Viola Desmond Parent Weekly

Viola Desmond Public School Week of December 14th

Main Office: 905-619-7400

Safe Arrival Line: 1-844-350-2646

Please use the Safe Arrival line or School Messenger online reporting system to report when your child will be late, absent or getting picked up early.

Follow Us: Instagram and twitter: @violadesmondps

Dear Parents and Guardians,

2020 has reinforced many Viola values; perseverance, optimism, leadership and innovation to name a few. We are a resilient community and we continue to build on our strengths.

We have been so impressed by how your children have coped, and in many cases excelled, during this challenging time. It has been wonderful to be able to teach your children in person and come together as a community.

We are especially thankful to our custodial staff for their hard work and commitment in helping to keep us as safe as possible.

We look forward to all the excitement and growth that 2021 will bring.

We hope that you have a wonderful break, enjoy time with family and stay safe.

Warm Regards,

Mrs. Brusselers and Mrs. Thomas - Administrative Team

Taking Items Home Over the Holidays

While we do not currently anticipate a closure or a shift to virtual learning in the new year, please ensure your child brings home all personal belongings and necessary items (i.e. students with SEA laptops or Chromebooks for students in Grades 7 and up) prior to leaving for the holiday break. In the event there are sudden changes, we will have contingency plans in place so that students can continue learning virtually but access to the school could be restricted.

Staying Safe During the Holidays

We understand that the restrictions are difficult and frustrating, especially on younger ones and those who enjoy the company of others this time of year, but we encourage everyone to spread holiday cheer virtually this year. The decisions that all of us make over the break will have an impact. It is our hope that through collective action, we see a reduction of overall cases after the holidays.

Upcoming Dates

December 14th-18th - Spirit Week
December 18th - VIOLA Character Awards Virtual Assembly
December 19th to January 3rd - Winter Holidays
January 4th - Return from Winter Holidays at 8:45 a.m.
January 15th - PA Day
January 29th - VIOLA Character Awards Virtual Assembly

Spirit Week at Viola Desmond!

Students, gain points for your Team Colour by participating in Spirit Week Activities.

*Monday, December 14th - Denim Day

*Tuesday, December 15th - Holidays around the World

*Wednesday, December 16th - Red Carpet Formal Day

*Thursday, December 17th - Ugly Sweater and/or Socks Day!

*Friday, December 18th - Pajama Day - Wear your PJs to school on the last day before the break!

Christmas is the Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of fairly recent origin. The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanic jōl or the Anglo-Saxon geōl, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice. The corresponding terms in other languages—Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, Noël in French—all probably denote nativity. The German word Weihnachten denotes “hallowed night.”

Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an exchange of gifts. In this secular Christmas celebration, a mythical figure named Santa Claus plays the pivotal role.

Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for “dedication,” is the Festival of Lights.

It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp.

Some Dates of Significance

Christmas - December 25

Christmas, Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus. The English term Christmas (“mass on Christ’s day”) is of fairly recent origin. The earlier term Yule may have derived from the Germanic jōl or the Anglo-Saxon geōl, which referred to the feast of the winter solstice. The corresponding terms in other languages—Navidad in Spanish, Natale in Italian, Noël in French—all probably denote nativity. The German word Weihnachten denotes “hallowed night.” Since the early 20th century, Christmas has also been a secular family holiday, observed by Christians and non-Christians alike, devoid of Christian elements, and marked by an exchange of gifts. Santa Claus plays the pivotal role during Christmas celebrations. Christmas is celebrated on Friday, December 25, 2020.

Kwanzaa - December 26-January 1

As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance Kwanzaa has for African Americans and indeed, the world African community, it is imperative that an authoritative source and site be made available to give an accurate and expansive account of its origins, concepts, values, symbols and practice.

December is:

Hanukkah (Jewish) - December 11-18

Hanukkah, which is Hebrew for “dedication,” is the Festival of Lights.

It commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian Greek army, and the subsequent miracle of rededicating the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and restoring its menorah, or lamp.

The miracle of Hanukkah is that only one vial of oil was found with just enough oil to illuminate the Temple lamp for one day, and yet it lasted for eight full days.

Las Posadas - December 16-24

Las Posadas, (Spanish: “The Inns”) religious festival celebrated in Mexico and some parts of the United States between December 16 and 24. Las Posadas commemorates the journey that Joseph and Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. When they were unable to find lodging in Bethlehem, Joseph and Mary were forced to seek shelter in a stable, where the Christ Child was born. Las Posadas is celebrated from Wednesday, December 16 to Thursday, December 24, 2020.

Solstice International - December 21st

Late dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the December solstice marks the longest nights and shortest days of the year. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere is having short nights and long days. The 2020 December solstice moment – when the sun reaches its southernmost point in the sky – happens Monday, December 21, at 10:02 UTC (that’s December 21 at 4:02 a.m.

Yule - Wicca

Yule is the longest night and the shortest day of the year. Some Wiccans consider Yule to be either the year’s beginning or the end. This is the time to celebrate the return of the light. Yule is the solar turning of the tides, and the newborn Sun offers a fresh start and, literally, a new day. It’s a time of renewal and hope

Tohji-Tasai - Shinto

Shinto rite honoring Sun Goddess Amaterasu. Storm God Susano-o angered Her, and She withdrew into a cave until enticed with music and dance, to calm her down.

Dongzhi Festival - December 21

In the Western calendar, the Winter Solstice falls on December 21 or December 22 when the night is longest and the day is shortest in the northern hemisphere. The Dongzhi festival is a traditional holiday still celebrated by some that has a long history and certain customs.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Maya Angelou

Stay connected - Follow us on twitter @violadesmondps!

Many parents have made inquiries about teaching and learning plans. We will do our best to provide resources and communications through our school twitter account (@violadesmondps) to keep you up-to-date.

Page updated

Report abuse