The Gator Gazette Sept. 29 - Oct. 3, 2025

Week of September 29^th - October 3^rd, 2025 

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day - September 30, 2025  

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on September 30th in Canada, is a solemn occasion dedicated to acknowledging the historical and ongoing injustices faced by First Nations, Métis and Inuit. It serves as a vital step towards reconciliation and understanding, providing an opportunity to learn about the painful legacy of residential schools and the enduring trauma experienced by Indigenous communities. 

On this day, schools across the country also recognize Orange Shirt Day, which specifically remembers the story of Phyllis Webstad, a survivor of the residential school system, who had her new orange shirt taken away on her first day at school. These events in schools take on a solemn tone as students and educators engage in activities and discussions that foster empathy, respect, and awareness of the hardships endured by First Nations, Métis and Inuit, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society for future generations. 

We encourage Phoebe Gilman students and families to wear an orange shirt on Monday, September 30, 2025, to recognize the resiliency, bravery and survival of Residential School Survivors and those who did not come home.

Save the Date Oct. 6 - Meet The Staff 

School Council Reminder

Final 2024-2025 School Council Meeting: Monday, September 29, 6:30 p.m. in the school library or join online https://meet.google.com/rup-mqbb-ryc

First 2025-2026 School Council Meeting with Elections: Monday, October 6, at 6:30 p.m. in the EG Harvest Hills Room.

Any parent/guardian/family with a child enrolled in the school is eligible for election to the school council by indicating their interest through self-nomination/nomination in writing using this School Council Candidate Nomination form.

Gator Gear and Mabels Labels

Appropriate Shoes for Gym  

Students are encouraged to bring/wear appropriate running shoes for gym class. Shoes such as slides, Crocs, slippers, and sandals can sometimes cause injury while running or jumping during physical activities. 

Hot Lunches Have Started!

Pizza, Mucho Burrito and East Side Mario’s can be ordered through LunchBox on SchoolCash Online.

Ordering is quick and simple! Just make sure you have a SchoolCash Online account and that your orders are placed by NOON this Sunday

LunchBox Instructions

School Cash Online Instructions

 International Baccalaureate (IB) Information Night

Education and Community Services (Contact: education.community@yrdsb.ca)

Grade 8 students and their parents/guardians are invited to attend an International Baccalaureate Programme information session. Click here for more information.

 Renewed Computer Technology Program

As part of a partnership between YRDSB and Renewed Computer Technology (RCT), families with children enrolled in our Board have the opportunity to purchase quality refurbished computers at a reduced cost. Applicants must live in Ontario, have a student enrolled at the school and either receive government assistance payments or qualify as a limited-income earner under the limited income cut-off standards. Please reference the RCT flyer and letter for the current available package offerings. Due Nov. 21, 2025.

Let’s Get Walking!

Celebrate active modes of transportation like walking and wheeling along with other students and staff across Ontario during IWALK Month, which officially kicks off on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

International Walk to School Month (IWALK) is an annual celebration of active transportation that takes place around the world throughout the month of October.

 When walking to school, here are important safety tips to remember:

• Look all ways before you cross the street. Always STOP, LOOK and LISTEN before crossing.
• Always cross at designated intersections and crosswalks, where possible.
• Before crossing, stop at the curb and make eye contact with drivers – make sure they see you.
• Obey all traffic signals and signs.
• Stay alert and minimize distractions – place cell phones and headsets in your bag
• Always walk on a sidewalk, where possible.

 For anyone who cannot walk or cycle to school every day, we encourage you to try choosing an active mode of travel two or three times a week. If you drive, consider parking a few blocks away and walking the rest of the way. Even using active travel a few times a week can make a big difference.

If you choose to drive, please be mindful of students who walk and cycle, drive slowly and be highly vigilant of your surroundings. If your child is eligible for the bus/student transportation, have them walk to the bus stop. Riding the bus is sustainable!

 For more information about IWALK Month, please visit Ontario Active School Travel IWALK Month.

Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Virtual Information Session on Monday, October 27, 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. 

Agenda:

• Welcome and engagement exercise 

• Presentation on YRDSB specialty programs

• Upcoming programs and events

• Question and answer session

Please register ASAP. A Zoom link will be shared after registration.

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

Student Mental Health and Addictions Newsletter

This Fall Mental Health Newsletter for Families and caregivers has a focus on Embracing Autumn: Nurturing well-being this Season. 

Lifting the Veil on Black Mental Health Conference: Ubuntu and Supporting the Next Generation 2025

 NACCA invites you to join the second annual Black mental health conference, grounded in the African principle of Ubuntu. on Saturday, October 18, at 9 a.m.

Click here for the Persian Translation.  Click here for the Russian Translation. 

Please email the school if you need the Gator Social translated into a different language. phoebe.gilman.ps@yrdsb.ca