Our Annual Christmas Lunch

The ELL held the annual Christmas luncheon last year in ESL room with different kinds of delicious cultural food brought by the ELL students and fun games throughout the luncheon.

The Christmas luncheon was held last year, December 17 in the year of 2011. The McGivney International Club organized the luncheon; their goal is the have a spectacular Christmas party for ELL students.

Their hard works paid off, the luncheon was a blast! Students from the ELL even the teachers had an amazing time during the party; students played several games, chat with their friends, and ate different kinds of appetizing delicacies from different cultures. Overall, the Christmas luncheon last year was fantastic and incredible! And thanks to M.I.C members for all to make this the remarkable party of 2011. I couldn’t wait for this year’s Christmas luncheon! .

Written by: Irish Marigmen


Enjoy some of the pictures from this great day!

Semester 1, Week 16 - Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

This is the last week of school before we head off on Christmas break.

When we return to class on Monday January 9, it will be a very busy month. With the many CPT's due, preparing for exams, and the eventual writing of exams which will start during the week of Monday January 23rd.

We suggest you get some rest during the two week break, but also start reviewing for exams and use the time to work on your CPT's or any other missing assignments.

Have a great Christmas and all the best in the New Year!

Semester 1, Week 15

Our big event this week ---- The Annual ELL Christmas Luncheon

This will occur on Wednesday December 14 during Period 3.

ELL students are asked to bring in food to share with their fellow ELL community. If we all bring in a little we will have a lot of great food.

The only items students are not allowed to bring in are: pop or chips. Peanut items should be avoided but please let us know of you do bring in items with this ingredient or with pork to alert some of our students that must avoid these food items.

We look forward to another outstanding Christmas Potluck Lunch.

Also, there will be an Advent Liturgy on Thursday December 15.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 14

As we approach Christmas and the holiday break, things are very busy here at FMM.

Here are a few of the things going on:

• The Share Christmas Campaign kicks off today (Monday)

• Marketing Fair - Tuesday to Thursday during lunches A & C this week

• Sr. Boys Basketball Tournament at FMM Thursday to Saturday. There will be a 4th period buyout in support of the Jamaica Missions.

Next week, on Wednesday December 14, we will have our annual ELL Christmas Lunch. You are invited to contribute food items (preferably from your native country) to share with everyone. If we all bring in a little, it will add up to a lot of great food for everyone.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 13

Our MIC Group put on an excellent presentation last Thursday. The topic was "What does it mean to be Canadian?"


All in attendance were treated to fun games - Musical Chair Canadian Symbols Scavenger Hunt, lots of sharing of experiences - first arrival to Canada, adjusting to a new country, etc. The group also put together an entertaining video which took a look at real life classroom experiences.


We ended the day with "Canadian" treats - Timbits from Tim Hortons.


Much thanks go out the the MIC executive of Kevin, Sandrine, Zabihollah, Sihwa, Alan, Lisset, and Luis. And of course our Settlement workers for their guidance, passion, and the treats. The group has more activities planned. Stay tuned!




What going on this week at FMM?


It is Health Week & the Share Christmas Campaign.


There are a variety of Lunch A & C Health related activities planned. Listen to announcements.

Plus, there is the homeroom trivia contest.

On Friday December 2 we will have a Talent Show in the Cafeteria at 6:30 pm. Make sure to purchase your tickets and enjoy FMM's talented students.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 12

A big week for us here at the ELL Centre.

On Thursday November 24, the McGivney International Circle (MIC) will host a "What does it mean to be Canadian?" Presentation in the ELL Centre. It starts at 2:45pm and goes to 3:45pm.

Please make sure to attend and arrive on time. It will be a great time of learning, sharing and fun.

On Tuesday November 22 from 6:30-9pm we will host a Grade 8 Parent Information Night. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the school's programs, specifically the new IB Program.

Please remember that Friday November 24 is a PA Day.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 11 - OSAID Week!

It is OSAID Drug & Alcohol Awareness Week at Father McGivney.

Events are planned each day in order to raise awareness and educate everyone about the perils of Drinking and Driving, and Drug use.

Don't Forget that this Thursday is Parent/Teacher Interviews too. Interviews start at 5:30pm and go until 8:30pm. Make sure to schedule an appointment.

