The TDSB has targeted $80 million in reduced spending in next year’s budget. Many may have significant impacts to Runnymede. Parent Councils will be asked by way of their Ward 7 representatives on February 28 to provide feedback to our trustee, Irene Atkinson, at a Ward 7 meeting. This feedback directs how the trustee should vote on March 6 at a meeting where the TDSB is to vote on the potential budget cuts. After that date, the staff reduction notices will be promptly sent out, so this is the only opportunity to provide feedback into the process.

At next week’s meeting, we will review proposed budget cuts and determine which we can live with and which we should direct our Ward 7 representatives to fight against and recommend the Ward 7 trustee, Irene Atkinson, should vote against at the TDSB budget meeting on March 6.

The parent consultation period should have been much longer, but the TDSB took longer than they had planned completing the budget. We need your input to make a difference!

The teen years can be a difficult transition for our children. There are many issues that affect them and it can be difficult to know how to support them. Sabrina Gonsalves has worked with parents across the community bringing both her extensive professional experience and her own experience as a parent. She can help you support your child in dealing with issues such as stress, anxiety, peer relationships, and self‐esteem.

•  Presented by Parkdale Collegiate School Council
•  Thursday February 23, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
•  Parkdale Collegiate Institute, 209 Jameson Ave in the library
•  Light refreshments will be served.

All parents are welcome.

One correction to the Rapport: the March pizza lunch is on March 30.

• February 15: Parents/guardians and students will be informed of the status of application for Optional Attendance.
• February 2 to 24: Grade 8s complete Course Selection Sheets. For questions about course recommendations, contact Mr. Rodriguez or teachers. The Choices for Nine booklets will be distributed.
• February 24 : Course Selection Sheets due to Mr. Rodriguez.
• March 1: Course Selection Sheets due to all secondary schools. (Mr. Rodriguez will deliver the Course Selection Sheets.)

Questions? Contact Mr. Rodriguez.

Runnymede’s Original School Crest

At this year’s celebration assembly, we will be unveiling our new school crest and the winning entry to our school motto contest. Last year, with the help of the Senior Student Parliament, the seniors were asked to submit motto suggestions. The Student Parliament then narrowed these to their top 5 choices, and students were asked to vote in an online survey in the library. The selected motto and new crest will be on display on our brand new school banners on Wednesday! Check back here for details as well.

To get you in the centennial mood, here are some photos from the archives, collected by the Centennial commitee (part of the School Council).

W.A. (Wes) Fydell - Runnymede's First Principal

 

This is the earliest known photo of Runnymede (1916). The man in the photo is George Marsden, the masonry contractor for construction of the original wing.

Tuesday, January 24th, 6:30-8:00 pm

This event is open to everyone and is FREE!

 Head lice and their eggs (nits) are a nuisance that can infect any of us. If you have experienced them, you know how frustrating and time consuming it is eliminating the lice and nits from your child(ren), and your home.

 The classroom screening for head lice and nits will take place at our school on Thursday, January 12, 2012,for all classes in Grades JK-6.

 If a child is found to have lice or nits, the parent or guardian will be informed through the office. Children will not be informed in the classroom in order to maintain confidentiality.

 In accordance with TDSB procedures, if a child is identified as having head lice or nits, the parent will be required to make arrangements for treatment and to keep the child at home until the problem is cleared. Nits must be removed before the student returns to school. The student will be re-admitted with a form signed by the parent indicating the treatment used and confirming that all nits have been removed. A Treatment Instruction Sheet will be provided to each parent or guardian of an infected child.

 Parents who do not wish their child(ren) to participate in this screening must inform their teacher in writing by Monday, January 9, 2012. Parents whose children do not participate in the school screening are expected to do the lice check themselves. If your home lice check reveals the presence of lice or nits, do not send your child to school. Please inform the school right away and we will send you the appropriate information and instructions.

 Thank you for your co-operation and support.

 Sincerely,
Amelia Dennis, Principal
Rob Hochberg, Vice-Principal