EMPS IS A FRAGRANCE AND SCENT-FREE ZONE
Staff, students and all other persons who are invited to or who work on Board property are asked to be considerate of those who are sensitive to fragrant chemicals by refraining from chemical-based scented products and replacing them with unscented alternatives. This will reduce the use of fragranced products in our environment.
We have staff and students at Elder’s Mills who have respiratory issues such as asthma, allergies and bronchitis. Their reactions to chemicals from scents and fragrances can be more frequent, uncomfortable and intensified when exposed to strong fragrances. Your attention and consideration of this is appreciated.
ACCESS REPORT CARDS IN THE FAMILY DASHBOARD WHEN AVAILABLE
Schools will be sharing student report cards for all students Kindergarten to Grade 12 in the Family Dashboard. You will receive an email when your child’s report card is available.
- For families who do not yet have a Family Dashboard account, you can sign up for an account at any time at family.yrdsb.ca. You can find information on how to create an account on the Board website or in this instructional video.
- For families who have a Family Dashboard account, but have forgotten their password: from the login screen, select “forgot password” to create a new password.
The Family Dashboard gives parents/guardians secure one-stop access to information and applications related to your child’s education. It is designed to make it easier for families to engage with their child’s education.
Updated Contact Information
We also want to remind families that it’s important that the school has updated contact information for students and parents/guardians, including home address, phone numbers, email address and emergency contacts. This will ensure that the school can contact families in case of emergency, and also that you continue to receive important communications and updates from the school. Please contact the school directly with any changes.
Winter Weather
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.
School Council
Our next School Council meeting is planned for Monday, December 1, 2025. Details and a virtual meet link for families who wish to join virtually will be shared as the date approaches.
Lunch Clubs Are Here: Our School Council volunteers will be starting a variety of lunch clubs in the coming weeks! The include Reading Club, Creative Club, Chess Club, Running Club, Yoga Club, and Soccer Club! Students are encouraged to listen to morning announcements for information about start dates. Students who signed up for Running, Yoga and Soccer will be receiving a permission form to complete and return prior to being able to participate. We are a busy bunch at lunch!
Volunteering at Our School: We truly value the time and support our volunteers bring to our school community! A reminder that all volunteers are required to have a current Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) completed through York Region Police services before volunteering in the school or on school trips. This requirement helps ensure a safe and caring environment for all students. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the school office for information on how to obtain or update your screening.
MEETINGS + EVENTS 2025
December 1: School Council (SC) Meeting
Elder’s Mills PS Library in-person; meet link to be shared on day of meeting
December 4: Parent Connections: Coffee Chat Series
An informal and welcoming space to connect with parents, school admin, sharing and exchanging ideas. Come prepared to discuss and exchange ideas on the following topics:
- Building Smoother Morning Routines
- Managing Screen Time
Join us from 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Please RSVP by completing and submitting the form at the link below. RSVP by December 1st.
RSVP Parent Connections Coffee Chat Series
These sessions are for Elder's Mills Parents/caregivers only.
Future Coffee Chat dates: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Friday, June 12, 2026
Save the Date: PJs + Popcorn Movie Night
Get ready to grab the popcorn and throw on your PJs!
The School Council is rolling out the red carpet for a super fun Family Movie Night on Thursday, January 22, 2026!
Please mark your calendars for a cozy evening that your young movie stars won't want to miss! We're planning to invite some fantastic local community members and vendors to join the fun.
Full details on the movie, showtime, and ticket information will be coming your way soon.
We can't wait to see you there!
Stay Informed!
Please continue to read the weekly newsletter for up-to-date information related to SC Meetings, Lunch Clubs, and Events.
Interested in getting involved? Please email us at: elders.mills.ps@sc.yrdsb.ca
Don't Forget... the campaign continues
On the Horizon...
La Justice
November is Hindu Heritage Month, Lebanese Heritage Month
12 - Dec 4 EMPS Holiday Heroes Campaign
24 - 5 Dec - Grade 3 Gifted Screening Window - details shared with Grade 3 families
December
1 School Council Meeting
4 Parent Connections: A Coffee Chat Series
9 Winter Concert at Emily Carr SS - SAVE THE DATE!!!
19 Last Day of Classes 2025
22 - January 2 Winter Holiday Break
Flyers of stuff happening in the Community:
