Monday, October 31 is Hallowe’en and the children will have many activities on this day: the costume parade and pictures outside, the pumpkin decorating contest, discussions and sharing of celebrations in class, and the physical activity session led by Ms. Cnossen in the decorated gym. We are looking forward to providing our students with a variety of fun-filled opportunities this year.

And in case you are wondering….Yes, I do dress up every Hallowe’en and enjoy the festivities myself. Hmmm, what will the principal’s costume be? Hint- A character from the movie Hocus Pocus

Below is the outline for this day.

Costumes: Costumes which appropriate another culture cannot be worn (i.e. Pocahontas, sombreros etc). Costumes should not be offensive to someone’s race or identity (i.e. Black face etc.). Replica weapons should not be brought to school. For safety reasons, masks cannot be worn at school as students need to see where they are going in and out of the school at all times.

Some of our students have experienced trauma and other students may have family they have lost or are fighting in this recent war in Europe or elsewhere in the world. It’s certainly a difficult time for some families and as such we are asking that parents/guardians be mindful of costume selections (excessive blood etc.). If you are unsure about your child’s costume please feel free to email me at roula.skordakis@tdsb.on.ca or call me at 416-394-7990.

Costume Parade 9am- The parade will begin with the Kindergartens followed by all other classes. Students will walk outside, make their way to the back of the school and each class will have the opportunity to ‘strike a pose’ on the outside stage.

Periods 2-5 (morning and after lunch)- Each class will have the opportunity to go into the gym to do their physical daily activity session (DPA) organized by Ms. Cnossen. Any parent/guardian wishing to attend will be asked to participate in this activity and enjoy this experience with their child, if able to do so. Dress comfortably please.

Physical Activity sessions in the gym:

9:35am-9:50am- Ms. Baxter’s class (Kindergarten)

10:00am-10:15am- Ms. Vaccarelli’s class (Kindergarten)

10:35am-10:50am- Ms. Devry-Tunell’s class (gr3)

10:55am-11:10am- Ms. Kruger’s class (gr1/2) and Ms. Orlan’s class (ASD)

11:15am-11:30am- Ms. Lema’s class (gr1/2) and Ms. Brar’s class (gr2)

1:00pm-1:15pm- Ms. Singh’s class (gr5)

1:30pm-1:45pm- Ms. Ortolan’s class (gr4)

Class celebration/activities throughout the year are decided by each teacher. Teachers will communicate directly with families. Any food for celebrations must strictly adhere to our safety requirements- no nut products or sesame seeds. If your child’s classroom has further restrictions, please ensure that your child’s snack does not contain an allergen which can make another child ill.

In an effort to plan and be inclusive of our community’s days of significance and cultures, as well as the surrounding community, feel free to add your family’s significant days on the attached Google doc.