January 2015 is quickly coming to an end. Ah speeches are wrapping up. The students have been working very hard over the past several weeks in preparation for their big day......let the competitions begin.

Highlights from the Parent Coffee Gathering

The Maples Academy

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Our Parent Coffee Gathering was held on the 21st of January. Another great turn out and lots of enthusiasm. There were a wide variety of topics discussed.

1. Marketing The Maples Academy

We are all interested in spreading the word about The Maples Academy, its IB program, and seeing the population at the school grow. The Maples Academy offers a balanced education that challenges each student, develops their mind and strengthens their character. How do we spread the word to existing and potential Orangeville families? The suggestion of connecting with local realtors via the Orangeville and District Real Estate Board was discussed; Mr. Sawatsky is working on promotional material to commence this angle of connecting with potential families.

2. The Spring Fling

In November, parents at the Coffee Gathering suggested hosting a dinner party in February. This date seemed to approach us at warp speed, it was decided that it would not be possible to make this date happen. However, a fun, relaxing social gathering is in the works for May. Friday, May 22, 2015 will be our first Annual Spring Fling. Tickets will be sold for the dinner. This will not be a fundraiser, the purpose is to connect with each other, parents, staff, and with the community. Parents and staff of both The Maples Academy and St. Jude's are invited, along with friends and family in the community. We hope to plan an evening to remember. A catered buffet, sit down dinner with live entertainment consisting of local talent is being organised. There will be child care offered. If you have any suggestions please feel free to email me at the link.maples@gmail.com.

Sincerely, Carrie Ferguson

Spring Fling - Save The Date

Happy New Year! Welcome to The Maples Link blog! Here we will share news and important notes about school activities. This site will help keep our parents, teachers, and community informed about our school. Regular Parent Coffee Gatherings will be held to bring parents together and to discuss a variety of topics. The details and the dates of these Parent Coffee Gatherings will be posted in this blog.

Highlights from the Parent Coffee Gathering

The Maples Academy

Wednesday, November 26, 2014 @ 9:00 a.m.

There was lots of enthusiasm and great ideas at the Parent Coffee Gathering. Participants discussed what roles a parent organization should have at The Maples Academy moving forward. 

The following summarizes that discussion:

1.  Communication

• To provide a forum for The Maples families to meet on a regular basis during the school year to discuss a wide range of topics, including ways for interested parents to participate in school events and activities.
• To bring forward recommendations and suggestions to support and enhance the school’s goals and priorities
• To plan social events for our children and the families at the school. The Maples has always encouraged parents to participate in, and help organize a variety of events within the school offering parents a terrific opportunity to interact with the students and teachers as well as other parents. There is strong interest to continue and grow this aspect of parental involvement.
• We would like to plan a dinner for the evening of February 12, 2015 – The Winter Warm-up – for a fun, relaxing and social gathering for parents and teachers. Please join us on Wednesday, January 21, at 9 am to help plan this fun event.
• Family BBQ in June.

 2.  Community Involvement

• The Values Projects have always been an important part of The Maples curriculum and Mr. Playford has assured the parents this will continue to be case.
• Parents at the gathering indicated they would like to see The Maples Link participate in helping to identify areas/opportunities for students to be involved in the community in a meaningful way. Some suggestions included: Dufferin Community Living, supporting local families at Christmas time with holiday hampers. How do we provide opportunities for kids that go beyond donating money and get the kids involved and understanding the needs and situations of others?

 3. Fundraising

• While The Maples Link stepped back from organizing the Fall Festival this year, there is a surplus in the our bank account that will allow us to continue to pay for school trips and bussing as well as some student/social events like the Christmas Lunch and a June BBQ. The door is open for parents to take on as much or as little of the Fall Festival in the future in order to raise funds for any initiatives that are identified.
• This year, the proceeds from the tea room went to The Maples Link as it was organized by parents. Fundraising opportunities could be expanded to other areas next year.

 

If anyone has any thoughts or questions, please email them to link.maples@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Carrie Ferguson