What's Happening at Elder's Mills
We have had a great start to the school year! We have a lot to look forward to this month and this year!
Please take the time to read through the information shared here about upcoming events, updates and reminders.
School Start up Package
The School Start-Up Package will be emailed to families and includes important information about our school. We kindly ask that you take some time to review it carefully.
Each year, families are also asked to complete a set of important forms to confirm they have reviewed and understand school and Board policies, and to provide necessary permissions. You will receive an email from the school board in the coming days with a link to complete these forms online.
For your convenience, paper copies have also been sent home with each child should you prefer to complete and return the forms in hard copy. Please ensure all forms—digital or paper—are submitted by Friday, September 19th.
Caring and Safe Schools
Dear Families,
As the new school year is beginning, students will be attending Caring and Safe Schools Start-Up Presentations. These presentations are presented by the administration and are designed to underscore behaviour expectations as we create a caring, safe and inclusive school environment. As families are critical partners, please continue discussions about school safety at home by asking your child what they have learned in the Start-Up Presentation.
Presentation topics include:
- Racism;
- Bullying;
- Progressive discipline;
- Personal mobile devices such as cell phones, smart watches, and tablets;
- Vaping for grades 7 & 8; and
- Standing up for each other, including methods of reporting incidents of racism, discrimination and bullying.
Inappropriate Behaviour
In the Start-Up Presentation, students are learning about anti-Black racism, other forms of racism, discrimination, and bullying. This learning will continue throughout the school year. 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 (including 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);
- Contacting Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868).
Mental Health
We will stress to students the importance of connection as we return to school. 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.
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. 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.
The planned dates for each presentation are listed below:
Grades 4 - 6: Tuesday, September 9th
Grade 3: Wednesday, September 10th
Grade 7 - 8: Thursday, September 11th
Allergies Alert!
At Elder’s Mills, we are a nut-aware school. Some of our students, including children in your child’s class, have life-threatening allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and their by-products. The medical term for this severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.
Students with anaphylaxis take important steps to keep themselves safe (e.g., not eating unknown foods, carrying an epi-pen, hand-washing, and eating in a separate space when needed). Our staff members are trained to recognize symptoms and to administer an epi-pen if required.
However, we cannot monitor every snack and lunch, so we rely on your support to help reduce the risk of accidental exposure. Please:
- Do not send any peanut/tree nut products to school.
- Remind your child that food is not to be shared with others.
- Do not send food items to school for sharing with classmates (e.g., birthdays or celebrations).
Your cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated in helping us maintain a safe school environment for all students.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.
EMPS is a Fragrance-Free Zone:
Staff, students, and all visitors to Board property are asked to be mindful of those who are sensitive to fragrances. Please consider voluntarily avoiding chemical-based scented products and choosing unscented alternatives instead.
At Elder’s Mills, we have staff and students with respiratory conditions that can be triggered by scents and fragrances. Reactions may include breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, and severe headaches. To help keep our school environment safe and comfortable for everyone, we ask that you refrain from sending your child to school wearing or carrying scented products.
Your attention, cooperation, and understanding are greatly appreciated.
Mobile Devices at School
Dear Elementary School Families,
This letter is to inform you about student use of personal mobile devices in schools, in particular, students must store their mobile device out of view, and power off or set to silent mode during the school day. As you may know, in 2024, the Ontario Ministry of Education introduced a directive modifying the use of personal mobile devices in classrooms. YRDSB already has Policy and Procedure 194.0 Appropriate Use of Technology and many measures around personal mobile devices are already in place. The changes bring alignment with the new Ministry Directive. The following expectations for students’ use of personal mobile devices are outlined in the revised Provincial Code of Conduct (PPM 128), and the York Region District School Board’s Policy #668 Caring and Safe Schools.
A personal mobile device is any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the internet, such as a laptop, cellphone, tablet or smart watch.
Expectations
Students are responsible for their personal mobile device, how they use it and the consequences of not following the provincial or school board policy.
Students’ personal mobile devices must be stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, except under the circumstances outlined below:
- for educational purposes, as directed by an educator
- for health and medical purposes
- to support special education needs
Students in Kindergarten to Grade 8 can bring a personal mobile device to school, but will only be able to use it before and after school. They may not use personal mobile devices at school during the school day, including recess and lunchtime, unless students leave school property for lunch.
Practices at School
If your child is in Kindergarten to Grade 6 and an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, the student may be required to bring their personal mobile device to the school administrator for the school day. The personal mobile device will be placed by the student in a storage area in a location designated by the school administrator.
If your child is in Grade 7 or 8 and an educator sees a personal mobile device that is not stored out of view and powered off or set to silent mode, the student may be required to place their personal mobile device in a storage area designated by the educator for the class or period.
If your child uses their personal mobile device inappropriately, progressive discipline may apply and families may be notified.
Resources
Families play an important role in teaching children about finding a healthy balance in using technology. You may wish to access the following resources:
- Media Smarts - Four Tips for Managing Your Kids’ Screen Time
- School Mental Health Ontario - Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health - Problem Gambling and Technology Use Treatment Services
For additional information regarding Policy/Program (PPM) 128, please visit the Ministry of Education’s Cellphones and other mobile devices in schools site or the York Region District School Board’s website.
Hot Lunch Program
The hot lunch fundraising program will begin September 22nd, 2025. All orders can be placed through Lunch Box on School Cash online. Orders can be placed weekly by Sunday evening. Follow this link to School Cash online: https://yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com/
The menu options at this time include:
Monday - Subway
Tuesday - Gino's Pizza
Wednesday - Astoria Shish Kebob House
Thursday - Hero Burger
Friday - Bar Burrito
See details in the flyers shared at the end of this page.
All funds raised will support the school's fundraising plan which includes enhancements to school programs in Literacy, STEM, Music, Physical Education, Athletics, Clubs and Activities and more!
Thank you for your support!
The Terry Fox Run @ EMPS 
This year, we are excited to participate in the Terry Fox School Run on Friday, September 25, 2025! For this year's Terry Fox School Run, we will #TryLikeTerry! Terry started a marathon against cancer and together, we can finish it. Our students will try to challenge themselves everyday with their own #TryLikeTerry challenge. Stay tuned for more details and ways to donate to your child's classroom campaign.
School Council
School councils play an important role in building school, family and community partnerships by providing input into relevant Board and school-level decisions and by encouraging the involvement of all members of the school community in support of student learning, achievement and well-being.
If you are interested in holding a leadership position on our School Council or nominating someone, please complete the School Council Nomination Form and submit it to the school. You may also contact the office to request a form. Please complete and submit this form by September 19th, 2025. Paper copies will be sent home with the School Start Up forms referred to earlier in this communication.
Join us for the first School Council meeting! At this meeting the School Council executive and members will be established. All parents are invited to attend this and all School Council meetings. You do not need to hold a formal position to be present, engaged and involved! We look forward to seeing you then and there.
Date: Thursday, September 25, 2025
Time: 6:30 - 8:00
In-person Location: Elder’s Mills school library
Virtual Location: connect by virtual meet link to be shared on the afternoon of the meeting date.
Message from Our Trustee
September 2025
Welcome back to school to all of our new and returning students and families. This is an exciting time, filled with new beginnings and new opportunities for learning, growth and connection. We look forward to another great school year together.
As a school board trustee, I have the privilege of representing our community. Trustees play an important role in shaping the direction of public education in York Region by setting the budget and policies, establishing priorities through our Multi-Year Strategic Plan and communicating with families. I look forward to connecting with many of you at school and Board events over the coming months and encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I will also continue to share important updates through these quarterly messages.
I also encourage you to stay connected with your child’s school. Your voice matters and we truly value the important partnership we share with families. In addition to school communications, you can stay connected by following the school board on social media, visiting our newsroom, listening to our Board podcast and exploring the Board website and refreshed school websites for information and updates.
We recognize this is a time of transition - whether your child is starting a new school, taking the school bus for the first time, or getting to know a new teacher, these early weeks can bring excitement and questions. Our caring and dedicated staff are here to support students and families every step of the way. We also understand that some students may be requesting timetable changes, and transportation services may still be finalizing routes. We thank you for your patience and understanding during this time, and want to assure you that we are working to support a smooth start for all.
We remain committed to delivering high-quality, inclusive public education that supports the success and well-being of every student. Our Multi-Year Strategic Plan guides our work and reflects our priorities: student achievement, mental health and well-being, human rights and inclusive education.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in education. I wish your family a wonderful start to the school year.
Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair, Trustee, Vaughan Wards 2 and 3
September is Ukrainian Heritage Month
The month of September is Ukrainian Heritage Month as proclaimed by the government of Ontario in 2024. Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2024.
Canada is home to more than 1.3 million Ukrainian-Canadians with records indicating that Ukrainians first immigrated to Canada in the month of September over 125 years ago. The Ukrainian-Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to cultural, social, and political fabric.
On the Horizon
Courage
19 Powley Day
23 - 25 Rosh Hashanah
25 School Council Meeting
25 Terry Fox School Run (29th Rain Date)
26 PA Day - No classes for students
30 Orange Shirt Day
30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
