December 8, 2009

Principal’s Note:

On Saturday, Dec. 5^th, our students performed the final presentation of “Little Shop of Horrors.” This was an amazing feat, with over 140 students involved in all aspects of the production, and over 45 staff supervisors — culminating in one of the best shows York Mills has ever had!  I hope that many of you had an opportunity to see it.  Next year our students will be performing for placement in the Sears Festival, and with any luck, we’ll see some familiar faces perform and sing in the Festival.

If you missed the school show, we still have an evening of entertainment for everyone next week.  Our annual Music Night is on Monday, December 14^th at 7:00 p.m., and as always, promises to be a memorable evening for all.

This morning, 14 students and I visited Sunny View and Park Lane Schools.  The students were taken aback by the nature of the schools and the needs of students in those schools.  Sunny View has a Snoezelen Room.  This is a room where the students are given an opportunity to experience their senses.  Most of their lives are spent in wheelchairs, and this room, filled with sound, colour, texture and images, allows the senses to awaken.  At Park Lane, all students are in wheelchairs, some ambulatory.  The teachers and assistants at Park Lane have created make-shift Snoezelen rooms – they don’t compare in any way with the room at Sunny View.  Our students had an opportunity to see the dire need for the Park Lane students and have committed to act as a team so that most of our fundraisers in semester 2 would be dedicated to Park Lane’s Snoezelen room.  If you would like more information, please Google Snoezelen Room.

At lunch today, our student bands and singers performed in our annual Rock Show.  The show was outstanding and the performers were magnificent!!!  Our Rock Show continues tomorrow over lunch.

Along with our historically successful holiday food drive, this year we are also collecting clothing.  If you are cleaning out your wardrobe, please bring your clothes in bags to the main office up to 9:00 a.m. on December 15th.  The clothes will be delivered to Marc Garneau C.I. on December 15^th.

Our MP, Rob Oliphant, is pumping up the Olympic spirit by holding a mock torch relay on December 15^th, where 12 of our students will be running in partnership with Etienne Brule, Leaside and Marc Garneau C.I.  The event will culminate with an assembly at Marc Garneau at approximately 11:00 a.m.

The official Olympic Torch Relay team will be making a stop at York Mills C.I. on December 17^th at approximately 4:30 p.m.  I will be asking our students to show support by wearing red and white on that day, and hope that many stay after school to welcome and cheer the torch bearers as they continue their trek to the downtown destination.  I welcome all to join in this occasion.  Updated information can be found on the TDSB website.

Ms. Allingham retired at the end of November, and I want to take this opportunity to wish her a wonderful retirement.  We look forward to hearing about her new adventures as she looks forward to pursuing some of her many hobbies.  Along with clothing design, another of Ms. Allingham’s hobbies is creating and making jewellery.  One of Ms. Allingham’s most noted creations hangs proudly in the main office – Joseph’s Coat of Many Colours.  Thank you for all you’ve accomplished, all the costumes you created, goodies you helped our students cook, and all your support.  We will miss her.

We said goodbye to Mr. Leask from our DD program.  Mr. Leask has been a strong influence on our DD students, assisting students through the lunch period, and then supervising our DD students as they perform their daily after-lunch tasks. Former DD students joined us in the DD classroom to wish Mr. Leask farewell and good luck.  It was great to see our former DD graduates.

Our DD class has been chosen as a Demonstration Classroom for DD programs across the Board.  We’re very proud of the work Ms. Chan and the DD staff does here, and for their dedication to our students.

A note to all Grade 12 students:  If you think you might need to upgrade your MHF4U next semester, I urge you to sign up for night school ASAP.  If you think you might need MHF4U in your second semester timetable, please see Guidance right away.  Space is very limited in this course.  Not sure?  See Guidance.

YMAC has once again produced an outstanding edition of “The Sports Report.”  Should any of your children like a copy, please have them see Jelena Pejic or any YMAC student.

Should parents need to find out game times and locations for an athletic event, this information is now available on www.TDSB.on.ca. , then click on TDSB Sports under the ‘Features’ section on the left.  Scroll down to the date, and all the games scheduled on that date will appear.  You can then click onto the location on the same line to get a map.

Traditionally, our December staff meeting is held on the last Friday afternoon before the holiday break.  On December 18^th, students will be dismissed at noon.  There will be no cafeteria service that day.

Regular classes resume on January 4^th, 2010.

Students will be receiving a copy of their Examination schedule by the end of this week .  I have attached a copy for your convenience.  Extra copies will be available in the office.

Jan 2010 Examination Schedule

On behalf of the York Mills C.I. staff, I wish you all the joys of the holiday season, and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

November 24, 2009

Principal’s Note:  November 24, 2009

All parents/guardians should have received your child’s report card last Friday.  Included with the report card is:

• Information re Parent/Teacher Interviews information 
• A form for booking interviews with your child’s teachers
• A letter from your YMSAC (School Council)

I hope to see you for our Parent/Teacher interview sessions on Thursday, November 26^th between 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

 Please be advised that there is a late start on Friday, November 27th.  All students are expected to be in class by 10:00 a.m.  As the weather gets colder and conditions require longer travel time, we appreciate your assistance with getting our students to class on time.  They need to arrive at school by 8:30 a.m. in order to be in class – ready to learn – at 8:45 a.m. 

