The EQAO wants your input

Ontario's Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) is seeking input from stakeholder and the general public on a new Strategic Plan that will guide its work for the next five years. The EQAO develops and oversees reading, writing and mathematics tests that students must take in grades 3, 6, 9 and 10. It was created to provide information about student achievement in publicly funded schools and make recommendations to improve learning and teaching. EQAO test results have an impact on Ontario education policy.
You can participate in an online survey at http://eqao.fluidsurveys.com/s/EQAOStrategicPlan/

Feb. 28 Parent Workshop - the Anxious Child

The Anxious Child Half-day Workshop
Feb. 28, 2015 (9am-1pm) at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Presented by: Alyson Schafer
Fee: $99 (register by Feb. 20)
 
Nervous to join new groups?
Worrying about what might happen?
Constantly asking for reassurance?
Still doesn’t want to be away from you?
If this sounds familiar it sounds like you might be dealing with an anxious child.   As parents, this often leads to conflicting feelings – your heart breaks for them and you want to protect them and be there for them. On the other hand, it can be exhausting and frustrating when you are constantly making accommodations. Does it feel like other families have it so much easier than you do? Anxiety can become an issue that ends up impacting the whole family. I’m here to help with strategies on how to help calm your anxious child and help them expand their comfort zone. In this workshop we will cover:

• The anatomy of the anxiety – what happens biologically and neurologically when we are anxious
• Genetics and environmental factors
• DSM Versus Adlerian perspectives
• How underlying fears and perfectionism play a part
• How anxiety presents in children
  • Generalized anxiety
  • Social anxiety
  • Separation anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Panic attacks
• Calming techniques
  • Breathing exercises
  • Thought blocking
  • Self Talk
  • And more…
• Correcting Cognitive Distortions (CBT for kids)
• What happens when we jump in too soon
• How to introduce slow & gradual exposures
• Reassurance
• The art of applying encouragement
• When to seek additional support

For more information:

Phone 289 231 9695  
Email hello@alysonschafer.com
To register: http://alysonschafer.com/workshops/anxious-child/

January 31 Parent Workshop: The Challenging Child

Half-Day Workshop: The Challenging Child
January 31 (9am-1pm) at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Presented by: Alyson Schafer
Fee: $99 (register by Jan. 23)

Yes, challenging children have a sweet, tender side… but raising a child who can be non-compliant or defiant is tiring work that requires out of the ordinary tactics.  Spend half a day with other parents who have children with similar temperaments to find both help and camaraderie.  In this workshop you will:

• complete self-discovery exercises about our beliefs and personality styles
• make guesses as to your child’s personality style and the “fit” between parent and child
• examine the private logic and mistaken beliefs of your challenging child
• out of control versus gaining control
• learned a brain based understanding of anger and self-regulation
• discover new techniques on how to respond and how to loosen a child’s rigid thinking
• identify common triggers
• pro-active problem solving through family meetings

For more information:
Phone 289-231-9695
Email hello@alysonschafer.com
http://alysonschafer.com/workshops/the-challenging-child-half-day-workshop/

News from French as a Second Language Advisory Committee

1. Registration Deadlines

Senior Kindergarten Entry: Early Immersion application process

• Closes – December 5, 2014

Grade 4 Entry: Junior Extended and Middle Immersion application process & 

Grade 7 Entry: Extended application process

• Opens – January 5, 2015

• Closes – January 29, 2015

Note:  Registration is for entry in September 2015. Applications are done on PARS (on-line) – except for Grade 7 Extended which is a paper process as in the past. Information night and application information is posted on the TDSB French Programs page. 

2. Salon du Livre Dec 3-6 

The annual Toronto French book fair is on at the Toronto Reference Library at 789 Yonge Street. Activities on Saturday, December 6 from 9-11:30 am include Geronimo Stilton and Pachi from the Pan Am Games. Authors and publishers will be there from December 3-6 to showcase their books. Entrance is free this year! Details here: www.salondulivredetoronto.ca . 

3. New Parent Guide for French Immersion/Extended

“Supporting your Child's Success in French Immersion and Extended French, Kindergarten to Grade 8” is now available for downloading from the Ministry of Education website. The Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat published the guide as part of their series on Tips and Tools for Parents:www.edu.gov.on.ca/abc123/eng/tips   Click on the purple cover!

