Chess Institute of Canada


“Chess and Life . . . your words and actions have consequences!”

king

queen

rook

bishop

knight

pawn

Patrons

Thank you to our patrons, sponsors, supporters, and advertisers:

King and Queen Level Patrons

    2006-7
  • UJA Federation Board of Jewish Education of Greater Toronto
  • Zwig Family Foundation
    2005-6
  • Howlett Academy, a private school located in downtown Toronto, where we taught our chess program.
    The Howlett Academy also hosted our Sunday Chess Club and Tournaments for students (K-12).

Rook Level Patrons

Sponsors who donated the cost of running our full-year program at a school:

    2006-7
  • Manulife Financial, Corporate Giving — Rose Ave. P.S., Toronto
  • Palace Arms — Niagara St. P.S., Toronto
    2005-6
  • Palace Arms — Niagara St. P.S., Toronto

Bishop Level Patrons

Sponsors who donated the cost of running one or more semesters of our program at a school:

    2006-7
  • Freeman Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage, 988 Bathurst St., Toronto
  • Wiener's Home Hardware, 432 Bloor St. W., Toronto
  • Parent Council at The Waterfront School, Toronto District School Board
  • Chess Federation of Canada — grants for 23 semesters of our program at Toronto public schools
    2005-6
  • Stanley Grundy, Rotarian and Patron of The Chess Education Initiative — grants for two semesters of our program at five Toronto schools in 2005-6; Mr. Grundy died in March, 2006.
  • Anne and Max Bailey Centre for Human Rights and Cultural Diversity — grants for one semester of our program at five Toronto schools
  • Manulife Financial, Corporate Giving — Rose Ave. P.S., Toronto
  • Chess Federation of Canada — grants for eight semesters of our program at Toronto public schools
  • Jim Gross
  • Marcia Sokolowski

Knight Level Patrons

Sponsors who donated towards the cost of running our program at a school or community centre:

    2006-7
  • Curbside Cycle — 412 Bloor St. W., Toronto
  • Dominion — The Waterfront School Invitational Team Tournament
  • Elementary Teachers of Toronto — The Waterfront School Invitational Team Tournament
  • Parentbooks, 201 Harbord St., Toronto
  • Parent Council at The Waterfront School, Toronto District School Board — The Waterfront School Invitational Team Tournament
  • Staples— The Waterfront School Invitational Team Tournament
  • Starbucks— The Waterfront School Invitational Team Tournament
  • Tom's Place— 190 Baldwin St., Toronto
  • Visioneering
  • Andrew Giblon
  • Allan Kaufman
  • Arthur Ripstein
  • David Usher
  • Dr. Stanley Venis
    2005-6
  • Doorsteps Neighbourhood Services— Chalkfarm Community Centre

Pawn Level Patrons

Sponsors who contributed to the running of our organization:

    2006-7
  • Dalia Margalit-Faircloth— administrative support
    2005-6
  • Jim Easto of Keel Cottrelle LLP, Barristers & Solicitors, who donated his time to assist in our incorporation as a non-profit organization
  • Partae Press, publishers of Alpine Fonts, for permission to use their Linares Diagram Font, created by Steve Smith, as part of our logo
  • Doorsteps Neighbourhood Services — cloth bags to hold our chess pieces
  • Polly Wells— grant application

Testimonials from Schools

The inclusion of chess in the lives of children by adding it to the school curriculum, as an enrichment course, or as an after school or camp program has a range of benefits that no other activity alone can provide. In nine years of teaching chess in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) as a volunteer I have witnessed results that are nothing short of astounding. — Ted Winick

Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School

June 30, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
Ted Winick has taught a chess program over the past two years to about 25% of our student body. We have found this to be an excellent addition to the extra-curricular enrichment courses we offer to our children.

With his lifetime of volunteering at the Jewish Community Centre, his love of chess and working with children and his experience raising three accomplished children, Ted brings a mix of abilities that complement our curriculum. With new colleague, Mr. David Cohen, Ted has instituted a certificate program, focusing on critical thinking skills and concentration, skills that transfer to and augment many of the core curricula at our school.

Equally as important, they also concentrate on teaching and re-enforcing life and social skills, always relating the rules and philosophy of the game to real life in areas such as consideration for others, how to see losing not as failure but as a learning experience, planning ahead and thinking before a move is made or a word is spoken. These are core and valuable life skills.

Most important our children adore Ted who treats them with a mix of love and respect that has won the hearts of every child in the school, even those not part of his class. They see him as a teacher, friend, entertainer and even family. To this end he has built special relationships with some of the more challenged students and their parents and works closely with them to ensure the maximum benefit is derived from the time he spends.

My staff and I see Ted as a colleague who is helpful and will always go out of his way to assist us even in areas totally unrelated to his own program. This is probably a result of his decades of volunteer work at the JCC.

I have no reservations whatsoever in recommending Ted and David and their chess program as a valuable and integral part of any school program.

Sincerely,

Elysa Cohen
Principal
Paul Penna Downtown Jewish Day School

Faywood Arts-Based Curriculum Public School

June 22, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
I was fortunate to have had Ted Winick teach a chess program at Palmerston Avenue P.S. while I was the Vice-Principal there for two years. This program flourished and grew considerably under his direction. The Chess program, now in its first year at Faywood ABC School has been a huge success! Not only have the children in our school learned the game of chess, but also Ted and his instructors have instilled a sense of fair play, and cooperation. Ted incorporates social and thinking skills strategies into the program that challenges and motivates the students. The students have had at Palmerston the opportunity to play against other schools and develop good sportsmanship. The same opportunity will be brought to Faywood students next year. Ted's gentle and inclusive approach has produced wonderful results for students in grades one to eight. I recommend this program for any school looking at building self esteem and peer relationships. This program is a winner!

Sincerely,

John Duwyn
Principal
Faywood Arts-Based Curriculum Public School
Toronto District School Board

Child Development Institute, Camp Wimodausis

August 23, 2005
To Whom It May Concern:
Ted approached me about delivering his chess program to our daycamp for children with severe behavioural problems. He felt there was a good fit between programs due to the common goal of teaching the children to think before they act, considering the consequences of their behaviour.

Their program not only delivered opportunities for the children to practice thinking about the consequences of their choices, but went above and beyond. Through teaching the children chess, we witnessed the budding of interest in a game the children can enjoy throughout their lives, which increased their ability to focus and pay attention. This is no small task given the challenges presented by the children attending our camp.

Ted and David tailored their teaching approach to match the needs of the children at our camp. They were interested in connecting with campers individually, and their dedication to improve the lives of our children is commendable.

I would recommend their chess program to anyone or organization looking to enhance the life experiences of children. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Karen Sewell
Director
Camp Wimodausis
Child Development Institute

SickKids Foundation

October 7, 2005
Dear David Cohen:
On behalf of SickKids Foundation, I want to express my appreciation for your generous gift of $70.00 from the Chess Exhibition in support of The Hospital for Sick Children. We would like to personally thank you for your contribution and for participating in this fund raising initiative. Every dollar raised will help make a difference in the lives of sick or injured children.

Childhood is a unique and special stage of life. Thankfully, many children get through their childhood with nothing more than a minor illness. But for those whose lives are interrupted by serious injury or illness, there is SickKids. Your support through this event will help provide SickKids with the resources it requires to conduct research, teach the next generation of health care providers, and ensure that the latest equipment and technology is available for children.

If you would like to receive additional information on SickKids or SickKids Foundation, please contact our office,


Thank you once again for your support.

