October 1, 2007

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

 

September 18, 2007

Just three weeks into the school year, and the excitement of athletic teams, clubs, and competitions permeates throughout the school.  Our fall athletic teams – more than we’ve had in recent history – are all up and running, student clubs are busy meeting and organizing their strategies, the school show team is busy with behind-the-scenes activities, and one of our first academic competitions – McMaster’s Science Olympics – a first for York Mills, has become the talk of the senior science classes.

I want to thank parents for coming out to our Grade 10 Curriculum night.  Teachers were happy to meet with you and to tell you about the top-quality instruction your children are receiving in their classes.  It was a pleasure to meet many of you and to hear about your active children. 

This morning I made an announcement regarding school policies and rules.  I will continue to reinforce safety in the school, cleanliness, consideration for others, and the importance of following the no cell-phone, no I-pod rules.  Once again, I thank you for your support with these measures.

Last week I met with our Safe Schools committee.  Membership includes:  Mary Kishi, your School Council Co-chair; Ms. Cashore, teacher; Mr. Soto, teacher; our Head Caretaker, Mr. Belley;  Ms. Noack, Vice-Principal; Lamisse Younis, Student Council President; Matthew Kishi, YM Athletic Council President; and, of course, myself.  The committee is in the process of reviewing and revising processes for our Fire Drills, Evacuation, and Lock Down procedures.  We will be conducting two Lock Down Drills, one each semester, the first scheduled for October 24^th.  Parents will receive a letter about this as we move closer to that date.

Ms. Kawasaki has made several “how to” animated tutorials available for students. These excellent tutorials from Acadia University tackle some of the most common questions students have,  for example, how to cite work in an essay, and how to write different types of essays.  Please visit our school site under Library, then Research.  Also, our Guidance department is revising information on a regular basis.  For your information, Guidance will be holding university information sessions at lunch, before and after school.  It’s not too early for Grade 11 students to learn about these possibilities.

As always, please let us know if there are any changes to your phone numbers and addresses and e-mails.  I look forward to seeing you at our first School Council Meeting on September 25, 7:30 pm.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR SEPTEMBER—PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*

Sept. 24           Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 pm dismissal

Sept. 25           School Council Meeting:  7:30 pm:  Titan Hall

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

Oct. 5              Terry Fox run (by permission only)

Oct. 15            Interim Report Card Distribution 

*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)

TTC Card Photo/School Photo Day

We have just been informed from TTC that the cost of the TTC Student card will be $5.00 cash.

A reminder to parents that the TTC Card Photo and School Picture Day has been changed to October 2nd.  Please disregard the Sept. 17 date as published in the Student agenda and any previous communication.

September 6, 2007

Welcome back to a new school year.  I trust that you had a wonderful summer and enjoyed memorable activities with your family.  Over the past three weeks our main goal has been to ensure a smooth start to the school year.  We have completed numerous registrations and plan to conclude them by September 14^th.  A Grade 10 assembly was held yesterday, with Grade 11 and 12 assemblies today and tomorrow.  The purpose of these assemblies is for students to understand our Code of Conduct, consequences for inappropriate behaviour, definitions of major offences, involvement in school activities, the meaning of citizenship, supports offered through Student Services, etc.  We stress that all students become familiar with contents in the student agenda, and share this information with parents.  This year, we attempted to include many activities in the calendar so that parents have a heads’ up in advance of holidays, examination days, PA days, and special early and late dismissal days. 

A major area of concern is the use of cell-phones and i-pods in classrooms and in the halls.  The policy at YMCI is, “No cell after the bell.”  Students may use their cell phones just outside the exit doors, should it be necessary to make a phone call.  I ask that parents call the main office to leave emergency messages for your child..  Students who fail to turn off cell-phones in the classroom/building mayl be requested to surrender their equipment to staff.  Parents will be contacted.  I have stressed the consequences of inappropriate use of on-line sites such as Face Book, You-Tube, My Space, etc., and I encourage parents to monitor your child’s use of these sites. 

We are in the process of imputing changes to addresses, phone numbers, any allergies or medical condition updates.  Please have your child see Guidance as soon as possible for these changes.

Grade 10 students will receive a Medical Information form, and are asked to return the completed form to their Home Form teachers before the end of September.

Communication between parents and school is of the utmost importance, and I will continue to provide a weekly, sometimes bi-weekly, blog so that you remain informed about life at YMCI and any changes to published calendar events.   I hope that this information will assist you when organizing your family schedules.

Welcome new staff:

Mr. Todd Bushell, Vice-Principal

Mr. Cameron Couch, Languages

Ms. Jane Dimock, DD Program

Ms. Christine Fulford, Mathematics

Mr. Cliff Leask, DD Program

Mr. Denny Lee, Phys. Ed.

Ms. Carmen Mihaila, ACL Computer Science

Ms. Faith Carbrey, English/ESL/History

Welcome back:

Ms. Elisabeta Baias, Physics

Ms. Celia Ferrier, English

Ms. Ester Howell, English

Ms. Vidya Shanker, Science

Mr. Demitius Xeroulis, Science, Physics

This week Gr. 10 parents will receive information, via Gr. 10 home forms, regarding the upcoming Gr. 10 Curriculum Night on Tuesday, September 11:  6:00 – 8:00 pm. in Titan Hall.

Please check our website for ongoing news from Student Services, course information, etc.  Our first School Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 25.  Your Co-Chairs, Mary Kishi and Mercy Yan, along with this year’s Executive, are eager to meet parents at the Grade 10 Curriculum evening next Tuesday and on September 25.  I wish all students a successful school year, and look forward to seeing parents at School Council and school functions.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR SEPTEMBER—PLEASE NOTE CHANGES*

Sept. 11           Grade 10 Curriculum Night, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm:  Titan Hall

Sept. 18           ESL Night, 7:00 pm:  Titan Hall

Sept. 24           Staff Meeting Day Schedule:  2:20 pm dismissal

Sept. 25           School Council Meeting:  7:30 pm:  Titan Hall

*Oct. 2            TTC and Yearbook Photos:  All day as per schedule ($4.50 CASH)

Oct. 15            Interim Report Card Distribution, 3:00 pm

Oct. 17            Special Schedule: 12:00 noon dismissal

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

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

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

FROM OUR STAGE PRODUCTION TEAM:

Dear York Mills Parents:

It takes an entire village to raise a child – and an entire community to teach a student!  At York Mills Collegiate Institute, we have always been very fortunate in having a residential and corporate community that has generously supported our students in their charity drives (Eva’s Place, Covenant House, etc.), fundraisers (Brick-by-Brick, 30-Hour Famine.) and our school musicals (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, South Pacific).  This year our school show will be a freshly-revised production of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised), the smash Broadway hit, and we have an exciting sponsorship offer for our community to participate in – we call it “Share the Stage”!

“Share the Stage” is an opportunity for private members of the York Mills community, groups, organizations, businesses and companies to share the excitement of being on stage in a full musical production.  “Share the Stage” is our way of applauding sponsors for sharing the responsibility of mounting a stage musical involving hundreds of students and staff over a five-month period.  Any donor who contributes $200.00 or more will have his/her name and/or company logo highlighted on the York Mills stage layout in our show program, advertising posters and website.

Our sponsorship opportunities are as follows:

$   25.00   donation         Business card advertisement in show program

$ 100.00   donation         Full page advertisement in show program

$ 200.00+ donation         Full-page advertisement in show program plus “Share the Stage” name/logo acknowledgement in show program, posters, etc.

    Your generous donation, regardless of the amount, will be used to help pay the costs of

script rentals, costumes, props, make-up, set construction materials, advertising, stage,

sound and lighting equipment.  As York Mills C.I. enters its 51^st year, we will also need

to purchase a new scrim and some technical stage equipment.

Thank you for considering our request – we hope to see you at one of our four

performances of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, December 5, 6, 7, 8, 2007. 

Remember – “Share the Stage”, share the excitement!

Yours truly,

   

York Mills Student Stage Production Team

     

   

June 28, 2007

Now with exams and commencement behind us, students can begin their much anticipated summer activities.   I want to take an opportunity to thank the School Advisory Council Co-chairs, Mercy Yan and Mary Kishi, for their dedication to student success and for their advocacy for parental concerns throughout the school year.  Their contribution to our commencement was much appreciated by our graduates and staff.   I also want to thank parents for your involvement with, and commitment to your children’s academic success.   It has been a very busy end to the semester, and we look forward to welcoming our Grade 10 and returning students in September.

Report cards will be available for pick-up between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from Tuesday, July 3 to Friday, July 13, then daily from August 20th.

 For your information, you will be receiving a letter in late August with important information and dates for the following school year.

Have a safe and wonderful holiday!! 

June 8, 2007

For your information, due to two major computer glitches, students will be receiving their 2007/08 timetables on Monday, June 11. Also, on Monday, Guidance will be making announcements regarding timetable changes, beginning with Grade 12 students.

On behalf of staff, thanks go to the parents of YMSAC who provided a fabulous lunch for us in the staff lounge yesterday. Your school council chairs, Mercy Yan and Mary Kishi have confirmed next year’s YMSAC dates. We also spoke about parent information sessions and workshops for the Fall and New Year. Once speakers and presenters are booked, information will be available to parents.

I’d like to take this opportunity to once again congratulate Marissa Constand, Gr. 11 Core French student, for receiving an offer for a full scholarship to Ottawa University for her National 1^st place win in the French Speaking competition in Ottawa.

Science Awards:

We are so very proud of the following ***outstanding*** accomplishments:

Avogadro Exam, Grade 11 Chemistry:

Chelsea Shin 90^th percentile (116^th in the entire country)

Alvin Xiong 91^st percentile

Lanny Cheung 90^th percentile

Sir Isaac Newton Exam, Grade 12 Physics:

Stanley Le 94^th percentile

Alex Yan 93^rd percentile

Chem 13 News exam, Grade 12 Chemistry:

Shawn Yin 90^th percentile

Dasha Moza 88^th percentile

Sam Tsang 86^th percentile

Stanley Yang 86^th percentile

Alex Yan 85^th percentile

Sitao Ye 85^th percentile

Anthony King 81^st percentile

National Biology Coompetition, Grade 12 Biology:

William Tu 95^th percentile

Shawn Yin 92^nd percentile

Athletic News

Our Tennis team played their hearts out at the OFSAA competitions this week. Although we didn’t bring home a win, we congratulate Cameron Saffer for receiving an offer of a full Tennis Scholarship at North Carolina University.

The Girls’ Softball team beat Humberside in the City Championship semis, but lost to Leaside in the finals. I congratulate the girls for bringing back the Silver medal. This is an incredible accomplishment for this team who hasn’t been playing as long as their competition.

I’m happy to report that our Co-Ed Volleyball team was successful in bringing home the Bronze.

And finally, the Boys’ Baseball team played in the North Region Championship game. Although they lost to Northview, the boys played with a lot of heart.

Thanks to all for a great season!!!

Commencement Info: Tickets for Commencement are on sale in the Main Office beginning June 4^th.Grad Packs: $30.00 includes 2 guest tickets, 1 free ticket for graduating student.Additional Tickets: $15.00 each, no limit.

Mr. Holtom is finalizing the list of graduates for commencement. Announcements have been made for students to check their names against his list and to report any discrepancies to him. Students are responsible for submitting marks for courses taken outside of YMCI. A Diploma will not be granted to students without the full, documented complement of graduation requirements.

OSAP InformationTo be considered for OSAP scholarships, students must apply for OSAP by June 22^nd

If students want to get an estimate of how much they MAY receive before applying…go to:

https://osap.gov.on.ca/cgi-bin/lansaweb?procfun+AWPROC0607+D050607+OSP+ENG

and select the green button below that reads “what financial aid is available to me” and fill in the blanks for an estimate before applying online

Appropriate Clothing: I’d like to remind students that school is a place of business, not to be confused with a beach. Students who are not appropriately dressed for learning will be counseled to dress more appropriately.

Dates to remember:

June 11 Staff Meeting: 2:20 dismissal

June 14 Exams begin

June 26 Commencement: 1:00 p.m. at Le Parc Banquet Hall in Markham.

June 28 Report Card Pickup: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., daily from July 3 – July 13 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., daily from August 20 into the new school year.

For more up-to-date information from Guidance, please check our school website.

June 4, 2007

The Prom last Friday was a huge success, and the students enjoyed the awards and video portion of the program.  It was great to see them create memories they’ll share for a lifetime.

Congratulations to our most recent scholarship recipient:  Gr. 11 Core French student Marissa Constand for placing First in the Ontario French Speaking Competition in Ottawa, receiving a $20,000 scholarship for Ottawa U.  She has made York Mills very proud.

Good luck to our Tennis team at OFSAA today and tomorrow.  I will update you on this and any outstanding athletic events.

This time of year brings many stresses to students and their families as students prepare for culminating activities, formative quizzes, presentations and exams.   Students received the exam schedule this morning, and are reminded to check dates and times very carefully.  This schedule is also posted on the school’s website.  Exam conflicts (6 only) will be dealt with individually.  I wish all students the best of luck on exams.

Commencement Info:  Tickets for Commencement are on sale in the Main Office beginning June 4^th.Grad Packs:  $30.00 includes 2 guest tickets, 1 free ticket for graduating student.Additional Tickets:  $15.00 each, no limit. 

Dates to remember:   

June 11           Yearbook Distribution

June 11           Staff Meeting:  2:20 dismissal

June 14            Exams begin 

June 26           Commencement:  1:00 p.m. Le Parc Banquet Hall in Markham.

June 28           Report Card Pickup:  1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., daily from July 3 – July 13 between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., daily from August 20 into the new school year.

For more up-to-date information from Guidance, please check our school website. 

May 28, 2007

REMINDER:  School Council Meeting, Tuesday, May 29, 7:30 p.m. 

 

The Athletic Banquet brought may surprises to many students, staff and proud parents. YMAC demonstrated stellar organizational skills in putting the event together.  Congratulations to them all. 

 

Congratulations and good luck to the Track & Field and Tennis teams who are off to OFSAA this week.  Also, good luck to our Softball, Baseball, Co-Ed Volleyball, and Ultimate Frisbee teams who will be playing in the City Championships this week. 

 

This year’s Prom will take place on June 1st at the Marriott Hotel.  Parents are advised that students have traditionally organized after-prom events.  For your information, the TDSB will not sanction any of these events, and therefore, will not take responsibility for any after-prom event.

 

Tickets for Commencement go on sale in the Main Office beginning June 4^th.

Grad Packs:  $30.00 includes 2 guest tickets, 1 free ticket for graduating student.

Additional Tickets:  $15.00 each, no limit.

 

Dates to remember:   

May 28 – Staff Meeting Schedule – dismissal at 2:20 p.m.May 31 – Gold and Silver Recipient Breakfast – 8:45 a.m.May 31 –Fun Fair                 Yearbook Distribution (TBA)June 1 – FormalJune 14 – Exams begin 

May 22, 2007

With exams fast approaching, some regularly scheduled programs will be placed on hold until September.  June 1^st will be the final day for YMReads and a moratorium on excursions will begin, excepting those as part of culminating activities.

 

Congratulations to the following scholarship winners:

 

Arestia Dehmassi:  Millennium – Provincial Level

Safir Jamal:  American Express – National Level

 

Last Thursday’s Spring Music Night was amazing, and the audience heard the first melodic sounds from our new Grand Piano as our outstanding pianists performed some pretty difficult arrangements with ease.  The audience was treated to arrangements from all areas of our Music program.  Many thanks go to all our music students and to Mr. McMillan, Mr. Gray, and Ms. Frensch.

 

Last week was another banner week for our athletics.   North Region Championship track & field results include Champions in all categories:

 

Junior boys

Junior girls

Senior boys

Senior girls

Overall boys

Overall girls

Champions – overall combined

 

This afternoon our Girls’ Soccer team will play in the Metro Championships, for a berth to OFSAA, and on Wednesday our Ultimate Frisbee team and our Co-Ed Volleyball teams play in the North Region Championship.  Good luck to all teams.

 

I am told that YMAC has been working relentlessly on Friday’s Athletic Banquet, and I look forward to celebrating the year’s athletic hi-lights and awards. 

 

Senior students are eagerly awaiting this year’s Prom on June 1^st.   It will take place at The Marriott Hotel.  Staff and students have organized an excellent event, complete with a few surprises, and many memories to talk about in years to come.  Parents are advised that students have traditionally organized after-prom events.  For your information, the TDSB will not sanction any of these events, and therefore, will not take responsibility for any after-prom event.

 

Tickets for Commencement go on sale in the Main Office beginning June 4^th.

Grad Packs:  $30.00, includes 2 guest tickets, 1 free ticket for graduating student.

Additional Tickets:  $15.00 each, no limit.

 

Dates to remember:   

May 23 – York Mills Student Leadership Conference @ Forest Valley

May 25 – Athletic Banquet at The Latvian Centre

May 28 – Staff Meeting Schedule – dismissal at 2:20 p.m.

May 31 – Gold and Silver Recipient Breakfast – 8:45 a.m.

May 31 – Yearbook Distribution and Fun Fair

June 1 – Formal

June 14 – Exams begin

 

May 11, 2007

Our students continue to achieve recognition for their academic excellence.  The following have received awards this week:

Heeba Abdullah:  Congratulations for receiving the Millennium Award of $4,000.

Safir Jamal:  Congratulations for receiving the Wendy’s Classic Achievement Award.

Heeba Abdullah:  Congratulations for receiving the Wendy’s Classic Achievement Award. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following for their very generous donations towards the purchase of our first Grand Piano.  On behalf of students and staff,  deepest appreciation goes to:

David Taylor (former student)

Hubert and Mercy Yan 

Jim Wood (former music teacher)

Art Patterson, in Memory of (former music teacher)

Cathy Dymond

Leslie Bricker

Amorell Saunders N’Daw

John P. Soloninka

Lynn Lester

Robert Sun

Peter Singer

Bert Frankian

Students eagerly awaited the delivery of the piano on Wednesday.  The piano will see its performance debut on Thursday, May 17th, Music Night, 7:30 p.m.

Students are reminded to pick up after themselves and to respect their surroundings, both in and around the building.  I am happy to see that students are adhering to the “no cell after the bell” policy. 

Our Blood Donor Clinic was successful with over 70 pints of blood donated by staff and students.  Excursions and athletic activities are making for a busy May.  Today we hosted the annual TDSB Ultimate Frisbee tournament.  Also, we won some medals at the regional Track and Field meet.  Stay tuned for more information.   

Dates to Remember:

May 15 – Student Council Election Speeches

May 17 – Music Night — 7:30 p.m.

May 18 – Student Council Elections

May 23 – York Mills Student Leadership Conference @ Forest Valley

May 25 – Athletic Banquet at The Latvian Centre

May 28 – Staff Meeting Schedule

May 3l – Yearbook Distribution and Fun Fair

May 30 – Gold and Silver Recipient Breakfast

June 1 – Formal

June 14 – Exams begin