October 16th, 2026
Dear Pioneer Park Community,
This Thursday Pioneer Park had the opportunity to celebrate the exceptional Early Childhood Educators (ECE’s) who work at our school! ECE’s work in partnership in kindergarten classrooms alongside a registered Ontario teacher. An ECE has expertise and specialized learning about the growth and care of children from birth through age 5. The children at Pioneer Park benefit from ECE’s unique learning, experiences and skill set.
We also recognized Ms. Fohring today as our Library Clerk as it is Canada’s Library Appreciation Day; she works hard for our school community every day.
It’s hard to believe that we are in the middle of October already! Please note that Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31 and Pioneer Park will observe orange and black day on Friday October 30, 2026 as well as welcome costumes.
Halloween is a popular celebration that has connections to pagan, Wiccan, and Christian cultures. It also relates to the observance of Samhain. Halloween is more commonly observed as a social or cultural event. On this day, just as on other days, we are committed to creating an environment where every child feels included and valued. We recognize that not all families celebrate Halloween.
On Friday, October 30, 2026 your child is welcome to dress in any way that feels comfortable for them. Some options are black and orange, clothing they might wear to school on any other day, their favourite outfit, or their Halloween costume. As always, we ask that students and families ensure that any clothing worn to school is not discriminatory, and does not violate the health and safety of other students. If a child chooses to wear a costume to school on any day, please ensure that it is not representative of a person’s culture or religious beliefs. Please refrain from full face masks, or costume pieces that may be perceived to be a weapon and scary face paint with blood.
October 30 will be a regular school day, with no exchange of treats (food and non food like stickers, pencils etc.) between students or from staff to students. Learning activities will continue in the same ways as other days, with opportunities, as appropriate, to understand this celebration in ways that are similar to the ways in which students learn about many other celebrations from around the world throughout the year.
In general when it comes to treats, some families have requested to send treats for the class for birthdays and other occasions like Halloween and Valentine’s Day. We appreciate the gesture but kindly ask families not to send treats. This aligns with our commitment to promoting equity, ensuring the safety of students with allergies, and encouraging healthy eating habits in line with Canada’s Food Guide.
Here are some important dates to be mindful of in October and November 2026:
OCTOBER:
Spirit Wear sale begins Friday October 9-30, 2026
PD Day (no school for students): Monday October 26, 2026
ECI drama troupe ‘Twisted Fairytales” drama presentation Thursday October 29, 2026
Spirit Day (Orange and Black or Costumes): Friday October 30, 2026
NOVEMBER:
Photo Retake Day: Tuesday November 10, 2026
Remembrance Day Assembly; Wednesday November 11, 2026
School Council: Wednesday November 11, 2026 @ 6:00 pm
Spirit Day: Bright Colour Day: Friday November 13, 2026
Tribal Vision Presentation: Friday November 13, 2026 (Time TBD)
Spirit Day: ‘Mustashe Day’ Toonies for Food for Kids: Friday November 27, 2026
Assembly: Kick off for ‘Coin Wars’: Monday November 30, 2026 (details to follow)
Have a wonderful weekend when it arrives for you!
C. Elmslie
Principal, Pioneer Park Public School
