Class Parent Handbook 2017/2018

THANK​ ​YOU​ ​FOR​ ​JOINING​ ​US​ ​AS​ ​A​ ​CLASS​ ​PARENT! Class​ ​parents​ ​play​ ​an​ ​essential​ ​role​ ​in​ ​keeping​ ​our​ ​school​ ​community​ ​strong​ ​by​ ​engaging parents​ ​in​ ​their​ ​class​ ​and​ ​keeping​ ​them​ ​updated​ ​on​ ​school​ ​events.​ ​ ​We​ ​are​ ​grateful​ ​for​ ​your help​ ​and​ ​look​ ​forward​ ​to​ ​a​ ​fun​ ​year​ ​ahead.

The​ ​Advancement​ ​Department​ ​is​ ​here​ ​to​ ​support​ ​you​ ​as​ ​you​ ​get​ ​involved​ ​as​ ​a​ ​volunteer​ ​with​ ​your child’s​ ​class.​ ​We​ ​hope​ ​you​ ​will​ ​find​ ​this​ ​handbook​ ​helpful​ ​as​ ​you​ ​move​ ​forward​ ​in​ ​this​ ​key​ ​volunteer role.

In​ ​this​ ​handbook​ ​you​ ​will​ ​find: The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​Parents’​ ​Association​ ​(YPA)

Page​ ​2

The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​International​ ​Parents’​ ​Committee​ ​(YIP)

Page​ ​3

Class​ ​Parent​ ​Responsibilities

Page​ ​4

Class​ ​Parent​ ​Events

Page​ ​6

Community​ ​Events​ ​2017-2018

Page​ ​8

Sample​ ​Emails

Page​ ​10

Advancement​ ​Contact​ ​Information

Page​ ​13

Please​ ​feel​ ​free​ ​to​ ​reach​ ​out​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Advancement​ ​Department​ ​(see​ ​page​ ​12​ ​for​ ​contact​ ​information) with​ ​questions,​ ​comments​ ​or​ ​concerns​ ​at​ ​any​ ​time.

Thank​ ​you!

Deloan​ ​D’sa Advancement​ ​Coordinator,​ ​Community​ ​&​ ​Alumni​ ​Relations The​ ​York​ ​School ddsa@yorkschool.com 416-926-1325​ ​x​ ​1183

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THE​ ​YORK​ ​SCHOOL​ ​PARENTS’​ ​ASSOCIATION​ ​(YPA) All​ ​parents​ ​of​ ​York​ ​School​ ​students​ ​are​ ​members​ ​of​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​Parents’​ ​Association​ ​(YPA).

The​ ​YPA​ ​is​ ​a​ ​volunteer​ ​organization​ ​of​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​whose​ ​goals​ ​are: ● To​ ​promote​ ​a​ ​strong,​ ​cooperative​ ​and​ ​welcoming​ ​parent​ ​community​ ​and​ ​enhance communication​ ​within​ ​the​ ​overall​ ​school​ ​community ● To​ ​conduct​ ​events​ ​that​ ​increase​ ​school​ ​spirit​ ​and​ ​camaraderie ● To​ ​promote​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School’s​ ​objectives​ ​by​ ​encouraging​ ​volunteerism​ ​and​ ​raising​ ​funds​ ​for the​ ​School ● To​ ​support​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School’s​ ​overall​ ​mission​ ​statement The​ ​purpose​ ​of​ ​the​ ​YPA​ ​is​ ​to​ ​help​ ​maintain​ ​a​ ​strong,​ ​cooperative​ ​and​ ​friendly​ ​relationship between​ ​all​ ​parents​ ​and​ ​to​ ​support​ ​the​ ​school’s​ ​overall​ ​mission.​ ​The​ ​YPA​ ​is​ ​the​ ​primary​ ​vehicle​ ​for volunteering​ ​at​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School.

The​ ​YPA​ ​Executive​ ​consists​ ​of​ ​representatives​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Junior,​ ​Middle​ ​and​ ​Senior​ ​Schools​ ​who​ ​meet regularly​ ​to​ ​review​ ​–​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​plan​ ​and​ ​support​ ​–​ ​projects,​ ​activities​ ​and​ ​events​ ​within​ ​the​ ​mandate of​ ​the​ ​YPA​ ​for​ ​the​ ​benefit​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​community.​ ​More​ ​information​ ​can​ ​be​ ​found​ ​at: http://www.yorkschool.com/Page/Support-Us/Volunteers/YPA-Executive The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​Parents’​ ​Association​ ​Executive​ ​(2017-18) Jennifer​ ​Kernaghan President

Cindi​ ​Alexander Vice​ ​President

Jackie​ ​Sklenka Senior​ ​School​ ​Co-Vice​ ​Chair

Keddy​ ​Williams Senior​ ​School​ ​Co-Vice​ ​Chair

Peggy​ ​Gardiner Middle​ ​School​ ​Co-Vice​ ​Chair

Cristina​ ​Sava Middle​ ​School​ ​Co-Vice​ ​Chair

Kate​ ​Corrin Junior​ ​School​ ​Co-Vice​ ​Chair

Lara​ ​Teoli Junior​ ​School​ ​Co-Vice​ ​Chair

Kerstin​ ​Lueck Treasurer

Erin​ ​Iles Communications

Meredith​ ​Gertin Secretary​ ​&​ ​Parent​ ​Ambassador

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THE​ ​YORK​ ​SCHOOL​ ​INTERNATIONAL​ ​PARENTS’​ ​(YIP)​ ​COMMITTEE International​ ​families​ ​are​ ​vital​ ​members​ ​of​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​community.​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​International Parents’​ ​(YIP)​ ​Committee​ ​works​ ​under​ ​the​ ​umbrella​ ​of​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​Parents’​ ​Association​ ​to provide​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​our​ ​school​ ​community​ ​from​ ​outside​ ​Toronto​ ​with​ ​valuable​ ​social​ ​connections​ ​and practical​ ​information​ ​about​ ​their​ ​new​ ​home.

YIP​ ​hosts​ ​regular​ ​coffee​ ​mornings,​ ​in​ ​addition​ ​to​ ​many​ ​other​ ​events,​ ​to​ ​help​ ​with​ ​the​ ​multitude​ ​of questions​ ​that​ ​arise​ ​when​ ​living​ ​somewhere​ ​new.

The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​International​ ​Parents’​ ​Committee​ ​(YIP)​ ​Members Jacque​ ​Bruno Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​USA t:​ ​647-533-3772 e:​​ ​jacquebruno@mac.com

Laurel-Ann​ ​Baker​ ​Cornelli Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​Canada t:​ ​416-480-0117 e:​ ​labaker@mccor.ca

Debbie​ ​Bryane Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​Canada t:​ ​416-236-3997 e:​ ​ddib02@bell.net

Willemijn​ ​van​ ​der​ ​Donk Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​Netherlands t:​ ​437-777-3629 e:​​ ​van.der.donk@planet.nl

Pam​ ​Isaak Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​Canada t:​ ​416-763-2427 e:​ ​pam@upcapital.com

Kerstin​ ​Lueck Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​Germany t:​ ​416-920-8648 e:​ ​chezklueck@yahoo.com

Vicki​ ​McGurgan Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​UK T:​ ​647-330-5920 e:​​ ​vicki@mcgurgan.net

Nancy​ ​Nash Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​Canada t:​ ​416-921-0350 e:​ ​nancybretsennash@gmail.com

Jackie​ ​Sklenka Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​Australia t:​ ​647-238-7331 e:​​ ​jsklenka@hotmail.com

Jo​ ​White Country​ ​of​ ​Origin:​ ​UK t:​ ​647-961-0884 e:​​ ​jwhitetoronto@gmail.com

THE​ ​YORK​ ​SCHOOL​ ​SOCIAL​ ​MEDIA​ ​PAGES ​ ​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School​​ ​ ​ ​&​ ​ ​York​ ​International​ ​Parents ​ ​@theyorkschool ​ ​theyorkschool_gladiators

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CLASS​ ​PARENT​ ​RESPONSIBILITIES Class​ ​Parents​ ​are​ ​the​ ​liaisons​ ​between​ ​the​ ​school​ ​and​ ​the​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​their​ ​class.​ ​Class​ ​Parents​ ​are typically​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​serve​ ​for​ ​one​ ​or​ ​two​ ​years​ ​although​ ​in​ ​some​ ​cases,​ ​parents​ ​may​ ​choose​ ​to​ ​serve for​ ​longer​ ​terms.​ ​Many​ ​Class​ ​Parents​ ​choose​ ​to​ ​work​ ​together​ ​within​ ​their​ ​grade​ ​level​ ​and​ ​divide responsibilities​ ​between​ ​themselves​ ​(i.e.​ ​one​ ​person​ ​is​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​communications,​ ​another serves​ ​as​ ​treasurer​ ​and​ ​others​ ​organize​ ​social​ ​events​ ​and​ ​Treats​ ​for​ ​Teachers.)​ ​Responsibilities include: Communication o Introduce​ ​yourself​ ​to​ ​the​ ​other​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​the​ ​class,​ ​to​ ​the​ ​teachers,​ ​and​ ​act​ ​as​ ​a communications​ ​liaison o Introduce​ ​yourself​ ​to​ ​new​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​your​ ​grade,​ ​both​ ​at​ ​the​ ​start​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​year​ ​and mid-year​ ​transfers​,​ ​and​ ​communicate​ ​to​ ​the​ ​other​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​your​ ​class​ ​when​ ​new​ ​students arrive o Communicate​ ​to​ ​all​ ​parents​ ​of​ ​students​ ​in​ ​the​ ​class​ ​about​ ​appropriate​ ​YPA​ ​ ​and​ ​class​ ​events o Communicate​ ​to​ ​all​ ​parents​ ​of​ ​students​ ​in​ ​the​ ​class​ ​with​ ​regard​ ​to​ ​special​ ​opportunities​ ​for volunteering​ ​(example:​ ​class​ ​trips,​ ​YPA​ ​events).​ ​Our​ ​goal​ ​is​ ​that​ ​these​ ​opportunities​ ​are made​ ​available​ ​to​ ​everyone​ ​—​ ​you​ ​are​ ​not​ ​expected​ ​to​ ​take​ ​it​ ​all​ ​on​ ​yourself. o Email​ ​communications​ ​can​ ​be​ ​conducted​ ​via​ ​YorkNet​ ​or​ ​direct​ ​emails​ ​based​ ​on​ ​which​ ​is more​ ​widely​ ​used​ ​in​ ​your​ ​class. o Sample​ ​emails​ ​are​ ​available​ ​at​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​this​ ​document Events o Organize​ ​volunteers​ ​to​ ​set​ ​up,​ ​take​ ​down​ ​and​ ​support​ ​social​ ​events o Together​ ​with​ ​the​ ​other​ ​class​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​your​ ​grade,​ ​organize​ ​a​ ​Grade​ ​Party​ ​for​ ​parents​ ​in September/​ ​October.​ ​(details​ ​on​ ​Page​ ​5) o Organize​ ​students’​ ​and/or​ ​parents’​ ​social​ ​events​ ​during​ ​the​ ​year.​ ​These​ ​events​ ​can​ ​take place​ ​at​ ​outside​ ​venues​ ​(example:​ ​someone’s​ ​home,​ ​a​ ​restaurant).