4. Toronto Public Library French Activities 

The Lilian H. Smith branch on College St is showing French movies for age 4 and up on December 27 & 29. To find out about French activities at Toronto Public Library branches across the city,check here. 

5. Have you got your Learnmark?

Learnmarks are available now from your school librarian and are probably in your child’s backpack! These handy bookmarks give you the passwords to access on-line resources from home that are provided by the TDSB in French and English.

6. Franco Lab TV5

www.francolab.ca offers resources in French, suitable for tweens & teenagers. There are French songs, video stories and quizzes with a very fun approach to Canadian history, geography and culture. Their goal is to provide a simple and engaging way to practice French language skills. TV5 is a consortium of French public broadcasters based in Quebec. Franco Lab is supported in part by the federal Ministry of Canadian Heritage.

7.  Just Released-New Curriculum for Secondary FSL

The new curriculum for secondary Core, Extended and Immersion French has just been released by the Ministry of Education. Teacher training sessions are taking place in the coming weeks and full implementation will begin in September 2015. The previous curriculum from 1999 was 107 pages and the new one is 388 pages!  

The new vision is:  “Students will communicate and interact with growing confidence in French, one of Canada’s official languages, while developing the knowledge, skills, and perspectives they need to participate fully as citizens in Canada and in the world.”

The new goals are: “In all French as a second language programs, students realize the vision of the FSL curriculum as they strive to:

• use French to communicate and interact effectively in a variety of social settings;

• learn about Canada, its two official languages, and other cultures;

• appreciate and acknowledge the interconnectedness and interdependence of the global community;

• be responsible for their own learning, as they work independently and in groups;

• use effective language learning strategies;

• become lifelong language learners for personal growth and for active participation as world citizens.” 

8. Parents Ask…

I am a bit worried about my child’s progress. What should I do?

Talking with your child’s teacher is the best way to help him/her be more successful. As with the regular program, parents play a key role in supporting students in French as a Second Language programs.  Share your concerns, find out what is happening in the classroom and what you can do at home.

In the TDSB, we believe that all children can learn a second or additional language. Teachers in our Core, Extended and Immersion French programs work hard every day to enable their students to be as successful as they can be.  If a student encounters difficulties in the FSL classroom, the teacher uses many of the same strategies that are used in the regular program to help students be more successful. 

Our EQAO data on literacy and math skills show us that students in Extended and Immersion French do as well if not better than the general population of students. We know that the language of instruction being French does not in itself impact a student’s ability to learn concepts and develop skills specific to literacy, math and the other subject areas. 

Sometimes what may appear to be a “lag” in reading in French does not actually indicate a “reading problem”. It may be an indicator of a child’s understanding of oral French. A teacher’s determination of the “level” at which a student reads is based on what the student can decode and on his understanding of what he has read in French. This sort of difficulty is usually addressed by working to develop the child’s proficiency in oral French and, in this way, the perceived difficulty disappears shortly.

If a difficulty with the mechanics of reading or literacy skills does become apparent we know that interventions delivered in the target language (French) can be just as effective as those delivered in English. This targeted help can be provided by the classroom teacher during small group learning within the regular classroom day. In many schools, an additional layer of support may be available through what is called the “resource” teacher – meaning a teacher who provides additional work on specific skills outside the classroom.  A student encountering difficulties in math can be supported very effectively by the classroom teacher or by the school’s resource teacher in French.

And remember, as a parent, you are helping to build these same reading and math skills at home. Read together in your home language and discuss words, pictures and ideas with your child. Count and measure with your child in the kitchen and when you are outdoors. Find out what themes are being discussed at school and continue the discussion at home. Work together with your child’s teacher.

-Kirsten Johnston, FSL Program Coordinator

9. You are invited!

Parents, students, trustees, teachers and staff are invited to attend and participate in FSLAC meetings. The Board’s mission for the FSLAC is:  “to consult with and advise the Board on French as a Second Language matters. As a Board community advisory committee, the FSLAC will contribute to the work of trustees and staff. This partnership of trustees, staff and parents will foster excellence and growth in FSL programs at the Board.” Meetings start at 7 pm at the TDSB offices at 5050 Yonge St., ground floor. FSLAC information is posted on the TDSB website: tdsb.on.ca/fslac .

Upcoming meetings are: Jan 27, Feb 24 and April 21, 2015

Follow HVV on Twitter

@HvvTdsb

Dec. 5 Application Deadline for SK French Immersion

Just a reminder that the deadline for applying to Early (SK) French Immersion is this Friday, December 5.

On-time applicants will be offered a placement online. You MUST take action to accept this placement by the deadline requested when you are offered a placement. Offers of placement will be ongoing throughout the weeks and months following the close of the application period. For more information, click on the link below: http://www.tdsb.on.ca/ElementarySchool/SchoolChoices/FrenchPrograms/ApplicationProcess/EarlyFrenchImmersion.aspx

Chris Glover

TDSB Trustee

Etobicoke Centre 

5050 Yonge Street 5th Floor

chris.glover@tdsb.on.ca 

416-397-3106

Toy Drive for the Salvation Army

Our annual toy drive is taking place December 1-5. We will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages.  Bins will be located inside the kindergarten door. Your donations will be sent to the Salvation Army to help make the holiday season brighter for children in difficult circumstances. Please help us make a difference this holiday season. Thanks in advance for supporting this worthy cause.

Please donate your Foodland Turkey Bucks

The Foodland at Thorncrest Plaza is handing out their annual "Turkey Bucks" that can be used to buy a turkey at Christmas time. If you would like to donate your Turkey Bucks, please hand them in to the office and parent council will collect them in early December so that they can be given to families in need during the holidays. Thank you.

Winter Clothing Drive - ends Nov. 7

This week we are collecting clean, gently used winter clothing for an area school with a need for warm outerwear. Items such as jackets, mittens, hats, scarves and boots to fit both children and adults are greatly appreciated. Please leave your donations in bags on the marked tables at the Kindergarten entrance. Many thanks!

Upcoming Events @ HVV

Remembrance Day Ceremony - Nov. 11 at 10:30 - All parents are welcome!
Parent-Teacher Interviews - Nov. 13 & 14
P.A. Day - Nov. 14
Photo Re-Take Day - Nov. 18
Middle School Winter Concert - Dec. 11 @ Etobcioke Collegiate
Primary/Junior Winter Concert - Dec. 16

Parent Involvement Makes a Difference Conference Nov. 15

TDSB and PIAC Parent Conference - Increasing Knowledge and Enhancing Confidence 

Saturday November 15, 2014, 8:30 to 3:45 at Earl Haig Secondary School

Keynote speaker: J. Richard Gentry, Ph.D., is a former university professor and elementary school teacher and author of Raising Confirdent Readers: How to Teach Your Child to Read and Write—From Baby to Age 7.  He hopes to help bring back research-based spelling and writing in elementary school. 

Workshops:
•    Building Skills in Reading and Writing
•    Family Storytelling
•    French...helping your child succeed!
•    Help...I Have a Teenager
•    Human Rights
•    Mental Health and Well-Being
•    Newcomer Supports and Services
•    Postsecondary Planning
•    Running an Effective School Council
•    Secondary Pathways
•    Social Media: Navigating the 24/7 World
•    Understanding and Overcoming Dyslexia
•    What about Math

Free workshops and child-minding. For more information visit: www.tdsb.on.ca/parentconference

November 5 Council Meeting

Our next council meeting is Wed., Nov. 5 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in the school library. Everyone is welcome to attend. If you need babysitting, please email marleneyip@gmail.com by 5 p.m. on Nov. 3.

Helping Your Kids Succeed in School

New video from People for Education:
Parent involvement in three minutes!

People for Education has a new video for parents—in French and English. It's three minutes long and it illustrates the top 4 things parents can do to help their kids succeed in school. Based on their Parent Involvement that Makes a Difference tip sheet, the video highlights the key research findings on parent involvement and provides concrete tips for parents.

Watch this parent-friendly video on our Youtube channel.

Thanks for another fantastic fun fair!

Thank you to all the children and parents who attended our Fun Fair on Tuesday. It was wonderful to see so many HVV families at our annual community event. Special thanks to our Fun Fair Committee Co-Chairs, Ingrid McGaughey and Paul Nusca, and to their core team of amazing volunteers:  Kelly Bruneau, Lynn Campbell, Mary Dart, Darren Fath, Anika Mahmud, Marie Johnson, Christine Selby-Munro, Wayne Sung, Cheryl Thomas (and family), Larry Toste, Sonia Trevisanello and Marlene Yip. 

And, sincere thanks to our generous local business sponsors, particularly Kristina Caraginakos of the Grenadier Group who cheerfully managed our BBQ once again, and our group of over 90 current and former students, teachers and parent volunteers who staffed this special event. 

We hope you enjoyed yourselves, had a chance to re-connect with friends and neighbours, teachers and staff. Mrs. Barone-Pace observed that rain falling on an event like this is believed to bring good luck, according to a traditional Italian saying. Based on that, we at HVV are in for a lot of good fortune in the coming school year!

Oct. 8-22 Magazine Fundraising Campaign

If you wish to purchase magazines for gifts, please consider renewing or buying new subscriptions online at www.qsp.ca. We receive approximately 37% of the purchase price, so purchasing through QSP raises money for our school! Also available this year through QSP: customized photo books, calendars and cards! The 2014 Magazine Drive runs October 8 to 22. All orders this year will be done online and students must register on the site with their new teacher's name before they start soliciting orders. Our NEW school ID # is 3721800 or just type in "Humber Valley Village School".

World Teachers' Day - October 5

Thank you to Andrea Pearson, Rebecca Ramsay and Vanderfleet Flowers for making World Teachers' Day extra special for our wonderful staff at Humber Valley. 

Fun Fair rescheduled to October 7

As we do every year, we have been anxiously watching the weather forecasts for Friday’s Fun Fair.  Unfortunately this year we are seeing predictions of heavy thunderstorms, strong winds and rain - a lot of it.  Although we could potentially put much of the Fun Fair gear inside, there are a couple of large inflatables that can't fit in our senior gym and other components that must remain outdoors, such as the BBQ.  Based on the forecast for Friday, it looks like it would be not only unpleasant, but potentially dangerous, for people to be running in and out of the school in such weather.

As such, we are making the very difficult choice to reschedule. Based on the long range weather forecast, it appears that Tuesday Oct 7th has a decent chance of being a good day for the Fair.  So the new date is Tuesday, October 7th from 3:30 - 7:00. Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

EARLYBIRD WRISTBAND ORDERS 
If you have sent in an order with your child, but are unable to attend on the new date, please email ingridmcgaughey@bell.net to cancel your order, before *Thursday October 2*.  
If you didn't send in an order and would now like to do so, we will extend the early-bird pricing until *end of day Thursday Oct 2nd*.  A new wristband order will go home with your child today.

CAKES
We still need cakes! Please email Mary Dart (mdart@sympatico.ca) if you are able to provide a cake for the always popular Cake Walk.  Don’t miss this opportunity to impress everyone with your cake-baking prowess.  Prizes will be awarded for most creative cakes!

VOLUNTEERS 
We will be creating a new volunteer schedule and, as always, greatly value and appreciate the contributions of our volunteers.  If you have already agreed to volunteer, we will be contacting you separately to confirm your availability on Tuesday.   If you are now able to volunteer, please email Kelly Bruneau at bruneaufamily@rogers.com with your availability.  (Choose from one or more of the following times:  2:00-3:30pm         3:30-4:30pm        4:30-5:30pm        5:30-6:30pm       6:30pm-7:30pm).   We need adults (especially you Dads!!), high school kids, and grade 7 & 8 volunteers to make the Fun Fair a success.

Again, our apologies for the change.  It was a very difficult choice, but hopefully one which will benefit everyone.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email Ingrid McGaughey (ingridmcgaughey@bell.net) or Paul Nusca (paul@paulnusca.com).

All the best,

2014 Fun Fair Committee

People for Education Survey on School Success

School success: what does it include and how should we measure it?

Whether you’re an interested citizen, a parent, an educator, an employer or a student, People for Education wants to know what you think. They're polling the public about their ground-breaking initiative to change the way we measure success in education so that it reflects the full range of skills that graduates – and our society – really need. 

So far, nearly 3000 people have participated. Don't miss your chance! The survey only takes 10 minutes, and it closes on September 30th.  

Just click the link to participate: http://www.peopleforeducation.ca/measuring-what-matters/survey/ 

Police reference checks for volunteers

The Ministry of Education and TDSB require Police Record Checks for all employees, and for volunteers who have regular and ongoing contact with our children.The intent of the legislation is to make sure that our school and our classrooms are safe places for students.

The cost of the police reference check will be covered for HVV volunteers by School Council until September 26. After that, the cost of the police check will be at the volunteer’s expense ($15).

Please note that it can take 12 to 14 weeks for processing. The applicant receives back the form, not the school. Once the volunteer receives the form from the police department, please bring the original to the school office. The check is done once. Each year, thereafter, the volunteer needs to make an annual offence declaration.

Police reference check forms and annual offence declaration forms are available at the school office. 

We value the tremendous contribution of parent and community volunteers who give so much of their time and energy to make Humber Valley School a better place. Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers!

 

Pay-per-service programs at HVV

Financial assistance for each of these programs is available. Please contact the provider for more information.

Tuesday 3:30-4:30 Oct. 14 to Dec. 2 (8 weeks)
Yogademics for Gr. 2-5

$150/student

Register online at http://myrainbowhill.com/school/

Wednesday 11:40-12:40 Oct. 8 to Dec. 10 (10 weeks)

Ukulele for Kids for Gr. 1-4

Beginners: $164 and returning students: $124

Register online at http://www.ukulelekids.org/greater-toronto-area.html

Thursday 3:30-4:30 Oct. 9 to Dec. 11 (10 weeks)

Chess Institute of Canada Chess Club for Gr. 1-8

$120/student - beginner to advanced

Register online at http://www.chessinstitute.ca/

Free glasses for JK students

Eye See…Eye Learn® provides comprehensive eye exams by local Doctors of Optometry to junior kindergarten students in participating school regions. The eye exams are covered under provincial health insurance (or OHIP) when you show your child’s health card. This means that there is no out-of-pocket cost for the eye exam.

If the child requires a pair of glasses, they will receive a FREE pair donated by Nikon Lenswear, OGI and your participating Doctor of Optometry. The value of the glasses is estimated over $250.

The Eye See...Eye Learn® program was developed to raise awareness among parents of the importance of having their children's eyes checked upon starting school. Each year thousands of children start school without ever having an eye exam.

Children, who cannot see the board, focus on a picture or follow words in a book may struggle to achieve their full learning potential. Vision problems can also impact their hand-eye coordination for physical activities and even impact their social development. In fact, 80 percent of learning comes directly through vision. 

The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) recognizes the important link between eye health and learning, and recommends comprehensive eye examinations for all children entering kindergarten. The Eye See...Eye Learn® program will help make sure our kindergarten students get the best start to learning.

The program is funded in part by the Government Ontario. For more information, visit:
http://eyeseeeyelearn.ca/

Buy HVV gym clothes Sept. 18

HVV gym clothes will be sold on curriculum night at the main doors. HVV T-shirts are $5-15, shorts are $15 and sweatpants are $20. Please pay by cheque if possible.

Parent Council vote on Sept. 17

Our election for voting members and executive positions will be held on Wed. at 7 p.m. in the library. Everyone is welcome to attend. Babysitting is not available.

Who Does What in Education

People for Education has tips for parents in more than 12 languages. This week, check out People for Education’s Who Does What in Education tip sheet. When parents need help or information, they may be uncertain who to approach for support. Ontario’s education system is complex, involving different levels of government and staff within the school. And with a municipal election around the corner, it is important to understand the role of your local trustee.  

The tip sheet has everything parents need to know about the roles of the Ministry of Education, the Ontario College of Teachers, the Education Quality and Accountability Office, local school boards, and school staff.

Thanks to Second Cup at Humbertown

Thank you to those parents and caregivers who came out to the parent council’s welcome back coffee on Friday morning. A special thank you to Patti Grimes for organizing the event 
and to Second Cup in the Humbertown plaza for donating the coffee. 

We hope you had a chance to catch up with old friends and made some new ones!