HIGHLIGHTS: VRP GETS LOVE AT FLEMINGTON…HAPPY READER AT McGREGOR…L4LM UPDATE…RECORD BOOKS…DATES TO REMEMBER…TDSB FEBRURARY DAYS OF SIGNIFICANCE

VRP GETS LOVE AT FLEMINGTON

VRP was thrilled to read this happy note from Marg Fisher (volunteer since 2009!) last week:

Flemington has an assembly on the last Thursday of every month, and since Heather and I are there we usually go.  This time we had a big surprise at the end, when the Principal called us up to the front and praised us for the work we do.  We got great applause and had our photo taken with the Principal.

The theme of the assembly this time was Teamwork.  There were awards, 2 per class, for teamwork and 2 of our current students and 2 of our students now in Grade 3 were honoured with a certificate and photos with their teachers and the principal.   Flemington also has a reading challenge where students prove they have read books at home.  We had both current and past students that received certificates for this.   All in all, a lovely morning.

HAPPY READER AT R. H.McGREGOR

Kelly Pollock at R. H. McGregor had a terrific session with a Black youngster who selected "I Am Big" by 

Itah Sadu to read for Black History Month.  Kelly wrote “He thinks of himself as a non-reader but this activity proved he could pick a book and just read! He was so impressed with himself!” 

L4LM UPDATE

At almost 50% of target L4LM is tracking very well to meet the $25,000 fundraising goal! Thank you for encouraging donors this month!  http://www.uponline.com/cgi-bin/viewmessage_int?s=9762.39514

RECORD BOOKS

Some new volunteers have been asking about the comments and information in the Record Books (aka sticker books)  Please click HERE to find the document “Writing Notes in Record Books” it is loaded with samples and ideas of appropriate feedback.  Remember these books are the property of the little readers and go home with them at the end of the year so keep the comments helpful, positive and legible too!

DATES TO REMEMBER

School is closed Friday, February 14 and Monday, February 17 for Family Day long weekend. 

March Break is coming up and schools are closed Monday, March 10-Friday, March 14.

Spring Term Schedules are in the works so please keep your reading dates in mind.  Spring Term of VRP runs Monday, March 17 – Friday, May 16.  Graduations happen at the end of May and early June.

TDSB February Days of Significance

During the month of February, African Heritage (Black History) Month is recognized at the TDSB and across Canada thanks to The Honourable Jean Augustine. It celebrates the role Black Canadians have played in Canada’s past and present and recognizes and honours the diverse cultural influences, achievements and contributions of Black Canadians in all aspects of society. 

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11 was declared by the UN in 2015. It celebrates STEM achievements by women and encourages equity and diversity in global scientific progress.

Have a Heart Day on February 14 (Valentine's Day) is a child and youth-led reconciliation event that brings us together to commit that First Nations children have the opportunity to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

February 15, National Flag of Canada Day celebrates the adoption of the iconic maple leaf flag and the first time it was raised on Parliament Hill on February 15, 1965. It symbolizes Canadian unity, pride and identity. We need this now, more than ever...

Family Day gives families an opportunity for quality time, fun and community engagement on February 19.

On February 26, some schools take a stand against bullying by wearing pink shirts for Pink Shirt Day. TDSB recognizes International Day of Pink – celebrated annually on the second Wednesday of April. This day was created as a campaign to end bullying against the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, continuing the fight for equality, diversity, and acceptance.

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic Calendar. During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims around the world abstain from food and water from sunrise to sunset for 29 or 30 consecutive days. Ramadan 2025 is expected to begin on the evening of Friday 28 February 2025, and will end on the evening of Sunday 30 March 2025. Please read the TDSB's Ramadan and the Duty to Accommodate.

Please take a bit of time to learn more about the commemorative, cultural and religious days that are recognized throughout this month. Please see more on the February Days of Significance recognized by the Ontario Government below:

• African Heritage (Black History) Month

• Chinese Heritage Month

• Indigenous Storytelling Month

• *February 14: Valentine’s Day

• February 14: Have a Heart Day

• February 17: Family Day (holiday)

• February 17 to 23: Ontario Heritage Week

• February 20: World Day of Social Justice

• February 21: International Mother Language Day

• February 28 to March 2: Tibetan New Year (Losar)

• February 28: Pink Shirt Day