Teacher​ ​Recognition​ ​&​ ​Support o

Organize​ ​the​ ​Treats​ ​for​ ​Teachers​ ​and​ ​Staff​ ​morning​ ​designated​ ​for​ ​your​ ​grade​ ​(once​ ​per grade,​ ​per​ ​year)

o

Facilitate,​ ​when​ ​desired,​ ​optional​​ ​holiday​ ​and/or​ ​end-of-year​ ​group​ ​gifts​ ​for​ ​teachers.​ ​This could​ ​be​ ​monetary​ ​or​ ​other.

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o

Junior​ ​School​ ​Class​ ​Parents​ ​often​ ​work​ ​with​ ​their​ ​teachers​ ​to​ ​help​ ​recruit​ ​additional classroom​ ​volunteers​ ​as​ ​needed

Finances o

You​ ​may​ ​choose​ ​to​ ​ask​ ​all​ ​of​ ​the​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​your​ ​class​ ​to​ ​contribute​ ​to​ ​an​ ​optional​ ​class fund.​ ​This​ ​fund​ ​can​ ​be​ ​used​ ​to​ ​pay​ ​for​ ​grade​ ​parties,and/or​ ​other​ ​celebrations​ ​and​ ​group teacher​ ​gifts.​ ​We​ ​have​ ​generally​ ​found​ ​that​ ​this​ ​works​ ​best​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Junior​ ​School​ ​grades.

o

Please​ ​note​ ​that​ ​participation​ ​in​ ​the​ ​class​ ​fund​ ​is​ ​strictly​ ​optional​​ ​for​ ​all​ ​parents,​ ​and​ ​you should​ ​maintain​ ​clear​ ​records​ ​of​ ​these​ ​finances.

o

If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​collecting​ ​money,​ ​a​ ​good​ ​time​ ​for​ ​collection​ ​is​ ​at​ ​the​ ​Class​ ​Party​ ​in​ ​September/ October.​ ​Alternatively,​ ​many​ ​Class​ ​Parents​ ​have​ ​encouraged​ ​parents​ ​wishing​ ​to​ ​contribute to​ ​a​ ​class​ ​fund​ ​to​ ​do​ ​so​ ​via​ ​email​ ​money​ ​transfer​ ​(a​ ​service​ ​offered​ ​by​ ​most​ ​Canadian banks.)

o

Each​ ​class​ ​will​ ​be​ ​given​ ​$100​ ​from​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​Parents’​ ​Association​ ​(YPA)​ ​to​ ​be​ ​used towards​ ​celebrations​ ​or​ ​activities​ ​in​ ​your​ ​class.

o

Please​ ​keep​ ​handy​ ​grade​ ​party​ ​expense​ ​receipts​ ​and​ ​submit​ ​them​ ​to​ ​Deloan​ ​D’sa​ ​for​ ​a reimbursement​ ​of​ ​$100​ ​per​ ​class.

o

Please​ ​also​ ​note​ ​if​ ​you​ ​choose​ ​to​ ​host​ ​events​ ​later​ ​in​ ​the​ ​year​ ​that​ ​have​ ​a​ ​‘per​ ​head’​ ​cost (i.e:​ ​a​ ​bowling​ ​party),​ ​Advancement​ ​can​ ​help​ ​you​ ​set​ ​up​ ​an​ ​online​ ​registration​ ​site​ ​and charge​ ​student​ ​accounts;​ ​Not​ ​all​ ​parties​ ​have​ ​to​ ​be​ ​pre-planned​ ​at​ ​the​ ​beginning​ ​of​ ​the​ ​year.

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CLASS​ ​PARENT​ ​EVENTS Grade​ ​Parent​ ​Parties Class​ ​Parents​ ​in​ ​each​ ​grade​ ​work​ ​together​ ​to​ ​organize​ ​a​ ​Grade​ ​Party.

The​ ​goal​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Grade​ ​Parent​ ​Party​ ​is​ ​to​ ​build​ ​community​ ​and​ ​connections​ ​between​ ​the​ ​parents​ ​in your​ ​Grade.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​intended​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​social​ ​evening,​ ​and​ ​are​ ​typically​ ​held​ ​in​ ​September/​ ​October​ ​to kick-off​ ​the​ ​year​ ​of​ ​events.​ ​Parties​ ​are​ ​often​ ​“pot-luck”​ ​(where​ ​every​ ​parent​ ​brings​ ​a​ ​dish,​ ​a​ ​bottle​ ​of wine​ ​or​ ​supplies​ ​to​ ​the​ ​party)​ ​or,​ ​alternatively,​ ​parents​ ​may​ ​choose​ ​to​ ​contribute​ ​a​ ​set​ ​dollar​ ​amount to​ ​cover​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​food​ ​and​ ​beverages​ ​at​ ​the​ ​party.​ ​They​ ​can​ ​be​ ​held​ ​at​ ​a​ ​home​ ​(your​ ​own​ ​or​ ​at another​ ​parent’s​ ​house),​ ​at​ ​a​ ​restaurant​ ​or​ ​an​ ​event​ ​space.

School​ ​Support​ ​for​ ​Grade​ ​Parties The​ ​Advancement​ ​Department​ ​is​ ​able​ ​to​ ​assist​ ​with​ ​Grade​ ​Parent​ ​Parties.​ ​We​ ​can​ ​help​ ​email your​ ​class​ ​or​ ​grade,​ ​set​ ​up​ ​an​ ​RSVP​ ​system,​ ​and​ ​assist​ ​in​ ​any​ ​other​ ​way​ ​needed.

Treats​ ​for​ ​Teachers​ ​and​ ​Staff Treats​ ​for​ ​Teachers​ ​and​ ​Staff​ ​is​ ​a​ ​much-loved,​ ​annual​ ​tradition.​ ​Each​ ​grade​ ​is​ ​assigned​ ​a​ ​day​ ​when parents​ ​are​ ​encouraged​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​in​ ​snacks​ ​for​ ​all​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school’s​ ​teachers​ ​and​ ​staff​ ​at​ ​the​ ​school.

While​ ​most​ ​parents​ ​take​ ​part​ ​in​ ​this​ ​fun​ ​event,​ ​please​ ​note​ ​that​ ​participation​ ​is​ ​not​ ​mandatory.

Please​ ​also​ ​note​ ​that​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​is​ ​a​ ​NUT-AWARE​ ​school.​ ​Treats​ ​for​ ​special​ ​occasions (including​ ​Treats​ ​for​ ​Teachers​ ​and​ ​Staff)​ ​must​ ​be​ ​presented​ ​in​ ​their​ ​original,​ ​labelled​ ​packages​ ​and state​ ​that​ ​they​ ​are​ ​100%​ ​nut-free​ ​for​ ​the​ ​safety​ ​of​ ​our​ ​students.​ ​Out​ ​of​ ​concern​ ​for​ ​community members​ ​with​ ​life-threatening​ ​allergies,​ ​homemade​ ​treats​ ​cannot​ ​be​ ​be​ ​brought​ ​in​ ​for​ ​Treats​ ​for Teachers​ ​and​ ​Staff.

Class​ ​Parents​ ​are​ ​asked​ ​to​ ​email​ ​reminders​ ​about​ ​the​ ​event​ ​and,​ ​if​ ​possible,​ ​assist​ ​with​ ​setting-up food​ ​on​ ​Treats​ ​for​ ​Teachers​ ​morning.​ ​Many​ ​Class​ ​Parents​ ​have​ ​found​ P ​ erfect​ ​Potluck​​ ​(a​ ​free​ ​online tool)​ ​useful​ ​when​ ​organizing​ ​this​ ​event.

School​ ​Support​ ​for​ ​Treats​ ​for​ ​Teachers​ ​and​ ​Staff The​ ​Advancement​ ​Department​ ​will​ ​provide​ ​plates,​ ​cups,​ ​napkins,​ ​and​ ​a​ ​trolley​ ​to​ ​move​ ​treats from​ ​the​ ​lobby​ ​to​ ​the​ ​staff​ ​room​ ​at​ ​either​ ​the​ ​Junior​ ​and/or​ ​Middle/Senior​ ​School.

Social​ ​Events Class​ ​Parents​ ​are​ ​encouraged​ ​to​ ​create​ ​opportunities​ ​for​ ​the​ ​students​ ​and​ ​parents​ ​in​ ​their​ ​grade​ ​to get​ ​together​ ​socially​ ​outside​ ​the​ ​Grade​ ​Parent​ ​Party.​ ​While​ ​not​ ​mandatory,​ ​many​ ​community members​ ​have​ ​told​ ​us​ ​they​ ​enjoy​ ​these​ ​opportunities​ ​to​ ​get​ ​to​ ​know​ ​their​ ​peers​ ​outside​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school.

Class​ ​Parents​ ​typically​ ​plan​ ​at​ ​least​ ​two​ ​social​ ​events​ ​a​ ​year.

Ideas​ ​for​ ​Parents: ● Lunch​ ​or​ ​dinner​ ​out​ ​at​ ​a​ ​restaurant ● Group​ ​walks ● Speakers ● Wine​ ​tasting

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●

Cocktail​ ​parties​ ​at​ ​home

Ideas​ ​for​ ​Students: ● Family​ ​bowling​ ​day ● Parties​ ​in​ ​the​ ​classroom​ ​on​ ​special​ ​occasions​ ​(i.e.​ ​Valentine’s​ ​Day) ● Skating ● Games​ ​Night Class​ ​Parents​ ​in​ ​each​ ​grade​ ​are​ ​encouraged​ ​to​ ​work​ ​together​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​consistency​ ​between​ ​the classes​ ​(example:​ ​if​ ​one​ ​class​ ​in​ ​a​ ​grade​ ​holds​ ​a​ ​pizza​ ​party​ ​in​ ​their​ ​classroom​ ​every​ ​month​ ​while​ ​the others​ ​do​ ​not,​ ​students​ ​in​ ​the​ ​other​ ​classes​ ​may​ ​feel​ ​left​ ​out.)

School​ ​Support​ ​for​ ​Social​ ​Events The​ ​Advancement​ ​Department​ ​can​ ​provide​ ​assistance​ ​for​ ​social​ ​events​ ​held.​ ​We​ ​can​ ​help email​ ​your​ ​class​ ​or​ ​grade,​ ​set​ ​up​ ​an​ ​RSVP​ ​system,​ ​and​ ​send​ ​a​ ​survey​ ​to​ ​the​ ​parents​ ​or students.

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COMMUNITY​ ​EVENTS​ ​2017-2018 In​ ​addition​ ​to​ ​the​ ​events​ ​listed​ ​below​ ​(all​ ​of​ ​which​ ​are​ ​run​ ​by​ ​parent​ ​volunteers​ ​with​ ​support​ ​from​ ​the Advancement​ ​team),​ ​the​ ​school​ ​also​ ​hosts​ ​other​ ​community​ ​events​ ​which​ ​are​ ​listed​ ​on​ ​the​ s​ chool’s online​ ​calendar​.

CLASS​ ​PARENT​ ​MEETINGS Date

Time

Meeting

Tuesday,​ ​September​ ​19,​ ​2017

8:50​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​10:00​ ​a.m. Junior​ ​School​ ​Class​ ​Parent​ ​Orientation

Thursday,​ ​February​ ​8,​ ​2018

8:30​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​9:30​ ​a.m.

Wednesday,​ ​September​ ​20,​ ​2017 Friday,​ ​February​ ​9,​ ​2018

8:50​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​10:00​ ​a.m. Middle​ ​&​ ​Senior​ ​School​ ​Class​ ​Parent​ ​Orientation 8:30​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​9:30​ ​a.m.

Junior​ ​School​ ​Class​ ​Parent​ ​Meeting

Middle​ ​&​ ​Senior​ ​School​ ​Class​ ​Parent​ ​Meeting

YPA​ ​COFFEE​ ​CONNECTS

YPA​ ​Coffee​ ​Connects​ ​are​ ​open​ ​to​ ​all​ ​parents.​ ​They​ ​are​ ​a​ ​casual​ ​get-together​ ​to​ ​discuss​ ​upcoming events​ ​and​ ​volunteer​ ​needs.​ ​We​ ​often​ ​have​ ​a​ ​guest​ ​speaker​ ​join​ ​us​ ​to​ ​share​ ​on​ ​a​ ​specific​ ​topic related​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school​ ​or​ ​our​ ​students.

Date

Time

Friday,​ ​September​ ​8,​ ​2017

8:30​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​10:00​ ​a.m.

Friday,​ ​November​ ​24​ ​2017

8:30​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​10:00​ ​a.m.

Friday,​ ​October​ ​27,​ ​2017

Friday,​ ​January​ ​19,​ ​2018 Friday,​ ​April​ ​13,​ ​2018

8:30​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​10:00​ ​a.m.

8:30​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​10:00​ ​a.m.

8:30​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​10:00​ ​a.m.

YPA​ ​BOOK​ ​CLUB Future​ ​YPA​ ​Book​ ​Club​ ​dates​ ​will​ ​be​ ​advertised​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Friday​ ​Flash.

Date

Event

Tuesday,​ ​October​ ​17,​ ​2017 YPA​ ​Special​ ​Initiative​ ​-​ ​Julie​ ​Lycott-Haims (Speaker)

Time 6:30​ ​p.m.​ ​-​ ​9”00​ ​p.m.

YPA​ ​ANNUAL​ ​GENERAL​ ​MEETING Date Friday,​ ​June​ ​8,​ ​2018

Time 8:50​ ​a.m.​ ​–​ ​10:00​ ​a.m.

Location Junior​ ​School​ ​Cafeteria

TREATS​ ​FOR​ ​TEACHERS​ ​&​ ​STAFF Dates Friday,​ ​October​ ​13,​ ​2017 Friday,​ ​December​ ​8,​ ​2017 February​ ​2,​ ​2018

Junior​ ​School Grades​ ​1​ ​&​ ​2 JK​ ​&​ ​SK Grade​ ​3

Middle/Senior​ ​School Grades​ ​6​ ​&​ ​12 Grade​ ​9 Grade​ ​7

8

Friday,​ ​March​ ​2,​ ​2018 Friday,​ ​May​ ​25,​ ​2018

Grade​ ​4 Grade​ ​5

Grade​ ​10 Grades​ ​8​ ​&​ ​11

VOLUNTEER​ ​EVENTS Date Friday,​ ​October​ ​20,​ ​2017

Tuesday,​ ​October​ ​31,​ ​2017 Thursday,​ ​February​ ​22 &​ ​Friday,​ ​February​ ​23,​ ​2018

Time Event 4:00​ ​p.m.​ ​-​ ​6:00​ ​p.m. Middle​ S ​ chool​ ​Movie​ ​Night 1:00​ ​p.m.​ ​-​ ​3:00​ ​p.m. Halloween​ ​Party 7:30​ ​a.m.​ ​-​ ​8:30​ ​a.m. Pancake​ ​Breakfast

Wednesday,​ ​February​ ​28,​ ​2018 6:00​ ​p.m.​ ​-​ ​8:00​ ​p.m. Middle​ ​School​ ​Games​ ​Night Tuesday,​ ​March​ ​27,​ ​2018 Wednesday,​ ​March​ ​28,​ ​2018 Thursday,​ ​March​ ​29,​ ​2018 Friday,​ ​April​ ​20,​ ​2018 Thursday,​ ​April​ ​24,​ ​2018 Friday,​ ​June​ ​1,​ ​2018

