It was a busy two days last Thursday and Friday as semester 2 got up and running. It was fabulous to see all our in-person learners return to school – over 90% of our students are back at school! Students and staff quickly adjusted to our new four- period daily schedule.
Rapid Antigen Test Kits were distributed to all in-person students on Thursday. These tests are to be used for symptomatic testing only. If your student, who is learning in-person, did not receive such a kit, please direct them to the Main Office to obtain this. A lot of effort went into putting these kits together. Thank you to our office staff, Ms. De Jesus, Ms. Everett, Ms. Manolokas, and Ms. Stamatopoulou, who are working hard to support the health of our students and community.
We are also very appreciative of all our students who continue to take screening, masking, and physical distancing seriously.
Lots will be happening during the month of February including course selection for next year, celebration of the heritage of Black and Chinese communities, distribution of report cards, Valentine’s Day, PA and Family Day weekend, and much more! Stay tuned!
Sincerely,
Yyette Duffy, Principal Joseph Ghassibe, Vice Principal Anita Love, Vice Principal
In this issue:
- The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
- Student Handbook - Revised February 2022
- Textbook & Learning Material Pick-Up for Virtual Learners – Tuesday, February 8
- Cameras On for Virtual Learners
- Extracurriculars – Hosted Virtually At This Time
- Lunch – Thank you for Encouraging Students to Head Home for Lunch
- Black History Month – Check out these resources!
- Chinese Heritage Month – Let’s learn more!
- Messages from Guidance
- Messages from School Council – Chair Tracy Kowal
- Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
- Worth Mentioning Again… Short-Term Virtual Learning; Semester 1 Borrowed Items; Student Activity Fee; Voluntary Donation
The 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.
Student Handbook – Revised February 2022
Given the changes that have been happening this year owing to Covid-19, please note that the Student Handbook has been updated to include the revised student schedule, the grade 12 Full Disclosure dates, as well as the Parent-Guardian Teacher interview date. All changes are highlighted in yellow.
Textbook & Learning Material Pick-Up for Virtual Learners – Tuesday, February 8
Students learning virtually can pick up any required textbooks or learning materials on Tuesday, February 8 from 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Please call the main office at 416-393-1860, extension 0 upon arrival and the school materials will be brought to the main doors. Teachers will reach out to students to inform them if there are any items for pick up.
Cameras On for Virtual Learners
Students learning virtually in semester 2 are expected to have their cameras turned on during class time. Cameras on will support with ensuring that students feel connected to their peers, teachers and classes. Zoom backgrounds are available for students who require privacy during their classes. Students can speak with their Guidance Counsellor or Vice Principal about any concerns. Students who are learning virtually and require technology to support them – including cameras and microphones – should reach out to their Vice Principal.
Guidance Counsellors and Vice Principals are assigned to students based on their surnames:
Guidance Counsellor Mr. Oosterhoff – Surnames A to F – andrew.oosterhoff@tdsb.on.ca
Guidance Counsellor Ms. Robles Evans – Surnames G to M – nuria.roblesevans@tdsb.on.ca
Guidance Counsellor Ms. Ng – Surnames N to Z – jasmine.ng@tdsb.on.ca
Vice Principal Ms. Love – Surnames A to K – anita.love@tdsb.on.ca
Vice Principal Mr. Ghassibe – Surnames L to Z – joseph.ghassibe@tdsb.on.ca
Extracurriculars – Hosted Virtually At This Time
There are many extracurricular clubs and councils running at Forest Hill Collegiate. These clubs and councils will continue to meet virtually for at least the remainder of February. More information will be shared about possible next steps and meeting in-person at the end of February. A list of all the clubs can be found in our Virtual Club Fair shared folder.
Lunch – Thank you for Encouraging Students to Head Home for Lunch
Thank you to all families who live within walking distance of the school for encouraging their student to return home for lunch. If students do eat lunch at school, they must socially distance and only remove their masks while in the act of eating. They are required to put masks back on when not eating. Everyone doing their part will help to keep Forest Hill healthy.
Black History Month – Check out these resources!
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, February is Black History Month at the TDSB. To support learning and celebrate Black contributions to Canada a display has been mounted in our main foyer for the month of February. Please encourage your student to drop by to view and participate in upcoming events.
Check out these exciting resources: 28 Moments of Black History and Black History Month Events to learn about important contributions of Black individuals to history and to find out what is happening all across Ontario during the month of February. Thank you to Ms. Beattie who shared these resources with our teachers and community.
Our Teacher-Librarians have also compiled a list of resources to support students, teachers and families: Black History Month – Resources to Support Learning & Unlearning. Thank you, Ms. Pereira & Ms. Whyte!
Chinese Heritage Month – Let’s learn more!
Also mentioned last week is that February is also Chinese Heritage Month. Thank you to Ms. Pereira and Ms. Whyte for compiling a list of resources to support with learning about the contributions of Chinese Canadians: Chinese Heritage Month – Resources to Support Learning.
Messages from Guidance
Semester 2 Course Changes
The window of opportunity to request course changes has passed. Students who have errors on their schedule may book an appointment with their Guidance Counsellor to discuss options.
Course Selection for School Year 2022-2023 – Begins Thursday, February 10
Starting Thursday, February 10 the course selection process for our next school year will begin. Virtual assemblies will be held on Thursday and Friday this week for all returning students. Students will be provided with information and instructions as to how to choose courses appropriate to their grade for next year. Following the assemblies, access to myBlueprint will open on February 12. All course selections must be completed using myBlueprint. The deadline to complete course selection is Friday, March 4. More information about accessing myBlueprint can be found here: myBlueprint Log In Instructions.
If students require additional support, they may book an appointment with their Guidance Counsellor via a google form on the FHCI Guidance Site. Students will receive an invitation to a meeting once their Guidance Counsellor confirms the appointment time. Due to the large volume of requests, the wait for an appointment may take longer than usual. Please be patient, all requests will be responded to and all students that require support will receive support prior the March 4 deadline.
Thank you to Ms. Ng, Mr. Oosteroff, Ms. Robles Evans for all they are doing to support our students.
Messages from School Council – Chair Tracy Kowal
School Council Meeting – Hold the Date – Monday, February 28
Please hold the date of Monday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. for our fifth virtual School Council meeting. All parents and guardians are welcome. Add agenda items and rsvp for the Zoom link by emailing Tracy Kowal at tracy.kowal@yahoo.ca.
Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
Learn more about upcoming events and keep informed by linking to Trustee Laskin's Weekly Newsletter.
Worth Mentioning Again…
Short-Term Virtual Learning – As a Response to Omicron
According to the TDSB communication to families, a Short-Term Virtual Learning Plan can be used to keep students connected and engaged with their class teacher and learning at the beginning of Semester 2. Short Term Virtual Learning is meant as a response to Omicron concerns and not a plan for the remainder of the semester.
Short Term Learning Plans include simultaneous learning when available, and asynchronous learning in other situations. Families and students who are opting for this must connect with their Vice Principal who will outline expectations and ensure that this request is reflective in our attendance taking practices. Vice Principals are assigned to students based on their surnames:
Surnames A to K – Anita Love – anita.love@tdsb.on.ca
Surnames L to Z – Joseph Ghassibe – joseph.ghassibe@tdsb.on.ca
Borrowed Textbooks/Equipment From Semester 1
As we require previously loaned textbooks and other borrowed school equipment to support learning in Semester 2, please search your homes and send any loaned items back to the school. Bins will be located at each screening station for easy drop off by students upon entry. Please print and complete the Return of Loaned Textbooks form before arrival at the school to allow for a quick and smooth drop off of borrowed textbooks.
Student Activity Fee: $50 Request
Each year schools collect a student fee to support costs that are not covered by the Ministry or the Board to provide an even richer school experience for our students. This year our school is requesting a Student Activity Fee of $50. You may make this contribution using School Cash Online. If you need support with setting up your account, link to School Cash Online Step By Step Instructions.
The fees will cover the following:
- $30 Forester Yearbook (hard cover, colour printed - delivered in June)
- $7 Academic programming (FHCI Photo ID card and student printing costs)
- $3 Athletic programming (teams and Intramural for students)
- $10 Student programming (Student Council, Clubs & organizations, Hillstock, nutrition for students in need)
Thank you for supporting student engagement at Forest Hill. Note: In the event of financial hardship for a student or family, please speak with an Administrator. Confidentiality will be respected. If you have any further questions regarding the Student Activity Fee, please contact the school.
Voluntary Donation to School Council
As you make your School Activity Fee donation, the School Council kindly asks each family consider making a voluntary donation of $15.00 through Cash Online. As mentioned in previous newsletters, your donation will be used to cover items to support parent and guardian engagement, staff appreciation, and much more.