Sunday 23 October 2016

Week of Oct 24th


A Message from the Administrative Team:
"I make better choices for a better world." 
                                                                                                                     ~ Me to We

We had quite the winning week with our sports teams.  Please check out our banners in front of the office!  We also have lots of finals coming up this week with football and cross country!  Go Bessborough!  Congratulations to all our competitors who participated and good luck to all who are moving on to the finals.  Check our school calendar for other events and trips.

Ms Ciobanu and Ms Angheloni had an amazing opportunity to bring the Me to We Club for the big We Day event at the ACC this past week.  They had the priviledge of hearing from many great advocates such as Gord Downie, Chris Hadfield, Hedley, Lilly Singh, Winnie Harlow and many more, and of course Craig & Marc Kielburger. For a listing of other great speakers visit https://www.we.org/we-day/we-day-events/toronto/.  Workshops for the Me to We club will run this week to generate ways how our students can make change. We look forward to seeing the important work they will be sharing with the rest of the school.

Grade 8 students are preparing for their transition to Grade 9.  Thank you Ms Angheloni for the Transitions Night offered at Northlea this past Thursday.  Grade 8 students will have opportunities this week to hear from secondary schools about their specialized programs.

Have an incredible week!
~ Ms Broderick and Ms Rosenbloom


Trustee Gerri Gershon Ward Meeting - Thurs Oct 27@7:00 pm
Northlea E & MS Library
For more information visit http://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward13


Hello Everyone,
Please join me for our first Ward Forum of the year. It will be enlightening as we hear about important educational initiatives in our community.There will be 3 panels -one of parents- another of principals and the third of Supervisory Officers. Please come and bring a friend.
Date: Thursday Oct 27
Place: Northlea Elementary and Middle School, Library 305 Rumsey Road
(Northlea is north of Eglinton and west of Laird)
Time: 7 PM                                                               See you then!
                                                                                                                 Gerri Gershon

PIAC Parent Conference
10th Annual PIAC Parent Conference

Join us for the 10th Annual PIAC

Parent Involvement Makes a DifferenceConference

Registration Now Open! (and closes November 11!)
All TDSB parents and guardians are invited to our free conference for an opportunity to make connections and participate in informative and empowering workshops.

Saturday, November 19, 2016
8 am to 3:45 pm
Earl Haig Secondary School, 100 Princess Ave.
Workshops Include:

School Information Nights
This school year has just begun but we are already thinking ahead to September 2017. Many students and parents are looking to a new school due to graduation, a pending move, or to meet a particular student interest, for example, the arts or technology.
To help you make an informed decision when choosing a school, TDSB schools host information nights for parents and students each year between October and January. Learn everything you need to know about our incredible variety of schools, programs and courses. 

Who Should I Talk To?
Parents often have questions about their child's school or the curriculum. Sometimes you may want more information about the a board policy. Or perhaps homework is an issue. Who do you call - the Teacher? the Trustee? What about the Principal? And when do you call the Superintendent?
We have developed a rough guide that might help you.

Bedford Park website
School Websites
Schools increasingly are making use of websites to communicate with parents and community. And Parent Councils can have the minutes of their meetings and agenda posted to their schools website.  I know many parents that they find it easier to get information online or when they can't find the latest school newsletter stuck to the bottom of a backpack.
The TDSB provides a template which some schools us, while others have designed their own unique website. Below are good examples of each.
To find websites for other Don Valley West schools go to my website at:http://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward13/Ward13/Ward13Schools.aspx    Questions or concerns? - speak to the Principal at your school.

Talking About Equity
The TDSB is a leader in equity and, to continue to improve student achievement and well-being, we must take a more strategic approach. Our vision is to create equitable learning environments to close the gaps and raise expectations for everyone.

To do that, we have developed a draft Integrated Equity Framework Action Plan that will be the foundation for a system-wide, cultural shift. Real change will happen because schools will be empowered to address their own unique circumstances with the right tools, resources and supports from the larger system. This will create the conditions to improve student achievement and well-being. 
This is only the beginning of the conversation. Your voice and perspective will help inform the work that makes this vision a reality.

Please learn more online, take a look at the framework (or the summary version).

Would You Be Willing To Volunteer?
TDSB has made the Mental Health and Well-Being of all its students a priority. It is essential for student achievement and success.We need your help. Parents/caregivers play a key role in helping students be successful both in school and in life.

