Semester 1, Week 16 - The final week before the holidays

Welcome to the final academic week of 2013.

Thanks to everyone for contributing to a fabulous Christmas Potluck Lunch last week.

The final day of class is Thursday December 19, with a PA Day on Friday December 20.

Students should ensure that they are caught up on all their assignments before leaving for the break or make sure that they have a plan to complete them upon return to classes on Monday January 6.

On behalf of the entire FMM ELL Department:

Have a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year with your families, and we look forward to seeing you back in 2014.

Semester 1, Week 15 - Annual ELL Christmas Lunch

There is only one event worth mentioning this week, our Annual ELL Christmas Lunch which takes place this coming Thursday December 12.

All students are asked to bring their contributions to Room 327 from 8 am to 8:25 am that morning.

The lunch will begin at 11:30 am.

Also this week, our ELL World Religions class will go to the Good Shepherd Refuge to volunteer, and on Thursday from 7-9 pm there will be a Music Christmas Concert in the Cafeteria.

Semester 1, Week 14 - Share Christmas Drive Begins

All homerooms have picked one of two things to collect funds or items for the Share Christmas Drive. All are reminded to bring in money or items as soon as possible.

Musical rehearsals continue in the cafeteria after school from 3:30-5:30 pm every Tuesday and Friday.

Our Christmas/Advent Liturgy takes place this coming Thursday.

While on Friday during last period, the school will host a Basketball Buyout in support of the Missionaries of the Poor in Jamaica. Please purchase a $2 ticket and support the cause if you can.

Finally, don't forget next week's Annual ELL Christmas Potluck Lunch (Thursday December 12). Please sign up in Room 327 to tell us what items you will be bringing.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 13 - OSAID Week!

It is an especially important week of education and awareness thanks to our school's OSAID group.

The FMM OSAID group has a variety of activities taking place every day this week. Stay tuned to announcements, presentations at lunch, and displays in the hallway.

Make sure to show your support of OSAID and wear a Red T-Shirt on Wednesday.

Find out more about OSAID.

For those interested in coming to FMM next year and for our IB Program, the admission test is being written this coming Saturday November 30 a 9:30am. Call the school at 905-472-4961 for more details.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 12

There is just five more weeks left before the Christmas holidays.
So please make sure you are all caught up with your homework and assignments.

Here are the major happenings this week:

Monday November 18
- YCDSB Newcomer Reception Centre Visit to interview students who registered through the Centre.

Thursday November 21
- Yoga in Weight Room at 2:45 pm

Musical Rehearsals in the Cafeteria 3-5 pm --- Tuesday and Friday

Please keep the Philippine Typhoon disaster victims in your thoughts and prayers.

Find out more on how to support them here.

Please help the victims of the Philippine Typhoon disaster.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the victims of the Philippine Typhoon disaster.

There are number of organizations doing essential relief work and one of those is Doctors Without Borders.




Please consider making a donation to Doctors Without Borders or any other organization like the Canadian Red Cross, or the Archdiocese of Toronto.

The people of the Philippines need your help and every little bit helps.

Semester 1, Week 11 - Lest We Forget

Monday November 11 - Remembrance Day
- we will have a whole school prayer service over the PA at 10:50 am.

Wednesday November 13
- Parent Teacher Interviews from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. *make sure to make your appointments online.

Friday November 15 - PA Day (no classes)
- if you need something to do, please consider going on a free trip to the Royal Ontario Museum by the IYC.

Finally, on Monday November 18, YCDSB staff will be here all day to meet with our students to find how things are going for them.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 10 - Remembrance Day Week

We've got an extremely busy week ahead, here are a few of the major events:

Tuesday November 5 - Grade 8 / IB Open House

Wednesday November 6 - Take A Kid To Work Day (Grade 9's)

Thursday November 7 - Report Cards Distributed (end of the day)

* Marketing fair -- All Week!

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 9 - Happy Halloween

Halloween occurs this coming Thursday.

Student Athletic Council will host a fundraising Haunted House in the Gym during A and C lunch. Please support them if you can.

Also, as mentioned last week, the We Scare Hunger Campaign continues this week. Please bring in non-perishable food items for the Markham Food Bank.

There are a number of Halloween activities taking place this week. Stay tuned to announcements and your homeroom reps for details.

Please be aware that next week - Tuesday November 5, there is a Grade 8 / IB Open House. If you are interested in having a student attend Father McGivney, this is a great night to gather information.

