Princess Margaret Public School

Good evening Mustang Families,
Happy almost long weekend! This week has been busy at Princess Margaret! It started off with so much fun at the bike roadeo, we had close to 110 riders! That’s a little more then ⅓ of our school population. Thank you to all of our families who helped ensure bikes were ready for the event and thanks to Mrs. Mikulik for organizing the event. Our students are also eagerly anticipating rock climbing next week—please see the reminder below.
Our Special Olympics team, including peer coaches, met for the first time last week, and we are incredibly impressed by our athletes’ grit, as well as the patience and positivity shown by our older students as they coached younger students. This truly is one of the best days of the year at our school.
Our entire school learned a great deal from Lauren Pines, our accessibility speaker, last Friday. Thank you to Ms. Patel for organizing this once again. Rock Climbing comes next week to PMPS- please wear clean running shoes, comfie clothes, and long hair should be pulled back, low to accomodate the helmet.
Playground Update: I would like to share that many of our playground structures require a significant amount of repair. Across all playgrounds—except for the train structure in the kindergarten yard—the estimated cost for repairs is approximately $6,300. Fortunately, School Council, with the support of our families, has been saving funds each year to help maintain these structures, and requests have already been submitted to address these repairs as soon as possible.
However, I do have some difficult news regarding the kindergarten yard. While the train-themed playground structure is a much-loved feature, it was not installed at an adequate depth. Over time, the rebar from the structure has begun to surface, creating a safety concern. Despite our efforts over the years to manage this by adding pea gravel, this has not proven to be an effective long-term solution.
I obtained a quote to have the structure fully excavated and reinstalled, but the cost would be approximately $12,000. Unfortunately, this is beyond what School Council can afford at this time, especially given the possibility of additional issues in the future. The school board is responsible for the costs of removing it. I have asked that the pea gravel be taken out, the area levelled and sodded.
As per board policy, unsafe playground equipment must be removed. After careful consideration, School Council has made the difficult decision to proceed with this option. The train structure is now fenced off, and removal is scheduled to take place over the summer.
Moving forward, School Council will explore alternative ways to enhance the kindergarten yard, such as adding mud kitchens and other outdoor play equipment. Modern playground structures are increasingly expensive and difficult for smaller school communities to sustain in terms of both installation and ongoing maintenance.
I kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring that children stay out of the fenced-off area before and after school hours.
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/
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May:
*** Freezie Sales start week of May 12th and runs each Tuesday and Thursday until we run out- 2nd break. ***
-15th: Bee Ambassador K-¾ (letter went home)
-15th: EA & CYC appreciation day!
-18th: Victoria Day- No school for students and staff
-19th to 22nd: Rock Climbing at PMPS/ gym in use all week (permission forms sent out)
-20th: JK Orientation for new students (see email sent)
-21st: Special Olympics (rain date May 22nd)
-25th: Primary Track and Field Standards Day
-26th: Junior Track and Field Standards Day
-27th: Intermediate Track and Field Standards Day
-26th: Spring ⅞ Vaccination Clinic at PMPS
-28th & 29th: EQAO grades 3 & 6

Upcoming Spirit Days:
May 15th: Backwards and Inside Out Day!
May 21st: Special Olympics Day! Wear Olympic Red and Olympic grey in support of our 15 PMPS Special Olympics team.
May 29th: Beach day(Dress like you are going to the beach - no bathing suit.) Sunglasses sunscreen Hat Shorts

We have a great day of learning on Friday and then please have a great long weekend. We’ll see everyone back on Tuesday at 830am! Here’s to beautiful sunshine and warmer temperatures.

Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal

Hello Princess Margaret Families,

I wanted to take a moment to update you on some important conversations that took place on Tuesday of this week. I met with representatives from Choices Shelter and Support Services (who operate the men’s and youth shelter on Town Line), a member of the OPP, and a member of Town staff.

Choices originally reached out to me in the fall to ask if I had any concerns, and at that time, I did not. We discussed this inquiry at the School Council and members were directed if there were concerns to reach out to the shelter or police.

