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
Thanks to all parents who came to our Open House/Meet the Teacher this year – it was a fabulous turnout!
A few important items for the upcoming month:
- School Fees are available on the portal. Please pay them right away. Thank-you to those who have made their payments.
- The October Progress Reports will be available on the Parent Portal on Thursday, October 15th.
- When choosing a Halloween costume with your child, please ensure to think about cultural appropriation. Please don’t dress in another culture’s fashion or symbols, as this is seen as offensive, even if this is not the intent. More information can be found here: Cultural Appropriation Video
- Bringing treats to school: If you would like to bring a treat for your child’s class; please first check with your child’s Homeroom teacher. Due to numerous allergies and food intolerances at school; only packaged treats with a list of ingredients will be allowed at school; or a fruit or veggie platter.
Please be sure to review the newsletter carefully to see all of the important and exciting news this month!
ITEMS COMING TO SCHOOL
Cell phones, electronics, and toys are not permitted at school, or on the bus.
Children can bring their lunch box, water bottle, and extra clothing in their backpack but all other items must remain at home.
Events at School
TERRY FOX WALK/RUN
Our 2026 Terry Fox School Run/Walk is scheduled to take place on Thursday October 1st. This event will support cancer research while also building incredible school spirit for our students. Let’s all show the great strength and resiliency of our school community by supporting one of our greatest Canadian heroes, Terry Fox.
BREAKFAST PROGRAM
Our breakfast program is running well, thanks to our grant from the Breakfast Club of Canada and our nutrition grant from the Ministry. We are accepting cash donations to go towards the program if you are interested. Please send donations in an envelope marked “Breakfast Club”.
All students will be offered the breakfast program, regardless if you make a donation or not.
SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Our soccer teams will attend the tournament on October 9th in Shawville this year. Thanks to Mr. Everson, Ms. MD, and Mr. Schultz for coaching our teams. Go, GG Grizzlies, Go!
OUTDOOR EDUCATION TRIP
We are happy to have an outdoor education program at Greater Gatineau, led by Mr. Everson and Mrs. McKean and the homeroom teachers.
The Grade 5 and 6 classes will be hiking to Lac Beauchamp for an outdoor education day experience. Classes will participate in activities that promote team building. Hamburgers will be served for lunch! Funds will be provided by a ministry grant.
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- October 2 – Grade 6
- October 21 – Grade 5
MONTREAL TRIP – GRADE 6
SPECIAL STUDENT LUNCH – Provided thanks to our “President’s Choice” grant
This month our special meal for students will be Hamburgers (Halal) and a side provided free to all students on the following days.
- October 20: K4 + K5 and Grade 5 + 5/6
- October 22: Kindergarten, Grade 2 and Grade 3 + 4
- October 23: Grade 1 + 1/2, and Grade 6
MAZZOLA HOT MEAL PROGRAM
We offer our hot meal program on Mondays and Fridays. The meals are provided by Mazzola and delivered to the classes at lunch time.
Click the Mazzola link to order. If you do not have an account please choose the “New Customer” option. Be sure to select Greater Gatineau when you create your account. See their Back to School flyer offering 5$ off.
HALLOWEEN AT SCHOOL
Students are invited to wear their costume to school on Friday, October 30th. For safety reasons, students must leave weapons, and props (anything that they hold in their hands) at home. If students have a mask, they will only be allowed to wear it during the indoor parade. Unfortunately parents are unable to attend due to lack of space.
When choosing a Halloween costume with your child, please ensure to think about cultural appropriation. Please don’t dress in another culture’s fashion or symbols, as this is seen as offensive, even if this is not the intent. More information can be found here: Cultural Appropriation Video
We will have some special activities taking place on October 30th, more details to come in the weekly email.
In the weeks following Halloween, please save the candy and treats for at home. Continue to send healthy options for lunch and snack time.
MONTHLY ASSEMBLY
Our next assembly will be on Tuesday, October 26th, where we will celebrate the students who have shown the chosen virtue throughout the month.
- Grade 5 + 6 at 10:05
- K4 + K5 and Grade 1 +2 at 10:55
- Grade 3 + 4 at 12:35
October is RESPONSIBILITY month. We hope to see students showing us how responsible they are. You can show this by doing what you say you are going to do, taking care of yourself and your belongings, and being reliable.
Please wear your GG shirt to create a sense of community at school.
PEACE LEARNING CIRCLES AT HOME
When sitting around the table for dinner, families can play “That’s Me!” to learn about everyone’s day.
Taking turns, each person says one thing about their day. If anyone else had the same thing happen in their day, they raise their hands and say, “That’s Me!” This can promote further discussion on replies.
Sample statements that parents can use:
- “I read something interesting today.”
- “I learned something new today”
- “Someone told me something today that made me laugh.
- “Someone gave me/I gave someone a compliment today”.
Home & School
We hold monthly meetings, our next Home and School meeting will be at 6pm on Monday October 19, please reach out to us via email if you would like to attend.
Daycare
Registration has been finalized for this year. Moving forward, if your child requires regular daycare services, you will have to wait for a spot to be vacated by another child. Drop-in days available depending on each group numbers each day.
Our daycare theme this year is “Insects”, we have grasshoppers, dragonflies, butterflies, spiders, bumblebees, and ladybugs populating our daycare. All overseen by the praying mantis.
