2026-09-27 Family Message

September 27, 2026

Dear Vincent Massey Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to autumn! We are excited to share a wonderful and busy week ahead with two special community events.

First, we want to say thank you to our families who were affected by the re-organization last week.  Whether your child’s class placement changed or their class composition changed, we understand the impact of these changes and we are committed to continuing to ongoing collaboration to support the students through these changes.  We encourage parents and guardians to connect directly with classroom teachers with any questions or concerns.

On Monday, September 28, our school will participate in the 46th Terry Fox Run.  The details about our run and how to make donations online are found later in this message.  Students can also bring a “Toonie for Terry” on Monday, September 28.  

Wednesday, September 30 is the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.  We encourage our students to wear orange to demonstrate how we are upholding our ongoing commitment to reconciliation as treaty people.

Finally, nominations for the School Community Council close on Wednesday, September 30.  We encourage you to consider how you could be involved, whether it is volunteering for an event, attending meetings, or serving in an elected member capacity.  Details are available later in this message.

This message includes the following information:

• Spotlight on Safety - Beginning and End of the Day Driveway Access and on the Pavement

• 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 (by Portable 1), 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.  

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.

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.

Vincent Massey Spirit Wear

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