3:30​ ​p.m.​ ​-​ ​4:30​ ​p.m. JK​ ​&​ ​SK​ ​Social​ ​Night 3:45​ ​p.m.​ ​-​ ​4:45​ ​p.m. Grade​ ​1​ ​&​ ​2​ ​Social​ ​Night 6:00​ ​p.m.​ ​-​ ​9:00​ ​p.m. Grades​ ​3​ ​-​ ​5​ ​Social​ ​Night 8:30​ ​a.m.​ ​-​ ​3:30​ ​p.m. Grandpals​ ​&​ ​Special​ ​Friends​ ​Day 3:00​ ​p.m.​ ​-​ ​6:00​ ​p.m. Secondhand​ ​Uniform​ ​Sale 7:00​ ​p.m.​ ​-​ ​11:00​ ​p.m. 2017​ ​Graduation​ ​Dinner

School Middle​ ​School Junior​ ​School Junior​ ​School

Middle​ ​School

Junior​ ​School Junior​ ​School Junior​ ​School JK,​ ​SK,​ ​Grades​ ​1​ ​&​ ​2 Whole​ ​School Grade​ ​12

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SAMPLE​ ​EMAILS

Here​ ​are​ ​some​ ​sample​ ​email​ ​templates​ ​that​ ​you​ ​may​ ​find​ ​useful​ ​this​ ​year.

These​ ​are​ ​meant​ ​as​ ​a​ ​guide​ ​but​ ​feel​ ​free​ ​to​ ​edit​ ​them​ ​or​ ​create​ ​your​ ​own​ ​as​ ​you​ ​wish.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​just​ ​a sampling​ ​as​ ​there​ ​will​ ​be​ ​other​ ​occasions​ ​to​ ​send​ ​emails​ ​other​ ​than​ ​the​ ​ones​ ​listed.

1.​ ​Introductory​ ​Email​ ​at​ ​start​ ​of​ ​year: Hi​ ​<​insert​ ​class>​ ​Parents, It's​ ​hard​ ​to​ ​believe​ ​that​ ​we​ ​are​ ​already​ ​at​ ​the​ ​end​ ​of​ ​September.​ ​The​ ​weeks​ ​have​ ​been​ ​flying​ ​by!

We​ ​welcome​ ​back​ ​returning​ ​families​ ​and​ ​extend​ ​special​ ​greetings​ ​to​ ​new​ ​families​ ​to​ ​The​ ​York School.​ ​Don’t​ ​hesitate​ ​to​ ​let​ ​us​ ​know​ ​if​ ​you​ ​have​ ​any​ ​questions​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​year.

As​ ​your​ ​<​insert​ ​class>​ ​Class​ ​Parents,​ ​we​ ​are​ ​working​ ​on​ ​a​ ​number​ ​of​ ​class​ ​and​ ​school-wide events.​ ​We​ ​hope​ ​we​ ​can​ ​count​ ​on​ ​you​ ​to​ ​join​ ​us​ ​at​ ​as​ ​many​ ​as​ ​possible.

We​ ​have​ ​summarized​ ​the​ ​dates​ ​for​ ​October​ ​below.​ ​The​ ​most​ ​accurate​ ​information​ ​is​ ​found​ ​in​ ​the Friday​ ​Flash,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​THE​​ ​source​ ​of​ ​all​ ​events​ ​and​ ​dates.​ ​You​ ​may​ ​also​ ​find​ ​it​ ​useful,​ ​if​ ​you haven't​ ​already​ ​done​ ​so,​ ​to​ ​subscribe​ ​to​ ​your​ ​applicable​ ​RSS​ ​and/or​ ​iCal​ ​feeds​ ​through​ ​the Parent​ ​Portal​ ​of​ ​the​ ​school​ ​website​ ​so​ ​that​ ​the​ ​school​ ​calendar​ ​is​ ​at​ ​hand​ ​electronically​ ​for​ ​your convenience.

Grade​ ​Party​ ​for​ ​Parents​ ​-​ ​Some​ ​Details The​ ​combined​ ​classes,​ ​parents​ ​only​ ​Grade​ ​Party,​ ​will​ ​be​ ​held​ ​on​ ​the​ ​evening​ ​of​ < ​ ​insert​ ​date>​.

Family​ ​<x>​has​ ​very​ ​graciously​ ​offered​ ​their​ ​home​ ​as​ ​the​ ​venue,​<​insert​ ​address>​.​ ​The​ ​purpose​ ​of this​ ​evening​ ​is​ ​for​ ​us​ ​parents​ ​to​ ​connect​ ​after​ ​a​ ​long​ ​summer​ ​break​ ​and​ ​to​ ​welcome​ ​new​ ​York parents​ ​to​ ​our​ ​Grade’s​ ​community.​ ​It​ ​will​ ​be​ ​a​ ​great​ ​night​ ​and​ ​we​ ​hope​ ​as​ ​many​ ​of​ ​you​ ​as possible​ ​can​ ​attend.​ ​Keep​ ​an​ ​eye​ ​out​ ​for​ ​an​ ​Evite​ ​to​ ​be​ ​sent​ ​soon.​ ​This​ ​will​ ​be​ ​a​ < ​ ​insert​ ​either pot-luck​ ​or​ ​catered​ ​event​.> Quick​ ​Reference​ ​Calendar​ ​–​ ​October​ ​2017 <You​ ​may​ ​want​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​a​ ​short​ ​list​ ​of​ ​events​ ​here​ ​or​ ​provide​ ​a​ ​link​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Friday​ ​Flash> Thank​ ​you​ ​and​ ​we​ ​look​ ​forward​ ​to​ ​working​ ​with​ ​you​ ​and​ ​the​ ​classroom​ ​this​ ​year!

