CLARKSON CONNECTION - WEEK 36 @ ACPS

Good Afternoon ACPS FAMILIES!

WELCOME TO WEEK 36 @ ACPS.  90% of the 2025-2026 school year is complete!!!

June brings us close to the end of the year, with an abundance of excellent happenings here at ACPS.

Please take a moment to read through this week's Clarkson Connection:

WEEK 36 ATTACHMENTS

CLICK THIS LINK FOR WEEK 36 ATTACHMENTS

NEWS FROM ACPS SCHOOL COUNCIL 

1. 📣 ACPS ANNUAL BBQ CARNIVAL – PARENT VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED 📣 

Dear Parents,
The ACPS Annual BBQ Carnival will be held on June 4th! To help make this event a fun, safe and successful experience for all students and families, the School Council is recruiting parent volunteers to support the event.

Volunteer shifts are divided into the following time slots:
🕐 Shift 1: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
🕑 Shift 2: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
🕒 Full-Day Shift: 1:00 PM – 8:30 PM
✅ You may choose one shift
✅ Or sign up for both evening shifts
✅ Full-day volunteers are especially appreciated

Whether you can help for a couple of hours or for the full event, your support makes a huge difference and helps create a wonderful experience for our students and school community.

If you are interested, please use the following link to complete the sign-up form: ACPS VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP 

Thank you so much for your continued support! ❤️

2. 🔔ACPS Silent Auction 2026– Closes May 31, 2026 – 6 PM🔔

We are in the final days of this year’s edition of ACPS Silent Auction. Get your bids in before this Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 6 PM.

Starting bids are at 25% retail value providing a great opportunity for both school fundraising and community savings!

This year we are using a new website platform to handle the auction with payment (cash or cheque only) to be handled at ACPS Carnival BBQ on June 4th 2026. Feel free to browse and join in on this year’s items.

Once bidding closes, the winning bidders will be provided with detailed instructions for how to pick-up and retrieve their winnings via email.

We are using a new website platform to handle the auction with payment to be brought in during pickup at the ACPS Fun Fair BBQ on Thursday June 4th,2026.

Feel free to browse and join in on this year’s items: https://www.32auctions.com/ACPS2026

Thanks for your continued support,

ACPS Council

3. Annual ACPS End of School Year - Carnival & BBQ 2026

Join us to celebrate the ending of the school year at Adrienne Clarkson Public School on June 4th, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. To get more details about the event, please scan the QR code below:

THURSDAY JUNE 25, 2026 - EARLY DISMISSAL IN YRDSB

All schools in the York Region District School Board are committed to improving student achievement and well-being. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, an early release day will take place to allow elementary staff to take part in meetings during the afternoon of that day.  These meetings will allow school staff to engage in culminating activities regarding the review and revision of the School’s Improvement Plan, as well as year-end and transition activities that support student success.   

As has been our practice in the past, students will attend school on Thursday, June 25, 2026, only.  Students will be dismissed early that day at <insert time of early dismissal here>.  Arrangements will be made to ensure that students who are normally bused to and from school will receive transportation at this time.  Families whose children attend after-school child care should make appropriate arrangements to address this change in schedule.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me - arin.otis@yrdsb.ca 

JUNE HERITAGE MONTHS

ITALIAN HERITAGE MONTH

The month of June is Italian Heritage Month as proclaimed by the government of Ontario in 2010. Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2010. 

Ontario is home to more than 1,350,000 Italian Canadians. Since the 1880s, the Italian Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to cultural, social, and political landscape of the province.

PORTUGUESE HERITAGE MONTH

The month of June is Portuguese Heritage Month as proclaimed by the government of Ontario in 2001. Legislative Assembly of Ontario

Canada is home to more than 480,000 Canadians of Portuguese descent, one of the largest Portuguese diasporas in the world. Portuguese Canadians have made and continue to make significant contributions to the cultural, social, and political life of our communities.

The month of June, particularly June 10th, holds significance for the Portuguese community. June 10 is the anniversary of the death of Luís de Camões, a famous Portuguese poet who often wrote about Portugal's history. 

FILIPINO HERITAGE MONTH

The month of June is Filipino Heritage Month, as proclaimed by the government of Ontario in 2021. Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2021. 

Ontario is home to over 337,000 people of Philippine origin. The Filipino Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the cultural, social, and political fabric.

June is a significant month for the Filipino community. Every year on June 12th, the Filipino community around the world celebrates Philippines Independence Day. 

WESAK

Wesak or Vesak, is the most important festival of the year for the Buddhist community and recognized on May 1st and/or May 31st, due to a full moon occurring on both days. It is the observance that commemorates the Birth, Enlightenment and Final Nirvana of the Buddha. Wesak occurs annually during the full moon of the lunar month of Vesākha, usually in April, May, or June.  

It is thought that at this time, great expansions of consciousness become possible, and people embark on a path to promote spiritual growth.

Wesak is celebrated in a number of ways around the world. There is often the ceremonial release of small creatures, such as birds or turtles, as a symbol of the Buddha's compassion for all things. A statue of the baby Buddha may be bathed in a ritual commemorating his birth. Dharma talks are given, often on the eight precepts (teachings of Buddhism), since this ceremony is intended to reflect on the life of the Buddha and the goal for all of enlightenment. Sitting and/or walking meditation may also be part of the festivities. Traditionally, vegetarian meals are served. In the evening, candlelight or lantern processionals end the celebration.

This occasion is observed by millions of Buddhists throughout the world. 

We join you and the followers of Buddhism in your school community in acknowledging this special day of enlightenment.

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH AND NATIONAL INDIGENEOUS PEOPLES DAY

June is National Indigenous History Month and is a time to celebrate the diverse cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities, as opposed to focusing on what has been done to them. The Canadian Government unanimously declared June as National Indigenous History Month in 2009 through a motion in the House of Commons. The month, which includes National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), is a perfect time to reflect upon the long relationship between the many different First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples of Turtle Island and Canadians throughout history. For students and Educators, it is a good time to become better acquainted with the different First Peoples who share this land with us. 

June 21st was declared National Indigenous Peoples Day in 1996 by then Governor General Roméo Leblanc. The day was chosen in consultation with some national organizations for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples, including the Assembly of First Nations, and coincides with the summer solstice, which is significant for some First Nations people. 

PRIDE MONTH

June is Pride Month, an opportunity for schools to celebrate diversity in our communities and uplift the voices, accomplishments, and activism of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. While diverse identities and ways of being have always existed, much of the world has specifically celebrated Pride Month in June since 1969. June 1969 marked a turning point in the 2SLGBTQIA+ equity movement, when community members, led largely by Black and Latinx Trans Women and Drag Queens, pushed back against targeted police raids of The Stonewall Inn, a Queer space in New York, and unjust laws that limited gender expression and targeted the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This important moment in 2SLGBTQIA+ history serves as a powerful example of Queer community strength, and an inspiring story to remember as we celebrate Pride in 2026 and continue to advocate for safety and inclusion for all 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

York Region’s first official Pride celebration occurred in 2000, and the York Region District School Board is proud to celebrate and embrace 2SLGBTQIA+ students, staff, and community members year-round. This year, especially, as misinformation and hate specifically towards trans and non-binary people have been on the rise globally and locally, it is important for YRDSB to continue towards the goals of supporting, uplifting, and connecting with members of our communities. 

YRDSB is unwavering in its ongoing commitment to providing identity-affirming education in all schools, recognizing that 2SLGBTQIA+ students, families, and allies are in every classroom. It is the expectation of the York Region District School Board that 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusive and affirming education is taking place year-round in all classes to ensure all students learn about gender identity, homophobia, and transphobia, as well as the contributions and lives of 2SLGBTQIA+ people. 

Transphobic and homophobic remarks and actions—whether subtle or overt—harm students, staff, and families. Additionally, some schools are experiencing community resistance to 2SLGBTQIA+ education. It is critical that we all interrupt and address misinformation, and affirm that 2SLGBTQIA+ identities are not up for debate—they are a fundamental part of human diversity. 2SLGBTQIA+ people exist across cultures, backgrounds, and locations, and are in every school and community. Our work toward inclusion is ongoing, and it is the responsibility of every staff member to uphold these values in their classrooms and school communities. 

We are stronger as a community when all students have the opportunity to see themselves reflected in their learning, feel safe in their schools and classrooms, and develop empathy and understanding of the diverse identities and experiences of others around them.

ACPS COUNCIL ICE CREAM TRUCK LUNCH FUNDRAISER

During lunch recess on June 17^th, an ice cream truck will arrive helping the kids cool off on a warm sunny day!

$3.25 for a vanilla or chocolate cone to enjoy during the last days of the school year.

FIFA WORLD CUP VIEWING PARTIES

The City of Richmond Hill would love to invite local schools to join us for our upcoming FIFA Viewing Parties taking place this summer.

These are outdoor community celebrations built around live FIFA match screenings, with lots happening beyond the game itself. We think they could be a fun experience for students to attend with their school groups.

Event Dates & Details

Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group Stage)
Friday, June 12 (Match starts at 3 pm)
Party runs from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Richmond Green

Canada vs. Qatar (Group Stage)
Thursday, June 18 (6 pm)
5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Richmond Hill Central Library

Canada vs. Switzerland (Group Stage)
Wednesday, June 24 (3 pm)
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Richmond Hill Central Library

Final Match
Sunday, July 19 (3 pm)
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Location: Richmond Green

Each viewing party will include a live match screening, participation from local soccer clubs, interactive areas for attendees, strolling entertainment, and food and beverage vendors.

If your school is interested in being more involved, we’re also open to schools bringing student‑led activities, demonstrations, or half‑time/intermission performances (such as dance, cheer, or cultural performances). Stage Space and time slots can be made available, depending on availability and scheduling.

Schools are welcome to attend as a group with appropriate supervision. Advance notice of interest is appreciated to help with planning.

We hope to see your school and students join us for these community events.

Kind regards,

Nevil Kaswala

Cultural Services Assistant, Events

Recreation & Culture Division | Community Services Department

905-787-8471 ext. 3804 | nevil.kaswala@richmondhill.ca

LUNCHBOX ORDERING @ ACPS 

Sushi Thursdays with Ren Sushi - You need to Log into School Cash Online first, then select the Orange “ORDER NOW” button at the top, which will redirect you to another link for “LUNCH BOX.”

Here you will need to create an account and add your child’s name. Then follow the prompts to select the class. Finally follow the prompts to place the order.

*The orders can be placed on a weekly basis or you may select to do a month at a time. Just ensure that you have the order placed before Sunday evening of the following week.

See the RED ARROW on the School Cash Online page, click ORDER NOW

NEWS FROM YORK REGION PUBLIC HEALTH (YRPH)

Great resources to share with parents Building Healthy Kids with York Region | York Region

Get excited about Healthy Schools! Subscribe to our e-Newsletter

EQAO INFORMATION

Webinars for Parents and Guardians

EQAO Literacy Session for Families: Focus on Reading 
(June 3, 2026, 6:00 PM)
This session will explain how EQAO assesses students’ reading skills at key stages of their education. EQAO staff will discuss reading samples and questions from the literacy components of the primary- and junior-division assessments and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Participants will learn how these reading passages and questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning. 

• Screen Time & Academic Achievement on EQAO Assessments
  (June 9, 2026, 6:00 PM)
  EQAO is pleased to welcome the TARGet Kids! Research Team (www.targetkids.ca) as they present their work examining the relationship between children’s screen time and other health behaviours and academic achievement over time on EQAO's large-scale assessments of reading, writing and mathematics. Team members from EQAO and TARGet Kids! will answer participants’ questions about this important research. Live English to French translation will be available to participants.
• EQAO Literacy Session for Families: Focus on Writing
  (June 11, 2026, 12:00 PM)
  This session will explain how EQAO assesses students’ writing skills at key stages of their education. EQAO staff will discuss writing prompts and questions from the reading components of the primary- and junior-division assessments and from the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. Participants will hear how these prompts and questions help assess the skills students are learning in class. Staff will also highlight valuable insights and resources that can help parents and guardians support their child’s learning. 

MONTHLY MATH NEWSLETTERS

June Newsletter

Sparking Joy in HOW WE ARE SPARKING JOY

Welcome, families! As summer approaches, it’s a great time to reflect on how math has come alive in your homes this year. Together, we've explored how math is all around us—in our conversations, in playful moments, and through everyday experiences. Over the year, we’ve uncovered the math in our daily lives by spotting patterns, noticing numbers, estimating size, distance, and quantity, and engaging in hands-on activities that build number sense. We've strengthened our reasoning and problem-solving skills, connected math to real-life situations, and taken on and embraced problem-solving tasks. We even stepped outside to show that math isn’t just something we do in a classroom—it’s everywhere around us!

Continuing the Math Journey This Summer!

Thank you so much for engaging in this year-long exploration! Your willingness to incorporate math conversations into your daily routines has made a real difference, fostering deeper understanding and building confidence in your children. We truly hope you've been able to make meaningful connections between the math concepts learned at home and those in the classroom.

As you head into the summer break, we encourage you to keep those math conversations going! Summer provides endless opportunities for joyful math opportunities:

Estimate all around you, how many concrete squares are in each block, travel times or distances on road trips, the number of lamp posts on each street

Sketch a map of your favourite walking route and mark your favourite spots

Count change when buying a summer snack.

Look for angles in different playground structures

Measure ingredients for summer recipes to share with friends and family

Solve everyday problems, like figuring out how many steps you take over the summer, and the number of hours you sleep

We wish you a wonderful, relaxing, and mathematically curious summer! We look forward to more math adventures next school year.

YORK REGION SUMMER PROGRAMS 2026

York Region offers subsidies for recreation programs, day camps and youth overnight camps. Recreation programs and day camp subsidies provide children from families with low income the ability to take part in programs offered by the municipal recreation departments. The youth overnight camp funding helps eligible youth ages 12 to 17 attend an approved overnight camp.

Available Subsidies for:

Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (PLAY)

Summer day camp funding

Youth overnight camp funding

York Region does not guarantee space in programs or camps. Please visit the York Region website for registration and information or call Access York at 1-877-464-9675 or https://www.york.ca/support/financial-assistance/recreation-subsidies

PLANNING FOR 2026-2027

Dear Families

The YRDSB 2026-2027 school year calendars have been approved by the Ministry. These calendars may be accessed on the YRDSB website at: 

2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

Here are a few key dates for you as you plan for the 2026-2027 school year:



ADRIENNE CLARKSON SCHOOL SPIRIT WEAR IS AVAILABLE AGAIN!!!

ACPS SPIRIT WEAR ORDER FORM

ON THE HORIZON

MONDAY JUNE 1 - THURSDAY JUNE 4 - X Movement is at ACPS

THURSDAY JUNE 4 - ANNUAL ACPS FUN FAIR 

FRIDAY JUNE 5 - PA DAY; no classes for students today

MONDAY JUNE 8, TUESDAY JUNE 9 - Grade 8 Grad Trip

TUESDAY JUNE 9 - FINAL SCHOOL COUNCIL MEETING @ 7PM

THURSDAY JUNE 18 - GRADE 8 GRADUATION @ RICHMOND HILL COUNTRY CLUB

THURSDAY JUNE 25 - LAST DAY OF THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR FOR STUDENTS - EARLY DISMISSAL

FRIDAY JUNE 26 - PA DAY; no classes for students today 

Have An Enjoyable Weekend!

Merci,

Mr. Arin Otis

Principal

Adrienne Clarkson PS | 68 Queens College Drive | Richmond Hill, Ontario | L4B 1X3 | 905-709-3554

arin.otis@yrdsb.ca

InspireLearning!

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