Dear Manhattan Park Families,

We have certainly felt the winter weather lately as temperatures drop and we wake up to beautiful blankets of snow. Please ensure your child comes to school with appropriate winter clothing. The bus company will continue to post delays on the transportation portal, but students may be waiting at the bus stop for extended periods of time in the event of bus breakdowns or other factors impacting the running of the bus. Parents receiving their children at the end of the day from the bus are kindly reminded to be present.  It is too easy for students to dart off the bus and into traffic if their guardian is not there to greet them.  

TDSB’s Chinese Heritage Month is proudly recognized in February each year.  This year we celebrate the Year of the Snake: Tenacious and Transformative. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant holidays of the Chinese heritage. The date is determined by the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and the celebration lasts 16 days. This year, the first day begins on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The festivities include family gatherings, decorations, and of course a feast! Wishing everyone a healthy, happy, prosperous and successful Lunar New Year!

During the month of February, the Toronto District School Board proudly recognizes African Heritage (Black History) Month. The chosen theme for 2024-2025 is Lift Every Voice. This theme is taken from the first line of the Black National Anthem. Lift Every Voice encourages collective strength and unity among the African/Black diaspora - celebration of vibrant and diverse cultures, experiences, perspectives, contemporary realities, contributions, and achievements. It also serves as a call to action, encouraging inclusivity, collaboration, and solidarity, reminding us of the impact we can make when we raise our voices together for justice, equity, and the greater good.

A friendly reminder that Parent-Teacher Conferences for some students will take place the evening of February 13 and the morning of February 14. As you know, the best person to connect with about your child's education at any time is their classroom teacher. Please reach out to them by email or phone and arrange to speak with them about any questions you may have.

Our next School Council meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5. Here is the link to join: https://meet.google.com/xjv-ashj-zet.  Thank you Parent Council for organizing the Sip 'n Socials, Cookie Days and Pizza Lunches!

A lot is happening at Manhattan Park. Staff are dedicated educators during the Instructional day; some have taken their own time to support extra-curricular activities. Thank you teachers for nurturing our students both inside and outside the classroom!

There is much to be grateful for at Manhattan Park. Thank you parents/guardians for your trusted partnership with the school.

Warmest Regards,

Ms. Lin 

Please visit the School Council Page or tab often to learn about various home-school partnerships and how you can support your child(ren) and family throughout the year. Please also read Trustee Shan's Webpage which contains his monthly newsletters here: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/ward17/Ward-17/Ward-17-Newsletters.