Saturday, December 17, 2011

Happy Holidays

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Holiday Luncheon to kick off the Holiday Season.  However you celebrate, and whether you spend it near or afar, we wish you joyous celebrations with family & friends and a happy, healthy 2012. 

 -RAPT


School Spirit!

Did you know you can raise school spirit and help the Grade 6's at the same time?  Every Friday for December and January the Grade 6's are hosting special spirit days.  Dress accordingly and donate a toonie to help fund their trip and graduation.  The remaining Spirit Days are as follows:

Dec. 23 – PJ Day
Jan. 13 – Crazy Hat Day
Jan. 20 – School Colours Day (Rippleton wear or blue/white clothing)
Jan. 27 – Twin Day (students wear similar clothing to a friend)

Feb. 3 - TBA

Good luck to the Boys Volleyball Team

Our Grade 5/6 Boys Volleyball Team will be competing in the City Championships on Dec. 20th.  We wish them good luck and much success.  GO ROADRUNNERS!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Please Join Us at Our Annual Holiday Luncheon



Spirit Days in support of Gr 6 Graduation

Please make note of the following 'Spirit Days' brought to you by the Student Executive Council. All students wishing to particiapte are asked to consider bringing a toonie to support the Grade 6 graduation.

Dec. 2 – Crazy Hair Day
Dec. 9 – PA Day (no Friday theme)
Dec. 16 – Inside out/backwards clothes Day
Dec. 23 – PJ Day
Jan. 13 – Crazy Hat Day
Jan. 20 – School Colours Day (Rippleton wear or blue/white clothing)
Jan. 27 – Twin Day (students wear similar clothing to a friend)
Feb. 3 - TBA

Minutes from November 21 RAPT Meeting

Subject to approval at next RAPT meeting, January 10.



Please click on the following link for minutes:

https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1GG7Bo28aFO4nCc3BoUH3k5JC-jQ9Xyol8JkgwD0S6UI

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Agenda for November 21 RAPT Meeting

Agenda for RAPT Meeting: November 21, 2011

Please join us in the Library at 6pm

1) RAPT Welcome

·         Minutes from Oct 20



2) Principal's Report

3) Budget / Treasurer Report

 4) Fundraising/Events Update

Past Recap:

·         Halloween Party

·         Bag 2 School
        
Future:

·         Gr 6 Fundraising

·         Mitten Tree

·         Holiday Luncheon: Dec 8

·         Allyson Schaffer: Jan 19

·         Skating Party


                5) After School & Lunch Program update

 6) Other

7) Goodnight - Next RAPT Meeting:

                January 10, 2012


(Please refrain from cell phone use during RAPT meeting)

    

Monday, November 7, 2011

Urgent Call for Volunteers

The Gr 6 Girls Basketball team is desperately looking for volunteer drivers for their Nov 9th Basketball Game.  If you can help our Road Runners please contact the School at 416 395 2810.

Direct Donation Update

Many thanks to all families who donated during the RAPT Direct Donation drive.  To date we have collected $14,514 from 143 families (representing 72% of the Rippleton family population).  Tax receipts will be generated and sent before tax season in 2012.  The winner of the IPOD Nano is Nicole Choe from Mrs. Tam's 2/3 class - congratulations Nicole!  In order to help us direct the funds to initiatives that will best benefit the students and the school, please attend our RAPT meetings and have your voice heard.

QSP Magazine Fundraiser

Support Rippleton Public School and promote reading at the same time.  Our annual magazine fundraiser was launched October 19 and runs until November 9 though you are able to order magazines throughout the year and Rippleton will continue to earn the rewards. 
Every Rippleton student received a package on October 19 containing a catalogue as well as a 'how to' sheet.
*    Shop online-go to www.qsp.ca .  Our school group number is 9513.  You save the $1.00 processing fee by ordering online.
OR
*    Check out the catalogue.  Fill in the order form.  Please make cheques payable to RAPT.
There are exciting rewards the children earn by ordering subsciptions, see the student package for details. 
The class with the highest number of subscriptions sold will win a pizza party!
Thank you for your support. 
If you have any questions call QSP at 1-800-667-2536.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Minutes of October 20th RAPT Meeting

Subject to Approval at Next RAPT Meeting

October 20, 2011, 6pm
Library

Council Present:          Anthony Chien, Co-Chair

Lucy Nussis, Co-Chair

Kim Proud, Co-Chair

Janin Robertson, Secretary



Staff Present:               Susan Adaskin, Principal

Erin Miller, Teacher


Absent:                          Brenda Yabrov, Treasurer

Theresa Ryckewaert, Teacher



1.      RAPT Welcome

Call to Order at 6:11pm



2.      Principal Update       

 a)      Sports

·         Grade 5/6 Boys Slo-Pitch team has had a very good season.  They won the Conference and will be going to City Championships on Monday

·         Cross Country season has come to an end and Rippleton students had very good results at City Championships

b)      School Beautification

·         Sod is in place and the projection is for the fields to open on schedule in the spring

·         TDSB will be planting 7 trees along the east perimeter of the pavement


c)       Student Leadership

Student Executive Council is now in place.  They will be running the Haunted House at the Halloween Party and will be starting and Gr 3 Intermural basketball league

d)      Eco School

·         “Eco Warrior” student team is in place.  They will deal with recycling and litter issues in and outside of the school
 
e)      Staffing

·         Interviews have been completed for Mrs. Carter’s leave and Ms. Bansal is the successful candidate.  She has been transitioning into the classroom

·         Interviews will be underway next week for Mrs. Dafos’ leave

·         Mr. Barnes will stay on for the duration of Mme Anna’s leave.

f)       EQAO

·         EQAO results have been discussed among staff

·         Writing will be a the focus for a 6 ½ week educational pathway – this will involve the whole school

g)      Other

·         Mad Science Program has begun at lunch

·         Gr 6 Trip this year will be in conjunction with Owen PS in February. 

·         Family Groups have been implemented to reduce the amount of paper going home.



3.      Budget / Treasurer Report

No change since Sept 27 meeting.  (From Sept 27 Minutes: “opening cash is $3000, Revenue from Pizza lunch currently sits at approx. $11,000”)


4.      Fundraising / Events Update

a)      Spirit Wear

Order period has ended and we will be ordering extra T-shirts to sell at events

b)      Halloween Party

·         There will be a second organization meeting on October 25th at 10 am for those who wish to assist

·         We have had 25 applications for the talent show.  Auditions may be required for some of the acts to be sure they understand what the performance involves


c)       Direct Donation

·         Direct Donation raised $14,464

·         144 out of approx. 198 families participated in the campaign

·         Discussion followed regarding why there is an ‘end’ to the campaign and if donations can be received throughout the year.  Tony Lee (parent coordinator of Direct Donation) indicated to receive a tax receipt from the TDSB we need to have an end date for processing purposes.  Donations past the date directly to RAPT rather than the TDSB are always welcome but will not receive a tax receipt or be eligible for the incentive draw

·         We should look at ways to make it easier for parents to donate throughout the year

d)      Other

·         QSP Magazine Drive has started and will run through to Nov 9

·         No confirmation has been received from Allyson Shaffer regarding a presentation to parents

·         We hope to raise $200 through the Bags2 School program by collecting 150 bags (or 1 tonne) of used textiles

·         Volunteers are looking into venues for February Skating Party

·         Holiday luncheon will occur in Dec.  No date has been set



5.      RAPT Meeting Dates for 2011-12

 Meeting dates for the 2011-12 year have now been set by Council.  They are: November 21, January 19, February 9, April 16 & May 23


6.      Other Business

 There was discussion regarding lunch time program offerings and the possibility of after school programs.  Ms. Adaskin indicated that the after school programs were difficult because of the high number of children who are bused.   Hanna K (parent) offered to look into the program options further.  There was also the suggestion of a Bike Safety workshop for the students.
 

7.      Goodnight - Next RAPT Meeting:  November 21, 6pm


Meeting adjourned at 7:09pm

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Great Job Road Runners!

Our Rippleton Road Runners have had a very successful month. 
In Cross Country we fielded a team of 61 runners with 25 qualifying for the Conference Final at Earl Bales Park, including 3 teams: the Grade 2 Girls, Grade 3 Girls and Grade 6 Girls. At the Conference Meet, 8 students qualified to run in the City Championships at Centennial Park in Etobicoke and represented Rippleton tremendously!

The Boys Slo-Pitch Team has also had a great season so far, winning the Conference Championship and heading to the City Championship this week.

Great Job Road Runners!

Trustee Gershon's Ward Forum: October 27th, Beesborough P.S.

Halloween Bash: October 28th, St.Elizabeth of Hungary Church

The Pre-Sale of Halloween tickets has ended but you can still get tickets at the door.

Planned for this year is 'Rippleton's Got Talent' and lots of fun and games.  Pizza and drinks will be able for purchase at the event.

