September 2014 Elementary Bulletin

Town Centre Montessori
Private Schools ®
Main Campus Elementary Information Bulletin
Dates to Remember:
September 11
Band Info Night
7:00 to 7:30 p.m. Small Gymnasium
September 11
Meet the Teacher at Main Campus
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
September 12
Grade 7 and 8 Photo Day
September15
After School Courses begin
September 22 to 26
Spirit Week and SAC Elections
September 2014
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. 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! Mr. Lamanna, Mrs. Bowerbank, Mr. Parker and all the staff, will
be working hard to ensure that your child’s school year is a successful and
enjoyable experience. As always, the elementary Vice-Principals will be
happy to meet with you if you have any questions or concerns.
September 24
Terry Fox Run
Inside this issue:
Start of the School Day…..
2
Parents and Visitors…..
2
2014 Academic Planner…..
2
Meet the Teacher and Band
3
Information Night…..
Grade 1 to 3 Recorders….. 3
Spirit Week and
Terry Fox Run…..
4
Gr. 7 and 8 SAC…..
4
Gr. 7 and 8 Photo Day…..
4
Anaphylactic Allergies…...
5
Medication Policy…..
5
School Uniform and Shoes.. 5
After School Courses…..
6
2013-2014 Yearbook…..
6
Monthly Tuition Payments... 6
Fire Drills and
Emergency Plans…..
7
Parking…..
7
High School News…..
8
Mr. Rocco Lamanna
Vice-Principal
Mrs. Yun Bowerbank
Vice-Principal
Mr. Douglas Parker
Vice-Principal
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
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
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.
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.
2014 Academic Planner
All grade 1 to 8 students are required to have the new and improved 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
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 11th, from 7:00 to 8:30 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. We hope that with Meet the Teacher
Night you will experience the supportive environment we strive
to provide for your child on a day to day basis.
Parents are reminded that discussing individual student
progress is an activity better suited for the Parent
Teacher Interviews at the end of the term.
Also on Thursday, September 11th, we will have a brief Band
Information Night for all our grade 4 students and parents
starting at 7:00 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 20142015 instrument price list brochure along with a selection 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 music instruments at
school by Monday, September 22nd, 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 or the Main Office to purchase a recorder for $10.00.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Page 4
Town Centre Montessori Private Schools
Spirit Week and Terry Fox Run
During the week of September 22nd to 26th, 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. The highlight of Spirit Week will be our annual Terry Fox Run which will be held on
Wednesday, September 24th. 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 the SAC. Participating
students must present speeches in front of their peers on Monday, September 22nd, and the results of the
student vote will be announced by Friday, September 26th. Students will be receiving detailed information
in class over the next few days.
Grade 7 and 8 Photo Day
On Friday, September 12th, the grade 7 and 8 students will have their school photographs taken. Students
must be in full uniform including school kilts, sweaters, and ties. 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 12th, they may take their photo during the grade 2 to 6 photo day on
Tuesday, October 21st. Photo retake day for all students is on Tuesday, February 24th.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Main Campus Elementary Information Bulletin
Page 5
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 very 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
For the safety of all our students, 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 staff to administer medication. All medication must be provided in the original
container and should not be expired. The school will not administer medication without the signed medical
form. Please do not give any medication to your child to keep in her or her lunch box, locker or pockets.
Please visit the Main Office if you have any questions.
School Uniform and Shoes
By October 1st, we hope to have all students in their full and correct
school uniform and shoes. Parents who are waiting for back ordered
items may contact Halpern’s and have the deliveries made to the school.
Please ensure that all uniform items are labelled with the student’s name.
Uniform 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. No substitutions to any of the uniform
items or shoes will be permitted. 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.
SMART PARENT TIP!
Students should 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.
Montessori Pre-School, Private Elementary School, & Private High School,
Three Distinct Programs - One Unique School
Page 6
Town Centre Montessori Private Schools
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 15th. 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, please refer to the After School Courses information
package.
Order Your 2013-2014 Yearbook
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the 2013-2014 elementary yearbook which will be delivered later in
the fall. This yearbook features the grade 1 to 8 students as well as all the wonderful events of TCMPS
between September 2013 to June 2014. 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. We hope that you enjoy this special yearbook!
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.)
Any monthly tuition payments 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 payment. The school
strongly recommends that parents and guardians who are paying in monthly instalments either arrange for
a pre-authorized credit card withdrawal, or submit postdated cheques at registration. Parents and
guardians who are paying by debit card please note that it is their responsibility to ensure that their
monthly tuition instalment is received on time. 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
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. 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.
Parking - Safe and Caring School Community
Thank you to the many parents who are courteous and safe drivers in the school
parking lot. 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.
Please observe all posted signs in the parking lot.
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. 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 as these are designated fire routes. 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.
Do not park in the handicap spaces unless you have a valid permit.
Enter and exit the parking lot driving in the proper direction. 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.
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
ticketed or 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,
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 thrilled to welcome a very large and, from the looks of things, energetic
group of grade 9 students! We are also delighted to see so many familiar faces
back as well.
We are also pleased to welcome new faculty members:
Ms. Ildiko Goczi (Physics and Mathematics)
Mr. Chetan Kaloti (Business Studies and Economics)
Ms. Zahra Murad (English as a Second Language and Communication Technology)
Mr. Justin Black (Health and Physical Education)
Ms. Ksenija Novakovic (Mathematics and Computer Science)
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
www.tcmps.com
The first few days of school are always 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!
Our Vice-Principal, 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 stop by our
Office and say hello.
Have a great year!
Mr. Patrick McCarthy
High School Principal
Patrick McCarthy
Principal
Ms. Sarah McDonald
High School Vice-Principal
Coming Up in High School...
Tuesday, September 2
Friday, September 5
Wednesday, September 10
September17 to September19
Wednesday, September 24
First day of classes
Welcome Back Spirit Day (half-day of classes)
Meet the Teacher Event, 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Grade 9 Overnight trip to Bark Lake
Spirit Day and Terry Fox Run
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