Message from Admin
Scholars have been treated to sunshine, warm temperatures and lots of opportunities to enjoy the changing of the seasons. Our Grade 7s have visited the Milne Outdoor Education Centre. Our Kindergarten students went Treetop Trekking. Our Grade 3s visited Black Creek Pioneer Village. All of these field trips reinforce curriculum expectations and support school learning.
Last week, our junior and intermediate scholars participated in the school performance “Four Corners of the Heart”. These were outstanding shows, and we are so proud of all the work it took to put this on. Junior and Intermediate Track and Field will be held next week. These many school-wide events bring the Aldergrove scholars together to build community and joy!
Next week, on Thursday May 22, we invite families to come and tour the Standing in the Doorway exhibit from the Markham Museum. It is an interactive exhibit of the History of the Asian community in Canada. If you haven’t already, please mark Thursday, May 29, on your calendar for Aldergrove Eats. We hope to see many of you at these upcoming fun and exciting school events for families.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our scholars.
Ms. Jessa Mr. Pamayah
Principal Vice Principal
Aldergrove Calendar for the Month
Resources for Families
Student Mental Health and Addiction Newsletter
Triple P Positive Parenting Seminars
School Schedule
Safe Arrivals: Please be on time for school. If your child is late or will be absent, please inform the school office or use EDSBY to share this information.
8:15 a.m. | Staff on duty outside |
8:25 a.m. | Entry bell |
8:30 a.m. | Learning block |
10:10-10:40 a.m. | Recess |
10:40 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. | Learning block |
12:20-1:20 p.m. | Lunch |
1:20-3:00 p.m. | Learning block |
3:00 p.m. | Dismissal |
Breakfast Club
Breakfast club is open everyday at 8 AM in the staffroom. Please have your children enter through the front door and follow the signs to the staffroom. All scholars are welcome to attend. Note: Breakfast Club opens at 8 a.m. sharp. Early drop off is not available.
Aldergrove Lunch Programs
Term 2 Aldergrove Lunch Programs will continues!
Tuesday: Pizza Lunch, February 4-June 17.
Wednesday: Sushi Lunch, February 5-June 18.
Friday: Sub Lunch, February 6-June 19.
Weather Preparation
Aldergrove scholars need to be comfortable throughout the school day and dress appropriately for the different weather they may experience at recess. The list below outlines some suggestions for Spring (April through June)
● sun hat
● closed toe shoes
● light jacket
● long pants
● shorts in hot weather
● rain boots,
● raincoat
● extra socks
Grade 3 & Grade 6 EQAO
Between May 28 and June 3, Grade 3 and Grade 6 scholars will be taking part in the provincial Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics, Primary Division (Grades 1–3) or Junior Division (Grades 4–6). These assessments, developed by Ontario teachers and assessment experts, are administered to all Grade 3 and Grade 6 scholars in Ontario’s publicly funded school system by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO).
In the fall, EQAO will share individual reports for all our scholars. Your child’s results are private and will give you an indication of their achievement in relation to Ontario’s provincial standard. The standard, or Level 3, represents the range from B– to B+. Meeting the standard means your child has a solid grasp of the required knowledge and skills, which is a good indication that they will be ready for the next grade. The results of the assessment do not affect your child’s grades or report card in any way.
For more information about EQAO and to view a sample test, visit EQAO’s website, www.eqao.com.
Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week
Each year, Ontarians mark the first full week of May as Children's Mental Health Awareness Week. This important week is about:
- Increasing awareness of the signs of child and youth mental health problems
- Decreasing stigma
- Understanding that help is available and it works!
For more information on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week please see CMHA Mental Health Week. One in five Ontario children and youth have a mental health problem; that is about 500,000 kids. Disorders range from anxiety, depression and conduct disorder to eating disorders, schizophrenia, and bi-polar disorder.
We recognize that many factors contribute to mental health and well-being, for example, physical health, eating, sleep, and social interactions. What is often missed is a student's sense of mattering and belonging. If a student feels valued, welcomed, comfortable and safe in the learning environment, they are better able to learn and participate at their full potential. This can contribute to a positive sense of self and positive mental health/well-being. When mattering and belonging are missing, it can take a damaging toll on the student’s mental health and overall well-being. Our aim is that all students at Aldergrove feel they matter and belong at our school.
May is Asian South Asian Heritage Month
May is Asian and South Asian Heritage Month. This month provides a vital opportunity to explore, understand, and affirm the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Canadians of Asian descent. The provincial government designated May as South Asian Heritage Month in 2001 and as Asian Heritage Month in 2005.
As part of an unwavering commitment to creating inclusive learning and working environments, throughout the year, it is important to design meaningful opportunities to learn more about the social, ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity and histories of Canadians of Asian descent and honour their ongoing contributions to Canada.
Considerations on engaging in Culturally Relevant and Responsive teaching and learning about Asian identities include:
- recognizing the diversity of Asian and South Asian heritages and histories
- disrupting notions of Asian identity as a monolith
- valuing, affirming and celebrating the many achievements and accomplishments of Canadians of Asian and South Asian descent
- recognizing and disrupting anti-Asian racism
May is Dutch Heritage Month
The month of May is Dutch Heritage Month. Dutch Heritage Month was given Royal Assent in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2011.
Ontario is home to about 500,000 Dutch Canadians. Since the early 1800s, the Dutch Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the cultural, social, and political fabric.
May holds historical significance for those with Dutch heritage. On May 5, 1945, the Canadian forces played an important role in the liberation of the Netherlands from World War II. The Netherlands celebrates independence and liberty, along with the heroic efforts of the Canadian forces, with a national, annual holiday known as Liberation Day on May 5.
May is Polish Heritage Month
The month of May is Polish Heritage Month. Polish Heritage Month was given Royal Assent in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2021.
Ontario is home to more than 523,000 people of Polish heritage. Polish Canadians have lived in Ontario since the 19th century and, over the years, have and continue to make significant contributions to Ontario’s cultural, social, and political landscape.
May 3rd is an important day for Polish People as it commemorates the 1791 Constitution, which is a symbol of Poland’s aspiration for freedom, democracy and independence. This is one of the most important Polish holidays, and many parades and festivities take place in May.
May is Jewish Heritage Month
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month was given Royal Assent in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on April 24, 2012 and in the Senate of Canada on March 29, 2018. Staff and students are encouraged to engage in opportunities that celebrate and affirm Jewish histories and the achievements of the Jewish community.
Canada is home to the fourth largest Jewish population in the world. There are close to 400,000 Jewish residents in Canada, and almost half of that number resides in Ontario. Jewish immigrants in Canada can be traced as far back as 1760. Jewish Canadians have proudly contributed to Canadian heritage in all of its facets, including the military, the arts, government, business, academia, law, medicine, culture, and sports. Throughout the month of May, we celebrate the contributions Jewish Canadians make in communities across the country.
Resources
Community Event
The Network of Educators Supporting Jewish Learners (NESJL) and ISCS are hosting a meaningful Jewish Heritage Month celebration to honour the history, resilience, and contributions of diverse Jewish communities. Together, we will celebrate Jewish heritage by rolling up our sleeves and learning to braid traditional challah, a beautiful and symbolic Jewish bread.
This event, focusing on fostering equity, inclusion, and community engagement, is open to all YRDSB students, families, and staff. Please join us on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 5:00 pm at Langstaff S.S., 106 Garden Ave, Richmond Hill, ON, L4C 6M1.
May is Armenian Heritage Month
The month of May is Armenian Heritage Month. Armenian Heritage Month was given Royal Assent in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2022 through Bill 105 Act to proclaim the month of May as Armenian Heritage Month.
Ontario is home to more than 100,000 people of Armenian heritage. Armenians began migrating to Canada in the 1880s. Approximately 37 Armenians came to Ontario in 1892, and 100 more settled in the province in 1895. After the Hamidian massacres of the mid-1890s, Armenian families began settling in greater numbers in Ontario. Decades later, approximately 2,000 survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide - mostly women and children - came to Canada as refugees.
May is a significant month for the Armenian community. May 28, 1918, is widely celebrated by Armenian people around the world as the day Armenians regained sovereignty over their historical territory. The 1918 Armenian Declaration of Independence is a symbol of Armenians’ aspiration for freedom, democracy and independence. May 28th is one of the most important Armenian holidays, and many parades and festivities take place during the month of May.
2025-2026 School Year Calendars
The YRDSB 2025-2026 school year calendars have been approved by the Ministry. These calendars may be accessed on the YRDSB website at: https://www2.yrdsb.ca/school-year-calendar.
Upcoming Registrations
Kindergarten Registration for September 2025
Summer Institute Registration
Elementary Summer School
Upcoming Events
Community Information
Community Action Program for Children - Markham English
Community Action Program for Children - Markham Translated
South Asian Heritage Month Event Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Maple High School
