"Anti-Bullying Week" Events at FHCI
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Mon, 11/26/2012 - 09:32
The issue of bullying among young people is an ever-present topic in the media. At Forest Hill, like every other school, we want students to feel part of the school and feel valued for who they are. I am sending you this email to outline the anti-bullying programs that our students were part of this week at FHCI
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November 19 – through – November 23 was dedicated to the topic of Bullying Awareness and Prevention in the TDSB. At FHCI, our School Action Team organized and ran a variety of programs during this week. There have been: announcements about bullying and bullying prevention; an opportunity for students to come to the foyer during the lunch hour to sign a pledge to stand up against bullying; two special presentations that addressed the issues of bullying, the bullied and the bystander and what each can do to stop bullying from occurring.
All Grade 9 students had the opportunity to see Showdown 2.0, an interactive theatre performance that tackled the issue of bullying as well as the influence of technology on bullying. Once the performance was over, the actors deconstructed various scenarios in the play with the group. Students were asked to share their thoughts on other options the characters in the play could have explored that would have led to a more positive outcome. Student volunteers were then able to implement these options by taking on the role of one character and re-enacting a specific scene with the remaining actors. This interactive experience generated an honest, positive discussion on what options were available to students if they became victims of bullying or were witness to someone else being bullied.
The Grade 10 – through- Grade 12 students went to a separate presentation by Scott Mills from the Toronto Police Services on cyber-bullying. This presentation focused on issues surrounding the use of social media. A broad discussion occurred with the students about being smart about what they put out for public viewing in social media as it then becomes accessible for anyone who wishes to access the information. It was explained that not putting content on social media that could be embarrassing or could cause teasing will reduce the opportunities for potential bullies to target an individual. It was explained that companies now do background checks of prospective employees on social media, so it is important not to put anything on social media that might result in a company choosing not to give you a position.
This led into a discussion about student awareness of the parameters that they can put in effect on the social media sights they use through privacy restrictions. This was linked directly to how individual students can restrict access to their profiles on sites like Facebook for those who are looking to bully. PC Mills extended the discussion with the assembled group of 600 students to include a discussion about being responsible for one’s friends. His message was that if you see a friend about to do something that will open them up to being bullied on social media or being a bully on social media then don’t be a bystander. He suggested that the one-to-one interactions between friends can prevent or solve many of the issues surrounding bullying. To conclude PC Mills provided a list of resources to access if one is being bullied – ie: a responsible adult that they trust, Parents, Teachers, Guidance Counsellors, Administrators, Kids Helpphone, and the Toronto Police. This interactive assembly allowed students to share their knowledge and gain new information to support the efforts of all of us to stop the bullying.
Our conclusion of our week of events will actually take place on Monday, where the School Action Team, will be distributing “gel bracelets” that say Stop the Bullying as part of their fundraising campaign to support the Kids Helpphone in the work they do with youth and teens around the issue of bullying.
Please take some time this weekend to cement the messages that your child heard in this week’s anti-bullying activities. If you wish to discuss this with me further, please let me know.
Peggy Aitchison
Principal
Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
This Week
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Mon, 11/19/2012 - 08:57
1. FHCI puts the spotlight on anti-bullying initiatives
We will be having two different assemblies on Monday at the beginning of the day. Each assembly will have anti-bullying initiatives as its focus. The content of the assemblies has been designed for two specific groups—after morning attendance, the Grade 9 students will meet together in the gym while Grade 10-12 students will meet in the auditorium. Please take some time to discuss the content of the assembly with your child when you are together this week. The more opportunities students have to talk about bullying issues, the better they will be able to handle those issues if or when they arise.
Here is the schedule for Monday to accommodate the assembly presentations.
9:00-9:05 Anthem/Announcements
9:05-10:10 Gr. 10-12 students in Auditorium
9:05-10:45 Gr. 9 students in Gym
10:10-11:10 Period 1 (gr. 9 classes begin at 10:45)
11:15-12:15 Period 2
12:15-1:15 Lunch
1:15-2:15 Period 3
2:20-3:20 Period 4
2. Seeking donations of used hockey equipment
Are you wondering what to do with outgrown or unused hockey equipment? Starting on Monday, you can drop it off at FHCI. The organization, “Skate to Great,” will have collection boxes set up in the Massey Foyer. The skates, helmets, and hockey equipment that you donate will go to children who otherwise wouldn’t be able to participate because lack of equipment..
Skate To Great is a not-for-profit organization that provides new and used donated skates and hockey equipment to children and at-risk youth. You can learn more about the organization at http://theeyeopener.com/2012/03/skating-for-a-cause/
Please gather up your hockey equipment donations and drop them off at the school this week.
3. Help us prove that every penny counts!
The Forest Hill CI Social Action Club is launching Free the Children's 'We Create Change' PENNY DRIVE
Starting THIS MONDAY - November 19th until Friday November 30th
Help us kick off our campaign with a bang! Today and tomorrow, collect as many pennies as you can and send them to school with your child. Students can drop off penny donation with our representatives in the main foyer as they come to school each morning. They will also have opportunities for penny donations at the Monday morning assemblies and daily during lunch in the cafeteria.
Nearly one BILLION people worldwide do no have access to clean, safe drinking water. Just $25 worth of pennies is enough to provide clean drinking water for one person for LIFE. Stay tuned for more details about other ways to donate and contribute this week.
For more information check out the "We Create Change" official we page at http://www.freethechildren.com/get-involved/campaigns/we-create-change/
The Forest Hill CI Social Action Club sends each of you 'thanks' in advance of their Penny Drive.
4. Come and join us for Coffee House, Thursday, November 22
Come and enjoy student performances in an informal, coffee-house setting. This wonderful evening, organized by the Music Directorate, is where students and their families come to enjoy the considerable talents of FHCI musicians. Performance start at 7:00 PM on Thursday.
Peggy Aitchison
Principal, Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
730 Eglinton Ave W
Toronto, ON M5N 1B9
Home of the Falcons, award winning scholars, athletes and performers
416 393-1860 x 20010
peggy.aitchison@tdsb.on.ca
News
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Mon, 11/12/2012 - 09:37
1. Food Drive, November 5 to 15
Forest Hill’s Social Action Club continues the Free the Children’s ‘We Scare Hunger’ FOOD DRIVE and would love for you to be a part of it!
When: From November 5th to November 15th
The Challenge: Forest Hill will be participating in a grade versus grade competition to see who can collect the most non-perishable food items. So collect as much food as you can (talk to friends, family, neighbours and co-workers) and send it to school with your child. They can drop it off in their grade’s bin in the main foyer.
Over 38% of people who use food banks are youth, with the usage of these services increasing by twenty percent over the past ten years in Canada alone. By encouraging your children to participate and spreading awareness in your community you can help make a difference! All non-perishable food items will be donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank. The biggest treat is having something to eat, so help Forest Hill in their fight to end local hunger!
2. Remembrance Day
We held two Remembrance Day Assemblies today—the first for Grade 9 and 10 students; the second for Grade 11 and 12 students. The guest speaker for both assemblies was an active member of the Canadian Navy who is also one of the Canadian Military's historians. Students reported the tone of the assemblies was somber, which fit the occasion well.
When we adults reflect upon the sacrifices made by our parents' generation, I think we each wonder if we would have endured the challenges our parents faced. The hardships are beyond understanding. I hope the assembly helped our students reflect on the same question so they can greater appreciate what soldiers sacrifice.
Students had the opportunity to purchase and wear a poppy today. Following the assemblies, students also had the chance to write a personal postcard to a veteran. The collection of FHCI post cards will be sent to one of the veterans’ homes across Canada.
3. Stings Chamber Night
Congratulations to the staff—Mrs. Kreiner and Ms. Dalamba—and Music Directorate students who put together last night’s very special Strings Chamber Night. It was a delightful performance by a talented group of students.
4. Ontario Healthy Kids Survey closes Monday, November 12
The Ontario Healthy Kids Panel wants to know what you think the barriers are to raising healthy children, what your perceptions are of childhood obesity and how you think we could help children maintain healthy weights. The panel was appointed by the Ontario Minister of Health and Long-term Care as part of a strategy to reduce childhood obesity by 20% in five years and they are surveying people with children under the age of 18 in their care. The confidential, on-line survey takes about 15 minutes to do and closes on Monday, November 12th, 2012. To do the survey, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TKMQMQK.
5. K-12 Strategy – Public Meetings continue on Monday, November 12, 2012
On October 15, TDSB officially launched consultations to start the conversation about the changes needed to better meet the needs of students in the future. Schools in the FHCI area engaged in consultation about this topic at the recent Ward Forum.
The public consultations are an opportunity to contribute to the future of our students in our schools.
The dates and times for the final city-wide consultations are below. All meetings are from 7 – 9 pm.
Monday, November 12
Emery Collegiate Institute
3395 Weston Rd, North York, ON
Monday, November 19
Virtual Consultation (TDSB Live) www.tdsb.on.ca
For more information, and the opportunity to provide your own input to the consultation process, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca/shapeOURfuture.com.
A representative group of FHCI students will participate in the survey during Period 4 on Tuesday. The goal of the consultation process is to be sure all ideas about future directions for FHCI are heard and considered.
6. Alternative Choices Marketplace:
As part of our Re-engagement Strategy, the TDSB is pleased to partner with the Council of Educators of Toronto (CET) and with Toronto's colleges and universities to broaden opportunities for our students. Please refer to the attached poster.
Representatives will be present to share cuttng-edge information. They will come from Toronto's colleges and universities, including Centennial, George Brown, Humber, Seneca, OCAD, York University, University of Toronto and Ryerson University, TDSB alternative programs and schools, e-learning and continuing education programs, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and more.
This event is open to youth, current and aspiring students, guardians, parents, community members, educational staff and guidance counsellors. Online registrants will be automatically entered to win raffle prizes to be drawn on-site. Light snacks and refreshments to be served. Registration:
Date: Monday, 12 November 2012
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 pm and 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Location: City Adult Learning Centre (1 Danforth Avenue)
Further information is available at www.postsecondaryispossible.com
7. School Council Meeting: Tuesday, November 13, 2012
On behalf of the FHCI School Council, I am pleased to send you the agenda for Tuesday’s council meeting. If you have the time, the council would be delighted to have you attend Tuesday's meeting, whether it is your first School Council meeting or your 10th.
8. Full Disclosure Date; Thursday, November 15, 2012
If you child is registered in a Grade 11 or 12 courses and is considering withdrawing from the course, please note that Thursday is the last day to drop a Grade 11 or 12 course without a record of the course showing on your child’s transcript.
9. P.A. Day, November 16, 2012
November 16 is a provincially-mandated professional development activity day for all teachers. There will be no scheduled classes.
Peggy Aitchison
Principal, Forest Hill Collegiate Institute
730 Eglinton Ave W
Toronto, ON M5N 1B9
Home of the Falcons, award winning scholars, athletes and performers
416 393-1860 x 20010
peggy.aitchison@tdsb.on.ca
Report cards
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Fri, 11/09/2012 - 09:46
Mid-semester report cards were delivered to students at 3:00 pm, November 9, 2012. For over 660 full-time students, the report card envelope also contained one or more letters of commendation. These letters are congratulations for excellent achievement (over 80%), improvement over the June report card average, and/or exemplary attendance. Special congratulations go to the scores of full-time students who had an average over 80% and improved on their June average and had exemplary attendance! They deserve the triple crown!
Most students have made great strides to this point in the semester, and I hope the trend continues.
Please review your child’s report in light of the following information: the average mark on this report card, school-wide, was 77%. That is up one percent from the November 2011 average mark. Look at your child’s marks compared to the class as a whole and compared to the marks your child has previously received in earlier grades. Is the trend up or down?
School-wide, the average number of absences per student per class is two, while the average number of lates per student per class is one. If your child’s ‘classes absent’ or ‘classes late’ figure is well beyond that two and/or one, then there is real cause for concern. Statistically, I consistently find a strong correlation between attendance/on-time records and student achievement.
Learning skills, along with teacher comments, round out the information provided in the report and give an indication of ‘next steps.’ Please contact the teacher, counsellor, vice principal or me if you wish to discuss the report.
Where students have not achieved to the level we would expect, I will have further contact with families and students to see what additional supports are most likely to result in improved outcomes for the January report.
Please note the following dates:
1) Last day to drop a Grade 11 or 12 course without a record on the transcript or to change course levels is November 15, 2012.
2) Professional Activity Day is November 16, 2012. No scheduled classes.
3) Graduation Photos begin on December 13, 2012. Details will follow.
4) Winter Break runs December 24, 2012-through-January 4, 2013
Looking ahead...
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Mon, 11/05/2012 - 09:12
1. Term 2 Begins on Monday, 5 November
Term 2 of the semester begins on Monday. Grade 10 Civics/Careers students switch their courses on Monday.
2. Take Our Kids to Work Day, Wednesday, 7 November
All Grade 9s are encouraged to take part in the annual 'Take Our Kids To Work Day' program. If your child is in Grade 9, you will have received and returned the required permission form. Any Grade 9 student not able to participate in TOKTW Day is expected to be at school, following the regular timetable. There will be regular classes for all other grades.
For students, TOKTW Day is more than a fun day. It’s an opportunity to:
• Understand the importance of staying in school by learning first-hand what skills are required in today’s workplace.
• Develop an appreciation for their parents’ careers and roles in supporting their families.
• Start exploring career options in a practical way and gain a better understanding of just how many career choices are open to them.
For parents, it’s helping prepare your child for the future. You can:
• Participate in a shared experience with your child.
• Begin a career dialogue based on actual experiences.
• Enrich your child’s experience with discussions before, during and after the workplace visit.
3. Strings Chamber Night, Wednesday, 7 November
Please join us for an intimate evening of music on Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. in the music room. Our talented students will fill your soul with music as you celebrate their commitment and talent.
4. Reports Cards will be issued on Thursday, 8 November
Teachers will submit their mid-semester marks at the beginning of the week and report cards will be distributed to students at the end of the day on Thursday. Report cards are intended for parents/guardians of students under 18 years of age. Please ensure your child brings home the report card to you on Thursday.
5. Remembrance Day Assembly, Friday, 9 November
We will have our annual Remembrance Day Assembly on Friday, November 9. If you would like to join our assembly, please plan on attending the Senior assembly at 10:10. We have a member of Canadian Armed Forces coming to speak about the significance of Remembrance Day to our students, few of whom have had first hand experience of war. Students will have the opportunity to support the poppy drive next week.
Opportunities for Parents/Guardians
6. Special Education Town Hall Meetings: Thursday, 8 November 2012
The last Special Education Inclusion Town Hall Meeting takes place on Thursday, November 8, 2012. This town hall meeting will allow staff to gather information to help develop a vision that will meet the needs of TDSB students and create inclusive schools. The final meetings will begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. at R.H. King Academy, located at 3800 Saint Clair Avenue East in Toronto. The invitation with details is attached.
7. Practical Strategies to Build Teenagers’ Independence, Confidence and Resilience: Thursday, 8 November 2012
Guest speaker Alex Russell, PhD, (Perspective Psychology) who recently co-authored with Tim Falconer and published the book "Drop the Worry Ball” will present. Time and Location: 7:00 p.m. at Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute Auditorium, 125 Chatsworth Drive, near Lawrence and Avenue Road. Please see the attached flyer for further details about Dr. Russell’s presentation.
8. “Parenting Oppositional Youth” Parental Workshop by Turning Point Youth Services: Wednesday, 14 November 2012
Presented by Dr. Donna MacLachlan, Child Psychiatrist, Wednesday, November 14, 2012, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
It can be difficult at times to distinguish between the typical “push back” of adolescence and when the struggles may be signs of something more troubling. Dr. MacLachlan will focus on the characteristics of Oppositional Defiant Disorder, the dynamic between teens and parents that reinforce oppositional behaviours and how to disengage from this dynamic. Questions and input from parents/guardians will be welcome.
To reserve a spot or for more information, please contact Laura VanTent, 416-925-9250 x 224. All parent workshops are free of charge and held at Turning Point Youth Services, 95 Wellesley St. East (5 minutes East of Wellesley Station). You can get more information at their website, http://www.turningpoint.ca/workshops.html
9. Parent Information Evening: Talking with Your Teen about Mental Health: Thursday, 15 November 2012
How to talk about the “tough stuff”--conversations with your teen about mental health, presented by the Northern Parent Association and WellNSS-Mental Health Matters. The presenter is Sarah Cannon, the Executive Director of Parents for Children’s Mental Health. She sits on the Child and Youth Advisory Committee to the Mental Health Commission of Canada and serves as an advisory member to the Ontario Provincial Centre of Excellence. Most recently Sarah was awarded the YWCA’s Woman of Distinction Award for her work in children’s mental health and her efforts to eradicate the stigma that surrounds children, youth and their families who are touched by mental health issues. The presentation will be in Resource Center at Northern Secondary School, 851 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto starting at 7:00 P.M. Details are in the attached flyer.
10. 6th Annual Parents Make a Difference Conference: Saturday, 17 November 2012.
The Parent and Community Involvement Office (PCIO) and the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) would like to invite you to the 6th Annual Parents Make a Difference Conference: “Parents Engaged in Education to Close the Achievement Gap”. The conference will be held at Earl Haig Secondary School, 100 Princess Avenue North York, ON, on Saturday November 17, 2012, from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The committee wants you there! Come and share in this interactive day that brings together parents from throughout our TDSB communities. Learn about the TDSB and how you can become more effectively involved in closing the achievement gap. Our goal for this conference is to equip you with as much information about our school system as possible all in one place.
Please find attached the busing route for the conference. Please also note that registration for the conference will close on Friday November 9, 2012 at 12:00 pm. On-site registration will be available. Below is the link to Conference information and registration.
http://www.tdsb.on.ca/_site/ViewItem.asp?siteid=91&menuid=8109&pageid=7084
11. IEP and IPRC Special Education Information Sessions: Tuesday, 20 November 2012
Parents and guardians of TDSB students are invited to participate in the following information sessions on Tuesday, 20 November 2012. There will be one session in the east and another in the west. Please note that this information will be shared with members of the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and members of the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC). Further information is contained in the attached flyer.
Looking ahead…
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Mon, 10/29/2012 - 08:45
1. Monday, October 29-Friday, November 2: United Way Week
The student council will kick off the FHCI fundraising drive for United Way in assemblies on Monday. Then throughout the week, home forms will launch their own fund-raising projects with all money raised going to the Toronto United Way Campaign. You might want to be sure your child has some extra loonies or toonies for next week so they can purchase the trinkets, treats and bake goods that will be for sale.
2. Monday, October 29-Friday, November 2: Markbook Printouts
Teachers will be distributing the second Markbook Printout to students in all classes during next week. Please be sure to ask to see the Markbook Printout for each of your child’s courses.
3. Tuesday, October 30: Photo retake day
Students who did not have their school picture taken in September will be called down during class time to have their photo taken.
Not happy with the first set of school photos taken in September? Have your child take the photo package to the Conference Room on the 3rd floor during lunch for a retake.
4. Tuesday, November 30. Staff meeting, late start day
Please see Page 44 of the Student Agenda for Tuesday’s schedule.
Shaping the Future of Schools Across Toronto
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Mon, 10/22/2012 - 08:37
"TDSB Launches Largest-Ever Public Consultation -
"Today, the Toronto District School Board launched the largest consultation of its kind in Board history. The consultations are the beginning of a conversation about the changes needed to meet the future needs of students and schools.
"From historical gaps in programming, to the use of technology in the classroom, to ensuring our students have what they need to be successful, the community will help shape the future and bridge the gap between today’s education and the future needs of schools and learning.
"The feedback received from the community will shape the plan that will drive future programming, capital priorities, and budget decisions. The plan will ensure that schools have the right programs to support students as they transition from TDSB schools to upcoming learning choices, careers and life as responsible, caring citizens.
"Quick Facts
"· Toronto area School Boards amalgamated in 1998 and the TDSB is the largest School Board in Canada.
"· The TDSB has approximately 250,000 students, 40,000 staff, nearly 600 schools and 47 million square feet of facility space.
"· More than 50% of TDSB facilities are 50 + years old.
