Grade 9 Curriculum Night was a success! Thank you to our Prefects, Production Crew, and School Council members for all their effort to support this event! A special shout out to Ms. Homatidis, along with our 21 staff members who came out on Thursday to meet our Grade 9 parents and guardians.
Last Friday was National Truth & Reconciliation Day and it was great to see all our staff and students wearing orange to honour Orange Shirt Day. As a school we are committed to learning more about our indigenous peoples and we will continue to work to infuse indigenous stories and history into our curriculum this year.
The Athletic Council was busy on Friday after school decorating the main foyer in blue and gold for the kick off of Spirit Week on Monday. All students are encouraged to get their face painted in the foyer before our annual Pep Rally on Monday. Students are also encouraged to show school spirit this week by dressing up! Each day will have a theme as follows:
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Theme/Dress Up
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Monday
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Blue & Gold Day
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Tuesday
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House Colour Day
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Wednesday
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Twin Day
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Thursday
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Pajama Day
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There is lots to celebrate this week. Monday is National Custodial Day and Thursday is World Teacher’s Day! A lovely gesture would be a quick email of appreciation to any our staff. Emails can be found on our website.
Friday is a Professional Development Day and the following Monday is the Thanksgiving holiday. Happy Thanksgiving to all our families who are celebrating this weekend.
Sincerely,
Yvette Duffy, Principal Maharukh Kootar, Vice Principal Jaime Yamashita, Vice Principal
In this issue:
- The Next Two Weeks at a Glance
- October is Islamic Heritage Month
- October is Somali Heritage Month
- October is Women’s History Month
- National Custodial Workers Recognition Day – Monday, October 2
- Spirit Week Kicks Off with Pep Rally - Monday, October 2
- Club Fair – Wednesday, October 4
- World Teacher's Day – Thursday, October 5
- PD Day - No School For Students - Friday, October 6
- Grade 9 SAC Rep Campaign Week, Assembly & Election – October 10 through 13
- Photo Retake Day – Wednesday, October 11
- Messages from Guidance
- Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
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.
October is Islamic Heritage Month
The Toronto District School Board proudly recognizes Islamic Heritage Month during the month of October. The theme for this month is Salaam: Joy, Excellence, Belonging. As part of the celebrations to mark Islamic Heritage Month at the TDSB during the month of October, virtual education opportunities are being offered to classroom teachers for their students to further learn about Islamic heritage and customs. To keep apprised of happenings this month, please follow the TDSB Islamic Heritage Month Committee on X (formerly Twitter): @tdsb_ihm.
October is Somali Heritage Month
The Toronto District School Board also proudly recognizes Somali Heritage Month during the month of October since June 2016. The theme of Educate. Elevate. Excel. will continue this year. During the month of October several Somali Heritage Month educational opportunities are being organized for TDSB students to further learn about Somali traditions and customs. Students will be able to engage in a creative writing challenge by answering questions about Somali traditions and sharing their thoughts on a variety of topics. The TDSB Somali Heritage Month volunteer planning committee is planning on putting together a special project to spotlight Somali students! Stay tuned for more information! To learn more follow daily messages throughout the month on X (formerly Twitter): SomaliHM@TDSB.
October is Women’s History Month
October is Women’s History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the women and girls from our past, and our present, who are contributing to a better, more inclusive Canada.
In 1992, the Government of Canada designated October as Women’s History Month, marking the beginning of an annual celebration of the outstanding achievements of women and girls throughout Canada’s history. This year’s theme, Through Her Lens: Celebrating the Diversity of Women, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the achievements and contributions of women from diverse backgrounds. It focuses on the unique perspectives, experiences, and challenges faced by Indigenous women; women from 2SLGBTQI+ communities; and newcomer, racialized, and migrant women.
Let’s continue to honour women who don’t accept the status quo and fight hard to improve the lives of all women in the country. Link to Women’s History Month Through Her Lens to learn more.
National Custodial Workers Recognition Day – Monday, October 2
If you have visited Forest Hill recently, you are very aware of how pristine our school is. Our caretakers work hard to keep our school looking fantastic and we appreciate all that they do each and every day! On Monday, October 2, we recognize the dedication and support of Mr. Fernandes, Mr. Grey, Ms. Lima, Mr. Lipa, and Mr. Pollard. Thank you for all you do!
Spirit Week Kicks Off with Pep Rally - Monday, October 2
Our annual school Spirit Week begins on Monday, October 2 and run through to Thursday, October 5. We will kick off the week with our annual Pep Rally during period 3 following a special schedule:
Period 1 – Block B: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Period 2 – Block A: 10:05 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.
Lunch: 11:05 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Period 3 – Block D: 12:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Instructional Time: 12:00 p.m. – 12:55 p.m.
Pep Rally 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Period 4 – Block C: 2:20 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
All students are encouraged to wear blue and gold to show their school spirit at the Pep Rally!
Club Fair – Wednesday, October 4
Club Fair is fast approaching on Wednesday, October 4. Getting involved in our school community helps to build new connections, friendships, and skills! Club Fair will run all day in the cafeteria and classes will be called down to allow students to explore, ask questions, and sign up.
Period 1 – Block B: Grade 9 Classes
Period 2 – Block A: Grade 10 Classes
Period 3 – Block D: Grade 11 Classes
Period 4 – Block C: Grade 12 classes
We look forward to seeing all our students in the cafe on Wednesday! Thank you to our staff who have eagerly agreed to act as staff sponsors for our 46 clubs!
World Teacher's Day – Thursday, October 5
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish each of our teachers a Happy World Teacher’s Day this Tuesday! Our teachers go above and beyond each and every day to support our students with academics, well-being and more. Thank you to our teachers for their on-going commitment to our students both inside and outside the classroom!
PA Day – No School for Students – Friday, October 6
On Friday, October 6, 2023 there will be no school for students. Our staff will engage in professional development.
Grade 9 SAC Rep Campaign Week, Assembly & Election – October 10 through 13
Our Student Council Grade 9 Campaigning begins on Tuesday, October 10 and will culminate on Friday, October 13 with our grade 9 representative election. Here are the important dates to keep in mind:
Campaigning: Tuesday, October 10 through Friday, October 13
Grade 9 Rep Assembly: Thursday, October 12 – Period 2 in the Auditorium
Grade 9 Rep Elections: Friday, October 13 – Period 1
Good luck to all the grade nines who are competing to represent their peers!
Photo Retake Day – Wednesday, October 11
All students who missed our photo day in September must have a photo on Wednesday, October 11. Students who did not have their photo taken in September will be called to the auditorium between 9:00 am and noon to have their photo taken.
Messages From Guidance
Important Dates & Events at FHCI – Calling All Grade 12s!
October 3, 2023 - Post Secondary Information Session #1 for grade 12 students will take place in the auditorium during period 2. This session will discuss graduation requirements, and the various pathways that exist such as college, university, and the skilled trades.
October 10, 2023 - FHCI’s Post Secondary Fair will take place in the cafeteria between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Twenty representatives from Ontario’s colleges and universities will be setting up a booth and are happy to answer any questions our students may have. Universities from outside of Ontario will be represented as well. This is a great way to learn more about schools that interest you!
October 17, 2023 - Post Secondary Information Session #2 for grade 12 students will take place in the auditorium during period 3. This session will discuss the application process for college/university, OYAP and other important dates.
October 24, 2023 - GTA College Panel in FHCI Library during lunch. Representatives from five GTA colleges will be sharing information about programs, campuses and admission requirements.
See the Post-Secondary Information Sessions & Visits 2023/2024 Schedule to learn about specific dates and visiting post-secondary institutions. Note that this page will be updated as more post-secondary visits are confirmed. So check back regularly. For more information about university/college visits, please also consider visiting the FHCI Guidance Website.
Applying to an Ontario University
As of this year, students will be identified by their OEN number when applying to the Ontario University Application Centre (OUAC). In the past, student required PINS to set up an account. PINS are no longer required. Student will submit their application through the new Undergraduate Application portal. The base OUAC application fee is $156. Additional choices are $50 per choice.
Students meet the following requirements to apply:
- Taking courses at an Ontario high school (this includes students returning for second semester and graduated students returning to upgrade 1 or more courses).
- Be under 21 years of age.
- Received or expected to receive your Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with six 4U/M courses at the end of the current school year.
- Have not previously attended a post-secondary institution, i.e. university or college
Sharing of High School Grades with OUAC
- FHCI will provide your academic information, including grades to OUAC
- Once you submit your application to OUAC, any grades on file will be auto-matched and shared with OUAC
- Grades will continue to be matched when our school updates grades throughout the year.
*Be sure to log into your application 1-2 business days after you submit your application to check your matched academic information carefully. Inform your guidance counsellor if you find any errors.
Grades for Courses Taken Outside of FHCI
If you are taking courses outside of FHCI, you are responsible for ensuring that the private institution submit course information and all updates to the OUAC. You must include the private institution information in the Education section of your application.
If course information is missing from your application, you must contact the relevant private institution and request that the missing information is submitted to OUAC.
The deadline for current Ontario high school students to submit their completed applications to OUAC is January 15, 2024.
NOTE: OUAC will continue to process applications received after this date and distribute them to the Ontario Universities; however, specific university deadlines will apply.
Useful Ontario University Information
Student Hyperdoc: a nice graphic that guides students through how to get started when looking to attend an Ontario University.
Connect With Ontario Universities Hyperdoc: outlines the ways students can connect with Ontario universities throughout the entire application process - from starting their research with OUInfo to applying through the OUAC.
Ontario University Fair - October 21 and October 22 form 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. This event is fair style with booths from Ontario universities and offers an opportunity to gather information and chat with representatives one on one.
In-person Regional Fairs: Various dates and locations from September 26-October 27. Ontario's university representatives are coming to Toronto with the return of the in-person Regional Fairs.
Virtual Information Sessions: September 26 and November 22 from 5pm to 8 pm. Each event is divided into 4 timeslots, where students can learn about the universities of their choice and ask questions.
Applying to an Ontario College
The Ontario College application process begins on October 1, 2023 for programs starting August 2024 through July 2025. Apply to an Ontario College by clicking on this link: Create an Ontario Colleges Account. Browse the Find a Program tool to see all college programs offered in Ontario. The application processing fee for programs in this application cycle is $125.
Useful Ontario College Information/Links
The College Application and Research Website outlines the process of applying to Ontario’s Colleges, the various programs that are available and the requirements. It also provides information on the benefits of a college diploma/degree.
College Dialogues Booklet: This document provides information on important dates pertaining to applications, as well as key information about each college.
The Ontario College Fair will take place On October 18 and 19: Interested in learning more about Ontario’s colleges? Attend this year’s college fair at the Enercare Center in Toronto.
Mental Health Supports for Students
Students are welcome to connect with our staff here at Forest Hill or reach out to the following agencies for support:
Telehealth Ontario - 1 866 797 0000
Kids Help Phone - 1 800 668 6868 or text CONNECT to 686868 or visit kidshelpphone.ca
Black Youth Helpline - 1 833 294 8650
Inuit & First Nations Hope for Wellness Line - 1 855 242 3310
LGBT Youth Helpline - 1 888 687 9688
Trans Lifeline - 1 877 330 6366
Trustee Laskin’s Weekly Updates
Learn more about upcoming events and keep informed by linking to Trustee Laskin's Weekly Newsletter.
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.