COVID-19 Pincipal's Message

Friday, March 27, 2020

Greetings parents, students, and to all members of the West Hill P. S. community:

As the Governments, Federal, Provincial and Municipal, and Health Experts grapple with curbing the spread of the virus or flatten the curve, the COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the Toronto District School Board to provide insight and planning for next steps in relation to our children’s education. The main goal for us has been the health and well-being for your child, staff and families before we can engage in how education will be addressed.

The West Hill staff and I send our best wishes to all of you and hope you are well and safe within the comfort of your home and your family. Our school staff have shared with me that they have connected with a number of you on different formats and through various platforms. Please continue to connect with us, and share how we can support your child going forward.

Staff have told me that our students have shared how much they miss school and learning. Please thank them for me for knowing that learning never stops, but can take on different forms – during these times. I know that our teachers are currently and have provided support on a variety of levels with a sense of willingness and professionalism.

Please have your child check his/her school email account for any communication from his/her teacher.

I have highlighted some essential points of information; which is important for you to have at this time. Please make careful note of these:

  *   The Ontario government has announced that schools WILL NOT re-open on April 6th.

·         Ministry of Education’s Learning at Home<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/cz-2272haI1IphLGqSYXxg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgXmJ-P0TXaHR0cDovL3RyYWNrLnNwZS5zY2hvb2xtZXNzZW5nZXIuY29tL2YvYS9lZVN6VDhuOHpfLThELUdVWVN0SE9Rfn4vQUFBQUFRQX4vUmdSZ1hkc0xQMFFwYUhSMGNITTZMeTkzZDNjdWIyNTBZWEpwYnk1allTOXdZV2RsTDJ4bFlYSnVMV0YwTFdodmJXVlhCM05qYUc5dmJHMUNDZ0FBaTZkOFhuUW5oZTFTR0UxaGRIUm9aWGN1VjJWaVltVkFkR1J6WWk1dmJpNWpZVmdFQUFBQUFnfn5XB3NjaG9vbG1CCgAA_i59Xpl_IQxSE3NoYXJ1YmFsbGVAeWFob28uY2FYBAAAAAI~> website portal provides supplementary learning materials in math and literacy for elementary and secondary students. The website will help keep students learning and engaged during the COVID-19 school closure period.

  *   A link to the TDSB additional online resources<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/TYnU9nwz3XEAihYUDTNelA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgXmJ-P4QvAWh0dHA6Ly90cmFjay5zcGUuc2Nob29sbWVzc2VuZ2VyLmNvbS9mL2Evb1l2THIyT2dhd1hhRVZ4TlozM0hBUX5-L0FBQUFBUUF-L1JnUmdYZHNMUDBScmFIUjBjSE02THk5M2QzY3VkR1J6WWk1dmJpNWpZUzlGYkdWdFpXNTBZWEo1TFZOamFHOXZiQzlUZFhCd2IzSjBhVzVuTFZsdmRTOUlaV0ZzZEdndFFXTjBhWFpsTFV4cGRtbHVaeTlEYjNKdmJtRjJhWEoxY3k5TVpXRnlibWx1WnkxU1pYTnZkWEpqWlhOWEIzTmphRzl2YkcxQ0NnQUFpNmQ4WG5RbmhlMVNHRTFoZEhSb1pYY3VWMlZpWW1WQWRHUnpZaTV2Ymk1allWZ0VBQUFBQWd-flcHc2Nob29sbUIKAAD-Ln1emX8hDFITc2hhcnViYWxsZUB5YWhvby5jYVgEAAAAAg~~> that will support the Ministry’s Learning at Home<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/cz-2272haI1IphLGqSYXxg~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgXmJ-P0TXaHR0cDovL3RyYWNrLnNwZS5zY2hvb2xtZXNzZW5nZXIuY29tL2YvYS9lZVN6VDhuOHpfLThELUdVWVN0SE9Rfn4vQUFBQUFRQX4vUmdSZ1hkc0xQMFFwYUhSMGNITTZMeTkzZDNjdWIyNTBZWEpwYnk1allTOXdZV2RsTDJ4bFlYSnVMV0YwTFdodmJXVlhCM05qYUc5dmJHMUNDZ0FBaTZkOFhuUW5oZTFTR0UxaGRIUm9aWGN1VjJWaVltVkFkR1J6WWk1dmJpNWpZVmdFQUFBQUFnfn5XB3NjaG9vbG1CCgAA_i59Xpl_IQxSE3NoYXJ1YmFsbGVAeWFob28uY2FYBAAAAAI~> initiative

  *   Student well-being and mental health will also be an important focus. There is a variety of Mental Health and Well-Being Resources<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/LKfMF2xtGuKHLYtakkhzDw~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgXmJ-P4QrAWh0dHA6Ly90cmFjay5zcGUuc2Nob29sbWVzc2VuZ2VyLmNvbS9mL2EvcGJkblVzcXNFUnRlOFNIa1pxZlBXZ35-L0FBQUFBUUF-L1JnUmdYZHNMUDBScWFIUjBjSE02THk5M2QzY3VkR1J6WWk1dmJpNWpZUzlGYkdWdFpXNTBZWEo1TFZOamFHOXZiQzlUZFhCd2IzSjBhVzVuTFZsdmRTOU5aVzUwWVd3dFNHVmhiSFJvTFZkbGJHd3RZbVZwYm1jdlVtVnpiM1Z5WTJWekxVUjFjbWx1WnkxRGIzWnBaQzB4T1ZjSGMyTm9iMjlzYlVJS0FBQ0xwM3hlZENlRjdWSVlUV0YwZEdobGR5NVhaV0ppWlVCMFpITmlMbTl1TG1OaFdBUUFBQUFDVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoAAP4ufV6ZfyEMUhNzaGFydWJhbGxlQHlhaG9vLmNhWAQAAAAC> for students and families available on the TDSB website.

  *   The TDSB<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/UkbATMhcf4wKLeDaFSxK9g~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgXmJ-P0S_aHR0cDovL3RyYWNrLnNwZS5zY2hvb2xtZXNzZW5nZXIuY29tL2YvYS9WekRWTTZvZkZZYUJXM25nVzZFNVNnfn4vQUFBQUFRQX4vUmdSZ1hkc0xQMFFYYUhSMGNITTZMeTkzZDNjdWRHUnpZaTV2Ymk1allTOVhCM05qYUc5dmJHMUNDZ0FBaTZkOFhuUW5oZTFTR0UxaGRIUm9aWGN1VjJWaVltVkFkR1J6WWk1dmJpNWpZVmdFQUFBQUFnfn5XB3NjaG9vbG1CCgAA_i59Xpl_IQxSE3NoYXJ1YmFsbGVAeWFob28uY2FYBAAAAAI~> is formulating plans this week and next week (March 30 – April 3) about the continuation of learning; and the TDSB will be communicating with schools and families as soon as these plans are finalized.

  *   All TDSB Playgrounds and Park Amenities Closed<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/1Ah-zxbavQdU5GSdMqyknA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgXmJ-P4QzAWh0dHA6Ly90cmFjay5zcGUuc2Nob29sbWVzc2VuZ2VyLmNvbS9mL2EvZW04YXNhZHRkLWluSlhybzFHWWV0UX5-L0FBQUFBUUF-L1JnUmdYZHNMUDBSd2FIUjBjSE02THk5M2QzY3VkR1J6WWk1dmJpNWpZUzlPWlhkekwwRnlkR2xqYkdVdFJHVjBZV2xzY3k5QmNuUk5TVVF2TkRjMEwwRnlkR2xqYkdWSlJDOHhORE00TDFSRVUwSXRVR3hoZVdkeWIzVnVaSE10WVc1a0xWQmhjbXN0UVcxbGJtbDBhV1Z6TFVOc2IzTmxaRmNIYzJOb2IyOXNiVUlLQUFDTHAzeGVkQ2VGN1ZJWVRXRjBkR2hsZHk1WFpXSmlaVUIwWkhOaUxtOXVMbU5oV0FRQUFBQUNXB3NjaG9vbG1CCgAA_i59Xpl_IQxSE3NoYXJ1YmFsbGVAeWFob28uY2FYBAAAAAI~>, to the public effective immediately (March 25, 2020); under the direction of/  ordered by the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto.

Important Links

  *   Ontario Ministry of Health<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/MZtTYEe8WW82ldbnqMnCuw~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgXmJ-P0TLaHR0cDovL3RyYWNrLnNwZS5zY2hvb2xtZXNzZW5nZXIuY29tL2YvYS9YZGRUNWdnMzBwQmdxSnRIbWhib3dRfn4vQUFBQUFRQX4vUmdSZ1hkc0xQMFFoYUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1dmJuUmhjbWx2TG1OaEwyTnZjbTl1WVhacGNuVnpWd2R6WTJodmIyeHRRZ29BQUl1bmZGNTBKNFh0VWhoTllYUjBhR1YzTGxkbFltSmxRSFJrYzJJdWIyNHVZMkZZQkFBQUFBSX5XB3NjaG9vbG1CCgAA_i59Xpl_IQxSE3NoYXJ1YmFsbGVAeWFob28uY2FYBAAAAAI~>
(Updated each weekday)

  *   Toronto Public Health<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/vtHFG4goFkPbO4UcOU6bEA~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgXmJ-P0TLaHR0cDovL3RyYWNrLnNwZS5zY2hvb2xtZXNzZW5nZXIuY29tL2YvYS9yQjBjTEtud2tyMnBkbDlBcXlYZmh3fn4vQUFBQUFRQX4vUmdSZ1hkc0xQMFFoYUhSMGNEb3ZMM2QzZHk1MGIzSnZiblJ2TG1OaEwyTnZjbTl1WVhacGNuVnpWd2R6WTJodmIyeHRRZ29BQUl1bmZGNTBKNFh0VWhoTllYUjBhR1YzTGxkbFltSmxRSFJrYzJJdWIyNHVZMkZZQkFBQUFBSX5XB3NjaG9vbG1CCgAA_i59Xpl_IQxSE3NoYXJ1YmFsbGVAeWFob28uY2FYBAAAAAI~>

  *   Letter from Director of Education John Malloy<http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/2IswWOjs-RKYqy7tDXjv9g~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRgXmJ-P4Q3AWh0dHA6Ly90cmFjay5zcGUuc2Nob29sbWVzc2VuZ2VyLmNvbS9mL2EvbklhX0RUeVdUcl91UnVNQlZFaVhyUX5-L0FBQUFBUUF-L1JnUmdYZHNMUDBSemFIUjBjSE02THk5M2QzY3VkR1J6WWk1dmJpNWpZUzlPWlhkekwwRnlkR2xqYkdVdFJHVjBZV2xzY3k5QmNuUk5TVVF2TkRjMEwwRnlkR2xqYkdWSlJDOHhORE01TDB4bGRIUmxjaTFtY205dExVUnBjbVZqZEc5eUxXOW1MVVZrZFdOaGRHbHZiaTFLYjJodUxVMWhiR3h2ZVZjSGMyTm9iMjlzYlVJS0FBQ0xwM3hlZENlRjdWSVlUV0YwZEdobGR5NVhaV0ppWlVCMFpITmlMbTl1TG1OaFdBUUFBQUFDVwdzY2hvb2xtQgoAAP4ufV6ZfyEMUhNzaGFydWJhbGxlQHlhaG9vLmNhWAQAAAAC>

The staff and I would like to express our deepest appreciation to all those parents, caregivers and guardians who are working in various essential service roles, supporting us and the province through this crisis. We appreciate your ongoing professional commitment, efforts and your hard work!

If parents wish to share any questions or concerns with me (Darryl Forde, Principal) directly prior to April 5th; please email me at darrylforde@tdsb.on.ca. I will try to respond to you in a reasonable timeframe given the circumstances.

In closing, I want you to know, I remain confident that together we can find a way that would lead to success! I want to thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration with our staff and me during these times. I will be in touch again as soon as I have additional information.

 Sincerely,

Darryl E. Forde

Christmas Craft/Movie Night

Please join West Hill’s Parent Council for their Annual Christmas Craft and Movie night on Thursday, December 5 from 6-8pm.

Upcoming Bullying Presentation on Friday, November 29

Upcoming bullying presentation, not to be missed. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Circle of Sharing, Learning and Building Together

Family Games Night this Wednesday!!!

Reminder: Family Game night is this Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:30pm!

Remembrance Day Assembly

West Hill will be hosting a Remembrance Day assembly on Monday, November 11, 2019.  This assembly will begin at 10:10am in the gymnasium.  This cermony should be complete around 11:30.  We look forward to having families and friends join us for this service.

Hallo-THON!!!

PA Day and Long Weekend

Cross Country Dates

Cross Country Postponed

The cross country meet scheduled for Tuesday, October 8, 2019 has been postponed. A new date will be available shortly. Please check back here for the new meet date.

School Advisory Cancel Meeting Postponed

The School Advisory Council meeting scheduled for this evening (Tuesday, October 1) has been postponed due to severe thunderstorm warnings. This meeting will be rescheduled for Tuesday, October 8.

Thank you for your understanding.

Treats for Terry

Monday, September 23, 2019

TREATS FOR TERRY

To celebrate West Hill’s upcoming Terry Fox School Run on September 26, 2019, the Grade 7/8 class will be selling treats during lunch on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of this week. All money raised will go to the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research. We will be selling chips, sour keys, lollipops, and mini chocolates each priced at $1 or less. Let’s help raise money for cancer research and reach our $800 school goal.  We can all help to make a difference!

Terry Fox Donations

West Hill Public School is proud to be participating in the 2019 Terry Fox School Run. Please join us and support this wonderful cause by donating to our school’s fundraising page at: http://www.terryfox.ca/WestHillPSScarborough  Thank you for joining us in the fight against cancer.

Click on the link to access our Terry Fox website. Here you can see how much we have raised and can even make a donation  too. 

Curriculum Night

West Hill will be holding their curriculum night on Thursday, September 19. The evening will start outside with our first annual corn harvest. You’ll be able to purchase delicious corn on the cob to eat and can even purchase more to cook at home. After the corn harvest, families will be welcomed into the gymnasium where our curriculum night will begin. 

Curriculum night is a great way to meet your child’s teacher and learn a little about what is currently happening in the classroom. In addition, you will hear what this year has in store for your child.

We look forward to seeing you all there!!!

1st Corn Harvest

Terry Fox T-shirts

Terry Fox School Run and Fundraiser

Updated School Advisory Council Timelines

September 9, 2019

Dear Parent/Guardian:

I would like to apologies for the errors made with regards to the School Advisory Council’s (Parent Council) elections for the 2019 – 2020 school year.

The correct dates are as follows:

Nominations returned; September 16, 2019

Introduction/Biography returned; September 16, 2019

Elections: September =September 24, 2019

First Council Meeting: October I, 2019

Again, please accept my apologies.

Individuals, who are interested in serving on the Council, are asked to prepare a brief introduction/Biography to be presented to the wider school community.

