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.
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Inclement weather and bus cancellation information reminder
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School bus transportation information available from the SCSTC
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Digital safety and citizenship resources for parents/guardians
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See what high school in the SCDSB is all about - info nights happening this fall!
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Online math resources for families
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Learn a new language for free with the SCDSB!
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DELF registration is now open!
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Eat Well to Excel Day takes place on Nov. 19
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Child visual health
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Looking for a family doctor or nurse practitioner?
Information from the Office
SAFE ARRIVAL
SAFE ARRIVAL - PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL or MESSAGE the teachers directly
1. SM Home app
- Download and install the SM Home app (SchoolMessenger Home) from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. A link to this app can be found at https://home.schoolmessenger.ca/
- Login or Sign Up to create your account using the same email address on record with your student’s school. If you used the previous ‘School Messenger App’, you can login using the password previously created.
- At the bottom of the screen, select Attendance, then Report an Absence.
2. SafeArrival website
- In a web browser, visit https://home.schoolmessenger.ca/
- Login or Sign Up to create your account using the same email address on record with your student’s school. If you used the previous ‘SMApp’, you can login using the password previously created.
3. By phone
- Call the toll-free number 833-275-6699 and follow the prompts to report your student’s absence.
All early pickups and absences longer then 5 days will need to be reported to [email protected].
Please note [email protected] is an unmonitored inbox. Emails sent to this email address will not be actioned.
HOW EMAILING AHEAD HELPS WITH DISMISSALS
If your student needs to be signed out, we ask that you please send an email to the office 3-24 hours in advance at [email protected]. PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL OR MESSAGE TEACHERS DIRECTLY. The office will not receive the message if the teacher is absent that day. By messaging the office, we ensure that the staff covering the classroom are made aware of all changes required that day.
- The office cannot dismiss students who are out on a community walk with their class. By messaging in advance, the teacher can plan to return to the school for the pickup time or make alternate arrangements for the student to stay back with another class.
- Students spend time in many different areas of our schools such as the gym, library, visits to other classrooms and the general-purpose room for activities like music. By notifying the office of an early pick up the teacher can ensure your student will have all their belongings with them and the office can locate the student easily once you arrive.
- Teachers can make sure that the student has enough time to clean up any projects they are working on before you arrive and where possible teachers can plan classroom activities with consideration to the student leaving early (i.e. tests & and presentations).
- The office can notify supply teachers in the event the classroom teacher is absent.
- The office can notify you if your planned arrival time is during recess. Students are with duty teachers during the breaks, and it can be difficult to locate them.
Please email early dismissal notices 3-24 hours in advance where possible at [email protected]. Early dismissal pickups end at 3:20pm to allow teachers time to have students clean up their work areas and pack up for the day.
Once you arrive at the school, please ring the front doorbell and we will call your student down and a staff member will then escort the student to the front door for the parent/guardian. Photo identification, as always, will be required to pick up a student at school.
We appreciate your help!
SCHOOL DAILY SCHEDULE
ADMINISTRATIVE & OFFICE STAFF
Principal: Francesca Telesco
Vice Principal: Mary Katherine Murphy
Superintendent: Matthew Webbe
Trustee: Debbie Connors
Senior Office Support: Vicky Zanatta
Office Support: Angela Dayton
Lead Custodian: Sokol Mulla
Oct 5
Primary Running Club
Oct 6
Intermediate Girls Basketball Tryouts @ 11:10
Oct 7
Intermediate Girls Basketball Tryouts @ 11:10
Primary Running Club
Oct 8
Picture Day
Retake day November 10
Curriculum Night @ 5:30-7:30
Oct 9
Intermediate Girls Basketball Tryouts @ 11:10
Oct 12
Thanksgiving – NO SCHOOL
Oct 13
Intermediate Girls Basketball Practice @ 11:10
Primary Running Club
Oct 14
Intermediate Girls Basketball Practice @ 11:10
Oct 15
Cross Country Regional Meet @ Tottenham Conservation Area
Intermediate Girls Basketball Practice @ 11:10
Primary Running Club
Oct 19
Intermediate Flag Football Regional Tournament @ Bradford District High School
Oct 20
ASD/Hobley LC Swimming @ Lion’s Pool
Intermediate Girls Basketball Practice @ 11:10
Oct 21
Cross Country County Tournament @ Mount St. Louis Moonstone
Intermediate Girls Basketball Practice @ 11:10
Oct 22
Intermediate Girls Basketball Practice @ 11:10
Oct 26
Intermediate Flag Football County Tournament @ Barrie Sports Complex
School Council Meeting @ HHL Multipurpose room 6:00-7:30
Oct 27
Character Assembly
10:00-11:10am – FDK-Grade 3
12:00-1:10pm Grades-8
Oct 28
Intermediate Girls Basketball Practice @ 11:10
Oct 29
Grade 7 Immunization Clinic #1
Intermediate Girls Basketball Practice @ 11:10
YARD GATES CLOSED AT 9:30AM IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 2ND BELL - DO NOT OPEN!
