Good Evening Mustang Families,
As we close out a wonderful fall, I want to take a moment to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished together. From the hard work of our students and staff, to the success of our Holiday Craft Fair, and the excitement of sports teams, field trips, and new learning adventures, this season has been full of growth and community spirit.
Adjusting to a new grade is never easy, but our students have shown resilience and enthusiasm every step of the way. We are so proud of their efforts and the support you provide at home.
As the holidays approach, we encourage everyone to find joy, have fun, and be safe. Take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy special moments with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, ready to work hard and continue building on the great start we’ve made. Wishing you peace, happiness, and a wonderful holiday season!
There are just a couple of reminders as we head into the last day of school on Friday before the break:
December 19th is the last day of school before the winter holiday break. A reminder that there is no pizza day this week and milk sales and popcorn sales are finished as well. Pizza will resume in the New Year.
January 5th: The first day back to school after the holiday break. The school day begins at 830am.
January 7th-30th : kindergarten registration is open. Please see our school website for more information and to register online. Please tell your neighbours as well.
-January 6th to 31st: Out of Area open in the UGDSB (see board website for details)
Important Dates:
December 19th: Holiday singing, performances, and award assembly (students only)
December 22nd to January 4th: Holiday Break (No School for Students)
January 5th, 2026: First day back at school after the break
January 5th: Family Transition Place (FTP) presentations begin on Mondays or Thursdays for 8 weeks for grades ⅘ to ⅞ (information previously sent home)
January 7th-30th:: Kindergarten registration begins for 26/27 school year
January 6th to 31st: Out of Area open in the UGDSB (see board website for details)
January 12th: GET REAL Inclusivity Workshop Grades 4-8 (letter went home)
January 13th: ODSS visit for grade 8s (course selection)
January 14th: Grad Photos (grade 8)
January 26th & 27th: Dairy Farmer’s Presentation: Grades K-⅚
January 30th: PD Day- no school for students
Upcoming Spirit Days:
-December 19th: (Christmas colours) OR Red, Black, green (Kwanzaa colours)
Reminders:
Slips, Trips & Falls: Please make sure that your child(ren) and you are wearing appropriate footwear for our wintery weather. This helps prevent slips, trips, and falls inside and outside our school.
No Bus Days: We Are Open for Learning! 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 (ren) will not be attending school, you need to call in their absence please. This helps Mrs. Mckenize with her safe arrival procedures in a timely manner. Thank you for your help with this. If a no bus day falls on a pizza day, we go ahead with our pizza day.
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/
Community Support: Hill of Headwaters Collaborative has a new opportunity for anyone in the community who may require access to care providers. Check out the link for Details: https://hillsofheadwaterscollaborative.ca/careday
We have a great day of learning and fun planned on Friday! After that, have a fantastic winter break. Merry Christmas, Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Kwanza, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Year! We’ll see everyone back for learning on January 5th at 830am. Be safe and take care.
Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal

