🌟 Weekly Message to Our School Community 🌟
As another busy and meaningful week comes to a close, we are reminded of the many ways our school community continues to learn, grow, and celebrate together. This week, students had the opportunity to participate in a vibrant Chinese Dragon Dance workshop in recognition of Asian Heritage Month, while others showcased their critical thinking and collaboration skills through Mock Trials and Track and Field practices and tryouts.
We also took time to recognise and celebrate our incredible staff during Teacher Appreciation Week. Their dedication, care, and daily commitment to students are deeply valued and appreciated. Adding even more joy to the week were the beautiful flower basket deliveries and an exciting visit to ESA, where our Grade 7 and 8 students enjoyed a special performance experience.
🚨 Urgent Safety Reminder 🚨
It has come to our attention, through several concerned community members, that some of our intermediate students are engaging in unsafe behaviour while crossing the roads near the school. Reports indicate that students are stepping into traffic without stopping to check for oncoming vehicles.
The safety and well-being of our students remains our highest priority. We are asking families to please have an important conversation with their child about road safety, including:
🚦 Stopping before crossing
👀 Looking both ways and staying alert
📵 Avoiding distractions such as phones or headphones near traffic
🚶 Using designated crosswalks whenever possible
School staff will also be reviewing and reinforcing safe pedestrian habits with students.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter and for your continued partnership in helping keep our school community safe.
🚧 TTC Service Update for Families 🚧
Families who travel to school using public transit are asked to note an upcoming TTC construction project beginning in June 2026.
The TTC will be renewing the streetcar tracks at the Long Branch Loop as part of its state-of-good-repair program. The project will include:
🔧 Track renewal
⚡ Overhead power upgrades
🚶 Improvements to the pedestrian walkway between Long Branch Loop and Long Branch GO Station
🚌 During construction, the Long Branch Streetcar Loop will be closed, and buses will replace streetcar service between Long Branch Loop and Humber Loop.
Families are encouraged to allow for additional travel time and check TTC updates regularly.
📌 More information is available on the TTC project website: Long Branch Loop
🌞 Summer Camp Opportunities for Students! 🌞.jpg)
Looking for a fun and active way to keep your child engaged this summer? Check out these exciting themed weekly camps designed to spark creativity, teamwork, and adventure!
Each week features a unique theme, including:
🏕️ Adventure Explorers
🌍 Amazing Race
☀️ Fun in the Sun
…and more!
Campers will enjoy a variety of activities focused on active play, collaboration, and creativity in a supportive and energetic environment.
📌 Register here: https://forms.gle/JLLKoA2qSwfuSMpW7
Spaces may be limited, so be sure to sign up early!
EarlyON Spring Programs (April–June 2026)
Families with children ages 0–6 are invited to explore a wide range of free, play-based programs offered through LAMP EarlyON Child & Family Centres. From Gym Explorers, Baby Time, and Sensory Play to outdoor “Toys in the Park” programs starting in May, there are many opportunities to support your child’s development while connecting with other families in the community.
Programs take place at multiple local sites, including John English, and include specialised offerings such as Learning & Growing Together (for Black families) and Parents–Bambins (for French-speaking families).
👉 View the full schedule and program details here: CLICK HERE
🌟 Volunteers Needed! 🌟
We’re excited for our upcoming Forest of Reading field trips to the Harbourfront Centre on May 12 and 13!
🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
📍 Location: Harbourfront Centre
If you have a valid police check and would like to join us for a fun and engaging day, we would love your support!
Please reach out to Mme Vella at [email protected] for more information.
Thank you for helping make these experiences possible for our students!
Grade 8 Reach Ahead Credit - Summer 2026
The TDSB’s Continuing Education department is excited to offer the Reach Ahead Program for incoming Grade 9 students. This July, students can take Technology and the Skilled Trades (TAS1O1) in person and earn a credit toward their OSSD before high school officially begins.
This program helps students transition smoothly by building familiarity with secondary school expectations. Registration opens April 28. For details, visit the Reach Ahead website. Locations include:
Opportunity for Grade 8 students. Registration opens up on April 28 at 10:00 a.m.
🌞 Summer Camp 2026 – Registration Now Open! 🌞
Looking for a fun, active, and enriching summer experience for your child? Coach John’s Summer Camp 2026 is now open for registration!
With 20+ activities each week, students will enjoy a dynamic program that promotes teamwork, creativity, and active play. Activities include:
⚽ Soccer & Basketball
🎨 Art & Crafts
🌳 Outdoor Adventures & Park Visits
🥋 Martial Arts
🎬 Movies & Gym Time
…and much more!
📅 Dates: July 6 – July 31 (4 weeks)
⏰ Time: 8:45 AM – 3:00 PM (daily)
💲 Cost: FREE
📍 Location:
- West Hill Collegiate Institute (Open)
- Joseph Brant P.S. (Currently Full)
📝 Register here: https://forms.gle/coS1yYaxyp7j2sue7
Spots are limited, and registration is only confirmed once payment is made.
👥 Leaders in Training (LIT) Program
Youth aged 13+ can also apply to build leadership skills and gain volunteer experience.
Don’t miss this opportunity for a fun, safe, and engaging summer!
🎉 Help Send a Student to Camp Olympia! 🎉
If you are able, we would like to ask you to provide a donation to help a John English Grade 8 graduate have an experience of a lifetime!
💛 Why Give?
Many students dream of attending the Graduation trip at the end of Grade 8 — team games, bonfires, ziplines and memories that last forever. With your help, you can make that dream come true for a John English Grade 8 student. Every contribution will make a difference.
If you are interested in helping out, please click this link. It will take you to School Cash Online. The message portion is MANDATORY (not optional) and should say “Olympia 2025”
Thank you for making an impact on a child's life!
For questions, please contact Marie Scrano at [email protected]
May (Asian Heritage Month - Jewish Heritage Month)
May 4th - Teacher’s Day
May 5th - Red Dress Day
May 13th & 14th - FOR Field Trip
May 19th & 20th - Grade 6 Island School Trip
May 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th - EQA0 Testing
May 26th - Bus Safety Presentations
Cash Online
John English's parents can now pay student-related fees online. To access the online service, parents can visit https://tdsb.schoolcashonline.com. Parents will need to select "Get Started Today" and select a password. Other information you will need includes the school board name (TDSB), the school name, your child's name, and your child's birth date. Once you have created your account, you will be ready to pay online.
Bus Route Information for 2025-2026
The TDSB has launched a new transportation portal that provides families with specific information about their child’s bus service. When parents sign up, they will be able to identify the bus company name and phone number serving their family, the route number, the bus stop location, and the associated times. In addition, enrollment sends an email alert when bus route delays occur.