Newsletter: Apr. 5, 2013 – Vol. 14

SCHOOL NEWS

Staffing Model for 2013-2014

Information about next year’s staffing model will be presented to parents at the April 10th school council meeting.  Between now and then, administration, staff and a school council representative will be meeting to go over our allocation of staff and proposed models.  Some things will be staying the same and some things may change.  One change that will be occurring next year will be the Kindergarten and Gr. 7/8 timetable.  Since recess times (2 x 15min.) is not to be included in their instructional day, both groups will have a one-hour lunch and may begin the day 15 minutes later than Gr. 1 to 6 and end 15 minutes earlier (9:15-11:45am & 12:45-3:15pm) or just end the day 30 minutes earlier (9-11:45am & 12:45-3pm).  We will be moving to one of these two timetables so we want to ensure our families know ahead of time to assist in any required planning.  Please do join us for the next parent council meeting on April 10th.

Lunch Program Reminders

This is a reminder for our families that only with written consent from home, may students in grades four and above leave school property on their own during the lunch hour.  Students in grades three and below may only leave the school with a parent/guardian.  Students leaving the school over the lunch hour are not in our lunch program and therefore are NOT to return to school before school supervision begins at 12:30pm.  Parents/guardians are responsible for the supervision and/or arrangements of any of their children that are not participating in our lunch program between 11:45am and 12:30pm.  Thank you for helping us keep your children safe.

Lost & Found

Is your child missing an item of clothing, lunch bag or footwear?  Chances are that it is in our “always full” lost and found area in the east stairwell.  Sign-in and check it out!

Lunchroom Supervisors  (LRS) Needed

As the TDSB rolls out more Full Day Kindergarten programs in neighbouring schools , there is an increased need for LRSs in our school and those nearby.  If you have extra time between 11:30am and 1pm, enjoy working with children and are looking for a part-time job, please visit www.tdsb.on.ca > Employment > Lunchroom Supervisor to apply.

Computers for Children in Need

If you have or know of a child in need of a computer, Little Geeks might be an organization that can help. They are a registered Canadian charity that collects, refurbishes and re-distributes donated computers to children in need.  Their computers are given free of charge for use in homes, schools or community centres.  For more information about the program and to apply check out their website at www.littlegeeks.com.

Breakfast Program Heroes

We rely a great deal on contributions to our Breakfast Program and want to take a moment to thank Peter Guadagnolo of Dave and Charlotte’s No Frills for the case of apples and bananas, Tammy and Beverley from Equinox for their donation of 2 waffle makers, J-cloths, plastic wrap, and spoons and Grandpa Larry and Guiermo for the 15 dozen farm fresh eggs, 6 litres of PURE maple syrup, 8 blocks of cheddar cheese, and butter.  Our breakfast program is available to any student in either school that is in need of a nutritious and wholesome breakfast to start their day off right.  If you would like to donate either funds or supplies to this very worthwhile program please contact the Roden School office or come by some morning to visit.

September 2013 Student Placements

Beginning in May, school staff will commence the process of placing students in classes for the next school year.  This task takes place over several weeks and involves consultations with teaching and support staff, administration and input from parents and guardians.  The placement of students is based on a number of factors such as:

  • age distribution
  • academic ability
  • work habits
  • teaching/learning styles
  • peer relationships
  • boy/girl ratio
  • positive leaders
  • special needs
  • teacher recommendations
  • resource team recommendations
  • parent information

We are one of the few schools that actively solicit parent input as to the unique qualities of your child that contribute to ensuring we form balanced classes that have the above-mentioned characteristics. Even though final placement decisions remain with the school, you are invited to provide input regarding your child and submit it to the Principal, Mr. Lasso, by May 17th.  Please consider the strengths and needs of your child, their optimal learning environment and/or any other information you feel would be helpful of which we are not aware.  Please keep in mind that requests for specific teachers will NOT be considered.  Once placements are made, because they involve confidential information about multiple students, we will not be able to provide detailed reasons for specific placements beyond the factors listed above.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • April: Autism Awareness Month and Jump Rope for Heart Month
  • Apr. 10: Roden School Council, 6pm, Library – Childcare provided.
  • Apr. 10: International Day of Pink Against Bullying & Discrimination
  • Apr. 22: Earth Day
  • Apr. 23-31: Toronto Public Health Dental Screening – All Students

Important School Information

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