Gator Tracks March March 9 to 13, 2026

March 9 to 13, 2026

AVPS Families, 🐊💚💛

Thank you for your continued support and partnership between home and school. We see every day how much students grow when they are encouraged to try new things, build new skills, and keep going even when learning feels challenging. That perseverance and growth mindset makes a difference.

A warm welcome to Danielle Andrews who has joined the AVPS Gator Staff Team!  Danielle will be working in the AVPS office in the role of Assistant Office Administrator.

We appreciate your support with the three main focus areas at our school: Foundational Literacy, Numeracy Skills, and our Words Matter campaign, supported by the LDSB Equity Team. Working together helps create a positive environment where all students can thrive.  Please see a new Words Matter resource you can use at home below.

Our goal is to ensure every student feels happy, safe, and excited to be at school each day. Thank you for helping to continue to build such a caring and supportive Gator community at AVPS.

Wishing all of our families a wonderful March Break filled with time outside and special moments with family and friends. Spring is on the way, and we look forward to many exciting events ahead for our Gators! 🐊💚💛

Please see the links below to the resource through TVO Kids.  A great resource to learn more about various multicultural holidays, and the celebrations that happen during these times.

Way to go, AVPS! Thank you to our amazing staff, families, and community partners for working together to support every Gator – big and small.

If you have any questions, please reach out—we are here to support you.

Brigid Steele (P), Drew Boyce (VP) & The AVPS Gator Staff Team

Families – We NEED YOUR HELP!! 

We continue to have students cross the street in-between the buses.  This is extremely dangerous.  Please remind your child/children to cross the street safely at the corners where crossing guards are located. 

Check out the opportunities for Gators below!! 

A BIG Gator Thank-you & Merci for AVPS Staff for your hard work and time to bring these great opportunities to students!  All information below is shared with student daily during announcements.

Classroom Connections at AVPS!!

Mme. Clouthier’s grade 4/5 FI

Throughout the month of February, room 203 students researched the lives of remarkable Black Canadians. Using their research as inspiration, students wrote biographies and designed stamps that celebrate the lives and accomplishments of the people they studied.

Ms. Sneep’s Grade ½ E Class

The grade ½ E class has been working hard on their writing using the the ThinkSRDS where students are taught Explicit writing strategies (how to plan and organize ideas) and self-regulation skills (how to manage your thinking while doing the task). Students are taught to think about their thinking (metacognition) while completing writing tasks.

Spreading Kindness and Gratitude  

Mme Romanet and Mme Hall’s JKSK class, made thank you cards for M. Saunders’ class to thank them for their hard work in making Winter Fun Day a huge success.

💚💛 AVPS Gators Take on the Kitchen! 🐊

AVPS students in the 5/6–8 classes have kicked off their next session in the Technology Room at AVPS! Guided by Mr. Cardy, our Itinerant STEM Teacher, students are diving into exciting, real-world culinary opportunities.

This hands-on experience gives our Gators the chance to create delicious food while building practical life skills. Students are learning the power of teamwork in a fast-paced kitchen, practicing safe and responsible food handling, and growing their confidence through active participation. For many, this experience can open doors to future pathways in culinary arts, hospitality, and related careers.

This week, M. Saunders’ grade 6 class stepped into the kitchen and got straight to work.

📸 Check out the photos below of our AVPS Gators in action—learning, creating, and cooking up success! 💚💛🐊

International Women's Day - March 8, 2026

What’s happening at AVPS?

Human Rights and Equity

• International Day to Combat Islamophobia - March 15
• • #NoToHate: Countering Islamophobia | United Nations
• Neurodiversity Celebration Week - March 16 to 22, 2026
• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21
• • United Against Racism - UNESCO
• International Transgender Day of Visibility - March 31

The Words Matter Campaign aims to reduce the incidence and impact of harmful and discriminatory language within our school community. 💚💛

🐊 This whole-school initiative includes activities engaging staff, students, and parents/caregivers.

We are in the process of gathering some data related to how AVPS students are feeling about the words they hear at school.  This data will help us to further identify areas of need.

As we know, it takes a team to make an impact.  We are committed to providing students, educators, and families with the resources and support needed to maximize the impact of this work through Words Matter and the LDSB Equity Team.

The pocket guide for addressing harmful language below is being implemented at AVPS.  We are sharing with families as a resource to support conversations at home.

TVO Kids It's My Party!

40 Books by Black Canadian Authors - CBC

Books by Black Canadian Authors

Resources from Public Health

 Centre for Healthy Screen Use at the Canadian Paediatric Society

Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health and Violence Prevention.  You can access the podcast on the main page of the website: Healthy Teens Podcast: new episode on the impacts of cyberbullying.

This 30-minute podcast covers more than cyberbullying, speaks to the power of bystanders, and offers advice to families who learn that their student is being bullied or is bullying.

Free Access to IDELLO for the French as a Second Language Community

We are excited to share that Télévision française de l’Ontario (TFO) is offering free access to IDELLO for families in the French as a Second Language (FSL) community!

IDELLO is a rich online platform that offers virtual training, events, and resources designed to support French-language learning for educators, parents, and students. It is a great way to explore engaging content and strengthen language skills at home.

In recognition of Truth and Reconciliation Day, IDELLO also features a special resource collection for Grades 5 to 12. These materials help students learn about the lived experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada and encourage thoughtful reflection on building a better future.

To request free access, families can contact TFO directly at support@idello.org.
Do not miss this opportunity to bring meaningful French-language learning and cultural reflection into your home!

Ministry and Board Resources for Math and Literacy

There are many resources available designed to support your student’s learning in math and literacy, offering engaging activities that can make learning fun and effective for students and families. Visit Limestone’s Online Learning Resources and Tutoring webpage to learn more.

School Mental Health Ontario Resources

School Mental Health Ontario offers a variety of free resources for educators, students, and families. To stay updated with the latest information, resources, and research, families can visit the SMHO website. Simply scroll to the bottom of the page, click on "Connect with Us," and enter your contact information.

Resources from Public Health

Centre for Healthy Screen Use at the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Dr. Tracy Vaillancourt, Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health and Violence Prevention.  You can access the podcast on the main page of the website: Healthy Teens Podcast: new episode on the impacts of cyberbullying.

This 30-minute podcast covers more than cyberbullying, speaks to the power of bystanders, and offers advice to families who learn that their student is being bullied or is bullying.

Every day counts!!  Strive for 5 – you can do it!!

LDSB - Kindergarten Registration 2026-2027

Our Intention: To make a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every classroom, in every school.  

Olympic Feverat AVPS!!

Un gros merci a la classe de Mme. Putos for organizing the interactive Olympic bulletin board, which will have daily updates related to Canadian Athletes, interesting facts and an Italian word of the day! 

Looking for Gator Spirit Wear? Visit the AVPS E-Store

Visit the AVPS e-Store to view and order Gator Gear!

AVPS Dominos Pizza Fundraiser

 The Dominos Pizza fundraiser for AVPS is back!

Grab dinner for your family and support AVPS through this great fundraiser brought to you from the amazing School Advisory Council (SAC) at AVPS and Dominos Pizza!

Upcoming Dates:

• March 18
• May 20

Lost & Found – Please Take a Look!

Our Lost & Found is overflowing with water bottles, hoodies, jackets, and other items looking for their owners. Please remind your child to take a look, or stop by yourself to check the collection.

AVPS School Advisory Council 2025-2026

📅 Next SAC Meeting

Our next School Advisory Council meeting (SAC) will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.
Join us in the school library or online everyone is welcome!
All meetings will be in person at 6:00 pm in the AVPS library and online, through MS Teams.
Everyone who is part of our Gator family is welcome to attend any of our meetings this year.  Childcare will be provided.  We look forward to hearing your voice!

🍫 Purdy’s Chocolate Fundraiser

We’re excited to be running a Purdy’s Chocolate Fundraiser! Treat yourself or stock up on gifts while supporting our school at the same time. More details, including ordering and deadlines, can be found in the fundraiser information. Thank you for your continued support!

🤝 Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play an important role in making our school a welcoming and vibrant community. If you’re interested in getting involved, please click the link below to learn more every bit of support makes a difference.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf5jeQ9p9T9N02tra3l9xL_80wMRrXCCxXC8CyPoS6YPtKwBQ/viewform

💬 Did You Know?

We have School Advisory Council Representatives for each division! If you have a question, concern, or aren’t sure who to ask, reach out to your division rep they’re here to help

• Kindergarten: Kaileigh Babcock – kaileighbabcock@gmail.com
• Primary (Grades 1–3): Britta Flood – brittaflood@gmail.com
• Junior (Grades 4–8): Gelareh Monajemi – gelareh@goldtalentagency.com

For general inquiries, email us anytime at avpssac@outlook.com

Follow Us on Facebook

Amherstview Public School Advisory Council https://www.facebook.com/AVPSAC

Stay in the Loop!

Our SAC has created a handy calendar to make it easy to keep track of all school events, fundraisers, and important updates in one place. Check it regularly to stay up to date!

🍕🥪 Hot Lunch is Back!

Families can now enjoy two lunch days each week Wednesdays with Boston Pizza and Fridays with Subway.

Orders are placed through Lunch Box

1. How to Order - Quick Steps
2. Visit www.lunchboxorders.net
3. Click “Create an Account” follow the steps to register
4. Add your child(ren) to your profile, select city (Amherstview), including school, teacher, and grade (very important for correct delivery!).
5. Click a blue calendar date to view meal options and place orders
6. Pay securely online using: Visa / MasterCard / Discover / Debit Visa / Prepaid

Get Involved!

We’re always looking for volunteers to help make our school events a success! If you’re interested in lending a hand, please fill out our Google Form it’s quick and easy to sign up and stay connected with upcoming opportunities.