January 9 - 13
Wishing everyone a Happy Holiday!
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a Blessed Kwanza to
Everyone Celebrating!
January’s Character Trait - Teamwork
Upcoming Dates
December 23 - No School Due to Weather Conditions
December 26 - January 6 - Winter Holidays
January 9 - School Resumes - Happy New Year - Welcome Back!
January 13 - PA Day
January 17 - School Advisory Council (in person meeting)
*Friday’s - Lunch Lady program for those who have signed up
2022-23 School Year Calendar
Good afternoon Second Street Families,
The last minute announcement of school closures made for a busy end of the day as teachers prepared students for the winter break. Please be aware that school is closed tomorrow.
Although our spirit week was cut short by one day, it has been packed full of events organised by our grade 6 STAT leaders from BYOS (bring your own stuffies) to Contest day. Everyone had a great time and maybe some of our students will have their own pyjama day tomorrow! Our intermediate students also had their first successful dance of the year run by the student council. We are looking forward to many more wonderful events by our student leaders. Thank you to our Garden Committee for a wonderful Bee Lantern procession today. The students really enjoyed it. Thank you to our parent/guardian volunteers for making this happen
Have a safe and happy holiday season!
Edward & Sylvia
Please reach out if you have any questions @ edward.vella@tdsb.on.ca & sylvia.ghobranios@tdsb.on.ca
Follow us on twitter:
https://twitter.com/tdsb_secondst
Visit our school website:
Second Street Junior Middle School
Positive School Climate
Lunchroom Supervisor Opportunities
We have openings for Lunchroom Supervisors. If any parent is interested in this paid position, please contact Sylvia (sylvia.ghobranios@tdsb.on.ca) for more information on how to apply for this position.
Reminders
Winter Well-Being Guide 2022/23 for Students, Caregivers/Guardians and School Communities
The Winter Well-being guide for 2022/23 created by the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee with System Leader for Mental Health and PSS, Shameen Sandhu. The guide has been updated to provide ongoing resources and ideas for Families/Guardians to promote mental and physical wellness during the winter months. Resources are culturally relevant and responsive with resources for students with Complex Needs.
The Guide is translated into the top 21 TDSB languages spoken which is accessible here (Well-Being Guide).
English Version
|
Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) Application Deadline
For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Middle French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student.
The timeline to apply to the program for September 2023 is:
Middle French Immersion: Applications must be completed online between January 9 and February 3, 2023.
For more information about Middle French Immersion, Virtual & In-Person Information Sessions or the Application Process.
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Winter Weather and Student Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices or sites.
With approximately 235,000 students in 583 schools, any decision to cancel buses, classes and/or programs or to close sites can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto. This decision is not taken lightly. When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians make the final decision on whether to send their children to school and they can keep children home from school if they so choose. For more information, please see: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Severe-Weather/Snow-Cold-Weather
Traffic Safety Tips: Help Make this a Safe Winter Season
As winter approaches, we know that severe weather will be part of our daily lives for the next several months. While traffic safety is an important matter all year long, this is a particularly good time to review what we can do to keep students safe.
The need to be aware and alert at all times, on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances is key to traffic safety. This applies to students and drivers alike. Road conditions can be challenging in the winter months. So to those of us who drive, please take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, especially in areas where children might be present.
School staff periodically review street and traffic safety with students. Parents can help reinforce these safety messages with children at home. Below are some tips that might be helpful to review.
Stop, look, and listen for traffic.
Only cross at corners and crosswalks.
Make eye contact with drivers.
Walk on the right side of the crosswalk.
Wear appropriate footwear to reduce the chances of slipping.
Never run into the street.
Obey crossing signals.
Cross only if clear.
Walk on sidewalks.
Where there are no sidewalks, walk as far away from traffic as possible, facing traffic.
The safety of our students is always a top priority. Let's work together to make the winter season safe so we can enjoy all it has to offer.
Reducing Spread of Respiratory Illness
A reminder of the number of steps that can be taken to help keep children and others safe from an increase in respiratory viruses among children, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza and COVID-19. Please note that Toronto Public Health, together with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, strongly recommend the wearing of a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings, including in schools and childcares.
Grade 8 Open Houses and Information Sessions
Grade 8 is a time for students to look to the future and to begin thinking about their selection of courses for Grade 9 and throughout high school. To help make an informed decision when choosing a school or program, TDSB schools host open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians/caregivers and students between November and January. Please visit the following links to access information to assist Grade 8 students and families in planning: TDSB Beyond 8 Website, Open Houses and Information Sessions, Preparing for High School Webinar Series and Secondary Central Student Interest Programs.
Stay Connected with Two New Communication Tools
The TDSB is offering two new ways for parents and caregivers to stay connected with their school and the TDSB.
Parents and caregivers will also be provided an opportunity to opt in to receive text messages from their school and TDSB. A text message will be sent to you to the phone number you have on file in September inviting you to opt in.
Using the School Messenger app or website provides a faster and easier way to report absences and receive communication sent by the TDSB and your school (this will also go to the email that you have on file). This is available for download now. More details about how to get started with School Messenger are available below.
Learn more about SchoolMessenger and watch a video about it.
Allergy Alert:
There are several students at our school with severe or life-threatening allergies to peanuts, nuts and other foods. We ask that you help care for these students by choosing lunches and snacks for your children that are nut-free. We will not be accepting food items for treats due to the potential risk to students.
Kiss and Ride
Second Street’s “Kiss ‘n Ride is located on Maple Street. Please pull up to the curb and a staff member will help direct your child to the school yard. The parking lot is for staff parking only due to the lack of spaces.
Weekly Update 
December 19 - 23, 2022
December’s Character Trait - Kindness and Caring
A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.~ Amelia Earhart, an American aviation pioneer and writer
Hanukkah 2022 will begin in the evening of
Sunday, December 18
and ends in the evening of
Monday, December 26
Upcoming Dates
Dental Clinic - December 14 -22
Monday, Dec 19th- BYOS DAY- Bring Your Own Stuffie to school day! Bonus if you are twinsies with your stuffie!
Tuesday, Dec 20th-Proud To Be Me Day- Show off your favourite colour of the rainbow today or put on your favourite outfit…be your fantastic self!!
Wednesday, Dec 21st- Contest Day! STAT members are coming up with quick but fun contests that they will bring class to class on this day... with prizes too!
Thursday, Dec 22nd- No Backpack Day- The general idea is that kids bring their belongings to school in something that is not a backpack (e.g., a bucket, a shopping bag, rolling suitcase, instrument case, etc..) OR you can choose to
decorate your usual backpack. Be creative!
December 22 - Intermediate School Dance
Friday, Dec 23rd- PJ Plus Day-- Wear your favourite PJs to school today... and there will be a twist! The twist might be a fun activity, a special snack or something else! We will surprise you!
December 26 - January 6 - Winter Holidays
January 13 - PA Day
January 17 - School Advisory Council (in person meeting)
*Friday’s - Lunch Lady program for those who have signed up
2022-23 School Year Calendar
Good afternoon Second Street Families,
Thank you for participating in Our 4th Annual Second Street Holiday Food Drive, in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank. Kindness and Caring at its best!
We were excited to have had our Class photos take place this week. As one parent mentioned “This is my daughter’s first class picture”. Thanks to our grade 8 student runners who picked up classes and got them lined up. Very responsible and effiecient!
Thank you to our parent volunteers who put on an exciting and engaging art project for our students this week. They engaged our students in the making of cloth/papier mache bee lanterns which will adorn our Second Street Garden. Beautiful work!
Mr. Falconer and Ms. Greene’s classes had a three day trip to the Island School this week. They arrived back to school with great memories and a need for sleep. Thanks to Mr. Falconer and Ms. Greene for providing this opportunity for their classes.
Congratulations to our Volleyball team who won the championship title and another banner for our school! Thank you to Ms. Laemers and Mr.Lazenkas for supporting our athletes.
We have openings for Lunchroom Supervisors. If any parent is interested in this paid position, please contact Sylvia (sylvia.ghobranios@tdsb.on.ca) for more information on how to apply for this position.
Happy Hanukkah to everyone celebrating!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Edward & Sylvia
Please reach out if you have any questions @ edward.vella@tdsb.on.ca & sylvia.ghobranios@tdsb.on.ca
Follow us on twitter:
https://twitter.com/tdsb_secondst
Visit our school website:
Second Street Junior Middle School
Positive School Climate
Classes have been working on their S.T.O.R.M. acrostic poems to capture Second Street’s school spirit, focus, goals etc. We look forward to seeing what the students came up with.
Winter Well-Being Guide 2022/23 for Students, Caregivers/Guardians and School Communities
The Winter Well-being guide for 2022/23 created by the Mental Health and Well-Being Committee with System Leader for Mental Health and PSS, Shameen Sandhu. The guide has been updated to provide ongoing resources and ideas for Families/Guardians to promote mental and physical wellness during the winter months. Resources are culturally relevant and responsive with resources for students with Complex Needs.
