Dear Mustang Families,
It’s been another good week at PMPS. We had over 20 runners from grade 1 to 8 represent us at the Dufferin Cross County meet. Our runners ran proudly and represented our school well. One of our runners finished 3rd and another 8th in their races. This is spectacular as there are sometimes hundreds of runners in each event. We have a number of clubs continuing this week including: choir, gardening, and art expression club. We want to thank our teachers who coach and run these clubs. School Council met last week and the minutes are included in this email.
IEPS Home on October 16th: Another reminder that if your child has an IEP, that a copy of it will be coming home on the 16th. There is a letter that is accompanying the IEP which explains more.
Digital IEP Access for Parents/Guardians on the UGDSB Family Portal: After a successful pilot last year with secondary schools and some elementary schools, digital access to IEPs for Parents/Guardians will be expanded for all students with IEPs. IEPs will be available for access on October 15, 2025. An instruction doc specific to accessing IEPs has been developed to guide Parents/Guardians through the initial setup of their UGDSB Family Portal account and accessing IEPs.
School Council’s First Fundraiser: Donuts anyone? Have you ordered your pumpkin donuts yet?! You have less then one week left to place your orders for our tasty fundraiser! In partnership with our local Quest for Cakes Bakery, School Council is selling packs of 12 small, plain-flavoured donuts, decorated as pumpkins! You can see a colour photo of the donuts on School Cash On-line, where the donuts are available for purchase. The cost for a pack of 12 is $15.00. Donuts are nut-free, kosher dairy, and the full list of ingredients is on each box. Order deadline is next Wednesday, October 15th, and donuts will be available for pick up at the end of the school day on Wednesday, October 29th, just in time for Halloween!! Thank you in advance for supporting our school!
HALLOWEEN: Many schools celebrate Halloween with costume dress up and/or black and orange. Halloween is a day that is not observed by all students or staff. With this, it is considered a choice to participate as are all spirit days. Alternate and supportive accommodations are provided for students if school events take place (e.g. parade). Please reach out to your child(ren)’s teacher to speak more about accommodations.
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).
UGDSB Job Fairs - Educational Assistants;UGDSB Job Fairs focusing on EA Supply and Emergency EA recruitment is quickly approaching!
Guelph Job Fair - October 15, 2025
Orangeville & Area Job Fair - October 22, 2025
Upcoming Spirit Days:
-October 10th- Prep for Diwali (Each class can make a colourful paper chain with a sunflower on it, so it is ready for Diwali on the 20th)
-October 15th- -Learning Differences Awareness Day: Celebrate unique strengths and abilities of individuals (Wear orange, silver, and blue)
-October 22nd: Celebrate accomplishments and contributions of Canadian Women throughout history (wear purple, green, and white)
-October 31st: Halloween: Orange and Black or costumes
Don’t forget about our Mustang Spirit Cup!
Professional Activity Day Description: October 24, 2025
Information for Elementary Parents/Guardians Date: October 24, 2025 Length: Full Day
Elementary AM Topics:
AI Cyber Security Month (50 minutes)
Keeping Schools Safe (50 minutes)
Upholding Human Rights and Tackling Racism (50 mins)
Elementary PM Topics:
Progress Report Writing
Entity Hosting: Upper Grand DSB
Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Administrators/Individual
Elementary Description:
As part of the upcoming Professional Activity Day, staff will take part in cybersecurity training to help strengthen online safety and digital well-being across our school communities. The training includes an introductory “Ella” video on why cybersecurity matters, three short Vector modules focused on safe browsing, email protection, and strong passwords, and a review of 12 ECNO and Ministry infographics on topics such as cyber hygiene, online kindness, scams and phishing, privacy protection, online grooming, data backups, safe gaming, digital wellness, social media safety, summer cleanup, secure connected homes, and understanding Artificial Intelligence, including its risks and best practices. Staff are also invited to explore the Cyber Awareness Month classroom materials at www.k-12cyberawareon.ca/cyber-awareness-month-2025 to support ongoing learning and digital citizenship. Staff learning will also focus on how to enhance our ability keep our students safe at school by exploring the following areas of focus: the science of adversity and resilience and the importance of systemic factors to promote positive childhood experiences and resilience, understanding the role educators play to nurture resilience as well as key strategies to promote positive childhood experiences and resilience at school.
Upholding Human Rights and Tackling Racism
As part of the upcoming Professional Activity Day, staff will engage in a professional learning session led by HREA Office, focused on upholding human rights and tackling racism in schools.
This session responds to the Ministry of Education’s direction that all professional learning include a focus on antisemitism, anti-Asian racism, anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, and racism towards Indigenous communities, and that educators are equipped with the knowledge and tools to promote and uphold human rights as required under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
Participants will:
Deepen understanding of Human Rights and the Ontario Human Rights Code, including educators’ responsibilities in identifying, preventing, and addressing discrimination and harassment in any form.
Explore manifestations of racism and systemic discrimination in educational settings, with specific attention to antisemitism, anti-Asian racism, anti-Black racism, Islamophobia, and racism towards Indigenous peoples.
Review Ontario curriculum program planning expectations related to Human Rights, Equity, and Inclusive Education across Grades 1 to 12, and examine how these expectations can be meaningfully embedded across subjects and disciplines.
Engage in discussions and case examples highlighting how to create supportive classrooms and workplaces free from discrimination, while fostering safety, belonging, and inclusion for all students and staff.
Through this session, educators will enhance their ability to integrate human rights principles into curriculum design, teaching practices, and school culture, ensuring that every learner is affirmed and every classroom remains a place of dignity, respect, and belonging.
The afternoon will be dedicated to progress report card writing.
Important Upcoming Dates:
-October 13th, 2025: No school, Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate
-October 15th, 2025: Grade 8 trip to Career Day
-October 16th, 2025: All IEPs go home (Individual Education Plans)
-October 17th: 2025: Officer Amy Visit to Grade 7/8s classes (letter coming home)
-October 20th, 2025: Happy Diwali to those who celebrate!
-October 21st, 2025: ECE (Early Childhood Educator) Appreciation Day.
-October 21st, 2025: Public Health Fluoride Treatment- all grades (info will be sent home)
-October 22nd-23rd, 2025: Grade 3 CCAT Testing
-October 23rd, 2025: Officer Amy Visit to kindergarten classes (Rescheduled from the 15th as Officer Amy will be presenting at the Careers Day for the Intermediates)
-October 23rd, 2025: Class Pictures and retakes
-October 24th, 2025: PD Day ( AI Cyber Training, Keeping Schools Safe, and Progress Report writing
-October 29th: Donut Fundraiser Pick Up
-October 31st: Halloween (more details to come)
Reminders:
UGDSB Family Portal: This fall, the UGDSB is launching the UGDSB Family Portal to all families across the board. The Family Portal puts bus updates, report cards and more in one secure place for families. Many tools use single sign-on and more are being added. The portal is equipped with language translation. Information about the Family Portal will be sent out centrally to all families starting next week.
Our Princess Margaret website is https://www.ugdsb.ca/PrincessMargaret/ and our Twitter/ X page is: @margaret_ps . Our school council also has a Facebook page and an Instagram page: @princessmargaretps. Staying connected during the school year is key.
Spirit Wear: Spirit wear can be ordered at any time during the year now. Please visit http://princessmargaret.deco-apparel.com/
Parent Resources:
Dufferin Parent Support Network: 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: DCAFS offers a wide range of services designed to meet the unique needs of each child and family. They believe that every child deserves the chance to reach their full potential, and they are committed to helping them do just that. If you're looking for support for your family within a safe and welcoming community, look no further than DCAFS! Please see the link for some different workshops and events: https://behavioursolutions.dcafs.on.ca/events/
We’ll see everyone for another day of learning on Friday. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving if you celebrate and enjoy the long weekend after a full day of learning tomorrow. We’ll see everyone back on Tuesday, October 14th at 830am.
Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal
School Council Meeting Minutes – October 2nd, 2025
Princess Margaret Public School 2025
In attendance: Andrea Papavasilliou, Emily M., Billie Jo R., Ida C., Justine O., Brittani S., Becky L., Amber J., Tracy P., Vienna R., Sandra J., Linsday F., Tanya P., Teagan K., Jamie E., Tracey M.
Regrets: Ashley H., Sarah C., Laya H., Felicia B., Sabrina F.
Land Acknowledgement & Board’s Equity Statement – Read by Principal Andrea
Principal’s Report – Principal Andrea P. (see full report after Meeting Minutes)
· Check the website for the Anti-Bullying Prevention Plan (including info on body image)
· Upcoming will be the Get Real anti-racism presentation
· Our CYC Tania has been seeking feedback from kids about what makes them feel safe at school (physically, emotionally and mentally)
· Superintendent visit will include sharing some data about school composition (enrollment, number of ELL students, last year’s grocery expenditures for breakfast program, number of IEP students, attendance data, academic data, diagnostic screenings, etc.)
· Lots of ways for students to get involved: congrats to today’s cross-country runners, the intermediate soccer team, garden club, choir club, band, etc. Celebrated Terry Fox fundraising.
General Council Business – Lead Chair, Emily M.
· Volunteers needed for the donut fundraiser distribution on Wednesday, October 29th at 2:00pm (Brittani, Sandra, and Tracy will assist Emily)
· Community Food Drive for Orangeville Food Bank – drop-off is this Saturday at PMPS from 10am-1pm.
· Vulnerable Sector Check applications for new volunteers and declaration letters signed for all returning volunteers.
· Council to host another garbage pick-up event on the school grounds for October 19th at 10:00am. Hughes Real Estate has provided bags and gloves.
· Terra Cotta fundraiser in November – sales will run from November 3 – 17 (TBC), and pickup will be November 27 (TBC)
· HFFA (Headwaters Food and Farming Alliance) – let’s invite them to share info about their granola and veggie box fundraisers in the Spring.
· Snack tray volunteers – Thank you Teagan for being the Monday volunteer. Others are welcome to come in and learn from Chris on Wednesdays from around 8:50 - 10:00am.
Holiday Craft Fair Planning – Group Discussion
· Emily has ordered the permit from the Town, for Craft Fair temporary signage
· Tracey M. will get the Fair on the electronic sign in Town again this year
· Things to check: condition of signs and metal stands, condition of outdoor sign, number of baskets, inventory of supplies including cellophane, stuffing, tape, wrapping paper, ribbon, find name tags
· Silent auction spreadsheet explained, letters distributed for community outreach
· Confirm roles for all rooms
· Amber will assist Emily with social media and marketing this year, Justine will assist Tracy with KidPreneur management
· Brittani and Justine will create a schedule for relief volunteers for all stations at the Craft Fair, managed by Council members, so we can all enjoy the fair this year! They will also create a volunteer schedule for parking duties outside (ideally, husbands!)
· Save December 1st and 2nd from 5pm+ for basket stuffing, for silent auction
· Share the vendor posts – only 3 spots left!
· Tracey M. has letters ready for bake sale, students are excited to volunteer at the fair this year. We need to add an adult volunteer to the face painting room
Next meeting:
· Thursday, November 6th at 6pm AND Thursday, November 20th at 6pm for JUST Craft Fair biz
Principal’s Report: PMPS School Council
Thursday, October 2nd/2025
Land Acknowledgement:
Princess Margaret Public School is situated on the ancestral, treaty and title lands of the
Anishinaabek Ojibwe Nation, specifically the Michi Saagig of the Credit land. This
Nation holds legal and specific rights in their respective territories. This area has been and continues to be home for Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.
· What action(s) do you commit to, and will state with the land acknowledgement in your building?
My commitment this evening: Continue to encourage staff to sign up for Indigenous learning opportunities including at Island Lake and cleaning up the land at school.
A Commitment to Humans Rights In Action:
As a school community, we have a responsibility to recognize, call out, and break down racism and oppression in all forms. The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) is committed to removing systemic barriers that continue to impact students, staff, and families. This is not just a short-term project - it’s an ongoing commitment to making sure every student has a learning environment that is fair, just, and inclusive.
Principal's Report:
Our PMPS Bullying Prevention Plan & Safe, Equitable and Inclusive School strategy has been updated. You can review it here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/o/pmps/page/resources. Thank you to the parents, community members, staff, and student who helped review the plan.
Tania Rooney and I would like to share a special report with you about feeling safe at school. Tania reached out to each grade 4- 8 for feedback about safety in our school and what makes them feel safe, as well as services from her (e.g., drop ins, groups, presentations… ) and student voice groups improvements and/ or suggestions. Feeling Safe at School
Superintendent Visit: Our superintendent, Mr. Steve Viveiros will have his first official visit tomorrow to PMPS. Today’s meeting needed to be postponed.
Some of the discussions we will have include:
· Classroom Look-Fors, specifically in grade one and three (board focus)
· Data Collection and Review
· Reading and Math Instruction
· Attendance Monitoring and Intervention
· LET’s GO UGDSB - 2 Week Leadership Moves
· Current Issues at PMPS
Here is some of the data that I shared with our SO: Most Recent Data to Indicate Success (October 25th SO visit)
Lots of Way to Get Involved at PMPS: Students continue to have lots to get involved in at our school. Our student leadership is well underway, garden club and choir. Junior and intermediate soccer, as well as cross country running just wrapped up.
Important Upcoming Dates:
-October 5th, 2025: World Teachers Day
-October 6th, 2025: Anti Black Racism Workshop GET REAL Grades 4-8 (letter went home last week)
-October 13th, 2025: No school, Happy Thanksgiving if you celebrate
-October 15th, 2025: Grade 8 trip to Career Day
-October 15th, 2025: Officer Amy Visit to kindergarten classes
-October 16th, 2025: All IEPs go home (Individual Education Plans)
-October 17th: 2025: Officer Amy Visit to Grade 7/8s classes
-October 21st, 2025: ECE (Early Childhood Educator) Appreciation Day.
-October 21st, 2025: Public Health Fluoride Treatment- all grades (info will be sent home)
-October 22nd-23rd, 2025: Grade 3 CCAT Testing
-October 29th: Donut Fundraiser Pick Up
-October 31st: Halloween (more details to come)