October 21, 2016: Panther Press

UPCOMING DATES   Speaker Series (PDF) October 26th - 6:30 pm Remembrance Day Assembly (parents welcome) November 11th Progress Report Cards go home November 15th PA Day/Interview Day November 18th Fall Fling  November 23rd PA Day December 2nd Primary Concert (Grades 1-3) December 8th - 9am School Dance December 22nd Last Day before the Holidays December 23rd First Day Back at School January 9th

EDIBLE GARDEN CRATES    Thank you to all of the Brown School green thumbs for taking such great care of our plants from the edible garden over the summer. We hope that you were able to enjoy some fresh herbs and vegetables all summer long! The students are getting set to clean up the crates and to do some winter planting so we request that you please return your crates to the garden in the primary playground at your earliest convenience. If you have any questions or concerns about returning your crate, please email Aviva Wittenberg.

RAINY DAYS    When it rains during the school day students remain inside for recess and lunch recess. During the lunchtime and lunch recesses on rainy days children remain in the gym and a G-rated movie is put on for the children to enjoy. We will also be offering a different option for families who would prefer their child is not watching a movie. One lunchroom supervisor will be available in a classroom to offer art supplies to the children to use in their creations. Please talk to your child if you want them to go to the art room on rainy days, as this will be a self-directed choice.

PRIMARY SWIM TEAM UPDATE   Over the past 2 weeks we have had a chance to work with all Grades 2/3s who have been interested in joining the team. While timing both Freestyle & Backstroke, students have had an opportunity to demonstrate stroke style, strength, and consistency. A final team list will be posted Friday (Oct 21). This list will be located outside the Pool Office & Gymnasium. Unfortunately, we are unable to invite all interested students to be members of the team, this year. Team practices are held Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays during the lunch hour (team members are expected to attend a minimum of 2 practices per week). Practices will begin the week of October 24 th.

FRENCH   Applications for Early French Immersion (for a Junior Kindergarten aged child), must be completed online between November 1, 2016 and December 1, 2016. Applications for Junior Extended French must be completed online between January 9, 2017 and February 2, 2017. These applications are done online. Please visit the TDSB website.

WORLD CHANGERS  Brown School's World Changers are gearing up for our We Scare Hunger campaign. We will be supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank by collecting non-perishable foods from October 17th - November 1st. Last year we were able to collect over 2500 pounds of food - we would love to surpass that for 2016! More and more people are relying on food banks and your donations make a huge difference. Who are the World Changers? World Changers are a dedicated group of students who are interested in outreach - both locally and globally. Anyone can join! We follow a number of Free The Children's campaigns (We Scare Hunger being one of them) as well as other initiatives that spark the students' interest. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact World Changers' parent co-chairs, Allison Fortier and Laura Finch.

SPEAKER SERIES: EASY WAYS TO GO GREEN Emma Rohmann, founder of Green at Home, will be delivering an engaging and informative seminar on green living. She will discuss what it means to be green, and outline some of the benefits (for you and the planet). By the end of the talk, you will have some ideas on how you can benefit from living a little more green. She will cover easy ways to save energy and water, reduce waste, improve indoor air quality, choose healthier household products, and choose more sustainable food. She will share ways that you can go green, even on a budget. Emma focuses on providing practical information and tips without being judgmental or preachy - you can learn more about her at www.greenathome.ca. Join us on October 26th at 6:30pm.

October 14, 2016: Panther Press

UPCOMING DATES

 

Picture Day	October 17th
Ottawa Information Night for Parents of Grade 6 students	October 17th - 6pm
Parent Council	October 17th - 7pm
Speaker Series (PDF)	October 26th - 6:30 pm
Remembrance Day Assembly (parents welcome)	November 11th
Progress Report Cards go home	November 15th
PA Day/Interview Day	November 18th
Fall Fling - The Rosehill Bar and Lounge.	November 23rd
PA Day	December 2nd
Primary Concert (Grades 1-3)	December 8th - 9am
School Dance	December 22nd
Last Day before the Holidays	December 23rd
First Day Back at School	January 9th

FRENCH   Applications for Early French Immersion (for a Junior Kindergarten aged child), must be completed online between November 1, 2016 and December 1, 2016. Applications for Junior Extended French must be completed online between January 9, 2017 and February 2, 2017. These applications are done online. Please visit the TDSB website.

PARENT COUNCIL    Please see the attached agenda for the upcoming Parent Council meeting. The meeting will be held on October 17th at 7pm, in the Library. Minutes of the September AGM and Parent Council meeting cab be found here.

GRADE 6  Meeting on October 17th, 6pm If your child is in Grade 6, there will be an information session regarding the Graduation Excursion to Ottawa.

WORLD CHANGERS  Brown School's World Changers are gearing up for our We Scare Hunger campaign. We will be supporting the Daily Bread Food Bank by collecting non-perishable foods from October 17 - November 1st. Last year we were able to collect over 2500 pounds of food - we would love to surpass that for 2016! More and more people are relying on food banks and your donations make a huge difference. Who are the World Changers? World Changers are a dedicated group of students who are interested in outreach - both locally and globally. Anyone can join. We follow a number of Free The Children's campaigns (We Scare Hunger being one of them) as well as other initiatives that spark the students' interest. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact World Changers' parent co-chairs, Allison Fortier and Laura Finch.

SPORTS BOYS FOOTBALL Congratulations to the Boys Football Team for their outstanding effort and achievement at their tournament on Tuesday. The team played with passion and determination and it resulted in a first place finish that day. The team is off to the Conference Finals for a rematch of last year's championship game vs. McMurrich Knights. Next team practice is on Thursday October 20th @ 7:15am at the park. GIRLS FOOTBALL Good luck to the Girls Football Team who are playing their all day tournament on Monday Oct 17th @ Forest Hill Memorial. The team has been preparing for several weeks now and is excited to get the season started.

FREE SPEAKER SERIES 

 

Our Speaker Series is back! We begin with talking the easy way to get green, create a healthy home and be more eco-friendly. Join us on October 26th at 6:30pm. 

October 7, 2016: Panther Press

UPCOMING DATES

 

Thanksgiving	October 10th
Picture Day	October 17th
Ottawa Information Night for Parents of Grade 6 students	October 17th - 6pm
Parent Council - in the library	October 17th - 7pm
Remembrance Day Assembly (parents welcome)	November 11th
Progress Report Cards go home	November 15th
PA Day/Interview Day	November 18th
Fall Fling	November 23rd
PA Day	December 2nd
Primary Concert (Grades 1-3)	December 8th - 9am
School Dance	December 22nd
Last Day before the Holidays	December 23rd
First Day Back at School	January 9th

TERRY FOX  Brown has raised $1200 for the Terry Fox Foundation! Way to go! We are always so proud of our Panthers!

GUESTS FROM DENMARK  We were honoured to host a delegation from Denmark, who work in various capacities within their education sector.  They were interested in learning about our operational processes and especially about how we use data to inform our teaching practices. The group of delegates toured various classrooms, with the Brown School Administration team, and were impressed by the fabulous work of our students and staff.

SAVE THE DATE FOR BROWN SPEAKER SERIES: EASY WAYS TO GO GREEN Wednesday October 26th, 6:30 - 8pm Emma Rohmann, founder of Green at Home, will be delivering an engaging and informative seminar on green living. She will discuss what it means to be green, and outline some of the benefits (for you and the planet). By the end of the talk, you will have some ideas on how you can benefit from living a little more green. She will cover easy ways to save energy and water, reduce waste, improve indoor air quality, choose healthier household products, and choose more sustainable food. She will share ways that you can go green, even on a budget.  Emma focuses on providing practical information and tips without being judgmental or preachy - you can learn more about her at www.greenathome.ca.

QSP 

 

The success of our QSP Magazine Fundraiser is crucial in order to enrich our children's education and scholastic experience at Brown.

Even though only 16% of the student body have participated we have already sold over

$14,500. Great work!! If everyone can please strive to sell at least 1 magazine subscription this weekend we will reach our GOAL.

Thanksgiving is a great time to ask your families and friends to support.

You have 9 more days to get your order in! The ordering deadline is October 14. REMEMBER: Your kids will earn great EMOJI rewards for their participation!

 

Register your child online at www.qsp.ca or SEND IN YOUR PAPER FORMS to the office so that they receive credit and earn prizes for their fundraising efforts.

 WWW.QSP.CA

OUR GROUP ONLINE ID: 3720869. Go to www.brownschool.ca for more details & prize info. 

September 30, 2016: Panther Press

UPCOMING DATES

  

RAIN DATE FOR TERRY FOX	October 5th
PA DAY - no school for students	October 7th
Thanksgiving - no school	October 10th
Picture Day	October 17th
Progress Day Cards go home	November 15th
PA Day / Interview Day - no school	November 18th
Fall Fling	November 23rd
PA Day - no school	December 2nd
School Dance	December 22nd
Last Day before Holidays	December 23rd
First Day at School	January 9th

 

 

JEWISH HOLIDAYS  If your child is going to be absent from school on Monday and/or Tuesday for the Jewish Holidays, please call the school and let us know. We will mark them absent in our system so you are not disrupted by phone calls. Please note that there will be a number of teachers absent on these two days as well. This means there may be some shuffling of teaching staff and scheduling on these days. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

MORNING ENTRY    For the month of September all teachers have been meeting their classrooms outside to pick them up at the entry bell. The purpose of this was to set routine. Teachers have been leading their class into the school. Next week only our teachers on yard duty will be out in the yard. This will begin on Wednesday, October 5th. Students will still be expected to line up as usual; however they will be instructed to go into the school by the yard duty teacher. Children will meet their teacher at the classroom. We will be working with the children on this, and we ask that you remind your children of this as well.   Kindergarten students will have the support of a staff member at entry.

PARKING    The underground parking garage is for staff only. Before 8am and after 4pm, parents can use the lot for drop off to and pick up from to the daycare.

PRIMARY SWIM TEAM  The Primary Swim Team is open to all students in Grades 2 and 3. All children in these grades have been informed of the team and what is involved. What you need to know: - Sept 26 - 30th **Sign-up** (taking place at the start of each class), - Oct 3rd - 7th** In Class Try-Out.** As interest is always high, try-outs take place during class, where interested students can demonstrate their ability and speed with a variety of swimming strokes.

TERRY FOX DAY @ BROWN PS 

We are very happy to continue the tradition of our Toonie for Terry fundraiser for cancer research at Brown PS. Our Terry Fox walk took place on Thursday September 29th, 2016 when teachers will take their class on a short walk around the neighbourhood
to honour Terry Fox. Beginning Monday September 19th, students can bring in their Toonie (or any other amount) to their classroom teacher. Our fundraising goal this year is $1,000.00.

Some classes ran for Terry on September 29th. Others who could not get out due to the weather will hope to run on October 5th. 

September 23, 2016: Panther Press

UPCOMING DATES

September 26th	CURRICULUM NIGHT	6:30 - 7:30 pm
September 27th	Lice Check
September 27th	Welcome Back Breakfast for ALL Parents  and Parent Council AGM	8:15 am
September 28th	QSP Assembly	1:00 pm
September 29th	Terry Fox Day
September 30th	Pizza Lunch (for students who registered)
October 7th	PA Day - no school
October 10th	Thanksgiving - no school
October 17th	Picture Day

CLASSROOM REORGANIZATION Letters have gone home to children affected by the school reorganization. Teachers worked diligently to make moves that were in the best interest of the children. We certainly prioritized fit with the teacher as well as friendships and peer groups. We know that this transition can be tricky, but our staff will be welcoming their students with warmth and excitement. Children are to start their day with their former teacher, who will then aid with the transition during the day on Monday. On Tuesday morning all students will line up with their new teacher and classmates.

FALL FLING Mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 23. It is time to party! Come on out to Brown School community's biggest fundraising event of the year! This year it will be held at The Rosehill Venue and Lounge at 6 Rosehill Ave. at 6:00 pm. Organized by parent volunteers and supported by the Brown School administration and teachers, the Fall Fling is an entertaining social event that raises much needed funds. Your ticket gets you plenty of delicious hors d'oeuvres and access to the amazing Silent Auction where one-of-a-kind items and experiences go to the highest bidder! 100% of the money raised goes directly to the school. This year a special emphasis will be placed on upgrading the computers in the classrooms. For more information go our website at: http://brownschool.ca/events_and_news/fall-fling/

PEDAL HEADS A part of the Pedalheads family, Atlantis Swim offers swimming lessons for kids 4 months and up. New this Fall and Winter, they will be running their popular Red Cross program in Toronto at Brown Junior Public School. With small class sizes (generally 4-1), 1 hour lessons and exceptional instructors, this swim program is perfect for those looking for more individualized attention and skill development for their children.  For further information, please visit their website at www.atlantisprograms.com.

