Adrienne Clarkson ES

Are you interested in contributing to the ACES Community?

As part of our commitment to the OCDSB’s Indigenous, Equity & Roadmap , we believe that every student should see themselves represented within our school. We strive to acknowledge and learn about the multitude of celebrations, festivals, and observations that are important to our students and their families. This is in a spirit of continued learning and equity. 

One way for families to volunteer at ACES this year is to share their knowledge with us. For example, last week we recognized Diwali. One of our staff members brought in diyas and other decorations, and compiled two simple slide shows that we were able to share with staff and students. 

 How would you like to see your special days represented within our school? With such a wealth of cultures within our community, we welcome the following from families and invite the sharing of additional ideas: 

1) Simple slideshows with photos and information (may include links to read alouds, music, videos, or other resources) that will help us understand and recognize significant yearly cultural events. 

2) A few concrete items that we could borrow and display at the appropriate time of year (for example, we were able to decorate with diyas in the office last week for Diwali). 

If you would like to contribute any of the above, or can share additional ideas, please email our Vice Principal: [email protected]

Under normal non-pandemic circumstances, we are always looking for volunteers to help out throughout the school year, in all kinds of ways (lunch program, family dances, cake raffles, teacher appreciation, end-of-year celebration, etc.)  As many hands make lighter work, any and all help is very much appreciated! This year, however, in compliance with the Ministry of Education’s Return to School Guidelines, only staff is permitted inside schools. As such, no in-person volunteering will take place within the school building.

Parent volunteers contribute to many areas of school life and are a major part of any school’s success. All ACES School Council members (other than the principal, vice principal, and teacher representative), are volunteers. As such, ACES School Council depends on other volunteers to help keep ongoing programs running smoothly, and council-coordinated events vibrant, and even achievable. Volunteering is a great way to get to know the parent community, obtain first-hand knowledge of what goes on at school,  and to help ensure ACES remains a great place for our children to go to school!

Did you know you don’t have to be a council member to attend meetings? You are invited to come out to any or all council meetings (held the second Monday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)! At ACES School Council meetings you will learn about the issues and activities that impact our students’ learning environment and opportunities for parents to get involved. You will get information about the school and its programs directly from the principal, vice principal, and teacher representative. Most importantly, you will have a forum to share your thoughts, feedback, and ideas for how we can all help make ACES an even better place for our children to learn!

Just as you don’t have to be a council member to attend meetings, you don’t have to be one to help out! Without volunteers, ACES School Council would not be able to run the lunch program or host iconic school events that help bring the community together while raising funds for the school such as The Halloween Family Dance and End of Year BBQ. ACES School Council has a range of activities and programs that require volunteer support throughout a regular school year. 

ACES School Council

Elections take place in September: consider becoming a member! Or, just attend a meeting here and there to learn what’s happening, and share your thoughts! Please note: while everyone is welcome to participate in discussions, only council members have an official vote.

Hot Lunch Program: October to June

Whenever you can, help sort and deliver pasta (every 1st Wednesday of the month, Subway (every 3rd Wednesday of the month), and pizza (every Friday) Please contact [email protected]

Family Halloween Dance: October

Usually takes place on a Thursday right before Halloween. Shifts include: set-up and decorate, collect money, and sell pizza/popcorn/drinks, supervise hallways, clean-up.

Cake Raffle: February

Usually takes place on a Monday right before Valentine’s Day. Donate a nut-free, edible cake, or a non-edible “cake” that can be enjoyed by anyone with food restrictions. Help receive and display donations on morning of. Help supervise raffle process as classes take turns doing their cake walk. Help wrap cakes for winners!

Movie Night: April

Usually takes place on an evening before a P.A. day in April. Shifts include: set-up, guarding entrances & exits, selling vouchers, operating concession stands, and clean-up.

Teacher & Staff Appreciation: June

Usually occurs on a P. A. Day in June. Donate nut-free, room temperature-safe food items to be enjoyed by a deserving staff as they work on our children’s progress reports!  

End of Year BBQ:

Usually occurs on a Thursday in June. It is a multi-faceted event with many things going on, and is enjoyed by all!

While we cannot with any certainty say how long the COVID-19 pandemic will go on, we are most definitely hoping for a regular school year next year for all our ACES community members that brings with it plenty of opportunities to volunteer.

Thank you, 

ACES School Council