Week 39 @ EMPS - Friday, June 19, 2026

Congratulations Grade 8 Class of 2026!

Class of 2026, you are a remarkable group of athletes, artists, musicians, innovators, and leaders. You are curious thinkers who do not simply follow—you lead. Through learning to lire, écrire et parler en français, you have learned to see the world through more than one lens. That is a gift you will carry with you always....And that brings me to the Eagle.

Like an eagle, you have learned to see the bigger picture. You have developed resilience, wisdom, and perspective. And when challenges come—as they will—remember: an eagle does not fear the wind. It uses it to rise higher.

Class of 2026, every eagle eventually reaches the edge of the nest. Tonight, that moment belongs to you.

The nest has done its job, and the village that helped raise you will always be proud of the person you are becoming.

As you leave Elder’s Mills, don’t lose your curiosity, your kindness, or your courage. Keep lifting others as you rise. We are proud of you!

Embrassez votre pouvoir, honorez votre parcours et volez plus haut que vous ne l'avez jamais imaginé!

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Congratulations, Eagles.

~Mme Korinis, Principal's address, Graduation, June 16, 2026

Appreciations, Farewells and Bienvenues

As another remarkable school year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the people who make Elder's Mills such a special place. Every success, every celebration, every challenge overcome, and every memorable moment has been made possible through the dedication, kindness, and commitment of our incredible school community.

To our teachers, educational assistants, office staff, custodians, lunch assistants, support staff, School Council, students, and families, thank you. Your partnership, generosity, and unwavering support help create a school where students are encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive.

This time of year also brings opportunities to celebrate new beginnings while recognizing those whose journeys are taking them in new directions. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Grade 8 graduates, and wish all students and families who are moving or transitioning to new schools every success in the years ahead. Thank you for the memories and the many ways you have contributed to our school community.

We would also like to recognize several valued staff members whose next chapters begin this summer. Their dedication, professionalism, and care for students have enriched Elder's Mills in countless ways, and they leave behind a lasting legacy.

Mme Korinis

Earlier this week, we shared the news that Mme. Korinis will be leaving Elder's Mills. As she prepares for this next chapter, we would like to recognize her dedicated service to our school community. Her leadership, commitment to student success, and support of staff and families have been deeply appreciated. We thank her sincerely for her many contributions to Elder's Mills and wish her every success in her new school.

Mr. Meagher

While this is not a farewell, there is an important staffing update to share. Due to changes in administrative staffing allocations, Elder's Mills will have a 50% Vice-Principal beginning next school year. We are pleased that Mr. Meagher will continue as our Vice-Principal, sharing his time between Elder's Mills and another school. We are grateful that he will remain part of our community and look forward to his continued leadership.

Mme Bianchi

After a distinguished career in education, including more than 18 years at Elder's Mills, Mme Marisa Bianchi has announced her retirement, effective June 25. Throughout her career, she has made a lasting difference in the lives of countless students through her dedication, expertise, and care. We extend our heartfelt thanks for her many years of service and wish her health, happiness, and many wonderful adventures in retirement.

Ms. Ditri

For many families, Ms. Ditri has been the welcoming voice on the other end of the phone and the friendly face helping to keep each school day running smoothly. From attendance and lunches to countless daily questions, she has supported our community with warmth, patience, and kindness. Due to changes in office staffing allocations, her current full-time position has been reduced. We remain hopeful that she may continue with us in a part-time capacity and sincerely thank her for everything she has contributed to Elder's Mills.

Mme Gungadin

Over the past several years, Mme Gungadin has been a valued member of our Intermediate French Immersion team and an enthusiastic leader of many school-wide initiatives. Her work with the York Region Skills Challenge, Eco Fair, Outdoor Education, STEM programming, and student leadership opportunities has enriched the experiences of countless students. We thank her for her passion, creativity, and commitment, and wish her every success at her new school.

Mme Bianco

We would like to thank Mme Bianco for her contributions to the Elder’s Mills community. Through her work in both Primary and Junior Art, she has encouraged students to express their creativity, develop confidence in their artistic abilities, and explore new ways of thinking and learning. We are grateful for the care and enthusiasm she has brought to her role and wish her all the very best at her next school.

Ms. Jacob

As our Child and Youth Worker, Ms. Jacob has provided compassionate and unwavering support to many students throughout the year. Her patience, empathy, and ability to create safe and welcoming spaces have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and families. We thank her for her care and dedication and wish her continued success in her future endeavours.

Welcoming New Faces

As we celebrate those embarking on new journeys, we are equally excited to welcome new members to the Elder's Mills team.

Mme Vittoria Leone – Incoming Principal

Mme Leone joins Elder's Mills with a strong commitment to student achievement, well-being, and collaborative leadership. We are excited to welcome her to our community and look forward to the knowledge, experience, and leadership she will bring to our school.

Mme Alexandrea Nazzicone

Joining us from Julliard Public School, Mme Nazzicone will become part of the Elder's Mills teaching team this September. We are delighted to welcome her to our school community. Bienvenue!

As we close another wonderful school year, we celebrate the people who have shaped our journey, thank those whose contributions have strengthened our community, and warmly welcome those who will help write the next chapter of Elder's Mills.

Une fois un aigle, toujours un aigle!

Girls Soccer Team - Champions!

Bravo les filles! Congratulations to our Intermediate Girls Soccer team who captured first place on last Friday’s West Area final. They competed, showed resilience, team work and displayed what it means to be an EMPS eagle! This is their 2nd pennant in two years! Way to go Girls!!!

Track and Field

What a showing at the Area Track and Field earlier this month! Our Elder’s Mills athletes competed with student from schools in the CEC West area, many achieving personal bests and moving on to the Regional Meet on June 18th.

We are proud to share that Elder's Mills earned pennants in the following divisions at the Area Meet:

Grade 5 Boys
Grade 5 Girls
Grade 7 Girls
Grade 8 Boys
Grade 8 Girls
Junior Overall:
Intermediate Overall

At the Regional meet yesterday, we wish to congratulate all the Elder's Mills Eagles who competed at this event hosted at Bill Crothers. They persevered against the region's best with incredible grit and determination! We are so proud of you!

The EMPS Eagles continue to be the team to watch in Track and Field! Congratulations to our athletes, coaches, and supportive families — your dedication and teamwork make it all possible.

Term 2 In Review - School Newspaper highlights

The Eagle's Nest, our school newspaper club, has been busy capturing the many exciting events and memorable moments from throughout the school year. We invite you to enjoy a selection of their articles, screen-captured and shared at the end of this newsletter. Merci to our teacher editors for their time, support, and guidance in helping our student journalists shine.

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.

Important Reminders for Student Safe Arrival Procedures

As we break for the summer holidays, we would like to remind families to report any student absences, especially during the first week of school. We recognize some families may be on extended vacation, transfer schools or move out of the board area and ask that you contact the school to inform office staff during the last week of August or on the first day of school.

As per Board Policy and Procedures #665.0, Safe Arrivals and Departures – Elementary and Secondary Students, if your child’s absence is still not verified even after exhausting different steps to connect with the family, York Regional Police will be contacted and may be dispatched to your residence.

We remind parent(s)/guardian(s) to update the school with all emergency contact information when changes are made. Thank you for your cooperation in reporting student absences.

Year-End Items

Thursday, June 25, 2026 - 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. If you have not yet returned library books, please return them by June 25th. 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.

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:

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.