All Quadrant Meeting Monday, June 9th, 7 - 8:30 pm at Secord, 101 Barrington Ave.

Everyone is welcome to attend the "All Quadrant Meeting" of Central, Southeast, Southwest and North Schools on Monday, June 9th at 7:00 – 8:30pm, Secord Elementary School, 101 Barrington Ave. (1st street east of Main, south of Danforth – one way street running north)
Daycare will be provided
Agenda:

• Share, Evaluate, Plan Next Steps
• Swimming
• After School Programs
• Eco Initiatives.
  

LEAF Danforth Tree Tour May 24 2008

LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) held a wonderful Tree Tour on Sunday, starting from Woodbine Station and meandering through the leafy neighborhoods of the East End. More than 50 people enjoyed the fantastic weather as Todd Irvine and Susan Gulley from LEAF gave their fascinating and informative tour of trees old and new in our local neighborhood.
For more information about LEAF:
http://www.leaftoronto.org/
For more information about upcoming Tree Tours:
http://www.treetours.to/event
Click on the photo for more pictures of the event.

Earl Beatty's old Oak Tree gets a checkup from LEAF

An arborist from LEAF stopped by our school to have a look at our old oak tree in the little kids' play area on Woodington. He gave us lots of ideas for ways the Eco Team and the school can help keep the tree alive as long as possible.

Click on the photo for more pictures of our visit.

The red oak is possibly as old as the school (80 years!). The leaves seem healthy enough, but some branches are dead or dying, indicating the tree is under stress. Much of the area around the tree is paved, making it difficult for water to reach the roots which may extend from the trunk even beyond the canopy of the branches. The arborist offered many suggestions such as watering with a soaker hose during hot, dry spells in the summer, adding nutrient-rich mulch, and breaking up the soil patches between the paved areas to allow water to seep down to the roots.

Other trees in the schoolyard include a sugar maple and a Turkish filbert. They seem to be thriving and providing us with much-needed shade on the West side of the building. We are fortunate to have so many lovely trees and should do whatever we can to keep them healthy as long as possible.

The TDSB also sent Bruce Day to assess the tree and offer his recommendations. Click the Photo for more pictures.

Jackman School Video Launch: "Raising the Green Roof" Tuesday, June 10 4 pm -- all are welcome!

Historica 2008

Students in Rooms 16 and 21 participated in Historica this year. The Historica Fair is similar to a science fair, but the topics are all Canadian, related to history or heritage. On April 23, we had our School Fair and 10 projects were selected to attend the Regional Fair, held at the Scarborough Civic Centre on May 2. Our projects were well received and demonstrated dedication and attention to detail. Congratulations to all the students who participated in the fairs. Our Regional Fair projects will be on display in the school library. Drop in for a visit!

-Ms Bradbury, Librarian

Honest Earl's Bargain Basement raises $1170 for Schoolyard Greening!!

After weeks of organizing, Honest Earl's Bargain Basement was a big success. On April 25th, the Eco Team and many friends did a brisk, coffee-fuelled business (thanks to Alternative Grounds for the free Fair Trade, Organic coffee!!) and enjoyed delicious baked goods while shopping for great quality, hand-sorted children's clothing and sporting goods. "Personal shoppers" were also on hand to ensure an entertaining shopping experience was had by all.

At the end of the sale, the grand total raised for schoolyard greening was $1170!!!!

But the dividends did not stop there!

The clothing that was leftover went to:

• Red Door Shelter for abused women and their families
• Massey House for young mothers (newborn/baby clothes)
• Ages and Stages for Earl Beatty's Greening Fund

Ages and Stages has set up an account #197 for the EB Eco Team for the schoolyard greening fund. The leftover clothing that went to Nikki's store will continue to generate income for the school's greening fund. Next time you're dropping off used clothing at Nikki's store, consider putting some in the account to raise money for the school.

And finally, the biggest winner is the environment!!
There is no other way to buy greener than to buy second hand.
So thanks, Sheryl, Sheila, Liza, and everyone who helped so much to create this wonderful event. We look forward to doing it again next October.

Click here to read the minutes from the wrap-up brunch meeting about the event.

Click here for more photos from the event.

Community Clean Up April 19th, 2008

Thanks to everyone who came out to help with the 2008 Community Clean Up! Click the photo for some pictures from the event: