Bowmore Bulletin #2
Bowmore Road Bulletin
80 Bowmore Rd, Toronto, ON M4L 3J3 | Tel: (416) 393-9450
School Website | School Council
Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
Principal’s Message
Dear Bowmore Families,
This week, we would like to highlight two important updates: the progress on the parking lot and tree removal process, and the updated Parent Concern Protocol.
Update on Tree Removal and Playground Closure
As shared last week, during the excavation for the new retaining wall between the parking lot and the kindergarten playscape, the tree roots sustained significant damage. The City of Toronto’s Urban Forestry division reassessed the trees and determined that they posed a risk of falling. For safety reasons, removal is required. Urban Forestry confirmed that there are no alternative solutions that would both address the safety concerns and allow the trees to remain.
A qualified tree contractor will begin the removal process around September 20, 2025, and the work is expected to take one to two days. Once the trees have been removed, access to the playscape will be restored. Please note that the playscape may need to be temporarily closed again later to allow for the planting of replacement trees. The new trees will be similar to, and even taller than, the ones most recently added to our schoolyard.
We are also pleased to share that construction in the parking lot will be completed as part of this process. We will continue to give you updates as the work progresses so you can be fully informed.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to ensure a safe and welcoming outdoor environment for all students.
Updated Parent Concern Protocol - Poster
At Bowmore, we value open communication and want to ensure that questions and concerns are addressed in the most effective way. We kindly ask that when questions or concerns arise, you communicate first with your child’s teacher and include them in any correspondence with the admin team. This helps ensure that concerns are addressed at the right level and supports stronger collaboration between home and school. Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.
The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) has a clear Parent Concern Protocol that outlines the proper steps to follow:
Step 1 – Classroom Teacher
The first point of contact for any classroom-related questions or concerns is always your child’s teacher. They know your child best and can help with matters such as classroom routines, assignments, and expectations.
Step 2 – School Principal
If the concern goes beyond the classroom, or if you need further support, you may then contact the school principal.
Step 3 – School Superintendent
If the matter is still not resolved after steps 1 and 2, you may contact your school superintendent, who oversees a family of schools.
By following these three steps, we can work together to resolve concerns quickly and fairly while maintaining strong relationships between home and school.
Bowmore Cares
Dear Bowmore Families,
We are excited to share that this year, we are continuing our Bowmore Cares initiative. This is our school’s commitment to supporting every student and family so that everyone can fully participate in school life.
Through Bowmore Cares, we:
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Cover the costs for students to participate in school trips, events, and special activities when needed
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Support families with daily essentials when circumstances arise.
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Provide opportunities for students, staff, and families to come together to give back to our wider community.
This initiative is one way we live our school vision: Belong – Thrive – Achieve. Our goal is for every student to feel included and supported so they can focus on learning, growing, and contributing to a caring school community.
If your family could benefit from Bowmore Cares support this year, please feel free to reach out in confidence to me at [email protected] or to Ms. Vasilopoulos at [email protected].
If you would like to contribute to the fund, you can make a donation through School Cash Online using this link: Bowmore Cares Donation Link
When donating, please indicate “Bowmore Cares” in the Message field so that your gift is directed appropriately. Tax receipts are issued instantly by email through the School Cash Online system.
Together, we make Bowmore a place where everyone belongs and every child can succeed.
Thank you,
Kosta & Vasoula
Sports and Clubs
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Monday Sept 15th: Grade 7 & 8 Girls Touch football tryouts in the field @ 8 am/ Last tryout for Grade 7 Boys’ Touch Football team @ 8 am
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Tuesday Sept 16th: Grade 7 & 8 Girls Touch football tryouts in the field @ 8 am/ Last tryout for Grade 8 Boys’ Touch Football team @ 8 am / Grade 7 and 8 Girls soccer practice @3:30 pm
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Wednesday Sept 17th: Club - @ 12:00 p.m. Dungeons and Dragons (309-Jr, 105- Int, 202-Beginners)
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Thursday Sept 18th: Grade 7 and 8 Girls soccer practice @3:30 pm
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Friday Sept 19th: N/a
Upcoming Important Dates
September 17 – Live Different Student Leadership Presentation (Grades 7 & 8)
September 26 – PA Day (in-school Professional Development)
September 22 - School Snack Program begins (more details to follow)
September 30 - Orange Shirt Day / National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
October 9 - Curriculum Night (Two sessions: 5:00 - 5:30 pm or 5:30 - 6:00 pm)
October 13 - Thanksgiving
October 14 - IEPs are sent home
Caring and Safe Update: Bowmore Code of Conduct – Stop, Start, Continue
At Bowmore, we want every student to feel safe, respected, and ready to learn. To help us remember how we can all do our part, we use three simple words: Stop, Start, Continue.
We encourage families to take a few minutes to talk about our Bowmore Code of Conduct at home. These simple reminders help students make positive choices every day and keep our school a safe, respectful, and welcoming place for all.
Stop doing things that could hurt or cause problems.
Example: Stop rough play on the field so everyone can enjoy recess safely.
Start making positive choices.
Example: Start greeting classmates and teachers with respect each morning.
Continue the great things we already do.
Example: Continue showing kindness to classmates and helping keep our school clean.
Let’s all work together to make Bowmore a safe and happy place for everyone!
Caring and Safe Update: E-Scooters Are Not Permitted at School
Please note that e-scooters are currently not permitted in the City of Toronto, including on school property, as per municipal regulations. For this reason, students should not bring e-scooters to school. If an e-scooter is left outside the school, the TDSB is not responsible for any loss or damage.
This expectation is part of our school’s Code of Conduct. If students do not comply, it is considered a breach of the Code of Conduct. We share this with understanding, knowing that some students may be eager to use new forms of transportation. However, safety and compliance with city regulations must remain our priority.
For more information about e-scooter and e-bike regulations in Toronto, please visit the City of Toronto website:
Electric Scooters & Electric Bicycles – City of Toronto
Thank you for your cooperation in helping us keep our school safe and aligned with city regulations.
Caring and Safe Update: Playground Safety at Recess
At Bowmore, we want all students to enjoy recess while staying safe. Please help us by reminding your child of a few key expectations:
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Students may use the field and play structures, but the swings are closed.
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If the daycare is using the north playground near Gerrard, classes will avoid that space.
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Junior and intermediate students are asked to be mindful of primary students, and primary students are encouraged to give space when older groups are playing nearby.
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Toys, hockey sticks, and other items that could cause injury should not be brought to school.
With everyone following these reminders, our students can play safe, play smart, and have fun together.
Terry Fox Information
This year, we are selling Terry Fox T-shirts as part of our fundraiser for Terry Fox. You can order them through the cashless system here. https://tdsb.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/361655/153/False/True The deadline for an order is September 26th.
Mark your calendars to come and cheer on our students at our annual Terry Fox run the morning of October 9th. Online donations can also be made here. https://schools.terryfox.ca/BowmoreRoadPSToronto Students may bring in Toonies for Terry.
Thank you for our support for our 20th anniversary of participating in the Terry Fox Run.
The Terry Fox Committee
Library
Book Fair - Save the Date
We are holding our annual Book Fair in the library October 20-24th. We will be having the local independent bookstore, Ellaminnow, providing us with amazing books. Proceeds of the sale goes to support Bowmore's amazing library.
Thank you! Ms. Jarvis
Leah Jarvis (she/her)
Teacher Librarian
Bowmore PS.
Supporting Bowmore’s Student Nutrition Program
We are excited to share that Bowmore has once again secured funding through the City of Toronto’s Student Nutrition Program. For this school year, we have received $66,901 to help run our daily snack program for all 1,020 students. While we are very grateful for this support, the reality is that running a healthy nutrition program for our school community costs well over $100,000 each year. This means that in order to keep the program strong and ensure that all students receive nutritious snacks throughout the school year, we must rely on parent donations and local fundraising to close the gap.
Here’s how you can help:
Donate online: The quickest and easiest option is through the Toronto Foundation for Student Success (TFSS) website. Online donations are a big time-saver!
TFSS website is the easiest option.
Donation form: A customizable parent donation form is attached for your convenience.
Trackable contributions: All donations—whether online, by cheque, or through School Cash Online—are logged carefully to ensure accurate tax receipts.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference in ensuring our students have the energy and nutrition they need to thrive at school. Thank you for supporting Bowmore’s Student Nutrition Program and for helping us build a healthier, stronger school community.
Communicating with Parents and Caregivers
At Bowmore, we value strong partnerships with families and want to ensure you have the information and resources you need to support your child’s success. You can find the updated Resources for Parents, Guardians & Caregivers here:
https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Innovation/ForParents
This link provides guidance on communication, the Parent Concern Protocol, and other helpful supports. We encourage all families to review it as we begin the school year.
Calling All Volunteers – 2025–2026 School Year (Three Ways to get involved poster)
We are grateful for the amazing support of our Bowmore volunteers! If you plan to volunteer with us next school year, please read the important information below.
Returning Volunteers:
All returning volunteers must complete the Annual Offence Declaration (AOD) for the 2025–2026 school year.
New Volunteers:
If you're interested in becoming a new volunteer, you’ll need to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) through Toronto Police Services. The process is online and easy to complete. Instructions and a TDSB code will be provided—please contact the school office to get started.
Thank you for helping to make Bowmore a safe, welcoming, and vibrant place for all students!