Earlier this week, however, we received a community complaint indicating that some of our students were nearly harmed when stepping onto the road to avoid individuals from the shelter. This concern was taken very seriously. I immediately contacted Choices, the Town (Including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor), and the OPP.

The incident was promptly and thoroughly investigated by Choices staff and the OPP, and the accusation was found to be unfounded. Nevertheless, we met Tuesday to openly discuss concerns and how they can be addressed proactively moving forward. Everyone in attendance—including the Executive Director and Manager of Operations at Choices -expressed a strong commitment to responding to community concerns and ensuring a safe environment for all.

I was genuinely impressed by their dedication and by the proactive steps already in place to support both safety and communication. I also learned a great deal more about the shelter. For example, did you know that all of the men supported by the shelter are residents of Dufferin County? They are members of our own community and individuals who deserve support. We can all fall on hard times and some of us have found ourselves in similar circumstances. Most of the men at the shelter are someone's father, brother, husband etc. This shelter is also unique in that the men living there are actively working toward goals such as securing permanent housing, attending medical appointments, and improving their overall well‑being. Men are discharged from the shelter once re-homed, instead of living on the streets. 

Both the Executive Director and Manager spoke passionately about the measures they have in place to protect the community, including exterior cameras, clear protocols for addressing inappropriate behaviour, work they do with the men to ensure community safety, and strong partnerships with local police.

The OPP officer who attended shared the OPP has conducted focused patrols in the area of Princess Margaret Public School and the Townline area, including RIDE programs as well as school patrols before and after school hours. In addition to the focused patrols, they have also conducted additional patrols specifically focusing on Choices Shelter, which is the area where the alleged incident took place, as well as children going to and from school. The interactions observed between citizens and children have appeared to be positive in nature. The OPP recently conducted a door-to-door campaign where they spoke directly with numerous businesses in our area, and no concerns were raised. 

The shelter leadership acknowledged that, like all people, their residents are not perfect. However, they asked that if concerns arise, families contact the shelter directly rather than posting on social media. If a situation is criminal in nature, they emphasize that calling the police is always appropriate. This approach allows concerns to be handled promptly, safely, and constructively.

Here is the executive directors contact information: Jaime Edge, info@choicesshelter.ca 519-217-5302

Thank you. 

Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal

Princess Margaret PS

School Council Meeting Minutes – May 7th, 2026
Princess Margaret Public School

In attendance: Emily M., Ida C., Tracy P., Justine O., Brittani S., Vienna R., Teagan P., Sarah C., Amber J., Tracey M., Andrea P.
Regrets: Billie Jo R., Ashley H., Sabrina F., Tanya P., Jen L., Lindsay F.
1. Land Acknowledgement and Human Rights Statement, followed by Principal’s Report (full report follows Meeting Minutes) – Andrea P.

 Breakfast program coverage – Thank you to the volunteers who were able to commit to a couple of extra days. We still have community need for this program.
 Update about Paola Argentino’s memorial award:
o PMPS will create an award to recognize a student between grades 1 - 7 who has shown improvement in their reading skills and has developed a love of reading.
o Paola’s son Xavier will present it at the end-of-year assembly.
o School council will pay for the wooden award plaque and annual name plates.
o School council will cover the cost of an annual medal for the recipient to keep.
 Playground safety report: There are some deficiencies, and Andrea is waiting for an estimate for repairs but it will be costly.

2. General Council Business – Emily

 Lady Glaze Fundraiser will not be happening. The company’s administration has not been able to successfully facilitate this fundraiser for us.
 Voted to approve $110 expense for Kindies, for fishing games.
 Group RSVPs to the invitation to use the climbing wall we funded, on May 22nd at 1pm.
 Make it Sow Seeds Fundraiser made over $1200 and nearly $500 for PMPS!
 Thank you to those who attended the garbage clean-up last Sunday. Great turnout!
 Reminder that the next meeting is our last and we will vote on Council positions for the coming school year. Those who have been on Council for more than one year can think about taking an official role.

3. Family Fun Night Discussion – Tracey M. (Event: Tuesday, June 2nd, from 5-7pm)

 Different permission forms have been sent home for student volunteers and band member volunteers. Students could choose which hour for which they volunteer.
 Student Council have decided upon games and stations:
o Curling, 3-legged race, bean bag toss, golf, bowling, face painting, freezies.
 School Council volunteers will be assigned one volunteer per pair of games, as well as door greeter and giving out door prize tickets, and at the pizza table. ALL Council members are asked to arrive at 4:30pm to help set-up that night, please and thank you!
 Volunteer Assignments for Council:
o Sabrina and Becky will purchase items for 2 gift baskets, not to exceed $300
o Justine and Brittani will manage the pizza table (Tracey M. will order pizza)
o Sarah will purchase the pop from Cosco
o Billie Jo will meet and greet attendees at the school entrance and hand out door prize tickets, one per family
o Ida will bring coolers, Justine will get the ice earlier in the day
o Emily to create an event flyer (Canva) to share on socials and via e-mails to families. Remember to state that pizza must be ordered under ONE student name and that all slices must be taken at one time that night.
o Tracey M. will send volunteer requirements to Emily in the coming days, to assign 3 Council Members to volunteer stations outside. Some teachers are also assisting
o For Kim Ellis – to set up art display in library: Justine, Emily and Tanya will assist on Friday, May 29th, from 3pm. Justine and Sabrina will assist on Monday, June 1st, from 3pm (if needed).
o Emily to speak to Jodi about school cash on-line and a float for the pizza table, and to take photos of prizes in storage room for socials.

Next meeting dates will be Thursday, June 4th at 6:00 and Thursday, September 24th at 6:00.
June 4th meeting will be to deconstruct FFN and to vote for School Council positions for the coming school year.

Principal’s Report – May 7th, 2026
Land Acknowledgement:
• What action(s) do you commit to, and will state with the land acknowledgement in your building?
• Continue to promote and support Indigenous learning opportunities and invite Indigenous elders and speakers to our school:
• May 12, 13, 14th: Giant Turtle Island Map
• Supporting arts with purchase of supplies
• Wearing red on May 5th and talking about why when people asked.

A Commitment to Human 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 items:
• Thank you: Breakfast Program
• Update: Paola Argentino Award
• Safety Inspection: Playground equipment

Good evening Mustang Families,
So many wonderful things are happening at our school! Please be sure to check the upcoming dates. Next week, we are excited to welcome the Giant Map of Turtle Island to our gym. This map is absolutely huge! It travels to each UGDSB school and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to host it. Each participating class will receive a lesson three days in a row. What an incredible opportunity to explore our country, Turtle Island in a new way and challenge what we know about the map of Canada.
The next week after, we also have rock climbing coming up—very exciting! Thank you so much to our School Council for supporting this experience so that every student can attend free of charge. A reminder to families:
Long hair must be tied back (low ponytails work best with helmets)
Running shoes are required
Students should wear comfortable clothing
Each class will attend two sessions in the gym.
This week our K-¾ students enjoyed Theatre Orangeville and the play ‘Cinderella’. Our kids were great audience members and had a lot of fun participating in the play. Our grade three and seven students completed the Swim to Survive program at the Alder Street pool. What a valuable program that teaches how to survive in the water. Our Grade 7/8s travelled to Empowerment day and truly were inspired by the guest speakers.
Next week is the Bike Rodeo. We have many students who are participating. For those students please remember your bike locks, helmets, and permission forms on the 11th. Go PMPS Mustangs go!

-EA & CYC appreciation day!
💙 Child and Youth Worker Appreciation Day 💙 May 15th We are so excited to celebrate Child and Youth Worker Appreciation Day and to recognize our outstanding CYC, Tania! Tania brings kindness, patience, and heart to everything she does. She works tirelessly to support students’ well‑being, helping them feel safe, understood, and ready to learn. Whether she is offering a listening ear, teaching important social skills, or cheering students on through challenging moments, Tania makes a positive difference every single day. Our school is a stronger, more caring place because of her dedication, compassion, and commitment to our students and families. We are so grateful for the calm, care, and support she brings to our community.Thank you, Tania, for all that you do. We appreciate you today and every day!


🌟 Educational Assistant Appreciation 🌟
On May 15th we would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate our incredible Educational Assistants this includes: Mrs T, Mrs. R., Mrs. Thompson, Ms. Mckenzie, Ms, H, Ms, Arseneau, Ms Hazel, Ms. G., and Mrs Nicholas. Our EAs work tirelessly each and every day to support students in their learning, growth, and well‑being. They show patience, care, and dedication in everything they do, helping students feel safe, included, and confident. Whether they are offering encouragement, adapting, or lending a steady, reassuring presence, their impact is felt in countless ways throughout our school. What makes our EA team truly special is the way they work together — supporting one another, collaborating with staff, and always putting students first. Their teamwork, compassion, and commitment strengthen our entire school community. Thank you to our Educational Assistants for your hard work, your hearts, and your unwavering support of our students. We appreciate you today and every day.

Important Dates:
May:
*** Freezie Sales start week of May 12th and runs each Tuesday and Thursday until we run out- 2nd break. ***
-7th: School Council meeting in library at 6pm; new members are always welcome!
-11th: Optimist Bike Roadeo
-12th: ODSS visit for grade 8s 9am
-12 to 14th: Giant Map (Turtle Island) in gym: Ms. Patel/ Mrs Szabo/ Mr. Westlake/ Mrs. Hickey/Mrs. Christie (letters have been sent home)
-15th: Bee Ambassador K-¾ (letter went home)
-15th: EA & CYC appreciation day!
-18th: Victoria Day- No school for students and staff
-19th to 22nd: Rock Climbing at PMPS/ gym in use all week (permission forms sent out)
-20th: JK Orientation for new students (see email sent)
-21st: Special Olympics (rain date May 22nd)
-26th: Spring ⅞ Vaccination Clinic at PMPS
-28th & 29th: EQAO grades 3 & 6

Upcoming Spirit Days:
May 15th: Backwards and Inside Out Day!
May 21st: Special Olympics Day! Wear Olympic Red and Olympic grey in support of our 15 PMPS Special Olympics team.
May 29th: Beach day(Dress like you are going to the beach - no bathing suit.) Sunglasses sunscreen Hat Shorts
Reminders:
Milk Sales: Our wonderful Student Council continues to sell milk. The milk costs $1.25

We have a great day of learning on Friday and then please have a great weekend!

Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal

Good evening Mustang Families,

Happy May! The school year is flying by. Please be sure to check out important dates that are coming up down below. . PMPS is very busy in the coming weeks.

The students are also enjoying the playgrounds being open as well as all of the equipment that has been provided to them from the School Council to support recess and DPA (daily physical activity). Thanks Council! Council would also like to thank all of our families for participating in our latest fundraiser. By buying seeds, you have contributed $500 towards our school. Your support means that the Council can continue to support initiatives at PMPS. Thanks PMPS families!

As of tomorrow, we will have completed all of the required drills for spring. Students and staff responded well and are prepared for emergencies. Our last drill it took 1 minute and 35 seconds to exit 330 students and staff, and about 25 minutes for all classes to confirm that every student was accounted for. Pretty awesome!

Important Dates:
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
-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 sent out)
-20th: JK Orientation for new students (see email sent)
-21st: Special Olympics (rain date May 22nd)
-26th: Spring ⅞ Vaccination Clinic at PMPS
-28th & 29th: EQAO grades 3 & 6
June:
-2nd & 3rd: EQAO continued grades 3& 6 ( EQAO make up June 4th)
-2nd: Family Fun Night 5-7pm
-4th: Compass Run @ PMPS- last block
-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:
-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:

Understanding Youth Today - Substance and Screen Use Parent/Caregiver Event May 6, 2026: This May, more than 10 local community partners are coming together to host an unforgettable event for parents and caregivers. On May 6, 2026, parents and caregivers are invited to attend the Understanding Youth Today: Substance and Screen Use event. Registration is required. Registration details are provided directly on the poster.
Rock Climbing at Princess Margaret: Rock‑climbing permission forms have been sent home for every student from Kindergarten to Grade 8. Thanks to the generosity of our School Council, a rock‑climbing walls and an obstacle course will be coming to Princess Margaret and will be set up in our gym from May 19 to May 22, as previously announced. There is no charge to families. To participate, each student must return a signed permission form, and clean indoor runners are required. Teachers will be sending the permission forms home this week. Please return the forms as soon as possible. Thank you—we are very excited to offer this fun and engaging experience for our students! More details are on the permission form.
Vision Screening From Public Health: Reminder of the Sight for Success initiative promoting awareness of vision health and supporting access to comprehensive eye assessments by licensed optometrists.
Sight for Success Vision Program | WDG Public Health
or in your life. Stick the notes on your classroom door.


Climber & Playground Safety: Students are reminded that running shoes must be worn on all climbers.. Crocs and sandals are not permitted on the climbers or while playing games like football and soccer. No long necklaces or bags/purses as they pose a choking risk. Thank you so much for your cooperation and for reinforcing this message with your children.

Milk Sales: Our wonderful Student Council continues to sell milk. The milk costs $1.25
We have a great day of learning on Friday and then please have a great weekend!

Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal

Good evening Mustang Families,

It’s a PD Day on Friday, which means there is no school for students and the reason I am sending our weekly update a little earlier.
We had another busy and exciting week at Princess Margaret! We successfully completed our first fire drill in many months, safely evacuating over 300 students and staff in just 1 minute and 20 seconds. This is an outstanding achievement and means students and staff know what to do in case of an emergency. Several more drills will be happening over the next two weeks.
We also hosted a successful intermediate badminton tournament at our school. Once again, Ms. Mikulik’s incredible leadership shone through, along with her students who helped plan and organize the event. A big thank you as well to Mrs. Landry for her support, and to all of our athletes who competed with excellent sportsmanship and spirit. Go Mustangs!
This week, classes participated in Earth Day activities, and we are thrilled to welcome an Indigenous artist into our school for learning and enrichment experiences.
There is always so much happening at Princess Margaret! We have begun planning for our annual Special Olympics meet and have already sent out applications for peer coaches. With spring finally here, students have also begun working in our school gardens.
I hope everyone enjoys a restful long weekend. While students are away on Friday, staff will be at school participating in professional learning, including training in artificial intelligence, Indigenous education, math and literacy, and racism.
Important Dates:
April:
23rd:Shannon Paul, Indigenous Speaker (Szabo, Westlake, Patel) info to come home.
-24th: PD day: No school for students
-27th: IPRCs full day
-28th: Island Lake Rowing Program Grades 6-8 (see email sent out April 14th)
-28th: Grade 3 & 7 Swim to Survive
-30th: Scientists in the School: Szabo 9am

Upcoming Spirit Days:
-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:

Understanding Youth Today - Substance and Screen Use Parent/Caregiver Event May 6, 2026: This May, more than 10 local community partners are coming together to host an unforgettable event for parents and caregivers. On May 6, 2026, parents and caregivers are invited to attend the Understanding Youth Today: Substance and Screen Use event. Registration is required. Registration details are provided directly on the poster.


Climber & Playground Safety: Students are reminded that running shoes must be worn on all climbers.. Crocs and sandals are not permitted on the climbers or while playing games like football and soccer. No long necklaces or bags/purses as they pose a choking risk. Thank you so much for your cooperation and for reinforcing this message with your children.

Milk Sales: Our wonderful Student Council continues to sell milk. The milk costs $1.25

Thanks for taking the time to read through my weekly emails and your continued support. We’ll see everyone on Thursday, before students enjoy a long weekend due to our staff PD day on April 24th. We’ll see our students back on Monday April 27th at 830am. Have a great weekend!


Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal