Important Dates
- December 15: Junior Girls Volleyball Game vs. Wendat Village P.S.
- Reach for the Top match vs. Oscar Peterson P.S.
- December 16: Junior Boys Volleyball Game vs. Wendat Village P.S.
Subway lunches for those who ordered - December 17: Dominos Pizza lunches for those who ordered
- December 18: Plates & Bowls lunches for those who ordered
- December 22 - January 2: School Closed
- January 5: Birth of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
- January 6: Reach for the Top match vs. Cornell Village P.S.
Subway lunches for those who ordered - January 7: Christmas (Eastern)
Dominos Pizza lunches for those who ordered - January 8: Plates & Bowls lunches for those who ordered
- January 13: Junior Boys Volleyball Game vs. Whitchurch Highlands
P.S.
Subway lunches for those who ordered - January 14-16: Thai Pongal
January 14: Dominos Pizza lunches for those who ordered - January 15: Reach for the Top Trivia Tournament
Plates & Bowls lunches for those who ordered - January 16: PA Day - no school for students
December is Christian Heritage Month
January is Tamil Heritage Month
A Message From the Office
With winter weather here, we want to share a few important reminders.
Dress for the Weather
Students should come dressed appropriately for the weather and for outdoor play. Students can stay warm by wearing layers of loose-fitting clothing, a hat, scarf, jackets, snow pants and mittens or gloves. Students may also want to bring extra pants and socks in case they get wet.
Recess: If students are well enough to come to school, they are expected to go outside for recess. Our students benefit from spending time outside and being active. We monitor weather conditions throughout the day. If there are extreme weather conditions, we may consider a shortened or indoor recess.
Bus or School Cancellations
When an extreme cold or inclement weather day is declared, school transportation (including buses and taxis) is cancelled in the morning and afternoon. Schools will remain open. Please notify the school if your child will not be attending school on those days. Students will not be penalized for missing school on these days.
There may be rare instances when emergency weather events occur and we need to close all schools and Board locations. Please take the time to make plans in the event of an emergency school closure. Information about transportation cancellations and Board closures will be shared through local media, board and school websites and on X @YRDSB.
Our process for extreme cold, inclement weather and emergency weather days is outlined in the board’s Severe Weather policy
Keeping Our Students Safe
Allergies
Please make sure snack and lunch items are nut-free, peanut-free, and sesame-free. Please ensure items dropped off for lunch from eateries are also free of these items (e.g., no sesame on McDonalds burger buns).
Children with Epi-pens need to carry them throughout the day. Families needing support accessing pouches/other materials are invited to contact the school.
Bussing
Families of students taking the bus can view bus reports transportation portal Late bus reports are issued if the bus is expected to be more than 10 minutes late. Please check this report if you would like to confirm if the bus will be on time.
Parking Lot
Thank you to all who have continued to follow procedures that minimize congestion and help keep our parking lot safe. If driving, please ensure students are only dropped off/picked up in the designated areas.
Morning Drop-Off:
When possible, Kindergarten students will be helped by a staff member to exit the car, and older students can be dropped off independently.
Afternoon Pick-Up
Families of Kindergarten students are asked to display the sign on their dashboard so we can prioritize access to the pick-up. Open parking spaces are available for families who wish to park their cars and walk with their children at drop-off or pick-up times. Please do not park or idle your car in the driving lanes of the parking lot as it is unsafe and results in congestion beginning at 3:30pm. Families of older students will be directed into the pick-up area after Kindergarten pick-up is completed.
We encourage families and students to cross at the crosswalk for safety.
Reminders
Student Absences need to be communicated to the offi ce as soon as possible via Edsby or by calling the school at 905-591-3800. If picking up students during the day (e.g., for medical appointments, etc.), please try to do so outside the recess and lunch times. Recess: 11:10am - 11:40am Lunch: 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Address/Phone Number Changes: Please notify the offi ce by email (barbara.reid@yrdsb.ca) if your address, phone number, or email contact information has changed. Up-to-date information helps us in our communication with families.
From the Board
Embracing Winter
Building Warmth and Resilience Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter - Winter 2025. Please visit the newsletter for resources, tips, and information about programs and events for children, youth, families, and caregivers
YRDSB Arts Camp
Join us for 8 days of hands-on programs in visual, studio, and performance arts. Explore who you are through creative activities, trying new things, and working with friends, educators and community artists. Build confidence, express your individuality, and discover new talents. Open to YRDSB students in grades 7-12. CAMP DATES: MAY 23-30, 2026 CAMPER, COUNSELLOR & COUNSELLOR-IN-TRAINING APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FROM MON. DEC. 15, 2025 - FRI. JAN. 30, 2026 For more information and to apply, visit: bit.ly/yrdsbartscamp26
Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy - Save the Date!
The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Implementation Plan Team, is proud to announce the upcoming event for students, families and staff: Growing Together - Planning for Success Date: January 8, 2026 Time: 6-8 p.m. Location: Newmarket High School (505 Pickering Cres., Newmarket)
The move to high school is a critical milestone, and we are committed to ensuring every student and family feels fully prepared and equipped for success. We are excited to invite Black students and their families in Grades 6 through 10 to an upcoming event highlighting the opportunities available to support pathway planning, specialty programs, and the transition between elementary and secondary school.
This is a key opportunity for Black students and families to connect with educators, ask questions, and build a personalized roadmap for a successful and fulfilling secondary school experience. More information and registration will be available shortly. For any questions, please contact blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.
From the Community
York Region Public Health: Healthy Tip Sheet
York Region Public Health is seeing more student absences due to illness. The flu, stomach flu (norovirus) and the common cold are spreading fast. Here are some tips to stay healthy!