Sincerely,

Eva Avramis
Development Coordinator
SickKids Foundation
Canada Revenue Agency Charitable Business Number:
10808 4419 RR0001

King Edward Public School

December 12, 2005
Dear Ted, David and Liam,
First of all thank you to all three of you. Your encouragement last year and then tremendous weekly support this year has really moved our chess club up a notch. Even more importantly the children and the community are grateful and indebted to Mr. Stanley Grundy and his Foundation for the generosity and vision, which has allowed chess to blossom at King Edward. The funding is vital to us as there is no funding available from the school board. The opportunity he is making available to the children is a gift of the highest order; it is teaching them how to think and be responsible for themselves by showing them how to fish rather than giving them fish. Below is a report on our progress to date:

Rachael Ziliotto and Peter Freeman ran the chess club last year - 2004/5. We had approximately 30 students participating from grades 3-8. The grade 3-6 students joined the club in February, a few weeks before our competition in our region.

This year the club has expanded. We have 67 students signed up this fall and winter. There are 44 seniors (grade 7&8) and 23 juniors (grade 3-6). The school purchased an additional 24 sets of boards and pieces. Also, several teachers have begun joining us regularly. Teacher John Gelntis has officially joined the chess club. We had to expand to two rooms. At first we brought in twenty extra chairs and tables, but still games needed to be played on the floor. Now the seniors are in one room and the juniors in another. We meet each Tuesday and Thursday during lunch. We have not added in interested players at the grade one and two level yet. We hope to do that after the holiday break.

On Tuesdays Liam or Ted has joined us as an expert chess coach. We use Tuesdays as our direct coaching day as a result. Both the students and we teachers have learned a lot from our coaches. They are essential for us to move thinking up. Almost immediately we noticed a significant difference. The students are more organized. That was the first lesson by Ted — how to manage your board and pieces to prevent loss and damage. They learned proper set up. While we have some very experienced players many were playing for the first time. Since then Liam has covered opening moves, strength from controlling the board centre, the pawn game, the queen/King/King end game. Many of our players last year played to a draw in competition because they didn't know how to close. The younger kids are beginning to use 'rank' and 'file' to communicate their moves and answers with Liam. They are steadily improving.

However, they have a long way to go. It is truly exciting as teachers to watch the multitude of academic and social benefits occurring in the club atmosphere. The changes differ in each grade and between experienced and new players. New players are moving forward in leaps and bounds. There are several children who attend chess club but also receive math support for academic challenges. For those children even properly setting up a board and moving each piece appropriately represents significant learning. Now they are learning strategies. We take opportunities to connect some of the chess language and concepts to appropriate concepts in the mathematics curriculum. Many of the top players would not get a chance to play and hone their skills with others of similar skills. Liam's help is essential with these players as their skills surpass the teachers.

After the winter holidays, we will start the next stage of our program which will focus on preparation for tournaments in February and April. We will have three groups of teams (Primary, Junior and Senior) competing. The focus will be both participation and skill. Any player who attends regularly will be placed on a team and they will be grouped according to skill. Even though we are somewhat stretched in terms of room size we will add some younger players to continue this development stage of our program.

Having the additional support of the Chess Institute experts Ted and Liam has been a critical part of our program. We hope their involvement can continue and if possible even increase to two chess experts — one for each room. We would be pleased to add further information by phone or email.

Thank you and regards,
Peter Freeman, Rachael Ziliotto, John Gelntis
Chess Club 2005/6
King Edward Public School
Toronto District School Board

Regent Park / Duke of York Public School

February 1, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
The students at Regent Park / Duke of York Public School are very fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in a Chess Club run by Mr. Ted Winick this year.

With Ted's support and encouragement, the students are engaged and motivated to become proficient chess players. They have not only learned the game of chess, but also social and life skills such as consideration for others, how to see losing not as failure but a learning experience, planning ahead and thinking before a move or a word is spoken. Ted has a very nurturing manner with the students regardless of their ability. The enthusiasm of both Ted and the E.S.L. students is a delight to observe. It truly has been a wonderful enrichment opportunity for students.

As we extend the Chess Club to include the primary children this term, we would appreciate the financial support of Mr. Stanley Grundy and the Grundy Foundation for making this program available to our school community.

Sincerely,

Barbara Chan
Teacher and Coordinator of Chess Club
Regent Park / Duke of York Public School
Toronto District School Board

February 20, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is to serve as an endorsement of Ted Winick's outstanding and successful chess program.

In the short time that I have been working with Ted at Regent Park / Duke of York Public School, I have seen many examples of his technique of teaching life skills through the game of chess. For example, several weeks ago Ted was preparing the students for an upcoming chess tournament. For many of the students this was a new experience and therefore, they expressed their reservations. He used this discussion to teach the students to face their fears using the acronym F-E-A-R, False Expectations Appearing Real. The students were intrigued as he went through his explanation, capturing their full attention with his unique analogies and, in the end, showing them they had nothing to fear but fear itself.

Ted brings much more than the game of chess to the table. In each session, he uses techniques and maneuvers from the game and applies them to every day living. He shows the group how, as in the game of chess, you can plan your moves before you make them, thus taking control of your life.

This program has been a windfall for the students at Regent Park. The students are having great fun learning the game of chess while at the same time picking up valuable life skills. Every school in the country should be so fortunate to have such a winning program as this!

Regards,

Jeffrey Crivellaro
Special Needs Assistant
Regent Park / Duke of York P.S.
Toronto District School Board

The Waterfront School

February 23, 2006
The Waterfront School has been fortunate to work with Ted Winick and David Cohen since September 2005. They provide chess instruction to several of our students on a weekly basis. The club's popularity has grown over time and an increasing number of students look forward to their time with the instructors. Not only do these gentlemen teach the fundamentals of chess, but also they instil in students a desire to do their best and to take risks in their learning. The social aspects of the game are stressed to the students and fair and cooperative sportsmanship is encouraged at all times.

As we look to expand the role of the Chess Club within the school, we are very appreciative of the financial assistance provided by Mr. Stanley Grundy and the Grundy Foundation for making this program available to many of our students. Without this financial support, the majority of our students could not afford to participate.

Sincerely,

David Hill
Principal
The Waterfront School
Toronto District School Board

Niagara Street Public School

March 8, 2006
Palace Arms Hotel
The Chess Federation of Canada
On behalf of the Niagara Street P.S. I would like to thank you for your contribution for our chess club. Without you we could not offer this program to our students. Your generosity is much appreciated.

Sincerely,

Douglas Mintz
Principal
Niagara Street Public School
Toronto District School Board

Market Lane Public School

April 20, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
On behalf of the students and community I would like to thank the Chess Federation of Canada for your generous donation which has made this valuable program available. As principal of Market Lane I have been impressed with the work that Ted Winick has done at Market Lane. Ted has been teaching a chess program to a grade 1-2 class which has been a huge success! Not only have the children in our school learned the game of chess, but Ted has instilled a sense of fair play, and cooperation. Ted incorporates social and thinking skills strategies into the program that challenges and motivates the students. Students are engaged in the program and eagerly follow his guidance and direction.

Ted's gentle and inclusive approach has produced wonderful results for students and we certainly hope to increase the number of students participating in the future.

I recommend this program for any school looking at building self esteem, improving peer relationships and challenging students to further develop their critical thinking skills. This program is a winner! Once again, thank you for your contribution which ensures that students in the inner city are provided opportunities to extend and develop their learning.

Sincerely,

David Crichton
Principal
Market Lane Public School
Toronto District School Board

Ryerson Community School

March 28, 2006
The Grundy Foundation
We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mr. Grundy. We wish to acknowledge a debt of gratitude to him and the Grundy Foundation.

Ryerson is an inner city school. Without the support of the Grundy Foundation, we wouldn't have a Chess Program here. Thanks to you, we have a small but vibrant Chess Club with a core membership made up of students from across the socioeconomic spectrum.

Ted Winick has provided chess instruction to several of our students on a weekly basis. Without the support of the Grundy Foundation, this would not have been possible. We hope his legacy will continue and that the stewards of the Grundy Foundation will continue to recognize the value of the Chess Club in our school community.

Again, our deepest condolences on the loss of our founder, Mr. Grundy.