 I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new staff members: 

• Mary Billinghurst     English, Special Education
• Don Sexton                  Business Studies
• Judy Lac                      Family Studies
• Deb Timewell              EA – DD Program
• Nicole Brown              Hall Monitor

 The Ward Forum on November 30^th at Sunnyview Public School, 450 Blythwood Road (Bayview North of Eglinton) at 7:00 p.m., promises to be interesting for all parents.  Please see below for more information.

From Trustee Gershon

A New Vision of Hope

We all want our children to attend schools where there is a clear focus on academic accomplishment and the opportunity for children to develop their full potential. The Director of Education, Chris Spence has developed a Vision of Hope with three priority areas to guide this vision: 

• Student achievement
• parent and community engagement
• financial stability

His plan encompasses many different aspects of the school system such as; a school for boys only, better aligning our resources and programs to our facilities (school closures, renovations or consolidations), the establishment of a parent academy, further enhancing school energy plans, and the development of full service schools- to name only a few proposed initiatives!

——————————————-

 Please see below for Olympic Torch Relay News:

November 23, 2009

Dear families,

On December 17, the Olympic Flame will arrive in Toronto. Toronto has been chosen as a Celebration Community and will host the Olympic Flame from December 17-19 as it travels across the country leading up to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

 From October 30 to the opening of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games, the Olympic Torch Relay will travel over 45,000-kilometres across Canada over 106 days, visiting over 1,000 communities and will be carried by 12,000 people. More than 200 athletes will represent the Canadian Olympic Team when the Games officially open on February 12, 2010.

You are all invited to participate in this once-in a lifetime event and welcome the Olympic Flame to Toronto. A special Community Celebration will be held on December 17 at Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. It promises to be a night to remember. The event will showcase a number of special performances by local, national and international artists, which all age groups can enjoy. There will also be appearances by past and present Olympians and Toronto’s Final Torchbearer, Olympic medal winner Vicky Sunohara, who will light the cauldron. The evening will conclude with an amazing fireworks display. 

You can also celebrate by lining the route and cheering for the Torchbearers as they run through Toronto. Past Olympians such as Sunohara, sailor Paul Henderson and rower Marnie McBean, along with hundreds of everyday Canadians, will be carrying the Olympic Flame as the relay winds through our streets. Complete details of the route and times will be released in early December. 

 Many of your children will be learning about the history and spirit of the Torch Relay and the Winter Olympics in the classroom. The Canadian Olympic Committee and the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee also have curriculum materials available on their websites for students and their families who want to learn more. Visit www.olympic.a or www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-torch-relay

The Canadian Olympic Committee is also encouraging Canadians to cheer on Olympic athletes by “painting the town red”. This could involve dressing in red clothes, face painting, writing letters to athletes or just making noise to cheer on the Torch bearers.  For ideas on how to get involved, visit olympic.ca and download the paintbook of ideas – or use your imagination to come up with your own ideas to use the colour red in support of Canadian athletes.

For further information on the route, profiles on local torchbearers, and the celebration event on December 17 at Nathan Phillips Square visit www.toronto.ca/mie/olympictorchrelay/index.htm

 Toronto 2010 Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay Community Task Force

November 6, 2009

We had our second YMSAC (School Council) meeting last Tuesday, and I was happy to see the number of parents who came out.  Please refer to the York Mills web page regularly for information from your YMSAC co-chairs.  Our next meeting is scheduled for January 18^th, where your co-chairs will be welcoming a panel discussion with our elected officials.  More information to come.

 For your information, our first School Dance will be held this evening from 7:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m.

H1N1:  Please check TDSB website for daily updates.

• Hand sanitizers placed in all classes, offices, weight room, gyms, etc.
• School handles, railings are disinfected several times a day and at end of day
• Students who appear ill have been brought to the office and parents have been         called to take students home
• Announcements made, preventative procedures on information screens all day

 Recent events:

• Ms. Olajos, Mr. Pietersen, Mr. Lee, Mr. Heffernan, Ms. L’Estrange, Mr. Doig, and Ms. Fulford participated as a York Mills relay team on Oct. 18^th in the Toronto Marathon.  They all finished.
• The Gr. 10 Academic Science classes are doing research on Laser Eye surgery.  The project is due this week.
• The 12U Physics classes are doing research on space exploration.  Their major project is due near the end of December.
• On Nov. 8^th,  2:00 p.m., the St. Andrews and York Mills Marching band are performing at the Maple Santa Claus Parade at Major MacKenzie, between Jane & Keele St.
• On Nov. 11, Remembrance Day, the Sr. Band will be performing at and North York Civic Centre for their Remembrance Day ceremony.
• Band students will be taking part in a Band clinic, where they will receive instructions from Conductor-composer Richard Saucedo from Ohio.
• We have formed a band mentorship program with St. Andrew’s Gr. 7 band students.  Our Sr. Band students will be instructing St. Andrew’s students periodically throughout the year.
• Canadian History classes went to the Holocaust Centre where they talked with holocaust survivors.
• The APS classes went to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, where they had an interactive session with people who had been treated for mental health issues such as depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.  They learned that these diseases should not be stigmatized, are not life sentences and that with treatment, people can live normal lives.
• Fashion for a Cause students have started their fundraising campaign – candy grams.  Over the past two years our Fashion Shows have raised awareness for physical and mental well-being, and have addressed body image and eating disorders. This year they will be addressing the San Filippo Syndrome – a disease which affects the brain and other organs and ultimately stops the development of children.

 Ambassador Club:  Raised $160, matched by YMAC, ended up sending $320 to a gr. 8 class in Oshawa for a breakfast club.  Our students have now written pen-pal cards to this gr. 8 class, and students will follow-up with a Christmas gift with school supplies.

 Leadership Activity Day:  A successful teamwork-building and leadership skill-building day at Forest Valley for 60 grade 10s who will hopefully go on to use their leadership skills in various clubs/teams/committees at York Mills. These grade 10s could become next year’s leadership activity day facilitators (the grade 11s and 12s led the 10s).

 Eco Team:  Mr. Heffernan took 8 eco team members to the Eco-schools kick-off event. The team is planning our first event to help students identify their dirty little secrets (eco sins).

 YM DECA had a fabulous showing at the Regional Competition held on October 29^th at Seneca College. This was our best year yet!

Here are the results:

Medal Winners (placed in the top three in their category)

Do Yeon Lee/Ming Zhou – First place overall, written top ten (both), and
oral top ten
Cindy Li – First place overall, written top ten, and oral top ten
Jeffrey Chen/Hao Lin – Third place overall, written top ten (Jeffrey), and
oral top ten
Kasey Wang – Third place overall, written top ten and oral top ten

Ribbon Winners ( placed in the top ten of their category):

Hanbo Xiao – oral top ten (ASM)
Don Lee – written top ten (ASM)
Michael Jung – oral top ten (ACT)
Virginia Carefoote – written top ten (ACT)
Jocelyn Leung – oral top ten (AAM)
Kathy Nitta – written top ten (AAM)
Janet Kwan – oral top ten (FSM)
Brian Kwok – oral top ten (MMS)
Tiffany Leung – written top ten (MMS)
Chantal Lam – written top ten (QSRM)
Ivy Heung – oral top ten (RFSM)
Tyler Fong – written top ten (TMDM)
Tiffany Tsang/Amy Luo – oral top ten (BMDM)

2009 YORK MILLS C.I. ATHLETICS FALL SEASON

 Cross Country: York Mills claimed the Jr. Boys, Sr. Girls, Overall Men’s and Overall Women’s North Region titles. Every runner qualified and advanced to cities where they placed a respectable 5^th in all of Toronto.

 Varsity Girls Field Hockey: For the first time in its history, the team captured the North Region title this year finishing with a league record of four wins, no losses, and one tie. They qualified for Metros where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals against Sir John A MacDonald.  The team also participated in a tournament where teams from across the province attended.

 Junior Boys Soccer: The boys lost in the quarter-finals of the North Region playoffs.

 Senior Boys Soccer: The team played to a 4-0-1 regular season record.  The Sr. soccer team made it to the North Region finals this year losing a heartbreaker in overtime by the score of 1-0 to Westview.  Their efforts earned them a North Region Silver medal and will represent the AAAA North region in the city championships in the spring.

 Senior Boys Volleyball:  Current regular season record of 7 wins and 2 loses. The team is in a rebuilding stage having lost 5 of last years starters.  However with passion and drive, the team is looking to capture their 4^th North Region title in a row.  They have already qualified for the City Championships later on in November.

 Junior Girls Basketball:  The Jr. girls have a current regular season record of 6 wins and 2 losses and stand in second place in the North division.  They battled Earl Haig in the Regional semi-final playoffs on Tue. Nov. 3^rd.   In a grueling semi-final game with Downsview, the girls made a very noble effort and came home with the Silver

 Senior Girls Basketball:  Finished the regular season with 5 wins and 1 loss.  They played  Newtonbrook in the North Region quarter-finals, but lost in a grueling semi-final game to Downsview. 

 Tennis:  The tennis team had another stellar winning season.  The ranked boys’ team captured the North Region title and have now won it back to back years.  As well, the boy’s doubles team captured the Silver medal in the City Championships. 

 Golf: The boy’s team this year had another strong showing finishing as the North region silver medalists once again.  On an individual basis, Jane Tang captured the girls silver medal and represented the TDSSAA at OFSAA where she finished 21^st in the province out of 135 participants.   

 Rugby: 

Jr girls - Competed at the North region championships with a strong team effort

Jr. boys – Had a strong season competing at the Regional and City Championships.

Sr. Boys – Had another great season participating in both the Regional and City Championships.

 NOTE:  All York Mills Athletic team schedules, standings and scores can be found at www.tdsb.on.ca  under Features: TDSB Sports

 The school show is immersed into rehearsals, set building, etc.  It’s always exciting to see the final product, and I hope that many will come out to enjoy “Little Shop of Horrors.”

 This is the time of year when many of the clubs are gearing up for the holiday season.  Our Rock Show will perform over two lunch periods, the music department is planning another holiday concert, and the annual food drive is beginning.  It will be an exciting end to 2009.

 I encourage parents to stress the importance of getting to class on time.  Students should be at school by 8:30 a.m. so that they are in class by 8:45 a.m. and ready to start the day’s instruction.  The end of first semester seems to sneak up on us quite quickly after mid-semester and after the holidays.  It’s important that students ask teachers for extra help now, and that students attend the sessions that teachers offer for extra help. 

 IMPORTANT DATES:

 Nov 2 – 13            Grad photos

Nov 11                  Remembrance Day

Nov 19                  12:15 dismissal (Staff Development)

Nov 20                  Report Card Distribution

Nov 24                  10:00 a.m. late start (Staff Meeting Schedule)

Nov 25                  Canadian Open Math Competitions

Nov 26                  Parent/Teacher Interviews – 1:30-3:30p.m., and 6:00-                                                  8:00 p.m.

Dec 2                     Home Form rep meeting

Dec 2 – 5               School Show

Dec 8, 9                 Rock Show – extended lunch period – Titan Hall

Dec 14                   Music Night – 7:00 p.m.

Dec 17                   Passing of Olympic Torch – time TBA

Dec 17                   Alumni Hockey game

Dec 18                   Last day before holidays – 12:00 noon dismissal – Staff Meeting

Dec 19-Jan 3         Happy Holidays

Jan 4                      Regular classes resume

 

October 6, 2009

Principal’s Note – October 6, 2009

 We held our first YMSAC (School Council) Meeting last Wednesday, and I thank parents for attending.  Parents had an opportunity to listen to our major club heads who described some of the activities they run throughout the year, and to ask questions about their child joining, etc.  Kathy Kawasaki, our Library Curriculum Leader, demonstrated for parents the sites students and parents can access through the school’s web page. 

Website: schools.tdsb.on.ca/yorkmillsci/

 Our YMSAC co-chairs, Mercy Yan and Christine Pickering, concluded the meeting with establishing a solid YMSAC executive for 2009-2010.

 Our student Leadership Team attended a day at Forest Valley to prepare for the Grade 10 Forest Valley leadership experience on October 14th.  There are a few spaces left for our Grade 10’s.  Forms may be picked up outside of Room 145.

 The DD class also enjoyed a day at Forest Valley where they explored nature, enjoyed a cookout and hiked.  This week our DD students will be at Lucy McCormick School where they will be experiencing different facets of the food industry.

 Our fall athletics are underway and I will keep you posted as soon as I receive semi-final results.  I’m predicting a repeat of last year’s stellar performance.

 We will be showcasing all of our 40 existing clubs during Club Fest at lunch, in Titan Hall on Thursday, October 8^th. This is a great opportunity for students to investigate membership in a club they might be interested in.

 As per Board policy, we are required to hold three “Fire Drills” per semester, and two “Hold and Secure” or “Lockdown” drills per semester.  We will be holding our first Hold and Secure drill on Tuesday, October 13^th.  Although classes will not be interrupted, it is important for all in the building to know their responsibilities in the event of an emergency.

 All students will be receiving their very first academic report cards on October 16^th.  The Interim Report is intended as an early indicator of present success in each course.  The report will indicate a current letter standing so that students can gauge the need for extra help outside of classroom time.  I urge students to make arrangements with their teachers for early morning, lunch, and after-school help.  The Mid-semester report card will be distributed on November 20^th.

 Future Overnight Trips:  This year the teachers are organizing three trips:

            February — Family Day Weekend:  Mont Tremblant Ski Resort

            February 10-16:  School Band to perform at Disney World

            March Break:   France, Monaco, Italy and Spain

  Grade 12 Students:  Each student received a package in home room.  The package contains important information about Post Secondary Planning.  If your child did not get one, they may pick one up in Student Services.

 If you are thinking of downsizing and have a piano you may want to dispose of, we are gladly accepting piano donations.  Please call Bill McMillan at the school to arrange for pickup.

 As always, please check our web page periodically to get important communication from Student Services and other departments.

 Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

 IMPORTANT DATES (*depicts date changes, if any)

Oct 8               Club Fest (Club information day)

Oct 12             Thanksgiving Day Holiday

Oct 14             York U Science Olympics

Oct 15             McMaster U Science Olympics

Oct 16             Interim Report Card Distribution

Oct 20             Canadian National Math League Contests

Oct 20             Ward Forum Meeting with Trustee Gershon – (See note below)

Oct 27             10:00 a.m. late start (Staff Meeting Schedule)

Oct 28             12:15 dismissal (Staff Development)

Nov 2 – 13      Grad photos

Nov 16                        Photo retake day

Nov 19                        12:15 dismissal (Staff Development)

Nov 20                        Report Card Distribution

Nov 24                        10:00 a.m. late start (Staff Meeting Schedule)

Nov 25                        Canadian Open Math Competitions

Nov 26                        Parent/Teacher Interviews – 1:30-3:30p.m., and 6:00-8:00 p.m.

 WELCOME FROM SCHOOL TRUSTEE – GERRI GERSHON

School is in and so begins another year filled with opportunities, challenges and discovery.

 I am your elected official and, as such, I help set educational policy and act as an ombudsman to constituents in my community. My phone number is (416) 395-8408.

I hold regular meetings with parents and staff and everyone is welcome. The first ward forum will be held on Tuesday, Oct 20^th at Northlea Elementary and Middle School at 7 PM. This will be an opportunity to hear from our Superintendent of Schools about educational initiatives in your school and to hear from me about Board issues that will affect your children. 

 Tentative dates for other meetings are Tuesday October 20, Monday November 30, Wednesday January 27, Thursday February 25, Thursday April 29, and Monday May 31. Please let me know in advance of a particular issue that is of interest, so it may be included as part of the agenda. Your school will confirm the location of these forums as the dates come closer.

 To keep in touch I send out an email update on educational issues called the Quick Communicator. If you would like to be added to my list to receive the newsletter and ward forum locations, please email me at gerri.gershon@tdsb.on.ca. I also have a webpage on the TDSB website.  In addition I will be establishing a Facebook address.

 

You have a terrific parent group supporting the educational system in this school. Please become involved in any way you can either on the council, as a classroom or school volunteer or an adult chaperon on school trips.  Best wishes for a successful school year!

 

 

Gerri Gershon

Trustee, Don Valley West

416 395 8408

gerri.gershon@tdsb.on.ca.

 

Website:  schools.tdsb.on.ca/yorkmillsci/

Agenda, YMSAC Sept. 30, 7:00 p.m.

York Mills Collegiate Institute

School Advisory Council Meeting

September 30, 2009

7:00 p.m. – Titan Hall

 

AGENDA

 

Co-Chairs:  Mercy Yan, Christine Pickering

 

6:45 p.m.           Musical Interlude                                   Grace Chan (Gr. 11 student)

 

7:00 p.m.           Welcome                                              Mercy Yan & Christine Pickering                                                                                              (Nominated Co-Chairs)

 

7:05 p.m.          Master of Ceremonies:                                            

 

                        SAC – Student Activity Council             Jeremy Stein (SAC President)

                                                                                    Video Presentation (5 min.)

 

                        YMAC – YM Athletic Council              Jelena Pejic (YMSAC President)

                                                                                    Maddy Banks (YMSAC Vice-Pres)

 

                        Spectrum – Yearbook                            Ivy Tang                                                                                                                                   Upin Li

 

                        ESP – Empowered Student Partnership  Boori Jo

                       

                        School Play                                           Angel Shang & Adriana Tsang              

 

                        Resource/Library Services                     Kathy Kawasaki – Assistant

                                                                                    Curriculum Leader

                                   

                        Student Services                                    Janice Chappell-Traimer,

                        Tutoring, homework, announcements      Curriculum Leader                               

                       

7:30                  Principal’s Report                                  Clara Williams

                       

7:45                  Vice-Principal’s Report                         Alison Paul

                                                                                    Todd Bushell

 

8:00                  YMSAC Elections                                 School Council Co-Chairs

 

 

 

Future Meetings, 7:30 p.m. Titan Hall   November 3                           April 26 January 18                             May 18 February 22

To contact us: Mercy Yan: mercy_yan@manulife.com Christine Pickering:                              christine.pickering@gmail.com

September 12, 2009

Principal’s Notes:  September 12, 2009

 Hello Parents and Guardians:

 Welcome to the 2009-2010 school year.  Many of you are familiar with my periodic emails, and for those whose children are joining York Mills C.I. for the first year, I hope that you will find my emails/blogs very informative.

 I trust that your children have completed the registration process and are now immersed in their first semester classes.  We have completed all our Grade assemblies, and are confident that our students are on their way to enjoying the numerous activities at York Mills C.I., as well as enjoying their courses.  Some of the highlights of the assemblies were:

• Arrive at 8:30 a.m. to make your 8:45 a.m. period 1 class.
• We are an eco school – pick up after yourself, recycle, place your garbage in the bins provided.
• Food in designated areas – no flavoured beverages allowed in the classrooms.
• Sign in if you miss your first period of the day.
• Sign out (with a note) if going to an appointment – sign back in when returning to school.
• Exams and special dates are engraved in stone.
• The school IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for any stolen items such as electronics
• All electronics are to be powered off at the start of Period 1 to the end of Period 2, then beginning Period 3 to end of Period 4.  Electronics may be turned over to teachers and administrators, and parents may be called before getting them back.
• It is your responsibility to listen to the morning announcements and deadlines announced.
• MOST IMPORTANT:  REPORT ANY BEHAVIOUR THAT IS THREATENING TO YOU AND TO YOUR FELLOW STUDENTS.

 I want to thank parents for your support in helping to maintain an atmosphere of respect and professionalism at York Mills.

 The SAC has many activities planned for the upcoming weeks, and we hope that all students take advantage of these opportunities.  These activities present numerous leadership opportunities for our students, which serve them well in building character and integrity.

 Each student received a Student Agenda, which is a very important document.  The agenda contains the Code of Conduct, information on the life of the school, and most importantly, exams and evaluation dates.  Students were advised at the grade assemblies that these dates are carved in stone, and no student will be exempt from these exam dates.   One of the main functions of the student agenda is to record special events and assignment deadlines. I urge parents to become familiar with the special dates for late starts, early dismissals, exam dates, etc., and to plan your family events outside of the exam dates. 

 This week:  Students will be taking their yearbook and student card photos, as well as their TTC card photo, on Wednesday, September 6^th.  In addition to the photo package, students wishing to purchase TTC cards will need $5.00 cash.

 Our first event of the year is our Grade 10 Curriculum Night on Wednesday,  Sept. 23^rd – 6:00 – 8:00 p.m..  Grade 10 students will be bringing home a letter regarding this event.  Parents will have an opportunity to see the subject materials your children are using, and our curriculum leaders and teachers will be available to answer your questions.  Please be advised that this is not a parent/teacher interview evening, and that your child’s teacher may not necessarily be available.

 Grade 10 students will soon be receiving information about applying for our Leadership Camp Activity Day, which will take place all day on October 14^th. 

 For Grade 12 students, lunch-time information sessions regarding colleges and universities will begin the week of September 21^st.  More information regarding the University Fairs will be posted in the Guidance office.  Please remind your child to check the Guidance bulletin board daily for important information.

 The first School Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 p.m.  Please join us at 6:45 p.m. for a musical interlude performed by our music students.  Your co-chairs, Mercy Yan and Christine Pickering, have arranged an information-packed evening for parents to learn more about our major clubs, athletics, awards, etc.  Please mark this evening on your calendars.

 Student Services regularly posts upcoming events online, and I post a blog/email approximately once a month.  Please contact Jackie Couch at Jackie.couch@tdsb.on.ca if your email address has changed or if you no longer wish to receive emails.  As always, indicate your child’s name for Jackie’s email spreadsheet.

 And finally, we welcome the following new teachers to YMCI:

• Lucy Burston                           Guidance
• Janice Chappell-Traimer    CL of Guidance
• Lon Darby                                Biology
• Christina Koutsaris              Business Studies
• Jason Ochoski                        Tech/Guidance
• Tayyabah Sadar                    English/Science
• Narges Shams-Hakimi        Computer Studies
• Dave Stickney                        Math
• Helen Summerfield              DD Class
• Basdeo Upadhyaya              Science
• Alison Zigelstein                   Social Sciences/English

 I will attempt to keep you informed of upcoming dates and events along the way.  Please see ‘Important Dates’ at the end of this communication.

 Wishing you and your children a successful school year and I look forward to seeing you on September 30^th for our first School Council Meeting.

 IMPORTANT DATES (*depicts date changes, if any)

Sept 16            School Photos – packages available in main office

Sept 16            TTC Photos — $5.00 cash

Sept 23            Grade 10 Curriculum Night — 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Sept 29            10:00 a.m. late start (Staff Meeting Schedule)

Sept 30            Leadership Activity Day

Oct 2               Academic Awards Reception — 8:30 a.m.

Oct 8               Club Fest (Club information day)

Oct 12             Thanksgiving Day Holiday

Oct 14             York U Science Olympics

Oct 15             McMaster U Science Olympics

Oct 16             Interim Report Card Distribution

Oct 20             Canadian National Math League Contests

Oct 20             Ward Forum Meeting with Trustee Gershon (See note below)

Oct 27             10:00 a.m. late start (Staff Meeting Schedule)

Oct 28             12:15 dismissal (Staff Development)

Nov 2 – 13      Grad photos

Nov 16                        Photo retake day

Nov 19                        12:15 dismissal (Staff Development)

Nov 20                        Report Card Distribution

Nov 24                        10:00 a.m. late start (Staff Meeting Schedule)

Nov 25                        Canadian Open Math Competitions

Nov 26                        Parent/Teacher Interviews – 1:30-3:30p.m., and 6:00-8:00 p.m.

  WELCOME FROM SCHOOL TRUSTEE – GERRI GERSHON

School is in and so begins another year filled with opportunities, challenges and discovery.

 I am your elected official and, as such, I help set educational policy and act as an ombudsman to constituents in my community. My phone number is (416) 395-8408.

I hold regular meetings with parents and staff and everyone is welcome. The first ward forum will be held on Tuesday, Oct 20^th at Northlea Elementary and Middle School at 7 PM. This will be an opportunity to hear from our Superintendent of Schools about educational initiatives in your school and to hear from me about Board issues that will affect your children. 

 Tentative dates for other meetings are Tuesday October 20, Monday November 30, Wednesday January 27, Thursday February 25, Thursday April 29, and Monday May 31. Please let me know in advance of a particular issue that is of interest, so it may be included as part of the agenda. Your school will confirm the location of these forums as the dates come closer.

 To keep in touch I send out an email update on educational issues called the Quick Communicator. If you would like to be added to my list to receive the newsletter and ward forum locations, please email me at gerri.gershon@tdsb.on.ca. I also have a webpage on the TDSB website.  In addition I will be establishing a Facebook address.

 You have a terrific parent group supporting the educational system in this school. Please become involved in any way you can either on the council, as a classroom or school volunteer or an adult chaperon on school trips.  Best wishes for a successful school year!

 Gerri Gershon

Trustee, Don Valley West

416 395 8408

gerri.gershon@tdsb.on.ca.

 

Important Advanced Notice re IVR

 

 

June 16, 2009

Advanced Notice

 Dear Parents/Guardians,

As summer approaches, TDSB staff are turning attention from this past year to beginning preparations for a successful school year in September. One of the keys to success that is constant is regular communication with parents about issues and concerns that affect children.  The TDSB has a new automated system called Interactive Voice Response (IVR) that has been successfully piloted this past year and is being tested for availability to all schools for next year. The IVR will allow us to keep you informed about school and board-wide events, student absences and other important information. The system uses Text To Speech technology to “speak” the message using a synthetic voice.   English is the current language being used to deliver messages.   In future phases, other modes of communication will be provided such as email and text messaging, as well as other languages.

 A test message is scheduled to be broadcast to all TDSB households starting on Wednesday, June 17, 2009 through to Thursday, June 18, 2009.  Each day, calls will be made to the home number listed in the Student Information System, between the hours of 9:00 am and 9:00 pm.

 If the call is placed while you are not at home, the system will leave the message on your answering machine/call answer service.  If the delivery of the message is interrupted, for example the call is ended before the entire message is spoken, the system will make subsequent attempts to call your home.  A maximum of three attempts will be made to deliver the message.

 This new system will help us to ensure that you have important information about your school and your school board. Your co-operation is appreciated and we thank you for your patience as this test is conducted.

Sincerely,

 Clara Williams, Principal

Resending June 9, 2009

Science Competitions

We finally have the results from the Biology, Chemistry and Physics competitions our students took part in.

The student with a most spectacular achievement goes to Erik Sarkisyan who placed 4^th in all of Canada for the National Sir Isaac Newton Gr. 12 Physics test.  This is the highest achievement ever for a York Mills student!  Congratulations Erik!

Congratulations to Yong Lee – Top 80^th percentile in the Gr. 12 National Biology competition, and to Elizabeth Chan for placing Top in School, Grade 12 Chemistry.

The students in the Rocket Club have completed their “built-from-scratch” rockets, complete with parachutes.  After some minor modifications, the rockets were launched with stellar results!  A great engineering accomplishment by all!

 

 

Rocket Club (L to R:  Kevin Ai Xin Jue Luo, Waylon Chen, Arian Gholami, Eric Derohanian, Braeden Wine, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Kodai)

 

In Physics news, Mr. Meyer, second from right above, will be taking a one semester leave in September.  Although his 2-year old will keep him quite busy, he will also be serving as composer-in-residence for the Stratford Civic Orchestra for the 09-10 season.  He will provide music for two of three of their concerts.  He is also commissioned by the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra to write a piece for their 30^th anniversary season.  Congrats to Mr. Meyer!  See you in 2^nd semester.

Retiring:  Ms. Tobi Gordon

As announced to the parents at the last School Council meeting, Ms. Gordon will be retiring from York Mills C.I. at the end of this year.  Ms. Gordon’s career at YMCI spans years.  In this time, she established herself as an outstanding Media Studies teacher.  Ms. Gordon’s students in her Interdisciplinary Studies course have won many Hot Docs film competitions and have gone on to pursue post-secondary studies in the Media Arts industry.  Ms. Gordon is very proud of her students’ accomplishments and keeps an eye out for their influence in the industry.  Students and colleagues will miss Ms. Gordon’s expertise in the Arts, her creativity, support, sense of humour and friendship.  We wish Ms. Gordon all the best in her retirement.

Athletic Banquet

The Athletics Banquet was held on Friday evening, with students, parents, past teachers supporting and cheering one another as the MVP’s for the teams were acknowledged.  Recipients of Jr. and Sr. letters were announced, and dinner was superb.  A dance wrapped up the evening.  This was one of the classiest Athletic Banquets in memory, and it’s always a pleasure to have parents join us for this popular event.

The banquet’s highlight was the announcement of the male and female athlete of the year!  Congratulations to David Hatch and Samantha Beaton for achieving this well-deserved prestegious honour. 

And, although the Boys’ Baseball team wasn’t successful at OFSAA, they had a terrific run and they continue to play this week at city semi-finals, and finals.  Best of luck!!!!!

Recap of Spring teams:

Track and Field                        North Regional Championships:  Jr. Boys and Girls,  Sr.  Boys and Girls; overall girls, and overall team titles.    Julie Duchoslav, Josh George went to OFSAA.

 Varsity Boys Baseball               Won every game in regular season – all the way to a spot in  OFSAA. 

 Varsity Girls Softball                 Defended title as North Champions, and won City Finals.

 

Ultimate Frisbee                       The team advanced onto the City Championships and won  in the quarterfinals against Etobicoke CI, winning 10-5.

 Varsity Girls Rugby                   The girls team put in a great effort. Despite playing more  experienced teams, they came out hard every game. The  girls lost against a strong Northern Team in their playoff   game, but played their best game ever. 

 Junior Boys Rugby                    The boys played a terrific season, but unfortunately lost their playoff game to an intense first seed team.  We look  forward to next year’s stronger, more experienced team.

 Waterpolo                                The team went into the North Regional playoffs.  This led them to play in the semi finals against AY Jackson.  We’ll  get it next year!

 Tennis                                      Top finishers include Robert Vincent and Alex Kilgour  who both made it to the City Championship semi finals.  Congrats to Jessa Molyneaux, Allison Drainie, Kia  Khadem and Kevin Le on their tremendous OFSAA  performance.

Girls Soccer                             The team had a great season finishing with 6 wins, 0 losses  and1 tie, and went on to capture the North Region      Champions title.  In the cities, they lost in the finals,   earning them a Silver medal.  What a great season!

 Co-ed Volleyball                      Another incredible season, winning many tournaments,  including athe St. Jean de Brebeuf Provincial Tournament.     We beat CW Jefferies to become North Region Champs,   and came through the City Championships by beating       Woburn C.I.

 We look forward to our seasons next fall.  Go TITANS!

School Council Goodbye’s:   YMSAC prepared their traditional Staff Appreciation Luncheon last week, which staff look forward to each year.  This gives parents an opportunity to say “thank you” to staff and to learn more about the things they do for students.  We also took the opportunity to say “thank you” to the school council for all the work they do throughout the year, and a farewell to two of our outgoing co-chairs.  We wished Johanne Bleier and Stephen Wong all the very best as their children graduate from YMCI.  Joanne and David’s last obligation will be at Commencement on June 24^th,  as they congratulate graduating students by giving them a York Mills pin on behalf of our parents.  Johanne and Stephen, we will miss you.

Culminating Activities and Summatives

 Thursday and Friday, June 11 and 12, will be Tutorials by appointment in the morning, and Exams in the afternoon.  Please ensure that your child/ren have noted the date, time and place of each of their examinations. 

June 19 is Student Success Day.  This is an opportunity for teachers to set aside some time, with students who have been unsuccessful, to reflect and look at next steps. 

 June 22 is Mark Consultation Day.  This will be the only opportunity for students to consult with the teachers about their marks and exams. 

 June 24 is Commencement at Le Parc at 1:00 p.m.

 Relaxing on a Sunny Friday Afternoon

What do students do when their culminating activities are completed?  On a warm, sunny day last week, our students and their teacher were caught in the act of trying out their Muskoka chairs they built in tech class.  Looks like the chairs passed with flying colours!

                                               

 

 

FYI:  Special Dates for Next School Ye

In the event that some students and parents are looking ahead to planning for next year’s holidays, following are the dates for major holidays – as per Ministry of Education:

Labour Day                  7 Sept/09

Thanksgiving                 12 Oct/09

Winter Break                21 Dec/09 – 1 Jan/10

Family Day                   15 Feb/10

March Break                15-19 Mar/10

Good Friday                 2 Apr/10

Easter Monday            5 Apr/10

Victoria Day                 24 May/10

August Letters to Registered Students

All students who are registered to attend YMCI will be receiving a letter in mid-August outlining the procedure for beginning school in September. 

Ms. North York:  Congratulations to Page Song for securing the title of Ms. North York.  Page will now have an opportunity to represent North York for the Ms. Teen Canada competition.  All the best, and good luck!!!!!

End-of-year Grad Pranks

It is unfortunate that a small group of graduating students felt it necessary to place the entire school in an uncomfortable and frustrating situation yesterday at the end of lunch period.  These students responsible are known to us, and appropriate consequences will be imposed.  I trust that no further “pranks” will occur at year end.

June 15, 2009

Outstanding Accomplishments:

Russell Taylor               9^th Place –  2009 OAPT                               Provincial Physics Test

Albert Yee                   92^nd Percentile – 2009 Avogadro                               Provincial Gr. 11 Chemistry Contest

 Congratulations to Russell and Albert!

 Boys’ Baseball Update:

A rigorous season!  The boys brought home the Tier 1 City Championship!!!!! 

AND………………..

****As of Friday, Maxx Tissenbaum became the property of the Toronto Blue Jays!  Congratulations Maxx, and all the very best of luck.  We’ll be watching, and look forward to bragging rights.****

DD Class:

We congratulate our graduating students – the first to graduate from YMCI’s program.

Ali Narjarpour

Jae Young Lee

Lee Allen

Sharlene Ngo

Zachary McGinn

The class is preparing for end-of-year awards celebration, as well as a luncheon for staff and students who’ve been involved and supported the students throughout the year. 

We will miss our graduating students and we wish them the very best of luck in their future endeavors.

ECO Schools:

York Mills is now officially an Eco-School.  We have been granted Bronze status, and in September, we will continue to make progress towards Silver status.  I thank staff and students for their efforts in striving to make YM an eco-friendly environment.

Exams:

We will be in full Exam mode until Thursday.  Please note the following dates:

Monday, June 22          10:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon         Mark consultation       

                                                                                    Locker Cleanout

                                                                                    All texts returned

                                                                                    All library books returned

   

Friday, June 26  9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.            Report Card pickup     

                                                                                    (home form)

 

Locker Clean-up:

 Students have been reminded regularly that all lockers must be cleared out, and all locks must be removed by the end of Mark Consultation period, June 22^nd.  All resources (textbooks and library books, etc.) must be returned to the subject teacher by June 22^nd as well. 

                                        HAVE A TERRIFIC SUMMER

Congrats Maxx Tissenbaum

****As of today, June 12/09, Maxx Tissenbaum is the property of the Toronto Blue Jays!  Congratulations Maxx, and all the very best of luck.  We’ll be watching, and look forward to bragging rights.****