Congratulations to EcoSchools in Ward 5

I am pleased to announce that 7 Ward 5 (York Centre) schools were certified as EcoSchools by demonstrating their environmental stewardship and leadership qualities.

The following schools received certification:


Gold -- Summit Heights P.S.

Gold -- Rockford P.S.

Silver -- William Lyon MacKenzie C.I.

Silver -- Dublin Heights E & M.S.

Bronze -- Beverley Heights P.S.

Bronze -- Faywood Arts-Based Curriculum School

Bronze -- Calico P.S.


Headlines

Canadian Young Scientist Journal is launched in Ward 5

The Canadian Young Scientist Journal (CYSJ) gives credence to the view that motivation does lead to innovation and that the written word will never go out of fashion.

The CYSJ was launched in May, 2008. It is a testament to the energy and dedication of the staff and students at Northview Heights Secondary School. Some of the writers and editors came to our board meeting on May 21, 2008 to meet with Board Chair John Campbell (Second from the right) and Director Gerry Connelly (Third from the right). Also joining the team were Superintendent Gen Ling Chang (far left) and Northview Principal Sandra Tondat (Far right). CYSJ founder and Editor-in-Chief Northview Staff member Alexandre Noukhovitch was widely congratulated for getting the project going.

When I leaf through the pages of this journal and the names of these young authors and thinkers leap off the page, I wonder who among this crowd with bring to us great breakthroughs in medicine and health that we do not know about today. Who will guide us through the next generation of space discovery; and who will ensure that the quality of life can be just as important as longevity.

11th Annual Zareinu Moveathon Festival -- June 22, 2008 Downsview Park

Food * Amusement Park * Petting Zoo * Paint Ball * Laser Tag * Go Karts

2 km WALK * 10 km RUN *

Register Now!

www.moveathon.com
416.661.1800

Volunteer & Sponsorship Opportunities Available

In support of the Zareinu Educational Centre, a world-renowned treatment centre for children with special needs

This event is dedicated to the memory of Ruchama Zlotnick and Reb Zalman & Sarah Weinberg

Meir Medical Center: A great institution of hope, education and inspiration

On the night of May 28, I attended an event to help support Canadian Friends of Meir Medical Center, located in Tel Aviv. This facility is renowned for its advances in the medical field and its strong commitment to treat anyone and everyone who comes through its doors. This medical facility is a great lighthouse and example for others. It is said that this hospital treats 10% of Israelis. The funds raised at this event will be directed to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. The event honoured Dr. Bernard Goldman, now professor emeritus at the University of Toronto and former chief of heart surgery and surgery at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Women’s College Hospital . Also honoured was Toronto community activist Shirley Anne Haber. Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue in Toronto did a fantastic job of hosting this memorable event.

Lunch with Laureen Harper, the wife of the Prime Minister of Canada

Recently I was invited by news broadcaster and federal candidate Peter Kent to attend a lunch with Laureen Harper, the wife of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. The lunch gathering was a very cozy, relaxed event, which provided the opportunity to share some ideas with Ms. Harper. I asked Ms. Harper whether she would explore the idea of being an honourary national spokesperson for autism. While I didn’t really expect her to give an answer on the spot – and she was somewhat reluctant – Ms. Harper introduced me to her assistant so we can stay in touch about the suggestion. I also asked Ms. Harper to pass on my congratulations to the Prime Minister for the great speech he delivered recently at the Ricoh Centre during the Israel @ 60 celebration in Toronto. By the way, I found Laureen Harper to be outgoing, relaxed and friendly, which made for a very enjoyable event.

Explaining the TDSB pool funding and GST challenges to federal finance minister Jim Flaherty

From left to right, Joe Oliver, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Trustee James Pasternak

Recently I had the opportunity to share a few words with federal finance minister Jim Flaherty. I described some of the challenges we are facing in keeping our swimming pools open at the Toronto District School Board. I attended a high school with a pool and it was great for physical education classes and developing school spirit through a competitive school swim team. It was also essential for learning safety skills. I was hoping to tap several federal funding initiatives that promote athletics and healthy lifestyles.

I also mentioned that there is an emerging national initiative to have school boards exempt from paying GST. While the minister was attentive to these issues, he was non-committal and wanted keep the dialogue open.