2026-09-13 Family Message

Posted On Sunday September 13, 2026

September 13, 2026

Dear Vincent Massey Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! The first week has been wonderful, and it has been a true joy seeing our students reconnect with their peers and teachers. Thank you to all parents and guardians for your support in making this school year start so smoothly.

During our first week, we launched our annual theme, “Building a Connected Community,” with a focus on belonging. Ask your child about what they shared!

Throughout the school year, we will continue focusing on our core goals: treating others with kindness and respect, minimizing learning distractions, and supporting those in need.

We look forward to building on this positive momentum at our Welcome Back Open House and Book Fair on Thursday, September 17. See below for full event details!

We have several key updates to share with you today. Thank you for taking the time to review the details below.

This message includes the following information:

Communication Tools
Bus Information and Replacement Cards
Student Accident Insurance
Co-Curriculars at Vincent Massey
Welcome Back Open House
Book Fair Information
Terry Fox Run Information
School Community Council News
Hot Lunches
Employment Opportunity - Lunchroom Supervisors Needed
Volunteering at Vincent Massey
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear
Coming Events

COMMUNICATION TOOLS

We send out regular updates and newsletters by email, which are also posted on our website at vincentmassey.ddsb.ca.

For urgent or time-sensitive announcements, we use SMS text messaging. To subscribe, text "Y" or "Yes" to 978338.

You can unsubscribe at any time by replying "STOP" to any text message.

BUS INFORMATION & REPLACEMENT CARDS

To view school bus route details for eligible students, please visit the DSTS Parent Portal or call the DSTS Information Line at 905-666-6979.

You will need your child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN) and date of birth to log in. You can find the OEN at the top of any previous report card.

If your child requires a replacement bus tag, you can request one online using the DSTS Replacement Card Request Form.

For full details about student bus passes and how mTransport cards work, please review the mTransport Info Page.

For general updates and service announcements, visit Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS).

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

Providing safe learning environments is a strong and constant focus at the Durham District School Board. Families should however recognize that there is always a potential risk of injury with field trips, sports and other student activities both on and off school grounds. Accidents can happen, despite precautions to prevent them. Accidental injuries may involve medical, dental or other expenses not covered by provincial health care or employer group plans.

Please be aware that the Durham District School Board does not provide accident insurance coverage for student injuries. For your convenience, we do make available a Student Accident Insurance program through Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada. This program offers a variety of plans and benefits at affordable prices.

All rates are one-time annual premiums. The insurance agreement is between you and Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada. For complete details please refer to the insuremykids Protection Plan information/application form or visit their website at: www.insuremykids.com.

Any questions should be directed to Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada toll free at 1-800-463-5437.

CO-CURRICULARS AT VINCENT MASSEY

Our students are already enjoying a variety of co-curricular activities! Below are the programs that have either recently started or will be launching this week:

Cross Country - Grades 3 - 8
Intermediate Girls’ & Boys’ Volleyball Team - Grades 7-8
Junior Soccer - Grades 4-6
Vincent Massey Oshawa Generals Choir - Grades 3 - 8
Girls on the Go - Grade 4-6 Girls

WELCOME BACK OPEN HOUSE - SEPTEMBER 17

Join us for our Open House "Meet the Teacher" Night on Thursday, September 17.

Here is the schedule:

6:00 p.m. - Visit Food Vendors - Little Caesar’s Pizza, Dogs to Go and Nini’s Ice Cream & Shaved Ice
6:00 - 7:30 p.m. - Visit the Book Fair
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Classrooms Open for Visits

BOOK FAIR - SEPTEMBER 14 - 18

The Scholastic Book Fair is back and will be open for purchase throughout the week of September 14 - 18 including during the Open House on September 17. Supporting the Book Fair provides resources for our school library.

Some IMPORTANT information for you to know!

We are OPEN to students all week long.
AM Recess: Open to grades 1-3 PM Recess: Open to grades 4-8
Only students with money to spend can come at recess. Lunch is CLOSED to students.
The Book Fair will be OPEN during the Open House. We will open at 6:00 and remain open until families leave at 7:30.
Cash, Debit and Credit are accepted.

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 who 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.

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.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Provider

Wok Box

Subway

Little Ceasar’s Pizza

- East Side Marios

-Frantastic

How to Order

Healthy Hunger website

School Cash Online

Healthy Hunger website

Step 1: Create an Account

Click “Register a Student” and create an account

Step 2: Add a Student

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

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in your child’s education. Please contact your child’s teacher or the school office with any questions.

COMMUNITY SUPPORTS - TIER 1 OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST IN CLASSROOMS CONSENT

We are pleased to provide the following information and letter from Grandview Kids regarding Occupational Therapy Services at school.

We are excited to share with you that this year, our school will have an Occupational Therapist (OT) from Grandview Kids as part of the school team. An OT is a regulated health professional and can support students to be successful in the classroom. An OT can look at a student’s fine motor skills, such as printing, scissors, opening containers at snack and lunchtimes, and managing coats, boots and shoes. An OT can also help students who have difficulty with self-regulation, or who have sensory challenges. An OT can suggest different equipment or strategies in the classroom setting that will help students access all parts of their school day.

Your teacher may ask the OT to visit your child’s classroom and work with the class to find ideas and activities that could help all students. For example, the OT may suggest trying different scissors, printing strategies, or finding different places to sit or stand while doing their work. The OT may suggest different types of paper, movement breaks, or ways to help get their coat on at recess. As with all in-school programming, typical classroom-related risks may apply. This may also be done by an OT Assistant.

If the teacher and OT feel that your child might need more help, the school will contact you, talk about the concerns and get your consent to refer to Occupational Therapy for an individualized assessment. If you do not want your child to receive classroom-based OT support, you must let the school know by speaking directly to your child’s classroom teacher by Friday, September 25, 2026.

If your child already receives OT services these will continue, and your OT will reach out to you if there is any change.

If you have any questions, please reach out to either the school or to Grandview Kids. We are excited to be in your school in a new way!

Grandview Contact Person: Marika Beaumont (OT Reg (Ont.) MHS), Director of Clinical and Client Services - School Years - 905-728-1673 or www.grandviewkids.ca

COMING EVENTS

September 17 - Welcome Back Open House

6:00 Food Vendors
6:30 - 7:30 - Classroom Visits

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

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