Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Looking for something?

Is that a new neighbourhood boutique?

No, it's the new, well-organized lost and found!

Thanks to McMurrich School Council member Jannine for getting it done!

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Fort McMurray needs our help!

McMurrich is holding a Toonie drive to raise funds for the Red Cross in support of the people of Fort McMurray, whose city has been literally decimated by fire.

Running today through Thursday of this week, children are invited to bring in a Toonie to donate to the relief efforts. Let's do our part to help!

Friday, May 6, 2016

McMurrich Welcomes Refugees Meeting May 10th

The next meeting of the McMurrich Welcomes Refugees committee will be on Tuesday May 10th at 7 o'clock in the McMurrich Library, to prepare for our Butterfly Effect Art Show on Friday the 13th featuring art, a bake sale, open mic talent show, and more!

We've raised $570 in one week and are looking to keep up the momentum.

Come out to the meeting on Tuesday, and to the art show on Friday, or donate online!

Thursday, May 5, 2016

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.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Cupcakes!

We need cupcakes!

Take-out trays of chocolate cupcakes with green sprinkles and vanilla cupcakes with red sprinkles

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.

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Mindful Parenting Workshop

A family of three walks hand-in-hand down a woodland path.
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.

Friday, April 29, 2016

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.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

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.

Black and White photo of stadium rock concert with text above superimposed in white

Sunday, April 24, 2016

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?

Blue Jays 40th season anniversary logo
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!!

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

"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
Inner City Angels logo featuring name of organization and paint squishing out of a tube
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.