Learning Together, Friends Forever. 同窗四季，挚友一生

*If you would like to have a translated version of this message, please click the Google Translate tab at the top.

Hello / Nǐ hǎo Marion Carson School Families,

In this message…

-          No School – April 24, 2026

-          School Hours Update – 2026-27 School Year

-          Before and After School Safety

-          Swimming (Grade 1-4)

-          Elev8 Lacrosse Residency (Grade 5 and 6)

-          A Message from School Council and Parent Association

A reminder that there is no school for students on Friday, April 24^th as it is a school non-instructional day. School will resume on Monday, April 27, 2026.

Some items of note…

1.     School Hours Update – 2026-27 School Year

School bell times are set centrally by CBE Transportation to maximize bus pairing efficiencies and cost savings. As little as one bus travelling to a site can determine the start and end times of a school. This includes all schools, including those with no transportation. Over the past 4 years, Marion Carson School has had anywhere between 2 and 4 buses supporting our students travelling to and from school.

Bell times are reviewed annually by the Manager of Transportation, and any upcoming changes are communicated to the principal. For the upcoming 2026-27 school year, we have been informed that our School Bell Times are as follows:

-          Monday to Friday Start Time: 9:04 am

-          Monday to Thursday Afternoon Dismissal: 3:35 pm

-          Friday Early Dismissal: 1:20 pm 

*Please note that School Bell Times do not change for the remainder of this current school year.

2.     After School Safety

After school, we ask that a parent/guardian is at the school no later than the dismissal time if their child is pick-up. With some recent warmer weather, we have noticed many students and families enjoying some fun-filled outside time before and after school. Students should not be left alone outdoors unsupervised. For student safety and support, we kindly remind families that all students should be with a parent/guardian until soft entry begins to start the day, and immediately after school. If students walk home, then they should go directly home after school, unless a parent comes to supervise them at play starting at dismissal time.

Please also discuss with your child that if an emergency occurs and their guardian is not able to be on time for pick-up (no parent present at dismissal), or if they ever come to a locked door outside of when supervisors are not assigned to the doors, they are to walk to the Main West doors and ring the doorbell to the school office to wait inside at which point Office Staff would let them in. A general tip for after school that we give all students is that if you see the busses leave and your parents haven’t arrived, then it is time to ask the main office for help.

We have shared the above safety messaging with students throughout the year. Please support our school and child safety by reminding your children of the above, and by having a clear plan of support in place.

3.     Swimming – Grade 1-4

Grade 1-4 Swimming forms are coming home today and/or Monday for all classes. Classes run May 19 through to the 29^th.  Please follow any classroom teacher guidance to support a great experience for all students while at Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Please refer to the schedule which will be attached to the cover letter sent home (and which is pasted below) for specific dates and times that your child’s class is participating.

We need many male and female volunteers with security clearance for each class. If you have your security clearance and are available to support any of our classrooms (whether your child’s or another), please contact your child’s teacher or the school office to offer your support.

4.     Elev8 Lacrosse Residency (Grade 5/6)

We are excited to bring back Elev8 Lacrosse next week for our grade 5 and 6 students. Reminder for students to please dress ready to be active each day, with proper clothing for each day’s weather and runners. Please note that we make every effort to make this an outdoor residency, unless weather/field conditions do not permit.

5.     A Message from School Council and Parent Association

Marion Carson School 5km Fun Run / Walk – Just over a week away!

It’s the talk of the town! Get in on the fun of the Marion Carson School Run!

May 2nd is our 5km Fun Run/Walk, raising money for the new playground. We are currently at 64% our goal of $5000 for this event. 

There will be games, music, food trucks, library van after the run/walk! Be sure to sign-up

• Register Here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/25-26-marion-carson-family-fun-run-5k
• We still need volunteers to make this event a success! Sign-up here: Volunteer for the 2025/2026 Marion Carson Fun Run 5K

Growing Smiles Plant Fundraiser (also attach flyer)

Parent Association is selling beautiful plants as a fundraiser for our inclusive playground. Plants are a great way to encourage our friends to get out into the garden while choosing to support a healthy fundraiser! This plant fundraiser features beautiful hanging baskets, planters, veggies, herbs and more! Deadline to purchase is May 6, 2026.

Click here to order: Marion Carson School

Marion Carson Spirit Wear

Our new Spirit Wear Store is now live! More styles, sizes, and colors in classic tees, crewnecks, and hoodies—perfect for year-end events and next school year.

Shop:  https://stores.freshbrandgear.com/marioncarsonschool/shop/home

Order by May 18 for free delivery to the school (early June delivery)

Upcoming Events

Apr. 24: Non-Instructional Day – No School for Students

Apr. 27-29: Gr. 5/6 Elev8 Lacrosse Residency

May 2: Marion Carson School 5km Fun Run / Walk (Register Here, Volunteer Here)

May 4: Music Monday

May 6: Growing Smiles Plant Fundraiser Deadline to Order – Order Here

May 4-7: Gr. 6 Camp Chief Hector

May 13: Fun Lunch (Subway) – Order at www.healthyhunger.ca

May 15: Non-Instructional Day – No School for Students

May 18: Victoria Day – No School for Students

May 19: School Council and Parent Association Annual General Meeting (6:30pm - 8:00pm)

May 19-May 29: Grade 1-4 Swimming (Details TBD)

Sincerely,

Mr. Dustin Turner

Principal, Marion Carson School