Spirit Wear goes on sale this week until February 1! Get your FHCI Spirit Wear by checking out School Cash Online. Thank you to the Athletic Council, Ms. Homatidis and Ms. Ibe for organizing these sales!
We are also excited to announce School Council’s popcorn fundraiser. Kernel’s snack bags will be available for purchase in three delicious flavours: Salt & Vinegar, Buttersalt and White Cheddar. Students can join us to purchase a bag on Thursday, January 19 in the foyer at lunch. Quantities will be limited and the cost per bag will be $2.50. Bring cash or debit cards to enjoy a salty treat to support our school.
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, our Student Success and Special Education department will be hosting two Exam Preparation Workshops at lunch this week. Subject teachers running examinations will also review exam preparation and testing strategies with students over the next few weeks. Please review the important information in this newsletter below regarding our workshops, examination schedule, expectations and tips for success.
A special congratulations to Mr. Berger’s Grade 12 English homeform who will enjoy pizza lunch this Friday for all their creativity and participation in our Holiday Door Decorating Contest! Way to go!
Sincerely,
Yvette Duffy, Principal Maharukh Kootar, Vice Principal Nancy Martins, Vice Principal
In this issue:
- The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
- Late Start for Students – Wednesday, January 18 – Classes Begin at 9:55 a.m.
- Semester 1 Wrap Up & Important Dates
- Exams & Culminating Tasks
- EQAO – Semester 1 Grade 9 Mathematics Mandatory Testing – January 23 & 24
- Free Online Tutoring Services for TDSB Students
- Messages from Student Success & Special Education
- Messages from Guidance
- TDSB Greek Heritage Month Multi-Media Contest Opens
- Messages from School Council Chair Tracy Kowal
- Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
- Worth Mentioning Again…Out of Area Admissions; Tamil Heritage; Poster Contest
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.
Late Start for Students – Wednesday, January 18 – Classes Begin at 9:55 a.m.
This Wednesday will be our monthly Staff Meeting. There will be a late start for students. Classes will begin at 9:55 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18. Link to our Daily & Late Start Schedule for more information.
Semester 1 Wrap Up & Important Dates
There are many changes to our calendar coming up as Semester 1 wraps up. Please see below for the last two weeks of January. Please review this section of the calendar as it will assist with student planning and organization.
|
Monday, Jan. 23
|
Tuesday, Jan. 24
|
Wednesday, Jan. 25
|
Thursday, Jan. 26
|
Friday, Jan. 27
|
|
Regular Classes
Grade 9 Math EQAO
|
Regular Classes
Grade 9 Math EQAO
|
Examinations*
* Note: Only students with scheduled exams attend school
|
Examinations*
* Note: Only students with scheduled exams attend school
|
Examinations*
* Note: Only students with scheduled exams attend school
|
|
Monday, Jan. 30
|
Tuesday, Jan. 31
|
Wednesday, Feb. 1
|
Thursday, Feb. 2
|
Friday, Feb. 3
|
|
Examinations*
* Note: Only students with scheduled exams attend school
|
Exam Make Up Day*
* All students must be available for this day in the event that and exam needs to be rescheduled (i.e. snow day). Rescheduled exams will be written on this day at the same time and location as originally scheduled.
|
Mark Review Day & Credit Rescue
Mark Review Schedule
Per A: 9:00 to 9:40 am
Per B: 9:45 to 10:20 am
Per C: 10:25 to11:00 am
Per D: 11:05 to 11:40 am
All students are expected to attend to review exams, culminating tasks and receive Semester 1 final marks.
-------
Credit Rescue
12:40 to 3:15 pm
Only students invited by teachers are expected to attend.
|
PA Day - No School
|
First Day of Semester Two - Regular Day Schedule
Students check TDSB Connects App for Timetables
|
Exams & Culminating Tasks
Please link to the Examination Schedule Website to review expectations and important dates. Students will be provided with a hard copy of the Examination Schedule this week by their homeform teacher.
As dictated by the Ministry of Education, exams and culminating tasks represent 30% of the course. All students are expected to write all exams and complete all culminating activities scheduled for their subject classes. If a student misses an examination, a mark of zero will be awarded. If a student misses a culminating activity that cannot be rescheduled, a mark of zero will be awarded. Thus, student attendance during the next few weeks is important. In the case of serious medical illness, please connect with the appropriate Vice Principal.
Students will also receive the Student Exam Instruction sheet this week from their homeform teacher. It is imperative that students review and are familiar with the expectations during examinations. Parents, caregivers and students should also review this Exam and Course Culminating Fact Sheet for other tips, online supports and mental health resources.
During the Moratorium period which will begin on Thursday, January 19 and end on Tuesday, January 24, all classes that have exams will neither introduce new material/concepts, nor run tests or quizzes (Grade 9 EQAO is an exception – see below). Homework considered part of the systematic review and examination process, such as sample examination questions or take-home practice tests/quizzes, may be assigned. Note: For classes not running an examination, in-class culminating tasks may be completed during the moratorium. No offsite sports or excursions will take place during this period.
EQAO – Semester 1 Grade 9 Mathematics Mandatory Testing – January 23 & 24
The Ministry of Education requires all students registered in grade 9 mathematics each year to write the mandatory EQAO – Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics. On Monday, January 23 and Tuesday, January 24 all semester 1 students registered in grade 9 mathematics, MTH1W1, will be required to write this test. The test will represent 10% of the final student mark and attendance is mandatory.
This mandatory test evaluates grade 9 mathematics curriculum expectations. Our grade 9 mathematics teachers have been supporting their students to ensure that they are prepared for this test. For a sample test link to: Grade 9 Sample Test.
All grade 9 students currently registered in mathematics will receive additional information from their classroom teacher. Thank you to our grade 9 team of math teachers who are working to organize and support students with this test: Mr. Basheer, Ms. Da Silva, Mr. Dinsmore and Ms. Soneriu. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your student’s math teacher or VP Maharukh Kootar, who is responsible for this test, at maharukh.kootar@tdsb.on.ca.
Free Online Tutoring Services for TDSB Students
The TDSB has partnered with the following two online tutoring agencies to support TDSB students:
- Paper, a high-quality on-demand tutoring service for all subjects and all grades. Students can upload essays and lab reports. Tutors review and provide detailed feedback on style, grammar, plagiarism, and more. To register link to Paper Sign Up.
- Brainfuse: is an effective live, online tutoring in all subjects and grades. This service offers both live tutoring, as well as asynchronous support for students to submit their work for feedback. To register link to: Brainfuse Register.
Note: the TDSB is not operating Paper or Brainfuse tutoring services, which means that TDSB staff will not be present during tutoring sessions. During registration, use your child’s TDSB credentials (name, TDSB email address, etc.) to ensure that you are not charged for tutoring services. Once registered, a student can start tutoring immediately. If you have questions about these services, please link to the inquiry pages as follows for Paper or Brainfuse.
Messages from Student Success & Special Education
Exam Preparation Workshops @ Lunch
The Student Success & Special Education department will be hosting two exam preparation workshops this week to equip students with skills to study and manage their preparedness for exams.
Session 1: Tuesday, January 17th @ Lunch in Room 252
Who is invited to this session? Grade 9 and 10 students who feel they need support
Session 2: Thursday, January 19th @ Lunch in Room 252
Who is invited to this session? Grade 11 and 12 students who feel they need support
Thank you to Mr. Strasberg who will host these two sessions this week.
2022-2023 Social Work Virtual Community Fair: Programs and Services for Children with Special Education Needs
TDSB Social Work staff in conjunction with Surrey Place, Geneva Centre, Strides Toronto, Community Living Toronto, and Lumenus Community Services will be presenting two virtual sessions to support families of students with special education needs. This includes students who are integrated in classrooms, attending Intensive Support Programs located in schools, as well as students in Congregated Schools. Join us to meet with community partners who provide behaviour supports to families to assist children, youth, and young adults. See flyer for more information.
When: Monday January 16, 2023 from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon OR
Monday January 23, 2023 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Zoom: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/98367378226?pwd=MW9yaDZTYnBoUTRmZEpGaXVmMVAxdz09
Meeting ID: 983 6737 8226; Passcode: 969515
For more information, email virtualfairinfo@tdsb.on.ca or call Jill Elliott Brennan at 647-229-0728.
Messages from Guidance
Timetable Changes for Semester 2
Student timetables for Semester 2 are available on the TDSB Connects App. Students are encouraged to download the free app to access announcements, the school calendar and their timetables.
Students considering a course change for Semester 2 are encouraged to speak to their Guidance counsellor prior to the start of Semester 2, February 3, 2023. Students must book an appointment with a counsellor by completing this Guidance Appointment Form.
The deadline for course change requests is Thursday, February 16. Guidance will endeavour to fulfill all course change requests that maintain full time status and work toward graduation requirements. Course change requests are subject to availability and not guaranteed as many courses are full. Many courses have waitlists that are oversubscribed. Reach-ahead requests, especially for grade 12 courses, are based on space-availability and will only be considered once all grade 12 students are fully scheduled. See below for alternative options which include e-Learning and Night School.
OCAS Important Deadline
All grade 12 graduating students who intend to apply to Ontario Colleges should be aware of the following deadline for equal consideration: Wednesday, February 1. Link to OCAS for more information.
Semester 2 Night School – Registration Closes This Week!
Check the TDSB Night School Credit Program website for updates as to which courses will be offered and where. Registration is open and will close on January 20, 2023. Remote and in-person options are both available. Visit the night school website for registration and course offerings.
e-Learning Day School Semester 2 - Update
Updates on e-learning website: Semester 2, 2022/23 e-Learning Day School Registration opened on December 14. If you are TDSB high school student interested in taking an online course as part of your timetable, the e-Learning Day School program may be for you. e-Learning courses are primarily asynchronous and run for a full semester. Teachers deliver synchronous lessons weekly for about an hour. Students are expected to log in regularly and to keep up-to-date with their assignments. e-Learning courses have been developed by the Ministry of Education and are delivered by TDSB teachers who are currently also teaching in TDSB high schools.
TDSB secondary students may take one e-Learning course per semester as part of their day school timetable. Students must be enrolled in and attending at least one other course in their day school to enroll in an e-Learning course. The course must be approved by the school guidance counsellor. Once the student has been enrolled in an e-Learning course, the course will be added to the student's current day school timetable. More information can be found here!
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition – Virtual Session – Wednesday, January 18 @ 7pm
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is the formal evaluation and credit-granting process whereby students may obtain credits for prior learning. Prior learning includes the knowledge and skills that students have acquired, in both formal and informal ways, outside secondary school. Students may have their knowledge and skills evaluated against the expectations outlined in provincial curriculum policy documents in order to earn credits towards the secondary school diploma. The 2022/2023 PLAR Challenge process will kick off with a Virtual PLAR Information Session for Families this Wednesday, January 18, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. Registration is required to attend the virtual session. Link to PLAR Information Session Registration.
Winter Well-Being Guide 2022/23 for Students, Caregivers/Guardians, and School Communities
The Winter Well-being guide for 2022/23 has been updated to provide ongoing resources and ideas for Families/Guardians to promote mental and physical wellness during the winter months. Resources are culturally relevant and responsive and include resources for students with complex needs. The Guide has been translated into the top 21 TDSB languages spoken and can be accessed in these different languages here.
Thank you to Ms. Ng and Mr. Oosterhoff for their support of our students!
TDSB Greek Heritage Month Multi-Media Contest 2023
March is Greek Heritage Month. It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate many achievements and contributions of Greek Canadians to Canada and an occasion to mark and enjoy the history of Greek culture. One of the highlights for Greek Heritage Month 2023 this coming March will be the TDSB Greek Heritage Month Multi-Media Contest, featuring original student and staff work in three creative categories:
- Be graphic! Design a poster!
- Sharpen your pencil! Write something!
- Let's get digital!
This year's theme based on TDSB’s priorities: Joy, Engagement, and Belonging. See this flyer for contest details. Deadline for submitting entries via email is Friday, February 10, 2023 to Maria Leo, maria.leo@tdsb.on.ca. Feel free to contact Anna Epitropou, anna.epitropou@tdsb.on.ca, for more information.
Messages from School Council – Chair Tracy Kowal
School Council Meeting – Tuesday, January 24 @ 7:30 p.m. – Save the Date
Our next School Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. Please save the date! To add agenda items and RSVP, connect with our Chair Tracy Kowal at tracy.kowal@yahoo.ca.
Kernel’s Popcorn Fundraiser – Thursday, January 19 @ Lunch
School Council is excited to announce our Kernel’s popcorn fundraiser. Snack bags will be available for purchase in three delicious flavours: Salt & Vinegar, Buttersalt and White Cheddar. Students are encouraged to join us to purchase a bag on Thursday, January 19 in the foyer at lunch. Quantities will be limited and the cost per bag will be $2.50. Bring cash or debit cards to enjoy a salty treat to support our school.
Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
Learn more about upcoming events and keep informed by linking to Trustee Laskin's Weekly Newsletter.
Worth Mentioning Again…
Out-of-Area Admissions Application Process
The former Optional Attendance Policy was updated in Spring 2022 to the new Out-of-Area Admissions Policy (P013). As part of the new policy, the application process is now managed centrally and the application form is an online form.
The Secondary application is available on the Secondary Out-of-Area Admissions web page.
Secondary applications opened: Monday, January 9, 2023.
Secondary applications will close on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers who require assistance with the application or access to technology can contact their current school for support. Resources available to support the completion of these applications are also available on the Out-of-Area Admissions Resources website.
January is Tamil Heritage Month at the TDSB
Tamil Heritage Month is proudly recognized during the month of January at the Toronto District School Board. Toronto is proud to be the home of the largest Tamil population outside of the South Asian subcontinent with thousands of TDSB students and staff members identified as Tamil. The theme for Tamil Heritage Month this year is Community. Belonging. Joy.
The importance of building awareness, creating a strong self and collective identities, and understanding one's own roots and rights are important objectives of the Tamil Heritage Month.
Chinese Heritage Month – Poster Challenge – Entries Due January 16 @ 4 pm
The month of February is proudly recognized as Chinese Heritage Month at the TDSB. As mentioned in previous newsletters, TDSB students can participate in a Poster Challenge to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This year is the Year of the Rabbit: Kind, Generous, and Harmonious. Deadline: Monday, January 16, 2023 by 4:00 p.m. Please link to this flyer for full details. Should additional information be required, please contact Daniel Chan at daniel.chan@tdsb.on.ca.
Land Acknowledgement: We, the students and staff of Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, acknowledge that we are hosted on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Wendat. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis, and the Inuit peoples.