Dear Mustang Families,
It’s been a busy week here! Our intermediate volleyball teams played their first games and showed us true grit! Our craft club, choir, drama, Welcoming Mustangs (GSA), equity, and student council continue to meet. We have a great staff who strive to provide opportunities to our students. Thank you to our volunteers who started a breakfast program at our school on Wednesday, already expanding the program to Thursdays and now Tuesdays as well. More details are below. We also welcomed the GET REAL organization to do some important anti black racism work at PMPS with our grade 4-8 students. I am thankful to our Child and Youth Worker, Tania who helped bring this to PMPS and to our School Council for supporting us in this work. We want all of our students to remember the importance of being brave and standing up when there is racism and bullying.
Some important dates to note:
-Report cards were sent home on the 13th and are available online
-Interview booking information comes home with report cards and the booking portal opens on the 15th of November at 830am.
-If you ordered Terra Cotta cookies, the pick up for those cookies is 3-5pm from the library learning commons on November 18th. Please make sure you pick up your cookies, as they require refrigeration or the freezer.
-Save the date for our Holiday Craft Fair on December 7th from 9am to 3pm. Please see below for a note from our School Council.
As we approach Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (November 18-22), I wanted to continue sharing resources for parents/caregivers to inform your conversations with your child(ren). Let’s focus on cyber safety and cyberbullying. Cyberbullying is online bullying to intimidate, hurt or humiliate someone. It can be very harmful because there is no safe zone. It can reach you anytime and anywhere, and can quickly be seen by a lot of people.
Cyber Safety Top Three Tips:
Treat others online as you would want to be treated
Stop and think before you post or send a message
Be fast to report Cyberbullying examples: Sending mean or threatening emails or text/instant messages Sharing an embarrassing or sexual image of someone Pretending to be someone by using their name Spreading hurtful gossip, secrets, rumours or lies Ganging up on someone in a video game
What can you do about it?
-Be kind online: Don’t send or post anything that might hurt someone else
-Treat everyone you meet online with respect
-Be safe online: Protect your privacy: use privacy settings on social media and don’t share your personal information or passwords with anyone
-Be careful who you accept and restrict access for friends of friends and the public -Ask for help: if you made a mistake or are worried, feel threatened, or are being cyberbullied, talk to your parents or an adult you can trust
If you are being cyberbullied:
-Don’t reply with nasty messages
-Block or break off contact with the person
-Talk to your parents/guardians or a trusted adult, our school, the site or app, or the police to get help
If you see someone else being cyberbullied:
-Do not like or share messages — it can make things worse
-If you know the bully and feel safe to do so, tell them that cyberbullying is not okay -Talk to an adult you can trust so they can help you deal with it
A note from School Council: We are looking for volunteers! Now that we have held our last formal meeting of 2024, we are fully focused on the upcoming Holiday Craft Fair, and we need as many helping hands as possible! School Council is getting together in the school library on Thursday, November 21st, at 6pm, to make all final arrangements for the Craft Fair. If you are interested in helping out, we would love to have you join us! We are also getting together on the evening of Monday, December 2nd at 5pm to assemble all the items we have collected for the Silent Auction, which is part of the Holiday Craft Fair. If you are interested in helping us with this, please meet us in the library that evening. If we have plenty of volunteers, we can finish all the auction baskets that night! Thank you so much for your support. We will resume regular, monthly School Council meetings on Thursday, February 6th, 2025! All are welcome to attend.
Professional Activity Day Description: November 29, 2024
Information for Elementary Parents/Guardians Date: November 29, 2024 Length: Full Day Elementary Topics: Parent/Teacher Interviews
Stay Connected: Our NEW Princess Margaret website is: https://uppergranddsbon.sites.thrillshare.ca/o/pmps. Our Twitter/ X page is: @margaret_ps . Our school council also has a Facebook page and an Instagram page: @princessmargaretps. Make sure your UGDSB mobile app is up to date! Download the new mobile app - it’s everything Upper Grand in your pocket. For the latest updates, please sign up for notifications! Download for Android https://aptg.ca/V7pmln Download for iPhone https://aptg.ca/370LCh . Staying connected during the school year is key. I, along with a volunteer work hard to update our social media pages and school website each week.
Reminders:
New Breakfast Program at PMPS: Our new Breakfast Program started this week! We are now providing breakfast to students who are hungry and do not have access to breakfast at home on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, from 8am-8:25am, in the school library. NO sign up is required. Students will simply come into the front of the school and enter the library at 8:00am. Parents are welcome to escort them in and drop them off. Please do your best to arrive early so that your child has enough time to eat comfortably. We have volunteers helping the children to get their breakfast and sit at the tables to eat together. Breakfast food options may include: cereal, bagels, fruit, and yogurt. We also have orange juice and milk to drink. We would love to offer this program to students every weekday morning. We are looking for more volunteers to make this happen. If you are interested in volunteering to help, please contact me, Mrs. Papavasiliou (PapaV). Thank you.
Parent/Guardian Teacher Interviews: Progress reports were shared with families on November 13th. I would like to invite all parents/ guardians in for an interview. Please read the following to learn more about interviews.
Online Signup for Parent-Teacher Interviews
The window to sign-up for an interview begins November 15th 8:30am and closes November 26th at 4pm. Please sign up for a parent-teacher meeting between these dates. Interview times are available either Thursday, November 28th from 3:00 - 7:00 PM and November 29th from 8:30 AM - 2:30PM. If a teacher is not available on the 28th, they will communicate alternate dates and times with you.
To sign up for a meeting:
1) Go to : www.ugdsb.on.ca/pti or use the UGConnect App - Parents
2) Enter your child’s OEN number (the OEN is on the progress report at the top) then their date of birth.
3) Select the teacher, day and time slot for your meeting
Important:
Once you have signed up for an interview, it will be assumed that a parent/guardian will be participating in person. Please email the teacher if a phone call is your preference. You may receive a call from the School/Unknown Caller.
If you need assistance, please contact Mrs. Mckenzie, our office coordinator at 519-941-3731 ext 221. Our staff look forward to meeting with you and talking about your child’s progress.
(a paper copy of this was also sent home with progress reports)
Important Dates:
-November 18th: 3pm- 5pm Cookie Fundraiser Pick Up for Families who Ordered
-November 19th: Picture Retakes and Class Photos
-November 20th: Officer Amy, OPP (Grades 4,5, & 6) (information sent home)
-November 21st: Officer Amy, OPP (Grades 7 & 8) (information sent home)
-November 21st: Extra School Council Meeting for Holiday Craft fair 6pm
-November 22nd: Superintendent Visit
-November 25th: Book Fair opens at PMPS
-November 26th: Fire Prevention: Landry and Hickey (information coming home)
November 27th: Dairy Farmer Presentations ( K- Grade 3) (information coming home)
-November 28th: Fire Prevention: Fendley & Westlake (information coming home )
-November 28th, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Orangeville District Secondary School (ODSS) will be hosting its Grade 8 Information Night
-November 28th: Interview evening 3-7pm (more information to come)
-November 29th: PD Day, interviews 830am-230pm - no school for students
-December 7th 9am-3pm: 28th Annual Holiday Craft Fair 9am-3pm. This is our school’s biggest fundraiser and there promises to be something for every member of the family to love at this fair! Please save the date and be sure to attend.
Upcoming Spirit Days:
-November 22nd: Fantasy Day: dress up like your favourite fantasy creature or character day
-November 28th: Comfy cozy day (no slippers)
Cracker Donations: Thank you for your generosity so far! We are still in need of boxes of crackers! We are asking for students to bring in a box of crackers to help our snack program. Boxes can be brought to the front office to be fed to Snacker the Cracker monster. Thank you for all your support towards our snack program where we eat to fuel our minds. Any questions, ask myself or Mrs. Mckenzie.! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!
Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week: From November 18th to 22nd, the Upper Grand District School Board will be participating in Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (BAPW). During BAPW students, staff and parents/guardians are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effects on student learning and well-being. For families who are dealing with a bullying incident there are many resources on the UGDSB website to support.
Resources and Links:
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan | Upper Grand District School Board
Get support with these mental health resources - Kids Help Phone
Community Recognition Board: We are #MargaretProud. If your child has done something wonderful in our community or accomplished a big goal, please send in a picture and a short note and/or a clipping from the newspaper or online site to me, Mrs. PapaV. We have a board celebrating our amazing PMPS students across from the gym.
Milk Sales: Student Council continues to sell milk, Monday to Friday 1st break only for $1.25. Milk sale profits support our Student Council.
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/
We have a great day of learning on Friday planned. See everyone then!
Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal
School Council Minutes from our November 7th, 2024 Meeting:
SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – Princess Margaret Public School
November 7th, 2024
In attendance: Andrea Papavasiliou, Emily M., Emily Y., Billie Jo R., Rebecca L., Ida C., Justine O., Sabrina F., Tracy P., Raquel, Ashley H., Vienna R., Lindsay F., Tracey M.
Regrets: Dave W., Kiri K., Megan S., Brittani S., Meghann C.
1. Land Acknowledgement & Anti-Racism Statement - Andrea
2. Principal's Report from Andrea (full report copied below). Highlights:
§ Staff and students have been learning about Remembrance Day
§ Diwali and Halloween celebrations were great
§ Clothing drive was successful
§ CYC Tanya has been doing presentations in classes about being an “upstander” (not a bystander)
§ Volleyball teams, sledge hockey program were great successes
§ Curling and wheelchair basketball are upcoming
§ PMPS has a new website and app
§ Poppy donations are welcome
§ Breakfast program on Wednesdays will begin soon
§ Progress reports go home Nov. 13, and sign-up for interviews opens soon
§ “Welcoming Mustangs” has started, and now we are about to start an Equity Club
§ Officer Amy is coming back
§ Bullying prevention week is next week
§ Thank you to the school community for cracker donations
§ Thank you to School Council for the funding for the courtyard equipment
3. School Council business:
§ Reminder to review the new Council By Law document ASAP. This document is now posted to our school website.
§ Helpers for Terra Cotta distribution day (Nov. 18):
o Emily Y and Emily M at noon to receive cookies off delivery truck. Justine, Billie Jo, Tracy P., Emily Y., Sabrina F., Emily M. at 2:30pm to distribute to families.
§ Approval of funding for $791 for "Combatting Anti-Black Racism" presentations by the GetREAL movement.
§ What Craft Fair expenses have been incurred so far? All expenses must be reported to Council Chairs.
o $302 for crinkle paper and wire stands
§ Andrea to reach out to Officer Amy to arrange a Parent Info night in the New Year.
§ Signage will be assembled Nov. 11, and we can pick up signs on Nov. 12 to put around town. Emily M. and Billie Jo will assemble signs at 3pm+ on Nov. 11 and leave them in the office.
§ Let’s return to the idea of a Toronto Marlies fundraiser in the New Year.
§ New Craft Fair poster and a revised Kidpreneur flier needed.
§ Parent Involvement Committee event on November 25th at 5:30pm. Emily M. has sent Council members the link to agenda and registration. Carpooling options available.
§ Social media support on Instagram and Facebook – like and comment on posts for increased algorithmic attention!
§ Volunteers needed for the new breakfast program at PMPS. Wednesday, November 13th, at 8am. For now, only on Wednesdays. Meet in library. Students invited to arrive from 8:10-8:30am.
4. Holiday Craft Fair business:
§ Vendors’ market – tables are sold out and paid!
§ See Billie Jo’s checklist for next steps.
§ Please join us on Monday, December 2nd, from 5pm+ to stuff the baskets for Silent Auction.
Next meeting:
· Thursday, November 21st, 6:00pm. Please note this is NOT an official School Council meeting. This is to discuss and prepare for the Holiday Craft Fair. ALL VOLUNTEERS WELCOME! We need the full support of School Council members at this meeting, as well as any other interested members of the school community who would like to help at the Fair. Thank you!
Principal’s Report: PMPS School Council - Thursday, November 7th, 2024
Land Acknowledgement:
On Remembrance Day, I take time to reflect on how lucky we are to live where we live. I honour all the people who made sacrifices to protect our rights and freedoms that we have in Canada. This includes over 12,000 Indigenous soldiers who fought for Canada in its wars. 2,700 Indigenous Peoples continue to serve today. I hope you have taken some time this week to recognize the contributions of Indigenous soldiers. In a few moments, we are going to learn about one of Canada’s most decorated Indigenous soldiers. (play video)
Princess Margaret Public School is situated on the ancestral, treaty and title lands of the
Anishinaabek Ojibwe Nation, specifically the Michi Saagig of the Credit land. This
Nation holds legal and specific rights in their respective territories. This area has been and continues to be home for Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous peoples.
My commitment this evening: Recognize and highlight the contributions of Indigenous service members and veterans again this Remembrance Day to our school community.
Board’s Equity Statement:
Anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism is deeply rooted in our country, society, institutions and our history, and much work needs to be done to address this systemic racism. As an educational community we have a responsibility to identify and describe racism and oppression and then work to dismantle it. The Upper Grand District School Board is committed to disrupting systemic racism and oppression in all of its forms. We will implement ongoing mandatory anti-racism and anti-oppression training for all staff, review our protocols and policies, including our hiring practices, and be fully transparent and accountable to all Upper Grand students, staff, families, and stakeholders in an ongoing manner.
Principal’s Report:
Students and staff have been taking some time this week to remember our courageous veterans and current military members who serve(d) Canada and protect(ed) our rights and freedoms. On Monday, students and staff will gather to honour our veterans during our assembly. Please note our flags will be lowered from sunrise until sunset on National Indigenous Veterans Day, which is Friday, November 8, 2024, and again on Monday, November 11th, 2024, for Remembrance Day.
Staff had fun celebrating Diwali and Halloween with our students. For Halloween we gathered students in the gym where staff performed a spooky skeleton dance in their costumes for students. It was a lot of fun! On November 1st, 2024, we hosted a Winter clothing pick up to great success.
We had three tables of mittens, hats, and other gear as well as over 30 jackets and snow pants. Almost all of the gear went to families who appreciated it.
Our CYC, Tania Rooney is busy in classes doing presentations on self regulation and being an upstander. She has recently had Kids Help Phone do presentations in grades ⅞ and has organized GET REAL Movement to come back to PMPS, but this time presenting on Anti- Black racism. We are thankful for increased CYC and social worker time this year, thanks to the board restructuring support in the UGDSB.
Congratulations to our junior volleyball team who represented us this week at their tournament this past week. They played with pride, good sports’people’ship, and increased confidence. Well done, Mustangs! Our intermediate volleyball team will be off to their tournament on the 27th of November. Thank you again to Council for supporting Sledge Hockey last month. The feedback from staff and teachers was phenomenal. It was a tough sport that kids enjoyed and wanted to keep playing. Next up, wheelchair basketball is coming to PMPS in January. We have the equipment for a week.
Stay Connected: Our NEW Princess Margaret website is: https://uppergranddsbon.sites.thrillshare.ca/o/pmps. Our Twitter/ X page is: @margaret_ps . Our school council also has a Facebook page and an Instagram page: @princessmargaretps. Make sure your UGDSB mobile app is up to date! Download the new mobile app - it’s everything Upper Grand in your pocket. For the latest updates, please sign up for notifications! Download for Android https://aptg.ca/V7pmln Download for iPhone https://aptg.ca/370LCh . Staying connected during the school year is key.
Poppy: Please Make A Donation: All students will be provided with a sticker poppy on Monday to help recognize and honour Remembrance Day. Please consider making a donation. All donations go to the Canadian Legion. Teachers will collect the donations from now until Monday. Thank you.
Breakfast Program Wednesdays 8:10 am-8:30 am: Starting next week, we will start providing breakfast to students who are hungry and do not have access to breakfast at home. Students will simply come into the front of the school and enter the library at 8:10am. Options may include: cereal, bagels, fruit, and yogurt. We are always looking for more volunteers and to expand our breakfast program beyond one morning per week, so if you are interested in volunteering to help, please contact me, Mrs. Papavasiliou (PapaV).
Parent/Guardian Teacher Interviews: Progress reports will be shared with families on November 13th. I would like to invite all parents/ guardians in for an interview. Please read the following to learn more about interviews.
On-line Sign-up for Parent-Teacher Interviews
The window to sign-up for an interview begins November 15th 8:30am and closes November 26th at 4pm. Please sign up for a parent-teacher meeting between these dates. Interview times are available either Thursday, November 28th from 3:00 - 7:00 PM and November 29th from 8:30 AM - 2:30PM. If a teacher is not available on the 28th, they will communicate alternate dates and times with you.
To sign up for a meeting: 1) Go to : www.ugdsb.on.ca/pti or use the UGConnect App - Parents
2) Enter your child’s OEN number (the OEN is on the progress report at the top) then their date of birth.
3) Select the teacher, day and time slot for your meeting
Important:
Once you have signed up for an interview, it will be assumed that a parent/guardian will be participating in person. Please email the teacher if a phone call is your preference. You may receive a call from the School/Unknown Caller.
If you need assistance, please contact Mrs. Mckenzie, our office coordinator at 519-941-3731 ext 221. Our staff look forward to meeting with you and talking about your child’s progress.
(a paper copy of this will also be coming home with progress reports)
Important Dates:
-November 11th to 15th: Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week
-November 11th: Remembrance Day
-November 13th: Progress Reports Go Home
-November 14th: Get Real: Anti- Black Racism Presentation (Gr4-8s) (information sent home)
-November 19th: Picture Retakes and Class Photos
-November 20th: Officer Amy, OPP (Grades 4,5, & 6) (information sent home)
-November 21st: Officer Amy, OPP (Grades 7 & 8) (information sent home)
-November 21st: Extra School Meeting for Holiday Craft fair 6pm
-November 22nd: Superintendent Visit
-November 25th: Book Fair opens at PMPS
-November 26th: Fire Prevention: Landry and Hickey (information coming home)
-November 27th: Dairy Farmer Presentations ( K- Grade 3) (information coming home)
-November 27th: Ministry of Education Visit to highlight the work we are doing at PMPS for math.
-November 28th: Fire Prevention: Fendley & Westlake (information coming home )
-November 28th, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM: Orangeville District Secondary School (ODSS) will be hosting its Grade 8 Information Night
-November 28th: Interview evening 3-7pm (more information to come)
-November 28th: PD Day, interviews 830am-230pm - no school for students
Upcoming Spirit Days:
-November 11th: Wear Red/Black/ White to honour those who protected our freedom
-November 22nd: Fantasy Day: dress up like your favourite fantasy creature or character day
-November 29th: Comfy cozy day (no slippers)
Cracker Donations: Thank you for your generosity so far! We are still in need of boxes of crackers! We are asking for students to bring in a box of crackers to help our snack program. Boxes can be brought to the front office to be fed to Snacker the Cracker monster. Thank you for all your support towards our snack program where we eat to fuel our minds. Any questions, ask myself or Mrs. Mckenzie.! Thank you to everyone who has donated so far!
Bullying Awareness & Prevention Week: From November 18th to 22nd, the Upper Grand District School Board will be participating in Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week (BAPW). During BAPW students, staff and parents/guardians are encouraged to learn more about bullying and its effects on student learning and well-being. For families who are dealing with a bullying incident there are many resources on the UGDSB website to support.
Resources and Links: · Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan | Upper Grand District School Board · Identity Based Harm and / or Bullying Reporting Tool · Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network · Get support with these mental health resources - Kids Help Phone · Pink Shirt Day · Bullying prevention in schools · BullyingCanada — giving bullied kids a brighter future · Bullying – we can all help stop it | ontario.ca
Community Recognition Board: We are #MargaretProud. If your child has done something wonderful in our community or accomplished a big goal, please send in a picture and a short note and/or a clipping from the newspaper or online site to me, Mrs. PapaV. We have a board celebrating our amazing PMPS students across from the gym.