Our EAST and WEST yard access gates are closed at 9:30am by our staff. When the gates are closed, please do not open them for the safety of your children as there is no supervision. Yard supervisions ends promptly when the bell rings at 9:30am.
If the gates are closed, please take your students to the front doors, ring the bell, and have them sign in at the office. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping all our Harvest Hills students safe.
CROSS WALK SAFETY
We would like to remind motorists to help keep our children and crossing guard safe.
Please Remember:
- SLOW DOWN when approaching as school zone
- COME TO A COMPLETE STOP once a Crossing Guard raises their STOP sign
- CONTINUE only after all children and the Crossing Guard are safely across the road
- OBSERVE all no stopping and no parking signs and park only in designated areas
- DISMOUNT all pedestrians crossing must get off their bikes, skateboards and scooters, no matter the age, before crossing
Keeping students safe!
September SLIDESHOW
Please click below to see what we have been up to!
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Picture Day
Curriculum Night 2026
Book Fair
The countdown to the Book Fair is on! From Thurs. Oct. 8- Fri. Oct. 16, the Scholastic Book Fair is coming back to the Harvest Hills library, with hundreds of awesome books that our students and families get to choose from! Families are invited to visit the Book Fair at Meet the Teacher on the evening of Thurs. Oct. 8 from 5 - 7:30 pm.
All our favourite characters and series, cool posters and engaging activities will be back again this year. Students will be visiting the Book Fair with their class and are also able to make purchases in the morning when the library is open to all students.
All proceeds from the Scholastic Book Fair go to purchasing more learning materials and books for our library. On behalf of the staff and students at Harvest Hills, Ms. Tompkins would like to extend an enormous thank you to all our families for their generous support of the Book Fair.
Terry Fox
A huge thank you to our Harvest Hills community for your incredible support of this year’s Terry Fox Run! Together, we raised over $6,500 for cancer research, surpassing our school goal. We are so proud of our students, families, and staff for their generosity and commitment to continuing Terry’s legacy of hope and perseverance.
And the excitement isn’t over yet! Since we reached our fundraising goal, Ms. Walton will be cutting her hair in celebration. Stay tuned for details as we recognize this special milestone and celebrate the amazing impact our school community has made together!
SCDSB Mental Health Ambassador Symposium
This year, we were lucky enough to send three members of Harvest Hills to the annual Mental Health Symposium. We would like to introduce our three Mental Health Ambassadors: Nika, Mila, and Miss Loftus. They will be sharing what they learned at the symposium and helping to promote positive mental health initiatives throughout our school community.
As Mental Health Ambassadors, they will also be looking for future opportunities and activities within the school and the wider community that support student well-being, inclusion, and mental health awareness. We are excited to see them take on this leadership role and help foster a positive, caring, and supportive environment for all students.
Girls at Bat
There will be a sign up for the girls at bat coming up in the first week of October as well as leadership
Bradford on the Move is back for Year 2!
Lace up and roll out—On the Move returns for its second year across Bradford! This community-wide effort encourages families to walk or wheel to and from school, or to their bus stop—supporting safer streets, healthier habits, and happier kids.
Mark your calendar! All schools in Bradford are invited to our second annual community-wide International Walk & Wheel to School Day on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
Students, families, and staff are encouraged to walk, bike, scooter, or roll to school to celebrate active transportation, safer streets, and a greener planet. It’s a joyful way to start the day and build community spirit.
Why join in?
- 🌱 Reduce emissions and support sustainability
- 💪 Boost physical and mental health
- 🤝 Connect with friends, neighbours, and school staff
- 🚸 Highlight safe routes and responsible road behaviour
Walk a block or wheel the whole way—every trip counts! With our local partners, we’re making active travel easier and more fun through tips, maps, and pop-up events. Watch for announcements and join in all year long.
🚶♀️Learn more: Traffic Safety in School Zones - Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
October CLUBS & STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
- Primary Running Club
- Inclusive Empowerment Club
- Flag Football
- Cross Country
- Intermediate Boys Volleyball
- Intermediate Girls Basketball
- Girls at Bat
Primary Running Club
Primary Cross Country Run Club for grades 1-3 will run October 5th, 7th, 13th, and 15th. We are excited for this new club and the enthusiasm shown from our younger students.
SPORTS TEAMS
Intermediate Girls Basketball
Tryouts for Intermediate Girls' Basketball will be taking place on October 6, 7 and 9 at Harvest Hills Public School. We encourage all interested students to participate and showcase their skills. Parents and guardians are reminded to review the Ophea safety requirements ahead of tryouts to stay informed about any associated risks and help ensure a safe and positive experience for all. We are excited to offer this opportunity for students to get involved, build team spirit, and showcase their talents. The team will participate in a Regional Tournament on December 2, 2026.
Coaches Horlings, Dukelow and Zanatta
Intermediate Boys Volleyball
We are excited to announce that the Intermediate Boys Volleyball season will be starting in the last week of October! This is a great opportunity for students to build their skills, work as a team, and represent Harvest Hills.
Students interested in joining the team should watch for upcoming announcements and notices regarding tryouts and sign-up information. We look forward to a fun and successful season on the court! 🏐
We encourage all interested students to participate and showcase their skills. Parents and guardians are reminded to review the Ophea safety requirements ahead of tryouts to stay informed about any associated risks and help ensure a safe and positive experience for all. We are excited to offer this opportunity for students to get involved, build team spirit, and showcase their talents.
Go Harvest Hills! 🎉
COMMUNITY
Fire Prevention Week
Fire prevention week is fast approaching this year and runs from October 4-10. Over the last few years there has been a significant increase in products that contain ion-lithium batteries. This year the province is calling for safe charging practices whether it be a cell phone, iPad, remote control car, electric bikes, and scooters.
October 5, 2026
The Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire Department is teaming up with NFPA to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 4-10, charge into fire safety, safe charging is a superpower. Help us spread the word that everyday actions can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Use your charging superpower by making smart choices every time you plug in.
Cheap charger - don’t chance it. Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacture. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
October 6, 2026
Where do you charge your devices? Soft surface? Hard pass. Charge your devices on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds, couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat.
October 7, 2026
Have you ever felt your device get hot? Feels hot stop using it. Stop using your devices right away if the battery smells strange, is warm to the touch, makes popping noises, changes in shape or colour, or if you see smoke. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. A damaged battery can overheat and start a fire.
October 8, 2026
Device fully charged, time to unplug. Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Leaving it plugged in longer than needed can increase heat and stress on the battery.
October 9, 2026
Do you have power tools, an e-bike, or an electric scooter? For tools and rides charge outside. Charge large items e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. These batteries store more energy and fires can grow quickly.
FUNDRAISING
Big Yellow Bag
Need help putting your fall gardens to bed? Look no further than our newest fundraiser! Zander Sod Company will deliver directly to your home, 1 cubic yard of soil per bag ordered.
$189.00/bag with $10.00 per bag donated to the school for our fundraising efforts to purchase more technology for our students.
Order today at: www.bigyellowbag.com. Click ORDER NOW and use code: HHPS26 for Harvest Hills and save $5.00! Save an additional $15 if ordering before April 30! Then sit back and wait for delivery. Gardening made easy!
Fundraiser Open April 4-October 9, 2026!
HAWKS Spirit Wear store is always open!
Greetings Harvest Hills Hawks!
We have an online Spirit Wear Store!! The store is always open for orders!! Please see our flyer below,
Visit the store by using this link: HHLSPIRITWEAR
PDF Version also attached Spirit Wear Flyer 2-28-2024.pdf
NUT FREE, SCENT FREE & NO SHELLFISH
Harvest Hills is a Nut Aware, Shellfish Aware & Scent Free school. Please refrain from bringing any products containing nuts and/or shellfish to the school and from wearing any scents. We have staff and students that are greatly affected and may have anaphylaxis reactions.
Thank you.
NO DOGS PERMITTED ON PROPERTY 6am-6pm
Reminder: there are no dogs permitted on the property during school hours until 6pm. until the daycare closes. This includes arrival and dismissal times. This applies to large and small dogs. Do not carry your dog onto the property to meet your students.
We have had an influx of dog excrement left on the school yard. We are often finding bagged dog excrement placed in our yellow sand bins and around the yard (both bagged and loose). We ask any community members who use our property after hours to please ensure they are cleaning up after their pets. Staff do not have a chance to check the property for these messes, and it is often found by students who may not always see it until it has been disturbed.
Thank you.
SIGN UP WITH SCHOOL CASH ONLINE
School Cash Online is now the board system for all permission forms, school forms with no fees and purchases. Whether it's lunch days, field trips or school wear, we have it online for you!
- Go to simcoecounty.schoolcashonline.com or visit our school website and click on "Forms & Payments".
- Register and add your student to the newly created account.
- View and purchase items through a bank transfer or credit card.
It's safe, fast, and convenient! Contact the office with any questions at [email protected].
EXTRA SPARE CLOTHES
With Fall on the horizon, our yard and tarmac area can be wet and muddy. Clothes can get wet throughout the day, so we suggest a second set of pants and socks to be placed in student backpacks especially for students in Kindergarten to grade 5.
SCHOOL ACCESS INFORMATION
Please send students with lunch and all items they need for the day in the morning when they leave home.
Please ensure your students have plenty of lunch, snacks, water bottles and extra clothing in their backpacks. Extra clothes are needed for bathroom accidents and/or slipping in muddy areas. Please ensure students are dressed properly for the weather (i.e. rain boots, mittens, hats depending on the season). Thank you for your assistance as we strive to keep our students and staff safe and healthy.
STUDENT LUNCHES 
Please make sure to send your student's lunch and snacks to school with them in the morning.
NO FAST-FOOD LUNCHES ARE TO BE DROPPED OFF FOR STUDENTS.
PARKING LOT ACCESS INFORMATION
Our parking lots are very busy especially at arrival and dismissal time. For everyone's safety, we encourage parents to have students in the bus areas to please take the bus to and from school daily. Walking students walk to and from school daily.
PLEASE DO NOT PARK OUT FRONT OF THE SCHOOL ON CROSSLAND BOULEVARD AS PER THE TOWN BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY. SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE AND BYLAW OFFICERS ARE MONITORING AND TICKETING THIS AREA.
The WEST parking lot is for school buses and staff only. Only school vehicles (school buses and vans) or emergency vehicles (ambulances/police cars) are permitted in the school bus loading zone that is in the WEST parking lot.
The EAST parking lot has the designated student pick up and drop off zone. The lot may have some parking spaces open when you arrive for pick up and drop off other than the dedicated accessible parking spots (which can only be used by those with legal permits). If you arrive before 9:15am to drop off your students, please park in open parking spaces, not the drop off zone. If you arrive early at dismissal, please follow the same process of parking where spaces are open.
PLEASE KEEP THE PICK UP AND DROP OFF LANE MOVING AT ALL TIMES.
