2025-11-17 Newsletter
November 16, 2025
Dear Vincent Massey Parents/Guardians:
We greatly appreciated connecting with so many families at last week’s Progress Report Interviews. Thank your time and commitment to your children’s academic progress and we know the communication and collaboration will continue throughout the year.
This week is Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week. Our Kindergarten classes are promoting kindness this week with their sale of Candy-Grams. We look forward to conversations in our classrooms to support our ongoing commitment to creating a positive and inclusive learning community.
Finally, we hope to see many families at our first VIBE Night of the year on Thursday, November 20. Come out to enjoy some friendly dodge ball action. All students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
This message includes the following information:
Spotlight on Safety - Winter/Inclement Weather Safety
Spotlight on Health - Conflict vs. Bullying
Spotlight on Community - VIBE Night
Spotlight on Community - Hindu Heritage Night
Hot Lunches
Employment Opportunity - Lunchroom Supervisors Needed
Volunteer Opportunities
Vincent Massey Spirit Wear
SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY - WINTER WEATHER SAFETY
The arrival of snow last week has reminded us to review winter weather safety.
During the school day, we are paying particular attention to safe play with snow. While we encourage and promote creative play with the snow, throwing snow and snow balls is not permitted in any way at school. Last week we made several reminders at recess due to a high volume of unsafe snow activity, which resulted in injuries to students.
We encourage families to have conversations at home with their children about safe play in the snow.
Please review the following for information about:
Winter Weather & Inclement Weather - Transportation & School Opening
Winter Weather At School
Bus Safety at Vincent Massey
Reporting Absences
Vincent Massey Winter Weather Safety Newsletter
Bus Information
As we approach the winter season, we are sending this reminder about the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) Family Portal.
Using the DSTS Family Portal, you can track your child’s bus and also sign up for notifications of delays and cancellations.
If you have not done so already, please visit www.dsts.ca to sign up for the Family Portal.
If you have any questions about buses, you can call DSTS directly at 905-666-6395.
SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY - CONFLICT VS. BULLYING
At Vincent Massey PS, we’re committed to helping students build healthy relationships and feel safe at school. We’re sharing a visual resource that helps explain the difference between conflict, mean behavior, and bullying—three experiences that can look similar but are very different.
This resource:
• Defines each term clearly,
• Offers examples students can relate to, and
• Encourages respectful communication and empathy.
You may see this poster displayed in classrooms or hallways. It’s a great conversation starter for
families at home too!
If you’d like to learn more, feel free to reach out to the school.
SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - SCC NEWS
VIBE NIGHT - DODGE BALL - NOVEMBER 20
The first VIBE Night is on Thursday, November 20 at 6:30 p.m. Join us for some family fun playing dodge ball. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The next SCC Meeting is on Tuesday, November 25 at 6:15 p.m.
Budding Artists Fundraiser
Our students have been busy creating beautiful art for their families. This week you will receive the packages for the Budding Artists Fundraiser. All orders are due back to the school by November 27.
POPCORN SALES BY BATTLE OF THE BOOKS TEAM
Our Battle of the Books Teams are selling Popcorn every Friday at recess to support their program. There is a variety of flavours available.
HOT LUNCHES
Our Hot Lunches are back for the school year.
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 | Osmow’s | Pizza | Frantastic | |
How To Order | Healthy Hunger | 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.
SPOTLIGHT ON COMMUNITY - HINDU HERITAGE EVENT - NOVEMBER 29, 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
November is Hindu Heritage Month in Canada. As a part of the DDSB Anti-Oppression
Strategy, and in the spirit of celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion, HAND (Hindu Affinity Network of Durham) will be celebrating diverse Hindu traditions and facilitating learning experiences in conjunction with DDSB students, educators, and community members. Together with fellow Affinity Networks DENSA, DTEN, and SAND, this multi-cultural celebration aims to promote cross-cultural awareness and to provide opportunities for networking and collaboration. Everyone is welcome to participate.
DATE: November 29, 2025
TIME: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Pickering High School, 180 Church Street North, Ajax, ON
For information visit the HAND website.
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
November 20 - 6:30 PM VIBE Night - Dodge Ball
November 25 - 6:15 PM - SCC Meeting
December 10 - Winter Concert
Sincerely,
Charmyn Lawton, Principal & Laura Jones, Vice-Principal
Vincent Massey Public School
905-728-0681
Instagram: @vincentmasseyddsb
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