What's Up Next at DCPS! (Issue #2)

Good afternoon DCPS Families!

It has certainly been a busy two weeks for everyone at Donald Cousens PS! 

As you know, our Terry Fox Run/Walk is taking place on Thursday, September 25. We would like to thank Ms. Channa and Ms. Bouroukis for taking the time to organize this event for all of our students!

Athletic activities are already well underway at DCPS. Our Intermediate volleyball teams, made up of students in grades 6-8,  have started their practices with their amazing coaches, Ms. Kameka, Ms. Lung and Mr. Tredree. They are excited for their upcoming games and are hoping to better their 2nd place finish from last year. Students in grades 4-8 have started practicing at recess for Cross Country with the support of Ms. Saxton, Ms. Tzogas, Ms. Hetherington and Ms. Grant. Ms. Tzogas and Ms. Iaboni held an information meeting for students interested in joining the Walking Club. Permission forms were sent home this week, and the walking club will officially begin on Wednesday, September 24!

Primary Choir and Junior/Intermediate Choir rehearsals have started under the direction of Ms. Quach, and Concert Band rehearsals will begin shortly. The Lego Robotics Club (grades 6-8) will be starting their meetings with Mr. Wills soon.

We recognize the challenges of reorganizing in September, 14 days into the 2025-2026 school year, and we thank all of our staff, students and families for their support and understanding as we meet the Ministry of Education requirements for compliance with respect to class sizes.  The new organization was shared with you in a separate email.

Several students and staff were impacted by the reorganization.   Please know that we will be working very hard to ensure all students and staff adjust.  There are a number of considerations involved when reorganizing. Educators consider learning styles, student learning needs, balanced classes, friendships and class dynamics. Educators put a lot of thought and consideration into this process. In the spring, we invite students and parents to give input for class placements. While we do our best, this is not always possible. This holds true during reorganization, too. Our staff are skilled at teaching both straight and combined grades. They are also committed to working in collaboration with grade partners. We look forward to seeing students learn, grow and thrive this year.

If we can support you in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We value our parents/guardians as partners in education.

Sean Yao     Joanne Trim

Principal     Vice Principal

Morning Entry/End of Day Dismissal 

This afternoon, homeroom teachers ensured that any students moving to new classes on Monday knew where their entry/exit door is located and also the location of their new classroom.  The chart below has been updated to reflect our new school organization.  

Students in Kindergarten enter and exit from the kindergarten yard each day. Parents are asked to wait outside the fence.

Combined Grade Classrooms

Here is some information regarding combined grade classes from the YRDSB.

What is a combined grade class?
Many elementary schools in Canada have combined grade classes. A combined or split class contains students from two consecutive grades, for example, a grade 7/8 split class is comprised of students from grades 7 and 8.

Why do combined grade classes exist?
Frequently, combined grade organizations are the result of the number of students at particular grade levels. Sometimes, there are too many students to form one class, but not enough students to form two classes. In these situations, students from two different grade levels are grouped together to form a combined class. 

Why was my child chosen for the combined class?
When the school staff consider students for a combined class, the following criteria may be considered:

• work habits, maturity, co-operation
• a balance of ability, interests, and talents
• social or behavioural considerations
• MLL or Special Education needs
• learning styles of the students

The placement of your child in the higher grade of a split class does not mean that your child has not met curriculum requirements. If your child is in the lower grade, they are not necessarily ahead of their peers in a straight grade.

Are there any benefits to my child being in a combined class?
Educational research supports many benefits for students in combined classes, including:

• the development of independent learning skills
• students learn from each other
• the enhancement of social/emotional development
• leadership opportunities for students

Are there disadvantages to a combined grade?
No. An effective teacher and supportive parents provide a positive learning environment for children in any classroom organization. When student achievement is examined, the educational research has determined that there is no significant difference between single and combined or multi-grade classes.

Will my child be prepared for the next grade if they are in a combined class?
Yes. At the beginning of each school year, teachers use a variety of methods to assess the needs of each student regardless of the composition of the class. Using the Ontario Curriculum in each subject as a basis, the program is planned to meet the needs and abilities of all students in the class and to prepare students for the next grade.

Is the achievement of students in a combined grade comparable to children in a straight grade?
Educational literature shows that children in combined grade groupings function at a level that is comparable to children in a straight grade. Student achievement is not compromised. In addition, the research suggests that multi-age grouping is associated with a more positive self-concept and an enhanced attitude towards learning.

How can I support my child who is in a combined classroom?
Parents can help in a variety of ways, including:

• talk to your child about each day’s work
• support your child’s completion of homework
• talk to the teacher about any concerns
• share with the teacher any information about your child’s strengths, needs and interests

School Start Up Package

We would like to remind all families that the School Start Up Package was emailed to all families by the YRDSB last week.   The forms are available in many different languages and contain both mandatory (School Start-up Permission forms, Student Personal Information Consent Form) and optional forms (Request for Faith Accommodations Letter, School Council Nomination Form) for families to complete.  Please complete these forms as soon as possible. If you would prefer a printed copy of the start-up package, please email the school (donald.cousens.ps@yrdsb.ca) to request one. 

Edsby Sign Up

This platform will be required to report absences, book appointments and may be used as a communication tool with your child’s teachers. For Edsby to be effective, it contains personal information about you and your family that is collected by the Board at registration. This information is used to provide services and support to you and your family. Edsby is a secure system that keeps your details and information safe and secure. 

You will be receiving an invitation to EDBSY if you are new to the school or if you have not yet signed up. Please visit this link for online resources to help you register and use EDSBY.

Terry Fox School Walk/Run 

Once again, Donald Cousens Public School is proud to take part in this year’s Terry Fox Marathon of Hope! Students will be walking or running outside for 40 - 60 minutes at scheduled times throughout the day based on their grade level.

Event Date: Thursday, September 25

Rain Date: Monday, September 29

Please visit the school fundraising link at https://schools.terryfox.ca/107078 to donate and/or send a Toonie for Terry to school with your child. 

We look forward to continuing the legacy of one of Canada’s greatest heroes by donating to support cancer research while building fantastic school spirit!

October is International Walk to School Month - A Message from the Eco Team

Healthy Kids, Healthy Planet: Walk to School

October is International Walk to School Month and DC will start Walking Wednesdays on October 1 to celebrate! Did you know that Donald Cousens is a WALKING school?  That means that all of our mainstream students live close enough to walk to school!  Why walk?  We’re glad you asked because there are so many benefits!

Environmental Benefits of Walking School

• Reduces traffic congestion around the school.
• Cuts down on air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Lowers noise pollution in the neighbourhood.
• Helps create safer, greener, and more walkable communities.

Health Benefits of Walking to School

• Boosts daily physical activity and fitness.
• Builds stronger muscles, bones, and heart health.
• Improves energy levels and focus for learning.

Mental & Emotional Benefits of Walking to School

• Reduces stress and boosts mood.
• Increases alertness and readiness to learn.
• Encourages independence and responsibility.
• Provides time to socialize with friends.

Community & Safety Benefits of Walking to School

• Strengthens connections within the neighbourhood.
• Encourages safer streets with more people walking.
• Saves money on gas and transportation.
• Creates lasting healthy habits for life.

If you do have to drive, we kindly ask all drivers waiting in the school parking lot to turn off their engines. Idling increases air pollution that students and staff breathe every day, and also wastes fuel. By turning off the engine while waiting, you are creating a much healthier, safer, and cleaner environment for the school community. 

Even reducing your time of idling by coming when the bell rings can help our air quality. Drivers should not park and idle in the drop-off lane.  Please, park your car in the lot and turn off your engine! To help reduce idling, we ask drivers not to wait next to the curb before dismissal. Instead, please plan to arrive closer to 2:40 PM and park.

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in making our school environment healthier, safer, and cleaner. 

For more information on Active School Transportation: https://ontarioactiveschooltravel.ca/international-walk-to-school-month/ 

Kind Regards, 

The DC Eco Team

No Toys at School

Please do not allow your child(ren) to bring toys to school. We understand that they often like to bring something special with them to school for comfort or to play with during recess; however, when these items are damaged or lost, it causes great anxiety for our students. At times, toys from home can also be the source of conflict with other peers. The best option is to put special toys in a safe place at home where your child can find them when they return home at the end of the school day. This gives your child something to look forward to and keeps their prized possessions safe at home.

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 - Deadline for Orders is Monday!

Please note that the deadline to order Hot Lunches is Monday, September 22, at 11:00 p.m.  Please ensure that you have logged into SchoolCash Online to place your order. No late orders will be accepted.  The first session of Hot Lunches begins on October 1 and ends on December 19. Thank you for your support, as our program serves as a fundraiser for the school. 

Kids Kitchen is also available for purchase on Mondays and Fridays.

Inside DCPS!

Ms. Saxton and Mrs. Ducheck’s learning buddies created skip-counting hopscotch games on the tarmac!

Ms. Tzogas’ Grade 5 class engaged in learning about 

math, art, physical education, visual art, and learning skills.

From the YRDSB:

Safety Week - September 22 - 26

The York Region School Board is committed to ensuring the safety of students, staff, and visitors in the event of an emergency situation. As such, during Safety Week (Monday, September 22 to Friday, October 3, 2025) and throughout the school year, schools in our Board practise various safety drills, including Fire Drills, Lockdown Drills, Hold and Secure Drills and Bomb Threat Drills. It is critical that all members of our school community become familiar with emergency protocols as they are designed to keep all of us safe at school. Please refer to Board Policy #669.0 for more information about Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management.

Practising drills may create some anxiety for some students. If you are concerned about how these situations might impact the mental health and well-being of your child, please contact school administrators, as we have school mental health professionals available to support your child.

General Supports for Emotional Well-Being

• 310-COPE: 905-310-COPE (2673) or 1-855-310-COPE (2673) - available 24/7
• KidsHelpPhone: 1-800-668-6868, text 686868 - available 24/7
• Mental Health Helpline: 1-866-531-2600 - available 24/7
• York Hills Help Phone Line: 905-503-9561 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. for children and youth (0-18 years) and their parents, caregivers or adult supporters.
• Trans Lifeline
• Black Youth Helpline
• Naseeha Helpline
• 2SLGBTQ+ Youthline

Indigenous Languages and International Languages Registration Update

Please note that the registration for YRDSB’s Indigenous Languages and International Languages for Elementary students will re-open on Edsby on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

When registering your child on Edsby, please make sure that you use your laptop or computer, as the phone app is NOT supported and will result in a failure to complete your registration.

For registration and more information, please visit the following website: 

https://www2.yrdsb.ca/schools-programs/ilil/elementary-classes 

GIVE (Get Involved Volunteer in Education) Fall 2025 Training Session

We are pleased to invite YRDSB parents, guardians, school assistants, and community members to take part in the fall 2025 GIVE (Get Involved, Volunteer in Education) training program. This engaging and meaningful program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, tools, and skills to contribute as volunteers in diverse and impactful ways. Through GIVE, participants will strengthen parent, school, community, and student connections, fostering deeper engagement and collaboration.

Location: Teston Village Public School, 80 Murray Farm Lane, Maple L6A 3G1

Dates: October 6 to October 10, 2025 (Monday to Friday)

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Register through www GIVE Fall 2025. The Registration link is within the flyer below as well.

Recognition of Rowan’s Law Day

Rowan’s Law (Concussion Safety) was enacted in March 2018. As a requirement of this Act, the last Wednesday in September in each year has been proclaimed as Rowan’s Law Day. The purpose of this day is to increase concussion education awareness, especially in schools.

On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, staff and students of York Region District School Board (YRDSB) will recognize Rowan’s Law Day and the serious effects concussions can have on student learning, achievement, and well-being. 

Resources for Families:

• York Region Public Health has a Concussion Fact Sheet, Parent’s Pathway for Child and Youth Concussion, and Concussion Poster that can be ordered by contacting: injury.prevention@york.ca
• Concussion & You: A Handbook for Parents and Kids was developed by Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Concussion Centre, to help people with concussion management and recovery
• YRDSB Public Site: Concussion Awareness, Prevention and Management

SEPTEMBER Math Newsletter

(from the YRDSB Curriculum & Instructional Services Math Team): 

Sparking Joy at Home in Math✅

Welcome families! We are excited to share that the Math Newsletters you will receive this year will have a focus on discovering the joy of math. This JOY of math is not just in the classroom, but right in your own home with a focus on making math come alive through everyday conversations and activities.

Each month, the newsletter will take a closer look at how you can spark JOY at home. We will explain the connection to the classroom, share a resource, and give you some ideas of what you can do at home. We hope that through family conversation, exploration, and connections, you will find the many opportunities to spark JOY and creativity of Math at home. 

We also invite you to explore our Problem of the Month that can be found here! Our Problem of the Month is designed to engage minds of all ages, encouraging collaboration and creative problem-solving. Each month, you'll find a new mathematical experience that will spark curiosity and foster a love for learning mathematics. 

Connecting it Back to the Classroom

Math is everywhere! From the moment we wake up to the time we go to bed, numbers, patterns, and problem-solving are a part of our daily lives. The Ontario Math Curriculum encourages students to see math as meaningful, practical, and connected to their lives. By exploring math in everyday moments—like counting change, measuring ingredients, estimating time, or solving puzzles together—families can support students to build confidence and joy in math. These real-life connections show that math isn’t just something we do in school—it’s something we use every day in creative and impactful ways.

Engaging in SPARKING JOY at Home

Sparking joy in math conversations at home is about building curiosity, confidence, and connection with mathematics. 

When you engage in Math Talk at home be sure to consider:

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of asking "What's the answer?", try "How did you figure that out?" or "Can you think of another way to solve it?" This encourages thinking, not just memorization.

Focus on the "Why": Encourage your child to explain their thinking. Even if they get a wrong answer, understanding why they thought that way is invaluable for learning. "Tell me about your strategy."

Embrace Mistakes: Let your child know that mistakes are part of learning and a chance to explore new ideas. "That's an interesting way to think about it! Let's try another approach."

Try out some of the family activities at home with students: 

Calendar Count: 

• “What do you notice about today’s date? Is it even or odd? What patterns can you find in the numbers?
• Today is the 24th. What are all the ways you can make 24 using addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division?”
• You could start each day by looking at the date, weather, and counting days of school

Dice Games: 

• Roll two dice and see if you can get them to be equal
• Roll two dice. Create an equation using the numbers to get as close to 20 as possible. What operation(s) will you use? Can you do it another way?
• “What’s the highest score you can make in 5 rolls? What’s the lowest? What strategies work best?”

Geometry Around Us: 

• Go on a walk and spot 2D shapes in your home or neighbourhood.
• Find a structure made of 3D shapes. What shapes do you see? Why do you think the designer chose those shapes?
• Sort the shapes you see into categories: regular/irregular, symmetrical/not symmetrical, curved/straight edges. Can some belong in more than one category?

Math Puzzles: 

• A farmer has chickens and cows. You count 20 legs. How many of each animal could there be?
• I’m thinking of a number that’s greater than 20, less than 50, and divisible by both 4 and 6. What could it be? How do you know?”
• If a pattern continues like this: 2, 6, 12, 20, ___, ___, what are the next two numbers? What’s the rule

Would You Rather? Math Edition: 

• Would you rather earn $5 a day for 30 days or $2 the first day and double it each day?
• Would you rather split a large pizza into 6 slices or 8 slices if you’re sharing with two friends? Why?
• Would you rather walk 3 blocks to a store that gives you 20% off, or stay closer and pay full price for a $50 item? Explain your thinking.

By taking these small steps, you'll not only strengthen your child’s mathematical understanding but also ignite a lifelong love for learning. Over the course of the year, we hope to provide support and resources to help your family spark joy through math at home. We're excited to share more ideas next month!