September 2015

September 2015 see inside

90+

TOP RANKED SCHOOLS

10 Tips for a Successful School Year PG 3

Keep School Lunches on Budget PG 4

Recipe: Avocado Hummus and Pita Chips PG 4

Where to Go Apple Picking in the GTA PG 5

September Events PG 6-7

2015 Agricultural Fairs PG 8

Do You Need a Tutor This Year? PG 9

Best Back to School Books PG 10

Time for Preschool? Ages 1-5 Years Flexible Scheduling Extended Hours

Visitors Welcome!

Northwood Montessori

Plus!

•• Parent Parent & & Tot Tot •• Toddlers Toddlers •• Preschool Preschool •• Kindergarten Kindergarten The Academic Advantages of Montessori plus the Fun of Bilingual E.C.E. Enrichment plus the Helpful Conveniences of Day Care.

Finch Campus • 1080 Finch Avenue East • 416-492-9495 www.northwoodmontessori.ca

Est. 1989

newmarket & aurora

Buy and sell in your neighbourhood. Leather Purse 4 $ 50

4

Mixer $ 60

Vintage Chairs 4 $ 50

Kids Car 4 $ 20

Download the Tradyo app for FREE.

2 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2015

TORONTO

KIDS &

feature | back to school buzz

5 new school year

tips for a successful

publisher IAN PROUDFOOT toronto general manager JOHN WILLEMS director of advertising CHERYL PHILLIPS sales team lead GEORGE AGELOPOULOS regional director of operations BARRY BLACK director of circulation MIKE BANVILLE regional director of production and creative services KATHERINE PORCHERON features writers TASHA ZANIN SARAH LENNOX cover design KIMBERLY FONG

Set the stage at home for a successful school year. Here are 10 tips to equip your kids with everything they need to start the school year off right! Organize your schedule Organize your schedule with a time management chart, scheduling in study and homework time, school meetings, projects and tests. If you hate paper, use an app instead. Enforce healthy habits Kids can’t perform well when they don’t feel their best. To do well in school, follow healthy habits at home: proper sleep, healthy eating and exercise. Stick to your routine Kids thrive on structure and routine. Stick to your daily routine so your child knows what to expect. If their day is planned out from wake up to bedtime and all steps in between, it provides a sense of comfort. Create a “launch pad” Have a single place to put backpacks,

175 GORDON BAKER ROAD, TORONTO, ONTARIO M2H 0A2 TELEPHONE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 416.493.4400 Toronto Kids & Families is published monthly. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may by reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher. Toronto Kids is in full compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Call 416-493-4400 for more information.

TORONTO

coats, shoes, lunch boxes, sports equipment, and school projects. Kids will find everything easily each day when they head to school. Designate a homework space Kids should have a designated desk or table just like at school, with plenty of light, supplies, and resources. Many classrooms are decorated with educational décor and bright colours, so carrying that theme home in a designated homework area makes it easier for children to complete assignments outside of the classroom. Encourage reading Reading is the gateway to all kinds of learning. The more your child reads, the better chance she has of becoming a proficient reader, which improves overall performance in school. Talk often Keep the lines of communication open with your child about his classroom, teacher and friends. Let your child express anxieties, excitements, or disappointments about each day. Provide continued support and encourage all his achievements and efforts. Get involved Extend your support to your child’s school. Meet teachers regularly to address concerns as they arise. Get involved in PTA meetings and school field trips when possible. Set goals Teach your child to set real-

TDSB

Important Dates First day of classes for all students is Sep. 8

Thanksgiving: Oct. 12

Board-wide PA Day: Nov. 13 Christmas Break:

