Runnymede HSA/Parent Council Weekend Update

March 23, 2025

JOIN US AT MONDAY’S HSA/PARENT COUNCIL MEETING!
MARCH 24th @ 7pm – 9pm

Click for dates, agendas, minutes, and zoom links!

HSA Meetings (Agendas/Minutes)

Loose Parts Playground – HELP NEEDED!

The Runnymede Green Committee, in collaboration with Runnymede PS teachers and admin, is establishing a loose parts playground in the Adventure Yard (i.e. kindie/primary playground behind the school).

A loose parts playground is a space in which kids can engage in creative play using large everyday objects. Loose parts playgrounds are excellent tools for developing problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and they’re also a fun way for kids to work on their social skills by providing lots of hands-on opportunities to practice their collaboration, communication, and self-regulation skills.

HELP NEEDED!
To bring this playground to life, we need your help! We’re looking for the following items:
used tires (2 more!)
long pieces of thick rope
PVC tubes
coil reels
pool noodles
big tree stumps (>1 ft. tall)
2x4s of varying lengths (no nails, in decent shape and treated so as not to cause splinters)
Milk crates
lightweight tarp
any other large everyday items you can think of!
Here is some background on loose parts playgrounds.

If you have any items that you’d like to donate, please drop them off next to the concrete storage shed by the north gate of the Adventure Yard.
Thanks so much!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG? NOT QUITE BUT…

Here is one of the amazing events being organized by the Runnymede HSA/Parent Council in the next few months.

SPRING YARD DAY & SPORTS GEAR SWAP!

Spring Yard Day is fast-approaching and is happening April 26 from 9 – 12pm.

In order to get our beloved Hillside Nature Garden ready for outdoor learning, we need your help to spread mulch, collect litter, plant worms and care for our plants and shrubs! No experience necessary!

Coffee and hot chocolate will be available. Please bring nut-free baking and store-bought snack donations for everyone to share.
This year’s Spring Yard Day is focused on sustainability! Activities include:
book swap
junk art competition
scavenger hunt
nature crafts
sports gear swap! (see below)
rain barrel sale! (see below)

The Sports Gear Swap is a great way to get rid of the old gear in your garage and pick up the next size for your growing athlete! Sports gear should be game-ready and can be dropped off at the office the week leading up to Yard Day or on the morning of the event. Then, feel free to peruse the other donated gear and take home whatever your family needs for the upcoming season! We’re accepting all kinds of spring sports equipment – think balls, rackets, gloves and cleats! Nothing with wheels, or helmets, please.

Rain barrels are a fantastic tool for collecting and storing rainwater, and can reduce the demand on municipal water supplies. They also help to reduce your water bill! They cost $75 (incl. delivery) and proceeds will go towards filling Runnymede’s flower beds with native perennials.

We look forward to seeing you on April 26th to have some fun and get dirty!
Please reach out to the Runnymede Green Committee if you are interested in assisting with this event:
RunnymedeYARD@gmail.com

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL’S FREE PARENT LEARNING SERIES

Mindful Connections:
Empowering Parents to Foster Compassion and Prevent Bullying

his series of evidence-based mindfulness training sessions will help parents build key skills like self-awareness, self-compassion, kindness, and non-violent communication. Together, we’ll work to create a more emotionally resilient, compassionate, and bullying-free community for our children.

Program Details:
This hybrid series features 1.5-hour in-person interactive sessions (Community of Practice) and 30-minute online practice sessions for maximum impact.

Session Schedule:Kindergarten to Grade 2: In-person sessions on March 26th,
7:00-8:30 pm at Runnymede PS Library

Grades 3-5: In-person sessions on April 10th & 24th, 7:00-8:30 pm at Runnymede PS Library

Grades 6-8: In-person sessions on May 13th & 20th, 7:00-8:30 pm at Runnymede PS Library

Online Sessions (Open to all parents):March 19th, 24th, 8:00-8:30pm via Zoom
April 8th, 22nd, 8:00-8:30pm via Zoom
May 8th, 15th, 8:00-8:30pm via Zoom

How to Register:
This opportunity is open to all Runnymede Junior and Senior Public School parents:
REGISTER HERE

We’re excited to offer these opportunities and look forward to connecting with you all as we work together to build a safer, kinder, and more compassionate community for our children. Let’s make our school a place where everyone thrives!

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