What’s happening @ Elder’s Mills!
EMPS Students recognized at the Alliance of Educators for Black Students awards (AEBS):
AEBS is a network of educators within York Region District School Board, with the purpose of promoting the achievement and well-being of Black students. On May 28th, the AEBS Annual Student Achievement Awards 2025, “Celebrating Excellence” took place at Richmond Green Secondary School. We are very proud to share with our community that two EMPS Eagles were recognized at this year's event.
Please join us in congratulating : Seun and Jalayah.
Students were nominated by their teachers and recognized for their academic achievement, their commitment to their studies, or for their passion (academic, athletic, artistic), for their leadership in the school or classroom, their respect towards their teachers and peers, Felicitations!
Book Buzz Reading Challenge – Winners!
Our Book Buzz Reading Challenge wrapped up on May 30, and what a buzz it's created! Students have been eagerly reading and sharing their thoughts by completing a short blurb on a bookmark for every book they finish. It's been inspiring to see so much excitement around reading in both English and French—and even in home languages!
As a school, we read over 2,800 books during this two-week challenge. The winning class in each division was announced this week:
Primary - Mme Ghaly’s class
Junior - Mme Bianchi’s class
Intermediate - Mme Wong’s class
Congratulations! These classes have won $100 towards the purchase of books for their classroom libraries! Thank you to School Council, our volunteers and staff for their support!
The Student Showcase has arrived!!!!
Thursday June 19, 2025 from 6:30-8:30 pm.
Families will be entertained by the many talented musicians and dancers here at EMPS!
Details have been shared with performers and their families on https://yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com/.
Primary Play day is here!
Who: Grade 2 and 3 students and their teachers
When: Friday, June 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Students should come dressed for the weather. A change of clothes, running shoes and sun protection are highly recommended!
Reminder: School Visitor Protocols and Student Safety
We are reaching out to remind all families of the importance of following our school’s visitor protocols.
For the safety and security of all students and staff, all visitors—including parents and volunteers—must report directly to the main office upon entering the building. Visitors are expected to wait behind the counter to be received by office staff and are asked to follow the directions provided for their visit (e.g., waiting in the front hall or conference room). Visitors are not permitted to walk through the school or go directly to classrooms without signing in and receiving authorization from the office.
We have observed instances where individuals have entered the building and moved through hallways without checking in. This is not permitted under any circumstances, including those community members who regularly volunteer or feel familiar with the school. Familiarity with the school or prior involvement does not exempt anyone from these protocols.
Please understand that student safety is our highest priority. Unauthorized access to the school building creates unnecessary risk and undermines the safe environment we work to maintain.
We ask for your cooperation and full adherence to these expectations moving forward. If you have any questions about the visitor procedures, please contact the school office.
Thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our school safe.
Student Safety Reminder – No Entry in Bus Loop
The safety of our students—your children—is our top priority. We are asking for your immediate cooperation with school traffic procedures to ensure a safe and smooth arrival and dismissal for everyone.
The bus loop is strictly reserved for school buses and emergency vehicles only. This area is used for the arrival and departure of buses and the safe loading and unloading of students. It must remain clear and unobstructed at all times.
NO ENTRY IN THE BUS LOOP – AT ANY TIME.
Unfortunately, we have observed multiple incidents where parents have entered the bus loop during morning drop-off while buses are arriving, creating a serious safety hazard. In some cases, vehicles have driven onto the boulevard at the top of the loop to drop off children. This causes traffic congestion, delays bus entry, and increases the risk to students and drivers.
This is not acceptable.
Your cooperation in following the established procedures is both expected and appreciated as we work together to ensure a safe, calm, and stress-free start to the school day for all.
To support a safe and efficient flow of traffic:
- Use the Kiss’n’Ride loop for student drop-off and pick-up at any time of day.
- Do not stop or park on Napa Valley Avenue to drop off or pick up children.
- If you arrive for pick-up between 3:00–3:15 p.m., please park your vehicle and wait until dismissal begins at 3:15 p.m.
We also ask that all families respect the staff members on duty in these areas. They are working to ensure a safe environment for all and expect to be treated with courtesy. Your cooperation helps support a respectful workplace for staff and sets a positive example for your children.
We thank you for your understanding and support in keeping our school safe for everyone.
Help! There is school inventory in your homes!
Please ensure all items belonging to the school, Chromebooks, textbooks, library books, classroom books etc.. are returned to the school.
Are you moving?
Please let us know if you are planning to move. This information helps us immensely when planning for next year. Please notify the school office as soon as possible by sending an email to elders.mills.ps@yrdsb.ca
Access Report Cards in the Family Dashboard When Available
As we reach the end of the school year, schools will be sharing student report cards by June 30 for elementary schools and July 10 for secondary schools. Report cards will be available in the Family Dashboard until July 30. 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.
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.
Please note, you can still request a printed copy of your child’s report card if you prefer by contacting your child’s school.
As we wrap up the school year, 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.
Thursday, June 26, 2025 - Early Release Day
All schools in the York Region District School Board are committed to improving student achievement and well-being. On Thursday, June 26, 2025 an early release day will take place to allow elementary staff to take part in meetings during the afternoon of that day. These meetings will allow for school staff to engage in culminating activities regarding the review and revision of the School’s Improvement Plan as well as year-end and transition activities that support student success.
As has been our practice in the past, students will attend school during the morning of Thursday, June 26, 2025 only. Students will be dismissed early that day at 12:15 p.m. Arrangements will be made to ensure that students who are normally bused to and from school will receive transportation at this time. Families whose children attend after school child care should make appropriate arrangements to address this change in schedule.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.
School Council News!
School Council Meeting:
- June 12th, 2025
- 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
- In the school library
- Child-minding will be available for school aged children
- Can't join in person? Use this virtual link: https://meet.google.com/mgw-ycda-mji
- Proposed agenda items:
- A review of the year's School Council activities
- Confirmation of officers needed for the upcoming year
- Finalizing any outstanding financial reporting items
- Preparing the annual report and year-end summary for the community
- Setting the date for the first meeting and elections in the fall
If you wish to connect with School Council, please email elders.mills.ps@sc.yrdsb.ca
Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter - June 2025
Dear Families and Caregivers,
The 2024-2025 school year concludes with significant growth, achievements, and strong connections made by our students, families, and staff.
Summer break gives us an opportunity to support our well-being through rest, reflection, and relaxation. Stay connected to the community through various events listed below, and take advantage of the mental health resources provided throughout York Region.
On the Horizon….
June:
Character Trait: Honesty
National Indigenous Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month
Portuguese History Heritage Month
Filipino Heritage Month
Italian Heritage Month
9 PA Day - School Closed
10 Intermediate Boys Soccer Tournament
12 Intermediate Girls Soccer Tournament
13 Primary Play Day
15 Father’s Day
19 Grade 8 Trip
19 Student Showcase @ Emily Carr
21 National Indigenous Peoples Day
24 Graduation
26 Last day of Classes - Early Release 12:15p.m.
27 P.A. Day