Dear Families,
September has flown by, and what a busy and exciting start to the school year it has been!
We’re thrilled to be enjoying our newly paved tarmac, and we might just have the best-looking grass in Orillia! With the field now open for student access, there’s more space for everyone to safely run and play.
This month brought some changes, including classroom movements. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all families and staff for your patience and understanding during our Turn Around Day.
We’re pleased to welcome the following staff to their new roles:
Ms. Kim Allen – Grade 6
Ms. Jessica Dunbar – Grade 1
Ms. Collete Slepanek – Grade 7 (newly created classroom)
We look forward to connecting with families at our annual Meet the Educator Night on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. Classrooms will be open, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet your child’s teacher and learn more about their learning environment.
Coming up this month, we’re excited to continue Terry Fox’s legacy with our school-wide Terry Fox Run/Walk. If we reach our fundraising goal of $1,000, Mr. Chater will receive a fun “make-over,” and Mrs. Turner will show some love and affection toward a new animal friend!
Please consider donating a toonie for Terry to help us reach our goal.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. We’re looking forward to a wonderful month ahead!
Warm regards,
Michelle Turner
Important Dates
Gr. 8 Fall Grad Trip: Oct. 2 - 3
Meet the Educator: Oct. 9
Terry Fox Run: Oct. 10
Thanksgiving Monday: Oct. 13
Orillia Cross Country Meet: Oct 15
October 24: PA Day
Gr. 7 Vaccinations: Oct. 29
Book Fair
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming our way (YAY!).
Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them on their journey to becoming lifelong readers. AND—as always—every purchase at the Fair benefits our school.
Here’s what you need to know about the Fair, which will take place from October 6th-9th. Your children are welcome to purchase books during specific times during the school day. The Book Fair will also be open from 3:30 to 4:15 on Tuesday, October 6th and on October 9th from 5:00 to 6:30 for parents to purchase books. Purchases can be made with debit, credit, or cash.
The countdown to more Book joy is on! Catch you at the Fair!
Terry Fox Run
Every year, thousands come together to honour Terry Fox’s dream and help fund life-changing cancer research. Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or donate, every contribution takes us one step closer to finding a cure.
Want to help? You can donate directly through the Terry Fox Foundation here: https://schools.terryfox.ca/103820/donate.
Orchard Park is also participating in Toonie for Terry.
Together, we can keep Terry’s spirit alive.
Information and updates from the SCDSB
This month, the SCDSB is sharing information related to the following topics:
Inclement weather and bus cancellation information reminder
Safe Arrival program
School bus transportation information available from the SCSTC
Halloween reminder - Culture is not a costume
DELF registration is now open! Join the parent/guardian info session to learn more
Check out the SCDSB News video series
Attend a Grade 1 French Immersion information session this November!
School council members invited to network and engage at orientation event
Online math resources for families
Enabling multi-factor authentication on student devices
SCDSB Anti-racism Statement
The benefits of walking or wheeling to school
October PA Day
To read this information, visit the SCDSB website: https://www.scdsb.on.ca/news/current_news/information___updates_from_the_scdsb___oct__2025