November 6 is Take Your Kids to Work Day (Grade 9's) - you need assistance with this please see Mr. Hospedales.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 8, 2013 - We Scare Hunger

I will keep it short and sweet this week:

Tuesday Oct 22

- Picture Retake Day in Portable #1 during period 1. $5 for those wanting re-takes. No cost for those that were absent on the original picture day.

Wednesday October 23

- University Information Evening Presentations in the Cafeteria - 6 pm start

Finally, our school will take part in the "We Scare Hunger" campaign in support of the Markham Food Bank. Homeroom classes will collect non-perishable food items up until Monday November 4.

Please help as much as you can. Many out there in our community need our help.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 7 - Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you had a restful and festive Thanksgiving with your families yesterday.

 

Now with just 4 days left this week, you know things will be busy once again. Here are a few of the major activities to be aware about this week: This week is Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week! Wednesday October 16 - Pink T-shirt day. Please wear a pink shirt to show your support for stopping bullying

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Thursday October 17 - The FMM Cross Country Team is at the YRAA Championships. Best of luck! Also, that night from 7 - 9 pm in the school cafeteria we will host the Awards Night.

 

Friday October 18 - Musical Auditions in the Music Room. Best of luck to our ELL students who are auditioning to get a spot in the musical.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 6 - Muskoka Woods & Faith Day

We've got a very busy week ahead: Many of our teams are in action this week, and the Cross-country team coached by Ms. Muto, and Mr. Hospedales is at their first meet this Wednesday. The Grade 9's are off to Muskoka Woods from Wednesday to Friday. And don't forget about the PA day this Friday as the YCDSB staff participates in Faith Day activities.

Semester 1, Week 5 of 2013 -- Safety Week!

As of tomorrow we will have completed our first month of the school year. Wow, that flew by. This week our school will bring Safety to the forefront with many activities, and of course random Drills during the week. Be aware and make sure you know what to do when these drills occur. If not, please ask your teachers. Many of our school teams are in full season mode. Please some out and support them if you can. Have a great week! Here is a video worth watching.

Terry Fox Run Video September 26, 2013

Video Highlights from our Terry Fox Run today.
Congratulations to all runners, walkers, and fundraisers.

Semester 1, Week 4 of 2013

Welcome back after yesterday's PA Day.

We have lots going on this week including:

1. The MIC group getting together several times this week to work on the New Information Board in Room 327.

2. Spirit Day on Wednesday - Make sure to wear your Grade's designated colours.

3. Terry Fox Run - on Thursday. Beat a teacher and they will have to donate an extra $1 for every student that passes them.

4. The NOW Program Third Day Trip to the Milliken Mills Community Centre. Students will be back in class for 4th period.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 3 of 2013

We hope you are enjoying your time here at Father McGivney. Here are some events to take note of this week (Week of September 16, 2013):

Tuesday September 18
Picture Day!

Thursday September 19
Opening Liturgy

Friday September 20
WE Day

Reminder ---- No classes on Monday

Monday September 23 - PA Day

Semester 1, Week 2 of 2013

Welcome to week 2. Hopefully, you've all settled into your classes.
Please see Mr Hospedales if you are experiencing any difficulties.

The MIC (McGivney International Circle) will be organizing a variety of activities soon. Stay tuned.

Please take note that Tuesday September 17 is Photo Day.

Have a great week!

Welcome Back! - Semester 1, September 3, 2013

Welcome Back!

We hope you all had a fun and restful summer with your families.

Your ELL Department - teachers and support staff are excited to be back to guide you through another year here at the best school in all of Canada!


If you require schedule changes, make sure to see Mr. Hospedales in Room 327 and he will ensure appropriate changes can be made for you. You should do this sooner than later do not wait until Friday.

If you need community service hours, please see Mr. Hospedales. You can help out with the FMM Cross-country Team and earn your hours by the end of October. Limited spots are available so see him as soon as possible.


We look forward to seeing everyone back. Make sure to drop by Room 327 to say hello and to show us a copy of your schedule.

The Week of June 10-14 - The second last week before Exams

We are in serious crunch time here. There should be plenty of work to be done, from assignments to studying for exams which start next week (and for some of you this week).

Major Events to keep in mind:

The Grade 9 EQAO Math test will be written Tuesday June 11 and Wednesday June 12.