Yours Respectfully,

D. Forde

Principal

September Changes and Reminders

Changes to Kindergarten Entry 

Kindergarten students and parents will be joining the grade 1-8 students for entry using the main school yard entrance on Amiens Road. They will no longer be entering via Teft Road. Kindergarten students will line up along the fence that borders the designated Kindergarten play area and will enter through door #2. The Kindergarten play area is closed at this time and not in use until instructional time at 8:45. Thus, Kindergarten students will not be allowed to enter the designated play area. Both drop-off and pick-up will be in the main school yard where (they) you would have lined up in the morning. Secondly, our Kindergarten duty start time will be at 8:25 a.m. Kindergarten times will be the same time as the grade 1 – 8 students, with entry bell at 8:40 and instructional time beginning at 8:45. We hope that these changes will lend to a smoother process for both students and parents, especially those having students in more than one division.

Student Arrival

The expectation is for students to arrive between 8:25 – 8:40 a.m. and line up at their designated entry area. Use of the playing area, field and basketball court is for instructional times, recesses and other extra-curricular activities. Students using these above-mentioned areas before entry time, will be redirected to their designated entry area to await entry.

Dismissal Time 

Our regular dismissal time is 3:15 p.m. Following dismissal, all students should be safely dismissed to their parent/guardians and leave the school property. In order to affect the safe dismissal of all students, teachers will be present from 3:15 – 3:30. 

The school reserves the time period between 3:15 and 4:00 p.m. for school related activities and thus, all students must leave the school property during this time frame. Students will not be permitted to play soccer or basketball or use the play scape at dismissal. 

West Hill showcase

The Showcase is tonight!!! Please have your child here by 5:45. Thank you!

Fun Fair!!

West Hill’s Fun Fair is only a few days away!!! We are all so excited for this event! Looking forward to seeing everyone out there on Thursday, June 13!

This is a rain or shine event. 

June is Pride!!!

Toronto District School Board Celebrates LGBTQ Pride Every Day

Our TDSB community has a rich culture and history of celebrating diversity and our LGBTQ community every day. Learn more about the history of Pride by visiting Pride Toronto and learn more about how we celebrate at the TDSB.

Join us at the Toronto Pride Parade!

Toronto's annual Pride Parade will take place on Sunday, June 23, 2019, and a proud TDSB contingent of students, staff, Trustees and community members will be taking part, just like we've done every year since 2000.

Everyone is welcome! Come out and join TDSB friends and colleagues. More details to follow!

Follow all the fun on Parade day via Twitter (#PrideTDSB). 

Above Information taken directly from the TDSB website - https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/Gender-Based-Violence-Prevention/Pride

PA DAY

FRIDAY, JUNE 7 is a PA DAY. There is no school for students. School will resume on Monday, June 10. Have a lovely weekend! 

Spirit Day - Thursday, May 30

Thursday May 30th is Raptors Day at West Hill!! Show your Toronto pride by wearing anything that celebrates our Toronto Raptors, as they begin their quest in the NBA Finals.  Let’s celebrate “Canada’s team,” by wearing Raptors gear, ‘We the North’clothing or anything red and white.

Let’s go, Raptors!! Let’s go, West Hill!! Let’s have a great spirit day!! 

2019 Fun Fair

Inspired to Excel Pre-Kindergarten Summer Learning Program

Parent Education Expo

LC3 Math Symposium

Friday!

There is so much happening this week Friday!

1. Character Ed and Greek Heritage Month Assembly for honesty. The assembly will start at approximately 1pm. Students from all classes who have exemplified honesty will be celebrated. In addition, there will be a presentation highlighting traditional Greek music and dance. Please come and support the students!
2. As usual, students are encouraged to wear their Pack colours because it's a Spirit Friday.
3. Pizza lunch is ALSO this Friday! 
4. Earth Hour is being recognized by TDSB schools this Friday from 2-3 pm. The official time and date are Saturday March 30 from 8:30-9:30 pm. Students will be talking about the reason for this event at school. We will be turning off lights and avoiding using technology which is non-essential. Please participate on Saturday by turning off lights and other electronic devices between 8:30-9:30. It is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time as a family if you can by talking about ways that you can make a difference, playing games, or telling stories. Information and ideas for family activities can be found here as well as on the TDSB information page.