St. Andrews Junior High News

Principal’s Message

The end of the school year is a time for all of us to reflect on the year that is ending. Thank you for supporting your child’s education by being involved. Working together makes a big difference in the success of your child. On your behalf, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students, staff, classroom assistants, administrators, office staff, caretakers and parents for their many contributions this year. The support, encouragement and efforts of all individuals have provided the students with excellent learning opportunities and the students have met the challenges head on. Students have excelled in many areas, both within the school and beyond, and we are very proud of them.

Finally, I would like to personally thank all of you for the support you have shown me in my first year at St. Andrew’s. I have grown attached to the community, making many friendships and building many relationships along the way. I am looking forward to returning next year. I hope, together, we have worked to ensure a tradition of educational excellence in a school and community that deserves nothing but the very best.

I am confident that with the outstanding teachers and supportive, caring parents, the students of St. Andrew’s will continue to reach their full potential and be able to achieve the goals they set for themselves. The future is in their hands. Amongst them there will be lawyers, doctors, teachers, etc. who will strive to be productive members of society.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of this tradition and a part of your family. I, too, have grown this year and become a better person as a result of my year at St. Andrew’s. To Ms. Dubeau and the incredible office staff, thank you for your support, guidance, expertise, and passion for education. Together, we have built a strong team in the best school in the TDSB!

It seems as though this school year has just begun and yet, once again, we find ourselves at the end. How quickly time flies! Often at this time of year, we experience changes in staff for the next school year. This year is no exception. In my last newsletter, we said goodbye to a number of St. Andrew’s staff. In this newsletter, I was hoping to introduce you to some of our new staff, but am unable to do so at this time. We will be working hard throughout the summer months to arrange for the best possible teachers for your children. We are extremely confident that our search will turn up some outstanding candidates. Specific assignments for these individuals and for all St. Andrew’s staff will be shared on the first day of classes in September.

The next couple of weeks will be busy attempting to close up the school after a successful year while at the same time preparing for September opening.

Final organization for next year

Please see below for our final organizational model for the 2010-2011 school year. Please remember that classroom placements will only be available on the first day of school. Please see first day procedures below.

• Grade 7:
  • 2 Gifted Classes
  • 5 Regular Classes
• Grade 8:
  • 2 Gifted Classes
  • 5 Regular Classes
• Grade 9:
  • 4 Academic Classes
  • 1 Applied Class

The staff has been working very hard to create good, balanced classes with the resources assigned to us. Please appreciate that any changes to the make up of these new classes could upset the balance and impact negatively on class dynamics. For this reason, we ask that parents refrain from requesting placement changes in the fall.

First day procedures: September 7, 2010

• GRADE 7 will begin their day at 9:00
• GRADE 8 at 9:30
• GRADE 9 at 10:00

Students are asked to meet in the cafeteria (entering through the front doors only). Lists will be posted in the foyer outside of the cafeteria identifying classroom placements. Students are asked to enter the cafeteria where teachers will be waiting with class lists. Teachers, one at a time, will call out student names and ask them to line up. Once the entire class has been called out, students will be escorted to their classroom.

Finally, parents are asked to say their goodbyes at the front of the school and not enter the building so St. Andrew’s staff members can manage the large number of students in a safe and efficient manner.

There will be a lot of excitement and anticipation, however, students will quickly become excited about seeing their friends and meeting their teachers.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support.

Other items

• The lost and found area is still quite full. Please have your children check it for items that should be returned to your home (Unclaimed contents will be donated to a community agency for distribution to needy children).
• Please continue to help minimize vandalism around the school, which is especially important during the summer months. Report any suspicious happenings to the TDSB “call centre” (416-395-4620) or the Toronto Police – 53rd division.

• Congratulations to

  The graduation and yearbook committee members – you’ve taken on a huge task that will result in wonderful memories for all. The grade nine grads are truly fortunate. Graduation on Tuesday, June 24th @ 5:30 p.m. (graduates to arrive at 5:00) will certainly be a special day for them (and their parents/families). The dinner and dance portion of our graduation will begin at 7:30.

And finally….A Big Thanks to

1. The entire community for a terrific year. Working together with the interests of the students placed first has enabled us to make it the best possible situation we could for kids. I am sure this trend will continue in 2010-2011.
   All the students of St. Andrew’s…you’re a wonderful and talented bunch! I have really enjoyed getting to know all of you better, and watching you work and play together. We will certainly miss our grade nine graduates and grade eight students not returning in September.
2. The members of the parent council; you’ve been a very positive, energetic and hard working group. We all benefit from your tireless efforts to support the kids and staff of St. Andrew’s. To our chair, Leslie Routhier, thank you for your interest in the position, guidance, leadership and voice of reason throughout the year. It has been wonderful working with you on the same team on behalf of the staff and students of St. Andrew’s. To Giselle Bloch, our vice-chair and soon to be graduate, thank you for your passion and commitment to the community and the well-being of all of the staff and students of St. Andrew’s.

   The continued leadership in the years to come will ensure growth and progress in a school/community that deserves nothing but the very best.

3. The school staff…what more needs to be said – You’re Amazing. There has been a team of professionals/people assembled here that is unparalleled to any other in the TDSB. Have a great summer and a well-deserved rest! I look forward to another exciting and productive year.

Other end of year information

The school office re-opens on Monday, August 23rd, 2010. School starts for students on Tuesday, September 7, 2010. Please see first day procedure information outlined earlier in this newsletter.

Read All About It…St. Andrew’s Staff to Be Treated Like Royalty by St. Andrew’s Parents!

On June 30th, 2010, the St. Andrew’s staff will once again be spoiled by parents with a scrumptious end of year breakfast. All staff members will enjoy a feast donated by very generous families in the community. The St. Andrew’s staff would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance for the very delicious and generous appreciation breakfast. We are very thankful for the effort demonstrated by all those who donate their time and treats for special occasions such as this and for the many bake sales, pizza lunches etc. throughout the year.

Official 2010-2011 School Calendar

The official school year calendar for the Toronto District School Board runs from September 7, 2010 to June 30, 2011, inclusive. The last day of classes for elementary students is June 29, 2011.

Next School Year’s Holidays

• Labour Day: September 6, 2010
• Thanksgiving: October 11, 2010
• Professional Activity Day (Elementary): November 19, 2010
• Winter Break: December 20, 2010 to December 31, 2010, inclusive (last day of school is December 17, 2010; school resumes January 3, 2011)
• Professional Activity Day (Elementary): January 21, 2011, February 18, 2011
• Family Day: February 21, 2011
• Mid-Winter Break: March 14 to 18, 2011, inclusive
• Good Friday: April 22, 2011
• Easter Monday: April 25, 2011
• Professional Activity Day (Elementary): May 20, 2011
• Victoria Day: May 23, 2011
• Professional Activity Day (Elementary): June 30, 2011
• *The end of the first semester is February 1, 2011.

Just around the corner

• June 16-22 – Grade 9 Exams
• June 24 – Grade 9 Graduation 5:30 p.m.
• June 25 – Grade 9 Term 3 Reports Home – 3:00
• June 28
  • Grade 7/8 Assemblies
  • Term 3 Reports Home
• June 29 – Last day of school for Students
• June 30 – P. A. Day – no school for students
• Aug. 23 – Sept. 3 – School Office Open
• Sept. 6 – Labour Day
• Sept. 7 – First day of school