The Grade 12 Drama Production of "Alice in Wonderland" goes this coming Thursday and Friday. Performances start at 7pm here at the school. Tickets can still be purchased.

Also, the MIC will have its end of year celebration titled "La Fiesta" on this coming Friday June 14 after school from 2:45 - 4 pm.

Finally, here is a bit of fun we had at our Student Appreciation Day last week. Enjoy!

The Week of June 3-7 -- Celebrating our Athletes / Student Appreciation Day!

Yes, is it June already and before you know it Exams will be here (June 20-26 -- Formal Exams) and Summer holidays will be underway.

Here are the major events to take note of this week and for the weeks ahead:

Tuesday June 4
Athletic Breakfast and Award Ceremony @ FMM
Special Olympics @ Maximilian Kolbe

Thursday June 6 - Student Appreciation Day

Friday June 7 - Arts Banquet at Crystal Fountain

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

June 10 -19 -- In Class Exams
June 11 & 12 -- EQAO Math Test
June 13 & 14 -- Drama Production
June 20-26 -- Formal Exams
June 27 - Graduation

Have a great week!

The Week of May 27-31

It should be no surprise but with one month to go in the school year, it is another busy week at Father McGivney.

Monday - The Grade 12's will take a group Graduating Class photo.

Tuesday - Many of our ELL students will join the Special Education Department for a trip to the Rogers Center to watch the Blue Jays game. The Student Government Election Assemblies will also take place today.

Thursday - Closing Liturgy

CPT's, Assignments, and Exams - All students should be busy completing these and preparing for Exams. There should not be any statements or thoughts of "I don't have homework today" or "I don't have any work to do." THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO.

Have a great week!

The Week of May 20-24 - Happy Victoria Day!

We hope you had a restful and fun Victoria Day with your families and welcome back.

For those students who attended the Prom on Friday - You looked Marvelous!

It is Science Week at McGivney. Stay tuned for morning home room quizzes, guest speakers, and other activities scheduled throughout the week.

On Wednesday, all Grade 9's will take part in the Day of Service. A great learning experience for all involved. Hopefully we will have some pictures from that day.

Don't forget that next Tuesday May 28, many of our ELL students will attend the Blue Jays game at the Roger's Centre with our friends in the Special Education Department.

Have a great week!

The Week of May 13-17 - OSSLT Time Again / OSAID Week

The big event this week of course is the OSSLT.

Barring any adverse weather (we can't rule anything out after yesterday), the test will be written tomorrow - Tuesday May 14 starting at 8:30 am.

ELL students writing the OSSLT need to be at school by 8:15 am to get settled, prepared, and go to Room 327 to write the test. Mr. Hospedales will be waiting for you.

The rest of the school (those not writing the test), classes begin at 12 noon.

Please visit http://fmmh.ycdsb.ca/osslt/ for last minute tips and practice for the test.

This is OSAID Week at FMM and the OSAID group will run a variety of activities this week.
There is a Go Kart Obstacle Course in the parking lot today during the lunch periods - Monday.
Thursday is Red T-shirt Day. And buttons, magnets, and Mango Smoothies will be on sale during A and C lunch in the cafeteria just to list a few things.

Then there is PROM on Friday at the Grand Baccus Banquet Hall.

Have a great week!

The Week of May 6-10

Congratulations to the MIC Group and all of the ELL students involved in the performance yesterday at Voices Out. It was another outstanding performance!

All of our ELL Students will attend a Internet Safety Workshop During Period one on Thursday with Constable Yun of the York Regional Police.

All students are invited to Movie Night on Friday in support of the Grade 12 Drama Production.

Have a great week!

The Awesome Voice Out Performance on FMM Arts Night

Here is the Voice Out Performance from Arts night.
Enjoy and Congratulations to all involved. Thanks for your hard work and dedication.

The Week of April 29, 2013 - May is just a few days away

On Wednesday May 1st, our ELL's will perform at Arts Night (6:30-8:30 pm).

Please make every effort to attend and show your support. This will be the public debut of their Voice Out performance - which most will not get to see on May 6 @ St. Elizabeth CHS from 12-3 pm.

Please remember the following important dates:

Monday May 6th is a PA Day.

The OSSLT will be written on Tuesday May 14.

Monday May 20 - Victoria Day

Have a great week!

The Week of April 22, 2013 - UNITY / Anti-Bullying / Vow of Silence

As usual, please keep on top of your daily homework and any assignments. It is very easy to get complacent at this time of year.

The new date for the OSSLT is Tuesday May 14.


Here are some major events this week:

Wednesday April 24 - Unity Day - Assembly and classroom presentations

Thursday April 25 - Pink Shirt Day -- wear a pink shirt in support of Anti-bullying

Friday April 26 - The Vow of Silence - various students will participate in this activity where they will not speak for an entire day. This is in support of Free the Children.

Have a great week!

The Week of April 15, 2013 - Report Cards & Parent/Teacher Interviews

Report Cards will be given to students today! Therefore, Parents and Guardians should have the Second Semester Mid-Term Reports in their possession today! Please contact the school (905) 472-4961 if you haven't.

Make sure to book your Parent/Teacher Interviews as soon as possible.
Interviews take place on Thursday April 18 from 5:30 - 8:30 pm.

The Inside Ride take place on Wednesday April 17. Many of our students and teachers will be taking part in this great fundraising initiative.




Finally, the ELL Department has partnered with the Special Education Department to go to the Toronto Blue Jays School Day on Tuesday May 28. Letters were sent home Friday and permission forms are available today. Please submit the $20 payment along with the signed permission form as soon as possible.

The new date to write the postponed OSSLT has not been determined. As soon as the EQAO makes that known, we will let you know.

Have a great week!

The Week of April 8, 2013 - OSSLT Week!

Yes, the time has come, the OSSLT will be written by grade 10 and other eligible students on Thursday April 11.

There is a special school schedule that day and will be sent home with students.

Essentially, only those writing the OSSLT will arrive at school at the regular time to start the test at 8:30AM. ALL other students will arrive at school at 12 noon to attend their classes.

The after school OSSLT preparation sessions for ELL students conclude this Tuesday April 9. Students are invited to seek extra help in Room 327 at any time leading up to the test.

Have a great week!

The Week of April 1, 2013

Welcome Back!

Things will pick up quickly from now until the end of the year so get yourselves ready and make sure you are keeping up to date with all your assignments and studying for your tests.

Literacy Classes continue this week:
Tuesday April 2 and Thursday April 4 after school from 2:45-3:45 pm.
And concludes on Tuesday April 9.
The OSSLT takes place on Thursday April 11 - stay tuned for a special schedule on that day.

On Thursday, we will celebrate the season with an Easter Liturgy in the morning.

Looking ahead, our students will participate in the INSIDE RIDE on April 17. We raised close to $15 000 last year. Here are a few images from that day and a video from the organization. Make a donation to the cause if you can.





Parent Teacher Interviews are coming soon (Thursday April 18), which means that mid-term report cards will be given out on Monday April 15.

Have a great week!

The Week of March 25 - Holy Week

We are now into Holy Week.

Students, Parents, and Guardians need remember that there are no classes on:

Good Friday - Friday March 29
Easter Monday - Monday April 1

Classes resume on Tuesday April 2.

Students taking the after school OSSLT Preparation classes must remember that it is every Tuesday and Thursday - March 26 & 28 this week.

 These classes are for you, so make every effort to be there. They start back again when we get back on Tuesday April 2.

The OSSLT will be written on Thursday April 18.

Here is the video of inspiration for this week.  It also pays tribute to the many who lost their lives to this terrible disease (ALS) and the families and friends that supported them.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

The Week of March 18 - Welcome Back from March Break 2013

Welcome back from the break everyone!

We hope you had a restful and productive break. Things are now back in full swing and you need to stay on top of your homework, assignments, and studying for your tests.

The Grade 10 Literacy Preparation course starts Tuesday March 19 for all students eligible to write the OSSLT on Thursday April 11.

The classes take place after school from 2:45 - 3:45 pm.

All students have received a registration form with all of the dates for the classes (essentially every Tuesday and Thursday) right up until the OSSLT test day.

Students need to submit their forms by the start of the first class - tomorrow (March 19).

Have a great week!

Here is this week's video of inspiration.

The Week of March 4th

This is the final week before the March Break (March 11-15) so it should be a very busy time for everyone - completing assignments, studying for tests, and so on.

Our school is playing host to some OFSAA AA Basketball games during the day on Monday and Tuesday. Feel free to stop by to watch some of the best teams in Ontario.

We will have our FMM Memorial Liturgy on Thursday. It is always a special event with members of the Knights of Columbus in attendance.

Once again, some members of our school community will be heading to Jamaica to do some mission work.

Take a look at what they did last year.



Have a great week and a safe and restful March Break!

Classes resume on Monday March 18.

Here are a few photos from last week's Diversity Week.

The Week of February 25

We have a super busy week ahead. This week we celebrate the 5 Days of Freedom / Diversity Week!

Our ELL Department is involved with a few events this week.

On Tuesday, our students will present cultural displays in the main foyer during A & C Lunch.

Then on Wednesday, the MIC group will prepare an entertaining and informative video presentation.

All students are reminded to submit their signed Course Selection forms and $100 fee. All money and forms must be submitted by Friday in order to secure your courses.

Here is a bit of inspiration for this week. Enjoy!

The Week of February 18, 2013

Monday February 18 - Family Day (No Classes) -- Have a great day with your families!

Tuesday February 19
* a reminder to all students, make sure to complete your course selection on Career Cruising.
Visit Mr. Hospedales in Room 327 if you need any assistance.

Wednesday February 20

• Additional Career Cruising help begins in Room 315 @ 2:30 pm.
• Yoga Class in Weight Room @ 3-4 pm

Thursday February 21

• Lenten Reconciliation during Period 1 & 2
• Waterloo Math Contest during Period 1 
• Additional Career Cruising help in Room 315 @ 2:30 pm.
• Parent Curriculum Night @ 6:30 pm. All parents and guardians are invited to find out more about the courses offered at Father McGivney.

Friday February 22

• Additional Career Cruising help in Room 315 @ 2:30 pm.

Have a great week!

The week of Feb 11-15, 2013

We hope everything is going well as we head into the second week of Semester 2.

Here are the major events taking place this week:

Monday Feb. 11

• Report Cards will be distributed during last period
• Black History Presentation in the Cafeteria

Wednesday Feb. 13

• OBA Music Festival at Le Pace (730-1130am) -- Best of luck to the Band members.
• Grade 10 Course selection information sessions. This continues to Thursday.
• Yoga Class in Weight Room (3-4pm)

*Saturday Feb. 16 - IB Admission Test at FMM (930am-1pm)

Have a great week!

Welcome to Semester 2 - 2013

Welcome back! We hope you have a great semester 2.

If you need any schedule changes, please see Mr. Hospedales in Room 327.

The MIC will resume activities soon. Stay tuned.

The Final Week of Semester 1 - 2013

Welcome to the final week of Semester 1.

This means one thing ---- Study Hard!

This is not the time for video games, partying, hanging out at the mall, or any other time wasting activities. A little sacrifice and discipline now will cause less heartache later. You should always aim to give it your best.

For some of you exams begin today, and then most of you will have start your exams sometime this week or when the Formal Exam schedule begins on Friday.

Be aware that they are calling for some kind of snowstorm to be here by Friday, but things can change from now until then. In my 16+ years at FMM, the school has never closed due to a snowstorm. The public the TTC and YRT is always in service I don't expect it to change. Be prepared to come in to write your exams that day if you are scheduled to do so. Do not expect to be bailed out by a snowstorm. Leave your home earlier than usual if you are concerned.

In case severe weather comes, the re-write day is January 31st. But as I stated, I've never seen that happen.

Best of luck with your exams - make sure to come in full school uniform - and see you at the start of Semester 2 on February 4.

Semester 1, Week 18 (Two weeks left)

If you haven't started getting serious about your school work and studying you need to start today!

Make sure to complete your assignments, CPT's, and to start reviewing for your Exams.

If you have not placed your requests to write your formal exams in Room 327, then please do so as soon as possible to Mr. Hospedales.

In Class Exams begin on Thursday January 17 and continue right until the last day of classes on Thursday January 24.  Formal Exams start on Friday January 25 and goes to Wednesday January 30.

The EQAO Math Assessment for Grade 9 Math students takes place on Tuesday January 15 & Wednesday January 16. ESL students will write it during period 1 and 2 to ensure they get extra time.

On Friday January 18 from 6-730 pm, there will be the Grade 11 Drama Production in the Lower Lecture Hall. Catch the performance if you can.

Have a great week!

Semester 1, Week 17 -- Happy New Year!

Welcome back and welcome to 2013!

We hope you enjoyed your time with your families but we've got a busy time ahead.

I just about three weeks exams will begin. So make sure to start reviewing for your exams and to complete your assignments and CPT's.