Aldergrove News, June 19, 2026

Message from Admin 

Dear Aldergrove Families,

As we enter the final stretch of the school year, we are reminded that a school is far more than a building—it is a community. This year, Aldergrove has truly been a place where students, families, and staff have come together to create a supportive and caring environment where everyone feels they belong.

We are deeply grateful for the partnership we share with our families. Your involvement, encouragement, and trust have helped us build a strong sense of connection and purpose. When students feel supported both at home and at school, they are empowered to take risks, grow, and succeed—and that has been evident throughout this year. Aldergrove is a special place because of this shared commitment to one another, and it has been a genuine pleasure to work together in fostering such a positive and inclusive community.

This sense of community is also reflected in some wonderful accomplishments we are proud to celebrate. Aldergrove has received a Gold EcoSchools Certification, recognizing our strong commitment to environmental stewardship. A special thank you and congratulations to Ms. Hopper and our dedicated Eco Team for their leadership and hard work in achieving this distinction.

In addition, we are proud to have earned a Healthy Schools Certification through York Region Public Health, acknowledging our ongoing efforts to promote mental health, well-being, and healthy eating across the school. Congratulations to Ms. Szonda and our school SPIRIT team for their leadership in this area. These recognitions are a testament to what we can achieve together when we prioritize caring for ourselves, each other, and our environment.

Aldergrove continues to thrive because of the collective efforts of our entire community.

This Week at Aldergrove

Farewell Mr. Pamayah
We would like to share that our Vice-Principal, Mr. Pamayah, will be moving to a new school this fall. We thank him for his years of dedicated service and his many contributions to the Aldergrove community. His commitment to our students and families will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best in his new role.

Track & Field – Area and Regionals
 Congratulations to all of our students who participated in the Area and Regional Track & Field meets! We are incredibly proud of not only the performances, but also the effort, perseverance, sportsmanship, and positive attitudes displayed throughout the events. Students represented Aldergrove with pride and demonstrated what it means to strive for personal bests while supporting one another.

Jump Rope for Heart
 Our school was buzzing with energy during this year’s Jump Rope for Heart event! Students had a fantastic time staying active while supporting an important cause. Thank you to our families for your generosity—together, we raised funds and awareness for heart and stroke research while reinforcing the value of healthy, active living.

Grade 8 Graduation
 We celebrated a truly memorable Grade 8 Graduation ceremony, honouring the achievements and growth of our graduating students. It was an evening filled with pride, reflection, and joy as we recognized their elementary school journey. From their early years to becoming confident leaders in our school, our graduates have left a lasting mark on the Aldergrove community. We wish them every success as they take their next steps into secondary school.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

Outdoor Music Concert
 We are excited to invite families to our upcoming Outdoor Music Concert!
 The performance will feature four distinct groups:

• The Junior Band
• The Intermediate Band
• A special Steel Pan Performance
• Our Recorder Ensemble

This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talent and hard work of our student musicians.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, June 23
• Time: 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: School Pavement
   *Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the performance!

Spirit Days Next Week

• Monday: Rainbow/Pride Day (Wear lots of colours!)
• Tuesday: Beach Day  (Sunglasses, hats, and summer vibes!)
• Wednesday: APS Spirit Wear Day 

Important Reminder

Thursday, June 25 – Last Day of School

• This is an early dismissal day
• Students will be dismissed at 12:00 noon

Theme for the Week

“Together We Thrive”

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller

As we close out the year, let us celebrate all that we have accomplished together and carry that sense of community forward into the future.

Mr. Louca                         Mr. Pamayah

Principal                           Vice Principal

Coming Up! 

2026-2027 Kindergarten Registration

Bright Beginnings, Endless Possibilities

Kindergarten Registration is open.

Is your child turning 4 or 5 in 2026? Or do you know someone who is? 

Mark your calendars and follow these simple steps. 

1. Find your home school. 

Use our school finder to find your home school - the school in your neighbourhood. 

2 . Register for Kindergarten. 

You can register online, in person, or by phone or email.

Visit www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten to access the online registration portal or download the registration form. Once you have completed your application, the school will contact you to make an appointment to review and verify the required documents. 

3. Register early for Before and After Care 

All schools offer before and after-care programs. Check your school’s website or our before and after care directory for details. Contact providers early to secure your spot. 

4. Explore and Prepare for Kindergarten

Kindergarten is where big dreams start small. Learn how Kindergarten helps children develop the academic and social skills they need to thrive in Grade 1 and beyond. Our skilled and caring teams of certified teachers and early childhood educators work together to support every child in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

Ready to Begin?

Start your journey at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten.  

Notice of Early Dismissal
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 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 on the morning of Thursday, June 25, 2026, only.  Students will be dismissed early that day at 12:00 pm. 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.

Literacy at Home

As the summer is approaching, making regular trips to the library over the summer is a fantastic habit that keeps kids excited about learning. Here are a few ways to turn your next library visit into a fun, interactive adventure: 

• Take the Summer Reading Challenge: Drop by your local Markham branch to sign up for their free Summer Reading Club programs. They offer great incentives, tracking tools, and prizes to keep kids motivated.
• Try a Library Scavenger Hunt: Turn your visit into a game! Ask your child to find a non-fiction book about a hobby they want to try.
• The "Librarian's Challenge": Encourage your child to practice their communication skills by walking up to the desk and asking, "I really liked [insert favourite book]; what are some suggestions to read next?"

Here are some additional fun summer activities.

Focus: Phonics, vocabulary, and basic comprehension through play.

• Chalk Obstacle Course: Draw a sidewalk chalk path with letters or simple sight words in circles. To move forward, your child has to jump onto the circle and say the letter sound or read the word aloud.
• The "I Spy" Sound Game: While driving or walking, play a twist on I Spy: "I spy with my little eye, something that starts with the /ch/ sound." (Like a chimney, chair, or cherry).
• Flashlight Reading: Make bedtime reading an adventure. Turn off the bedroom lights, build a quick blanket fort, and let your child read a picture book to you using only a flashlight.

Focus: Reading stamina, creative writing, and practical application.

• Kitchen Chemist Recipes: Have your child find a new summer recipe (like homemade popsicles or lemonade), read the ingredients list, and act as the "head chef" by reading the step-by-step instructions aloud while you cook together.
• Audiobook Road Trips: On your next drive—even if it's just a 20-minute trip to the grocery store—put on an audiobook the whole family can enjoy. Stop it occasionally to ask: "What do you think that character is going to do next?"

Focus: Critical thinking, media literacy, and deep comprehension.

• Vacation Itinerary Planner: If you are taking a day trip or vacation, put your teen in charge of researching one destination or activity. They must read reviews, look up the history, and write a pitch explaining why the family should go there.

Coming Up!

June 2026

• June 21: Father's Day & National Indigenous Peoples Day.
• June 23: Outdoor Music Concert 11:30am Families Welcome
• June 24: Hard Copies of Report Cards sent home with students.
• June 25: Last Day of School for Students/ Early Dismissa at 12:00 pml &.PA Day
• June 26: PA Day