Creativity needed!

Attn McMurrich Community members: Are you creative? Do you have graphic design skills?

(Or any drawing skills?) If so, McMurrich School Council needs you!! This fall a small group of volunteers are leading the launch of a new line of McMurrich Spirit wear that will include awesome toques, hoodies, t-shirts, track pants and (potentially) even more! We are looking for someone who can help us by re-designing our school logo. If this sounds like something you are able to help us with please email charlene.cressman@gmail.com. Thanks in advance!

Pizza Lunch!

One of McMurrich's most popular fundraising efforts is the regular pizza lunch. Not only do the kids love pizza, it's one less lunch for parents to make, and is a major contributor to School Council's fundraising efforts!

Our 1st pizza lunch of the year is Friday October 28th and we're going on line for ordering and payment! It's a few simple steps that need to be done by Tuesday October 25th.

Instead of filling out a paper order form, we strongly encourage you to place and pay for your pizza lunch orders online using MunchaLunch.com. Aside from saving a lot of paper, this website allows you to track your child’s pizza order and pay for up to 3 months of lunches in advance. It also makes it much easier for our parent volunteers to keep track of orders and payments. Our 1st Pizza Lunch is Friday October 28th. Please have your orders in by Wednesday October 26th.

Online ordering is open as of Wednesday October 19th. Here's how you register:

1) Go to: http://www.munchalunch.com/schools/mcmurrich
2) If you don’t already have an account, click “Register Here” to set one up
3) After adding your child(ren), click the green “Order Lunch!” button
4) Follow the prompts for ordering and payment instructions
5) Next time, just click the “Login Here” button to access your account.
Reminder notices will be sent before each pizza lunch through PEN (Parent Email Network). Please place your child’s order at least 3 days before a given pizza lunch day, or it will not be received. Please note there will be no refunds for days absent.

Other Payment Options
If you prefer to use a paper order form and pay by cash or cheque, you can pick up a paper form in the school office. Please complete the form and leave it in an envelope along with your payment by Tuesday October 25th. Please provide exact change for cash payments. If you would like to request financial assistance for Pizza Lunch, contact Principal Ms. Lee directly; no student shall be excluded.

Pizza Lunch Dates
* October 28
* November 25
* December 23
* February 3
* March 3
* April 7
* May 5
* June 2

Along with pizza from PIZZA PIZZA, students will also receive a juice box of their choice.

Volunteers
Please consider volunteering to help serve pizza. It’s fun and it only takes about a half hour. There’s a volunteer page in the online system where you can select the dates you’ll be available. The pizza lunch coordinators will then follow up. If your plans for the day change last minute and it’s easier for you to just show up that please do so. The more hands the merrier. Please sign-in at the office for 11:00.

THANK YOU!
Funds raised through the pizza lunch program go directly to McMurrich’s Parent Council and its yearly initiatives. Thank you to the McMurrich parent community for supporting this important fundraiser and to our wonderful Volunteers who help make it a success!

If you have questions or need assistance with registration, please contact our pizza lunch co-ordinators:
Catherine ziliotto: shiatsucath@hotmail.com
Alison Mercer: alimer1012@gmail.com
Emily: ab_alto_antiques@hotmail.com

Volunteers wanted: Silent Auction

With so many committees and activities happening at our school, It can be hard to keep track! Over the course of the year, we will shine the spotlight on each volunteer opportunity in turn. First up is the Silent Auction committee: 

The Silent Auction has existed in one form or another from about 2009. McMurrich Dad Lawrence Calenti has been involved since 2012. It has evolved from a social evening at a local establishment to now taking place during the Fun Fair. The Silent Auction offers parents an excellent opportunity to be directly involved in the McMurrich community through fundraising efforts, but to do so on your time, when it is convenient to you. If you have thirty minutes in the evening or on the weekend, you can do some online solicitation, help enter item bid information online, or create a poster to go out by e-mail or in backpack stuffers.

1. A specific description of the event itself: a silent auction where items ranging from gift cards, services, camps after school activities to original art work is bid upon, with all monies raised going to the School Council.
2. The approximate dates(s) it was held last year: during the Fun Fair, in mid-June. The auction runs from 4 p.m. until just before 7 p.m.
3. The number of parents on the event committee last year: 5 parents contributed a significant amount of time prior to the event and on the day of the event. Many parents were instrumental in helping to fundraise.
4. The amount of money raised last year: approximately $5,500.00.
5. A detailed description of the different tasks/duties expected of committee members:

• Online solicitation;
• Neighborhood, door-to-door solicitation;
• Entering bid information online;
• Creating bid sheets;
• Mounting bid sheets on Bristol boards;
• Setting up on the day of the auction;
• Facilitating and answering questions during the auction;
• Processing payments at the conclusion of the auction;
• Tear down at the conclusion of the auction.

6. The approximate number of hours spent per volunteer last year: from as little as four hours total.

If you would like additional information or to volunteer, please e-mail Lawrence@calentilaw.com

School Council Survey

McMurrich School Council has put together a short survey that will help guide our fundraising efforts over the 2016-2017 school year. Completing this short survey will help ensure that Parent Council can take your views into consideration in our decision making next year. The survey should take you no longer than 5 minutes to complete and all answers will remain anonymous.

Click here to fill out the survey

Fun Fair is almost here!

Come one, come all to McMurrich Castle’s Fairgrounds Thursday, June 9, 2

016 from 3:30-8 pm for daring escapades, amazing contraptions, astounding feats of strength and endurance, marvellous creatures, and more.  Adventure awaits!

Don’t miss out.  Advance ride bracelets go on sale May 30.

And new this year, all bracelets come with a punch card equivalent to 10 gold coins that can be used for midway activities and food!

Visit www.mcmurrichknights.wordpress.com for more information and to download your bracelet order form.

Get ready for the Butterfly Effect fundraiser on Friday!

McMurrich students have been hard at work, creating beautiful works of art to display at the Butterfly Effect Art Show, this Friday May 13th!

The butterfly effect has been selected as the theme for the McMurrich/Winona Welcomes Refugees kick-off fundraising event because we felt that the idea that “the fluttering wings of a butterfly trigger an effect that reverberates around the world,” was the perfect symbol for our initiative. For more on the McMurrich Welcomes Refugees initiative, visit www.mcmurrichrefugees.com.

The event will include a bake sale and open mic talent show, and is open to all in the community. Come on out, bring your neighbours, bring your friends! All funds raised will go towards the sponsorship of a refugee family from Syria. 

Big thanks to the McMurrich Welcomes Refugees committee and the School Council Enrichment committee for making it happen!

Get ready for Fun at the Fun Fair!

Mark Thursday June 9th on your calendars and get ready to have FUN!

International food table, silent auction, games, more inflatables, more FUN!

We also need volunteers. You don't need to be a parent to volunteer - high school students looking to meet their volunteer requirements are welcome to help out too! Each student who volunteers will have a parent buddy to make sure things go smoothly, and get volunteer credit too!

To find out more about how you can help out, email Jo at joannajorgensen@hotmail.com.

Cupcakes!

We need cupcakes!

Can you can donate baked goods for our art show on May 13?

Cupcakes, goodies, and other treats will be on sale at The Butterfly Effect: Art Show - May 13 - 6:00 - 7:30 pm, An evening of Art and Entertainment in support of the McMurrich Welcomes Refugees initiative.
 
Contact Linnea linnea.nord@nelson.com  or bring your contributions on the day, to the tables at the back of the gym.

And even if you cannot donate baked goods to sell at the event, please mark your calendars and come out to see your child's art on display at the show! The children are spending three days making art with a professional artist, and this is their exhibit. There's also an open mike and we're inviting both parents and children to come on stage and share their talents with us during the art show, as well as enjoying treats at the bake sale. All proceeds will be going to the McMurrich Welcomes Refugees initiative.

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.

Coding robots?

Yes! McMurrich students have been coding robots thanks to the efforts of our Fundraising Team!

Using an app called Tickle, students had the opportunity to learn how to program a Star Wars BB8 droid, and control it wirelessly. Think of the possibilities!

Even the Kinders have been getting into coding with the help of the grade 6 students. It's amazing the thing kids can learn when they have the tools!

And it's never too late to donate! Subscribe to magazines, or just donate online and receive a charitable donation receipt to use on your tax return. We are $50 away from crossing the $7,000 mark in donations alone! Put McMurrich over the top with your donation today!

• Purchase Magazines by visiting  www.QSP.ca. ENTER OUR ONLINE ID: 3721354
• Make online donation by visiting:  www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/mcmurrich-technology-plan All donations will receive a tax receipt.
• Make donation by cheque. All cheques payable to McMurrich School. Be sure to provide details to ensure all eligible donations receive tax receipts.
• Reach out to friends and families to ask for their support.  They can support our success by purchasing magazines (you can email them from within QSP) or making a donation (eligible for a tax receipt).

School Wide Prizes

• Reach 25% of fundraising goal $4000 – School wide double recess - achieved!
• Reach 35 % of fundraising goal $5600 – School wide double recess - achieved!
• Reach 50% of fundraising goal $8000 – School wide Freezie snack - achieved!
• Reach 75% of fundraising goal $12000 – School wide double recess with Freezie snack
• Reach 100% of fundraising goal – School wide movie afternoon with popcorn and juice boxes, PJs are optional!