TERRY FOX DAY @ BROWN PS We are very happy to continue the tradition of our Toonie for Terry  fundraiser for cancer research at Brown PS. Our Terry Fox walk will take place on Thursday September 29th, 2016 when teachers will take their class on a short walk around the neighbourhood to honour Terry Fox. Beginning Monday September 19th, students can bring in their Toonie (or any other amount) to their classroom teacher. Our fundraising goal this year is $1,000.00.

QSP MAGAZINE FUNDRAISER The 4th annual QSP Magazine Fundraiser will be returning to our school next Wednesday September 28th! There will be a kick off assembly that day for the kids to learn about this exciting program. They will come home with QSP kits for them to start selling! Remember this fundraiser only runs for a 2 week period (ending October 14th) so please get your orders in early. To get a head start simply follow the instructions listed below.   It's easy! Paper forms are included in the package that will be sent home September 28th but the easiest way for your child to receive credit for their fundraising efforts is to register at www.qsp.ca. This will generate a link that will allow potential subscribers to click directly to your child's fundraising page and ensures your child is entered to win some great prizes! Our GROUP ID is: 3720869 For every magazine subscription that we sell our school earns 33% of this amount to use towards extracurricular activities, classroom learning tools, technology and so much more. Thank you!  Your QSP Fundraising Committee

MABEL'S LABELS Dreading having to sift through the lost and found now that school has begun? We have you covered! We have partnered up with Mabel's Labels. You get to help our school while making your life easier with labels for your children's belongings! Go to  www.mabelslabels.com And select the "support a fundraiser" button and search for Brown Public School. It's that easy! Thanks again for your support!

PARKING, DROP OFF, AND PICK UP Please remember: For safety reasons, the Avenue Road Driveway is only to be used by TDSB Facilities staff, and Brown Administration. Please remember that there is no drop-off zone on Avenue Road.  Kiss 'n' Ride program begins September 19th. Information on our Kiss 'n' Ride program for students in Grades 1-6 can be found here. It is located on Poplar Plains. If you wish to volunteer for Kiss 'n' Ride please contact Connie Wansbrough. We have created a map depicting areas around the school that are available for parking during drop-off times.  There is 10 minute parking on Lynwood. Please note that the parking lot off Poplar Plains is for Brown School Staff only.

USE OF THE YARD There is supervision in the school yard from 8:25am-8:40am and from 3:10pm-3:25pm each school day. We ask that you honour these times, for the safety of your child. At 3:25pm each day, the childcare has exclusive use of the yard, therefore students must go directly home or to a previously organized activity. We thank you for your support.

CROSSING GUARDS

Calling all Grandparents, Retirees, or anyone interested!

Toronto Police Service School Crossing Guard Association is looking to hire school crossing guards!

If you know grandparents and/or retirees in the neighborhood who are interested in helping out and getting some fresh air throughout the school day, please have them contact:

Officer Wai Lau

P.C. #3765

School Crossing Guard Coordinator

53 Division

Toronto Police Service

416-808-5327

September 16, 2016: Panther Press

UPCOMING DATES

September 26th	CURRICULUM NIGHT	6:30 - 7:30 pm
September 27th	Lice Check
September 27th	Welcome Back Breakfast for ALL Parents  and Parent Council AGM	8:15 am
September 28th	QSP Assembly	1:00 pm
September 29th	Terry Fox Day
October 7th	PA Day - no school
October 10th	Thanksgiving - no school
October 17th	Picture Day

CLASSROOM REORGANIZATION As we always aim to have open communication with all of you we are writing to let you know that there is a possibility of classroom reorganization in the next couple of weeks. When we form our classes we must comply with Ministry standards. Given that registration of students can change over the summer months, we could be in a position to make classroom changes at Brown. We will know more next week, and those families affected will be notified. Christine and I will work with the teachers to make any changes to class placements. We will also use the notes you sent us in the Spring regarding to your child's learning style. Thank you, in advance, for your flexibility, patience and understanding.

ATHLETICS TOUCH FOOTBALL Girls - Monday September 19th @ 7:15am (Winston Churchill Park): Final tryout for those on the list posted on the bulletin board outside the Gym. IF YOUR CHILD IS SELECTED TO BE ON THE FINAL ROSTER, PRACTICES TAKE PLACE EVERY MON, WED & THURS @ 7:15am Boys - Monday September 19th @ 7:15am (Winston Churchill Park): Final tryout for those on the list posted on the bulletin board outside the Gym. IF YOUR CHILD IS SELECTED TO BE ON THE FINAL ROSTER, PRACTICES TAKE PLACE EVERY MON, WED & THURS @ 7:15am SLO-PITCH Girls - Tryout # 1: Monday September 19th @ 3:15. Final tryout: Tuesday September 20th @ 3:15pm (schoolyard) IF YOUR CHILD IS SELECTED TO BE ON THE FINAL ROSTER, PRACTICES TAKE PLACE EVERY MON & TUES @ 3:15pm Boys - Tuesday September 20th @ 3:15pm (schoolyard): Final tryout for those on the list posted on the bulletin board outside the Gym IF YOUR CHILD IS SELECTED TO BE ON THE FINAL ROSTER, PRACTICES TAKE PLACE EVERY TUES & THURS @ 3:15pm

CROSS COUNTRY Please read the VERY important newsletter about Cross Country.  It is full of important information! Please click here to view.

PARENT COUNCIL Please see the attached documents regarding the upcoming Parent Council Elections. The elections will take place at the Annual General Meeting at 9:00 am September 27th after the Welcome Back Breakfast at 8:15 am. ALL NOMINATION FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE OFFICE NO LATER THAN 3PM MONDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH. LETTER TO PARENTS RE ELECTION AND NOMINATION FORM PARENT COUNCIL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

TERRY FOX DAY @ BROWN PS We are very happy to continue the tradition of our Toonie for Terry  fundraiser for cancer research at Brown PS. Our Terry Fox walk will take place on Thursday September 29th, 2016 when teachers will take their class on a short walk around the neighbourhood to honour Terry Fox. Beginning Monday September 19th, students can bring in their Toonie (or any other amount) to their classroom teacher. Our fundraising goal this year is $1,000.00.

MABEL'S LABELS Dreading having to sift through the lost and found now that school has begun? We have you covered! We have partnered up with Mabel's Labels. You get to help our school while making your life easier with labels for your children's belongings! Go to  www.mabelslabels.com And select the "support a fundraiser" button and search for Brown Public School. It's that easy! Thanks again for your support!

PARKING, DROP OFF, AND PICK UP Please remember: For safety reasons, the Avenue Road Driveway is only to be used by TDSB Facilities staff, and Brown Administration. Kiss 'n' Ride program begins September 19th. Information on our Kiss 'n' Ride program for students in Grades 1-6 can be found here. It is located on Poplar Plains. If you wish to volunteer for Kiss 'n' Ride please contact Connie Wansbrough. Please remember that there is no drop-off zone on Avenue Road.  We have created a map depicting areas around the school that are available for parking during drop-off time. There is 10 minute parking on Lynwood. Please note that the parking lot off Poplar Plains is for Brown School Staff only.

USE OF THE YARD There is supervision in the school yard from 8:25am-8:40am and from 3:10pm-3:25pm each school day. We ask that you honour these times, for the safety of your child. At 3:25pm each day, the childcare has exclusive use of the yard, therefore students must go directly home or to a previously organized activity. We thank you for your support.

CROSSING GUARDS

Calling all Grandparents, Retirees, or anyone interested!

Toronto Police Service School Crossing Guard Association is looking to hire school crossing guards!

If you know grandparents and/or retirees in the neighborhood who are interested in helping out and getting some fresh air throughout the school day, please have them contact:

Officer Wai Lau

P.C. #3765

School Crossing Guard Coordinator

53 Division

Toronto Police Service

416-808-5327