Curriculum Night:  Save the Date / Sept 18th

Families will be invited to a curriculum night on Sept. 18th.  The times to be determined and published as soon as confirmed.   Our staff will share information regarding routines and procedures and the curriculum your child(ren) will learn this year.  This will be an opportunity for families to see the school, visit your child(ren)’s classroom, meet the teachers and other educators.  We look forward to seeing you then.

Interruptions to the School Day:

We would like to keep interruptions to the children’s school day to a minimum.  Please make every effort to book appointments and extra-curricular activities outside the school day.  When that is not possible, and you need to pick up your child(ren) from school at a time other than regular dismissal times, we kindly ask that you write a note to the child’s teacher or a note to the office.  When our office staff need to call a student  down from the classroom, we are interrupting instructional time for the entire class.  Letting the teacher know about early dismissal helps us minimize distractions and allow students to maintain their focus on their learning.  We thank you for your assistance with this request.

Cell Phone/ Mobile Device Use at School:

Below is a summary of the requirements for cell phone/mobile device use in schools, effective Sept 1, 2024.

All members of the school community:

All members of the school community must not use  personal devices during the instructional time except under the following circumstances; for educational purposes ( as directed by an educator) , for health and medical purposes , to support special education needs

Students in Grades 6 and below:

Students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode throughout the full instructional day, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.

If an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view, they must require the device be handed in for the instructional day and the device must be placed by the student in a storage area in a location designated by the Principal.

Students in Grade 7  and  8 :

Personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode during instructional time, except when their use is explicitly permitted by the educator under the circumstances outlined above.

If the educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view, they must require the device be handed in for the instructional period and the device must be placed, by the student,  in a storage area in a location in the classroom designated by the educator.

Volunteers Needed:

Our volunteers are very important to us!  In so many ways, our volunteers are the heart and soul of our school.  We hope that you will consider volunteering your gifts and talents at some point during our school year.  If you are interested in volunteering at Runnymede for the 2024-2025 school year, we ask that you obtain a Vulnerable Sector Screening ( VSS)  through Toronto Police Services.  If you already have one on file, you can complete the Declaration Form ( which is online)  indicating that you have had no convictions since your last screening.  Please contact the school office and we will help you if you have any questions.  All volunteers , both new and experienced must have an updated police reference check on file at Runnymede. Check the Volunteer page on the website!

Student Enrolment:

Please note that we are a growing and changing community ( 990) students, we anticipate class and staffing changes right up to the first day of school and perhaps after the first couple of weeks into September.  Please note that class lists are tentative until after the first couple of weeks of school as student  numbers are changing daily.  Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

A Note about Combined Grades: ” Split Grades”

Many schools have combined classes and Runnymede is no exception.  Due to the continued changes in enrolment, it will be necessary to reorganize some classes this year.  Combined classes sometimes cause concern for families.  Recent research in Ontario concluded that students in split grades perform as well academically, emotionally and socially as students in straight grades.  Combined classes require that the teacher is highly organized, but they do not mean that your child(ren) receive less care and attention. Class lists are made under stringent criteria in order to ensure the best possible placement for your child.  We want all our students to achieve success and be happy in school, and our class organization reflect this.  Thank you for your trust in us!

Lunch Protocols:

Families are asked to provide their child(ren) with a nut free lunch and snacks in the morning before students enter the building.  Unless your child(ren) are enrolled with the lunch program with RAC.

Lunch Lady : Hot Lunch Program /  Starts Sept 24th

The lunch lady will be providing a hot lunch option to our families starting Tuesday Sept. 24th for the 2024-2025 school year.  If you are interested please order directly with Lunch Lady.  See below.

The Lunchlady Hot Lunch Program

Delivered every Tuesday

Starting Sept 24th

https://order.lunchlady.ca/

Lunch Lady Flyer 

Facility Update:  Roofing and Windows 

Our building  is receiving a significant upgrade.  The upper and lower flat roofs above the gym are being repaired  and replaced , and we will also be getting all new windows in the gym.  Over the summer, we got a lot of painting done and will continue to have more painting of hallways, doors and classrooms.  I would like to extend my thanks to the caretaking team for their hard work in ensuring our school is ready to receive our students on Tuesday, Sept 3rd.

School Council:

With a new school year comes a new School Council, and an opportunity to build on what is already an amazing community, a community that embraces and celebrates each  other, with a strong foundational relationship between home and school!

Each year families are invited to join our School Council and be a voice for the hopes and needs of the school community. 

If you are interested, please reach out to the Runnymede School Council or HSA for information on how to get involved or contact the school office.

Code of Conduct:

At Runnymede we encourage our students to be on their best behaviour always and everywhere.  To this end, there is a code of conduct that appears in the front pages of each school agenda.  Students will gather for an assembly during the first week of school in order to familiarize themselves with the expectations in the code of conduct.  All adults  and students are expected to abide by the code of conduct when on school premises and in the school building. 

Thank you for you help in this matter.

Important Dates:

Sept. 3^rd – First day of school and Senior  Welcome Back Student Assembly ( period 1 &2)

Sept 6^th – Assembly for Gr 1-5

Sept. 18th – Curriculum Night / Times to be determined

Sept 23^rd  – School Council meeting

Sept. 24^th – Photo Day

Sept. 27^th – PA Day / no school for students

Sept. 30 ^th – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation ( Orange Shirt Day)

Oct 9 th – Grade 8 Graduation trip information night / Transitions

Oct 11^th – PA Day / no school for students

Oct. 14^th – Thanksgiving Day Holiday

Oct . 30th – Photo Re-Take Day

Oct.  31st – Halloween

Nov. 4^th – Grade 7 Immunization Clinic

Nov. 11th – Remembrance Day assembly

Nov. 12th – Progress Report Cards go home

Nov. 14^th –  Parent/Guardian/ Teacher  evening interviews

Nov. 15th – PA Day / no school /  Parent/Guardian /Teacher  Interviews AM 

Nov. 29^th – PA Day

Dec. 2 – 6  – Grade 6 students to Island School overnight  trip ( more details to come)

Dec 20^th – Last day of school before Winter Break 

Hello Runnymede Families:

We are looking forward to welcoming our students back to Runnymede PS. 

In order to prepare for the transition back to school, we have several reminders and procedures to share with families.

Our school is committed to providing a quality education that is flexible and engaging. 

We look forward to creating and maintaining a strong sense of community and welcoming spaces in our school.

School Office Hours:

Our school office will be open from Monday, August 26th to Friday August 30th, 2024  from 8 am to 4 pm.

School Hours and Bell Times:

Kindergarten:

Grades 1-5:

Grades 6-8:

Class Placements :

Class placements for 2024-2025 school year will be emailed to families starting on Monday , August 26th via school messenger.

A Note Regarding Class Placements:

The goal for the class placement process is to achieve the most balanced and practical combination of student groups, which may result in students not being placed with a preferred peer.

For families rather than look upon a class placement as a challenge, use each new opportunity as a chance to form new friendships, meet new educators, and gain resilience from a placement that your child(ren) may not have overly preferred.  When children  find themselves in circumstances that weren’t their first choice , families should support them to look at the positive aspects of each new grade they encounter as this teaches our children perseverance and resiliency.  Please accentuate the positive aspect of your child(ren)’s placement this year and take advantage of the opportunity to build intangible skills with your child(ren).

With your trust in our professional judgment , we will continue to provide all students with the best possible learning environment.  Please understand that class placements can change depending upon Ministry of Education or Board Directives, and fluctuations in school population.

Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter.

School Cash Online:

Runnymede is a cash-free school and uses School Cash Online for families to pay for your child(ren)’s school fees.  All you have to do is register an account, attached your child(ren) and in no time you will be able to make payments online.  You can sign up at SchoolCashOnline.com or contact the school office.

Medical Perils:

If your child has  a medical plan of care, please bring all medical items  ( ie. epi-pens, inhalers etc.)  to the school office prior to the commencement of classes.  Our school office is open beginning Monday, August 26th from 8 am to 4 pm.  Please contact the school to drop off medical items. .

Thank you for your help in this matter.

Safe Arrival:

The purpose of Safe Arrival Program is to ensure that your child arrives safely at school.  We appreciate your co-operation in calling the school to let us know if your child will not be attending or will be late.

Lunches and Snacks:

For the health and safety of our students and school community, families are asked to please choose carefully when sending lunches and snacks to school as we have many students with severe allergies.  Please be extra vigilant to avoid sending those foods/treats that may contain nuts or trace of nuts.  Thank you for your help in ensuring the safety of all our students.

Runnymede Tip:  Tips to consider to help prepare your child for return to school

During the week leading up to school (August 26 – August 30)

• Gently introduce the idea of waking up earlier
• Go for a morning walk right after breakfast
• Move dinner time up (and try to eat dinner at the same time each day, if possible)
• Have a conversation with your children about the upcoming schedule change

The night before school:

• Prepare your child’s school uniform and back their school bag with them
• Encourage your child’s input into their school lunch and snacks

The morning of school:

• Use a visual timer to assist your child’s morning preparations. This helps make the abstract concept of “time” more concrete
• Stay positive about your child’s class placement and school year, and send them off to school with a smile

Read the entire article here: https://activeforlife.com/how-to-get-kids-back-into-routine/

Upcoming Important Dates:

Sept 3rd – First day of School

Sept. 24th – Photo Day ( BrightPics)

Sept. 25th – Rowan’s Law Day

Sept. 27th – PA Day / No school for students

Sept. 30th – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Oct. 5th – World Teacher’s Day

Oct 11th – PA Day / No school for students

Oct 14th – Thanksgiving Day Holiday

Oct 30th – Photo Re-Take Day

Oct 31st – Halloween

Nov. 15th – PA Day

Nov. 29th – PA Day

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Wishing you all a  great week ahead!

Yours in partnership,

R. Sardella

Principal/Directrice

WELCOME TO ALL OUR NEW COMMUNITY MEMBERS WITH CHILDREN STARTING AT RUNNYMEDE IN SEPTEMBER!!

The first day of the new school year is Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Runnymede PS staff will be in touch via their School Messenger email system, to welcome all families during the last week of summer when the school reopens.

The welcome email to parents will include your child’s teacher name, class room and entry door number along with school year procedures and information.

On the first day of school, families and students are asked to make their way to their appropriate location in the Runnymede yard where teachers will be holding signs with classroom numbers.

School staff will be present and available to greet and support students finding their designated meeting spot or with any questions. Students will be welcomed by their assigned teacher and entry to the school will follow

Also, check out the great info here on the Parent-run Council website, and all about Kindergarten https://runnymedecouncil.org/about-2/starting-kindergarten/

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UPDATE FROM THE ARTS COMMITTEE 

We’ve had a jam-packed year supporting key events like Nuit Orange, Illuminations, and senior music festivals and competitions, as well as running enrichment workshops, junk art competitions, and junior art gallery walks. Our ongoing support and commitment to the music, drama, dance, and visual arts department, have been bolstered by exciting new initiatives like Listen Up.

And we’re not done yet!

Here’s a quick recap of recent highlights:

OMFA Results are in!

Runnymede’s music department has made history at OMFA! The Wind Ensemble won 1st Place with a scholarship, and the Big Band clinched 3rd Place in their debut festival appearance. This is a huge milestone for our music department and our first-ever 1st place at OMFA. Placing 1st at OMFA is equivalent to being the best in all of Ontario, with only six bands from the Grade 8 & under category invited out of 44 regional festivals. Additionally, we’ve earned a scholarship, which will be put to great use in our band program. Huge congratulations to our hardworking students, dedicated teachers, and supportive families who made this achievement possible! 

Illuminations!

We’re still buzzing from that magical night! Our students’ performances, after a year of hard work, were a delight for the entire community. Seeing hundreds and hundreds of proud, smiling faces made it all worth it. Bravo to Mr. O and all his incredible students!  Stay tuned for more amazing drone pictures and video!

And here’s what’s coming up:

Gallery Walks!

Join us for our final art gallery walk, showcasing the incredible art created by our kindergarten students in conjunction with their spring concert. Don’t miss it on June 13, in the breezeway!

Blank Canvases Workshops!

Senior students will explore urban street art with educators from Blank Canvases. Their vibrant creations will be showcased during graduation celebrations. Workshops are on June 14 & 18.

Prologue Performances!

Junior students will enjoy three assembly-style performances by Prologue artists: “Catch Me in the Kitchen,” “Fireside Munsch,” and “Njacko Backo!” These performances will bring accessible unforgettable arts experiences to our school. Performances are on June 14, 21, and 27.

Massive Thank You!

A big thank you to all the teachers, staff, administrators and volunteers who helped bring these school-wide arts initiatives to life! Special shoutouts to Mr. Kim, Mr. Medley, Mr. Ouellette and Mme. Sacrey-Butler for their amazing achievements and support for our students this year!

Stay tuned for more fun and creativity as we wrap up an unforgettable year!

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STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH

Parent volunteers have organized a wonderful Staff Appreciation Lunch planned for June 14^th and they would love your help!

Have an eye for design or a creative spark? Excellent!
We would love you to help us decorate the gym!

Want to get in a few steps and a mid-day workout?
We would love for your help in set-up and/or take-down!

Thank you very much to everybody who have already responded!
Please sign up at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45ABA72DA6F8C25-49935169-runnymede

They are bringing in a catered lunch instead of requesting dishes this year – if you would like to contribute financially to the lunch, please reach out to:
runnymedeappreciationlunch@protonmail.com

 

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Runnymede Public School Council is hosting a free FREEZIE FAREWELL on the SECOND last day of school!

Freezies will be handed out to all students free of charge! 

Please contact the office if you don’t wish your child to participate.

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INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT

RUNNYMEDE NEXT YEAR!?

Joining in as a volunteer is a great way to get involved, help out at the school, and make a difference in your child’s school experience! 

You can volunteer for just a one time activity, help to organize pizza lunch, make posters behind the scenes, come to help at Yard Day, lead an event like Movie Night, Pub Night or collect Cookie Dough orders, help with Math Amazing Race events, help set up at Nuit Orange or during Artist in the School, or you can even Chair a team or committee! 

You don’t need experience, just a willingness to help out. 

Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year! 

Let us know what you might be interested in helping out and we will reach out! SIGN UP HERE

REMEMBER : WITHOUT VOLUNTEERS, THESE AMAZING INITIATIVES CAN’T HAPPEN!

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RUNNYMEDE FAMILIES GET 10% OFF
ALL summer camps and programs/sessions at: 

USE CODE LKARUNNYMEDE10%

We are encouraged that admin has reached out to Council to plan a meeting with council co-chairs. We are confident that Runnymede council remains compliant with all requirements and hope this can be acknowledged ASAP so we can continue to work on behalf of parents at Runnymede.

We’re happy to share that many of our council chairs have been in contact with the school and have been continuing to move forward with initiatives such as green teacher, pizza day and Illuminations. 

Representatives from Council exec have a meeting tomorrow with our Trustee Debbie King to share our point of view and to seek assistance in moving forward productively and positively with the TDSB and our school’s administration.

Here is the link to our FAQ which includes the planned Agenda for last week’s Council meeting.

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We also understand that there has a lot been a lot of discussion about Runnymede School Advisory Council / Runnymede Public School Council & HSAs in recent days!

Who is “Runnymede Council“?

All parents and guardians at Runnymede Public can be members of Runnymede School Advisory Council.  Anyone in attendance at the first meeting of the year can become a voting member.

The Runnymede Council executive committee is made up of elected volunteers.  

Our executive team are parents who are also working professionals willing to lend their expertise and knowledge in their spare time to benefit the school community.  

Although professional experience is not necessary to volunteer, this year’s council includes four Accountants and a mix that includes Lawyers, an Architect, a Registered Nurse, Business owners, PR executives, Teachers, and a University Professor.   Some of our experienced parent volunteer executive team have have even had children at Runnymede for 12 and 15 years already!

It is also important to note that all Runnymede Council financial records are made publicly available as per CRA requirements and the executive committee have continued to be compliant with all these regulations throughout the year.

As always, we’re continuing to update our parent FAQ page. If you have a question that’s not addressed there, please fire it our way.

We look forward to being in touch soon,

Your Runnymede Council Exec Team

Please reach out if you have questions you would like to add!
RunnymedePS@gmail.com