What’s Up Next At DCPS - Issue #9 - January 29, 2026

Message from Administration

What a week! From another school closure due to extreme weather, to the amazing Winter Concert, to a huge fundraising kick-off, and finally a PA day - we did it all! It is no wonder that January has flown by so quickly.

Thank you to all of our families and friends who braved the frigid weather to support our students in Grades 5- 8, Concert Band, our Primary Choir, and our Junior/Intermediate Choir. The performances were incredible and so were the bright smiles of all of our performers. We were all very proud of your performances. Thank you to Ms. Quach for the countless hours she put in with the band and choirs to prepare them for tonight.  Thank you to our teachers who volunteered their time to supervise the students as they waited for their turn to shine on the stage - Mme. Tang, Ms. Grant, Ms. Ducheck, Mr. Varma, Ms. Cianferro & Ms. Tzogas. 

We are very grateful to our School Council for organizing a wonderful fundraising event for our school, “Big Box of Cards”. This fundraiser will begin on Monday, February 2 to Monday, February 23, 2026. Your child will be bringing home more information.

You are also reminded to purchase DCPS Spirit Wear before the cutoff date. The school e-store will close Friday, Jan. 30, at midnight; as such, we strongly encourage all students and staff to participate, during the campaign period to ensure timely delivery of goods. Orders placed by this date will be delivered to the school on Monday, Feb. 23, at no additional charge. As goods will be delivered during the colder winter month of February, we encourage families to order clothing with the weather in mind. This year all orders can be made online via our vendor’s dedicated e-store via this link: https://varsitycanada.com/schools/dcps/  More information regarding spirit wear can be found below. 

A reminder that tomorrow, January 30, is a PA Day and students will not be at school. Our staff will be engaging in professional learning and completing other work related to planning and assessment, and report cards. Have an enjoyable weekend, and we hope you all stay warm!

As always, please reach out if you have any questions, concerns or comments.  We care about your children and value our partnership with our families and caregivers.

Sean Yao Joanne Trim

Principal Vice Principal

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. 

Donald Cousens Spirit Wear - Order

Back by popular demand, we are very excited this year to offer you the opportunity to purchase Donald Cousens Spirit Wear through our vendor’s dedicated e-store. This is an opportunity to promote our school spirit. 

Our web campaign for 2026 ran from Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Orders placed during this period will be delivered to the school on Monday, Feb. 23, at no additional charge. The school e-store will close Friday, Jan. 30, at midnight; as such, we strongly encourage all students and staff to participate, during the campaign period to ensure timely delivery of goods. As goods will be delivered during the colder winter month of February, we encourage families to order clothing with the weather in mind.

 This year, all orders can be made online via our vendor’s dedicated e-store via this link:

https://varsitycanada.com/schools/dcps/

 We are aware that some families may be hesitant to purchase clothing when they are not sure that it will properly fit. We strongly encourage parents to review sizing charts, which are a part of the e-store.

 Absolutely no money will be taken by the office. All purchases are to be made online via credit card or debit visa. We cannot accept cheques. All sales are final. We are unable to replace clothing items that do not fit, so please ensure you utilize the sizing charts on the e-store.

We look forward to seeing everyone in their Donald Cousens Spirit Wear. 

Caring & Safe Schools Student Presentations - February 9

Dear Families,

To support positive student behaviour, students will participate in the Caring and Safe Schools Mid-Year Presentation led by school administrators. These presentations reinforce behaviour expectations that promote student achievement, healthy relationships, human rights, and inclusive education. Families are encouraged to continue these conversations at home by asking your child what they learned.

Presentation Topics

Students will learn about the YRDSB and School Code of Conduct, including items that are not permitted at school, staying safe online, progressive discipline, and standing up for one another. The presentation also highlights how to report incidents of racism, discrimination, and bullying. These topics support a caring, safe, and inclusive school environment.

Promoting Positive Behaviour

Students are reminded that racism, discrimination, and bullying are not acceptable and are addressed through a progressive discipline approach. Safe school expectations also include reminders about items that must never be brought to school, such as peanut products, vape or drug paraphernalia, and weapons or replica weapons.

Student Discipline

YRDSB uses a progressive discipline approach for inappropriate behaviour on and off school property. Responses are individualized and focus on helping students learn from their choices. In some cases, suspension or expulsion may be necessary. Please visit the YRDSB Caring and Safe Schools site for more information.

Online Safety and Appropriate Use of Technology

Students are reminded of the Appropriate Use of Technology Agreement, including expectations for personal mobile device use at school, respectful language and responsible online behaviour. Online threats or harmful comments, whether made on or off school property, are taken seriously and may result in consequences. When serious safety concerns arise, the Board works with York Regional Police.

Reporting Behaviour

Standing up for one another and reporting unsafe or harmful behaviour is essential to a caring and safe school community. Students are encouraged to report incidents of racism, discrimination, bullying, or anything that feels unsafe. Reports can be made by telling a caring adult, using the YRDSB “Report It” button on the school website, or contacting Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868).

Mental Health

Mental health and well-being are fundamental to student success. Schools play an important role in promoting mental health, building resiliency, and connecting students to supports. YRDSB’s Mental Health and Addictions Strategy provides a tiered approach to supporting student well-being.

For More Information

For additional information, please review the Guide to the School Year or visit the Caring and Safe Schools section of the YRDSB website. These resources provide guidance and tools to continue conversations at home. Thank you for your continued partnership in creating a caring, safe, and inclusive school community.

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.

Hot Lunch Program

From the YRDSB:

Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, February 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.

Rangla Virsa Mela- Celebrating Sikh & Punjabi Heritage

In honour of Sikh Heritage Month, Sikh Educators Voice Alliance (SEVA) invites students, families, staff, and community members to take part in Rangla Virsa Mela, a joyful celebration of Punjabi and Sikh culture, history, and creativity. 

This event is a chance for students and families to share their talents, learn from one another, and celebrate the values at the heart of Sikh identity, equality, social justice, compassion, and seva (selfless service). We also hope to help everyone learn about Sikh beliefs and Punjabi cultural traditions, and how they are connected but not the same. Our goal is to explore these differences in a warm, welcoming, and inclusive way that supports understanding for all families. 

 Ways to Participate

We welcome contributions of all skill levels, including:

• Dance (folk, classical, or contemporary)
• Gatka (martial arts)
• Music (vocal or instrumental)
• Art (paintings, crafts, photography, multimedia)
• Poetry or spoken word (Punjabi, English, or bilingual)
• Storytelling or reflections on Punjabi or Sikh heritage
• Presentations on Sikh/Punjabi history, important days, or Sikh beliefs
• Cultural demonstrations (traditional clothing, textiles, practices)
• Community members or elders willing to share experiences
• Vendor Tables 

Everyone is welcome! Your voice and participation matter.

Please complete the Expression of Interest form by March 23, 2026 if you would like to participate or volunteer at this event. 

Location

Tommy Douglas S.S.
4020 Major Mackenzie Dr W
Vaughan ON L4H 4E9

When

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 17:00 to Wednesday, May 6, 2026 - 19:00

Contact

SEVA Members thank you. For any questions, please email Inclusive School and Community Services (ISCS) at iscs@yrdsb.ca for a member of SEVA to assist with the inquiry