There are three PD days in October.
- October 5 – registration closed
- October 15 – registration closes on October 9th
- October 16 – School and Daycare closed for support staff training
Keep your eye out for the PD days coming in November and pay close attention to the deadlines for each day.
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
Special Notes
FOOD DRIVE
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 goods/non-perishable food drive to support their food bank and families in our community.
This year we would like to host a “Reverse Halloween” food drive and ask that students bring in canned goods to promote generosity, kindness and helping others in need. Please note that students may still receive treats close to Halloween ! 😊
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 October 26th to October 30th, 2026.
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. Centre Espoir – Fill a bag today
Thank you for your generosity and support!
- Pots
- Pans
- Kitchen utensils (spatulas, ladles, large spoons)
- Measuring cups, measuring spoons , small cutting boards
- Cookie sheets
- Muffin tins
- Metal mixing bowls
- Tools (screwdrivers, hammers, nails, screws, mallets, putty knives)
- String/twine
GOVERNING BOARD
On Thursday, September 17th, the Governing Board had their General Assembly. We would like to welcome our returning parent members: Christine Veillette and Melissa Torrado, returning for the second year of their term, and Victoria Markham and Victoria Schorr rejoining for a second two year term and our new member Patrick Denis.
Our commissioner, Isabelle Richard, will also be attending our meetings.
The next governing board meeting will be on October 20th at 6:30 p.m.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
We ask that parents/guardians please take a minute to call or email the school and advise us if your child is going to be late or absent. You only need to contact the school, as daycare is advised of the absences each day.
We have close to 500 students in the school and it is very helpful when parents contact the school.
You can reach Amanda Wells at (819) 663-4842 ext. 1 or email; awells@wqsb.qc.ca Please try to let us know before 8:30 a.m.
If you are sending a note or an e-mail to your child’s teacher about an absence or picking them up early, please ensure that Amanda receives a copy so she can remind the teacher and have your child waiting at the office upon your arrival.
CHANGES TO PICK UP ROUTINE
Parents of all students are reminded that information regarding attendance at school or an early pick up at, or before, 2:35 should be directed to Amanda Wells at the office (819) 663-4842 ext. 1 or awells@wqsb.qc.ca.
Information regarding a change in who will pick up your child at daycare (between 2:35 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.) should be directed to Jennifer Plaxton at the daycare (819) 663-4842 ext 3 or jplaxton@wqsb.qc.ca.
To help us out, please make sure that we always receive a note, email, or call before picking up your child. It is very important that we receive the information before 1:30 p.m.
Our list for the day’s changes has to be compiled and sent out to the teachers and daycare before 2:00 p.m., so please respect our cut-off time.
PARKING LOT REMINDER
Please note that the two Handicapped Parking Spots and the space between them at the front of the school are ONLY for the use of vehicles with a Permit. The space between the spots is part of the handicapped parking. It allows for someone to access their wheelchair or other mobility device. People without a permit are forbidden to park in these spots, or use them to drop off a child, an item, etc. We have several parents, guardians, and visitors who require; and are legally entitled to this parking; so we need to respect this as a community.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Cultural Traditions/Observances/Holidays
Canadian Islamic History Month
Recognized in October, it highlights the rich history, heritage, and contributions of Muslim communities in Canada.
German Heritage Month
Celebrated in October, it honors the contributions of German Canadians to Canada’s culture, history, and society.
Latin American Heritage Month
Held in October, it celebrates the vibrant cultures and significant contributions of Latin American communities in Canada.
2SLGBTQ+ History Month
Celebrated in October, it acknowledges the history, struggles, and contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ communities in Canada.
Women’s History Month
Observed in October, it recognizes the achievements and contributions of women throughout Canadian history.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Observed in October, it raises awareness about breast cancer, promotes early detection, and supports those affected.
October 1- Senior’s Day
Established by the United Nations to recognize the contributions of older people to society, raise awareness about the challenges of aging, and promote the well-being and rights of the elderly worldwide.
October 1- World Vegetarian Day
Promotes the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle for health, the environment, and animal welfare.
October 2- International Day of Non-Violence
Observed in honor of Mahatma Gandhi, promotes non-violence, peace, and tolerance globally through education and advocacy.
October 5- Teacher’s Day
A Day to recognize and appreciate teachers’ dedication and impact in shaping students’ lives.
October 6- World Cerebral Palsy Day
Raises awareness about cerebral palsy, advocates for the rights of individuals living with the condition and promote inclusion and understanding.
October 10- World Mental Health Day
Raises awareness about mental health issues and stigmas, promotes mental well-being, and advocates for better mental health care globally.
October 11 – National Coming Out Day (Canada)
A day of visibility and support for 2SLGBTQ+ people choosing to come out and live authentically.
October 11 – International Day of the Girl
Promotes girls’ rights and highlights challenges girls face worldwide.
October 12- Thanksgiving
A national holiday that gives thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year, marked by feasts with family and friends.
October 18 – Persons Day
Marks the 1929 decision that legally recognized women as “persons” in Canada, affirming their right to participate fully in society.
October 31- Halloween
A festive day when people dress up in costumes, carve pumpkins, and enjoy trick-or-treating and celebrations.