After a three-year hiatus, Hillstock returned! It was a huge success! Weather was excellent and allowed all to enjoy an amazing barbeque and a mix of activities! Students competed to remain on their feet and not be knocked down on the Eliminator, while others sought to beat their opponent on the Ultimate Rush obstacle course! Twelve student bands entertained us with live musical performances!
It was the work of many that made this event such fun! Thank you to our Prefects, School Council and Music Directorate for all the effort that went into making this day possible!
A special thank you to:
- our office staff who helped behind the scenes – Ms. DeJesus, Ms. Everett, Ms. Manolakos, Ms. Stamatopoulou and Mr. Ghassibe
- our staff who worked the barbeque for hours – Mr. Bell, Mr. Doyhenard, Ms. Smith and Mr. Zisis
- our student organizers – Ms. Homitidas, Ms. McKinnon, Ms. Pawlowski and Ms. Simas
- our caretaking staff who helped with set up and tear down – Mr. Grey, Mr. Kis, Ms. Lima, Mr. Maughan, Mr. Pollard, and Mr. Sladic
- all our staff who supported with supervision – there are too many to list here!
Hillstock marks the coming end of term. This week we will shift from term work which wraps up on Monday, June 6 into Culminating Activities which begin on Tuesday, June 7. Please link to this Culminating Activity Calendar for important dates, values and descriptors. Other important information about Culminating Activities is shared below.
Our last School Council meeting on Tuesday, June 7. This meeting will be held in-person and all parents and guardians are welcome to join us in the library on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. School Council will also be selling individually sealed Kernel’s popcorn as part of the last in-school fundraiser this Friday, June 10 at lunch in the foyer. Packages will be $2.50 – all forms of payment accepted!
A special thank you to all the parents and guardians involved with School Council, and especially to those volunteering for the Staff Appreciation Lunch this Friday!
Sincerely,
Yvette Duffy, Principal Joseph Ghassibe, Vice Principal Anita Love, Vice Principal
In this issue:
- The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
- June is Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month
- June is Italian Heritage Month
- Pride Month – FHCI Proudly Flying the Progress Flag
- Student Vote Ontario – FHCI Results
- Sports Update – Go, Falcons, Go!
- Culminating Activities Begin – Tuesday, June 7
- Future Students Welcome Reception – Tuesday, June 7 @ 4:30 p.m.
- PA Crew Tryouts! Calling All Students – Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9
- TPH Vaccination & Dental Clinic for the Community – Saturday, June 11 @ noon (NEW time)
- Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Grand Opening Virtual Event – June 13
- Cafeteria Service Ends on Thursday, June 16
- Memorial Park Stormwater Management Partnership Project
- TDSB Survey – Thoughts on Education & The Pandemic – Please Complete
- Message from Special Education – Summer ASD Program
- Messages from Guidance
- Messages from School Council – Chair Tracy Kowal
- Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
- Worth Mentioning Again…TDSB Pride T-Shirt Competition
The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
.png)
Keep apprised of what is happening by linking to our school year calendar which is live on our school website landing page.
June is Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month
Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of June at the TDSB. Over 1,400 students speak Portuguese as their mother tongue or a primary language. Internationally, there are 250 million Portuguese-speaking people worldwide, making it the fifth-most spoken language. We are excited to mark Portuguese-Speaking Heritage Month with the theme of Andorinha! Watch us Soar! The TDSB welcomes all to join an in-person celebration on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at Harbord Collegiate – 286 Harbord St.
June is Italian Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month is recognized proudly during the month of June at the Toronto District School Board. This year the theme of Italian Heritage Month is Made in Italy. “Ontario is home to more than 1,350,000 Italian Canadians. Since the 1880s, the Italian Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario.” This year the selected theme for Italian Heritage Month is Buongiorno Italia! Keeping with this lens, the Italian Heritage Month Volunteer Planning Committee members have put together various ways to for students, staff and the TDSB community to learn about the Italian heritage. Please enjoy this student and staff created e-book L’Alfabeto Italiano and presentation ABC’s of Italian Heritage and Culture.
Pride Month – FHCI Proudly Flying the Progress Flag
Forest Hill is proudly flying the new progress flag this month. Our GSA kicked off the month with an announcement explaining the meaning behind this new flag. Lots of announcements and events are planned this month. Listen up during the morning announcements for happenings this coming week! Thank you to Ms. Haines, Ms. Monaghan and our GSA for all they plan to do in June!
Student Vote Ontario – FHCI Results
FHCI students participated in Student Vote Ontario on Wednesday! Polling Stations were set up in the library and mock ballots for Eglinton-Lawrence candidates were provided for students. Over 75% of our students voted – much better than the adult population on election day. Unlike the official provincial results, Arlena Hebert the Liberal candidate placed first, Natasha Doyle-Merrick for the NDP placed second, with Robin Martin for the Conservatives placing third. Thank you to Mr. Billinghurst, our civics teachers and students for increasing awareness amongst our students of an important aspect of our political culture.
Sports Update – Go, Falcons, Go!
Baseball: Congratulations to Baseball Team who will proudly represent Forest Hill in the quarter finals this week! Good luck to all of these players and a special thank you to Mr. Billinghurst and Mr. Budziszyn for coaching our team!
Track & Field: This year's Track and Field Team brought together inexperienced and experienced athletes from grades 9 through 12 for a short but impactful season. Runners battled unusually cold and unpredictable spring weather to compete in both running and field events at four meets including Regional and Metro Championships. Congratulations to Alessandra H., Shyane C., William W., Tod G., Eric K., Chiara E., Isabela S., and especially Jayden F. for their outstanding performances this year! Way to go Falcons! And thank you to Ms. Pereira for coaching this team!
Culminating Activities Begin – Tuesday, June 7
Students will begin Culminating Activities/Tasks on Tuesday, June 7. All students will be expected to complete a Culminating Activity for each of their courses. Some tasks will be completed in class while others will be taken home. In order to align with semester 1 the value of the tasks range from 10% to 30%. See Culminating Activity Calendar for details.
As in semester 1, these activities replace exams. All students are expected to be present during in-class activities when the activity is scheduled to take place in-class. If activities are being taken home, all activities are due on the date indicated on the calendar by the subject teacher. Similar to exams if an activity is missed a mark of zero will be awarded. Please refer to the Forest Hill CI - Student Handbook 2021/2022 page 14 for details.
Future Students Welcome Reception – Tuesday, June 7 @ 4:30 p.m.
Forest Hill will be hosting a welcome reception for our incoming new students on Tuesday, June 7 beginning at 4:30 p.m. Grade 8s and students new to Forest Hill in September 2022 are welcome to join us to learn more about our school and meet our administration, teachers, student leaders, School Council and more!
Thank you to our Prefects – and their staff sponsors Ms. Homatidis and Ms. McKinnon – who will provide tours of our school to our future students. And thank you to the student representatives of the following councils who will be on stage sharing their Forest Hill experiences: Student Council, Athletic Council, Black Student Alliance, COPE Council, Jewish Student Union, Filipino Student Union, Music Directorate and Prefects!
PA Crew Tryouts! Calling All Students – Wednesday, June 8 and Thursday, June 9
Are you interested in having your voice heard – literally? This Wednesday and Thursday we will be hosting PA Crew Tryouts after school. What is the PA Crew? This is a group of dedicated students who will be responsible for morning announcements and our opening ceremonies for 2022/2023! What do you need to be a part of the PA Crew?
- Comfortable having your voice broadcasted throughout the school
- Speaks clearly so listeners can understand
- Passionate attitude and positive energy
- Team player and supporter of others
- Punctual and willing to make a commitment to arrive to school by 8:45 a.m. to set up
If this is you, then listen up this week to find out how you can try out for our 2022/2023 PA Crew!
TPH Vaccination & Dental Clinic for the Community – Saturday, June 11 @ noon (NEW time)
The Toronto Public Health will be hosting a Vaccination Clinic at Forest Hill Collegiate on Saturday, June 11 beginning at noon to 6:00 p.m. This clinic will offer Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Meningococcal vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines and dental & oral health screening.
Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupil Act, all students are required to be up-to-date with Meningococcal vaccines or have a valid exemption. Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines prevent cancers and are voluntary for school attendance. Vaccines are safe, effective and one of the most important ways to improve health worldwide and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as, or any time before or after, these school-based vaccines. Students who would like to be vaccinated on June 11 should read the Hepatitis B, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Meningococcal and COVID-19 vaccine fact sheets.
