The Mustang Messenger for October 19-23, 2026
Friday, October 30th, 2026: Hallowe’en / Black & Orange Spirit Day
Costumes: Hallowe’en costumes are optional and if students wish they can also dress in orange and black. There is no expectation for your child to dress up in a costume. If your child chooses to dress in a costume, please help ensure their costume supports the positive and welcoming environment we strive for at our school. There will be alternate activities for students not able to participate.
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Costumes should be fun and respectful.
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Replica weapons and masks should not be brought to school.
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Costumes that mimic the traditional attire of an ethnic, religious, racial or gender group/identity are not appropriate.
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Costumes that are overly frightening or intended to incite fear are not appropriate.
Parent Viewing: Just after the entry bell, participating students will parade outside for parents who can stand or park a chair on the grass outside the black top. Students will exit Door 4 and loop around to Door #10.
No Food: Please do not send food treats for Hallowe’en as there are severe food allergies for both students and staff.
Cookie Drop Fundraiser by School Council
Mohawk Gardens Public School is teaming up with Terra Cotta Cookies to bring you delicious, peanut and nut-free cookies you will love and raise money for our school! Choose from 12 scrumptious cookie dough flavours, including two gluten-free choices and a vegan option!
Follow this link for purchase between October 14 - 26, 2026: https://fundraising.terracottacookies.com/current-fundraisers/mohawkgardens/
Cookie Dough Drop Boxes are $16.00 each and Shortbread Gift Boxes are $11.00 each.
Cookie orders will be available for pick up at the school on Wednesday, November 18 from 2:50 to 6:00 pm in front Kindie garden.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards field trip support, Grade 6 graduation t-shirts, the purchase of agendas and journals and Angel funding. Thanks for helping support our school.
School Council Meetings @ 6:30 pm:
- Monday, September 28, 2026 (Hybrid)-complete
- Monday, October 26th, 2026 (Virtual)
- Monday, November 30, 2026 (Virtual)
- Monday, January 25, 2027 (Virtual)
- Monday, February 22, 2027 (Virtual)
- Monday, April 26, 2027 (Virtual)
- Monday, June 14, 2027 (In-person)
Calendar Dates to Note:
Bus Safety Presentations - Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Progress Reports go home - Tuesday, November 17, 2026
PD Day - Friday, November 27, 2026
Photo Retake Day - Wednesday, December 2, 2026
Early Dismissal @ 1:20 pm - Friday, December 18, 2026
School Resumes - Monday, January 4, 2027
Dance-a-thon: February 2027 - exact date TBD
Fun Fair - Thursday, May 27, 2027 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Bus Safety
Important Reminder for Families to Review with Children: No Eating or Drinking on the School Bus
To ensure a safe, clean, and comfortable ride for all students, we would like to remind all families that eating and drinking are strictly prohibited on the school bus at all times (water is permitted).
This policy protects student safety for several critical reasons:
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Choking Risk: Vehicle movement, bumps, and sudden stops while eating increase the risk of choking.
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Severe Allergies: Food consumption or leftover crumbs can cause life-threatening allergic reactions for fellow passengers.
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Bus Cleanliness: Spills and trash create unsanitary conditions, odors, and pest issues.
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Driver Focus: Food-related incidents and cleanups divert the driver’s attention from the road.
Please remind your child to finish all food and snacks before boarding the bus and save any further eating for school or home. Thank you for your cooperation!
School Bus Safety Week & School Bus Driver & Monitor Appreciation Day
This year’s School Bus Safety Week is October 19th - October 23rd
Held annually during the third week of October, School Bus Safety week is an active and evolving public education program and an excellent way for parents, students, teachers, school bus operators and school administrators to join forces and address the importance of school bus safety. HSTS will be sharing safety tips on social media platforms all week and recognizing School Bus Driver & Monitor Appreciation Day on Wednesday, October 21st .
School bus drivers and monitors are very proud of the work they do and the role they play in your school community. On School Bus Driver & Monitor Appreciation Day, we encourage students to take a moment to thank the drivers/monitors that provide service to their schools! We are sharing a simple School Bus Driver Appreciation Printout for schools who wish to distribute to students as a way to encourage them to help make their driver feel extra special!
School Bus Safety & Parent/Guardian Responsibilities (JK – Grade 2)
Ensuring the safety of our youngest riders is a shared responsibility. In accordance with HSTS Procedure HS-2-001 (Accompanying JK/SK Students To/From the Bus Stop), parents/guardians play a critical role in keeping students safe throughout their daily commute.
Please review the specific guidelines below based on your child’s grade level.
Kindergarten (JK / SK) Responsibilities
Parents/guardians of Kindergarten students must:
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Meet at the Bus Door: Always meet your child directly at the door of the school bus upon arrival.
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Confirm Safety Tags: Ensure your child’s backpack has a yellow happy face safety tag attached. This tag allows bus drivers to easily identify students who must be met by an adult.
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Establish Contingency Plans: Have an alternate arrangement ready for unplanned delays, such as traffic or appointments.
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Teach Key Safety Rules: Ensure your child understands that they should:
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Only get off the bus at their designated stop.
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Immediately tell the bus driver if they do not see their parent or designated supervisor at the stop.
Grade 1 & Grade 2 School Bus Students
Students in Grades 1 and 2 are not provided safety tags and are not flagged as "must be met." To support their transition and safety, families should ensure their child knows:
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Their specific designated bus stop.
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The importance of spotting their parent/guardian or trusted adult before stepping off the bus.
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To inform the bus driver immediately if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable exiting the bus for any reason.
We encourage all families to watch Buzzy the Bee’s Safety Video together with their children for interactive, family-friendly safety tips. We appreciate your support in providing consistent messaging to families.
(Repost) Kindergarten Registration Now Open for 2027-28
Do you have a child starting school in September 2027? Registration is underway for Kindergarten in the HDSB! The HDSB’s Kindergarten program provides children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success by developing curiosity, problem-solving and early literacy and math skills in a welcoming environment.
Parents/guardians can register online or in-person. Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/8wnn9uv9