Class Prizes

Any class with greater than 75% of students participating wins an Awesome Surprise Box
Top class in each division will receive Super Awesome Surprise Box

Fundraising Update!

We're half-way through the year, and just about half-way to our fundraising goals!

Thanks to families and friends for all you've contributed - volunteering, baking cupcakes, selling magazines, Dance-a-Thon-ing, and making direct donations.

Our goal is to raise $16 000, which will enable us to fund 60-70 devices including: desktop computers for our classrooms and library lab, and mobile computer labs of laptops which can move from class to class.

Some of the devices have already been purchased! Have a look at some of our McMurrich students in action, using the new McMurrich tablets for learning about nutrition and health:

Can't wait till we hit our goals! Your can still contribute!

• Purchase Magazines by visiting  www.QSP.ca. ENTER OUR ONLINE ID: 3721354
• Make online donation by visiting:  www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/mcmurrich-technology-plan All donations will receive a tax receipt.
• Make donation by cheque. All cheques payable to McMurrich School. Be sure to provide details to ensure all eligible donations receive tax receipts.
• Reach out to friends and families to ask for their support.  They can support our success by purchasing magazines (you can email them from within QSP) or making a donation (eligible for a tax receipt).

School Wide Prizes

• Reach 25% of fundraising goal $4000 – School wide double recess - achieved!
• Reach 35 % of fundraising goal $5600 – School wide double recess - achieved!
• Reach 50% of fundraising goal $8000 – School wide Freezie snack - achieved!
• Reach 75% of fundraising goal $12000 – School wide double recess with Freezie snack
• Reach 100% of fundraising goal – School wide movie afternoon with popcorn and juice boxes, PJs are optional!

Class Prizes

Any class with greater than 75% of students participating wins an Awesome Surprise Box
Top class in each division will receive Super Awesome Surprise Box

Dance-a-Thon Volunteers needed!

McMurrich is looking for volunteers (no dancing shoes required) on February 24th for the Dance-a-Thon. Volunteers are needed to hand out glow bracelets, and motivate the younger kids to dance dance dance!

Volunteers can choose to help in the morning, afternoon or all-day. Extra help is needed for the kinders - because there are so many, we've had to split the classes up. Rooms 104, 109, and 100 will be participating in the 9:45am - 10:15am time slot. Rooms 102 & 103 will be participating 1:30pm - 2:00pm.

Please be in touch if you can volunteer at any time that day, but especially during the kinder times, both morning and afternoon!

Fundraising time!

On November 26, we kicked off our Annual Fall Fundraiser to increase access to technology in our school.  Our goal is to raise $16 000 which will enable us to fund 60-70 devices including: desktop computers for our classrooms and library lab and mobile computer labs of laptops which can move from class to class. 

If you’ve participated in our previous fall fundraiser, you might notice a few changes: 

• Magazine Sales (QSP) sales will be online only. You will not receive a catalogue - reducing our paper consumption and administration!

• New option to contribute via direct donation (online or cheque) for a tax receipt
• Communication with kids will focus on benefit to the school community (rather than prizes)
• Classroom prizes will replace individual prizes

You still have access to an amazing variety of magazines at competitive prices for new or renewed subscriptions!

How can I support this fundraiser? Glad you asked! You have options:

1. Purchase Magazines by visiting  www.QSP.ca.   ENTER OUR ONLINE ID: 3721354
2. Make online donation by visiting:   https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/mcmurrich-technology-plan/ All donations will receive tax receipt
3. Make donation by cheque.  All cheques payable to McMurrich School. Be sure to provide details on the summary form attached to ensure all eligible donations receive tax receipts. (going out with paper copies)
4. Reach out to friends and families to ask for their support.  They can support our success by purchasing magazines (you can email them from within QSP) or making a donation (eligible for a tax receipt).

Prizes

School Wide Prizes

• Reach 25% of fundraising goal $4000 – School wide double recess
• Reach 35 % of fundraising goal $5600 – School wide double recess
• Reach 50% of fundraising goal $8000 – School wide Freezie snack
• Reach 75% of fundraising goal $12000 – School wide double recess with Freezie snack
• Reach 100% of fundraising goal – School wide movie afternoon with popcorn and juice boxes, PJs are optional!

Class Prizes

• Any class with greater than 75% of students participating wins an Awesome Surprise Box
• Top class in each division will receive Super Awesome Surprise Box

Questions and Answers:

What other fundraisers will we have at McMurrich this year? The fall fundraiser will focus on our technology goal, we will host additional fundraisers to support enrichment including scientist in the school, field trips, athletics, clubs as well as families in need.  All funds raised will be spent in accordance with School Council budget.

• Pizza Lunches (throughout the year)
• Dance a Thon (February)
• Fun Fair (June)
• Silent Auction (June)

How did we decide that technology was a priority for our fundraising dollars?

School Council engaged our teachers, principal and parents in the discussion. Access to technology in our school is a joint priority between the School Council budget and School budget.  We’ve also heard great early feedback from students on the positive impact that technology is having on their learning. 

Why do we need to raise funds for computers, doesn’t the TDSB provide computers for our kids?

We have all heard about the challenges the TDSB faces with budget. In reality, the amount of funds available for technology is never going to allow us to get to our goal.  Our dedicated teachers and administrators are always on the look out for grants and programs which offer technology, but all of these fall short of the need.  Fundraising allows us to accelerate our progress and ensure we meet the need.

How will the funds be used? Last year, we raised $16 000 which was used to purchase 60 new devices in our school including 7 iPad minis, 33 desktops and mobile computer lab with laptops which can move from class to class.  Together with the plan for this year, we will bring our grand total to over 120 new devices and offering our kids a significant increase in their access to technology in the school.

Kinder Pizza!

Next Friday we are doing our first Pizza lunch for Kinders! If all goes well, this will become a regular event. Please get your forms in before Tuesday 24 November. If you (or your child) have misplaced the form, you can download the Kinder Pizza form here.

Pizza Forms

Next Pizza Lunch is set for Friday 27 November, and we are hoping to include the Kinders as well - stay tuned for details.

Meanwhile, here is a blank Pizza Lunch form for those who occasionally misplace it, or find it has gotten too crumpled in your child's backpack. Download it or bookmark this page so you can find it later!

Please note: the form must be submitted no later than the Tuesday before the date of the official Pizza Lunch, and refunds or credits are not available if your child does not participate that day.

Pizza Lunch Pizzazz!

Friday, October 30 is our first Pizza Lunch for grades 1-6! Forms have gone out with the kids, so check your child's backpack. Just in case, there are extra forms in the office. This is a Parent Council Initiative aimed at raising funds for the students.

As you know we are in a work-to-rule situation, so volunteers are taking on more of the form distribution/collection duties as well as the money collection. Please return your form by the deadline of TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27.

Late forms make planning and ordering pizza difficult - so we cannot accept any forms/payment after this date. Don't forget to SIGN your child's form authorizing them to have the pizza!

If you would like to volunteer at PIZZA LUNCH we always welcome a spare set of hands or two, and it is great fun handing pizza out to hungry children. Email Alison at alimer1012@gmail.com. If you're only available once in awhile that's great too!, we always need an on-call list.

PIZZA LUNCH AND KINDERS
There has been interest in starting a pizza lunch for the kinders. In order to do this we need a set of kindergarten parents to oversee it. We already have some interest but we need one to two people to run the admin (form distribution), and an extra 1-2 to have on site at the lunch itself. Time commitment is about 5 hours a month when there is a pizza lunch. The existing Pizza Committee will train and support as needed. If you are interested, email Alison at alimer1012@gmail.com.

Fun Fair is next week!

This year's Fun Fair features a petting zoo, pony rides, ice cream truck, obstacle course, sports demonstrations, a make-your-own butter table, and Zorb ball race course!



Discounted ride bracelets are available now at the office, and individual ride tickets will be available at the event.

Find out more at the Fun Fair blog!

Fun Fair and Silent Auction coming Thursday June 11th!

Bring your cheque book and bid on great deals like gift certificates to your favourite local restaurants & stores, lessons for your kids, passes to local attractions, tickets to great Toronto events and one of a kind gifts and products.

You can see some of th items available for bidding on the auction website. And everyone is welcome to come and bid.

This year’s silent auction is part of the McMurrich Fun Fair, so bring the family and enjoy local food, fun activities, games and great prizes!

We need more good stuff for the auction…

EMAIL: lawrence@calentilaw.com
CALL: 416-559-1811
DROP OFF: at the McMurrich office

Silent Auction items needed!

Get the word out!

The McMurrich Silent Auction is coming up, and any items or services you can donate would be much appreciated

Concert tickets, massages, dinner at a local restaurant... anything you can donate that people will be excited to bid on would be most appreciated!

Please be in touch if you have anything ready to donate, or would like more information.

Mabel's Labels - New Icons Available!

New icons now available for your Mabel's Labels!

Our Mabel's Labels fundraiser continues throughout the school year!  Lets raise funds while shrinking the lost and found! 

Visit this link to place your order online anytime throughout the year!  Thank you for your support!