Thank you to everyone who purchased their tickets in advance.  It looks like it will be a great party.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Agenda for RAPT Meeting: October 20th

Please join us in
the Library at 6pm

1) RAPT Welcome

2) Principal's Report

3) Budget / Treasurer Report

4) Fundraising/Events Update
Halloween Party
Direct
Donation
School Clothing
Future Events

5) RAPT Meeting Dates for 2011-12

6) Goodnight - Next RAPT Meeting:
November
21


(Please refrain from cell phone use during RAPT
meeting)

Friday, October 14, 2011

Minutes

Subject to Approval at Next RAPT Meeting


 

September 27, 2011, 6pm

Library


 

Council Present:    Lucy Nussis, Co-Chair

Buffy Markakos, Co-Chair (until 6:45)

Janin Robertson, Secretary


 

Staff Present:        Susan Adaskin, Principal

Erin Miller, Teacher

Theresa Ryckewaert, Teacher


 

Absent:            Kim Proud, Co-Chair

Brenda Yabrov, Treasurer


 


 


 

  1. RAPT Welcome

Call to Order at 6:06pm


 


 

  1. Principal Update    


 

  1. Sports
  • Grade 5/6 Girls participated in Borden ball yesterday, many for the first time. They won 1 and lost 2 games. Thanks to the volunteer drivers.
  • Boys Baseball Conference Tournament will be held Mid October
  • Cross country – approx. 60 kids going to Qualifying Meet at Earl Bales. Conference Finals will be held on Oct 12 for the top 40 runners from qualifying race. City Championships on Oct 20.


     

  1. School Beautification
  • Field has come a long way. The grass seed did not take as expected so sod will be laid and the field will open on schedule next spring.
  • Relining of parking lot has proven to work a lot better and is safer.
  • Garbage bins have been moved as per Master Plan
  • Teeter totter has been removed 3 times. Ms. Adaskin will be following up on the situation. Perhaps it would be in our best interest to get another piece of equipment.


 

 

  1. Student Leadership

Students are being given leadership opportunities within the school. A group of Junior students are serving as Lunch room ambassadors and there will be a Student executive council. This will consist of 4 gr 6's elected by student body in a simulation of the electoral process. They will be involved in school projects and safety issues.


 

  1. Eco School
  • Rippleton has a Silver Eco Schools status
  • Boomerang lunch has been successful at reducing waste and most of the kinks have been ironed out. There is now a bucket for wet waste and Lunch Lady provides a bin for their waste
  • Looking for an interested parent for the eco school team


 

  1. Fire Drills
  • Two fire drills have been completed. Both under 2 minutes
  • 3rd will come at lunch time next week
  • Lockdown procedures will be practiced in the future


 

  1. EQAO
  • EQAO results have been received and have been viewed generally, not in detail
  • Gr 3 scores show 92% at level 3 and above for reading, 97% for writing, 89% math
  • Gr 6 scores show 79% at level 3 and above for reading, 93% for writing, 76% math
  • This year the EQAO scores for math decreased both Board wide and Province wide
  • Will be looking at scores as a staff. Scores reflect a team effort by the school not necessarily just that grade.


     

  1. Other
  • Curriculum night was a big success with lots of positive feedback from parents
  • We have a new superintendent: Rauda Dickenson. Johanne Messner retired
  • We will try to reduce the amount of paper coming home by looking into family groups
  • Playground hours are be reconsidered based on parent feedback. There may be small changes to closing time after school.


 


 

  1. Budget / Treasurer Report


 

Our opening cash is $3000, Revenue from Pizza lunch currently sits at approx. $11,000. We have made the commitment already to Scientist in the School Program for this school year


 


 

  1. First Week Package


 

  1. Spirit Wear

Questions were raised as to the costs of the clothing. It was explained that it is not a fundraiser and we are not anticipating a noticeable profit from the sales of the clothing. Its purpose is to increase spirit in the school. Pricing reflects small order size and a 3 colour printing process as well as some buffer in case we do not meet the minimum order.


 

  1. Direct Donation

Tony Lee reported that donations have been slow with 62 families having returned their direct donation form so far.