"· As one of the the most diverse school boards in the world, 53% of our students have a language other than English as their first language and over 75 languages are represented.
"· The TDSB supports more than 38,000 Special Education students and nearly 30,000 Adult ESL learners"
“In a world that is quickly changing, we know how important it is to have the right opportunities and supports in place to prepare students for the future. Simply put, we need the right programs in the right spaces in the right places.” - Dr. Chris Spence, Director, TDSB
“This is an exciting opportunity to gather community feedback on how we can shape the future of our schools to better meet the changing needs of our students.” - Chris Bolton, Chair, TDSB
(Further information about the consultations can be found at http://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/strategyplanning/Home/HaveYourSay-ShapingOurFuture.aspx. Through that site, you can access the consultation survey and send your input directly to the survey staff.)
"If you wish to attend one of the consultation meetings, here are the dates and time:
"Tuesday, November 6, 2012, 7:00–9:00 P.M: Sir John A Macdonald CI
"Wednesday, November 7, 2012, 7:00–9:00 P.M: Danforth Collegiate & Technical Institute
"Thursday, November 8, 2012, 7:00–9:00 P.M: Bloor Collegiate Institute
"Monday, November 12, 2012, 7:00–9:00 P.M: Emery Collegiate Institute
"Monday, November 19, 2012: Virtual Consultation Session - through email and Twitter
"Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 7:00–9:00 P.M: Islington Junior Middle Schoo"
"Register to attend a meeting by emailing susan.stead@tdsb.on.ca or by calling 416-397-3205. Please indicate if you require childcare or an interpreter."
News
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Mon, 10/15/2012 - 11:43
1. Progress Reports
Please ensure you have received your child’s Progress Report, distributed last week. The reports are intended for parents/guardians if the student is under 18 years of age. We rely on students to be our couriers for the report card.
2. Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interviews, Thursday, October 18, 2012
I have received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the Interview Booking site. If you are having difficulty scheduling appointments, please connect with me and I will assist you.
3. Field trip for students in English Language Learning courses
What a great day the teachers of the ELL courses picked to take their students to High Park today. Forest Hill is the designated school to provide English Language Learning courses for students who reside in our area, the North Toronto Collegiate and Northern Secondary School areas. As a result, the ELL students make up a large and vibrant part of our school population.
Students at FHCI come from 64 countries representing all corners of the world. One of the goals of the program for ELL students is to help them adapt to life in Toronto. Today’s field trip is part of that process.
4. Field trip for Grade 10-12 Visual Arts students
This afternoon, students in Grade 10-12 Visual Arts courses join their teachers for a field trip to Queen Street West art galleries. The Canadian Art Foundation sponsors the field trip. Practicing artists lead visits to the unique galleries that make up the art landscape along Queen Street.
Looking ahead…
5. Tuesday, October 16: College Application Information Session
Students who are considering apply for admission to an Ontario Community College are invited to an information session in the auditorium at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, October 16.
6. Tuesday, October 16: School Council Meeting at 7:00 in the Staff Room
You received the agenda in an earlier email.
7. Wednesday, October 17: Post-Secondary Information Night. Flyer attached
All parents/guardians of FHCI students are invited to an information evening about life after high school. The counselors will provide information about post-secondary programs, application processes, and scholarships. This session has been very popular in past years and will be of most relevance to parents/guardians of students in Grade 11 and 12.
I have attached a flyer for you to print and put on the refrigerator as a reminder on the Info Night.
8. Thursday, October 18
Short day schedule, classes end at 11:45. Students are expected to attend all classes; teachers will continue with curriculum delivery. Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interviews: 1:00-3:00 and 6:30-9:00.
9. Friday, October 19
Late opening schedule. See Page 44 in the Student Agenda Book for the class times.
10. Guidance Bulletin
You can keep up-to-date with information from the FHCI Guidance Office by reading the weekly Guidance Bulletin. The bulletins are posted on the FHCI website at www.fhci.net . Click on the Guidance tab to access current and recent copies of the bulletin.
Looking ahead...
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Tue, 10/09/2012 - 08:36
1. Thursday, October 11: Progress Reports
The second report of the semester will be distributed to students on Thursday, October 11. This report will have letter grades to report student Progress: E: Excellent, G: Good, S: Satisfactory, and U: Unsatisfactory. The Markbook printouts from this week and the Progress Report from next week will provide you the information you need for the Parent/Guardian-Teacher interviews in the afternoon and evening of Thursday, October 18. I will provide you information next week about how you can book your appointments online for October 18.
2. Friday, October 12: University Information Session
The guidance counselors will be holding the first university information session for Grade 12 students during Period 1 in the auditorium. If your child is considering university for next year and does not have a Period 1 class, please encourage your child come to school at 9:00 for this session. You can find weekly guidance bulletins and scholarship information by clicking the Guidance tab on our school website at http://fhci.net .
3. For your November calendar…
What: Parent Involvement Advisory Council, 6th Annual Parent Involvement Makes a Difference Conference.
When: Saturday, November 17, 2012 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Earl Haig Secondary School, 100 Princess Avenue, Toronto, Ontario
From last week at FHCI…and Looking ahead…
Submitted by Aneta Costin on Mon, 10/01/2012 - 08:28
1. Congratulations to Mr. Vanek and the team of teachers who planned the annual FHCI Grade 9 Leadership Day held Thursday at the North York Civic Centre. The students received a lot of solid information from a variety of speakers. From what I observed of the students on Thursday, they were a terrific audience for the invited guests. It was a pleasure for the teachers, Prefects and me to spend this day with the Grade 9 students.
2. Terry Fox Run
We couldn’t have asked for better weather today for the yearly Terry Fox Run/Walk/Jog. Under blue skies and brilliant sunshine about 1000 students and teacher completed several circuits of the track around our playing field at Memorial Park. Thank you to all the students who contributed their Toonie for Terry, and to the Prefects who managed the event.
Looking ahead…
3. Ontario Universities Fair, Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30
From http://www.ouf.ca comes this invitation:
“Graduating from secondary school? Consider attending the 2012 Ontario Universities’ Fair. This year, the OUF is expected to draw more than 130,000 students, parents, and educators. Be sure to mark your calendars for this year’s OUF, which will take place on September 28-30, 2012 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Times for both Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.”
4. Markbook Printouts
FHCI teachers record student achievement marks in an electronic record book called, “Markbook.” Three times each semester, each teacher provides a Markbook printout for each student in their classes. The Markbook printout shows each mark earned in each evaluation—test, assignment, presentation—up to the time of printing. The first Markbook printouts will be distributed to students between Monday and Friday on the coming week. Please note that this first printout is based on a very small number of evaluations and so results may change over the remaining four months of the course. Students are expected to deliver each printout to their parents/guardians. Please be sure to ask for your child’s printouts and review the marks to date with your child.
5. Grade 9 Guidance Orientation
From October 1 to October 9, each Grade 9 home form class will be invited to the Guidance Office for an orientation to the services provided by the Guidance Office. Students will learn how to access educational and career information, and how to request an appointment with a counsellor or social worker. It is important that students seek the Guidance Office as a valuable resource in their educational experience.
6. Grade 12 Graduation
Our annual Graduation Ceremony will be held on Friday, October 5 starting at 2:00 PM. In order to allow time to prepare for the ceremony, we will run an abbreviated schedule with 45-minute classes from 9:00 till 12:00 noon.
7. “How Did I Get That Mark?”
Please look for a separate email I will send you today that outlines the process for assessment and evaluation of student achievement at FHCI.
8. Special Education Town Hall Meetings
The TDSB is hosting four Special Education Inclusion ‘Town Hall’ meetings beginning in early October. These town hall meetings will allow staff to gather information from our communities across the city to help develop a vision that will meet the needs of TDSB students and create inclusive schools. Meetings will take place on October 2, 11, and November 1, 8, 2012. Full information is included in the attached flyer.
9. Mark on your calendar, with more information to follow…
• October 11: Progress reports given to students to take home to parents/guardians
• October 16: School Council meeting
• October 17: Post-Secondary Information Night for Parents/Guardians
• October 18: Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interview Afternoon & Evening
• October 19: Late Start (See Page 44 in the Student Agenda Book for Schedule)
