As we reflect on our week, we want to thank families for their patience and support as we navigate this winter weather. This week, we hope to embrace the snow with a Winter Outdoor Playday and expect to be outside on Thursday, January 29. Let’s Go Panthers.
Winter Recesses can be an exciting time to play outside and get fresh air. Staff are continuing to coach and remind students on recess expectations which include:
Following staff direction on where it is safe to play (e.g. When the snow hills are too high, students are asked to stay off them, when areas are icy, students will be directed to safer areas of play or kept inside for indoor recess)
Play Safely (No Rough Play, No Throwing Snow etc.)
Dress appropriately
Intermediate students are expected to go outside unless they are participating in a supervised extra curricular activity (No roaming the halls)
IEPs and Term 1 Report Cards will be made available online. Please see the resource for parents on how to access the IEP.Accessing and Printing IEPs on the UGDSB Family Portal (for Parents/Guardians)
February is Winter Walk and Wheel to School Month! 🚶♀️🚲
An Ontario wide celebration that encourages students to travel actively throughout their school day. Join the movement this month by walking or wheeling to and from school. Whether it's for one day, a few days, or all month long!
Why Active School Travel Matters
Choosing active travel to and from school brings many benefits including:
• 🚦 Reduced traffic near school entrances, improving road safety.
• 🌬️ Lower noise and air pollution from fewer cars.
• 💪 Higher levels of physical activity among children.
• 🎓 Improved memory, attention and academic performance.
How to Participate in Winter Walk & Wheel Month
Students and families are encouraged to walk or wheel on their journey between home and school throughout the month of February. Students can also participate by walking around the school yard during recess. The aim is to celebrate active school travel and spend time outside during the winter!
Help build active habits at home and in your school community! As a parent or guardian encourage your child to walk or wheel to school safely through the following:
Be a good role model
Demonstrate road safety with your child by looking both ways before crossing the street and using crosswalks. Ask that electronics be kept in their backpacks while walking or wheeling to school.
Plan a walking or riding route to your bus stop or school.
Please see the attached for information on the Jan. 30 PA Day. January 30th, 2026 PA Day Poster - Elementary Panel
The Town of Orangeville offers many Recreational exciting programs: Winter Session #2 Registration is open. Explore a variety of exciting programs, including:
- Swimming lessons
- March Break camp
- Skating lessons
- Sports programs such as basketball, indoor soccer and multi-sports
- Children's arts, drama, cooking and STEM programs
- Birthday party packages
- Leadership certifications
- Fitness programs
- and much more!
Browse and prepare ahead for Winter 2 registration at: orangeville.ca/recreation
For program inquiries, please email recreation@orangeville.ca or call 519-940-9092.
No Bus Days: We Are Open! A reminder that on no bus days, we are here for learning. A very small percentage of our students are bussed, so teachers carry on with a normal learning day. Our school is open for all who can safely make it here. If your child does not ride the bus and will not be attending school, you need to call in their absence please. This helps Ms. Marnie with her safe arrival procedures in a timely manner. Thank you for your help with this.
January Communication Newsletter here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/communications-newsletter
Kindergarten Registration:26-27Kindergarten Registration Flyer.pdf
Out of Area: Please note that the last Friday in January is the deadline for Out of Area requests. Please see the UGDSB website for more information. https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/out-of-area-and-out-of-district
Webinar for Parents and Guardians About Reading, Writing and Math from the Ministry of Ed:
EQAO Math Session for Parents and Guardians of Junior Students
(February 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.)
Join us for a free webinar about how EQAO assesses junior-division students’ mathematics learning. EQAO staff will discuss questions from the mathematics component of the junior-division assessment. Participants will hear how these math questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning.
EQAO Literacy Session for Families: Focus on Writing
(February 3, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.)
Join us for a free live webinar about how EQAO assesses students’ writing skills at key stages of their education. EQAO staff will discuss writing prompts and questions from the reading components of the primary- and junior-division assessments and from the OSSLT. Participants will hear how these prompts and questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning.
💙 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
Jan. 7-30 - Kindergarten Registration
Last Friday of January - Registration Window for Out of Area will close
Jan 29 - Winter Play Day - Please ensure your child has appropriate clothing for longer times outside.
Jan 30 - PD Day - No School for students
Feb. 11 - School Council
Feb. 19 - Term 1 Report Cards and Term 2 IEPS are available online