With luck now that April has arrived we’re leaving Winter behind and warmer, brighter

days are ahead of us! This has been a long and cold winter and I’m quite sure we’re all

ready for some warmer weather!

Spring is always a very exciting time of year around a school and this spring is no

exception! Planning has been happening for our annual Welcome to Kindergarten event

for parents and Junior Kindergarten students joining us in September, Run Club is

returning soon, Blue Spruce and Red Maple book clubs are running, our Battle of the

Books team is practicing weekly, EQAO for students in Grades 3 and 6 is fast

approaching, our Grade 8 trip to Quebec City is just around the corner, and much

more.

As we all plan for the next 3 months of school, we want to remind you that

communication is critical for student success. Your children, our students, must see us

as supportive partners in their education. We will continue to contact you when (and if)

your child develops patterns of poor decision-making, and when they are not engaged in

their learning. We will ask that we work together to strategize our next steps toward

improvement. And as you also know, we will contact you when there is reason for

specific praise and celebration of success. We are proud of student achievement and are

excited to let you know! To help our students, please continue to keep the lines of

communication open. Let us know about new medications your child may be on,

planned vacations, and any other happenings that may affect your child’s day to day

learning. Our understanding of these matters will benefit your child’s self-esteem as well

as their achievement levels.

Finally, believe it or not, staff are already actively involved behind the scenes doing some

preliminary planning and organizing for the next school year. Next year’s school

organization and teaching assignments have not yet been finalized and it is possible that

some staff movement may be occurring. However, based on our current projections for

the fall, we expect that our school organization will once again contain some combined

grade classes in 2018-19. As student enrolment projections change between now and

the end of September, there may be a need to change our school organization to meet

Ministry class size guidelines. Information regarding your child’s teacher for next school

year will be given out in September. Our staff will use professional judgment to make

informed decisions when creating balanced learning communities for the 2018-19 school

year. In order to ensure that student learning needs and professional input

from staff are prioritized, requests for specific teachers are not considered

when placement decisions are made. Please see the article on Page 2 of this

newsletter for more details regarding the class selection and creation

process.

As always, thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Together, our

collaborative efforts will ensure Franklin Street P.S. remains a school of excellence!

Administrator’s Message

Greig Black

Principal

Katherine Gousis

Vice Principal

Gail Koidis

Office Administrative

Assistant

Dina Tsigaridis

Secretary

Peter Tse

Superintendent of

Schools

905.940.7800

Allan Tam

Trustee

416-898-9607

Franklin Street Public School

21 Franklin Street, Markham, ON, L3P 2S7

t. 905.294.3562 f. 905.294.6665

www: http://franklinstreet.ps.yrdsb.ca/

email: franklin.street.ps@yrdsb.ca

twitter: @FranklinStPS

April, 2018

Volume 2, Issue 8

The Franklin Flash

SCHOOL DAY

TIMES

For all Students JK-8

8:00-8:15 a.m.

Yard Supervision

8:15 a.m.

Entry Bell

8:15-9:55 a.m.

Learning Block

9:55-10:25 a.m.

Recess

10:25-12:05 p.m.

Learning Block

12:05 a.m.-1:05 p.m.

(all students outside

from 12:25-1:05)

1:05-2:45 p.m.

Learning Block

2:45 p.m.

Dismissal

2017-18

Professional

Activity &

Training Days (No School for Students)

Monday, June 4, 2018

Thursday, June 28, 2018

11:15 a.m. DISMISSAL

FOR ALL STUDENTS

Friday, June 29, 2018

2017-18

School Holidays (School Closed)

Victoria Day

Monday, May 21, 2018

Kindergarten Registration is Happening Now

Kindergarten registration for the 2018-19 school year is happening now.

Registration forms are available on YRDSB’s website: www.yrdsb.ca.

Children who turn four or five years old during 2018, live within the school boundary and

whose parents are public school tax supporters will be eligible to register for kindergarten.

A kindergarten information session for parents is being planned for this spring. For more

information please visit the YRDSB website or contact our school.

We’re now accepting

batteries to be

recycled.

Look for the collection

box in the main foyer.

This is the time of year that school staff begin the collaborative process of

class placement meetings. Classroom teachers, in cooperation with support

staff, administration, and parental input work diligently to create balanced

classes for the upcoming school year. School staff consider the

academic, social, and emotional strengths, needs and interests,

and more of each student when preparing class lists. The ultimate

goal of class placement is to support and enhance the learning of all

students. We welcome any input you wish to share about your child’s

strengths, needs, and learning styles. However, requests for specific

teachers will not be considered. The responsibility for final decisions lies

with administration. Please send any information you would like

considered about your child’s placement for next year, in writing,

to Mr. Black no later than April 27th.

2018-2019 Class Placement Process

Welcome to Kindergarten Program The Welcome to Kindergarten program is a unique experience for new JK students and

parents who will be joining FSPS in September! The program creates the foundation for

positive relationships between children, parents and the school community. The

orientation is aimed to provide resources and the support that is necessary to make early

learning activity and play a priority in the home. This will help prepare the child for a fun

and successful first year in school. Throughout the evening there will be a variety of key

messages communicated such as:

• The parent is the child’s first and best teacher.

• Make time for play and discovery.

• Use talk (speaking and listening) as you play and discover together.

• Recognize and celebrate your child’s successes.

Welcome to Kindergarten will take place at FSPS on Wednesday, May 2,

2018, 4:30-6:00 p.m. This evening is intended for children starting JK in

September 2018, and who have registered for school in our main office. If

possible, please make alternate arrangements for siblings. See you there!

Downhill skiing is one of those sports

that many of us enjoy, but did you know

that one of our students is an

accomplished and ranked downhill skier?

Grade 8 student, Nic P., is that student!

Nic won the Ontario U14 Provincial

Championship last month in Sault Ste

Marie. Nic also won the overall U14 male

'OCUP' title for the season.

As a result of his accomplishments, Nic

was named to Team Ontario and he

represented Ontario at the Can-Am International Championship, held in Sugarloaf, Maine, on

Easter weekend. Nic will also represent Team Ontario at the Whistler Cup International

Championship later this month. Congratulations, Nic, on your incredible accomplishments!

Nic P. is an Ontario Under 14 Champion! Now a Member of Team Ontario, Nic is Prepping for Competition

ALLERGY ALERT

Ensuring a Safe and Healthy School for All Children

We have students attending our school who have life-threatening allergies. It is important that all

parents help to make our school an allergy sensitive environment and minimize potentially fatal

allergic reactions. In keeping with best practices around the Board and issues of student health and

safety, we are vigilant and insist that all food in the school meets “nut-free” and

“allergy-safe” guidelines.

ALL STUDENTS are asked to NOT bring any foods that may contain peanuts and/or

nuts. In MANY CLASSES we must also ask for NO seafood, shellfish, or sesame.

Please check the list of ingredients carefully when selecting food for your children’s lunches and snacks. Please avoid

products that say “may contain peanuts/nuts”. Imported products have different labeling requirements, so please read

the labels carefully when sending these products to school. If you are unsure about a chosen product, please do not

send it to school. Thank you for your cooperation. Remember, we must all work together to keep children safe!

Let’s Celebrate Excellence! Has your son or daughter achieved a high level of excellence

in an activity, sport, or community event outside the school?

Write us a short paragraph or two about your child’s accomplishments and send it along with a (low-resolution) photo or two to Mr. Black and

we’ll share your great news with our school community!

Email articles and photos to greig.black@yrdsb.ca .

Contribute to Strategic Planning at YRDSB - Upcoming Town Halls

York Region District School Board is revisioning its Multi-Year Plan (MYP) and Board Improvement Plan for Student

Achievement and Well-being. The Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the strategic direction of public

education in York Region public schools. The MYP incorporates the direction established by the Trustees with

feedback received from all stakeholders, and will inform decision making at the Board in the years to come. Town halls

will be taking place across the region and feedback collected from families and community members will inform the

creation of a new MYP. Your voice is important and your input and feedback will help York Region District School

Board support student achievement and well-being. There will also be other opportunities, including a survey available

in April, to share your thoughts if you are unable to attend a town hall.

TOWN HALL DATES AND TIMES LOCATIONS

Monday, April 16, 2018

7 - 9 p.m.

Keswick High School

100 Biscayne Blvd., Keswick

Wednesday, April 18, 2018

6 - 9 p.m.

Markville Secondary School

1000 Carlton Rd., Markham

Sunday, April 22, 2018

2 - 4 p.m.

Sir William Mulock Secondary School

705 Columbus Way, Newmarket

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Maple High School

50 Springside Rd., Maple

Saturday, April 28, 2018

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Bayview Secondary School

10077 Bayview Ave., Richmond Hill

All students in Grades 3 and 6 will be participating in the 2018 Provincial

Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics this Spring. Please avoid

withdrawing your child for holidays or making out of school

appointments for your child between May 22nd and June 1st, 2018. We

will communicate further information regarding the assessments to families of

students in Grades 3 and 6 in the near future.

EQAO for Grades 3 and 6

SAVE THE DATE

School Council’s Annual

“Franklin Fete” Year-End BBQ

Mark your calendars for the annual

School Council Year-End BBQ,

scheduled to happen on Thursday,

May 31st. More information will be

coming home to all families from the

School Council, but in the meantime,

mark your calendars and plan to attend

this terrific community event!

Do We Have Your Contact

Details?

The school requires up to date

contact information for all

students. If you have recently

changed or cancelled a phone

number or cell phone number, or

removed the landline, please

ensure you update this information with our

office staff. Also, ensure you provide the

office with any new

contact information!

MOVING? CHANGE OF ADDRESS?

Are you moving before September, or have you recently moved? Families who are planning

to move before the start of the next school year are asked to please contact the

school office as soon as possible. Families in York Region are eligible to attend

specific schools based on their residential address. School staff can help you locate your

child’s new school and also can assist you with the student transfer process. In addition to

helping make your child’s transition to a new school a smooth and hassle-free process, by

informing the school of your plans to move, you are helping us ensure that our school is

organized for September with the most up to date information. Thank you for your cooperation!

The Mary Buck Kindness Award

The Mary Buck Kindness

Award was introduced to

Franklin in 2010, shortly after a

wel l - loved k indergarten

teacher retired from Franklin

Street Public School after

having dedicated most of her

teaching career introducing the

young children of this

community to the love of

learning. Not only did she

teach these students the

ABCs, but she intrinsically

taught them the importance of

being kind, and she did this by

example.

This year, the Mary Buck Kindness Award will once

again be presented but looking ahead we will recognize 3

worthy students who exemplify this character trait. One

student in each of the Primary, Junior and Intermediate

divisions will be honoured and acknowledged at our year

end assembly for having demonstrated exceptional acts

of kindness throughout the year.

A plaque will hang in the foyer of our school to

recognize these students and highlight the importance of

always choosing kind and positive actions.

Over the past month, students from Mme Ghenkam’s

and Mr. Pendli's class have been excited about a new

club at Franklin that teaches students about the real-

world, focused on business and co-operation. With the

back drop of the Jump Rope for Heart, students in the

club have been separated into groups consisting of

Finance, Communication and Marketing. The groups

were tasked with the end goal of planning the school

Jump Rope for Heart assembly and seeing through the

fundraiser initiative. Students learn about working

together towards one goal, problem solving and dealing

with real-life decisions. Stay tuned for more details!!

Talking About Values, Influences, and Peers (VIP) with York Region Police

Over the past few months, students in grade six have

had the privilege of participating with our York Region

Police Community Liaison Officer, in the VIP program.

The VIP Program focuses on discussions about personal

and community values, the law, drugs including alcohol,

personal safety (bullying, internet safety), and more.

Students were engaged with our officer liaison through

discussions, videos and various self-refection lessons.

The goal of the program is to make students reflect on

their decisions and the different choices that they can

make in different situations.

The Grade 6 Business Club

Go Girls! at Franklin Street PS by Earlene M. and Nikki W.

International

Day of Pink is Wednesday,

April 11th

April 11, 2018 is the

International Day of Pink.

It is a day when

communit ies across

Canada and across the

world unite to celebrate

diversity and raise

awareness about the need

to stop homophobia,

t r a n s p h o b i a ,

discrimination and all

forms of bullying.

On this annual day in

April, individuals wear

pink to show respect for

d i v e r s i t y a n d t o

demonstrate support for

learning and working

environments which are

safe and inclusive of

people from all different

backgrounds.

All Franklin Street PS

students and staff are

encouraged to wear

pink on April 11th!

Go Girls! Was an interesting and different experience. It was a once a week program offered as part of a partnership

with the Big Brothers and Sisters

organization. The girls that instructed us

were really nice and caring. They always

supported us and made us happy. So, we

always looked forward to going. The

games we liked the most were the ABC

game and the chicken game. But as well

as playing games, we liked the fact that

they cared about how we were feeling

every day. When we went to Go Girls!

We felt safe every time. It was a great

opportunity to be a part of it, and we

were very sad when it ended. But everything we learned at Go Girls! we’ll remember and use!

It’s a Good Time to Remind Everyone

About Being Safe in our Community

It’s a good time for parents to remind children about personal safety.

Here's what children need to know:

Their name, age, telephone number, address, city and province. This can be done through rhyme or song.

How to contact their parents at any time, by memorizing cell or work numbers.

How and under what circumstances to call 911.

To never approach or enter a stranger's vehicle. A responsible adult would never ask a child for directions or any

other question for that matter.

Make sure they know they have a right to say "no" to an adult, especially when the adult is asking them to do

something they have been taught is wrong or feels uncomfortable. Reminding children of this right is important

because children are taught from a young age to respect adults.

To always tell parents where they will be and to never enter someone's home without their parent's permission.

If home alone, never admit it when answering the phone. Never answer a knock at the door or speak through it.

Adults can be very persuasive. Teach your child to call you if there is a knock at the door and if they fear for their

safety, teach them to call 911. Make sure they know that police officers are there to help them and would not get

mad if it were a false alarm.

If they think they are being followed or are in danger they should run home or to a public place. If someone grabs

them, they should try to get away, yelling and screaming while doing so.

It is important to play in safe areas, never take shortcuts and stick with a buddy whenever possible.

It is never too early or too late to teach children the importance of personal safety. Common sense, communication

and consistency are the keys. Remind children to alert a responsible adult if something strange happens that makes

them feel uncomfortable. Remember, crime prevention is everyone's responsibility.

For more information on this subject, visit www.yrp.ca .

Congratulations, Natalia B., YRDSB Student Success Award Winner!

Every year the York Region District School Board recognizes 20 elementary and secondary students from across the District, who demonstrate exceptional leadership, contributing to improving the overall tone and actions of their schools, and who exhibit qualities that are consistent with the Board’s mission, vision and values to motivate, inspire and create inclusive, exciting, and vibrant schools. Student award winners receive a Celebrating Student Success Award, and are recognized at a dinner celebration in May and are highlighted on the School Board’s website. This year we congratulate Natalia B., who has been selected as one of the 20 Celebrating Student Success Award recipients in YRDSB. As a Grade 8 student, Natalia ’s leadership is reflected throughout our school — Student Leadership Team initiatives which she actively promotes and leads, daily work in and around the main office, assisting in the classroom, promoting the Terry Fox National School Run in the school and around the community, supporting our Holiday Heroes campaign, working to organize school assemblies, being an integral member of our daily announcement team, and much more. Natalia’s positive Growth Mindset has helped her develop more confidence in her own abilities as well as inspired others to persevere through challenges. She has, without a doubt, redefined the standard for student leadership, leaving a lasting legacy that will inspire others for years to come. Congratulations on your accomplishments, Natalia!

April 3, 2018 Dear Families, Trustees are currently revising the strategic plan that sets the direction for the Board. This plan guides decision-making and priorities in York Region District School Board, and trustees want to ensure it reflects the voices in our community. There will be several opportunities for families and community members to share their input and be a part of this planning process. Your voice can help guide the work of the Board in advancing student achievement and well-being. Town Halls On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I invite you to attend any of the town halls taking place across the Region and share your thoughts. A light meal and child care will be provided at the meetings. Please register at www.yrdsb.ca/myp.

TOWN HALL DATES AND TIMES LOCATIONS

Monday, April 16, 2018 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Keswick High School 100 Biscayne Blvd., Keswick

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Markville Secondary School 1000 Carlton Rd., Markham

Sunday, April 22, 2018 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Sir William Mulock Secondary School 705 Columbus Way, Newmarket

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Maple High School 50 Springside Rd., Maple

Saturday, April 28, 2018 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Bayview Secondary School 10077 Bayview Ave., Richmond Hill

Survey If you are unable to attend one of the town halls, a survey will also be available at www.yrdsb.ca/myp between April 4-April 30. Contact your local trustee In addition, you are welcome to contact your local trustees to share your views at anytime. We sincerely hope that you will take this opportunity to share your thoughts and help identify how we can all best support our students moving forward. Working together, we will continue to inspire learning and support all of our students in reaching their full potential. Sincerely,

Corrie McBain Chair

RegistrationNow Open!

RHLTC.ca/Lessons

$141.60plus HST

KIDS & YOUTH

AGES 5-17

ADULT LESSONS

SMALL CLASS SIZES

The Richmond Hill Lawn Tennis Club is a community-based, non-profit organization

offering affordable tennis programs to the Richmond Hill community.

Our mission is to make organized tennis available to residents of all ages and skill levels. We are committed to enriching the lives of our community through the game of tennis.

www.RHLTC.ca161 Newkirk Rd, Richmond Hill

Tel: 905-252-2277 Email: lessons@rhltc.ca

OUR COACHESOur tennis coaches are certified by Tennis Canada and the Ontario Tennis Association and are members of the Professional Tennis Association.

Our professional coaching staff are dedicated to providing you with the foundational skills needed to quickly get you playing and enjoying the game of tennis. The benefits of learning proper technique will greatly enhance your skills and put you on a path to enjoy the exciting sport of tennis for a lifetime.

LESSONSTENNIS

WELCOMEto the Richmond Hill Lawn Tennis Club. We are extremely proud to offer you the opportunity to learn the game of tennis while you enjoy healthy exercise, social interaction and fun competition. Our programs are designed for all ages and skill levels and we encourage you to bring your whole family out to discover the exciting world of tennis.

Flaviu Dinca, President

TENNIS LESSONSFirst classes: Week of April 30Number of Classes: 8For complete lesson schedules and descriptions, visit our website www.RHLTC.ca

Assessment Date: April 21 & 28 2:00-4:00 pm

Book Now!141.60

plus HST

*Please register byApril 23th, 2018

Rates apply to all Kids, Youth, and Adult

lessons

Spaces are limited. Register today!

www.RHLTC.ca/Lessons

We believe that learning is enhanced when limited class sizes are combined with the

opportunity for active matchplay.

Please visit our website for complete lesson schedules and descriptions.

Junior ProgramsWe are running a Junior House League on Saturday mornings! Participants in our lesson program can join the league at no cost.

Learn to love tennis! We are offering free one-hour lessons on Saturday evenings to introduce kids to the game of tennis. Sign-up required.

Become a member of RHLTC! Kids’ memberships are only $35 this season.

RHLTC.ca/JuniorPrograms

For More InformationEmail us at lessons@rhltc.ca

Call us at 905-252-2277

KIDS AGES 5-8

BEGINNERWednesday 5 pm

Thursday 6 pmSaturday 1 pm

INTERMEDIATE Tuesday 4 pm

Friday 6 pmSaturday 3 pm

YOUTH AGES 12-16

BEGINNERTuesday 5 pmFriday 6 pm

Sunday 3 pm

INTERMEDIATEMonday 4 pmSaturday 4 pmSunday 3pm

ADVANCEDTuesday 4 pmSunday 5pm

ADULTS 17+

BEGINNERWednesday 4 pm

Thursday 6 pmSaturday 1 pm

INTERMEDIATEMonday 5 pmTuesday 6 pmSaturday 1 pm

ADVANCEDMonday 6pm

KIDS AGES 8-12

BEGINNERTuesday 6 pmThursday 5 pmSaturday 2 pm

INTERMEDIATETuesday 4 pmFriday 6 pm

Saturday 3 pm

ADVANCEDSaturday 3 pmSunday 5 pm

We also offer Private Lessons and

a Junior Tennis League.

More times online!RHLTC.ca/Lessons

Families of elementary and secondary aged children/youth Join us for a free workshop!

Understanding Learning Disabilities and Attention Disorders (translated in Arabic)

Date: Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM

Location: Loyal True Blue and Orange Home Building

11181 Yonge St. Richmond Hill, Ontario L4S 1L2

(Basement Room: B13)

Learn About: • What are Learning Disabilities (LDs) and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD)?

• Advocating for children/youth with LDs and/or ADHD.

• Supporting children/youth to gain self-advocacy skills.

• Parent/Guardian rights within the school system.

• Supporting mental health awareness.

• Programs and services to support children/youth & families.

Presenters: Renee Flannery & Stephanie Gatti, Learning Disabilities Association York Region (LDAYR)

*Free event. Light refreshments will be provided. *Free Arabic translation onsite. *Free child-minding is available upon request. Please register for this event. To register and for more information contact:

Stephanie Gatti at Learning Disabilities Association of York Region: 905 884-7933 ext. 24 or info@ldayr.org

Non Profit No. 1599353

Get Active! Be Healthy! Stay Healthy!

Play with the York Region Lions Learn to play football

Get active & stay healthy Boys & Girls ages 6, 7, 8

Make friends Equipment provided, funding available

Local fields, local coaches Additional development & rep programs available

for players aged 9+

Go to our website to register and for more information

www.yorkregionfootball.com

info@yorkregionfootball.com

No Contact Flag Football