Dear Families,

Thank you for another great week of learning and growing at John Young.  This week we had the pleasure of meeting our newest crop of students at Lemonade Day!  It was a pleasure getting to meet our incoming year 1 Kindergarten students and their families and we look forward to learning with all of them in September.  A big thank you to our K team and everyone else involved in supporting this event.  

A heads up to everyone in the neighbourhood that there will be construction in near the school on McElroy from Rickey Place to Morton in the coming days/weeks.  Alternative routes and extra time will be needed.

Don't forget that Monday is a holiday and the school is closed for both students and staff. We look forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday, May 20.

Pick up and Drop Off

A reminder to all families to please ensure that students are not at school prior to 8:30 am.  Prior to 8:30 am, the school yard is in use by our extended day program.  Supervision of all other students begins at 8:30 am.  Families are welcome to arrive anytime between 8:30 and 8:45 am on the pavement.  One quick note regarding the Kiss and Ride - please do not park opposite the Kiss and Ride parking area.  This makes it unsafe for others.  Thank you for your support in modelling road safety for vehicles and pedestrians.  We really appreciate your efforts to support everyone’s safety.   

Hot Weather

As you know, John Young can get very hot in May and June.  Some suggestions for coping with the warmer weather include encouraging your child to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water, avoiding strenuous physical activities especially outside, wearing lightweight and loose clothing, and wearing a hat and applying sunscreen.  Thanks for talking about this at home so everyone can stay as comfortable as possible while at school.  

Literacy Learning  - Home Connections

Today we’d like to share a link to Reading Rockets - a website designed to support reading success for children.  They have a section dedicated to helping families support literacy at home, including many tips and activities.  Please have a look when you have a moment for ideas on how you can keep the momentum of at-home reading going throughout the summer months to come.

Speech and Language Virtual Open House

OCDSB Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) will be offering a virtual open house for parents and caregivers of children of all ages. This webinar will provide information and resources on developing children’s communication skills. You will learn how SLPs can support you and your child, and discover other supports available at your school.

Date: Wednesday, May 28th 

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Format: Virtual. Register now. 

Space is limited, so secure your spot today! Registered participants will receive an email with the participation link.  

In case you missed it….

Junior Track and Field Meet - Volunteers Needed 

On Friday, May 23rd, the students in grades 4, 5 and 6 will participate in a school track and field meet (rain date: Friday May 30th). We will need volunteers to help with recording race times, measuring long jump and softball throw distances, set up and take down. The meet will run for the entirety of the school day, but if you are able to join us for even part of the day, we would really appreciate it. Please email melissa.seth@ocdsb.ca if you can help out. 

A Message from OSTA regarding Transportation

Ottawa Student Transportation (OSTA) has implemented an opt-out process to enhance bus routing and transportation planning for the 2025-2026 school year. If your child(ren) will not require school bus transportation next school year, please complete the electronic opt-out form to inform OSTA that a seat is not needed. This will help optimize services and minimize disruptions. Requests for reinstated service can be made anytime through OSTA’s Transportation Issues Form, and is subject to availability and eligibility.

The opt-out form is now available on OSTA’s website. The deadline to apply is June 1, 2025

Grade 6 Summer School Opportunity

Continuing Education is once again offering a "Getting Ready for the Next Grade" summer school opportunity for grade 6 students. This program is intended for students who meet one of these criteria:

• currently achieving below the provincial standard in Language Arts and/or Math
• currently receiving support as an English Language Learner 

The program runs July 3-July 25 with a half-day or full-day option, and both in-person and virtual options are available.  Please contact your child's teacher if you are interested in the program to learn more and see if it's a good fit for your child. Please see the flyer in the attached link for more information.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy long weekend,

Kim and Kris

Kimberly Simpson

Principal

Kristine Storah

Vice Principal

John Young Elementary School

A Message from the John Young School Council Team

Scholastic Book Fair - June 11th and 12th - BOGO Event!

Students will be visiting the BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE Scholastic Book Fair with their classes on Wednesday, June 11th and Thursday, June 12th. This book fair will also be open from 5pm to 7pm during the Flavours of the World Potluck. We are looking for volunteers for the book fair both days between 9am and 3pm. If you are able to help, please email us at sc-johnyounges@ocdsb.ca. 

Flavours of the World Potluck

YOU’RE INVITED!!

JYES’ Flavours of the World Potluck Dinner

Thursday, June 12th, 2025 – 5:30pm to 7:00pm

This dinner is being organized to celebrate the community spirit, cultural diversity, and a shared love of food found at John Young E.S!

For more information and to sign-up/RSVP for the event, please click on the link below and complete the Google Form!

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE YOUR GOOGLE FORM RSVP

Families are encouraged to bring in an appetizer, main food dish or dessert that represents their family culture or background. All dishes MUST be nut free, feed approximately 10 people and come ready to serve. 

Anyone coming to eat should be bringing a food contribution to the event. 

This event will be a bring your own plate, cutlery and beverage (non-alcoholic) function. You may also choose to bring chairs or a blanket as it will be a picnic style meal. Families are welcome to wear traditional dress, so our students may learn to experience and appreciate the diverse cultures found at John Young. 

Flip Give - Support JYES while shopping online!!

Shop online anytime with the brands you already love, like Home Depot, Walmart, Sport Chek, Indigo, Old Navy, Apple, Esso, and Loblaws.

 Join our team now and you'll  get a $5 bonus the first time you shop: https://shop.flipgive.com/onboarding/join?joincode=J5P6M6

or enter this code: J5P6M6 on the FlipGive App!

Volunteers Needed!

In order to run all of the great events we have planned this year, we are in need of volunteers! If you are interested in volunteering with JYSC this year, please email sc-johnyounges@ocdsb.ca. 

Next School Council Meeting

Please join us at 6:30pm in the library on Wednesday, May 28th for our next school council meeting. 

John Young School Council Calendar

Check out the JYSC 2024-2025 Calendar to see all the great activities we hope to do this year! The calendar is subject to change due to OCDSB restrictions or volunteers. 

To stay up to date with all John Young School Council Information, follow our page on Facebook at John Young ES School Council.