Good evening Mustang Families,
I am sending this week’s email out a little earlier, so that I can remind everyone of Easter Weekend. This means no school for students on Friday and Monday.
News from Our Inclusion Crew (student group) : On International Day of Pink, April 8th join us in showing solidarity and standing up against bullying and discrimination! We invite anybody and everybody to speak out against gender stereotypes, 2SLGBTQ+ discrimination and bullying. Show your support by wearing pink!
Winter or Spring? One day it is warm, the next frigid. A reminder that it is a good idea to keep a close eye on the weather, so students know what to wear in the morning. Another good idea is to pack an extra pair of pants and socks in children' s backpacks as the snow melts and we have a return to mud. This avoids us having to call home for a pant or sock request during the day.
I cannot believe that it is April today. This school year has moved along quickly. The next three months will fly by too. Below are some important dates to note.
Important Dates:
April:
-2nd: World Autism Day
-2nd: Custodian and Maintenance worker Appreciation Day! Thank you to our incredible custodian team: Sheila, Helena, and Maria for always taking care of us and our building.
-3rd-6th: Good Friday & Easter (no school) Happy Easter to those who celebrate!
-7th: Elementary Skills Canada: Junior Robotics Club (Go PMPS go!)
-8th: International Day of Pink: Anti Bullying & Anti-Homophobia: Wear Pink!
-14th: Mayor Post to Hickey’s grade ⅚ class 9am (info sent home)
-24th: PD day-no school for all students
-21st: Badminton at PMPS 4-7pm
-21st: Grade 3 & 7 Swim to Survive
-22nd: OC appreciation day: Thank you to Mrs. Mckenzie for ensuring everyone is safe, for keeping our school running, and for all of the work that she does for our school nutrition program. She is kind, caring, funny, and dedicated.
-24th: PD day (mental health & curriculum): No school for students
-27th: IPRCs full day
-28th: Grade 3 & 7 Swim to Survive
-30th: Scientists in the School: Szabo 9am
May:
-1st: Patel & Christie: Nature Journaling workshop am
-4th to 8th: Education & Mental Health Week
-5th: Empowerment Day-am Grade 7-8s
-5th: Grade 3 & 7 Swim to Survive
-5th: Primary Trip to Orangeville Theatre K-¾
-8th: Accessibility Presentation (Lauren Pires) K-3s: 120-150pm & 4-8s 2-230pm ( info already sent home)
-11th: Optimist Bike Roadeo
-12th: ODSS visit for grade 8s 9am
-14th: Special Olympics (rain date May 15th)
-15th: Bee Ambassador K-¾ (letter to go home)
-15th: EA & CYC appreciation day!
-19th: Victoria Day- No school for students and staff
-19th to 22nd: Rock Climbing at PMPS/ gym in use all week (permission forms will be sent out at the end of April)
-26th: Spring ⅞ Vaccination Clinic at PMPS
-28th & 29th: EQAO grades 3 & 6
June:
-1st & 2nd: EQAO continued grades 3& 6 ( EQAO make up 3rd & 4th)
-2nd: Family Fun Night 530-7pm
-5th: PD Day: am curriculum & pm report card writing: no school for students
-9th & 10th: Intermediate Trip
-13th: Finale for Bike Roadeo: Alder Street
-17th: Grades ¾ (pm) & ⅘ (am) at Island Lake for Indigenous Learning
-22nd: PMPS Grade 8 Grad
-25th: Last day of School with students
-26th: PD day for staff (school improvement plans and transitions)
Upcoming Spirit Days:
-Thursday, April 2nd: Raise awareness and show support! Wear red and blue, celebrate neurodiversity.
-Friday, April 10th: Cascading Crackers!! Which classroom can bring in the most boxes of crackers to overflow Snacker the Cracker? Can you help your class cause a cascade of crackers???
-Wednesday, April 15th: Wordsearch Wednesday! Student council members will bring a wordsearch to each class with spring words to find.
-Wednesday, April 22nd: Earth Day (Dress like the world! Wear brown, blue, and green!)
-Friday, May 1st: Attitude of Gratitude day! Classes can create a sticky note door - writing things you are grateful for in your life. Stick the notes on your classroom door.
Reminders:
Accessibility Week Assembly – May 8: As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful school community, we will be recognizing Accessibility Week with a special presentation for our students on May 8th. We are pleased to welcome a guest speaker, Lauren Pires, who will be sharing her personal experiences living with an invisible disability. Lauren was born with Central Core Disease, a rare neuromuscular condition, and is an inspiring speaker who focuses on themes of resilience, belonging, and celebrating what makes each of us unique. Students will attend one of two assemblies:
Kindergarten–Grade 3
Grades 4–8
This presentation will provide students with an opportunity to learn about accessibility, build empathy, and develop a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences of others. Through hearing a real-life perspective, students will be encouraged to reflect on how we can create a more inclusive and supportive community for everyone. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to let me know.
Ice & Water Safety: It's that time of year again. With the more mild and wet weather we have been experiencing it is time to remind students and families to stay off the ice on ponds and bodies of water near schools. The ice on local bodies of water is not safe, and we are encouraging everyone to stay off the ice. The Grand River Conservation Authority has shared water safety messaging on their website: GRCA Flood Warning and Flood Watch as well as GRCA Water Safety.
Parent Resources:
Parent Support Network: Please check out www.parentsupportnetwork.ca for free parenting workshops. The 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/
DCAFS Walk In, Talk In Clinic: Open to Everyone!
https://dcafs.on.ca/services/child-youth-mental-health/talk-in-clinic/#:~:text=Talk%2DIn%20Clinic%20is%20open%20Wednesdays%20between%2012%3A30%20p.m.,to%20provide%20some%20basic%20information.
Talk-In Clinic is your primary gateway to essential mental health support. Talk-In Clinic is open Wednesdays between 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (last appointment at 5:30 p.m.). Please come as early as possible to ensure an appointment. If you prefer, you can call ahead at 519-941-1530 to provide some basic information. This is support for children, youth, and families.
Milk Sales: Our wonderful Student Council continues to sell milk. The milk costs $1.25 each.
We have another great day of learning on Thursday ! Happy Easter for those who celebrate. A reminder that it is Easter weekend for those who celebrate this weekend. There is no school on Friday April 3rd and April 6th.
Thanks for your ongoing support.
Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal