GRADUATIONS AND INVITATIONS!

Graduations are in full swing!

I was lucky enough to attend the short, joy-filled ceremony at Birch Cliff Heights on Thursday. The Vice-Principal and volunteers smiled just as brightly as the children who were thrilled to get their sticker books, certificates and brand new storybooks! (if they didn’t open the book right away they were busy comparing stickers.) These happy moments are a meaningful reminder of the impact your time and care have had throughout the year.  (here is your updated Graduation Calendar)

Lenora and I look forward to attending graduations in the coming weeks.  Thanks to Alison at Grenoble, Priya at Highland Heights and Marie at Frankland we already have some great photos to add to our collection ~ we look forward to getting more from all the VRP schools!

Invitations

As has become tradition, VRP is hosting two Zooms to round out the year. Please RSVP HERE

Friday, May 29 at 10:00 am – Year End Zoom – a time to gather, reflect on the year and look ahead to Fall planning.

Friday, June 5 at 9:30 am – Job Jar -  VRPs Job Jar was created a few years ago in response to volunteer interest and VRPs need for more support as we grow.

Note that no commitments are expected at these meetings; rather, they are exploratory and for information sharing.  

Excited to see you soon,

Kristina

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HIGHLIGHTSGraduations • Notes in Record Book are Important • Police Check Update • SC Meeting • Job Jar

GRADUATIONS

Planning for VRP graduations is well underway. Student lists are starting to arrive, and several celebration dates are already confirmed.  Thank you to School Coordinators and volunteers for your efficiency and responsiveness.  

If this is your first graduation, you’re in for a treat. While we use the term “graduation,” the event isn’t about reaching a specific level, it’s about celebrating each child’s effort and growth. Typically, the event begins with a short welcome from VRP, often joined by a teacher or principal. Students are then called up one by one to receive a personalized certificate, their record book, and a brand-new, age-appropriate storybook, along with a congratulatory handshake.  Once students return to class, volunteers tidy up and store the supplies for the summer.  Sometimes volunteer groups take the opportunity to enjoy a well-earned coffee or lunch together.

​NOTES IN RECORD BOOKS ARE IMPORTANT

As Record Books go home at graduation, please take a moment to reflect on the comments you include. These booklets are shared with families and often revisited, so it’s important that every note is positive, encouraging, and supportive.  Beyond literacy skills, VRP’s goal is to nurture a love of reading and create a warm, confidence-building experience for every child.

POLICE CHECK UPDATE

The TDSB has asked all volunteers to complete their 2026–27 Annual Offence Declaration (AOD). Your School Coordinator will share instructions—please complete and return your form promptly.

Some volunteers with Vulnerable Sector Checks (VSC) older than five years received a separate request to complete a new VSC through Toronto Police Service. This is different from the AOD and requires immediate attention. Please contact Kristina with any questions.

SC MEETING

Thank you to the many School Coordinators who joined last Friday’s Zoom (from Canada’s west coast all the way to Spain!) Your work is essential in keeping VRP running smoothly, and it’s deeply appreciated.

We still need School Coordinators for Birchcliff Heights, Danforth Gardens, and Twentieth Street. You don’t necessarily need to be based in the school, remote SC’s have worked very well in the past. If you’re interested or curious, please reach out to Kristina.

JOB JAR

From time to time, there are small one-time or short-term tasks (like preparing grad materials, helping with communications, or supporting events) that could use an extra hand. There’s absolutely no expectation, but if you ever feel able to take on a little more, it would be immeasurably helpful.  This year VRP will host the Job Jar Zoom on Friday, June 5th at 9:30am.  Please also save the date for our Year End Zoom on Friday, May 29th at 9:30am.