Message from Admin
As we end off the month of April we are grateful for the many initiatives and activities that have taken place. The grade 7s and grade 3 have participated in the Swim to Survive program offered by the city of Markham. Our badminton team has had exhibition games. The grade 4s and 5s visited the Aga Khan Museum, and our grade 1s and 2s visited the Community Safety Village. These field trips have been subsidized by the fundraising that has occurred through our hot lunch program, so thank you for your support!
Thank you to the Eco Team for the Earth Week activities that helped our scholars to put the earth first. Boomerang lunches, yard clean-ups and the Earth Day Pledge helped our scholars consider their impact on the natural environment and their environmental footprint. We hope to continue our work in making Aldergrove an exceptional eco-school.
Our staff would like to express their sincere appreciation for Aldergrove’s School Council with the Staff Appreciation Luncheon that was held this week. Our commitment continues to be in service of creating inclusive and safe spaces where all scholars feel welcomed, included and a sense of belonging.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our scholars.
Ms. Jessa Mr. Pamayah
Principal Vice Principal
Coming up at Aldergrove
Discover Kindergarten on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 6pm
School Council Meeting #4 on Thursday, May 15 at 7pm
Aldergrove Eats on Thursday, May 29, 2025
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 |
2025-26 Parent/Guardian Class Placement Input
At this time of the year, we are thinking and planning for the school year of 2025-2026. If you know that you will be moving or will not be at Aldergrove for the next school year, please contact the school office and provide information so that we can help you in your transition. If your child will be at Aldergrove and you would like to provide parent input regarding your child’s class placement, please fill out this google form.
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.
Bus Loop Safety
Drivers must not park and leave their vehicle in the “Kiss-and-Ride” or Bus Loop as it can be unsafe for arrival and dismissal. The Staff Parking Lot is closed and should not be used.
- Immediately drop off/pick up passengers
- NO sitting and waiting for your child
- NO leaving your vehicle
- This sign overrides any ‘kiss and rides’ or any instruction from non-city officials
- Please drive slowly as you enter the school. Safety is a priority.
Seasons are Changing!
This is a reminder that all scholars are expected to go outside for recess. Please ensure that your child/ren are dressed appropriately for the changing weather. A change of clothes would be helpful for primary children should they get wet during the day. Please make sure all clothing items are labeled with your child’s name. Our “Lost and Found” bin gets filled up quickly and belongings often go unclaimed. Please make sure your child has a pair of indoor shoes for school.
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
Chess Team at YRDSB Competition
On Thursday, April 10th, the Aldergrove Chess team participated in the YRDSB Chess Competition. This was a valuable experience that helped our team develop chess strategies and techniques. Thank you to Ms. Wong and Mr. Halari for leading the team this year.
Grade 1s and 2s at the Community Safety Village
Our Grade 1s and 2s recently visited the Community Safety Village. This experience supported much of their curriculum learning about community workers and safety in their neighbourhood.
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.
School Council Meeting on Thursday, May 15 at 7pm
The final School Council meeting of the year will be on Thursday, May 15 at 7pm. This will be a hybrid meeting with a face-to-face session in the school library and a virtual session that families will be able to access through a link. Please stay tuned for more details, but mark this day on your 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
Our Truth: Tamil Artists from GTA Thursday, May 15, 2025, 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Bill Hogarth Secondary School
South Asian Heritage Month Event Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Maple High School