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

You will not only get some great savings but will also help support your child’s education at St. Andrew’s by raising extra money for programs and items not covered by the school’s budget (eg. whiteboards, after school club materials, educational items, extra art and music supplies etc). This is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year and we need you to subscribe to make it a success!

Please stay posted for more details in your summer mailing and in September when school starts.

On Friday, a free healthy fruit freezie was provided by the HALE (Healthy Active Living Education) committee. All students were offered a free fruit freezie at morning break. It was a welcome refreshment for all grades, especially the grade 9’s who had just finished writing their EQAO tests!

Thank you to Gina Chu, Lorrie Chen and the HALE committee, as well as Ms. Lau and Mr. Johnson for their help.

Parent Council

As this year winds to a close, the St. Andrew’s Parent Council would like to say THANK YOU to our school community. We have had another successful year raising funds to provide our children with opportunities and support that they would not have had otherwise. Our fundraising dollars were spent on things like after school clubs, sports equipment, educational materials etc. Thank you to all of our parents who have made this possible!

A special thank you to our parents who have managed events: Giselle Bloch (pizza lunch), Mable Chan (bake sales), Edward Asmar (Birthday Book Program), Kelly Perrin (cookie dough), Daphne Strathdee (Chapters Event), Gina Chu (HALE committee), Cathy Poole (magazine fundraiser) and Stephanie Achkarian (SPC Cards). We would also like to thank our Executive who are moving on next year: Giselle Bloch, Gabriole Lau and Catherine Zouravlioff.

Also many thanks to St. Andrew’s administration, Mr. Howard and Ms. Dubeau, and office staff, Ms. Shimmerman, Ms. Markus and Mr. Lo.

Parent Council Minutes

The last Parent Council meeting of the year was held on May 31st. We agreed on the final allocation of our fundraising spending and got updates on the school and Parent Council for next year. For more details, the minutes are attached.

Health and Safety

Road Safety

Staff has noticed that there have been a few close calls on the roads in front of and near the school recently. Students have crossed without looking both ways; sometimes cars have pulled out to pass other cars which stop illegally in front of the school to drop off children; as a result, there have been near-accidents. Staff have been reminding students about the rules of the road and we would appreciate if parents would also go over these rules with their children.

A reminder for parents – please use the drop-off and pick-up zone in the school parking lot rather than the front of the school. It is much safer for all.

Dental Screening

Public Health workers will be at the school from Tuesday, June 8th to Thursday, June 10th to conduct dental screening of grade 7 and 8 students.

Assistive Technology Training

Click here for more information about free training for parents offered by the Toronto District School Board Special Education Department. There are a variety of dates available in August and September.

Sports News

Tennis

Congratulations to Louise K. for her tremendous achievements in tennis during the past couple of weeks. Louise moved forward through several levels of OFSAA tennis singles tournaments; at the Provincial level this week at York University’s Rexdale Centre, she took the silver medal in the Girls Open for students in grades 9 to 12. It was a great accomplishment to make it to this level of competition at OFSAA against much older students most of whom are nationally ranked.

Thanks to Ms. Chou for her support!

Soccer

Congratulations to our grade 7 and 8 Girls Soccer team! Last week, they won the North Region Championship. Good luck to the team members as they head off to the City Finals next.

Thank you to Coach Lau.

Ultimate Frisbee

St. Andrew’s Ultimate Frisbee Co-ed team scored a big win at the North Region Championships last week also. Great job to all team members and to Coach Seal!

Track and Field

This week and weekend, two of our athletically gifted students, Gary R. and Jennifer L., are competing at the Provincial OFSAA Track and Field Championships in London, Ontario. Hot off the press – Jennifer L. took bronze in Midget High Jump yesterday. Congratulations to Jennifer! Today, Gary is running the 1500 m. event and tomorrow he runs in the 3000 m. event. Good luck to Gary!

Thanks to Coach Baluyot.

Arts News

Anti-racism Poster Contest

Sabrina T., a grade 8 student at St. Andrew’s Junior High School, placed second in the Community Police Liaison Committee’s anti-racism poster contest, presented Tuesday at the North York Civic Centre.

“Second-place winner Sabrina T. said her poster shows the richness of bringing together people of different ethnicities.
“I kind of wanted to say not everything is black and white. If we were born to see things only in black and white, we would only see black and white,” she said.
(From InsideToronto.com, May 26, 2010)
Congratulations to Sabrina and thank you to Mr. McDowell.

Manga Contest

George R. won the Manga Art Contest this week at St. Andrew’s. Congratulations to George, and thank you to Mr. McCarthy.

Music Night

On Thursday, May 27, many students, parents and staff had the pleasure of attending Music Night concerts at St. Andrew’s. The music was wonderful! Student musicians showed a lot of growth in their musicality. Thank you to Mr. Corbett and Ms. Wong for all of their support and enthusiasm. Thank you to Ms. Greenspoon, Ms. Monteiro, Ms. Stella and Ms. Lau for assisting at the concert.

Staff decided to try a new format for Music Night and offered two short concerts instead of one longer one. This seemed to be a hit with those who attended. If you have any feedback you would like to share about this format, please forward it to the blog or call or send a note to the office.

Choir

St. Andrew’s Choir performed in the Peace Tree Day celebration at Mel Lastman Square on June 1st. Peace Tree Day is a celebration promoting peace, and it is cross-cultural and open to all religious beliefs regarding peace. Congratulations to choir members for a most enjoyable performance. Thanks to Ms. Wong.

Live from St. Andrew’s: O Canada

Students and staff have been treated to solo live renditions of our National Anthem by our own student musicians everyday during morning announcements. Knowing that the anthem is played each morning by one of OUR students and on a different instrument from time to time is a wonderful treat. A big nod and a round of applause to participating student musicians and to Mr. Corbett for organizing and overseeing this.

EQAO TESTING …a grade nine experience

The grade nine students of St. Andrew’s will be hard at work on June 10th and 11th as they tackle the grade nine Math section of the EQAO testing. Under the guidance of Ms. Steshenko, Ms. Jelic, Ms. Ladha and Ms. Stella, our grade nine students will have an opportunity to explore their strengths, interests and areas to improve upon. It will be a focused period of time; however we are confident that all students will do their very best and will be proud of their own individual accomplishment.

Thank you, in advance, to all of the teachers for their hard work and dedication and to all of the parents for their positive encouragement. Most of all, thank you to the amazing St. Andrew’s graduates for their focus and strong abilities.

Staff Changes…for 2010-2011

It is a very exciting time at St. Andrew’s as we look to end an outstanding year and yet, at the same time, prepare for 2010-2011. In response to the latter, it is with mixed feelings that I announce the following changes beginning in the fall of 2010:

Reports/Next Year

On June 25, students in grade nine will receive third term report cards (they are to come to school for 3:00 to retrieve their report cards from their home room teacher). On June 28, students in grade seven and eight will receive their third term report cards. Students will not be finding out their 2010-2011 home room teacher or subject area teachers until the first day of school in September. Class lists will be posted in the foyer outside of the cafeteria the morning of the first day of school prior to grade assemblies. Students will enter the cafeteria where their names will be called out by their home room teacher who will escort them to their classroom.

Grade assemblies will begin at the following times:

• Grade 7 @ 9:00
• Grade 8 @ 9:30
• Grade 9 @ 10:00

Lost and found…it’s on the way out

Over the course of the past couple of months, the amount of clothing and miscellaneous items has continued to grow. However an efficient system has been established for the return of labeled clothing to its owner and/or donation of items to charity. The lost and found area has been regularly maintained and kept tidy. Please encourage your son or daughter to check the lost and found area prior to the end of the year. All unclaimed items will be donated to a worthwhile cause on the last day of school.

Sports News

Track and Field

On May 26, 36 track and field participants from St. Andrew’s made their way to the South regional meets. Under the guidance and leadership of Mr. Williamson and Mr. Baluyot, students gave it their all. They were extremely successful events for all students as they did their very best. For a specific group of athletes (27 to be exact), it is not over yet, as they will move on to represent St. Andrew’s at the South region championships on June 11th and hopefully the city finals later in the month.

Earlier in May, a group of grade nine students, under the leadership of Mr. Baluyot, practiced early in the morning for their track and field meet resulting in some incredible efforts. All athletes should be commended but only two, Gary R. and Jennifer L. will be heading off to the OFSSA championships in London.

Ultimate Frisbee

Under the leadership of Mr. Seal, St. Andrew’s first ever ultimate Frisbee team competed in numerous games and a championship day. With precision, the co-ed team returned to St. Andrew’s as the City Champions in Ultimate Frisbee. Congratulations!

Soccer

The boys’ soccer team under the guidance of Mr. Johnson and Mr. Howard had an exciting day on the field competing against very competitive teams from across the TDSB. It was a hot day and the boys did a great job competing. Unfortunately, the day came to a screeching halt with a championship loss. A great season nonetheless. Way to go!

The girls’ soccer team under the coaching expertise of Ms. Lau took their ‘A’ game to the field this season. With tremendous effort and determination, the girls’ have qualified for the City Championships early next week. We are so proud of their effort and wish them the best of luck.

Tennis

The St. Andrew’s tennis team is a relatively small team but, under the coaching of Ms. Chou, has found terrific success this year. One particular grade 9 student, Louise K. just finished representing St. Andrew’s at the OFSSA championships at the Rexall Centre. Louise competed against students up to 3 years older and made it all the way to the finals losing a tight match. Congratulations!!!

Dress Code Reminder

As the warmer weather seems to be sticking around, the lighter, more comfortable clothing is exiting the back of many closets. Please ensure that you are aware of the dress code in the school agenda and are within the boundaries of decency and respect. We ask that parents help their child meet the dress code guidelines as follows:

• Tops should be long enough so that they meet the waistband of bottoms
• Shorts and skirts should be mid thigh
• Tops with thin straps are not acceptable
• All undergarments should be covered by outside clothing

Bicycle Security Reminders

Students riding their bikes to school are reminded to lock them up. Bikes must be locked at the back of the school. Make sure you register your bike’s serial number with the police and should your bike go missing, report it to the police immediately.

Pride Week

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Pride Week in Toronto, which will run from June 25th to July 4th inclusive, and will culminate with the Pride Parade on Sunday,July 4th. The TDSB is committed to enabling all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, transsexual, intersex, queer, questioning, two-spirited and allied students (ed. note: the acronym for this is LGBTTIQQ2SA. Really. I’m not making this up!), as well as staff, and communities who identify themselves on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity to see themselves reflected in the education system.

Pride Week has become symbolic of a stance against discrimination and oppression of individuals in the LGBTTIQQ2SA community. Pride Week also celebrates diversity and the variety of life in Toronto, while respecting subtle differences amongst its citizens and visitors, and creating an inclusive experience for all.

Educational research suggests that students learn more effectively when they see themselves, their families, and their communities reflected in classroom teaching and in the school. Schools must address this by cultivating positive spaces and messages about LGBTTIQQ2SA communities and about sexual diversity more broadly. The TDSB’s participation in the Pride Parade is but one aspect of promoting equity for sexual orientation and gender identity within the TDSB.

For more information on the TDSB’s involvement in Pride Week and the Pride Parade, as well as inclusive curriculum for sexual orientation and gender identity, please visit http://www.tdsb.on.ca/equity.

Upcoming Events

• June 7 – Early Dismissal (1:30 pm)
• June 8 – Athletic Banquet (4:00 pm)
• June 9 – City Championships – Girls’ Soccer
• June 10 & 11 – Grade 9 EQAO (periods 1&2)
• June 11 – South Region Championships
• June 16 – 22 – Grade 9 Exams
• June 24 – Grade 9 Graduation (5:30 pm)
• June 25 – Grade 9 Reports Home (3:00 pm)
• June 28
  • Grade 7/8 Recognition Assemblies
  • Grade 7/8 Reports Home
• June 29 – Last Day of School for Students (regular day)
• June 30 – PA Day – no school

I mentioned Summer Sounds during the concert and provided a website for you to register. I thought I would send it out to you so you could decide if Summer Sounds fits into your family’s plans this summer. I have attached the flyer for you to look through.

