2026-04-01 Family Message

Posted On Wednesday April 01, 2026

April 1, 2026

Dear Vincent Massey Families:

We are excited about the next several weeks and the learning opportunities that are coming for students and in our community over the next several weeks. The weeks following the March Break bring an opportunity to deepen our learning and enhance our strengthening community.

To those families who are observing Easter and Passover in the coming days, we wish you meaningful and reflective celebrations.

Since returning from March Break, our Junior Basketball teams have participated in their playdowns, building on a season of practice, growth and teamwork.

We are also excited about the drumming workshops that are beginning tomorrow. Please see this newsletter for the details, including a special opportunity for our families on April 16.

Please take a few minutes to review the following information in our newsletter:

Spotlight on Positive Learning Environment
Drumming Workshops In School
Family Event - Drumming Workshops
School Community Council News
Spring IPRC Meetings for Students with IEP’s
Junior Kindergarten Registration
Hot Lunches at Vincent Massey
Lunchroom Supervisor Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunities
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear
Coming Events

SPOTLIGHT ON POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Our Grade 1 - 8 students have been participating in some goal setting this week in our Excellence Conversations.

Together, we have highlighted the strategies we can use together to uphold the school code of conduct goals:

Treat each other with kindness and respect
Support learning and keep distractions out of class
Help others when they are in need

The students also learned about the importance of using strategies such as “Four Square Breathing” and Gratitude in creating a positive learning environment.

We encourage our families to ask their children about the Excellence Conversations and the goals they have set for the next few weeks.

“DRUMS ALIVE” WORKSHOPS THIS MONTH - APRIL 2 and APRIL 16

We are thrilled to welcome Babarinde Williams to our school this month for the Drums Alive interactive presentations. All students in Kindergarten - Grade 8 will be participating either on Thursday, April 2 or Thursday, April 16.

Babarinde Williams, an award winning, ethnomusicologist, multi-instrumentalist, master drummer, Griot (storyteller) and motivational speaker has traveled throughout his native West Africa studying traditional percussion, dance and storytelling techniques. He has also been featured on TEDtalks (University of Windsor) and other academic forums. He was born in Nigeria and had been playing drums as soon as he could walk. His most unforgettable experience was playing for Nelson Mandela when he paid a visit to the University of Lagos, Nigeria. Babarinde Williams has a BA (Honors) in English and an Education Diploma from George Brown College.

The goals of the presentations are:

To serve as a team bonding workshop designed to promote unity and integration.
To build team spirit and self-confidence using African drumming as a vehicle.
To use the art of music and drumming as a vehicle for multi-ethnic coalition.
To break barriers, create numerous bonds, and make lasting connections among the participants.

FAMILY DRUMMING EVENT - THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 6:00 PM

We look forward to welcoming our families to a family drumming workshop with Baba Williams on Thursday, April 16 at 6:00 PM.

Registration is required and space is limited. Please register each person who will be drumming. Children must be accompanied by an adult for this event.

In the event that registration exceeds space, participants will be managed on a first come, first-served basis, so register early!

Family Drumming Event Registration Form

SCHOOL COMMUNITY COUNCIL UPDATE

SCC Meeting - Wednesday, April 8, 6:15 p.m.

The next SCC Meeting is on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:15 p.m. All families are welcome to attend.

Spring Fair Update - Save the Date - Thursday, May 28

Save the Date! Our Spring Fair is on Thursday, May 28, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The planning is already well under way, and our committee welcomes new people to the team. Please use this link to indicate your interest in being part of a fun and dynamic team and making a difference to our school community. We are also welcoming new ideas and suggestions, which you can also submit using the form below.

Spring Fair 2026 Survey

SPRING IPRC’s FOR STUDENTS WITH IEP’s

We are beginning to notify families about the Spring IPRC (Identification, Placement and Review Committee) Meetings for students with IEP’s. Please check your email and confirm your availability for these meetings.

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.

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 - 2025-2026 - 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.

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.

Vincent Massey Spirit Wear

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