2025-05-19 Family Message
May 19, 2025
Dear Vincent Massey Families:
We hope that our families had a safe and enjoyable Victoria Day Weekend.
Last week, our Grade 4 - 8 students participated in our school track & field day. Not only did we have beautiful weather, but more importantly, the students participated with respect and encouraged each other to try their best at each event.
Last week our Grade 1’s also welcomed visitors from “Zoo to You” and 5 of our students attended the the “Empower Her” Conference.
We also welcomed our new JK students for their first visit to the school. If you know of any children who will be attending JK next year who have not yet registered, please encourage them to contact the office.
This week, our Grade 3 students will be completing the EQAO Primary Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. Like every day, we encourage students to ensure they are well-rested each day so they can do their best work.
We are also looking forward to seeing many of our families and community members at the Spring Fair on Saturday, May 24 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased at School Cash Online until Monday, May 20 at 11:59 p.m.
Tickets will also be available to purchase at the event.
Bidding for Silent Auction items begins this week. The bid sheets are available at the office and will be available at the event.
Please view the SCC Newsletter which includes full details for this exciting event.
If you have questions about the Spring Fair, please send a message to the SCC at scc.VincentMasseyPS@scc.ddsb.ca
As we look ahead to this week, here are some highlights:
Wednesday, May 21 - Grade 3 EQAO
Thursday, May 22 - Grade 3 EQAO
Friday, May 23 - Trip to Harmony Heights for Matilda Jr. (selected classes)
Today’s message includes information on the following topics:
EQAO Information for Grade 3 and 6 Families
Grade 8 Graduation Update
Jump Rope for Heart
SCC News - Spring Fair Update
Hot Lunches at Vincent Massey
DDSB Summer Camps Registration
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear
Third Party Speakers at Vincent Massey
Coming Events at Vincent Massey
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
All families of students in Grades 3 and 6 have been sent a letter which outlines the details for the assessment period at Vincent Massey. In addition, families of students who will have accommodations have been sent an individual letter with additional details.Please contact your child’s teacher if you did not receive this information.
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.
GRADE 8 GRADUATION - MONDAY, JUNE 23
We are looking forward to celebrating the Vincent Massey class of 2025. Our Grade 8 Graduation is on Monday, June 23 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Eastdale CVI, followed by a celebration at Vincent Massey Public School in the Library. All Grade 8 families will receive specific details about graduation by email this week.
SAVE THE DATE - JUMP ROPE FOR HEART - MAY 30
Our annual Jump Rope for Heart in support of the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation is on Friday, May 30. Throughout the day, our students will be involved in physical activity, including skipping, to raise awareness and funds. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk with your children about the importance of giving back to our community.
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.
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 |
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.
JEWISH HERITAGE MONTH EVENT - MAY 21, 2025
An evening celebrating Jewish identities, tradition and culture, Featuring "Periphery" - a multimedia exhibit that spotlights ethnic diversity in the Jewish community. The event is open to the entire DDSB community - students, parents and staff. Allies welcome! For details and to register refer to the poster below.
Event Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 5-7 p.m.
Jewish Heritage Month Registration Form
FIESTA 2025 - TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
The Latinx Hispanic Educators Alliance of Durham (LHEAD) is hosting a free community event to celebrate the end of the school year, and officially launch our affinity network. We’re bringing together students, families, educators and community members for an evening of culture, connection and joy!
Register here - Fiesta 2025 Registration
COMING EVENTS AT VINCENT MASSEY
MAY
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
JUNE
June 3 - Gr. 7 & 8 Track & Field Area Meet
June 4 - Gr. 3 Trip - Pickering Playing Fields
June 6 - P. A. Day - No Classes for Students
June 10 - Primary Play Day
June 11 - 6:15 p.m. SCC Meeting
June 12 - Hurdles Meet
June 13 - Intermediate Baseball Tournament
June 16 - Grade 8 Grad Trip
June 17 - Intermediate Ultimate Frisbee
June 18 - Junior Ultimate Frisbee
June 19 - Lacrosse Tournament
June 23 - Grade 8 Graduation, 6:00 p.m.
June 24 - Term 2 Report Cards Home
June 25 - Kindergarten Magic/Bubble Show
June 26 - Last Day of Classes
June 27 - P.A. Day
Sincerely,
Charmyn Lawton, Principal & Nadia Nembhard-Hunt, Vice-Principal
Vincent Massey Public School
905-728-0681