Gator Tracks February 16 to 20, 2026

February 16-20, 2026

Our green and gold halls are full of energy, learning, and Gator pride! 🐊✨

Today, students will be bringing home their report cards, and our Kindergarten families will receive their Communication of Learning documents. These reports celebrate achievements, highlight growth, and outline next steps in taught areas and learning skills. If you have any questions, please connect with your child’s teacher — this strong home and school partnership helps every Gator succeed!

Throughout the school, students are engaged in meaningful learning in honour of Black History Month. Gators are celebrating the rich history, leadership, creativity, innovation, and resilience of Black Canadians — past and present. Through biography writing, discussions, and inquiry, students are recognizing the important contributions Black Canadians have made — and continue to make — in shaping our communities and our country. This learning not only honours history, but also inspires our students to think about the future and the positive impact they can have in the world.

Olympic excitement continues to build across the school! Classes are exploring different events, learning about Canadian athletes, and participating in Olympic-themed gym activities that highlight teamwork, perseverance, and the spirit of working together. We are embracing a growth mindset — learning how to bounce back from setbacks and keep striving for our personal best each day. Winter Fun Day is coming February 20!

Our focus at AVPS remains strong foundations in literacy and math, along with our Words Matter campaign. By choosing kind words, listening with empathy, and supporting one another—even when we disagree—we help create a positive, inclusive school for everyone. 💚

Wishing all our Gator families a joyful and restful Family Day long weekend filled with connection and celebration!

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

Admin Team Brigid Steele P, Drew Boyce VP & the AVPS Gator Staff Team

We are excited to welcome Ruthy’s Reading Room to AVPS in the coming weeks! 

40 Books by Black Canadian Authors - CBC

• Books by Black Canadian Authors

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.

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.

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.

Grade 4/5 English to Immersion Science  – Constructing bridge designs & Coding  with Lego Robotics

💚💛 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, Mr. McCrea’s grade 6/7 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! 💚💛🐊

Way to shine, Gators—green and gold proud! 💚💛

🌱💚 Coming Up: Growth Mindset Assembly

Our next assembly will focus on growth mindset and the power of yet— the idea that with effort and perseverance, we will get there!  This important concept helps students to learn the importance of building grit and determination to support that productive struggle that allows students to stick with new concepts and learning.  Keep working hard Gators, you can do it!! 

Every Day Counts!!  Strive for 5 – you can do it!!

Coming Up This Week

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 Fever is spreading at 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

Southeast Public Health

Your child requires certain vaccines to attend school:

• Check your child's immunization record.
• ensure your child receives any missing vaccines.
• Report any vaccines your child receives to Southeast Public Health. Don't rely on your health-care provider to report.
• visit: kflaph.ca/ImmunizationReporting

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 Thursday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m.
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!

🤝 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.

🍫 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!

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.