Westminster Public School

Easter

Holy Thursday commemorates the institution of the Lord's Supper by Jesus prior to his arrest, Good Friday his submission to death by crucifixion, and Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. Easter is considered to be the oldest and most important festival in the Christian year, as the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus is meant to renew a Christian's commitment to living a life of truth, justice and love.
Many Christians will mark Easter by attending Church services over the weekend, and for some, this includes a midnight mass and candlelight vigil on Saturday. Families often gather together for dinner on Sunday to celebrate the resurrection.
The symbols that are associated with the holiday in North America are taken from ancient roots. In fact, the work "Easter" derives from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess known as "Eostre." The custom of dyeing eggs, symbols of new life, goes back to the ancient Egyptians, Persians and Romans. …

The eleventh annual World Autism Awareness Day is April 2, 2018. Joined by the international community, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world, light blue in recognition of people living with autism. Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support. As we are not at school on April 2nd (Easter Monday), we are asking all students toLIGHT IT UP BLUE on Tuesday, April 3rd by wearing BLUE to school.

There is no school this Friday, March 30 or the following Monday, April 2nd.
We wish our families celebrating Easter and Passover warm wishes.
See you on Tuesday, April 3rd!

This year, Earth Hour will take place on Saturday, March 24 from 8:30- 9:30 p.m. In support of Earth Hour, all schools and workplaces are encouraged to participate in the Board’s Earth Hour/Power Hour (Annual Lights Off/Monitors Off Hour) on Friday, March 23 from 1 – 2 p.m.

Naw Ruz ("New Day") is the Baha'i and Iranian new year, which falls on the date of the vernal (spring) equinox and symbolizes the renewal of the world after winter. For most Iranians, Naw Ruz is the first day of Farvardin, the first month of the Iranian solar year. Since ancient times, it has been the great national holiday of Iran, the only holiday celebrated by more than one religious group. During this day people join in making a fresh start, full of joy and hope for the coming year. Families and friends may gather at a celebratory dinner wearing new clothes and offering gifts to the children present. The table is decorated with fruit, coloured eggs, sweets, as well as symbolic objects such as holy book and a mirror. The festival embodies a wealth of ancient rites and customs, and is part of the traditions of various groups. Naw Ruz is celebrated wherever Iranian culture has spread, particularly among the Zoroastrians of India, as well as amongst some of the peoples o…

Next week students in grade 4-8 will be learning the sport of cricket with the support of the Aussie X Movement program on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (March 27-29, 2018).
Below is some information about the program.  We're very excited!

Although today is officially the last day of winter, the weather can still be quite cold.  Students are reminded to continue to come prepared for outdoor recess and lunch recess with hats, mitts, and winter coats.

Get Active! Be Healthy! Stay Healthy!
Play with the York Region Lions
Learn to play football
Get active & stay healthy
Boys & Girls ages 6, 7, 8
Make friends
Equipment provided, funding available
Local fields, local coaches
Additional development & rep programs available for players aged 9+
Go to our website to register and for more information
www.yorkregionfootball.com
info@yorkregionfootball.com

March Break runs from Monday March 12 to Friday March 16.  There is no school during this time.
We wish all of our families a wonderful break!

Westminster Spirit Wear orders are to be delivered tomorrow.  Clothing will be distributed to students to bring home.
New orders for Spirit Wear can be placed at any time at our virtual store at westminsterps.topuniforms.store.

Vaughan Community Health Centre will be hosting a summer camp program at their facilities.  Please see the eligibility requirements and share with your parents as you see fit.
Monday - Friday  - Five days a week for 2 weeks Time: 9:00am - 3:30pm Ages 6-8:  Date - July 9 - July 20, 2018 Ages 9-12:  Date: - July 30- August 10, 2018
Eligibility Criteria and Registration Requirements *Priority will be given to participants who have not previously attended the VCHC’s Summer Camp . * ·Child must live in York Region and be between ages 6-12. ·Child's household income must be $70,000 or less (based on a family of 4). ·Parents' Notice of Assessment is required with registration package. If you do not have your Notice of Assessment for the most recent year, please speak with Stacey. ·A commitment of 2 weeks in attendance is required. ·The fee for the summer camp program is $30.00 per session/per child. Fees are to be paid in full before the child starts the session.