News

<figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="/images/4404f904-f625-5628-b479-f037226c1116?fingerprint=ppb20251217013634" alt=""></figure><p>Limestone’s Board of Trustees had the honour of having the Skills Ontario Competition Awards at the Education, Policy, and Operations Committee meeting on June 5, 2024. The Expanded Opportunities Team lead by Melissa Baker-Cox, Geoff Petznick, Paul Allinson, and Courtney Soucy, presented banners to the students involved in the Skills Ontario Competition, as well as Skills Canada.</p><p>On behalf of the Board of Trustees and entire Limestone District School Board, congratulations to all the students on their participation and amazing success! &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Grade 7/8 Construction</strong></p><p>Individual teams were asked to construct a scale model of a modest and affordable house for a well deserving family based on the design they arrived with. Team construction projects will be judged on several criteria including creativity, quality, teamwork, and demonstration of basic practical and theoretical knowledge of Residential House Design and Construction.</p><p><strong>3rd Place at Skills Ontario: A.J. Farley, Aiden Lollar, Baurer Desveaux, and Keegan Gardiner</strong></p><p><strong>Auto Paint – Secondary</strong></p><p>Competitors had the opportunity to demonstrate, through practical and theoretical application, their skills and task knowledge in the industry relevant to:</p><ul><li>Basic skills relevant to surface preparation, colour matching, painting, and polishing.</li><li>Knowledge of an application of applicable health and safety regulations.</li><li>Adjusting and checking of safety/operating equipment.</li><li>Problem solving in relation to painting.</li></ul><p><strong>1st Place at Skills Ontario: Alisha Haaksman</strong></p><p><strong>3rd Place at Skills Ontario: Joe Yeomans</strong></p><p><strong>Outdoor Power Equipment – Secondary</strong></p><p>Tested the skills and knowledge of each student in the air and liquid cooled engine field and to prepare each student for employment in the Marine, Powersports, and Small Engine industries. Criteria included: two-stroke engine mechanical operation, all-terrain vehicle braking systems, fuel system and carburetor repair, electrical wiring and troubleshooting, four-cycle engine shooting, and theory.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>1st Place at Skills Ontario: Jeremy Gardiner</strong></p><p><strong>Auto Collison – Post Secondary</strong></p><p>Competitions were judged on their general knowledge of auto body repair process with particular attention paid to:</p><ul><li>Knowledge of safe working practices through the body repair process.</li><li>Proper application of I-Car procedures for the structural sectioning project.</li><li>Performance of an aluminum welding task.</li><li>Accurate use of Tram-bar and Unibody measurement charges for measuring a Unibody.</li></ul><p><strong>1st Place at Skills Ontario and 2nd Place at Skills Canada: Liam Alford</strong></p><p><strong>Arborist – Post Secondary</strong></p><p>Competitors were judged on:</p><ul><li>Tailboard Safety&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;<ul><li>Assessment of the hazards for the tasks being performed below.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Knot Tying&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;<ul><li>Performing and completing knots as described in the Arborist Industry Safe Work Practices book by WSPS – Spar Pole Rescue&nbsp;</li><li>While maintaining 100% tie off work positioning, ascend the tree (powerline pole for use of competition), assess patient, secure patient, and lower ground.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Limbing Challenge&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;<ul><li>Assemble a chain saw (will be disassembled), properly start reassembled chainsaw.&nbsp;</li><li>Using the same chainsaw, remove identified limbs (obstacle) of a downed tree (powerline pole with large dowels) using proper cutting and safe chainsaw techniques.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Throw Ball Challenge&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;<ul><li>With in the allotted time, utilize provided throw ball lines, to make as many attempts as possible to hit targets to score points. This is an accuracy challenge.&nbsp;</li></ul></li><li>Mechanical Advantage Challenge&nbsp;</li><li>&nbsp;<ul><li>All competitors were provided with the same set equipment (pulleys, trusses, etc.), where they will develop the most efficient mechanical advantage system within the time allotted.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>2nd Place at Skills Ontario: Owen Chapman</strong></p><p>Congratulations to all the Limestone District School Board Skills Ontario Competitors:</p><figure class="table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Contest</strong></td><td><strong>Name</strong></td><td><strong>Rank</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Auto Collision Repair</td><td>Shayla G</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Collision Repair</td><td>Tate D</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Paint</td><td>Alisha H</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Paint</td><td>Joe Y</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Service Technology</td><td>Blake D</td><td>34</td></tr><tr><td>Auto Service Technology</td><td>Nathan P</td><td>44</td></tr><tr><td>Baking</td><td>Joanna N</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Brick Masonry</td><td>Zach R</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Cabinetmaking</td><td>Isabelle M</td><td>17</td></tr><tr><td>Carpentry –Individual</td><td>Austin M</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Carpentry – Team of two</td><td>Hunter M, Jude N</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Coding</td><td>Kai M</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Computer Aided Manufacturing</td><td>Dominic A</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Computer Aided Manufacturing</td><td>Hailey O</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Construction 7-8</td><td>Bauer D, AJ F, Keegan G, Aiden L</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>Culinary Arts</td><td>Iain S</td><td>22</td></tr><tr><td>Electrical Installations</td><td>Nolan S</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Floristry</td><td>Sunnai