2026-09-21 Family Message
September 20, 2026
Dear Vincent Massey Parents/Guardians:
A warm thank you to all the wonderful families who joined us for our Open House last Thursday! We loved connecting with you, as building strong partnerships between home and school is so vital to supporting your child’s learning and success.
Today’s message is full of information and events that highlight our focus on building a connected community, both within Vincent Massey and across the DDSB.
We have several key updates to share with you today. Thank you for taking the time to review the details below.
This message includes the following information:
- Spotlight on Safety
Communication Tools
Bus Information and Replacement Cards
Student Accident Insurance
Co-Curriculars at Vincent Massey
Terry Fox Run 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
Ensuring a safe and smooth arrival and dismissal each day is one way we work together to keep all our students protected. To help us maintain a safe environment, please note that our south parking 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. During these times, no vehicles may enter or exit. If you are driving to drop off or pick up your child, please make use of the Kiss and Ride area at Eastdale.
If you are walking your child onto the school yard in the morning, we respectfully ask that you say your goodbyes near the edge of the paved area by the red line/stop sign on the field, and then head on your way. 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. Thank you so much for your partnership and support in keeping our school community safe.
COMMUNICATION TOOLS
We send out regular updates and newsletters by email, which are also posted on our website at vincentmassey.ddsb.ca.
For urgent or time-sensitive announcements, we use SMS text messaging. To subscribe, text "Y" or "Yes" to 978338.
You can unsubscribe at any time by replying "STOP" to any text message.
Follow us on social media @vincentmasseyddsb for photos, upcoming events, and school community news!
BUS INFORMATION & REPLACEMENT CARDS
To view school bus route details for eligible students, please visit the DSTS Parent Portal or call the DSTS Information Line at 905-666-6979.
You will need your child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN) and date of birth to log in. You can find the OEN at the top of any previous report card.
If your child requires a replacement bus tag, you can request one online using the DSTS Replacement Card Request Form.
For full details about student bus passes and how mTransport cards work, please review the mTransport Info Page.
For general updates and service announcements, visit Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS).
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Providing safe learning environments is a strong and constant focus at the Durham District School Board. Families should however recognize that there is always a potential risk of injury with field trips, sports and other student activities both on and off school grounds. Accidents can happen, despite precautions to prevent them. Accidental injuries may involve medical, dental or other expenses not covered by provincial health care or employer group plans.
Please be aware that the Durham District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries. For your convenience, we do make available a Student Accident Insurance program through Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada. This program offers a variety of plans and benefits at affordable prices.
All rates are one-time annual premiums. The insurance agreement is between you and Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada. For complete details please refer to the insuremykids Protection Plan information/application form or visit their website at: www.insuremykids.com.
Any questions should be directed to Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada toll free at 1-800-463-5437.
CO-CURRICULARS AT VINCENT MASSEY
Our students are already enjoying a variety of co-curricular activities! Below are the programs that have either recently started or will be launching this week:
Cross Country - Grades 3 - 8
Intermediate Girls’ & Boys’ Volleyball Team - Grades 7-8
Junior Soccer - Grades 4-6
Vincent Massey Oshawa Generals Choir - Grades 3 - 8
Girls on the Go - Grade 4-6 Girls
TERRY FOX RUN - MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
This year, Vincent Massey P.S. is so proud and excited to once again participate in the Terry Fox School Run. Last year we raised $4500 and to date, our school has raised over $46,000 for cancer research! Help us continue the tradition by showing your support.
When: Mon. Sept. 28, 2026 from 12:50-1:50
Where: Vincent Massey School Yard
Who: Vincent Massey Students and Staff
How can you donate to the Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research?
https://schools.terryfox.ca/VincentMasseyPSOshawa
(Students can also set up their own personal fundraising page using this link)
Terry Fox Run t-shirts will be available for purchase using SchoolCash Online.
All proceeds from t-shirt sales will be added to our fundraising total. The deadline for ordering shirts is Sept. 21st, so students will be able to wear them on the School Run date of September 28, 2026.
This year our goal is to raise $4000 for Cancer Research.
Every student that participates will have their name put in a draw for Vincent Massey gear.
There will also be prizes when we reach certain donation levels:
$1000 - Pajama Day
$2000 - Extended Recess
$3000 - Student Choice for 2 periods (TBD with classroom teacher)
$4000 - Movie (in your own class)
Thank you for your support!!
#terryfoxschoolrun @terryfoxfoundation
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).
For those individuals who would like to become voting members, please complete the Nomination Form by Wednesday, September 30.
Memberships 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.
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.
COMMUNITY NEWS - DDSB SEEKING APPLICANTS FOR ANTI-BLACK RACISM ACTION TEAM
The Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) Anti-Black Racism Action Team is calling for applications for up to 4 community members and up to 3 student volunteers to be members of the Anti-Black Racism Action Team. Expressions of interest for the role of Student Representative from all regions of the DDSB (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Scugog, Uxbridge, Brock) will be accepted.
The primary role of the Anti-Black Racism Action Team is to provide diverse Black communities’ perspectives, insights, expertise and lived experiences to support the implementation of action items in the DDSB’s Compendium of Action of Black Student Success. The Team will also engage DDSB’s Black communities to share information and seek input and feedback on initiatives for Black students, families and employees.
For information about the qualifications to be on the team and to submit your application, please follow this link: Anti-Black Racism Action Team
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.
September 28 - Terry Fox Run 12:50 PM - 1:50 PM
September 30 - Orange Shirt Day
October 7 - School Community Council Meeting, 6:15 pm
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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