January 13th, 2025

Dear families and caregivers:

I am hoping to update our website more consistently either on Monday or Fridays. I am aiming for Friday news, but as I transition away from Sunday weekly updates, I figured I would send you a short update today.

A reminder that we have a PD Day on Friday, January the 17th. This means the educators in our school will be working on professional development and learning opportunities, while the students stay home. Our office will be open should you have any questions for us.
I also want to take a moment to remind everyone about our parking lot procedures during the morning drop-off period. While I completely understand that mornings can often feel rushed, I kindly ask for your understanding and cooperation regarding our parking lot.

Unfortunately, due to its small size and limited availability, our parking lot is reserved for staff during school hours. Additionally, we need to ensure adequate space for our special education buses in the mornings, which makes it even more important to keep the parking lot clear.

If your child is arriving late, I kindly ask that you park in the surrounding neighborhood and walk them to the main office, where they can be properly signed in. I understand this may be an inconvenience, but your support helps us maintain a safe and organized space for everyone.

Thank you for your understanding and for helping us ensure a smooth start to the day for all our students,

Ms Carolina Miranda

Ms. Miranda – effective Blair Road PS Principal (no longer Temporary Principal)

I’m excited to share some wonderful news! As of January 7, 2025, my role at Blair Road PS has officially transitioned from Temporary Principal to Acting Principal. From September to December, I had the privilege of filling in as VP, but starting in January, I’m thrilled to officially step into the role of Principal here at Blair Road PS. While my official title during the probationary period is Acting Principal, I think it’s safe to say that I’m here to stay—and I couldn’t be happier about it! Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue this learning adventure together. I’m looking forward to all the incredible things we’ll achieve as a community in the months and years ahead.

Drive to 5

The aim of the drive to 5 campaign is to move traffic from the school vicinity through identifying street parking that is a 5 minute walk to the school. Through maps and signage, parents can easily navigate alternate areas to drop off their children while reducing unsafe car traffic in front of the school. For more information or to start Drive-to-Five at your school see our Drive-to-Five Planning Guide. Use this maps to find safe and legal spaces to park just a few minutes away from the school to reduce dangerous congestion and allow students a safer walk to school. Thank you!

E-Waste Collection by the Eco-Team

Hello Blair Road Families, your e-Bandits eco team would like to remind you that Tuesday, January 14th will be the final day for collection of e-waste for the winter term. Please bring all e-waste in to the bins at the front door. We are pleased to partner with Girl Guides on this collection, to support their upcoming trip to the Yukon. The e-Bandits squad of the Blair Rd Eco Team are doing an electronic waste recycling drop off. For all of this week, and all of the first week back in January, you can bring in your e-waste and our eco team will make sure it gets recycled, as a part of our Eco Schools certification process. Smaller items can be sent in with the students; medium items can be left in a bin in the front hall, or email Mr. Mallon (christopher_mallon@wrdsb.ca) to arrange a drop off time for any larger items. Thank you!

Art Supply Donations Welcome – Ongoing! 

Do you have extra art supplies at home that are gathering dust? We are excited to announce that our school is now accepting donations of gently used or new art supplies! If you have any paints, brushes, paper, markers, or other materials in excess, we’d love to put them to good use in our classrooms. Our wonderful School Council Co-Chairs have kindly offered to organize and distribute the supplies, ensuring they find their way into the hands of our students and teachers. Your contributions will help support creativity and art education throughout the school.

Donations can be dropped off at the main office, and we sincerely thank you for your generosity!

Community Flyers

The WRDSB offers community organizations and not-for-profits the opportunity to share information on their programs and services with our schools on our Community E-Flyers website. Each week we will share the most recent flyers shared with the Board in this newsletter in hopes that you share this information with your community if you deem it appropriate.

Dates happening this week: 

  • Lohri, January 13, 2025
  • Thai Pongal (Tamil), January 14, 2025
  • Orthodox New Year, January 14, 2025
  • Makar Sankranti, January 14, 2025
  • Mahayana New Year, January 14, 2025
  • Raoul Wallenberg Day, January 17, 2025
  • Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2025
  • Educational Assistant and Child & Youth Worker Appreciation Day, January 19, 2025
  • Orthodox Epiphany, January 19, 2025
  • World Religion Day, January 19, 2025
  • Lincoln Alexander Day, January 21, 2025