Friday, 23 March 2018

Owen Online March 26-30, 2018

Upcoming Events
Blue Jays Day
Wear your Jays gear to school to celebrate the Jays home opener on Thursday, March 29th!

International Day of Pink
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 - T-shirts can be ordered on School Cash online until Wed. March 28th.


OSAC Meeting - Tuesday, April 10th at 6:30pm


Parking &Traffic Safety
Reminder that there is no parking after 8am on the street directly in front of the school between the drop off loop driveway. Please park away from the black fence at the front of the school if you must come in to drop off students.
Thank you to our parent volunteer team who have been out directing cars each morning. So far we've had excellent results and lots of great feedback on their efforts.

Our goal is to have drivers drop students off in the front loop (right lane only) and park in designated areas if they need to come into the school.

Thanks to everyone for all your efforts, you are truly making a positive impact on our school community!




Ms Elizabeth in the office will be going to our School Cash Online account for any outstanding payments.  Some parents will be receiving a letter after the March Break with the outstanding balance.


Please review your Cash Online account and pay any outstanding fees.


Windfields JHS Tour for Gr. 5/6
Our students are invited for a tour of Windfields JHS on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 9:15-11:15 am. Information will be shared through the classroom teacher as we get closer to the date. 



Milk Ticket Schedule

April Tickets - on sale March 19-29, delivered April 3
May Tickets - on sale April 23-May 2, delivered May 7
June Tickets - on sale May 21-30, delivered June 4


Parents as Partners Conference
Save the date! Join us for the free Parents as Partners Conference – a conference for parents, by parents – on Saturday, April 28!





Hi Everyone,

I am happy to announce that I have a secured a new date for the next Community Coffee meeting (this meeting is to replace the cancelled March 8th meeting).  We will now be meeting on Thursday, March 29th at 9:15am. Please mark your calendars. 

As mentioned previously, we will be conducting elections for Ward 13 reps to 2 TDSB Advisory Committees at this meeting. Please see details about the procedure below.

Both the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) and the French as a Second Language Advisory Committee (FSLAC) welcome observers to all their meetings, however we will be choosing the voting members of those committees.


As part of the election package, I am also enclosing information about the Roles and Responsibilities of a PIAC Ward Rep and Alternate and the Role of PIAC at the TDSB.

Process for Elections
Candidates can declare intention to run up until the beginning of the meeting on March 8 or during the meeting if the majority of parents present agree on the candidacy.
Candidates will be given three minutes to speak to why he/she would like the position.
If the Candidate is not present he/she must declare interest in the position electronically or in writing in advance of the meeting. A short written or digital presentation describing why the candidate is seeking the position will be distributed to those present, if sent in advance.

All voters must be present at the meeting. Proxy voting is not permitted.
The positions will be voted for in the following order:
  • Parent Involvement Advisory Committee Representative- all parents are eligible
  • Parent Involvement Advisory Committee Alternate - all parents are eligible
  • French as a Second Language Advisory Committee Representative - all parents eligible (Core French or French Immersion)
  • French as a Second Language Advisory Committee Alternate - all parents eligible (Core French or French Immersion)
Looking forward to seeing you on March 29th!
- Gerri

If you wish to discuss any of the items in the newsletter, please email me at gerri.gershon@tdsb.on.ca


To stay informed with Gerri, please sign up for her e-newsletter at www.tdsb.on.ca/gershon and read her Newsletters - Quick Communicator. Follow her on Twitter  @gerrigershon, for all sorts of useful information about education. For system wide news about the TDSB, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/TDSBupdate.

Friday, 2 March 2018

Owen Online - March 5-9, 2018

Traffic Safety Team
Thank you to our parent volunteer team who have been out directing cars each morning this week. So far we've had excellent results and lots of great feedback on their efforts.

Our goal is to have drivers drop students off in the front loop (right lane only) and park in designated areas if they need to come into the school.

