Welcome Back PMPS Mustang Families!
It is hard to believe that August is almost over. We hope everyone had a safe and happy summer! We are excited to start the 2026/2027 school year.
Our custodial and maintenance staff have been working hard to get the building ready for our students. This work is continuing into the last week of August and early days of September. We are asking our families to avoid coming in unless they have a scheduled meeting or visit. Staff are gaining access to the school later than usual, so they are working even harder in a shortened period of time to prepare the building for students. If in doubt, please contact our school office and we’ll be able to help. Thanks for your continued understanding.
Elementary registration for new families is still happening for anyone who is new to our area and who did not register prior to the end of the 25/26 school year. This happens on September 1st, 2026 at 9am. More information can be found at: UGDSB registration . Please register by end of the day on the 3rd. Please register online and then come in with proof of address and brithdate. This is helpful to help us create balanced class lists and avoid the reorganization of students as much as possible. It will also decrease the chance that your child misses the first day of school. Please note that September 4th is a school board holiday and staff will not be working that day. Thanks in advance.
Please not again: It is very helpful if parents/ caregivers can fill out the online registration form prior to coming to PMPS to provide proof of address and proof the child’s birthdate (ex. Birth certificate, passport…).
If you have moved away from PMPS please call or email myself and/or our office coordinator to inform us of the move and their new school. This is also very helpful to help us create balanced class lists and avoid the reorganization of students as much as possible. Thanks in advance.
Classroom Assignments and Organizations:
Each year, we begin with the staffing that was allocated in June. As in past years, our actual numbers are reviewed following the first days of school. This means students may begin their first day in one class, yet find themselves being reassigned to another class when our enrollment has been reviewed. If this happens, we will communicate with families.
Class placements will be emailed to you from the board before the first day of school. Here is an update on how to access your child’s teacher along with other important information:
Message from the UGDSB: We are excited to share that the Family Portal version 2 is set to launch on August 25, 2026. Parents/caregivers can log in with the same username and password at https://family.ugdsb.on.ca/ (they may need to refresh the webpage).
The updated portal features child-specific information organized into cards on one page, including:
Absences
Google Classroom Assignments (grade 4 and above)
Parent-Teacher Interview (Parents will book appointments here)
Report Cards (this is the recommended method, however, ConnectEd remains accessible for parent use)
School Bus Information
School Cash Online
School Events
Special Reports (e.g., IEPs)
Student Profile (Class and teacher email details available starting Labour Day).
First Day of School:
Our first day of school for all students Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 is Tuesday, September 8th at 830am. To our new JK families, please note all JKs start on Tuesday, September 8th at 830am as well. . There is no staggered entry in the UGDSB, all students start on the same day and same time.
Below you will find some additional information that might be helpful as we return next week. More information will be coming home the first few days of school.
What to Expect of the First Day:
Students will meet on their regular hard top areas (i.e., Kindergarten., Primary, Junior or Intermediate) at 830am. Teachers will have lists and staff will be there to greet and ensure all students get to the right spots. To help with this, grade signs will be posted. Students will gather at their grade signs, and staff will tell students what class line to join. Please see the attached map for where grade signs will be located. Grade Sign Map Once teachers have their full class, they will make their way into the school and then classroom.
Updated School/Board Code of Conduct:
Our School Code of contact for students, staff, and families was sent out by email in late June. It is also posted on our school website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/o/pmps/page/pmps-school-code-of-conduct. The code of conduct will be explained to each student in grades 4-8 in a developmentally appropriate way by their classroom teacher during the first days of school.
Before & After School Supervision:
A reminder that our school day begins at 8:30am and dismissal is at 2:50pm. The back tarmac is supervised at 820am and the kindergarten yard at 815am. Supervision starts at 820am in the primary, junior, and intermediate yard in the morning. Please do not have children arrive to school any earlier than 820am in the morning. Please note that we have limited supervision after school and all students must be picked up or be able to walk home when they are dismissed at 250pm. Students are encouraged to leave immediately after school if not staying with a caregiver.