Michael Jursic
Chess Club Teacher
Ryerson Community School
Toronto District School Board

March 27, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
One early morning in December as I climbed my way to the second floor where my classroom is located I saw a gentleman carrying a few boxes trying to get the door opened. I assisted him and he got through. I thought he was making a delivery to the school so I asked him if I could assist him further. He said he was going to Mr. Jursic's class. While I talked to him I could not help but to notice that in one of the boxes there was an inscription that read: "Chess sets". Chess is something that interests me very much. While growing up in Lima, Peru I played Chess and won a few championships and even trained with the national team. But this is not the only reason why Chess interests me. I know what Chess did for me in terms of my own personal development. I learned valuable life skills by playing chess. Skills, that I use on a daily basis. I wanted to know if in fact the gentleman had Chess sets in the box and so I asked and he said yes and also told me that he was running a Chess club at the school. This was a bit of a dream come true for me.

This is how I came to meet Mr. Ted Winick. I mentioned to him that I was working with the 7/8 Senior Behavioural class. I said that I would like to have my students learn to play chess. I felt that it would be extremely beneficial for them given their behavioural issues and what chess could teach them. I invited Ted to visit my classroom sometime. However, Ted came by the very same morning and without missing a beat, the students of Room 37 at Ryerson School were learning how to set up a board and even some started to play chess. I must admit that even the ones who were the most resistant to any new initiatives were interested.

Ted has continued to come every Wednesday for two periods and he has done so free of charge. He has truly done this for the love of the students in my class and for the love of the game of chess. Ted not only teaches the fundamentals and history of the game of chess, but he also instils in students a desire to do their best and to take risks in their learning. He also teaches them to be cautious and not make a move for the sake of making a move. Ted invites and encourages students to think of the consequences of their moves and actions. The other day a student in the class finally clued in that it is best to take the time to think before acting... "just like when I play chess with Ted", the student mentioned. Ted combines the social aspects of the game with the love of the game.

The students of Room 37 and myself are very grateful to Ted for his dedication and for sharing his wisdom with us week after week. We hope to be able to continue to have him do so in the future. We also appreciate the financial support of Mr. Stanley Grundy and the Grundy Foundation, which have made offering this program possible for our school.

Sincerely,

Ricardo A. Rodriguez
Special Education Teacher
Ryerson Community School
Toronto District School Board

Blessed John XXIII Catholic School

Monday, April 3, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
Blessed John XXIII Catholic School has been fortunate to be involved with Ted Winick and David Cohen. They have provided chess instruction to our students on a weekly basis and through their efforts, chess has become one of our students favourite extra curricular activities. Many of our students have now enrolled in after school chess clubs in part to the efforts of Mr. Winick and Mr. Cohen.

Through their efforts, Mr. Winick and Mr. Cohen have helped students with their self-esteem, sportsmanship, cooperation and to develop a love for the game of chess. Blessed John XXIII serves a very challenging neighbourhood. The financial assistance provided by the Grundy Foundation is very much appreciated and needed for neighbourhoods such as ours in order to make such activities available to our students. Continued financial support is much appreciated in order to allow our students to participate in this great activity.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me here at school.

Sincerely,

Pat Tari
Principal
Blessed John XXIII Catholic School
Toronto Catholic District School Board

Rose Avenue Public School

24 April 2006
The Chess Federation of Canada
To whom this may concern:
Ted Winick and David Cohen approached me a few months ago about the possibility of a Chess After Four program at Rose Avenue. They came at a time when we as a staff and community had just completed a values audit on what we felt matters most at Rose Avenue PS. Theirs was one of about eight competing, compelling proposals I was reviewing at that time.

I was struck by their passion and demonstrated commitment to Chess as a means to an honourable end. In our school of over 800 students we value building character as well as competence. The opportunity for our young people to begin to develop the habit of lifelong learning through an enjoyable, inclusive, equitable and responsive program had an immediate appeal. In a school committed to engaging students as active participants in their own learning through a balanced emphasis on the arts, athletics and academics, this is a welcome addition to our repertoire of critical thinking experiences.

