The Amazing AMAZING RACE Night @ EMPS!
Thank you to all of our families, students, staff and the YRES team who joined us for our Math/STEM Family Night April 30. It was wonderful to see our school community come together to explore, play, and learn through math.
The energy in the building was truly something special. From problem-solving challenges to hands-on STEM activities, there was a sense of curiosity, collaboration, and joy in every room. It was especially meaningful to watch families working together by side—thinking, questioning, and celebrating successes together.
Nous remercions toutes les familles, les élèves et les membres du personnel qui ont participé à notre soirée mathématiques/STIM. Ce fut un réel plaisir de vous voir apprendre et vous amuser ensemble. Votre engagement contribue grandement au développement de la confiance et du plaisir d’apprendre en mathématiques chez nos élèves.
We are so grateful for your continued support and engagement. Events like this highlight the powerful role that families play in nurturing confidence and positive attitudes toward mathematics. We hope the evening sparked great conversations at home and maybe even a few new favourite math games!
Thank you again for being such an important part of our learning community.
EMPS is ECO-Friendly!
Our school community came together to culminate Earth Day celebrations with a special assembly and our 20-Minute Makeover on April 29. Students and staff showed pride and teamwork as they worked to care for our school grounds and reflect on the importance of protecting our environment. It was inspiring to hear about student’s achievement with their Eco projects as well as the Eco Banner team’s success at the Vaughan City Hall competition. Together, we are reminded that everyone can take action and make a positive difference—every small step counts!
The Snack Shop Fundraiser!
The Student Advisory Council Snack Shop Fundraiser has gained the interest of so many students! Vouchers are available for purchase on School Cash Online. Vouchers sold last week will be ready for use by Tuesday, May 5. Sales will open again next week for redeeming the week of May 18.
A few notes on how the Snack Shop works:
- Vouchers only. No cash purchases.
- First floor classes - Tuesdays and Thursdays
- Second floor classes - Wednesdays and Fridays
- Vouchers available for purchase on School Cash online every two weeks until the end of May
- Snack Shop closes June 11
- All items are $2.00
- Two items per student per visit
Hot Lunch News!
The last block of X-Press BBQ lunches opened on School Cash online today and will close on May 10th. Families interested in this option for Thursdays, will find details on School Cash online.
Arrivals to School
Consistent late arrivals impact your child’s learning in several ways. We request your support in getting your child to school on time.
Classes start and attendance is taken at 8:45 a.m. If you are driving your child to school, or if they are walking, they can arrive as early as 8:30 a.m. when supervision is available in the school. Parents and caregivers please support positive habits about school attendance.
We have a high volume of late arrivals that are not attributed to late buses. If you know that your child will be arriving late to school, please indicate this in Edsby. Students not accounted for when attendance is taken are considered absent until they arrive. Your communication about late arrival supports us in ensuring all students are safe at school.
Please let us know how we may support you and your child in setting them up for success as we come to the end of this term and prepare for the next school year.
Student behaviour on the bus:
Please remind your child of the expected code of conduct on the school bus
- The expectations for behaviour on the school bus are the same as those for behaviour at school
- Instances where students are not respecting school bus rules will be reported to the school office to be addressed by the administration
- Consequences for repeated misbehaviour may include a removal of bus privileges
Please do not hesitate to report concerns to the school.
2026 - 2027 School Year Calendar:
The YRDSB 2026-2027 school year calendars have been approved by the Ministry. These calendars may be accessed on the YRDSB website at: https://www2.yrdsb.ca/school-year-calendar.
Families planning to move or students not returning in September
As we begin our planning for the 2026-2027 school year, we kindly ask you to inform the school office if your family has plans to move over the summer, or if your children will not be returning in September for any reason. This information helps us to ensure a smooth transition for all students and to make necessary staffing arrangements for the upcoming academic year.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated and helps us in planning effectively for the new school year. Thank you for your support.
School Council News and updates:
Volunteer/Get Involved:
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! Support the Vaughan Food Bank:
Visit the School Council pages on the website for upcoming dates and events: https://eldersmills-ps.yrdsb.ca/school-council
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week:
YRDSB is proud to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week from May 4th to May 8th, 2026.
To complement the incredible work already happening in our classrooms, the Central Mental Health Team has curated a comprehensive Family Toolkit. Within the toolkit, you can find helpful tips on how to support mental health as well as Live & Recorded Presentations: Facilitated by the Central Mental Health Team, York Region Public Health and external presenters. Included are also carefully selected tools to support student well-being.
We aim to foster emotional connection and enhance identity-affirming spaces where every student feels a deep sense of mattering and belonging.
We invite you to explore the Family Toolkit to choose resources that best fit your family’s journey. Together, let’s continue building a community where every student knows they belong.
Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter
Spring Mental Health Newsletter for families and caregivers has a focus on Children's Mental Health Awareness Week and the end of the school year.
Click here: Spring Newsletter
PEAC New Member Application
York Region District School Board is accepting applications for membership on the Board’s Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) between May 14 and June 10, 2026. Please share this information with your school communities by using the newsletter insert provided below. A letter will also be sent to families later in May when applications open.
Family members interested in serving as a member of PEAC are asked to submit an application between May 14 and June 10, 2026.
PEAC supports, encourages and enhances parent, family and community engagement at the Board level in order to improve student achievement and well-being. It represents the collective voice of parents/guardians who have children attending public schools in York Region. Members are expected to attend a minimum of five meetings each year. The first meeting date for the new membership is December 3, 2026, which is a joint meeting with our Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC).
Interested parents/guardians and community members are invited to submit an application using an online application form that will be available on the PEAC website May 16. For a copy of the application, please contact Leadership Development and Engagement via email at lde@yrdsb.ca or by phone at 905-727-0022 ext. 3650.
Informational Video
Interested applicants are invited to view an informational video to learn more about this family engagement opportunity.
For more information, please visit the YRDSB PEAC website or contact lde@yrdsb.ca.
York Region Summer Programs 2026
York Region offers subsidies for recreation programs, day camps and youth overnight camps. Recreation programs and day camp subsidies provide children from families with low income the ability to take part in programs offered by the municipal recreation departments. The youth overnight camp funding helps eligible youth ages 12 to 17 attend an approved overnight camp.
Available Subsidies for:
- Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY)
- Summer day camp funding
- Youth overnight camp funding
York Region does not guarantee space in programs or camps.
Please visit the York Region website for registration and information or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or https://www.york.ca/support/financial-assistance/recreation-subsidies
Information can also be found on the YRDSB Community Supports Page.
East Asian Heritage Celebration
In honour of Asian Heritage Month, Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) invites you to an evening celebrating East Asian heritage. This event will include cultural performances, displays, food and cultural exchange through activities and displays that highlight the histories, cultures, and contributions of East Asian communities.
This celebration will also feature the presentation of the Supporting East Asian Students (SEAS) Student Leadership and Community Impact Award.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Milliken Mills High School, 7522 Kennedy Rd, Markham, ON L3R 9S5
Please see our flyer for more information and to register now. Please note that registration for this event is limited to comply with venue capacity requirements. Spaces will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and registration will close once capacity has been reached.
Administrators, please share the www link to this board event with your students, families and staff.
For more information, please contact Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca.
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.
Lost and Found
The lost and found bins at the school are overflowing. These items will be gathered for donation on the last Thursday of each month. Families are always welcome to stop by the school to check the bin for lost items. Please remember to begin your visit at the office.
On the Horizon:
May
May is Jewish Heritage Month, Polish Heritage Month, Dutch Heritage Month, Asian & South Asian Heritage Month and Armenian Heritage Month
Character Trait: La Responsabilité
1 Junior Boys @ Regional Tournament
1 Grade 5 Field Trip
1 National Principal's Day
4 Intermediate Badminton Area Tournament
4 EMPS representatives at Skills Ontario Young Women's Conference
11 - 19 Grade 3 EQAO @ EMPS
13 Grade 5/6 and 6 Field trip
14 Grade 4 Field trip - Singh
15 Grade 4 Field trip - O'Driscoll
18 Victoria Day - School Closed
20 Grade 7 Spring Immunization Clinic
20 Grade 4 Field Trip
21 EMPS Track and Field Day - Grade 4 - 8
21 SPRING FAIR
25 - June 2 Grade 6 EQAO @ EMPS
27 Eid-ul-Adha
