THE PACE OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

New year, new you! We’re so ready to dive back in after a summer filled with travel, books, new experiences, and time spent with family and friends. Those moments helped us grow, reflect, and recharge — and now we’re ready to take on new challenges with confidence and curiosity! Here’s to embracing all the wonderful possibilities this new school year holds.

SEPTEMBER+OCTOBER HIGHLIGHTS

Grade 5s Investigate Solids, Liquids and Gases!
Grade 5s explored the particles in solids, liquids and gases!  They observed how particles expand and contract during an exciting hands-on experiment. Learning about the invisible world around us has never been so much fun!

Team Colours, Big Smiles and Epic Fun!
House Day kicked off a year of friendly, fun-filled competitions for the coveted House Cup! What an incredible morning of spirit, teamwork, and energy from our students and staff!

Terry Fox Foundation
Since 1995, P.A.C.E. has proudly completed 27 Terry Fox Runs, raising an incredible $117,676.92 (and counting!) for the Terry Fox Foundation. This year, our students ran lap after lap around the schoolyard to simulate Terry’s legendary journey from St. John’s, Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario. His legacy continues to inspire us all.

Ultimate Frisbee
Huge congratulations to our Elementary Ultimate Frisbee team! On September 29, they competed in a one-day tournament at The Hangar Sports & Event Centre in Toronto and finished with an amazing 3rd place result! Way to go, team!

Twist and Shout!
Our Grade 4 and 5 students experienced the Famous PEOPLE Players production “Twist and Shout!” They witnessed the magic of storytelling through theatre, song, and dance, and had the unique opportunity to participate in a Q&A session with members of the cast and dine with the founder of Famous PEOPLE Players — making this a truly unforgettable educational

Soccer Stars
Our Grade 2 and 3 soccer stars gave it their all at the U9 SSAF Co-Ed Soccer Tournament! 

With three fast-paced, hard-fought games — two big wins and an incredible 19 goals scored — our players showed true determination, teamwork, and P.A.C.E. spirit both on and off the field!

Elephant Toothpaste
Our Grade 4 scientists had a blast experimenting with Elephant Toothpaste!

Between all the bubbly excitement, students measured mass and volume to connect their observations to real scientific concepts. What a fun, hands-on way to learn through discovery!

Grade 3s Explore The Reptilia Zoo
Our Grade 3 students visited Reptilia Zoo to culminate their Theme: Phylogenetic Tree Unit! Students had the opportunity to see, learn about, and even touch a variety of reptiles — including a blue-tongued skink, a turtle, and several different types of snakes. It was an exciting, hands-on way to bring their learning to life!

Measuring: A Ton Of Fun
Our Grade 4 scientists explored mass and volume! They put their skills to the test both online and in class through exciting hands-on experiments. It was wonderful to see their curiosity, teamwork, and love of learning in action!

Grade 8s Explore Space
Mission to Space Camp! From October 8–10, our Grade 8 students blasted off to Space Camp in Laval, Quebec — an incredible extension of their Grade 8 Science program! Immersed in a real astronaut-training environment, students participated in over 20 hands-on activities — from science workshops and Mars-life experiments to simulators, virtual missions, and two exciting expeditions aboard the Endeavour space shuttle! What an unforgettable journey of discovery and teamwork!

SSAF Cross Country Tournament 2025
On Tuesday, October 14th, twenty-one P.A.C.E. students from Grades 4 through 8 represented our school at the 2025 SSAF Cross Country Tournament held at Lambert Wilson Park in Aurora.

With a record-breaking 1,093 registered runners from over 30 schools, our athletes arrived with enthusiasm, determination, and true P.A.C.E. spirit! 

Congratulations to the following students for finishing among the top 10 runners in their respective divisions:
U10 Boys: Kyle – 7th place
Elementary Boys: Jason – 9th place

Congratulations to all of our P.A.C.E. Cross Country runners for their hard work and outstanding effort!

Grade 3 Theme Lab
Our Grade 3s explored Growth and Changes in Plants during an exciting Theme Lab! They observed how green leaves gradually changed colour as the chlorophyll broke down, revealing the hidden hues beneath. It was a hands-on way to discover the fascinating science behind autumn’s transformation!

