June 30

Dear Farmilies,

It’s been our pleasure to serve you this year. We‘ve all been through a very challenging couple of years. The pandemic definitely impacted our life’s in many ways and yet we have successfully got to a better place now. At Beckett Farm, we celebrated our grade 8 graduates and welcomed pizza and hot lunches. Students also had the opportunity to engage in end-of-year activities with their class.

We hope to continue to return to normal activities in the coming year, 2022-2023. School reopens on September 7, 2022. 

We wish all families a very happy and restful Summer!!!

Yours in partnership, 

Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Rajan

Message from our Chair, Allan Tam & Director, Mrs. L. Sirisko

Dear Families,

As we reach the conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year, we wish to thank all our staff members, students and their families for your continued dedication and support through another challenging year. Our students have benefited from your caring and compassionate approach. This has been another example of the importance and strength in the partnership our local schools have with the families and community they serve. 

While we have continued to navigate the challenges of the pandemic over the past year, we have also had many reasons to feel hopeful and positive. Our students continue to inspire us with their resilience, critical thinking, creativity and achievements. Please take the time to check out some of the exciting work and accomplishments that have happened over the past year in our newsroom or YouTube channel, or catch up on episodes of our podcast Tune In YRDSB. 

This spring, we welcomed the return to more in-person activities including extra-curricular activities, athletics and graduations. It has been so meaningful to have these opportunities to gather in person. We want to extend our congratulations to the graduating Grade 8 and Grade 12 classes of 2022, and wish you all the very best for the future. 

 Student and Family Survey

Student and family voice is important to us. We are conducting two surveys to collect feedback from students and families to understand their experiences of learning during this school year. The surveys were sent to families by email and to the GAPPS accounts of Grade 7-12 students. If you have not yet completed the survey, we encourage you to do so. The surveys are available until June 30, 2022. They are anonymous and individual responses will be kept in strict accordance with all relevant legislation.

Message from York Region Fire Departments

Please take some time to review and discuss the letter from all eight fire departments in York Region. 

York Region Public Health

Please see this information from York Region Public Health for all families. For families with children under five years old, please see this survey from York Region Public Health about vaccinations for younger children.

Indigenous Languages and International Languages Programs

Registration for the Indigenous Languages and International Languages (ILIL) program is now open. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the 2022-2023 ILIL program year. Families can visit the Board’s website for more information regarding elementary and secondary courses and registration 

Summer Programs

Over the next few weeks, our schools will welcome approximately 12,000 students into our summer learning programs. This includes summer institute, elementary and secondary summer school and other programs. We are grateful to the many staff members and families who continue to work and volunteer to ensure learning continues year-round. 

Student Mental Health

We started the year with a focus on the ABCs of Mental Health, and it has remained a priority for us throughout the year as we recognize the toll the pandemic has taken on all of us. Promoting and supporting mental health is a priority for all of us and we’re looking forward to the formal launch of the Board’s Student Mental Health and Addictions Strategy in the fall. 

Learning Recovery Strategies

Boards across Ontario have received funding from the Ministry of Education to initiate tutoring support programs, including programs provided by community partners. Please contact your school if you would like further information.  Tutoring funds are also being used to support students this summer through programs such as secondary and elementary summer school. Tutoring supports will prioritize math, literacy and other foundational learning skills.  Plans for the use of our Board’s tutoring allocation in the fall are under development.  

2022-2023 School Year

We look forward to welcoming students and staff back to school in September. You can find the calendars for all of our schools on our website.  Please be reminded that for all of our elementary schools and regular start secondary schools, the first day of school is Wednesday, September 7, 2022. We expect to reopen with the public health measures we currently have in place, however, if this should change over the summer months, we will provide an update. 

We hope this summer brings opportunities to relax and enjoy special time with family and friends. Have a safe and happy summer break. 

Sincerely,

Allan Tam, Chair

Louise Sirisko, Director of Education

Please see below for other informational items….

Community Garden

A big shout out to Ms. Cheung, Ms Nicitopoulos and our student team!!!

This Spring, the Well-Being Club, composed of grade 1-7 students, led by Ms. Cheung and Ms. Nicitopoulos, worked really hard to revive our school community garden. They have restored two vegetable beds and one flower bed. On behalf of our school, they would like to thank both families and teachers (Mrs. Sharma & Ms. Bannag) at our school who donated seeds and vegetable plants for our garden! They would also like to thank Mrs. Mueller’s grade 3 class and Ms. Cheung’s grade 2 class for also helping out. Over the summer we are grateful to Kids Connection’s students and staff to help us take care of the garden. Please feel free to walk by and enjoy our school garden over the summer break. We look forward to working with the school community on our garden in the fall! 

Hear the Thunder BFPS Milestones Celebrations Newsletter

We thank Mrs, Ahmad, Mrs. Rachakonda and Mrs. Bannag for facilitating this group and supporting the publishing of this Newsletter: https://adobe.ly/3a1vOTn

Mental Health Support

YRDSB is pleased to offer virtual mental health support over the summer months. School Social Workers and Psychologists will be offering individual counseling, group support, and webinars in collaboration with York Hills. We also continue to provide crisis and traumatic event support over the summer. 

Please use this link for information regarding the mental health groups being offered this summer:  Registration information about webinars, being offered in collaboration with York Hills, can be found here. 

School Psychological Services staff will also be completing psychological assessments that have been triaged by the Area Coordinator. 

If you have any questions regarding summer services and support, please contact  Teresa Riccitelli, Interim Chief of Social Work at teresa.riccitelli@yrdsb.ca or Sue Ball, Chief Psychologist at sue.ball@yrdsb.ca.

June 24

Dear Farmily,

What a glorious week we had at the Farm. This week we welcomed two plays presented by Mrs. Ahmad and Mr. Cardoza’s class. We thank Ms. Signer for her hard work in directing the play and their students for their enthusiastic participation. Our grades 1-3 students were also water sprayed by our community firefighters on a very hot and sweltering day.

If you are withdrawing your child/ren before June 30 to go on vacation or if you are moving please inform the office as soon as possible.

We really hope that in the coming year, 2022-2023 we are able to bring back all the activities that students enjoy in normal times.

Below are some important announcements: 

Firefighter visit- Here are some pictures!!!

No lunches/Snack: 

Please ensure that you send lunch and a snack with your child/ren daily. We do not have Pizza lunch or Hot lunch this week

Epipens will be sent home with your child on Thursday morning.

Lost and found: Classes have been visiting the front foyer with their teachers to check the items displayed from the lost and found bin. Families are welcome to come in and check for their child/rens’ missing belongings between 8:45 AM-9:00 AM and between 3:45 PM-4:15 PM

Student and Family Survey

Student and family voice is important to us. We are conducting two surveys to collect feedback from students and families to understand their experiences of learning during this school year. The surveys were sent to families by email and to the GAPPS accounts of Grade 7-12 students. If you have not yet completed the survey, we encourage you to do so. The surveys are available until June 30, 2022. They are anonymous and individual responses will be kept in strict accordance with all relevant legislation.

York Region Public Health

Please see this information from York Region Public Health for all families. For families with children under five years old, please see this survey from York Region Public Health about vaccinations for younger children. 

June 17

Dear Farmilies,

As we move closer to the finish line, June 30 we are wrapping up some programmes. Please make note of the following important items:

• Pizza Lunch: Last day for Pizza lunch is, Wednesday, June 22’nd. There will be no pizza lunch on Wednesday, June 29
• Hot lunches: Last day for Hot lunch is, Thursday, June 23’rd. There will be no hot lunch on Thursday, June 30.
• Please ensure that your child/ren bring their own lunches everyday after June 23’rd
• Firefighters will be coming on June 22 at 2:15 PM. This programme is only for students in grade 1-3. Please send your child/ren with towels and extra clothing.

Camp Black Brilliance

Camp Black Brilliance will offer families the opportunity to get to know the Kindergarten program and have their children experience their introduction to schooling in a way that is culturally responsive and affirming of their identity through experiential learning. Please check this link for more information

Registration information: https://bit.ly/3aNyuUt

CNE KIDS PASS:

Each year, the CNE distributes more than 1.25 million Kids Passes through local public and Catholic elementary schools. Each Kids Pass admits one child 13 years of age or younger on any one day of the 2022 CNE. Please note rides are not included. The FREE Kids Pass is only available for download until August 18, 2022. If interested, please follow the link below: https://bit.ly/3xE27Aw

Upcoming Community Events York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) and Sankofa Mentoring Program

Summer Outdoor Program The Sankofa Program is offering a solution to online fatigue. The entire family is invited to reconnect and have fun. Join us on most Saturdays for family fun, / food /games, prizes, African drumming, and workshops to bring the community together. For more information visit YRAACC. 

Date: Most Saturdays May 25 to September 17, 2022 Time: 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: In-person sunshine or rain at the Safety Village in Markham 3291 Stouffville Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A 7X5 Register now as space is limited. 

Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA) | YRDSB Pandemic Recovery: Summer Reading Camp MACCA Markham is hosting a summer reading and robotics camp. Date: July 11-August 19, 2022 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Location: Unionville Meadows P.S., 365 South Unionville Avenue, Markham Registration Fee:  $100 Register by phone: 905-946-9998

June 10

Dear Farmilies,

We had a glorious week at the Farm. Our students are having a splendid time.

We’d like to draw your attention to a concern that was brought to our attention. We all love pets and would love to bring them along to school. However, we have several community members who are allergic to pets and others who are not comfortable around them. We request pet owners to avoid bringing their pets to school during drop-off and pick-up times. Pets are not allowed on school property during school hours. We thank you for your understanding.

Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Rajan

Please see the weekly informational items below:

Camp Black Brilliance

Camp Black Brilliance will offer families the opportunity to get to know the Kindergarten program and have their children experience their introduction to schooling in a way that is culturally responsive and affirming of their identity through experiential learning. Please check this link for more information

Registration information: https://bit.ly/3aNyuUt

CNE KIDS Pass:

Each year, the CNE distributes more than 1.25 million Kids Passes through local public and Catholic elementary schools. Each Kids Pass admits one child 13 years of age or younger on any one day of the 2022 CNE. Please note rides are not included. The FREE Kids Pass is only available for download until August 18, 2022. If interested, please follow the link below:

https://bit.ly/3xE27Aw

Upcoming Community Events York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC) and Sankofa Mentoring Program

Summer Outdoor Program The Sankofa Program is offering a solution to online fatigue. The entire family is invited to reconnect and have fun. Join us on most Saturdays for family fun, / food /games, prizes, African drumming, and workshops to bring the community together. For more information visit YRAACC. 

Date: Most Saturdays May 25 to September 17, 2022 Time: 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Location: In-person sunshine or rain at the Safety Village in Markham 3291 Stouffville Rd, Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON L4A 7X5 Register now as space is limited. 

Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA) | YRDSB Pandemic Recovery: Summer Reading Camp MACCA Markham is hosting a summer reading and robotics camp. Date: July 11-August 19, 2022 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Location: Unionville Meadows P.S., 365 South Unionville Avenue, Markham Registration Fee:  $100 Register by phone: 905-946-9998

Dear Farmilies,

Please see below for informational items.

Triple P Parenting Seminar : Parenting strategies for a successful summer: https://adobe.ly/3xgz2ep

Sex Trafficking

Click to access SC-Sex-Trafficking-Presentation.pdf

PEAC

York Region District School Board invites parents/guardians and community members to apply for membership on the Board’s Parent, Family and Community Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC). PEAC supports parent engagement at the Board level in order to improve student achievement and well-being. It represents the collective voice of parents who have children attending public schools in York Region.

Interested parents/guardians and community members should submit an online application form by June 15, 2022, or can request a copy of the form by emailing leadership.development.engagement@yrdsb.ca or calling 905-727-0022 ext. 3650.

More information about the committee and the application process can be found on the Board website.

May 27

Dear Farmilies

We are writing to you following yesterday’s act of violence that took place at a Toronto School. 

Acts of violence can leave us with feelings of shock, fear, upset, anger and grief, particularly when they affect children and schools. It is also very important that we take the time to care for ourselves and for one another, as friends and as part of an educational community and family. 

York Region Schools do their best to ensure the safety of our staff and students. We run practice drills such as Fire Drill, Hold and Secure through the course of the year to familiarize staff and students with response actions that need to be taken in case an event occurs. Our staff constantly engages in meaningful conversations with students to provide them with coping mechanisms in case they are troubled by the incidents occurring around them. As a school, we can also reach out to our social work services for our students if a more intensive level of support is required.

Families which are looking for support can use the messages in the attached resource, resources available on our website to support you in speaking with your child/ren.

Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Rajan

Early Dismissal in Elementary Schools

All schools in the York Region District School Board are committed to improving student achievement and well-being.  On Thursday, June 30, 2022, an early release day will take place to allow elementary teachers and support staff to take part in meetings during the afternoon of that day.  These meetings will allow for 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 during the morning of Thursday, June 30, 2022 only.  Students will be dismissed early that day at 12:10 PM.  Arrangements will be made to ensure that students who are normally bused to and from school will receive transportation at this time.  Parents/guardians whose children attend after-school child care should make appropriate arrangements to address this change in schedule.

York Hills Centre for Children, Youth and Families is excited to present our Summer Webinars.    Attached you will find a QR Code poster to display at your centers or electronically distribute.  

You can view our upcoming webinar on our York Hills Eventbrite page.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/york-hills-centre-for-children-youth-and-families-10725006171

Alternatively, you can find them on our web page at the following link.

https://www.yorkhills.ca/services/workshopsandwebinars/

Nur Muslim Mentorship 

YRDSB and the Alliance of Educators for Muslim Students (AEMS) is excited to offer our first-ever mentorship program for Muslim students.  The Nur Muslim Mentorship Program is an opportunity for Muslim students from Grade 7-12 who are underserved and underperforming to be supported through mentoring relationships with Muslim students and staff in the Board. 

OVERVIEW OF THE NUR MUSLIM MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 

While the program will support all areas of the Board, this first phase, which will take place over the course of a year, focuses on affirming students and building a sense of belonging. Participants will include: 

● Muslim-identifying students (grade 7-12) from all schools across YRDSB.  

● Muslim-identifying mentors within YRDSB (i.e. YRDSB staff). Any Muslim-identifying staff who are interested in becoming a mentor are asked to complete the Nur Muslim Mentorship Program – Mentor Application by June 08, 2022  Interested families may follow this link to enroll their child/ren who are in grades 7 through 12 by clicking on this link: Nur Muslim Mentee application

May 20

Dear farmilies,

Hope you are all enjoying the lovely weather. There is no school this coming Monday due to the Victoria Day long weekend. The school will reopen on Tuesday, May 24, 2022.

Please see below for some important dates and other information items.

We wish you all a lovely weekend!

Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Rajan

School Council

Families are invited to attend the School Council Meeting on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 between 6:30-7:30 PM. Please join using the zoom link: https://yrdsb-ca.zoom.us/j/93027109220?pwd=bnBTaW1mOGE1OTIrOGh2Ym9PT254QT09

Dropping off your children

We are noticing that quite a few of our students are getting dropped off much ahead of 8:55 AM in the morning. Please note that there is no staff supervision prior to 8:55AM. This is a safety concern and we request that you remain with your child/ren if you have early to school. Only leave when you see supervising staff around the school and in the kindergarten pen.

We thank you very much for supporting us in keeping our students safe.

Pokemon Cards and other items of value

We have been dealing with a lot of conflicts during recess regarding students bringing in their Pokemon cards to school and trading them with their friends. These cards are not allowed in the school building. Please have a conversation with your child/ren and advice them to not bring the cards to school. The school does not take responsibility for lost or stolen cards or any other valuable items. We thank you for your support.

YRDSB Student and Family Survey

We will be inviting all students in Grades 7-12 and all families of students in grades K-12 to participate in the 2021-22 YRDSB Student and Family Surveys between June 1-30, 2022. Surveys will be available online and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.

The surveys will provide the Board and our schools with valuable information about the learning experiences of students and families this year. Results will be used to guide Board and school planning to support student achievement and well-being. 

Students and families will be invited to complete their respective surveys by email. Families who do not want their child(ren) to be sent an invitation to participate in the survey may contact Research Services at research.services@yrdsb.ca no later than May 26, 2022. For your convenience, copies of the surveys are available on the Board website. The Family Survey will be available online in:

• Arabic 
• Chinese (simplified)
• Chinese (traditional)
• Farsi 
• Gujarati 
• Hebrew
• Korean 
• Punjabi 
• Russian 
• Tamil 
• Turkish
• Urdu 
• Vietnamese    

As our first partners in education, we value input from families and encourage parents/guardians to complete the survey. The information provided will be anonymous and kept in strict accordance with all relevant legislation. Survey results will remain confidential and will be collated along with the responses of all students and all families in the form of a summary report (i.e., individual responses will not be reported, only grouped data will be reported). 

Please contact Research Services at research.services@yrdsb.ca if you have any questions or visit the Board website to learn more. 

York Region Police Community Safety village camps

Please follow the provided to you to get further information about the YRP Safety Village camps offered over Summer: https://bit.ly/3wxlyuv

Virtual walk-in counseling for Youth, Adults, Couples, and Families: https://adobe.ly/3lrG3lQ

May 6

Dear Farmilies,

It was a great week at the Farm! Students enjoyed the sunlight and warm weather during recess. Hot lunch was a huge success. Our staff continues to work relentlessly to support our students’ academic, social and emotional needs. Please review carefully the important information items listed below in order to help us foster a safe and welcoming environment for all.

Thank you.

Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Rajan

Pokemon cards

We have been dealing with a lot of conflicts during recess with regards to students bringing in their Pokemon cards to school and trading them with their friends. These cards are not allowed in the school building. Please have a conversation with your child/ren and advice them to not bring the cards to school. The school does not take responsibility for lost or stolen cards. We thank you for your support 

Dropping off kids before school hours and pick up during lunch

We have noticed students being dropped off at school much before the morning bell. Our supervision begins at 8:55 AM. It is a safety concern if students get dropped off before this time since there is no active staff supervision. Please only drop your child/ren between 8:55 AM-9:10 AM when we have staff supervisors around the school.

Another request from the office is that you try to avoid picking up your children during recess times (10:50-11:20 and 1:00 PM-2:00 PM) when students are usually outside. You may call the school ahead of recess or lunch so that we have them ready and waiting for you in the office.

Masks

Please ensure that you send your child/ren with a mask if you’d like them to wear a mask at school. Public Health recommends that students wear 3-ply cloth masks. These are reusable masks that can be laundered at home.  The school is running short of masks and does not have enough masks to give to students.

April 29, 2022

Dear Farmilies,

It’s wonderful to see our students enjoy the warm weather this past week brought us. Last month we started Pizza Lunch. We eagerly await the restart of the much-awaited hot lunches from May 5’th. Parents of grade 3 and 6 students have been sent information about EQAO via email on Wednesday, April 27. If you have not received the letter, please contact Mrs. Khan or Mrs. Cheung in the office. 

Eid Mubarak to all families who are celebrating next week!!!

Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Rajan

Nur Muslim Mentorship 

YRDSB and the Alliance of Educators for Muslim Students (AEMS) are excited to offer our first-ever mentorship program for Muslim students.  The Nur Muslim Mentorship Program is an opportunity for Muslim students from Grade 7-12 who are underserved and underperforming to be supported through mentoring relationships with Muslim students and staff in the Board. 

OVERVIEW OF THE NUR MUSLIM MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 

While the program will support all areas of the Board, this first phase, which will take place over the course of a year, focuses on affirming students and building a sense of belonging. Participants will include: 

● Muslim-identifying students (grade 7-12) from all schools across YRDSB.  

● Muslim-identifying mentors within YRDSB (i.e. YRDSB staff). Any Muslim-identifying staff who are interested in becoming a mentor are asked to complete the Nur Muslim Mentorship Program – Mentor Application by May 11, 2022 

All staff is asked to support by reaching out to any Muslim students who may benefit from this mentorship program.  

Interested families may follow this link to enroll their child/ren who are in grades 7 through 12 by clicking on this link: Nur Muslim Mentorship Program- Mentee Application  

Parent Engagement Advisory Committee (PEAC)

On behalf of the PEAC Regional Symposium Planning Team, we would like to invite you to register for the PEAC Regional Symposium. The Symposium is virtual and is being held on May 4th from 7pm to 9pm. We have Dr. Alex Russell as our keynote speaker and the option to select from one of the 21 workshops. The Symposium has been designed by our PEAC planning team with a focus on parent voice. Please visit our webpage linked below for more information and to register. The Symposium is being held during Children’s Mental Health Week and our keynote and many of the workshops support this focus.

REGISTER HERE

April 22, 2022

Dear Farmilies,  

A big shoutout to our Beckett farm staff for their unwavering support of our learners. Our esteemed staff endeavour to put a smile of every student’s face as they juggle through the many demands placed on them. Please join us in showing our appreciation to such a committed team.

Thank you to all families who are choosing to walk their children to school each day. Kiss and ride is much safer due to fewer vehicles.

To all those who are celebrating, Happy Easter and Chag Pesach Sameach (Happy Passover)!!!

Ms. Miller and Ms. Rajan

Hot Lunches

BFPS School Council is excited to offer a Thursday Hot Lunch Program provided by Kome Shokudo. The school lunch program runs every Thursday from May 5 to June 23 for a total of 7 weeks (excluding June 2nd which is a PA Day). Please see School Cash Online (https://yrdsb.schoolcashonline.com) to place your order by April 28, 2022.

Mental Health Newsletter

Every year in Ontario, the first week in May is acknowledged as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week; this year it will fall on May 2-6, 2022. In recognition of this important week, at YRDSB, we are planning a variety of classroom daily activities, increasing awareness through our social media platforms as well as working with our community partners to build awareness about children and youth mental wellness through webinars and workshops. Follow this link to get more information about mental support for students and their families: https://adobe.ly/3OxDLPm