Our profile of notable Black Canadians continues! Today's feature is Carrie Best (1903-2001) Carrie Best was an activist and journalist, and a key figure in the fight against racial segregation in Nova Scotia. She founded The Clarion, the first Black-owned newspaper in the province. Her message: “Use your voice to advocate for social justice and equality.”
Due to inclement weather, buses in our zone will not be running today. Glenbrook is open to staff and students. If your child will be absent, please call Teresa at the school! Stay safe 🙂
INCLEMENT WEATHER: Buses are cancelled in Zones 3 and 4 today (North Wellington and Dufferin) - schools remain open. Please note that the Transportation website is having technical difficulties. To confirm - buses are cancelled in Zones 3 and 4, but schools remain open.
Another notable Black Canadian in the music world! Today we feature Portia White (1911-1968). Portia White was one of Canada’s first Black opera singers, breaking racial barriers in the classical music world. She performed for audiences across Canada and the U.S. Her message: “Never let others define your limits; you can achieve greatness.”
Today's Spotlight: Oscar Peterson (1925-2007)
Oscar Peterson was one of the greatest jazz pianists in the world. A Canadian icon, he won eight Grammy Awards and played with jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. His message: “Music is a universal language, connecting us all.”
Provide your input on the draft School Year Calendars for the 2025-26 school year! Planning for the next school year has begun and we want your feedback! Staff, students and families in the Upper Grand are invited to take a few minutes to provide their input on the UGDSB’s draft 2025-2026 School Year Calendars via an anonymous online survey. To learn more and complete the survey, please visit https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/7580.
Our celebration of Black brilliance continues! Today we learn about: Marie-Josée Proulx (b. 1977). Marie-Josée Proulx is an athlete and Olympic medalist. She became the first Black Canadian to win a medal in bobsleigh at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Her message: “Work hard, stay focused, and never underestimate your own potential.”
Attention Parents/Caregivers: Immunization notices have been sent for elementary students who do not have up-to-date immunization records. To get missing vaccines listed in the notice, you can book an appointment with your healthcare provider or with Public Health at wdgpublichealth.ca/appointments. To check or update your child's immunization record, visit immunizewdg.ca. Visit wdgpublichealth.ca/vaccination for more information about receiving a notice.
We continue our spotlight of notable Black Canadians, past and present:
Lincoln Alexander (1922-2012)
Lincoln Alexander was the first Black Canadian Member of Parliament, and later the first Black Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He dedicated his life to public service and was a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. His message: “We all must strive to create a society of equality, where everyone’s talents are valued.”
In February, Glenbrook staff and students highlight a variety of activities around Black Heritage, Black Brilliance, and Black Futures. We are shining the spotlight each day on notable Black Canadians, past and present. Today's spotlight is: Viola Desmond (1914-1965). Viola Desmond was a courageous businesswoman who challenged racial segregation in Nova Scotia. In 1946, she refused to leave a "whites-only" section of a movie theater, leading to her arrest. She became a symbol of resistance, and today, she's celebrated as a trailblazer for civil rights in Canada. Her message: “Stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard.”
POPCORN DAY returns tomorrow! For $2 per bag, students can choose from a variety of flavours of popcorn, while supporting our grade 8 graduating class!
Glenbrook is closed today: INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE - WED. JAN. 29:
Schools in Zone 4 (Dufferin) are CLOSED to students and staff. Be safe!
INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE - WED. JAN. 29: Schools in Zone 3 (North Wellington) and Zone 4 (Dufferin) are CLOSED to students and staff. Schools in Zones 1 and 2 are open as normal today.
Today is the last day to order pizza for the next round of Pizza Days!
All UGDSB families are advised to be prepared for cold weather tomorrow morning. Please dress accordingly and take precautions with the cold temperatures. Bus families are reminded to check the Transportation website in the morning for possible impacts to school transportation: https://stwdsts.ca/.
The UGDSB wants to remind families of some important deadlines that are approaching, including deadlines for Kindergarten Registration, Junior Kindergarten FI Registration and Out of Area/Out of District applications for next school year: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/7231
During extreme cold temperatures, we want to ensure parents that we closely monitor the temperature and wind chill throughout the day. Because fresh air and physical activity are vital for student learning, we do try and go outside, even in cold weather, for short periods of time. Please ensure that your child is dressed in warm layers. Sometimes, particularly when windchill temperatures fall below -25, we will keep students in for recess. However, educators may still take their classes out for 10 minutes of supervised body breaks and fresh air.
Parents/guardians are invited to attend a free webinar on EQAO math assessments. EQAO staff will discuss math questions that Ontario students encounter when they participate in Ontario’s large-scale assessments. These assessments are taken by all Ontario students in Grades 3, 6 and 9: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/7217
Remember your $2 for Popcorn Day tomorrow! Help support our grade 8 graduation!
Popcorn Day is back!
On Wednesday, January 15, in conjunction with Parent Council, our grade 8s will be selling popcorn. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Grade 8 year-end trip and Grade 8 Graduation. Popcorn will cost $2.00 a bag, cash only on the day of. Students will not be permitted to use the phone to call home for money.
The following flavours will be available for purchase:
White Cheddar
Butter Salt
Dill Pickle
Salt and Vinegar
Chipotle Cheddar
Sweet and Salty
Students will be able to purchase their popcorn at second nutrition break. Kindergarten and Primary classes will have their popcorn sorted and brought to them for second nutrition break.
Thank you for your support!
Glenbrook's Grade 8 Students