Dear Crerar Families, 

It is hard to believe that we are almost in November of the current school year. Thank you to all parents/caregivers who were able to attend the School Council Meeting on October 15 and engaged in the rich discussions that took place. Our next Council meeting is November 19 at 6 p.m. If you are unable to join in person, please consider joining virtually. Here is the link:  Join the meeting now. Thank you, families who were able to join us for our first Chai and Chat event on October 21 where we were able to learn about the different resources our community has to offer. Thank you to our Community Support Worker, Paul Blackwood, our Public Health Nurse, Angela Anderson, our School Social Worker, Wanjiru Magua, our Community Settlement Worker, Annas Elhassan, and Nutrition Coordinators, Durward Anthony and Eva Teves.

I'd like to welcome Mr. Perry, our new Head Caretaker, to the General Crerar family. He comes with many years of experience, and we are thrilled to have him join our school staff. Congratulations to all our Cross Country Runners who represented General Crerar well. Bravo! Thank you, teachers, Ms. Walker, Ms. Routledge, Mr. Arnfield, Ms. Sampson, Mr. Hibbert, and all parent volunteers. On Monday, November 11, General Crerar will have a Remembrance Day Ceremony which will take place outside of the school at 10:30 a.m. Thank you Ms. Ahier and Mr. Arnfield for organizing this special ceremony. We welcome all families to attend if able. Please hold the date of December 19 in the evening for the General Crerar Holiday Concert. Some classes will be performing. More details to come.  

November is Indigenous Education Month at the Toronto District School Board! Throughout the month, students, staff, and community members honour a number of important days to deepen knowledge, learn from our shared histories, and strengthen relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. It is important to remember to centre First Nations, Métis, and Inuit perspectives, voices, histories, and contemporary realities across the TDSB every day. This month places emphasis on creating opportunities to learn from Indigenous perspectives on treaties, leadership, achievements, resurgence, futurities, and creativity. The TDSB is committed to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action (TRC) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. At General Crerar, each classroom submitted "A Promise" to represent Reconcili-ACTION. These actions can strengthen the relationship between Non-Indigenous and Indigenous people and make sure everyone is treated equitably.

Hindu Heritage Month (HHM) is recognized and celebrated at the TDSB during the month of November.  Hindu dharma is one of the oldest living religions which have flourished for over 10,000 years.  It is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions, teachings, and values that are integral to Hindu dharma and practiced by millions around the world today.  November is an opportunity to celebrate the Hindu way of life, examine its impact and contributions to the world culture, and recognize values that promote compassion, peace, and inclusion.

For families who have Grade 8 children, please go to the Grade 8 to 9 Transitions tab on our school website to learn more about the process of transitioning to high school. Please also visit some of the Open Houses offered so that you can make informed decisions. For families who would like to enrol their child(ren) into the Junior Kindergarten French Immersion Program, please go to the French Immersion tab on our school website to learn more about the program and registration process. 

We have noticed an increase in the number of students coming to school late. Let us work together in instilling the importance of arriving to school on time, ready to learn. Bedtime and morning routines are important to aid with success for learning as arriving late to school makes it challenging for the student, their peers, and teachers, as it is disruptive. Important morning announcements, messages and introductions to lessons are missed and can adversely affect conceptual understanding of topics and subjects if the student arrives late often. 

School updates and information will be shared in our monthly newsletters which will be posted on our school website: https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/generalcrerar. Also, visit the Community Supports page often (updated regularly) to learn about various learning/job opportunities and how you can support your child(ren) and family throughout the year.  Please also read Trustee Shan's Webpage which contains his monthly newsletters here: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward17/Ward-17/Ward-17-Newsletters. Trustee Shan's Ward Forum and Events are also posted on his website.

Stronger Together,

Ms. Lin

IMPORTANT DATES

School Council Meeting: TBD (visit site again to see date/time)

Parent/Teacher Interviews:  November 14th (p.m.) and November 15th (a.m.)

P.A. Day: November 15

Photo Re-take Day: November 18

Parent Council Meeting: November 19 at 6 p.m.

Holiday Concert: December 19