Thanks to everyone for all your efforts, you are truly making a positive impact on our school community!


Lost & Found
We'll be cleaning out the Lost and Found bins for March break, please come and have a look if you are missing items. 




Ms Elizabeth in the office will be going to our School Cash Online account for any outstanding payments.  Some parents will be receiving a letter after the March Break with the outstanding balance.


Please review your Cash Online account and pay any outstanding fees.


Windfields JHS Tour for Gr. 5/6
Our students are invited for a tour of Windfields JHS on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 from 9:15-11:15 am. Information will be shared through the classroom teacher as we get closer to the date. 



Milk Ticket Schedule

March Tickets - on sale February 19-28, delivered March 5

April Tickets - on sale March 19-29, delivered April 3
May Tickets - on sale April 23-May 2, delivered May 7

June Tickets - on sale May 21-30, delivered June 4



Parents as Partners Conference
Save the date! Join us for the free Parents as Partners Conference – a conference for parents, by parents – on Saturday, April 28!



Final Week!!! Winter Concert DVD Now Available!
The DVD can be purchased on the school's cash online system here 


KIDS Kitchen

MARCH SPECIALS

Each month we feature specials and combos to bring you more variety. For the month of March your child can enjoy:
1. Chicken Shawarma in a whole wheat pita - Shawarma chicken strips, shredded cabbage, lettuce and cucumbers with a creamy cucumber dressing stuffed in a pita. Halal version available.2. Falafel in a whole wheat pita Falafel, shredded cabbage, lettuce and cucumbers with a creamy cucumber dressing stuffed in a pita.3. Chicken Pot Pie with Caesar salad Chunks of chicken in a creamy sauce with a flaky pastry crust.

These items are available as a combo or entrĂ©e only. Visit us on-line to see our full menu. These specials are available until March 30th. Place your orders today!


Please note that the office will be closed for March Break: March 12-16, 2018.


Ordering is easy!

Login to place your orders at www.kidskitchen.ca
Orders are accepted until 10am the previous business day (on Friday for Monday orders). A valid credit card is required.
We’re here to help! Live customer service: 8am – 3pm Monday to Friday.






Hello Everyone,

We've passed the 100 day mark in the school year and our schools are humming with important interactions between students and teachers and among classmates.

Many students are getting ready for the Kiwanis competitions, enjoying winter activity days, preparing for music nights, participating in STEM projects, and completing projects.

On a system-wide level the TDSB has accomplished some important goals and is working on others to be completed in the coming months. The Director of Education Dr. John Malloy has responded to the consultant's report on Equity and Inclusion - view the Director's response here. There are 7 areas that the staff will pursue to achieve our goal of further improving education for all our students. As those areas are studied, and recommendations are formulated, they will come back to the Board of Trustees for debate and approval.

The areas of focus include:
1. Professional Learning
2. Challenging Streaming and Exclusion to Improve Achievement and Well-Being
3. Examination of our Policies, Procedures and Practices that Impact Access, Opportunity and Outcomes
4. Enhancing Engagement and Encouraging Voice
5. Equitable Allocation Review
6. Development of a Strategy for Black Student Achievement Excellence
7. Equitable Recruitment, Hiring, Promotion and Placement Processes Aligned with Principles of Human Rights.

Presently, the board is working on our long-term plan for the capital needs of the system. This is done by a review of every school and every neighborhood by planning staff, teaching and learning leaders, as well as the Trustee and Superintendents of education for every area. We are also developing a strategic plan for the next 4 years and continuing to review all polices of the board.

I have enclosed a survey below to help me gather more information from the community regarding school fundraising. Please let me know what you are thinking.

The TDSB is a stimulating forward-thinking environment. Once again thank you for allowing me to represent you at the board table.Gerri

If you wish to discuss any of the items in the newsletter, please email me at gerri.gershon@tdsb.on.ca


To stay informed with Gerri, please sign up for her e-newsletter at www.tdsb.on.ca/gershon and read her Newsletters - Quick Communicator. Follow her on Twitter  @gerrigershon, for all sorts of useful information about education. For system wide news about the TDSB, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/TDSBupdate.

