Week of May 19th, 2025

National Showcase Award-Heritage Fair Recognition for Eleanor Hargreaves

Eleanor Hargreaves, a Grade 7 theatre talent. proud member of the QSA and dedicated student at Spectrum Alternative, has been selected as one of only two recipients of a National Showcase Award for her project, “Queer Rights and History in Canada,” at this May’s Heritage Fair. Months prior to the Heritage Fair, Eleanor dedicated significant time to researching, fact-checking, personalizing, and meticulously detailing a rainbow-themed tri-fold that stood out among the other exhibits at the Heritage Fair. Eleanor shared her motivation for choosing this topic, stating that it is often overlooked in the curriculum and fairs like the Heritage Fair. As an authentic voice of the community, she aimed to present her facts in a remarkable and meaningful manner. While excitement permeated the atmosphere, Eleanor experienced nerves stemming from the immense size of the board and the mixed feelings associated with the judging process. As she presented her information to the judges, fellow TDSB teachers, and students across the School Board, she gradually built her confidence. Eleanor shared her advice and takeaway message for future Heritage Fair attendees: “Do not treat this like a competition.” She emphasized that if one is not overly focused on winning, they will perform better as long as they refrain from fixating on the outcome.

We are incredibly proud of Eleanor for this outstanding achievement. Her advocacy and powerful presentation have earned her well-deserved recognition. It’s inspiring to see a student using their voice to drive awareness and change. Congratulations, Eleanor!

Celebrating Pride Month at Davisville/Spectrum!

June is Pride Month, and we’re excited to create a vibrant display that shows all students and families that Davisville/Spectrum is a welcoming and inclusive space for everyone. If you’d like to help bring this display to life, we’d love your support! Please contact jennmason26@yahoo.com to volunteer. Thank you!

SickKids Saliva Testing

The SickKids Saliva Testing Team has the results available from research samples submitted through the classroom testing.​

If you submitted a classroom sample and did not receive your results, this might be because our team was not able to read the contact information listed on the requisition. ​

Please get in touch with the research team over email at school.salivaresearch@sickkids.ca or call 647-640-8548 to receive your results.​

 

DAVISVILLE JUNIOR CHOIR AND MME. KARIMI'S GRADE 3 STUDENTS ATTEND THE TCC SCHOOL INVITATIONAL CHORAL WORKSHOP

On Friday, May 23rd, the Davisville Junior Choir, and Mme. Karimi's Grade 3 students attended the TCC (Toronto Children's Chorus) School Invitational Choral Workshop held in the morning at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. The students learned some new singing techniques as well as how to read music using solfege hand signs and the hand staff, plus rhythm reading. They were also taught the chorus part of the song "Oye' by Jim Papoulis, including movements, and they had the opportunity to perform this piece, along with the Toronto Children's Chorus (a world-renowned children's choir), in a concert to end the session! It was a memorable experience, and we feel fortunate to have had this opportunity.

Room 203’s Visit to Greenwood:

This week, the students in Room 203 had the exciting opportunity to visit Greenwood College School. Ms. Casselman's class partnered with Mr. Farbstein's Grade 11 class, with the Grade 2 students acting as “clients” for a special project. As part of their final assignment, the Grade 11 students designed board games tailored specifically to the interests and preferences of the younger students. The result was a collection of unique and engaging games for Room 203 that made the experience both meaningful and fun for everyone involved.

City of Toronto Information on Lyme Disease

Over the last several years, we have information about Blacklegged Ticks and the spread of Lyme Disease. According to the Lyme Disease – City of Toronto: “The risk of contracting Lyme disease in Toronto, is considered to be low but has been increasing. The risk of Lyme disease can be decreased by preventing tick bites, early detection and removal of ticks.”

Ticks are typically found in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas, and can also be found on animals. They are often found in areas with trees, shrubs, grass, woodpiles, and piles of leaves. Common locations include yards, lawns, and areas where forests or wooded areas meet lawns or gardens. This includes school yards.

Please find information on how to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease below.

-Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easy to see
-Cover up by wearing closed footwear and tucking pants into socks
-Use a repellent that contains DEET or Icaridin and follow the manufacturer’s directions
-Perform full-body checks on yourself, children, and pets
-When you get home, put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes before washing them
-Find out how Lyme disease is identified and treated
-Find out how to reduce ticks around your home

May Learning Sessions for Staff and Families

Learning and engagement sessions continue to be made available for both staff and families, providing valuable opportunities to explore inclusive and anti-ableist practices and concrete strategies to use in the classroom and at home. These sessions are designed to support student achievement and well-being. Please click this link to access the sessions being offered.

Upcoming Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Engagement Session:

Strategies and resources to support students with ADHD
Special Education and Inclusion will host a session to explore strategies and resources to support students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Please refer to this flyer for more information.

Marking Red Shirt Day: May 28th

Red Shirt Day is an annual event in celebration of National AccessAbility Week. It is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red in schools, workplaces and spaces everywhere in order to create a visible display of solidarity: to show their support for persons and families of those who are living with disabilities, celebrate the achievements of people living with disabilities, and to pledge their commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society that honours and values the contributions of people of all abilities in all aspects of life in Canada.

National AccessAbility Week - Sun, May 25 - Sat, May 31, 2025

National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) takes place every year starting on the last Sunday in May. It is a time when accessibility and inclusion is promoted across communities and workplaces and a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of Canadians who are actively removing barriers and ensuring persons with disabilities have an equal chance to participate in all aspects of Canadian society. The increased social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities has positive economic and social benefits, for persons with disabilities, for business, the economy, and society in general.

National AccessAbility Week: May 26 to June 1, 2024 - Canada.ca

Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement

Please see the following upcoming opportunities for students, staff and community offered by the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement.

We Have Dreams Too: Black Mothers Reimagining Schools
What does leadership look like when Black mothers are at the centre of improving Black children’s outcomes? How do Black mothers’ everyday acts of care, advocacy, and resistance shape their children’s schooling experience?

Join us for an insightful webinar that centres Black mothers’ leadership and work. Together, we’ll explore how Black mothers’ dreams, stories, and community-building practices challenge exclusion and transform schooling for their children. This session highlights the ways Black mothers engage in self- and community care, as they organize for their children’s education. Grounded in Canadian research, this session affirms what we already know: Black mothers lead in ways schools often fail to see or name.

Date: May 21, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Audience: TDSB Parents/Caregivers and Community Members
Registration: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cKerb6RDQHC2mxHlnvh0xQ

Week of May 12th, 2025

Spring Concert

Our Spring Concert was a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their talents, creativity, and shine on stage. It was equally special for families to watch their children perform and create lasting memories together.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Concert Committee and all the staff of performing classes who worked so hard to prepare for this evening.

A special thank you to Ms. Jackie, Mr. Shragge, and Ms. Johnson for orchestrating a well-organized and unforgettable event. Your dedication and effort made the night truly memorable for everyone. 

Dismissal and Pick-Up Routines

Dear Families,

We kindly ask for your cooperation and support with dismissal procedures. At dismissal time, please ensure that your child(ren) are picked up promptly. Our school yard must be cleared by 4:00 p.m. to allow our After Care Program full access to the yard and playscape. Should your child(ren) wish to use the playscape area at dismissal, please ensure they are supervised at all times. As a reminder, families are welcome to return and use the playground starting at 6:00 p.m., as noted in the image above. Thank you for your understanding and continued support in keeping our dismissal routine safe and respectful for all. 

CAUGHT IN THE ACT" GREEN LEAF CHALLENGE

The number of students "caught in the act" of doing something positive for the environment is ongoing! Since last month, we are pleased to see that students have continued to do actions to help keep our school or yard clean, and they have been awarded a green leaf to add to our Eco Club tree display on the first floor. Thank you to the students for caring for the Earth, and for the staff members who have recognized their positive efforts.

Student Safety Reminder – No Active Movement in Hallways

To prioritize student safety and maintain a positive learning environment, it is important for students to remember not to engage in active movement, such as running, jogging, or dancing through hallways. This applies during physical education classes, after-school activities, and indoor recesses. While students are encouraged to be active and engage in physical activity daily, it is essential that this happens in designated, supervised spaces such as gymnasiums and outdoor play areas. Active movement in hallways can lead to accidents, injuries, and disruptions to learning in nearby classrooms. We kindly ask that you take a moment to review these expectations with your children. While our staff will continue to consistently reinforce safe movement throughout the school day through our supervision practices, your support in communicating these expectations at home will further strengthen this message.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain a safe and respectful school environment for all.

Learning Sessions

Learning and engagement sessions continue to be made available for both staff and families, providing valuable opportunities to explore inclusive and anti-ableist practices and concrete strategies to use in the classroom and at home. These sessions are designed to support student achievement and well-being. Please click this link to access the sessions being offered.

Upcoming Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Engagement Session: Strategies and resources to support students with ADHD. 

Special Education and Inclusion will host a session to explore strategies and resources to support students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025

Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Please refer to this flyer for more information.

Planning for Graduation/Graduation Fair for Students with Disabilities/Special Education Needs

Planning for Graduation/Graduation Fair for Students with Disabilities/Special Education Needs

We are hosting our inaugural grad fair for students with disabilities/special education needs! Please share this flyer with families to encourage their attendance. This event is also catered to students and families who are planning ahead for graduation.

Who? All TDSB students with disabilities and/or special education needs and their families

What?  In-Person Event Fair

Information booths featuring:

o Community support services and post-21 programs
o Employment assistance agencies
o Academic institutions and accessibility services’ offices

When and Where? Wednesday, May 14th, 2025, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Avondale Public School (barrier-free site with free parking available), 171 Avondale Ave. Toronto, ON, M2N 2V4

Families may pre-register at https://bit.ly/gradfairMay14 and walk-ins are also welcome.

Marking Red Shirt Day: May 28th

Red Shirt Day is an annual event in celebration of National AccessAbility Week. It is a day when people across Canada come together and wear red in schools, workplaces and spaces everywhere in order to create a visible display of solidarity: to show their support for persons and families of those who are living with disabilities, celebrate the achievements of people living with disabilities, and to pledge their commitment to help create a fully accessible and inclusive society that honours and values the contributions of people of all abilities in all aspects of life in Canada.

For more information: https://redshirtday.org/about-us/

National AccessAbility Week - Sun, May 25 - Sat, May 31, 2025

National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) takes place every year starting on the last Sunday in May. It is a time when accessibility and inclusion is promoted across communities and workplaces and a time to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities. It is also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of Canadians who are actively removing barriers and ensuring persons with disabilities have an equal chance to participate in all aspects of Canadian society. The increased social and economic inclusion of persons with disabilities has positive economic and social benefits, for persons with disabilities, for business, the economy, and society in general.

National AccessAbility Week: May 26 to June 1, 2024 - Canada.ca

Week of May 5th, 2025

Happy Mother's Day

We would like to extend warm wishes and gratitude to all the mothers in our school community. Your immeasurable love and the sacrifices you make daily are appreciated. We celebrate all mothers: expectant mothers, birth mothers, adoptive mothers, foster mothers, stepmothers, grandmothers and others who fulfill maternal roles in our lives. Your love and nurturing care enrich our school community in many ways, and we are truly grateful for all that you do.

JUNIOR CHOIR PERFORMS AT 3RD ANNUAL CHORAL FESTIVAL

 On Tuesday, May 6th, the Davisville Junior Choir performed at the 3rd Annual Choral Festival, which was held from 7:30-8:30 pm at Timothy Eaton Memorial Church.  The choir members did a wonderful job performing at the festival, and they represented Davisville well!  They sang the song "Stand By Me" on their own (words and music by Jerry Leiber, Mike Stoller, and Ben E. King;  arranged for choir by Audrey Snyder), and they participated as part of a mass choir singing "Al Tambour" with over 500 students (Panamanian Folk Song arranged by Victor C. Johnson)! It was a memorable evening. 

DOOR DECORATING CONTEST

As part of our celebration of Earth Month, the Davisville/Spectrum Eco Club organized a door decorating contest. Incorporating the theme of Earth Day this year, ("Our Power, Our Planet"), all classes were invited to decorate their doors using only recycled and repurposed materials. Classes were encouraged to use items such as cereal boxes, grocery bags, clean garbage and other found items to decorate their classroom doors. Many classes participated, and it was very difficult for the judges to choose a winner for each division. Thank you to all classrooms that took part, and congratulations to Room 207 (Kindergarten), Room 210 (Primary) and Room 308 (Junior) for winning a popsicle party for their class! In an effort to be eco-friendly, we encourage the winners to rinse off and save their popsicle sticks afterwards to use for a future project.

TDSB Heritage Fair at York University

On Thursday, May 8th, some of our Grade 7 students attended the TDSB's Heritage Fair at York University. Many students described the experience as “unique” and “cool.” They inquired into historical topics that held personal significance and delivered meaningful presentations. Their hard work was recognized and judged across various historical categories. A student attendee from Spectrum noted, “the people were nice,” and shared that they enjoyed “researching a topic they had never learned about before.”

In addition to their presentations, students engaged in a range of creative and cultural activities: they made a traditional Turkish painting as a handmade gift for our Vice Principal, created Mother's Day bookmarks, coloured Indigenous animal artwork, explored aged photography techniques, learned about Haudenosaunee history, and danced to the rhythms of Alpha Drumming.

As one Grade 7 student beautifully put it: “I got to see the things that inspired other students, and I got to share what inspired me.”

Summer Program for Newcomer Students

We’re excited to share summer programs offered by the TDSB and community partners across Toronto. These include literacy and numeracy support, fun recreational activities through Jays Camp, and language and culture exploration in the International Languages Elementary Program. There are also great options for Grade 8 students entering high school in September.

Please see the flyer for details: Summer School Flyer

Registration closes at the end of May.

Social Media and Safety Presentation for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers

Please see below for information and details on an upcoming presentation on Social Media and Safety:

Parents/families/caregivers and guardians can register in the attached flyer. The link to register is also here Social Media and Safety: A Parents' Roadmap. Aligned with TDSB’s policies on responsible technology use, including social media and cellphone guidelines, this event aims to equip parents/caregivers/guardians with strategies to navigate their children's digital engagement, and to have the tools to support safe and balanced technology use (see PPM 128 & TDSB resources on Addressing Inappropriate Social Media).

-Social Media Safety Night for Parents on May 14th, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Lambton Park Community School located at 50 Bernice Cres. 

This evening will include:
-Practical strategies for navigating social media risks
-Open discussion on online safety
-Take-home resources and giveaways
-Food and childcare

ASD Summer Skills Development Program

The summer session of the ASD Skills Development Program will run from July 2-25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Principals are asked to share the ASD Summer Skills Development Program - Parent Letter which includes the link for registration to the families of the students with ASD going into Grades 4 -10 (currently students in Grade 3 - 9). Registration deadline is Friday, May 30, 2025. Spaces in the program are limited and enrollment is on a first-come first-serve basis.

Upcoming Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Engagement Session: Strategies and resources to support students with ADHD

Special Education and Inclusion will host a session to explore strategies and resources to support students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Please refer to this flyer for more information.

I See You, Mama: Black Mothers Reimagining Schools for Their Children

What does leadership look like when Black mothers are at the centre of improving Black children’s outcomes? How do Black mothers’ everyday acts of care, advocacy, and resistance shape their children’s schooling experience? Join us for an insightful webinar that centres Black mothers’ leadership and work. Together, we’ll explore how Black mothers’ dreams, stories, and community-building practices challenge exclusion and transform schooling for Black children. This session highlights the many ways Black mothers engage in self and community care, as they organize for their children’s education. Grounded in current Canadian research, this session affirms what we already know: Black mothers lead in powerful ways schools often fail to see or name.

Date: May 21, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Audience: TDSB Parents/Caregivers and Community Members
Registration: https://tdsb-ca.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cKerb6RDQHC2mxHlnvh0xQ

Week of April 28th, 2025

 

🍰 Spring Concert Bake Sale 🍪

Date: Thursday, May 15 (during the Spring Concert)
Location: Davisville JPS 

We’re excited to announce that Davisville JPS will be hosting a Bake Sale during our upcoming Spring Concert! All proceeds will support the Grade 5/6 Graduation.

We're calling on all bakers in our community to donate nut-free baked goods — homemade or store-bought — to help make our sale a success. Whether it's cookies, cupcakes, muffins, or brownies — every contribution counts!

We are also looking for a few volunteers to help the graduating students run the bake sale table.

If you're able to donate or volunteer, please let us know! Any questions can be directed to gillian.harnick@tdsb.on.ca. Donations can be dropped off at the school on May 15th.

💛 Thank you in advance for your generous support!

Davisville's Got Talent

Davisville' Got Talent was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our students and showcase their many gifts beyond the classroom. Events like these allow students to shine, build confidence, and explore their creative talents in a supportive and joyful environment. A heartfelt thank you to our Talent Show Team including Mrs. Tiralongo, Mme Andreasen, and Mr. Shragge for all their efforts in coordinating Davisville’s Got Talent! 

We are so proud of everyone who participated!

Upcoming Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Workshop at Davisville JPS

Please join us for an upcoming workshop on budgeting food and understanding food labels, led by City of Toronto’s Nutrition Educator, Falguni Kapadia. 

Date: Friday May 16th from 1:00-3:00pm 

Location: Davisville JPS, Meeting Room

Tomato Plants for Sale (Donations)

The students in room 320 collected cherry tomato seeds in September 2024. They stored them in a safe place, and then, in March 2025, they sowed the tomato seeds in the pots. They cared for the seeds, watered them, took them outside for sun tanning, tied them, and made sure the seeds grew into a healthy and strong tomato plant! It’s time to send our tomato plants off to their new homes! If you’re interested in planting cherry tomatoes, please come pick up a tomato plant on Tuesday, May 6th or Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in front of the portables. We are asking for a donation of $1 per plant, but we would greatly appreciate any donation you can make. We have approximately 130 cherry tomato plants ready to go to good homes. CASH ONLY PLEASE.

The money collected will be used to buy more pots and soil so that we can ensure that every student from kindergarten through grade 6 has an opportunity to plant their own tomato seeds next school year! Mr. Quach’s class will lead the seeding, sowing, and care of the tomato plants!

Upcoming Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Engagement Session: Strategies and resources to support students with ADHD

Special Education and Inclusion will host a session to explore strategies and resources to support students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Please refer to this flyer for further details. 

ASD Summer Skills Development Program

The summer session of the ASD Skills Development Program will run from July 2-25 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Please refer to the ASD Summer Skills Development Program - Parent Letter which includes the link for registration for families of students with ASD going into Grades 4 -10 (currently students in Grade 3 - 9). Registration deadline is Friday, May 30, 2025. Spaces in the program are limited and enrollment is on a first-come first-serve basis.

May Learning Sessions for Staff and Families

Learning and engagement sessions continue to be made available for both staff and families, providing valuable opportunities to explore inclusive and anti-ableist practices and concrete strategies to use in the classroom and at home. These sessions are designed to support student achievement and well-being. Please click this link to access the sessions being offered.