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
We are having a food drive from May 4 to 8 and are looking for donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items. Please see further details included in the newsletter.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 Thursday, May 14 from 8:45-11:00 for the new kindergarten and K4 students for the 2026-2027 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 14th!
GRADE 5 MUSEUM TRIP
On May 14th Grade 5 classes will be heading to the Canadian History Museum for a self-guided tour of the Grand Hall, Canadian History Hall, First People’s Hall and the temporary exhibitions.
ULTIMATE FRISBEE TAKES FLIGHT IN GRADE 4+5
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Grade 4/5 Ultimate Frisbee team! With an incredible turnout of 60 enthusiastic students, it’s clear that this fast-paced and fun sport has captured a lot of interest across our school community.
Students have been building their skills in teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship while learning the fundamentals of Ultimate Frisbee. Their energy and commitment have been fantastic to see!
We’re also thrilled to share that our team will be participating in an interschool game on May 21st during Periods 5 and 6 at Parc de la Reine-Élisabeth. This will be a great opportunity for students to showcase what they’ve learned and enjoy some friendly competition.
Good luck to all our players—we’re cheering you on!
DENTAL HYGIENIST
The dental hygienist will be at school from May 25th to 29th to see some students for dental sealants and preventive follow-ups for some grade 2s.
SAUNDERS FARM TRIP
The grade 3 students will be visiting Saunders Farm on May 29th 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 29th. 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!
FOOD DRIVE FOR CENTRE ESPOIR – Bring a smile their way – Centre Espoir de Gatineau
Centre Espoir is a local food bank that generously donates us fruits and vegetables to serve to the students each week. As a thank you, we would like to give back by hosting a canned food/non-perishable food drive to support their food bank and families in our community.
This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about kindness, generosity, and helping others in need.
We kindly ask that you consider donating non-perishable canned goods such as vegetables, soups, beans, pasta, or other shelf-stable items. All donations will be collected at the school and delivered to the Centre Espoir local food bank.
The food drive will run from May 4th to May 8th. Students may bring in donations and place them in the designated collection bins located at the office.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful difference. We truly appreciate your support in helping us teach our students the importance of giving back to the community.
If you or your family are in need of food, please go visit their website to learn more about their program.
Thank you for your generosity and support!
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. We will be serving salads, cold meats, and a bun this month. The salads offered will be: potato salad, bean salad, macaroni salad, caesar salad, and fruit salad.
- Tuesday, May 19 – Grade 1, 1/2 + 6
- Thursday, May 21 – Grade 2 + 4
- Friday, May 22 – Kindergarten, Grade 3 + 5
SUBWAY LUNCH PROGRAM
Our final Subway lunch program will run from Wednesday, May 6 to Wednesday, June 17.
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.
SAFETY REMINDER FOR SCHOOL DROP OFF
A quick reminder to please follow all school drop-off procedures and local traffic rules to help keep our students safe and ensure a smooth, efficient start to the day. Your cooperation makes a big difference for everyone in our school community.
Please do not let your child out on the road, your car should be parked and at the curb. All students should be dropped off at the designated spot on Rue Guillemette. Our staff will remain at the drop-off gate until at least 8:05 daily.
MONTHLY ASSEMBLY
Our next assembly will be on Thursday, May 28th, 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.
- Grade 3+4 at 10:05
- Grade 5+6 at 10:55
- Kindergarten, Grade 1+2 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
Thank you to everyone who came out to the last dance of the school year.
Thank you to everyone who supported our Soup Fundraiser, we raised $357.72 for the school. We will communicate at the end of the year where all the H&S money raised throughout the year will be allocated.
We appreciate everyone who supported our Candy fundraiser. We will have one more round at the end of May – watch your child’s backpack for the order form.
We will be hosting our AGM on Monday, May 11 at 6:00pm. At the AGM meeting we will be voting a new executive council; all positions are open for election. The President’s and Treasurer’s reports will be presented. If you would like to join us, please contact us via email.
Positions Open
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Communications Prime
We hope you are ready for our well awaited end of the year Carnival, mark your calendars for Thursday June 4!
We will continue to post on our Facebook page and on Instagram , if you haven’t done so already please follow us to stay up to date on upcoming events.
We are always looking for new members to join us or ideas for upcoming events, please contact us via email or through our Facebook page.
Would you like to learn more about everything the Home & School committee does during the year? Our next meeting will be held on Monday, May 11 at 6:30pm after the Annual General Meeting.
We hold monthly please reach out to us via email if you would like to attend.
Daycare
We have one PD day this month. Friday, May 15th we will have some activities planned by the educators to celebrate Daycare Week. The deadline to register for the day is on Friday, May 8th.
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 NEW daycare spot for next year please complete the Daycare Registration 2026-2027 and return it to school.
Special Notes
DAYCARE WEEK – “A Whirlwind of Creativity”
Quebec School Daycare Week 2026 will be held from May 11 to 15. In this world of endless possibilities, students’ inventiveness meets educators’ inspiration, creating a true whirlwind of creativity. The role of our educators and technician, goes far beyond supervision. Every day, they inspire and nurture students’ imagination, shaping environments that spark talent and support their overall development.
Wednesday May 13th 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.
Be a “Heart Hero” and raise money to help with research.
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.
FROM THE BREAKFAST CLUB OF CANADA
How to improve the nutritional quality of your breakfasts.
Small and simple adjustments in recipes or food choices can significantly improve the nutritional quality of the breakfast served. Here are some practical tips to help you when cooking or chosing food items to purchase.
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 4-5 – Lag B’Omer
From sundown on May 4 to sundown on May 5 this festive day falls on the 18th of Iyar in the Jewish year 5786. Traditionally marked by lighting bonfires, holding picnics, parades, and playing music.
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 4–10 – Mental Health Week
A national awareness campaign focused on promoting mental wellness, reducing stigma, and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
May 4-10 – 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 18 – National Patriot’s Day
Commemorates the 1837–1838 rebellion against British colonial rule, honoring the “Patriotes” who fought for democracy and French-Canadian rights.
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 21-22 – Shavuot
From sundown on May 21 to sundown on May 22 Shavuot, a Jewish celebration, commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and is celebrated with dairy meals, all-night Torah study, and hearing the Ten Commandments.
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 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.
May 27-30 – Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a significant annual Islamic observance for many Muslims in Canada. It is also known as the Feast of Sacrifice or Festival of Sacrifice as it commemorates Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God.
May 31–June 6 – 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 31 – Trinity Sunday
Celebrated the first Sunday after Pentecost, this Christian feast day honors the Holy Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a solemnity in the Catholic Church and marks the start of the liturgical season of Ordinary Time.