Good evening Mustang Families,
We were thrilled to welcome Andrew Healy, a Paralympian swimmer and gold medalist at the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, and the Paralympics. He taught us that we are all good enough, strong enough, that we matter, and that we are cared for. He also shared many valuable lessons, including that we each have our own superpowers. Andrew reminded us that just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible, and that when life knocks us down, we choose how we get back up. He emphasized that everyone faces challenges, and it is absolutely OK to ask for help — that’s how champions grow stronger.
We are excited to welcome him back to our school on March 10th, when he will speak more about the Paralympics and the theme of ability. He will also be presenting to School Council on March 5th at 6:00 PM in our library as well.
It has been another fabulous week here at Princess Margaret! We have been busy cheering on our Olympians, recognizing Black icons during Black History Month, celebrating the 100th Day of School, and enjoying lots of basketball and curling. We are very much looking forward to our outdoor play day tomorrow.Please remember to dress very warmly. We will be outdoors for two out of three periods; only recess will be indoors.
It’s a great time to note all of the wonderful things that we have happening in our school some of which include: our grade 6-8 band, the beautiful artwork that is displayed all over our school, the outdoor learning in kindergarten, the Family Transition Place programming, the student nutrition program (thank you to our wonderful volunteers who make this happen every day!), student leadership, the quality of instruction, the friendly nature of our students, the student work, our inclusion team, our sports teams and clubs... the list goes on. Thank you for supporting our staff and the work we do here with your child(ren).
Report Cards & IEPS Coming Home the 18th: As with Student Progress reports in the Fall, the UGDSB is continuing to use the online report card system. If you previously accessed our Electronic Report Card system in the last few years,, no action is required at this time for you to access your child(ren)’s term one report. Please note, we have also chosen to send home paper copies of the report card as well with each child. Elementary reports should be available for parents to download from the Parent Portal on Wednesday the 18th Please check your child’s backpack for the paper copy.
To access reports;
Please visit the UGDSB website at https://sites.google.com/ugcloud.ca/parenthelp/report-cards-parent-portal and see https://www.ugdsb.ca/parents/connected/ for further help in accessing and downloading student reports in the portal (if the links do not work, please try cut/copy/paste into your browser)
If your email address has changed, or you are new to our school board since the November progress reports, please contact your school office coordinator, Mrs. McKenzie at 519-941-3731 ext 221 or push 0.
IEPS (modified and alternative goals only) will be going home on the 18th as well. Please remember to read the IEP, keep it, but to send back the signed consultation page please.
Black History Month: As February continues, we are recognizing Black Heritage, Black Brilliance, and Black Futures month here at our school. We are learning about influential black icons on our daily announcements, during classroom activities, and through school displays. We are proudly flying the Pan African flag for the month of February to recognize this month. Walking from classroom to classroom students are participating in read alouds, reading independently, writing poetry and biographies about black brilliance. Please ask your child all about it.
Half Mast Flag: Our flags are lowered until end of day on February 17, 2026, to mark the tragedy that occurred in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 10, 2026.
Attention Parents/Caregivers Public Health Immunization Notices: Immunization notices have been sent for elementary students who do not have up-to-date immunization records. To get missing vaccines listed in the notice, you can book an appointment with your healthcare provider or with Public Health at wdgpublichealth.ca/appointments. To check or update your child's immunization record, visit immunizewdg.ca. Visit wdgpublichealth.ca/vaccination for more information about receiving a notice. Please note all inquiries and concerns go through Public Health. As a school we have no control over the immunization notices.
Free webinar series for parents/caregivers: Supporting Your Child’s Mental Health from School Mental Health Ontario:
We are excited to share a valuable opportunity to support your child’s well-being. School Mental Health Ontario is offering a free webinar series as part of the By Your Side Learning Hub, designed to help parents and caregivers navigate important topics to support their children’s mental health.
This expert-led series will provide insights and practical strategies on:
✅ balanced device use
✅ vaping
✅ body image
✅ anxiety
The webinars will also include answers to questions that parents/caregivers can provide ahead of the webinar, giving you the chance to ask questions and gain practical guidance.
📅 Sessions run March to June
English and French sessions will be offered on each topic. All webinar recordings will be uploaded to the By Your Side Learning Hub.
Parking lot reminders: Our parking lot is closed from 815am- 310pm everyday- all vehicles except for school buses and those with special needs parking permits, may not enter during this time . Please no parking in special needs parking without a permit, no stopping, no parking in the bus loop or no parking zones, do not block the exit from our parking lot by parking across the exit to the street and please be kind to staff who are helping to enforce these rules, including By Law who come out consistently but randomly.
Important Dates:
-13th: Olympic Play date: Opening ceremonies after entry, outside activities middle and last block, with the closing ceremony on the tarmac
-16th: Family Day: No School
-18th: -10th: Grade 6/7 to ⅞ Trip to Hockley
-18th: Term One Report cards and IEPs with Term Two goals go home
-20th: Olympic Guest Speaker (in person) 130pm
-25th: Pink Shirt Day- Across Canada. Stand Up Against Bullying
Upcoming Spirit Days:
-Friday, Feb. 13th: PINK, RED, WHITE Day! Wear pink, red, or white today to show your love of Valentine’s Day
-Friday, Feb. 20th: Wear Canadian memorabilia or red and white! Olympian guest speaker will be at our school to share with us (more information below)
-Friday, Feb. 27th: Board Game day! Bring in your favourite board game and enjoy game stations in your classroom.
Reminders:
Milk Sales: Our wonderful Student Council continues to sell milk. The milk costs $1.25 each.
We have a great day of learning and fun planned on Friday! Dress warm! Take care and we’ll see everyone back on Tuesday at 830am! Have a great Family Day weekend. Have fun and be safe!
Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal