Week 15 - 5 Days to Go

Yes, just five more days to go until the we leave for Christmas Break. We all look forward to spending time with our families but there is still lots of work to be done.

We had our biggest ELL Christmas lunch on Friday and everyone had a wonderful time. Thanks to everyone who contributed food and drinks to the celebration. Everything tasted incredible and everyone was left with full bellies.

After this week, when we return to classes on January 3rd, there will only be 3 weeks of classes left before Exams. That is not a lot of time.

So start preparing for exams, and make sure to complete your CPT's and assignments. This is not the time to neglect your work.

Have a great week and keep up the hard work. And most of all..............



Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Week 14 - ELL Annual Christmas Lunch

Our Annual ELL Christmas Lunch will take place this Friday December 10 from 11:30 am - 1:15 pm.

This is a great celebration and students are asked to contribute to the lunch by bringing in food from their particular cultural background.

Please make sure to sign up on the Food List in the ELL Room before Friday.

On Friday, bring in your food items prior to the start of first period.

See you on Friday and have a great week!

Week 13 - FMM Open House Today

Tonight is the FMM Open House.

Parents of students or potential students are invited to visit tonight to find out more about all of the school's programs and of course the INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE PROGRAM.

The Agenda for the evening is below:

ASSEMBLY - all parents and Grade 8 students - in Gymnasium at 7.00 pm

At 7:45 - Parents/students interested in the FMM PreIB program WILL REMAIN in GYM.

ALL OTHERS will visit booths and displays.

The "IB" group of parents/students will follow about 20 minutes later will then visit booths/displays.


This week we also have the Marketing Fair happening during both lunches.

Week 12 - Bullying Awareness Week

It is Bullying Awareness Week at FMM. There are a lot of activities planned. Pay attention to announcements and lunch presentations.
Plus more......

November 23, 2010
- Grade 12 Law Field Trip - M. Bozzo, D. Corazza

November 23 - 26, 2010 - Advent Reconciliation

November 24, 2010
- Art Trip to the ROM - L. Zawadzka

November 25, 2010 -
Civics Field Trip - D. Corazza, M. Bozzo, L. Munoz

NOVEMBER 25, 2010
- CATHOLIC SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING
- CONCERT MISSIONARIES OF THE POOR

November 28, 2010 - 1st Sunday of Advent

Week 11 - Parent/Teacher Interviews on Thursday

Make sure you use your appointment sheets and confirm your appointment times with your teachers. Appointments must be made!

Why? If you drop in without an appointment time you and your parents might be disappointed because if that teacher is fully booked, they will not have time to see you. Confirm your appointments early to ensure you get your desired times.

PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS - NOVEMBER 18, 2010
5:30 - 9 pm.


November 18, 2010
- Grade 11 Religion Retreat
- Grade 11 Fitness Field Trip
- College Panel Period 1

November 1 - 19, 2010 - Markham Stouffville Fundraiser
* please bring $$ to add to your homeroom donations.

November 19, 2010 - FMM SEMI-FORMAL


Have a great week!

Week 10 - Canadian Vererans' Week

Thursday is Remembrance Day. We will remember the sacrifices of our Canadian soldiers (past and present) here at the school with a few activities. Postcards for Peace, a PA Observance, Guest Speakers, Displays in the Foyer, Powerpoint displays on the TV monitors (Cafeterian and Foyer), and a Choir Performance.

Visit here for more details on Veterans' Week.

Also, on Thursday, Mid Term Report Cards will be distributed. So expect report cards to arrive home with the students that day. Parent/teacher interview appointment sheets are included with the reports. Please make use of them and book your appointment early to make sure you get your preferred interview times.

The ELL World Religion class will be going on retreat to Good Shepherd Refuge tomorrow. They are to be in civies for the day.

Friday is a PA Day, so there will be no classes for our students. Classes resume on Monday.

Have a great week! And wear a poppy!

Week 9 - MidTerm Reporting Week

It is an important week here at FMM.

All students should be busy studying for important tests and completing assignments for the Midterm Report Card. So NO student should be coming home and saying that they have no homework. Actually, this excuse should never be given since all students can always review material covered in class to make exam preparation much easier.

Important things to note this week:

Today is Photo Retake Day in the Library Seminar Room.

Wednesday - Grade 9 Take Your Kids to Work Day
- All grade 9's will be out of school and in the workplace for this valuable learning experience. Make sure to get your permission forms in tomorrow if you have not done so already.

Have a great week!

Week 8 - Halloween Week at FMM

Every day this week, students and staff at Father McGivney are encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items to their first period home room classes. All food will be collected and donated to the Markham Food Bank.

On Friday ONLY, students may wear a costume (no masks) and donate a canned food item OR come in school uniform. Please do donate a food item if you still come to school in your uniform. Also, on Friday, in Lunch A and C, there will be the Halloween Howl in the Cafeteria, along with a Halloween Haunt in the Gym.

Next week will be busy:
Photo Retake Day is on Monday November 1st, Wednesday November 3rd is Take Our Kids to Work Day, and during the entire week students will be writing important tests and completing assignments for their Mid-Term marks.

Mid-Term Report Cards will be distributed on Thursday November 11th (Remembrance Day), and Parent-Teacher Interviews will occur on Thursday November 18.

Remember that Friday November 12th is a PA Day.

Have a great week!

Week 7 Update

There is lots of things going on here at FMM.

Here are a few things to be aware of:

1. Math Enrichment Classes begin next week Monday for Grade 9's. All are encouraged to attend whether they have Math this semester for not. These classes will prepare students for the EQAO test in January and then in June for second semester Math students.

2. October 29 - Halloween Howl. Details to come. We are collecting non-perishable goods for the less fortunate as part of the Halloween celebrtions so please participate and bring in an item or two.

3. Our ELL article for the next FMM newsletter.

FMM has had a healthy intake of new English Language Learners and our numbers are at approximately seventy three with nineteen sections and five teachers. These include Ms. Selvakumar, Ms. Corazza, Ms. Kerilla, Mr. Hospedales and Ms. Spicer.

The ELL students have settled nicely into their classes after adjusting timetables to ensure that each student is most suited and comfortable in her/his courses; a big thank you to Guidance especially Ms. Castriota councillor for ELL students. The ELL centre has improved the computer lab, and purchased five new computers with slim screens. The SMART Board is used everyday, and the members of the ELL Department are pleased with the technological progress.

This year Mrs. Westmaas is the Administrator overseeing the ELL portfolio. Gateway To McGivney was a tremendous success with the Spiritual Nature Walk through Edwards Gardens. Also the feedback session for the excellent NOW Program (Newcomers Orientation Week) went off without a hitch. The FMM Settlement worker Subing Ng has returned to school to finish her degree in Social work. Her farewell party organized by ELL students was most touching, and we wish Subing good luck as we await her return. Welcome to Carmen Chen the new settlement worker for FMM.

Have a great week!

Week 6 - Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families.
But now we are right back to the hard work.

Remember that tomorrow is Awards Night at Father McGivney. It all begins at 7 pm. Congratulations to all our award winners, especially our ELL students. If you won an award, make sure you do come out to celebrate your achievements.

Today, our Crosscountry team participated at the Sacred Heart XC Meet in preparation for the YRAA Championships next week. Check out the video below to get a glimpse of what happened today.

http://www.runnerspace.com/video.php?do=view&video_id=32825#ooid=lpdmZyMToLCHZUByO8ibHJl4Q05BWyxi

The team website is here.

Have a great week!

Week 5 - Goodbye Subing!

It is a sad week here at FMM.

In the ELL Department, we had to say goodbye to Subing Ning our Settlement Worker. Subing did great work here at FMM but is returning to school. Best of luck in your future plans Subing.

Also, the school as a whole mourns the loss of Kelvin Wong. Kelvin touched the lives of many here at FMM and he will be missed. Please keep Kelvin and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Hospedales and a few Grade 9 ELL students returned today from a fabulous 3 day Grade 9 Orientation Trip/Retreat at Muskoka Woods. Everyone established new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember that Thanksgiving is on Monday and classes will resume on Tuesday.

Have a great rest of the week and Thanksgiving Weekend.

Week 4 - The end to a busy month

It was a very busy September at Father McGivney and it will be more of the same in October.

Next week (October 4-6) the Grade 9's will be going to Muskoka Woods for an excellent 3 days of orientation, comradery, and fun. Mr. Hospedales will be there to provide extra support to Grade 9 ELL students if they need it. This is the third year for this outing at Muskoka Woods, it will be sure to be another memorable and valuable experience for all.

There are many activities planned for October, we will let you know about them soon.

Have a great weekend and study hard!

Week 3 at FMM

Once again we have a busy but short week.

Tomorrow the ELL students will be going to Gateway to McGivney at St. Bonaventure's Parish Centre.

Any permission forms and the $15 must be submitted tomorrow prior to 8:30am.


Remember that Friday is a PA day. There will be no classes. Classes resume Monday September 27.

Have a great rest of the week.

Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year!

It has been really busy in the ELL Department, thus the late greeting welcoming you all back to another year at Father McGivney.

Welcome to all of our new students to FMM. If you have not done so already, please stop by Room 327 and say hello to Miss Spicer or Mr. Hospedales.

This Thursday September 16 at 7 pm here at Father McGivney, we will be hosting an information session for all parents, guardians, and parents of ELL students.

This is your chance to meet the ELL teachers, the Principal (Mrs. Westmaas), and to find out more about our ELL program.

See you then. Have a great week!

Have a Safe Summer!

Exams will finish tomorrow.
Report cards will be mailed to your homes.

Best wishes to all of our graduates.
Have a safe and restful summer!
See you all in September.

Exams Have Started

Many in-class exams have started already, so all students should be very busy studying, or finishing any final assignments.

Since the ESL Room 327 will be very busy with students writing exams, all students are reminded that they must find somewhere else to study or to spend their lunch/study periods during the day. We must maintain quiet and minimize distractions for all students writing exams.

The official last day of class is Monday June 21st. Yes, it is still a regular school day are you are expected to be in class. The formal exam period begins Tuesday June 22nd.

Don't forget that the Gr. 12 Drama production - 12 Angry Jurors, can be viewed for only 2 more days. Get your tickets.

Best of Luck in your Exams.

Student Appreciation

Thursday is Student Appreciation Day.

Award winners must be at school by 8 am to get seated in the gymnasium.

The Carnival and BBQ starts at 12 noon. Let's hope for some wonderful weather.
If it does rain, all the fun and games will occur in the gym instead of on the field.

For our athletes, the Athletic Banquet will occur this Friday at 5:30 pm at the Rouge Community Centre.

All athletes should have picked up their tickets already.

Remember, In-Class Exams begin next week. So start reviewing.

Have a great week.

Best Buddies Week

It is Best Buddies Week At FMM.
Make sure to listen to announcements about daily activities and to visit the booth in the main foyer during A and C lunch.

Wednesday - Tuck Shop (Atrium).
Thursday - Bingo Buddies in the Tuck Shop in Room 216.
Friday - 50 cents Tuck Shop Sale (Room 216)

Thursday June 3 - Closing Liturgy

Friday June 4 - Arts Banquet at Crystal Fountain

Have a great week!

A short but busy week ahead

Welcome back!
We hope you all had a great Victoria Day weekend.

There is only 4 days of class left this week, actually only 3, if you consider that the ELL's will be heading off to our annual Canada's Wonderland Trip this Friday.

Students are reminded to be at school for the regular 8:27am start time on Friday. They are to check in with their homeroom class for attendance, leave class at 9:05 am, and then meet in the Cafeteria in order gather and get ready to board onto the buses.

Bus lists are posted in Room 327.

Student Council Elections are taking place this week, and on Friday Grade 9 Peer Mentors will be announced.

Have a great week!

Looking Ahead

This week is OSAID Week. Be prepared for many presentations and activities regarding the prevention of impaired driving. Have a great week!

Make sure to get your money and permission forms for the Canada's Wonderland trip in to Mr. Hospedales as soon as possible.

May 11, 2010 - Period 1 & 2 - Optional Presentation for Accident Awareness - Gr. 9 or 11
May 12, 2010 - PERIOD 1 - Gr. 10 & 12 MADD Assembly

May 14, 2010 - SENIOR PROM

May 17 - 21, 2010 - INTERNATIONAL WEEK

May 17, 2010 - Peer Mentor Training (after school)

May 19, 2010 - Peer Mentorship Session (Gr. 9 Rookie Rumble)

May 20, 2010 - INTERNATIONAL LIVE AID @ 7:00 p.m.

May 21, 2010 - Spring Fling 5 km Run

May 24, 2010 - VICTORIA DAY

May 25 - 28, 2010 - Student Council Elections
May 27, 2010 - Catholic School Council Meeting

May 28, 2010 - ELL Trip of Canada's Wonderland
May 28, 2010 - Selection and announcement of grade 9 Peer Mentors

June 3, 2010 - Closing Liturgy

June 4, 2010 - Arts Banquet

June 7 & 8, 2010 - EQAO Math Testing - Gr. 9

June 10, 2010 - Student Appreciation Day

June 11, 2010 - Athletic Banquet

June 14 - 18, 2010 - In class exams

June 15 & 16, 2010 - Review for Senior Students

June 17 & 18, 2010 - Gr. 12 Drama Performance

June 17 & 18, 2010 - Review for Gr. 9 & 10

June 21 - 25, 2010 - Formal Exams

June 29, 2010 - Graduation Liturgy/Graduation

Health Week at FMM

SAC is organizing a lot of activities this week to promote good health among the students. Pay attention to the announcements for all the activities. SAC will also visit homerooms every day this week.

On Thursday Grade 12 students will be called together to take a group Grad photo. All grade 12 students must pay attention to the announcements so that they do not miss the call down during period 2.

Also on Thursday, at 4 pm there will be the Staff and Student Art Show.

The Marketing Fair is also taking place this week (May 3-7). Please feel free to show your support to the many student booths and displays.

Have a great week!

Bullying Awareness Week

It was great meeting all the parents and guardians last week during the Parent/Teacher Interview Night. Please feel free to maintain contact will your child's teachers until the end of the semester. The phone number at the school is 905 472 4961.

Here is a preview of what will happen during the next few weeks.

April, 26 - 30, 2010 - BULLYING AWARENESS WEEK

April 27 - 28, 2010 - Bullying Awareness presentations to Gr. 9 Religion classes

April 29, 2010 - PERIOD 1 - PEER MENTORSHIP - Gr. 9's to attend Think Day Presentation

May 3 - 6, 2010 - HEALTH WEEK
CLASS VISITS: Gr. 9 Mon. May 3, 2010 - Period 4
Gr. 10 Tues. May 4, 2010 - Period 4
Gr. 11 Wed. May 5, 2010 - Period 4
Gr. 12 Thurs. May 6, 2010 - Period 4

May 3 - 7, 2010 - MARKETING FAIR, SLAM Training

May 9, 2010 - MOTHER'S DAY

May 10 - 14, 2010 - OSAID WEEK

May 11, 2010 - Period 1 & 2 - Optional Presentation for Accident Awareness - Gr. 9 or 11

May 12, 2010 - PERIOD 1 - Gr. 10 & 12 MADD assembly in the caf. (we may have to extend period 1 by 10 minutes)

May 14, 2010 - SENIOR PROM

May 17 - 21 - INTERNATIONAL WEEK

May 17, 2010 - Peer Mentor Training (after school)

May 19, 2010 - Peer Mentorship Session (Gr. 9 Rookie Rumble)

May 20, 2010 - INTERNATIONAL LIVE AID (evening)

May 21, 2010 - Spring Fling 5 km Run

May 24, 2010 - VICTORIA DAY

May 25 - 28, 2010 - Student Council Elections

May 27, 2010 - Catholic School Council Meeting

May 28, 2010 - Selection of grade 9 Peer Mentors (announced)

Parent/Teacher Interviews Tomorrow

Starting at 5:30 pm tomorrow, Parent/Teacher Interviews will occur in the school gymnasium. Teachers will be listed in alphabetical order.

Interviews will go until 8:30 pm.

We will have interpreters on site but please do make a formal appointment time with your child's teacher and indicate if you will need an interpreter - along with what language you speak.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Tomorrow is also Earth Day!
Even though we should be environmentally responsible every day, let's make a special effort to do so tomorrow.

http://www.earthday.org/earthday2010

April 12-16

What is going on this week?
First of all it is Arts Week.

Tuesday April 13
Parent Information Night for IB (Current Grade 9 students) - 6:30 pm

Wednesday April 14
Parent Information Night for IB (Current Grade 8 students) - 6:30 pm

Thursday April 15
Mid-term Report Cards are distributed at the end of the day.
Arts Night - 7 pm at the school

OSSLT Today

As you can imagine, things have been very busy this week.

Right now, students are writing the OSSLT.

We wish them the best of luck.

Our modified school day (for all grades) begins at 12 noon with period 1.

Teachers submitted their Mid-term course marks today and the Mid-Term Report Cards will be distributed on Thursday April 15.

Remember that Parent/Teacher Interviews will occur on Thursday April 22.

Have a great test of the week.

Holy Week

You are reminded that with this being Holy Week, there are a few dates to be mindful of.

There are no classes this Friday April 2nd due to Good Friday. And there are no classes on Monday April 5th due to Easter Monday.

When we return to classes next week, we will celebrate an Easter Liturgy.

More important dates to be aware of.

April 7 - Waterloo Math Contest

April 8 - ***** OSSLT ******

April 15 - Report Card Distribution

April 15 - Arts Night

April 22 - Parent Teacher Interviews

Welcome Back from the March Break!

Students, there will now be a solid charge ahead until June, so make sure to stay up to date with your homework, assignments, and to regularly review your work. Final exams will be here before you realize.

Next week is Holy Week. So remember that Good Friday is next Friday April 2nd, and Monday April 5th is Easter Monday. There will be no classes on those days.

Later that second week in April, will be the OSSLT (Literacy Test) on Thursday April 8. The afterschool classes have already resumed (yesterday).

Of note this week is the iGod 24 Hour Technology and Food Famine on Friday and Saturday. All participating students and staff will be at FMM and will go without food or technology for 24 hours. We also welcome a group of Mexican exchange students to the school this week.

Have a great week!

Week 6 - Semester 2

Only a few more days until the March Break.
Yes, there is a break coming but work still needs to be done.

Upon your return, Mid-Term marks will soon need to be submitted by your teachers, and of course Mid-Term Report Card, and Parent/Teacher interview night.

Tomorrow, we will have our annual McGivney Memorial Mass. It will be a wonderful celebration and a great way to kickstart our Spring Break.

Remember to turn your clocks ahead by 1 hour on Sunday.

Have a great rest of the week and a safe and restful break. Classes resume on Monday March 22.

For Mr. Hospedales' Grade 10 Science class, here is the link to the online version of the textbook.

http://www.mynelsonscience.com/perspectives/grade10/organizer/

Week 5 - Semester 2 --- Way to go Canada!

Every day is a great day to be Canadian, but after the Winter Olympics maybe today is even a greater day. What a wonderful closing ceremony last night, and 14 gold medals - the most ever!

Congratulations to all Team Canada athletes, and to everyone in this country who showed their spirit and pride in this great nation.

Do what is going on this week?

Mon. March 1st - OSSLT Prep. Session #3

Wed. March 3rd - BASKETBALL BUY OUT PERIOD 4

Wed. March 3nd - OSSLT Prep. Session #4

Thurs. March 4th - Grade 11 - ESL World Religions Retreat at Good Shepherd

Have a Great Week!

Week 4 - Semester 2

It might be hard to believe but almost one month has already passed by in this semester. This means that mid-term evaluations will be coming soon since the March Break will soon creep up on us too.

Today the OSSLT Prep classes begin after school from 2:45-4pm. All grade 10 students must attend.

Course Selection Form and Fees ($75 cash or money order) are due on the following dates:

Monday February 22 - Grade 9
Tuesday February 23 - Grade 10
Wednesday February 24 - Grade 11
Thursday February 25 - Grade 12

This must be submitted to secure your courses for next year.

Some of our students will be taking part in the Waterloo Math Contest on Friday (8:32-9:47) in the Upper Lecture Hall. Best of luck to all of them!

Have a great week!
Go Canada!

Week 3 - Semester 2

We hope you all had a wonderful Family Day and of course to all our Chinese students and families - Kung Hei Fat Choy!

But now its back to work.

Here are a few things to take note of this week:

Wed. Feb. 17 - Distribution of Ashes - Period 1

Thurs. Feb. 18 - Parent Information Evening (7pm) for Course Selection


Have a great week and Go Canada!!

Week 2 - Second Semester 2010

The last day for Semester 2 timetable changes was yesterday. There should not be any more issues with your schedule. If so, see Ms. Spicer to see if anything can be done.

Tonight the school will be hosting an OSSLT Parent Meeting. Parents and guardians can find out more about the literacy test and what we plan to do to ensure everyone is successful.

Remember that it is Family Day on Monday February 15th. There is no classes that day.

Happy Valentine's Day

and Have a great week!

Welcome to Semester 2

Welcome back!
We hope you are enjoying your new courses.

If you have any timetable problems, make sure to see Miss Spicer in Room 327.
The last day to make changes is February 8th.

Report Cards will be distributed tomorrow during last period.

Have a great rest of the week.

Semester 2 Starts Tuesday

We hope you all performed to the best of your ability on your exams.

Semester 2 resumes on Tuesday February 2nd.

See you all then but here is a little something to consider to make this coming semester the best ever.

Exams Start Today!

All classes will have exams occurring within the next 2 weeks.

Make sure you review and study carefully to ensure your success.

Also, ensure you have submitted all assignments to your teachers.

It is quite ridiculous to have any incomplete assignments at this point in the year.

Study hard and best of luck.

By the way, a big thank you to everyone you donated to the help Haiti. So far the school has raised $4350. We are not done yet so please keep donating, even if it is just your spare change.

Exams Start Next Week

Students, make sure to be on top of your CPT deadlines, and exam preparations.

In class exams start on Monday January 18, while formal exams begin on Thursday January 21 for some grade 11 and grade 12 courses.

The last day of class is on Friday January 22.

ELL Students will write their exams in Room 327 (if you got your requests in on time).

Make sure you are on time, in uniform, and that you have your course textbooks.

Have a great week!

Welcome to 2010!

Welcome back everyone!


However, there is no time to relax.

In class exams begin on Monday January 18th, and the last days of class for semester 1 is Friday January 22nd.

Formal exams begin on Thursday January 21 st.

Make sure to fill in your sheets to be able to write your FORMAL exams in the ESL Room. This is not for In class exams.

Check your timetables to make sure you have the correct course code, section, and teacher's name.