Principal's Update: October 21

Principal’s Message

Hello Danforth and Greenwood families, it’s been too long, and for that I unreservedly apologise. I know you’ve had intermittent communications from the school on a host of topics from our emergency evacuation a few weeks back, to the invitations for Parent Teacher Interviews last week, but it’s been a while since I last sent a proper update. I’m committed to improving and getting back to at least one update every two weeks, even if weekly has become a bit unmanageable amidst my other responsibilities.

 

Facilities Update

High on the list for me in recent weeks has been the situation involving ongoing construction at the school, and I would like to share that a number of Air Handling Units (1, 10 & 11) are now up and running. If you’ve seen or heard tell of the filters on the supply air grates, that’s what they’re for – keeping the dust and grime from the old ductwork trapped and out of the air as the newer, more powerful units are brought online. Work continues and we expect 1-2 new AHUs will be brought online each weekend between now and December. Exhaust fans are up and running around the building, providing for some air flow, but we eagerly await the day I’ll be able to report that all are running.

The work with the AHUs has had an impact on heating, with some systems being shut down, leading to some uncharacteristically hot and cold rooms (more than the usual felt in this more than a century old building). We’ve also had our share of steam leaks, which have become a seasonal regularity, though those were quickly patched up by board trades. We expect that as each situation is reported and addressed, things will get better, but encourage students and staff to dress in layers for their comfort.

 

Celebrations

I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible work done by the Athletic Council and Mr. D’Angelo in putting on our first annual Red and White Day. It was amazing to see so many students come out to celebrate and cheer on our student athletes on a chilly but beautiful autumn day. To cap off the day beautifully, our Danforth Redhawks beat the Greenwood Wolves in soccer with a close-fought 2-1 victory. They reclaim the El Clasico trophy for another year.

On October 16, 2024, Danforth hosted a delegation of educators from the Netherlands for a tour of our school and a taste of the Ontario Education system. It was lovely to share and learn from them about the Dutch education system. Thank you to all the staff and students who took time to talk to the delegates about their experiences.

This past weekend, Danforth Art students led by Ms. Hattin, volunteered to paint original designs on shoes for the Art in Motion 2/5/10k fundraiser benefitting Sick Kids Hospital. Congratulations to Ms. Hattin and her students on the amazing designs, benefitting a worthy cause.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday October 22 – Parent Teacher Interviews (early dismissal)
Tuesday October 22 – Photo Retake Day
Wednesday October 23 – Late Start
Friday October 25 – Mole Day
Tuesday October 29 – Halloween Dance
Wednesday October 30 – Late Start
Friday November 1 – Fire Drill

See additional events on our website: https://schoolweb.tdsb.on.ca/danforthcti/Calendar

 

Parent Teacher Interview Schedule

Period 1: 09:00am – 09:35am

Period 2: 09:40am – 10:15am

Period 3: 10:20am – 10:55am

Period 4: 11:00am – 11: 35am

Lunch: 11:35am – 12:35pm

 

1:00pm – 3:00pm Parent/Teacher Interviews - Session 1

3:00pm - 3:30pm Curriculum Information Session 1

5:00pm - 5:30pm Curriculum Information Session 2

5:30pm – 7:30pm Parent/Teacher Interviews - Session 2

 

A link to use to book interviews was sent out previously by Ms. Fine. Please be sure to book your interview time today so that staff can prepare accordingly. We can accommodate walk-ins on the day-of, but depending on which teachers you’re looking to see, they may be booked up.

We are also opening up curriculum information sessions to give parents a chance to hear about what their children are learning. To learn more about the various course curricula from the teachers and Curriculum Leaders in the school, check out the Curriculum Information Sessions Flyer, or go directly to the listing of rooms and programs open. All are welcome!

 

Student Activity Fees

We currently have exactly 385 student fees paid, which is approximately 25% of the student body. As mentioned previously, the money goes directly to funding student clubs and activities. We know that for some of our families, the $30 fee is easier to pay than for others, and we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to all of the programs Danforth has to offer, regardless of their ability to pay. That said, a weak response from our school community when it comes to fees impacts the quality and scope of those activities, as many of these co-curricular programs have associated costs. While we know that no school can aspire to have everyone pay, 25% doesn’t reach the critical mass needed to ensure all clubs and activities are properly funded.

If you haven’t done so yet, you can pay your student activity fees at https://tdsb.schoolcashonline.com/, or by cheque (made out to “Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute”), or by cash through the hardworking staff in the main office.

For those with questions about the SchoolCash system, you can check out the TDSB’s FAQ.

I would also like to acknowledge the $810 (equivalent to 27 student fees) that families have donated since I sent out the link in September. We are very grateful for your contributions.

If you would like to donate to the school to help offset costs for student activities you can do so here (you will receive a tax receipt for your contribution).

 

Guidance Update

In the spirit of better late than never, please see the October Guidance Update that was posted to the student Google Classrooms at the start of the month.

We’re heading for post-secondary season, and for those interested in learning more about how to support your child with post-secondary planning and applications, Ms. Martin is offering an information session at our next School Council meeting on November 21, 2024.

 

Trustee’s Ward Forum

Trustee Sara Ehrhardt and Trustee Michelle Aarts are hosting a Joint Ward Forum on Digital Media Literacy on November 20 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. For more information and to register, please see the flyer.

 

LearnON Eastview Community Centre

Also from Trustee Sara, a recommendation for the LearnON program at Eastview Community Centre, providing free homework help for students in our neighbourhood, Sundays from 11 – 1 p.m. See the flyer for more details.

 

We hope you have a wonderful week Danforth!

Bryan Wires
Principal