Dear Families,
This week marked another exciting chapter in our school year as we hosted our first School Council Meeting. It was wonderful to see parents and guardians come together to share ideas, build relationships, and strengthen the connection between home and school. The evening was filled with collaboration, community building, and meaningful conversations focused on creating a strong sense of belonging for all members of our school community. Family engagement is an essential part of student success, and we are grateful for the many ways our families contribute their voices, talents, and perspectives to support Aldergrove.
We are pleased to announce our School Council Executive for the 2026-2027 school year:
- Co-Chairs: Reena Szeto and Victoria Bisback
- Secretary: Prakash Nadesparan
- Treasurer: Jennifer Lam
We look forward to working alongside this dedicated team as we continue to explore new ways to engage families, enhance school experiences, and support student learning and well-being throughout the year.
School Reorganization Update
This week, we also completed a minor school reorganization and are excited to welcome a new Senior Kindergarten/Grade 1 combined class to our school community. Combined-grade classes are a common and successful organizational model that provide rich opportunities for collaboration, leadership, and differentiated learning. We are confident that students in this new learning environment will thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Only families whose children were directly impacted by the reorganization were contacted. We appreciate the flexibility and support shown by students, families, and staff as these transitions take place, and we are excited about the opportunities this new class will provide.
Meet the Family Night
We are looking forward to welcoming families into the school for our annual Meet the Family Night on Thursday, October 1st.
This evening provides an opportunity for parents and guardians to visit classrooms, meet educators, learn more about classroom routines and expectations, and gain insight into the exciting learning experiences planned for the year ahead. Building a strong partnership between home and school is one of our most important priorities, and we hope this event helps strengthen those connections.
In addition, several community organizations will be joining us in the gymnasium to share information about programs, supports, and services available to Aldergrove families. We encourage all families to take some time to explore these resources and connect with our community partners.
We look forward to seeing everyone there. Please see the agenda below for event details.
Terry Fox Run - October 2
On Friday, October 2nd, Aldergrove students and staff will participate in our annual Terry Fox Run. Our goal this year is to raise $1,000 in support of cancer research.
The Terry Fox Run is a cherished Canadian tradition that honours the extraordinary legacy of Terry Fox, whose Marathon of Hope inspired people across Canada and around the world. More than forty years later, Terry's courage, determination, and commitment to helping others continue to inspire new generations. Participating in the run provides an important opportunity for students to learn about perseverance, empathy, and the power of collective action while contributing to a worthy cause.
We thank families in advance for supporting this meaningful event and helping us work toward our fundraising goal.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On September 30th, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day provides an opportunity to reflect on the history and ongoing impacts of residential schools and to continue learning about the experiences, cultures, contributions, and perspectives of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Throughout the week, students will engage in age-appropriate learning activities that promote understanding, respect, and reconciliation. As a school community, we will honour this important day by displaying our Every Child Matters flag and encouraging students and staff to wear orange shirts as a visible reminder that every child matters and that the journey toward reconciliation continues.
Education plays a vital role in building understanding and creating a more equitable future, and we remain committed to fostering learning environments where all voices are valued and respected.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for helping make Aldergrove a welcoming, caring, and inclusive community where everyone belongs.
Warm regards,
Mr. Louca Ms. Yadollahi
Principal Vice-Principal
Theme of the Week
Stronger Together
Quote of the Week
"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success."
– Henry Ford
Meet the Family Night Agenda Overview
Here is our agenda overview for the evening of Thursday, October 1st. There is no sign-up necessary. Please just choose when you’d like to attend during the hours below.
6:00 Session 1
6:25 Break
6:30 Session 2
7:00 Dismissal
Library Update
Sept 21-25
The library has been a busy place this week with book exchange! I thank you and your children for returning their books and exploring new ones.
Next week, Kindergarten students will be visiting the Library to learn more about Interoception. They will be learning about their body, body signals, emotions, and emotional awareness of self and others.
Markham Public LIbraries offer a wide range of classes, makerspace times, drop in programs, and storytimes at various branches. Some branches offer a lending library and have access to 3D printers!! Check out what’s happening your local Milliken Mills Library Branch using the link below:
https://markhampubliclibrary.ca/locations/mm/
Find “What’s On” from the drop down menu at the top and see what is happening this month. Some examples of upcoming programs are:
- Building Healthy Routines and Habits around technology for kids (offered in Mandarin
- Mini Makers STEAM adventures
- First Stitches Children’s Sewing Workshops
- Drop in chess for kids
- Storytime
MENTAL HEALTH
SEPT 21-25
Dear Aldergrove Community,
My name is Mrs. Szonda and I am the Mental Health Lead for Aldergrove. My role is to provide information, support and programming for students and community members surrounding Mental Health and Wellness. I will be sending weekly updates with links or information to community programs you can access, and provide information about what we are doing at school to support Mental Health.
I am sharing the following information from our Mental Health Team at YRDSB. The programs I will list below can be found at:
https://www.yorkhills.ca/services/group-services/
This one is in AURORA but appears to be a good program if you are able to make the trip.
TAKE ACTION
This 9 week parent child group supports children (8- 12 years) in learning strategies and coping skills to manage anxiety in their lives.
The goal of this group is for children to create an ACTION plan for anxiety. ACTION stands for Aware, Calm, Think, Into action, Options and Never stop taking action. Participants will be provided with a workbook and will engage in play, art and creative activities.
Parents and caregivers will engage in their own learning through the use of a parent handbook, and group participation. Parents/caregivers will also have the opportunity to meet as a group to learn how to support their child(ren).
* Mondays | October 05, 2026 – December 07, 2026
*6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
*Group Facilitators: Wendy Roza (Child and Family Therapist) and Phoebe Chan (Child and Family Therapist)
*402 Bloomington Road, Aurora
This one is VIRTUAL via Zoom.
Circle of Security Group
This 8-week parent group is open to parents/caregivers of children birth to 6 years old who live in York Region. The Circle of Security is a warm and supportive 8-week parenting program designed to help caregivers better understand and respond to their children’s emotional needs. It’s based on decades of research in attachment theory and child development, and it’s all about building strong, secure relationships between children and their parent/caregivers.
- Learn tools to support children through big emotions like anxiety, anger, or sadness.
- Build confidence in managing challenging behaviors with empathy and understanding.
- Create a deeper bond with your child, leading to better cooperation, self-esteem, and emotional regulation.
It’s a gentle, insightful journey into parenting that celebrates connection over correction.
Using the COSP™ model developed by the Circle of Security originators, our trained Facilitators work with parents and caregivers to help them to:
- Understand their child’s emotional world by learning to read emotional needs
- Support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions
- Enhance the development of their child’s self esteem
- Honor the innate wisdom and desire for their child to be secure
* Mondays | April 13, 2026 – June 08, 2026
*11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
*Group Facilitators: Sue Browne and Margaret Megitt
*Zoom Meeting
Our SPIRIT team is reforming this year and we look forward to partnering with York Region Public Health again this year to help support wellness and inclusion here at Aldergrove.
Thanks!