Sometimes it feels like mobile technology is taking over a big part of our lives and the lives of our children. Cell phones and tablets are never far from our teenagers’ reach and, truth be told, from our own hands. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that our kids develop healthy and … [Read more...]
Do You Still Buy Your Kids’ School Photo?
It's a school tradition as highly anticipated as the first day back at school for parents. On the flip side, for many kids, it's a ritual that is dreaded as deeply as their end-of-year exams. We're talking of course, about School Picture Day. A yearly practice, whereby a photographer (of varying … [Read more...]
Schools, You Need To Do More During Heatwaves
“It’s hot as Hell out.” This seems to be how people have been greeting each other this week in Toronto. Pool owners and cottage goers may be loving this resurgence of summer heat, but not everyone is so happy with the heat wave. Teachers are voicing valid concerns about the safety and … [Read more...]
If School Welcome Letters Were Honest
Is anyone else DROWNING in paperwork right now? The first week of school my kids brought home enough paper to power Burning Man seven times over. I get it: allergies, bus policies, safe dismissal procedures, PA days, there’s lots of important information to be communicated. But let’s be honest, … [Read more...]
Why Are Our Tax Dollars Still Funding An Exclusionary Catholic School System?
I have made it no secret that I am not a believer in publicly funded religious education. Ontario is one of the very few provinces in Canada that offers residents in school boards the choice between a public education and a Catholic one. What would constitute a private education in most provinces, … [Read more...]
EQAO Testing Isn’t Just A Giant Waste Of Time—It’s Detrimental To Kids And Teachers
Towards the end of each year, thousands of children in Ontario participate in an activity that has absolutely no benefit to their education. No it’s not Crazy Hair Day (Crazy Hair Day is awesome.) With a name like Education Quality and Accountability Office testing, how can I possibly say that … [Read more...]
I Am Never Going To Be The Mother Who Volunteers For School Field Trips
When I was working full-time, like many mothers, I felt very guilty for not being able to attend my kids' field trips or other school functions. I couldn't wait to get more flexibility in my work so that I could be that mom that helped with the PAC meetings or at school fairs. And when I started … [Read more...]
Kickstart Your Family’s Healthy Routine With Up-To-Date Vaccinations
S’mores and hotdogs roasted on the campfire, popcorn at the movies, late bedtimes and even later mornings. A familiar feeling? If so, you’re definitely not alone. The summer vacation can turn the most health-conscious of families into junk-food addicts and sleepyheads, and even with all that … [Read more...]
The Dog Didn’t Eat Our Homework—We Just Didn’t Feel Like Doing It
My daughter just completed her first year of French Immersion, with a grade 1 start. From what I understand, French Immersion is particularly bad for giving homework but, holy cow, did she have a ton of homework? Every. Single. Night. Sometimes it was just reading a poem or two. Other times it was a … [Read more...]
Facing My Own Fears For My Boys
I'm now in my final year of my Masters of Fine Arts program. In addition to writing a book, filing book reports and completing other assignments, I also have to spend two weeks in Halifax this summer for an intensive residency. It means saying goodbye to my kids, friends, and family, and living in a … [Read more...]
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