Gator Tracks - March 23-27, 2026

March 23-27, 2026

AVPS Families, 🐊💚💛

As we head into March Break, we wish all of our Gator families a wonderful and restful week. We hope you enjoy some well-deserved time together. We are also sharing the Family Newsletter for the week after March Break so you have the information ahead of time.

We have a couple of staffing updates to share. Nicole Penny, Educational Assistant within our Grade 4/5 classroom team, will be moving to a new position within the school board. Lori Hanley, our Office Administrator, will also be moving to a new role within the board. We are very grateful for the care and support Nicole and Lori have given to our students, staff, families, and the Amherstview community. We wish them all the best. We will continue to share any staffing updates as we move through the staffing process.

It has been an exciting week at school! Our staff vs. student basketball game heard lots of cheering, and the talent show was a wonderful chance for our Gators to share their amazing talents. Great job, Gators! ⭐🐊

Individual Education Plans (IEPs) will come home to families after March Break. Please reach out if you have any questions—we are here to help.

As we move into (hopefully!) warmer weather, thank you for continuing to send students prepared for all kinds of conditions—including lots of mud!

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.

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. 

Growth Mindset - the power of YET!

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

Classroom Connections at AVPS!

Mme. Honcoop Grade 2/3 FI - Hosts Ruthy’s Reading Room 💚💛🐊

The grade 2/3 class created a collaborative anchor chart as part of our learning about influential Black Canadians. Students explored the lives and contributions of Black Canadians and recorded facts on sticky notes, helping develop an understanding and appreciation of Black history and the important contributions of Black communities past and present.  Please see photos of student created collages, reflecting their learning about Africville.  

Ruthy's Reading Room

Working hard on those reading skills with Mme. Leeder – Gators in action – keep digging, your hard work is paying off! 💚💛🐊

💚💛 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, Mme. Scott’s grade 5/6 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! 💚💛🐊

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! 💚💛🐊

Ramadan - February 18 to March 30

What’s happening at AVPS?

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.