2025-05-04 Family Message
May 4, 2025
Dear Vincent Massey Families:
As we enter the month of May, we continue to have many activities available for our students and families. This week, we celebrate our Jamboree Dance Team and Intermediate Dance Crew, who will each be involved in events outside the school. We say a special thank you to our staff volunteers who have been coaching our students for several weeks in preparation for these events.
This week we will also be engaging in learning and reflection about Children’s Mental Health Week, which runs from May 5 - May 9. The details of the week are below. On Friday, May 9, we encourage all our students to “Shine Green” by wearing something green in support of Children’s Mental Health.
Today’s message includes information on the following topics:
Health & Safety - Parking Lot Etiquette
Health & Safety - Scent Aware Environment
School Climate & Well-Being Survey Information
Children’s Mental Health Week - May 5 - 9
EQAO Information for Grade 3 and 6 Families
Great Beginnings to Kindergarten Event
Planning for 2025-2026 School Year - Class Placement Information
School Track & Field Meet
Jump Rope for Heart
SCC News - Spring Fair Meeting
SCC News - Spring Fair Update
Volunteer of Distinction Nominations
Hot Lunches at Vincent Massey
DDSB Engagement Speaker Series Event - Dr. Jean Clinton
DDSB Summer Camps Registration
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear
Third Party Speakers at Vincent Massey
Coming Events at Vincent Massey
HEALTH & SAFETY - PARKING LOT ETIQUETTE
The safety of our children is always our top priority. Recently, we are observing an increase in congestion and a high volume of traffic at the Kiss and Ride area, especially in the morning. Additionally, we are fielding messages with concerns about safety and etiquette by drivers. It is essential that we all do our part to ensure the safety of our students, parents, guardians, caregivers and staff and set an example for our children.
It is in this spirit that we are including some important reminders for all drivers. If you have additional family members who occasionally drive your child to school, please take a few minutes to review these reminders before they drive to the school.
If you can walk to school or take the school bus, that is the first preference, especially with the arrival of the spring weather.
Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and the vehicles around you. Drive with caution. A few extra seconds goes a long way to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone.
Always be patient and kind with other drivers and staff with your words and actions. Our staff are there to assist the children. The DDSB Code of Conduct regarding respectful interactions is in effect at all times.
Enter the Kiss and Ride is through the entry to Eastdale on Adelaide Street or northbound on Harmony Road at the fence on the Eastdale side. Do not enter the Vincent Massey front driveway, where the buses are located.
Refrain from driving through the small loop near on the north side of Vincent Massey. Vehicles that are exempt for this include a small bus, a private daycare provider and families of students with permission due to individual circumstances.
If you need to walk your child to the school or if your child needs assistance exiting the vehicle, please park in the parking lot and walk with your child. Do not park your vehicle in the Kiss and Ride lane.
Parking at Eastdale is permitted in the student lot only. The student lot can be accessed from Adelaide Street and Harmony Road.
Do not park in the side parking lots near the loading docks at Eastdale.
HEALTH & SAFETY - SCENT AWARE ENVIRONMENT
Our school is a scent aware environment. Some members of our school community have extreme sensitivities to certain scents. Exposure to these scents for these individuals can result in immediate breathing difficulties, headaches and other illness, leading to time away from school and the requirement to seek immediate medical attention.
Please refrain from wearing excessive cologne or perfume/body sprays/lotions when entering our school.
Furthermore, our students are not permitted to use spray products such as perfume, cologne, body sprays, or spray deodorant at school. When students need to use personal hygiene products, they are encouraged to use products such as roll-on products, which do not require an aerosol spray.
CODE OF CONDUCT - MAY UPDATE
As we enter the final few weeks of the school year, maintaining a focus on these principles remains a high priority to ensure our school year finishes positively.
We encourage our parents and caregivers to have conversations with at home in support of these goals, particularly regarding the following expectations:
We treat others with kindness by using positive words. We refrain from using insults, hurtful comments, racial slurs and epithets.
We treat others with kindness by respecting personal space. This looks like keeping our hands and feet to ourselves, especially when playing at recess. We refrain from playfighting, tackling, dunking, kicking, hitting, etc.
We keep our personal devices out of sight and powered off.
We remember that these expectations are in place when we are at school, on a school trip, on a school team away from the school and on the bus.
Families can learn more details of the DDSB Code of Conduct by visiting the DDSB Website here - DDSB Positive School Climate.
CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK MAY 5 - 9
Each year, schools across Ontario mark the first full week of May as Children’s Mental Health Week.
This important week is about:
• Increasing awareness of child and youth mental health,
• Decreasing stigma, and
• Understanding that supports are available.
We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health. There are many ways we can enhance and promote mental health and we all play a role in creating the everyday conditions that support student mental health and well-being.
On Friday, May 9, all Schools in the Durham District School Board (DDSB) are
encouraged to participate in Shine Green for Mental Health Week. Shine Green for
Mental Health is a simple way to remind our school communities that we must make
student well-being and mental health a priority and raise our collective awareness
about mental health. Find your green shirt, green shoes or anything green, and come
to school showcasing your green wear in support of mental health awareness.
SCHOOL CLIMATE AND WELL-BEING SURVEY - NEW DEADLINE - TUESDAY, MAY 6 at 11:59 PM
We Want to Hear From You!
At the Durham District School Board, we:
• Recognize and uphold distinct Indigenous rights;
• Affirm and uphold human rights; and
• Care about and strive to know each other.
In alignment with our Multi-Year Strategic Plan priorities of Meaningful Learning, Connected Communities and Well-Being, the Durham District School Board is conducting the 2024-25 School Climate and Well-Being Survey for students in Grades 4–12, parents/guardians/caregivers, and staff.
The survey will be open from Tuesday, April 22, to Tuesday, May 6 at 11:59 PM, and asks participants about their experiences, attitudes and behaviours related to school and overall well-being.
As a parent, guardian or caregiver of a student in Kindergarten to Grade 12, you are invited to share your perspective by completing the Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Survey.
You can access the survey here: 2024-25 Parent/Guardian/Caregiver Survey
Participation is voluntary and anonymous—no names will appear anywhere—and all responses will remain confidential. Your voice matters, and we look forward to hearing from you as a valued partner in education.
We will be conducting the Grade 4-12 School Climate and Well-Being Survey from Tuesday, April 22nd to Tuesday, May 6.
Please visit the DDSB School Climate and Well-Being Survey Web Page for further information and details, including a sample survey.
EQAO INFORMATION FOR GRADE 3 & 6 FAMILIES - WEBINARS FOR FAMILIES
At the end of May, our Grade 3 and Grade 6 students will be taking part in the provincial Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary Division (Grades 1–3) or Junior Division (Grades 4–6). These assessments, developed by Ontario teachers and assessment experts, are administered to all Grade 3 and Grade 6 students in Ontario’s publicly funded school system by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
GRADE 3 EQAO DATES: May 21 & May 22
GRADE 6 EQAO DATES: May 29, June 2
This week, all families of students in Grades 3 and 6 will receive a letter which outlines the details for the assessment period at Vincent Massey. In addition, families of students who will have accommodations will receive an individual letter with additional details.
Families may also wish to view this information video - What to Expect on the EQAO Primary and Junior Division Assessments.
For more information about EQAO and to view a sample test, visit EQAO’s website, www.eqao.com.
Please contact your child’s teacher with any specific questions.
GREAT BEGINNINGS TO KINDERGARTEN EVENT - MAY 15, 5:00 PM
On Thursday, May 15, we will be welcoming our future students and their parents, guardians and caregivers to our Great Beginnings to Kindergarten evening.
This evening is for students who are starting the first year in kindergarten in September, 2026.
PLANNING FOR 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR - CLASS PLACEMENT INFORMATION
The planning process for the 2025-2026 school year has begun.
If your family will be moving from Vincent Massey Public School, please contact the office to inform us of your move.
Later this spring, our educational team will begin building classes and tentatively determining class placements for students for next year.
Staffing assignments and classroom composition are always subject to change based on changes in enrollment. Careful consideration is made when placing students, including a range of academic factors, to ensure the best fit possible for each student.
If you have information of an educational nature pertaining to your child’s placement for next year, please submit a letter or email, outlining your child’s learning needs. Please note, requests should be based on learning needs and not requests for specific teachers.
Letters should be addressed to Ms. Lawton and received by Friday, May 16, 2025 Please send any emailed letters to VincentMasseyPS@ddsb.ca
SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD DAY - GR. 4 - 8 STUDENTS
The Vincent Massey school Track and Field Day is on Monday, May 12, with an alternate date of Wednesday, May 14.
Students in Grades 4 - 8 will be participating, and they have already begun practicing in physical education classes.
Students should come prepared for a day outdoors, with appropriate clothing, footwear, a water bottle and sunscreen if needed.
SAVE THE DATE - JUMP ROPE FOR HEART - MAY 30
This year, our goal is to raise $2000.00. Please consider making a donation on behalf of your child by visiting the Jump Rope for Heart Donation Website.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS - SPRING FAIR MEETING WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2025, 6:15 PM
The School Community Council will be meeting on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:15 p.m. to finalize the details for our Spring Fair.
The meeting is in person in the library. For those who are unable to attend in person and who still wish to attend, please the Google Meet link that was sent by email.
SPRING FAIR - MAY 24, 2025
Join us on Saturday, May 24, 2025 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM for our second Spring Fair, brought to you by our School Community Council.
We have fun and exciting activities planned for all our students and their families.
Ticket packages are now available to purchase on School Cash Online.
Today we are also sending a separate email that is dedicated to all of the details about the Spring Fair.
If you have questions about the Spring Fair, please send a message to the SCC at scc.VincentMasseyPS@scc.ddsb.ca
VOLUNTEER OF DISTINCTION NOMINATIONS - NOMINATIONS OPEN UNTIL MONDAY, MAY 12
The Durham District School Board is committed to excellence. Our schools excel because of the contributions of staff, students, parents and community volunteers. The volunteers in our school board make a priceless commitment to the success of our students.
Each school selects one individual who has volunteered their time at the school in the past year.
We welcome nominees who meet the following criteria:
1. The recipient must not be a staff member of the school or receive money for work performed at the school.
2. The recipient must have demonstrated a commitment to the school and have been actively involved in furthering the goals of the Durham District School Board.
3. The recipient does not have to be a parent or a member of the School Community Council, but is an individual who has given of their time or talent to furthering the aims of the school.
Please submit all nominations by Monday, May 12 using this form - Volunteer of Distinction 24-25 Nomination Form
HOT LUNCHES AT VINCENT MASSEY
Our School Community Council offers a variety of hot lunch days for our students and we encourage families to take advantage of the convenience of these lunches while also supporting our school programs.
We strongly request that families refrain from ordering food from delivery services (e.g. UberEats, Skip The Dishes, etc.) These ordered lunches often arrive with incomplete information such as student name, which means a student may not receive their order.
If you are treating your child to a special lunch, we ask you to consider taking your child out for lunch or dropping off the order at the office rather than ordering a delivery lunch.
MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | |
LUNCH | Wok Box | Subway | Twisted Indian | Frantastic Cafe | Little Caesar’s Pizza |
HOW TO ORDER | |||||
LUNCH | Patty Gyal | Bar Burrito | |||
HOW TO ORDER |
SAVE THE DATE - DDSB ENGAGEMENT SPEAKER SERIES - SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN AND YOUTH TO THRIVE - THURSDAY, MAY 15
Registration is available here - Supporting Our Children and Youth to Thrive Parent/Caregiver Event Registration
Dr. Jean Clinton, Clinical Professor at McMaster University, will share her expertise and knowledge with families on how compassion, connection, and hope can foster the conditions for children to thrive, even during challenging times.
DDSB SUMMER CAMPS JUNE 30 - AUGUST 22, 2025
Registration is open for the DDSB Summer Day Camps at the Durham Forest Environmental Education Centre, Operated by the Durham District School Board, located just south of the town of Uxbridge.
Children born between 2013 - 2018 are eligible to attend.
Each week of camp will feature outdoor and experiential learning activities designed to inspire, educate and reconnect your child to the world around them.
There is a cost for the program.
Parents and caregivers are invited to view the details on the DDSB Website here:
The registration deadline is Friday, June 13, 2025 at ddsb.schoolcashonline.com.
VINCENT MASSEY SPIRIT WEAR
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear is available for purchase. Visit the online store to purchase your spirit wear today.
THIRD PARTY SPEAKERS AND PRESENTATIONS AT VINCENT MASSEY
Per the Ministry of Education’s memorandum Parent Accountability and Transparency: Communication Requirements for Guest (Third Party) Speakers and Presentations in Ontario Schools, we are pleased to provide you with this schedule - Vincent Massey Speakers & Presentations 2024-2025 - which outlines third party guest speakers and presentations. The published schedule will remain current whenever new content is added. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.
COMING EVENTS AT VINCENT MASSEY
May 7 - SCC Fun Fair Committee Meeting, 6:15 p.m.
May 9 - Wear Green for Children’s Mental Health Week
May 12 - Gr. 4 - 8 School Track & Field Meet
May 14 - Gr. 4 - 8 School Track & Field Meet (alternate date)
May 15 - Gr. 7 & 8 Vaccination Clinic
May 15 - Great Beginnings New JK Event
May 15 - DDSB Engagement Speaker Event - Dr. Jean Clinton
May 19 - Victoria Day Holiday - School Closed
May 21 & 22 - Primary (Grade 3) EQAO
May 24 - Spring Fair, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
May 28 - Eastdale Family Information Night 5:30 PM - 7:00 p.m
May 29 & June 2 - Junior (Grade 6) EQAO
May 30 - Jump Rope for Heart Day
Sincerely,
Charmyn Lawton, Principal & Nadia Nembhard-Hunt, Vice-Principal
Vincent Massey Public School
905-728-0681
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