What’s Up Next At DCPS - Issue #11 - February 20, 2026

 

Message from Administration

We would like to take a moment to congratulate many of our students for their accomplishments over the past few weeks, and to thank the DCPS staff who volunteered their time to support them.

On January 20, the Junior Girls volleyball team competed fiercely at the Area East Junior Girls Volleyball Tournament held at Fred Varley P.S. Our team placed 3rd in their pool and advanced to the quarterfinals to try to take 2nd place away from Central Park P.S. In the end, after a hard-fought game, the girls ended up losing to the other team by only 2 points. We were very proud of their spirit and skills on the court. Two days later, on the evening of January 22, the Junior Girls volleyball team competed in their final tournament of the season at the Armadale Invitational Tournament. They had a very good night. They won their first three games handily (25 - 9, 25 - 21, and 25 -13) to go undefeated in their pool and advance straight to the semi-finals, where they defeated Charles Howitt P.S. and advanced to the finals. This was our DC Dragons’ first time ever advancing to an Armadale final. It was an exciting game against the home team (Armadale). The girls ended up losing the game and placed 2nd in the tournament! Ms. Kameka and Ms. Lung, the coaches of the team, shared, “This was fantastic! It was our first time ever placing this high, as a school, there. SO PROUD of you girls for getting there and for trying your best against the best team in the Area. It was a great way to end the season, as we  ENDED on a high note. Congratulations, and GO DRAGONS!!!!!”

The Reach for the Top Trivia team participated in their Area Tournament on the evening of January 22. They went into the tournament having won all of their exhibition games! At the tournament, the team played games in three different pools and won all three games, which put them in the top 8 out of 20 schools! They moved on to the quarter finals, where they played against Franklin Street Public School. It was a tight game with a tie in the second round, but ultimately, the other team won the game. Well done to the ten student members of this team, and thank you to Ms. Channa, Ms. Iaboni, Ms. Lyn and Ms. Hill for your coaching and support throughout the season.

On January 28, the Junior Boys volleyball team competed at the Area East Tournament held at Central Park P.S. This team was coached by Ms. Kameka and Ms. Lung and was made up of boys from grades 2 to 6. The boys fought hard and played against teams that were all made up of students from grades 4 - 6. We are proud of this team for all of their hard work in learning the skills to play against much older (and taller!) teams.  Thanks again to our amazing coaches!

On February 5, our Lego Robotics teams attended the Area Tournament in Richmond Hill. Both of our teams showed great heart, determination, and perseverance throughout the day, ultimately earning two places in the top ten! We would like to thank Mr. Wills for his leadership and support of this group of hard-working students.  Four of the students on the team won the Innovation Award, an award given for outstanding robot design and efficiency. Congratulations!

 

We are extremely proud of our students for all of their achievements! Go Dragons!!

 

Sean Yao           Joanne Trim

Principal             Vice Principal

 

DCPS Library Learning Commons

Recently, in the Library Makerspace, students created beautiful snowflakes using pages from a book that was damaged and no longer able to be kept in circulation. This gave the book a second life and allowed students to explore creativity while learning about reusing materials.

               paper snowflake     paper snowflake

 

In addition, students used sticks and connectors to build indoor “snow forts”. This hands-on activity encouraged teamwork and problem-solving.

 

          student construction with sticks    student construction with sticks and connectors

It has been wonderful to see students engaged, collaborating, and having fun in the library space. Thank you for your continued support!

- Ms. Channa

 

Project Valentine

Some of our homeroom classes participated in “Project Valentine” this year. This project is organized by York Region Paramedic Services each year. They gather personalized Valentine’s Cards for their frontline staff in Paramedic and Senior Services to remind them that they are loved by their community.  Today, we received a warm thank you from the Paramedic Services Wellbeing Unit and some photos.

Hello! 

Thank you so much for all the amazing cards you sent us for Project Valentine. We distributed valentines to over 700 paramedics and support staff, as well as many more to Senior Services staff and residents. Our staff really enjoyed receiving the cards and reading their personalized messages. The love and support you expressed to our frontline workers is truly heartwarming. We are very grateful! 

We look forward to your participation again in the future. 

Paramedic Services Wellbeing Unit

 

paramedics holding hand made cards

 

 

Activities at DCPS!  

Our students enjoyed playing disc golf on a spring-like day this week!

 

students playing disc golf

 

On February 17, the Eco Sprouts participated in the GREAT PAPER AIRPLANE contest - Primary edition.  Thank you to Ms. Ducheck for her role in organizing this event. We are pleased to announce the winners: Ms. Kaufman’s class finished in 4th place, Ms. Mohammed’s class came in 3rd place, Ms. Baig’s class finished in 2nd place, and Ms. Ahmad’s class claimed 1st place. Next week, the junior and intermediate Eco Dragons will battle for paper airplane perfection! 

 

students making paper airplanes

 

On February 19th, we celebrated Chinese Heritage Month and Lunar New Year with a Lion Dance presentation in our gym.

 

Lion dance performers

Lion dance performance

lion dance performance

 

Big Box of Cards Fundraiser - Don’t forget to place your orders!  

Collect orders from friends and family using the order form. Then place your order online at School Cash Online by Monday, February 23, 2026. Orders will be ready for pickup prior to March Break.

Prizes!

  • If we sell 75+ boxes, the top-selling class will win a pizza party
  • For every 3 boxes your family sells, you’ll be entered into a draw to win one of four $25 gift cards (if our school sells 150+ boxes)
  • If we hit 400 boxes, we’ll also draw for a Samsung 8” Tablet 

There’s no limit — the more boxes you sell, the more entries you get!

Thank you for supporting our students through this exciting initiative. Your participation makes a difference — and we hope you enjoy sharing these beautiful card sets with your friends and loved ones!

DCPS School Council

photos of card boxes

School Assistants Wanted

We are looking for additional School Assistants to support the supervision of students during the lunch hour (12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.). This is a paid position and requires a Vulnerable Sector Screening to be obtained from the York Regional Police.

The role of School Assistants is to provide supervisory support to ensure the safety and well-being of students during peak or critical periods of the school day, such as lunch time and recess. 

As a School Assistant, your responsibilities may include:

  • Yard duty supervision
  • Supervision of lunch hour activities
  • Additional tasks assigned by the school administrator

If you are interested, please email the school at donald.cousens.ps@yrdsb.ca

 

Hot Lunch Program

 

Kome Shokudo

Pizza Pizza

       Mother’s Deli   

Sushi Sushi

ChaTime

Session # 2 - January - March

February 23, 27

March 2, 6, 9, 13, 23, 27, 30

February 24

March 3, 10, 24, 31

February 25

March 4, 11, 25

February 26

March 5, 12, 26

March 6, 27

 

 

 

 

 

From the YRDSB:

 

Student Exchange Program

In cooperation with the York Region District School Board and as the only approved student exchange vendor, ISE-Ontario offers students aged 13-17 the opportunity to participate in an exchange program. Students apply directly through ISE-Ontario and must obtain approval from their school Principal before participating. For more information, please visit the ISE-Ontario webpage.

 

Community Safety Village Summer Camps for Grades 3 - 7

Dear Families of Students in Grades 3 to 7, 

On Monday, March 23rd, the Community Safety Village will be opening registration for their free summer camp programs.

 

Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, March 9, from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

Families, parents, and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting, where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools. Please see our www link  for more information and the registration link.

For further information, please email the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

 

Kindergarten Registration

Kindergarten registration for the 2026/2027 school year begins on Friday, January 16, 2026. 

Families can register using the following options: 

  • Online - Families can access the online Kindergarten registration information at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten > Registration. It is recommended that families use a laptop or a desktop computer, rather than a mobile device to complete this registration.  This is the preferred method for registration.
  • By email - Families can download the Elementary School Registration Form at www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten and email the completed form to their school email address.
  • By phone - Families can request support to complete the registration form on their behalf by collecting the required information by phone. Families can request an interpreter if needed.
  • In-person at the school - Families may visit the school office to drop off or complete a registration form on Friday, January 30, 2026. To register in person on any other day, please contact the office to make an appointment.

 

For those families registering their children for Kindergarten, there is an exciting learning opportunity available.

 

Learning Together: Experiencing the Joy of Kindergarten Conference 2026

In collaboration with the York Region Child and Family Collaborative, the York Catholic District School Board, and the EarlyON Child and Family Centres in York Region, the York Region District School Board invites families of children eligible for Kindergarten in September 2026 to join us for a two-part conference.

This free, family-friendly conference supports caregivers and children as they prepare for a successful transition to Kindergarten.

Part One: Virtual Session (Adults Only)

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Highlights:

  • Kindergarten Program Overview: What families can expect when their child starts school
  • Keynote Speaker – Laurie McIntosh: Discover how relationships, shared reading, and everyday moments support children’s social, emotional, and academic growth
  • Expert Panel & Q&A: Hear from school board principals and educators
  • Learn about school board and community resources

 

Part Two: In-Person Session (Attend with Your Child)

Choose either a morning or afternoon session

Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Location: Richmond Green Secondary School

Highlights:

  • Learn, play, and explore together
  • Children and adults will enjoy interactive activities
  • Connect with community agencies
  • Each family will receive a conference bag filled with books and resources

For registration information, please visit www.yrdsb.ca/kindergarten.