The Harvest Oak BOOM

VOLUNTEERING

Volunteering at Harvest Oak is a great way to get involved.

• Returning volunteers: complete the annual offence declaration form
• New volunteers: require a vulnerable sector check, which can be completed all online and costs $30
• All volunteers: complete this interest form 

If English and/or cost is a barrier, please email Phi Tran at tranp@hdsb.ca. 

Completed forms should be emailed to hops@hdsb.ca.

NEW DISMISSAL ROUTINES

As we adjust to a growing number of students and classes, we are monitoring the flow of students throughout the building before, during and after the school day. 

Next week (Monday, September 14-18), we will be trialing the following end of day dismissal exits for caregivers meeting students at 3:10pm:

DOOR #6: Students exiting this door at 3:10 will be from classes 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, 1-4, 2-3, 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 7-1, 7-2, 78-1 

DOOR #13: Students exiting this door at 3:10pm will be from classes 12-1, 2-1, 2-2, 23-1, 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 8-1, 8-2

BUS ZONES and CROSSWALK ZONES

It is so important that designated areas in front of our school and before and after crosswalk areas are clear of parked vehicles. Buses need to load students on time in order to keep to time on their route. 

In our crosswalk zones, areas before and after the cross walk need to be cleared so that our Crossing Guards have clear visibility in order to cross students safely. 

Please use your cross walks in walking/rolling to school. 

NEWCOMER MEET & GREET

Please come and join us on Friday, September 18 at 9:00 am to meet other newcomer families. All families who are new to Ontario or Canada within the last 6 years are welcome to attend. Click here for the flyer. Please register by Tuesday, September 15. If you have any questions, please email Phi Tran at tranp@hdsb.ca.

FAMILY CONNECTIONS COMMITTEE INFORMATION MEETING- NEW DATE

Join us Monday, September 21st for our first Family Connections Committee meeting and Information session. 

HOPS Family Connections Committee is open to any caregiver who would like to be part of a group who will work in conjunction with our HOPS vision and the HDSB’s multi-year strategic plan, to support our students in learning and school engagement. 

Our first meeting will be an information session on how you might want to be involved as either a voting or non-voting member.

The meeting will be in person, at Harvest Oak in our new Learning Commons (on the second floor).

Please complete this form indicating your interest and how you might like to be part of HOPS’ Family Connection Committee. 

Link to complete: FCC INTEREST FORM

*If you require interpretation services, please email Phi Tran (tranp@hdsb.ca) BEFORE 9am MONDAY so that this can be arranged.

STUDENT AND FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICE

Questions about your child's education? Start by speaking with your child's teacher and principal. If you still need support, the HDSB’s Student and Family Support Office can help answer questions, provide information and connect you with the appropriate support. 

“WALKING AND ROLLING” TO SCHOOL: Think Well-Being & Sustainability!

Almost all of our families live within the 1.3 KM distance to school, making HOPS a “Walk to School” school. We strongly encourage Active Transportation to school, and ask that caregivers review safety (e.g., crosswalks, bike safety) with their child(ren). Additionally, please ensure that your child knows how to secure their bike/scooter to the bike racks that are provided at school. The school is not responsible for ensuring the security of any mode of transportation left at the school. 

ELECTRIC BIKES OR SCOOTERS ARE PROHIBITED for all children under the age of 16 in the Halton Region. For the safety of HOPS students and community members, e-scooters and e-bikes are not permitted on school property.

HELP 400 HDSB STUDENTS START SCHOOL WITH CONFIDENCE

The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) is here to help with its Back-to-School campaign, Carrie the Backpack, to support 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.

1- complete paper forms sent home on Friday regarding Physical Activity & return to school on Monday

2- complete electronic Start Up forms for each child

3-place your Spirit Wear order before September 22

4- Grade 7 only- complete consent form for Immunization clinic (if did not go home today, will go home on Monday)

We are a Sustainable Future School

WE ARE A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE SCHOOL (SDG #17)

Harvest Oak PS opened last September 2025 as a Sustainable Future School (SFS) with a strong focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in and outside of our classrooms. 

Last year, we spent much time as a school community, learning about the SDGs and making connections to ways we can contribute to the goals in our everyday lives. 

Now, in Year 2, we want to deepen our understanding and develop action-oriented thinking and learning about how we can contribute intentionally to a sustainable future.

We encourage families to learn about the SDGs together. Make connections in your daily life to support this important learning that is aligned with our HOPS’ Vision. 

FIELD TRIPS (SDG #4)

Field trips and in-school presentations are designed to support the curriculum and engage students in a new way to their everyday learning. As these events support the curriculum, it is expected that all students participate. As a school, when we have in-school facilitated events or attend programming by travelling off site, there is a cost associated with this learning experience, and the fee calculated for each student takes all students attending into consideration. While it is fun for students to step away from the classroom, transportation by bus will increase the cost of the trip.  

FINANCIAL SUPPORT (SDG#1, SDG #3, SDG #4)

We do understand that various events at school (e.g. pizza day, field trips, etc) can be costly, and as a staff, we plan things with a manageable budget in mind for our families. However, we do understand that families may have financial strains where added school expenses bring unnecessary pressure. If at any time a trip/event does not feel affordable and financial assistance is needed, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Taylor (taylorke@hdsb.ca) in the office or Ms. Hudson (hudsonb@hdsb.ca).

RECESS REMINDERS

During our outdoor break times and within the instructional day, we kindly ask that caregivers refrain from being on school property (e.g., pathway, hardtop) where students are playing and learning. 

We welcome caregivers to the building as volunteers, planned guests and for meetings where you would be welcomed at our main office, and will sign in if you are volunteering within the school. These practices are aligned with our HDSB Safe Schools protocols. 

WHAT IS LANGAR? (SDG #10)
Langar is a special tradition in Sikhism where everyone sits together on the floor and shares a meal. It teaches important values like equality, kindness, and community, everyone is welcome, and all are treated the same.

At HOPS, we will be participating as a whole school to honour equality by sitting and eating together, just like in Langar.

• Date: September 22nd
  • Time: 2nd Break (1:30-1:50 classes on the third floor +Grade 3 students), 1:50-2:10 (Grade 1 & 2 + Cottage students)
  • Location: Front of the school
• What students need to bring:
  • Own lunch/snack
  • Blanket or mat to sit on (optional)

STUDENT ENROLMENT AND SEPTEMBER REORGANIZATION (SDG #4)

At this time each year, the Halton District School Board looks at numbers in each school, and removes, adds and adjusts classes given the changes in enrollment. 

We have welcomed new families to the Harvest Oak school community in these last weeks starting school, resulting in larger class sizes in our Junior and Intermediate grades. 

Harvest Oak will be reorganizing classes reflective of our enrollment, impacting grades 2-5 and grades 7 and 8. As we reorganize, we take into account a variety of factors including instructional groupings, learning styles and friendships. These changes will have a positive impact on our class sizes.

We know change can be difficult and appreciate your support during this transition. Building class communities is important to us at HOPS. In the coming days, teachers will put much thought into building a positive learning environment for our students. Given this important work, please appreciate that we will not be accepting requests for placement. 

Students who are going to move to a new class or have a different educator will be informed no later than next Thursday, September 24th at 4pm. 

We anticipate that our process will be positive, moving forward into our school year, for all involved. As a school community, we are committed to the success of each of our learners. 

Thank you for your continued support. 

OUR FAMILY CONNECTIONS COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU! (SDG #4, SDG #17)

HOPS Family Connections Committee is open to any caregiver who would like to be part of a group who will work in conjunction with our HOPS vision and the HDSB’s multi-year strategic plan, to support our students in learning and school engagement. 

Our first meeting will be an information session on how you might want to be involved as either a voting or non-voting member.

Join us this Monday, September 21st, at 6:00pm, for our first Family Connections Committee meeting and Information session. We invite caregivers to join us in person, on the second floor in our Library Learning Commons (LLC).

Please complete this form indicating your interest and how you might like to be part of HOPS’ Family Connection Committee. 

Link to complete: FCC INTEREST FORM

*If you require interpretation services, please email Phi Tran (tranp@hdsb.ca) BEFORE 9am MONDAY so that this can be arranged.

PIZZA DAYS RETURN!!! (SDG#2)

We have partnered with Double Double Pizza again this year to have pizza days on Tuesdays starting October 6th!  The office will coordinate with parent and student volunteers to run this program.  Funds raised will support outdoor education, athletics, technology and field trips.

• To purchase go to https://hdsb.schoolcashonline.com/ 
• Cash payment is not accepted
• ORDER BY OCTOBER 1st- late orders are not accepted

For those who still need to add your student to School Cash Online

• If you need to set up an account, you will need you Student’s Halton Student Number (not OEN)
• This number was provided in an email sent to you on Thursday, September 17th titled “School Cash Online”
  • this email outlines how to set up your student for payment

Kids often look forward to pizza days at school, but you may not have the means to provide at this time.  Please use this form to reach out to us to tell us how we can help.

HIPPY Halton (SDG #17)

HIPPY Halton is a free early literacy program that supports families with children ages 2–5 by empowering parents through home-based educational activities. Parents receive weekly activities, books, and coaching to help their children build strong language, thinking, and social skills. Children gain confidence, improve school readiness, and build the foundation they need for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Who should attend the presentation/who can access our services:

• Parents and caregivers of children ages 2–5
• Newcomer families
• Families experiencing isolation or needing extra support
• Parents of children with speech delays, autism, or medical needs
• School and community partners who refer families

HIPPY Halton will be at Harvest Oak on Thursday, September 24 from 9:15-9:45 am. If you are interested in attending this presentation, please click on this link to register. If you have any questions, please email Phi Tran at tranp@hdsb.ca. 

REMINDERS!

Complete Start Up Forms for your Student(s)

To avoid follow up calls from the office, please ensure you complete the following

• Return the Physical Activity form sent home with the “IMPORTANT” cover page

• The Start-Up Form must be completed electronically for each child you have attending our school

  • It is requested that you complete this form as soon as possible to allow the teachers the opportunity to do more outdoor learning with your child

We Love Our Volunteers!

Volunteering at Harvest Oak is a great way to get involved.

• Returning volunteers: complete the annual offence declaration form

• New volunteers: require a vulnerable sector check, which can be completed all online and costs $30

• All volunteers: complete this interest form 

If English and/or cost is a barrier, please email Phi Tran at tranp@hdsb.ca. 

Completed forms should be emailed to hops@hdsb.ca.

Grade 7 Immunization Consent

• Consent Forms are due to the office on Monday

LOOKING AHEAD

• Sep 24- HIPPY Halton (9:15-9:45 am)
• Sep 29- Rowan’s Law Day
• Sep 30- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Oct 1- HOPS Terry Fox Day
• Oct 7- HOPS Hosts Calling All 3 Year Olds
• Oct 9- P.A. Day
• Oct 10- World Mental Health Day
• Oct 12- Thanksgiving
• Oct 15- HOPS Open House
• Oct 20- Photo Day
• Oct 21- Photo Day & Take Me Outside Day
• Oct 22- School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
• Nov 16- School Immunization Clinic (gr 7 & 8)

Few Days Left to Order Spirit Wear & Pizza

SPIRIT WEAR EXTENDED TO SUNDAY NIGHT

HOPS Families may purchase school spirit wear directly from our vendor’s website.  Please ensure you carefully review the sizing charts as refunds/exchanges are not available.

• Don’t miss out!  Place your order by Sunday night!
• The next opportunity to purchase will be in early 2027

PIZZA ORDERS CLOSE OCTOBER 1ST (SDG#2)

To purchase go to https://hdsb.schoolcashonline.com/ 

• Cash payment is not accepted

• late orders are not accepted

For those who still need to set up an account, you received an email yesterday titled “ACTION: School Cash Online” providing all the required information

Kids often look forward to pizza days at school, but you may not have the means to provide at this time.  Please use this form to reach out to us to tell us how we can help.

REMINDER: SCHOOL START TIME

Students are asked to arrive at school at 8:35am to ensure that they are in their classrooms, ready for instruction beginning at 8:50am. At the 8:50am bell, instruction begins and students are expected to already be settled into their classroom learning environments. 

Door 13 will close at 8:49 am to allow educators time to get to their classroom.  All educators are supporting instruction once the 8:50am bell rings and not supporting students entering the building. Students arriving after this time must check in at the office.  It is requested that the caregiver sign them in to allow the student to get to class.

Late arrivals can be disruptive to the learning environment, and habitual late entries result in valuable instructional time being missed. It would be greatly appreciated if all families could make every effort to ensure their child(ren) arrive at Harvest Oak PS at 8:35 am.

​​​​​​​HOPS’ 2nd ANNUAL TERRY FOX FUNDRAISING EVENT

We are HOPing to match our goal last year of $1235.  If you are able, please consider donating online or you can contribute by sending a Toonie for Terry on the day of our event.

Our students will gather for an assembly and begin their walk/run/roll at approximately 12pm on Thursday October 1st.  Caregivers are welcome to join and can join the event in the following locations:

• Kindergarten/Grade 1 caregivers meet on the hardtop
• All older grade caregivers can meet us in Meadowridge Park!