BIRCHMOUNT PARK COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE

3663 Danforth Ave, Toronto, Ontario M1N 2G2 416-396-6704

July 2017

Dear Birchmount Park C.I. Student:

On behalf of the Birchmount staff, we wish to congratulate you on your various successes this year and we hope that you are having a great summer - you’ve earned it! We look forward to seeing you in September and wish to take this opportunity to remind you of August procedures.

The Birchmount Park school office will open Monday, August 21, 2017. The Guidance Office will be open Monday, August 28thto Wednesday, August 30thto assist students as needed with their timetable. Please note: the School Office will be closed in the afternoon on Friday, September 1st as we complete final preparations for the first day of school.

Tuesday, September 5th is the first day of school and it is a Half Day schedule with dismissal at 12 noon.

Registration Dates

Grade 10, 11 & 12 Wednesday, August 30th

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Grade 9 Thursday, September 1st

Moving on Up: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

School Registration: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Registration Information

The student activity fee for students for the 2017 – 2018 school year is $30.00. The SAC fee is supported by the School Council and helps to fund Birchmount’s extensive co-curricular program. The SAC fee funds clubs, teams, student leadership councils and special events.

In addition, students can purchase a yearbook, student agenda and a school lock.

□Funding for clubs, teams, councils, SAC, athletics, $30.00

□Yearbook$35.00

□Student Agenda$ 5.00

______

Total for full package$70.00

Also included in this package are several forms that for you to review and complete. Completed forms are to be returned to the school on the day of registration. It is essential that all forms be completed fully and accurately in order to ensure the safety of our students and can contact a parent/guardian in the case of an emergency.

Daily Schedule

The day at Birchmount Park begins at 8:50 a.m. and ends at 2:55 p.m. This allows for more time in-class for the hundreds of students involved in co-curricular activities after school.

Caring and Safe Schools

As part of our Caring and Safe School initiatives, students are assigned his/her own locker and a lock. Students must only use the assigned lockers and locks. If a lock other than your assigned lock is found on a locker, it will be cut off. You are reminded not to share your lockers and to keep your combination confidential. You will be held accountable for any item discovered in your locker, even if you say the item belongs to someone else. If at any time you suspect that your locker combination may be known to another student, come to the office and ask to trade for a new lock. There is a bank of lockers in the basement Gym corridor that has been set aside for the use of Physical Education classes and school teams. In order to provide a safe place for storing clothing during classes and practices, it will be necessary for you to purchase or bring a second lock to be used on one of these lockers. Valuables need to be left at home, and possessions should not be left unattended.

Birchmount Park has an onsite School Resource Officer and 2.5 School-Based Safety Monitors to assist everyone with maintaining a safe school environment. Students and their parents / guardians are asked to report safety concerns to the Principal or Vice-Principal so that we can take the appropriate actions. Alternatively, issues of concern can be reported to Crime Stoppers (416) 222-TIPS (8477).

All members of the Birchmount Park school communitymust have a Birchmount Park identification card in their possession at all times. This allows staff to identify an intruder in the building. Students are required to identify themselves to staff when asked, and failure to do so may result in disciplinary action. Students must also have their ID card for a number of school activities, such as signing out materials from the library, writing examinations, attending sporting events, and dances. We wish to thank the parents/guardians for their on-going support of this important initiative.

Student Accident Insurance

At the Toronto District School Board, keeping our students safe is central to all our policies and procedures. We take every precaution to minimize the risk of preventable accident or injury and ensure safe learning environments.But accidents can happen. When they do, injuries may involve medical, dental or other expenses that are not covered by provincial health care or employer group plans. Families may be surprised to find they must pay the cost for: dental expenses resulting from an accident, of crutches, casts, splints or ambulance rides.

TheTDSB does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries that occur on school premises or during school sponsored activities. As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for such expenses, which may result in financial hardship.

Parents and guardians may purchase coverage under an affordable Student Accident Insurance Policy. Participation is voluntary but highly recommended.Choose from a variety of plans and benefits, each with only a single, one-time annual premium per student. You can apply directly on-line at or call Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada toll free at 1-800-463-KIDS (5437).

Setting the Stage for Success

In order to be successful at Birchmount Park, we recommend that students commit themselves to the following:

  • Attend School Regularly. This is vital! Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and to be punctual. Regular classroom attendance and success in school go hand in hand.
  • Involve Yourself in the Life of the School. Join the Student Council! Go to a school event! Co-curricular activities offer students the opportunity to develop important lifelong skills and to meet new friends from all grade levels.
  • Set Personal and Curricular Goals for Your Future. Success comes with motivation. Identify those things, which motivate you. Set short term and long term goals. Plan for your success. Speak with a counsellor for help and direction.
  • Ask for Help. BPCI Teachers, Guidance Counsellors and the Administration are here to assist you.

Please contact the school or a member of the administration team if you have any questions or concerns. We look forward to a great 2017-2018 school year.

Sincerely,

E. Austrom D. Ferrari S. Robertson

Principal Vice-Principal Vice-Principal

Student Surnames A-K Student Surnames L-Z

Note to Parent/Guardian from our School Council Chairs

Birchmount Park’s School Council consists of parents, community representatives, students and school staff. This council provides a valuable link between the school, parents and the community. The first School Council meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 13that 6:45 p.m. in the Library.