P</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>Graphic Design – Presentation</td><td>Grace L</td><td>11</td></tr><tr><td>Graphic Design – Studio Production</td><td>Dominique S</td><td>27</td></tr><tr><td>Green Energy 7-8</td><td>Eirnan M, James S, Chelsea H, Kemsley B</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Hairstyling</td><td>Sierra W</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Hairstyling</td><td>Delvin D-C</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Heavy Equipment Service</td><td>Fletcher M</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>Horticulture &amp; Landscaping</td><td>Patrick C, Kaleb W</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>LEGO Mechanical Engineering 7-8</td><td>Sohoh M, Lonin W, Easton S, Hudson H</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Outdoor Power Equipment</td><td>Jeremy G</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>Photography</td><td>Brooke M</td><td>49</td></tr><tr><td>Photography</td><td>Dante M</td><td>55</td></tr><tr><td>Plumbing</td><td>Vann T</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Precision Machining</td><td>Reid A</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>Prepared Speech</td><td>Aurora</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>VEX Robotics – Team of four</td><td>Bradley B, Deven G, Maneesha D. Allen G</td><td>14</td></tr><tr><td>Welding</td><td>Riley H</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>Welding</td><td>Luke P</td><td>21</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Limestone would like to thank all the Skills Competition Coaches and Chairs, the entire Expanded Opportunities team members, St. Lawrence College, Skills Ontario, and Skills Canada.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<img src="/images/de06adf7-cd27-549d-b705-91421f9a569f?fingerprint=ppb20251217015036" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit" style="float:right"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June is National Indigenous History Month. This month is an opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. It’s a time to honour and give voice to the stories, achievements, and resilience of Indigenous peoples across Canada, who have lived and cared for this land since time immemorial and who continue to make significant impacts, today.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">During this month, we also celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>st</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This day is an opportunity to honour the histories and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. This day is important as it gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the Indigenous peoples whose histories and cultures are rooted in this land, and whose historical impact and presence have long been ignored by Canadian society. We are now in a place where we are beginning to recognize the importance of Indigenous peoples and their contributions to what we now know as Canada. In the Limestone District School Board, it is critical that we continue to teach the truth and to make a commitment to life-long reconcili-ACTION and living in right relations with the Indigenous community whose traditional territory we are fortunate to teach and learn on.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Working in partnership with the Kingston Friendship Centre and several community organizations, the Limestone District School Board’s, Indigenous Education Team is proud to offer several opportunities for staff, students, caregivers, and the community to engage in throughout this month.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 6</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">th</strong></sup></b><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">– Self-identified Indigenous students and students enrolled in NAC10 are invited to participate in a fish scale art workshop with Cree-Métis artist, Jamie Morse. This opportunity is being funded generously by the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest through the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centre's.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 11</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">th</strong></sup></b><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">– Storytelling session by Bomgiizhik (Isaac Murdoch): “Stories of the Summer Solstice”. All classes are invited to participate in a virtual session through Zoom on June 11</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to learn about the Summer Solstice.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 19</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">th</strong></sup></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> – Caregivers, students, and the community are invited to attend a Public Virtual Hodinohsho:ni Governance Workshop hosted by the Woodland Cultural Centre. This workshop will be on June 19</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> at 6:00 PM. The donation for this workshop helps to support the education department in creating and delivering virtual programming at the Woodland Cultural Centre. Topics covered include Hodinohsho:ni system of governance, use of Wampum, the Royal Proclamation, the Haldimand Proclamation, the Indian Act, and how these conflicted with the traditional Hodinohsho:ni Governance structure.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84279518633?pwd=ckUxb3VLT0J0NnBTMCtONlZnc2xudz09" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Join the Public Virtual Hodinohsho:ni Governance Workshop on ZOOM</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 21</strong></b><b><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><strong class="editor-text-bold">st</strong></sup></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> – National Indigenous Peoples Day at City Park in Kingston. On June 21</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>st</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, staff and students are invited to attend the National Indigenous Peoples Day event in City Park from 11:00 – 4:00 PM. On this day there will be market vendors, a community services fair, food vendors, activities for children and youth, and an evening event starting at 7:00 PM in Springer Market Square featuring a concert by 2</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>nd</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Line Bluegrass. The LDSB Indigenous Education Team will be working in collaboration with the Kingston Frontenac Public Library to create buttons, play large outdoor games such as cornhole and Jenga, and other fun activities! We are thankful for the continued collaboration with the Kingston Native Centre and Language Nest to help make this event possible for staff, students, and the community.