From the Principal’s Desk

Quote of the Week: Start where you are, Use what you have, Do what you can.   Arthur Ashe

It has been wonderful to welcome our students and families back to school. Inches in height have been gained, teeth have been lost and with all the growth that has happened over the summer we are excited to help them continue to grow academically this school year. 

Creating an Inclusive Space for Learning at Boyne

As you are likely already aware, the key words for Boyne are Work Hard, Be Nice, Make a Difference.  As part of our work to create a sense of BELONGING, you will notice the newsletter will often include information about days of particular religious or cultural significance, as well as other important days of observance.  We believe it is important to recognize these moments in the lives of our students and families.  

Rosh Hashanah

This weekend a number of families at Boyne will be celebrating Rosh Hashanah.  Rosh Hashanah, the celebration of the Jewish new year 5786, begins on Friday. This multi-day holiday commemorates the beginning of the universe. It is observed with special worship services and the sounding of the shofar, an instrument made of a ram's horn, on both mornings of the holiday.  We hope that families who recognize this new year celebration enjoy this sacred time with friends and family.

Song Requests

As we continue to build a sense of BELONGING at Boyne and enrich our school culture. We would like to have students start the day, prior to announcements, with a school appropriate song that sets the mood for the day but also reflects them, their culture, their identity and their musical preferences.  Please enter your song request in the google form linked here.

Allergies 

As we kick off the new school year, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all our students is a top priority. Several children in our school community have severe, potentially life-threatening food allergies—most notably to peanuts and tree nuts. To help keep these students safe, our school maintains a nut-aware policy, and we kindly ask that you do not send snacks or lunches containing peanuts or tree nuts (including nut butters, granola bars with nuts, and hazelnut spreads).

In addition to our school-wide nut safety guidelines, individual classrooms may have specific restrictions based on the unique dietary needs of students in that particular room (such as dairy, egg, or sesame allergies). Your child’s classroom teacher will communicate directly with you regarding any specific classroom-only food restrictions. We ask that you double-check ingredient labels before packing daily lunches, or snacks. Thank you for your support, vigilance, and cooperation in keeping all of our students healthy and safe!

Traveling To & From School

We would like to thank families for your support in ensuring that the school and surrounding community are safe for all students and families. We know that school drop off and pick-up are busy times for everyone. It is only by working together that we can keep our students safe.  

Reminders:

• The parking lot is reserved for Boyne staff
• The East side of Farmstead is a no stopping zone an dcrossing from this location is very dangerous due to car, and bus traffic.  Should you need to cross from the East side of Farmstead please use the crosswalk South of the parking lot entry.
• If you need to drive in the morning or at the end of the day, please be advised that there are many streets in the community that permit short term parking.  Many of these locations are between a 1 and 5 minute walk from the school.  Please ensure that you are not blocking residents' driveways.

Electric Scooters

The number of e-scooters in operation continues to rise locally, and with it – the risks of serious injury if involved in a collision or other mishap. Electric scooters are prohibited on all HDSB school sidewalks, playgrounds and within school buildings. E-scooters are not permitted to be stored in school 

School Council

Please join us for School Council meetings, which take place a number of times each year on Mondays at 6:30 pm. Council is an important way to learn more about the school and have a voice in important matters impacting the school and community.  If you are interested in being a part of the council, please share your information by clicking here.  Our first meeting will be on September 28th at 6:30pm

Upcoming Dates 

HDSB calendars - events, significant days, school year

• Sept 17 - Boyne Open House 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

Food Orders

We look forward to starting up our food programs again this year very soon. Stay tuned food programs will be available to order on School cash online shortly. Please ensure that you sign up for School Cash online.

School Cash Online

All financial transactions are done through School Cash Online. This includes transactions for trips, pizza days and other school functions. We no longer accept cash at the school. If you are not signed up for School cash online sign up forms will be sent home next week through your classroom. Please note you will require your Student Number (without the leading zeros) to enroll in cash online. Please know that you don’t need a credit card, a debit card will suffice. If you are having difficulty creating an account, please email Ms.Chisholm (chisholml@hdsb.ca) and she will be happy to assist you. If you have extenuating circumstances which prevent you from having a School Cash Online account, please contact Principal Khan at khanfa@hdsb.ca for assistance.

Boyne Open House

                                                     

From the Principal’s Desk

Quote of the Week: Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much   Hellen Keller

It was so lovely meeting our families and students at Open House yesterday. We are looking forward to a wonderful school year together. 

