Gator Gazette Dec. 15 - 19, 2025

Week of December 15^th - December 19^th, 2025 

Illuminate PGPS~ Volunteers Needed 

Please save the date for our Illuminate PGPS night on January 21, 5:30-7:00. This family event is a celebration of our school community. Join us for a Family Fashion Show, some food sampling and other fun activities representing the various holidays, celebrations, traditions and cultures of our students and families. We are looking for parent volunteers to decorate tables and create displays for the countries/holidays being represented. If you’re interested in sharing your culture with us, we invite you to sign up to volunteer for this amazing event. Please click here to sign up. Additional details to come.

Families of Young Children (Birth-Grade 2) Invited to Complete Kindergarten Survey

We are inviting families with children of childcare age or in Kindergarten to Grade 2 to complete a short survey sharing their experiences and expectations for Kindergarten registration and transition. 

Complete the survey. Families, your feedback will help us understand:

·       What factors families consider when registering for Kindergarten or Grade 1.

·       What information families are looking for.

·       Where families go to find information about Kindergarten.

This survey will take about 5-10 minutes to complete. All responses are anonymous and confidential.  The results will be used to inform Kindergarten planning.  Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. For more information about the survey, please visit the board website.

Please take note of the following reminders if an inclement weather day is declared.

Hot Lunch Programs (Pizza, East Side Marios, Mucho Burrito)

If a “hot lunch day” falls on an inclement weather day, the lunch is cancelled and families will either receive lunch on an alternate date or a refund. If families choose to send their student(s) to school on an inclement weather day, please provide them with a lunch.

Dress for the weather

Students should come dressed appropriately for the weather and for outdoor play. Students can stay warm by wearing layers of loose-fitting clothing, a hat, scarf, jackets, snow pants and mittens or gloves. Students may also want to bring extra pants and socks in case they get wet.

Recess

If students are well enough to come to school, they are expected to go outside for recess. Our students benefit from spending time outside and being active. We monitor weather conditions throughout the day. If there are extreme weather conditions, we may consider a shortened or indoor recess.

Bus or School Cancellations

When an extreme cold or inclement weather day is declared, school transportation (including buses and taxis) is cancelled in the morning and afternoon. Schools will remain open. Please notify the school if your child will not be attending school on those days. Students will not be penalized for missing school on these days.

There may be rare instances when emergency weather events occur, and we need to close all schools and Board locations. Please take the time to make plans in the event of an emergency school closure. Information about transportation cancellations and Board closures will be shared through local media, Board and school websites and on X @YRDSB.

Coats for Kids

FREE! Winter clothing for children and adults in need. Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. from October 11, 2025 - January 31, 2026 at the Quaker Meeting House (17030 Yonge Street, Newmarket). For more information, contact The Newmarket Lion’s Club at 905-252-3203.

Due to high demand, clothing will only be given to those who are present. Please bring all family members who need clothing!

Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, December 15, 2025, 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 flyer for more information and the registration link. For further information, please email the Centre for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) at blackstudentexcellence@yrdsb.ca.

Christian Heritage Month

In December 2024, the Trustees of the York Region District School Board amended the Recognition of Heritage/Significant Months/Days list to include Christian Heritage Month in December. December is a significant month for Christians, as it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. This date is significant for many Christians, as it represents the incarnation of God in human form. Many Christians observe Advent, four weeks leading up to Christmas, during which they engage in spiritual reflection on themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love. It is important to note that Christianity comprises various denominations, and Christmas is recognized and celebrated in diverse ways across the Christian community.

Cold and Flu Season

As we enter cold and flu season, we want to share a couple of reminders on good hand hygiene and coughing/sneezing etiquette, including YR Public Health’s Healthy Tip Sheet.

Enjoy a Family Pizza Night and support Phoebe Gilman Public School! 🍕

Every Thursday and Friday in December, order one of the Domino’s specials shown on the flyer and use the code provided. For each order, $5 will be contributed directly back to our school. Thank you for supporting our school community!