 


 

  1. Follow up on Fundraising Plan


 

  • Halloween Party venue has been booked at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. We have the venue from 4-9 on Oct 28th. Looking for volunteers to assist.
  • We will be participating in the Bags 2 School program this year. Used textiles can be dropped off at the school on Nov 17 and RAPT will be compensated for the donations we collect
  • Questions were raised regarding the Fall Food Drive. The Food Drive was included in the fundraising plan and so it will go forward. A parent volunteer (John) graciously offered to organize it for the following week (before Thanksgiving)


 


 

  1. Elections


 

All positions have been acclaimed for this year. Buffy Markakos has left her position as Co-Chair and Anthony Chien has joined RAPT in that capacity. The 2011-12 RAPT Executive is:


 

Co-Chairs: Anthony Chien, Lucy Nussis, Kim Proud

Treasurer: Brenda Yabrov

Secretary: Janin Robertson


 

  1. RAPT Meeting Dates for 2011-12


 

  • Next meeting will occur Thursday Oct 20 at 6pm in the library
  • Other meetings will be decided at a future date and on a rotating basis between weeknights.


 


 

  1. Other Business


 

We have received the Grant again this year for Allyson Schaffer. We must determine both a date and a topic. November 2, 8 and 10 are possible dates or else we can look into the New Year.


 


 

  1. Goodnight - Next RAPT Meeting: October 20th, 6pm

Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm


 

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Good Luck to all the Cross Country Runners

We have a strong Cross Country team this year that has been working hard for the Qualifying Meet this Thursday. Good Luck to you all - RAPT is very proud of the effort you are putting forth to represent our school. Thank you to the teachers who have done a great job of coaching and to many of the parents who have been coming early to run and to cheer at the practices.

Bags 2 School

RAPT will be participating in a program for the first time called Bags 2 School. We will collect used clothes and textiles which will then be weighed and the school will receive a cheque for our donation.
Our goal is to collect 1 ton which would raise $200 for the school.

We will only have one drop off day: November 17. Bags will be distributed to students prior to this date for collection.

More information can be found at: www.bag2school.com/can

Direct Donation Campaign

We are in the last week of our Direct Donation Campaign and have so far raised only $8100 of our $19,000 goal. Please help us reach our goal and hand in your form this week. We would also encourage those who do not choose to donate to the school this year to hand in the form to let us know you considered the cause and help us attain a 100% response rate.

Did you know that last year we only had a response rate of 62%. This is down from 83% 6 years ago.

Remember, all donations are entered into a draw for an iPod nano and tax receipts will be issued.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Reminder: RAPT Meeting on September 27th

RAPT Meeting Agenda for Sept 27, 2011

Agenda
Agenda for RAPT Meeting: September 27, 2011
Please join us in the Library at 6pm

1) RAPT Welcome

2) Principal's Report

3) Budget / Treasurer Report


4) First Week Package 2011
Direct Donation
School Clothing
Pizza Lunch
Parent Contact Info
Volunteer Form

5) Follow up on Fundraising Plan
Venue bookings (Halloween and skating)
Volunteers required

6) Elections

7) RAPT Meeting Dates for 2011-12

8) Other Business


9) Goodnight - Next RAPT Meeting:


(Please refrain from cell phone use during RAPT meeting)


Saturday, September 17, 2011

Direct Donation Drive

We wish to welcome back existing Rippleton families and send a warm welcome to new families to Rippleton PS. The Rippleton Association of Parents & Teachers known as “R.A.P.T.” is presenting our ANNUAL DIRECT DONATION DRIVE. RAPT asks families to make a one-time donation each year that will directly contribute to the social and educational development of our children. This campaign raises the most money for the benefit of our kids and makes a huge difference in the school. Families will receive a tax receipt for donations over $20.

R.A.P.T.’s goal for the 2011/2012 school year is to raise $19,000 through family donations. In 2010/2011 our fundraising efforts paid for the following activities and purchases for Rippleton Public School:
- Cadence Dance and Ballet Jurgensen Performances
- Scientist in the School
- Classroom Reading Books and Literacy items
- $650 donation per class to be spent on classroom resources to be used for years to come
- Playground improvements
- Water and snacks for Terry Fox Run, Track and Field, Jump rope for Heart etc
- And much more….
The Direct Donation Drive forms were sent home with students on Sept 15. Contact the school office if you did not receive yours.
Thank you for your consideration.

Rippleton Road Runner Spirit Wear



Throughout the year, Rippleton engages in activities that promote school spirit including assemblies, athletic events, school trips and School Spirit days etc. What better way to show that you care about your school than to wear Rippleton Spirit clothing. Our goal is for every student to have a Rippleton t-shirt but we also have other items of clothing and a water bottle for both students and their parents. Please note that this is not a fund raising project - we are solely looking to promote school spirit and unity and that this is a voluntary purchase.

Items Available include:

T-shirt with Rippleton Road Runners logo
Full Zip Hoodie - Logo on left breast
Track Pants – Rippleton PS written down leg
Moisture wicking shorts – Rippleton logo on one leg
Water bottle – Rippleton logo on bottle

We are also offering packages to make your shopping easier!

