2026-02-02 Family Message
February 2, 2026
Dear Vincent Massey Families:
Thank you to all the families who joined us for our VIBE Night last week! Congratulations to the students who were recognized at last week’s Lightning Assembly.
We are looking forward to seeing our families on Wednesday evening as we begin our planning for our Spring Fair. Details for the meeting are below.
Finally, we encourage families to attend one of the many community events hosted by DDSB in the next few weeks. There is something for everyone!
Spotlight on Learning - Term 1 Report Cards February 18
Spring Fair Committee Meeting - February 4, 2026
Junior Kindergarten Registration
Community Event - Doors Open
Community Event - Special Education Community Symposium
Hot Lunches at Vincent Massey
Lunchroom Supervisor Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear
Coming Events
SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING - TERM 1 REPORT CARDS - FEBRUARY 18
Term 1 Report Cards will be sent home digitally on Wednesday, February 18. You will need your child’s OEN to access their report card. You can find the OEN on previous report cards.
About the Kindergarten Communication of Learning
Rather than a traditional report card, Kindergarten uses a "Communication of Learning" focused on development through play and inquiry.
The Four Frames: Progress is categorized into four areas:
Belonging and Contributing
Self-Regulation and Well-Being
Literacy and Mathematics Behaviours
Problem Solving and Innovating
Feedback Style: Educators provide personalized, easy-to-understand comments regarding the child's growth and "key learning."
About the Grade 1 - 8 Report Card
The elementary report card includes curriculum-based grading and the development of specific learning skills and work habits.
Grading Scale:
Grades 1–6: Letter grades.
Grades 7–8: Percentage marks.
Evaluation Criteria: Teachers assess six learning skills and work habits alongside academic subjects.
Assessment Method: Grades are based on a variety of evidence (projects, tests, conversations, and performances). Teachers prioritize the "most recent and consistent" work rather than a simple mathematical average.
The Role of Homework: While homework is used to build skills and consolidate knowledge, it is not included in the calculation of the final grade.
Please visit the Ontario Ministry of Education website - Kindergarten Communication of Learning and Ontario Ministry of Education website - Grade 1 - 8 Report Cards for further information.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS
Spring Fair Planning Meeting - Wednesday, February 4, 6:15 p.m.
Warmer weather is just around the corner, and with it comes the excitement of planning our Spring Fair! Many of you will remember the incredible fun and energy we shared at last year’s event — the positive feedback from families, students, and staff was truly inspiring.
Because of the tremendous success of last year’s Spring Fair, we are thrilled to share that every student now has access to our new Outdoor Classroom learning space. This beautiful addition to our school environment is a direct reflection of what we can achieve when our community comes together with spirit and purpose.
As we look ahead to this year’s Spring Fair, we encourage families to think about how they might contribute to making it another memorable celebration. Whether you have time to help plan, volunteer, or share ideas, every contribution helps us continue building meaningful traditions for our students.
We warmly welcome all families interested in supporting and organizing this year’s Spring Fair to join us for a planning meeting on:
- Wednesday, February 4
- 6:15 p.m.
If you are unable to attend in person, please use the link in the email message.
Your involvement makes all the difference — and we can’t wait to create another special event together!
Please take a few minutes to complete this form, whether you are able to attend or if you have a suggestion. You can indicate if you are interested in attending the meeting as well as indicate any questions or suggestions.
REGISTRATION FOR JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN 2026
DDSB Kindergarten Registration began online on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Kindergarten is a child-centred, play-based educational program that provides children with a stronger start in school and in life.
To be eligible for enrollment in Junior Kindergarten (JK) or Senior Kindergarten (SK):
Children must be four years old by December 31, 2026 to enroll in year one, JK
Children must be five years old by December 31, 2026 to enroll in year two, SK
Details about Kindergarten registration are available in the January 5, 2026 Family Message.
COMMUNITY EVENT - THIRD ANNUAL RAMADAN MARKET - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
The Muslim Educators' Network of Durham is delighted to invite you and your family to their third annual MEND Ramadan Market. Join us as we welcome the month of Ramadan with a vibrant community market filled with shopping, delicious food, and family-friendly fun!
When: Saturday, February 7, 2026
Where: J. Clarke Richardson | 1355 Harwood Ave., Ajax
Time: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
What: 50+ Vendors
- Free Parking
- Free Entry
COMMUNITY EVENT - BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION - FEBRUARY 9
COMMUNITY EVENT - SPECIAL EDUCATION COMMUNITY SYMPOSIUM - FEBRUARY 10
The DDSB Inclusive Student Services team is excited to be hosting our first Parent/Caregiver Special Education Community Symposium. We invite Parents and Caregivers to join us for the symposium on February 10, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at the DDSB Education Centre. This event will bring families and caregivers together to participate in focused breakout sessions that will deepen understanding of the inclusive student structures and supports available within the DDSB and highlight the value of collaborative community partnerships.
Throughout the evening, families will have the chance to attend engaging sessions on topics such as:
The Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process
Understanding the Individual Education Plan (IEP) Placement options and what they mean for students
Supports in elementary and secondary schools
Secondary pathways and planning for the future
…and more!
Community partner agencies will also be onsite to share the services and supports they provide to DDSB students and families.
? Register here today!
COMMUNITY EVENT - EXPERIENTIAL PATHWAY NIGHT - GRADE 7 - 8 FAMILIES - FEBRUARY 12, 2026
Doors to Opportunity Through Experiential Learning – All Pathways Welcome!
This event will highlight how experiential learning opportunities support all student pathways, including apprenticeship, college, gap year, university, and workplace pathways. The evening is intended to help students and families better understand pathway options and the programs and supports available across DDSB and through community partners.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m. (Keynote at 6:30 p.m.)
Location: DDSB Education Centre
400 Taunton Road East, Whitby, ON
Audience: Students in Grades 7–10 and their families
The evening will include a keynote presentation by Dr. Jon Callegher (JobTalks), a nationally recognized educator and researcher specializing in experiential learning and student pathways, along with opportunities for families to connect with system and community partners.
SPACE IS LIMITED, SO REGISTER EARLY HERE - Experiential Pathway Night Registration
HOT LUNCHES
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 lunch.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
WokBox | Subway | Pizza | Frantastic | ||
How To Order | Healthy Hunger | Healthy Hunger | School Cash Online - now available | Healthy Hunger |
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 month
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child’s education. Please contact your child’s teacher or the school office with any questions.
COMING EVENTS
February 2 - Grade 8 Grad Photos
February 4 - 6:15 p.m. SCC Meeting - Spring Fair Planning
February 9 - Black History Month Celebration - J.Clarke Richardson
February 10 - DDSB Special Education Community Symposium - DDSB Education Centre
February 12 - Experiential Pathway Night - DDSB Education Centre
February 16 - Family Day Holiday
February 18 - Term 1 Report Cards Home
March 13 - First Day of March Break
Charmyn Lawton, Principal & Laura Jones, Vice-Principal
Vincent Massey Public School
905-728-0681
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