2026-01-19 Newsletter
January 19, 2026
Dear Vincent Massey Families:
We hope all our families who celebrated Thai Pongal last week had a joyous celebration. At school, the students have quickly returned to our learning routines. We have been meeting with each grade for our “Excellence Conversations”, where students focus on strategies for a positive school climate and what that looks like, sounds like and feels like in the classroom, on the school yard and throughout our school. We appreciate your partnership in supporting our students in upholding our goal of achieving a learning environment where each student and staff member feels a sense of belonging, included, respected and valued.
January 21 is DDSB - Let’s Listen Day, where we will continue to focus on the importance of Active Listening for Connection.
We look forward to seeing families at our Engagement Speaker Series Watch Party on Wednesday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m. The details are below in this newsletter. Gathering together to participate in the event provides families an opportunity to connect and share ideas together. We hope to see you there. Refreshments will be available. Please use the registration form below.
Our next VIBE (Vincent Massey Brings Everyone Together) Night is coming on January 29. The details are below in this newsletter. We appreciate the leadership and support of our School Community Council in providing the VIBE event for families to come together in community.
Finally, we remind families that Friday, January 23 is a P.A. Day and there is no school for students.
Today’s Newsletter includes information on the following topics:
Invitation to Watch Party - Engagement Speaker Series - January 21, 2026
VIBE Night - January 29, 2026
Spotlight on Health - When to Stay Home When Ill
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
ENGAGEMENT SPEAKER SERIES - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21
All families and guardians are invited to the first Engagement Speaker Series event on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
We invite our families to attend a Watch Party at Vincent Massey in the library. At the watch party you will have the opportunity to build connections with other families and discuss how the information helps our community.
We will have light refreshments and door prizes available.
Please use the link below to register for the Watch Party.
This virtual event features Dr. Susan Hopkins, Executive Director of the MEHRIT Centre. Her presentation “When Behaviour is a Signal: A Self-Regulation Lens” is open to all families.
In this one-hour online session, we’ll look beneath the surface of behaviour together. We’ll explore how self-regulation differs from self-control, and why rewards, punishments, and sheer effort often fall short when stress is driving the behaviour. We’ll talk about how these stress responses affect motivation, resilience, health, and well-being, and what that means for children, adolescents, and families.
Please use this link to attend the event virtually. Participants will receive the link after registering.
Engagement Speaker Series Registration Form
VIBE NIGHT - THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 6:30 PM - DODGE BALL
Join us for our VIBE (Vincent Massey Brings Everyone Together) Night on Thursday, January 29, 2026 6:30 - 8:00 pm. Open to all families, it is an evening to connect and engage in some physical activity in the middle of the winter.
All children must be accompanied by an adult.
We will also have arts and STEM stations available for children.
No registration required - just show up and have fun!
SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH - WHEN TO ATTEND SCHOOL OR STAY HOME WHEN ILL
The Durham Region Health Department has provided the following guidelines for families to support decision making about attending school or staying home when ill.
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.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS
Spring Fair Planning Meeting - Wednesday, February 4, 6:15 p.m.
Warmer weather is around the corner! Remember the fun we had at last year’s Spring Fair? We had so much positive feedback and energy. We encourage families to consider how they can be part of building on the success to create another special event for our community this spring.
Because of the success at last year’s Spring Fair, every student now has access to our new Outdoor Classroom learning space.
We welcome all families who are interested in supporting and organizing the Spring Fair to a meeting on Wednesday, February 4 at 6:15 p.m.
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.
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
January 21 - Engagement Speaker Series Watch Party
January 22 - Grade 8 Preparing for High School Webinar
January 23 - P.A. Day - No School for Students
January 29 - VIBE Night - Dodge Ball
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
Back to Search 