DON’T MISS THE RUNNYMEDE FUN FAIR ON THURSDAY MAY 22!

May 19th is the last day to purchase food for the event !

The RUNNYMEDE FUN FAIR includes
6 bouncy castles & inflatables
a Dunk tank show
a Fire truck visit
a Giant Chess Game
 Face Painting
 Carnival Games
 a Bubble Show
 Balloon Animals
 a DJ
 a Photo booth
 cookie decorating
 and more!

A $25 wristband gives KIDS an all-access pass to
all FUN FAIR games, activities and FUN.  

A Wristband also includes 1 cotton candy!

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REMEMBER!

The HSA/Parent Council is completely volunteer run, and we can’t run this amazing community event without YOUR help! 
Even just for an hour while you’re there, please help make 
FUN, FUNDRAISING & ENRICHMENT happen at Runnymede! 

We are looking for LEADS and HELPERS!
SIGN UP FOR A VOLUNTEER SLOT HERE
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Adults can purchase a wristband if they would also like to bounce/play/have cotton candy,
and to help cover costs with a donation!

Wristband price will go up to $25 tomorrow so make sure to buy yours now!

Food and Ice Cream not included – so purchase food ahead of time!

We have an amazing variety of food options available at the fair but
FOOD MUST BE PURCHASED BY PRE-ORDER!

BUY YOUR FOOD AND WRISTBANDS HERE
 
Thanks to our HSA/Parent council sponsors for this event and all our YEARLY sponsors for all their amazing support!

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GRADE 1-3 
PRIMARY SPORTS DAY is on June 13th!

HSA/Parent council is excited for a brand new Primary Sport Day we are planning for June 13th for our Grade 1 to 3 students!  We need parent / teen volunteers to help make this a fun and successful event.

If you’re already helping at our last Pizza Day then please consider staying to help out!!

The Sport Day activities will run from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. We would greatly appreciate it if volunteers could arrive at 12:00 / 12:30 pm to assist with setting up the activities and learning about the roles.

Each class requires several parent volunteers to assist with the 15 sport activities
or set-up/clean-up.
If you’re available to help between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm, even if it is not for the entire time, please sign up HERE

Thank you!  We look forward to an amazing day with our students!

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CHECK DATE CHANGES FOR THE SPRING CONCERT SERIES
and ALL UPCOMING FUN & ENRICHMENT EVENTS HERE :  
https://runnymedecouncil.org/google-calendar/

LAST CHANCE FOR THE JUNK ART COMPETITION!

Create art using blue box recyclables—paper, cardboard, plastic containers, and cans (no compostable or organic materials)

Open to all students—participate solo or in a group.

 Any artistic medium is welcome: sculpture, collage, murals, and more.

Work on your masterpiece at home or school!
Ask your teacher for more details!

Prizes awarded in each age category.
Judging criteria: visual appeal, creativity, and innovative use of recycled materials.

Key Dates
April 24 – Submission Deadline
April 25 – Judging & Winners Announced
April 26 – Display at Yard Day
April 28 – Artwork Collection

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ARTS ENRICHMENT FOR GRADES 1-3 COMING SOON:

This is a reminder of the upcoming performance next Wednesday the 23rd of April, for all grade 1, 2, and 3 classes. 

It is called Oopsie and will be put on by The Candy Bones Theatre. 
The intention of this performance is to celebrate mistakes and to create a culture of creative risk-taking. 

The performance has been coordinated by the HSA Arts Committee and funded by the HSA/Parent Council. We hope all of the primary students enjoy it and thank all of you who donate to the HSA for funding this Spring’s performance series! 

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In MUSIC DEPARTNEMENT news:

The University of Toronto visits Runnymede! 

Travis Harrison (professor of Double Bass) will work with students who play the bass for the morning on April 22nd.

A graduate student string quartet will perform for our senior students and then stay to work with Chamber Strings on April 24th.

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NEXT SATURDAY!
SPRING YARD DAY – SPORTS GEAR SWAP & RAIN BARREL SALE!

Spring Yard Day is happening April 26 from 9 – 12pm
and is a great event for the whole family!

This year’s Spring Yard Day is focused on sustainability! 

Bring the family and enjoy this fun day of yard work, arts activities, worm planting, baked goods, and more!

The Sports Gear Swap –  We’re accepting all kinds of game-ready SPRING sports equipment!  (Drop box located outside the office starting April 13, or bring on the morning of Yard Day) : think balls, rackets, gloves and cleats!  Nothing with wheels, or helmets, please. 

Rain barrels

for sale! Collect and store rainwater to reduce the demand on municipal water supplies, and help to reduce your water bill!  Rain Barrels start at $75 (incl. delivery) and proceeds go towards filling Runnymede’s flower beds with native perennials.
Purchase HERE 

Please reach out to the Runnymede Green Committee if you are interested in assisting with this event please sign up HERE 

or email
RunnymedeYARD@gmail.com

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RUNNYMEDE PUB NIGHT 
May 9 at High Park Brewery – come for a fun night out!

PLEASE REACH OUT IF YOU CAN DONATE PRIZES FOR THE RAFFLE
(tickets, vouchers, gift certificates, gift baskets, etc.)
THANK YOU!

* Appetizers & Live Band
* Raffle & Prizes 

Tickets $35 in advance and $40 at the door

Purchase tickets here: 
http://www.sagoto.com/rpsc/pubnight

Please reach out to the Runnymede Fun & Fundraising Committee
if you would like to help with planning this event
RunnymedeFUNdraising@gmail.com

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IT’S HAPPENING!!!!
RUNNYMEDE IS HAVING A FUN FAIR ON THURSDAY MAY 22

The FAIR includes 6 bouncy castles & inflatables, a Fire truck visit, a Giant Chess Game, Face Painting, Carnival Games, a Bubble Show, Balloon Animals, a DJ, a Photo booth, cookie decorating, a Dunk tank show and more!

A $20 wristband gives KIDS an all-access pass to
FUN FAIR games, activities and FUN.  

Wristband also includes 1 cotton candy! – Wristband price will go up to $25 in May

Food and Ice Cream not included
Adults can purchase a wristband if they would also like to bounce/play/have cotton candy,
and to help cover costs with a donation!
 

We have an amazing variety of food options available at the fair but FOOD MUST BE PURCHASED BY PRE-ORDER! (only ice cream will be available for purchase day-of)
 

BUY YOUR FOOD AND WRISTBANDS NOW!

We can’t run this amazing community event without YOUR help!  Even just for an hour, please join the team that makes FUN, FUNDRAISING & ENRICHMENT happen at Runnymede!  We are looking for LEADS and HELPERS!

SIGN UP FOR A VOLUNTEER SLOT HERE

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THE RUNNYMEDE HSA/PARENT COUNCIL NEEDS YOU
IN 2025/2026!

The HSA Nomination Committee will be soliciting nominations for
2025-26 President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary roles.

Nominations are requested by April 25

Learn more about how the SAC (School Advisory Council) and the 
HSA (Home and School Association) work together as 
Runnymede’s Parent CouncilHERE

Voting for these 4 positions will occur during the May 21 Annual General Meeting (AGM).
If you are interested, please fill out the HSA Membership form HERE

Or email RunnymedePS@gmail.com if you have questions about these or any of our Board positions and if you’d like to volunteer! 

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PLEASE CHECK THE RUNNYMEDE CALENDAR TO CHECK DATE CHANGES FOR THE SPRING CONCERT SERIES and
UPCOMING EVENTS!   

Calendar

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)

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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! 

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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

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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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Want another way to be reminded about EVENTS?

Join the Runnymede Parents Facebook Group!

Check the EVENTS TAB or search for specific info.
Ask other parents if you’re not sure what’s up!

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WONDERING WHAT DAY IT IS? 
Check the Runnymede Calendar!

Calendar

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SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER FROM AN HSA SPONSOR:

Runnymede’s School Advisory Council’s SEL & Bullying Prevention subcommittee ​i​s kick​ing-off two events in honour of Pink Shirt Day!

1) a 10 multiple-choice question consultation to help us develop, communicate, and share resources to promote a safe and inclusive environment. 

Input will be collected on an anonymous basis and a summary of feedback will be shared.

The consultation period will run until March 31, 2025. Feedback will guide the development of a Social Emotional Learning resources and a school-specific SEL & Bullying Prevention Plan. 

2) We are thrilled to announce our FREE parent learning series: 

“Mindful Connections: Empowering Parents to Foster Compassion and Prevent Bullying”

This 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 6th & 26th, 

7:00-8:30 pm at Runnymede PS LibraryGrades 3-5: In-person sessions on April 10th & 24th,  7:00-8:30 pm at Runnymede PS LibraryGrades 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. To join, simply complete the registration form below:

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!

DON’T MISS WHAT’S HAPPENING AT RUNNYMEDE!
HSA/PARENT COUNCIL MINUTES:

Please click HERE to see the minutes from the Parent Council’s meeting last week.

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MOVIE NIGHT & BOOK/TRADING CARD SALE!

Movie Night is back on Friday February 21st
Doors open at 5:30, Movie at 6pm

Brought to you by the HSA/Parent Council!

Please join us for a fun-filled evening with a movie, pizza, snacks
and a book/trading card sale.
Bring your PJs, blankets and stuffies!

Pre-order your pizza NOW (whole pizzas now available to feed the whole family!): https://sagoto.com/rpsc/movie/index.php

Volunteers are needed, please sign up HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094FACAB2BA2FDC25-46793021-runnymede

We hope to see you there!

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REMEMBER TO VISIT THE RUNNYMEDE WEBSITE FOR ALL THE FUN, FUNDRAISING & ENRICHMENT
INFORMATION & LINKS YOU NEEED!

Make sure to never miss a sign-up, ordering link, or upcoming event!
If you have any questions or concerns for HSA/Parent Council please reach out to us at RunnymedePS@gmail.com

HERE

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SAVE THE DATE! 

Here are just a few of the amazing events being organized by the Runnymede HSA/Parent Council in the next few months. 
Keep your eyes peeled for more info coming soon, and links to order food etc!

Runnymede Pub Night
April 25th at High Park Brewery 
Please reach out to the Runnymede Fun & Fundraising Committee
if you would like to help with planning this event
RunnymedeFUNdraising@gmail.com

–

Spring Yard Day & Sports/Gear Swap 
April 26 9am – 12pm
Please reach out to the Runnymede Green Committee if you are interested in assisting with this event:
RunnymedeYARD@gmail.com

–

Runnymede Fun Day Friday, May 23rd from 4-7pm.
We are in the early stages of planning Runnymede Fun Day (a smaller version of a fun fair) happening Friday, May 23rd from 4-7pm.
Please reach out to the Runnymede Fun & Fundraising Committee if you are interested in joining this sub-group to assist with planning this event
RunnymedeFUNdraising@gmail.com

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HSA Parent Council volunteers continue to create fun & enrichment opportunities at Runnymede! 

We’re always still looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help out –
you can volunteer for just a one time activity, help at our monthly pizza lunches, make posters behind the scenes, come to help at the next Yard Day, lead an event like Movie Night, Pub Night or help with Math Amazing Race events, ART in schools, Green Teacher days, or you can even Chair a team or committee! 

You don’t need experience, just a willingness to help out, as these events can’t happen without willing volunteers! If you can lend a hand in any capacity with any HSA Parent Council initiatives, we’d love to hear from you.

Your support makes a big difference – reach out today to join the fun!

As always, proceeds from all HSA Parent Council Fundraisers go to support the enrichment initiatives at Runnymede!

Visit WHERE DOES THE MONEY GO? for more info.

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Losing all those mittens, boots and sweaters?

SHOP & SUPPORT RUNNYMEDE!  

Runnymede HSA/Council has partnered with Mabel’s Labels so you can buy the stuff you need, 
and fundraise at the same time! 

Visit the Shop & Support Runnymede page to learn MORE! 

20% of all sales go to Runnymede HSA/Parent Council!

SHOP MABEL’S LABELS NOW

   

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PARENT CLASS-REPS ARE STILL NEEDED!

Runnymede has a vibrant parent community that supports enriching school events through dedicated volunteers! 
To ensure effective communication, HSA/Council requests each classroom to have a Parent Representative ‘Class Rep’ who serves as a liaison between parents and the Parent Council. 

ALL CLASSES STILL NEED REPS except the following:
Martin, Chenery, Moens, Kling, Evangelou, Noel, Maniatis, Ty

Primary Roles of Class Rep

– Act as a liaison between the classroom and the HSA/Parent Council by attending meetings when possible or sending out minutes after the meetings.

– Promote council events by sharing information with the class parent group

– Assist with class list creation if needed. 

** Please note that communication on behalf of the teacher about academic or social matters is not part of the role**

If interested, please email RunnymedeCommunications@gmail.com 
with your name & Teacher name 

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NEED TO MAKE/CHANGE AN ORDER FOR
PIZZA DAYS?

You can still place an order for the rest of the school year, or order more slices now to be added in time for our next pizza day!

Click HERE for dates, details and to order!

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THANK YOU TO OUR
HSA PARENT COUNCIL SPONSORS!