Here is a quick outline of the events planned this week:

Monday
- Car crash presentation

Tuesday
- YCDSB board staff interviews FMM ELL students all day at FMM.
- Impaired Driver Simulation (Lunch A & C)

Wednesday
- Red Shirt Day - wear a red shirt over your uniform in support of OSAID

Thursday
- "Grim Reaper" random visits all day
- Parent/Teacher Interviews: 5:30pm - 8:30pm.


Friday
- Vision Impaired Goggles for Obstacle Course in Lobby (Lunch A & C)


Have a Great Week!

Semester 1, Week 10 - Lest We Forget

Remembrance Day occurs this upcoming Friday November 11th.

There are a variety of activities planned during the week but especially on that day.

Guest speakers will be at the school, and at 11 am there will be a Remembrance Day Prayer Service and the playing of the Last Post.

Mid-Term Report Cards will be distributed on Thursday November 10.

* please make sure to make your appointments for Parent/Teacher Interviews for Thursday November 17th. Interviews occur from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Have a great week!

Lest we forget!

Semester 1, Week 9

Monday (All Hallows Eve)
- Dress Up day, and Haunted House operated by SAC

Tuesday
- Halloween for Hunger
- Dodgeball Intramurals

Wednesday
- Take Our Kids To Work Day (All Grade 9 Students)

Thursday
- Teacher Mid-Term Marks are due to the office

Friday & Saturday
- FMM Crosscountry at the OFSAA Crosscountry Championships (Ottawa)

Semester 1, Week 8 - Free the Children Week

We've got another busy week at FMM.

Tuesday
- Go Local Assembly
- Intramural Dodgeball after school

Wednesday
- Hunger Awareness campaign by FTC Students
- Halloween for Hunger campaign starts (see main Foyer during lunches)

Thursday
- Halloween for Hunger campaign

Friday
- Halloween for Hunger campaign

* Next Week is Mid Term Reporting Week. Get all of your assignments in and study hard for your tests.

Have a great week!

2011: Semester 1, Week 7

It is Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week at Father McGivney.

Students are being engaged with a variety of activities all week.

Make note that Wednesday is PINK Shirt day where we wear a pink shirt to show our support for anti-bullying.

Special thanks go out the the ESP Team.

Our Cross Country Team is racing tomorrow at the YRAA Championships. Find out more about the team here at http://www.runnerspace.com/Father-McGivney

Picture re-takes take place this Thursday. New ID cards can be had for $3 and new photo packages can be had if you were not satisfied the first time or missed the photographer's last visit to FMM.

Thursday is also Awards Night. It starts at FMM at 7pm. Award winners should have been notified already.

Have a Great Week!

Update: Dishanth from OFSAA

2011: Semester 1, Week 6

We hope you all had a Great Thanksgiving Holiday with your families.

But now we are back at it and you should be ready to work because Mid Term Reports will come soon --- the week of November 7th to be exact.

If you signed up to make a casserole for the Thanksgiving Drive, make sure to bring it/them in on Friday to Chaplaincy.

Looking Ahead to next week:

It is Bullying Awareness Week. Special activities are planned all week. Including wearing a pink shirt on Wednesday October 19.

October 20 - Picture Retake Day

October 20 - Awards Night at the School

Have a Great Week!

2011: Semester 1, Week 5

Most of the Grade 9's are at Muskoka Woods for the next few days for Grade 9 Orientation.

For those of you who are voting age and are eligible to vote in the Ontario Provincial Election, please make sure to get out and vote on Thursday October 6th.

If you have not received a mark update from your course teachers, please request one so you know were you currently stand in the course.

Have a great week!

2011: Semester 1, Week 4

Time is certainly flying by. We are already in our fourth week of school.

Remember tomorrow is our trip to the Immigrant Youth Centre.
Make sure to go to your homeroom for attendance, then assemble in Room 327 and we will depart for our trip when the bus arrives. We will be back in time for our regular school dismissal.

If you still need to bring in your permission forms for the trip, make sure you do so tomorrow and give them to Ms. Spicer, or else you will not be able to attend the trip.

Also, if you would like to be part of a team, and stay in shape at the same time, consider joining the FMM Crosscountry Team. See Mr. Hospedales for details. The team practices every day afters school at 245 pm at the track.

Have a great week!

Welcome Back!

Welcome to the 2011-2012 Academic Year at Father McGivney!

We are an official IB School. Find out more about that here.

If you are in need of schedule changes, please see Ms. Spicer in room 327.
She is mostly available before the start of school, during period 1, period 4 (Day 1), and after school.

Have a great first week!

Study hard and have a Great Summer!

All the best with your Exams!

Congratulations to our ELL Graduates!

And..........................



See you in September!

Semester 2, Week 19

This week at FMM:

1. Grade 9 EQAO - Tuesday amd Wednesday

2. Best Buddies BBQ - Friday

3. Lots of studying and reviewing for Exams either late this week and definitely next week and the week after.

The last day of classes is Tuesday June 21st.

Semester 2, Week 18

Get Ready for Student Appreciation Day on Thursday.

We appreciate all of our students and want to celebrate everyone, and show why we have the greatest school in the World!

The Grade 12 Drama Production opens on Thursday too. The performance starts a 6:30 pm in the Cafeteria. Get your tickets now. They will also perform on Friday night.

Up Next week - Student Government Elections, Grade 9 EQAO

Remember that Exams begin on June 22nd. In-class exams will start before then.

Semester 2, Week 17 - Diversity Week

A big week for us here in the ELL Department.

Our students will be taking the lead in many presentations and performances during Diversity Week.

Here are the details for this special week:

Homeroom Door Decorating Contest (adjudication Friday, June 3, 2011)
· Each homeroom is asked to decorate their door to reflect the diversity
of students represented in that room
· Be as creative with your presentation
· Pictures of food, flags, people, cultural activities
· Can be 3-D or interactive
· Prizes for the top 3 doors

A Map of the world (Tuesday, May 31, 2011) - will be posted in the school showing the diversity of countries of origin – homeroom teachers will take a poll of the various countries students come from – homeroom rep will come down to the office to put a sticker on our map of the world.

Diversity Week Trivia (Tuesday, May 31 – Friday, June 3, 2011) – each day, over the P.A., homerooms will be challenged to answer 5 trivia questions ranging in international topics from Geography to Literature. The home room with the most questions right by the end of the week wins a prize.

Wear a Culturally Inspired Top (Wednesday, June 1, 2011) – wear a t-shirt or top that celebrates a particular culture – you must wear uniform pants.

Each day the cafeteria will feature a dish from a different country:
· Monday – Italian – Lasagna
· Tuesday – Chinese – Chicken Fried Rice
· Wednesday – Greek – Chicken Souvlaki
· Thursday – Indian – Samosas
· Friday – Caribbean – Jerk Chicken

Stage Performances (June 1 – 3, 2011) - students will present a cultural dance in the cafeteria:
· June 1, 2011 – Lunch A & C – Black or White – Michael Jackson
· June 2, 2011 – Lunch A & C – Indian (Solo Performance)
· June 3, 2011 – Lunch A & C – Phillipino Cultural Dances

Presentations – (June 1 – 3, 2011) - Lower Lecture Hall – Lunch B
(RSVP with C. Spicer):
· June 1, 2011 – China and Latin America
· June 2, 2011 – Korea and Sri Lanka· June 3, 2011 – Egypt, Afghanistan and Mauritius

Semester 2, Week 16

The highlight for us this week is the Canada's Wonderland Trip on Thursday.

Students need to be at school at the regular school time, and we will be back at around 7pm.

Our students are looking forward to this annual trip and tradition.

While we will be having fun, don't let the homework, assignments, CPT's, and studying for test slide. There is not much time left until the end of the year and exams.

Have a great week!

Semester 2, Week 15

A relatively light week this week.

On Friday, the Spring Fling 5k Run takes place during A lunch.

Don't forget that this coming Monday is Victoria Day. There will be no classes.

Then later that week, on Thurday May 26th to be exact, the ELL's will be going on our trip to Canada's Wonderland.

More to come next week.

Semester 2, Week 14

It is OSAID / Prom Week!

There is lots of activities this week thanks to OSAID. Make sure to listen to announcements and to check out the activities in the foyer and cafeteria.

Friday is PROM at the Grand Bacchus.

Have a great week!

Semester 2, Week 13

It is Justice Week at FMM. There will be a number of activities so keep an eye out.

We've got a few ELL Related Events this week:

Thursday May 5 from 2:40 - 4 pm in Room 327.
South Asian and Korean Culture Presentation

Friday May 6 from 4 - 530pm.
Tamil Women's Circle
* Socialize and meet other parents, discuss and learn about important topics.
Contact Logini Vinay for more information and to register. (416) 312-5240


Don't forget that is coming Sunday is Mother's Day, so treat your Mom's to a great day.