Your​ ​Class​ ​Parents, <include​ ​contact​ ​information>

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2.​ ​Solicitation​ ​Email​ ​for​ ​Class​ ​Gifts​ ​and​ ​Celebrations​ ​Contributions: Please​ ​know​ ​solicitation​ ​for​ ​gifts​ ​is​ ​optional.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​an​ ​example​ ​from​ ​past​ ​years.

Hello, As​ ​Class​ ​Parents​ ​we​ ​will​ ​be​ ​organising​ ​the​ ​collection​ ​of​ ​optional​ ​holiday​ ​and​ ​end-of-year​ ​gifts​ ​for teachers​ ​from​ ​those​ ​families​ ​who​ ​wish​ ​to​ ​participate​ ​in​ ​group​ ​gifts.​ ​We​ ​are​ ​hoping​ ​to acknowledge​ ​the​ ​hard​ ​work​ ​and​ ​support​ ​of​ ​our​ ​teachers​ ​on​ ​both​ ​of​ ​these​ ​occasions.​ ​Given​ ​past experience,​ ​it​ ​seems​ ​the​ ​best​ ​way​ ​to​ ​do​ ​this​ ​is​ ​by​ ​collecting​ ​funds​ ​from​ ​families​ ​at​ ​the​ ​beginning of​ ​the​ ​year.​ ​This​ ​money​ ​would​ ​allow​ ​us​ ​to​ ​divide​ ​it​ ​up​ ​to​ ​purchase​ ​gift​ ​certificates​ ​on​ ​behalf​ ​of​ ​all participating​ ​children​ ​in​ ​the​ ​class​ ​for​ ​the​ ​teachers.

We​ ​are​ ​proposing​ ​to​ ​collect​ ​$​<XXX>​​ ​from​ ​all​ ​families​ ​at​ ​this​ ​time,​ ​which​ ​would​ ​cover​ ​the​ ​costs​ ​of: both​ ​holiday​ ​and​ ​end-of-year​ ​gifts,​ ​and​ ​some​ ​in-class​ ​celebrations​ ​during​ ​the​ ​school​ ​year. <insert​ ​here​ ​the​ ​breakdown​ ​of​ ​dollar​ ​amount​ ​collected> Please​ ​note​ ​this​ ​is​ ​completely​ ​voluntary​ ​and​ ​if​ ​you​ ​do​ ​not​ ​wish​ ​to​ ​participate​ ​you​ ​do​ ​not​ ​have​ ​to.

We​ ​have​ ​found,​ ​however,​ ​that​ ​this​ ​makes​ ​it​ ​much​ ​easier​ ​for​ ​all​ ​families​ ​when​ ​trying​ ​to​ ​determine how​ ​to​ ​show​ ​appreciation​ ​for​ ​the​ ​teachers.​ ​As​ ​Class​ ​Parents,​ ​we​ ​will​ ​take​ ​care​ ​of​ ​purchasing​ ​the gifts​ ​and​ ​organizing​ ​the​ ​cards​ ​signed​ ​by​ ​participating​ ​students.

If​ ​you​ ​are​ ​interested​ ​in​ ​participating​ ​please​ ​follow​ ​the​ ​steps​ ​below. a. Email​ ​Transfer​ ​(prefered​ ​method) a. Most​ ​major​ ​Canadian​ ​banks​ ​allow​ ​for​ ​email​ ​money​ ​transfers b. In​ ​this​ ​case,​ ​Class​ ​Parents​ ​(or​ ​the​ ​person​ ​acting​ ​in​ ​the​ ​treasurer​ ​role)​ ​should communicate​ ​the​ ​email​ ​address​ ​to​ ​which​ ​transfers​ ​should​ ​be​ ​sent​ ​and​ ​note​ ​their preferred​ ​security​ ​question c. Parents​ ​should​ ​be​ ​encouraged​ ​to​ ​send​ ​an​ ​email​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Class​ ​Parent​ ​or​ ​treasurer advising​ ​them​ ​when​ ​an​ ​email​ ​transfer​ ​has​ ​been​ ​sent​ ​-​ ​there​ ​can​ ​often​ ​be​ ​a​ ​delay​ ​of a​ ​few​ ​hours​ ​between​ ​when​ ​a​ ​transfer​ ​is​ ​sent​ ​and​ ​when​ ​it​ ​is​ ​received​ ​in​ ​the recipient’s​ ​email​ ​inbox. b. Cash/​ ​Cheque​ ​Collection a. Leave​ ​a​ ​sealed​​ ​envelope​ ​with​ ​your​ ​full​ ​name(from),​ ​the​ ​Class​ ​Parent​ ​responsible for​ ​collection(to)​ ​and​ ​the​ ​grade​ ​the​ ​funds​ ​are​ ​for​ ​at​ ​the​ ​reception.​ ​Please​ ​note​ ​that, for​ ​security​ ​reasons,​ ​envelopes​ ​can​ ​not​ ​be​ ​accepted​ ​by​ ​receptionists​ ​in​ ​any​ ​other format. b. The​ ​Class​ ​Parent​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​collecting​ ​funds​ ​will​ ​receive​ ​an​ ​email​ ​from​ ​staff​ ​to pick​ ​up​ ​the​ ​sealed​ ​envelopes​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Advancement​ ​Office​ ​or​ ​the​ ​Junior​ ​School reception.

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Your​ ​Class​ ​Parents, <include​ ​contact​ ​information> 3.​ ​Email​ ​to​ ​Parents​ ​for​ ​Treats​ ​for​ ​Teachers​ ​and​ ​Staff: Dear​ ​Parents, Every​ ​year,​ ​The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​parents​ ​have​ ​graciously​ ​shown​ ​their​ ​support​ ​and​ ​thanks​ ​for​ ​the teachers​ ​and​ ​staff​ ​by​ ​making​ ​an​ ​amazing​ ​array​ ​of​ ​desserts​ ​and​ ​savoury​ ​treats​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​in​ ​and share.​ ​<Insert​ ​date>​ ​is​ ​our​ ​turn!

If​ ​you​ ​would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​be​ ​part​ ​of​ ​this​ ​tradition​ ​and​ ​bring​ ​in​ ​a​ ​treat​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Junior​ ​School​,​ ​please​ ​drop​ ​it off​ ​at​ ​the​ ​Junior​ ​School​ ​reception​ ​desk​ ​on​ ​the​ ​morning​ ​of​ ​<​date>​,​ ​any​ ​time​ ​after​ ​8:00​ ​a.m.

Similarly,​ ​if​ ​you​ ​would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​bring​ ​in​ ​a​ ​treat​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Middle​ ​Senior​ ​School​,​ ​please​ ​drop​ ​it​ ​off​ ​at​ ​the Middle​ ​Senior​ ​School​ ​reception​ ​desk​ ​on​ ​the​ ​morning​ ​of​ ​<​date>​,​ ​any​ ​time​ ​after​ ​8:00​ ​a.m.

Homemade​ ​treats​ ​can​ ​no​ ​longer​ ​be​ ​brought​ ​in​ ​for​ ​Treats​ ​for​ ​Teachers​ ​and​ ​Staff.​ ​Please​ ​note, The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​is​ ​NUT-AWARE​ ​and​ ​treats​ ​for​ ​special​ ​occasions​ ​must​ ​be​ ​in​ ​enclosed​ ​packages with​ ​labels,​ ​and​ ​preferably​ ​state​ ​nut​ ​free.​ ​The​ ​Nut-Aware​ ​policy​ ​has​ ​been​ ​expanded​ ​and​ ​is available​ ​on​ ​YorkNet https://yorkschool.myschoolapp.com/ftpimages/353/download/download_1536497.pdf​​ ​along​ ​with the​ ​list​ ​of​ ​nut-free​ ​bakeries.

There​ ​are​ ​40​ ​staff​ ​at​ ​the​ ​Junior​ ​School​ ​and​ ​90​ ​at​ ​the​ ​Middle​ ​Senior​ ​School​ ​who​ ​will​ ​enjoy​ ​the goodies.​ ​If​ ​you​ ​have​ ​any​ ​questions,​ ​please​ ​contact​ ​any​ ​of​ ​us,​ ​your​ ​Class​ ​Parents.

Your​ ​Class​ ​Parents, <include​ ​contact​ ​information> 4.​ ​Volunteer​ ​Solicitation: Dear​ ​Parents, The​ ​York​ ​School​ ​Parents’​ ​Association​ ​is​ ​hosting​ < ​ insert​ ​event​ ​name>​​ ​on​ ​<insert​ ​event​ ​date​ ​& time>​.​ ​They​ ​are​ ​looking​ ​for​ ​a​ ​few​ ​helping​ ​hands​ ​to​ ​assist​ ​with​​ ​<insert​ ​brief​ ​volunteer responsibilities>​.​ ​Please​ ​contact​ ​ypa@yorkschool.com​​ ​or​ ​myself​ ​if​ ​you​ ​are​ ​interested​ ​in volunteering.

Your​ ​Class​ ​Parents, <include​ ​contact​ ​information>

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CONTACT​ ​INFORMATION Our​ ​volunteers​ ​are​ ​a​ ​huge​ ​asset​ ​to​ ​the​ ​school,​ ​and​ ​we​ ​are​ ​here​ ​to​ ​support​ ​you!

ADVANCEMENT​ ​TEAM​ ​MEMBERS: Praveen​ ​Muruganandan Director​ ​of​ ​Admission​ ​and​ ​Advancement pmuruganandan@yorkschool.com 416.926.1325​ ​Ext.​ ​1129 Rachel​ ​Keeling Associate​ ​Director,​ ​Annual​ ​Giving rkeeling@yorkschool.com 416-926-1325​ ​ext.​ ​1189 Beata​ ​Fabrikant Advancement​ ​and​ ​Campaign​ ​Assistant bfabrikant@yorkschool.com 416.926.1325​ ​ext.​ ​1230 Deloan​ ​D’sa Advancement​ ​Coordinator,​ ​Community​ ​&​ ​Alumni​ ​Relations ddsa@yorkschool.com 416.926.1325​ ​ext.​ ​1183

Advancement​ ​Department The​ ​York​ ​School 1320​ ​Yonge​ ​St. Toronto,​ ​ON​ ​M4T​ ​1X2 416.926.1325​ ​ext.1183 advancement@yorkschool.com

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