Throughout semester 1, Ms. Neumann’s IDC3O art class worked to design a logo for The Hive – our Mental Health & Wellness space for students. Four of the original designs were shortlisted and then our students voted to select the winner. A special congratulations to Wing Chi C., whose design was selected and will represent The Hive! A shout out to Ariel V, Misha L, William H, all runners up in our logo design contest!
We are also pleased to announce that Forest Hill has received additional staffing for semester 2. This means we are able to add a few new classes which will provide more options for students and reduce the size of our largest classes. Updated Semester 2 timetables will be available on the TDSB Connects App for viewing on Saturday, January 28. See Messages from Guidance below for more information.
This week there will be an additional Examination Preparation session held at lunch in room 252. See below in Messages from Special Education and Student Success for details. Best of luck to all our students who are writing exams this week.
Many students and families will celebrate Lunar New Year tonight! We wish all a year filled with prosperity, joy and health! Join our Asian Student Alliance in the foyer on Monday who will be handing out candies to greet the new year.
Sincerely,
Yvette Duffy, Principal Maharukh Kootar, Vice Principal Nancy Martins, Vice Principal
In this issue:
- The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
- Semester 1 Wrap Up & Important Dates
- Examinations Begin – Wednesday, January 25
- EQAO – Semester 1 Grade 9 Mathematics Mandatory Testing – January 23 & 24
- Free Online Tutoring Services for TDSB Students
- The Hive Gets a New Logo!
- Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement – Summer Employment – January 24
- STEM Opportunity for Newcomer Girls – Tuesday, January 24
- Holocaust Remembrance Day – Friday, January 27 – Two Virtual Presentations
- UT Women In Computer Science Mentorship Program – Deadline to Join February 1
- Get Your FHCI Spirit Wear – Sales End Wednesday, February 1
- 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
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.
Semester 1 Wrap Up & Important Dates
As mentioned in last week’s newsletter, please review the calendar below to support with planning and organization during these busy next few weeks:
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Mon. Jan. 23, 2023
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Tue. Jan. 24, 2023
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Wed. Jan. 25, 2023
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Thur. Jan. 26, 2023
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Fri. Jan. 27, 2023
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Regular Classes
Grade 9 Math EQAO
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Regular Classes
Grade 9 Math EQAO
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Examinations*
* Note: Only students with scheduled exams attend school
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Examinations*
* Note: Only students with scheduled exams attend school
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Examinations*
* Note: Only students with scheduled exams attend school
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Mon. Jan. 30, 2023
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Tue. Jan. 31, 2023
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Wed. Feb. 1, 2023
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Thur. Feb. 2, 2023
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Fri. Feb. 3, 2023
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Examinations*
* Note: Only students with scheduled exams attend school
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Exam Make Up Day*
* All students must be available for this day in the event that an
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.
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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.
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Credit Rescue
12:40 to 3:15 pm
Only students invited by teachers are expected to attend.
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PA Day - No School
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First Day of Semester Two - Regular Day Schedule
Students check TDSB Connects App for Timetables
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Examinations Begin – Wednesday, January 25
Exams will begin this week on Wednesday, January 25. Please link to the Examination Schedule Website to review expectations, important dates and room locations. Students are required to review these Student Exam Instructions, a paper copy was also provided through homeform classes last week. The use of cellular phones, Smart Watches, and other electronic devices is not permitted. TDSB computers will be provided to students with IEP/ILPs that indicate the need for a computer. Students are encouraged to leave cellular phones and electronic devices at home on their scheduled exam days.
Parents, caregivers and students should also review this Exam and Course Culminating Fact Sheet for other tips, online supports and mental health resources. An additional exam preparation session for students will be provided on Tuesday, January 24th at lunch in Room 252.
As dictated by the Ministry of Education, exams and culminating tasks represent 30% of the course. All students are expected to write all exams scheduled for their subject classes. If a student misses an examination, a mark of zero will be awarded. Thus, student attendance is important. In the case of serious medical illness, please connect with the appropriate Vice Principal.
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.
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.
The Hive Gets a New Logo!
Congratulations to Wing Chi C. the designer of the new logo for The Hive! The Hive is our Mental Health & Wellness space where students are welcome to drop in if they want to chat with one of our Youth Workers, need an ear to listen, or just need to take a moment to chill. The Hive is located in room G25.
Our Youth Workers, Mr. Bell and Ms. Skoutarou would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to all the students of IDC3O for participating in and contributing to the creation of our logo! A special thanks to Ms. Neumann for organizing and supporting this creative endeavour. All submissions were creative and poignant! Selecting just one was challenging. Thanks to all of our students who participated in the contest and all who voted!
Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement – Summer Employment – Tuesday, January 24
The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement in collaboration with members of the Ontario Public Service invites Black-identifying students in grades 10 through 12 to register and attend the 2023 Ontario Public Service’s Summer Employment Opportunities information session:
Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2023
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Registration is required by completing this form
Students who attend will be provided with tips on applying and interviewing. To be eligible to participate in this information session, students must be:
- 15 years as of first day of employment (no age maximum)
- A secondary or postsecondary student
- A resident of Ontario during the term of employment
- Eligible to work in Canada and have a Social Insurance Number (SIN) upon hire
STEM Opportunity for Newcomer Girls – Tuesday, January 24
Newcomer Youth Connection for Success (NYCS) is hosting a virtual opportunity for girls that are new to Canada and interested in science, technology, and math on Tuesday, January 24 at 4:00 p.m. This unique opportunity for newcomer high school girls will provide opportunities to interact with and engage with female professionals within the STEM field. Link to these documents to learn more: flyer and upcoming opportunities.
International Holocaust Remembrance Day - Friday, January 27 – Two Virtual Presentations
In 2005, the United Nations Generally Assembly designated January 27 as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The purpose of this day is to officially commemorate the victims of the Nazi regime and promote Holocaust education. Forest Hill students who are not writing exams are welcome to join a virtual livestreamed interview with survivor Pinchas Gutter who will share his experiences in the Warsaw Ghetto, Majdanek and Theresienstadt concentration camps, and Liberation. Please see this flyer for additional information and resources.
Date: Friday, January 27
Time: 10:15 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Link: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/livewebcast-2023-01-27.html
A second virtual presentation will be hosted on Wednesday, February 1: The Children of Willesden Lane. This performance will tell the story of the power of music and how one teenage refugee, Lisa Jura, held onto her dreams, survived the Holocaust and inspired a generation. Lisa’s daughter, author, performer and virtuoso concert pianist Mona Golabek, offers uplifting messages of resilience and hope. Please link to this page for more information. All TDSB students and families are invited to view this performance using the link below. No registration is required.
Date: Wednesday, February 1
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Link: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/stream/webcast2023-02-01.html
Learn more about why we need to remember by linking to: UNESCO International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust.
UT Women In Computer Science Mentorship Program – Deadline to Join February 1
University of Toronto Women in Computer Science (WiCS) is a student-led organization dedicated to supporting women in computer science and building an inclusive and diverse tech community.
As a student mentee, you will be paired with an undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Toronto pursuing a technical degree. Throughout the year, mentees will regularly meet with mentors and participate in social and professional development opportunities. Mentorship sessions can take any direction that the mentee and mentor choose, but can include hearing about the university experience, learning about career paths, advice on professional development or university decisions, support learning about programming language, and more!
You're perfect for this program if you are:
- female-identifying or non-binary
- interested in pursuing computer science or technology or want to learn more about it
- willing to meet virtually with a mentor for 30 to 60 minutes every two weeks
Apply at WiCS High School Mentorship Program by February 1 to be considered for this opportunity. Please note that this is a University of Toronto program and will not be supervised by TDSB employees. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Natalie at wicsuoft@gmail.com.
Get Your FHCI Spirit Wear – Sales End Wednesday, February 1
Calling all Falcons! Get your Spirit Wear by checking out School Cash Online! Sales of hoodies, tracks and more started last week and end on Wednesday, February 1. Thank you to the Athletic Council, Ms. Homatidis and Ms. Ibe for organizing these sales!
Messages from Student Success & Special Education
Exam Preparation Workshop – Tuesday, January 24 @ Lunch
The Student Success & Special Education department will be host an additional exam preparation workshop this week:
Session 1: Tuesday, January 24th @ Lunch in Room 252
Who is invited to this session? Any student who feels they need support
Thank you to Mr. Strasberg for organizing this additional workshop.
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 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.
Messages from Guidance
Timetable Changes for Semester 2
Guidance is in the process of working on semester 2 timetables. Updated student timetables will be available on the TDSB Connects App on January 28th. Note that the app will not be available this week as we work on timetables. Students are encouraged to download the free app to access timetables and more.
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. Students may request for a virtual appointment during the exam period.
Please note that we will not be able to support timetable change requests to switch between teachers or to a different section of the same subject. 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 already full and even 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.
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.
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 the 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.
Our next School Council Meeting is scheduled for this Tuesday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. To add agenda items and RSVP, connect with our Chair 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…
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 close: 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.
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.