Tuesday, December 15, 2009

ELL Christmas Lunch Tomorrow


Make sure to bring your food to room 327 first thing in the morning.
We will heat everything up and have it ready to serve at the beginning of period 3.

The lunch will take place during period 3, followed by Christmas activities which will carry through to the end of period 4.

All teachers have been notified.

Bring your Christmas spirit tomorrow to have some fun.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Dec. 7 - 11

Tonight at 7 pm, we will be holding our Grade 8 Parent Information Night. Please attend to get all the information that you may need about our great school.

We will be celebrating our Advent Liturgy on Wednesday.

On Thursday, FMM is hosting a Senior Boys Basketball Tournament. All FMM students are invited to participate in the $1 period 2 buyout to raise money for the team and for the Ayni Foundation.

There will also be a Christmas Concert on Thursday night at 730 pm.

Don't forget to sign up to bring food for the ELL Christmas Lunch on Thurday December 17. See Ms. Spicer to inform her about what you are bringing.

Have a great week.

Monday, November 30, 2009

PA Day this Friday!

Remember there is a PA Day this Friday.
The teachers will be busy but students will not have classes.

From Tuesday to Thursday, FMM's Marketing Students will be involved in a Marketing Fair during all lunches.

Our ESL Christmas Lunch will take place on Thursday December 17.
Please sign up to bring some tasty dishes/treats from your country/culture.

Have a great week!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Week of Nov. 23-27

Here is what is going on this week that may affect or will be of interest to our students:

1. Gr. 12 University Application Process Info Assembly @ 8:30 am (Monday & Tuesday)

2. Social Science Field Trip to Kensington Market (Tuesday)

3. Math Field Trip to Markville & ROM Trip (Thursday)

4. Student Government Talent Show @ 6:30 pm (Thursday)

5. YCDSB Board ELL Staff @ FMM to interview ELL students

6. Santa Claus Parade - Markham Village (Saturday)

Have a Great Week!

Monday, November 16, 2009

Week of November 16-20

It was great meeting many of your parents and guardians at the Parent/Teacher interviews last week. However, please feel free to contact teachers at any time whenever you have questions or concerns.

What is going on this week?

1. Mr Hospedales' World Religion's Class is going on retreat this Thursday Nov. 19th to the Good Shepherd Refuge and the Scott Mission.

2. There are a number of Science and Physical Education trips.

3. Nov. 19 @ 630pm Gr. 11 Performance Dinner Theatre

4. Nov. 19 @ 7pm - School Council Meeting

5. Nov. 20 @ 6pm - Semi Formal at Shangri-La

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Lest We Forget




We have a number of Remembrance Day Activities scheduled to take place tomorrow.

Let us remember and appreciate those that have fought or are fighting for this great country.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Mid Term Reports Tomorrow

Remember that the Mid Term Report Cards will be given to students during 4th period tomorrow.

Students will be called to return to their home room to collect them.

Parent/Guardians - please make your parent/teacher interview appointments as soon as possible. The appointment sheet is included with the report card.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Report Cards this Friday!

Mid-term report cards will be distributed to students this coming Friday.

Please fill out your Parent/Teacher Interview Appointment forms and students will approach their teachers to confirm the appointment time.

Interpreters are available. Please let us know if you need one.

Parent/Teacher Interview Night is on Thursday November 12.

As promised, here are some more pictures from the recent ESL World Religions trip to the International Taoist Tai Chi Centre in Orangeville.































Friday, October 30, 2009

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Gualberto



More to come next week!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Happy Halloween & 2 Important Announcements

With Halloween taking place this weekend, we have a busy week of activities here at FMM put on by Student Council, add to that, teachers will submit Mid-term marks to the office by Friday morning.

Here are a few very important announcements:


1. Missionaries of the Poor (Kingston, Jamaica)

FMM has had a long relationship with the Missionaries of the Poor and they are back again asking for our support. Fr. Ho Lung and the Friends of the Poor are in Toronto with a brand new musical show that is being held Sat. Oct 31st and Sun. Nov 1st at Ryerson Theatre, Toronto.

FMM has 500 student tickets which will be offered for sale for the rest of the week at less than half of the cost. Students can purchase tickets to attend this fantastic event for $10 with an additional $5 to take a bus from the school and back.

The show has always received great reviews and will appeal to students because it is presented using upbeat reggae songs and vibrant performances. All proceeds from the event will go towards helping the Missionaries develop the 'Holy Innocents' Center' in Kingston that offers a wide spectrum of support to pregnant women including spiritual, medical and financial assistance. They also take in abandoned newborns and provide counselling for crisis pregnancies. The missionaries also use the center to protect the lives of the unborn.

Please help the missions who run solely on charitable donations. They have come to us because they know they can depend on the generous staff and students at FMM. They were truly appreciative of the rice drive that the staff contributed to last year and are hoping that they can count on us again.

2. Best Buddies

Please read below. It will be a wonderful experience for all who get involved.


The Special Education Department is excited to introduce a new initiative to begin at McGivney this school year! Best Buddies is a national charitable organization dedicated to enhancing our school communities through one-to-one friendships between individuals with intellectual disabilities and students. The goal of this friendship program is to offer all of our students the opportunity to develop relationships with peers by participating in after-school social events such as going to the movies, eating out at a restaurant or simply talking over coffee.

This is an invaluable opportunity for those who wish to be involved, as we believe the rewards are endless. If interested, please attend the information session on Monday November 2nd, 2009 @ 2:45pm, Room 207.


We are expecting a representative from Best Buddies Canada to lead the information night. Interviews will follow the same week and once all successful candidates are chosen and paired with a student, a new chapter will unfold at McGivney!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact , Mrs. Hallman-Roth or Mrs. Ng at any time.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Some pictures from Gateway to McGivney

This happened a few weeks ago, but it is never too late to post pictures from that great day.
Enjoy!



































Wednesday, October 21, 2009

FMM XC Team @ YRAA's

The Cross-country competed at the YRAA Championships today.
Here are a few pics. The results can be found here http://www.trackdatabase.com/
















Check out our own Ivan "the superstar".

Congratulations to all! Thanks for a great season.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Beautiful Weather

It is starting to warm up again so you better take advantage of the outdoors. It will not be long now until the colder weather arrives.

Mr. Hospedales and the Crosscountry Team will be out in the great weather tomorrow at the YRAA Crosscountry Championships. Best of luck to all team members! Pictures to follow.

Mid-term report cards will be coming soon - November 6, so students need to take things a bit more seriously over the next few weeks.

Parent-teacher interviews are on November 12.

Have a great week!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Check out this great poem and enjoy the rest of the week.

You Have Two Voices

By Nancy Prasad

You have two voices when you speak

in English or your mother tongue.

When you speak the way your people spoke

the words don’t hesitate but flow

like rivers, like rapids, like oceans of sound,

and your hands move like birds through the air.


But then you take a stranger’s voice

When you speak in your new tongue.

Each word is a stone dropped in a pool.

I watch the ripples and wait for more

You search in vain for other stones to throw.

They are heavy. Your hands hang down.


You have two voices when you speak:

I have two ears for hearing.

Speak to me again in your mother tongue.

What does it matter how little I understand

when the words pour out like music

and your face glows like a flame.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving

It has been another busy week at FMM.

Mr. Hospedales was away at the Grade 9 Retreat at Muskoka Woods from Monday to Wednesday. A few ESL students went on the trip and they along with the other 170 plus grade 9 students had a wonderful time despite the rainy weather.

The ESL Department with soon organize a field trip to visit the CICS Immigrant Youth Centre at Highway 7 and McCowan (beside Harvey's). Stay tuned. But please feel free to drop in for a visit there anytime.

Have a great Thanksgiving Weekend with your families, we will see you on Tuesday.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Only 12 Gateway to McGivney Spots Left

Get your $10 and signed permission forms to Mr. Hospedales.
There are only 12 spots left for the trip this Thursday.

Have a great week!

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Gateway to McGivney

Welcome back to another week!

Our annual Gateway to McGivney trip is all set to go.

It will be at Shadow Lake (no last minute changes this year) on Thursday October 1.

The cost is $10 (for the bus, food, and facility).

Make sure to see Miss Spicer or Mr Hospedales for permission forms.

This is a mandatory trip for all ESL students.

Your $10 fee and signed permission forms must be in to Spicer or Hospedales by Monday September 28 at the latest.

Have a great week!

Friday, September 18, 2009

Another Busy Week

Yes, this week zoomed by.
It is still very busy around here finalizing timetables, etc.

Teachers, please do pay us a visit in the ESL Centre if you have any concerns.

Students are reminded of a few things:

1. There will be no more eating of lunch in room 327. The room will be open to computer use (assignments) and test writing only.

2. Picture day is this coming Tuessday September 22.

3. E3 - this club is starting soon. If interested helping or being a leader. See Mr. Hospedales.

4. The Cross-country team has started practices. If you want to join, meet us at the track any day after school at 2:45pm.

Have a great weekend.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Welcome Back!

Welcome back to the start of the new 2009-2010 school year!
The first week will be busy as usual.
Make sure to see Ms. Spicer or Mr Hospedales if you have any scheduling problems.

Stay tuned for more announcements.

Great to see you all back.
We welcome all new faces as well.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Last Day of Classes

The last day of class is finally here, but that does not mean that the work is over.
Many of you still have final exams to complete and assignments to submit.
Make sure to study hard to ensure you achieve the best that you can.

Exams start bright and early Thursday morning, starting at 9am.
Check your exam schedule to make sure you are here on the correct day and time.
All ESL students will write their exams in Room 327.

Make sure you are here on time and in full uniform.

Good luck on your exams and have a great summer!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

A very busy week ahead

There is a lot of things going on this week so you need to manage your time wisely.
Make sure continue reviewing for exams (many start next Monday), and completing your assignments.

Wednesday - Final Liturgy (observe the Liturgy schedule).

Thursday - Student Appreciation Day.
All students receiving awards need to be at school and in the gym at 8am. Congratulations on your award. Remember to bring a donation of a can of food so that you can recieve a ticket for the BBQ that day. Enjoy the carnival in the afternoon.

In Class Exams next week:

Grade 9 ESL Geography - Monday June 15 to Wednesday June 17.
Grade 10 Science - Monday June 15 & Tuesday June 16.
ESL CO - Tuesday June 16 & Wednesday June 17.
ESL CIVICS - Tuesday June 16 & Wednesday June 17.
Gr. 12 ESL Religion - Monday June 15 & Tuesday June 16.

Reminder - The ESL Centre (Room 327) will be closed to students during period 3 lunch due to exams.

Monday, June 1, 2009

The Week of June 1-5, 2009

Welcome back to another week.

You should all be busy reviewing course material for exams and completing CPTs and assignments.

Grade 9 math students are reminded that their EQAO exams will be written next Monday and Tuesday. Meet Mr. Hospedales in Room 327 before 8:30am on both days,

Here are some important events happening this week:

ALL Library Books are due back to the Library this Friday.

The Athletic Banquet is taking place this Thursday in the school cafeteria. The event starts at 5:30 pm.

For Grade 12 students, the Graduating class yearbook picture will be taken on Wednesday at 8:45 am.

And finally, there is an Arts Banquet at Crystal Fountain on Friday.

Have a great week.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Fill in your exam schedule forms

Students - make sure to check the exam schedule and fill in the form to request that your exam be written in ESL Room 327 during the exam period.

The forms are located in ESL Room.
You must complete your forms as soon as possible and submit the form to Mr. Hospedales.

Remember to only include your courses that have exams in the official exam schedule.

Monday, May 25, 2009

Health Week at FMM

With only 18 school days left, time is of the essence.

All students need to ensure that all missing assignments are submitted, CPT's are completed, and that you start reviewing for the exams. Do not start studying the night before.

This week at FMM is Health Week.
Student Government and SAC will be running activities all week. Make sure to participate.

Have a great week!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

22 More Days

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

Now it is time to get back to work because including today, there are only 22 more school days left before exams begin. For those writing exams in class, you have 1-3 less days.

Make sure to get your tickets for our famous International Night which happens this Thursday.

Have a great week!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

New Acting Department Head

In Ms. Spicer's absence, Mr. Hospedales has been selected to be the acting Department Head of the ESL Department.

So if you have any concerns regarding any ESL programs or students please feel free to contact him at the school. (905) 472 4961

You are reminded that there are no classes on Monday May 18th due to the Victoria Day holiday. Classes resume on Tuesday May 19.

Have a great rest of the week.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Best Wishes Miss Spicer

Due to unfortunate circumstances, Miss Spicer will officially be on leave from Father McGivney until the end of the June. She will still make periodic visits to the school and will be in contact.

We wish her all the best. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

For the next week, if you have any ESL concerns or issues, please contact Mr. Hospedales.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Reminder - PA Day this Friday

Please be reminded that there is a PA Day (Faith Day) this Friday May 1 and there will be no classes for students here at Father McGivney and the entire YCDSB.

Students, stay tuned for a new club at FMM.
It will be called e3.
More details to be released soon.

Have a great week.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Congratulations Miss Spicer!




It is official, Miss Spicer has been appointed the permanent department head of the ESL Department at Father McGivney.

Miss Spicer has been ESL Co-ordinator at Father McGivney since its inception at the school over 6 years ago. Due to the growth of the YCDSB ESL programs, the department head position was made official.

Have a great week everyone!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Parent Teacher Interviews

Happy Easter Everyone and Welcome Back!

Parent Teacher Interviews are all set to go tomorrow night from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.
Please make and appointment and try to attend.
All students received pink appointment forms with the report cards last Thursday.

Have a great week!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Report Card Distribution

You have a 4 day week this week (Good Friday), and next week (Easter Monday). Please stay on top of all of your homework and assignments.

Report Cards will be distributed this Thursday April 9th at 2:15 pm. You will return to homeroom and receive it there.

Parent Teacher Interviews will occur next Thursday April 16th. Make sure to book your appointments early. Let us know if your need an interpreter.

Have a great week!

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Literacy Test Tomorrow

Good luck to all students writing the OSSLT tomorrow.

ESL students are reminded to report to Room 327 by 8:20 am. The test begins at 8:30 am.

Get a good night's rest and see you all tomorrow.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Earth Hour Tomorrow

In case you did not know, Earth Hour is occurring tomorrow, Saturday March 28 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.

All you have to do is shut off your lights, computers, TV, etc., for the hour to show your support for the Earth and our environment.

For more details visit this site.

www.earthhour.org

Light a candle, and read a book for the hour.
Have fun and a great weekend.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Welcome Back from the Break!

After one week off it is now time to get back to work.

Next week is Mid Term Reporting Week, so the next 2 weeks are the last chances you have to boost your mark until the Mid Term Report Card comes out.

Remember to let your parents or guardians know that Parent-Teacher Conference night is on Thursday April 16.

Have a great week!

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Father McGivney Memorial Day



Father McGivney Memorial Day is tomorrow!

The day kicks off with a very special Liturgy so make sure you are here early to take part in the celebraton.



Students - get those assignments complete and study for your tests!

Everyone is reminded that March Break is from the 16th to the 20th. You are back in school on Monday March 23rd.

You may want to use that time to not only relax, but to catch up on any missing assignments or get a start on your CPT's.

Have a great week!

Friday, March 6, 2009

It's warming up!

Sorry for the late post. We are very busy this week.

Many students have received their university acceptance notices over the past few weeks.
Congratulations!! But remember to keep working hard and to keep those marks up. The work is not over yet.

Only one more week until the March Break so students will likely have a few assignments and and tests next week before the one week break. Make sure you stay on top of this work and do not fall behind.

Enjoy the weekend and have a great next week.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Thanks CICS Canada

We would like to thank Janice Tsoi and her staff from CICS Canada for paying us a visit yesterday.

Students were informed about the new Immigrant Youth Centre that will open in Markham (McCowan and Hwy 7), were asked for their thoughts on the new centre and were treated to a pizza lunch.

Students were made aware of many volunteer opportunities and services that the centre will provide.

Here is Janice's contact information.

Janice Tsoi
416 292 7510 ext. 106
j.tsoi@cicscanada.com

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Former FMM Student making it big



Kimberly Lee, former Father McGivney student and standout athlete (basketball, volleyball, badminton, etc.) that I had the great fortune to teach and coach, is attending the University of Waterloo and is taking her basketball career to the next level.

Check out this article in the Toronto Star.

http://www.thestar.com/Sports/NBA/article/588213
And here is another:


We wish Kim all the best at school and basketball.

Hope you all have a great week.