Know the skills your child will need to be successful in the term ahead (i.e. knowing how to multiply and divide fractions). • Ask about strengths and weaknesses and possible problems. Find out about problems before they happen. This information will allow students to get help before they fall behind. • Find out how often and how much homework is being assigned as it relates to the TDSB's Homework Policy. Also ask if your child is completing his/her homework regularly, how long the work assigned should take to complete and does the teacher check the homework regularly and provide feedback. The answers to these questions will help you better monitor your child’s work habits. • Ask what you can do at home to help your child. Make a commitment to support your child’s learning.
Street proofing Tips The safety of your child is an important priority. Remember to keep your school staff up to date with your current address, phone number, childcare arrangements, to whom your child may be released, etc. We also need you to let us know about any changes of routine and to sign your child in if they are arriving late or leaving early for any reason. The Toronto Police street proofing program encourages you to teach your child:1. his/her name, address, phone number 2. to Dial 9-1-1 in an emergency 3. to communicate with you when they feel unsafe or afraid 4. to keep you informed as to his/her whereabouts at all times 5. never to admit to being alone in the home when answering the telephone 6. never to invite strangers into the house or answer the door when alone 7. never to approach or enter a stranger's car or hitchhike 8. never to travel or play alone -- always be with friends to trust their feelings and say "NO" to an adult if that adult wants them to do something that is wrong 9. not to accept gifts from strangers 10. to tell you if someone has asked them to keep a secret from you 11. that no one has the right to touch any part of his/ her body that a bathing suit would cover 12. that if he/she is being followed, or approached too closely, to run home or go to the nearest public place and yell for help 13. to report to your school authorities or a police officer, anyone who act suspiciously towards him/her 14. never to play in deserted buildings or isolated areas 15. never to enter any one's home without your permission 16. to avoid taking shortcuts through parks and fields 17. never to show his/her money and if attacked to give it up rather than risk injury. 18. that a police officer is a friend who can always be relied upon when he/she is lost or needs assistance. Together, we can keep our school and community a safe environment for our children.
Making the Best of Winter Weather at our School Principals are often asked how we decide whether it's too cold to allow our students out in the schoolyard for recess. Fresh air and exercise are important for children. It keeps them physically fit, and helps them stay alert all through the school day. Parents can help by making sure their children come to school prepared to spend time outdoors. Hats, mitts, boots and a warm jacket are important to keep students comfortable during lunch and recess.But extreme cold can be dangerous, and parents want to know that their children will be safe. When the temperature is predicted to drop below -15C, the City of Toronto may declare a cold weather alert. Schools are very sensitive to the needs of our students and pay close attention to the weather, especially when the windchill is below -20 C.The TDSB Severe Weather Protocol is flexible, so that every principal can make a decision that meets the needs of his or her school. It sets guidelines for when to allow students outside for recess, when to make outdoor breaks shorter, and when to keep students inside altogether. Canadian winters can be wonderful but when the weather is cold, school staff keep one eye on the thermometer and the other on the needs of our students - a perfect balance of fun and safety. Find out more at www.tdsb.on.ca/communications/severeweather.htm
Once again if you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to give me a call 416 - 394 -7890 ex 20011.
