Monday 28 November 2016

Week of Nov 28th

A Message from the Administrative Team:
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of another. "      
                                                                                                         ~ Charles Dickens


We would like to thank our teachers for organizing interviews over the last two weeks.  These meetings are important as both teachers and parents are key players in helping students be successful. Parents have an opportunity to ask questions about their child's program and teachers can share what they have observed.

 Please save the dates for our holiday concerts:
  • Dec 14th @ 6:15 am - Kindergarten (Bessborough Large Gym)
  • Dec 15th @ 6:45 pm - Grades 1-8 (Leaside Auditorium)
More information will be sent in the next Bulletin.

Students have been working hard with Sarina to prepare for the concerts.  We look forward to see their final production.

Have a fantastic week!
~ Ms Broderick and Ms Rosenbloom

Students Arriving Late:

 Students who are arriving late after the morning bell and after the lunch bell are to report directly to the office, not their classrooms.  Students are marked absent when attendance is taken and require a late slip to return to class.

 When students who arrive to class without a late slip, an automated message is sent home stating your child is absent.

 To avoid any confusion, please remind your child to report to the office first.

 If your child will be absent or arriving late for an appointment or absence or extended absence, please email our safe arrival bessborough@tdsb.on.ca to let our office staff know.

 Thank you
Ms Rosenbloom
Upcoming High School Information Sessions 
Dec 5 - 16 2016

A reminder that the following High School Information sessions will be taking place the weeks of December 5th and 12th that may be of interest to you:

December 8 - Leaside HS - 6:30 (Student session - 9:00 am - 11:30 am)
December 14 - North Toronto - 6:30 pm 

Reminder: Claude Watson applications are due: Monday, November 28th by 3:00pm

Gr 8 Grad Trip - Parent Info Night
There will be a parent information night for the Gr 8 Grad trip on Wednesday Dec 7th at 6:45 pm. A separate email will be sent out with a link to a sign up sheet.
Yearbook
The Bessborough yearbook committee is looking for photos ðŸ˜ƒ
Send in any good quality photos you would like to share for the Bessborough 2016-17 Yearbook from  Halloween, School Sports and Field trips, or any other recent school event. 

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 

From the Athletic Council:

 The Bessborough Athletic Council has had another fun week running intramurals for the grade threes and fours participating. Just like last week, students will be eating in the lunchroom from 11:40 to 12:00. They will be picked up by a council member, and brought to the big gym.


The schedule this week is Ms. Millan’s grade fours Monday at lunch, grade threes are wednesday at lunch, and Mr. Khan’s grade fours will be Friday at lunch. Make sure your student is prepared with proper shoes, and a lunch.

The Bessborough Athletic Council has had a great time running intramurals, and is excited to continue.

Bessborough Childcare Centre


 Currently, Bessborough Child Care Centre has some available spaces in our school age program.  If your child is in grade 1, 2 and/or 3 and are interested in before and after school care, please speak with Jodi at (416) 467-0389 or bccc@bellnet.ca.

Hour of Code 



 The 2016 Hour of Code is a gloval event that takes place during the week of December 5 - 11.  Participants commit to dedicating 1 hour to coding activities during that week.  The purpose of the event is to raise the awareness of computer studies, programming and coding and the problem solving, logic and creativity that can be realized from learning more about, and participating in these types of activities.  Coding and its associated activities are important components of TDSB's Vision for Learning and the Global Competencies including Critical Thinking & Problem Solving, Creativity, Inquiry & Entrepreneurship and Communication. 

 It's a great opportunity to start your little one on learning to code.  Even at the age of 4! Mentor students will be working with a variety of classes to explore some of the games and activities to learn how to code.


 Feel free to explore these with your child.  Visit the following websites to learn more.


Hour of Code
https://code.org

 Hour of Code with Khan Academy
https://www.khanacademy.org/hourofcode


Guys Night Out - Christmas Toy Drive
For more information contact Edward Wong [ewong@mapador.com].

Trustee Gerri Gerson - Update


For more information visit http://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward13.


Have a great week!

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

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Sunday 20 November 2016

Week of Nov 21st

A Message from the Administrative Team:
"If you ever see someone getting bullied, stand up for them.  You never know what a few words can do...you could save a life. "      
                                                                                                         ~ Anonymous

Today marks the week of Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week in Ontario.  There will be discussions in class and it's a great time to ask your child about their views on bullying. For more resources, check out the ministry website http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/safeschools/bullying.html#schools.

 Winter is fast approaching! Students are expected to be outside for recess unless we have extreme weather.  If kids are too sick to be outside, they should be at home.  Please dress your kids appropriately and label all coats, hats, boots, mitts and scarves.  We have a large collection of Lost & Found so please check for missing items in the front hallway near the office.

Have an amazing week!
~ Ms Broderick and Ms Rosenbloom

Pizza Lunch - Thursday November 25th!

 Students will pick up their pizza's in their classroom.  Grade 7 & 8 students pick up their pizza in the mini-gym.



Yearbook

The Bessborough yearbook committee is looking for photos ðŸ˜ƒ
Send in any good quality photos you would like to share for the Bessborough 2016-17 Yearbook from  Halloween, Remembrance Day, school Sports and Field trips, or any other recent school event. 

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 

From the Athletic Council:
The Bessborough Athletic Council (B.A.C.) has had so much fun running intramurals for the grade threes and fours participating. Just like last week, students will be eating in the lunchroom from 11:40 to 12:00. They will be picked up from there by a council member, and brought to the big gym.

Because there was no school on Friday, the schedule has changed from last week for intramurals at lunch.

Monday - Gr 4 Ms Millan
Wednesday - Gr 3s
Friday - Gr 4 Mr Kahn

Make sure your kids are prepared with proper shoes, and a lunch.

The Athletic Council has also posted a calendar outside of the big gym with most sports events, tryouts, intramurals, and field trips coming up. Feel free to take a look, and be informed about what’s to come.


The Bessborough Athletic Council is excited to continue the fun activities for the grade threes and fours.

Junior Boys Club 2015/16 Video:
DID YOU KNOW: Men experience worse longer-term health than women and die on average six years earlier!
The state of men’s health is in crisis hence the importance of our Movember campaign. Starting Monday (November 21) until the end of the month, the Junior Boys Club will be raising awareness in addition to selling a wide selection of moustaches ranging from $2-3 each. Please note: 100% of the proceeds raised will be going to our Movember campaign. Parents feel free to check out our fundraising page at http://mobro.co/jrbessbros . Thanks again for your support!

SK French Immersion Info Night -
Wed Nov 23rd 2016 @6:30 pm (Northlea E&MS Library)

You are invited to attend a Sr Kindergarten French Immersion Information Evening.  Come and hear about:
P The French Immersion SK Program
P System Options & Placement
P Application Procedures
P and More . . .
For more information, please see the attachment.

Parent Presentation:  What IFing Our Way to Worry:  Anxiety in Children

Nov 23rd 2016 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Speaker: Liza Finlay, Registered Psychotherapist

Dear Parents and Caregivers:
Your are invited to attend a special guest speaker presentation as follows:

Where: Blythwood Jr. P.S.
Who: All parents and caregivers at Blythwood Jr. P.S. and neighbouring schools. Feel free to bring a neighbour or friend.

Cost: FREE!

Refreshments will be served.
Babysitting available upon request

This presentation is partially funded by a PRO Grant from the Ministry of Education and the Blythwood PSC.

RSVP to: Lisa Windover at Lbuck_98@yahoo.com or 647-505-6015
Hope to see you there!
Blythwood PSC

Guys Night Out - Christmas Toy Drive
For more information contact Edward Wong [ewong@mapador.com].

Pizza Party!
A reminder that the next Pizza Lunch is THIS Thursday November 24th so the kids get to eat some ‘za with their friends and you get a break from lunch packing!  Hooray!

Appreciation Corner
A HUGE thank you to Lori Roberts, Co-Chair of Communications for Home & School, for all her hard work in this role in the last year and a half.  She built and designed our new website, keeps it up to date and helps strategize and implement all our communications to make sure everyone in the school stays in the loop.  Lori is moving to the U.K. with her family and will be greatly missed by our Bessborough community.  Thank you Lori for everything!!


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

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Sunday 13 November 2016

Week of Nov 14th

A Message from the Administrative Team:
"Most comedy is based on getting a laugh at somebody else's expense.  And I find that that's just a form of bullying in a major way.  So I want to be an example that you can be funny and be kind, and make people laugh without hurting somebody else's feelings."      
                                                                                                         ~ Ellen DeGeneres

Bullying prevention week is coming up and it's a great time to talk to your kids about what bullying means to them.  It's a great opportunity to use the quotes in the Bulletin as a starting point for conversations, to get your child's ideas and have them share stories about their time with their friends.  Even if they are not being bullied, perhaps someone they know is.  Questions like, How is your friend feeling?  How can you help your friend?, has your child think about how they can advocate not only for themselves, but for others.  Our goal is to help students see how they can make a difference to their world around them.

Have a super week!
~ Ms Broderick and Ms Rosenbloom

Coffee Get Together with Trustee Gerri Gershon 
Tuesday November 15th 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

I am looking forward to our first Community Coffee of the 2016-2017 school year, this coming Tuesday, November 15th. These meetings are a great chance to chat about items happening in Ward 13 schools and an opportunity to network with fellow parents and your Trustee!

Unlike our regular Ward council meetings, there is no set agenda, so attendees have the chance to bring forward topics they would like to discuss.

I hope you have a chance to join us!
Thank-you,
Gerri


Google Map to Longo’s:  https://goo.gl/maps/DH4w2qEuauD2


From the Athletic Council:

The Bessborough Athletic Council is starting intramurals for both Grades 3 & 4s this coming week. Students will be eating in the lunchroom from 11:40 am - 12:00 pm. They will be picked up from there by a council member, and brought to the big gym. Intramurals takes place from 12:00 pm - 12:40 pm.
The schedule is as follows:
  • Mondays - Grade 3s  
  • Wednesdays - Mr. Khan’s Grade 4s 
  • Fridays -  Ms, Millan’s Grade 4s 
Make sure your kids are prepared with proper shoes, and a lunch.

The Bessborough Athletic Council is excited, and have prepared plenty of fun activities. This week, the game we will play will be decided by a vote, once we get to the gym.

Transitions & Upcoming High School Information Sessions
A reminder that the following High School Information sessions will be taking place the week of November 14  to November 18 that may be of interest to you:

November 15-Monarch Park-IB-7:00
November 16-Victoria Park -IB-5:30pm or 7:00pm                 
November 17- Rosedale Heights School of the Arts- 6:15pm or 7:00pm
November 18-Exams for MACs and Tops (Marc Garneau)
If you have any questions, contact bianca.angheloni@tdsb.on.ca.

SK French Immersion Info Night -
Wed Nov 23rd 2016 @6:30 pm (Northlea E&MS Library)

You are invited to attend a Sr Kindergarten French Immersion Information Evening.  Come and hear about:
P The French Immersion SK Program
P System Options & Placement
P Application Procedures
P and More . . .
For more information, please see the attachment.

Parent Presentation:  What IFing Our Way to Worry:  Anxiety in Children

Nov 23rd 2016 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Speaker: Liza Finlay, Registered Psychotherapist

Dear Parents and Caregivers:
Your are invited to attend a special guest speaker presentation as follows:

Where: Blythwood Jr. P.S.
Who: All parents and caregivers at Blythwood Jr. P.S. and neighbouring schools. Feel free to bring a neighbour or friend.

Cost: FREE!

Refreshments will be served.
Babysitting available upon request

This presentation is partially funded by a PRO Grant from the Ministry of Education and the Blythwood PSC.

RSVP to: Lisa Windover at Lbuck_98@yahoo.com or 647-505-6015
Hope to see you there!
Blythwood PSC

Guys Night Out - Christmas Toy Drive
For more information contact Edward Wong [ewong@mapador.com].

Budget Vote Results
Thank you to all the parents who came out to our H&S meeting to vote on the Enrichment Budget.  All of the proposed items passed.  Our planned purchases are on the Home  & School website.

Lost & Found Look Through
green-jacket-th[1]                            AlanSpeak-Jacket[1]
Our Lost & Found is FULL of sweaters and coats.  If you child has lost or left clothing at school, please come and see if it has made its way to the Lost & Found.  The clothing rack is located on the upper level of the school, around the corner from the office.  All clothing that is left after December 15th  will be donated to New Circles Community Services to help people in need.

Survey Says….
One more call out for feedback on this year’s Halloween Dance-a-Thon.  It was a huge success thanks to the wonderful staff, volunteers and parents who supported this fundraising event.  We raised $4,900 which will go towards a new initiative at Bessborough - a school wide Science Day!

We are always looking for ways to improve our events.  Please take a moment to fill out the short survey below.  Thank you!


Appreciation Corner
A big THANK YOU to Saba Al Mathno for collecting and organizing all the H&S memberships this year.  We have record enrolment, a great sign that our parents are excited and engaged in our school community.

And - our appreciation to all the teachers who are currently working hard writing report cards.

Visit www.bessboroughhomeandschool.com now for details on all of this and more!  
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Saturday 5 November 2016

Week of Nov 7th


A Message from the Administrative Team:
"Fair isn't everyone getting the same thing. Fair is everybody getting what they need in order to be successful." 
                                                                                                                     ~ Unknown

What a beautiful weekend we had and looks like it will be a warm and dry week as well!  Please check our Lost & Found rack in the front hallway as there are many items that need to find their homes!

 We will have our Remembrance Day assembly on Friday in the gym.  Parents & community members are welcome to join. 

 There is an important Home & School meeting this Tuesday.  See below for more information.

 Teachers will begin to schedule interviews to go over questions you have about your child's report cards.  Please wait for your teacher to let you know what their scheduling procedures will be.

 Have an incredible week!
~ Ms Broderick and Ms Rosenbloom

Home & School Enhancement 
Budget Vote - 
Tuesday November 8th 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

 The Americans are not the only ones voting on Tuesday November 8th!  So is Bessborough's Home & School!  
Home & School members will be voting on where to allocate dollars raised through H&S events and activities (such as Dance-a-Thon, Men with Axes and the Street Crawl) that allow us to enhance school spirit and strengthen community relationships.  In the past, funds have helped pay for: library books; reading, drama and dance programs; art supplies; school athletic team jerseys; wellness and guidance initiatives and; technology tools and student workshops.  
Here is a link to the draft budget so you can review it before the meeting.  It is also on the Home & School website.


Don’t forget to bring your phone - you need it to vote!  
Babysitting will be provided in the mini-gym.  
Time change:

 It's daylight savings and we love getting an extra hour of sleep.  Don't forget to FALL BACK and set your clocks one hour back.

Enjoy the extra sleep!

SK French Immersion Info Night - 
Wed Nov 23rd 2016 @6:30 pm (Northlea E&MS Library)
You are invited to attend a Sr Kindergarten French Immersion Information Evening.  Come and hear about:
P The French Immersion SK Program
P System Options & Placement
P Application Procedures
P and More . . .
For more information, please see the attachment.

Transitions & Upcoming High School Information Sessions
A reminder that the following High School Information sessions will be taking place the week of November 7  to November 11 that may be of interest to you:

November 8
- Danforth Collegiate-MaST - 7:00
- Wexford School of the Arts-Visual & Media - 7:00

November 9
- Bloor Collegiate-Tops - 6:30pm
- Wexford School of the Arts-Performing Arts - 7:00

November 10
- Sir Wilfrid Laurier CI-IB - 6:30

Grade 8 Specific:  
1.  Students have been re-acquainted to myBlueprint and completed surveys in reference to: Learning Styles, Personality, Interests, Motivations and Knowledge.  Students have been encouraged to share their results with you, website for access is www.myblueprint.ca/tdsb  In December the aforementioned data will be used as a guide to begin high school course planning.
2. Students have received a copy of the Choices for 9 brochure, which is a summary of the Transitions presentation that has been delivered. For reference a copy has been attached.

 Grade 7 specific:
1.  Students have created myblueprint accounts (www.myblueprint.ca/tdsb) and have completed Learning Styles surveys..next focus will be on goal setting.
Should you have any questions please contact bianca.angheloni@tdsb.on.ca.

Remembrance Day Assembly - 
Nov 11th @ 10:45 am
We will be having our Remembrance Day Assembly this Friday November 11th at 10:45 am to honour those who have fought for and supported peace for our nation.

 Parents and community members are welcome to join us in the large gym.
Free Dental Care
Dental services are offered to children (0-17 years), parents enrolled in selected Toronto Public Health programs and seniors (65 years and older).

 To be eligible:
  • You must live in Toronto
  • You cannot have dental insurance
  • You are not able to pay for dental care

 Services Include:
  • examinations
  • fillings
  • root canal treatment on selected teeth
  • extractions
  • partial and full dentures - a fee may be required for dentures
  • prevention and education
  • fluoride treatment
  • cleanings
  • sealants
For more information, please see the attachment.
For information on Nutrition and Food access go to http://ow.ly/S09nc .



H&S Meeting/Vote - THIS WEEK!
It’s not too late to join Home & School and have a say in where our fundraising dollars get spent in the school.  Our next meeting is THIS Tuesday, November 8th from 7:00-8:30pm in the library.  It is open to all parents and will focus on the enrichment budget.

We will be voting on where to allocate dollars raised through H&S events and activities (such as Dance-a-Thon, Men with Axes and the Street Crawl) that allow us to enhance school spirit and strengthen community relationships.  In the past, funds have helped pay for: library books; reading, drama and dance programs; art supplies; school athletic team jerseys; wellness and guidance initiatives and; technology tools and student workshops.  

You MUST be a H&S member to vote.  If you don’t have your membership yet, you can get the form by clicking here or go to the H&S website under the tab ‘Who We Are’.  Please submit with a $20 cheque made out to Bessborough Home & School to the office.  Or, you can bring them to the meeting on November 8th.  

Here is a link to the draft budget so you can review it before the meeting.  It is also on the Home & School website.


Don’t forget to bring your phone - you need it to vote!  
Babysitting will be provided in the mini-gym.  See you on Tuesday!
That’s a Wrap!
This year’s Halloween Dance-a-Thon was a huge success due to the wonderful staff and volunteers who made this event happen.  Thank you to all of our parents who chose to support this fundraising initiative.  

Our kids had a blast moving and grooving with their friends and just over $4,500 was raised for the school.  The fundraising committee is pleased with the event overall, but we do recognize that there is always room for improvement.  Please take a moment to fill out the short survey below.  Thank you!
Appreciation Corner
A HUGE thank you to all the volunteers who made this year’s Cross Country season such a big success.  Pam Horwood, Tony Hammill, Sheila Allen, Michelle Rinaldo, David O’Connor, Robyn Israel, Ms. Thurow, Mr. Baker, Mr. Casey and all the parents who guarded the corners, passed out popsicle sticks and helped out at the meets.  
Another big thank you goes out to the Dance-a-Thon crew who helped pull this fantastic event together - Jenn O’Donnell, Andrea Jeffery, Leyli Goodale, Katherine Weinman, Shawna Hogan, Saba Al Mathno and Laura Rumble.

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