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We are thrilled to an-
nounce that our student
enrolment was on target,
which meant that we did
not have to do any restruc-
turing of our school model.
The staff have eagerly and
enthusiastically started
working with the children
to encourage and chal-
lenge them to do their very
best and help each other to
reach their full potential. In
addition, the students have
settled into routines and
are focused on learning.
Despite the very early tim-
ing of our Curriculum
Night, it was very well at-
tended by Northlea parents
and guardians. Those pre-
sent had the opportunity to
meet the teachers and hear
about the curricular plans,
excursions and events for
2011-2012. Most parents
were impressed to see how
quickly the teachers had
created warm and welcom-
ing classrooms, several
with student work already
on display. We hope those
who attended found the
evening informative and
inspiring!
Mid-way through Septem-
ber, the Education and Ac-
countability Office (EQAO)
released the results of the
2010-2011 Assessment of
Reading, Writing and
Mathematics for the pri-
mary and junior divisions.
Results for schools and the
board have been made
publically available on the
Web site at www.eqao.com
We would like to take this
opportunity to congratulate
and thank the staff and stu-
dents. We are proud to
announce that our scores
improved in all areas of the
assessment. While the re-
sults are very good, we
would like to stress that this
is only one tool used to
assess our students. Data
from a variety of diagnostic
assessments are used to
guide school improvement
initiatives by helping us to
identify areas of strength
and areas needing im-
provement.
Regular, ongoing commu-
nication is a critical link
between home and school.
Once again, The Northlea
News will be published
monthly and distributed on
the last Friday of the month
whereas the What’s Hap-
pening is our biweekly
communication. As much
as possible, we are trying
to stagger these two and
send both out electroni-
cally. Thank you to three
key parents (Frank Chang,
Sarah Dawson and Wilmar
Kortleever) who worked
tirelessly throughout the
summer creating the new
Web site and building a full
school email distribution
list. Among the many
benefits, this should reduce
duplication of information
and speed up the turn-
around time it takes for
school communication to
be received in the home.
Throughout the year, we
encourage parents to refer
to the Northlea Web site for
valuable information about
our school policies and
procedures.
In closing, we are pleased
to say that we have had a
terrific start to the new
school year and are excited
about the year ahead. We
look forward to continuing
our strong, supportive part-
nership with the Northlea
parents and guardians.
Administrators’ Message Principal:
Kathy Ribeiro
Vice-Principals:
Jeff Little
Becky Jenkins
Office Administrator:
Judy Keith
Office Secretary:
Helen Saroglou
Superintendent:
Rauda Dickinson
Home & School President &
School Council Chair:
Wilmar Kortleever
Trustee:
Gerri Gershon
The Northlea News
Issue 1
Friday, September 30, 2011
Exciting things are happening
with our student athletes at North-
lea! The Cross Country team has
been working very hard every
morning at the back of Northlea
and around the community for off-
site training. Once again this fall,
the Northlea Cross Country team
has a huge number of students
involved (close to 300 students)
and they are all very energized for
the Brock Gordon warm-up meet
on Saturday October 1st followed
by the first race at Ashbridges Bay
on Wednesday, October 5th.
A Cross Country team of this im-
pressive size would not be possi-
ble without the support and in-
volvement of many adults. Thank
you to Ms. Borden, Ms. Vanexan
and all of the teachers and parent
volunteer coaches who are enthu-
siastically ensuring this amazing
team runs smoothly.
Of course, Cross Country isn’t the
only fall sport at Northlea. We
currently have a Rugby team be-
ing coached by Mr. Benedict. A
Grade 5/6 Boys Slo-Pitch team be-
ing coached by Ms. Robbins and
Ms. Andrew. Grade 5/6 and
Grade 7/8 Girls Slo-Pitch teams
being coached by Mlle. Marshall.
Finally, we have a Girls Basketball
squad being coached by Mr. Ellis.
Thank you to all our coaches and
volunteers, and good luck to all
our Northlea athletes. Your en-
ergy, team spirit and commitment
make us all proud!
Jeff Little
Vice-Principal
ride a bike, scooter, skateboard or
roller skate to school. This is obvi-
ously the healthier option; however,
we know for some this isn’t possible.
Next, for those families that must drive
to school we suggest you park a block
or two from the school and walk the
last bit of the way to school with your
child. This give you chance to chat
Due to the large numbers of students
being dropped off and picked up by
parents and/or guardians, and
T.D.S.B. buses (large and small), Rum-
sey Road is dangerously congested.
To help alleviate this issue we are sug-
gesting the following:
First, as always, we strongly encour-
age students and/or families to walk,
and arrive relaxed at the school.
Finally, for those who are unable to do
the above we would strongly encour-
age you to use our new Kiss and Ride
known as the Parent Safety Program
(PSP). This program will be starting
on Monday, October 3 on Sutherland
Street. Refer to the next page for spe-
cific details about it.
Toonie for Terry
Traffic Congestion & Safety
Our annual Terry Fox fundraiser
took place on Wednesday, Sep-
tember 28. Each walker contrib-
uted a toonie to raise money for
the Terry Fox Foundation. As you
can see from the photo, the
weather cooperated enabling stu-
dents and staff to complete their
community walk in the glorious
sunshine. Thank you to the many
Northlea parent volunteers who
assisted with the walk.
Page 2
Sports at Northlea
BUS STOP PICK-UP
Thorncliffe Park E.S. 8:04
Vanderhoof Ave. & Brian Peck Cres. 8:11
Vanderhoof Ave. & Thomas Elgie Cres. 8:14
Rolph Road Jr. P.S. 8:21
Bennington Heights E.S. 8:26
Bennington P.S. 8:29
Kiss and Ride
8:30 to 8:45 am
Start Date: October 3rd, 2011
How to Use the Kiss and Ride
The drop off zone is on the West side of Sutherland just South of Divadale. The zone will be marked by orange cones on the sidewalk and will be lo-cated just north of the entrance path to the school grounds. Drop times: 8:30 to 8:45
Have your kids ready to go. Back-packs on laps, kisses already given. If you have to get something out of the trunk, do not use the Kiss and Ride – park in one of the legal parking spaces on Broadway, Donlea or Divadale.
Be patient and wait your turn. Cars will be queuing to drop off, so please head south on Sutherland and join the back of the queue. Follow the instruc-tions given by the PSP volunteers (wearing orange safety vests). Obey the stop sign at Divadale and watch for kids crossing.
Do NOT stop in the Divadale inter-
section. If the line is long, please wait at the Stop sign until you can proceed completely, and safely, through.
When it is your turn, remain in your car and unlock your doors. The volun-teer will open the passenger door and escort your child to the school grounds.
Once the door is closed, please check for traffic and exit the drop zone slowly and carefully.
Don’t forget to smile and thank your volunteer.
For your own convenience and every-one’s safety please try to avoid driving northbound on Sutherland during the Kiss and Ride period.
Volunteers are urgently required. If you can donate 15 minutes of your time for even one day a month your help would be greatly appreciated.
To volunteer, please contact Erica Robertson at
or 416-520-3947
BUS STOP PICK-UP
Thorncliffe Park E.S. 8:04
Vanderhoof Ave. & Brian Peck Cres. 8:11
Vanderhoof Ave. & Thomas Elgie Cres. 8:14
Rolph Road Jr. P.S. 8:21
Bennington Heights E.S. 8:26
Bennington P.S. 8:29
Becky Jenkins
Vice-Principal
Thank you to everyone for your pa-tience as we have been working on the timing of the Big Bus. While every effort is made to adhere to the posted pick-up and drop off times, it’s important to note that TDSB policy allows for a window of 10 minutes before to 15 minutes after the scheduled route time. However, it appears that we need to back up the route a bit more in the morning in order for the stu-dents to consistently arrive on time at 8:40 to enter the school with the rest of the students. Beginning Monday, October 3rd the new pick-up times will be as follows. (Drop off times will remain the same.)
Attention Big Bus Riders . . .
Page 3
Parent Safety Program (PSP)
tion! Thank-you to everyone on behalf of Northlea’s Eco Committee and Eco Club.
This year we are going to work hard to maintain our Platinum standing. The team will focus on
greening our school grounds, waste reduction, Eco-literacy and communication. To reach these goals we
will have a number of student subgroups, led by various teachers, working under the umbrella of our larger
Eco Club. Our grade 7/8 Recycling Team is already out and around the hallways on Tuesdays, filling the
bins and bags with recycling.
We are also looking for parent volunteers to help with some of our initiatives - Walking Wednesdays,
greening our grounds, updating our Eco information on the Northlea website, and other projects as
Page 4
EcoSchools
they come up.
If you would like to be a part of this exciting club please con-
tact Mrs. Reiken at:
Also, if you have a special Eco skill to share, please let us
know.
GO GREEN!
Wednesday, September 21 was the official
T.D.S.B. kick-off for the 2011-2012 EcoSchools pro-
gram. The representatives from Northlea, Ms.
Ribiero, Ms. Andrew, Mme. Shulman and Mrs.
Reiken, proudly received our Platinum plaque for
last year’s efforts. It took the entire school commu-
nity - teachers, students, administration, the care-
takers and parents to put us in this prestigious posi-
A Big thank you to the donators … The Manserra Family who donated 500 pieces of fruit that we offered for free (extras delivered to Thorncliffe Mid-Morning Snack Program – thanks Kara & Rachel), Tom Sanders, Manager, & Assistant Manger Ryan Gilling, of Metro (very generous & considerate), Second Cup and Carolyn Caldwell of Well-rich Organizers for supporting the free coffee, Helen & Tom Morgan of Helen Cooks (yummy homemade food), The Fortsas Family (for the hamburgers), Old Dutch Chips, and Reza at Sultan of Samosas for the Samosas (donation to the Flemington Food Bank).
Many thanks to the Northlea staff & support team (Kathy Ribeiro, Jeff Little, Becky Jenkins, Judy Keith and Helen Saroglou for your ongoing support), to the great cooks behind the BBQ’s … thank you to Mitch Bondy & the teachers who smiled threw the heat & flames, to the positive and supportive caretakers (Thanks Dave Vair, Lee Rabita, Peter Curz & Monika Fotak, who made this event set up & clean up look easy).
The relaxed parents and playful kids communicated the atmosphere of the evening. The organization of many paid off. HUGE thank you’s go out to Rachel Chernos Lin, who’s endless negotiations brought us the much appreciated Rock Wall, and all the terrific inflatables. Rachel, your commitment & efforts on behalf of this community has been an incredible service to us all. Cathy Sturdee & Chris Chambers, who sourced & delivered a wonderful variety of food choices for everyone, and oversaw the volunteers in all the food areas, the thanks came in by the dozens and doz-ens … of parents & kids appreciating & benefiting from your efforts. To Wilmar Kortleever, our much appreciated Home & School President, to Sarah Dawson, H&S VP, to Claudine Lukawesky, Chair of H&S Community Events, & Susan Brookes, Treasurer, you are the kind of team that makes sure no volunteer could possibly fail. The hours of behind the scenes work you do truly makes a better community for us all. Thank you. It has been an honour to work with you.
Thanks to the core team of committed coordinators who made all the calls to enlist friends, and also worked shifts … Kathy Deuchars (cooler pick up & Pizza), Juliet Nelson (Helen Cook’s food), Kara Pearson-Kane (slicing & dicing fabulous fruit & veggies & also serving up Samosas), Marit Skuterud (Drinks), Kimberly Lexovsky (Chips), Susan Cuthbertson & many mature Gr. 9 students (face painting), Haili Haynes & Bryn McPherson (Coffee), Jen King (yummy desserts), Petra Moser (Whimz animals), Carol Wrigley (Ticket Sales), Stephanie DeHaan (Chess), Leslie Beyers, Diana Speer-McBean, Matthuschka Sheedy, Selby Copeland, Christy Lockington, Melanie Copp, Bonnie Ryan, & Stephanie Humphrey (Inflatable Coordinators).
Thanks to the strong ones doing set up and clean up … fast & organized … Dinesh Wijesinha, Kendall Fullerton, Wil-mar Kortleever, Petra Moser, David Sturdee, Bonnie Ryan. Mike Dietrich, Denny Wadds, Patrick Magee, Eric Rosen, & Mike Lepore.
And all the parent, teen & student volunteers who worked ½ hr shifts, who helped with set-up /clean-up, making signs, those who donated, baked & decorated delicious treats, helped out, and enjoyed the events in such a coop-erative way … Thank you. To all the spouses (thanks Kendall) of all the volunteers who helped, you are as much a part of this team. To the new neighbours and JK parents who came out for the first time, we hope you now feel a part of the Northlea community.
With the help of no rain, mosquitoes, or wasps, and an incredible tireless Northlea Community team, this event has been a pleasure to organize and enjoy. Thanks for your support through all the calls & emails.
Marie Fullerton 2011 Welcome Back BBQ Coordinator
Page 5
Yes we DID have a great 2011 Northlea BBQ … thanks to you & you & you …
Blood Donor Clinic Coming Up . . .
Tuesday, October 11
Northlea North Gym
2:00—8:00 p.m.
Please make an appointment with:
Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-2-donate
(1-888-236-6283).
Appointments made now help to determine the staffing and
bed needs, so please book as soon as possible.
Welcome Back BBQ
A week ago, WBB Coordinator Marie Fullerton sent out an e-mail to volunteers entitled „Together We Will … put on a great Northlea Welcome Back BBQ„. We are so de-lighted to conclude she indeed do just that, together with her fabulous team.
The contribution of countless Northlea volunteers was once again very impressive. That group included students (including a number of grade 9 alumni), numerous par-ents, and of course many staff (teachers, admin, caretak-ers and others).
As one parent (Claude Lukawesky) put it: “The food was perfect, entertainment was delightful and the atmosphere was just plain FUN. It was awesome to see children of all ages participating and enjoying themselves.”
A message from our WBB coordinator is posted below. But first, on behalf of the entire Northlea community, we acknowledge Marie herself for a great job, well done! Put-ting on an event like this only eight days into the school year is absolutely fabulous – and now for the second time in a row after the successful edition last year (despite moving the entire operation indoors last year).
Marie and your entire team, thank you for providing such a great kick-off to a very promising 2011-2012 school year!
Wilmar Kortleever & Sarah Dawson H&S / Council
Healthy Eating continues to be a priority at our school.
Please work with your child to pack healthy snacks and
lunches. Try to include some fruit and/or veggies in every
lunch. Remember that we are a peanut/nut “safe” school
and never pack any peanut/nut products. This also
includes class treats for special celebrations and/or
birthdays. Finally, as a Platinum EcoSchool, we are asking
students to use recyclable containers and as much as
possible, take the garbage from their lunch home with them
in their lunch bag. Thanks for your support!