Dec. 18 to Jan. 4

Elementary PA Day: Jan 22 Secondary PA Day: Feb. 3

Board-wide PA Day: Feb 12 Family Day: Feb. 15

March Break: Mar. 14 to 18 Good Friday: Mar. 25

Easter Monday: Mar. 28 Victoria Day: May 23

Elementary PA Day: Jun. 10 Last day of class for elementary: Jun. 29

Last day of class for secondary (full-year): Jun. 27

Last day of class for secondary (semestered): Jun. 28

istic goals for the school year and make a list of what they want to achieve. They will learn how to work to achieve their best. When their goals are reached, it will give kids a sense of accomplishment. Be there to provide guidance and support when there are shortfalls or obstacles. After-school and weekend programs Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities. It’s a great way for children to develop their talents and interests, build conﬁdence, experience success, and meet friends. Here’s to a great school year! — www.Toronto4Kids.com

KIDS &

Interested in advertising with us? To book an ad, contact the

Toronto Kids & Family Advertising Team 416-493-4400 TORONTO KIDS - September 2015 | 3

4school lunches

feature | back to school buzz

simple tips for budget-friendly

Packing a lunch for your kids can be a delicate balance of creating something that tastes good, is healthy and nutritious. But meeting all of these criteria doesn’t have to break the bank. Follow these tips and tricks to create an easy-to-make, affordable and delicious school lunch for your little ones: Pack smart Instead of putting each snack into different baggies, which can get expensive fast, group foods together in glass or plastic containers for a bento boxstyle lunch. Keep cool Freezing your kids’ favourite juice or a large wa-

ter bottle is a smart way to keep a lunch bag cool without investing in an icepack. The best part is that by lunch time, it’ll be thawed out and ready for drinking. Get creative with leftovers Making use of leftovers from last night can be a great way to minimize waste and This fun, healthy and wallet-friendly lunch is perfect to make for your kids to stay on keep lunches interest- budget and keep them fuelled for the whole day. ing. Try using leftover roasted chicken for a Ingredients: Directions: fun Mexican-style bur1. In a blender, combine chickpeas, tahini, garlic, • 1 avocado rito or quesadilla. lemon juice, salt, pepper and avocado (pitted). • 1 can chickpeas Go techy 2. Drizzle in olive oil until the mixture comes to• 2 teaspoons tahini Check for savings on gether and is smooth and creamy. • 1 glove garlic lunch box items by using apps 3. Brush pita with olive oil and sprinkle with paprika • 6 tablespoons olive oil for grocery stores and local couand salt and pepper. • 1 tablespoon lemon juice pons. This will help save on paper 4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until crispy. Once cooled, • 1 large pita and money! slice into triangles. • 1 teaspoon paprika — www.newscanada.com — www.newscanada.com • Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe:

Avocado Hummus and Spiced Pita Chips

discover

develop

New steps towards a smoke-free Ontario As of January 1, 2015, it is now illegal to: • smoke on bar and restaurant patios • sell tobacco on college and university campuses • smoke near children’s playgrounds and public sports ﬁelds and surfaces.

ontario.ca/smokefree

thr ve

Montcrest School www.montcrest.on.ca

4 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2015

fall fun | apple picking

Apple picking

in the GTA The nights are beginning to have a cool crisp breeze in the air, the leaves will soon be changing their colours and the days are getting shorter — all signs of the start of a favourite season here in the GTA. Though the dog days of summer will be missed, with fall comes many great things like fairs, breathtaking foliage, cozy sweaters and apples! What better way to mark the start of the fall harvest than to go apple picking with the kids. Many farms around the city offer pick-your-own fruit. While you’re there, don’t forget to try a warm apple cider doughnut or take a tractor ride. Where to pick your own apples in the GTA: Berryview Farms 905-838-4777 Berryview Farms is a family-owned and -operated apple orchard conveniently located in Caledon (just minutes north of Brampton) and about a half hour from most of the Greater Toronto Area. Berryview grows 13 popular varieties of apples. The choice is yours: you can stop in and make it a family event to remember by picking your own apples, or choose from the pre-picked apples on hand. www.berryviewfarm.com Brooks Farms 905-473-3920 Brooks Farms in Mount Albert has apple picking starting early September. The highlight of a visit to this farm is the Fall Fun Festival open weekends and Thanksgiving Monday starting September 6. Kids can enjoy train rides, wagon rides, zip lines, a pumpkin cannon show, Sue Wee pig races, farm animals, a pirate ship, bouncing ponies, a playhouse, slides

hosted by

CONSIDERING PRIVATE SCHOOL?

