W.R. Best MemorialPublic School

WR Best Memorial Public School Newsletter – May 2026

 Dear WR Best families,

 As the weather warms and our natural world comes alive, we welcome May with a fresh sense of energy and optimism! This time of year brings change, growth, and new possibilities, as students, staff, and families unite to recognize accomplishments and look ahead to new opportunities.

 Our teams are concluding their seasons, and we celebrate the hard work, collaboration, and positive spirit they have demonstrated throughout. Their dedication has been truly commendable. With some extra curriculars ending, others are beginning—Rugby, Soccer and Track and Field are now underway, offering students exciting chances to challenge themselves, encourage one another, and experience the excitement of competition.

Students are also extending their learning beyond the classroom through field trips, engaging in hands-on experiences that ignite curiosity and broaden their perspectives. These opportunities not only deepen understanding but also create meaningful and lasting memories. Please remember that all of our field trips and events appear in our WEEKLY “week at a glance”, which is emailed directly to parents so that you are aware of our upcoming activities – if you are not receiving this, please let us know so that we can verify your email address. Students are expected at school even if they are attending an event – there is always work that can be completed and polished!

As we approach the latter part of the month, attention will turn to key academic milestones, with EQAO assessments beginning and continuing into early June. This important period is one where we remain committed to supporting our students through preparation, reassurance, and confidence-building.

On est mieux ensemble!

Linda Blom Principal 

“Vive le printemps!” Music Performance

Our grades 1-4 students (Mme Gratrix, Mme Shier, Mme Stainton, Mme Orr and Mrs Doyle classes), junior choir, beginner orchestra, and advanced orchestra will be performing some of the songs they have learned this spring in the gym on May 12. Doors will open at 11:20 with the performance to begin at about 11:50. We hope you are able to join us! If you plan to bring the students in your family home after the concert, please let their teacher know in advance so we can ensure things run smoothly on the day of the performance.

Spring Book Fair

The library will be hosting a Scholastic Book Fair from May 11 - 13. Each class will have an opportunity to come visit with their class, and we will also be open after the Spring Concert for anyone wishing to shop with their child. Please keep an eye out for the Classroom Wish Lists if you would like to donate a book to your child’s class or the library!

Grade 8 Fundraiser - Snack Shack Wednesday

Every Wednesday in May, the Grade 8s will be selling some delicious treats. They will range from $1-3 that students can purchase during the second break.

Primary Ball Hockey Wrap‑Up

Primary Ball Hockey wrapped up this week, and the primary students had a lot of fun while building teamwork and cooperation skills. A special thank you to the junior students who helped with coaching and refereeing—your support made the program a tremendous success! Junior Boys Basketball Wrap-Up The Junior Boys Basketball Team had a fantastic season, taking on tough competition and showing great determination every step of the way. Along the journey, they developed skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship that will carry with them into the future. We are so proud of your growth and effort—keep enjoying the game!

Coaches Mme Stainton and Mme Vyse Co-ed

Volleyball Wrap-Up

  The Grade 8 Co-ed volleyball team had fun participating in a few tournaments. They developed their skills with the help of Coach Meagan. We truly appreciate her time and expertise, and saw a huge improvement in the team. Thanks for a great season!

Coaches Mme McGregor, Mme Counter and Coach Meagan 

Virtual French programs

Canadian Parents for French Ontario is offering FREE French enrichment programs funded by the Ministry of Education for FSL students from SK to Grade 12. The program is offered after school in May at 4:00pm, 5:00pm or 6:00pm, featuring a daily 45-minute class over a two-week session. Virtual Programs will be led by OCT certified teachers or Teacher Candidates in an Ontario Bachelor of Education program. Register here for our programs in May today!

Here are the program descriptions below:

CPF VIRTUAL “Franco-Fun”: Students in SK to Grade 8 will participate in fun and interactive games and activities, chat with new friends while building their French vocabulary, oral comprehension, and communication skills.

CPF VIRTUAL Reading Circle/Cercle de lecture: Students in SK to Grade 8 will read books, articles, poems and other reading materials with new friends and engage in activities to learn new vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension skills.

CPF VIRTUAL “Vive La Parole”: The program features theme-based games and interactive activities that will have students laughing and communicating with each other in French with ease! Our program leaders are eager to help students make new friends from across the province, learn about French culture, including the contemporary Franco Ontarian pop culture scene! This program is for students in Grades 7-12.  

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.

● Math at Home blossoms with new activities this May

● SCDSB Weekly has arrived!

● Kindergarten registration for September 2026 is open!

● Discover Kindergarten in the SCDSB at a Kindergarten orientation session

● Mental Health Week May 4 to 10: Come Together

● Licensed summer school child care programs

● Feedback, recovery, and improvement days (secondary)

● Enabling multi-factor authentication on student devices

● Stay Safe in the Sun