Reorganization

Each September, the school board reviews class sizes across the region as they work to ensure primary class size caps are in place and junior/intermediate class size averages meet the standard.  In order to ensure class sizes that are appropriate and in compliance with the rules, fall re-organization is a reality in many schools.  With the very strong registrations we’ve had at Boyne, we may be directed to re-organize in the next couple of weeks.  If we do need to re-organize, please know that just like in the spring, student moves and placements are done with the input of educators and admin in order to minimize movements and maximize success for all students.

Yom Kippur

Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism. It occurs annually on the 10th of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. Primarily centred on atonement and repentance, the day's observances consist of full fasting accompanied by intensive prayer as well as sin confessions (traditionally inside of a synagogue). Alongside the related holiday of  Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur is one of the two components of the "High Holy Days" of Judaism.

Franco-Ontarian Day   

Each September 25th, people across the province recognize Franco-Ontarian day.  This day and the raising of the Franco-Ontarian flag is an opportunity to recognize the over 600 000 Francophone Ontarians and the other 1.5 million people in Ontario who also speak the French language.  As a school we are proud to recognize the important contributions of Francophones in Ontario and celebrate the culture and learning that the French language brings to Boyne and the province.

International Week of the Deaf

The International Week of the Deaf takes place around the world in the last week of September every year. During this week, organizations around the world host events to celebrate how people who are deaf or hard of hearing contribute to their communities. Moreover, the week also raises awareness about the rights of people who are deaf.  As part of a diverse community at Boyne, we are pleased to recognize the important contributions of people who are deaf or hard of hearing around the world, but also in our community, in our school and in our classrooms!

Terry Fox Run/Walk

The annual Terry Fox event at Boyne will happen on Friday, September 25th.  Terry Fox is a Canadian hero who set out to do his part to raise money in support of cancer research.  Terry started his “Marathon of Hope” with the goal of running across the country and raising $1 for every Canadian.  To date the Terry Fox foundation has raised more than $850 million dollars to fight cancer.  We encourage families to make a donation of $2.00 or more for this important fundraising effort.  To donate, please visit the Boyne donation page hosted by the Terry Fox foundation by clicking this link.

Help 400 HDSB Students Start School with Confidence

As students across our community head back to school, some will arrive without the basics they need: a backpack, school supplies, or even lunch. The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF), thanks to our generous community, is here to help.

 HLF kicked off Back To School, with the help of our cheerful helper Carrie the Backpack, to help 400 HDSB students by September 30. Families are counting on this support, and HLF is asking our generous community to step in urgently so they can continue to say “YES” to every request for emergency support they receive.

 Here's what one parent shared about what saying “YES” meant to her family:

 “Just wanted to say how grateful I am for this support. I’m a single mom, and because of your help, I’m able to get what my daughter needs for back-to-school and food, and I’m so unbelievably grateful for the support.”

 Make a gift for a student in need today: Donate Now

 Together, we can give students not just supplies, but confidence, dignity, and hope.

 Learn more about Carrie’s Back to School mission and how you can help at GoBack2School.ca.

Parent Involvement Committee

The HDSB is looking for parents/guardians to join the Parent Involvement Committee (PIC). PIC supports, encourages, and enhances parental engagement at the Board level to improve student achievement and well being. In the past, PIC has focused on a well attended parent conference covering a wide range of subjects, as well as parent information evenings.

 As a member of the Parent Involvement Committee, we achieve our purpose by communicating with and supporting school councils, undertaking activities to help parents/guardians support their children’s learning, and providing information and advice on parent engagement to the HDSB. PIC members commit to participating in four public meetings per year, some planning meetings, and possibly committee work. 

 This year, we are appointing three new members from the following areas: 

 Halton Hills: one elementary or secondary representative

• Milton: one elementary or secondary representative

• Oakville: one elementary representative

If you are interested in becoming a member of PIC, please complete the HDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) Interest Form by 4:00 pm on Friday, Sep 25, 2026.

Neurodiversity Symposium

Event: Learning Together: A Neurodiversity Symposium

Host: Centre for Diverse Learners

Dates: Week of September 21, 2026

Audience: Parents, educators, administrators, and student support professionals

Symposium Components

• Virtual Learning Series (Sept 21–25): Lunch & Learns and evening workshops featuring 8 guest speakers sharing practical, evidence-informed strategies to support neurodiverse learners.
• In-Person Open House (Sept 25, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM): "Open Minds & Open Doors" at 560 Guelph Line, Burlington, Ontario. Includes classroom tours, student projects, community displays, and networking.

Pricing & Registration

• Live Virtual Sessions: FREE
• Session Recordings: $60
• In-Person Open House: FREE
• RSVP:  Symposium Information and Registration

Upcoming Dates 

HDSB calendars - events, significant days, school year

• Sept 25 - Terry Fox Run 
• Sept 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Sept 30 & Oct 1- Hearing & Vision Clinic
• Oct 7 - First Pizza Day
• Oct 12 - Thanksgiving Day - No School
• Oct 16 - Spirit Wear ordering closes
• Oct 22 - Grade 7 & 8 Immunizations

Food Orders

Pizza lunch is back! We will have Pizza day every Wednesday. The first term will run from October 7th -November 4th.

You can now purchase through School Cash online with it closing September 30th at 10:00am.  No late orders will be accepted.

Pizza will be delivered to classes during the second nutrition break. There will be no holds on pizza if the student is away. Each slice of Pizza costs $3.50

Proceeds will be used to support extra curricular clubs, enhance the student learning environment, to support increased student engagement, student resources and initiatives.

School Cash Online

All financial transactions are done through School Cash Online. This includes transactions for trips, pizza days and other school functions. We no longer accept cash at the school. If you are not signed up for School cash online sign up forms will be sent home next week through your classroom. Please note you will require your Student Number (without the leading zeros) to sign up.

Boyne Spirit Wear

Boyne spirit wear is now available for purchase until October 16th

Please go to School Tee Website and use Access Code:  BOYN.MIL

From the Principal’s Desk

Quote of the Week: 

“Even if I don't finish, we need others to continue. It's got to keep going without me”    -Terry Fox

We want to give our staff and students a huge shout out for supporting the Terry Fox run. It is moments like these that the school community comes together to work collectively for a good cause. Our students raised $1,305.65 for the Terry Fox donation. If you would still like to donate, please visit the Boyne donation page hosted by the Terry Fox foundation by clicking this link.

School Council Meeting Reminder - Monday, September 28th at 6:30 pm

We are very much looking forward to the School Council meeting on Monday, September 28th.  Whether you are a voting member or just interested in participating casually, please join us.  At this meeting we will be discussing, among other things, fundraising allocation and upcoming school events.  We look forward to meeting with you on Monday at 6:30 pm in the school library.

Reorganization - September 28th First Day of New Classes

As we mentioned last week, reorganization of classes was a possibility and we have in fact been directed to reorganize classes by the school board in order to ensure we are meeting the primary class size cap mandated by the Ministry of Education.  If your child is moving classes you would have received communication by the end of the day on Thursday September 23rd..  If you have not heard from us,  your child will not be changing classes.  We recognize that many students do not want to change classes, however, please know that we carefully consider class changes and work to maximize student achievement for all.  The first day of the new classes will be on Monday, September 28th.  We thank you in advance for your understanding and we appreciate your flexibility as we finalized our school reorganization to keep in line with Ministry Guidelines around class sizes. We understand that transitions can bring mixed emotions, but please rest assured that our team is working closely together to make this move as seamless and positive as possible.

National Day of Truth & Reconciliation

September 30th is the annual National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in Canada.  This is a day to recognize the children who never returned home from residential schools and the Survivors impacted by residential schools.  During this important day, we also  recognize the work and recommendations of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission in Canada. Please take a moment to watch this incredibly impactful video clip. 

September 30th is also Orange Shirt Day, a day inspired by the story of Phyllis (Jack) Webstad. Phyllis was a student at St. Joseph Mission Residential School in Williams Lake, B.C. To recognize the importance of this day and build understanding about the lasting impact of Residential Schools CDR students have been and will be engaging in a variety of learning experiences.  Please join CDR students and the Halton District School Board in recognizing the harm the residential school system did to the identity, self-esteem, and well-being of First Nations, Métis, Inuit children and communities and show that everyone around us matters as we move towards truth and reconciliation.  On September 30th students, staff and families are encouraged to show their support and solidarity by wearing orange.

Parent Volunteering Opportunity!

Are you a parent who is interested in sharing some of your time and caring nature with Boyne students?  If so, you are exactly who we are looking for!

This is a call out for any parents of Boyne students who are interested in volunteering in the school with our young learners.  We are looking for parents to help primary students with printing, reading, and basic math. This is during school hours under the supervision of our Boyne teaching staff; they will prepare all the student schedules and learning materials.  All you have to do is show up with enthusiasm and a great big smile!

The minimum time commitment required is twice a month for approximately 1-1.5 hours each time.  However, you can come more than twice a month if that is your interest.

You don’t need any special training, but you will need to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check, which we can help you organize.

This volunteering program will start after Thanksgiving.

If you are interested, please complete this form. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Mackay at mackayla@hdsb.ca

Upcoming Dates 

HDSB calendars - events, significant days, school year

• Sept 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Oct 12 - Thanksgiving Day - No School
• Oct 22 - Grade 7 & 8 Immunizations
  

Boyne Spirit Wear

Boyne spirit wear is now available for purchase until October 16th

Please go to School Tee Website and use Access Code:  BOYN.MIL