Soaring Eagles Wins Gold @ Music Festival!
Congratulations to the Elder’s Mills Soaring Eagles Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble!
On March 10, both groups proudly represented our school at the Markham Winds Music Festival under the direction of Mr. Mellor. The day was filled with inspiring performances, meaningful learning, and a wonderful sense of joy and camaraderie. We are thrilled to share that both ensembles earned first place in their respective categories, bringing home Gold honours.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our families, School Council, and the broader community for their ongoing encouragement and support. This year’s performances were made even more special as students debuted their brand-new band uniforms, made possible through the generosity of our community. Band members also have the opportunity to purchase their own uniform to wear with pride at performances — or anytime they wish to celebrate their musical spirit.
Way to go, Eagles! We are incredibly proud of your dedication, teamwork, and outstanding achievement.
Eco Fair Showcases March 12, 2026
On Thursday, our school hosted an engaging Eco Fair that showcased student learning, creativity, and commitment to environmental stewardship. Students were challenged to investigate a specific environmental concern and develop a project that demonstrated a possible solution or meaningful improvement. Presentations reflected a wide range of thoughtful topics, including water conservation, structures designed to withstand natural disasters, innovative approaches to reducing ocean pollution, and ways to address various forms of waste in our waters, from physical trash to sound pollution.
Grades 3 to 8 students participated through rich classroom inquiries, making meaningful connections across subject areas such as Science, Geography, Mathematics, and Literacy. Our Intermediate students played an important leadership role, serving as judges for the younger grades and offering supportive feedback and encouragement. Selected projects will move forward to represent our school at the City of Vaughan’s Earth Hour Celebration on Saturday, March 28. We are very proud of the collaboration, critical thinking, and environmental awareness demonstrated by our students. Way to go Eagles!
School Spirit Day Dance and Activities!
Thanks to the generous support of our School Council, we are excited to welcome a DJ to our school on Friday, March 26 for a fun-filled School Spirit Dance! Students and staff are encouraged to show their school pride by wearing school spirit wear or school colours. Each class will be assigned a scheduled time to enjoy the music and dancing in the gym. We look forward to having all students participate in this event. We also recognize that some students may require accommodations for religious or personal considerations. Alternate activities are planned and will be supported by staff and School Council members and volunteers to ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Snack Shop opening soon!
Student Advisory Group Snack Shop
The Student Advisory Group (S.A.G.) at Elder’s Mills is a team of dedicated Grade 8 students who work to share student voice with staff and administration, while helping to plan initiatives, events, and actions that enhance the overall school experience.
In the coming weeks, the S.A.G. will be launching a Snack Shop. Proceeds will support this year’s and future Graduation activities, with a portion of the profits also being donated to the local youth charity, 360°kids.
The Snack Shop will operate four days each week:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays for students on the first floor
- Wednesdays and Fridays for students on the second floor
Available items will include popcorn, chips (regular and ketchup), cookies, and chocolate milk. All items are $2.00 each. Students will require vouchers to make purchases, with a maximum of two items per day. Please note that cash sales will not be available.
Snack Shop vouchers can be purchased through School Cash Online in bundles of $20.00. Vouchers will be securely stored at the school. Opportunities to purchase vouchers will open every two weeks throughout the program.
Please note that any unused funds remaining on vouchers at the end of the program will not be refunded.
The Snack Shop will run for 10 weeks, beginning the week of April 7 and concluding the week of June 8.
Vouchers are available for purchase on School Cash Online as of today, Friday, March 13, 2026.
Thank you for your support!
Hot Lunch
Hot Lunches will continue to be available through the Lunch Box Program on School Cash Online.
X-Press BBQ is moved to Thursdays and will start up again with the first lunch delivered April 2nd. Ordering is now open on School Cash online.
Hazard House @ Elder's Mills PS
As we continue our commitment to fostering a safe and informed learning environment and community, we are excited to bring to your attention the Hazard House Program, a dynamic and engaging initiative by Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service that has proven instrumental in educating students in Grades 3-8 about essential fire safety messages.
The Hazard House is an interactive and educational tool that simulates real-life fire scenarios in a controlled environment. Topics covered include escape planning, how and when to call 9-1-1, and a variety of fire prevention strategies. The house, along with the age specific presentations, offers a hands-on and memorable learning experience that equips students with practical knowledge on identifying and mitigating potential hazards. The presentation also covers a variety of curriculum expectations, including but not limited to:
Health and physical education curriculum expectations:
• Grade 3: B3.1 demonstrate behaviours and apply procedures that maximize safety and lessen the risk of injury
• Grade 4: D2.2 apply a decision-making process (personal safety and injury prevention)
• Grade 5: D1.1 identify trusted people that can assist with personal injury emergencies
• Grade 6: D3.2 demonstrate an understanding of safety practices and appropriate procedures when responding to a dangerous situation
• Grade 7 and 8: D2.2 demonstrate the ability to assess situations for potential dangers
Vaughn Fire and Rescue Services will be here at Elder’s Mills on Thursday, April 2rd to deliver this program to Grade 3-8 students.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school’s office directly for more information.
Message to Students: Important Notice: Increase in Phishing Emails Targeting Student Accounts
The notice below was shared to students GAPPS accounts by YRDSB earlier this week. It is shared with you here for your reference and information.
Dear Students,
There is an increase in phishing emails targeting student GAPPS accounts. Some students have provided their login information, which allowed unauthorized individuals to access their accounts. These accounts have since been secured.
Here is how you can protect your accounts:
How You Can Protect Your Accounts
- YRDSB will never ask for your GAPPS login username or password by email, form or link.
- Never enter your password on a website you reached through an email link.
- Check the sender’s email address carefully, even if the name looks familiar.
- Do not open unexpected links or attachments.
- If something seems suspicious, do not interact with it
If You Think Your Account Has Been Compromised
If you entered your password on a suspicious website or notice unusual activity on your account:
- Stop interacting with the email or website immediately.
- Notify your teacher right away and report the suspicious email. Your teacher will escalate the issue to the Cybersecurity Team so the account can be secured.
- The Cybersecurity Team will reset the password and review the account activity to ensure it has been properly secured.
Please review the common types of phishing emails and how to recognize them.
Common Types of Phishing Emails
1. Fake Account Security Alerts
These emails claim there is a problem with your account and ask you to click a link to “verify” or “secure” it.
Examples may include messages such as:
- “Your account will be suspended unless you verify immediately.”
- “Suspicious activity detected. Click here to secure your account.”
These messages often include a link that leads to a fake login page designed to steal your password.
2. Messages Pretending to Be from a Teacher or School Staff
Attackers may send emails that appear to come from a teacher, administrator or school department.
They may ask you to:
- Open a shared document.
- Download a file.
- Sign into a form.
- Confirm your account information.
If the request seems unusual or urgent, confirm with the sender before clicking anything.
3. Fake Shared Documents or Google Drive Files
You may receive an email saying that someone has shared a document or file with you.Before opening the document:
- Check who actually sent the file.
- Be cautious if the sender is unfamiliar.
- Be suspicious if the document asks you to log in again.
4. Messages Creating Urgency or Pressure
Phishing emails often try to make you act quickly so you do not stop to think.
Examples include:
- “Act now or your account will be deleted”
- “Your mailbox is full”
- “Immediate action required”
Legitimate school communications will not ask you to enter your password through an unexpected email link.
Spring is Here!
With warmer weather comes mud and puddles. Please make sure your child is dressed for outdoor play each day. Students will continue to go outside for recess unless it is raining.
To help keep everyone comfortable and ready to learn, we recommend sending a change of clothes (such as extra pants and socks) and an extra pair of shoes. Students should also have indoor shoes at school.
Please remember to label all clothing and personal items. Thank you for your support!
Going on vacation? Please report your absence!
March Break is almost here! If you are planning a vacation and know that you will not be returning to school by Monday, March 23, please remember to submit your child’s absence through EDSBY or email the school’s attendance email at: elders.mills.ps.attendance@yrdsb.ca.
When the school cannot confirm a child’s absence, we follow our Safe arrival procedures and this may include reaching out to York Regional Police to help locate and ensure the safety of your child. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Are you moving?
Is your family planning a move? If your child is currently attending Elder’s Mills and you know that they will be changing schools for September, please let our office team know as soon as possible. This information will support our planning for September. Please send an email to elders.mill.ps@yrdsb.ca. Thank you.
Dismissal Safety Reminder
Student safety during dismissal is a priority for our school community. We ask families to help ensure that pick-up routines support a safe and orderly environment for everyone.
Students should not walk or run through the parking lot to meet a parent or caregiver. The parking lot is an active area with vehicles moving in and out, and crossing between cars creates a safety risk.
If you are picking up your child by vehicle, please pull up to the designated pick-up area in the Kiss'n'Ride so your child can enter your vehicle safely from the curb.
Families who park along the road may meet their child there. Students may use the sidewalk along the parking lot to walk safely to meet a parent or caregiver who has parked on Rota. Wherever possible parents and caregivers are encouraged to come to the Kiss'n'Ride area to meet their child and walk together to their parked vehicle.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe dismissal for all students.
School Council
Visit the School Council pages on the website for upcoming dates and events: https://eldersmills-ps.yrdsb.ca/school-council
Our next Coffee Chat is planned for Tuesday, April 7 at 11:00 a.m. at the school. The Coffee Chat is an open invitation to parents to drop in for some learning and conversation with members of School Council, school staff and administration. This sessions focus will be on Math including resources, supports and conversations about how we can support math learning at home. Bring your own treats; coffee and tea are provided. We look forward to seeing you then and there. Stay tuned for proposed discussion topics.
The School Council invites you to get involved. Please reach out if you are interested in volunteering to support the upcoming Spring Fair event planned for May 21, 2026. Email School Council at elders.mills.ps@sc.yrdsb.ca
The next School Council meeting this Monday, June 1, 2026. Hope to see you there!
COBS Bread Dough Raiser Program
The Elder's Mills Public School community has the opportunity to participate in the COBS Bread Dough Raiser program. Each time the families of Elder's Mills Public School purchase a product at COBS Bread Kleinburg and they mention they’re raising dough for Elder's Mills Public School, their staff will process a % donation of the total sale back to the school. We hope that if and when our community shops at COBS Bread Kleinburg they will remember to mention the school!
Any funds raised continue to support the goals in the school's Fundraising plan which include program enhancements such as technology, field trips, athletics and more!
Parent and Caregiver Mental Health Event
Join YRDSB for an evening dedicated to building emotional connections and supporting student well-being. This panel discussion, “How to Support Youth and Conversations about Mental Health at Home,” features youth with lived experience from YouthSpeak Charity , Clinical Psychologist Dr. Wendy Manel (CMHA), and YRDSB Mental Health Lead Patricia Marra-Stapleton.
Event Details
When: April 16, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Registration starts at 6:00 PM)
Where: Westmount Collegiate Institute (1000 New Westminster Dr., Thornhill)
Who: All YRDSB elementary and secondary parents and caregivers.
Registration & Accessibility
Register through the Monthly Parent/Caregiver Mental Health Newsletter, the YRDSB Events Page, or your school’s Mental Health Liaison. Interpretation services will be available in select languages (details on the registration form).
IMPORTANT REMINDER:
ELDER'S MILLS IS A SCENT-FREE/FRAGRANCE FREE LEARNING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
There are staff & students in attendance who suffer from life-threatening asthmatic conditions to air pollutants. Exposure even to minimal odours may cause potential life-threatening reactions. Very common severe chemical triggers are: perfume, cologne, scented products and personal care products (such as hairspray). These products may cause severe reactions for students. The safety and well-being of all of our staff and students is a priority.
In order to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, we request that our school community refrain from wearing scented personal products at school and all school events. Please ensure that all caregivers and family members are also aware.
March
March is Hellenic Heritage Month, Persian Heritage Month, Bangladeshi Heritage Month
Character Trait - Perseverance
16 - 20 March Break
17 Irish Heritage Day
20 Eid-U-Fitr
21 Naw-Ruz/Nowruz
21 World Down Syndrome Day
26 Term 1 Celebration Assembly
27 School Spirit Dance and Activities
27 Earth Hour
28 EMPS Eco Showcase and Eco Band @ Vaughan City Hall Earth Hour Event
We extend our warmest wishes to Muslim students, staff and families for a peaceful and joyous Eid ul-Fitr celebration.
We extend best wishes to all staff, students, and community members celebrating Naw Ruz over the March Break on March 21st!
To our Christian staff, students, and families who are observing Lent, we wish you a peaceful season filled with grace, reflection, and renewal.