Offer 1: Purchase T-shirt and Full Zip Hoodie and get a free water bottle
Offer 2: Purchase T-shirt and Track pants and receive a free water bottle

Samples to try for size are available in the School Office

The due date for Spirit Wear orders is Sept 26. Order forms went home with students on Sept 15. Please contact the office if you are miising yours.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Keep enjoying your summer....

.....as school will be here before you know it.  The Back to School sales signs are starting to show up.

Keep your eyes on this blog for information on our Welcome Back Coffee to celebrate the return to school, but until then enjoy the rest of the summer.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Master Plan

Additions to Rippleton's Master Plan continue... 

The parking lot has been relined to improve traffic flow for drop off in the morning making it more efficient, but more importantly, safer for students.

And, this fall, we will receive the addition of seven trees to line the edge of the pavement along the basketball court providing much needed shade.  This is just a small number of the trees that are anticipated in the Master Plan but it is a start and they are being provided by the School Board free of charge.  We will be asking for volunteers to help water the trees next summer to make sure the thrive.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Congratulations Rippleton Track and Field Team

The Rippleton Track and Field Team had an outstanding showing at the City Track and Field Meet.  Five students qualified for the meet after making it through both the Area and Conference Meets.

After 22 years of coaching track and field, Ms. McCormick finally had a student give her a City Championship! and it came in Grade 6 Boys shot put.  Out of the 5 students competing that day, 3 of them had qualified for the shot put - What have we been feeding our kids? :) !

Congratualtions to all the students who showed great sportsmanship at every level.  And a special thank you to Ms. McCormick and the rest of the teachers who helped coach the students before and during school and supervised at the events.

Meeting Minutes: May 31, 2011

Minutes

Subject to Approval at Next RAPT Meeting

 May 31, 2011, 6pm

Library

Council Present:              Kim Proud, Co-Chair

Lucy Nussis, Co-Chair

Brenda Yabrov, Treasurer

Janin Robertson, Secretary



Staff Present:                    Susan Adaskin, Principal

Erin Miller, Teacher

Theresa Ryckewaert, Teacher



Absent:                                                Buffy Markakos, Co-Chair

  

1.       RAPT Welcome

Call to Order at 6:18pm



2.       Principal Update     
 

a)      Items purchased by classroom teachers from RAPT funds

Susan Adaskin presented attendees with a list of items purchased with funds donated by RAPT on a per classroom basis.  This list will be provided as an attachment to this document.



b)      EQAO

·         Grade 6 EQAO will be held on May 31, June 1 & 2 – testing was in progress at the time of meeting.  Feedback was positive

·         Grade 3’s the following week on June 6, 7, and 8



c)       Grade 6

Grade 6 Ottawa trip will occur June 8-10



d)      Trees for School

·         Rippleton has the opportunity to plant 7 new trees at the school at no additional cost to the school or RAPT.  The application is in progress and Susan Adaskin and Brenda Yabrov are in contact with the school board to secure the trees.  These trees will be planted as a part of Toronto’s efforts to increase the canopy of green.

e)      Track Meet

·         Rippleton placed 2nd in our group of schools which is a great achievement.

·         Teachers and Parent volunteers were thanked for their participation.

·         The City conference is coming up – Drivers are desperately needed.



f)       School Grounds

·         It is estimated that the lumber required for the ball hockey arena and tree planters will be approximately $2,000 plus labour.



g)      Other

·         Grade 6 Graduation will be on June 23rd after school.  Scott Morrison from Hockey Night in Canada will address the graduates.  Cake and refreshments will follow

·         Emergency procedures – there are 2 more fire drills to be conducted before the end of school.  The current record for evacuating the building is 1 min, 30 sec.

·         Monday June 27th is play day

·         Volunteer tea – June 15th

·         June 16th – school photo

·         June 29th is the last day of school


3.       Budget / Treasurer Report

There has been no change to our budget since last RAPT Meeting.    It has been decided that we will go ahead with Scientist in the School next year as well as two school performances.  The deposit for next year’s Scientists in the School program is due this month and has been accounted for in this year’s expenditures when estimating the $6,000 balance remaining.  A motion was made and passed to allocate $5,000 to the Master Plan Playground Improvement Fund.



4.       BBQ / Book Fair / Open House


·         The BBQ/Book Fair/Open House was a huge success.  RAPT raised $1622 (after expenses) from this event.


5.       Closing Remarks

 Meeting adjourned at 7:30pm