Our West End Holiday Party

Friends, 

Check out the upcoming Holiday Party below. Hope to see you there! 

Fabio

Some Upcoming Events! @bcopinc

Friends,

See some upcoming events below, thanks to the Bridgeview Community Outreach Program Inc.

Assumption Family of Schools -- Together We Are Better! @WECDSB @AssumptionH

Friends,

Assumption Family of Schools is hosting an event for families to attend this Thursday, September 21 at 4pm. Come for the food and tour the new middle school facility, along with Assumption high school. Many community organizations will be in attendance and have booths set up as well.

See the flyer below for more information.

West Mesh and Open Streets Windsor!!

Friends,

Just a reminder that West Mesh and Open Streets is this weekend! Invite family and friends to Our West End’s community celebration West Mesh and enjoy the City of Windsor Open Streets, all at the corner of Detroit St and Sandwich St W at Paterson Park, from 9am -2pm.

West End School Status Trustee Report @WECDSB

Friends,

First day of school has come and gone and now we’re slowly getting into the swing of things. Given the extraordinary transition this school year between the new St. James and the new Assumption Middle School, there have been some inherent challenges that we can expect every time a change of this magnitude is implemented. Although it may be frustrating to some parents, I can advise that teachers, principals, support staff and administration are working hard to rectify any issues that pop up.

As your trustee, it is my duty to inform you of the status of our schools in the west-end and to express your concerns to our administration to ensure that your voices are heard. That is what I’ve always done and that is what I’ll always continue to do. With that in mind, I intend to provide you with a school status report, beginning with St. James.

St. James K-6 Catholic Elementary School

The main issue I’ve heard to date from families include the heat in the school, particularly in the gymnasium where our JK and SK students are temporarily being placed. As you can imagine, it certainly doesn’t help with this heat wave that we’re currently experiencing. After receiving several calls from concerned parents, I immediately contacted the principal, Doris Baggio, and others to ensure that we are doing everything possible to mitigate against the heat. To date, I can advise that 5 fans have been installed and that a technician has been working diligently on fixing some A/C issues in the school. I will be attending the school tomorrow morning and will continue to work diligently with Principal Baggio to find solutions to this issue. More to come in this regard. 

With respect to the construction of the addition, I asked our superintendent overseeing the project for an update and if there is anything that can be done to expedite the process. The board received unexpected requirements and layers of approval such as an archeological study and other ministry approvals. With that in mind, the actual work on-site for the archeological review will only take a day or two (according to our superintendent) with a formal, written report to be provided by the consultant within a week or so.  As for expediting the process, our superintendent has stated that they’ve been pushing on every front to get a shovel in the ground for St. James and are moving the project along as quickly as possible. He further stated that typically, such projects take 6 to 8 months just to get through the design and approval process before they are even sent out for bids from contractors.  We are only about 3 and half months in since the Ministry funding approval on May 19th.  The added twist for St. James is that it is being funded through the full day kindergarten program (FDK), which required a further Ministry approval to proceed, this approval having only been received on August 30th.  

Administration further stated that the City went above and beyond to get the permits expedited for the Assumption Middle School and that they are pressing them to do the same for St. James.

Given the FDK approval process, the archeological requirement and other factors, administration is still projecting that the construction will be complete by the end of November or early December, although they further state that this is an extraordinarily quick timeline for project completion.  Principal Baggio will continue to inform the community, as will I, on the progress and timelines.

Assumption Catholic Middle School

With the intent of not writing a novel, I will attempt to be as concise as possible in responding to some concerns from parents. First, I would like to refer parents to the Principal’s report and a brief update from Principal Riberdy on the state of the middle school by clicking on the link below which sends you directly to his blog. Please subscribe if you haven’t already.

http://acms-wecdsb.blogspot.ca/

I personally visited the school yesterday to see firsthand the progress and the concerns expressed by parents. Here is my update in bullet form:

·         Lockers are coming soon. They will be placed in a small corridor and each student will have one.

·         Doors on classes and door knobs on some doors will be installed shortly. Just need the people in to do it after school hours. That's coming soon.

·         For the few rooms that need it, utilities delivered fans to the classrooms today and they stated that the air conditioners should be installed tomorrow.

·         Caution tape separating the middle school is temporary. An announcement was made on the first day from the principal at Assumption high school telling students not to cross that area and there are protocols in place to ensure that will not happen. The Principal stated that a wall with secure access will be there within approximately two weeks

·         Although this is well known, for those who may not know, a new gym will be built for the middle school. In the meantime, students will have phys ed outside, at Assumption HS gym where there's no conflict and at the St. John's gym until the new gym is built. It will take some time and there will be a courtyard too that will be built but don't expect that for a few months assuming all goes well. 

·         The walk outside to the cafeteria on the first day was a decision made by the principal to get students out. Students will not be doing that going forward, save and except times where the principal decides to have them out for exercise.

·         The school installed a water dispenser so that students can fill up water bottles. Those students who wanted water but didn't bring water bottles were given a bottle of water that they can fill up as needed.  A fountain is scheduled to be installed off of the chapel hallway today.

As I hear more I will keep you informed and I ask that you do the same so that we can address these issues on a timely basis.

General Protocol

For those who may not be aware, I want to inform you of the general protocol when it comes to addressing issues or concerns. First you should contact the principal to resolve questions or concerns at the school level. If that is not successful, then the next step is to contact the school superintendent, and if that is not successful, you then contact the Director of Education. With that in mind, you can always contact me and I will refer you to the appropriate person.

Lastly, I would like to thank all of the teachers, principals, support staff and administration for all of your help during this challenging period. I would also like to personally thank all of the families who have been patient and understanding throughout, and everyone who has contacted me with their concerns and questions. As your trustee, it is my duty to always tell you the facts, even if they are not popular. This is my duty not just to you as a parent, but more importantly to our students whose education is in the board’s care. When I was sworn in as a trustee and gave my oath, I knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but I also knew that the underlying purpose – the education of our students – is so great that we can overcome these challenges if we work together and always focus on the big picture. So many of you have and I am so grateful for that. Thank you.

Fabio

Updates on School Projects and Great News for the West-End!

Friends,

I've received many questions from residents regarding the status of construction at St. James and Assumption Middle School. The trustees have received periodic updates throughout the summer and have asked questions regarding the same updates to ensure that the projects are moving forward accordingly.

Assumption College Catholic Middle School

There were some delays throughout the process for several reasons with both the Assumption College Catholic Middle School and St. James. However, construction has begun at Assumption and the contractors are working hard to have the school ready for September. The main focus right now is on constructing the classrooms and providing a segregated space for our grades 7 and 8 students. I did a walk-through of the building a few weeks ago and it is very exciting to see what is coming soon. In addition, a brand new gymnasium will be built once the classrooms are complete and the school will have a segregated courtyard too that will really make it a prime destination for student learning, safety and student experience.

St. James Catholic Grade School 

The construction at St. James should commence soon. I've written to the Superintendent of Corporate Services who is overseeing the St. James project regarding its status and have yet to receive a response. Once I do, I will let you know. A big bonus with the St. James project is that the Board administration is working with the City to establish appropriate bus-bay and student drop-off areas. Any construction required in these areas will be separately phased and may take some time but the Board and the City are listening to residents and their concerns surrounding pick-up and drop-off issues at the school site. The parking lot will also be expanded to accommodate the overcrowding of cars at the site.

Uniform Glitch

As you may know, students attending the Assumption Middle School will be required to wear uniforms. Recently, there was an inadvertent mistake posted on the school website regarding uniform requirements. It was rectified in due course and the principal, John Riberdy, emailed me and provided me with the following below:

"We've made a correction to the school's website and a synervoice will be going out today to all registered parents at the middle school regarding this issue .  Please let me know if you receive any further communication from concerned parents regarding uniforms, or anything else for that matter.  I can call them back directly to clarify any misinformation.  I've set up a temporary office at Assumption High School to receive phone calls and you can direct parents/guardians to  (519) 256 - 7801 (Ext: 2230).  I'll return their calls promptly.

Sorry for any concern this may have caused!"

