A message from the principal

It’s almost the middle of March already…how time flies. It has been a tremendous ending to the second term and beginning to the third term at St. Andrew’s. Both staff and students are highly motivated and eager to engage in a journey together for the remainder of the year.

I have thoroughly enjoyed becoming part of the St. Andrew’s community and appreciate all of the support that has been shown by students, staff and community members. St. Andrew’s is a very special school with unique programs, high expectations and opportunities for children unlike any other in the TDSB. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the teaching and learning at St. Andrew’s and am looking forward to continuing to build relationships next year.

Parent-Teacher Interviews

Parent-Teacher interviews took place on Thursday, March 4 (evening) and Friday, March 5 (morning). This was an opportunity to discuss student progress (on a needs be basis) and highlight plans of action for the remainder of the year. There was some tremendous feedback from both parents and teachers who indicated that working together (home and school) was truly benefiting their child. On-going communication is essential if the home environment is to play an active role in the growth and development of the child.

Thank you to teachers for your preparation and to parents for your willingness to be involved and take a direct interest in your child’s education.

St. Andrew’s 2010 – 2011

At this time, we have sent out letters of acceptance to a number of students wishing to join the St. Andrew’s family through optional attendance. In following the TDSB guidelines very carefully and ensuring that we don’t exceed the projected enrolment of students as set by the planning department of the TDSB, the numbers for St. Andrew’s are looking very strong.

After the March break, we will have a better understanding as to our staffing for 2010-2011 and then we can begin the process of creating an organizational model for next year. The school staffing committee will work hard to develop a model that meets the best interests of all students and staff. In addition, there will also be a parent staffing committee who will gather together to share their thoughts and views on how the school should be set up to provide optimum teaching and learning opportunities. Stay tuned for more information in future newsletters.

Enjoying the March Break

This year, students will be off for the mid winter break from March 15 to 19 inclusive. If you are looking for things to do during the March Break, below are some ideas on how you can enjoy the break with your children:

Leisure Skating in Toronto

Lace up your skates and enjoy the winter season by gliding around the different Toronto arenas in your area that offer leisure skating. Extra leisure skate programs are scheduled at selected locations over the March Break. Check with your local arena/rink for schedules or visit www.toronto.ca/skate or call 416-394-8665.

• Outdoor Rinks
  Broadlands A.I.R.
  19 Castlegrove Blvd, 416-395-7966
• Glen Long A.I.R.
  35 Glen Long Ave, 416-395-7961
• Irving W. Chapley A.I.R.
  205 Wilmington Ave, 416-395-7880
• Ledbury A.I.R.
  146 Ledbury St, 416-395-7962
• Mel Lastman Square
  5100 Yonge St, 416-395-7584
• North Toronto Memorial CC
  200 Eglinton Ave, W, 416-392-6591
• Otter Creek
  Chatsworth Ave, 419-392-0618

Toronto Zoo

Believe it or not, the Toronto Zoo is open 364 days a year (closed only on December 25th). During the winter months, visitors are invited into the pavilions where it’s warm.
This March Break, things will be HOPPING. Check out the fun and interactive stations throughout the zoo including the Frog Dome, learn how to do an authentic Frog Call, find out what type of food frogs enjoy and experience one of the many FROGZIBITZ Habitats. Visit www.torontozoo.com or call 416-392-5929.

Leisure Swimming

Swimming is the perfect activity for people of all ages and abilities and is often ranked as the best form of exercise. It’s fun for you and your family to learn to swim or improve your aquatic skills. Leisure swims are free and an ideal time for people of all ages to creatively play in an aquatic setting. For drop-in swim schedules, visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks/torontofun and click on swimming or visit your local pool for the March Break schedule.

Skiing and Snowboarding

One of the advantages of living and working in Toronto is having downhill skiing and snowboarding facilities right at your door. The Ski & Snowboard Centres offer a range of programs to suit all ages and abilities. Discover the joys of skiing and snowboarding for the whole family…look into a Family Snow Pass and enjoy skiing/snowboarding day or night. Visit www.toronto.ca/ski or call a centre directly.

Royal Ontario Museum

Experience the Royal Ontario Museum’s dinosaur collection. Bigger, bolder and better then ever, the renowned collection of dinosaurs will stir your imagination and get your heart pounding. Visit www.rom.on.ca or call 416-586-8000.

The Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre is open seven days a week. It offers an ongoing exploration of the connections between art, technology and science that encourage visitors to see things differently. For more information, visit http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca or call 416-696-1000.

Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame pays tribute to the passion of our national sport and also features legendary honoured members. Experience over 57,000 square feet of hands-on games, theatres, the Stanley Cup, and exhibits that include the finest collection of hockey artifacts from around the world. For more information, visit www.hhof.com or call (416) 360-7765.

Winter Concert

Hopefully, you had an opportunity to join us for the Winter Concert on February 25, 2010. It was a packed house and we were certainly treated to a magical evening of music performed by the talented St. Andrew’s students under the incredible leadership of Mr. Corbett and Ms. Wong. The students were truly spectacular. Although all groups were a joy to listen to, our grade 7 students really outdid themselves having really only practiced for the past few months.

The music program at St. Andrew’s is truly unique and enables children to explore their artistic side. Congratulations to all who performed, to our magnificent conductors and to all of the teachers who volunteered their time to spend the evening supervising, taking tickets or filming the performance.

Math and the home

Hopefully, everyone had an opportunity to work with their child on the math problem sent out in the previous newsletter on the topic of money. What better way to engage your child in learning math at home than to work on something together.

Our newest challenge for you and your child (intermediate):

Problem Solving: Data Management and the Real World
A local newspaper reporter, Ms. Greenspoon, wrote an article claiming that more than 75 percent of the town’s citizens thought the library fines were too high. Many readers wrote to the editor refuting the report, claiming that the sample for the survey was biased. How might the sample have been biased?

Student Heritage Summer Camp in China

This is a wonderful opportunity for students of Chinese heritage between the ages of 12-16 to study in China (see attached for details). For 15 days this summer, students will immerse themselves in Chinese culture and language. They will develop deep connections with their heritage and learn about China’s tradition, geography and history. They will practice and improve their Chinese skills and meet approximately 4,000 students from all over the world in an experience they will likely never forget. They will visit the Great Wall in Beijing, Terra-cotta Warriors in Xi’An, West Lake in Hangzhou and 2010 Shanghai Expo. (There are a few spaces available for non-Chinese students who are currently studying Chinese).

An information session will be held at Georges Vanier Secondary School at 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday March 9, 2010.

Spring Food Drive

Support the Daily Bread Food Bank, starting March 22 to March 30. Bring in NON-PERISHABLE FOOD to EARN PRIZES.

Just around the corner

• March 15-19 – March Break
• March 22 – School Resumes
• March 26 – Earth Hour
• April 2 – Good Friday – no school
• April 5 – Easter Monday – no school
• April 8 – Cookie Dough Orders due
• April 9 – School Dance (1:30-3:30)
• April 12-16 – Earth Week

Only 69 more days until fun in the sun!