Dear Fieldstone Families:

I wanted to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to all the Fieldstone families who donated generously to the Fund for Fieldstone (FFF) and the Leaving Gift Programme. Since its inception in the 2005-2006 year, the Fund for Fieldstone successfully raised approximately $65,000 to date, and our inaugural Leaving Gift Programme (which allows graduating families to make a special donation in honour of their graduating student) raised another $51,000 to date. That brings the total raised through these two new initiatives to approximately $116,000 over a two year period!

As you can see, the Fund for Fieldstone (in combination with the Leaving Gift Programme) continues to be a unique annual fundraising initiative for the school. This direct giving campaign allows the Fieldstone Parents' Association (FPA) to manage and fund parent-identified enhancements to the curriculum here at Fieldstone. Parents can specifically identify how they wish to see their contribution allocated, or they can direct their contribution to an FPA identified priority. It is important to stress that these funds raised are completely separate from the schools' funds used by the Administration to cover general operating or capital costs. However, the FPA continues to cooperate and work closely with the school to ensure all aspects of spending from the Fund for Fieldstone supports the curriculum, and continues to enrich the students' educational experience.

To affirm how much more enriched our children's education has become here at Fieldstone, one need only look back at some highlights of the past and current projects supported by the Fund and the FPA:

Physical Education
*The junior playground structure (for the Lower School)
*The fitness park (for both the Lower and Upper School)
*Outdoor Basketball Stands
*High Jump Pit
*Two Step Bleachers for the gym, and outdoor bleachers
*Outdoor sports shelter / tent
*Table Tennis packages

Academics
*New science carts and lab equipment for the Upper school
*An extensive sharing cupboard of math and science materials for the Lower School
*Guest speakers in the classroom (both Lower & Upper School)
*Field trips to the Stratford Festival and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
*New textbooks for the classrooms (both lower & upper school)

Arts
*A kiln, pottery wheel and tools

Music
*Orff Instruments, music stands, drums, and mini grand piano
*Portable electric keyboards

Technology
*Laptop and speaker packages, LCD projector and cart, printer
*Overhead projection screens
*A laminator and related supplies

Other
*Stage sound and lighting package
*Video Camcorder for use in Photography class
*Traditional funding for French Night, Terry Fox BBQ, transportation for Stratford Festival
*Library books

As you can see, your donation does make a difference in your child's learning experience. These exciting educational extras above were made possible by approximately 50 families. Our goal for 2007-2008 is to encourage more families to participate in the success of the Fund. Can you imagine the possibilities if every Fieldstone family would contribute to the Fund? As you consider a tax-deductible gift in support of our school, please keep in mind that all donations, regardless of the dollar value, will take Fieldstone education to the next level of excellence.

Understandably, many of us lead busy lives, and sometimes cannot find the time to attend fundraising events or FPA meetings during the year as much as we would like to. The Fund for Fieldstone programme makes it simple: for your convenience we have created an online pledge sheet on the school website, www.fieldstonedayschool.org. We welcome and encourage you to direct your donations to areas that most closely match your passions and philanthropic interests.

As a first year parent to the school, I am excited about being part of something as meaningful as the Fund for Fieldstone. I look forward to your participation in the 2007-2008 Fund for Fieldstone campaign and Living Gift Campaigns!

Sincerely,

Rosa Iafrate
Chair, Fund for Fieldstone
rosaiafrate@rogers.com

To support the Fund for Fieldstone, please click here for the Online Pledge Form.