DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016 Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara e-NEWSLETTER Message from Principal O’Brien June is such a wonderful month. The weather is beau6ful and the an6cipa6on for summer holidays is growing. Report cards will be coming home June 28 th and the last day of school is June 29 th . Before then, classes will start to be cleaned out and sorted for the summer during that last week of school. Thank you to all of the parent volunteers who have helped to make this year such a successful combina6on of academic rigour and school based fun. A great big shout out of thanks to our SAC parents who have worked so hard to organize events for the students and families. In the newsleGer, the staff list can be found. Staffing con6nues during the summer and any changes will be shared in September. We welcome Sarah Papoff to grade 2 /3. Ray McIntyre to 5 / 6, Natasha Garda to ISP 4 / 5 giTed. Sarah and Natasha are returning to the classroom from coaching posi6ons. We wish Joy Lachica all the best in her new role as ETT execu6ve. Joy has been off this year performing her new role. We also wish Amy Cooper and Jason Kennedy all the best at their new schools. Megan Ramsey is leaving Duke to embark on a coaching role centrally. The surplus process has affected some of our new teachers. We wish Sara Cochrane as she moves to another Intensive Support Program. We wish our Long Term Occasional teachers, Leanna Clarke, Tristan Neil, Jamila Samaa, Kris6ne Cedrone, Vanessa Johnson, Heather Prakesh, Valerie Vavala and Jocelyn Hay, good luck in their next steps. We also wish Marika Philips, room 7 ECE, all the best at her new school and we welcome Sue Seguin into Room 7 as the ECE. We welcome back Sophia Souaid and Effie Ko who are both returning from maternity leaves. We also welcome back Lise DuPont. Students’ placement for next year will be on the report card. Staffing is ongoing and changes in staffing can occur over the summer. With the reorganiza6on of the en6re TDSB, we are now part of Learning Centre 4. Our Superintendent is Mary Jane McNamara and we look forward to working with all the new schools in our Learning Centre in September. We will be sharing first day procedures with parents through the N2R. We have a partnership of parents and Ms. Helpert working out a plan to make the first day procedures clearer. I would like to thank the office and caretaking staff for their daily care of our students and their hardwork to keep our big school moving forward. And I am very grateful to the rigour that the teachers displayed throughout the year. Wishing everyone a wonderful summer. Sincerely, Beverly O’Brien
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DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
My Academic Award By Daniella Williams
It was such an honor to be recognized for the black student academic award from the African Heritage Educators Network (AHEN).
To be honest when I was younger I never thought that I would be given an academic award, because up until Grade 6 I had a hard time with school work. I was placed in IEP and I was taken out my class for half of each school day. I was not learning much in IEP as it was not very well organized. I went to a room with children from grades 1 to 6 and was given a book to work in without much help. I was missing so much learning by being taken from my regular class and my self esteem was very low I felt like I was not smart if the others kids got to stay in class and I had to leave. I stopped caring about my education. However one morning I was laying on my bed thinking that the next day was school and I really did not want to go, so I talked to my mom about my situation and she said that she would take me out of school and teach me herself. At first I was kind of hesitant but I recognized that I wasn't learning anything at school,so I said yes to her. It ended up being a great decision because while I was learning i was going places for example we went to places such as the beach,park,pool,etc, while studying.I was learning so much she really boosted my self esteem and made me see what I was capable of. She showed me that everyone learns differently and that's ok.
So that's why this academic award is such a privilege. I know to some people it's just a piece of paper with words, but to me it confirms that my mom was right, I am smart, indeed. There are times when I still find that hard to believe and it will be nice to be able to look at the award and remind myself that if I work hard i can do anything. I will continue to try my very best at whatever challenges I face in life.
I would like to thank Ms Frost (my teacher), Ms O'brien ( my principal), my mom, Leonard Wandili, Saraya Elwin (co chair), Justice Donald Mcleod (academic award) and for anyone else who stood by my side when I needed them the most. Thank you so much. Daniella
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
Eco School
Strengths1. The extent to which teachers, administrators, caretaking, parents, and community members have been able to plan sustainable and environmental events for the school – from Greening Day to the Make It Fair, Earth Day to the E-waste Drive – is truly commendable. Congratulations on your ability to bring elements of the school together under an environmental banner.2. The collaborative nature of your team was also evident in your success with reducing the waste in the snack and pizza programs this year. This is a tremendous achievement, the result of years of work, and it has surely had a huge impact on your waste diversion rate. Asking students to lend a hand with the pizza lunches is a wonderful way to compensate for the extra logistical work undertaken by the parent council as a result of switching to large pizza boxes. 3. The depth and extent of ecological literacy going on at Duke is extremely impressive. All grades are engaged in ecological projects, with many combining this emphasis with a focus on inquiry-based learning or STEM. This has resulted in your teachers being recognized at conferences, and students winning a trip to Jasper through My Parks Pass – these awards are well-deserved! We recommend:1. Congratulations on implementing the Green Bin program in your school. During the audit, we discussed how having more bins would improve your program and bring it to a truly comprehensive level. The city does not provide schools with additional bins; they must be ordered through the TDSB’s Distribution Centre. Wendy Abbot has sent you an email with directions for how to obtain the 50% rebate provided by EcoSchools for the bins.2. Your program is comprehensive and a deep part of the school culture. There are some small areas that could still benefit from improvement: consistent pairing and labeling of bins in classrooms (unless teachers have found that a particular configuration works better in their specific class environment), a continued focus on energy conservation (e.g. Lights-off every Friday afternoons, or a campaign around phantom power based on the results of your Energy Walkabout), and the inclusion of all requirements in your online portfolio (especially the Eco literacy checklist for included lessons).