THE MUST-ATTEND EVENT FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS

and much more. www.brooksfarms.com Chudleigh’s 905-878-2725 Chudleigh’s in Milton has apple picking starting late in August but most crops are available in September right up until October. The farm offers over 20 varieties of apples. There is a children’s play area, animal petting/observation areas and farm entertainment. www.chudleighs.com Pingle’s Farm Market 905-725 6089 Pingle’s Farm Market in Hampton has pick your own apples starting the second weekend in September. Fun Fall weekends take place from September to October. The Fun Farm includes: visit with the farm animals, bunnyville, barn bouncer, mini-golf, giant sandbox, straw maze, giant games and more. www.pinglesfarmmarket.com Albion Orchards 905-584-0354 Albion Orchards is located in Caledon and apple picking starts at the end of August. You can choose from over 20 varieties of apples. www.albionorchards.com Watson Farms 905-623-9109 Watson Farms in Bowmanville has pick-yourown apples starting early September. Tractor rides run on weekends and holidays only. www.watsonfarms.ca — www.Toronto4Kids.com

Toronto Expo October 17 Roy Thomson Hall

Halton-Peel Expo October 18 Oakville Conference Centre

YOU’RE INVITED RSVP AT OURKIDS.NET/EXPO FOR 50% OFF TICKETS

sponsors

VALENTIN & BLACKSTOCK

PSYCHOLOGY

TORONTO KIDS - September 2015 | 5

upcoming events Tea and Tour Sundays at Gibson House Relax and have a chat over tea and homemade cookies. Enjoy a tour of the lovely, 1850s farmhouse. Included with regular admission. Sundays in September Gibson House 5172 Yonge St. www.toronto.ca/museum-events Junior Jays Saturdays Bring your family to the ballpark every Saturday home game for Jr. Jays Saturdays presented by Boston Pizza. Kids can visit the Jr. Jays zones located at sections 127, 237, 239, the 200 level outfield and section 536 to take part in many fun activities. Kids 14 and under can line up at sections 108, 208 and 508 to run the bases just like the pros after the game. Sep. 19 - Boston Red Sox and Sep. 26 Tampa Bay Rays. Rogers Centre www.torontobluejays.com

Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano at the ROM The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) hosts the Canadian premiere of Pompeii: In the Shadow of the Volcano. The exhibition includes approximately 200 evocative objects that tell the dramatic story of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city captured in time by ash and debris that buried it during a volcanic eruption. Until Jan. 3 Royal Ontario Museum www.rom.on.ca Humpback Whales at Ontario Science Centre Narrated by two-time Golden Globe® nominee Ewan McGregor, Humpback Whales is an immersive ocean adventure that invites audiences to delve into the mysterious realm of one of the most enormous and vastly fascinating creatures on earth. Until Oct. 2 Ontario Science Centre www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

Education

ROMwalks Enjoy guided walking tours of the city’s architectural and historic neighbourhoods. Sundays and Wednesday until Oct. 11 Royal Ontario Museum www.rom.on.ca/romwalks Summer Music in the Garden Celebrating 16 years of free concerts in a magical setting! The free event features outstanding artists exploring a diverse range of international themes and music styles. Until Sept. 13 Harbourfront Centre www.harbourfrontcentre.com/ Corn Roast, Market and Heritage Fair at Montgomery’s Inn Celebrate the 40th year of Montgomery’s Inn as a museum with a corn roast, a grand bake sale, sales of local produce, live music, displays from west-end heritage organizations and special activities. Free admission. Bring your lawn chairs. Sept. 10, 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Montgomery’s Inn 4709 Dundas St. W. www.toronto.ca/museum-events Taste of the Kingsway Festival This annual fall festival runs along Bloor Street West between Prince Edward Drive and Montgomery Rd., isn’t the same old food festival - this is a culinary experience! Continuous live entertainment from well-known artists, performers and musicians. Sept. 11 to Sept. 13 The Kingsway www.kingswaybia.ca/ Vegetarian Food Festival at Harbourfront Enjoy tasty dishes from over 130 vendors, local restaurants, and bakeries,

Hands-On

Sports

Outdoor

Food

Arts

Woofstock, A Festival for Dogs September 26 to September 27 Bring your dog to North America’s largest outdoor festival for dogs! Quirky & fun! It’s a weekend of events, contests & tons of doggy indulgence! Woofstock is North America’s largest festival for dogs. Boasting over 300,000 annual attendees and 250 vendors and exhibitors, Woofstock is an both a non-stop, weekend-long outdoor dog festival and a consumer expo. Woodbine Park in The Beach

www.woofstock.ca plus free presentations, events, cooking demonstrations, and plenty of vegfriendly products for sale. Free. Sept. 11 to Sept. 13 Harbourfront Centre www.harbourfrontcentre.com Kids Building Workshop at Home Depot Kids will learn how to build a Football Toss Game with easy-to-follow stepby-step instructions. The workshop is for kids ages 4 – 12 and they must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Sept. 12, 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Various Home Depot locations www.homedepot.ca Cabbagetown Festival The 39th annual festival will include live music, classic cars, a kids’ zone, food, buskers, a pet photo booth and Blair’s Run, a race around Cabbagetown to support the Cabbage Town Youth Centre. Sept. 12 to Sept. 13 Cabbagetown

Parliament Street from South of Wellesley Street to Gerrard Street East www.cabbagetownto.com Treasure Island Money, mutiny, pirates and play unite in this original family adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story. But pirates are rarely predictable, so expect a few surprises (and swashbuckling) in Solar Stage’s season opener! Ages 5+ Sept. 12 to Sept. 27 Solar Stage Children’s Theatre 4950 Yonge St. www.solarstage.on.ca Treehouse Big Day Out 2 The two-day live event will feature exciting activities for kids of all ages and special performances by headline act, The Wiggles, and Treehouse’s own children’s music duo, Splash’N Boots. Sept. 12 to Sept. 13 Molson Canadian Amphitheatre www.treehousetv.com/bigdayout

What are you

crowdfunding for? fuellocal.com is an online platform to raise money through crowdfunding: an opportunity for a collection of individuals to make donations in support of a cause. Create your fundraising campaign or help fund local initiatives at fuellocal.com

Start your campaign now! 6 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2015

.com

upcoming events Centreville’s Amusing Race! Centreville’s Amusing Race combines trivia questions and “roadblocks” to send you on an exciting journey. This free scavenger hunt takes place on weekends. Sept. 12 to Sept. 27 Centreville Amusement Park www.centreisland.ca Toronto Ukrainian Festival The three-day street event includes authentic Ukrainian food and beverages, beautiful crafts and collectibles, sidewalk sales interactive cultural activities and displays, a film festival, midway and art exhibit. Take in the colourful parade on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. Sept. 18 to Sept. 20 Bloor West Village www.ukrainianfestival.com Trekking for Rhinos The Trek through the zoo includes a special behind-the-scenes tour at the White Rhino Holding. Along the way, keepers will talk about poaching, conservation efforts and highlight the work of Rhino Rangers. Breakfast overlooking the White Rhino exhibit is included. Sept. 19, 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Toronto Zoo www.torontozoo.com/Events TIFF in your Park TIFF partnered with Park People to launch a new series of travelling outdoor screenings taking place in park sites across the GTA this summer. Movies include KHUMBA, Hugo, Ghostbusters, and more! Until Sept. 25 Across the GTA www.tiff.net/summer2015-series/tiffin-your-park-map

Pioneer Festival This Mennonite and PennsylvaniaGerman festival is full of delicious foods, such as home-made pies, cheese curds, sausages, apple butter, hand-made ice cream and lots of great international food. Pioneer demonstrations include candle dipping, apple pressing and butter churning. Don’t miss the fastpaced, one-of-a-kind quilt auction and horse-drawn wagon rides. Sept. 19 to Sept. 20 Black Creek Pioneer Village 1000 Murray Ross Pkwy. www.blackcreek.ca Heart Lake Dragon Boat Festival Within the distinctive setting of Heart Lake Conservation Area, the Festival will deliver a day of fun that will be the highlight of the fall. Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and steersperson race to the finish line in this exciting day of sport. Sept. 19, 9 a.m. Heart Lake Conservation Area 10818 Heart Lake Rd., Brampton www.hldragonboat.ca Harvest Festival Celebrate the harvest season in the valley! Family crafts, historic recipe tastings, food vendors and more! Admission to the grounds is free! Sept. 19 to Sept. 20 Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre 67 Pottery Rd. www.toronto.ca/museum-events Roncesvalles Polish Festival The Roncesvalles Polish Festival features the best polka, disco polo and traditional Polish music, song and dance ensembles as well as great International and Polish cuisine, fantastic cultural, art and historical displays and much more. Sept. 19 to Sept. 20

Education

Hands-On

Sports

Why use HomeFinder.ca? • • • •

77,000 listings to browse from 45,000 agents to connect with Offers the best demographic and local info Notifications when new homes are available that meet your criteria • Follow a listing and get updates (price changes, open house, sold) • Flexible search parameters • Advanced mapping technologies

a division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.

Food

Arts

Roncesvalles Avenue Dundas Street West to Bloor Street West www.polishfestival.ca Build and Grow Clinics at Lowe’s Kids will take home the toy they made, a merit certificate, name tag, apron and goggles in this workshop recommended for children from grades two to five. Sept. 19, 10 a.m. Various Lowe’s locations www.lowes.ca Toronto Garlic Festival Buy Fresh Ontario garlic, taste delicious garlic-themed food prepared by local chefs, and garlic-infused chocolate, fudge and brittle, and garlic ice cream, all created by local chocolatiers. Kids 12 and under are free. Sept. 20, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Artscape Wychwood Barns 601 Christie St. www.torontogarlicfestival.ca Culture Days Culture Days features thousands of free, hands-on, interactive activities that invite the public to participate “behindthe-scenes” to discover the world of artists, creators, historians, architects, curators, designers and other creative people in their communities. Free. Sept. 25 to Sept. 27 Various locations across Toronto www.culturedays.ca Harvest Day at TBG Stroll up to the Teaching Garden to sip cider, plant bulbs and enjoy some family-friendly garden activities. Make crafts with DiscoverAbility and harvest veggies from the Teaching Garden for the North York Harvest Food Bank. Sept. 26, 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Toronto Botanical Garden 777 Lawrence Ave. E. www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca

On Common Ground Enjoy a free weekend festival of music, arts and community on the grounds of historic Fort York with a superb array of artists. Combine with food, beverages, crafts and more for a family-friendly feast of culture. Sept. 26 to Sept. 27, 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Fort York National Historic Site www.toronto.ca/museum-events Great Camp Adventure Walk to Benefit SickKids Take on the challenge of a new adventure walk unlike anything Toronto’s ever seen: a full day designed so everyone and anyone can participate. Join in a challenge-bychoice walk along a planned route – all

Find your

PERFECT match!

Outdoor

Non Profit Childcare Centre Serving Children from Birth to 5 Years

the way up to 20 km. Sept. 26 Fort York National Historic Site Main Campsite www.WalkforSickKids.ca The Word on the Street TD KidStreet is a special area of the park devoted to families, and offers exciting children’s programming all day on the TVO Kids Stage, the TD Children’s Literature Tent and the Children’s Activity. Free. Sept. 27, 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Queen’s Park Circle www.thewordonthestreet.ca/ For an updated list of events, visit: www.toronto4kids.com/Calendar

Ask about our before and after school programs for JK & SK!

• An inclusive and diverse multi-cultural setting that recognizes and encourages cultural heritage • A program that encourages children to actively explore, problem-solve, discover and master their environment Located in Kensington Community School 401 College Street

416-927-0870

kensingtonkids@on.aibn.com • www.kensingtonkids.ca

TORONTO KIDS - September 2015 | 7

Fall 2015 Agricultural Fairs From pumpkin picking to midways and agricultural displays, the GTA and surrounding areas are ripe with fall fairs and festivals. Some offer carnival rides and games, while others have craft vendors and kiddie corners. But they all offer a fun day out for the entire family. Take a peek at our round up of fall festivals and fairs. Make it a family day trip! Western Fair Sep. 11 to Sep. 20 2015 welcomes a new fair where you can enjoy a ton of family fun, delicious food, rides, animals and amazing entertainment. www.westernfairdistrict.com/western-fair Sunderland Fall Fair Sep. 15 to Sep. 16 This year, the fair will pay tribute to 100 years of 4-H in Ontario. Visit a new event, the Sheep Penning Demonstration or attend the Ag. Ed. program. Once again, the Legion’s line dancers are planning a performance. Enjoy the parade, midway, 4-H competition, light & heavy horse show and demolition derby. Marvel at displays of vegetables, antiques, photography, ﬁeld crops, crafts and culinary arts. Be sure to visit the booths of many local vendors and community service

TORONTO

groups. Musical entertainment will be offered. www.agfair.ca Brampton Fall Fair Sep. 17 to Sep. 20 An event for the whole family! Activities include: a demolition derby, Campbell’s midway, horse shows, dog shows, a baby show, an agricultural education area, vendors, livestock shows and antique and classic car shows. www.bramptonfair.com Beeton Fair Sep. 18 to Sep. 20 The Beeton Agricultural Society is proud to present one of the oldest agricultural fall fairs in Canada. The Beeton Fall Fair provides a great weekend of family fun with exhibits, demonstrations, competitions and rides that is sure to provide great entertainment for all ages. www.beetonfair.com Lindsay Central Exhibition Sep. 23 to Sep. 27 There will be entertainment and excitement to suit every interest – from the premier livestock shows, six horse hitches and agricultural education for students to the action-packed demolition derbies, truck, and tractor pulls. Home to one of the

september events | festivals & fairs

most recognized and memorable fall fairs in Ontario, we pride ourselves on being part of the social pulse of our vibrant community. www.lindsayex.com Stratford Fall Fair Sep. 24 to Sep. 27 Located in beautiful Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Fall Fair is host to a variety of great events. Be sure to bring your children through the Old MacDonald’s Farm Display and check out milking demos! Other great events this year are the Battle of the Bands Competition, horse show, mini prince and princess competition, baby show, family BBQ, 4H dairy shows, tug-o-war, lumber jacks, wrestling, live entertainment, exhibits and more! www.stratfordfairgrounds.com/fallfair.html Bolton Fair Sep. 25 to Sep. 27 Features special entertainment and activities, including a livestock display barn, an agricultural awareness tent, a craft building, a petting zoo, great food, an exhibit hall with vendors and more! The Albion and Bolton Agricultural Society operates Bolton’s two biggest events: the Bolton Fall Fair and Bolton Modiﬁed Truck and Tractor Pull.

boltontractorpull.ca Milton Fair Sep. 25 to Sep. 27 The Milton Fair is a three-day event featuring a livestock display barn, a truck and tractor pull, a classic car show, fair foods, exhibit halls and vendors, lots of shows and much more. Be sure to visit the Annual Milton Fall Fair. The theme this year is Country Roots. Come and enjoy all the fair has to offer! This year, the fair celebrates 100 years! www.miltonfair.com Markham Fair Oct. 1 to Oct. 4 Markham Fair is one of Canada’s oldest country fairs. Since 1844, the fair has been providing the community with a showcase for talents and products in a friendly competitive spirit. As well as the competitive displays, the community is further brought together to enjoy various forms of entertainment, such as the horse pull, demolition derby, tractor pull, midway rides and farm animal displays. www.markhamfair.ca — www.Toronto4Kids.com

KIDS &

A great place to be! Tel: 416.484.1940 www.kidscostumes.ca

Develop your child’s love of music and movement! • Dance for children aged 2.5 and up • Ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, acrobatic dance, contemporary and more! • Highly trained and caring teachers • Registration Available Year-Round • Expanded facilities to serve you better

Fall Registration Now Open! Register online at tandemstudiostoronto.com www.tandemstudiostoronto.com 3300 Yonge St. (at Fairlawn) 647.348.4953 1st & 4th floor info@tandemstudiostoronto.com

8 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2015

USTAR.CA Talent Agency

TV, Film, Fashion and Music

No Registration Fee, 25+ Exp. Personal Management Single Parent Discount JR. & SR. Division Available

416-668-1662

TORONTO

Saturday Classes 10 am - 1 pm Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 12, Ontario Credits, German International Credits, and an Adult Class

Registration: Saturday September 12, 9:30 am Classes 10-1 Jean Vanier CSS (959 Midland Ave.) Contact: Frau Michele Kunde, Principal P: 647-308-0993 E: scarb@dssgta.ca Web Site: TorontoGermanSchools.ca

KIDS &

Get your FREE copy at the Public Library or the TTC Subway Station Today!

Every Issue Includes: • education • camps • activities • sports • and more!

feature | back to school buzz

Adding it all up

Kinark Child and Family Services is a leading children’s mental health organization in Ontario, which provides evidence-based services that include individual, family and group counselling for children and youth living with mental health issues. Kinark’s three pillars of services include: Community-based Child and Youth Mental Health, Autism, and Forensic Mental Health/Youth Justice.

Four signs a tutor might be necessary this year School is not always easy, and some students struggle • Consistently falling grades: Tutors may be necessary for students whose grades are gradually on as they transition from grade to grade. As students the decline. First speak with your child’s teachget older, some who may have experienced smooth ers, who may recommend tutors that specialize in sailing as youngsters may find they need some extra certain subjects. help grasping the material as coursework becomes • Confusion in and out of the classroom: more complicated. Some kids struggle to grasp certain conThose who need some extra clarificacepts, and such confusion can sometimes tion and reinforcement may first turn be remedied with intense study during tuto their parents. But parents may not toring sessions. be familiar with certain subjects or ca• Low confidence: Kids whose grades pable of explaining certain concepts in have been on the decline may feel a terms kids can understand. In such situsense of defeat even before they take a ations, tutors can prove to be valuable test or work on an assignment. Tutors resources to get kids back on the right can help restore confidence by creating academic track. small victories that slowly build up to One-on-one attention from a tutor larger successes. can benefit all types of learners. Students who discover newfound success under the guidance • Indifference to coursework: No student will be captivated by every subject he or she studies, but of a tutor may have more self-confidence in the there should be some subjects that students find classroom. engaging. A dynamic tutor can present subject Parents wondering if a tutor can help their chilmatter in new ways and revive students’ interest. dren succeed in school should consider the follow— MS ing indicators that students may need a tutor.

Want to help children and youth and give them a chance to succeed in life?

Come Join ourteam of therapeutic family

Caretreatment Parents! We are looking for families to become full-time and relief Treatment Parents with Kinark Child and Family Services Therapeutic Family Care (TFC) Program. This program has been highly successful, across North America, in treating children and youth who are experiencing emotional problems.

We offer comprehensive training by professional staff, regular relief and 24 hour support, 7 days a week. In addition we offer competitive reimbursement. This program supports children and youth in Peterborough and the surrounding counties. PurPose of the role:

The treatment parent (TP) is both a caregiver and a teacher. As a caregiver the TP provides all basic care, supervision, encouragement and guidance to children and youth required of all parents. As a teacher, the TP is the primary agent of change helping a child and or youth overcome emotional and behavioural problems and learn new skills needed to live successful in a family and community. In addition, TPs make a strong commitment to the children and youth placed in their care. They include the child and or youth as a member of their own family, taking the same degree of responsibility for the child and or youth as they would their own.

Want to be a treatment Parent? Do you have the folloWing skills?

» Basic reading and writing skills are required. Graduate from high school is preferred. » Experience working in foster care and working with children and adolescents with complex needs. » Direct experience caring for children is preferred. » Have good empathy skills, recognizing and responding sensitively to children and youth’s feelings. » Able to provide clear structure and reasonable limits for children while establishing and managing positive, nurturing relationships with them. » Must have a valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle. Individuals selected for this program will be required to provide a Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including a Vulnerable Sector Screening) and Pre-Employment Medical. Individuals who are Bilingual in English and French will be given special consideration. In addition, other considerations will also have to be met.

if you are interested in this exciting role, please submit a letter indicating your interest and experience to: Joanne.mcCarthy@kinark.on.ca

TORONTO KIDS - September 2015 | 9

learning | book nook

book nook

Kindergarten, Here I Come! D.J. Steinberg & Mark Chambers This adorable picture book celebrates all the familiar milestones and moments shared by every kindergartener. All aspects of the kindergarten experience are introduced with a Ages 3-5 light and funny poem

It’s time to go Back to school! It may be a little sad to see an end to the summer fun, but there are so many exciting things to look forward to! Get excited for lots of learning, new friends and a ton of great books.

The Berenstain Bears Get Ready For School Mike Berenstain Brother and Sister Bear get ready for school in this lift-the-flap storybook. Readers will love helping the Bears find their backpacks and supplies all in Ages 4+ time to catch the bus.

A Funny Thing Happened on the way to School... Davide Cali & Benjamin Chaud First, some giant ants steal breakfast. Then there are the evil ninjas, mysterious mole people and countless other detours Ages along the way to school. 6-8 Are these excuses really why this student is late?

The Secret to Ruling School (Without Even Trying): Book 1 Neil Swaab Rule school with the help of Max Corrigan, middle school “expert” and life coach. Let Max teach you how to win over not just one, but all of the groups Ages 10+ in school, from the Preps to the Band Geeks.

Schooled Gordon Korman Capricorn Cap Anderson has been home-schooled by his hippie grandmother, Rain. But when she is injured in a fall, Cap is forced to attend the local middle school. Nothing Ages 10+ has prepared him for the politics of public school.

Make cash not trash! #ShouldaUsedToronto

CAA Driver Training. At CAA driving is for life! The CAA Beginner Driver Education Course goes beyond road test preparation. Plus, CAA Members receive $75 OFF the course fee,* and all graduates receive a FREE CAA Basic membership.**

Upcoming Courses: Saturday September 12 to October 10, 2015 9:30 am to 3:45 pm Monday and Wednesday September 21 to October 26, 2015 6:00 pm - 8:45 pm

416-223-8870 driver@caasco.ca

caasco.com/drivingschool 5859 Yonge St., Suite 105, North York

The CAA Beginner Driver Education Course is endorsed by Parent Tested, Parent Approved. *The seventy-five dollar ($75.00) Beginner Driver Education Course fee discount only available to current CAA Members, and is only offered at the CAA Driving School, located at 5859 Yonge St., Suite 105, North York, ON. **Graduates must call in or go online to www.caasco.com/graduate to activate their membership. Upon request graduates can be added to an existing household primary membership. Free CAA Basic memberships must be activated within one year of students’ start date, they are non-transferable, non-refundable, have no cash value, and after one year renewal rates and taxes apply. ® CAA and CAA logo trademarks owned by, and use is granted by, the Canadian Automobile Association. (0834-06/14)

10 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2015

In partnership with

SUN, SEA & SAND YOUR RELAXATION PARADISE

NEXT EXIT

Hit the Road! Start planning your dream road trip with travel deals on hotels, vacation rentals, tours, and more!

Only at TORONTO KIDS - September 2015 | 11

� ��

� � ��

��

12 | TORONTO KIDS - September 2015

� ��

��

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook