Dear Princess Margaret Volunteers and Potential Volunteers,
First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful for all that you do for our school community. Whether you currently volunteer or are considering volunteering, your time, energy, and support make a tremendous difference for our students and staff.
You may be aware that the Ministry of Education now requires Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) to be renewed every five years for school volunteers and all staff. Previously volunteers and staff completed a VSC and then signed an offense declaration each year.
If you have completed a Vulnerable Sector Check since September 2023, you may continue volunteering at Princess Margaret Public School. You will, however, need to sign an updated Volunteer Agreement. We will be working to send these agreements home over the next few days. You may also come in and sign them in our office if you prefer.
If your Vulnerable Sector Check was completed before September 2023, you will be required to obtain a new Vulnerable Sector Check if you wish to continue volunteering at Princess Margaret Public School.
Examples of volunteer activities include:
Assisting with our Breakfast Program
Supporting our Snack Bin Program
Serving on School Council or helping at School Council events
Reading with students
Volunteering on classroom or school trips
Supporting special school events and activities
All volunteers are required to have a current Vulnerable Sector Check and a signed Volunteer Agreement on file.
The police require a specific letter from the school outlining the nature of your volunteer responsibilities before they can process a Vulnerable Sector Check application. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the school office and we will provide the necessary documentation to begin the process.
Over the coming days, we will be reaching out to volunteers who require an updated Vulnerable Sector Check. Once you receive the letter from the school, you can begin the application process online. Please note that the OPP now requires Vulnerable Sector Check applications to be completed online rather than in person.
If you have a Vulnerable Sector Check that was completed after September 2023, you will be asked to sign an annual declaration confirming that you have remained free of any criminal charges or convictions that would affect your eligibility to volunteer. We will be working to send these declarations home over the next few days. You may also come in and sign them in our office if you prefer.
Thank you for your patience as we work through these changes. The volunteer requirements have recently changed at the school, board, and provincial levels, and we appreciate your understanding as we implement these updated procedures.
We remain incredibly thankful for our volunteers and sincerely hope that you will continue to support our students and school community. Volunteers are a valued part of Princess Margaret Public School, and we could not do this work without you.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Andrea Papavasiliou
Principal
Princess Margaret Public School
First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful for all that you do for our school community. Whether you currently volunteer or are considering volunteering, your time, energy, and support make a tremendous difference for our students and staff.
You may be aware that the Ministry of Education now requires Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) to be renewed every five years for school volunteers and all staff. Previously volunteers and staff completed a VSC and then signed an offense declaration each year.
If you have completed a Vulnerable Sector Check since September 2023, you may continue volunteering at Princess Margaret Public School. You will, however, need to sign an updated Volunteer Agreement. We will be working to send these agreements home over the next few days. You may also come in and sign them in our office if you prefer.
If your Vulnerable Sector Check was completed before September 2023, you will be required to obtain a new Vulnerable Sector Check if you wish to continue volunteering at Princess Margaret Public School.
Examples of volunteer activities include:
Assisting with our Breakfast Program
Supporting our Snack Bin Program
Serving on School Council or helping at School Council events
Reading with students
Volunteering on classroom or school trips
Supporting special school events and activities
All volunteers are required to have a current Vulnerable Sector Check and a signed Volunteer Agreement on file.
The police require a specific letter from the school outlining the nature of your volunteer responsibilities before they can process a Vulnerable Sector Check application. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact the school office and we will provide the necessary documentation to begin the process.
Over the coming days, we will be reaching out to volunteers who require an updated Vulnerable Sector Check. Once you receive the letter from the school, you can begin the application process online. Please note that the OPP now requires Vulnerable Sector Check applications to be completed online rather than in person.
If you have a Vulnerable Sector Check that was completed after September 2023, you will be asked to sign an annual declaration confirming that you have remained free of any criminal charges or convictions that would affect your eligibility to volunteer. We will be working to send these declarations home over the next few days. You may also come in and sign them in our office if you prefer.
Thank you for your patience as we work through these changes. The volunteer requirements have recently changed at the school, board, and provincial levels, and we appreciate your understanding as we implement these updated procedures.
We remain incredibly thankful for our volunteers and sincerely hope that you will continue to support our students and school community. Volunteers are a valued part of Princess Margaret Public School, and we could not do this work without you.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Andrea Papavasiliou
Principal
Princess Margaret Public School
Everyone wants to feel like they matter – reflect today on some of the ways that you feel important. Let us know using #MHUG
Some great local resources for our families. Check them out:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/147sV5imzILlQmnhq92r36HhH6UMy74ei/view?usp=sharing
To help parents/caregivers with some of the questions they may have this school year, we have put together a guide with important links and information to help families navigate the 2026-27 school year.
Learn more on the board website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17839
Learn more on the board website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17839
A sense of community provides a feeling of belonging. Let’s reflect today on the communities we belong to and how we bring value to every one of them. #MHUG
Dear Mustang Families,
What a successful week here at Princess Margaret. Children and staff are fully in the swing of being back at school. The building feels settled and has a feel that we’ve been back more then just a few days. I am really proud of our students and staff. We can’t wait to welcome families back on our Meet the Teacher night on September 24th from 530-7pm. Mark your calendars!
This week, sports teams and clubs started back up here at PMPS. intermediate soccer and garden club has started and our grade 1-8 choir starts next week as well. We can’t wait to get the grade 6-8 band up and running. We have new beautiful student art work all over our school in beautiful black frames thanks to Ms. Ellis and we have a fantastic display dedicated to Terry Fox in our front foyer.
Please note our flag will be at half mast at the end of day on Friday, September 11th, and be raised on Monday morning to mark Firefighters’ National Memorial Day, which is on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Next week and the week after, we will start with our safety drills that are mandatory. This fall, we have to complete three fire drills and one lockdown drill. I will invite Officer Amy, our community officer to participate in the lockdown drill at our school. This helps the officer learn the layout of our school.
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. Staying connected during the school year is key.
Important Upcoming Dates:
-24th: Meet the Teacher (530-7pm) & First School Council meeting of the year (6pm)
25th: Terry Fox Run (last block)
28th: PMPS Picture day ( individual photos only)
-30th: Truth & Reconciliation Day (wear orange)
Spirit Days:
-September 18th: Blue and White Day! To support and inspire our Toronto Blue Jays!
-September 29th: Wear Purple Day! Raise awareness about Concussions!
-September 30th: Orange Shirt Day! Wear an Orange shirt to support and acknowledge the history of residential schools.
Parking Lot: A reminder that the front parking lot is closed and parents/ caregivers may not park in it during pick up and drop off ( with the exception of an accessibility parking pass). This year we have three buses and two taxis dropping off our students with special needs and/or bussing needs.. Our parking lot is not designed for this amount of traffic and additional cars only add to the congestion. Please do not block the exit at any time. Our buses are on a strict schedule and dropping ff and pick up at several different schools. Thank you.
Supervision: Please remember that students should not be arriving before 820am in the morning and need to be picked up/ or leave the school at the dismissal bell at 250pm. Our school day is from 830am to 250pm every day.
Please see below for a message from Public Health.
We’ll see everyone for another day of learning on Friday. Have a wonderful weekend after a full day of learning tomorrow and thank you for your ongoing support. It makes a world of difference.
Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal
WDGPH - Energy Drinks (Sept. 2026)
A message from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health
Energy Drinks and Young Children: What Families Should Know
Energy drinks, like Monster®, Red Bull®, Rockstar® are widely available and often marketed as products to boost energy and performance. However, these drinks are not recommended for children because they can contain a lot of caffeine and other ingredients that can affect children's health and well-being.
They can cause:
Trouble sleeping
Fast heartbeat
Headaches
Feeling nervous, worried, or restless
What Families Can Do
Start conversations early - Talking about energy drinks before your child is offered one can help them make informed choices. Try asking:
Have you seen energy drinks before?
What do you think they do?
Why do you think people drink them?
Share simple facts - You might say:
Energy drinks have a lot of caffeine.
Too much caffeine can make it hard to sleep and focus.
Energy drinks are not recommended for children.
Support Everyday Habits - Children get the energy they need from healthy daily routines. You can help by:
Offering water throughout the day.
Encouraging physical activity and a good sleep routine.
Providing regular meals and snacks.
Making water, milk, and smoothies easy choices at home.
Help Children Think About Advertising - Energy drink ads often make products look exciting and fun. Ask questions like:
What is this ad trying to tell us?
Who do you think this ad is made for?
Is it showing the whole story?
Your identity makes you, YOU! What are some of the amazing things about you that make you who you are? Let us know using #MHUG
How much do you know about Awareness? Look at your surroundings today and reflect on the goodness in your life. #MHUG
Dear Mustang Families,
What a day it was back at school! Students were excited to be back and eager to learn and make new friends. Routines are quickly being established and students are settling into the rhythm of a new school year already. It was a calm start up and I am very proud of the students and staff. Thanks for all that you are doing to support this transition back to school. I am sure many kids will be tired tonight.
Our school looks great with all new entry doors. Our train playground was also removed, as it was not safe for student use and the cost to repair it was too expensive. It has been a busy few years with lots of building improvements. Thanks to all of the school, board, and outside contractors who worked hard over the summer to make this happen.
Each week, I will send a short email update about news at Princess Margaret Public School. 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. Staying connected during the school year is key.
Welcome Back Information Package & Important Forms That Need to Be Returned:
The following forms were sent home tonight in white and require a signature. Please return ALL of these forms as soon as possible:
-Student Verification form – please make necessary changes to the information on this form, sign and date
-Consent to Share Personal Information; newsletters/media/UGDSB websites/social media- please indicate your consent, sign and date
-Walking Trip form - please sign and date
*Please read all of the information in the package as there is plenty of important information. Coloured sheets do not need to be returned.
Life Threatening Plans/ Plans of Care: If your child has a life threatening plan of care, asthma plan, or needs medication, please see the new paperwork that was sent home tonight. All plans need to be resubmitted due to a change at the Ministry level. Any questions, please just call our office. We are here to help. Thank you in advance.
Drop & Go: We know it can be tough, but once staff are out and on duty, please give your child a big hug and leave them with us. Staying behind or saying a long goodbye is often hard on our little ones who have trouble separating from you (their favourite people). A quick goodbye is often best and if your child is upset, we are able to calm them more quickly when parents and caregivers do not linger. Please know that we will communicate with you if this is not the case. Thanks for your trust. Please also note that we ask parents and caregivers to stay off the yards at pick up and drop off.
Proper footwear: Today, we noticed that many students wore sandals, Uggs, and Crocs while playing on the fields today outside and on the playgrounds. Please be aware that students must wear properly fitted running shoes to participate in sports and physical activities, both indoors and outdoors, as well as to use playground equipment. Uggs, Crocs, sandals, and other similar footwear do not meet the safety requirements that staff are required to follow.Appropriate footwear helps prevent injuries and ensures that all students can participate safely in school activities. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Important Upcoming Dates:
-Our first School Council Meeting will be Thursday, September 24th, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the library.
-Our Meet the Teacher evening is also September 24th, 2026 5:30-7:00pm. Please drop by the School Council meeting while you are here to check out Council is all about.
-Picture day is September 28th, 2026. Individual student pictures will be taken on the 28th. Class photos and individual retakes will be taken on October 28th, 2026.
-Our annual Terry Fox Run will be held on Friday, September 25th, 2025 from 130-230pm in the last learning block. More information to come.
Communication:
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. Staff will be reaching out to families tonight- please check your child’s backpack. Here is a useful guide that will help: Family School Contact Guide Infographic.pdf
Have a wonderful school week. It’s going to be a great year!
Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal
Subject: Important Message for Intermediate Students and Families Regarding Energy Drinks
Dear Intermediate Students and Families,
As we welcomed students back on the first day of school today, staff observed many students consuming energy drinks before school and again during lunch. We wanted to take this opportunity to share some important information about the impact energy drinks can have on children and adolescents. Please do not send energy drinks to school. Students will be asked to put them away until after school.
Energy drinks are marketed as products that boost energy, focus, and performance. However, health experts, including Health Canada, advise that these drinks are not recommended for children and young adolescents because of their high caffeine content and other stimulating ingredients. [canada.ca]
According to Health Canada, youth aged 12 and older should consume no more than 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight per day. For many adolescents, a single energy drink can contain a large portion of, or even exceed, that recommended daily amount. [canada.ca]
Research has shown that energy drink consumption among young people can contribute to:
Difficulty falling asleep and poorer quality sleep
Increased anxiety and nervousness
Difficulty concentrating in class
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Headaches and dehydration
Mood changes and irritability
Reduced academic performance due to disrupted sleep patterns [canada.ca]
Canadian studies have found that energy drink use is common among adolescents, with approximately half of Ontario students in Grades 7 to 12 reporting having consumed an energy drink within the previous year. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
At school, students need sustained energy, focus, and hydration to support learning. Water, milk, and healthy snacks provide much better fuel for growing bodies and developing brains than highly caffeinated beverages.
We encourage families to have conversations with their children about making healthy beverage choices and to not send energy drinks to school. If students need a morning boost, a healthy breakfast, adequate sleep, and proper hydration are the safest and most effective strategies.
Thank you for your support in helping our students make healthy choices that contribute to their well-being and success at school. We see the effects of energy drinks on our students and their learning, and it often creates additional struggle.
Your partner in education.
Andrea Papavasiliou
Principal
Princess Margaret Public School
Dear Intermediate Students and Families,
As we welcomed students back on the first day of school today, staff observed many students consuming energy drinks before school and again during lunch. We wanted to take this opportunity to share some important information about the impact energy drinks can have on children and adolescents. Please do not send energy drinks to school. Students will be asked to put them away until after school.
Energy drinks are marketed as products that boost energy, focus, and performance. However, health experts, including Health Canada, advise that these drinks are not recommended for children and young adolescents because of their high caffeine content and other stimulating ingredients. [canada.ca]
According to Health Canada, youth aged 12 and older should consume no more than 2.5 mg of caffeine per kilogram of body weight per day. For many adolescents, a single energy drink can contain a large portion of, or even exceed, that recommended daily amount. [canada.ca]
Research has shown that energy drink consumption among young people can contribute to:
Difficulty falling asleep and poorer quality sleep
Increased anxiety and nervousness
Difficulty concentrating in class
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Headaches and dehydration
Mood changes and irritability
Reduced academic performance due to disrupted sleep patterns [canada.ca]
Canadian studies have found that energy drink use is common among adolescents, with approximately half of Ontario students in Grades 7 to 12 reporting having consumed an energy drink within the previous year. [pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
At school, students need sustained energy, focus, and hydration to support learning. Water, milk, and healthy snacks provide much better fuel for growing bodies and developing brains than highly caffeinated beverages.
We encourage families to have conversations with their children about making healthy beverage choices and to not send energy drinks to school. If students need a morning boost, a healthy breakfast, adequate sleep, and proper hydration are the safest and most effective strategies.
Thank you for your support in helping our students make healthy choices that contribute to their well-being and success at school. We see the effects of energy drinks on our students and their learning, and it often creates additional struggle.
Your partner in education.
Andrea Papavasiliou
Principal
Princess Margaret Public School
Stay in the loop all year long! Download the UGConnect app to follow your school’s news feeds, events calendars, and receive direct push notifications.
Learn more on the board website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
Learn more on the board website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
Welcome back to the new school year!
For the first 8 days of school, the UG Wellness Works team will be sharing information with students and staff at their school and on social media.
Follow #MHUG for more information.
For the first 8 days of school, the UG Wellness Works team will be sharing information with students and staff at their school and on social media.
Follow #MHUG for more information.
The first day of school will be a grab and go format for breakfast. If children need breakfast, there will be food in the office throughout the morning but a regular program will not be running.
Starting, Wednesday, September 9th breakfast will be available starting at 8am in the library.
Thank you. School Council Volunteers and Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal
Starting, Wednesday, September 9th breakfast will be available starting at 8am in the library.
Thank you. School Council Volunteers and Andrea Papavasiliou, Principal
It's back to school season - Help keep students safe! Slow down, stay alert and follow posted speed limits when driving in a school zone. Learn more: https://www.ugdsb.ca/page/school-zone-safety
Planning ahead for the 2026-27 school year? You don't need to search far to find key dates—we are here to help!
Whether you need to check school days, PA Days, exam schedules, or school holidays, the elementary and secondary School Year Calendars are easily available on the board website.
Don't forget that the first day of classes for students is Tuesday, September 8, 2026! We can't wait to welcome you back!
Learn more: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
Whether you need to check school days, PA Days, exam schedules, or school holidays, the elementary and secondary School Year Calendars are easily available on the board website.
Don't forget that the first day of classes for students is Tuesday, September 8, 2026! We can't wait to welcome you back!
Learn more: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
Do you have a question about back to school, but you’re not sure who to contact? We are here to help you! Visit the board website for detailed information on who to contact. Visit the board website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
Getting ready to ride the bus this September? Checking your route details is easy.
-Visit family.ugdsb.on.ca
-Log in using the email address you provided to your school (First-time users: reset your password using the "Forgot Password" button)
-Click on the "BusPlanner" tile to view your schedule
Don’t forget to download the Bus Planner app to get live updates on delays or cancellations.
Check out the board website for detailed information: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
-Visit family.ugdsb.on.ca
-Log in using the email address you provided to your school (First-time users: reset your password using the "Forgot Password" button)
-Click on the "BusPlanner" tile to view your schedule
Don’t forget to download the Bus Planner app to get live updates on delays or cancellations.
Check out the board website for detailed information: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
Not sure who to contact? Always start with your child’s home school! If they’re unable to answer your question, they will help you connect with the right person. Learn more on the board website: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
Elementary Registration is Sept. 1–4, 2026
Are you new to the Upper Grand District School Board? Elementary Registration for the 2026-27 school year takes place September 1-4, 2026, at all UGDSB elementary schools.
Keep these quick tips in mind:
- Only new students to the UGDSB need to register. If your child attended last year or registered during the winter 2026 JK/SK window, you do not need to re-register.
- Find which school your child is eligible to attend by using the online UGDSB School Locator.
Check out the board website for more detailed information: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
Are you new to the Upper Grand District School Board? Elementary Registration for the 2026-27 school year takes place September 1-4, 2026, at all UGDSB elementary schools.
Keep these quick tips in mind:
- Only new students to the UGDSB need to register. If your child attended last year or registered during the winter 2026 JK/SK window, you do not need to re-register.
- Find which school your child is eligible to attend by using the online UGDSB School Locator.
Check out the board website for more detailed information: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
You Don’t Need to Know Who to Contact—We Are Here to Help!
Heading back to school can bring up a lot of questions, but you don't need to know the whole system to get support! We are here to help you find the answer you need and direct you to your next step.
Visit the Board website for more information: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
Heading back to school can bring up a lot of questions, but you don't need to know the whole system to get support! We are here to help you find the answer you need and direct you to your next step.
Visit the Board website for more information: https://www.ugdsb.ca/article/17500