Audit Report (May 17, 2016) Highlights
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
Duke Garden has a new bed. Flowers sleep too.
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
Granny Smith
Green pepper Squash
Duke gardens are just flourishing - and with a natural adornment to yield.
Photos by Ms. Hodgins
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
Planet in Focus Red Carpet CelebrationStudents from Ms. Clarke’s grade 6 class and Mme. Legault’s grade 6/7 class celebrated their learning at a Red Carpet screening at the library on Friday. Student’s viewed this year’s videos submissions by to Planet in Focus, an event that marks the United Nations World Environment Day (UNWED). The video Pesticides by Mme. Legault’s students was selected for the Red Carpet Gala Celebration at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on June 9th with screenings of a juried selection of student-made films from across the GTA, and an exciting guest speaker, youth GMO activist Rachel Parent. Congratulations and great work!
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
SPORTSWhat a fantastic season for Duke of Connaught's Track and Field Teams with over 100 students competing in events this year! Duke was extremely proud to send over 50 students to the Conference Finals of which 20 qualified for City Championships! Thank you to all coaches and parent supporters who assisted with the team. GO DUKE GO!
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
Sports
The grade 5 and 6 boys soccer team had a great season in division 1. The team won their tournament beating Westwood, Jackman and Cosburn. The team moved onto the quarterfinals where they defeated Grenoble school. The boys eventually lost in the conference semi finals to Whitney public school. The boys worked very hard this year. Thank you for all the effort you put in during practices and games. We look forward to another strong soccer season next year. Thanks from Mr Aishford and Ms Hodgins
A special congratulations goes out to Jayda Darroch who is the CITY CHAMPION inthe 400M!
The Duke of Connaught Athletic Dept. would like to send a very special thank you to all the staff, parents and volunteers who have helped with our teams this year. Thank you for your dedication and time committed is greatly appreciated! Ms. Oliveira
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
Coaches Appreciation
Thank you all those teachers who helped with our school sports activities this year. Your hard work is much appreciated.
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
A Note from School Advisory Council (SAC)
Now that we are heading into the last couple of weeks of school, SAC would like to take the opportunity to recognize all the parent volunteers that have helped throughout the year. Without you we could not organize so many fun events and activities. Since September we have raised over 30 000.00 that will directly benefit the students and Duke. Thank you!
SAC would also like to congratulate the graduates of 2016. We look forward to seeing you at the graduation ceremony on June 27th. Well-done and good luck!
After the summer holidays we will kick off the new season with our first coffee morning on Friday, September 9th at 8:15 am. Please join us then to get reacquainted and to welcome all of the new families to Duke. Have a happy and safe summer.
Contact SAC at dukesac.ca
Special Education Introduction of a Universal Screening Process for Grade 3 Students Effective September 2016, the Toronto District School Board will be introducing a universal screening process for all Grade 3 students across the board. The purpose of this universal screening test is to: ! Provide information to classroom teachers about the strengths and learning needs of each student in order to better support teachers in programming for students ! Help teachers to know when to bring a student forward to In School Team (IST) or School Support Team (SST) for programming suggestions ! Improve equity of access for all students to differentiated programming including the potential identification of students with a gifted exceptionality
Please access the link below to read the Parent Information that has been provided by the Board:
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
A Year’s end Note from the Coordinator of School Student Nutrition Program
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
As the new Student Nutrition Program Coordinator, I would like to make a few updates about our Student Nutrition Program this year and some updates for the coming school year. This school year is coming to an end on June 29th. We had a busy year with many changes: we said a fond farewell to Ann McKechnie who was the Student Nutrition Program Coordinator from 2009-2016. We welcomed Uzma Tabassum to the Nutrition Program team as one of the Kitchen/Meal Prep Assistant working along side Shannon Miller.
The Nutrition program in cooperation with the Duke's Eco-Team made changes to the Morning meal/Snack program to reduce our packaging waste, but still offering all three healthy food groups. We have added to our Hot Lunch, some new dishes including Halal chicken to the monthly menu's and continued with our monthly favorites!
The programs (Breakfast, Morning Meal/Snack and Hot
Lunch) will run until June 28th. There will be no formal breakfast program on Wednesday June 29th, but there will be supervision available in the lunchroom at 8:00 a.m. on that morning, and there will be some snacks (fruit, yogurt) and juice available for students. For New School Year Breakfast will be available on the first day (Sept 6) of school in September. Hot lunch for grades 1-8 will start on the second day (Sept 7) of school, and hot lunch for the kindergartens will start in the 2nd week (Sept 12) of school. Morning meal/snack will also start the 2nd week (Sept 12) of school.
The September menu will be available by the end of June and again on the first day of school.
The Nutrition team would not have been able to offer this program without the great help of our volunteers. Thank you, to all our dedicated and committed parent, guardian and student volunteers who have
worked so hard throughout the year. A special thanks to the students from Mme. Weber’s and Mr. Darkhor's classes for their assistance. If, you would like to volunteer during the 2016-2017 school year, please contact me at [email protected]. To effectively deliver the Hot Lunch program 2-3 volunteers would be needed daily.
Have a fun and safe summer, see you in September.
Maureen Allen-Doorley Student Nutrition Program Coordinator
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
This spring Duke offered intramural Waterpolo to students in grades 4 to 6, at lunch time.
This year was a huge success for the Duke aquatics program. We had a number of activities happening in the pool. Swim club, swim team and water polo. Our swim team this year was a big success. We saw our grade 5 girls team win a city championship banner for division 1 swimming . We had a number of swimmers who also win medals and ribbons for the city . It was a great year for the swim team. Our numbers were big this year and will only get bigger next year.
The aquatic program was a great success. Our attendance for pool was amazing for all classes. We saw a number of kids graduate from the shallow end to the deep end, which was fantastic. Everyone worked really hard this year. We can't wait for next years aquatic program to begin.
Stay tuned in September for a pool letter to be sent home. It will outline expectations of the program and how we grade the kids.We hope everyone has a safe and happy summerSee you in SeptemberMs Gothreau and Mr Aishford
Fun in the pool with a really fun class!
News from the Pool
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
Jasper, Alberta - Canada’s Coolest School Trip Written by: Lisa McDonald and Megan Ramsay
On June 6th the Grade 7 & 8 Extended French class with Ms. Ramsay and Ms. McDonald accompanied by Mrs. O’Brien, Mrs. Koziol and Mr. Gilbert, flew to Edmonton on route to Jasper, Alberta after winning the Myparkspass.ca Canada’s Coolest School Trip contest. This contest is meant to help students across the country discover and learn about Canada’s natural and cultural heritage. Parks Canada and Air Canada in partnership with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Canadian Geographic Education, Historica Canada and Nature Canada sponsored the contest. What an incredible experience! It's hard to describe just how breathtakingly beautiful the Canadian Rockies are or how the vista from a mountaintop shifts your very soul. What we can describe is the magical moment the students first set eyes on the Rockies. “This is a double trap”, said Sadhbh as she and her classmates set their sights on the scenery from one side of the bus and then quickly looked at the other not knowing where to feast their eyes for fear of missing a single detail. The kids absolutely loved every exhausting minute! They wholeheartedly embraced everything: the hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, the Columbia Ice Fields, the Glacier Skywalk, the visit to Jasper, the white water rafting down the Athabasca River, the Jasper SkyTram, the Miette Hot Springs and the wildlife...we saw wildlife, mountain sheep, elk, mountain goats and bears...twice we saw bears! We are still processing the whirlwind of adventures from our 5-day trip. On day 5, we had a closing circle where each student described what their favourite memory was and what they will take away from this experience. Many faced their fears with the support of each other and stretched themselves. They learned that they can succeed, at this project and at life, when they focus and work hard. This trip was such a soul-nourishing experience, learning and growing collaboratively while connecting with such majestic nature. As teachers, we feel so grateful and blessed. This will go down in our personal history books as the best teaching experience - ever!
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
What a fabulous time our Gr. 7 and 8 students had at Camp Wahanowin this year! From paddle boarding to trapeze, it was an extremely memorable time for all. Ms. Oliveira
DUKE OF CONNAUGHT JR. & SR. P. S. A Platinum Eco-School June 2016
Duke of Connaught Jr. & Sr. P. S. Principal: Beverly O’Brien VP’s: Georgia Koziol & Kelli Helpert Trustee: Shelia Cary-Meagher Superintendent: Mary Jane McNamara
Month Number of
Instructional Days
Number of Professional Activity Days
Number of Scheduled
Examination Days
1st Week 2nd Week 3rd Week 4th Week 5th Week M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F M T W T F
