Good Evening PCPS Families,
We hope students enjoyed their “extra” day at home and are ready for an exciting week ahead! This Tuesday, students will have the opportunity to learn about “Major”, our new service dog who will be joining our school community. There will be an assembly for all students and they will learn about the expectations of students when there is a service animal on site at a school.
See below for information about Halloween, we ask that families not send food items into the school as we recognize there are many students with food sensitivities.
Popcorn Sales are Back: Back by popular demand, popcorn will be sold again this year starting this Wednesday, October 22. Bags are $2/each. Popcorn will be sold on Wednesdays and Fridays at second break in the front foyer. Flavours include:Sweet and Salty, Dill Pickle ,Salt and Vinegar, White Cheddar, Butter and Salt. Proceeds go towards intermediate trips, primarily the grad trip in June.
School Council Update: School council is continuing to look for volunteers to help us run our food days at school.
Dogs on School Property: We would also 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. 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.
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.
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/
📅 Upcoming Dates
Oct 27-30– Gr. 3 CCAT Testing
Oct. 31 - Happy Halloween
Nov. 1 -Playground Closes for the Winter
Nov. 4 - Grade 8 Visit from Westside Secondary School
Nov. 7- Superintendent Pat Hamilton and UGDSB Director Peter Sovran Visting PCPS
Nov. 3 to 7: Treaties Recognition Week
Nov. 11 - Remembrance Day
Nov. 13: Progress Reports go Home & Posted online
Nov 13, 14, 20 -OPP Community Officer Amy Pitton Safety Presentations
Nov. 17 to 21st: Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week
Nov. 18: Fall Grade ⅞ Vaccination Clinic at PCPS
Nov. 19: School Council 7pm Virtual
Nov. 20 - SPAW presentation for Grade 8 Students
Nov. 27: Progress Report Interview Night 3:00pm-7:00pm
Nov. 28: PD Day & Interview Day 8:30am to 2:50pm
Dec. 3: Westside Music Performance
Dec. 22 to Jan. 4: Holiday Break (No School for Students)
Sincerely,
Kristin Alie
Principal, Parkinson Centennial PS