Friday, 23 February 2018

Owen Online Feb. 26 - Mar.2, 2018

Boogie for Books

On Wednesday February 14th we had our annual Valentine’s Day dance-a-thon fundraiser.

OSAC’s goal is to raise $8000 towards leveled reading books for both English and French.

This year all contributions can be made through School Cash Online: tdsb.schoolcashonline.com

All contributions are greatly appreciated!

To make a contribution of $25 or more and receive a tax receipt, please log into your School Cash Online account and click on the “Make A Donation” tab. Then enter the amount you would like to donate and select “Owen Pubic School” on the “Fund Destination” scroll-down menu.

Milk Ticket Schedule

March Tickets - on sale February 19-28, delivered March 5

April Tickets - on sale March 19-29, delivered April 3
May Tickets - on sale April 23-May 2, delivered May 7

June Tickets - on sale May 21-30, delivered June 4


Parents as Partners Conference
Save the date! Join us for the free Parents as Partners Conference – a conference for parents, by parents – on Saturday, April 28!



Winter Concert DVD Now Available!
The DVD can be purchased on the school's cash online system here 


Black History Month

In February, we celebrate Black History Month. During this time every year, Canadians are invited to take part in events that honour the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have helped to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today. At Owen we will continue to learn about the experiences of many inspirational people in history by sharing this information in our classrooms, library and over the morning announcements. 

Medic Alert 

Thanks to generous donors and supporters, the MedicAlert No Child Without program has protected over 66,000 children since 2006. No Child Without is offered free of charge to children ages 4 to their 14th birthday through over 6,000 participating public and Catholic schools across Canada.

If your child is attending a participating school, simply follow the steps below to enroll:
Step 1: Complete this online form to receive a unique bar code and PIN or pick up an enrollment brochure from your child’s school.
Step 2: Visit the enrollment page and enroll online or call 1-877-282-5378 (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST).

After you complete the enrollment process, your child’s MedicAlert protection (a $60 annual value service plan) begins immediately. Your child will receive their free MedicAlert ID (a $39 value), shipped by Canada Post directly to your home, in two to three weeks.

http://www.nochildwithout.ca/parent_enrol.asp

Barcode: 14858306
PIN: 309528

*Please note: If you have difficulty with the Barcode and PIN, please call the phone number above to register.




Hello Everyone,

We've passed the 100 day mark in the school year and our schools are humming with important interactions between students and teachers and among classmates.
Many students are getting ready for the Kiwanis competitions, enjoying winter activity days, preparing for music nights, participating in STEM projects, and completing projects.

On a system-wide level the TDSB has accomplished some important goals and is working on others to be completed in the coming months. The Director of Education Dr. John Malloy has responded to the consultant's report on Equity and Inclusion - view the Director's response here. There are 7 areas that the staff will pursue to achieve our goal of further improving education for all our students. As those areas are studied, and recommendations are formulated, they will come back to the Board of Trustees for debate and approval. 

The areas of focus include:
1. Professional Learning
2. Challenging Streaming and Exclusion to Improve Achievement and Well-Being
3. Examination of our Policies, Procedures and Practices that Impact Access, Opportunity and Outcomes
4. Enhancing Engagement and Encouraging Voice
5. Equitable Allocation Review
6. Development of a Strategy for Black Student Achievement Excellence
7. Equitable Recruitment, Hiring, Promotion and Placement Processes Aligned with Principles of Human Rights.

Presently, the board is working on our long-term plan for the capital needs of the system. This is done by a review of every school and every neighborhood by planning staff, teaching and learning leaders, as well as the Trustee and Superintendents of education for every area. We are also developing a strategic plan for the next 4 years and continuing to review all polices of the board.

I have enclosed a survey below to help me gather more information from the community regarding school fundraising. Please let me know what you are thinking.

The TDSB is a stimulating forward-thinking environment. Once again thank you for allowing me to represent you at the board table. 

Gerri

If you wish to discuss any of the items in the newsletter, please email me at gerri.gershon@tdsb.on.ca
To stay informed with Gerri, please sign up for her e-newsletter at www.tdsb.on.ca/gershon and read her Newsletters - Quick Communicator. Follow her on Twitter  @gerrigershon, for all sorts of useful information about education. For system wide news about the TDSB, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/TDSBupdate.

Friday, 16 February 2018

Owen Online Feb. 19-23, 2018

Winter Activity Day

Thank you to our students, staff and volunteers for making our Snow Valley Day an amazing one! Everyone helped one another and was very diligent in returning equipment and packing up to go. Weather was great and everyone was outside enjoying themselves in the fresh air!  Lots of students and parents were saying they are going back to Snow Valley with their own families!  Maybe an outing for the March Break! 
- Mrs. Rosenbloom

Milk Ticket Schedule

March Tickets - on sale February 19-28, delivered March 5

April Tickets - on sale March 19-29, delivered April 3
May Tickets - on sale April 23-May 2, delivered May 7

June Tickets - on sale May 21-30, delivered June 4


Parents as Partners Conference
Save the date! Join us for the free Parents as Partners Conference – a conference for parents, by parents – on Saturday, April 28!



Winter Concert DVD Now Available!
The DVD can be purchased on the school's cash online system here 


Black History Month

In February, we celebrate Black History Month. During this time every year, Canadians are invited to take part in events that honour the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have helped to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today. At Owen we will continue to learn about the experiences of many inspirational people in history by sharing this information in our classrooms, library and over the morning announcements. 

Medic Alert 

Thanks to generous donors and supporters, the MedicAlert No Child Without program has protected over 66,000 children since 2006. No Child Without is offered free of charge to children ages 4 to their 14th birthday through over 6,000 participating public and Catholic schools across Canada.

If your child is attending a participating school, simply follow the steps below to enroll:
Step 1: Complete this online form to receive a unique bar code and PIN or pick up an enrollment brochure from your child’s school.
Step 2: Visit the enrollment page and enroll online or call 1-877-282-5378 (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST).

After you complete the enrollment process, your child’s MedicAlert protection (a $60 annual value service plan) begins immediately. Your child will receive their free MedicAlert ID (a $39 value), shipped by Canada Post directly to your home, in two to three weeks.

http://www.nochildwithout.ca/parent_enrol.asp

Barcode: 14858306
PIN: 309528

*Please note: If you have difficulty with the Barcode and PIN, please call the phone number above to register.




Hi Everyone,
Our next “Community Coffee with Gerri” will be Thursday, March 8 at Longo’s on Laird at 9:15 am. (The Community Coffee originally scheduled for February 26th has been cancelled. Please note this change in your calendar.)
Along with our networking discussions we will be choosing representatives to two central board committees. Please consider if you would like to put your name forward (or email me if you know a person willing to do so). The central meetings are held monthly at the Board offices at 5050 Yonge Street. 

PARENT INVOLVEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 representative and 1 alternate
FRENCH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 representative and 1 alternate

Please let me know if you are interested in these positions.

Enjoy your Family Day!
Regards,

Gerri

To stay informed with Gerri, please sign up for her e-newsletter at www.tdsb.on.ca/gershon and read her Newsletters - Quick Communicator. Follow her on Twitter  @gerrigershon, for all sorts of useful information about education. For system wide news about the TDSB, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/TDSBupdate.

Friday, 9 February 2018

Owen Online Feb. 12-16, 2018

Boogie for Books

On Wednesday February 14th during the school day Owen will be having it’s annual Valentine’s Day dance-a-thon fundraiser.

