2026-10-07 Family Message
October 5, 2026
Dear Vincent Massey Parents/Guardians:
With the arrival of October and Thanksgiving weekend around the corner, we extend our gratitude to our community for your collaboration and support for the first month of school. We always appreciate your feedback, conversations and engagement.
SCC Meeting
We are looking forward to our first SCC Meeting on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:15 p.m. and we hope to see many of our families in attendance. The meeting is in person in the library, and we encourage families to attend in person. If you are interested and need to attend virtually, please use this Microsoft Teams link that was sent by email.
Staff Recognition
Monday, October 5 was World Teachers’ Day. Whether it’s helping a student understand a new concept, discover a passion, or overcome a challenge, teachers make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the future they help shape. Please join us in thanking our teachers for brightening the future of our students.
Friday, October 2 was Custodian Appreciation Day. We are grateful to Mr. Baker, Ms. Mills, and Ms. Davis for keeping our school clean, safe, and welcoming for our students.
Terry Fox Run Update
Thank you to our community for supporting the Terry Fox Run! We exceeded our $4,000 goal by raising $4,513.40 for cancer research.
To celebrate, students have earned:
A pajama day and extended afternoon recess on Friday, October 9 (recess starts 10 minutes early).
Two free periods and a classroom movie, scheduled by their homeroom teacher.
Oshawa Generals Vincent Massey Appreciation Night - October 18
The Oshawa Generals Vincent Massey Appreciation Night is on October 18. Get your tickets on School Cash Online for a fun evening for the family and to support our choir who will be performing the national anthem at the game. Tickets are on sale now until Friday, October 9.
This message includes the following information:
Spotlight on Safety - Scooter Safety
Spotlight on Safety - Arrival & Dismissal on the Pavement
Spotlight on Safety - Lockdown and Hold and Secure Practices
Spotlight on Community - Communicating With School Staff
Spotlight on Learning - Gifted Assessment Nominations
Spotlight on Learning - EQAO Results for Grade 3 & 6 Students
Spotlight on Community - Oshawa Generals Vincent Massey Appreciation Night
Photo Day Information
School Community Council News
Hot Lunches
Employment Opportunity - Lunchroom Supervisors Needed
Volunteering at Vincent Massey
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear
DDSB Community Events - Hindu Heritage Celebration, Anti-Black Racism Advisory Team
Coming Events
SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY - E-SCOOTERS
The Durham District School Board is committed to providing safe learning environments for all students. As part of that commitment, we are reminding families about expectations regarding the use of electric scooters (e-scooters) and electric bicycles (e-bikes) when travelling to and from school.
Ontario legislation requires riders of both e-scooters and e-bikes to be at least 16 years of age.
As a result, students enrolled in DDSB elementary schools are not permitted to use e-scooters or e-bikes to travel to or from school.
This expectation supports compliance with provincial requirements and helps reduce safety risks around school sites during arrival and dismissal times, when large numbers of students, families, school buses, and vehicles are present.
Secondary students who choose to use an e-scooter or e-bike to travel to and from school are expected to:
Comply with all applicable legislation and municipal bylaws.
Wear required safety equipment.
Dismount and walk their device upon entering school property.
Secure their device in designated bicycle rack areas, where available.
Follow any additional school expectations related to safety and storage.
Please note that e-scooters and e-bikes are not permitted inside school buildings and may not be charged on DDSB property.
We appreciate your support in helping keep students, staff, and community members safe.
SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY - ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Ensuring a safe and smooth arrival and dismissal each day is one way we work together to keep all our students protected. We kindly ask for your cooperation and understanding with the following procedures at arrival and dismissal each day.
South parking lot: The lot near the kindergarten yard is closed to vehicle traffic in the morning starting at 8:15 a.m. and in the afternoon from 2:45 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. Please use the Kiss and Ride area at Eastdale if you are driving.
Morning drop-off on the pavement: Please say goodbye near the edge of the paved area by the red line/stop sign (by Portable 1) and leave the school yard promptly.
Leaving the school yard promptly once your child has arrived helps our supervision team focus entirely on keeping an eye on all students and ensuring everyone has a safe start to their day. If your child requires specific accommodations, please contact your child’s teacher.
Afternoon pick-up: Please arrive as close to 3:05 p.m. as possible. If you arrive early and wish to pick up your child on the school yard, please wait near the edge of the paved area by the baseball diamond until the bell rings before proceeding to the paved area. Your support and co-operation with this procedure allows outdoor learning to continue until the end of the school day.
SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY - EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
At our school, creating a Positive School Climate means ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and prepared. In alignment with Durham District School Board (DDSB) safety procedures, we want to inform you that we will be conducting a lockdown drill this month during instructional time.
What to Expect During the Drill
Professional Support: We are pleased to welcome Constable David Lewis, our Police Liaison Officer from the Durham Regional Police Service, who will be on-site to observe and support our procedures.
Clear Communication: The drill will be announced clearly over the PA system (audible both inside and outside the building) and via our internal staff communication networks.
This communication states “THIS IS A DRILL.” All staff and students have already started to practice and talk through the process.
Standard Classroom Safety: Students inside classrooms will follow standard protocols: silencing devices, moving out of sight, and ensuring doors are securely locked.
How We Are Preparing Our Students
Our staff have been spending time talking to students in a calm, age-appropriate manner. You can help support these efforts by reinforcing these key safety concepts at home:
The Importance of Practice: Explain that just like fire drills, lockdown drills are "muscle memory" for safety. They help us stay calm and know exactly what to do.
Unsupervised Moments: We are teaching students what to do if they are in the hallway or bathroom (head to the nearest occupied room).
Reflection and Growth
Once the drill is complete, we don't just "go back to work." We believe reflection is a vital part of learning.
Student Debrief: Classroom teachers will debrief with students briefly immediately following the practice.
School-Wide Reflection: We will share a message over the announcements to debrief the entire school, ensuring students feel settled and have an opportunity to process the experience.
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These drills are a routine part of our commitment to student safety. If your child has questions, please reassure them that these practices are how we take care of one another.
If you have any questions regarding our safety protocols or the upcoming drill, please feel free to contact the school office. Thank you for your partnership in keeping our school a safe place to learn.
SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - COMMUNICATING WITH SCHOOL STAFF
We encourage open communication with our families. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your child's classroom teacher first so we can work together on a solution. Our administration team is also always here to support you.
SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING - GIFTED ASSESSMENTS - NOMINATIONS DUE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Families of all Grade 3 students have received information about the nomination process for their child to participate in Gifted Assessment. Parents of students in Grades 4 - 8 who would like their child to participate in the Gifted Assessment should contact Ms. Anderson at lisa.anderson@ddsb.ca
SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING - EQAO RESULTS FOR GRADE 4 & 7 STUDENTS
The results of our Grade 3 and 6 Spring EQAO Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics are now available. Students in Grades 4 and 7 who completed the EQAO Assessment at Vincent Massey will be bringing home their Individual Student Report for EQAO by the end of this week. Please visit www.eqao.com for full details and information about the EQAO Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics.
PHOTO DAY - OCTOBER 22
Photo Day is coming on October 22. We will be taking individual and class photos throughout the day.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS - ELECTIONS & FIRST MEETING - WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 6:15 PM
We greatly value the diverse perspectives within our school community, which enrich and strengthen us all.
If you have a passion for our school community, have an interest in supporting families and making a difference for our students, you are invited to consider joining our School Community Council (SCC). All families are welcome to attend.
Memberships and positions will be confirmed at the SCC Meeting on Wednesday, October 7 at 6:15 p.m. The meeting is in-person with a virtual option for those who prefer it.
Child care will be available.
Visit the DDSB website to learn more about SCC’s.
HOT LUNCHES - HEALTHY HUNGER IS BACK!
Hot Lunches are back through Healthy Hunger! Families can begin placing orders now.
Stay tuned for the start date for Pizza Days, which will also be starting soon on Thursdays.
Please visit healthyhunger.ca to register your child’s account and select lunch options from the menu available.
This year we are starting with the following hot lunches. All orders close 5 days before the Additional registration information can be viewed on the Healthy Hunger Instruction Page.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
Provider | Wok Box | Subway | Little Ceasar’s Pizza | - East Side Marios -Frantastic | |
How to Order | Healthy Hunger website | Healthy Hunger website | School Cash Online | Healthy Hunger website |
Step 1: Create an Account
Click “Register a Student” and create an account
Step 2: Add a Student
Login and add your children to your account.
Step 3: View Upcoming Lunches
View all the upcoming fun lunch dates.
Step 4: Place Your Order
Place your order and make payment online using Mastercard or Visa.
Please contact the Vincent Massey SCC at SCC.VincentMasseyPS@scc.ddsb.ca with any questions.
SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - OSHAWA GENERALS VINCENT MASSEY APPRECIATION NIGHT - ORDER BY OCTOBER 9
The Oshawa Generals Vincent Massey Appreciation Night is on October 18. Get your tickets on School Cash Online for a fun evening for the family and to support our choir who will be performing the national anthem at the game. Tickets are on sale now until Friday, October 9.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES - LUNCHROOM SUPERVISORS
We have paid part-time/casual lunchroom supervisor positions available. Please contact the office for more information.
Both positions require a valid criminal background check within the last 6 months.
VOLUNTEERING AT VINCENT MASSEY
We welcome parents and guardians to volunteer at Vincent Massey! Opportunities include assisting with class trips, helping with hot lunch program delivery, and supporting classroom activities.
To ensure student safety, all volunteers must complete a Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening prior to starting.
Before submitting your application, please request a volunteer letter from the school main office to include with your submission.
Applications can be submitted online directly through the Durham Regional Police Service website.
Please note processing takes a minimum of 3 weeks (and longer during peak periods), so we encourage applying early.
We are looking for volunteers to assist with the delivery of our hot lunches. If you have 30 minutes on even one day between 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., please contact the office.
Both positions require a valid criminal background check within the last 6 months.
VINCENT MASSEY SPIRIT WEAR
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear is available for purchase. Visit the online store to purchase your spirit wear today.
HINDU HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
The Durham District School Board, in partnership with the Hindu Affinity Network of Durham (HAND), is pleased to invite DDSB students, families, staff, and community members to our 3rd Annual Hindu Heritage Month Celebration on Saturday, October 24, from 1:30–4:30 p.m. at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax.
This free, inclusive event is an opportunity to celebrate and learn about the diversity, traditions, histories, and lived experiences within the Hindu community. The afternoon will feature DDSB student performances, educational experiences, cultural displays, and opportunities for community connection.
Everyone is welcome! For information or to inquire about student/child performance opportunities, please contact Sabrina Brijmohan at hinduaffinitynetworkddsb@gmail.com.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child’s education. Please contact your child’s teacher or the school office with any questions.
October 7 - School Community Council Meeting, 6:15 pm
October 12 - Thanksgiving Holiday - School Closed
October 20 - IEP’s Go Home for students with Individual Education Plans
October 22 - Photo Day
October 26 - P.A. Day
Sincerely,
Charmyn Lawton, Principal & Laura Jones, Vice-Principal
Vincent Massey Public School
905-728-0681
VincentMasseyPS@ddsb.ca
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