Students are highly encouraged to use the appointment booking link to schedule a vaccination appointment. Use the dropdown menu to locate Forest Hill CI and sign up accordingly. Please note that walk-ins are accepted at Forest Hill, but those with booked appointments will be prioritized. No appointment is required for dental screening. These vaccines are available for eligible students, free of cost as follows:
- Students in grade 7 to 12 are eligible for the Meningococcal ACYW135, Hepatitis B and HPV vaccines
- Students 5 years of age and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine
- All students are eligible for dental screening. No OHIP required
What do you need to bring?
- Immunization card, health card and/or another form of identification
- Vaccine consent form
- Masks are required at TPH school mobile clinics
For more information: Call Toronto Public Health Hotline 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday 416-338-7600 or TTY: 416-392-0658.
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Grand Opening Virtual Event – June 13 @ 6pm
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement is proud to virtually unveil our new physical space! The creation of the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement originated as part of the Toronto District School Board’s response to dismantling anti-Black racism within the school board. It aims to improve both experiences and outcomes for Black students and is also responsive to the voices of Black communities who consistently advocated for deeper systemic change.
This live-streamed evening will take place on Monday, June 13. This evening will begin at 6:00 p.m. and run until 7:30 p.m. Please register here. There will be the unveiling of artwork developed by artist and creator of the LEGACY posters and Order of Canada recipient, Robert Small, along with award-winning Afrofuturist muralist and cultural curator, Danilo Deluxo. Performances will also include Coco Collective, TDSB students from Africentric Alternative School and Randell Adjei, Ontario’s 1st Poet Laureate. Many other distinguished guests from across the TDSB and Toronto will also be joining us!
Cafeteria Service Ends on Thursday, June 16
Our school cafeteria will close for the year on Thursday, June 16. There will not be service after this date. Thank you to Ms. Christopoulos and Ms. Romero who prepared delicious food for us this school year!
Memorial Park Stormwater Management Partnership Project
The City of Toronto’s Midtown Toronto Storm Sewer Relief Project involves construction of an underground stormwater storage tank and a pumping station at Memorial Park. This work is part of the City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Program to help reduce the risk of future basement flooding. What does this mean for Forest Hill Collegiate? Memorial Park is where our track, football field and baseball diamond are located. These facilities may be unavailable to our students for at least four years.
The TDSB, Toronto Lands Corporation and the City are working towards an agreement that permits the City of Toronto to use TDSB lands at North Preparatory JPS and Memorial Park. A public information meeting was held on May 26. Find out more by linking to:
Keep apprised by visiting the TDSB website page: Long-Term Strategy and Accommodation Review.
TDSB Survey - Thoughts on Education & The Pandemic - Please Complete
As the TDSB begins planning for the 2022-23 school year, all parents/caregivers are asked to complete an anonymous online survey about learning during a pandemic. Specifically, we are aiming to gather information about student mental health and well-being, as well as what has helped to support your child’s learning. Please share your thoughts and experiences by completing this short survey. Students will also have the opportunity to share feedback through a separate survey in the coming weeks.
Message from Special Education
ASD After School Skills Development Leisure Program - Summer 2022 Session
A summer session of the ASD Skills Development Leisure Program will run from July 5 to 14. The program is available to grades 4 to 10 TDSB students who have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The goal of the program for participants is to develop social skills, self-regulation strategies and skills to best prepare to transition to a new grade, class or school.
Find out more by linking to this letter and registration form. Note: Registration closes Friday, June 17, 2022.
Messages from Guidance
University of Toronto Scarborough – Calling Grades 9, 10 & 11 Students – June 8 @ 7 pm
Are you in grades 9, 10 or 11 currently? Are you considering university in Ontario? If yes, University of Toronto has an event for you! Looking Forward is an online event that will provide information on the Ontario university application process, admission requirements, financing, and making the transition to university. This is a great way for students and families to begin to learn about next steps to post-secondary.
When? Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Time? 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Register: Looking Forward 2022
Note: If you are unable to attend live, you are encouraged to register anyway. A recorded version of the presentation will be emailed to all registrants within a couple days of the event.
Post-Secondary Transitions Panel Discussion – Coming to Our Website Soon
Guidance hosted a post-secondary transitions panel last week. Our former FHCI panelists shared lots of useful information and advice for our graduating students. The recording will be will be posted on the FHCI Guidance Site soon.
eLearning Mandatory Requirement for current Grade 9s and 10s
In February, the Ontario Ministry of Education introduced a new graduation requirement for secondary students as part of the 30 credits required to earn the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. All students who enter grade 9 after September 1, 2022 will be required to complete two eLearning courses to graduate. Owing to Covid-19, the Ministry will automatically credit all current grade 9 and 10 students with one eLearning credit; however, these students will still need to complete one eLearning credit to graduate.
eLearning credits will be delivered asynchronously through digital content such as readings, videos, blogs and online discussion boards. Students will complete assigned work independently without direct supervision and attendance will not be taken. An assigned teacher will host a digital platform, post work, and provide ongoing support for student learning through exemplars, rubrics, and tutorials. Evaluation will occur throughout the course with the teacher providing descriptive feedback. eLearning credits can be taken in the summer, night school or through continuing education this coming school year. Students will also be able to take eLearning at Forest Hill during the 2023/2024 school year.
The TDSB has sent reminder emails to the parents and guardians of all current grade 9 and 10 students about this requirement. Please note that students may opt out of this requirement by linking to and completing this electronic opt out form. No explanation or reason is needed to opt out. Additional information can be found here: Online Learning Graduation Requirement.
Scholarship Opportunity for Students Residing within the TPS 32 Division Boundaries
32 Division Community Police Liaison Committee offers a $500 scholarship to support students who live within the 32 Division boundary as they plan to pursue post-secondary education. Funding for this scholarship is made possible through the support of community donations. Eligibility includes:
- Graduating Grade 12 Student
- Canadian citizen, Permanent Resident or a Protected Person
- Resident of Toronto within the 32 Division Boundary
- Received acceptance to a certificate program, part-time undergraduate degree program or full-time undergraduate degree program in the 2021 - 2022 academic year
- Demonstrate financial need, academic achievement of B+ or higher, extracurricular involvement and exceptional community service
Learn more by linking to this application form, poster, or TPS 32 Division website. Applications are due on Friday, June 17.
New Postings on FHCI Guidance Site
Check out what’s new under the Opportunities, Volunteering, Job Postings, and Post-Secondary pages! Our pages are updated weekly with lots of new information for our students and community.
Thank you to Ms. Ng, Mr. Oosteroff, Ms. Robles Evans for all they are doing to keep us informed about opportunities for our students and families.
Messages from School Council – Chair Tracy Kowal
School Council In-Person Meeting – Tuesday, June 7 @ 7:30 p.m. in the school library
Our last School Council Meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 7 at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. All parents and guardians are welcome. Add agenda items and rsvp by emailing Tracy Kowal at tracy.kowal@yahoo.ca.
Fundraising Event #3: Kernel’s Popcorn – Friday, June 10 in the Foyer
School Council's Kernel's popcorn fundraiser is back! Snack bags will be available to purchase in 3 delicious flavours: Buttersalt, Low Fat Caramel and White Cheddar. Students are encouraged to join us and purchase a bag on Friday, June 10 in the foyer at the beginning of lunch. Quantities are limited. Cost is $2.50 per bag. Bring your loonies, toonies, quarters or debit card! Check out this poster.
All monies raised supports our school, parents, guardians and students! Thank you to our Fundraising Chair, Genevieve Korman, and our School Council for their efforts.
Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
Learn more about upcoming events and keep informed by linking to Trustee Laskin's Weekly Newsletter.
Worth Mentioning Again…
TDSB Pride Student T-Shirt Design Competition – Entries Due Monday, June 6
The TDSB Pride Planning Committee is holding a T-Shirt Design Competition for unique student-created designs that celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ Pride across TDSB. The winning design will be printed on hundreds of TDSB Pride 2022 T-shirts and worn by all members of the TDSB contingent during the 2022 Pride Parade on Sunday, June 26th.
The TDSB Pride 2022 T-shirt Design Competition is open to all TDSB students. Deadline for design submissions is Monday, June 6, 2022. The criteria for design submissions are:
- hand-drawn OR digital
- grey-scale OR multi-coloured
- incorporates the TDSB logo OR contains a space for logo to be added
- Must be original and respectful
For more information and to submit an entry, please email tdsbpride@tdsb.on.ca attaching an image of the design (jpeg, gif, png, pdf), along with student's name, grade, and school.