December 17, 2007

I’m happy to report that, in spite of the bad weather and our staff commuting from all corners of the GTA, all classes are running as scheduled.  The weather reports indicate that we’ve seen the worst of it for the week.  Some of you may have noticed that, although our driveway was ploughed, the driveway was quite narrow this morning.  I ask parents to drive into the parking lot to drop off your children, and not to block the driveway.  Police have indicated that they will spot-check and issue tickets, since stopping in front of the school is causing a traffic back-up, and creates a dangerous situation in the event of an emergency.

Our school show, “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” was a huge success, and many, many students who participated on stage and behind the scenes experienced the importance of teamwork.  Those of you who came out to see the performances know what a monumental effort our staff and students put forth in order to perform this outstanding musical before the holiday.  Many thanks to students, staff and parents for their support, assistance and perseverance.  It was a great show!

Our Girls’ Volleyball team was successful last week, emerging as champions in our all-day tournament against 12 schools.  We can add another notch to our numerous athletic accomplishments.  We are very proud of their outstanding performance and sportsmanship.  Hockey is in full swing, and the swim team is practicing most every day, the basketball teams are kept busy, and it’s been a joy to watch students presenting class projects and presentations as we near the end of semester 1. 

Our students have worked so hard this year, academically, athletically and in clubs.  This week, students continue their hard work in home forms by putting together shoeboxes filled with toys and supplies for distribution to needy children.  In the typical York Mills spirit, this too has taken on a competitive nature amongst home forms.  Our food drive is in full swing and students will be packing the trucks on Wednesday.  We are predicting a record number of shoeboxes and food boxes this year, in turn assisting numerous families over the holiday season. 

Music Night will go on as scheduled this evening, beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Hope to see you here.

Looking ahead, this will be the first year where many of our Grade 10 students will be writing exams in a formal exam setting.  It’s not too early to begin review, since upon returning from the holidays, students will have 11 school days to study, complete summatives, assignments, and performance exams before the formal examination schedule.  The exam schedule will be available shortly after returning in January.  No exceptions to the schedule will be made.

For Grade 11 & 12 students interested in studying commerce at an Ontario university, there will be a very special presentation taking place this Thursday, December 20th starting at 11:35, location TBA.  Please check the Student Services Blog for more information as it comes in.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a happy, healthy and restful holiday season.  All the best of the season to you and your family.

IMPORTANT DATES—PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*

Dec. 17            Staff Meeting:  2:20 p.m. dismissal

Dec. 17            Music Night, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 20            University Commerce Presentation — 11:35 a.m.

Dec. 20            Alumni Hockey Game, 2:00 p.m. buyout

Dec. 21            Special Schedule:  Last day before Winter Break – 12:00 p.m. dismissal

Jan. 7               Regular Classes Resume

Jan. 15            School Council Meeting, 7:30 p.m. –Titan Hall

*Jan. 21           Regular Day Schedule (formerly late start)

Feb. 7 & 8       Grad Photo Retake Day  — appointments booked in front office

November 28, 2007

November has been a very exciting month at YMCI, and December is looking much the same way.   I want to congratulate our Sr. Boys Volleyball team for their outstanding performance at last weekend’s OFSAA championship games.  I heard from several parents, teachers and the boys, that it was one of the best events they’ve ever attended.  The boys came home with the 2007 Championship Consolation Plaque.  We’ve now shifted gears towards Hockey, Basketball, and Girls Volleyball.  I’ll keep you informed as we move along.

Our stage production, “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown” is in its final stages of rehearsals, and from what we can see, it promises to be an exciting and memorable performance.  Performance dates are listed below.

The grade 10 history teachers have planned a trip to Ottawa to take place in second semester.  The presentation last Monday evening showcased some of the sites the students will be seeing – government buildings, museums, etc.  Information has gone home to parents, and students have all received a presentation from teachers.  Only forty students will be travelling, first-come-first-served, with a commitment deadline of December 11.  For more information, feel free to contact Mr. Mahoney or Mr. Koskins.

For your information, we reminded students this morning that cell phones are to be turned off at all times in the building, and that headgear is not to be worn in the school.  I congratulate students for following school policy, and I’m happy to report that we have been confiscating fewer and fewer i-pods and cell phones. 

I am hoping that the novelty of the first major snowfall has passed, and that students refrain from throwing snowballs at each other.  An announcement was made Tuesday morning informing students that if caught throwing snowballs at anyone or anything, suspensions will be imposed without discussion. 

Our family of schools is hosting a Parents’ Information Night at Leaside High School on December 6^th at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.  The subject is:  “Social Networking & Internet Safety” presented by PC Scott Mills from the Toronto Police Services and Microsoft Canada Security Initiative Team.

IMPORTANT DATES—PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*

Nov. 30           Board PA Day – No classes

Dec. 5 – 7        School Show, Evening Performances, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 8              School Show, Matinee, 2:00 p.m.

Dec. 17            Staff Meeting:  2:20 p.m. dismissal

Dec. 17            Music Night, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 20            Alumni Hockey Game, TBA

Dec. 21            Special Schedule:  Last day before Winter Break

Jan. 7               Regular Classes Resume

*Jan. 21           Regular Day Schedule (formerly late start)

Jan. 22-31        Summatives/Exams/Performance Exams

Feb. 1              10:00 a.m. Start:  Mark consultation & Sem. 2 Timetable Pickup

Feb. 14            Semi-Formal

November 16, 2007

Mid-term Report Cards were distributed yesterday.  Also, students received information for parent/teacher interview evening, November 22. 

I want to thank students and parents for their support in the Titan cheering section at Wednesday’s Sr. Boys AAA City Finals.  After a gruelling, nail-biting 4 games, our senior boys won the last, making them Boys Volleyball City Champions.  We’re all very proud of them, and wish them the best of luck next week at OFSAA.  You can catch some of the highlights on Saturday, November 17^th at 10 p.m. on Rogers cable 10 in Toronto (cable 63 in Scarborough).

The College/University panel will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Don Mills C.I. as scheduled on Nov. 20.

Our family of schools is hosting a Parents’ Information Night at Leaside High School on December 6^th at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium.  The subject is:  “Social Networking & Internet Safety” presented by PC Scott Mills from the Toronto Police Services and Microsoft Canada Security Initiative Team.

Parents are invited to a combined Ward Forum (Willowdale/Don Valley West) on November 19^th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m., at Earl Haig Secondary School, 100 Princess Avenue (east of Yonge, north of Sheppard).  Agenda Items include:

·        Teens, facebook and identity theft

·        How to make split/combined grades work

·        Where are the textbooks?  Teaching today’s elementary curriculum

·        Trustee update

IMPORTANT DATES—PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*

Nov. 20           TDSB Showcase Concert, YM Senior Band, Weston Recital Hall

Nov. 22           Parent/Teacher Interviews:  Appointments 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Nov. 26           Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 dismissal

Nov. 30           Board PA Day

Dec. 5 – 7        School Show, Evening Performances

Dec. 8              School Show, Matinee

Dec.17             Music Night, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 20            Alumni Hockey Game, TBA

Dec. 21            Special Schedule:  Last day before Winter Break

Jan. 7               Regular Classes Resume

*Jan. 21           Regular Day Schedule (formerly late start)

Jan. 22-31        Summatives/Exams/Performance Exams

Feb. 1              10:00 a.m. Start:  Mark consultation & Sem. 2 Timetable Pickup

Feb. 14            Semi-Formal

Feb. 18            School Council Meeting, 7:30 pm        

November 8, 2007

In an effort to become more environmentally aware, our Environmental Club will be looking at ways to gently remind the York Mills community to respect our environment.  Parents may see students handing out reminders to turn their cars off while waiting for their children after school.  Students will be reminded to recycle and to pick up after themselves.  The club is hoping to equip each departmental office with battery recycling bins.  More information to follow. 

York Mills C.I. parents are invited to join Don Mills C.I. at Don Mills C.I. on the evening of November 20^th, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. for a panel discussion.  Institutions include:  University of Toronto, Seneca and Centennial Colleges, OYAP, Ryerson University.  Topics include finances, how entrance scholarships are determined, policies on repeated courses, summer/night school, M level courses, how admission averages are calculated, moving from college to university, post-grad diplomas, applied degrees, apprenticeships and college, student life, value of living on campus and language requirements. 

Our senior boys volley-ball brought back the North Region plaque (after a tough loss in the finals last year) to capture this years North Region title.   We beat Victoria Park 20-25, 25-17, 15-8. They advance to the CITY semi-finals on Monday, November 12.  Location TBA (though it looks to be Humberside), with game start time at around 4 pm.  We are very excited about the possibility of going to the finals which are scheduled for Wednesday. 

Staff have been very busy entering marks this week.  All students will be receiving their mid-term report cards on Thursday, November 15^th at the end of the school day. 

