Virtual Library

The link is https://www.tdsb.on.ca/library/HOME/schoolno/0 

 

As soon as you click on the link it takes you to the site and parents can either click on the "Read, Watch and Learn" box or click on the box in the upper right corner to access online learning sites available to us.  Either choice has access to the Learnmark that contains all usernames and passwords necessary to access the sites. 

       

 

If parents and/or students cannot remember or do not know their student number and password they can click the following link and the board will share the necessary information (link is also available on the "click here to access" button:

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQUorQyoSK3Rx-lYpfrGdtbbISav6gyS4cJ9iAkCYW4Isbuw/viewform  

Friday March 27, 2020

Greetings Mackie Parents and Guardians from Ms. Ponka;

       I hope this message finds you well. While we are all experiencing this world crisis together; we are doing so in isolation and I know this is a strange and unnerving paradox. We are all struggling in our own way to adjust; my family is certainly finding it challenging. Gratefully, we are healthy at this time and I hope your families are healthy and coping as well.  

       While we all know from the Ontario government that schools WILL NOT re-open on April 6th, when we have more information on new timelines, we will share that with you. Until then, I know you have been provided the link to the Ministry of Education’s Learning at Home website. This portal provides supplementary learning materials in math and literacy for elementary and secondary students. The website will help keep students learning and engaged during the COVID-19 school closure period. The ministry has said that these resources do not replace what students have been learning at school, but are intended to help mitigate the loss of learning during the COVID-19 shutdown period.

       In addition, I know that you are aware that the TDSB has also provided  additional online resources that will support the Ministry’s Learn at Home initiative. None of this is new. I am just reiterating the information that has already been sent out to you from the board and province. 

       Going forward, student well-being and mental health will also be an important focus. Both school-based staff and Professional Support Services share responsibilities for supporting student well-being. There are a variety of Mental Health and Well-Being Resources for students and families available on the TDSB web.  I am in regular contact with our school social worker Elizabeth McCormick and our school Psychologist Dr. Doug Schmidt. Please let me know if we can help support you. You can email me at Shirley.ponka@tdsb.on.ca. 

I have been involved in google meetings with our family of school principals and our Superintendent Shirley Chan. I have also been in regular contact with our Mackie staff who send their warmest regards. I know your teachers and support staff miss the children very much. So, do I. I have also been in contact with your School Council chair Jenny Gloria, who as always is ready to provide input and ask questions on your behalf. 

      This coming week provides many challenges as we attempt to set up our system for success going forward. As indicated in the letter you received this week from the TDSB Director of Education, we are gathering information, assessing needs, and formulating plans about the continuation of learning and will be communicating with schools and families as soon as these plans are finalized. No small task, indeed. There are so many variables and like the rest of the world, we simply could not have planned for this. I am however, extremely confident in our staff who continue to step up with innovative, caring and energetic ideas and solutions to unique problems.

       Please be sure to pay attention to all of the School Connects information you will be receiving through email and if your email has changed you can send a message to me or to our Office Administrator Ms. Chrzan at  Heidi.Chrzan@tdsb.on.ca

      If you have questions or concerns, please contact me through email at Shirley.Ponka@tdsb.on.ca . I will do my best to respond to you in a timely manner. 

      Please send my regards to your children who truly do add meaning, laughter and gratitude to my life every day. 

       Sincerely,

       Ms. Ponka

March 24, 2020

Hello Mackie Students,

I hope this message finds you in good health and comfortable. If you are a little bored, you are not alone. We are all missing our usual routine right now and I can tell you I am truly missing your smiling faces as you enter our building every day. Your parents will have received an email that can help you to find some interesting materials to Learn at Home. I am including the links again below.

I know that Ms. Chrzan, Mr. Manarey, Ms. Jackie and all the teachers and staff miss being with you at school as well. We are all doing what you are doing; trying to stay home and keep our minds and bodies active and healthy while we keep ourselves apart from one another. I hope you are digging out some games and finding exercise. I have been winning at Scrabble at home until last night when my daughter finally beat me. My dog has also enjoyed the extra walks as we have explored new areas in our community.

If you are feeling nervous, afraid or frustrated that is normal too. Talk to the trusted adult in your life. They may be feeling the same way. I am also including the kids helpline number if you feel you need to speak to someone urgently.

We will all be together soon I hope. And when we do return, we will appreciate each other more than ever!

Sincerely,

Ms. Ponka

·         Today, phase one of support for student learning was launched with the Ministry of Education’s Learning at Home website. This portal provides supplementary learning materials in math and literacy for elementary and secondary students. The website will help keep students learning and engaged during the COVID-19 school closure period. The ministry has said that these resources do not replace what students have been learning at school, but are intended to help mitigate learning loss during the COVID-19 shutdown period.

·         The TDSB is providing additional online resources that will support the Ministry’s Learn at Home initiative, covering a range of grades and subjects that may be helpful for students and parents during this time. It is important to note that these online resources are not mandatory or graded and are meant for families to use as optional resources to support independent learning while students are at home.

·         Students who require urgent support should contact the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. Alternative methods of contacting them are available at https://kidshelpphone.ca/call. Their counsellors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

Mackie Moments

April 6, 2020

Mackie Snackies

November Nutrition Menu

At G.P. Mackie, we value

-each and every student; 
-a strong public education system; 
-a partnership of students, schools, family and community; 
-the uniqueness and diversity of our students and our community; 
-the commitment and skills of our staff; 
-equity, innovation, accountability and accessibility; and 
-learning environments that are safe, nurturing, positive and respectful. 

 

Supervision

Reminder to parents grade of children grade 1-6. Staff are assigned to supervision on our schoolyard starting at 8:30 am. Students may safely meet with school mates and staff outside on the yard at this time.  Students in Kindergarten continue the practice of adult hand-off at the entry bell. Students are dismissed at 3:15 pm. If you are held up for  Thank you for continuing to walk your child to school, and for changing habits to reduce traffic and increase safety for our students and community. 

 Drivers!!

Reminder to Parents: Please do not drive your vehicle into the Mackie driveway or parking lot. The parking lot is for staff only. Please try to arrange for your children to walk to school and help keep our students safe.

CELEBRATIONS

If parents wish to send something in to recognize their child’s birthday etc., they are encouraged to send in something non-edible (i.e. pencils, erasers, etc.) that can be shared by all. This is to keep all students safe due to the many student allergies. Please check with your child’s teacher if you have any further questions. Thank you!

A Gentle Reminder

Parents are reminded to please keep their child home from school if they are under the weather (sore throat, tummy upset, fever). This ensures that germs & viruses do not spread. Thank you for your co-operation!