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Harriett Todd Public School
11 George Street, Orillia, Ontario, L3V 2V1
Phone # 705-325-9388 — FAX # 705-329-2101
Website: har.scdsb.on.ca —Twitter: @Harriett_ Todd
Elaine Vodarek - PrincipalAndrea Newburn - Vice-Principal
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Dear Wolverine Families,
We rounded out February with 5 consecutive days of school without inclement weather cancellations! Let’s keep this trend going!
A lot of great learning happened in February despite numerous snow days. Students read a book titled ‘The Year We Learned to Fly’, by Jacqueline Woodson and had rich discussions about slavery, the power of hope, imagination, resilience, and how our history shapes us. We celebrated Black History Month, Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Family Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day and Pink Shirt Day. Our halls are decked with hearts sharing things we love about ourselves and are alive with kindness towards others.
In extracurricular activities, the intermediate boys just finished their basketball season, and the girls have almost wrapped up their volleyball season; they have one tough and final match against the HT staff this Friday! The junior boys and girls basketball seasons are just getting started with tryouts starting this week. Several students participated in our school Chess Tournament, with nearly 20 advancing to the Area Tournament happening this coming Thursday.
On March 6th, we are participating in The Great Big Crunch to raise awareness about healthy nutrition programs. All students will be given an apple, and we will simultaneously ‘CRUNCH’ on Thursday at 1 pm. Students are invited to bring in monetary donations (a toonie) to help support school nutrition programs at Harriett Todd. #GreatBigCrunch
Important March Dates:
Persian Heritage Month
March 3-7 – Take Me Outside Winter Challenge (come dressed to be outside)
March 6 – The Great Big Crunch Event
March 6 – Area Chess Tournament
March 10 – 14 – March Break
March 17 – Grade 7 Swim to Survive
March 20 – Grad Photo Day
March 21 – Rock your Socks Day
March 26 – Dance-a-thon
Our next School Council meeting will be hosted both virtually and in person at 6pm on April 7th. We invite anyone interested in contributing to the school culture and learning environment to join us. Stay tuned for a link closer to the date.
I wish you all a wonderful time with family during March Break!
Elaine Vodarek
Principal
School Schedule
9:00 – Yard Duty begins
9:15 – Classes begin
11:15 – 11:55 - Nutrition Break / Recess
1:55 – 2:35 - Nutrition Break / Recess
3:35 – School Ends
Closed Parking Lots & Driveways
The parking lots and driveways are closed from 8:55 am – 9:15 am, and again from 3:15 pm – 3:45 pm to ensure students and their families can safely exit the building and travel to sidewalks. *There are a few families with modified days who pick up at 3:15 pm. This is preplanned and part of specialized programming. Students without specialized programming should stay until dismissal at 3:35 pm.
Dropoff/Arrival to School
Drop-off takes place at the back gates between 9 and 9:15 am. There is no supervision on the yard until 9 am. Students attending Breakfast Club may arrive at 8:45 am to come in for breakfast. Late students (arrival after 9:15 am) need to enter the front doors and sign in before going to class.
Alternative Pick-Up (Appointments)
If you require an alternative pick-up time for an appointment, please email [email protected] by noon to ensure your child’s teacher receives the message, and the office staff are aware of early/altered pick-up too. Please avoid calling the school last minute with these changes. Phone or doorbell requests for early dismissal between 3 pm and 3:30 pm will not be taken. Requests called in late in the day are very disruptive to end-of-day learning and dismissal routines. It also disrupts the flow of children from class to their families, daycare providers, or buses. Unless there is an appointment (communicated to [email protected] before noon) or emergency, students are expected to remain in class until dismissal at 3:35 p.m.
Pick-Up
When coming to the school to pick up your child/children, please wait for them outside of the school at their respective gates. If you are coming to the school during the day, please ring the bell at the front entrance.
Known Late/Absence
If your child is going to be absent or late, please remember to call our Safe Arrival number — 1-888-885-8065, you will be prompted to identify the school before leaving a message. Our Safe Arrival line is a 24-hour answering machine, or you can email your child’s absence to [email protected]
March Break
Please note that March 10 to 14 is March Break for all SCDSB students. Please refer to the 2024-25 School Year Calendar on the SCDSB website for more information: www.scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/school_year_calendar.
Collection and use of personal student information
As students progress from elementary school to secondary school, important personal student information which eases each student’s transition to secondary school is shared. Sharing this information improves our ability to program effectively to benefit all students. The collection and use of personal student information for such purposes is authorized under the Education Act. Please note that all information used for the transition process is limited, secure, and protected at all times. Please contact Scott Young, Superintendent of Education, if you would like more information about the transition process at Harriett Todd PS.
Applications for the SCDSB Umoja Award are open
The Umoja Black Secondary Student Leadership Award is a $1,000 scholarship that is awarded annually to a full-time registered SCDSB Black secondary school student who will be attending post-secondary school in the fall and demonstrates leadership in their school and in the Black community within Simcoe County.
Selection of the Umoja Award recipient will be facilitated by the SCDSB Human Rights and Equity Office. The information provided in the application will assist the selection committee (comprised of members of the SCDSB Equity Advisory Committee and graduation coaches for Black students) in choosing the recipient.
For further information about the award and to apply, visit the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=210982&pageId=38446766. Applications are due May 1, 2025.
SCDSB families invited to explore math games and activities at Family Math Night this April
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) invites you to participate in a Family Math Night on Tuesday, April 15 at Chris Hadfield Public School in Bradford. The event will offer a variety of engaging math games and activities for families with children from pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8.
Drop in anytime between 4 and 6 p.m. to explore numerous math stations, each staffed by SCDSB teachers. You'll leave with valuable math tools and resources to support your child's learning at home. Families are welcome to attend this event, regardless of their child's home school.