Tied at third place as most needy of the Toronto District School Board's 473 elementary schools, we are protective of our students and their need for programming that addresses ongoing issues of consistency, stability, continuity and sustainability. Recognized by the United Nations as the most multiculturally diverse community in the world (over 100 countries speaking over 160 languages) and the most densely populated one quarter square kilometre (28,000 people) next to Calcutta, over one third of our 800 students come from households with incomes capped at $14,000.

But with one in seven grade two through six students now actively participating every Monday night in Chess, we know we have yet another highly valued means to affect attitude, self-confidence, academic and social performance. For example, after only five to seven lessons, our primary and junior students placed well and distinguished themselves at recent District tournaments.

The goal is to realize existing potential to build capacity for effective choice and decision making of an informed citizenry demonstrating 21st century skills. We have common ground. So, for all of the above, we thank you. Your donation has made possible this wonderful, value-added resource. Our hope is now is that the Federation will commit to sustain support for our underserved but very special community of communities.

Sincerely,

Jim Kormos
Principal
Rose Avenue Public School
Toronto District School Board

St. Anselm Catholic School

May 10, 2006
Dear Mr. Winick:
I would like to thank you for introducing this very worthwhile chess program to our school. The students are enjoying the chess classes once a week and always look forward to participating, thinking, playing and having fun. Many of our students, who may not otherwise have the opportunity to have this type of instruction, enjoy the challenge that your company has provided. Our volunteer parents assist us every week so that the program runs smoothly, and they have commented on how they have also learned a few chess moves as well. ...

Sincerely,

R. Santo
Principal
St. Anselm Catholic School
Toronto Catholic District School Board

Bowmore Public School

I am very impressed with your ability to organize all these kids into teams and also with the sheer numbers now... wow, very exciting!

Dale Davis
Teacher
Bowmore Public School, Toronto,
and Chess Coordinator for TDSB

Palmerston Public School

Congratulations on a wonderful tournament. I was at Brown Public School for about an hour on Sunday and the kids were really excited and having a great time. Once again, congratulations on an outstanding level of participation and success. Way to go Ted!!!! You are doing a wonderful job and everyone recognizes your leadership. You are the best Ted.

Jane Campbell
Principal
Palmerston Public School

Testimonials from Parents

I think that his involvement in the chess club has been one of the most character building activities that Simon has had during his eleven years of life. He has learned so much more than simply learning how to play chess. I know that other parents feel as we do but I wanted to extend our gratitude and thanks to you.
— Donna Gray, Parent

I just wanted to tell you that my son really enjoyed his morning with you — and came home today talking non-stop about it. Both my husband and I are thrilled — especially because my son has not exhibited any interest in any extra-curricular activities at school. He is not interested in sports, music, choir, languages, yoga — you name it — he has refused to participate. I should also tell you that my son has a learning disability that affects his social skills and makes it difficult for him to connect with other kids. I'm sure you can imagine how excited we are that he has finally found an activity that he enjoys. Thank you for providing this outlet for him. See you next week.
— Parent

Our children have all benefited from your example and your concern and care for each and every one of them — I know my son has. Thank you again.
— Esther, Parent

Needless to say they [my two children] were very happy (ecstatic, I might even say) and we were happy to see them so. Ted, I'm sure I've said it before but I'd just like to take the time again to thank you for organizing the chess club and being such a great mentor and coach for them. Many times they repeat your sayings at home while they are playing with each other or with us and it is obvious they respect you very much. As do we, their parents — we especially like the e-mails containing the wisdom of a parent who has raised kids and enjoyed playing with them.
— Helen, Parent

Thanks again Ted for your involvement and encouragement.
— Niki, Parent

I just want to say thank you for all the hard work you commit to this enterprise. As a parent I truly appreciate it and Oliver loves to play chess in a way that is very healthy (he just likes it, it's not stressful or seriously competitive — just fun) and is thanks to you.
— Susan Philpott, Parent

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