Greetings, John English Families,
As we complete our second week of school, our classrooms and hallways are settling into a wonderful rhythm. Students are building relationships, becoming familiar with routines and engaging in meaningful learning across the school.
Thank you to our families for your patience, encouragement and continued partnership as we begin the year together. We are excited about the many learning experiences, extracurricular activities and community events ahead.
Please take a moment to review this week’s newsletter for important updates, reminders and upcoming opportunities.
Have a wonderful weekend, Royals!
🌟 John English Leaders Are Ready to Lead!
The John English Leaders Team (JEL Team) had an amazing Leadership Orientation Day facilitated by David Jinkinson from the Community School.
Our student leaders began building the skills, confidence and teamwork needed to make a positive difference at John English. We look forward to seeing their leadership in action throughout the school year!
🚌 Please Keep the School Bus Zone Clear
The area directly in front of John English is a designated school bus stop, as indicated by the posted signage. Vehicles stopping or parking in this area create traffic congestion and delay our school buses.
🚗 Morning Drop-Off
Please use the Kiss and Ride area in the school parking lot for student drop-off. The parking-lot entrance remains open until 9:15 a.m.
Families should also use the designated Kiss and Ride area for pick-up.
Thank you for helping us keep traffic moving and ensuring that our students and school buses can arrive safely and on time.
📚 School Library Renovation Update
Exciting changes are underway in our school library! While the space is being renovated, many of our wonderful library activities will be temporarily on hold until the new year.
We appreciate your patience and understanding during the renovation and look forward to welcoming students back to a refreshed library filled with new opportunities for reading, learning and discovery!
🍕 John English SAC Presents Pizza Days! 🍕
The John English School Advisory Council is pleased to bring back Pizza Days for the 2026–2027 school year!
Pizza Options
Cheese or pepperoni: $3.00 per slice
Gluten-free plain cheese: $4.50 per slice
All funds raised will support SAC initiatives at John English.
📅 Pizza Day Schedule
2026: October 2 and 30 • November 27 • December 11
2027: January 29 • February 26 • April 2 and 30 • May 28 • June 25
📝 Registration is for the entire school year. Register on School Cash Online by 11:59 p.m. on September 23. We can no longer accept cash or cheques.
🙋🏽 Interested in volunteering?
Please contact sacinfo@johnenglish.ca to help serve pizza.
🌍 International Languages and African Heritage Programs
Registration is open for TDSB’s International Languages and African Heritage programs for students in Kindergarten to Grade 8. Classes run from September to June, after school or on Saturdays. A $20 material fee applies.
Click here to view the flyer and learn more.
🧪 Ewww… That Science Is Gross!
Children ages 4–12 are invited to enjoy a gross but fun-filled science adventure with the Toronto Public Library!
📅 Monday, September 21
⏰ 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Online registration is required. Please see the attached flyer for details.
♟️ Chess Club Is Returning to John English!
We are excited to welcome the Chess Club back to JE for the upcoming fall session! Whether your child is new to chess or already an experienced player, this is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen strategic thinking, build confidence and have fun with friends.
Registration is now open!
👉 Register for Fall Chess at John English
🪶 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day
On September 30, John English will honour the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.
Students and staff are invited to wear an orange shirt as we remember the children who never returned home, honour residential school Survivors and their families, and recognize the ongoing importance of Indigenous rights, truth and reconciliation.
Every Child Matters.
🎭 Be Our Guest! Beauty and the Beast Is Coming to John English
John English has a proud tradition of bringing musicals to the stage, and we are thrilled to announce that this year’s production will be Beauty and the Beast!
Students are invited to sign up for the many aspects of the production—from performing onstage to helping behind the scenes. There will be opportunities for students with a wide range of interests and talents.
Families, please stay tuned for information about volunteer opportunities and how you can help bring this magical production to life! 🌹
🏃🏽♀️🏈⚽ Extracurricular Activities Are Underway!
We are excited that several extracurricular activities have already begun at John English:
Cross-Country for students in Grades 6–8
Boys’ and Girls’ Football for students in Grades 7–8
Grade 8 Boys’ Soccer
We look forward to cheering on our John English Royals throughout the season! 💙
🥫 John English Thanksgiving Food Drive
Our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive will run from Wednesday, September 30 to Tuesday, October 13 in support of the Wesley Mimico United Church Food Bank.
Families are invited to bring their donations to Curriculum Night. Suggested non-perishable items include:
Canned and dry goods
Dehydrated foods
Boxed Powdered milk
Students may also bring donations to their classroom collection box throughout the food drive. This year, our school’s goal is to fill 50 boxes!
Thank you for helping us support families in our community. 💛
💳 School Cash Online: Fast, Safe and Convenient
Families are reminded that the school will not accept cash payments. All payments for field trips, school events, yearbooks, student fees and other school-related items must be completed through School Cash Online.
Please click the linked brochure for instructions on how to:
Register for an account
Add your child to your profile
View available items
Make secure online payments
[Click here to access the School Cash Online guide.]
SEPTEMBER
20th Yom Kippur
23rd Pizza Day Orders Due
30th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
OCTOBER
1st Terry Fox Run
2nd Custodial Workers Recognition Day
5th World Teachers’ Day
6th Chess begins (every Tues@lunch, room 307) to Nov 24
8th Curriculum Night
9th Cross Country meet
12th Indigenous Peoples’ Day
12th Thanksgiving HOLIDAY
21st Photo Day
21st Childcare Worker & Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Day
21st Grade 8-9 High School Transition information night
22nd SAC meeting (elections?)
30th Pizza Day
31st Halloween
Cash Online
John English's parents can now pay student-related fees online. To access the online service, parents can visit https://tdsb.schoolcashonline.com. Parents will need to select "Get Started Today" and select a password. You will also need the school board name (TDSB), the school name, your child's name, and your child's birth date. Once you have created your account, you will be ready to pay online.
Bus Route Information for 2026-2027
The TDSB has launched a new transportation portal that provides families with specific information about their child’s bus service. When parents sign up, they can identify the bus company name and phone number serving their family, the route number, the bus stop location, and the associated times. In addition, enrollment sends an email alert when bus routes are delayed.