Visit this website: www.tdsbsummercamps.ca and click on SUMMER SOUNDS to register.

Thanks for a rewarding year!

Hugh Corbett
Chair of Performing Arts, Health & Physical Education
“Reflections” editor
Site Supervisor, SummerSounds Music Program

Please join us for the last Parent Council meeting of the year. We will be finalizing the remainder of our spending and reviewing our plans for next year.

The meeting will be held at 7pm in the school library. See you there!

Safety on the Road

We have had reports by several concerned community members about unsafe student behaviour on the roads around St. Andrew’s in the past week. Please remind your children to look both ways before they cross, and to be particularly careful during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal times.

Gauss Math Contest

Congratulations to the grade 7 and 8 students who participated in this rigorous contest and a big thank you to their teachers, and especially to Ms. Johnston for organizing. The following grade 7’s achieved perfect scores: Frieda R., and Bryan H. The following grade 8 students also achieved perfect scores: Samuel W., Joshua S., Frank L., and Simon H. Amazing job!

Our next and last meeting of this school year will be held Monday, May 31st at 7pm in the school library. We will be allocating the remainder of our fundraising money and doing preliminary planning for next year. We hope you can attend! Minutes from our previous meeting are attached here.

Help your child next year!

St. Andrew’s Parent Council needs you! Please consider volunteering for next year. We need a Parent Council Chairperson or Co-Chairs, as well as a Vice-Chair. Volunteer on your own or share with a friend!

This is a great time to step up to the plate and benefit from the Past Chairperson’s help and experience.

And most importantly, you’ll be in close touch with what’s happening at the school and will have the satisfaction of helping your child, your child’s school, and each and every student at St. Andrew’s.

There’s never been a better time. Don’t wait (or hope) for someone else to do it. We need you!

Ward Forum Meeting Update

by Gerri Gershon

The Ward Forum Meeting held May 3rd presented guest speaker, Kathleen Wynne MPP, past Minister of Education and presently Minister of Transportation. She discussed her responsibilities, the revamped sex education curriculum and the new Early Learning policy. Attached is the complete meeting summary from Gerri Gershon. In an effort to keep connected Gerri has now begun using Twitter. For those who have not yet used this new communications device ….go to http://twitter.com and sign up with a user name and a secret password. You then can check Gerri’s tweets and provide feedback if you wish. She hopes to include interesting facts about education and highlight community events.

by Ms. Greenspoon

On Friday, April 30, the St. Andrew’s Chess Team along with 7 other schools participated in the TDSB City Championships. St. Andrew’s, the North Division Champs, competed against the other divisional champions. The boys on the St. Andrew’s team started the day off winning 6 straight matches and by the end of the day had clinched the City Championships in a decisive manner bringing home the gold and an impressive trophy to be displayed until next year.

Congratulations to Jerry Y., Frank L., Jason W., Josh S. and David C. for an excellent chess season.

Tennis news

Last Tuesday’s tennis tournament went very well. The students had fun and played very competitively considering they were playing against grade 9 and 10 students. Louise K. and Maria P. won the girls doubles event. A big thank you to Ms. Chou for her role as coach.

Public Health Inoculations Date

Grade 8 female students will receive their HPV inoculation on Thursday, May 27th a.m. If vaccine is available on this date, grade 7 students will receive HepB and MenC vaccines.

Toronto Summer Music Camps – 2010

Please find attached the information brochure for TDSB’s Summer Music Camps

For next year, we are looking for a Parent Council Chairperson or Co-Chairs, as well as a Vice-Chair. This is a great opportunity to step up to the plate either on your own or with a friend to help quarterback our Parent Council’s events for next year. Whoever takes this on in September will have the benefit of the Past Chairperson’s help and experience! There’s never been a better time…find a friend and sign up now!

We are also looking for a Secretary to take minutes at our Parent Council meetings, held 4-5 times per year.

In addition to these positions we are also looking for someone to get involved in coordinating the Pizza Lunches.

Please think seriously about contributing a little (or more!) of your time to help St. Andrew’s next year.

More details are provided here. If you’re interested in learning more or volunteering contact Leslie Routhier at leslie@routhier.ca.