September 2013 Elementary Bulletin

Town Centre Montessori
Private Schools ®
September 2013
Main Campus Elementary Information Bulletin
Dates to Remember:
September 12
Band Info Night
7:00 to 7:30 p.m. Small Gymnasium
September 12
Meet the Teacher at Main Campus
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
September 13
Grade 7 and 8 Photo Day
Welcome!
It is our pleasure to welcome back all returning families, to
the start of another wonderful school year. We would also
like to extend a very warm welcome to all the families who
are new to TCMPS or new to the Main Campus this year.
Please help us welcome Mr. Douglas Parker who has
recently joined the TCMPS administrative team. With his
extensive experience and friendly manner, he is sure to be a
great addition to TCMPS! Mr. Parker, Mr. Lamanna and Mrs.
Bowerbank, together with the entire staff, will be working
hard to ensure that your child’s school year is a successful Mrs. Marianne Vanderlugt
Principal
and enjoyable experience. As always, the elementary VicePrincipals will be happy to meet with you if you have any
questions or concerns.
September16
After School Courses begin
September 23 to 27
Spirit Week and SAC Elections
September 24
Grade 7 and 8 Immunizations
September 26
Terry Fox Run
In this monthly information
bulletin you will find details
about some important dates,
programs and TCMPS news.
We have another amazing
year planned and we look
forward to sharing many
great moments with you!
Inside this issue:
Parents and Visitors
2
2
Meet the Teacher Night
3
Band Information Night
3
Grade 1 to 3 Recorders
Academic Planner
Spirit Week
School Uniform and Shoes
3
3
4
4
Gr. 7 and 8 Photo Day
5
Anaphylactic Allergies
5
Medication Policy
After School Courses
2012-2013 Yearbook
5
5
6
Fire Drills and Emergency
6
Monthly Tuition Payments
Character Education
6
7
Parking
High School Information
7
8
Start of the School Day
Mr. Rocco Lamanna
Vice-Principal
Mrs. Yun Bowerbank
Vice-Principal
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Mr. Douglas Parker
Vice-Principal
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Page 2
Town Centre Montessori Private Schools
Start of the School Day
TCMPS will be playing O’Canada daily over the elementary P.A. system at 9:00 a.m. to signal
the start of the school day. During the playing of the national anthem all students and staff,
as well as any visitors who are still in the school, are asked to stop walking and stand
respectfully without talking. Please do not walk or run through the hallways to reach the
classroom while the anthem is playing. Once O’Canada has concluded any students who are
in the hallways may enter their classrooms.
It is crucial that all students are present in their classrooms by 9:00 a.m. for classes to start
on time without disruptions. We ask all parents and guardians for their complete attention
and cooperation with the following:
Classes including subject classes are scheduled to start promptly at 9:00 a.m.
Students should be dropped off early enough so that they can be prepared for class,
unpack their lunch and books, and use the washroom if necessary.
Any student arriving after 9:05 a.m. will be considered late and should report to the
Main Office to pick up a late slip. The late slip should be presented to the class
teacher who will record the information in their attendance book.
If your child will not be in attendance at school, please call the Main Office before
9:00 a.m. to report the absence.
“Teaching
students at a
young age to be
punctual is one
of the most
important lessons
they can learn.”
Students arriving late inadvertently interrupt the learning process for others. Teaching
students at a young age to be punctual is one of the most important lessons they can learn.
Thank you for your cooperation in this important matter.
Parents and Visitors
For safety and security reasons, all parents and
guardians must vacate the premises by 9:00 a.m.
Any adults or non-staff members who are in the
school corridors after 9:00 a.m. will be reminded to
go to the Main Office or leave the school
immediately. As well, parents who are dropping off
lunches or snacks during the school day must go
directly to the Main Office rather than the classroom. The office staff will ensure that the deliveries
are given to the students.
All school doors will be unlocked before and after
school but during instructional hours, only the front
door and the side door by the High School Office
will remain unlocked. All visitors to the school must
report directly to the Main Office.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Main Campus Elementary Information Bulletin
Page 3
Meet the Teacher Night and Band Information Night
Our annual Meet the Teacher Night will take place on Thursday, September
12th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Meet the Teacher Night gives parents an
opportunity to visit the campus, meet the teachers and tour the classes.
Teachers will explain to you the methods and procedures followed in class and
discuss the program in general. Parents are reminded that discussing individual
student progress is an activity better suited for the Parent Teacher Interviews
at the end of the term. We hope that with Meet the Teacher Night you will
experience the supportive learning environment we strive to provide for your
child on a day to day basis.
Also on Thursday, September 12th, we will have a Band Information Night
for all our grade 4 students and parents from 7:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Small
Gymnasium. New or returning band students in grades 5 to 8 are also welcome
to attend. Within the next few days, students will be receiving a 2013-2014
instrument price list brochure along with a recommendation of an instrument
for your child to play. Details about instrument care and rental will be provided
during the information session, after which parents will have the opportunity to
either rent or purchase an instrument for their child.
All grade 4 to 8 students must have their own music instruments at school by
Monday, September 23rd, at the latest. For parents who are familiar with the
rental program, the music instruments can be ordered directly through the
school’s instrument supplier, Harknett Music located at 2650 John St., Unit
# 15, (Woodbine Ave. and Esna Park area) (905) 477-1141.
Grade 1 to 3 Recorders
As part of the Music program, all grade 1 to 3 students are required to have a recorder.
Students will learn the fundamentals of Music theory and will gain good practice habits in
preparation for their grade 4 band instrument. Students who still have their recorder from last
year will not need to purchase another one. If you do not have a recorder yet, please speak to
your classroom teacher to purchase a recorder for $10.00.
2013 Academic Planner
All grade 1 to 8 students are required to have a TCMPS Academic planner which is now
available for purchase for $15.00. The planner is used to record homework and it also acts
as an important means of communication between teachers and parents. Parents are asked
to review the planner each night and sign it. If you have not yet purchased a planner please
speak to your child’s teacher.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Page 4
Terry Fox Run 2012
Town Centre Montessori Private Schools
Spirit Week
During the week of September 23rd to 27th, elementary students will participate in
a fun filled Spirit Week. Throughout the week, students will have fun activities and
assemblies designed to bring out their awesome school spirit.
Terry Fox Run
The highlight of Spirit Week will be our annual Terry Fox Run which will be held on
Thursday, September 26th. This event has been a huge success in the past and we
look forward to supporting this great cause again. Raising awareness and
participating in a worthy cause is another way in which TCMPS students can have a
significant impact in our community. Students will be receiving more information
along with their pledge forms shortly.
Grade 7 and 8 Student Activity Council (SAC)
The elections for the Student Activity Council are also held during Spirit Week.
Each year the grade 7 and 8 students elect a Student Activity Council who will
organize fun and exciting events throughout the year for all to enjoy. All interested
grade 7 and 8 students are encouraged to run for this year’s SAC. Participating
students must present speeches in front of their peers on Monday, September 23rd,
and the results of the student vote will be announced by Friday, September 27th.
Students will be receiving more detailed information in class over the next few days.
School Uniform and Shoes
By October 1st, we hope to have all students in their full and correct school
uniform and shoes. We have been in contact with Halpern’s and have received
news that the back ordered items will be delivered shortly. It is recommended that
parents who are waiting for back ordered items should contact Halpern’s and have
the deliveries made to the school. Please ensure that all items are labelled with the
student’s name.
We are also looking forward to having all the students in the official school shoes
by October 1st. These shoes are available from Markville Mall Kiddie Kobbler,
Sloan’s Shoes, and Olly Shoes. The approved school shoes are Stride Right (Sperry
or Mary Jane), Geox (William, Federico, Euphory), and Dr. Martens. Students who
use orthotics must have a doctor’s note in order to wear unapproved shoes. If you
would like more information about the school uniform and shoes, please visit the
Main Office.
It is strongly recommended that students have a second pair of running shoes for
outdoor recess. This will keep the school uniform shoes looking presentable and
keep them from unnecessary wear and tear.
Thank you for your cooperation in following the school’s uniform and shoes policy.
With your help, all our students are sure to have a sense of pride in wearing the
proper uniform.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Main Campus Elementary Information Bulletin
Page 5
Grade 7 and 8 Photo Day
On Friday, September 13th, the grade 7 and 8 students will have their school photographs taken. Students must be
in full uniform including school kilts, sweaters, and ties (where applicable). Photo proofs and packages will be sent out
to all parents approximately one month after the photo day. For students who are unable to attend school on the
photo day on September 13th, there will be a photo retake day on Thursday, October 24th, during the grade 2 to 6
photo day.
Anaphylactic Allergies
Within our school community there are a number of students who have a potentially life threatening allergy
(anaphylaxis) to foods, predominantly to peanuts and nuts. The risk to human life presented by anaphylaxis is
severe and we feel the best way to reduce the risk of accidental exposure to these students is to respectfully ask for
the cooperation of the parents and guardians to avoid sending known allergens to school, especially peanut butter or
products with peanuts or nuts listed in the ingredients.
While the school is not designated as “nut free” or “allergen free”, we do ask for your voluntary support in
reducing the risk for these students who have anaphylactic allergies. Also, a list of ingredients must be provided for all
food brought to the classroom for all special occasions. Your cooperation and understanding of this matter is greatly
appreciated.
Administration of Medication
Please be aware that our medication policy has changed. For the safety of the student, parents who provide
medication for the student to take while at school must go the Main Office to complete and sign a medical consent
form with the following information: the current date, name of the student, name of the medication, dosage and time
the medication must be given, and a signature authorizing the staff to administer medication. All medication must be
provided in the original container and should not be expired. Please note that we will not administer medication
without the signed consent form.
After School Courses
Participating in the After School Courses is a wonderful way to enrich the school experience for your child. The
first day of classes for the After School Courses will be on Monday, September 16th. Parents are encouraged to
register as soon as possible as spaces are limited for all the fun and exciting courses. For a complete listing of the
courses available this year, please refer to the After School Courses information package.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Page 6
Town Centre Montessori Private Schools
Order Your 2012-2013 Yearbook
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2012-2013 elementary yearbook which
should be delivered in November. This yearbook features all the students from
grade 1 to 8 as well as all the wonderful events of TCMPS between September
2012 to June 2013. The yearbook will have 80 pages in full colour, as well as an
embossed hard cover. If you are interested in purchasing a yearbook, which costs
$40.00, please contact the Main Office for an order form. The yearbooks will be
distributed to the students in November. We hope that you enjoy this special
yearbook!
Fire Drills and School Emergency Plans
TCMPS has carefully instituted various levels of security to ensure the safety of all our students. Our safety
measures include: restricted access to school facilities, a sign in procedure for visitors to the school, a student pick
up system only by authorized adults registered with the school’s administration, and a school wide surveillance
system at all three campuses.
Throughout the year, the students will practise fire and safety drills as part of our Fire and Emergency Safety Plan.
By doing so, students and staff will be able to respond in a calm manner during an emergency. By thinking about
different types of emergencies and planning ahead, we are able to react more quickly and appropriately to different
situations, as well as keep the parents informed.
These additional levels of security will undoubtedly reassure parents and allow individual students to pursue their
academic studies with the knowledge that they are safe and secure at all times.
Reminder About Monthly Tuition Payments
For parents and guardians who pay their tuition using the monthly payment option, this is a friendly reminder that all
tuition payments are due on the first day of each month, September 1st through May 1st. This applies to all
methods of payment, including cheque, credit card and debit card. (Exception: If the first day of the month is a
weekend or holiday, then the tuition payment will be due on the next business day.)
Effective October 1, 2013, any monthly tuition installments that are received after the first of the
month will be charged a $25 late payment fee. This fee will be in addition to the regular monthly tuition
installment. The school strongly recommends that parents and guardians who are paying in monthly installments
either arrange for a pre-authorized credit card withdrawal, or submit post dated cheques at the time of registration;
however, for parents and guardians who are paying by debit card please note that it is their responsibility to ensure
that their monthly tuition installment is received on time. To avoid any lineups, parents and guardians may also wish
to stop by the Office and arrange for payment a few days before the first of the month. If you have any questions or
concerns, please stop by the Main Office anytime and we will be happy to assist you.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Main Campus Elementary Information Bulletin
Page 7
Character Education - Making a Difference!
For the past few years, TCMPS students have been participating in
our worthwhile Character Education program which is an effort to
develop good character traits and to create an environment in
which positive attitudes, values and behaviours are fostered. In this
year long initiative, teachers will use formal lessons, as well as take
advantage of teachable moments in daily interactions, to highlight a
different character trait of the month. At the end of the year,
elementary students will be honoured for developing positive
character traits by receiving a certificate from the Vice-Principals.
This month’s character trait is:
Respect
Parking - Safe and Caring School Community
Thank you to the many parents who are courteous and safe drivers and comply with our
procedures in the parking lot area. In order to keep the driveways and fire routes clear, all
drivers must observe the following rules:
Drive slowly and carefully in the parking lot and in the surrounding neighbourhood.
Do not park in front of the main entrance door of the school or in the front driveway.
This area is a drop off area ONLY, and should not be used for parking at any time.
When entering the driveway, do not block traffic. If a parking spot is not available,
please exit the parking lot and re-enter to look for an alternate area to park. The
front entrance and driveway are the main fire routes and bus unloading zones.
Do not stop or park along the side walls of the building. There is grave danger to
students as they exit their vehicle, if cars attempt to pass. Please park your car in a
designated parking spot to unload students.
Please observe all posted signs in the parking lot. Enter and exit the parking lot driving
in the proper direction. Do not park in the handicap spaces unless you have a valid
permit.
In case of emergency, the students must be able to exit the building without obstruction and
emergency vehicles must have easy accessibility to enter the school. Cars that are parked
illegally may be towed at the owner’s expense. All of our parents, staff and students are
part of the TCMPS community and we ask everyone to exercise patience and courtesy in
the parking lot and in the neighbourhood. As the safety and well-being of all the students is
our priority, we are sure that everyone’s cooperation will be assured.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
“All of our parents,
staff and students
are part of the
TCMPS
community, and
we ask everyone to
exercise patience
and courtesy in
the parking lot
and in the
neighbourhood.”
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Town Centre Private High School News
Welcome back!
We are looking forward to another outstanding school year in the High School. We
are delighted to be joined by our eager group of grade 9 students and are pleased to
see so many familiar faces back as well. We are also pleased to welcome two new faculty members, Ms. Kavitha Krishna who will be teaching English and ESL, and Ms.
Melissa Galati, our new Drama teacher.
The first few days of school are always extremely busy, but as always, I encourage all
our new students not to be overwhelmed but to get involved. High school brings with
it a myriad of extracurricular opportunities including many sports and clubs, the
newsletter, the school play, House activities, Student Council and much, much more.
High School shouldn’t just be about books and study; it is much more fun if you
become a part of something beyond the classroom. Don’t be shy; get involved!
Main Campus / Head Office
155 Clayton, Drive
Markham, Ontario
L3R 7P3
Phone: 905-470-1200
Fax: 905-470-0184
E-mail: admin@tcmps.com
Milliken Campus
3 Clayton Drive
Markham, Ontario
L3R 8N3
Phone: 905-470-8178
Fax: 905-470-0570
E-mail: admin@tcmps.com
Amarillo Campus
76 Amarillo Avenue
Markham, Ontario
L3R 0V3
Phone: 905-474-3434
Fax: 905-474-3113
E-mail: admin@tcmps.com
Our Dean of Student Life, Ms. Sarah McDonald and I are more than happy to meet
with any current or prospective parents or students and to answer any questions
about the TCPHS program, or about high school in general. Please feel free to stop by
our office and say hello. Have a great year!
Patrick McCarthy
Vice-Principal
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!
Mee HS
tion
TCP inistra
Adm
Mr. Patrick McCarthy
High School Vice–Principal
Ms. Sarah McDonald
Dean of Student Life
Ms. Pat Ego
High School Administrator
Coming Up in High School...
www.tcmps.com
Wednesday, Sept. 11
Meet the Teachers Evening, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 13
Photo Day
Sept. 18 to Sept. 20
Grade 9 Trip to Bark Lake
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call or stop by the
Main Office anytime to speak to any one of the Vice-Principals.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School