The Guide is translated into the top 21 TDSB languages spoken which is accessible here (Well-Being Guide).
English Version
|
Middle French Immersion (Grade 4 Entry) Application Deadline
For families interested in the Toronto District School Board's system-wide French Immersion Program, we offer an online process to apply for Middle French Immersion (begins in Grade 4). An offer of placement in the program (not a specific school) is guaranteed to all on-time applicants. Families with an older sibling currently in an Middle French Immersion program are still required to complete an online application for the new student.
The timeline to apply to the program for September 2023 is:
Middle French Immersion: Applications must be completed online between January 9 and February 3, 2023.
For more information about Middle French Immersion, Virtual & In-Person Information Sessions or the Application Process.
|
Second Street JMS 4th Annual Holiday Food Drive
Our 4th Annual Second Street Holiday Food Drive, in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank, runs from November 29th to December 16th.
Please send non-perishable food items with your child to school, or click on the link below to make a cash donation. Every little bit helps! You will receive an automatic charitable tax receipt for donations of $10 or more. http://support.dailybread.ca/goto/secondstreetschool
Thank you for your generous support!
Second Street SAC
Winter Weather and Student Transportation
From time to time, it may be necessary to cancel student transportation, classes and/or programs because of severe weather. On rare occasions, severe weather makes it necessary to close schools, administrative offices or sites.
With approximately 235,000 students in 583 schools, any decision to cancel buses, classes and/or programs or to close sites can have a significant impact on thousands of families across Toronto. This decision is not taken lightly. When schools remain open on days with inclement weather, parents/guardians make the final decision on whether to send their children to school and they can keep children home from school if they so choose. For more information, please see: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Severe-Weather/Snow-Cold-Weather
Traffic Safety Tips: Help Make this a Safe Winter Season
As winter approaches, we know that severe weather will be part of our daily lives for the next several months. While traffic safety is an important matter all year long, this is a particularly good time to review what we can do to keep students safe.
The need to be aware and alert at all times, on any road, and even in the most routine circumstances is key to traffic safety. This applies to students and drivers alike. Road conditions can be challenging in the winter months. So to those of us who drive, please take extra care on the roads and in parking lots, especially in areas where children might be present.
School staff periodically review street and traffic safety with students. Parents can help reinforce these safety messages with children at home. Below are some tips that might be helpful to review.
Stop, look, and listen for traffic.
Only cross at corners and crosswalks.
Make eye contact with drivers.
Walk on the right side of the crosswalk.
Wear appropriate footwear to reduce the chances of slipping.
Never run into the street.
Obey crossing signals.
Cross only if clear.
Walk on sidewalks.
Where there are no sidewalks, walk as far away from traffic as possible, facing traffic.
The safety of our students is always a top priority. Let's work together to make the winter season safe so we can enjoy all it has to offer.
Reducing Spread of Respiratory Illness
A reminder of the number of steps that can be taken to help keep children and others safe from an increase in respiratory viruses among children, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza and COVID-19. Please note that Toronto Public Health, together with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, strongly recommend the wearing of a well-fitted mask in indoor public settings, including in schools and childcares.
Grade 8 Open Houses and Information Sessions
Grade 8 is a time for students to look to the future and to begin thinking about their selection of courses for Grade 9 and throughout high school. To help make an informed decision when choosing a school or program, TDSB schools host open houses and information sessions for parents/guardians/caregivers and students between November and January. Please visit the following links to access information to assist Grade 8 students and families in planning: TDSB Beyond 8 Website, Open Houses and Information Sessions, Preparing for High School Webinar Series and Secondary Central Student Interest Programs.
Stay Connected with Two New Communication Tools
The TDSB is offering two new ways for parents and caregivers to stay connected with their school and the TDSB.
Parents and caregivers will also be provided an opportunity to opt in to receive text messages from their school and TDSB. A text message will be sent to you to the phone number you have on file in September inviting you to opt in.
Using the School Messenger app or website provides a faster and easier way to report absences and receive communication sent by the TDSB and your school (this will also go to the email that you have on file). This is available for download now. More details about how to get started with School Messenger are available below.
Learn more about SchoolMessenger and watch a video about it.
Allergy Alert:
There are several students at our school with severe or life-threatening allergies to peanuts, nuts and other foods. We ask that you help care for these students by choosing lunches and snacks for your children that are nut-free. We will not be accepting food items for treats due to the potential risk to students.
Kiss and Ride
Second Street’s “Kiss ‘n Ride is located on Maple Street. Please pull up to the curb and a staff member will help direct your child to the school yard. The parking lot is for staff parking only due to the lack of spaces.