OSAC’s goal is to raise $8000 towards leveled reading books for both English and French.

This year all contributions can be made through School Cash Online: tdsb.schoolcashonline.com

All contributions are greatly appreciated!

To make a contribution of $25 or more and receive a tax receipt, please log into your School Cash Online account and click on the “Make A Donation” tab. Then enter the amount you would like to donate and select “Owen Pubic School” on the “Fund Destination” scroll-down menu.

Go Owen! Get your groove on!

Milk Ticket Schedule

March Tickets - on sale February 19-28, delivered March 5
April Tickets - on sale March 19-29, delivered April 3
May Tickets - on sale April 23-May 2, delivered May 7

June Tickets - on sale May 21-30, delivered June 4


Parents as Partners Conference
Save the date! Join us for the free Parents as Partners Conference – a conference for parents, by parents – on Saturday, April 28!



Report Cards go home on Monday, February 12th and interviews will begin that week. Your child's teacher will be in contact to arrange a time for an interview.


Black History Month

In February, we celebrate Black History Month. During this time every year, Canadians are invited to take part in events that honour the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have helped to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today. At Owen we will continue to learn about the experiences of many inspirational people in history by sharing this information in our classrooms, library and over the morning announcements.

Medic Alert 

Thanks to generous donors and supporters, the MedicAlert No Child Without program has protected over 66,000 children since 2006. No Child Without is offered free of charge to children ages 4 to their 14th birthday through over 6,000 participating public and Catholic schools across Canada.

If your child is attending a participating school, simply follow the steps below to enroll:
Step 1: Complete this online form to receive a unique bar code and PIN or pick up an enrollment brochure from your child’s school.
Step 2: Visit the enrollment page and enroll online or call 1-877-282-5378 (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST).

After you complete the enrollment process, your child’s MedicAlert protection (a $60 annual value service plan) begins immediately. Your child will receive their free MedicAlert ID (a $39 value), shipped by Canada Post directly to your home, in two to three weeks.

http://www.nochildwithout.ca/parent_enrol.asp

Barcode: 14858306
PIN: 309528

*Please note: If you have difficulty with the Barcode and PIN, please call the phone number above to register.



  • Community Coffee - Monday February 26, 9:15 AM
  • Ward Forum - April Date TBA on the Budget, 7:00 PM
  • Community Coffee - April meeting cancelled
  • Ward Forum - Tuesday May 22, 7:00 PM
  • Community Coffee - Wednesday June 18, 9:15 AM
Gerri

We are fortunate to have Gerri Gershon as our Trustee.  To stay informed with Gerri, please sign up for her e-newsletter at www.tdsb.on.ca/gershon and read her Newsletters - Quick Communicator. Follow her on Twitter  @gerrigershon, for all sorts of useful information about education. For system wide news about the TDSB, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/TDSBupdate.


Friday, 2 February 2018

Owen Online - Feb. 5 - 9, 2018

Pick Up and Drop Off for Drivers
Lately we've had a number of problems at both the drop off loop at the front of the school and at the back by the bus loop, with drivers parking illegally and dangerous driving. Please do not park in the loops or block the flow of traffic. During the morning drop off cars are blocking the crosswalk by the bus loop in the back or backing up through the crosswalk after pulling in to the bus loop. 

Parking Enforcement Officers are out most mornings to support us in safety awareness and enforcement, please drive with care and courtesy through our school zones. Thank you.



Dance-a-thon - Wednesday February 14th.  
Students dress in your favourite dance party clothes to enjoy a great day of dancing and help us raise funds for books for Jk to grade 4 classrooms. Get ready to Move to the Groove, Stomp your feet to the Beat, Rock and Roll with Soul and Dance!  Dance!  Dance! 

Donations can be made through school cash online, a link will be sent out closer to the date. Donations of $25 or more will receive a tax receipt.


Owen School Advisory Council (OSAC) 

Our next OSAC meeting for parents is on Tuesday, February 6th, 2018 at 6:30pm in the staff room. All parents are welcome!


Parents as Partners Conference
Save the date! Join us for the free Parents as Partners Conference – a conference for parents, by parents – on Saturday, April 28!



Report Cards go home on Monday, February 12th and interviews will begin that week. Your child's teacher will be in contact to arrange a time for an interview.


Graduation Photos!!!
Grade 5 students will have their graduation photos done on Tuesday, Feb. 6th and the Grade 6 students will be on Wednesday, Feb. 7th. Students are asked to wear a white shirt, ties are optional. Gowns and caps provided.


Medic Alert 

Thanks to generous donors and supporters, the MedicAlert No Child Without program has protected over 66,000 children since 2006. No Child Without is offered free of charge to children ages 4 to their 14th birthday through over 6,000 participating public and Catholic schools across Canada.

If your child is attending a participating school, simply follow the steps below to enroll:
Step 1: Complete this online form to receive a unique bar code and PIN or pick up an enrollment brochure from your child’s school.
Step 2: Visit the enrollment page and enroll online or call 1-877-282-5378 (Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST).

After you complete the enrollment process, your child’s MedicAlert protection (a $60 annual value service plan) begins immediately. Your child will receive their free MedicAlert ID (a $39 value), shipped by Canada Post directly to your home, in two to three weeks.

http://www.nochildwithout.ca/parent_enrol.asp

Barcode: 14858306
PIN: 309528

*Please note: If you have difficulty with the Barcode and PIN, please call the phone number above to register.

Winter Walk Day
Join in the fun on Wednesday, February 7 as we celebrate Winter Walk Day at the TDSB and across Canada!


Junior Extended French (JEF) 
(Grade 4 Entry)

Applications to the Junior Extended French program may be submitted, on behalf of students in the English program, the year the child is in Grade 3 for entry in September of Grade 4. It is an entirely online process. All communication will be sent via the email address you provide. Please check your email regularly, including junk mail folders.

·     You will need your child’s date of birth and OEN. The OEN is a 9-digit number found on any report card from the TDSB.
·     For non-TDSB students, please select the “Non-TDSB Student” option and follow the steps to generate an identification number. You must then return to the PARS site and follow the application procedure with this number.
·     Please select Junior Extended French from the drop-down menu and complete the application process.
On-time applicants will be offered a placement online via the email address you have provided. You MUST take action to accept this placement by the deadline requested when you are offered a placement.
Offers of placement will be on-going through the weeks and months following the close of the application period. Please check your email regularly, including junk mail folders, and follow any instructions.
IMPORTANT DATES:
Application process opens: Monday, January 8, 2018
Deadline for applications: Thursday, February 8, 2018
Please note:
·     while every effort will be made to place students in the school identified as their area JEF school, this is not always possible. In cases where the number of applications in a given area is greater than the number of spaces in the school, students may be redirected to schools with available space.
·     Placements are made based on the address you provide prior to the application deadline. If your address changes between the application deadline and the fall of the Grade 4 year, there is no guarantee of placement in your new area.


  • Community Coffee - Monday February 26, 9:15 AM
  • Ward Forum - April Date TBA on the Budget, 7:00 PM
  • Community Coffee - April meeting cancelled
  • Ward Forum - Tuesday May 22, 7:00 PM
  • Community Coffee - Wednesday June 18, 9:15 AM
Gerri

We are fortunate to have Gerri Gershon as our Trustee.  To stay informed with Gerri, please sign up for her e-newsletter at www.tdsb.on.ca/gershon and read her Newsletters - Quick Communicator. Follow her on Twitter  @gerrigershon, for all sorts of useful information about education. For system wide news about the TDSB, visit www.tdsb.on.ca/TDSBupdate.


Owen Online Family Update - Week of December 18

  Dear Owen Families, As we approach the holidays, we are often reminded to count the ways in which we are fortunate.  While there are many ...