New School Organization
As a follow-up to our communication on September 18, the school has now completed its reorganization. As we had shared, changes in our enrolment between June and September, along with the need to comply with the Ministry of Education’s Class Size Compliance requirements and to maintain acceptable class sizes in the Junior and Intermediate divisions, required us to make modifications to our classroom organization. These changes take effect September 22, 2025.
To support a positive learning environment for all students, we have reorganized our classes and reduced them by one classroom and one teacher. Specifically, the number of homeroom classes has been reduced from 21 to 20 through the dissolution of the Grade 4/5 class. Students from this class have been welcomed into the existing Grade 4 and Grade 5 classes.
In addition, it is with great regret that we inform you that Mme Petra Ghaly will be reassigned to another school. We sincerely thank her for her contributions to our community and wish her every success in her new role. She will be greatly missed.
This reorganization has also resulted in changes to teaching assignments in several classes. Please see the updated classroom organization and teacher assignments outlined below. Class codes have also been adjusted and will be reflected in Edsby once completed.
We sincerely thank all staff, families, and students for their patience, support, and understanding throughout this transition.
Sincerely,
Eugenia Korinis Bernard Meagher
Principal Vice-Principal
New EMPS Organization
September 22, 2025
Grade/Subject Assignment | Teacher | Grade/Subject Assignment | Teacher |
3 | Mme Constantin | 5/6 | M. Petrilli |
3 | Mme Nosib | 7 | M. Ghomffo |
3 | Mme Sampogna | 7 | Mr. Gregoriou |
3 | Mme Trivedi | 7/8 | Mme Gungadin |
3 | Mme Yususf | 7/8 | Mme Wright |
4 | Mme Bianchi (Mme Parameswaran LTO) | 8 | Mme Bonofiglio |
4 | Mme O’Driscoll | 8 | Mr. Kouri |
4 | Mme Singh | Primary/Junior Prep | Mme Zhu , Mme Bianco |
5 | Mme Belleli | Junior/Intermediate Music | Mr. Mellor |
5 | Mme Fancy | Pr/Jr/Int Phys Ed | M. Kakar |
5 | Mme Nakhla | Jr/Int Art and Library | Mme Mahmoudi |
6 | M. Jaureguizuria | SERT/Gr 6 Eng/Math | Mme Bassett |
6 | Mme Konjikusic |
School Start up Information Update:
Contact Information
We ask families to ensure the school office has the most up-to-date contact information. This is important in case of emergency situations. If your contact information has changed, please notify the school office.
School Start-Up Forms
Parents/guardians received an email from YRDSB Update with instructions to complete start-up forms. It is important that these forms are completed as soon as possible at the start of the school year as they contain information and permissions.
The forms can be found in the family dashboard at family.yrdsb.ca. Click on the arrow by your child’s name and select the start-up forms button. You can choose your language. Please follow these steps for each child. Forms will automatically populate with your child’s information through the Dashboard.
Learn how to create a Family Dashboard account if you do not have one.
The forms are also available online at https://startupforms.yrdsb.ca. You will need your child’s student number. Tips are available on the Board website. Translation is also available on the website.
Please note: You must complete a separate form for each child attending school. If you prefer to complete the forms on paper or have questions about the information in the forms, please contact the school office.
Safety Week
The York Region School Board is committed to ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors in the event of an emergency situation. As such, during Safety Week (September 22 - October 3, 2025) and throughout the school year, schools in our Board practise various safety drills, including Fire Drills, Lockdown Drills, Hold and Secure Drills and the newly established Bomb Threat Drill. It is critical that all members of our school community become familiar with emergency protocols as they are designed to keep all of us safe at school. Please refer to Board Policy #669.0 for more information about Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management.
Practising drills may create some anxiety for some students. If you are concerned about how these situations might impact the mental health and well-being of your child, please contact school administrators, as we have school mental health professionals available to support your child.
General Supports for Emotional Well-Being
- 310-COPE: 905-310-COPE (2673) or 1-855-310-COPE (2673) - available 24/7
- KidsHelpPhone: 1-800-668-6868, text 686868 - available 24/7
- Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600 - available 24/7
- York Hills Help Phone Line: 905-503-9561 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for children and youth (0-18 years) and their parents, caregivers or adult supporters.
- Trans Lifeline
- Black Youth Helpline
- Naseeha Helpline/
Terry Fox School Run @ Elder’s Mills PS:
We are excited about our upcoming Terry Fox School Run, scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 25, 2025. For families who wish to donate, please do so using the website link: https://schools.terryfox.ca/68828 We hope that we can continue to show the great strength and resiliency of our school community through Terry’s message of hope and strength. Last year we raised $1700.00. Our goal this year is to reach $2100! We are pleased to announce that as of this morning, we have surpassed this goal by over $150. It appears that Mme Korinis and M. Meagher are going to have to follow through on their surprise! So, we've added another goal: if the school reaches $3000 by Wednesday, there is another surprise in store. Let’s spread the news and reach our goal!
All students are invited to wear School Spirit wear or school colours Red, Black and White on Thursday, September 25.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Hot Lunch Programs:
The hot lunch fundraising program will begin September 22nd, 2025. We are offering options through Lunch Box on School Cash online, Monday to Friday, in addition to an option on Wednesday from BBQ Express.
The LunchBox options listed below 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
New this season:
BBQ Express items are available on Wednesdays for a limited time, purchased directly through School cash online. Details outlined below:
BBQ EXPRESS - $12.00
BBQ EXPRESS for the month of October ONLY!
We are so excited to introduce for the first time, lunch from BBQ Express.
In addition to the LunchBox option, this lunch will be offered on Wednesdays for the month of October ONLY.
EMPS will offer a BBQ Chicken lunch on Wednesdays starting on October 1st through to October 29.
This is a five week pilot project and extending this lunch item during the school year will depend on our families' responses.
Families have the option to purchase:
- an individual portion sized, lightly breaded BBQ Chicken breast, cooked on a skewer, with rice and potatoes. Chicken is Halal and the skewer is removed; or
- same as above as a gluten-free option where the Chicken is not breaded
Please go to School Cash online if you are interested in placing an order.
Please not the BBQ express is a 5-week commitment.
PAYMENT DEADLINE for BBQ Express is September 28, midnight. with delivery on October 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.
Late Orders and Refunds cannot be accommodated.
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!
Meet the Teacher!
On Thursday evening October 9, you are invited to join us for Meet the Teacher Night. We are so excited to be opening up our doors to our families this evening!
Teachers will open their classrooms from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. for families to visit. Families will have the opportunity to meet the teacher and learn about classroom routines, expectations, hear about the learning themes and goals for the grade, and to see the classroom.
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.
Dogs on School Property:
We kindly remind families that dogs are not permitted on school property, including during drop-off and pick-up times. While we understand many of our students enjoy pets, this rule is in place to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of all students and staff. Thank you for helping us keep our school grounds safe and welcoming for everyone.
More news....
Click on the link below for access to flyers about opportunities in YRDSB, Elder's Mills and the community: Week 3 @ EMPS
On the Horizon:
September - Courage
23 - 25 Rosh Hashanah
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
October
2 Yom Kippur
7 Photo Day
9 Meet the Teacher night
13 Thanksgiving - School Closed
14 - 15 Intermediate Field Trip
16 - 17 Area Cross Country Meet
20 Diwali