March 30 – April 3, 2026
AVPS Families, 🐊💚💛
Welcome to spring! Bienvenue au printemps!
A big thank-you, merci to staff and families for helping students settle back into routines after March break.
Warmer spring days are coming our way! Thank you for continuing to label all items and to send students prepared for all kinds of weather—mud included!
We are excited to share that Danielle Andrews will be the new Office Administrator at AVPS! Danielle has been in the Assistant OA role at AVPS since partway through February. Once we work through the staffing process for the Assistant OA position, we will share this information with families.
As we move into the final three months of the school year, we will share upcoming dates in each newsletter to help you stay organized. Please see a list of dates below.
Term 2 IEPs have been sent home —please reach out if you have any questions.
You will also find updates on our yard and neighboring school construction below.
Be sure to check out School Council news below — lots of fun ways to get involved are coming up!
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.
Resource links related to supporting literacy, numeracy and mental health can be found here:
- Supporting Your Child’s Well-being
- Caring for yourself while caring for others: A parent’s guide to self-care
- By Your Side (parent/caregiver resources to support mental health learning)
- Maltby Centre
- One Stop Talk
- Kids Help Phone (Call 1-800-668-6868 or Text “Connect” to 686868)
- 2-1-1 Ontario
If you are worried about your student’s immediate safety, or the safety of others, please seek urgent assistance by calling 9-1-1, your local mobile crisis service (613-354-7388), or by going to the nearest emergency department.
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.
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.
The AVPS Spring Running club will begin after March break for students in grades 3-8. The purpose of the Running Club is to encourage fitness in a fun and supportive environment. Students will be encouraged to improve their endurance, speed, and agility, and will have the option to compete at Road Races in late April and early May, hosted by local high schools. Unlike the Cross-Country race in the Fall, there will be no requirement to consistently run a certain distance to compete at the Spring Road Races - all students who consistently come to practices are welcome.
Students sign-up for Running Club in class with their teachers. All new runners will bring home an Athletic Permission Form to be signed by their parents or guardians and returned to their coaches prior to the first practice. Students in grades 3-4 will practice during recess/nutrition break while students in grades 5-8 will attend practice after school on Mondays and Wednesdays. An information sheet with all practice dates and times will be sent home with those students who sign-up. We look forward to a great running season!
Mme Bigelow and Mme MacKenzie
Coming Up This Week
Day
| What's happening at AVPS
|
Monday, March 30 | · Origami Club · Ramadan – February 18- March 30 |
Tuesday, March 31
| · International Transgender Day of Visibility · Tallack's Martial Arts Group |
Wednesday, April 1st
| · Teamwork Recognition Assemblies · Grades 4-8: 10:20 am · Grades K-2: 11:40 am · Hot Lunch |
Thursday, April 2
| · Music Club Grade 3 · Field Trip (Bigelow, MacKenzie, Honcoop) · Passover begins |
Friday, April 3
| · Good Friday – No Classes |
Upcoming Dates
April 2026
· 1st-9 - Passover
· 6 - Holiday - Easter Monday
· 17 - PA Day No School for Students
· 21 – Grade 8 Graduation Photos
May 2026
· 14 – Tentative date for Scholastic Book Fair & AVPS Family Event Evening – more information to come!
· 18 - Victoria Day Holiday
· 20 – Tentative date for Fossils Play
· 21 - Tentative date for Fossils Play
· 29 - PA Day No School for Students
June 2026
· 8 – Gator Fest 4-6 pm! More information to come!
· 17 – Tentative Grade 8 Graduation *NEW guidelines for all graduations (includes grade 6 farewell celebration – outside of school hours)
We will share more information about these celebrations as we get closer to the date.
· 18 – Tentative Gr. FI Farewell Celebration
· 24 – Term 2 Report Cards come home
· 25 – Last day of school for students
· 26 – PA Day
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
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.
Yard Update
Our coterminous Board, the Algonquin & Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, has requested to place some temporary construction fence on our property for a short 1-2 week period. The fencing will be approximately 20’ x 60’ along our common property line. The request has come in an abundance of caution to allow the ALCDSB to complete some necessary construction activities related to their new school. We will continue to work with our coterminous Board to ensure the safety of all staff and students remains the top priority for all construction related activities. This fencing will be placed along the length of the AVPS track area opposite Mount Carmel Catholic School on the morning of Monday, March 30, 2026.
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 Date:
- 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 TBD.
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!
🎨 Paint Night Fundraiser – Don’t Miss Out!
Join us for a fun and creative evening in support of our school! Paint Night is the perfect way to relax, connect, and create something beautiful.
Spots are limited, so be sure to register soon to secure your place! All proceeds go toward supporting school initiatives and activities for our students.
We can’t wait to see you there! 🖌️✨
🤝 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
- How to Order - Quick Steps
- Visit www.lunchboxorders.net
- Click “Create an Account” follow the steps to register
- Add your child(ren) to your profile, select city (Amherstview), including school, teacher, and grade (very important for correct delivery!).
- Click a blue calendar date to view meal options and place orders
- 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.