Grade 6s Travel Back In Time
Our Grade 6s stepped back in time during their visit to Black Creek Pioneer Village! They experienced life in the 19th century — an era of rapid change, innovation, and discovery — through interactive exhibits and immersive tours inspired by the Victorian Era. Students even spent part of the day as pupils in a traditional 1800s classroom, gaining a firsthand appreciation of what learning looked like over a century ago.

They also explored the new interactive exhibit, Invented: Propelled by Imagination, where they discovered how groundbreaking advances in science, medicine, and technology shaped both real-world progress and the rise of science fiction.

Elementary Boys Volleyball Season Kickoff!
Our Elementary Boys Volleyball team kicked off their SSAF season by being the first to host, facing off against RHMS and TWS! The event was a great success thanks to our incredible volunteers and dedicated team members from Grades 6–8 who helped make it all run smoothly.

They also explored the new interactive exhibit, Invented: Propelled by Imagination, where they discovered how groundbreaking advances in science, medicine, and technology shaped both real-world progress and the rise of science fiction.

Olé! A Musical Fiesta!
Our Grade 6–8 Music students attended Fiesta Sinfónica performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra! They explored the vibrant musical traditions of Latin America — journeying across continents through rhythm and melody. From the sublime works of classical composers to the most energetic orchestral pieces ever performed, students experienced a celebration of sound that was as educational as it was inspiring!

ROM: Earth’s Treasures Exhibition
Our Grade 2s visited the Royal Ontario Museum to explore the Earth’s Treasures exhibit, complementing their Rocks and Minerals theme unit. Students had a fantastic time discovering fascinating facts about rocks, minerals, gems, and meteorites, while filling out their very own ROM passports along the way!

SETTING THE PACE

What an extraordinary start to our 2025/2026 education journey! 

Upcoming Dates & Events
November

• November 5 – SSAF U10 Soccer Tournament @ The Hangar
• November 10 – SSAF U12 Soccer Tournament @ The Hangar
• November 11 – Remembrance Day Assembly
• November 12–14 – Beaver Computing Contest (Grades 5–8)
• November 20 – Canada Jay Mathematical Competition (Grades 6–8)
• November 21 – Term 2 Begins

December

• December 4 & 5 – Virtual Parent–Teacher Interviews (school closed)
• December 10 – Holiday Music Concert
• December 12 – School closes at 12:00 p.m. for Winter Break
• December 13 – January 4 – Winter Break
•  

January

• January 5 – School Resumes

Keep pace with what’s going on with our students with our bi-monthly blog updates. For an insider’s view into your child’s enriched learning experience, join the P.A.C.E. community on Instagram.

THE PACE OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

WOW – it’s July! May and June flew by and with the months ahead it’s a great time to reflect on the lessons learned and challenges faced and overcome this past year. The smiles, laughter and memories made. 2024/2025 was a good year and we are so proud of everything you have become from all the fulfilling educational experiences you have had. Wishing you a fun filled summer full of inspiration and introspection – you deserve it!

“There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” — C.S. Lewis

MAY + JUNE HIGHLIGHTS

Here’s what we’ve been up to—let’s just say they’re ‘soaring to new heights’

Adventurous Exploration: A Science Odyssey
P.A.C.E.’s Science Odyssey was a huge success, as students in grades 6 through 8 shared their discoveries in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  Thank you to all of the parents who took time out of their day to judge and support our burgeoning scientists!  May 2 marked the culmination of months worth of work on the part of our students who predicted, designed, executed and analyzed findings from a physical experiment or working model of their own interest.  Congratulations to all on an outstanding celebration of the world of science.

Grade 5: Art Forms and Traditions
Our grade 5s took a trip to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre where they created tangible connections between concepts learned in their theme unit to Japanese art forms and traditions!

Grade 3: Challenging Structures
Our grade 3 engineers took on The Tallest Earthquake-Proof Structure Challenge! Using just 50 toothpicks and 25 styrofoam balls, they designed and built towers that had to be tall, strong and stable.

After building, each tower faced an “earthquake” shake and a weight test. From sketching designs to testing real prototypes, students combined creativity, science, and teamwork to problem-solve like pros!

Grade 4: 3D Modelling
Grade 4 students used their knowledge of the human body systems to design and build 3D models using recycled materials. From inflating lungs to pumping hearts, they explained how the digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems work together to keep us alive.

Grade 7: Showcase of Creativity
Our grade 7s have been busy learning the foundations of game development, from planning mechanics and designing levels to writing code line by line. They built their own 2D platformer games in Python—handling everything from character movement and gravity to scoring, collision detection, and sound. Each student created and customized their own levels, and spent time testing, debugging, and refining their games. The project wrapped up with a showcase where they presented their work and reflected on what they learned about coding, creativity, and problem-solving.

Grade 6: Owl’s Hollow
P.A.C.E.’s annual Owl’s Hollow was a success! As part of their entrepreneurial studies, groups of our grade 6s pitched their innovative and creative designs to a panel of “investors” (teachers). Congratulations to all businesses!

Grade 3: Exploring Ancient Egypt
After completing their unit on Ancient Egypt, students had the opportunity to explore the museum through a guided tour, investigate various artifacts, make their own hieroglyphic name, and spend some time in the museum’s gift shop.

Grade 6: Team Building
From May 21-23, our Grade 6s embarked on a leadership and team building field study at Olympia Outdoor and Challenge Education Centre. Students participated in several fun activities together, such as the zipline, the murder mystery, the climbing tower, the high ropes, and the giant swing! They also learned outdoor life skills, such as how to make shelter, the principles of Leave No Trace, and general outdoor safety rules.

Canada’s Wonderland Festival of Music
On May 28, Our Grades 7 and 8 ensembles, and the P.A.C.E. concert band performed live at the Canada’s Wonderland Festival of Music.

Gary Page was adjudicating and observed all performances. He provided students with advice and critique on the use of dynamics, articulation, and tempo. P.A.C.E. students were credited on being well rehearsed, displaying great sight reading, and genuine stylistic playing of various pieces ranging from Marches, Latin repertoire, and Dance songs. 

Congratulations and thank you to all music students for your hard work and dedication throughout the year. Mr. de Lara is thankful and proud of all your musical achievements!

Grade 5: Exploring Albion Hills Conservation Field Centre
From May 21-23, our Grade 5s participated in an overnight field study at Albion Hills Conservation Field Centre, where students furthered their understanding of scientific concepts linked to ecology, astronomy, and living things!

SSAF Track and Field
On May 26, select students in Grade 5 through 8 attended York University to compete at the SSAf track and field meet. Congratulations to all athletes for your hard work and accomplishments!

Richmond Hill Centre For The Performing Arts: P.A.C.E Music Festival
On May 14th, P.A.C.E. students from grades 1 through 8 participated in the annual P.A.C.E. Music Festival at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts. 

Ms. Fuller masterfully conducted and choreographed the choirs (grades 1 through 4, and extracurricular) and ukulele ensemble. Mr. de Lara (music director and conductor) prepared the band ensembles (grades 5 through 8), P.A.C.E. string ensemble, and P.A.C.E. concert band – a select group of grade 5-8 music students. 

The evening was filled with various styles of music, instruments, and students of various ages performing with one another and capturing their musical moments. 

Ms. Fuller and Mr. de Lara are proud and thankful for everyone’s efforts in practice, and in performance. Your musical talents and passion for performing truly shined!

Thank you to our Producer and school Director, Ms. Gruchy, for her leadership and vision throughout the year and guidance on performance day, and to the administration and teaching staff who assisted behind the scenes from start to finish. 

Grade 5: Financial Literacy
Our Grade 5s finished their Financial Literacy presentations, where students budgeted for their ‘families’ for the week. Students came up with a week’s worth of groceries that met their family’s dietary needs and were nutritional, for under $230. Some meals were very creative! Great job on your presentations, grade 5s!

Annual Awards Assembly
On June 17, we hosted our annual awards assembly for our grades 3-7 students! This was an opportunity to acknowledge our students’ achievements and accomplishments throughout the 2024-2025 academic year in areas such science & technology, fine arts, French, math, writing composition, athletics, and overall academic performance. Congratulations to all!

SETTING THE PACE

May and June have been outstanding! From a very successful Science Odyssey to learning about Japanese art forms and traditions to engineering, 3D modeling and creative showcases . We’ve had so much to celebrate. We’re going to miss you these next few months! To our Grade 8s we have revelled in the moments watching you learn, grow, and make memories, we are so proud of your hard work! As we look ahead, we are excited for what’s to come:

• September 3 – First day of school!

Keep pace with what’s going on with our students with our bi-monthly blog updates. For an insider’s view into your child’s enriched learning experience, join the P.A.C.E. community on Instagram.

THE PACE OF THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE

Miraculous, amazing and successful! March and April have been restful and rejuvenating with spring break, strong and steady with many exciting hands-on learning experiences to teach adaptation, learning to successfully collaborate with peers while continuing to foster a healthy growth mindset! We are so proud of all the hard work and progress you have made these past few months, keep it up!

MARCH + APRIL HIGHLIGHTS

Here’s what we’ve been up to—let’s just say they ‘nailed it!’

Grade 7s: Strongest Structures
Congratulations to our grade 7s for their excellent performance in the Strongest Structure Challenge. Students were tasked with building a structure that could support a load impacted by gravity. They used their problem solving skills to create and test structures that could successfully support various amounts of weight!

Grade 6 Science: Exploring Solutions
Our grade 6 science students explored acids and bases. Using cabbage juice as an indicator, students are seen here testing different solutions and identifying which substances would be classified as an acid, base or neutral. They also observed the effects of mixing these solutions together on pH levels. Great work grade 6s!

Grade 7 Structures Unit: Engineering The Future
Our grade 7s learned what it would be like to become an engineer! In their Structures Unit, students were challenged to build a cargo airplane that can support a load. They used engineering processes to brainstorm, research the science of flight, and design and build a prototype of their aircraft. Great job showing creativity and innovation!

Grade 3 Science: Famous Structures
In their science unit on Strong and Stable Structures, our grade 3s experimented with how structures are stabilized and presented about famous structures found globally!

Badminton: Soaring To New Heights
Congratulations to P.A.C.E’s badminton team for their performance at the SSAF tournament. All team members showed excellent skill and determination in a very competitive tournament.

Special mention to Elizabeth and Amanda for placing first in girls’ doubles, and to Phyllis for placing second in girls’ singles. Well done, everyone!

Grade 3: Design and Create
After learning about the jewellery worn during Ancient Egypt, including the various symbols and materials used, as well as the protective purposes of some pieces, students had the opportunity to design and create their own Egyptian collar necklaces!

Grade 5 French: Exploring The Environment
On April 14th the grade 5 students presented their French projects made with recycled items. The projects were a great ending to the unit exploring the environment and its protection.

Le 14 avril 2025, les élèves de la cinquième année ont présenté leurs projets français fabriqués avec des objets recyclables. Les projets étaient une bonne fin de l’unité explorant l’environnement et sa protection.

Grade 3: Food For Thought
After having various discussions about culture and the role that food plays in our traditions, our grade 3s picked a dish from their own culture to share with the class. They each made a puzzle piece featuring an image of their dish, its name, and the country of origin. Students used inspiration from past puzzles to bring their visions to life and help our class create this year’s puzzle!

SETTING THE PACE

March and April have been outstanding! From a well deserved spring break to parent teacher interviews, experimenting with structures in science to our spectacular badminton team’s performance, we’ve had so much to celebrate. We’re excited to see what the next few months have in store as we continue to learn, grow, and make memories. As we look ahead, we are excited for what’s to come:

• May 2 – Science Odyssey! (grades 6-8)
• May 7-8 – Owl’s Hollow (grade 6)
• May 12 – U12 Soccer Tournament
• May 14 – Music Festival @ Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts!
• May 15 – University of Waterloo Gauss Contest (grades 7-8)
• May 16 – Formal Event @ Oakview Terrace Reception Centre (grades 6-8)
• May 19 – Victoria Day (school closed)
• May 20 – Elementary Soccer Tournament
• May 21-23 – Overnight Field Trip to Albion Hills Conservation Centre (grade 5)
• May 21-23 – Overnight Field Trip to Olympia (grade 6)
• May 26 – Track and Field Meet (grades 5-8)
• May 28 – Canada’s Wonderland Music Festival (grades 7-8)
• May 29 – School Show
• May 30 – U10 Track and Field Meet
• June 2 – U10 Soccer Tournament
• June 5 – House Day (morning only)
• June 6 – Musical Theatre Performance
• June 9 – Vaccination Clinic (grade 7)
• June 10 – Awards Assembly (grades 1-7)
• June 19 – End of Year Field Trips (grades 1-8; no extracurricular activities)
• Jun 20 – Last Day of School (school closes at 12:00 p.m.)
• June 25 – Grade 8 Graduation

Keep pace with what’s going on with our students with our bi-monthly blog updates. For an insider’s view into your child’s enriched learning experience, join the P.A.C.E. community on Instagram.