Feel free to call Mr. Riberdy should you have any further questions or concerns.

Theatre at Assumption Middle School

The Board has undertaken to retain an architect for a new theatre at Assumption College Catholic High School. This is exciting news! Trustees have supported the concept of a new theatre that will be a vital addition not only to the fabric of the arts at Assumption, but to the entire school community and the west-end. This is a big win for our community and a much needed resource. I will endeavor to work along with my colleagues to ensure that Assumption receive a well-deserved space for the performing arts. Although it is in the preliminary stages and drawings haven't been commenced as of today's date, I am hopeful that this project will follow the construction of the middle school and make the Assumption site even more world-class than it is today, which of course is difficult to imagine. Administration should be thanked for their courage in moving forward with this project and I want to thank the trustees who've supported it thus far. More to come on this in the future.

On Track to Success Coming to West Windsor!

Lastly, I attended a press conference held by the United Way announcing that the On Track to Success program is coming to West Windsor! This is excellent news for our students who can get a helping hand in not only achieving good grades and graduating high school, but in also receiving grant money towards their education. There is no clearer way out of difficult life challenges than through education and this program is a clear example of that. Thank you United Way Windsor-Essex!!!

For more information on this great initiative, see the link below.

United Way On Track to Success

New Beginnings Free Haircut Day

Friends,

I received an email from New Beginnings regarding a free haircut day for youth. See the details below:

WHEN: Tuesday, August 30th, 10am to 1pm

WHERE: New Beginnings, 1015 Highland Avenue

COST: Free to all youth 12 to 21

Children under 12 are welcome if accompanied by a guardian.

If you have any questions, call 519-254-2363 ext. 6

Tecumseh-Brock Statue

Friends,

I received an email from west-end resident Jerry Gervais who provided me with information on how to donate to the Tecumseh-Brock Sculpture. See the details below and to learn more about this project, see the link below as well.

Fabio

You should make the cheque payable to the City of Windsor and in the subject line identify that it is for the Tecumseh Brock sculpture.  The cheque could be mailed or dropped off at the mailing address below and should be sent attention to either Cathy Masterson or Mike Clement. They can ensure the correct paperwork is filled out to receive a tax receipt and the deposit of the cheque into the correct capital project.

Tel: (519) 253-2300 ext. 2724 • Email: cmasterson@citywindsor.ca

Mailing Address:  2450 McDougall Street • Windsor, ON N8X 3N6

Tecumseh Brock Statue

Cal Little Retirement @LAFWindsor

Our West End would like to extend our sincerest Congratulations to

the Executive Director of Life After Fifty, Calvin Little on his upcoming Retirement August 31^st, 2016!

Cal was instrumental in supporting the initial pilot of Our West End as a grassroots community engagement initiative, and providing an organizational home for Our West End as a program of Life After Fifty funded by United Way Windsor-Essex County.   

There will be a couple of events in his honour for Community organizations and the Life After Fifty membership:

1)      Retirement Open House for Community Partners

a.       All are welcome – community partners, co-workers, friends, family, are invited to come out and mingle.

Free event Thursday, August 25^th 4pm – 7pm @ Life After Fifty East Side Centre

At the WFCU Centre 8787 McHugh St

RSVP: cshanahan@lifeafterfifty.ca

2)      Life After Fifty Members’ Farewell

a.       All LAF members are invited to come out to wish Cal well.

Wednesday, August 31^st 1pm @

Life After Fifty’s West Side Centre

635 McEwan Ave

RSVP cshanahan@lifeafterfifty.ca

Upcoming Our West End Events

Friends,

There is a lot going on in the coming months. See below!

1     Campus Discovery Day at the University of Windsor                 

            Thursday August 25^th

            9am -3:30pm

The day is for residents in the University of Windsor area and West Windsor On Track to Success High School Students.  The On Track to Success is a program of United Way helping youth in West Windsor with study skills and opportunities to pursue post-secondary education. 

Our West End has partnered with the University of Windsor to bring residents to campus to experience several workshops throughout the day, to learn about the University, its many departments and services.

There will be some tours of the campus, the Nursing simulation Centre, the Library and some performances.  Any West Windsor residents can register contact Our West End for more informationtmurray@lifeafterfifty.ca

2   Campus in the Community Day, with Graffiti removal 

      Friday August 26^th,

            approx. 1pm – 4 pm ( to be finalized)

Our West End has partnered with the University of Windsor’s Community Kitchen,

Community Garden and Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG) to learn about our neighbourhoods and volunteer to help with beautification projects!

This project orients 40 University of Windsor Resident Assistants Student Employees to the Wyandotte West/River West neighbourhood.

The Resident’s Assistants will tour the neighbourhood and be given an infographic of area resources such as shops, community centres and restaurants.   

They will be a resource of knowledge for Our West End neighbourhoods, able to refer to students in residence to businesses, health and social services in our community.

They will also act as a point of contact and information resource to let students know about volunteer opportunities with Our West End, its affiliate groups, or how to get involved in our neighbourhoods. 

During the later part, of the day students will provide us with a Youth Day of Caring, helping to remove graffiti near the Human Kinetics building at the California Ave alley way.

This will restore our painting/graffiti removal work we did in 2013.

Please let me know if you would like

your organization listed for potential University Student volunteers.

We hope to build and maintain these relationships with students through annual training of RA’s and volunteer activities, helping students in residence feel like part of our community.

Day of Caring in River West! 

3   Park Bench Painting at Straith Park,

      Tuesday August 30th 

            9 am –noon (date to be confirmed)

Campbell and Riverside Drive West

 This is a Day of Caring with Caesar’s Windsor, Broker Link and Costco employees (approx. 10 employee volunteers total) helping to improve the appearance of our Parks.

 Some resident volunteers will be helping, let me know if you would like to participate!  tmurray@lifeafterfifty.ca

If we have enough volunteers we can scale this project up to include Bridgeview and/or Sandwich Towne parks. 

            Sunday September 18th  

Open Streets Round 2     /West Mesh/     Sandwich Fest combination!!

Please let me know if your organization intends to participate again, and is adding or removing activities.  

 tmurray@lifeafterfifty.ca 

Tammy Murray 519-254-1108 Ext 134

    

In late September

Our West End will once again partner with

Westview Freedom Academy Art Program and

Windsor Police Community Services Branch to create a

Diversity themed Community Mural

on the Westview School wall, facing California Street near Tecumseh Rd West 

This mural will allow for both students and community members to paint together.  

Watch for Fall Clean Sweeps

We will provide a repeat of our very successful Clean Sweep and Shine along with 2 additional  

Fall Clean Sweep clean ups, in a neighbourhood near you!

Watch the Our West End Facebook page and blog for more information!

dates are TBD

Targeting dates in late September/early October;

Your organization partnerships/suggested dates welcome!

 Contact Tammy Murray 519-254-1108 Ext 134 tmurray@lifeafterfifty.ca

These will be resident lead, with some United Way Days of Caring mixed in.

Please let me know if you would like to be a part of these dates. 

I have spoken to Carolyn about targeting and expanding the clean ups Bloomfield House has done over to Queen Street with an intention to move Block by Block in the future expanding the impact.  

Family Movie Night

Good Day for the City's Core and the West End!

Friends,

See an article from Anne Jarvis regarding the recent decision made by city council to waive development charges for several neighbourhoods in the city, including the west-end!

Fabio

Good Day for City's Core

Our West End looking for residents to participate in an ongoing Safety Committee.

Friends,

See an email I received from Tammy Murray, Community Coordinator at Our West End.

Our West End Neighbourhood Renewal

is looking for West End residents to participate

in an ongoing Safety Committee.

The goal of the committee is to connect residents together to look at areas of concern in the four West Windsor neighbourhoods, and use crime prevention techniques to reduce the opportunity for crime to occur. 

This will include: training residents how to do safety audits, talking to neighbours about crime prevention, helping to connect your neighbours to our projects encouraging the use of porch lights/reporting of crime, planning safety projects and prioritizing where our next clean-ups/beautification efforts will take place.      

Questions?  Contact: Tammy Murray

Community Outreach Coordinator

Our West End, A program of Life After Fifty

519-254-1108 Ext. 134  

This is a chance to:

● learn crime prevention skills

● share information across neighbourhoods

● participate in and/or plan beautification efforts such as neighbourhood clean-ups, graffiti removal and community murals.

Recent Neighbourhood Safety Accomplishments:

We have removed graffiti and created a community mural in the Bridgeview neighbourhood, painted a Community mural in Mic Mac Park in Sandwich Towne,  held Crime Preventions Town Halls at the University of Windsor with residents and students, and for Seniors and community members at Life After Fifty. 

Our Clean Ups have spanned over 52 West Windsor blocks in St. James Marlborough, River West/University of Windsor, Bridgeview and Sandwich Towne neighbourhoods and we are planning more of each of these community beautification projects!

Where would you like us to go next?

Bridgeview Community Outreach Pig Roast!

Friends,

The Bridgeview Community Outreach Program is hosting a pig roast in less than two months. Get your tickets while the last! See the flyer below.

Fabio

Assumption Middle School Town Hall

Friends,

See a message from Principal John Riberdy of the Assumption Middle School commencing this September:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Please be advised that on Thursday, June 2^nd, a “Town Hall” meeting will be held at Assumption College Catholic High School to discuss the implementation of the Assumption College Catholic Middle School programme.  The Town Hall meeting will take place at 6:00 pm in the cafeteria.  There will be a brief slide show presentation about the programme, which will be followed by an opportunity for parents/guardians to ask any outstanding questions that they may have.  We hope to see you there!

Assumption College Catholic High School

1100 Huron Church Rd.

Windsor, Ontario

N9C 2K7

(519) 256 - 7801

Assumption Parent Volunteers Needed! @AssumptionH @WECDSB

Friends,

Please see an email I received from the parent council chair regarding volunteers needed for June 2nd, 3rd and 4th.

"June 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th the Assumption parent council will be selling parking spaces in our parking lot for the OFSSA track and field event being held at the University of Windsor.  There is a potential HUGE profit to be made with 2700 athletes coming into town.   We need to staff two payment booths and 3 barriers for Thursday and Friday, and two payment booths on Saturday. In addition we will need parking lot attendants to ensure people are parking in the right places and not blocking others in.  We would also like to sell water and snacks to the THOUSANDS of people that will be around that weekend.  There will be spaces for volunteer parking in the lot.

We NEED your help.  This is the time for everyone to come together and make this happen.   Please ask other ACS families you know to lend a hand as well.  Times before drop off and pick up on Thursday and Friday are especially needed!!

Please go to the following link and sign up for the times you are available.  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0b49afaf2aabff2-ofssa  

I would like us to also have a quick meeting Mon or Tues night to go over the plan and make sure we are ready.  I will check with administration and let you know when works.

We will need to print signs and tickets, buy water and snacks, and much more.  If you have any questions or can offer additional help.. please let me know.

Heather

Does anyone have a popup tent we can use for the concessions?"

Pharmasave Westside Pharmacy Hiring!

Friends,

I received an email from the owner/pharmacist of Pharmasave Westside Pharmacy stating that they are looking to hire. See the post below:

" Looking for delivery personnel for Pharmasave Westside Pharmacy.

Please contact: adresponse999@gmail.com"

Thanks,

Cardinal Place Events

Friends, 

See below some of the things Cardinal Place in Sandwich Town is doing for seniors in the west end and beyond. 

1.      Father’s Day Brunch and Open House, Sunday June 19, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ONLY $10 including HST. At 3140 Peter Street, between Detroit and Mill.

2.      Spa Day for Seniors living at home: ONLY $35 for hair cut & style, assisted bath in our walk-in spa tub, lunch (optional pedicure and manicure) Call 519-254-1112 for details.

3.      Day Away Program for Seniors living at home: morning exercise and/or activities, lunch, afternoon activities. Call 519-254-1112 for details.

The Fate of Sandwich Towne

Friends,

You've probably read the series put on by the Windsor Star this past week featuring Sandwich Town. If you haven't, you really should, it's excellent. You will learn about all of the amazing things happening in Sandwich Towne and also learn about the looming issue with the Ambassador Bridge Co. I've pasted the links below in chronological order for your convenience.

Today, the Supreme Court of Canada heard the submissions from the City of Windsor and the Bridge Company and will render a decision sometime in the future (hopefully sooner than later).

I am hopeful that the SCC will provide justice to a neighbourhood that has been for too long a victim of one man's financial ambitions.  

Buying into history: there’s a buzz in Sandwich

A microbrewery becomes a catalyst

Irreplaceable Sandwich post office getting a $1-million makeover

The Ambassador Bridge casts a long shadow

You can buy houses and nobody can do anything about it?

The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism Human Puzzle

Friends,

See an email I received from Tammy Murray below:

Asking anyone in the West Windsor community or greater community to join in our Human Puzzle Piece event at:

Mic Mac Park, South Parking Lot

Sunday April 24th, 

2 pm -6pm

All proceeds toward

The Summit Centre for Preschool Children with Autism

Please Wear Blue for the Human Puzzle Piece formation!!

Group Puzzle Piece Picture from the fire truck at 4pm!!!

 A great family day!!

-Fire trucks

-Elmo and Cookie Monster,

-BBQ

-Light it up Blue Autism Awareness T-shirts and other Scentsy Puzzle piece items and many other vendors

-Canadian Specialty Exotics will have reptiles and exotic animals at the event

Car Break-In

Friends,

I received an email from a west-end resident notifying me that his partner's car was broken into last Friday. They live by Riverside Dr. W. and Askin Ave. Please keep a lookout and always notify police if you experience or see anything suspicious.

Our West End Newsletter

Friends,

Check out the Our West End Newsletter below. A big thanks to the organizers, volunteers and funders for all that you do.

Fabio

OWE Newsletter

Mason-Girardot Manor's new owners look to revitalize house

Friends,

It looks like there may be a positive new development for the Mason-Girardot Manor on Mill St. just south of Sandwich St. See the link below:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/new-owners-mason-girardot-manor-1.3485739

UofW Students Dig Into Sandwich Town History

Friends,

Check out what some of our University of Windsor students are up to in Sandwich Town! See the article below:

UofW Students turn Detectives for St. John's Anglican Church History

STAG Receives Money for New Gym Floor

Friends,

Great news for STAG and big kudos to the Charity Chix group who helped raise $54,000 for a new gym floor. See the article below:

STAG Receives Money for New Gym Floor

Seeking Solutions to Traffic Chaos Around St. James Grade School @stjeschool

Friends,

I've received several calls from concerned parents and residents around the St. James area. I've met with the Principal of St. James and together with the St. James Parent Council, we've brainstormed some ideas to help alleviate some of the traffic concerns around drop-off and pick-up times at St. James.

The issue is also being addressed across the region with a joint city and school board committee. I look forward to seeing the results of that committee and how we may be able to apply their recommendations to St. James.

St. James is a neighbourhood school and as such, was never designed for the amount of car pick-up and drop-off currently being experienced. We must encourage more walking to and from school to not only help alleviate congestion, but as a healthy alternative for parents and their children.

Here is a link to the article featuring this dilemma: School Boards and City Seeking Solutions to Traffic Chaos

I invite any ideas you may have to help with this issue.

Thank you.

Fabio

West Windsor ARC

Friends, 

There have been many questions regarding administration's final recommendation released last Tuesday. Please see the link below to view the final recommendation, timelines and guidelines for public input regarding the ARC proposal. I encourage you to please provide your input pursuant to the process guidelines so that trustees have all of the information they need from the community when making their final decision.

In addition, several members from the school board are hosting a 'non-ARC' town hall this Wednesday at 7pm at Assumption high school (likely in the library room -- will confirm shortly) to discuss the final recommendation and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Lastly, there is a delegates meeting on March 1st at 7pm at Assumption where you can express your concerns directly to the trustees before they make their final decision on April 5.

http://www.wecdsb.on.ca/arc.html

Rock Bottom Hosting Business Mixer

Friends,

Rock Bottom Bar & Grill is hosting a networking event on February 23rd. See below for details!