Coming this Week!
In partnership with York Region Public Health, Elder's Mills is pleased to offer the Play Program. Students in grade 3 and 4 will have regular opportunities to join grade 8 play leaders in outdoor fun and games at recess. See flyer for details.
Elder's Mills Gives!
Thank you for your support with the Food Drive. We continue to accept donations year-round. See the flyer for December needs.
Thank you for supporting the success of the Holiday Heroes Toy Drive! Donations will be accepted until December 3rd.
Winter Concert is here!!!
Please join us for our annual EMPS Winter Concert!
Date: Tuesday December 9th
Time: Doors Open at 6:00pm. Concert starts at 6:30pm and will end around 8:00pm
Location: Emily Carr Secondary School - 4901 Rutherford Road, Vaughan
Prepare yourself to be amazed by the many dedicated, hard-working and talented students at Elder’s Mills Public School!
The 1st-Half of our Concert will feature our Grade 5 Bucket Drumming Ensemble as well as Two Beginning Concert Bands - Red and Green Band.
After a brief intermission, the 2nd-Half of the Concert will feature our Intermediate Band - the Soaring Eagles Concert Band. As well as the newly formed EMPS Jazz Band!
Tickets are $5.00 and all proceeds go to our Music Department for new instruments, repairs, equipment and music. We thank you for supporting the EMPS Music Department and Music Education in our community!
Grade 5 - 8 families are invited to purchase their tickets on school cash online.
All families are invited to attend. Families of students not participating in the concert can come out to support the event by calling the school directly to inquire about ticket purchases.
Thank you for your support!
Winter Vacation Plans?
With the Winter Break coming up, if you anticipate an extended absence from school for your child, please notify the office in writing (email elders.mills.ps@yrdsb.ca). Be sure to include the last day your child will be at school and your expected date of return.
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. All families are welcome to join School Council meetings. This month's meeting will be hosted in school staff room from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Child minding will be available in the library for school aged children.
If you are unable to attend in person, please join us at this virtual meet link: https://meet.google.com/mgw-ycda-mji
Lunch Clubs Are Here:
Our School Council volunteers are ready to start lunch clubs next week! There was an overwhelming interest in so many of the activities, our students will be very busy!
Here's what's starting this week:
Tuesday - Chess Club
Thursday - Creative Club
Friday - Book Club
The clubs are open to all ages and students were encouraged to sign up to help us organize numbers.
Coming soon are:
Monday -Yoga Club
Wednesday - Running Club
Friday - Girls Soccer Club
Students who signed up for Running, Yoga and Soccer received permission forms to complete and return prior to being able to participate.
We are a busy bunch at lunch!
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
Message from Our Trustee
December 2025
As trustees, it is a privilege to work alongside families and schools. Every day, we see incredible successes - big and small - taking place in classrooms and learning spaces across our Board. We are committed to celebrating those achievements and supporting families as you navigate the system to access the resources, programs and information you need.
Our schools and the Board host many events throughout the year for families—from information nights to cultural celebrations and community activities. These events provide wonderful opportunities to connect, learn and engage with the community. We encourage you to check your school’s calendar and the Board calendar regularly so you don’t miss these opportunities.
There are also some important registration dates coming up, including Kindergarten and French Immersion in January. Course selection also takes place in the coming months, which is a great time for students entering or currently in secondary school to explore the many options available to them.
Visit our school programs page for deadlines, details and to learn more about the many programs available to YRDSB students. These programs allow students to explore their interests, gain valuable experience and build transferable skills for the future.
We meet regularly as a Board of Trustees through monthly Board meetings and at regular committee meetings. Agendas and minutes are posted publicly so community members can stay informed.
A highlight of each monthly meeting is the Applause Awards, where we celebrate students, staff and community partners who are making a meaningful difference in our schools. These inspiring stories showcase student achievement, perseverance, and the power of communities coming together to support student learning and well-being
We also take time during our meetings to recognize Heritage months that reflect the diversity of our region and honour the identities of students, staff and families. This month, we recognize Christian Heritage Month; in January, we will celebrate Tamil Heritage Month, and in February, Black History Month. These observances give us an opportunity to pause and reflect on the contributions of these communities.
As we go into December, we want to take this opportunity to wish all families the very best for the holiday season and to wish you a safe, restful and enjoyable winter break.
Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair, Trustee, Vaughan Wards 2 and 3
Access Report Cards in the Family Dashboard
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.
YRDSB Mental Health Newsletter
The winter Mental Health Newsletter for Families and caregivers has a focus on navigating the holidays, getting back to school and connection. Schools administrators are encouraged to share this newsletter with their school, staff, and families.
https://www2.yrdsb.ca/node/4942
In the Community:
YRDSB Hanukkah Community Celebration
In celebration of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, the Network for Educators Supporting Jewish Learners (NESJL) is excited to invite all YRDSB staff and their families to a joyful and inclusive community gathering.
Date: Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Rosedale Heights P.S.
Registration: Please register online if you wish to attend. To assist us with planning the event, please tell us the number of attendees, including yourself, who will be attending.
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration that commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the oil lasting eight nights. It is a time for community, joy, light, and togetherness.
This event will highlight the traditions and significance of Hanukkah through interactive activities for all ages. Families will have the opportunity to enjoy cultural learning, crafts, music, and festivities that honour Jewish identity and community. Refreshments and treats connected to the holiday will be provided.
Join us as we come together to learn, celebrate, and share in the light of Hanukkah!
For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Students, families and staff, please join us as we come together to celebrate Kwanzaa!
This special event will honour African heritage, unity and culture and will be a time to reflect on the seven principles of Kwanzaa, enjoy cultural traditions and foster community spirit.
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025
Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Bill Hogarth S.S., Cafeteria. (100 Donald Sim Ave, Markham)
To assist us with planning the event, please register by December 1, 2025 using this registration link. Dinner will be provided.
Please see the flyer invitation or the www event link for more information and registration.
For more information, please contact the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System:
Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Families, parents, and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting, where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools. Please see the flyer below for more information and the registration link.
Growing Together - Planning for Success
Save the Date! The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Implementation Plan Team, is proud to announce the upcoming event for students, families and staff.
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.
2026 Prime Minister's Award Nominations Open
Consider nominating an educator for a 2026 Prime Minister’s Award! Download your nomination package today. Submit your nomination electronically by January 14, 2026.
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.
School Spirit Wear
The online store is open. Merchandise ordered will be delivered to the school every 3 weeks. All proceeds will fund school enhancements and programs. Shop online by following this link: https://stores.inksoft.com/eldersmills/shop/home
On the Horizon...
December
December is Christian Heritage Month
In December 2024, the Trustees of the York Region District School Board amended the Recognition of Heritage/Significant Months/Days list to include Christian Heritage Month in December.
December is a significant month for Christians, as it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. Christianity comprises various denominations, and Christmas is recognized and celebrated in diverse ways across the Christian community
1 School Council Meeting
4 Parent Connections: A Coffee Chat Series
9 Winter Concert at Emily Carr SS
10 Grade 3s Field Trip
14 - 22 Hanukkah
16 Las Posadas
19 Last Day of Classes 2025
21 Pancha Ganapati
21 December Solstice
25 Christmas
26 Kwanzaa
22 - January 2 Winter Holiday Break