IMPORTANT DATES—PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*

Nov. 15           Mid-Term Report Card Distribution (3:00 p.m. home room)

Nov. 20           TDSB Showcase Concert, YM Senior Band, Weston Recital Hall

Nov. 22           Parent/Teacher Interviews:  Appointments 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Nov. 26           Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 dismissal

Nov. 30           Board PA Day

Dec. 5 – 7        School Show, Evening Performance

Dec. 8              School Show, Matinee & Evening Performance

Dec.17             Music Night, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 20           Alumni Hockey Game, TBA

Dec. 21            Special Schedule:  Last day before Winter Break

Jan. 7               Regular Classes Resume

*Jan. 21           Regular Day Schedule (formerly late start)

Jan. 22-31        Summatives/Exams/Performance Exams

Feb. 1              10:00 a.m. Start:  Mark consultation & Sem. 2 Timetable Pickup

Feb. 18            School Council Meeting, 7:30 pm     

November 1, 2007

A reminder to parents that our School Dance takes place at 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. tonight, Thursday, November 1.  Students will be advised not to bring their valuables, as all coats, purses, etc. will be checked in.  This promises to be great fun for our students and staff.

Tomorrow, Friday, November 2^nd is our first of two PA days in November.  There will be no classes tomorrow.

Ms. Varughese, our CL of Guidance, is planning a University/College panel session for parents.  Due to time limitations for the panel, it may be necessary to co-host this session with a neighbouring school.  I will let you know date and time as soon as all is confirmed.

The Business Department has booked James Cunningham and Funny Money Inc. for a grade 10 assembly on Wednesday, December 13^th, last period of the day.  Funny Money is a dynamic, interactive and entertaining program which has received rave reviews from other schools and teachers.  You can visit the website at www.funnymoneyhighschools.com for more information. 

Our clubs and athletics continue to keep our students involved and active.   It’s exciting to see your children working with staff to help organise the numerous lunchtime activities leading up to the holiday season.  We have amazing students indeed.

I hope to see many of you at our next School Council Meeting, Monday, November 5^th, beginning at 7:15 p.m. with a musical interlude performance by our school band.   

IMPORTANT DATES—PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*

Nov. 1             School Dance:  7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Nov. 2             Board PA Day

Nov. 5             School Council Meeting:  7:30 p.m. – Titan Hall

Nov. 15           Mid-Term Report Card Distribution (3:00 p.m. home room)

Nov. 20           TDSB Showcase Concert, YM Senior Band, Weston Recital Hall

Nov. 22           Parent/Teacher Interviews:  Appointments 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Nov. 26           Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 dismissal

Nov. 30           Board PA Day

Dec. 5 – 7        School Show, Evening Performance

Dec. 8              School Show, Matinee & Evening Performance

Dec.17             Music Night, 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 20??        Alumni Hockey Game, TBA

Dec. 21            Special Schedule:  Last day before Winter Break

Jan. 7               Regular Classes Resume  

School Council Meeting, November 5, 2007

YMSAC Meeting

Monday, November 5, 2007 

Musical Prelude: 7:15 p.m. 

Meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.  

1. Musical Prelude:                                                                                    School Band
2. Report by Student Council:                                                        Menaka Raghuraman  
3. English Curriculum Presentation:   Peter Polley, Curriculum Leader for English          

4. Principal’s Report:                                                                               Clara Williams

5. Vice-Principal’s Report:                                                                          Todd Bushell
6. Approval of Minutes from September Meeting
7. Approval of Treasurer’s Report and Proposed Budget for 2007-08
8. Approval of spending: School show
9. Other Business

Next Meeting: January 15, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.:

October 23, 2007

Dear Parents/Guardians:

On Monday, October 26^th, your children will be receiving a newsletter from me, outlining upcoming events and special schedules for November and December.  We’re nearing the end of the second month of the school year, and as many of your children can tell you, it certainly has been busy at York Mills.  November and December are shaping up to be just as eventful.  Last Thursday, we held the second of our parent information evenings, and I’m hoping to confirm the speakers for our next session.  Stay tuned.   Look for news about our athletics and clubs in Monday’s newsletter.

If your child has not yet purchased a school photo package, there is still an opportunity to do so on Monday, October 29 in the morning only.  Cameras will be set up in the girls’ change room.  Lost your photo order package envelope?  Extras are available in the Main Office.   Beginning Monday afternoon, ending November 9, our photographers will be taking Grad Photos.  Students planning to graduate in June 2008 should be booking their Grad photo appointments at the reception desk in the main office.

IMPORTANT DATES—PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*

Oct. 24            Lock Down Drill

Oct. 25                        National Band Week Concert – Cafetorium – *7:30 p.m.

Oct. 29                        Picture Day:  a.m. – school pictures only

Oct. 29            Grad Photos:  p.m., up until November 9th

Oct. 29            Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 pm dismissal

Oct. 30            Grad Photos (to Nov. 9^th)

Nov. 1             School Dance:  7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Nov. 2             Board PA Day

Nov. 5             School Council Meeting:  7:30 p.m. – Titan Hall

Nov. 15           Mid-Term Report Card Distribution (3:00 p.m. home room)

Nov. 20           TDSB Showcase Concert, YM Senior Band, Weston Recital Hall

Nov. 22           Parent/Teacher Interviews:  Appointments 1:30– 3:30 pm & 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Nov. 26           Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 dismissal

Nov. 30           Board PA Day 

October 10, 2007

On Friday, we will be mailing your son/daughter’s first Interim Report along with two letters addressing:   a) report cards, and b) our lock down drill.  Please let us know if you do not receive this package, and we will be happy to make arrangements to get it to you.

Students receiving Academic Distinction Awards will be notified in the next few days, via a letter and invitation to the ceremony.  We look forward to honouring your children and to sharing this event with  parents at the Awards presentation ceremony on Tuesday, October 16^th at 8:15 a.m.

Please note the special schedule for Wednesday, October 17^th.  Dismissal for all students is at 12:00 noon.  All staff will be partaking in Professional Development for the remainder of the day.

Our Parent Information Evening on Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting is scheduled to take place as planned on Thursday, October 18^th at 7:00 p.m.  The one-hour presentation will allow parents to become more familiar with the way your children are being assessed and evaluated.  This will give you an opportunity to ask questions and to recognize some of the assessment policies their teachers are obliged to follow.  This is the second in a series of parent information evenings we, (your school council & admin), have planned for the York Mills C.I. community this year.  Information on subsequent sessions will follow as soon as we confirm the particulars. 

College and university home room visits continue this week, and students are encouraged to attend sessions as posted in Guidance.  As always, for up-to-date information, see info from Guidance on our website.

Beginning today, Wednesdays up to and including December 19, have been designated as Healthy Wednesdays.  Students have opportunities, during lunch, to participate in healthy activities such as cardio weights, yoga, pilates and more.  For more information and sign-up, students are asked to see Ms. L’Estrange in the small gym at lunch time.

 

IMPORTANT DATES—*PLEASE NOTE CHANGES

*Oct. 15            Interim Report Card Distribution – Will be mailed

*Oct. 16          Awards Reception (2007 Proficiency Awards, Gr. 10 & 11)

Oct. 17            Special Schedule: 12:00 noon dismissal

Oct. 18            Parent Information Night:  Assessment & Evaluation, 7:00 pm

Oct. 24            Lock Down Drill

Oct. 29            Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 pm dismissal

Oct. 29            Yearbook Photo Retakes (a.m. only)

Oct. 30            Grad Photos (to Nov. 9^th)

Nov. 2             Board PA Day

Nov. 15           Mid-semester Report Card Distribution (home room)

Nov. 20           TDSB Showcase Concert, YM Senior Band, Weston Recital Hall

Nov. 22           Parent/Teacher Interviews

Nov. 26           Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 dismissal

Nov. 30           Board PA Day

October 4, 2007

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

We now have our information monitors up and running.  Beginning Tuesday, October 9^th, all announcements, and all student services information will be broadcast on the monitors located in the front foyer, library and the cafeteria.  It will be the students’ responsibility to read those announcements daily.  The announcements/information will be broadcast all day.  Also, students are encouraged to visit the school’s web page and visit the Guidance site for current information re colleges and universities.  This information is crucial for making post-secondary choices.

We have been advised by our police liaison officers that cars stopped in the front circular drive will be ticketed.  As I mentioned in my last blog, this has become a problem when dropping students off.  This is a fire route.  I have ordered new directional signs, and I am hoping that this will help parents drop off and pick up your children. 

For students who didn’t get to the photographer on time on Tuesday for their school photos, there is another opportunity on October 29^th in the morning.  Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate those who missed their TTC card pictures.

Finally, a reminder to parents about the information session on October 18^th at 7:00 p.m.:  Information on Assessment and Evaluation will be presented.  The session is scheduled for approximately 1 hour – depending on Q & A.

Wishing you and your families a happy long weekend.

October 1, 2007 — Revised

As I walked around the building this morning, whisking students along to get to class on time, it still seemed like summer as students and staff continue to dress for warm weather.  I hope that you had an enjoyable weekend and that you had an opportunity to take advantage of the wonderfully warm temperatures.  Our fall athletics are enjoying practice and tournaments in unusually favourable conditions, and continue to demonstrate the Titan spirit.

Your children continue to show respect for each other, for their teachers and the York Mills community.  Our occasional teachers seldom leave the building at the end of the day without commenting about the wonderful youth in this school community.  Last week we held our first School Council meeting, and it was great to see familiar faces and new parents join the group.  Our School Based Safety Monitor spoke about his role and his observations in his capacity as our school monitor.  There was a presentation about the upcoming School Show, SAC  events, future activities, and regular Council business.  As always, I appreciate  listening to parental perspectives on school functions, and I thank parents for their passion towards their children’s education and future.  Most issues discussed at School Council meetings are brought to the Curriculum Leader meetings and staff meetings.  I will keep your Co-Chairs Mary Kishi and Mercy Chan informed on your behalf, and hope to have answers for your questions or concerns at the next meeting.

This morning I made two announcements:  1)  reminded students about $5 for TTC photos, and to bring their school photo package for their school photos,  and, 2) gave information to students re Trustee Gershon’s first Ward Forum meeting on October 2.  I hope to see students, parents and staff tomorrow evening.  Please see below:

An Invitation to ‘A Dialogue about Education with Provincial Candidates’

When:              October 2, 2007 at 7:15 p.m.

Where:            Leaside High School (200 Hanna Road)

Host:               Trustee Gerry Gershon

Guests:            Lisa McLeod, Progressive Conservative Party

                        Adrian Walker, Green Party

                        Kathleen Wynne, Liberal Party

                        Mike Kenny, New Democratic Party

                       

YMReads continues to take place each day.  All students are expected to read for 20 minutes, as are staff.  Students can read magazines, novels, etc.  Studies show that students who read each day score higher in reading, comprehension and writing tests.  This may account for our EQAO Grade 10 Literacy Test score of 96% .  Students may ask teachers or visit the library for reading materials. 

 

I continue to receive calls from the public regarding the drop-off and pick-up practice at the start and end of each day.  I urge parents to enter the parking area fully, especially at the east entrance, drop off your child, and continue to circle to the exit.  Please do not stop in the driveway to drop off your child, and please do not stop on York Mills Rd. in front of the school.  This is causing a considerable back-up along York Mills Rd.   Also, please do not park in front of the school in the circular drive as this is a fire route and you may be ticketed for leaving your car unattended. 

 

University and college information sessions are in full swing.  Today during lunch we share Titan Hall with 17 different institutions for a student information session. Up-to-date information for students and parents is available on our website and on guidance bulletin boards just outside of Student Services. 

 

Whereas in past years we mailed reports to parents of students who might be at risk in a given subject, this year we are producing an additional report card for all students.  The purpose of the Interim Report Card is to give parents a snapshot of your child’s initial performance in school.  The Interim Report will include a grade range in Alpha (A,B,C,D,F) for each subject, and the lates and absences for each.  This report will be mailed on or before October 15.  Although Parent/Teacher interviews occur on November 22nd following the mid-semester report card, parents are encouraged to contact any of your child’s teachers should you have any questions or concerns following the Interim Report..

 

IMPORTANT DATES—PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*

*Oct. 2            TTC and Yearbook Photos:  All day as per schedule ($5.00 CASH)

Oct. 3              Leadership Facilitators at Forest Valley

Oct. 5              Terry Fox run (by permission only)

Oct. 8              Thanksgiving Day — No classes

Oct. 15            Interim Report Card Distribution — Will be mailed

*Oct. 16          Awards Reception (2007 Proficiency Awards, Gr. 10 & 11)

Oct. 17            Special Schedule: 12:00 noon dismissal

Oct. 18            Parent Information Night:  Assessment & Evaluation, 7:00 pm

Oct. 24            Lock Down Drill

Oct. 29            Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 pm dismissal

Oct. 30            Grad Photos (to Nov. 9^th)

Nov. 2             Board PA Day

Nov. 15           Mid-semester Report Card Distribution (home room)

Nov. 20           TDSB Showcase Concert, YM Senior Band, Weston Recital Hall

Nov. 22           Parent/Teacher Interviews