Good Evening PCPS Families,
Even though it was short, it was an awesome week at PCPS. Hobby Lobby for grades 2-3 and MakerSpace for grades 4-8 have started up in the library with the support of Mr van der Wijst. Our grade 7/8 volleyball team is starting to come together under the direction of Mr. Zettel and Ms. Manning and after school "Open Gym" has been a success with the support of our Superintendent Pat Hamilton as our guest host! Our garden club is cleaning out the gardens for winter under the direction of Ms. Chambers, and our grade three students are preparing to write the CCAT test next week. Thank you to all of our families who supported our Farm Fresh Fundraiser!! We met our goal and all proceeds will be directed to our library and mental health initiatives.
Dogs on School Property: We would like to remind parents when dropping off or picking up children, dogs/pets who are not recognized trained service dogs must be on a leash and kept on the sidewalk off school property. This is the expectation for all parents/families. Dog walking is not allowed on school property during the school day. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Well-Being and Health Youth Survey: Our school is surveying students, parents and staff to learn how we are doing at creating safe, welcoming, and inclusive environments. If you have a child attending Parkinson Centennial Public School, please take 10 minutes to fill out this survey. - Parent Survey: https://redcap.link/2026parentwhy (link will be active as of October 20th)
From October 20 – November 21, UGDSB will collect feedback from students, families, and staff to support safe, inclusive, and healthy schools. If you do not want your child to participate, please send in the "Opt out" form. Students will begin writing the survey later this week. Please review this letter for more detailed information.
IEPs: If your child has an IEP, please remember to return the consultation page to your child’s teacher.
Video Surveillance Reminder:The purpose of video surveillance at UGDSB schools is to serve the safety and security needs of the board and is not intended to infringe on anyone’s right to privacy. Please take some time to read the policy. Policy 203.
Weather & Being Dressed Appropriately: With unpredictable weather, please check the forecast each morning to dress your child appropriately. Students go outside daily—even in light rain or snow. Packing extra pants and socks helps avoid calls home for wet clothes. If your family needs help with winter gear, contact your child’s teacher, Mrs. Alie, or Ms. Kaufman.
Grade 8 Information: Orangeville District Secondary School (ODSS) will be hosting its Grade 8 Information Night on Wednesday, December 4th at 630pm. Grade 8 families who may be attending ODSS for next year, please mark your calendars and make sure you attend this important event.
Halloween at PCPS
Halloween participation is always optional. Students may choose to wear costumes or orange and black. Please remember:
Costumes should be inclusive and respectful (no cultural stereotypes, violent, or scary themes).
No props or accessories at school.
Teachers will share class-specific details soon.
Costumes: It is our responsibility to ensure that all school community members (e.g., students, staff, parents in our building) avoid using identities and cultures as costumes. This includes appropriative costumes/cultural stereotypes (i.e. cultural garments), black/brown face, transphobic costumes (i.e. man dressed as a woman), body-shaming and objectifying costumes, and costumes that joke about situations that have caused harm. Such costumes perpetuate stereotypes and can cause harm that can further marginalize and oppress community members. We also ask that violent, scary, and bloody costumes are also not worn, as these costumes scare some students. All props and accessories stay at home as well, so they are not lost. If costumes violate the above criteria, students will be asked to remove their costume and parents/guardians will be notified. Thanks for helping to make our school a safe and inclusive environment for all. Teachers will provide more guidance about the details around Halloween (e.g. when costumes should be worn etc).
If your child will need alternate activities, please connect with their teacher.
📲 UGDSB Family Portal Launch
Coming this fall: a secure, one-stop hub for bus updates, report cards, and more—with translation tools and single sign-on. Watch for details this week! Resource:https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/11363 Families should be directed to https://family.ugdsb.on.ca/. Office staff can assist with sign-in steps and escalate technical issues to DSS Help Desk.
💙 Supporting Families
Explore these free resources:
Dufferin Parent Support Network – Parenting workshops & peer support -Please check out https://www.dpsn.ca/ for free parenting workshops. The Dufferin Parenting Support Network is a great organization of parents supporting parents.
DCAFS Behaviour Solutions – Services & events for families : Please see the link for some different workshops and events: https://behavioursolutions.dcafs.on.ca/events/
Caregiver Series: Creating Connection & Supporting Transitions – More info coming soon!
📅 Upcoming Dates
Oct 20 - Happy Diwali
Oct 20 - Picture Day
October 20th to November 21st: WHY Survey completion for students, staff, and parents/caregivers (letter went home to all grade 4-8 families)
Parent Survey: https://redcap.link/2026parentwhy (link will be active as of October 20th)
Oct 21 – ECE Appreciation Day
Oct 22 - Open Gym for students in Grade 7&8 with Mr. Hamilton
Oct 22 - School Council - See Website for Link to Virtual Meeting
Oct 22–23 – Gr. 3 CCAT Testing Practice
Oct 24 – PD Day - No School Poster Oct. 24, 2025 PA Day
Oct 27-30– Gr. 3 CCAT Testing
Oct. 31 - Happy Halloween
Sincerely,
Kristin Alie
Principal, Parkinson Centennial PS