We are very excited to welcome everyone back tomorrow! We hope that you enjoyed the March break and were able to relax and take a break from your usual routines. Welcome back, Falcons!
Sincerely,
Yvette Duffy, Principal Maharukh Kootar, Vice Principal Jaime Yamashita, Vice Principal
In this issue:
- The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
- UN National Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination – Tuesday, March 21
- Late Start – Wednesday, March 22 – Classes Begin at 9:55 a.m.
- Super Council Meeting – Wednesday, March 22 @ Lunch
- Coffee House – Postponed
- Student Leadership 2023/2024 Information Session – Wednesday, March 29 @ Lunch
- Parent-Guardian-Teacher Interviews & Other Important Semester 2 Achievement Dates
- Multi-faith Prayer Space for Students
- Ontario Secondary School Literary Test (OSSLT) – Semester 2 – Important Dates
- Callout for Indigenous Students – Are you interested in becoming a TDSB Student Trustee?
- Prom – Mark Your Calendar – Thursday, May 25
- Messages from Special Education
- Messages from Guidance
- Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
- Worth Mentioning Again…Heritage Months; Contests; Commencement; March of the Living
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.
UN National Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination – Tuesday, March 21
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid "pass laws" in 1960. Since then, the apartheid system in South Africa has been dismantled. Racist laws and practices are being challenged in many countries, but still too many individuals, communities and societies suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings. At Forest Hill, we are committed to fighting racism, combatting injustices, and rejecting all forms of discrimination. On Tuesday, March 21, all Falcons are asked to take a moment to reflect on what they are doing to fight racism and discrimination.
Late Start – Wednesday, March 22 – Classes Begin at 9:55 a.m.
Each month our staff hosts our monthly Professional Learning which results in a late start for students. Classes will begin at 9:55 a.m. on Wednesday, March 22. Link to our Daily & Late Start Schedule for more information.
Super Council Meeting – Wednesday, March 22 @ Lunch
This is a reminder that Super Council will be meeting at lunch on Wednesday, March 22 in the Conference Room.
Coffee House – Postponed
Our spring Coffee House that was scheduled for this week will be postponed until April. This will give our students more time to prepare to showcase their music talents. Stay tuned as our Music Directorate confirms a new date and time.
Student Leadership 2023/2024 Information Session – Wednesday, March 29 @ Lunch
Attention All Falcons! Are you interested in running for Prefects, Music Directorates, Athletics Council, Production Crew, or the Student Activities Council (SAC) for next year? If so, read on!
There will be a very important meeting for those interested in applying to our school’s leadership positions on Wednesday, March 29th at the start of lunch in the auditorium. Our staff sponsors will be sharing new and crucial application information that you don't want to miss. All Falcons are welcome! Consider getting involved and making a difference at Forest Hill. We look forward to seeing you next week!
Parent-Guardian-Teacher Interviews & Other Important Semester 2 Achievement Dates
On Thursday, March 30, our staff will host Parent-Guardian-Teacher Interviews in-person. Information about times and scheduling an interview will be shared in a separate email to parents and guardians on Tuesday this week.
Please also note these important Semester 2 dates:
- Tuesday, April 18 – Last Day of Term 1
- Tuesday, April 18 – Last Day of Term 1 Grade 10 Civics & Careers
- Wednesday, April 19 – First Day of Term 2
- Wednesday, April 19 – First Day of Term 2 Grade 10 Civics & Careers
- Tuesday, April 25 – Mid-Term Report Cards Distributed Electronically
- Tuesday, May 2 – Maintain Mark/Full Disclosure Day
Multi-faith Prayer Space for Students
We are happy to announce that Forest Hill now has an official multi-faith prayer space for students. For students who wish to use this space, please connect with Ms. Yamashita in the main office.
Ontario Secondary School Literary Test (OSSLT) – Semester 2 – Important Dates
All grade 10 students are required to write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) as part of their graduation requirement. This year the test will be held in both semesters.
The Semester 2 OSSLT is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, and Wednesday, April 26. Semester 2 grade 10 English students who are registered in ENG2D1 are required to write the OSSLT on these dates. Previously eligible students will be expected write on these dates as well. Information will be communicated to all eligible students and their families via email in the coming weeks.
To access practice tests and more information, link to: EQAO – OSSLT Practice Test page. Please keep in mind that this test assesses grade 9 curriculum. Thank you to our Literacy Committee and Ms. Yamashita who are working to support the delivery of this mandatory test.
Callout for Indigenous Students – Are you interested in becoming a TDSB Student Trustee?
Are you in Grade 10 or 11 and self-identify as First Nations, Inuit or Métis? Are they interested in student governance and want to represent First Nations, Inuit or Métis students in the largest school Board in Canada? If so, consider applying for Indigenous Student Trustee! Declarations of interest will be accepted until Friday, April 14, 2023.
The Indigenous Student Trustee has a number of responsibilities including but not limited to:
- Attend Board and Standing Committee meetings, along with Board functions
- Participate in discussions on TDSB matters
- Present student voice at public sessions of the Board and Standing Committee meetings
- Uphold and promote the Board's mission and values in the performance of duties
- Attend all TDSB Student Senate meetings
- Have a regular role on the Student Senate agenda to report and seek input
- Inform Toronto Indigenous Youth Council of policies which affect students
- Attend Urban Indigenous Community Advisory Committee meeting
If you are interested or have questions, please contact Isaiah Shafqat, the TDSB’s currently Indigenous Student Trustee at Isaiah.Shafqat@tdsb.on.ca.
Prom – Mark Your Calendar – Thursday, May 25
This year’s Prom will be held on Thursday, May 25 at Liberty Grand, located at Exhibition Place, 25 British Columbia Road. More information about ticket sales will be coming soon!
Messages from Special Education
TDSB Virtual Community Fair: Let’s Talk about Programs and Services for Children With Special or Complex Needs
All TDSB families of students with special and complex needs are invited to meet with Community Partners to discuss important transition planning that needs to occur while in high school to prepare for graduation, adult programs, and plan for life after high school. Guests include Developmental Services Ontario (DSO), Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and Passport Funds.
When: Monday March 27, 2023 at 5:30 pm
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting
Zoom Link: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/98367378226?pwd=MW9yaDZTYnBoUTRmZEpGaXVmMVAxdz09
Meeting ID: 983 6737 8226 and Passcode: 969515
This is Part 1 of a 2-Part Series. The second part in this series will be hosted April 17th and repeated on April 24th. For more information, email virtualfairinfo@tdsb.on.ca.
Messages from Guidance
Scholarship Opportunity – Ontario Public School Board’s Association - $1000
The Public Property Assessment Network Scholarship of $1,000 is being awarded through the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association to one recipient. Scholarship recipients are students of strong character, who care deeply about their communities and furthering their own learning. If you would like to learn more about the selection criteria, link to this flyer.
myBlueprint & Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation - Bursaries Available
myBlueprint has partnered with Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation to give away $150,000 in bursaries! The Canadian Scholarship Trust supports students facing financial barriers to help them access post-secondary education by providing 25 bursaries valued at $6000 each. The bursaries are for current Grade 12 students whose parents did not attend post-secondary education. Students are encouraged to apply who demonstrate strong character: resiliency, community-mindedness, and commitment to excellence. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 14. Click here to learn more.
RBC Summer Tech Labs – Innovation Developer – Applications Due March 27
RBC is offering a great summer opportunity for students interested in Business, Technology and/or Entrepreneurship. RBC Summer Tech Labs is an eight-week paid internship for students in grades 11 and 12. Throughout July and August, students will collaborate in small teams to grow their technical and professional skills, while solving real RBC business challenges. RBC High School Summer Tech Labs 2023 applications are open until 11:59 pm March 27.
Thank you to Ms. Ng and Mr. Oosterhoff for their support of our students!
Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
Learn more about upcoming events and keep informed by linking to Trustee Laskin's Weekly Newsletter.
Worth Mentioning Again…
March is Greek Heritage Month!
March is Greek Heritage Month at the Toronto District School Board. It is an opportunity 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. Visit the Greek Heritage Month website to learn about what is happening this month. A few events to consider:
- Join TDSB staff and students on Friday, March 24th for a celebration at Floga Restaurant. See this flyer to RSVP.
- Or consider joining the Greek Independence Parade on the Danforth on Sunday, March 26th at 1:30 p.m. Meet up at 15 Phin Avenue at 1:00 p.m.
Sikh Heritage Month – Poster/Video Contest 2023 – Due Wednesday, March 22 @ 4pm
Sikh Heritage Month is proudly recognized at the Toronto District School Board during the month of April. As part of the celebrations to mark Sikh Heritage Month, all TDSB students are invited to be creative! All secondary school students from grades 9 to 12 are invited to submit a short 1 to 2-minute informative video, spoken word, poetry, etc. related to the theme Kes. Deadline: All entries must be submitted on or before Wednesday, March 22, 2023 by 4:00 pm. Full details about the theme, eligibility and how to submit are available here. Should further information be required, please contact Kanwaljit.Woodwal@tdsb.on.ca or Balwinder.Mangat@tdsb.on.ca.
Calling all creatives! Pride T-Shirt Design Contest – Deadline Thursday, March 23
Pride Month 2023 is just around the corner and TDSB Pride Planning Committee is holding a T-Shirt Design Competition. Open to all TDSB students, two unique designs that celebrate 2SLGBTQ+ Pride will be selected. The winning designs will be printed on hundreds of TDSB Pride 2023 T-shirts and worn by all members of the TDSB contingent during 2023 Pride Parade in June. The TDSB Pride 2023 T-shirt Design Competition is open to all ages. Deadline for design submissions is Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. The criteria for design submissions are:
- May be original, respectful, and hand-drawn OR digital
- May be grey-scale OR multi-coloured, and incorporate OR leave space for the TDSB logo
For more information and to submit an entry, please email tdsbpride@tdsb.on.ca attaching an image of the design (e.g., jpeg, gif, png, pdf, etc.). Be sure to include your full name, grade, and school, as well as the name of a staff member for communication.
Commencement – Tuesday, June 27 @ 1 pm
Please note that the grade 12 Commencement date is Tuesday, June 27 at 1:00 p.m. Our Commencement will be held at Toronto Pavilion, 190 Railside Road. More information will be shared directly with graduating students by our Commencement Committee in the coming months.
March of the Living – Extended Absence Form Required
March of the Living is a journey to Poland and Israel to learn about the Jewish community that once flourished in Europe, the tragedy of the Holocaust, and the establishment and survival of the State of Israel. As this event is organized by a private organization, students who are planning to participate must complete the extended absence form which can be picked up in the Main Office.
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.