Land acknowledgement
The land on which we gather is traditional unceded Omamiwininiwag (Algonquin) and Anishinabewaki territory, a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange amongst nations. Today, this place is still the home to many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to gather on this land.
Principal's Message
May and June are busy months with students completing evaluations for the final report card in June. Please pay close attention to your child’s homework and assignments, as the final term of the year is very important. May and June are also month’s with various activities for the students, so please pay close attention to upcoming dates on the calendar.
If you want to volunteer for any of the end of year trips please ensure that you have a current Security Background Check (SBC), which can take time to process. The SBC is paid by the School Board. If you would like an application, please email Amanda at awells@wqsb.qc.ca.
Greater Gatineau has joined many other schools in aiming for “Litterless Lunches“. This means that reusable containers are preferred to one time use packaging. When making choices at the grocery store, you can opt for a large package of the food of choice and send a few in a reusable container rather than reaching for the small prepackaged packs. We would like all students to bring a spoon to school each day. We have many items in our Breakfast Basket that require a spoon. If your child requires other cutlery for the meal they brought, or for Mazzola meals, please send this in your child’s lunch as well. We would also like for every student to continue to bring a refillable water bottle each day. Garbage from your child’s lunch will be sent home with them each day. This serves as a reminder of how much garbage is generated by a school lunch. It also allows for you to dispose of compostable material or recyclable items at home.
This month we celebrate Quebec School Daycare Week from May 12th to 16th. Feel free to send an message to our wonderful educators and aides who work to provide the amazing programing at the daycare.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION
If you have not registered for kindergarten next year, or if you know anyone who has a child turning five before September 30th please make arrangements to register by emailing our secretary Amanda at awells@wqsb.qc.ca or calling (819)663-4842 extension 1.
KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE
The Kindergarten Open House will take place in the morning on Wednesday, May 14 from 8:45-11:00 for the new kindergarten students for the 2025-2026 school year.
The calendar for next year has been finalized. See the link to plan for next year.
Events at School
PROJECT ACTIVE
Project Active is an initiative hosted by Eardley Elementary that allows students who may not be able to fully participate in some school activities due to their specific needs to have a full day of active fun. It is an inclusive day specifically designed with exceptionalities in mind.
We have 12 students who have been invited to attend this exciting event on May 12th!
TRACK & FIELD AT GREATER GATINEAU
Children will participate in Track & Field events throughout the day.
- Kindergarten to Grade 3 – May 28
- Grade 3-6 – May 29
DENTAL HYGIENIST
The dental hygienist will be at school from May 26th to 30th to see some students for dental sealants and preventive follow-ups for some grade 2s.
ARABASKA LAFLÈCHE TRIP
On May 27th the grade 4’s are going to the aerial course at Arabaska Laflèche. Students will get to experience thrilling moments among the treetops, and have fun on zip lines, suspended bridges, swings, nets and lots more! This is a great opportunity to be courageous and try new things!
SAUNDERS FARM TRIP
The grade 3 students will be visiting Saunders Farm on May 30th for their end of school year trip. The day will be spent enjoying the outdoor facility and activities. It will be a very fun and exciting time for the students.
ADRENALINE PLUS TRIP
Our kindergarten students will be heading to Adrenaline+ on May 30th. They will be exploring the tubes and slides, as well as many fun activities, including the Ball-O-City and BattleField. We wish them a wonderful time!
MAZZOLA HOT MEAL PROGRAM
We will continue to offer our hot meal program on Mondays and Fridays. Click the Mazzola link to order.
SPECIAL STUDENT LUNCH
Thanks to our “President’s Choice” grant, we are able to once again offer lunch to all students one day this month.
Our meal of the month is : Spaghetti and Meatballs (Halal)
MINISTRY EXAMS
During the month of May and June the students in Grade 6 will take part in Ministry Exams for language arts and math.
EYE EXAMS FOR KINDERGARTEN
Our kindergarten students will be offered free eye tests, done by optometrists, to screen for vision problems.
In young children, 80 percent of learning happens visually; it is therefore important to uncover any vision problems, which can often go unnoticed.
MONTHLY ASSEMBLY
Our next assembly will be on Monday, May 26th, where we will celebrate the students who have shown the chosen virtue throughout the month.
Please remember to wear your GG shirt for all of our monthly assemblies. This creates a sense of community at school.
- Kindergarten, Grade 1+2 at 10:05
- Grade 3+4 at 10:55
- Grade 5+6 at 12:35
May is SPORTSPERSONSHIP/ FAIRNESS month. We hope to see students showing us fairness while playing with others and good sportspersonship whether they win or lose.
PEACE LEARNING CIRCLES AT HOME
SHAPING UP WITH “BLOCKS”
You will need two sets of the same items, can be done with blocks, Lego, or even just a group of household items. The first person (the director) sets up their objects in some sort of shape or design on the table or floor out of sight of the second person. Then the object is to explain to the second person (the listener) how to place the items so they match the first design. Switch roles and try the activity again.
Questions to ask after the activity has been completed:
- What did you learn giving directions to others?
- Why is this a difficult or easy activity?
- Why is listening and following instructions important?
- How did the director and listener work together?
- How can they improve working together?
- How did you feel having to follow directions without being able to see the pattern?
Home & School
We will be hosting our AGM on Monday, May 12 at 6:00pm. This year’s election we will vote for all positions:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Communications Chair
If you would like to join next year’s team or hear what we did this year, join us for the AGM.
The Carnival will be held on Thursday, June 5th from 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm.
The H&S meeting will be held virtually directly following the AGM on Monday, May 12th at 6:30pm. Please send us an email if you would like to attend.
Daycare
We have our final PD day this month. Friday, May 16th we will have “Park Day” with free play at a nearby park, some activities planned by the educators, a picnic lunch, and a trip to Dairy Queen to celebrate Daycare Week. The deadline to register for the day is on Friday, May 9th.
Please sign up for @ggdaycare2 on the Remind app to get the notifications regarding PD days.
Should you have any questions about our program or to register for the PD days please do not hesitate to contact Jennifer by phone at (819) 663-4842 x3 or e-mail jplaxton@wqsb.qc.ca.
All current students have been re-registered with the same reservation unless you have advised a change.
To reserve a daycare spot for next year please complete the Daycare Registration Form and return it to school.
Special Notes
DAYCARE WEEK
Quebec School Daycare Week 2025, which will be held from May 12 to 16 under the evocative theme “Stars in your eyes!”, is an opportunity to highlight the essential role of educators and technicians. True bearers of knowledge and igniters of passion, their creativity and kindness transform every moment into a spark of learning.
Wednesday May 14th is the “Journee de reconnaissance du personnel en garde scolaire” or “Recognition Day for School Daycare Staff”.
Feel free to send a message of encouragement to your child’s educator.
JUMP ROPE FOR HEART
Greater Gatineau will once again participate in Jump Rope for Heart. During the month of May students will have access to skipping ropes during recess at lunch time. This promotes physical activity and a healthy heart.
Join the fundraising efforts here at Jump Rope for Heart, register your child or click “Register” and choose Greater Gatineau. You can also use the Healthy Habits Tracker to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and other healthy habits during the month of May.
More information available here in the Jump Rope for Heart 2025 Letter.
ARE YOU MOVING?
As we prepare for next year, it is very important that you notify the school if you are moving. Please call the school at 819-663-4842 and speak to Amanda at extension 1, with your change of address so we can update our files for transportation.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Asian Heritage Month
Celebrated all month long in Canada, this is a time to honour the contributions and achievements of Canadians of Asian descent, and to reflect on the rich diversity of Asian cultures, histories, and communities.
Canadian Jewish Heritage Month
A time to recognize and celebrate the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of Jewish Canadians to Canada’s history and society.
Polish Heritage Month
An opportunity to honour the vibrant culture, language, and achievements of Polish Canadians and their role in shaping Canada’s diverse heritage.
May 1 – National Principal’s Day
A day to recognize and appreciate the essential leadership and guidance provided by school principals and vice-principals who help create inclusive and supportive learning environments.
May 5 – National MMIWG2S Awareness Day (Red Dress Day)
Day to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. It honours their memory and calls for justice and systemic change.
May 5–11 – Mental Health Week
A national awareness campaign focused on promoting mental wellness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
May 5-11 – Screen-Free Week
An annual event held during the first full week of May that encourages people of all ages to take a break from entertainment screens and engage in activities that promote connection, creativity, and well-being.
May 7 – National Child and Youth Mental Health Day
Dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for improved access to services and support for the mental health needs of children and youth. Wear a green ribbon, headband, or shirt.
May 10 – Bear Witness Day
Bear Witness Day, a time to honour Jordan River Anderson and raise awareness about Jordan’s Principle, which ensures First Nations children receive equitable access to services without delay.
May 17 – International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOTB)
A global day to stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, raise awareness about discrimination and violence, and advocate for equality and inclusion for all gender identities and sexual orientations.
May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
Encourages respect and appreciation for cultural diversity and promotes intercultural understanding, dialogue, and inclusion across societies.
May 25 – African Liberation Day
Commemorates the struggles and achievements of African nations in their fight against colonialism and celebrates the cultural identity and unity of African communities.
May 25–31 – National AccessAbility Week (NAAW)
A week to celebrate the contributions of people with disabilities, promote accessibility and inclusion, and highlight the work being done to remove physical, social, and systemic barriers.
May 26 – National Paper Airplane Day
National Paper Airplane Day, celebrated annually on May 26, honors the simple yet enduring joy of crafting and flying paper airplanes, often featuring contests for longest flight time and distance.