Week 20 @ EMPS - Friday, January 30, 2026

STEM in Action @ EMPS

There’s been a lot of energy in the library as students get ready for next week’s LEGO® Robotics competition. The team has been busy building, testing, and improving their robots, applying what they’ve been learning in science, technology, coding and math in very real ways.

A special shout-out goes to one of our own students, who designed this year’s competition T-shirt that will be worn by all teams at the event. We’re proud to see student creativity recognized beyond our school walls.

Best of luck to our robotics team as they head into the competition! We're excited to see their hard work in action and we'll update you on their achievements next week!

Go Eagles Go!

Mittens and Melodies @ EMPS

Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 6:30-7:15

Students have been preparing for this special winter performance, and we look forward to sharing their learning with you. There will be presentations from Grade 3 classes, Mme Belleli's Grade 5, Mme Parameswaran's Grade 4 classes and an ensemble from the Soaring Eagles Band. Information was shared with families of participating classes and students.

Information about ticket purchasing will be shared on School Cash online and available until Tuesday midnight.

We look forward to seeing our families there! Funds raised will go towards replacing and purchasing new instruments and other materials which support our Primary and Junior Music and Arts programs.

Our students are a talented, hard-working group, and the ongoing support of our families and community, together with the dedication of our teachers and school staff, is what makes opportunities like this possible at Elder's Mills. Merci!

Junior Volleyball:

Our Junior Boys and Junior Girls Volleyball teams brought incredible energy, teamwork, and school spirit to last week’s tournaments! Both teams faced tough competition and gave it their all, showing true cooperation and determination on the court. The Junior Boys made it to the semi-finals, finishing fourth, an impressive achievement! We are so proud of all our players and can’t wait to see them spike, serve, and score even more next year!

EXTREME COLD WEATHER (YRDSB POLICY/PROCEDURE)

Cold temperatures and the presence of ice and snow make winter in Canada a naturally more hazardous season. When severe weather occurs, such as blizzards, freezing rain or extreme wind chill, conditions that are already challenging can become even more dangerous. As with all severe and hazardous weather, knowing what to expect and how to prepare your child is essential.

Winter temperatures in the minus teens and even minus twenties are not uncommon for many Ontario students to face as they travel to and from school. Health authorities, such as York Region Public Health Services, advise that risks arising from cold weather come from prolonged exposure of unprotected skin.

Strategies

Refer to Environment Canada’s Information about Cold Weather or Environment Canada's Information about Wind Chill Index
Students are to come to school ready for winter and prepared to be outdoors for both recess (20 mins) and lunch recess (40 mins).
When temperatures and/or wind chill reach minus 20 degrees Celsius or colder, students will remain inside for indoor recess/lunch recess.
When temperatures and/or wind chill reach minus 18-19 degrees Celsius, the outdoor portion of recess/lunch recess will be shortened.
Students with health concerns, such as, but not limited to, heavy colds, coughs and flu, which are serious enough to prevent them from participating in physical education, recesses or other outdoor activities, should remain at home until the condition improves.
Children need to be dressed properly for our invigorating winter days. It is advisable for students to bring extra pants and socks. A change is often necessary due to the wet and cold weather of the winter months. To avoid adding to the clothing collection in the Lost and Found, parents/guardians should be advised to label all articles of clothing, including but not limited to, boots, hats, mitts/gloves, scarves, and snow pants.
Remind your child to engage in physical activity while outdoors, such as walking or playing, to increase metabolism – which generates more body heat.

Late Arrivals - Please note!

Consistent, punctual attendance is very important. Learning occurs daily, right from the beginning of the school day. Frequent, repeated late arrivals and absences result in missed learning for students, disruptions to the routine of the classroom and missed opportunities to develop socially. A high volume of students are arriving late to school (not including late buses). Attendnace impacts your child’s learning in several ways. We request your support in getting your child to school on time and developing positive habits about school attendance.

Planning a Vacation or extended absence?

If you are planning an extended absence from school for your child, please notify the office in writing (email elders.mills.ps.attendance@yrdsb.ca). Be sure to include the last day your child will be at school and your expected date of return.

Contact Information

We ask families to ensure the school office has the most up-to-date contact information. This is important in case of emergencies and to ensure you receive important school communications. If your contact information has changed, please contact the school office. This includes phone numbers, addresses and email addresses.

Yearbook

Staff and students are collaborating to create a 64-page, full-colour yearbook filled with highlights and memories from the school year. Yearbooks are $32.00 and are now available for purchase through School Cash Online.

Yearbook Photos - Consent

Yearbooks chronicle the activities of the school and student body. They are produced for sale (hard copy or digital) to students and the school community. School yearbooks may be placed in the school library in hardcopy or electronic format.

Class photos, photos of your child's participation in school clubs, activities and events, work products by your child, and your child's achievements may be published in the yearbook along with their grade and full name.

Please complete and submit this form if you DO NOT CONSENT to your child's photo and/or name being published in the yearbook. Complete a separate form for each child. Submit by March 27, 2026.

Student Personal Information Consent Form

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

Message from Our Trustee

February 2026

There’s a lot happening as we move into the second half of the school year, and I want to share some updates and opportunities.

Programs and Opportunities

Well done to all secondary school students who have completed their exams and are starting a new semester with new courses and teachers.

We encourage students to connect with their guidance counselors and to learn about the many secondary programs and courses available - programs that let students explore their interests, gain transferable skills and get hands-on experience that will benefit them in the future. Opportunities include earning college credits, workplace certifications, lifeguarding certifications and real on-the-job experience - all while earning high school credits.

Our elementary and secondary schools also offer a variety of clubs where students can meet peers with similar interests, take on leadership roles and try new things. Getting involved is a great way to build connections and skills.

We also regularly host events to help students and families learn about different pathways and programs and to bring communities together. Check your school newsletters and the Board calendar so you don’t miss these opportunities.

Black History Month

Throughout the Board and community, events are being held to celebrate Black History Month. We look forward to honoring the contributions of Black Canadians and creating opportunities for community to come together.

Kindergarten Registration is Open

Is your child turning 4 or 5 in 2026? Or do you know someone who is? Kindergarten helps children develop the academic and social skills they need to thrive in Grade 1 and beyond. Our skilled and caring teams of certified teachers and early childhood educators work together to support every child in a welcoming, inclusive environment. Start your journey at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten.

Preparing Students for the Future

As a school board, we know that it is important that we continue to evolve to meet the needs of a rapidly changing society. That includes preparing students to use artificial intelligence (AI) effectively, appropriately and safely. We are developing guidelines for educators, students and families to support responsible AI use. While AI can support student learning, it does not replace student work. We teach and encourage critical thinking and honesty when using these tools. More will be shared in the near future.

Student Trustee Elections

We are also in the middle of the student trustee elections for next school year. This is an excellent opportunity for students in Grades 5-12 to participate in the democratic process. Student trustees represent student voice at the board table, influencing discussions about policy, budget and more. The final vote takes place later in the month and students will receive an email to their GAPPs with information on candidates and how to vote.

York Region Presidents’ Council

Student Trustees work closely with the York Region Presidents’ Council. The council includes leadership from all secondary school student councils. All secondary school students are welcome to attend their meetings and receive invitations in their GAPPS email. It’s a great opportunity for students to get involved and have their voices heard.

Wishing You Success

We wish all students and families the very best as we begin this second half of the school year and look forward to spring break ahead.

I encourage you to reach out to me if you have any questions.

Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair, Trustee, Vaughan Wards 2 and 3

School Council

Visit the School Council pages on the website for upcoming dates and events: https://eldersmills-ps.yrdsb.ca/school-council

The next School Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 2, 2026. All parents/guardians are invited to attend. Meetings are hosted in the school staffroom and remotely via meet link. We look forward to seeing you!

Rangla Virsa Mela- Celebrating Sikh & Punjabi Heritage

In honour of Sikh Heritage Month, Sikh Educators Voice Alliance (SEVA)

invites students, families, staff, and community members to take part in Rangla Virsa Mela, a joyful celebration of Punjabi and Sikh culture, history, and creativity.

This event is a chance for students and families to share their talents, learn from one another, and celebrate the values at the heart of Sikh identity, equality, social justice, compassion, and seva (selfless service). We also hope to help everyone learn about Sikh beliefs and Punjabi cultural traditions, and how they are connected but not the same. Our goal is to explore these differences in a warm, welcoming, and inclusive way that supports understanding for all families.

Date: Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: Tommy Douglas S.S. (4020 Major Mackenzie Dr, Vaughan)

Participation Call Out for Rangla Virsa Mela

Ways to Participate

We welcome contributions of all skill levels, including: