Mustang Memos

Good Afternoon families of McKenzie-Smith Bennett PS, 

On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, we will recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is an important opportunity for our school community to honour Survivors of residential schools, their families, and the children who never returned home. It also serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility to learn about the truths of Canada’s history and to commit to reconciliation in meaningful ways.

At MSB, students and staff will take part in age-appropriate learning experiences that focus on Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives. We will also encourage students and staff to wear orange shirts as a symbol of remembrance and our collective commitment to truth and reconciliation.

The Halton District School Board is committed to equity, and Indigenous rights, and this day provides an opportunity for reflection and action. We encourage families to continue conversations at home by exploring resources, stories, and teachings that support learning about Indigenous Peoples and reconciliation.

Together, through listening, learning, and taking action, we can help build a future founded on respect, understanding, and partnership.

Thank you for your support in helping our students recognize the significance of this day.

Good Afternoon families of McKenzie-Smith Bennett PS, 

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to one of our outstanding educators.  Ms. Davey will be leaving us as a result of the HDSB reorganization on Monday, September 29th, 2025.  Ms. Davey has been an unbelievable colleague and educator during her time at MSB and we truly appreciate all that she has done for us.  We wish her the very best at her new school. 

As a reminder, students affected by the reorganization and will have a new homeroom teacher have been contacted.  All changes to new class placement take place on Monday, September 29th, 2025.  If you did not get a phone call from the Office, it means that you are still with the same homeroom teacher.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Michelle Mendes - Vice Principal (mendesmi@hdsb.ca) or Jeff Chaisson - Principal (chaissonj@hdsb.ca). 

MSB School Open House

MSB will open its doors to the community on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025 from 6:00pm-7:00pm.  We encourage all our students and their families to come in and explore the school while also meeting their teachers.  This is an informal meet and greet with our staff.  Due to the high volume of visitors, staff will not have time to offer individual feedback on student achievement or progress.  Please reach out to your child’s teacher if you would like specific information.  

We will be offering the opportunity for families to order a pizza to be delivered to the school for 5:45pm.  This will be just before we open our doors to the public for the Open House.  If you would like to order dinner and have a picnic style dinner, bring your own lawn chair or blanket, out back of the school for 5:45pm please visit School Cash Online by clicking below: 

School Cash Online 

Should it rain, families will be able to come in and eat in the South Gym Bleachers.

We will also have an ice cream truck on site which will take cash payment. 

MSB School Spirit Wear Order Information

Want to rock MSB merch? MSB Spirit wear is here.  Please see the link below for order information.

MSB SPIRIT WEAR ORDERS

Please click on the tab that says APPAREL and you will find the offerings for this year.  Do not have the items shipped to your house.  All orders will be shipped to the school and will be shipped by class code.  The online store will close Friday, October 10th, 2025.  If you have any questions please contact the Office.

Spirit Day -- Feel Good Friday -- Sept. 26

This Friday, September 26th, MSB will partake in both Terry Fox Run and its first spirit day.  This is a day that has been created for students to wear what makes them feel good; whether it be comfy clothes, school spirit wear, a dress or tie.  Let's make the last Friday of each month one to make us feel great.

Cookie Day -- Sept. 26

This Friday, September 26th will also be our first cookie day for those who purchased through School Cash Online.  

Reminder:  Terry Fox Run - Sept. 26

Please remember to dress for the weather and bring extra water on Friday, September 26th, 2025 as MSB will be running in honour of Terry Fox.  Thank you to all those who have donated in support of the fight against cancer. 

Repost: Open Houses for new to school students -- Calling all three-year olds

Calling all three-year olds to the Halton District School Board!​​ In October and November, the HDSB will be hosting Kindergarten Open Houses in Acton, Georgetown, Burlington, Milton and Oakville to answer any questions families may have about how the HDSB sets students up for lifelong learning and success. 

Future students and their families are invited to attend any of the following Kindergarten Open Houses, to be held between 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.:

• Acton: Oct. 8, 2025 - Robert Little Public School 

• Georgetown: Oct. 16, 2025 - Ethel Gardiner Public School 

• Burlington: Nov. 6, 2025 - Alton Village Public School 

• Milton: Nov. 13, 2025 - Irma Coulson Public School 

• Oakville: Nov. 20, 2025 - Dr. David R. Williams Public School

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/5n8a5bd9 

Repost: MSB Terry Fox Fundraising and Run

MSB will host an annual Terry Fox Run on Friday, September 26th, 2025.  Students will join staff in honouring the memory of Terry Fox on this day.  MSB will be raising funds for the Terry Fox Foundation directly through the Terry Fox Foundation website.  Note that MSB will not collect money directly through the school.   Please see below for information from Mr. Dipple: 

“GOOD AFTERNOON MUSTANGS,

We are excited to begin our annual fundraising for the 2025 Terry Fox Marathon of Hope. The MSB community always steps up to make this one of the most successful events of the year. Last year we showed our spirit by exceeding our goal of $6000 with a grand total of $8660.55. We are hoping to meet and surpass this year’s goal of $6500. 

To make this year’s event a success, we have moved to an online fundraising platform. Each class has their own fundraising page, so that we classes can set their own targets. Below you will find the links for each class. To donate, simply click on the link for your student’s class, and then the donate button. Donations of $20 and greater will generate a tax receipt. 

We are so grateful for your support this year for a very worthwhile cause. 

GO MUSTANGS!

Upcoming Dates

-Sept 24 -- Spirit Wear Orders Open 

(MSB Spirit Wear Online Shop)

-Sept. 26 -- MSB Terry Fox Run (bring your water bottle)

-Sept. 26 -- Spirit Day (Feel Good Friday) 

-Sept. 26 -- First Cookie Day (optional for those who purchased)

-Sept. 30 -- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

-Oct. 2 -- Open House Night (see above for information)

-Oct. 3 -- MSB @ Guelph Storm Game (Choir Sings)

-Oct. 6 -- School Council #2 (in-person and virtual -- details to come)

-Oct. 8 -- Cross Country Team to Burlington for Meet

-Oct. 10 -- PA Day (No school)

Good Afternoon families of McKenzie-Smith Bennett PS, 

We have had another busy week here full of learning and great weather.  We started the week kicking off the Terry Fox Fundraising Campaign.  Thank you to all those who have gone online to donate in Terry’s name.  A big thank you to Mr. Dipple for organizing our Terry Fox run and fundraising efforts.  A big thank you in advance to our community for considering a donation to help cure cancer. We can’t wait to see if we will raise enough money to have Mr. Dipple wear a chicken suit.

On a more serious note we do have a change to our staff that we would like to communicate.  Unfortunately, we will be losing Ms. Swinton from our Kindergarten team. We are sad to see her go and wish her all the best in her future.  We welcome Ms. Khan who will be joining Ms. Manning in KF-1 beginning on Monday.  Be sure say, “Hello” to her. 

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Michelle Mendes - Vice Principal (mendesmi@hdsb.ca) or Jeff Chaisson - Principal (chaissonj@hdsb.ca). 

Open Houses for new to school students -- Calling all three-year olds

Calling all three-year olds to the Halton District School Board!​​ In October and November, the HDSB will be hosting Kindergarten Open Houses in Acton, Georgetown, Burlington, Milton and Oakville to answer any questions families may have about how the HDSB sets students up for lifelong learning and success. 

Future students and their families are invited to attend any of the following Kindergarten Open Houses, to be held between 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.:

• Acton: Oct. 8, 2025 - Robert Little Public School 

• Georgetown: Oct. 16, 2025 - Ethel Gardiner Public School 

• Burlington: Nov. 6, 2025 - Alton Village Public School 

• Milton: Nov. 13, 2025 - Irma Coulson Public School 

• Oakville: Nov. 20, 2025 - Dr. David R. Williams Public School

Learn more: https://tinyurl.com/5n8a5bd9 

Help 300 HDSB Students Start School with Confidence by Sept. 30

Some students in our community walked into school last week without a backpack, supplies, or even lunch. The Halton Learning Foundation (HLF), thanks to our donors, is here to help.

Since the beginning of this school year, HLF has supported more than 126 students across our HDSB schools, including 70 students in the past two days alone, with emergency help and school supplies.

HLF’s goal is to help 300 students by September 30, but with only a few weeks left, they are asking our generous community to step in urgently, to make sure they can continue to say “YES” to every request for emergency support they receive.

Here's what one parent shared last week about what saying “YES” meant to her family:

"Just wanted to say how grateful I am for this support. I’m a single mom, and because of your help, I’m able to get what my daughter needs for back-to-school and food, and I’m so unbelievably grateful for the support."

Make a gift for a student in need today: Donate Now

Together, we can give students not just supplies, but confidence, dignity, and hope.

Repost: Lunch Lady Lunch Program

We will be offering families the chance to have lunches made and delivered to the school for students on Mondays and Wednesdays through the Lunch Lady Program.  Please click here for information and to order as this is NOT THROUGH SCHOOL CASH ONLINE: 

Lunch Lady Website

Lunch will be delivered to the school second break on Monday’s and Wednesday’s if you choose to order. 

Repost: School Council Meeting #1 -- Virtual Link Here

Please be advised that we will be hosting a virtual School Council meeting on Monday, September 22nd, 2025.  This will be the first meeting of the year and we will elect a new council executive as well review our constitution and outline some initial fundraising ideas.  ALL ARE WELCOME.  If you are new and just want to come out to see what council is about please join in.  Meetings begin at 6:15pm and may be in person or virtual.  Hope to see you there.  

Repost: MSB Terry Fox Fundraising and Run

MSB will host an annual Terry Fox Run on Friday, September 26th, 2025.  Students will join staff in honouring the memory of Terry Fox on this day.  MSB will be raising funds for the Terry Fox Foundation directly through the Terry Fox Foundation website.  Note that MSB will not collect money directly through the school.   Please see below for information from Mr. Dipple: 

“GOOD AFTERNOON MUSTANGS,

We are excited to begin our annual fundraising for the 2025 Terry Fox Marathon of Hope. The MSB community always steps up to make this one of the most successful events of the year. Last year we showed our spirit by exceeding our goal of $6000 with a grand total of $8660.55. We are hoping to meet and surpass this year’s goal of $6500. 

To make this year’s event a success, we have moved to an online fundraising platform. Each class has their own fundraising page, so that we classes can set their own targets. Below you will find the links for each class. To donate, simply click on the link for your student’s class, and then the donate button. Donations of $20 and greater will generate a tax receipt. 

We are so grateful for your support this year for a very worthwhile cause. 

GO MUSTANGS!

Upcoming Dates

-Sept. 22 -- School Council #1 - 6:15 (virtual link here)

-Sept. 23 -- Pizza Lunches Begin if ordered

-Sept. 25 -- Sub Lunches Begin if ordered

-Sept. 26 -- MSB Terry Fox Run (bring your water bottle)

-Sept. 30 -- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

-Oct. 2 -- Open House Night (information to come)

-Oct. 3 -- MSB @ Guelph Storm Game (Choir Sings)

Good Afternoon families of McKenzie-Smith Bennett PS, 

We have had amazing weather for our first full week of school. Fall activities have started such as our Cross Country team and soon Choir. We encourage all students to get involved in activities and clubs.

With the warm weather we have noticed hornets buzzing around. We have already rid our school of two nests thanks to the help of our facilities staff. If you notice any nests please notify the Office. 

We thank all caregivers for their help in keeping our space safe by saying goodbye to their children behind the orange pylons. This has made dropoff and pickup calm and safe. 

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Michelle Mendes - Vice Principal (mendesmi@hdsb.ca) or Jeff Chaisson - Principal (chaissonj@hdsb.ca).  

Lunch Lady Lunch Program

We will be offering families the chance to have lunches made and delivered to the school for students on Mondays and Wednesdays through the Lunch Lady Program.  Please click here for information and to order as this is NOT THROUGH SCHOOL CASH ONLINE: 

Lunch Lady Website

Lunch will be delivered to the school second break on Monday’s and Wednesday’s if you choose to order. 

School Council Meeting #1 -- Virtual Link Here

Please be advised that we will be hosting a virtual School Council meeting on Monday, September 22nd, 2025.  This will be the first meeting of the year and we will elect a new council executive as well review our constitution and outline some initial fundraising ideas.  ALL ARE WELCOME.  If you are new and just want to come out to see what council is about please join in.  Meetings begin at 6:15pm and may be in person or virtual.  Hope to see you there.  

MSB Terry Fox Fundraising and Run

MSB will host an annual Terry Fox Run on Friday, September 26th, 2025.  Students will join staff in honouring the memory of Terry Fox on this day.  MSB will be raising funds for the Terry Fox Foundation directly through the Terry Fox Foundation website.  Note that MSB will not collect money directly through the school.   Please see below for information from Mr. Dipple: 

“GOOD AFTERNOON MUSTANGS,

We are excited to begin our annual fundraising for the 2025 Terry Fox Marathon of Hope. The MSB community always steps up to make this one of the most successful events of the year. Last year we showed our spirit by exceeding our goal of $6000 with a grand total of $8660.55.

We are hoping to meet and surpass this year’s goal of $6500. 

To make this year’s event a success, we have moved to an online fundraising platform. Each class has their own fundraising page, so that we classes can set their own targets. 

Below you will find the links for each class. To donate, simply click on the link for your student’s class, and then the donate button. Donations of $20 and greater will generate a tax receipt. 

We are so grateful for your support this year for a very worthwhile cause. 

GO MUSTANGS!

Volunteering @ MSB

In order to ensure the safety of all students, we require all volunteers, including those going on school trips, to have a criminal record background check with vulnerable sector screening through Halton Regional Police Services (HRPS).  Please see this link in order to get more information about the process from our board: 

HDSB Process for Volunteering

If you would like more information please reach out to the office. 

REPOST: GUELPH STORM GAME TICKET ORDER - Friday, October 3rd, 2025

On Friday, October 3rd, 2025 the MSB Choir will have the opportunity to sing O Canada and The Star Spangled Banner on ice at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph at the hockey game.  Puck drop is at 7:07 PM. We are inviting all MSB families to purchase tickets to watch the Guelph Storm take on the Saginaw Spirit that evening.

Tickets are only $20.00 per person (approx. 33% off the regular adult ticket price!). This event is a fundraiser for MSB music programming.  We are excited to report that $4.00 of your $20.00 ticket goes directly back to the school.  You’re welcome to bring friends and extended family members, too! Choir members will not have to pay for their ticket.

To purchase tickets please visit: 

School Cash Online. 

DEADLINE TO PURCHASE IS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025.

REPOST: Lunch Program Offerings at MSB for 2025-26

All payments for MSB lunch programs and cookie days will be made through School Cash Online.  All of the below food offerings are optional.  All of the below food offerings will be available for purchase on School Cash Online beginning Friday, September 05, 2025.  We will close purchasing of the below items on Monday, September 15, 2025.  We will not be accepting late orders. 

Pizza Days:  Pizza day will again run on Tuesday’s.  The first session will run from Tuesday, September 23, 2025 until Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The cost for this will be $2.00 per slice with proceeds going towards Digital Tools for the Library and Indoor Recess Bins. 

Sub Days: Sub days will again run on Thursday’s.  The first session will run from Thursday, September 25, 2025 until Thursday, December 18, 2025.  The cost for this will be $7.25 per meal which will include a six inch sub, apple juice box, a bag of chips with proceeds going towards school jerseys for sporting events.

Cookie Days: Cookie days will run during specific school Spirit Days. There will be 10 cookie days. The cost for this will be $20.00 for the year ($2.00 per cookie) with proceeds split between Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) and Halton Food For Thought (HFFT).  A schedule will be coming in next week's newsletter. 

If you have dietary restrictions and would like information on possible options for any of the above opportunities please contact Tania Spill - Senior Administrative Assistant via email (spillt@hdsb.ca) and we will do our best to make the appropriate arrangements. 

Upcoming Dates

-Sept. 15 -- Lunch Lady Program Begins

-Sept. 15 -- School Cash Closes for Lunch Programs and Cookie Days

-Sept. 17 -- Deadline to Purchase Guelph Storm Hockey Tickets

-Sept. 22 -- School Council #1 - 6:15 (virtual link here)

-Sept. 26 -- MSB Terry Fox Run (bring your water bottle)

-Sept. 30 -- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

-Oct. 2 -- Open House Night (information to come)

-Oct. 3 -- MSB @ Guelph Storm Game (Choir Sings)

Good Afternoon families of McKenzie-Smith Bennett PS, 

What a wonderful start to the school year.  We have been having so much fun reconnecting with your children.  We want to extend a thank you to all caregivers for honouring our pylon barriers during drop-off and pick-up.  We want to ensure a safe perimeter and your attention to this has been very helpful.  We will continue with the perimeter this week with the hope of parents establishing a drop-off and pick up routine for the coming weeks.  As a reminder MSB Staff supervision begins at 9:00am in the morning and supervision ends at 3:50pm in the afternoon.  Thank you for your support in keeping your children safe. 

We kindly ask that parent/guardian(s) label all water bottles, shoes, clothing items with student name and class in order to ensure that lost items are easily returned. 

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Michelle Mendes - Vice Principal (mendesmi@hdsb.ca) or Jeff Chaisson - Principal (chaissonj@hdsb.ca).  

GUELPH STORM GAME TICKET ORDER - Friday, October 3rd, 2025

On Friday, October 3rd, 2025 the MSB Choir will have the opportunity to sing O Canada and The Star Spangled Banner on ice at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph at the hockey game.  Puck drop is at 7:07 PM. We are inviting all MSB families to purchase tickets to watch the Guelph Storm take on the Saginaw Spirit that evening.

Tickets are only $20.00 per person (approx. 33% off the regular adult ticket price!). This event is a fundraiser for MSB music programming.  We are excited to report that $4.00 of your $20.00 ticket goes directly back to the school.  You’re welcome to bring friends and extended family members, too! Choir members will not have to pay for their ticket.

To purchase tickets please visit: 

School Cash Online. 

DEADLINE TO PURCHASE IS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2025.

First Week Forms

Please be aware that your child will be bringing home a paper copy of what we call “First Day/Week Forms”.  These forms are very important to us and we require them filled out and sent back to your child’s homeroom teacher ASAP.  These forms include: 

-Elementary Physical Education and Intramural Information Letter

-Medical Danger - Anaphylaxis

-Statement of Personal Information Practices 2025-26

-Authorization for use of Student Photos/Videos

-Informed Consent: Outdoor Experiential Education (walking)

Lunch Program Offerings at MSB for 2025-26

All payments for MSB lunch programs and cookie days will be made through School Cash Online.  All of the below food offerings are optional.  All of the below food offerings will be available for purchase on School Cash Online beginning Friday, September 05, 2025.  We will close purchasing of the below items on Monday, September 15, 2025.  We will not be accepting late orders. 

Pizza Days:  Pizza day will again run on Tuesday’s.  The first session will run from Tuesday, September 23, 2025 until Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The cost for this will be $2.00 per slice with proceeds going towards Digital Tools for the Library and Indoor Recess Bins. 

Sub Days: Sub days will again run on Thursday’s.  The first session will run from Thursday, September 25, 2025 until Thursday, December 18, 2025.  The cost for this will be $7.25 per meal which will include a six inch sub, apple juice box, a bag of chips with proceeds going towards school jerseys for sporting events.

Cookie Days: Cookie days will run during our school Spirit Days. There will be 10 cookie days. The cost for this will be $20.00 for the year ($2.00 per cookie) with proceeds split between Halton Learning Foundation (HLF) and Halton Food For Thought (HFFT).  A schedule will be coming in next week's newsletter. 

If you have dietary restrictions and would like information on possible options for any of the above opportunities please contact Tania Spill - Senior Administrative Assistant via email (spillt@hdsb.ca) and we will do our best to make the appropriate arrangements. 

REPOST- ACTION:  Early Literacy Screeners for families of Year 2 Kindergarten’s to Grade 2’s

Families who have a child(ren) in Year 2 Kindergarten to Grade 2 please see the below link for information: 

Letter to Families - beginning of the year

REPOST - ACTION:  School Council 2025-26

All parent/guardian(s) are welcome to join the 2025-26 MSB School Council.  This council will meet a minimum of four times over the school year with dates being sent via School Messenger.  Start times of the meeting are 6:15pm and typically last 60 to 75 minutes.  If you are interested in running for a position of leadership on school council please fill in the form below: 

School Council Nomination Form

If you are interested in learning more we invite you to come out to council meetings as a participant when dates are set in the future.

Upcoming Dates

-Sept. 05 -- School Cash Opens for Lunch Programs and Cookie Days

-Sept. 15 -- School Cash Closes for Lunch Programs and Cookie Days

-Sept. 17 -- Deadline to Purchase Guelph Storm Hockey Tickets

-Sept. 30 -- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

-Oct. 2 -- Open House Night (information to come)

-Oct. 3 -- MSB Guelph Storm game night

Good Afternoon families of McKenzie-Smith Bennett PS, 

On behalf of the McKenzie-Smith Bennett (MSB) Public School staff, Welcome Back!  The 2025-26 school year is upon us.  For those families new to MSB, we are looking forward to you learning how great a community we have.  For those families who are returning to MSB, we look forward to another great school year. 

We will continue to send a weekly update from the office via School Messenger.  Please see below for a couple of reminders for the first week of school: 

• Class lists will be sent via email on Friday, August 29th, 2025 after 2:00pm.  You will need your child’s Ontario Education Number (OEN) to access it. 

• Tuesday, September 02, 2025 is a PA Day. There is no school for students. 

• Wednesday, September 03, 2025 is the first school day. Teachers will meet their class at the back of the school on the blacktop beginning at 9:00am.  Teachers will have a sign to indicate the grade they are teaching and will have class lists if you aren’t sure which class to go to.  School begins at 9:15am.  School ends at 3:35pm. 

• To maintain a safe area, we ask that parents find the classroom teacher, give a quick hug and kiss, and then move to the designated parent area.   

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Michelle Mendes - Vice Principal (mendesmi@hdsb.ca) or Jeff Chaisson - Principal (chaissonj@hdsb.ca).  

ACTION:  Early Literacy Screeners for families of Year 2 Kindergarten’s to Grade 2’s

Families who have a child(ren) in Year 2 Kindergarten to Grade 2 please see the below link for information: 

Letter to Families - beginning of the year

ACTION:  School Council 2025-26

All parent/guardian(s) are welcome to join the 2025-26 MSB School Council.  This council will meet a minimum of four times over the school year with dates being sent via School Messenger.  Start times of the meeting are 6:15pm and typically last 60 to 75 minutes.  If you are interested in running for a position of leadership on school council please fill in the form below: 

School Council Nomination Form

If you are interested in learning more we invite you to come out to council meetings as a participant when dates are set in the future.

Upcoming Dates

-Aug. 29 -- Class placement’s sent via email

-Sept. 02 -- PA Day

-Sept. 03 -- First Day of School

-Oct. 2 -- Open House Night (information to come)

-Oct. 3 -- MSB Guelph Storm game night (information to come)