Register to attend: forms.office.com/r/PE0K5e1Zjm
Kindergarten registration for September 2025 is open!
Kindergarten is the beginning of a wonderful journey of learning, and we want your child to begin their journey in an SCDSB school! Do you have a child who is turning four in 2025? If so, we invite you to register your child for Kindergarten. To register online or for more information visit: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten
Licensed March Break school age child care programs
Child care programs for children in Kindergarten to Grade 6 are provided by independent, third-party child care operators in some SCDSB schools. To support your child care needs, some operators offer child care on PA days and holidays including over the March Break (March 10-14). Registration in advance is required. Please contact the child care operator directly to discuss fees and to register. More information and contact numbers can be found at: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/childcare_before_after.Join the SCDSB on Instagram Live to learn about all things Kindergarten!
Do you have a child who is turning four in 2025? Are you interested in learning about Kindergarten in the SCDSB? On Tuesday, April 29 from 6:30 to 7 p.m., members of the SCDSB’s Early Years team are hosting a virtual information session via Instagram Live.
This session will highlight important information parents/guardians need to know about Kindergarten in the SCDSB, including details on transitions for students with special education needs.
To virtually attend the presentation, visit the SCDSB Instagram page at 6:30 p.m. on April 29. To get a head start on learning about Kindergarten in the SCDSB, visit the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/planning_for_school/kindergarten.
Check out the SCDSB News video series
The SCDSB News is a weekly video series highlighting positive events, initiatives, and learning happening within school communities across the SCDSB. Follow the SCDSB on social media to catch all of these weekly episodes, and check out our recent video below featuring the dance program at Bear Creek Secondary School.
5, 6, 7, DANCE! Bear Creek Secondary School is known for its spectacular arts department, which includes their unique and impressive dance program. Watch as we visit the dance studio where Grade 11 and 12 students are creating and rehearsing their final independent study dance culminating activities: youtube.com/watch?v=J9cFwzWwku8
Online math resources for families
Practice math anywhere with Math at Home, an online resource for parents/caregivers of SCDSB students from pre-school age to 16. This resource is updated monthly with games, problems, and number talk activities that reflect the math your child may be learning at school each month.
In March, activities in school and on Math at Home may include grade-level tasks related to using symbols to represent quantities, evaluating algebraic expressions, and solving algebraic equations.
Visit www.scdsb.on.ca/MathAtHome to support your child’s math learning at home!
You’re invited to a learning series with Pine River Institute (PRI)
Mental health and well-being continue to be a key strategic priority within the SCDSB. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the Centre for Family Initiatives at Pine River Institute (CFI@PRI) to provide several curated learning sessions focused on student mental health and well-being to SCDSB families.
Please join us for the upcoming session:
Building our 'stretch zone'
March 27
Explore comfort, stretch, and panic zones to help you and your child build resilience, improve communication, and know when to push or provide safety.
To join in this learning, please visit the SCDSB website to register: scdsb.on.ca/about/well-being___mental_health/pine_river_institute_learning_series. Learn more about PRI by visiting their website at pineriverinstitute.com.
Join the SCDSB for a virtual special education information series
During the 2024-25 school year, the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is hosting virtual special education outreach sessions to assist parents/guardians in learning more about programs, supports, and ways that we work together to support students with special education needs.
Please join us for the upcoming session:
Reading strategies
March 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Participants are asked to register in advance. Information to access the sessions will be shared via email with individuals who have pre-registered. Learn more about each session and how to register on the SCDSB website: scdsb.on.ca/elementary/special_education/special_education_outreach_sessions
Registration now open for summer eLearning!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school courses in July 2025 (eLearning) and travel for credit courses in both July and August for current high school students, Grade 8 students entering secondary school, or adult learners who are interested in earning a new credit or upgrading a previous mark. Students can advance online learning skills, earn missed credits, or fast-track preparation for graduation or post-secondary in just four weeks. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily.
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
EDUTravel programs are offered in a variety of destinations including Canada, USA, and Europe. For more information including costs, destinations, credits, and dates of commitment, please visit: edutravelforcredit.com.
Summer eLearning opportunities for students entering Grade 9!
The Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) is offering summer school eLearning courses in July 2025. Current Grade 8 students wishing to reach ahead and earn a credit before high school can now register through their elementary school principal. eLearning is fully supported by certified teachers who are available electronically daily. Available courses include:
CGC1W – Grade 9 Geography
PAF1O – Grade 9 Personal Fitness
CHV2O & GLC2O – Grade 10 Civics and Careers
CHC2P – Grade 10 Applied History
CHC2D – Grade 10 Academic History
Summer school program details can be found on the Learning Centres website at thelearningcentres.com/programs/summer_school.
March cyber awareness topic: online grooming and luring
As we navigate the digital world, it's crucial to be aware of the dangers of online grooming and luring. This month's tip sheet provides essential information on recognizing the signs of online grooming, understanding the tactics used by predators, and knowing how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
It's important to engage in conversations about these topics to ensure everyone understands the risks and knows how to stay safe online. Open discussions can help reinforce good habits and ensure we are all contributing to a safer digital environment.
Access the ECNO Cyber Awareness Tip Sheet for March to stay informed about this month’s theme and explore additional resources: ecno.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ECNO-CAM-24-Infosheets-E-_Part5.pdf
Sleep
Children 5 to 13 years old need 9-11 hours of good quality sleep for their health, mood, and to learn. Regular bedtimes and wake-up times, no screens at least one hour before bed, and a comfortable sleep environment will help your child to fall asleep. Speak with your health care provider if your child has ongoing problems with sleep.
For more information, visit caringforkids.cps.ca/ or simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
