As we begin planning for the next school year, please inform the office if you are moving or if your child will be attending another school in September.
There can be absolutely no parking or dropping off/picking up of students in the parking area by the caretaker’s entrance (by the garbage bins) off Willow Heights Blvd or in the staff parking lot for safety reasons.
Please do NOT send your child to school if they are sick or feeling unwell.
Students should not be bringing sports equipment from home to play with at recess (e.g., basketballs, soccer balls). When safe to do so, students are able to bring school equipment outside to play with that has been purchased from Board approved vendors.
A Message from your LAPS School Council
Dear Families,
We are excited to remind you of our fundraising campaign with Mabel’s Label. It is super easy to support LAPS while keeping your kids’ items coming home!
Mabel’s Label provides various types of personalized label, and they will ship the products directly to you for FREE.
There’s no end date to this campaign, and the school will receive 20% of your order amount (pre-tax). So please feel free to order anytime you need something for school, camps, daycare or even around the house!
If you know of any children who were born in 2020 in your family or children of friends/neighbours, please share the word that they are able to register their child for Kindergarten now. More information on registration can be found on the YRDSB Kindergarten page: https://www2.yrdsb.ca/schools-programs/elementary-school/kindergarten
We are hosting a Discover Kindergarten evening at the school for all children (and their families) who are registered to start Kindergarten in September 2024.
As we begin planning for the next school year, please inform the office if you are moving or if your child will be attending another school in September.
Parents/guardians/caregivers should not park in the school parking lot, this is for staff parking only
There can be absolutely no parking or dropping off/picking up of students in the parking area by the caretaker’s entrance (by the garbage bins) off Willow Heights Blvd or in the staff parking lot for safety reasons.
Please do NOT send your child to school if they are sick or feeling unwell.
Students should not be bringing sports equipment from home to play with at recess (e.g., basketballs). When safe to do so, students are able to bring school equipment outside to play with that has been purchased from Board approved vendors.
School Communication
Dear Lincoln Alexander Families,
The York Region District School Board recognizes the value that technology can bring to support student achievement and well-being while enhancing communication with families and the community at large. At Lincoln Alexander Public School, we recognize that learning can be enhanced by technology and we have created opportunities to leverage digital tools that support teaching, learning and communication. Using technology and social media also gives educators and families an opportunity to teach students about the appropriate and responsible use of these tools.
Parents are encouraged to ensure that they are receiving communication that comes directly from Lincoln Alexander Public School.
Family Engagement Evening
Understanding the Ontario Education Systems – Part 2
家长教育信息交流会:了解安省教育体系-系列讲座之一二 (동양계학생을 돕는 그룹) 온타리오 교육제도 이해하기-2부
Welcome to our second SEAS “Family Engagement Evening” event supporting families and caregivers to develop a deeper understanding of the Ontario Education System.
In this session, we are discussing report cards, assessment and evaluation, at both elementary and secondary levels.
Presentations will be available in English, Mandarin, Korean and Cantonese.
Please remember that there will be an early dismissal for students on Monday, April 8 at 12:00 pm due to the solar eclipse. Buses will be adjusted and students who normally take the bus home will still take the bus. Lunch will be delivered at 11:30am.
School Immunizations for students in grades 7 & 8 will be taking place on Friday, April 12.
As we begin planning for the next school year, please inform the office if you are moving or if your child will be attending another school in September.
Parents/guardians/caregivers should not park in the school parking lot, this is for staff parking only
There can be absolutely no parking or dropping off/picking up of students, in the parking area by the caretaker’s entrance (by the garbage bins) off Willow Heights Blvd.
Please do NOT send your child to school if they are sick or feeling unwell.
Students should not be bringing sports equipment from home to play with at recess (e.g., basketballs). When safe to do so, students are able to bring school equipment outside to play with that has been purchased from Board approved vendors.
Reminder About Early Dismissal on April 8, 2024
Dear Families,
As was communicated on February 13, 2024, on Monday, April 8, 2024, a full solar eclipse will occur, which will block the sun’s light in some areas.
The effects of the eclipse will occur in York Region between roughly 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., which coincides with the regular dismissal times for our schools.
Out of concern for student safety, all students in elementary and secondary schools will be dismissed early on the afternoon of April 8, 2024.
Transportation services such as busing and taxis have been adjusted to coincide with the early dismissal on April 8, 2024. Transportation services will return to their regular schedule on April 9, 2024. Please contact the main office at your school if you have any questions about transportation services.
If you have any questions about child care services for that day, please contact your child care provider directly.
Please know that this decision was made with student safety at its centre.
Eid-ul-Fitr
To those LAPS families celebrating on April 10, Eid Mubarak!
Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It symbolizes the culmination of a month-long spiritual journey characterized by fasting, prayer and self-discipline.
During Eid ul-Fitr, Muslims gather with family, friends and community members to engage in special prayers, express gratitude for the blessing received during Ramadan and extend acts of charity to those in need. It is a time to come together and celebrate shared faith and strengthen connections within their communities.
Affirmation April from the Student Leadership Team
Positive affirmations are simple, positive phrases or statements that children can repeat to themselves regularly. These affirmations help to counteract negative self-talk and promote positive thoughts and feelings. It helps individuals to gain confidence, contributes to a growth mindset, develops believing in yourself and builds self-esteem. Examples of affirmations include: I am going to have a good day… I am loved… I am enough…My mistakes help me learn and grow…It’s okay to not know everything… It is okay to make mistakes… I deserve to be loved…
Some ways that families can use affirmations in their home include:
Leaving notes in their lunch/backpack
Together look with your child in a mirror and use the positive self-talk affirmations to talk to ourselves in a kind and positive way.
Start each day with repeating your affirmations
Our student leadership team encourages our LAPS families to make affirmations part of their daily routine!
Hold the Date – Spring Concert – May 8, 2024
Parent/caregiver series supporting learning about mental health.
The YRDSB Central Mental Health Team is proud to be offering the Learning about Mental Health Presentation Series (LAMPS). The objective of the series is to promote and enhance mental health literacy. The second session is “Technology Use and Mental Health, a Presentation for Parents and Caregivers” and will occur virtually on May 29th from 6 – 7 p.m. The presentation will focus on the characteristics of anxiety, and some general strategies that may be beneficial in supporting your children and their anxiety.
These sessions are offered to any parent/guardian. Translation will be provided in a limited number of languages. If your preferred language is not offered, we recommend watching with a friend or family member who is able to translate.
Parent/caregiver series supporting students of Chinese Heritage.
The YRDSB Community Care Social Work series will provide a number of parent/caregiver virtual events to build community, support mental health, and promote healing.
The first session in the series is offered for any parent/guardian of students of Chinese Heritage. Parents, caregivers are invited to join this workshop and engage meaningful conversations that help students strive at school. Tips on ways that help strengthen family relationships and emotional wellbeing will be shared. This will be a free virtual event.
Keep the Door Open (Repeated Session): Understand Your Child’s Inner World
Please email charmaine.tong@yrdsb.ca if you have any questions or difficulties in accessing the registration link. Thank you
Sikh Trails In Canadian Landscapes
Please join us to commemorate our Sikh Heritage Month Celebration with the Sikh Educators Voice Alliance and Sikh Student Association.
Our focus is on Sikh Trails in Canadian Landscapes. At this event, the Sikh Educators Voice Alliance (SEVA) and Sikh Student Association (SSA) will provide time and space to highlight and promote Sikh histories, language and identity and to build unity through community.
Exhibits:
Keynote Speaker: Kulvir Singh Gill
Artifacts
Artwork / Spoken Word by YRDSB Students
Gatka Performance
Bhangra Performance
Community Partners and Vendors
All are welcome to come learn, celebrate, and grow with us.
When: Saturday, April 27, 2024, 1- 4 p.m.
Where: Middlefield Collegiate Institute, 525 Highglen Ave, Markham, ON L3S 3L5
This event is an opportunity for parents, families and YRDSB staff members to network, share, and learn about ways to affirm and create positive spaces for students of Sikh identity.
Light refreshments will be served. Please fill out the Registration Form by April 22, 2024.
As we begin planning for the next school year, please inform the office if you are moving or if your child will be attending another school in September.
Please remember that there will be an early dismissal for students on Monday, April 8 at 12:00 pm due to the solar eclipse. Buses will be adjusted and students who normally take the bus home will still take the bus. Lunch will be delivered at 11:30am.
School Immunizations for students in grades 7 & 8 will be taking place on Friday, April 12. Please see last week’s post for more information.
Parents/guardians/caregivers should not park in the school parking lot, this is for staff parking only
There can be absolutely no parking or dropping off/picking up of students, in the parking area by the caretaker’s entrance (by the garbage bins) off Willow Heights Blvd.
Please do NOT send your child to school if they are sick or feeling unwell.
Students should not be bringing sports equipment from home to play with at recess (e.g., basketballs). When safe to do so, students are able to bring school equipment outside to play with that has been purchased from Board approved vendors.
Message from YRSDB About the April 8th Eclipse
Dear families,
On Monday, April 8, 2024, a full solar eclipse will occur, which will block the sun’s light in some areas.
In York Region, we will experience effects of the eclipse between roughly 2:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., which coincides with the scheduled dismissal times for our schools. We have heard concerns regarding the potential for students being outside and inadvertently looking at the sun, which may cause serious health problems, such as loss of eyesight. We have also heard concerns of traffic and students walking home during peak darkness.
Out of concern for student safety, on April 8, 2024, all students in elementary and secondary schools will be dismissed early. Student after school activities will also be cancelled for that afternoon.
Students at Lincoln will be dismissed at 12:00pm. Lunch will be delivered at 11:30 am so any students who have ordered for that day will still receive their order.
Transportation services such as busing and taxis will be adjusted for the early dismissal. The schedule for student transportation in the morning of April 8 will remain the same. Transportation in the afternoon will be modified to align with the early dismissal time and will be communicated to families.
As you may have seen, some Ontario school boards moved a preexisting April PA Day to coincide with the eclipse on April 8. This is not possible for our board due to contractual obligations, prior commitments and because there is no preexisting April PA Day.
We are working with child care providers to determine their plans for the day. If you have questions about child care, please contact your child’s child care provider directly.
Grade 8 graduation photos are being taken on Wednesday, March 27.
There is NO SCHOOL on Friday, March 29 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 1 (Easter Monday).
Please remember that there will be an early dismissal for students on Monday, April 8 at 12:00 pm due to the solar eclipse. Buses will be adjusted and students who normally take the bus home will still take the bus.
School Immunizations for students in grades 7 & 8 will be taking place on Friday, April 12. More information can be found below.
Parents/guardians/caregivers should not park in the school parking lot, this is for staff parking only
There can be absolutely no parking or dropping off/picking up of students, in the parking area by the caretaker’s entrance (by the garbage bins) off Willow Heights Blvd.
Please do NOT send your child to school if they are sick or feeling unwell.
Students should not be bringing sports equipment from home to play with at recess (e.g., basketballs). When safe to do so, students are able to bring school equipment outside to play with that has been purchased from Board approved vendors.
September 2024
As we begin planning for the next school year, please inform the office if you are moving or if your child will be attending another school in September.
Grade 8 Graduation Photos – March 27
This is a reminder of the Grade 8 graduation photos being taken this week. If you have a child in grade 8, please ensure that they have a white shirt at school to wear for their photo.
Looking for summer learning and fun activities for students entering Senior Kindergarten to Grade 8? Summer Institute offers academic, recreational and athletic programs and activities with intentional links to the Ontario Curriculum.
The program runs for six weeks during July and August. It is offered at nine school sites around York Region.
For more information on dates, programs and locations, please visit the Summer Institute webpage.
Registration opens March 27, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. Families can register online.
Sikh Student Association (SSA) Launch Event Invitation
This free information session is organized by Inclusive School and Community Services in partnership with Student Services of York Region District School Board. For more information, please email shani.blake@yrdsb.ca or pauline.guo@yrdsb.ca
Please note that Childcare will not be provided.
Mabel’s Labels
Our school is fundraising with Mabel’s Labels! If you’re not familiar with Mabel’s Labels, they are personalized, durable, waterproof labels. They are great for everything from shoes, clothing tags, water bottles and backpacks. You can customize them with your name and a design, and they are dishwasher, laundry and microwave safe.
Mabel’s Labels also offers clothing stamps, silicone bands for water bottles and medical alert labels.This Is a great way to ensure your items don’t end up in the lost & found or mixed up. To reduce the spread of germs, we highly recommend labelling but they are also useful for everyday life.
To support our fundraiser, visit campaigns.mabelslabels.com and select Lincoln Alexander Public School (Markham). You can pick out whatever labels or products you want, and it will ship for free directly to your house! Thank you for supporting us!
Nowruz is the first day of the Iranian New Year. It is celebrated on the Spring Equinox and lasts for 13 days. To our families who celebrate Nowruz ,we wish you a happy celebration.
Holi is a Hindu festival of colours that is celebrated each March. Holi is celebrated during the last full moon in the lunar month of Phalguna, marking the end of winter and honouring the triumph of good over evil. Happy Holi to those celebrating!
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We wish all of our families who will be celebrating next weekend a very Happy Easter.
We are so happy to welcome our students back to school today! Just a couple of important reminders as we begin the week:
Our Make it Sow Fundraiser ends tomorrow, March 19th. Great timing as the first day of Spring is this week and we had some wonderful spring-like weather over the March Break as a preview of what is to come. Please see the information below if you would like to place an order.
We will continue to have tarmac only recesses until the Board sends out the message that we are able to use the fields once again. We do have some Board-approved balls that are available for students to use during tarmac only recesses. Students can see Mr. Nana to obtain these for use during recess times.
Make it Sow Fundraiser
To ORDER: Please visit the website: https://makeitsow.com/shop/#code-submission Enter the Group Code for customer access: LAPS_2024 Please ensure you add the Student’s first name and Teacher’s name in the Referrer/Student section on the checkout screen. This will allow us to properly distribute the orders accordingly.
SEEDS DELIVERY: The cut off date for this fundraiser is March 19, 2024. After that, within a two-week period*, the school will receive the seeds, and they will be sent home with your child.
*Subject to change depending on processing and delivery times beyond our control from the distributor.
Lastly, Make It Sow has a bonus PLANT A TREE program. For every ten master packages we sell, one tree will be planted on our behalf. Now is a good time to tell neighbours, friends and relatives who want to grow flowers or gardens this spring about our new fundraiser. Any of these products will make a great gift.
Make it Sow Fundraiser – place your order before March 17. Visit the School Council page for ordering information.
International Women’s Day
Today, we acknowledged International Women’s Day. The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 is Invest in women: Accelerate progress. Through our individual actions, we can collectively help to create a gender equal world. This year’s theme is a reminder that gender equality is one of the most effective ways to build healthier, more prosperous, and more inclusive communities.
Ramadan
This year, Ramadan is expected to begin in the evening on Sunday, March 10, 2024 and end on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting and contemplation for people of the Muslim faith. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is referred to in the Qu’ran as a blessed month in which the teachings of the Qu’ran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
During Ramadan, many Muslims fast during the hours of daylight and increase their focus on prayer and contemplation. At the end of each day the fast is traditionally ended with a prayer and a light meal called the iftar.
Ramadan is considered a time for Muslims to recommit themselves to cultivating spiritual renewal within themselves and their communities, as well as practicing compassion and generosity for others.
During lunch, as an option for Muslim students, a quiet, comfortable space away from food sources for students who are fasting will be provided. Students can come to the office and see Ms. Anand and Ms. Trim if this is something that they would like to take advantage of and we will let them know where this space is located.
Ramadan Mubarak to staff, students, parents and members of Muslim communities who will be observing Ramadan.
Student Leadership – March Focus is Breathwork
The student leadership team has worked hard to prepare resources for the staff and students at Lincoln Alexander around their March focus of breathwork. The goal for well-being this year at LAPS is to develop common language and strategies to self-regulate when our mind or body is feeling dysregulated. The team has created posters, bulletin boards, announcements and a slide deck with videos to teach the LAPS community a variety of breathwork strategies including square breathing, triangle breathing and five finger breathing. There are a long list of benefits of using breathwork, such as helping our body and mind to feel calmer, it improves our mood and helps us to focus. Check out the links if you’d like to use these strategies at home!
School Immunization
If your child needs vaccines, such as those required by law to attend school in Ontario, York Region Public Health provides free student catch-up immunizations to all eligible students in JK to Grade 12 by appointment only. It’s also important that you report your child’s vaccination to York Region Public Health. Please read this important message from York Region Public Health on vaccinations.
First Nations, Metis, and Inuit Self Identification
If you would like to declare your Indigenous ancestry, please download and complete the self-identification form below and return it to the school office.
Make it Sow Fundraiser – place your order before March 17. Visit the School Council page for ordering information.
Students should not be arriving prior to 8:15am since there is NO supervision.
With the ever-changing weather this winter, please ensure that your child is sent to school dressed appropriately for outdoor recess and the weather of the day. Extra socks and pants are often a good idea to send to school in the winter months.
Parents/guardians/caregivers should not park in the school parking lot, this is for staff parking only.
There can be absolutely no parking or dropping off/picking up of students, in the parking area by the caretaker’s entrance (by the garbage bins) off Willow Heights Blvd.
Please do NOT send your child to school if they are sick or feeling unwell.
Students should not be bringing sports equipment from home to play with at recess (e.g., basketballs). When safe to do so, students are able to bring school equipment outside to play with that has been purchased from board-approved vendors.
High Seas Musical Production
After months of rehearsals, our High Seas cast and crew were able to showcase their hard work and talent for four audiences. Thank you to all of the students, families and community members who came to the evening performances to support our students and staff. The students also performed for the Primary Division from Ashton Meadows P.S. and our own LAPS students during matinee performances on Wednesday and Friday.
A huge thank you is extended to all of the staff who supported the musical and put in countless hours of their own time to ensure a wonderful experience for all. From set design and creation to lighting and sound, to costumes, to choreography, to promotion and communication, and of course, the rehearsals to help students learn the lines and songs for the production – it truly did take a village to ensure the success of this year’s musical.
We are SO very proud of our students and staff (including all of our students who supported by being a great audience). Congratulations!
Congratulations to our Robotics Team
Last week our Robotics Team attended the York Region Skills Challenge at Humber College. They returned to LAPS with a Second Place finish in both robotics and TV/Video. We are very proud of our students and thank Mrs. Hopper for her support in preparing them for this event.
March Break Camp for Newcomer Families
The Cross-Cultural Community Services Association is running a March Break camp for newcomers aged 6 -12. Please see the flyers below for more information.
Last week, the York Region District School Board announced that to ensure student safety due to the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, all schools will be dismissing students early.
As such, LAPS will dismiss all students will be dismissed at 12:00pm on April 8th.The morning bell, drop off and transportation will remain unchanged. For those eligible for school transportation, such as busing and taxis, service will be adjusted for the early afternoon departure.
The safe arrival program will remain in place, if your child is not attending school on April 8, please record their absence. Student after school activities, including extra-curricular activities will be cancelled on April 8.
We appreciate your cooperation and support to ensure student safety during the solar eclipse.
Missed the chance to order High Seas tickets on SchoolCash Online? Don’t worry! Tickets will be sold at the door for $5.25. Don’t miss this amazing production from our High Seas Grades 4-8 cast!
Make it Sow Fundraiser – place your order before March 17. Visit the School Council page for ordering information.
Students should not be arriving prior to 8:15am since there is NO supervision.
With the ever-changing weather this winter, please ensure that your child is sent to school dressed appropriately for outdoor recess and the weather of the day. Extra socks and pants are often a good idea to send to school in the winter months.
Parents/guardians/caregivers should not park in the school parking lot, this is for staff parking only
Please do NOT send your child to school if they are sick or feeling unwell.
Students should not bring sports equipment from home to play with at recess (e.g., basketballs). When safe, students can bring school equipment outside to play with that has been purchased from board-approved vendors.
Parking Safety
There can be absolutely no parking or dropping off/picking up of students, in the parking area by the caretaker’s entrance (by the garbage bins) off Willow Heights Blvd. This is a safety risk. Visits from contractors, YRDSB maintenance employees, deliveries, garbage/recycling trucks etc. happen at all hours of the day and there cannot be any unauthorized vehicles in that area. The only vehicles that may stop or park in this area of the school property are those that belong to our caretakers. Please do not walk through this area when arriving/leaving the school as it can be dangerous.
Parents/Guardians/Caregivers should be only parking on the streets surrounding the school for pickup and drop off of students as indicated by City of Markham signage.
Early Dismissal – April 8th, 12:00 pm
Last week, the York Region District School Board announced that to ensure student safety due to the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, all schools will be dismissing students early.
As such, LAPS will dismiss all students will be dismissed at 12:00pm on April 8th.The morning bell, drop off and transportation will remain unchanged. For those eligible for school transportation, such as busing and taxis, service will be adjusted for the early afternoon departure.
The safe arrival program will remain in place, if your child is not attending school on April 8, please record their absence. Student after-school activities, including extra-curricular activities will be cancelled on April 8.
We appreciate your cooperation and support to ensure student safety during the solar eclipse.
Anxiety in School-Aged Youth, a Presentation for Parents and Caregivers
The YRDSB Central Mental Health Team is proud to be offering the Learning about Mental Health Presentation Series (LAMPS). The objective of the series is to promote and enhance mental health literacy.
The first session is “Anxiety in School-Aged Youth, a Presentation for Parents and Caregivers” and will occur virtually on February 28 from 6 – 7 p.m. The presentation will focus on the characteristics of anxiety, and some general strategies that may be beneficial in supporting your children and their anxiety.
These sessions are offered to any parent/guardian. Translation will be provided in a limited number of languages. If your preferred language is not offered, it is recommended to watch with a friend or family member who is able to translate.
Online Registration is available. Please click here to register. Registration closes on February 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.
On the day of the presentation, you will receive a virtual meeting link.
Room: Virtual
When: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 – 18:00 to Wednesday, February 28, 2024 – 19:00
Celebrating Black History Month / BHM365 Events 2024 – Student Events and Family Engagement
February 27 –Anti-Blackness in Schools –Virtual Affinity Session for Black Students, Families and Black Staff with Presenters Dr. Joi Spencer and Dr, Kerri Ullucci
Students should not be bringing sports equipment from home to play with at recess (e.g., basketballs). When safe to do so, students are able to bring school equipment outside to play with that has been purchased from Board-approved vendors.
Registration for Kindergarten has started. Please visit the YRDSB Kindergarten page for more information. If you have family or neighbours who have children beginning Kindergarten in September, please pass this information along to them.
Students should not be arriving prior to 8:15am since there is NO supervision.
If any of your contact information (i.e., phone number, email address, home address) has changed please inform the office as soon as possible
Also, if you are moving or your child will not be attending Lincoln next year please email the office at lincoln.alexander.ps@yrdsb.ca
With the ever-changing weather this winter, please ensure that your child is sent to school dressed appropriately for outdoor recess and the weather of the day. Extra socks and pants are often a good idea to send to school in the winter months.
Parents/guardians/caregivers should not park in the school parking lot, this is for staff parking only
Please park in the designated city parking areas on the surrounding streets to help with student safety.
Please do NOT send your child to school if they are sick or feeling unwell.
High Seas Musical Production – Tickets Available on SchoolCash Online until this Wednesday, February 23rd
Tickets are now available to spend an evening celebrating and enjoying the LAPS Cast and Crew of, “The High Seas”.
We hope that families in the LAPS community will come to support our student musical taking place on Wednesday, February 28th and Thursday, February 29th at 6:30pm. The show is approximately 45 minutes long.
Students need to come with an adult and many not attend the production alone.
We look forward to seeing you on one of these nights for a wonderful evening of student work.
Congratulations to our Intermediate Robotics Team members and their coach, Mrs. Hopper for their second place finish at the Elementary Robotics Area Competition!
Upcoming Caring and Safe Schools Mid-Year Presentations
To support and promote positive student behaviour, students will attend the Caring and Safe Schools Mid-Year Presentations this week at LAPS. These presentations underscore behaviour expectations as we create a caring, safe, and inclusive school environment. As families are critical partners, please continue discussing school safety at home by asking your child what they have learned in the Caring and Safe Schools Mid-Year Presentation.
Presentation topics include:
YRDSB and School Code of Conduct (including items that are not to be brought to school)
Staying safe online
Progressive discipline, and
Standing up for each other, including methods of reporting incidents of racism, discrimination and bullying.
Promoting Behaviour
In the Mid-Year Presentation, students learn about following the YRDSB and the School Code of Conduct. Instances of anti-Black racism, other forms of racism, discrimination and bullying are not acceptable and are addressed through progressive discipline. In some cases of racism and discrimination, York Regional Police may be involved.
Students will also be reminded about safe school behaviours, including what items must never be brought to school, such as peanut products, vape products/drug paraphernalia, weapons/replica weapons and knives/replica knives.
Reporting Behaviour
Standing up for one another and reporting when something does not feel safe is part of a caring and safe school environment. Students should report incidents that make them or others feel unsafe or uncomfortable, including acts of racism, discrimination and bullying. Students can report incidents by:
Telling a caring adult;
Using the YRDSB’s “Report It Button” (Located on our school’s website, the online Report It button allows students and families to share information about inappropriate behaviour and incidents of hate or discrimination. Please see this video for additional information);
We will stress the importance of connection to students as we continue the school year. Students are learning about who they can talk to if they need support. In addition, positive mental health is closely tied to each individual’s sense of identity and safety. As such, mental health initiatives are aligned with equity and safety in mind, which includes culturally specific supports. YRDSB student mental health services are delivered by Board social work and psychology staff. These services are accessible through the school principal. Mental health resources for families are also available on the Board website.
Student Discipline
We use a progressive discipline approach for inappropriate behaviour on and off school property. This means we consider various options to determine the most appropriate response to each situation to help students learn from their choices. In some cases, suspension or expulsion may be necessary. The Ontario Education Act and the Board’s Caring and Safe Schools Policy (found on the Board’s Caring and Safe School Page) outline situations where suspension and expulsion must be considered. These infractions are also outlined in the Guide to the School Year. In addition, when inappropriate behaviour occurs, information will be shared with the student(s) who were harmed and the families of the student(s) who were harmed to the extent that legislation allows.
Tobacco/Alcohol/Drug-Free Environment
The use of tobacco, electronic products (such as vaping, electronic cigarettes and related products) and student possession of alcohol/illegal and restricted drugs, including cannabis, are prohibited on school property or within 20 metres of school boundaries. This complies with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, enforced locally by York Region Community and Health Services. A progressive form of discipline may apply, including suspension from school and fines (up to $5,000). In accordance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA), exceptions are made for the traditional use of tobacco that forms part of Indigenous culture and spirituality.
Online Safety and Appropriate Use of Technology
Students are reminded about the Appropriate Use of Technology agreement, including the importance of using respectful language and making positive choices when using electronic communications and social media tools. This agreement is also included in the start-up package that all families receive at the beginning of the year.
Students are reminded that online threats and comments are taken seriously and may have consequences, including potential criminal charges. Where there are concerns for the safety of students, staff, community members or Board property, the school board works with York Regional Police and appropriate actions are taken. The safety and well-being of students remain our top priority.
For More Information
For more details on these items, please read the Guide to the School Year or visit the Caring and Safe Schools section on the YRDSB website for more information and to access family resources to continue these conversations at home.
Thank you for helping us create a caring, safe, and inclusive school community.
Make it Sow Fundraiser (from your School Council)
Please visit the School Council page of our Blog or refer to the email that was sent by the school for more information about how to order a variety of seeds from our Make it Sow Fundraiser.
Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) Family Engagement Evening: Understanding the Ontario Education System
Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) is a group of YRDSB educators and supporters who are committed to responding to the lived experiences of East Asian students by advocating for their improved achievement and well-being through equitable practices. Building relationships with students, families, educators, community members and partners is also a focus of our work.
Welcome to our first “Family Engagement Evening” supporting families and caregivers to develop a deeper understanding of the Ontario Education System. In this first session, we will provide an overview of the K-12 Ontario Education System with an emphasis on transitions, pathway planning, the OSSD and the course selection process.
Presentations will be available in English, Mandarin, Korean and Cantonese.
This event is brought to you in partnership with Community and Partnership Developer for East Asian Families, YRDSB Inclusive School and Community Services, CCSYR Settlement and Education Partnership in York Region, NEKS (Network of Educators for Korean Students) and Curriculum and Instructional Services of YRDSB.
Kindergarten Registration for September 2024 is Open!
If your child is born in 2020, they are eligible for Kindergarten in September. Please visit the YRDSB Kindergarten page for more information.
Camp Black Brilliance
Children of Black Families who are Junior and Senior Kindergarten entering school in September 2024 are invited to register for Camp Black Brilliance.
Camp Black Brilliance will offer families the opportunity to get to know the Kindergarten program and have their children experience their introduction to schooling in a way that is culturally responsive and affirming of their identity, through experiential learning.
The Lincoln Link 