Mindful Parenting Workshop

Felicity Bannister (MSW, RSW) has worked in mindfulness for over 6 years with both adults and youth and has extensive experience running groups. She has completed the Applied Mindfulness Program at the University of Toronto and attended Vipassana silent retreats. Her experience includes running Mindfulness Meditation Programs in Corporate, Community, Social Agency and Volunteer settings. Felicity has experienced the transformative benefits of fostering her own mindfulness practice.

In Felicity’s presentation, she will:

• Define mindfulness
• Discuss the benefits and how they apply to parenting
• Outline the science behind the practice
• Run two short meditations
• Offer mindfulness tips in everyday life
• Provide a list of resources

This free workshop, happening at Brown Public School 454 Avenue Road, Tuesday, May 3rd, 2016 7:00-8:30 p.m., is presented by the Brown Public School Speakers Series for Parents.

Teacher Appreciation Lunch - May 11th

The McMurrich School Council is hosting our annual Teacher Appreciation Potluck Luncheon on Wednesday, May 11th to celebrate all the hard work and dedication our amazing teachers have put into making McMurrich a fantastic place to learn for our children. This is an opportunity for us as parents to thank our teachers and support staff in person, and let them know how much we appreciate all the time, hard work and patience that they have put into our children! Parents are encouraged to attend.

To make this a success, we are asking that the parent body contribute any of the following items: Salads, sandwiches, casseroles, veggie and fruit trays, drinks, desserts to name a few. Please send an email to Colleen at warrior1166@yahoo.com to let us know what you would like to bring to share. All food items should be dropped off by 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 11th.
A heartfelt thanks to everyone for helping make this event a success.

Concert tickets...

... that you can't use?

Donate them to the Silent Auction!

How? E-mail: lawrence@calentilaw.com or drop them off at the school office.

We are happy to receive:

• tickets to sporting events
• tickets to shows
• donations towards services
• donations of, or towards goods/items
• original art... be creative!

We are also looking for volunteers who have time during the day,  especially Mondays, to visit local businesses to ask for donations.

Silent Auction is Thursday June 9, starting at 4 pm, during the Fun Fair.

Let's Go Blue Jays! Saturday June 11 - Save the Date!

We know McMurrich families love the Blue Jays - so what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon then hanging out with our amazing McMurrich Community and cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays at the Rogers Centre?

Parent Council has secured a block of tickets at reduced rates for the Saturday June 11 Blue Jays vs. Orioles game.  The game starts at 1:00 pm.  Not only will we get to watch the Blue Jays defeat the Orioles, but every Saturday there are fun things to do for the kids as part of the Junior Jays Program. Arrive early and take advantage of the activities before you enter, plus kids can visit the Jr. Jays zones in the stadium to take part in many fun activities that will keep them entertained through to the eighth inning! On top of that kids 14 and under can run the bases just like the pros after the game.

Forms need to be returned by this Friday 29 April. PLEASE NOTE:  There is a typo on the form that went home on Thursday; the kids tickets are $15.00 each, not $15.50.

If you have any questions, please contact Charlene Cressman: charlene.cressman@gmail.com or Principal Lee.

Let's Go Blue Jays!!

"The Butterfly Effect"

During the week of May 11th, students at McMurrich will be working with an artist to produce art pieces around the theme of "The Butterfly Effect."

The butterfly effect refers to a concept that small causes can have large effects. The name is derived from a metaphorical example of the effects of a hurricane being influenced by minor tiny actions such as the flapping of the wings of a distant butterfly. We want McMurrich students to realize that small actions here can have large consequences on the other side of the world.

Professional artists from Inner City Angels will be on hand to assist and inspire students in their

creative exploration of the subject.

Then, on Friday May 13th, McMurrich will host an art show in the gym to display all the artworks, and as a fundraiser for the McMurrich/Winona Welcoming Refugees project. You can also donate to the cause online. The art show will take place in the evening from 6 to 7:30 pm, and everyone in the community is invited to attend.

Volunteers will be needed to help hang the pictures and help out during the event - please let us know if you can help!

Thanks to the McMurrich School Council Enrichment Committee for helping to organize the event.

McMurrich Welcomes Refugees - Meeting April 20th

The next McMurrich/Winona Welcoming Refugees meeting will be on Wednesday, April 20th, at 7:00pm in the McMurrich Library.


You can now also donate online at Butterfly Effect- McMurrich/Winona Public Schools. Every bit helps!

School Council Meeting Tuesday, April 19th

Please come out to our next School Council meeting, Tuesday, April 19th, at 7 o'clock, in the McMurrich Library.

School Council meetings are a great way to find out what's happening at McMurrich. There will be updates from council and committees, as well as an update from the principal.

Refreshments will be available, and free childcare will be provided across the hall in Room 103.

All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you!

Ward 11, St. Paul’s Trustee Ward Forum

A Ward Forum is a regular meeting of parents, school community, Trustee and Board staff of schools in a ward. The next forum for Ward 11 St. Paul's is 7:00 – 9:00pm on Thursday, April 14th, at Hodgson Sr Public School, 282 Davisville Avenue. Childcare is provided.

The agenda includes updates on planning, facilities, and environmental initiatives, as well as updates from PIAC and SEAC.

McMurrich Welcomes Refugees - Meeting April 5th

The next McMurrich/Winona Welcoming Refugees meeting will be on Tuesday, April 5th, at 7:00pm in the McMurrich Library.

We are gearing up for a spring awareness and fundraising event, themed around "The Butterfly Effect." Come out to find out how you can take part! There will also be discussion on how the group plans to move forward under the current government commitment for processing applications.

You can now also donate online at Butterfly Effect- McMurrich/Winona Public Schools. Every bit helps!