Week 38 @ EMPS - Friday, June 12, 2026

Congratulations to the Boys Soccer Team – Tournament Champions Once Again!
 

Spring Music Concert! 

The amazing music teams at Elder’s Mills, under the direction of Mr. Mellor, entertained families on Tuesday, June 9. This special evening showcased the hard work and dedication of our student musicians throughout the year and featured our Gold-Winning Soaring Eagles Band and Jingle Jangle Jazz Ensemble!  Funds raised through this event will directly support the purchase, repair, and upgrading of musical instruments for the school’s music program.

Thank you for your support, and a special thank you to Mr. Mellor and our talented students for sharing their time, energy, and musical talents with our community!

Primary Play Day - Friday, June 19, 2026 

Grade 3 students will be enjoying some fun in the sun during their Primary Play Day! Outdoor activities are planned for this day.  Please ensure your child is dressed for the weather and appropriate sun-protection measures as needed.  Reach out to your child’s teacher if you need information.  

Hot Weather Action Plan

At this time of year, there are days where temperatures and the humidex inform the activation of the Hot Weather Action plan at the school.  The plan includes strategies such as: 

• students and staff are encouraged to make use of shady areas in the school yard such as under trees, beside the building
• fans are used and windows may be open to provide air movement in the room
• to provide some relief, classrooms on the second floor can be relocated to spaces on the first floor such as the library, gymnasium, atrium and halls 
• blinds/curtains in classrooms directly exposed to sunlight are closed 
• unnecessary lights are turned off
• students are encouraged to keep a reusable water bottle with them and to drink water regularly throughout the day to stay hydrated

Parents are encouraged to send their children to school in loose, light clothing that covers their arms and legs, which will help to reduce body heat through moisture evaporation.  

Year-End Items

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 25, 2026 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 25, 2026 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

Returning School Property:

Please ensure all items belonging to the school, Chromebooks, textbooks, library books, classroom books etc.. are returned to the school.

Library books must be returned by Monday, June 8th.  There will be no borrowing of library materials after this date in preparation for library closure due to summer construction.  

Lost and Found: 

The bins have been emptied and all items are on display in the hallway.  Please encourage your child to pick up their lost items or come by the school and take a look through them.  Any items still left out by June 15 will be packed up for donation.  

IMPORTANT:  Families planning to move or students not returning in September:

As we continue 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. 

Planning an extended absence or vacation? 

Please let the school know by sending an email to elders.mills.ps@yrdsb.ca.  Families must communicate extended absences in writing.  If you are planning on returning to Elder's Mills P.S. and know that your child will not be in attendance on the first day of school, you must notifiy the school in writing.  

YRDSB MATHEMATICS SURVEY

Dear Families,

As part of the York Region District School Board’s Math Achievement Action Plan, YRDSB is committed to enhancing student success in mathematics through high-impact instructional practices and resources.

Your input is valuable in helping us better understand how current resources, which may include one or more of the following: practice work, math activities like games and puzzles, books, MathUP, Google Classroom resources, are supporting your child(ren)’s learning at school and at home. Please take a moment to complete this two question Family Feedback Survey on Math Resources (https://ca.research.net/r/mathfamilysurvey) about the math resources available to your child(ren) at home and in the classroom.  Please complete this survey by Friday, June 26, 2026. 

Thank you for your continued support.

STUDENT WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH - SUMMER

In our ongoing commitment to Student Well-Being and Mental Health, York Region District School Board is pleased to share the Summer Family and Student Mental Health and Well-Being Guide to support the alignment of the Well-Being and Mental Health goals outlined in the District Action Plan (DAP). It can be found on the WWW.

The Summer Student  and Family Mental Health and Well-Being Guide is a collection of resources, professional training, and strategies/tip sheets to support Positive Mental Health.

The Guide is designed for students, parents, and family members.  It contains: 

•  Tips for supporting mental health and well-being over the summer.
• “Try This” Daily Fitness Tips
•  Children and Youth Mental Health resources, chat lines, and drop ins
•  Resource Hubs and Mental Health resources
•  General Mental Health resources
•  Resources for students with developmental disabilities or Autism
•  Health and Physical Education resources

School Council 

• If you wish to connect with School Council, please email elders.mills.ps@sc.yrdsb.ca
• The elections to form the School Council for 2026 - 2027 will be held on Monday, October 5, 2026
• EMPS Supports the Vaughan Food Bank.  Please drop off donations in the bins in the front hall of the school.  See flyer below: 

PEAC APPLICATIONS

York Region District School Board is inviting parents, caregivers and family members to consider applying for membership on the Board’s Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC). PEAC offers families a meaningful opportunity to share their perspectives and supports family engagement at the Board level in order to improve student achievement and well-being. Applications are due June 17, 2026. Interested parent and family applicants are invited to learn more about the role of PEAC, eligibility and how to apply by visiting the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) webpage. 

YRDSB Accepting Applications for Board Committees - Deadline Extended for PEAC Applications

York Region District School Board is accepting applications for membership on two advisory committees that provide important family and community perspectives at the Board level. 

Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) 

Deadline extended. Applications due June 17, 2026.

Parents, caregivers and family members are invited to apply for membership on PEAC. The committee offers families a meaningful opportunity to share their perspectives and support family engagement at the Board level to improve student achievement and well-being.

Learn more about PEAC, eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC) webpage. 

Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC)

Applications due June 15, 2026.

Family and community members can apply for one of eight positions on EIAC. The committee supports YRDSB’s commitment to providing equitable and inclusive learning and working environments in all schools and workplaces of the Board.

Learn more about EIAC, eligibility requirements and how to apply on the Equity and Inclusivity Advisory Committee (EIAC) webpage. 

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

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. 

PLANNING FOR 2026-2027

Dear Families

The YRDSB 2026-2027 school year calendars have been approved by the Ministry. These calendars may be accessed on the YRDSB website at:  2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

Here are a few key dates for you as you plan for the 2026-2027 school year:

P.A. Day: 

Dear elementary school families, 

For your information, here is information about learning that school staff will be participating in on the upcoming elementary Professional Activity (PA) Day on June 26, 2026.  As usual, students do not attend school on PA Days.

All Elementary Schools

Length: Full Day – AM & PM

Topic: Transition Planning and School Improvement Planning 

Entity Hosting: All Elementary Schools

Presenter(s)/Facilitator(s): School administration and board-based personnel

Description: School Teams will engage in School Improvement Planning, reflecting on the impact of strategies used during the year and their impact on student outcomes.

On the Horizon: 

June: 

16 Graduation

18 Grade 8 Trip 

19 Primary Play Day 

23 Grade 8 Trip 

25 LAST DAY OF CLASSES - Early Dismissal

26 P.A. Day - No classes for students today