The January School Council meeting included a Q&A period with our school superintendent, Debbie Donsky. There were more questions than we were able to discuss and address at the meeting, and we have recently received a follow-up response. We appreciate Debbie Donsky and all of the parents who were able to come for taking the time to attend.
Here are the original questions, the response from Deborah Zamin and Debbie Donsky, and the council meeting minutes from the January meeting.
Check the Runnymede calendar for Council meeting dates all are welcome to attend! The next meeting is Monday, March 25th @7pm
Please remember to visit the Council website for more information about Council committees, Fundraising, School Council NEWS, the Runnymede Calendar, and updates about Spirit events and ordering links http://www.runnymedecouncil.org
Science Fair is coming! February 22nd is the Runnymede Science Fair
The Runnymede Council STEM committee is organizing a Science Fair at Runnymede! (More details to come on that in the next few weeks) but we need tables! Do you have access to LOTS of folding tables (like 50-60) that we can use?
Thank you to our Runnymede Council SPIRIT & ARTS committee members, volunteers, Runnymede Arts teachers, admin, and the amazing performers for making Nuit Orange an amazing event for all!
Building Strong Roots, Nurturing Mindful, Resilient and Joyful Families
The next Building Strong Roots workshop will take place Tuesday February 20th at 7pm.
As parents and caregivers, we all want to cultivate a resilient and joyful family life for ourselves and our kids. We want to equip them with the skills to experience life’s struggles and disappointments with strength and compassion as well as to recognize and embrace all the good stuff!
Runnymede has organized a series of FREE monthly workshops that will draw on evidence-based tools and strategies to help parents and caregivers cultivate resilience, joy, and compassion within their families while navigating the complexities of modern life.
This FREE series will consist of 2 meetings per month between January and May – one monthly 1.5 hour in-person session at the school, and one online half hour follow up session.
You can still order pizza for the rest of this year’s remaining Pizza Days in February, March, April & May, or add extra slices to an existing order! Prices will be pro-rated.
The Deadline for new orders is the MONDAY before each pizza day!
Click HERE for details and to order for the rest of the year!
Check out these Runnymede SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
If you have a business or are part of a company that would be interested in Sponsoring Runnymede Council Spirit events throughout the year, please reach out to Runnymedespiritcommittee@gmail.com
Call for Instruments, Music & Art Gear!
🎶 Hey music enthusiasts, got any instruments, music or art gear gathering dust?
We’d love to give them a new life in our incredible programs! Whether it’s a ukulele, a tenor sax, mic stands or even art easels, your donation could make a huge difference. Help us keep the rhythm going strong for our students and our awesome programming. Get in touch—we’re super excited to chat! 🎶 RunnymedeArts@gmail.com
THANK YOU SO MUCH TO OUR RUNNYMEDE COUNCIL SPONSORS! (click on the logo to learn more)
Nuit Orange is great night for the whole family to celebrate the arts! From senior performances to a “Shaker Makerspace” for younger kids. Stroll through the school to watch dance, lip synch and jazz ensemble performances, scene work, storytelling and the art gallery!
Have some tables we can borrow?
The Runnymede Council STEM committee is organizing a Science Fair at Runnymede! (More details to come on that in the next few weeks) but we need tables! Do you have access to LOTS of folding tables (like 50-60) that we can use?
Exciting Runnymede Musical Collaboration with U of T!
This week, Runnymede had the pleasure of hosting students from the University of Toronto Faculty of Music for a collaborative musical experience. Our students had the unique opportunity to work with different conductors, gaining valuable insights and inspiration.
This special event not only enriched our students’ musical education but also allowed the university students to witness the vibrancy of Runnymede’s arts programs. It was a fantastic exchange that showcased the depth and diversity of our creative initiatives.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the U of T Faculty of Music for fostering this connection and providing our students with a glimpse into the world of serious musical study. Many thanks to the students and faculty for their time, enthusiasm, and dedication to nurturing the next generation of musicians!
Building Strong Roots, Nurturing Mindful, Resilient and Joyful Families
As parents and caregivers, we all want to cultivate a resilient and joyful family life for ourselves and our kids. We want to equip them with the skills to experience life’s struggles and disappointments with strength and compassion as well as to recognize and embrace all the good stuff!
Runnymede has organized a series of FREE monthly workshops that will draw on evidence-based tools and strategies to help parents and caregivers cultivate resilience, joy, and compassion within their families while navigating the complexities of modern life.
This FREE series will consist of 2 meetings per month between January and May – one monthly 1.5 hour in-person session at the school, and one online half hour follow up session.
You can still order pizza for the rest of this year’s remaining Pizza Days in February, March, April & May, or add extra slices to an existing order! Prices will be pro-rated.
The Deadline for new orders is the MONDAY before each pizza day!
Click HERE for details and to order for the rest of the year!
Check out these Runnymede SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!
If you have a business or are part of a company that would be interested in Sponsoring Runnymede Council Spirit events throughout the year, please reach out to Runnymedespiritcommittee@gmail.com
Call for Instruments, Music & Art Gear!
Hey music enthusiasts, got any instruments, music or art gear gathering dust?
We’d love to give them a new life in our incredible programs! Whether it’s a ukulele, a tenor sax, mic stands or even art easels, your donation could make a huge difference. Help us keep the rhythm going strong for our students and our awesome programming. Get in touch—we’re super excited to chat! RunnymedeArts@gmail.com
MORE GREAT WAYS TO SHOP & SUPPORT RUNNYMEDE!
Here’s another smart way to fundraise with local stores and emerging brands that want to make a difference. Earn cash back of up to 25% on ordinary purchases going directly to council initiatives!
Tons of amazing events are put on by the Runnymede Council Spirit Committee each year. These events are fun, community building events for the entire school that also help with Fundraising for the council.
Register now, or add to your calendar for these events coming up!
RUNNYMEDE MOVIE NIGHT JANUARY 18th
All children need to be accompanied by a parent and this year ALL attendees must register for their ticket ahead of time!!
Wear your PJs and bring a blanket and/or stuffy and we’ll see you there!
WE WILL ALSO HAVE A TRADING CARD & BOOK SALE!
NUIT ORANGE – AN EVENING OF ARTS JANUARY 31st
WANT TO SUPPORT THE ARTS? Call for Instruments, Music & Art Gear!
🎶 Hey music enthusiasts, got any instruments, music or art gear gathering dust?
We’d love to give them a new life in our incredible programs! Whether it’s a ukulele, a tenor sax, mic stands or even art easels, your donation could make a huge difference. Help us keep the rhythm going strong for our students and our awesome programming. Get in touch—we’re super excited to chat! 🎶 RunnymedeArts@gmail.com
If you have any old MAGAZINES to spare, we need them!
Parent council is helping the admin collect 200 magazines for a project for senior students next month. We would love magazines of all types (not just kids’ magazines but still appropriate for senior students to cut up to use for images & words please)
Please save them and drop off in the office (there will be a box set up outside the office). Thanks!!
Building Strong Roots, Nurturing Mindful, Resilient and Joyful Families
As parents and caregivers, we all want to cultivate a resilient and joyful family life for ourselves and our kids. We want to equip them with the skills to experience life’s struggles and disappointments with strength and compassion as well as to recognize and embrace all the good stuff!
Runnymede has organized a series of FREE monthly workshops that will draw on evidence-based tools and strategies to help parents and caregivers cultivate resilience, joy, and compassion within their families while navigating the complexities of modern life.
This FREE series will consist of 2 meetings per month between January and May – one monthly 1.5 hour in-person session at the school, and one online half hour follow up session.
You can still order pizza for the rest of this year’s remaining Pizza Days in January, February, March, April & May, or add extra slices to an existing order! Prices will be pro-rated.
The Deadline for new orders is the MONDAY before pizza day!
Click HERE for details and to order for the rest of the year!
RUNNYMEDE COUNCIL NEWS WEEKLY UPDATE IS
Weekly update from Runnymede Council
December 1st
Holiday Season of Giving: Help Parent Council Sponsor Two Families!
We believe in the power of giving and the magic it brings to both the giver and the receiver. To make this holiday season memorable for these families, we need your generous support! As the festive season approaches, it’s a time of joy, reflection, and community. This year, our Parent Council is thrilled to announce that we are sponsoring two incredible families in our community for the holidays. .
Here’s how you can help:
We’ve created a list of items that these families need. This includes essentials, clothing, toys for the kids, and even some special wish list items to bring extra smiles. You can sign up to donate any of these items. Every little bit helps in making a big difference!
Fill in your details to sign up and to arrange drop off.
Do not wrap the items (Include a gift receipt for clothing and shoes).
We can make this holiday season a little brighter for those in need. Your generosity and kindness are what make our community so special. . Thank you for considering to be a part of this heartwarming initiative. Let’s spread the holiday cheer!
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING RUNNYMEDE COUNCIL WITH YOUR ‘Shop & Support Runnymede’ Purchases!
Creative Corner
Here’s an update on the vibrant arts scene at Runnymede PS from Parent Council’s Art Committee!
Last week, the school was honoured to welcome back a familiar face, Ryan Garbett, the talented French horn player from the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO).
Did you know that Mr. Garbett’s musical journey began right here at Runnymede? It’s true! He first picked up the French horn in Grade 5, and from that point on, he honed his skills, eventually becoming the acclaimed musician we admire today.
Last week, Mr. Garbett returned to his roots, generously sharing his expertise with our Grade 7 classes and offering invaluable guidance in a masterclass with to two of our Grade 8 French horn players. Our musicians showcased their incredible talents during the masterclass, wonderfully performing their solos in front of a large and appreciative audience. The visit was not only a learning experience but also incredibly inspiring as we hear about Mr. Garbett’s path from Runnymede to becoming a part of the ESO.
A huge shout-out to Madame Blanchard for graciously sharing her space to host this unforgettable event in the library!
Fun fact: one of our musicians performed using the very horn Mr. Garbett donated to Runnymede when he graduated. Talk about coming full circle!
Speaking of donations: did you know that most of the instruments in our school were provided through generous donations? We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have such support fostering our budding musicians.
Who knows, among our current students, there might just be the next professional musician waiting to shine brightly one day!
Cookie Dough Pick up
If you ordered cookie dough before last week’s deadline, you will be able to pick it up after school on Thursday December 7th or anytime Friday December 8th at 135 Colbeck Street (the PA Day)
Holiday Season of Giving:
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Runnymede Home & School Association 