Wednesday 22 April 2015


Community involvement has always been an integral part of The Maples.  The Maples Link would like to play a role in facilitating the school in reaching out to our community. The Milone Family is initiating a fundraising campaign for a local Orangeville boy and The Maples Link is proud to support this amazing cause.  Information regarding volunteer opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and the dates and times of these events will be posted on our parent participation sidebar on this blog.

Please read the attached letter from Ben Milone to understand more about this fundraising campaign…….

Logan McNab is an 11 year old boy just like me.  I came to know Logan 5 years ago when his mother was a nanny for my baby sister.  His mother talked a lot about Logan with me because we were the same age.   I was really surprised when I met him that he was in a wheelchair.  He has cerebral palsy.  With a lot of work from his family and therapists, we were excited to see him take his first steps when he was 9 years old using a walker.  Unfortunately, some kids with cerebral palsy get really tight muscles and ligaments.  Logan has this problem and so he now is unable to walk anymore.  There is a surgery that can help him with this condition however it is only offered in the United States.  OHIP has agreed to cover a small portion of it.  His family has to pay the remaining $100,000.

I am physically active any chance I can get.  I can't imagine not being able to walk and run and would take any chance I could if someone told me a surgery could get me on my feet again.

I would like to do my part to fundraise money to help Logan's family reach their goal so that he can have this surgery.

These are my ideas which I have discussed with Mr. Playford:

1.  Having our school donate the money collected from one of our casual days towards this cause.

2. Hosting a bake sale – on Friday May 22 at our school.  Please support by bringing a loonie or toonie to buy a delicious baked good.

3.  Host a bottle drive – Please ask your parents, families, neighbours, sports teams to give you their empty wine, beer and liquor bottles.  I will have a box set up in the front hall for you to put them in.  My parents will take them to the Beer Store for me and the refund will be put towards this fundraiser.

 

We can all do our small part to help Logan walk again.  Thank you for helping support this important cause. 

 

Ben Milone, Grade 5

P.S. Here is his website in case you need more information.  http://www.gofundme.com/Logans-Hope

Wednesday 8 April 2015

Spring is coming! There is only 10 weeks left in the school year. Where does the time go? This is a busy time of year....The Maples Link is working hard to plan a fantastic Spring Fling, which is now being called 'Casino Royale.'   In addition, we are re-introducing the spring BBQ on June 13th from 2 until 5pm.

We continue to reach out to parents to come and participate in the school events.  Check the Maples Link Blog regularly for updates on what parent participation opportunities there are for the up and coming month.

Please read the description of the 'Casino Royale' event being held on the 22nd of May. Tickets will be going on sale next Friday. April the 17th.  They will be available at the office, or you can email link.maples@gmail.com with your request. Please invite your friends and others in the community. This is going to be a wonderful evening for everyone.

Please join us at the next Coffee Gathering on
April the 15th at 9 am.

 
Highlights from the Parent Coffee Gathering
The Maples Academy

Wednesday, April 1st
 
The Maples Link once again met for their 'Coffee Get Together' in April. With just 6 short weeks until this event much of the focus was on planning the 'Casino Royale.'
 
1.  Catering - Lavender Blue
 
Lavender Blue Catering attended the meeting to propose their food suggestions for May 22nd. Vanessa's had great ideas and we look forward to working with her team.
 
Catering Description: Lavender Blue will prepare catered hors d'oeuvres and 3 food stations, including one desert station, for the Maples Link 'Casino Royale.'   They will also provide coffee and tea.
 
2. Liquor
There will be a cash bar where beer and wine will be sold. We are currently in the process of approaching one of our local breweries to have them exclusively provide the beer. 
The bar will also have a variety of non-alcoholic choices which are included in the price of the price of the ticket.
 
Liquor Description: Beer and wine will be available for purchase at the cash bar. Included in the price of the ticket is a choice of one beer or one glass of wine.  If you are designated driver or do not want to utilize this option, you may cash in your drink ticket for extra casino money.
 
3.  Casino - Night Life Fun Casino
Night Life Fun Casino has been hired to create and interactive entertaining event with fun for every guest. At the beginning of the evening everyone will receive a Nightlife Casino Coupon for $100 in chips or 5 draw tickets. You may purchase more casino money if you need it. Every guest is eligible to win the prizes whether they gamble or not. At the end of the casino all the guests cash in their chips and coupons for draw tickets to participate in the grand prize draws.
 
Casino Description: There will be three fun casino tables all with the emphasis on fun so novices are welcome and the dealers are patient and happy to teach the games to everyone wanting to participate. Roulette, Texas Holdem Poker, and Black Jack will be the games at this 'Casino Royale.'
 
4.  Music
Music Description: Bruce Ley, a Pianist will be accompanied by a Base player throughout the evening.
 
5. Decoration/Layout
Overall Description: This after-dinner casino party with slow jazz and cocktails will require a team of talented parents to turn the Maples Academy Gym into a haven of metropolitan sophistication.  Dim lights, comfortable seating, elegant flowers and cocktail tables and are in the works.
 
Tickets Available Next Friday, April 17th! $60