FEB. 13, 2013 - TMS Community

FEBRUARY 13, 2013
HEADLINES
DATES TO
REMEMBER
Your Link to the Office of the
Head of School
February 11-14
Bring an Adult Friend to TMS
Montessori Fairs
Heritage Day Assembly
We are thankful to TMS parents for taking
the time to share your family’s experiences
with others in terms of how the TMS
program encourages your child to be highly
engaged in learning through academics,
arts and athletics while continuing to
practise becoming a great citizen who
makes many positive differences in the
world while demonstrating grace and
courtesy.
You are always welcome to bring
interested relatives, friends or colleagues to
TMS to show them what this looks like.
Furthermore, if you would like to arrange
for your friend to visit with any of the
Academic Heads or someone in
Admissions, please call in advance so a
brief visit can be scheduled by contacting
the Admissions Office at 905 889 6882
ext.254 or [email protected].
Finally, when you bring a friend, please help
us keep our security practices strong by
signing your friend in at the Main Office at
the campus you are visiting to ensure they
receive a Visitor tag.
One to One Laptop Input Invitation Reminder
TMS is launching a review of our laptop program at the College beginning today
to assist our teachers at the Elgin Mills Campus to reflect on and continue to
develop expertise and implementation strategies with this technology to
enhance learning in TMS’ unique version of the IB program. The review will also
provide an opportunity to channel the excellent energy and ideas that
permeate both campuses to ensure that TMS has a road map to allow us to be
outstanding, unparalleled and wise in this area. Overall, we intend to continue to
employ technology as a valuable tool for learning in a manner that supports our
Mission, Promise and commitment to offering a seamless educational program
of flagship Montessori and welcoming IB.
As part of review process, parents of students from both campuses are invited
to meet with the Educational Collaborators team leader and Director of
Technology at the Harker School in San Jose for one of two feedback sessions
in the Library at the Elgin Mills Campus on Thursday February 14. The first
feedback session will take place from 8:15 – 9:15 am and the second will take
place from 2:30 – 3:30 pm. Please join us if you are interested in sharing your
observations and ideas about laptops and technology as a tool for learning.
Quebec Carnival
Overnight Field Trip
Grade 10
February 14
Valentine’s Day Celebrations
&
College Spirit Day
February 15
PD Day
No Classes
February 18
Family Day
School is Closed
February 21
TMS Family Bingo
Bayview Campus
4:00 – 5:30 pm
February 22
College Valentine’s Dance
Elgin Mills Campus
8:00 -11:00 pm
February 25-March 1
Montessori Education Week
February 25
Bayview Campus Student
Assembly 2:30 pm
February 27
Montessori Fair
Lower Elementary Grade 3 &
Some Grade 1 & 2 Students
Bayview Campus
Lower Elementary
Classrooms
3:30 - 4:30 pm
February 27
Student Led Conferences
Elgin Mills Campus
3:30 – 8:00 pm
February 28
College Career Day
Elgin Mills Campus
9:00 am - noon
EMF Update
We are currently completing a detailed review of the third party expert EMF report from Intrinsik Environmental
Sciences (Intrinsik) and will be sharing the full report and our plans to go beyond to ensure our students
continue to remain safe at the School with all TMS families by e-mail at the end of day on Tuesday, February 19th.
For parents with questions we are holding a Coffee with the Head and members of the Intrinsik team on Friday,
February 22 at 9:00 am at the Bayview Campus. RSVP to the Bayview Main Office at 905-889-6882 or via
e-mail at [email protected] . In the meantime, below is the executive summary of the Intrinsik report:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Toronto Montessori Schools (TMS School) commissioned Intrinsik Environmental Sciences (Intrinsik) to:
1. measure extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) at the Bayview and Elgin Mills TMS
School campuses;
2. put these levels in context of known levels from homes, offices and schools; and
3. provide a discussion of the state of knowledge on EMF and human health from government and medical
agencies with an emphasis on children.
On Sunday, January 17, 2013, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m, Intrinsik measured EMF levels at the
Bayview and Elgin Mills TMS School campuses following national and international protocols. More than 300
magnetic field area measurements were recorded at more than 140 unique locations throughout the Bayview
campus; over 100 magnetic field area measurements were recorded at more than 75 unique locations at the
Elgin Mills Campus. The average values at both campuses were very similar. These average values are in line
with previous studies conducted in Canada and in the United States. Measurements of EMF were also taken
from a number of common classroom elements (e.g., aquariums/terrariums, computers, stereos, microwaves,
refrigerators, stovetops and wireless routers). These magnetic field levels are well within the range of what has
been previously reported.
Concerns about the ever-present nature of ELF EMF and possible health concerns have been raised by some
in the global community. The science around EMF and possible health concerns has been extensively
researched over the last 30 years. Government and medical agencies including Health Canada, the World
Health Organization (WHO), the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the US National Institute of Health (NIH) and National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) have all thoroughly reviewed the available information. While
individual opinions on the issue vary, the weight of the evidence does not support a causal link between ELF
EMF and children’s health concerns. As recently as November 2012, the official position of Health Canada on
the matter is:
“Health Canada does not consider that any precautionary measures are needed regarding daily
exposures to EMFs at ELFs. There is no conclusive evidence of any harm caused by exposures at
levels found in Canadian homes and schools, including those located just outside the boundaries of
power line corridors”.
It is Intrinsik’s professional opinion that ELF EMF levels within both the Bayview and Elgin Mills TMS School
campuses are typical of those found in homes and other schools, and based on the current scientific and
medical weight of evidence, do not pose health concern to children or adults spending time in these facilities.
Important Notice from the Business Office
Child Care Tax Receipts 2012 and Payment of Overdue Tuition Fees and Extended Care
Charges
The statement of account forms as of January 16, 2013, which show the outstanding balance of account for
Tuition Fee and Extended Care charges, if any, were mailed to families on January 17, 2013. Please note that
Post Dated Cheques or Pre-Authorized Debit Schedule for Tuition Fees not yet due for payment, are not
reflected in the statement of account forms.
We are in the process of issuing Child Care Tax Receipts for the year 2012. They will be sent by February 28,
2013. These Child Care Receipts will include a portion of Tuition Fees, depending on the grade of your child,
plus 100 % of the actual charges invoiced and received by TMS for the Extended Care Program for 2012.
Please arrange to pay any overdue tuition fees not covered by Post Dated Cheques or Pre-Authorized Debit
and all outstanding Extended Care charges by January 31, 2013.
We will be withholding the Child Care Tax Receipts for the year 2012 if any overdue tuition fees and/or
outstanding Extended Care charges remain unpaid (not covered by Post Dated Cheques or PreAuthorized Debit). Please contact Nitida Mehta at 905-889-6882, Ext. 231 or E-mail: [email protected] if
you require additional information.
ACADEMICS
TMS Heritage Day
TMS Heritage Day Assembly
Students Learn About Magnets
& the Earth’s Magnetic Field
Doug Hrvoic gave a fascinating presentation on
magnets and the earth’s magnetic field. He taught
us that magnets have a north pole and a south pole
and that the earth is a giant magnet!
Victoria Hrvoic, Grade 2 Student
Lower Elementary Students Learn How to Make Lasagna
Parent Mrs. Cora Melatti treated Class 315 to a lesson on
how to make lasagna. Her expertise was clearly evident in
the preparation of the meal which the children enjoyed
along with the garlic bread and Caesar salad.
Grazie Mrs. Melatti!
Shakespeare in the Courtyard – Grade 7 English
Grade 7 English College students at the Elgin Mills Campus, engaging in dramatic readings of
Shakespeare. We look back on those last, lovely days of autumn and forward to spring, as the Elgin
Mills Campus Courtyard is our classroom of choice.
Ms. Neff, College Teacher
The Chinese Zodiac
A rat is as quiet as a church
An ox is as strong as a wrestler
A tiger is as emotional as a baby
A rabbit is as quick as a cheetah
A dragon is as smart as a calculator
A snake is as welcoming as a host
A horse is as nice as a flower
A sheep is as noisy as a ringing bell
A monkey is as sporty as an athlete
A rooster is as talkative as an advertiser
A dog is as funny as a clown
A pig is as sleepy as a sloth
Each one is special.
Which one are you?
Jasmine Lo grade five
Valentine’s Day Celebrations
for Toddler, Children’s House
& Elementary Students
On Thursday February 14th, we would like to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the
children. To avoid any hurt feelings, we invite the children to bring a Valentine card for
each of their classmates from Monday February 11th to Thursday February 14th.
NO TREATS PLEASE!! Remember, not all children are allowed to consume the
treats some parents so generously enclose in the Valentine cards. Chocolates and
candy pose a danger for many children in our school who have life-threatening
allergies.
The children may wear festive colours: red, pink and white in celebration of Valentine’s
Day or wear their school uniform. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in
making this a positive and enjoyable experience for every child.
Meg Kahnert
Carolyn Reid
Donna Boreham
Elementary Montessori Fairs
On February 7, all grade 2 students and some grade 1 and 3
students presented Montessori work in Lower Elementary
classrooms.
More photos of the entire trip will be provided in next week’s HeadLines!
ARTS
Mirror Image
We are looking forward to the TMS
musical performance Mirror
Image. Working together,
students in the Upper Elementary,
IB Middle Years (grades 7-10) and
IB Diploma (grades 11 and 12)
programs from both campuses,
will present a spirited musical
performance in the evening of
Thursday March 7th at the YCDSB
Centre for the Arts at 525 New Westminster Drive in Thornhill.
Information about securing seats for these events will be shared
closer to the date.
Rehearsals at Bayview are Well Underway!
The Great Wall of China
In celebration of Chinese New Year, the
Children’s House Extended Care students built
a model of the Great Wall of China and adorned
it with many Chinese decorations.
After the Winter Break, they continued to learn
about “Children around the World”. We have
talked about the Chinese New Year as it is the
most important holiday in many Asian countries
such as: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore
and South Korea. Usually these countries have
3 public holidays. The Chinese New Year is the
longest holiday in China. Many schools,
businesses and factories will be closed for 15
days. Chinese New Year begins on the first day
of the lunar calendar, so it is also called
Lunar New Year. The Chinese New Year is considered the beginning of spring and it is called the
Spring Festival. We hope you enjoy the Spring Festival with your families and friends. We also wish
you Great Happiness and Prosperity in the Year of the Snake! Kung Hei Fat Choy!
Children’s House Extended Care Program
CITIZENSHIP
Spirit Week Elgin Mills Campus
February 4th – 8th
More photos to come!
The College Valentine’s Dance
has been rescheduled to Feb 22nd
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, the
Students for Social Justice will be selling
candy grams at the Elgin Mills Campus. The
candy grams include an assortment of candy
and cookies with each bag having a
personalized note from a friend or an
admirer.
This has been a successful initiative over the
last couple of years and we hope to continue
that same success by selling approximately
350 candy grams this year! The proceeds
from the sale will be going to the Heart and
Stroke Foundation.
Candy grams were sold from February 4th to
the 13th. Each candy gram costs $2 or 3 for
$5 and they will be delivered on February
14th.
Everyone was encouraged to buy a candy
gram because it’s a great way to show
someone you care.
Rucha Desai, Students for Social Justice
ATHLETICS
Bayview Campus Athletics
U10 Basketball
Tournament
Team 2
On February 1st we went to the
Hangar to play in a basketball
tournament. We played three
games and won the first game
but then lost the next two
games. We tried our hardest
and had lots of fun. We worked
together as a team and scored
lots of baskets. Ms. Soo See
and Ms. Brunette helped us and
did lots of drills with us for the
past two months. During the
tournament, we helped each
other out when we made a
mistake and we cheered each
other on. It was a great
experience. It was a great
feeling to know we had each
other there. We made new
friends and learned lots of new
skills. We are glad that we had
Ms. Brunette and Ms. Soo See
there to guide us. It was an
honour to be on the basketball
team.
Jacqueline Zenobio,
Grade 3 Student
Recess Skating
Schedule
12:15-1:00 pm
Similar to last year’s schedule,
we have assigned each class 1
full week (Monday-Friday).
For recess skating you need:
Skates, skate guards, and a
CSA Hockey Helmet with a
face mask.
Week
Class
February 11 - 15
Class 315
February 18 - 22
Classes 118 and 321
February 25 - March 1
Classes 318 and 320
March 4 - 8
MAKE UP DATES – TBA
College Athletics
Good luck to our Winter Athletic teams who have games in the upcoming weeks! Here
is a glance at our Titan Schedule: * For full team names please visit www.ssaf.ca
Day
Mon.
Date
Feb11
Cycle
U20 Boys
Basketball
Day 4
Morning
Practice GYM
7:10 - 8:00
Tues.
Feb12
Wed.
Feb13
Thurs.
Feb14
Tues.
Feb19
Wed.
Feb20
Thurs.
Feb21
Fri.
Feb22
U14 Boys
Basketball
U20 Girls
Volleyball
U14 Girls
Volleyball
Morning
Practice GYM
7:10 - 8:00
Morning Practice
GYM
7:10 8:00
Morning
Practice GYM
7:10 - 8:00
HOME Triple
Header vs. LR
(3:00), Royal
(3:45), PACE
(4:30)
Morning Practice
GYM
7:10 8:00
Morning Practice
GYM
7:10 8:00
Morning
Practice GYM
7:10 - 8:00
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 1
Morning
Practice GYM
7:10 - 8:00
Morning
Practice GYM
7:10 - 8:00
Morning
Practice GYM
7:10 - 8:00
1st Round
Play-Offs
Morning
Practice GYM
7:10 - 8:00
HOME GAME
vs. UMS @
3:30pm
HOME Game
3:45 TMS vs.
PCA
Morning
Practice GYM
7:10 - 8:00
Quarter Finals
4pm TBD
HOME Game
3:45 TMS vs.
ARS
Day 2
Day 3
Titan Team Focus of the
Week: U14 Girls Volleyball
The U14 Girls Volleyball team consisting of
grade 7 and 8 girls had a great start to their
season. Sitting in third place at the current
moment the girls have fought hard to win 3
of their 5 games thus far. The spirited cheers
from the College Pep Rally on Tuesday,
February 5th pumped the girls up as they
served, bumped and volleyed their way to
win crucial matches against our rivals RHMS
and TWS.
We could not be more impressed with the
dedication, team spirit and leadership the
girls have shown so far this season. We are
looking forward to our next games, see you
on the court!
Coach Jepson, Coach Wong and
Coach Maskery
Ice Hockey
Curling
Morning Practice
@ NTR
7:00
- 8:00
3 on 3 Ice
Hockey
Tournament @
NTR 8:30-3:30
Afterschool
Practice RHCC
4:00 – 5:00
U20 Intramural Championships!
The Basketball Tournament held in the gym on
Thursday, February 7th was a success! It was great to
see all the participants come out and play basketball
and really bond with their teammates.
All of the teams played amazingly well but of course
there can only be one winner and that was Amish
Taploo’s team who found victory in the final play-off
tournament. Arman Olfat’s team came in second and
tied for third was Chris Ayala’s team and Alan Sikoev’s
team. Congratulations to the other teams that didn't
make it into the playoffs - they played great and had
lots of fun.
It was awesome to see everyone come out to play
and we hope to see many of the students come back
for the next season of intramurals. We will be starting
the player draft soon and students are encouraged to
not delay and to sign up and attend!
Christopher Ayala
You’re invited!
TMS Family Bingo
st
Thursday February 21
4:15 pm-5:30 pm
Location:
Important Times:
TMS Gym (Bayview Campus)
Doors open at 4:00 pm. Our first game starts at 4:15 pm. Food will be
served once games begin.
Cost:
$10.00 per seat (adult or child)
Who can play?
The TMS Community (students and their families). Students in grades
4 and up are welcome to play on their own. Students in grade 3 and
below require a parent’s assistance.
Bingo Player Package includes:
One Bingo Card, Two Pizza Slices, Unlimited Popcorn, and One
Refreshment.
What do I do now?
It’s simple! Pick up, complete and hand in a registration form at the
Main Office at either the Bayview or Elgin Mills Campus with your full
payment.
For more information contact us at:
[email protected]
or 905-889-6882 ext. 248
Career Day 2013
We Still Need
Volunteers!
The grade 10 Career Studies class is
hosting the 4th Annual TMS Career Day on
Thursday, February 28th from 9 am to 12
pm. TMS is looking for volunteers to come
in and speak to students about their
professions.
If you are interested in taking part in the
event, or require further information, please
contact the Career Studies teacher, Ms.
Mary-Jo O'Brien at
[email protected]
Save the date!
The TMS Annual Parent Luncheon
Bonjour Paris
will be held on
Wednesday, May 8th 2013
New Volunteers are always welcome!
For more information, please e-mail [email protected]
or call (905) 889 6882 ext. 248.
BAYVIEW CAMPUS
ELGIN MILLS CAMPUS
HEAD OF SCHOOL: Dr. Glenn Zederayko
TMS BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Michael N. Durisin (Chairman), Elaine Flett (Secretary),
Latif Fazel (Treasurer), Phil Campione, Greg Kanargelidis,
Deborah McMillan, Kevin Talbot, To Anh Tran and Alison Williams.
EDITOR: Ann Bianco – Harvey
Send Your Comments, Questions & Address Updates to: [email protected]
EDITORIAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
A. Bianco-Harvey, D. Boreham, S. Ferrie, M. Kahnert,
S. Lombardo, S. Merekar, J. Parody, C. Reid, E. ten Hagen, S. Thomas, R. Tripathi, A. Versolatto
and TMS student N. Voycheva
HeadLines is a weekly communication created and distributed electronically
to members of the TMS Community during the academic year.
© TMS 2013