2026-05-11 Family Message

Posted On Sunday May 10, 2026

May 11, 2026

Dear Vincent Massey Families:

On behalf of all Vincent Massey staff, we hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. To all the mothers, grandmothers, step-mothers, aunts, foster mothers, and special mother figures, thank you for the nurturing and guidance you provide to our students.

We have had much to celebrate over the past few weeks and in the coming weeks. At the end of April, we celebrated the creativity of our students at our Arts Showcase. Thank you for attending the evening and making it such a success.

We also congratulate our Dance Team, who placed 5th in their division and 16th in all of Durham at the recent Durham’s Best Dance Crew competition.

Over 50 student dancers represented Vincent Massey enthusiastically at the DEAA Dance Jamboree.

In the coming weeks, we are looking forward to our Jump Rope for Heart and Track & Field events and Spring Fair. Please read further in the newsletter for the details.

Finally, we remind our families that Monday, May 18 is Victoria Day and school will be closed.

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

Spotlight on Staffing - Retirements for 26-27
Spotlight on Safety - Emergency Procedures
Spotlight on Safety - Parking Lot Etiquette
Spotlight on Safety - Scent Aware Environment
Spotlight on Positive Learning Environment
Spotlight on Learning - EQAO Information for Grade 3 and 6 Families
Spotlight on Learning - Welcome to Kindergarten - Wednesday, May 20
Spotlight on Learning - Planning for 2026-2027 School Year - Class Placement Information
Spotlight on Community - Jump Rope for Heart - Friday, May 15
Spotlight on Community - School Track & Field Meet - Friday, May 22
Spotlight on Community - Spring Fair - Thursday, May 28
Spotlight on Community - Student Census
Spotlight on Community - DDSB Engagement Speaker Series - Thursday, May 21
Spotlight on Community - Summer Camp at Durham Forest
Hot Lunches at Vincent Massey
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear
Coming Events

SPOTLIGHT ON STAFFING - RETIREMENTS FOR 26-27

Spring is a season of transitions and new beginnings. As we approach the end of the school year, we share some bittersweet news about our incredible staff. It is with immense gratitude that we announce the retirement of Mr. Dyment and Ms. Mackie from teaching at the end of June. Both have dedicated years to fostering learning and growth, enjoying long and rich careers at Vincent Massey and other DDSB schools. We thank them for their commitment and wish them a retirement full of joy, relaxation, and new beginnings

SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY - EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

At our school, creating a Positive School Climate means ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and prepared. In alignment with Durham District School Board (DDSB) safety procedures. We have been practicing our Fire Drills throughout the spring. We will also be conducting a lockdown in the coming weeks.

We will provide detailed information about the drill in a separate message to families. These drills are a routine part of our commitment to student safety. If your child has questions, please reassure them that these practices are how we take care of one another.

If you have any questions regarding our safety protocols or the upcoming drill, please feel free to contact the school office.

SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY - PARKING LOT ETIQUETTE

Keeping our children safe is our most important job. Lately, we have noticed that the Kiss and Ride area is getting very busy and crowded, especially during morning drop-off. We have also heard from some of you regarding concerns about traffic safety and driver etiquette. To keep our students, families, and staff safe, we all need to work together and set a great example for our kids. We have included some helpful reminders below to keep things running smoothly. Please share these with anyone else who might drop off or pick up your child so we can all help keep our school community safe.

If you can walk to school or take the school bus, that is the first preference, especially with the arrival of the spring weather.

Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and the vehicles around you. Drive with caution. A few extra seconds goes a long way to ensure a positive and safe experience for everyone.

Always be patient and kind with other drivers and staff with your words and actions. Our staff are there to assist the children. The DDSB Code of Conduct regarding respectful interactions is in effect at all times.

Enter the Kiss and Ride is through the entry to Eastdale on Adelaide Street or northbound on Harmony Road at the fence on the Eastdale side. Do not enter the Vincent Massey front driveway, where the buses are located.

Refrain from driving through the small loop near on the north side of Vincent Massey. Vehicles that are exempt for this include a small bus, a private daycare provider and families of students with permission due to individual circumstances.

If you need to walk your child to the school or if your child needs assistance exiting the vehicle, please park in the parking lot and walk with your child. Do not park your vehicle in the Kiss and Ride lane.

Parking at Eastdale is permitted in the student lot only. The student lot can be accessed from Adelaide Street and Harmony Road.

Do not park in the side parking lots near the loading docks at Eastdale.

SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH & SAFETY - SCENT AWARE ENVIRONMENT

Vincent Massey is a scent-aware environment because some members of our community have severe sensitivities to fragrances. Exposure to scents can cause serious health issues like immediate breathing difficulties, headaches, and illness, which may require medical attention and time away from school. To protect everyone, we kindly ask that all visitors and parents refrain from wearing perfumes, colognes, or highly scented body sprays/lotions when entering the school. We also ask that students only use roll-on personal hygiene products (like roll-on deodorant) at school. Spray products such as perfume, cologne, body sprays, or spray deodorant are not permitted. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, healthy environment for all students and staff.

SPOTLIGHT ON POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT - CODE OF CONDUCT

The DDSB Code of Conduct supports our collective commitment to ensuring the learning community positively supports student well-being, learning and achievement. Throughout the school year, students have been engaging in learning and actions to demonstrate treating others with kindness and respect, maintaining focused learning environments that are free from distractions and helping others when they are in need. We greatly value and appreciate the ongoing support and communication with parents, guardians and caregivers in this shared responsibility.

As we enter the final few weeks of the school year, maintaining a focus on these principles remains a high priority to ensure our school year finishes positively. As we head into these final few weeks, we want to keep that momentum going so we can finish the year on a high note together.

We encourage our parents and caregivers to have conversations at home in support of these goals, particularly regarding the following expectations:

We treat others with kindness by using positive words. We refrain from using insults, hurtful comments, racial slurs and epithets.

We treat others with kindness by respecting personal space. This looks like keeping our hands and feet to ourselves, especially when playing at recess. We refrain from playfighting, tackling, dunking, kicking, hitting, etc.

We keep our personal devices, including cell phones and wearable technology out of sight and powered off.

We remember that these expectations are in place when we are at school, on a school trip, on a school team away from the school and on the bus.

Families can learn more details of the DDSB Code of Conduct by visiting the DDSB Website here - DDSB Positive School Climate.

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING - WELCOME TO KINDERGARTEN - WEDNESDAY, MAY 20, 4:15 - 5:15 PM

On Wednesday, May 20, from 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. we will be welcoming our future students and their parents, guardians and caregivers to our Welcome to Kindergarten evening.

This evening is for students who are starting the first year in kindergarten in September, 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.

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING - EQAO INFORMATION FOR GRADE 3 & 6 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 20 & May 21

GRADE 6 EQAO DATES: May 26, May 27

This week, all families of students in Grades 3 and 6 will receive a letter which outlines the details for the assessment period at Vincent Massey. In addition, families of students who will have accommodations will receive an individual letter with additional details.

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.

SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING - PLANNING FOR 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR

The planning process for the 2026-2027 school year has begun.

If your family will be moving from Vincent Massey Public School, please contact the office to inform us of your move.

Later this spring, our educational team will begin building classes and tentatively determining class placements for students for next year.

Staffing assignments and classroom composition are always subject to change based on changes in enrollment. Careful consideration is made when placing students, including a range of academic factors, to ensure the best fit possible for each student.

If you have information of an educational nature pertaining to your child’s placement for next year, please submit a letter or email, outlining your child’s learning needs. Please note, requests should be based on learning needs and not requests for specific teachers.

Letters should be addressed to Ms. Lawton and received by Friday, May 22, 2026. Please send any emailed letters to VincentMasseyPS@ddsb.ca

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - JUMP ROPE FOR HEART - FRIDAY, MAY 15

Our annual Jump Rope for Heart in support of the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation is on Friday, May 15. 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.

Families can create a donation link for your child. If your child raises $10 in online donations they will be entered into draws for great prizes!

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD DAY - GR. 4 - 8 STUDENTS - MAY 22

The Vincent Massey school Track and Field Day is on Friday, May 22.

Students in Grades 4 - 8 will be participating, and they have already begun practicing in physical education classes.

Students should come prepared for a day outdoors, with appropriate clothing, footwear, a water bottle and sunscreen if needed.

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - SPRING FAIR- MAY 28

We invite families to our 3rd Annual Spring Fair. Check out School Cash Online to purchase tickets.

We know that “many hands make light work”, and there are a variety of fun ways for every member of our community to use their talents and get involved by volunteering.

We are seeking volunteers to assist with set up on Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28 as well as during the event.

Please use this form to express your interest and availability volunteering.

Spring Fair Volunteer Application Form

We invite community members to sponsor an activity (like face painting or carnival games) by providing a donation between $100–$500. Sponsors receive logo placement, banner display, and a table beside the sponsored activity.

Prize Donations: Businesses or services can donate a prize for the raffle or event games.

Interactive Activity Booth: Host a family activity, such as a soccer skills challenge, craft activities, or demonstration.

Please contact the school office or send an email to SCC.VincentMasseyPS@scc.ddsb.ca for more information about becoming a sponsor.

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - Student Census - We Want to Hear From You!

The 2026 Student Census is now open, and we encourage all families to take part with their children. The Census helps us better understand our students’ identities, experiences, and needs so we can continue improving programs and learning environments across our schools.

Families of students in JK–Grade 6 have received an email with a unique code to complete the survey at home with their child. Participation is voluntary, and you may skip any questions you prefer not to answer.

The survey is confidential and only takes a few minutes and your input will help shape the future of our school. If you didn’t receive your link, check your spam folder or email census@ddsb.ca.

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - ENGAGEMENT SPEAKER SERIES - THURSDAY, MAY 21, 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Join us for a one-hour virtual presentation with Kwame Osei - educator, youth coach and mentor, former Toronto Argonaut player and contestant on the Amazing Race Canada for the next Family and Community Engagement Speaker Series event.

His talk, “Taking A Step: Understanding Today’s Children and Youth”, will be a conversation about understanding youth today by learning to see the world through their eyes and building meaningful connections through empathy, compassion, and the power of role models. This presentation will include a question and answer period, and is open to all Durham District School Board parents and caregivers from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - SUMMER CAMP AT DURHAM FOREST

DATE: June 29 through August 21, 2026

AGES: Registration is open to children ages 7 to 12 (born in the years 2014-2019)

FEE: $300.00 PER CHILD

Fee includes all camp programming and materials including a Durham Forest Summer Day Camp t-shirt —please include the t-shirt size on your registration form.

*Note: Week One, June 29 - July 3 and Week Six, August 4 to 7, have adjusted fees at $240.00 per child as the camp is closed during the statutory holidays and each session is a four-day week.

REGISTRATION:

Register at ddsb.schoolcashonline.com. Payment can be made via Mastercard, Visa, or American Express. Registration closes on Friday, June 12, 2026, and no refunds will be issued after this date. Any changes to bookings must be made by June 12, 2026, and are subject to availability. Register early to secure your spot!

Learn more by visiting the DDSB website here - Summer Camp at Durham Forest

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