We are looking for parents/caregivers interested in being a member of the Mental Health and Well-Being Parent Partnership Committee. 
Why be involved?  Be the voice of the parents/caregivers of TDSB students, to identify your needs as parents/caregivers regarding mental health and well-being. Guide the development of accessible education, resources and tools to support the mental health and well-being of every student.
Who are the members of the Parents  Partnership Committee?  The committee is comprised of parent/caregiver volunteers from across the TDSB.
What does the committee do?  The committee educates parents/caregivers with a focus on the importance of mental health and well-being and the critical role they play in helping students to be more successful academically and resilient in life.
Where do the meetings take place?  The meetings for 2016-17 occur  monthly at 5050 Yonge Street  6pm - 8pm. 2016 - October 17th; November 14th; December 12th.
2017 - January 16th; February 13th; March 6th; April 8th; May 8th; June 12th.
How do I get involved?  Please email us at mentalhealthandwellbeing@tdsb.on.ca

Grade Changes?
Schools that feed into York Mills Collegiate are presently studying possible grade changes that would result in the Grade 9 students moving from St. Andrew's  and Windfield's Junior High Schols to York Mills. Grade six in Denlow, Rippleton, Harrison, Dunlace, and Owen would then move to the Junior High schools which would  become Middle schools. Instead of servicing students from  grades 7-9 they would service students in grade 6-8.  
The website can be found at http://www.tdsb.on.ca/accommodationreviews. Then select “Program Area Reviews” , “2016 – York Mills CI Cluster (JHS)”, and “Helpful Information”.  The “Helpful Information” section includes data for two proposed models as well as a presentation that explains the plan.  


Gerri's Parent Meetings
Don Valley West Parent Meetings - JOIN ME!


Gr 7 & 8 Immunizations
There will be no make-up dates for those who missed their shots last Thursday due to incomplete forms, absences or for those who did not return their forms. However, there are 2 options available: 

 (Option 1) They can come to the community clinic by booking an appointment at
https://www.tphbookings.ca/Default.aspx?PageID=11032

(Option 2) They can sign a new form and wait until we come back for clinic 2 which will happen sometime in the spring. If parents choose this option your child will most likely receive their Hepatitis B and HPV dose #2 when they're in Grade 8 or they can come to a community clinic 6 months after the 1st dose was given to complete the series.
Please see the attached flyer.  For more information and consent forms visit


Police Check Annual Declaration

Just a reminder to all parent volunteers to complete their police check forms.  

 All board staff and parent volunteers are required to do an annual declaration in order to work with students in the school or on field trips. 

 Please check with Renee at the office to check your status. A form is attached as well.
Lunchtime Programs:
Lunch Programs have started this week and students are excited to participate! Just a reminder to those children who normally go home for lunch to bring a lunch for that day. Please remind your child the day of their program. Thank you Jacqui and Laura!
   
MONDAY (starts Oct 17th)
1)    Chess N Math – Group 1 – Grades 1 to 4 (Rm 11 - Baker)
2)    Chess N Math – Group 2 – Grades 1 to 4 (Rm 24 - Dominique)
3)    Junior Art Explorer – Kindergarten (Rm 2 - Gamm)
TUESDAY (starts Oct 17th)
1)    Monkeynastics -  Kindergarten (Rm 8 -McMillan)
2)    Lego Engineering – Grades 1 to 3 (Rm 25 - Jain)
WEDNESDAY (starts Oct 17th)
3)    Coding – Grades 2 to 8 (Computer Lab)
4)    Guitar – Grades 2 to 6 (Rm 12 - Webster)
THURSDAY (starts Oct 17th)
1) Build, Create, Invent I am an Architect – Grades 1 to 4 (Rm 10 - Surdivall)
2) Lego Robotics - Grades 3 to 8 (Rm 9-Buksner)

FRIDAY  – (starts Oct 14th)
1) Mad Science – Grades 1 to 6 (Rm 1 - McMillan)
2) Kinder Science – Kindergarten (Rm 6 - Phillips)


Any questions?  Contact Jacqui Dickens at jacandphil98@hotmail.com or Laura Rumble at laura.rumble10@gmail.com.

Yearbook Photos
Send Us Your Photos!

The Bessborough Yearbook Committee would love you to share your photos with us for the 2016-2017 Yearbook. Please send in any good quality photos you would like to share from Cross Country, Terry Fox Day, World Cup Hockey trips or any other recent school events.

Please send your best quality photos to bessboroughyearbook@gmail.com. Be sure to send the largest file size you have (best resolution) or if sending from your iPhone, please send “Actual Size”. For any questions, please email Sue Thurow at susan.thurow@tdsb.on.ca 

Cross Country
Well Done Everyone!!!

What a day.  Rain, Wind, Mud-a classic Cross Country race is in the books.  Congratulations to all for waiting in the cold and racing their hearts out.  I'm sure it wasn't an easy day but everyone did themselves and their school proud.

We have qualified 26 runners for the City Championships.  A special shout out the the Grade 8 girls for winning the North Conference Team Title for Bessborough! Individual medals were also won:  

Gold-Sophie Coutts (gr8), Morgan Yeomans (gr4)
Bronze-Chole Coutts (gr8), Elsa Daigle (gr7), Max Rudy (gr4). 

Well done.
Thank you to Mr. Casey, Mr. Baker & Ms Thurow and all parents for getting their athletes to Earl Bales one last time.  On to the City's!  GO BESSBOROUGH!


Bessborough Junior Girls Softball
Bessborough’s Junior Girls softball team showed strength and determination at the Northern Championships last Thursday, beating local rival Rolf Road in a 6-2 victory, wrapping up their undefeated fall season. 

 Special thanks to all the girls, parents who came out rain or shine to cheer us on, John Lewitt for coaching the team and Ms. Robertson & Ms. Reid for assisting. Congratulations on a terrific season!

Primary STEM Club - Wednesdays Lunch
Attention all grade 1-3 students, are you interested in building structures? Brainstorming solutions to design challenges? Coding with our friendly Dash and Dot robots? Or just have fun learning with your friends? 

 Primary STEM is back this year every Wednesday at 12:10pm. This Wednesday, October 26th will be the last day to join STEM. Come and experiment with Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in Room 1 with Ms. Ho and Mr. King. For more information about our STEM club, please visit our blog: http://bessboroughprimarystem.tumblr.com
Parents Only Math Night / Home & School Enhancement Budget Vote - Nov 8th @ 6:45 pm (Large Gym)
Please join us for an evening of fun and have your say in how fundraising monies are allocated to different parts of the school programs.

 Part 1) Parents Only Math Night - Learning Computational Skills 
(6:45 pm - 8:15 pm)

 Do you ever look at the math your child brings home and say, “How do I do this?” or “What is this for?” or “The math looks different from when I learned it?”.  Join us for an interactive session to learn about strategies to develop computational skills. We will use different math manipulatives and technology to help demonstrate our thinking. Learn ways to use guiding questions to help develop a deeper understanding of mathematics.  
Part 2) Home & School Meeting on the 2016/2017 Enhancement Budget Vote
(8:15 pm - 8:45 pm)

 Home & School members will have an opportunity to hear about how fundraising monies are allocated to different parts of the school programs and will be able to vote on these enhancements.
Please complete the following form to register for the session.
http://bit.ly/ParentsMathNightAndBudgetVote


Pizza Party!
A reminder that the first Pizza Lunch of the year is THIS Thursday October 27th so no need to pack lunch that day if your kids are signed up.  Hooray!

We still need about 6 volunteers to help out with the grade 7 and 8’s (1 parent per class).  Please contact Lisa Jones at lisa.am.jones@gmail.com if you can lend a hand from 11:30-12:00pm.
Kindie Cocktails - This Week!
The Kindergarten Welcome Night is also THIS Thursday October 27th from 7:30-10:30pm.  If you are a kindie parent, new or old, this is a wonderful chance to chat with other parents and Bessborough staff over a few drinks and great food in a relaxing environment.  Kindly hosted by Alison and Cameron Steinman, 80 Cameron Crescent.  See you on Thursday!
Pledge to Dance!
You should have received pledge forms for this year’s spooktacular Dance-a-Thon being held on October 31st!  A copy is also attached to this email.  Remember students who raise $25 or more will receive a glow ring at the dance and you’ll get a tax receipt!  Forms are due back by Friday October 28th.  The class that returns the most number of forms will get to pick the first song for their division at the dance!


Police Checks
A reminder that if you want to volunteer in the school or attend a class trip, you need to have a valid police check.  A copy of the form is attached to this email.  You can also get it from the office or your class parent.  It must be filled out and printed in legal size and handed in to the office in a sealed envelope with a $20 certified cheque or money order made out to Toronto Police Services.  If you’ve already done a police check, you still need to verify your ‘Clear’ status every year.  Declarations can be done via email to Renee Cronier at Renee.Cronier@tdsb.on.ca.
Clean Your Eaves, Help the School!
Our friends at Jiffy are extending their exclusive Men With Axes offer to us all - have your eaves cleaned for $115 (based on a 2,500 sq ft home) and Jiffy will donate $50 to Bessborough Home & School.  We all need to get rid of those fall leaves, so why not help out the school at the same time?  If 50 people take advantage of this offer, Jiffy will donate $2,500!  Book your eaves cleaning by Friday October 28th and use the promo code menwithaxes so Jiffy can track the jobs!
It’s Easy being Green
Bessborough wants to go more green!  One more call for a parent volunteer to be part of the Eco Schools Initiative.  This is a board-mandated group of teachers, kids and parents who will meet on occasion and determine, initiate and support activities to make our school more environmentally friendly.  Contact Stacey Niman at staceyniman@gmail.com if you’re interested.
Appreciation Corner
Thank you to our Intermediate Rep Andrea Bee for organizing the Grade 7 Meet & Greet.  It was a great evening catching up with old friends and meeting new grade 7 families.  Thanks also to Carolyn Armstrong for helping out and to our grade 7 teachers, Pat Broderick and Caroline Rosenbloom for attending.

Visit www.bessboroughhomeandschool.com now for details on all of this and more!  

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