Dear LPCI Community:

I hope this newsletter finds you well. 

LPCI is a school to explore the arts as well. Proof:

PACE Art Show – You are Invited!

Mark your calendars for May 15th, 2025 and join us at the PACE Art Show, a vibrant celebration of student creativity and innovation. The event will take place at STACKT MARKET (28 Bathurst Street) from 5–10 PM, and admission is free — simply register here.

Hosted by LPCI in partnership with Central Toronto Academy, this exciting showcase highlights the incredible talent of our students throughout the 2024–25 school year. You will experience an unforgettable evening featuring the work of: artists, Performers, Designers, Innovators, Musicians, Dancers, Makers, Poets, and Volunteers.

PACE is a unique program that pairs students with industry mentors to develop, create, and present their original art, designs, products, and performances. Organized by dedicated TDSB teachers and community mentors, this event is a celebration of all that our students have achieved.

More updates will be shared in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you there!

Take care,

Michael Griesz, Principal

New!: June Exam Schedule

The final exam schedule has been posted on our exam website.  Please visit https://sites.google.com/tdsb.on.ca/lawrenceparkci/home and look under the ‘exam schedule’ tab. Please also see the ‘resources’ section for LPCI procedures and expectations on absences and missed exams. For a direct link to the June exam schedule, please see HERE. Exam prep sessions will be posted closer to the exam period. If there is something you would like to see us offer for exam support, please share your ideas with guidance!

New!: Moratorium Period - June 12-17, 2025

During the moratorium period of four school days prior to the scheduled final exam days, there will be no:

• excursions;

• projects or assignments for students writing an examination;

• culminating activities for students writing an examination.

Homework that is considered to be part of the systematic review and examination preparation process (such as review quizzes, sample examination questions, or practice tests) and that do not count for marks, may be assigned during the moratorium period.  If there are no scheduled written examinations in the subject, in-class culminating activities will continue during the moratorium.

New!: EQAO Math Assessment - Grade 9 for Semester 2

The grade 9 Math EQAO assessment for semester 2 will take place in June. It is worth 10% of the overall grade 9 Math course mark (MTH1W1/5). To ensure you're well-prepared for the upcoming assessment, a mandatory preparation class will be held on Tuesday, June 10th, during your regular Grade 9 Math class (MTH1W1/5). This important session will provide you with hands-on experience using the online EQAO platform on TDSB Chromebooks. You'll also have the opportunity to practice with sample Math EQAO questions, which you can preview HERE on the EQAO website. Following the preparation class, the Grade 9 Math EQAO assessment will take place over two sessions, both during your regular math periods:

• Session 1: Wednesday, June 11th (Day 1)

• Session 2: Thursday, June 12th (Day 2)

Attendance at both assessment sessions is required for completion. Students, please bring your fully charged TDSB Chromebook, if you have one, to your Math classes on Tuesday (June 10th), Wednesday (June 11th), and Thursday (June 12th).  If you need any special accommodations, please talk to your grade 9 Math teacher or Mr. Ho, the ACL of Math, by Wednesday (June 4th) so we can arrange the accommodations for you on the EQAO days.

New!: Eco Council's Event: Let’s Talk Air - from April 23 - April 30

Do you care about the air you breathe? Do you want to learn more about the importance of clean air for your health and the environment? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you!

Complete our quick quiz found at bit.ly/LetsTalkAirLPCI2025 and you will be automatically entered to win a special prize! Quiz ends next week on April 30th! It only takes a few minutes to complete and you'll not only learn some valuable information about air quality, but you'll also have a chance to win a great prize. Don't miss out on this chance to learn and win!

New!: Student Community Volunteer Opportunity!

Our 8th Annual Wanless Park Spring Fair is just a few weeks away on Saturday May 10th, 2025 from 10:00am-8:00pm. 

We are thankful to the many dedicated volunteers, every year, that make our event possible. Volunteering is a great way to meet your neighbours, an opportunity to make new friends and a wonderful way to give back to our amazing neighbourhood! We welcome student volunteers that are looking for community hours. Bring a friend and work as a pair!🙂

We hope you can join us in the Park for a wonderful day of activities including family friendly games, inflatables, crazy competitions, BBQ, Pot Luck, and more. Entry is free and open to everyone. 

If you are interested in getting involved, please send us an email at info@bwra.ca. Check us out at bwra.ca. 

The Bedford Wanless Ratepayers Association is a non-profit community organization serving Wanless Park and the surrounding area.

Ontario High School Chess Championship

Love strategy? Ready for an exciting challenge? Join LPCI’s Chess Team and participate in the Ontario High School Chess Championship! Students from across the province will come together at U of T for two days of competitive play. It’s a great chance to represent LPCI at Ontario’s biggest high school chess tournament, test your skills, and be part of an exciting event! Level: Beginner to Advanced; Dates: Fri & Sat, May 23–24

Location: University of Toronto; Cost: $50; Details: www.ohscc.on.ca; Interested? Contact Mr. Ho ASAP.  Spots fill up quickly! 

New!: May Lyrics & PACE

The Music Department is not slowing down. Our students will perform at York University and STACKT Mark in May for MusicFest Canada and PACE, an interdisciplinary arts event highlighting the creative arts students of TDSB schools.

May Lyrics

May 1, 2025 at 7pm 

LPCI Auditorium 

Admission: $15 (free for current LPCI students) 

Tickets will be available through SchoolCashOnline

Enter PACE!

There is still time to enter the art show at PACE on May 15.  April 28th is the new deadline. 

If you are still interested in submitting please submit/ fill out the following Google form. If you want to find out more or forward questions to ursula.mcdonnell@tdsb.on.ca. 

PACE Creative Market

This space is available for those who want to show off their business skills, or creative hobby and sell something at PACE. to learn more click on pace market place , and if interested contact ursula.mcdonnell@tdsb.on.ca. 

Asian Heritage Month at the TDSB: May 2025 Poster Competition

The month of May is recognized by the Toronto District School Board as Asian Heritage Month. This year's theme is Asian Canadians Up and Rising. This year's Asian Heritage Month theme, Asian Canadians Up and Rising, celebrates the strength, resilience, and achievements of Asian Canadian communities. It recognizes individuals and groups who have contributed to shaping Canada's past and present, while also highlighting emerging voices and future leaders. For students and staff in the TDSB community, this theme serves as an opportunity to explore stories of perseverance and embrace the unique identities that contribute to both the school community and to the diverse Asian diaspora in Canada. By learning about and celebrating these diverse perspectives, schools can promote inclusivity, equity, and a deeper appreciation for Asian Canadians. Please see the attached for full details of a Poster Competition as we invite all TDSB students to participate. Deadline: Monday, April 28, 2025, by 3:00 pm. 

John Fisher PS Fun Fair! Volunteering

Hello LP students! We are looking for volunteers for the John Fisher PS Fun Fair! It'll be held on Saturday 7th June and we need volunteers from 11:00am to 2:00pm, earning you 3 hours of volunteer time. Tasks will include running games and events such as bracelet making, cookie decorating, face painting and more. Please contact Nina Lathia (nina.lathia@gmail.com) if you have any questions or to sign up.

Self-Service Password Reset

In an effort to protect TDSB student accounts and increase security, IT Services is requesting we advise all students to register for Self-Service Password Reset (SSPR). This tool allows students to reset their passwords at home or school anytime, using any device connected to the Internet, without the assistance of staff. The SSPR tool is only available to students in Grades 5 through 12. Many of you have not registered for SSPR. This video demonstrates how students can register for SSPR. Additional information on using SSPR is available on ServiceIT. If you have any questions with regard to this notification, please contact School Community IT Support for assistance with SSPR.

Lawrence Park CI Website

Hey, check out the new Lawrence Park CI website @ www.lawrenceparkcollegiateinstitute.ca. Check out the latest news and events happening at LP!  We'll also be posting photos and videos on everything LP on our site - from LP TV segments to event highlights!  Be a part of our online school community!

New!: Absence from Exams and Final Evaluations

Absence from a Culminating Activity Evaluation: 

Culminating activities are completed toward the end of a course and are part of the student’s 30% final evaluation.  Culminating activities and examinations carry the same importance and the same attendance requirement. Thus, attendance during culminating activities is mandatory. Some courses have culminating activities that take place over several days.

If a student misses a culminating activity, the student will receive a mark of “0”.  In the event that a student is too ill to complete a culminating activity, the parent/guardian must provide medical documentation of the illness.  The parent/guardian is asked to contact the school before the culminating activity due date. The parent/guardian will be given the LPCI ‘Missed Evaluation’ Form to be completed by a medical doctor and submitted within two days of the missed culminating activity.

Family vacations are not considered excused absences and as such, students are expected to be in class for all culminating activities.

If satisfactory documentation of the illness is provided on the Missed Evaluation Form, the culminating activity may be rescheduled. Otherwise, the student will receive a mark of “0”.

Absence from a Final Examination: 

Exam dates and times for all courses are set out in the exam schedule which has been distributed to students and parents/guardians. We are not able to accommodate any changes to the Exam Schedule or requests to write an exam at a date/time other than the scheduled date/time shown.

Students are urged to check their exam schedule carefully. If a student misses an exam because of misreading the schedule, the student will receive a mark of “0”.

In the event that a student is too ill to write a final exam, the parent/guardian must provide documentation of the illness. The parent/guardian is asked to contact the school before the Exam is written. The parent/guardian will be given the Lawrence Park CI ‘Missed Evaluation’ form to be completed by a medical doctor and submitted within two days of the missed exam.

Family vacations are not considered excused absences and as such, students are expected to be in attendance for all examinations.

If satisfactory documentation of the illness is provided on the missed evaluation form, an alternative evaluation may be scheduled. Students granted an alternative evaluation will receive a mark of “0” until they complete the alternative examination.

Late Arrivals During an Exam: 

Each student is given a copy of the Exam Schedule at least two weeks before the examination. Punctuality is expected. Students who arrive late will be admitted to the exam up to one hour after the exam begins, but will not receive extra time.

Plagiarism/Academic Dishonesty: 

Any student found copying from someone and/or in possession of notes or materials not permitted in the Exam Room will be deemed cheating. Electronic devices are not permitted in the exam room unless permission has been granted from the Vice-Principal (ie. electronic translation devices). Students using electronic devices during Exams to download or share information will be deemed to be cheating. This is a serious offence and may lead to a mark of “0”.

Amazing Cash and Prizes to be Won!

LPCI School Council is thrilled to announce our Spring Fling Online Raffle Fundraiser running from APRIL 22 through MAY 26.

Buy your tickets for chance to win great prizes from Raptors and Nutcracker Ballet tickets to beauty, jewellery and more – and yes, parents of graduating seniors, there will be coveted front row grad seats as part of the early bird draws so don’t delay.  Last but not least… there is a $2,000 cash grand prize!  

Tickets are 1= $25, 5 = $100 and 15 = $250 with a max of 2000 being sold.  

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be going to support the renovation of our library, updating our science labs, purchasing new student chrome books and more  

You must be 18 years or older and a resident of Ontario to purchase.  

Click the link to purchase your tickets and share with family and friends so they, too, can get in on the action.  https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/lpcipa

Buy one, buy many and as always, thank you for supporting our amazing LP community.

Parent/Caregivers IMPACT Symposiums

Calling all parents and caregivers! The City of Toronto’s Community Crisis Response Program and the TDSB Parent/Caregiver & Community Engagement Office invite you to IMPACT – Innovative Methods for Parents/Caregivers Today!

Join us this May for one of three powerful sessions designed to equip you with the knowledge and the tools to support your children. We’ll tackle the most pressing issues facing young people, including:

·         Mental Health & Well- being & Vaping Dependency

·         Social Media and Cellphone Dependency

·         Criminality & Prevention

·         Missing Youth & Community Safety

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect. Register soon as registration is limited.

Date

Time

Location

Registration Link

Saturday May 10, 2025

10:00 am-5:00 pm

David & Mary Thomson Collegiate-125 Brockley Drive, Toronto ON

https://lu.ma/ej9m7in1?locale=en-CA 

Saturday May 24, 2025

10:00 am-5:00 pm

The Learning Enrichment Foundation-116 Industry Street Toronto ON

https://lu.ma/o81k46z4?locale=en-CA

Saturday May 31, 2025

10:00 am-5:00 pm

Rosedale Heights School of the Arts- 711 Bloor St E, Toronto, ON

https://lu.ma/blthvik1

Community Consultations

The TDSB aims to be responsive to the voices of communities by developing tailored action plans, each based on the pillars of the Anti Hate and Anti Racism Strategy. This Spring, TDSB students, families and community members who self-identify as part of the Asian diaspora are invited to attend a community consultation to support a multi-dimensional strategy that affirms diverse and intersectional Asian identities and addresses anti-Asian racism within the TDSB. Learn more. Dates: April 15 - May 20, 2025: Time: 5:30 PM; Audience: TDSB Students, Caregivers and Community.

April 2025 Special Education and Inclusion Letter

Please see the April 2025 Special Education and Inclusion Parent/Guardian Newsletter. All newsletters for parents/guardians/caregivers can be found on the external TDSB site. 

TDSB Guide to Special Education and Inclusion Resource

Please take a moment to review the TDSB Guide to Special Education and Inclusion resource. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vS9iRFwtww1zR6UiNUmBTPU90kJzjFhM3S-3eqeWpZ9IcOXeUyKjdaXQy7NyQLI0g/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000&slide=id.p1

Steps to Address Questions and Concerns

Below is the best way to talk to us, and who you should reach out to and when (Please also refer to the TDSB Parent Concern Protocol (PR505) for more information):

Step 1 - Classroom Teacher

• Any questions about the classroom

• Classroom rules and consequences

• Homework and assignments

Step 2 - School Principal

• Concerns about an individual school

• Student registration

• Student schedules

• Student suspensions

• School Council

• Code of Conduct

• Safety and security

• Budget and fundraising

• Report card concerns

• Homework and assignments

Step 3 - School Superintendents

• Alternate attendance request        

• Suspension appeals

Step 4 - Trustees

• Concerns about your community

• Ideas and suggestions for the Board

• Board policies under review

• Items on Board Agendas

• Board budget

Reporting An Absence

TDSB is offering a more efficient way for parents and caregivers to report all student absences, late arrivals, or future absences by using the School Messenger app. You can also report by calling the school messenger portal at 1-833-250-2290. All attendance being reported before 9:00AM must be done using School Messenger. You no longer need to call the school directly.

School Calendar and Vacation Planning 2024-25

The 2024-25 School Calendar is now available on the TDSB website. Please click here for PA day and  holiday dates. Calendar items specific to Lawrence Park can be viewed on the main page of our school website linked here. Please note that we will be scheduling final Exams and culminating activities for the 2024-25 school year in both January and June. A reminder that vacations are not considered a legitimate absence from instructional days or Exam days. Every effort should be made to avoid scheduling family vacations during school time. In the event of a missed evaluation due to a family vacation, teachers are not required to provide an alternative form of evaluation or Exam and a mark of zero may be assigned.

School Council Website Address

The school council has a new website at a new address: www.lpschoolcouncil.ca.

School Council Social Media

Follow the Parent Council: Instagram: @lpciparentcouncil.

New Drop-In Music Club: Explore Strings!

Is your child curious about playing a violin, viola, cello, or bass? Explore Strings is a new drop-in club where students can try and learn an orchestral string instrument in a fun and supportive environment. Every Monday after school in Room 119.  No music experience necessary!

For questions or inquiries, please contact Ms. Wong at Megan.Wong@tdsb.on.ca. Come explore the world of strings with us!

Young Women on the Move

Would you like to join our team? YWM is a powerful mentorship initiative building meaningful relationships for young women in Grades 9-12. Our vision is to advocate for and empower young women and gender diverse people at LP to become agents of positive change, and to grow a network of socially conscious young women utilizing confidence and courage to create a caring and positive world.  Join our google classroom to learn more!  The class code is gekvf6a.

Baseball Gloves

If you have any spare baseball/softball gloves we would love to put them to good use here at LP for our classes. Please drop them off in the main office. We had great luck with skates and sharpening so we thought we would see if there are any gloves collecting dust :)

LPAC Applications

Today is the last day to submit LPAC Applications. If your child is interested please remind them to submit the application by midnight Friday, April 25th. The google class for LPAC Applications is : vasjxvav; All grades are welcome to apply. Interviews will be held for head positions and applications used to select general members. If you have any questions please contact Mr. Wong, Ms. Daigle or Mr. Hunnisett. 

EMA

For all teams an EMA (Excursion Management Application) form will need to be completed in order to try out. https://parent.ema.tdsb.on.ca/#/ - If you have any questions about EMA or are having trouble logging in please contact us. 

Athletics 

If you have any questions about sports teams at LP please contact karen.daigle@tdsb.on.ca or doug.hunnisett@tdsb.on.ca  We would be happy to answer any questions you have. 

Athletic Council Social Media

Follow the Athletic Council on Instagram: @lpciathletics for up to date information about Athletics at LP!

Online

The LPAA website is up and running, but still a work in progress. You can find it at https://www.lpcialumni.com/. Perhaps the biggest initiative continues to be getting every Robur and commencement program uploaded to the site. Alumnus Nancy Hamparian has been the driver of the initiative, but with some encouragement from Principal Griesz, we now have about a dozen student volunteers working on website projects. Relevant to us, the 1979, 1980 and 1910 Roburs are online. 1982 and 1983 are in the works.

On Facebook

The LPAA is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/LPCI75th/. Lawrence Park Collegiate 1983 is at https://www.facebook.com/groups/68735842927. Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute Over 30! is moderated by Ara Yeremian and can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lpciover30.

Instagram

LPAA’s Instagram account is @LPCIAlumni.

Contacts

Something to say to the LPAA – want to get involved - want to publicize an alumni relevant event – want to be a class rep? Info@lpcialumni.com. Any questions or comments about what I’ve written here? Shoot me an email don@perrylaw.ca. 

New!: White Pine Book Club

Our Book Club Council have been running some very successful White Pine meetings!  A huge thank you to our staff and student readers who have been attending these meetings and for their wonderful insights into the books!  Our next meeting is Wednesday April 30th at the start of lunch in the Library Seminar Room.  The theme for the meeting is 'Stories with a Queer Perspective’  The books we will be discussing are Lockjaw by Matteo Cerilli and Zombie Apocalypse Running Club by Carrie Mac.  Come on out to introduce yourself to amazing stories, authors, and people!  Bring your lunch and we will provide the dessert treats!  All are welcome!  There is also an amazing Raffle Prize you can win!  The more meetings you attend, the better your chances are to WIN! Join our White Pine Book Club Google Classroom to stay up to date on meetings and events: 7onupnz Happy Reading LP!

New! Newsletter

Please see our LPCI Library Learning Commons April 17th 2025 Newsletter

Library Learning Commons

Please see our LPCI Library Learning Commons Website. Please join with the Google classroom with the code 2mvgxib

Library Social Media

Follow the Library on Instagram: lpci.library

Follow the Library on X: @LPCIlibrarylife

Library Further Information

Please refer to the LPCI Library page from the main LPCI website for more information about general Library information.

Library Teacher-Librarian Contact information

Julia Zwaan (ACL Library & Special Projects)

julia.zwaan@tdsb.on.ca

416.393.9500 extension 20010

Adam Solakis (ACL English)

adam.solakis@tdsb.on.ca

416.393.9500 extension 20010

Future Speakers

In accordance with the Ministry of Education's memorandum Strengthening Academic Achievement and Transparency and TDSB PR589 Vetting External Presentations Procedure this email serves notice of  upcoming guest speakers.

Date: 

Time:

Location: 

Audience: 

Presenter: 

Topic: 

Guidance Google Classroom

Students are reminded to check their guidance Google Classroom for important updates, including post-secondary information, volunteer opportunities, and more. 

Guidance Appointments  

Please use this link to request a guidance appointment.

Summer School 

TDSB E-Summer

Registration for TDSB E-Summer is now open! TDSB E-Summer will only be offering grade 11 and grade 12 courses. Students must submit parent/guardian approval form to complete their registration. 

Program Dates: 

July Session July 2 to July 25 

August Session July 28 to Aug 22

Please note that although e-Summer courses are asynchronous, they are not self-paced courses. Assignments and evaluations are to be completed and submitted according to the due dates established in the course outline.  Students are expected to log in and commit 6-7 hours daily to engage in and complete work independently.

TDSB Summer School- Continuing Education

Registration for TDSB Summer School- Continuing Education is now open. 

Program Dates: July 2-25, 2025

Learning model: synchronous

• Remote - live & synchronous learning Gr 9 & 10 courses only

• In Person - various locations - Gr 9-12 courses

• Remote Credit Recovery -Gr. 9-12 courses

**Civics/Careers is ONLY offered through Con-Ed during July** 

Registration Dates: April 22 to June 17

TDSB Summer Coop 2025: 2-Credit Program - Expression of Interest form is OPEN

The TDSB 2025 Summer Coop 2-Credit program is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from students!  Please see below for info:

• EOI deadline for students requesting a Central Summer Coop placement (Sunnybrook, Scarborough Health Network, North York General Hospital - Senior Centre, xoTO) = April 17, 2025 @ 3:00pm

• EOI deadline for all OTHER Summer Coop placements (NOT Central) = May 02, 2025 @ 3:00pm

• Students must be available from July 02-August 08; Vacation plans cannot be accommodated, this is a 6-week, 2-credit program

• Only current Grade 11 or 12 students may apply, current Grade 10 students will not be considered

• Students may only participate in ONE TDSB Summer Credit/Course, inclusive of e-learning, not two or more

How to Apply: Students must see their guidance counsellor, co-op teacher, or Student Success teacher who will submit the Summer Coop 2025 EOI form on their behalf; a follow-up Google form for placement requests will be sent to students after May 02.

2025 Summer Co-op EOI Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/RBga43WAqYSREXF28

For more information, please email TDSBSummerCo-op@tdsb.on.ca.

New!: On-Line to Success-Ontario (OLTS)

The 2025 Summer OLTS-Ontario cohort applications are open until June 18, 2025.

On-Line to Success-Ontario (OLTS) is a transition program for students going from secondary to post-secondary school. The summer program is intended for students going into Grade 12 or post secondary for the 25/26 academic year.

The OLTS program is for students across Ontario with learning disabilities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, and/or mental health disorders, including (but not limited to): depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and OCD.

See the website for more information. 

Ontario Universities Information Sessions 

The Ontario Universities Information Sessions will be held on May 22, 2025, from 5 to 7 pm (ET). This virtual event is divided into 4 sessions, where students can learn about the universities of their choice and ask questions. This event is tailored to Grade 11 and younger students who are beginning their university research. Registration is available now.

Save the Date! Ontario Universities Fair (OUF)

Ontario Universities Fair (OUF): Toronto, September 27-28, 2025, 9:30 am to 5 pm daily. The OUF is one of the largest educational fairs in North America. Students can gather information and chat one-on-one with students, staff and faculty from Ontario's universities. Stay tuned for more information!

Scholarships and Opportunities 

There are several scholarship opportunities posted on grade 11 and grade 12 Google Classrooms. Below are some opportunities we would like to highlight.

The Black Foundation of Community Networks

The BFCN Scholarship Directory is a free, detailed, and up-to-date compilation of 50+ available scholarships, awards, and bursaries for youth pursuing post-secondary education primarily at the undergraduate level. This directory was created to support Black students and their families, educators, guidance counselors, and coaches search, find, and apply for funding opportunities. There are several scholarship opportunities available with deadlines throughout the spring and summer. Please click here to access the scholarship directory. 

New!: Toronto Police 53 Division Student Leadership Bursary

Grade 12 students are invited to submit an application to the Toronto Police 53 Division Student Leadership Bursary. The 53 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) identified youth education as one of their main service priorities. One challenge facing our youth today is their lack of marketable skills for sustainable employment. Recognizing this challenge, the CPLC has established  Student Leadership Bursary Awards to assist post-secondary students achieve marketable skills through further education and apprenticeship programs. This one-time $3,000.00 bursary will be awarded to students who live or go to school within 53 Division. Please see the following link for more information. Applications are due by May 11, 2025. 

Volunteer Opportunities

There are several new volunteer opportunities available on your grade’s guidance google classroom. Please check them out!!