Good afternoon Mustang Families,
I would like to apologize for some delays in communication about the school closure this morning. I try to get messages out quickly but with alerts and emails going to over 40,000 people in the UGDSB, the system gets slowed down. Please make sure you are checking the following as it is posted on various platforms: :
-Downloading 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 .
-checking our NEW Princess Margaret website once https://uppergranddsbon.sites.thrillshare.ca/o/pmps.
-Our Twitter/ X page is: @margaret_ps
-your phone messages and text messages
We want to wish everyone a terrific March Break. A reminder that there is no school from March 10th to 14th. We will welcome everyone back on Monday, March 17th 2024 at 830am. We have one great day of learning on March 7th before we head into the break.
A reminder that tomorrow is Live Free: Live Free Day, March 7th/25: Did you know that 1 in 4 children is at risk for food insecurity? March 7th is Live Free Day! Please remember to donate online through School CashOnline. Thank you to everyone who has donated all year long. We have raised about $1250 this school year for our breakfast and snack food program through online donations. Each month we spend approximately $1000 to $2500 on food for our students. Thank you for your support. The Orangeville Foodbank, Compass Church, Tweedsmuir Church, and President Choice are big contributors to our good program.
Refund: Grade 6/7/8 Hockley Valley Trip: Grade 6/7/8 Parents and Caregivers, a refund is coming your way for half of the ski/snowboard trip. You’ll remember that originally we were supposed to visit Hockley twice, but only made it once due to inclement weather and bus cancellations. This refund may still take a few days but Mrs. Mckenzie is working hard on it. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Important Dates:
-March 6th: School Council meeting 6-7pm ***now online*** . New members are always welcome! Email andrea.papavasiliou@ugdsb.on.ca
-March 7th: Live Free Day: Please consider making a donation through School CashOnline. Donations are open all year long and we appreciate your support.
-March 10th to March 14th: March Break, No School for Students
-March 17th to 19th: Primary Orangeville Fire Presentations (information sent home)
-March 18th: Curling Bonspiel for all curling members
-March 19th to 25th: Wheelchair basketball program at PMPS for all students
-March 20th: Grade 6 Classes, Metis Kitchen Party Presentation ( French)- letter coming home with more information from Mr. Navarro.
-March 25th: Public Health Fluoride Varnish number one (sign up online if interested, all grades)
Upcoming Spirit Days February:
March 7th: Wear your blue, purple, or school spirit wear for Mustang Spirit Day
March 17th: Wear gold and green and other accessories for St. Patrick’s Day
March 28th: World Water Appreciation : Dress in blue or as your favourite water creature (in honour of World Water day Mar. 22 and Earth day Mar. 29
Don’t forget about our Mustang Spirit Cup!!
Congratulations to Mr. Westlake’s class for winning the spirit cup for the month of January.
March Communications Newsletter: The March Communications Newsletter is out! In this month's issue we have information about:
Co-regulation and Declarative Language
The 2025-26 Student Trustees
Self Advocacy
And more!
You can view the newsletter here: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/communications-newsletter
Reminders:
Ramadan: As we celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, we want to extend our best wishes to all students and families observing this important time. Ramadan is a special period of reflection, prayer, and fasting for many in our school community, and we recognize its significance. To support our students who are fasting and engaging in daily prayer, we want to remind everyone that we do have a prayer space in our school, in room 102. This space is available for students who wish to participate in prayer in a quiet and respectful environment. If your child will be utilizing the prayer space and/or needs other accommodations due to feasting etc., please let your child’s teacher know so we can ensure they know where the prayer space is located and provide the needed accommodations. Happy Ramadan or Ramadan Mubarak.
Volunteer Needed for our School's Breakfast Program: We are looking to fill a volunteer position with our school's breakfast program. This program is so important for our students, as full tummies help to fuel learning! We need assistance on Monday mornings at 8am to about 830am. All food is already at the school, in the office kitchen, and our volunteers prepare the breakfast options for our students in the library and help to clean up as school begins. There will be another volunteer present to assist who is familiar with the process. This commitment would run for the remainder of the school year. If you are interested in helping out, please call the office for more information. Thank you.
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. Thank you for your patience as the snow is making things even more difficult.
Milk Sales: Our wonderful Student Council continues to sell milk. The milk costs $1.25 each. Milk sale profits support our Student Council.
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!
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.
Thanks for taking the time to read through my weekly emails and your continued support. We’ll see everyone Friday for another day of learning before the March Break. I hope everyone has a great break.
Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal