Bicycle Maintenance & Repair Course @ Eastdale

The Bicycle Maintenance and Repair course teaches easy methods for maintaining and repairing a bicycle. Students began by simply identifying bicycle parts and tools for working on them before moving into basic adjustments and maintenance. The basics include repairing gears and chains, changing flat tires and adjusting and replacing brakes. This course generally involves more hands-on practice with the bike; however, in addition to basic mechanical education, students have also looked at the principles behind cycling for fitness and they are studying various bicycle routes and terrains. Thanks to the teacher, Mr. De Abreu for providing students with a holistic and 'hands-on' experience!

Bullying Awareness & Prevention / Awards Assembly

November is Indigenous Education month, and Nov 20-24 is National Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week. 

Students presented their own bullying awareness & prevention video and the choir performed ‘Try’ by Pink, a song that encourages the growth mindset.  The lyrics repeat, “You gotta get up and try, try, try” was what made it relevant.  The choir decided the song was modern and upbeat with a strong message of encouraging everyone to try their best.  We then recognized the character/qualities of our students that support the positive connection of communities based on the Seven Grandfather Teachings (more details and photos below). 

A big thanks to the Mr. Perry for organizing the assembly, Mr. Carey and Ms. Johnston and the choir,  Mr. Servos for co-creating with students, the bullying awareness video.

The Seven Grandfather Teachers are seven characteristics or teachings that are understood to be necessary for a healthy community.

At Eastdale our goal at the assembly was to recognize every student for at least one way in which they have connected to and/or contributed to community:

LOVE - Represented by the Eagle: To be at peace with yourself and able to express love to your family, friends and community through your actions and words. 

RESPECT – Represented by the Buffalo: Respect is an attitude. To honour and listen to your Elders, parents and teachers is a sign of respect. Respect for self and for others. The buffalo represents Respect because for as a long as we have been here, we have sustained our lives through the Buffalo in terms of clothing, food, shelter, medicine and art. *

COURAGE – represented by the Bear: Listen to your heart. It takes courage to do what is right. Courage is being brave in the face of life’s problems. Daily challenges take courage to overcome. Never give in, never give up. *

HONESTY – represented by the Sabe (a giant who walked among the people; also known as kitch sabe): Never lie, cheat, steal or gossip. Be honest with yourself and others. Speak from your heart. Be true to your word. 

WISDOM – represented by The Beaver: Everyone has a special gift. Show wisdom by using your gift. Wisdom is gained through experience and knowledge. To have wisdom is to know the difference between right and wrong and to apply these qualities to your daily life. 

HUMILITY: represented by the Wolf: Think of others before yourself. Humility is to live your life free from arrogance, to not be boastful, and to have a modest sense of your own worth. 

TRUTH – represented by The Turtle: Always seek truth. Living the truth is living the Seven Teachings.

Maple Leaf & Sports Entertainment (MLSE) Visits Eastdale

Students were excited to learn about leadership and several opportunities @MLSELaunchPad located at 259 Jarvis. It is a multi-purpose sports complex with 42,000 square feet of development facilities. A big thanks to Mr. Nizich for inviting MLSE to Eastdale and for taking our health & physical education classes to MLSE next month!
To all community members it is for everyone! A list of activities is posted below or go to http://mlselaunchpad.org/ for more information.

Dental Screening for Eastdale Students

On Monday October 30^th, Eastdale welcomed our wonderful colleagues from Toronto Public Health Dental who provided free voluntary dental screening to all of our students.  This services makes it easy for all students to have a quick and painless check of their oral health, and learn about ways to maintain strong and healthy teeth and gums.  Where needed, referrals are made to ensure that all students have access to professional dental services.  Thank you to Penny and Anne, our awesome TPH contacts who helped make everyone feel safe and comfortable during their visit today.  We look forward to seeing you again next year!  If you have questions about where you can find dental services in Toronto, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Matt Perry in the Guidance office at Eastdale to find out more at 416-393-9630 x20042 or by email at matt.perry@tdsb.on.ca