Whole School Recess & Lunch:
All students eat and go out for recess at the same time. Please note that lunch for all students is between 1040am and 11am and again at 1250-110pm. If you are dropping food to the school please have it to the school a few minutes before each eating time. When you drop off food, we are asking that you drop it off at the same desk outside the office/library and label it. Please note the following information that was shared last June about food delivery services:
Food Delivery Services Not Permitted:
Effective Friday, June 19th, 2026: Princess Margaret Public School will no longer allow access to the building for food delivery services such as SkipTheDishes, Uber Eats, or any similar companies.
We have experienced a number of concerns with delivery services entering the school. It is important to recognize that these individuals are not known to us, and allowing unrestricted access to the building poses a safety risk. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority. As you know, we have implemented a buzzer system and screen all individuals entering the school. Continuing to allow delivery personnel into the building is not consistent with these safety measures.
In the past, we have had delivery personnel wander through hallways, leave items unattended, or engage in disputes with staff when orders are unclear or unlabeled. For these reasons, we are no longer able to support this practice. Parents and caregivers are still welcome to drop off food for their children at the front office, provided that all items are clearly labeled and put on the desk underneath our foyer tv. Your child should know that food is being dropped off for them. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. Please do not send orders, as the delivery service personnel will be told we do not accept deliveries and we will not allow them access to our building.
Drop off and Pick up:
A reminder to all our families, that the front parking lot in front of the school is closed and is a walking area only. We encourage our families to walk or park on the adjacent streets to create a safer area for our students. There is no parking in our bus loop at any time. It is also a fire route and the last time someone was ticketed the fine was $125.00. You will also notice new stop signs and a new crossing guard. Thank you to our parent community, Town staff and the OPP for advocating and securing these new resources.
Dogs & Other Animals on School Property:
When dropping off and picking up kids, please remember that dogs and other animals must be leashed and kept on the sidewalk of our property. This is the expectation for all dogs (no matter the size or age). Some students have allergies, a fear, and there is the potential that someone could be scratched or bitten.
Communication of Concerns:
At any time, if you have questions or concerns about what is happening at school, please reach out to your child’s teacher. It is far better to communicate early rather than grow frustrated. Often, a quick phone call or email can help to clarify situations as they arise. Please make sure you continue to refer to our website often, and update your email address with the front office if it has changed.
The Upper Grand DSB is continuing to use a parent communication tool for smartphones. The UGConnect app, provides parents with a simple interface with information including news, calendars and social media feeds. The Upper Grand Mobile App is available for free at either the Google Play Store or at iTunes. Use the search term “Upper Grand” to find the app. Please make sure the office has an email address for your family, as we send weekly updates via email. 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.
Information about our upcoming PD Days:
Professional Activity Day Description: September 2 & 3, 2026 (NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS)
Information for Elementary and Secondary Parents/Guardians
Date: September 2 & 3, 2026 Length: Full Days
September 2, 2026
Elementary & Secondary AM Topics:
● Mentally Healthy Return to School
● Professional Learning
○ School-based Planning
○ Special Education and IEPs
Elementary & Secondary PM Topics:
● UGDSB School Staff Policy & Procedures Overview and Keeping Students Safe
● Student-Well Being, School Safety and Violence Prevention
September 3, 2026
Elementary & Secondary AM Topics:
● Assessment & Evaluation (All)
● New Curriculum (Grade 10 History & Financial Literacy)
● Literacy & Math
Elementary & Secondary PM Topics:
● Cyber Safety & Artificial Intelligence
● Human Rights and Indigenous Education
Entity Hosting: Upper Grand DSB Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): Independent/Individual
Elementary & Secondary Description:
The September 2 and 3 PA Days will provide staff with a combination of required
training, school-based planning, and professional learning to support key system and
Ministry priorities for the 2026–27 school year.
September 2 – Special Education, School Planning & Mandatory Training
Elementary and secondary staff will begin the year with school-based goal-setting
activities, followed by learning focused on a mentally healthy return to school and
Special Education/IEPs. The IEP learning will emphasize thoughtful planning,
implementation and collaboration to effectively support students.
The afternoon will be dedicated to mandatory annual health, safety and compliance
training, including key UGDSB policies and procedures, student well-being and school
safety requirements, health and safety refreshers.
September 3 – Curriculum, Assessment & Instruction
For elementary staff, the morning will focus primarily on assessment, mathematics and
literacy, with learning differentiated by grade/division. Topics include the new
Kindergarten curriculum, EMA@School math screening and use of assessment data,
literacy assessment and resources, financial literacy, new Social Studies/History
expectations, and CEFR implementation for Core French.
For secondary staff, learning will begin with a whole-staff overview of the new Ministry
Assessment and Evaluation requirements, followed by department or subject-specific
learning. Topics include revised Grade 10 History curriculum, literacy, MTH1W
assessment and EQAO planning, updated MAT1L/MAT2L curriculum, the Financial
Literacy Graduation Requirement, mental health modules, FSL assessment and other
program-specific priorities.
Across both panels, the afternoon will include learning related to Human Rights in
Everyday Practice, cyber security, and time for school/division/department teams to
discuss key takeaways and plan for implementation.
Students with Life-Threatening Medical Conditions:
UGDSB Policy 518: Students with Life-Threatening Medical Conditions, outlines the roles and responsibilities for all in the educational community to support students with possible life-threatening medical conditions. The prevalent medical conditions covered under this policy are Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Diabetes and Epilepsy/Seizure Disorders. . Please contact our school as soon as possible and we will work with you to develop a Plan of Care to support your child. Mrs. Mckenzie will be sending out paperwork to update current plans during the first week of the school. More information can be found on the UGDSB board website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/o/ugdsb/page/policy-518-students-with-life-threatening-medical-conditions
Life-Threatening Allergies:
We have children in our school with potential life-threatening allergies (called anaphylaxis) to various foods and other materials. Anaphylaxis is a medical condition that can cause death within minutes. At PMPS these food allergies include: peanuts and tree nuts. In recent years, anaphylaxis has increased dramatically among students. Although this may not affect your child’s class directly, we are letting you know so that you are aware that we aim to create an allergy safe environment at our school. Please do not send peanut or tree nut items to school in your child’s lunch as this will often create confusion and worry. Our school has procedures in place for the prevention and management of anaphylactic reactions. If your child has health concerns of any kind, please tell your child’s teacher and the office and we will take the necessary health protection steps. Thank you for your understanding in ensuring an allergy-safe environment for all of our students.
Scent Aware & Fragrance Sensitive Environment: The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) maintains a scent-aware and fragrance-sensitive environment across its schools and board-owned sites to protect students and staff with severe health sensitivities.
Prohibited and Restricted Items: Students, staff, and visitors are asked to avoid wearing or bringing scented products. This includes perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, scented body sprays, scented deodorants, air fresheners, essential oils, potpourri, and strongly scented laundry products or fabric softeners.
Health Impact: Exposure to chemical fragrances can trigger adverse health effects, including allergic reactions, severe respiratory distress, migraines, and potentially life-threatening reactions for individuals with medical sensitivities or asthma
Thank you for your cooperation and helping to ensure the well being of students and staff. Students who wear heavily scented products will be asked to go home and shower to ensure the safety of individuals with reactions to scents and fragrances.
Spirit Wear:
Spirit wear can be ordered at any time during the year now. Please visit http://princessmargaret.deco-apparel.com/.
We look forward to welcoming back our students and having a wonderful school year full of fun and learning! Enjoy the final weeks of summer and we’ll see everyone back on Tuesday, September 8th, at 830am.
Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal
Reminder for parents/guardians: Student Accident Insurance
Parents and guardians are responsible for expenses related to student injuries on school premises or during school activities. Accidents can and do happen and the costs involved might not be fully covered by provincial health care or employer group insurance plans.
The Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) is empowered under The Education Act to offer Accident and Life Insurance for students.
Please see the UGDSB Director’s letter to families posted on our website containing information with respect to two programs available for the purchase of Student Accident Insurance. The Insuremykids Program is offered through Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada and the Studyinsured Program is underwritten by Certain Lloyds’s Underwriters through AON Insurance.
Each program offers a variety of options, including family rates at affordable prices. The cost must be paid by the parent or guardian. Families who require paper copies of the application can contact the provider directly. Purchase is done directly online or by contacting the Provider:
www.insuremykids.com or call toll free 1-800-463-5437
www.studyinsuredstudentaccident.com or call toll free 1-833-560-0527.
For today’s active children, especially those who participate in field trips, co-curricular and other school activities outside the school day, Student Accident Insurance is recommended.