Southwood Public School

Southwood Public School is part of the Vincent Massey Secondary
Family of Schools

June 2025

🎉 Celebrating a Fantastic School Year at Southwood Public School! 🎓

 Dear Families,

 As we wrap up another amazing school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the many accomplishments, memories, and milestones that made this year so special.

 Our students have truly shined in every corner of school life—from academics to athletics, music to leadership. Here are just a few highlights that made this year unforgettable:

 🌟 Grade 8 Graduation

We proudly celebrated our Grade 8 students as they crossed the stage and stepped into the next chapter of their educational journey. Their leadership, kindness, and spirit have left a lasting impact on our school community.

 🏃‍♀️ Track & Field Champions

Our athletes made us proud by winning the Track & Field event for small schools! Their dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship were on full display, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with their achievement.

 🎶 Music Monday Outdoor Concert

In May, our school yard came alive with music during our Music Monday outdoor concert. Students from all grades performed with heart and harmony, bringing joy to families, staff, and peers alike.

 ⚽ Sports Teams & Clubs

From Volleyball and basketball to cross-country and houseleague, our sports teams showed incredible determination and school spirit. Our clubs—from coding to eco-club to chess—offered students a chance to explore their passions and build lasting friendships.

As we celebrate the end of this school year, we’re also excited about what’s just around the corner:

🚶‍♂️ The Grand Opening of Our Walking Path & Field

After much anticipation, our new walking path and field will be ready for students and families to enjoy—perfect for outdoor learning, fitness, and fun. The field will be opened in August to the delight of many!

🛝 Kindergarten Playground

Our youngest learners will soon have a brand-new space to play, explore, and grow. The new Kindergarten Playground is designed with safety, creativity, and joy in mind.

🤝 New Friends & New Faces

We’re looking forward to welcoming new students, families, and staff members to our school community. Each new face brings fresh energy and ideas, and we can’t wait to grow together.

💐 Farewell & Best Wishes

With the closing of the school year, we would like to wish a few familiar faces well as they embark on their next adventure.

A heartfelt thank you and best wishes to Mrs. Lysay and Mrs. Coulter, who are both retiring after years of dedicated service. Their warmth, wisdom, and commitment have positively impacted countless students and families. They will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

We also extend our gratitude to the incredible educators who joined us for most of the school year and will be sharing their passion and talents at new school locations:  Mrs. Naude, Mr. Hoevanaars, Mrs. Wilmott,          Ms. Miller, Ms. Bester, Mrs. Pollock, Ms. Colborne, Mlle Blois, Ms. Cousins and Ms. Dinham.

Thank you for your contributions to our school community—you’ve made a lasting difference!

To all our students and families: thank you for a wonderful year. We wish you a joyful, restful, and safe summer. We can’t wait to welcome you back in the fall for another year of learning, laughter, and growth.

With gratitude and pride,

Mrs. T. Dempsey                                            Mr. D. Crestan

Principal                                                         Vice Principal

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A Message from our Director:

Dear GECDSB Families:

The Greater Essex County District School Board is committed to building inclusive learning and working environments where all students and staff feel valued, accepted and know they belong. No student or staff should be harmed by the words or actions of others at school. All members of our board community should feel safe, welcome, accepted and included at every GECDSB school and work site.

In keeping with these values, the following conduct is not permitted by anyone in GECDSB schools or in GECDSB environments:

• discrimination;

• harassment and bullying;

• spreading hate including sharing hateful images;

• the use of the n-word;

• the use of any hateful slurs or epithets; and

• reprisal (retaliation) for trying to have an incident addressed.

Students are not allowed to say, write or read out any version of the n-word (including with the “a” ending) and are not allowed to ask for a "pass” from Black students to use the n-word. GECDSB staff have also received direction that they are not allowed to say or read out the n-word.

Please talk to your child(ren) and make them aware that the conduct listed above is not allowed – this includes on social media or in any other context that can negatively impact the school environment.

All GECDSB students have the right to safe, respectful, and non-discriminatory learning environments. Students or parents/guardians who hear or learn about hateful or discriminatory acts or language should report it to the school principal, vice-principal or another staff member right away. When these incidents happen, they are treated seriously and addressed by the school/board.

For more information on addressing school-based human rights concerns, please see our Human Rights webpage.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we deepen our commitment to safe and welcoming environments for all students and staff.

Yours in Education,

Vicki Houston, Director of Education