Parent/Guardian Involvement Needed?

Wednesday night, during our monthly School Council meeting, there were a number of issues that arose and the theme was often one of parent/guardian involvement.

If you missed the meeting, please Watch the recording and consider taking action.

Here’s a summary of what was discussed:

• Lunchtime supervision:
  • Deep concern was expressed over the limited supervision available during lunchtime
  • Ratio of lunch monitor to students is 1:100, even though COVID protocols keep kids in their classrooms rather than grouped together in the gym or outside
  • Esme & Suzy circulate through the classrooms. And every non-teacher resource is called into action. But it still leave most kids unsupervised 2/3 of the time
  • If you would like to be involved in finding a solution, please email howardschoolcouncil@gmail.com
• Esme updated us on:
  • the School Yard Revitalization project – we are on track, weather permitting, to open at the end of November
  • TDSB launched PR728 – find out what that means about reporting racist, sexist, homophobic language and incidents
  • School Improvement Plan (SIP) – this is a staff-driven document. The 2 foci continue to be Academic and Wellbeing/Equity
  • School Statement of Needs (SSON) – this is a parent/guardian-driven document used by the school board to aid them in selecting administrative staff for the school. We need your input!
• Fundraising
  • Kindness Calendar – advent calendar that can be used for many years – order TODAY in order to receive in time for December 1st
  • Online Auction in full swing! Bidding ends at 9pm on Saturday. Not too late to donate an item – email council to donate
• Howard’s TPH Nurse Kristina Khatrib presented on
  • are you planning to travel? learn about the current quarantining guidance for vaccinated and unvaccinated kids
  • new guidance about quarantining if your child has been identified as a close contact and trends in pediatric population
  • TPH hotline for more information: 416 338 7600 (m-f 8:30-4:30)
• Key Dates
  • December 15 – Picture Retake & Graduation Photo Day
  • December 15 – Next council meeting [add it to your calendar]
  • December 17 – Last Day of School before Winter Break