Also, be reminded that Monday May 9th is a PA Day. Classes resume on Tuesday May 10.


Here are a few more scheduled activities:
May 3 to 5 - Marketing Fair
May 4 to 6 - SLAM Training
May 4 - YSCPC Elections
May 5 - Waterloos Physics Contest
May 5 - Youthspeak Assembly (grades 10 and 11) Period 4

Semester 2, Week 12

Welcome back! We hope you had a Wonderful Easter with your families.

With another short week ahead, these week will be busy with tests and assignments.
Please do not fall behind.

Remember that we will have our Easter Liturgy on this Wednesday April 27.

This week is also Arts Week, so make sure to take in all the activities and exhibits from the Arts community. Of special note is Arts Night on Thursday April 28.

Have a Great Week!

Semester 2, Week 11 - Holy Week!

Holy Week started on Palm Sunday and continues this week. Please be mindful of the upcoming Catholic Holy Days and Celebrations.

Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday.

There will be no classes on Friday April 22 because of Good Friday, and no classes on Monday April 25 because of Easter Monday.

We will have our Easter Liturgy at FMM on Wednesday April 27.


It is also Health Week and Cosmetology Week at FMM.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the many scheduled activities. Especially during the lunch periods in the main foyer.

Yours in Christ.

Semester 2, Week 10

It is Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week at FMM.

There are a number of activities taking place the entire week, and today we started the week with the entire school body taking a Bullying Prevention Pledge during homeroom.

Tomorrow, there will be a school wide Bullying presentation in the Gym.

Also tomorrow, Mid-Term Report Cards will be distributed at 2:15 pm. Make sure to book your interviews for Parent/Teacher Interview night.

Parent/Teacher Interview Night is this Thursday April 14.

Interviews start at 5:30 pm.

Please book an appointment (appointment sheets are with the report cards) and do not just drop in because it is very likely that times are fully pre-booked and teachers will not have room to accommodate you.

Have a great week!

Semester 2, Week 9

Congratulations go out to all of our students who wrote the OSSLT. It was a long day for all involved and we know you gave it your best.

Things do not get any easier this week. Teachers will be submitting mid term marks on Wednesday so there will be lots of tests and assignments occurring over the next few days.

Mid Term Report Cards will be distributed on Tuesday April 12.

Parent Teacher Interviews will occur on Thursday April 14. The appointment sheet will be included with the report card. Please book your appointment early to ensure you get the times you want.

Have a great week!

Semester 2, Week 8 - OSSLT Tomorrow

Yes, the OSSLT is tomorrow.

We have a special schedule and a letter was sent home with students outlining the day's activities.

Students writing the OSSLT must be at school on time to start the test at 8:30 am. Be here at 8:15 am to be safe. Lateness is not an option!

After students write the OSSLT (mostly Grade 10's), we will have a modified school day starting at 12 noon with Period 1.

All students must be in attendance! Tomorrow is NOT a day off!

By the way, this is Best Buddies Week. Our Special Education Department is running a variety of activities. Please take part and show your support.

And on a final note, Congratulations go out to all members of Mr. Hospedales' World Religions Home Room Class. They raised the most money in the entire school in support of the victims of the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami. An average of $23+ per student. The second best class had an average of just over $4.

Good luck to all students writing the OSSLT!

Semester 2, Week 7 - Our students Dance!

Welcome Back!

We hope your March Break was restful but now it is time to get back to work.

Students are reminded that OSSLT Classes resume tomorrow at 2:45 pm, and that the OSSLT Test date will soon be here on Thursday March 31st. There will be a revised schedule on that day so stay tuned for that information.

Lastly, congratulations go out to our ESL students who performed the "Black or White" dance this past Sunday at the 13th Annual Many Faces of Markham Concert. You were great and did us proud.

Have a look at the performance below:



Have a great week!

Semester 2, Week 6

On March 9th of this week we will celebrate Ash Wednesday. Ashes will be distributed throughout the day. Please see your homeroom teacher for details.

There will be a Memorial Liturgy on Thursday March 10.

Don't forget that March Break begins after classes on Friday. The Break runs from March 14 to 21.

Classes resume on Tuesday March 22nd.

Keep working hard and have a great week!

Semester 2, Week 5

* Course Selection Forms and the $80 fee are due this week. Please have everything in order and ready for collection during homeroom.

*On Friday, our Guidance staff will clean up any registration issues and accept any outstanding fees. This is your last day to register and sign up for the courses you want for 2011-2012. Otherwise, your choices will be limited.

OSSLT Classes begin Wednesday. It starts at 2:45 pm and goes to 3:45 pm.

Have a great week!

Semester 2, Week 4

There is lots going on this week, here goes:

Today
Black History Presentation, Celebrations, and Food (for sale during lunches)

Thursday February 24
Arts Awareness Day
Grade 9-11 - Waterloo Math Contest

* Course Selection Parent Information Night 6:30-9pm

Have a Great Week!

Semester 2, Week 3

We are well underway with all of our courses for semester 2, and all students should have plenty of homework, assignments to complete, and tests to study for. No student should be saying things like - "I've got no homework" or "I've got nothing to do!" If they do, please feel free to contact teachers at the school to find out what is really happening.

It is course selection time for next year and there are a number of things happening to help with that. Assemblies, consulting with teachers and guidance counsellors, and our Course Selection Parent Information Evening on Thursday, February 24th beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Here are some important websites to visit to get more information.

http://fmmh.ycdsb.ca/courseselection/courseselection

http://fmmh.ycdsb.ca/courseselection/coursecalendar

Have a great week!

Semester 2 - Week 2

A busy February Ahead.
Of note is the OSSLT Preparation Parent Information Meeting tonight at the school.

Wednesday, Febrary 9, 2011
Course Selection Begins with Homeroom Visits
GO Local Program - Training Session #2
OSSLT PREPARATION PARENT INFORMATION EVENING

Thursday, February 10, 2011
Volunteer Fair

February 14 - 18, 2011
Canadian Improv Games Week
Valentine's Day Activities
French Week

February 14 - 15, 2011
DECA Provincials

February 17, 2011
OBA Concert
Band Festival
Gr. 11/12 Ski Trip

February 21 - 25, 2011
Ontario Sears Drama Festival Week

February 21, 2011
FAMILY DAY - SCHOOL IS CLOSED

February 22, 2011
Grade 11 Retreat

February 23, 2011
Black History Month Observance
Presentation: Tiki Mercury, Black History Month
Grade 11 Retreat
Course Selection Homeroom visits end
Session #1 - OSSLT Extended Day Program

February 24, 2011
Grad Photos
Arts Awareness Day
Grade 11 Retreat
COURSE SELECTION PARENT INFORMATION EVENING

February 25, 2011
Grad Photos

February 28, 2011
Grade Photos
Grade 9 Registration
Session #2 - OSSLT Extended Day Program


For SNC2DS
Here is the website for your online textbook.

Welcome to Semester 2, Week 1

It is another busy startup week in the ELL Department.

Students requiring timetable changes need to see Ms. Spicer personally before the end of this week.

Today of course is the snowstorm day. The school is open.




However, as this is being written, while there are not many students present in class, it is still considered a normal school day unless determined otherwise later in the day.

Have a great rest of the week and to all of our Chinese students - Happy New Year!

Week 19 - Exams end this week, Classes resume on...

The last day of exams is this Thursday (Friday if there is bad weather).

There is a PA day on Monday January 31st.

Semester 2 resumes on Tuesday February 1st.

If you still have exams to write, we wish you the best of luck. If not, see you again on Tuesday.

Week 18 - Exams Begin

In class exams have begun.

Access ro room 327 will be limited because of this.
Enter quietly and only come into the class if you need to write an exam or need to do quiet work.

Friday is the last day of semester one classes.

Good luck on your exams.

Week 17 - The Exam Schedule Posted

Yes, there is not much time.

The exam schedule is out and should be posted in all classrooms.

Make sure to fill in the exam request form in order to write your exams in the ESL room.

You must fill that in and get it to Ms. Spicer before the end of this week.

Have a great week and keep working hard.

Week 16 - Just 15 days left

Yes, it will be a busy 3 weeks for everyone here at FMM.

There is just 15 days of class left before regular exams begin on Monday January 24th.

Keep in mind that there are even less days of class for those writing exams in-class during the week of January 17th - 21st.

So, all students need to crank up their effort levels to make sure they perform as well as possible on assignments, tests, and exams during this period of time.

Also, EQAO MATH TESTING (GRADE 9) – takes place on January 11 & 12. ELL students will be writing their test together with Ms. Spicer.

All students should make sure to have their assigned textbooks, and to submit them during exams. Or else they will be charged a replacement fee.

Have a great week!