Forest Hill continues to be an engaging place. Our Cross Country Club attended their first event on Tuesday. Our runners were joyous to be outdoors – even if there were no placements to regionals or city championships! They enthusiastically cheered on both their teammates and participants of other schools. They are also very excited about their next event on Thursday, November 11. Thank you to Ms. Pereira for helping organize and support our runners!
The Black Student Alliance Block Party was also a huge success on Wednesday! There was much excitement, great music and delicious food! Thank you to Ms. Haines for supporting with the organization of this important opportunity for our students.
Our Youth Workers, Ms. Buntin-James and Mr. Bell, also ran a social event this week for students they are supporting. It too was a huge success in building student community and leadership! We want to thank each of them for their on-going support of our students and staff.
Many learning opportunities took place last week – including virtual visits with Holocaust survivors; and many more exciting events will take place this week including our School Council fundraising event this Friday featuring McDonalds lunch. Please see below for details.
Sincerely,
Yvette Duffy, Principal Joseph Ghassibe, Vice Principal Anita Love, Vice Principal
In this issue:
- Next Two Weeks at a Glance
- A Message from Jake Fogel and Daniella Osei - Student Council Co-Presidents
- Academic Awards & Honour Roll Recipients
- Holocaust Education During November
- Secondary Student Check-In Survey – Thoughts on Modified Semester 1 Schedule
- EQAO – Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test – Grade 11s – Wednesday, November 10
- Credit Rescue – Wednesday, November 10
- Remembrance Day – Thursday, November 11 @ 11:00 a.m.
- Semester 1, Term 2 – Begins on Monday, November 15 & Mid-Term Report Card Distribution – Thursday, November 18
- New Course Proposals – Due Monday, November 22
- Optional Attendance at Forest Hill for Admission September 2022
- Grade 8 Virtual Open Houses and Information Night - Coming December 7 @ 6:00 p.m.
- Sick Kids – PCR Saliva Test
- Messages from Guidance
- Messages from School Council - Chair Tracy Kowal
- Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
- Worth Mentioning Again – Heritage Months, Vaccination Disclosure & Photo Retake
Next Two Weeks at a Glance
Keep apprised of what is happening by linking to our school year calendar which is live on our school website landing page.
A Message from Jake Fogel and Daniella Osei - Student Council Co-Presidents
We would like to share this School Council President Video created by our Co-Presidents, Jake and Daniella, and thank them for their school spirit and commitment to undertaking goals we all value in our school community. Thank you to Ms. Palowski and Mr. Ghassibe for all they are doing to support student leadership.
Academic Awards & Honour Roll Recipients
Congratulations to all our Academic Award winners from 2020/2021. A list of all the award recipients is on display near the main office. Thank you to everyone who supported our students’ achievements.
Holocaust Education During November
The 2021 Holocaust Education began last week and is continuing throughout November. This year, our newly introduced grade 11 Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity class hosted Holocaust survivor Nate Leipciger and his granddaughter, Jenn Green. Several of our English and Social Science classes also met and learned from Holocaust Survivor Max Eisen by joining a livestreamed event hosted on November 4 by Northern Secondary School. Students learned directly about the Holocaust and heard messages of hope for the future.
Our Jewish Students Union will also be hosting Nate Leipciger on Tuesday, November 16 to provide an opportunity for our students to meet and learn directly from a Holocaust survivor. All students are welcome to take part in this special opportunity on the 16th at lunch in room 252 or 143.
Many programs are also being hosted virtually throughout the month of November and are free of charge by the Neuberger Holocaust Centre. Learn more at holocausteducationweek.com.
Thank you to Ms. Mauer and all our staff members who have supported our students to engage in this important learning.
Clubs Are Up and Running!
Student-led Clubs are up and running at Forest Hill! We have had requests from parents and guardians to view the 25+ Clubs available. Please link to FHCI 2021/2022 Clubs folder to see what is happening. A reminder for students that during Covid that each student is only allowed to join two in-person Clubs; students are welcome to join as many as they wish virtually. For any questions, please contact joseph.ghassibe@tdsb.on.ca.
Secondary Student Check-In Survey – Thoughts on Modified Semester 1 Schedule
The TDSB is conducting a Secondary Student Check-In Survey on Tuesday, November 9 to learn more about the student experience this year and to request student input to support with decisions for semester 2. Parents and guardians are requested to speak to their student about the modified Week 1 and Week 2 experiences as this will help support students to complete the survey.
On Tuesday, November 9, all students will receive an email from the TDSB with a link to the survey and our teachers will provide designated classroom time to complete the survey. The survey is anonymous and confidential and should take no more than ten minutes to complete. The survey will remain open until Thursday, November 11.
EQAO – Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test – Grade 11s – Wednesday, November 10
All grade 11 and non-graduating grade 12 students will be required to write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) on Wednesday, November 10 in-person at school. All students who are required to write the OSSLT in November, along with their parent or guardian, were sent an email communication about a few weeks ago. Please refer to this email for more information.
To access practice tests and more information, link to: EQAO – OSSLT page. Thank you to our Literacy Committee and Ms. Love who are working to support the delivery of this mandatory test.
Credit Rescue – Wednesday, November 10 – Supporting Students At Risk of Not Meeting Curriculum Expectations
Thank you to all teachers who reached out to students who are struggling and invited these students in for support on Friday! Our next Credit Rescue opportunity for students is Wednesday, November 10 for Week 2 Classes.
Credit Rescue is an early intervention initiative to support student achievement. Only students who have been contacted by their teacher, Special Education or Student Success departments will attend in-person (or virtually if the student is a simultaneous learner). Students who are not participating in Credit Rescue will be expected to work on subject-related material while remaining at home on this day. Teachers will pause regular classroom activities for this designated day and will focus on Credit Rescue activities.
Remembrance Day – Thursday, November 11 @ 11:00 a.m.
On Thursday, November 11 @ 11:00 a.m. classes will pause for our Remembrance Day Ceremony. Our School Council is working to create a video message that will be shared with all students.
Thank you to Mr. Billinghurst, Mr. Ghassibe, Ms. Palowski, and Ms. Simas who are all supporting our students to organize the Remembrance Day ceremony. The beautiful display in the foyer was led by Mr. Conley.
Semester 1, Term 2 – Begins on Monday, November 15 & Mid-Term Report Card Distribution – Thursday, November 18
Please note that Semester 1, Term 1 will end on Friday, November 12 and Term 2 will begin on Monday, November 15. These dates are especially important for grade 10 Civics and Careers classes as one of these classes will end and one will begin for our grade 10 students.
Mid-Term Report Cards will be shared with all students and families electronically on Thursday, November 18.
New Course Proposals – Due Monday, November 22
Our course review process to determine which courses will be offered at Forest Hill next year is getting underway. We are interested in hearing from your student about courses that they would like to see offered. For a complete list of courses offered in the Ontario Curriculum, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Education website.
Please note a Curriculum Review committee with representation from Administration, Guidance, Student Success, Special Education, and subject departments will review the applications and make programming decisions based on the following:
- rationale behind offering a new course
- needs and interests of the students and the school community
- how the course complements our existing program
- how the course will affect enrolment in other courses
- technology, equipment and associated budgetary cost required to run the course
- implications of the course for the future programming of the school
- uniqueness of the course
If your student has a course that they would like offered, please complete FHCI New Course Proposal - Student Submission 2021/2022 by Monday, November 22. Note: Students must be logged into the TDSB to access and complete the proposal.
Optional Attendance at Forest Hill for Admission September 2022
Forest Hill Collegiate has limited Optional Attendance for new students who live outside our catchment area and wish to register at our school for September 2022. Even though the TDSB is in the process of revising the Optional Attendance Policy, this year the Optional Attendance process will follow the existing policy document. Please refer to the TDSB Optional Attendance page for links to the policy, application, and lottery details.
For consideration for Optional Attendance, all applications must be emailed to foresthill.ci@tdsb.on.ca or delivered directly to the school by Friday, January 28. Please note that our school office closes at 4:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Virtual Open Houses and Information Night - Coming December 7 @ 6:00 p.m.
Grade 8 students and families are invited to attend our virtual open house and information session on Tuesday, December 7 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Our session will be hosted live and offer important information to help make an informed decision when choosing a high school. More information will be coming soon. Stay tuned.
Sick Kids – PCR Saliva Test
Our school is working with Sick Kids to allow for faster access to Covid-19 testing. If there is a positive Covid-19 case at school, students in the affected cohorts will be supplied with the PCR Saliva Test Kit to take home and return to the school. This process will support faster delivery of information to families and our school.
Messages from Guidance
Grade 12 – Upload of Mark & Full Disclosure to OUAC/OCAS
The Ministry informed the Board last Thursday that owing to the Modified Semester Schedule, the Full Disclosure of Marks date has been shifted for all secondary schools to Wednesday, December 15. This will allow students an opportunity to complete approximately 75% of a course prior to deciding whether to continue in or drop a course.
Ontario Universities Application Centre - OUAC Pins
Many students and parents have enquired about the PINs for OUAC. Please note that PINs are not accessible at this time. PINs will be shared immediately with students as soon as we have access.
Grade 12 – Post-Secondary Session Recordings Available for Viewing
On November 3, our Guidance Counsellors hosted another post-secondary information session to support our grade 12s. If you wish to view this session, the zoom recording and the slides are posted on FHCI Guidance Site – Post Secondary page.
Grade 12 – Post-Secondary Check In – Week of November 8
During the week of November 8th, Guidance Counsellors will be visiting Grade 12 period 1 classes to answer questions regarding post-secondary applications. This will also be an opportunity for us to do a mental health check-in with our graduating students.
Upcoming University/College Virtual Visits for FHCI Students
Our Guidance Department is working hard to keep our potential graduates informed and aware of possible post-secondary options. This week’s upcoming sessions include:
- Monday, November 8 at 11:30 a.m. – McMaster University
- Tuesday, November 9 at 11:30 a.m. – Ivey @ Western University
- Wednesday, November 10 at 4:00 p.m. – Ivey @ Western University
Visit the FHCI Guidance Post-Secondary page for links to registration and to view upcoming events.
Grade 12 – College Information Session – November 15
On Monday, November 15, representatives from six Ontario colleges will be available to talk to students about college programs. This panel discussion will take place virtually from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All students in the Grade 12 College English class will be attending. Grade 12 students who are not registered in Grade 12 College English are also welcome to attend. If a grade 12 student wishes to attend, please e-mail jasmine.ng@tdsb.on.ca.
Thank you to Ms. Ng, Mr. Oosteroff, Ms. Robles Evans and all our grade 12 teachers who are hosting these important sessions to support our students.
Messages from School Council - Chair Tracy Kowal
McDonalds Lunch – Friday, November 12
School Council will be hosting a student fundraising event on Friday, November 12 at lunch by selling prepackaged McDonalds outside the main entrance. All forms of payment will be accepted - debit, credit or cash. Quantities will be limited. All funds raised will be used by the School Council to support our school. Thank you to McDonalds for supporting our school.
Wish List Campaign 2021
School Council is also excited to launch our 2021 Wish List Campaign. This annual fundraiser provides families the opportunity to enrich our children's classrooms with materials and equipment to enhance their education. Through provincial funding, the TDSB covers the day-to-day expenses of basic school operations. Through the Wish List Campaign, we provide the extras the school board doesn’t cover.
This year, we are raising funds to help with the installation of a new Calming Wellness Room for students. This room will be a safe space for students feeling stressed, anxious or in need of a quiet space and will be monitored by our Youth worker. We are reaching out for your support as we cannot do this without you. You may donate in increments of $5, but this donation method will not generate a tax receipt. To donate without receiving a tax receipt, link to 2021 Wish List Campaign. If you wish to receive a tax receipt for your donation, please link to TDSB Donation for FHCI.
Thank you on behalf of the FHCI School Council Wish List Committee. Questions can be addressed by Genevieve Korman at genkorman@hotmail.com.
Parent Involvement Advisory Committee
Also, please note that the Parent Involvement Advisory Committee (PIAC) will be hosting its annual conference for parents and caregivers on November 27 & 28. Registration is required and will open soon. Find out more by linking to the TDSB PIAC page.
Our School Council Chair, Tracy Kowal, can be reached at tracy.kowal@yahoo.ca.
Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
Learn more about upcoming events and keep informed by linking to Trustee Laskins Weekly Newsletter.
Worth Mentioning Again…
November is Indigenous Education Month
November is Indigenous Education Month at the Toronto District School Board and an opportunity to centre First Nations, Métis and Inuit histories, contemporary realities, and voices.
Truth and Reconciliation is a guiding principle at the TDSB. Throughout November, students, staff, and community members will engage in meaningful opportunities to learn together about shared histories and building stronger relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. The Urban Indigenous Education Centre (UIEC) is hosting a number of events to support students and staff to learn directly from Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, Cultural Advisors, and Current Authors. Follow @UIEC_TDSB on Twitter for updates on Indigenous Education Month at the TDSB.
Hindu Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board – November 2021
Hindu Heritage Month is celebrated during the month of November. As you know, Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Hindu community; a community that began to arrive in Canada at the beginning of the 20th century. Hindu Canadians have made significant contributions across all fields: science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, culture, and sports. And they continue to help foster growth, prosperity, and innovation throughout Ontario.
Hinduism is one of the oldest living religions that celebrates a rich tapestry of traditions, teachings and values, and is practiced by millions around the world today. November is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values which promote compassion, tolerance, and inclusion. The theme this year is Sri Rama: Epitome of love, compassion, duty, and service.
Voluntary Disclosure of Vaccination Status
Toronto Public Health through the Toronto District School Board is collecting the voluntary disclosure of vaccination status of students born in 2009 and earlier. This is intended to minimize disruption to schools and support a more efficient process when managing possible Covid-19 cases. For more information on uploading the vaccination status of a student link to Voluntary Disclosure of Vaccination Status.
Photo Retake Day – November 22
Our school’s Photo Retake Day will take place November 22nd. Further details will be emailed soon.
Download a copy of this newsletter: View From the Hill - Issue 11 - Week of November 7 2021