School Reminders:
- 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.
The Government of Canada website has additional information related to solar eclipses that you may review.
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.
To register please visit this link.
Please Register by May 28th, 2024
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
April 23, 2024 at 6:00pm-7:00pm Mandarin Session
Registration for Mandarin Session
April 23, 2024 at 7:00pm-8:00pm Cantonese Session
Registration for Cantonese Session
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.
The Lincoln Link 