Coats for Kids
Free winter clothing for children and adults in need.
Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
October 11, 2025 to January 31, 2026
The Quaker Meeting House
17030 Yonge St. South of Eagle St.
Due to high demand, clothing will only be given to those who are present. Please bring all family members who need clothing! For more information contact: The North Newmarket Lions Club: 905-895-1441 OR The Newmarket Lions Club: 905-252-3203
NACCA Black Youth Mental Wellness and Empowerment Series
Join us for a transformative opportunity aimed at supporting Black children and youth in York Region. Our 8-week Black Youth Mental Wellness and Empowerment Series, R.I.S.E (Resilience, Identity, Strength, Empowerment) Program is designed to empower Black children and youth by providing essential mental health education and support.
Children and youth will gain valuable skills, knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges of mental wellness, all within a supportive community. By participating in this 8-week culturally affirming R.I.S.E program, children and youth will gain valuable skills, knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges of mental wellness, all within a supportive community.
Workshop Dates:
● Cohort 2: Jan 8, 2026 – Feb 26, 2026 - Hybrid (in-person & virtual)
● Cohort 3: Mar 12, 2026 – Apr 30, 2026 - (virtual only)
● Cohort 4: May 14, 2026 – June 25, 2026 - Hybrid (in-person & virtual)
Where: Hybrid - In-person (NACCA Hub - 449 Eagle St, Newmarket) and virtual via zoom. Please complete this form to allow us to learn more about you and what you are looking to gain from this program.
YSSN Transition Planning Resource Days
Need help understanding the developmental services system and transition planning? Do you have an IEP? Book a free, one (1) hour session, with a transitional planner to discuss and ask important questions related to your situation.
We can:
• discuss the differences between elementary and high school
• share tips and strategies to help you and your child prepare for life in high school
• help fi ll out forms and applications (e.g. ODSP, SSAH, Mobility Transit, etc.)
• share options for after high school and adult life
These sessions are for individuals who have a developmental disability, have an IEP, are in high school or recently graduated and need help planning adult services. Also included are students in Grade 8 with an IEP preparing to transition into high school.
My Time - Online Support Group for Autistic Parents
My Time is a monthly online support group created for parents who identify as autistic or neurodiverse. Whether formally diagnosed or self-identified, participants are welcome in this safe, supportive, and confidential space.
This group is for neurodivergent adults who are caregivers raising autistic and/or non-autistic children. It’s not a workshop, but a space to connect with others who share similar lived experiences. Members are encouraged to unmask, reflect, and share their journey without judgment.
Hosted by Maxine Share, an autistic parent and grandparent with decades of community involvement, the group offers a compassionate environment rooted in understanding and respect.
Date: January 20, 2026 @ 6:30 pm - January 20, 2026 @ 8:00 pm Venue: Virtual.
A Family Journey Through the Ontario Autism Program
Join us for an informative session with representatives from AccessOAP, who will guide caregivers through the key components of the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
During this workshop, you will:
● Learn about the eligibility criteria for the Ontario Autism Program (OAP)
● Gain an overview of the different services available through the OAP
● Have the opportunity to ask general questions about the OAP
This workshop is for caregivers of children and youth with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and who are registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
Date: January 20, 2026 @ 12:00 pm - January 20, 2026 @ 1:00 pm
Venue: Virtual
Please note: We are unable to answer specific questions about your child’s OAP status. Information will be provided about how to connect with an AccessOAP Care Coordinator for any family-specific questions.
Ask an SLP (Speech Language Pathologist) Exploring Language Development
Join a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) from Sunbeam Community & Developmental Services for a practical and interactive webinar focused on exploring language development for children 6 and under.
Caregivers of early language learners will learn strategies to support their child - whether they are not yet talking, using only single words, repeating everything (echolalia), or beginning to explore augmentative forms of communication.
This workshop is targeted to families and caregivers with children aged 0-6 yrs old who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder and are registered with the Ontario Autism Program (OAP).
This session will include a brief presentation and time to ask questions about helping your child strengthen their speech and language skills.
Key takeaways:
● Parents will feel more empowered and better equipped to support their child's language development
● Discover helpful tips to encourage communication at home
● Ask your questions directly to a qualified SLP
Date: January 21, 2026 @ 7:00 pm - January 21, 2026 @ 8:30 pm Venue: Virtual
SELF-CARE & THE POWER OF CONNECTION A Gathering for Black Parents of Children and Adults with a Disability
Join NACCA and Sawubona for a safe, affirming space for families of African descent to come together, share resources and expertise and support one another through the unique and often challenging journey of raising Black children or supporting a sibling of any age, with a disability.
Sawubona (pronounced SOW:'bɔh:nah) is a Zulu greeting meaning “I see you.” This workshop invites families and loved ones into a space that values community and connection. Featuring a keynote talk, Q&A, light refreshments and fellowship. Sunday, January 25, 2025 | NACCA Hub - 449 Eagle St | 1–3pm Register here
Parent Workshop Series
The Parent Workshop Series is a virtual, parent-only program consisting of 3 evening sessions for parents and guardians of students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD in Grade 7 or 8 in Ontario.
The goal of the program is to provide parents:
● Information and support to understand their child’s experience and potential more fully
● Skills to navigate the school system
● Ability to provide timely and targeted support
● Support to know they are not alone
3 Weekly Sessions: January 28, February 4, February 11, 2026 6:00-8:00pm EST Virtual
The program is FREE. To participate, please complete the registration form by January 16, 2026. For more information, contact (613) 533-6311
Community Resources for Cantonese and Mandarin Speaking Families
These services are offered in Cantonese and/or Mandarin: many of these services are free and others are offered on a sliding-fee scale to families.