EQAO: your chance to weigh in

Love it or hate it, parents have some pretty strong views on EQAO, our province's standardized testing in grades 3, 6 and 9.

Here's your chance to weigh in. See details below.

Learning is complex and evolving. We know that student assessment is an important part of the process. But how do we improve assessment and the reporting of it so that it has the most positive impact on student learning at individual, school, school board and system-wide levels?

In 1993 the Government of Ontario appointed the Royal Commission on Learning to study the direction of the province's education system comprehensively. Its report provided extensive recommendations to improve the education system – and it emphasized the importance of classroom assessment in supporting students' learning.

We are now looking ahead to imagine the future of assessments in Ontario. Reviewing how we approach assessment is necessary to realize the Ontario Ministry of Education's commitment fully to meet the educational needs of Ontario's young people.

Join this important conversation --

http://ontarioalearningprovince.ca 

School Council next Wednesday Nov. 15

Our next School Council meeting is Wednesday November 15 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Hope to see you there!

Also: a reminder that the deadline for Spirit Wear orders is tomorrow, Thursday Nov. 9.

Spirit wear orders due Thursday

Spirit wear orders are due Thursday November 9! Place your order directly with the vendor at https://clairlea2017.itemorder.com/. No late orders, no paper orders. 

If you're not sure of sizing, there are samples at the school between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. between now and Thursday. Choose carefully, because there are no returns or exchanges. 

You can expect your items in mid-December. 

Have your say on the TDSB's equity framework

You may have heard about the TDSB's Enhancing Equity Task Force in the news recently. In October, the task force released draft recommendations that, among other things, called for the elimination of specialized programs in schools.

After a public outcry and a series of outraged news reports, TDSB director of education John Malloy sent an email to parents to reassure us that the TDSB has no plans to close specialized schools, and conducted a series of media interviews to that effect. 

It seems that the tempest was largely a miscommunication, but it had the useful effect of sparking debate about equity within the TDSB. A public consultation is currently underway. You are encouraged to review the recommendations and weigh in with your thoughts before November 20. 

Halloween Howl tomorrow night! ...and spirit wear

HALLOWEEN HOWL:

Only a couple of days left until the Halloween Howl on Friday October 27th 5:30-8:30pm.  We hope to see you there.  If you had trouble ordering your Howl Pizza dinner online you can purchase your pizza dinner onsite at the Howl.  Here are the map details for the event….

Click on the Howl Map that shows which room hosts your favourite activity

Click on the Howl Legend for a description of the HOWL activities

CLAIRLEA SPIRIT WEAR:

Clairlea Spirit Wear is ready to go.  What you need to know….

1.     All purchases can be made online only using this link.

https://clairlea2017.itemorder.com/

2.     This is not through the school cash online system but directly with the vendor.

3.     Orders will arrive the middle of December.

4.     The `deadline to order is November 9th, orders will not be possible beyond that date.

5.     Sample garments are available at the school for size fitting until November 9th daily Monday to Friday  from 9:00-4:30pm.

6.     We strongly recommend that you look through the samples to ensure the correct sizing choice.

7.     Items cannot be returned or exchanged.  All sales are final.

8.     Manual orders will not be accepted all orders are to be placed online prior to November 9th.

Regards,

Irit

Clairlea School Council

The Clairlea Howl…

The Howl is coming, The Howl is coming chanted the kids of Clairlea.

It’s almost Friday oh what a sight the kids were jumping with Glee.

All sorts of plans to rush home from school and come back dressed in disguise

Only to see your classroom or 3 transformed before your eyes.

It’s a 5:30 start so be here to craft, play games and mill about

And don’t forget to go upstairs, as the library guarantees a shout

Collect your candy from room to room with the bag you bring from home

With map in hand you’ll guide your way wherever you choose to roam

Paint your Face, Toss a Loonie, touch a worm or shoot a puck

Find your fortune, Guess the candy, pull a lolly, try your luck

Be ready, it’s great when we start the debate which costume is best in the land

The Judging is led by Mr. McGilvray of course with prizes in hand.

So much to do, so much to see when you come to the Howl at Clairlea.

Whatever you do, whatever you see and wherever you choose to prowl

Please be sure to take the time and visit us at the HOWL!

Message from the Chair

Following is a message from our newly re-elected School Council Chair, Irit Hartman: 

Dear Clairlea Families…

The school year is well underway and things are getting busy and we as your School Council are working hard to put forth a fun year!  We have had our first School Council meeting which included the elections for the School Council executive.  Congratulations to our 2017/18 elected positions.

Vice Chair – Marina Murray

Treasurer – Denise Clarke

Secretary – Hanan Hadad

WHAT'S COMING UP...

I’ve outlined some key dates coming up as well as where we could use your help for the upcoming School Council events at the school.  Please have a look through and as always we want to hear your comments so please contact us via clairleacouncil@gmail.com   Other places to look for information about Clairlea School Council Events are; The School Council bulletin board located outside the Main Office  and the School Council Blog http://clairleacouncil.blogspot.com to keep up to date of what is going on! 

SAVE THE DATE:

OUR ANNUAL CLAIRLEA HALLOWEEN HOWL EVENT - FRIDAY OCTOBER 27TH 5:30PM-8:30PM

WHAT IS THE HOWL? Bring the family out for a fun time on Friday October 27th from 5:30-8:30pm where many rooms at Clairlea School turn into a fun activity or game.  Entry is only $5.00/per child and parents are free. All ages are welcome.  We encourage all children to dress up in their favourite costume so that they can participate in the costume contest at 6:30pm!  Bring your own loot bag/recycle bag to the Howl so that you can collect all your goodies when traveling from room to room and partake in fun activities – featuring our very popular “HAUNTED LIBRARY” upstairs.  All are welcome so tell your friends, neighbours, family.  You do NOT need to be a student at Clairlea to attend the Howl.

We will be offering the option of a pizza dinner during the event so there is no need to make dinner.  Make things easier on yourself and leave the dinner to us and you just need to enjoy the event and pick up your dinner in the gym from 6:00pm onwards.  This coming week you will receive an email giving you the option to purchase a Halloween Howl Pizza Dinner through the online School Cash system as well as a map will be sent out outlining the activities of the evening.  We prefer that you order you Howl dinner in advance so that we ensure there is enough for all or you can purchase your dinner on the night of the event.

In order for this event to run smoothly we need your help!  Please see the list below indicating ways you can help make the Halloween Howl a great success!

HOW CAN YOU HELP:

We need donations and volunteers.  Spend $10 dollars in the dollar store and drop it off in the School Office.  Email us and say you can help out during the event at Clairleacouncil@gmail.com.  We are looking for the following items:

1.       VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE HOWL… We are looking for volunteers to help run rooms/activities during the Halloween Howl Event on October 27th.  The Howl is one of our largest and most popular events that we run at Clairlea.  In order for it to be success we need people to run the many moving parts that make up the fun event.  If you want to help out please email us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com.   We have specific openings for face painters, Hockey players and general room helpers.  Please volunteer your time!

2.       WE NEED: DECORATIONS: We need Halloween decorations to get the school ready for the Halloween Howl!! 

-  Spider Webs

-  Black plastic dollar store Table Cloths – many of these

-  Police Tape

-  Lots of Candy!!!!

3.       WE NEED LOTS OF HALLOWEEN CANDY:  We need lots of peanut free Halloween candy to be used as prizes in most rooms.  Please pick up a few bags of candy from the dollar store and drop it off in the School main office.

4.       WE NEED: HOME MADE CANDY JARS/BAGS:  We need many candy jars/bags to be used as prizes for the Lollipop Pull room.  You can help by filling any sized jar or little baggy with (nut free) candy and bring it to the school office anytime between now and the Halloween Howl.  The more jars we have the longer this room will be able to stay open and it is definitely one of the favourite rooms.  In past years we have needed approximately 400 jars/bags to have this room open for the entire event.  Feel free to decorate your jars as well.  

5.       WE NEED: LOLLIPOPS FOR THE LOLLIPOP PULL:  We need 400 plus lollipops to fill up the peg board for the Lollipop Pull Game.  Please pick up a few bags of lollipops from the dollar store and drop them off in the blue bin in front of the School Office.  The more lollipops we have the longer the room can stay open.  I’ve attached a picture of the lollipops that fit well in the peg board.

6.       PERSONAL AND/OR CORPORATE DONTATIONS:  We are always looking for gift donations that we can use as prizes or raffles during the Halloween Howl.  If you or your company would like to donate a prize or gift to be used as one of our prizes during the event please contact us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com.

CLAIRLEA FRENCH IMMERSION HIGH SCHOOL PATHWAY…

We started this process in January 2017 and we now have confirmation that our French Immersion High School Pathway has changed to East York CI effective the September 2018 High School Enrollment.  Come join us at our next School Council meeting on Wednesday October 18th from 7:00-8:30pm as our guest speaker (Angela Caccamo – Central Coordinating Principal, Teaching and Learning, TDSB) will answer your questions regarding the Clairlea French Immersion High School Pathway change.

SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETINGS.  WHEN DO WE MEET…

School Council meetings take place every 3rd Wednesday of each month.  Meetings are open to all Clairlea Community members (Parents/family members of children of Clairlea).  The next school council meeting is on Wednesday October 18th from 7pm-8:30pm. Free child minding is available.  We hope to see you there!  From time to time we will arrange guest speakers to attend the meetings.

The Agenda for October’s School Council meeting is as follows:

7:00 – 7:40pm Guest Speaker - Angela Caccamo (TDSB)–Clairlea French Immersion High School Pathway             

7:40 – 8:00pm Administration Report (Mr. McGilvray and Ms. Karsh)

8:00 – 8:10pm Upcoming Events (Irit)

8:00 – 8:30pm Open Discussion (All)

HOW TO REACH US…

If you know someone that would like to be added to the distribution list please send a request to clairleacouncil@gmail.com.  We would like to hear your feedback and suggestions.  If you are not able to come to the next meeting and want to contribute ideas please email them to us or drop a note in the council box in the office and we can bring them forward to the meeting.    You can contact us via email at clairleacouncil@gmail.com, on the blog at http://clairleacouncil.blogspot.com, or have a look at our bulletin board outside the office for the latest news.

Best Regards,

Irit

Chairperson,

Clairlea School Council 2017/2018

clairleacouncil@gmail.com

If you missed pizza lunch...

If your kid missed pizza lunch last week, it is probably because you haven't yet signed up for the School Cash Online system. The pizza lunch order requests (along with field trips, agendas and other school items) appear there automatically.

Currently there is an order request in School Cash Online for the Oct 11 pizza lunch. Just log in, click your child's tab, select the type of pizza and drink that they would like, and pay online. The deadline is October 8 and extensions are not possible. 

Why orange? The story behind Orange Shirt Day

As you know, the kids are being asked to wear orange on Friday to show their awareness and respect for the Aboriginal people who suffered in Canada's residential schools.

But why orange?

The idea stems from the story of a six-year-old girl, Phyllis, from the Dog Creek Reserve. In 1973, excited for her first day of school, she proudly wore a brand new shirt -- an orange one. The family didn't have much, so this new shirt was something really special.

On the day she arrived at the Mission residential school, she and the other students were stripped and their clothes taken away. She was made to feel worthless, a feeling which lasted well into adulthood. She never saw that shirt again. Read her story here. 

A few notes from this week's School Council meeting

These are not the minutes, just a few quick notes from this week's school council meeting. 

Council updates

The School Council elected its new executive (thank you for volunteering your time to lead us!) and invited parents to become involved in whatever way they would like. Attend meetings (whether or not you are a voting member), volunteer at daytime events (pizza lunch, spirit wear, photocopying, planning) or evening events (fun fairs, concerts), secure donations for events (silent auctions, prizes, food and drink), or put your individual skills to good use. Contact Irit to offer your help. 

Last June's Fun Fair made a profit of $4,000 which will be used to support Clairlea's STEAM programs. (What is STEAM?)

We need to update our School Statement of Needs, essentially a description of what we look for in a principal. This would be used in the (hopefully long-distant) event that the board would be assigning us a new principal. Send your thoughts to Marina. 

If you're looking to order pizza lunch, you MUST sign up for school cash online. Contact Ms. Carson for details. If you put in an order for Sept 20, it will be automatically transferred to the correct date of Sept 27. 

Administration updates

Clairlea's actual registration exceeded projections, which is why some class sizes are over the caps. We have been allotted an extra primary French immersion teacher, which is terrific news but it does mean that some primary French immersion classes will be reorganized. This will happen as soon as portable #3 can be converted to a classroom. Recently it has been used as a music room. The school is about 60% French immersion, 40% English. 

Some construction is planned for the playground... once soil tests are complete to ensure there is no contamination from the landfill underneath, the kids will be getting climbing bars and other playground equipment. The bridge in the existing play structure is also scheduled for repairs. 

Sports and clubs are already underway, including soccer, run club, flag football and house league soccer. 

Photo day is October 4. October 6 is a PA Day. 

Next meeting is Wednesday October 18, 7pm in the staff room. 

Happy September!

Hello everyone and happy September!

A few notes to start off the year:

1. School Council meets on Wednesday September 20 at 7:00pm at the school. All are welcome.

2. The welcome back barbecue (5pm) and curriculum night (6pm) are on Thursday September 21. Details here.

3. Pizza lunch is on September 27. You may have seen a different date on School Cash Online but it is definitely Sept 27. Orders are only through School Cash Online - there will be no paper orders this year. If you need access to a computer, please stop in at the school office.

As always, there is a group of dedicated School Council volunteers who are working hard behind the scenes to make all of this happen. Thank you!!

Message from the Chair

NEW DATE FOR THE FUNFAIR

WEDNESDAY JUNE 28TH 5:30-8:30PM

Dear Clairlea Families...

We've moved the date due to weather concerns.  The funfair is now on Wednesday June 28th 5:30-8:30pm.

Please volunteer your time if you can, see below for what is needed.

PLEASE HELP!!

1.       Make a cake or 2 and donate them to the Cake Walk Room, Please drop off all cakes in the Staff Room on the day of the Fun Fair.

2.       Volunteer your time to help out from 5:30-8:30pm on Thursday June 22nd for any of the Fun Fair activities, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com.  Here's what we need help with specifically:

- Face Painting (we need 4 people)

- Bouncy Castle Attendants (take tickets and maintain the line)

 - Silent Auction/Raffle (sell raffle tickets and take auction bids)

- First Aid/Baby Care Room (attendant, ideal if you have a medical background but not mandatory)

3.       Do you drive a truck?  We have a neighbouring school that has offered to loan us their bbq but we need a way to get it here.  Please contact us if you can help.

4.      Make a cash donation to sponsor part of the Clairlea Funfair, email Clairleacouncil@gmail.com

5.      Purchase a spot for $25.00 in our Clairlea Funfair Market to sell your homemade items or services, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com to make a reservation.

6.       Donate candy filled jars/bags and large lollipops to be used for the Candy Pull game at the Funfair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

7.       Help us advertise the Funfair to the Community, post it on your blog, announce it to your group, let your soccer, hockey, baseball and gymnastics groups know about it and invite them to come. Email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

8.       Donate costumes that we can use in our SuperHero Dressup room at the Funfair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

9.       Do you want to help but don’t know what you could do, please email us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com

10.     Come enjoy the BBQ and have dinner at the Funfair!  Invite your neighbours, family, friends, and hockey/baseball/soccer team to come out and enjoy the funfair at Clairlea!!!

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!

 

Best Regards,

Irit

Chairperson, Clairlea School Council

2016/2017

clairleacouncil@gmail.com

FUN FAIR DATE CHANGE - now Wednesday June 28

The Clairlea Fun Fair is coming! Thursday June 22

THE CLAIRLEA FUN FAIR IS COMING!!

Thursday, June 22nd 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL!

Dear Clairlea Families...

We are less than a week away from the 2017 Clairlea Fun Fair and we need volunteers to help keep the activities running.  Please volunteer your time so that we don't have to shut down some favourite activities!!!!  I have listed below what we need help with.  Also, do you drive a truck?  We have a neighbouring school that has offered to loan us their bbq so that we can have two, but we need a way to get it here.  Please contact us if you can help.

Click to see the Fun Fair Map!

Click to see the Fun Fair Price Descriptions!

LEGO COMPETITION!!

Have you been working on your LEGO creation for the Lego Competition? 

Make any Lego creation you like using any Lego as long as you are not creating it from kit instructions.  Also we want to see your creations (no adult helpers please!)  Bring all your submissions to the gym at the start of the Fun Fair.  Winners will be announced at 8:00pm June 22nd.

PLEASE HELP!!

1.       Make a cake or 2 and donate them to the Cake Walk Room, Please drop off all cakes in the Staff Room on the day of the Fun Fair.

2.       Volunteer your time to help out from 5:30-8:30pm on Thursday June 22nd for any of the Fun Fair activities, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com.  Here's what we need help with specifically:

- Face Painting (we need 4 people)

- Bouncy Castle Attendants (take tickets and maintain the line)

- Obstacle Course Attendants (take tickets and maintain the line)

 - Silent Auction/Raffle (sell raffle tickets and take auction bids)

- First Aid/Baby Care Room (attendant, ideal if you have a medical background but not mandatory)

- CakeWalk Room (Run the Cake Walk Game)

3.       Do you drive a truck?  We have a neighbouring school that has offered to loan us their bbq but we need a way to get it here.  Please contact us if you can help.

4.      Make a cash donation to sponsor part of the Clairlea Fun Fair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

5.      Purchase a spot for $25.00 in our Clairlea Fun Fair Market to sell your homemade items or services, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com to make a reservation.

6.       Donate candy filled jars/bags and large lollipops to be used for the Candy Pull game at the Fun Fair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

7.       Help us advertise the Fun Fair to the Community, post it on your blog, announce it to your group, let your soccer, hockey, baseball and gymnastics groups know about it and invite them to come. Email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

8.       Donate costumes that we can use in our SuperHero Dressup room at the Fun Fair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

9.    Do you want to help but don’t know what you could do, please email us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com

10.    Come enjoy the BBQ and have dinner at the Fun Fair!  Invite your neighbours, family, friends, and hockey/baseball/soccer team to come out and enjoy the Fun Fair at Clairlea!!!

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!

2017 FUN FAIR FAQs:

Do I have to buy a FUNPASS?

No you can purchase individual tickets or a Fun Pass or simply just enjoy the FREE activities.  The filled in black boxes on the Map (attached) indicate what is included in the Fun Pass.   Tickets cost $1 for 1, $5 for 7 or $10 for 16.  Each activity has a ticket cost ranging from 1 to 3 tickets each.  The Fun Pass is a onetime cost of $15 that allows unlimited use of the Fun Pass activities.

What is included in the FUNPASS?

Fun Pass is $15/each and includes unlimited use of the following lettered activities A (The Rock Wall), B (Big Slide), C (Obstacle Course), D (Demolition Ball), E (Bouncy Castle), F (Campground Multiplay), O (Hockey), P (Face Painting), Q (Air Brush Tattoos)  See attached Map for more details.

When are the draws happening?

Activity V SILENT AUCTION will stop accepting bids at 8:00pm sharp (winners will be contacted)

Activity V RAFFLE BASKET draw at 8:30pm (winners will be contacted)

Activity W Lego Competition winners will be announced at 8:00pm in the gym.

Which activities are FREE?

We have many FREE activities including the following:  G (Fire Truck), I (Bubble Mania), J (Police), M (Lego Guess), R (First Aid/Baby Care), S (Super Hero Room), W (Lego Competition) See attached Map.

What will the funds raised go towards?

All funds raised from the 2017 Fun Fair will go towards the Clairlea STEM/STEAM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math)

What are the hours of the Fun Fair?

The Fun Fair will take place on Thursday June 22nd from 5:30pm-8:30pm.  We hope to see you there.  Come out and support your school!

Will there be food at the Fun Fair?

Yes.  We will have a BBQ station that will sell hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork and varied drinks.  For your sweet tooth there will be an Ice Cream Truck on site as well as our Mobile Mr. Freezie shop walking around the line ups of the Fun Fair.  Come have dinner at the Fun fair!

HOW TO REACH US…

If you would like to unsubscribe to this email (we hope you don’t) or know someone that would like to be added to the distribution list please send a request to clairleacouncil@gmail.com.  We would like to hear your feedback and suggestions.  If you are not able to come to the next meeting and want to contribute ideas please email them to us or drop a note in the council box in the office and we can bring them forward to the meeting.    You can contact us via email at clairleacouncil@gmail.com, on the blog at http://clairleacouncil.blogspot.com, or have a look at our bulletin board outside the office for the latest news.

Best Regards,

Irit

Chairperson, Clairlea School Council

2016/2017

clairleacouncil@gmail.com

Pizza lunch orders due Friday

You should have receive a pizza lunch envelope last week. If not, you can download and print a copy or ask for one in the office.

Pizza lunch is twice a month, and you can place an order for one or both June lunches using the one envelope. This month's lunches are on June 7 and 21. Orders are due June 2.

Fun Fair 2017 - Message from the Chair

THE CLAIRLEA FUN FAIR IS COMING!!

JUNE 22ND 5:30PM-8:30PM.

COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR SCHOOL!

Dear Clairlea Families...

The countdown is on for the 2017 Clairlea Fun Fair.  Have you been working on your Lego creation for the Lego Competition?   Please see below how you can help make the Fun Fair a success.    Have a look at the attached Fun Fair Map and Activity Legend and plan out what you want to do first on the big day!!   All funds raised will go towards the Clairlea STEM program.

How Can You Help Make the Clairlea Funfair a Success?

1.       Make a cake or 2 and donate them to the Cake Walk Room, Please drop off all cakes in the Staff Room on the day of the Fun Fair.

2.       Volunteer your time to help out from 5:30-8:30pm on Thursday June 22nd for any of the Fun Fair activities, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com.

3.       Donate a basket or items that we can include in a basket to be raffled off at the funfair, drop off donations in the school office.

4.      Make a cash donation to sponsor part of the Clairlea Funfair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

5.      Purchase a spot for $25.00 in our Clairlea Funfair Market to sell your homemade items or services, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com to make a reservation.

6.       Donate candy filled jars/bags and large lollipops to be used for the Candy Pull game at the Funfair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

7.       Help us advertise the Funfair to the Community, post it on your blog, announce it to your group, let your soccer, hockey, baseball and gymnastics groups know about it and invite them to come. Email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

8.       Donate costumes that we can use in our SuperHero Dressup room at the Funfair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

9.    Do you want to help but don’t know what you could do, please email us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com

10.    Come enjoy the BBQ and have dinner at the Funfair!

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!

2017 FUNFAIR FAQ’S:

Do I have to buy a FUNPASS?

No you can purchase individual tickets or a Fun Pass or simply just enjoy the FREE activities.  The filled in black boxes on the Map (attached) indicate what is included in the Fun Pass.   Tickets cost $1 for 1, $5 for 7 or $10 for 16.  Each activity has a ticket cost ranging from 1 to 3 tickets each.  The Fun Pass is a onetime cost of $15 that allows unlimited use of the Fun Pass activities.

What is included in the FUNPASS?

Fun Pass is $15/each and includes unlimited use of the following lettered activities A (The Rock Wall), B (Big Slide), C (Obstacle Course), D (Demolition Ball), E (Bouncy Castle), F (Campground Multiplay), O (Hockey), P (Face Painting), Q (Air Brush Tattoos)  See attached Map for more details.

When are the draws happening?

Activity V SILENT AUCTION will stop accepting bids at 8:00pm sharp (winners will be contacted)

Activity V RAFFLE BASKET draw at 8:30pm (winners will be contacted)

Activity W Lego Competition winners will be announced at 8:00pm in the gym.

Which activities are FREE?

We have many FREE activities including the following:  G (Fire Truck), I (Bubble Mania), J (Police), M (Lego Guess), R (First Aid/Baby Care), S (Super Hero Room), W (Lego Competition) See attached Map.

Where will the funds raised go towards?

All funds raised from the 2017 Funfair will go towards the Clairlea STEM/STEAM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math)

What are the hours of the Fun Fair?

The Fun Fair will take place on Thursday June 22nd from 5:30pm-8:30pm.  We hope to see you there.  Come out and support your school!

Will there be food at the Fun Fair?

Yes.  We will have a BBQ station that will sell hot dogs, hamburgers, pulled pork and varied drinks.  For your sweet tooth there will be an Ice Cream Truck on site as well as our Mobile Mr. Freezie shop walking around the line ups of the Fun Fair.  Come have dinner at the Fun fair!

HOW TO REACH US…

If you would like to unsubscribe to this email (we hope you don’t) or know someone that would like to be added to the distribution list please send a request to clairleacouncil@gmail.com.  We would like to hear your feedback and suggestions.  If you are not able to come to the next meeting and want to contribute ideas please email them to us or drop a note in the council box in the office and we can bring them forward to the meeting.    You can contact us via email at clairleacouncil@gmail.com, on the blog at http://clairleacouncil.blogspot.com, or have a look at our bulletin board outside the office for the latest news.

Best Regards,

Irit

Chairperson, Clairlea School Council

2016/2017

clairleacouncil@gmail.com

Can you volunteer at the Fun Fair June 22?

Volunteers are still needed for the Clairlea Fun Fair on Thursday June 22, 5:30-8:30pm. 

Even if you can only give an hour or two, this would be greatly appreciated by the people manning the stations who would welcome a break and/or some time to enjoy the fair with their children. 

If you can help, please email clairleacouncil@gmail.com. Many teachers are volunteering their time and it's important to show them that we parents are as committed as they are.

The fair will be tons of fun with some great new bouncy castles, airbrush tattoos, an ice cream truck, a Lego competition and more. Start making your Lego creation now! 

Fun Fair Thursday June 22

Childcare at Clairlea: maybe

Further to the email from the school earlier this week, this is to emphasize that the deadline for expressing interest in childcare at Clairlea for next year is tomorrow (Friday May 19). As of today there is not enough interest to proceed, but it's close. If you want before and/or after-school care for your child next year, now is the time to act. Follow the instructions in the email you received from the school earlier this week.

A message from the School Council Chair

Dear Clairlea Families….

The Clairlea Fun Fair is a month and a half away! We hope to see everyone there on Thursday June 22nd from 5:30-8:30pm. Bring your neighbours, friends and family all are welcome. All revenue generated from the Clairlea Fun Fair will go towards the Clairlea STEM/STEAM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). Please see below how you can help to make the Fun Fair a Success. Email us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com.

Lego competition at the Fun Fair.

I want to let you know about one of the NEW things we are doing this year at the Fun Fair. We are having a lego competition! Attention all lego fans we are having a competition and all you need to do is build a lego creation starting NOW. This creation could be anything; a monster, your favorite scene or even your room whatever you like. There is only one rule….. You cannot build your lego contest entry from a kit or any instructions it must be something you create fully on your own. You can use any pieces of lego you like and combine different lego. Once you have created your lego masterpiece bring it to the Fun Fair and enter it into the lego competition and the judges will determine the winner on the night of the Fun Fair. We look forward to seeing the lego creations!

How can you help make the Clairlea Fun Fair a success?

1. Make a cake or 2 and donate them to the Cake Walk Room, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com.

2. Volunteer your time to help out from 5:30-8:30pm on Thursday June 22nd for any of the Fun Fair activities, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com.

3. Donate a basket or items that we can include in a basket to be raffled off at the Fun Fair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

4. Donate an item or service for the Silent Auction, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com.

5. Make a cash donation to sponsor part of the Clairlea Fun Fair, email Clairleacouncil@gmail.com

6. Purchase a spot for $25 in our Clairlea Fun Fair Market to sell your homemade items or services, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com to make a reservation.

7. Donate little candy filled jars/bags and large lollipops to be used for the Candy Pull game at the Fun Fair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

8. Help us advertise the Fun Fair to the Community, post it on your blog, announce it to your group, let your soccer, hockey, baseball and gymnastics groups know about it and invite them to come. Email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

9. Donate costumes that we can use in our SuperHero Dressup room at the Fun Fair, email clairleacouncil@gmail.com

10. Do you want to help but don’t know what you could do, please email us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com

11. Come enjoy the BBQ and have dinner at the Fun Fair!

What will you see at the Fun Fair? Come see your favourite teacher at the Fun Fair!

We have some new items as well as returning favourites to the Fun Fair this year. Some items include, The Rock Wall, Cake Walk Room, Raffle Basket/Silent Auction, Obstacle Course, Big Slide, Super Hero Room, Freezies, Delicious BBQ (Halal and non Halal options), Face Painting, Fire Truck, Bouncy Castle, Clairlea Vendor Market, Lollipop Pull, Candy Guess, Lego Guess, Mounted Police, First Aid and Baby Care Station and much, much more….. WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!

OTHER EVENTS COMING UP…

Clairlea Spirit Wear…

The spirit wear just arrived so we are sorting through the order and seeing if there are any missing items. We will distribute what we received over the next week.

Pizza Lunch…

Pizza Lunch has been a tremendous success please remember to get your orders in on time on the dates specified on the envelope to help our volunteers run the program smoothly. Starting in September 2017 we will be moving the pizza lunch to an online ordering system as part of the school moving to a cashless system. Please sign up online through the emails that have coming out from Ms. Carson in the office so that you are ready to go when we start.

School Council Meeting…

We will have our last school council meeting of the year on Wednesday May 17th as there will not be a June meeting. Please see below the agenda for the May meeting.

Agenda (May 17th) for the School Council meeting:

7:00 – 7:10pm Introduction (Irit)

7:10 – 7:35pm Administration Report (Mr. Mcgilvray and Ms. Karsh)

7:35 – 7:45pm Treasurer’s Report (Denise)

7:45 – 8:00pm Fundraising Report (Irit)

8:00 – 8:25pm Open Discussion (All)

Things we are working on….

French Immersion Pathway…

If you have children attending Clairlea P.S. that are in French immersion you are also aware that our French Immersion home school pathway after grade 8 is Cedarbrae Collegiate. It has come to our attention over the years through opinions voiced at school council meetings, emails and varied conversations with parents that Cedarbrae was not the preferred choice for a multitude of reasons. In an effort to voice the concerns of the Clairlea Families we as a council with the help and guidance of Parthi Kandavel our School Trustee have escalated our concerns to the appropriate areas within the TDSB. Due to this effort in early April we were granted a tremendous opportunity to meet and present our concerns to the Chief Planning Officer and Teaching and Learning Department of the TDSB. These are the areas of the TDSB that analyze and decide school pathways. The meeting was deemed a success in the sense that we as a council felt heard and they acknowledged our concerns. We also gained a great understanding of how decisions such as changing a pathway of a school is determined and how complex a process it is. In order for this to happen a Feasibility Study has to be conducted by the board. This process can take up to two months as understandably there are many factors to consider. The good news that I would like to share with you is that the planning department has officially identified Clairlea as being in need of a feasibility study and their aim is to have it completed by mid October 2017. If the results of the feasibility study show that our pathway should change given the concerns we have raised in addition to a buildup of French Immersion grade schools in the area west of Victoria Park which will need a high school to attend as well given that Malvern, Agincourt, and Leaside are at overcapacity and not accepting entries and therefore a new High School in the area would need to take on a new stream of French Immersion. That high school would be East York Collegiate. We are cautiously optimistic that our French Immersion home school pathway will change effective for the grade 9 students starting in September 2018 to East York Collegiate. I will provide further updates as I learn them in the months to come.

HOW TO REACH US…

If you would like to unsubscribe to this email (we hope you don’t) or know someone that would like to be added to the distribution list please send a request to clairleacouncil@gmail.com. We would like to hear your feedback and suggestions. If you are not able to come to the next meeting and want to contribute ideas please email them to us or drop a note in the council box in the office and we can bring them forward to the meeting. You can contact us via email at clairleacouncil@gmail.com, on the blog at http://clairleacouncil.blogspot.com, or have a look at our bulletin board outside the office for the latest news.

Best Regards,

Irit

Chairperson, Clairlea School Council

2016/2017

clairleacouncil@gmail.com

Pizza lunch orders due Friday

You should have receive a pizza lunch envelope last week. If not, you can download and print a copy or ask for one in the office.

Pizza lunch is twice a month, and you can place an order for one or both of this month's lunches using the one envelope. This month's lunches are on May 10 and 24. Orders are due May 5.

Message from the Chair; meetings tonight

DEAR CLAIRLEA FAMILIES…

I’ve listed a few of the key things coming up for you below. As always if you have questions you can reach us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com.

SPRING CONCERT RAFFLE BASKETS...

For those classes involved in the upcoming spring concert on Thursday May 11th, please take note that requests for raffle basket items will be coming home in backpacks this week.  Each class will be assigned a raffle basket theme.  If you wish to make your own basket and donate it you are more than welcome to do so and drop it off in the office.

FUN FAIR 2017….

Save the date for this year’s fun fair on Thursday June 22nd.  We hope to see you there and if you are able to volunteer or have items to donate please email us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com. As in past years we will have a Clairlea Market for Community Vendors to be able to showcase and sell their products or services at the Funfair.  If you would like to purchase a spot at the Clairlea Market please email your request to clairleacouncil@gmail.com.  Each spot will cost $25.00.

All funds raised from this years funfair will go towards the Clairlea STEM/STEAM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics).  This program will be available to all grade levels to provide hands on study in the form of Maker Labs to foster inquiring minds, logical reasoning and collaboration skills in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics.

WARD COUNCIL MEETING (Tuesday April 18th)

This meeting is held monthly by Parthi Kandavel (School Trustee for Scarborough Southwest) for all Ward 18 School Council Chairs to share ideas across schools.  Tonight's meeting was hosted at Clairlea Public School and was open to all School Council Members who which to attend and share their thoughts.  

FUN FAIR VOLUNTEER MEETING (Wednesday April 19th)

We will have a funfair volunteer meeting on Wednesday  April 19th from 6-7pm.  Please come and share your ideas and help shape this years funfair.  We ask that all planning on attending please email clairleacouncil@gmail.com to confirm attendance.

SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING (Wednesday April 19th)

School Council meetings take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  The next school council meeting is this Wednesday April 19th from 7pm-8:30pm. (March minutes attached). Free child minding is available.  This meeting will feature the administration sharing the staffing model for the 2017/18 school year.  All are welcome and we hope to see you there! 

Agenda for the School Council meeting:

6:00 – 7:00pm Fun Fair Volunteer Meeting (All are welcome to provide input)

7:00 – 7:45pm Administration Report (The 2017/18 Staffing Model will be discussed.)  (Mr. McGilvray and Ms. Karsh)

7:45 – 7:50pm Treasurer Report (Denise)

7:50 - 8:00pm Fundraising and Updates (Irit)

8:00 – 8:30pm Open Discussion (All)

HOW TO REACH US…

If you would like to unsubscribe to this email (we hope you don’t) or know someone that would like to be added to the distribution list please send a request to clairleacouncil@gmail.com.  We would like to hear your feedback and suggestions.  If you are not able to come to the next meeting and want to contribute ideas please email them to us or drop a note in the council box in the office and we can bring them forward to the meeting.    You can contact us via email at clairleacouncil@gmail.com, on the blog at http://clairleacouncil.blogspot.com, or have a look at our bulletin board outside the office for the latest news.

Wear pink next Wednesday!

April 12 is the International Day of Pink. As described on dayofpink.org, it is a day to celebrate diversity and raise awareness to stop homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, and all forms of bullying.

The International Day of Pink was started in Nova Scotia when two straight high school students saw a gay student wearing a pink shirt being bullied. The two students intervened, but wanted to do more to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying. They decided to purchase pink shirts, and a few days later got everyone at school to arrive wearing pink, standing in solidarity.

The result was that an entire school took a stand and began working together to prevent homophobic and transphobic bullying.

The message was clear: anyone can bully, anyone can be victimized by bullying, but together we can stop it.

Each year on the second Wednesday of April, millions of people wear pink and take a stand. Clairlea will be doing the same!

Pizza lunch orders due Friday

You should have receive a pizza lunch envelope last week. If not, you can download and print a copy or ask for one in the office.

Pizza lunch is twice a month, and you can place an order for one or both of this month's lunches using the one envelope. This month's lunches are on April 12 and 26. Orders are due April 7.

A few notes from the School Council meeting

Here are a few things we heard at the School Council meeting this week;

On Thursday, the school hosted nine educators from Denmark, who are visiting the TDSB to learn and exchange ideas. They were interested in touring Clairlea because of our success as a dual-track school (French and English).

Today (Friday) is purple day to raise awareness for epilepsy. This was organized by one of the students in the school. Today is also Earth Hour... the school will be powering down from 2pm-3pm.

April 11 is the International Day of Pink. Students are invited to wear pink to show that they are against any form of bullying against the LGBTQ communities. Watch this space for more details or check out dayofpink.org.

The Spring concert will be May 11.

Money raised at this year's Fun Fair will go towards creating a mobile STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) lab. Depending on how much we can raise, it could include robotics equipment, tools to help kids learn to code, a 3D printer and other "maker space" equipment. The idea is to have one mobile lab for the primary classes (downstairs) and another for the junior/intermediate classes (upstairs). This will most likely be something that we fundraise for and add to over time.

You may have seen a fundraising request for improvements to the girls' washrooms. This was organized by the grade 7-8 girls' club in collaboration with the student leadership team. The funds will be used to create a mural in the girls' washrooms. Structural improvements are also needed, and will be funded by the school or board, but these may take some time due to the marble in the washrooms. Both the girls' and boys' washrooms need higher stalls and their locks repaired. Cleanliness is a big issue in both sets of washrooms.

Next meeting is April 19 (7pm). We will hear about the staffing model planned for 2017-18.

A message from the School Council chair

DEAR CLAIRLEA FAMILIES…

Just a short jaunt until the end of the school year and there is a lot going on. I’ve listed a few of the key things for you below.  As always if you have questions you can reach us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com.

CLAIRLEA SPIRIT WEAR….

The spirit wear order forms went home in backpacks a couple of weeks ago.  Please have a look through all orders are due by this Friday March 24th.      We will not be able to accept any late orders.  To avoid any sizing issues we have a full set of sample sizes in the office and you are strongly encouraged to come and take a look at the products and size your child.  The office is open every day from 8:30-4:30pm.   Please ensure that you complete the order form clearly so that all the contact details and amounts are legible.  If you did not receive the order form, you can download one here and there are extra forms in the office.  All payments are to be in exact cash or cheques made out to “Clairlea School Council”.  For those of you that are not able to come in during the day to fit your child we have two nights this week where the samples will be available at the school.  Please ensure you fit your child as returns and exchanges are not possible. 

Evening Fitting Dates:

Tuesday March 21st 4pm-7pm

Wednesday March 22nd 4pm-8:30pm

SPRING CONCERT RAFFLE BASKETS...

For those classes involved in the upcoming spring concert in May, please take note that requests for raffle basket items will be coming home in backpacks in the next couple of weeks.  Each class will be assigned a raffle basket theme.  If you wish to make your own basket and donate it you are more than welcome to do so.  Stay tuned...

FUN FAIR 2017….

Save the date for this year’s fun fair on Thursday June 22nd.  We hope to see you there and if you are able to volunteer or have items to donate please email us at clairleacouncil@gmail.com .  Also we are looking for suggestions of what the money raised from the fun fair should go towards.  Please send in your suggestions.

COUNCIL MEETING…

School Council meetings take place on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  The next school council meeting is this Wednesday March 22nd from 7pm-8:30pm. (February minutes here). Free child minding is available.  This meeting will feature our guest speaker Robert Brogno (Guidance Counsellor) and he will discuss the transition to high school.  All are welcome and we hope to see you there! 

Agenda for the School Council meeting:

6:50 – 7:00pm Sell 50/50 tickets (optional)

7:00 – 7:40pm Guest Speaker Robert Brogno (Guidance Counsellor) the transition to High School

7:40 – 8:00pm Administration Report (Mr. McGilvray and Ms. Karsh)

8:00 -  8:10pm Treasurer and Fundraising Report (Denise/Irit)

8:10 – 8:30pm Open Discussion (All)

8:30 – 8:30pm 50/50 draw

HOW TO REACH US…

If you would like to unsubscribe to this email (we hope you don’t) or know someone that would like to be added to the distribution list please send a request to clairleacouncil@gmail.com .  We would like to hear your feedback and suggestions.  If you are not able to come to the next meeting and want to contribute ideas please email them to us or drop a note in the council box in the office and we can bring them forward to the meeting.    You can contact us via email at clairleacouncil@gmail.com , on the blog at http://clairleacouncil.blogspot.com , or have a look at our bulletin board outside the office for the latest news.

Best Regards,

Irit

Chairperson, Clairlea School Council

2016/2017

clairleacouncil@gmail.com