Dear Richard Beasley Families,

What a fantastic first week it has been! The energy in our hallways, the smiles in our classrooms, and the excitement on the playground have all reminded us why the start of a new school year is so special. Thank you for your support in helping our students transition smoothly into their routines. As we head into Week 2, we’re already seeing students settling in, making connections, and embracing learning with enthusiasm.

Each week we will highlight any HWDSB or Richard Beasley news worth noting.  We will also include important dates and upcoming events. This message is also duplicated on our school website for those who may miss the School Messenger email.

Upcoming September Days of Significance
Sep 9 – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day
Sep 11 – Coptic New Year (Christianity)
Sep 12-16 – Paitishahem Ghambar (Zoroastrianism)
Sep 14 – Firefighters’ National Memorial Day

Upcoming Events at Richard Beasley
Sep 11 – Fire Drill #1
Sep 19 – PA Day (Staff PD)
Sep 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Orange Shirt Day)
Sept 25 – School Council AGM – 5:30 pm Library

First Day Packages – On the first day of school, students were given forms to be signed and returned to the school for record keeping. Please make sure to complete the forms and send them back with your child(ren) if you have not done so already.

Fire Drills – The staff and students at Richard Beasley are expected to practice fire evacuation procedures six times annually (three times in the fall, and three times in the spring).  Before each drill, teachers will have age-appropriate discussions regarding the drill and what to expect.  Our first drill will take place this week on Thursday, September 11.

Volunteers – We are still in the planning phase of our school fundraising initiatives which may include pizza, popcorn and other infrequent sales of food items. Much of the success of these types of iniatives rely on volunteers. We encourage parents to support our fundraising initiatives by volunteering some of their time. Please complete this short survey if you are able to give some time on a weekly, biweekly or monthly basis.

Student Absences – Student absences and lates are best reported through the School Messenger app.  Alternatively, families can report absence directly to the Richard Beasley school office (905-387-5655) or the classroom teacher.

Indoor/Outdoor Shoes – For safety reasons, students are expected to wear shoes at all times in the building.  Assist us in keeping the mud, dirt, water and salt outside by sending an additional pair of indoor-only shoes with your child each day.  At this time of year, rain can lead to some very wet conditions in our schoolyard.  With two outdoor breaks, it is also a good idea to leave items such as extra socks in your child’s backpack in the event they are needed.

Life-Threatening Allergies - We want all children, including those with life-threatening allergies, to feel safe, supported and accepted at school. Please be aware that some students at our school may have severe life-threatening food allergies to any food containing nuts. We request that you do not send any lunches or snacks containing nuts. Your child’s teacher may also reach out if there is an additional severe food allergy in your child’s classroom that needs to be considered.

School Council – Our School Council is an active and key part of the school community.  We need your involvement to make the School Council a success.  It is a great group of people who care deeply about this school and its students.

School Councils must hold annual elections to identify voting members and positions such as School Council Chair. Elected members vote on School Council matters and represent the group’s ideas and advisory suggestions for the Principal. Please note that you do not have to be elected to the School Council to attend meetings. All meetings are open to all parents/guardians who wish to attend.

The School Council Nomination Form for self-nomination can be found at this link. The School Council Nomination Form to nominate someone else can be found on this link.

We would love to have you involved!  The first meeting of School Council will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, in the Library.  Please be sure to complete the form by Friday, September 19th, if interested in an official role on the Richard Beasley School Council. Please note that child-minding can be available during the meetings for school aged children, if required.