Harriett ToddPublic School

Welcome back, Wolverines!

As I walked through our classrooms this week, I was inspired by the excitement, laughter, and learning taking place. Students have been sharing their stories, discovering new interests, building friendships, and embracing new challenges. Whether solving math problems together, participating in literacy learning, or tending to our gardens, our Wolverines have started the year with enthusiasm and heart. Together, we are looking forward to an exceptional year of learning, growth, and community.

At Harriett Todd there are many ways to get involved. Cross country signups have begun (Grades 4-8), and flag football will start soon too. Stay tuned for other clubs and extracurricular events coming soon!

Wolverines have lots of ways to stay informed: through school newsletters, class communications, on our Harriett Todd Public School Facebook page, by attending School Council meetings, and through in-person community events. Our Open House is scheduled for Thursday, October 1^st, so save the date!

Please read the entirety of the newsletter, as there will be lots of information about school norms, ways to be a part of the school community and upcoming dates and programs.

Happy New Year, 2026-2027!

Elaine Vodarek

Principal

What is School Council?

School council is comprised of parents, community members and school staff who meet 6 times a year to support school decision-making. We discuss upcoming events, fundraising opportunities, school generated budget, educational opportunities, extra-curricular activities and MORE!

Top 3 reasons to get involved in parent council:

1. Get an inside scoop on what is happening at the school and upcoming events. 
2. Have an opportunity to contribute to decision making, advocate for your child(ren) and share your voice. 
3. Build a relationship with staff and other parents or members of the community. 

There is no minimum requirement for you to be a part of parent council - if you can make even one meeting this year, we’d love to see you! 

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to the office or email [email protected]

Our first meeting for the 2026/27 school year will occur on October 5. We hope you can make it!! 

September Calendar Dates:

Sept 15 – Breakfast Club begins (8:40-9am)

Sept 23 – International Day of Sign Language

Sept 28 - Hot Lunch Program begin (LunchBox)

Sept 29 – Turn Around Day – class placement changes due to registration completed on this date

Sept 30 – Rowan’s Law Day

Sept 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation & Orange Shirt Day

October 1 – Terry Fox Run

October 1 – Open House

Harriett Todd Timetable

IMPORTANT REMINDERS...

• Parking Lot Closures - Our parking lot is closed from 9:00 – 9:20am and again from 3:20-3:40pm to ensure students and their families can safely exit the building and travel to sidewalks.

• Don’t Be Late! Students arriving to school after the 9:15am bell will be marked late. Late students must sign in at the front office. Thank you for your punctuality in minimizing classroom interruptions and maximizing learning. Supervision begins at 9am – students are not to arrive before 9am.

• Stay all day! Dismissal is at 3:35pm. In the event your child needs to be picked up early (appointment, event) email [email protected] with your child's name, teacher’s name, and the time of pickup before NOON; Office staff will ensure the teacher is informed and your child is signed out. Please avoid calling the office last minute as interruptions in the classroom negatively impact the learning of our students. If you require special accommodation for early dismissal, please contact the office to discuss the necessity of this arrangement.

• Pick Up - When coming to the school (at the end of the day) to pick your child/children up, please wait for them outside of the school at their respective gates. If you are coming to the school during the day, please ring the bell at the front entrance.

• Bring Daily - Please send your child’s lunch, weather-appropriate clothing, and a water bottle each day. We go outside in the sun, rain, and (when it comes) snow.
• Student Cell Phones - Student cell phone use is prohibited at school. Calls home should be made from the office only. If a student brings a cell phone to school it must remain in their backpack during school hours (9am-3:35pm).

• Student Information - Remember to update your contact and student medical information throughout the school year. Please note that ONLY adults listed as your emergency contact(s) will be allowed to pick up your child from school.

• We are a CASHLESS school - SchoolCashOnline instructions will be sent home at the beginning of the year. Please note that all hot lunch purchases, field trip payments and permissions are done through SchoolCashOnline and Lunchbox.  

• School News – Online - School news will be sent out digitally through email and is posted on our school website: Home - Harriett Todd Public School (https://har.scdsb.on.ca/). You can follow us on Facebook too!

• Allergies / Sensitivities - Due to life threatening allergies, the following foods / items are not permitted on school property: NUTS and PEANUTS. We are a SCENT-FREE school.

• Inclement Weather - When buses are cancelled, school remains open for learning. To receive delay and cancellation notifications for your school bus – subscribe at simcoecountyschoolbus.ca. We are the North Zone.

• Working dogs on-site - Murphy and Koda are working dogs on-site with special training and certification to work with children. No other dogs are allowed on school property. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring student safety.

• Nutrition Programs – Breakfast Club daily, 8:40-9am, starting Tuesday, September 15^th. Snacks are available if students are hungry throughout the day. If you require lunches for your child, please email [email protected] and we can call you to coordinate lunches.

• Kidney Clothes Textile Collection will continue this year. Stay tuned for our first collection dates slated for later this month.
• Everybody’s talking ‘bout our Spirit Wear – get your HT Wolverine Spirit Wear through Entripy Clothing – Harriett Todd Public School (https://harrietttoddpublicschool.entripyshops.com/)

• Wolverine Outfitters – we have coats, shoes, backpacks, and other clothing items on site. Please reach out if you are needing any of these items for your child.

• When signing your 2026-2027 permissions and acknowledgement forms, be sure to read the Code of Conduct with your child(ren). We strive to make HT the BEST place to be and require everyone to follow the Code of Conduct.  

• School Photos – If you require two separate codes to purchase school photos, please let us know by emailing [email protected], indicating your child's name and that two codes are required for separate households.

Information and updates from the SCDSB - This month, the SCDSB is sharing information related to the below topics. To read this information, visit the SCDSB website.

• School board communication with parents/guardians
• SCDSB Code of Conduct
• Creating safe and welcoming spaces for students, staff, and visitors
• Reporting a student absence
• SCDSB 2026-27 Student Handbook
• Use of Traditional Indigenous Medicines
• Policy Consultation
• Student and Family Support Office
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Sept. 30
• Universal Otis-Lennon School Ability Test Screening Process
• School council nominations for 2026-27 school year
• Annual notice to adult students or parent(s)/guardian(s) of students under the age of 16
• Standard acknowledgment and permission form/student information computing technology appropriate use agreement 2026-27
• Student accident insurance 2026-27
• Updating student information on file at the school
• Volunteering in schools during the 2026-27 school year
• Current volunteers
• Procedures help keep our school safe
• Student dress code
• School bus ‘Bus Tag’ program helps students get to and from school safely
• Learn a new language for free with the SCDSB!
• Looking for international and Indigenous language instructors
• Equity Advisory Committee seeks members
• September PA Day

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we look forward to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment where every Wolverine can thrive. We are excited for all that the 2026-2027 school year will bring!