</span><br><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/1aa9e9fe-06d2-5da2-ab31-a03d2ce245e3?fingerprint=ppb20251217013244" alt="" width="147" height="147" style="float:left;width:147px;height:147px"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our School Council's Hot Lunch Program is updated for the remainder of the '24-25 school year. Hot lunch is offered every Friday. Ordering must be done through&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.school-day.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Day</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;by the order deadline - after that the order window closes as we must send numbers to our vendors. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note that if buses are cancelled on a hot lunch day, the hot lunch will be postponed, and you will need to send a lunch with your child. Lunches can not be saved over the weekend for students who are absent on a hot lunch day.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f20fbcdb-82b0-41fc-bd0d-8704131a2ee4?fingerprint=ppb20251217015231" alt="Hot Lunch Jan June Pic 1" width="443" height="542" style="width:443px;height:542px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/f79f85ae-0519-4585-8251-c0f795370b93?fingerprint=ppb20251217015254" alt="Hot Lunch Jan June Pic 2" width="443" height="516" style="width:443px;height:516px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br><br><img src="file:///C:/Users/seiverightg/OneDrive%20-%20Limestone%20DSB/Southview%20files/newsletter%20and%20comms/hot%20lunch%20fall%202024.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"><img src="file:///C:/Users/seiverightg/OneDrive%20-%20Limestone%20DSB/Southview%20files/newsletter%20and%20comms/hot%20lunch%20fall%202024.jpg" alt="" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"><br><br></p>

<img src="/images/e61a0df0-e3a8-5259-9b1d-90b8936eb8fb?fingerprint=ppb20251217015125" alt="" width="inherit" height="inherit" style="float:right"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Limestone District School Board is seeking new members for the Technical Advisory Group for the next phase of Student Census data collection.&nbsp;The purpose of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is to give advice, opinions, and make&nbsp;recommendations in the design of methods for data collection, analysis, and the representation of results. Most importantly, TAG ensures that multiple and diverse perspectives are applied to the analysis of Student Census data to minimize the risk of bias.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recruitment:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The committee will be formed by seeking expressions of continued interest from current members and new expressions of interest from individuals who possess the required lived&nbsp;experience and research skill set. Limestone staff will be notified by email of the opportunity to join TAG. The opportunity will also be posted to the LDSB website and advertised on LDSB’s social media channels New interested parties can express their&nbsp;interest using the&nbsp;</span><a href="https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2aXfk1Af78UcseO" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">TAG Expression of Interest Form</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Printable copies of the form are also available&nbsp;</span><a href="https://limestoneschools-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/clostlamberte_limestone_on_ca/EUjk3z0ydglFjxSb2QBRtREBeMUgAtZZe3fZhGEnW2vjUA?e=DlGsax" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. All submissions must be received by 4:00 p.m. on June 3, 2024.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It is important to read the&nbsp;</strong></b><a href="/documents/3b3da70a-68e5-55e0-b8ec-80d58d9bbb44?fingerprint=ppb20251217013540" target="_blank" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> TAG Terms of Reference </span></a><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;before you apply.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Selection:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Expressions of interest will be reviewed by the core Census Team (Limestone Research Team, Equity Consultant, Superintendent);&nbsp;the Vice Principal of Indigenous Education; and the Human Rights and</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Equity Officer. The goal is to create a committee that is as equitable and intersectional as possible from the applications received. Interested parties are invited to share the ways in which they are willing and able to share their lived experiences alongside their research and/or data experience.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">TAG Membership Drive: Proposed Timeline</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note, the timeline subject to change</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring 2024</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recruitment of new TAG Members May 6 to June 3, 2024</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Early June: Review applications</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mid- to Late-June: Confirm members</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p>

<img src="/images/08c76ce8-11fd-5d43-aee2-0136dcb54316?fingerprint=ppb20251217013050" srcset="/thumbnails/08c76ce8-11fd-5d43-aee2-0136dcb54316?fingerprint=ppb20251217013050 450w, /images/08c76ce8-11fd-5d43-aee2-0136dcb54316?fingerprint=ppb20251217013050 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span></span> <div> <p><span><span>Welcome to Kindergarten! </span><span>This is </span><span>an exciting</span><span> time for both you and your student.</span><span> Kindergarten is a wonderful experience and your student’s next phase on their journey of learning</span><span>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span>We are now accepting new student registrations </span><a href="https://limestone.on.ca/programming/kindergarten___early_learning" target="_blank"><span><span>for this September 2024</span></span></a><span><span>. If your student is </span><span>four or five by the end of December, now is the time to register.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>Kindergarten offers a wonderful new world of learning and growing. We learn how to read, how to write and we make new friends. </span><span>At Southview, our Kindergarten program helps children get the best possible start in school. Your student </span><span>will be challenged and encouraged to do their very best</span><span>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>In Kindergarten classrooms, a </span><span>teacher</span><span> and an early childhood educator work together as a team. This partnership helps to create a nurturing learning environment;</span><span> giving every student the opportunity to learn in the way that is best suited to their individual strengths and needs. Our caring team of educators is with them every step of the way!</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>We are excited to announce that Limestone District School Board will now be accepting applications for open boundary Kindergarten registrations for the upcoming school year. LDSB encourages students to attend their area school, but we understand selecting the right educational setting for your new student is </span><span>a significant decision</span><span>.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>In accordance with</span><span> Board policy, by default, students will be enrolled in the school </span><span>designated</span><span> within their boundary area, based on their home address.</span></span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span> </span><span><span>Students may be </span><span>permitted</span><span> to attend any school within the board when there is available student space, upon submission and approval of the proper application. The Board will not be held responsible for the provision of any transportation for students outside of their regular boundary area. </span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span>We typically welcome new families to orientation events in May of each year. We will share more about these opportunities soon.&nbsp;</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>We want everyone to see themselves in Limestone. You can feel confident your student will be cared for in a safe and inclusive environment</span><span>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>We are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our dedicated staff are here to </span><span>assist</span><span> you throughout this process. If you have any questions or need more information, please contact the school.</span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span><span>Let’s</span><span> embark on this exciting educational journey together!</span></span><span><span>&nbsp;</span><br> </span><span> We look forward to meeting you.</span><span></span></p> </div>

<img src="/images/1e79876d-0887-5291-bdee-40e54e1a7554?fingerprint=ppb20251217013257" srcset="/thumbnails/1e79876d-0887-5291-bdee-40e54e1a7554?fingerprint=ppb20251217013257 450w, /images/1e79876d-0887-5291-bdee-40e54e1a7554?fingerprint=ppb20251217013257 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p>We are excited to offer our families a new secure portal to complete permissions and payments online. <a href="http://https://www.school-day.com/" title="na">With School-Day: Permissions &amp; Payments</a>, you will be able to complete permission forms and payments from any web browser using your SmartPhone, tablet, laptop or desktop.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Through this new online portal, you will be able to pay for items such as:</p> <p>* Field trips</p> <p>* Sporting events</p> <p>* Student cards/athletic fees</p> <p>* Hot lunch (where applicable)</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The new easy-to-use portal will remove the risks associated with sending money to school with students, the frustration of lost or missing permission forms, and significantly reduce the amount of paper our school consumes.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Introduction letters were sent home with your child. Use the instructions in it to sign up for a School-Day account and connect to your child’s events and activities.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you have lost this letter with your child's specific PIN number, please contact the office.</p>

<img src="/images/8d82353a-1b13-5212-b3f8-9a23c79dd3f9?fingerprint=ppb20251217014314" srcset="/thumbnails/8d82353a-1b13-5212-b3f8-9a23c79dd3f9?fingerprint=ppb20251217014314 450w, /images/8d82353a-1b13-5212-b3f8-9a23c79dd3f9?fingerprint=ppb20251217014314 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"><span>The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is moving record checks online as of June 13, 2022.&nbsp;To complete the check for free parents will need to upload a letter from the school, which can be received by calling or emailing us. Parents/Guardians who require updated CPICs are encouraged to do this over the summer, as it is a new system and likely to be tested in September with everyone rushing to get one.<br> <br> Please contact the office for a copy of the verification letter.<br> <br> <img src="/images/fac4111a-0f33-556b-91dc-f8a6b8bf5b0a?fingerprint=ppb20251217015306" srcset="/thumbnails/fac4111a-0f33-556b-91dc-f8a6b8bf5b0a?fingerprint=ppb20251217015306 450w, /images/fac4111a-0f33-556b-91dc-f8a6b8bf5b0a?fingerprint=ppb20251217015306 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"></span>

<img src="/images/1902930e-73e0-5324-aeb3-9a43ef71e435?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228" srcset="/thumbnails/1902930e-73e0-5324-aeb3-9a43ef71e435?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228 450w, /images/1902930e-73e0-5324-aeb3-9a43ef71e435?fingerprint=ppb20251217013228 600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 450px, 600px"> <p>Our school will use a new broadcasting tool to communicate need-to-know information to families in a timely and efficient way.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The “<span>Communicate</span>” system will allow us to share important school information with families via text, email or phone message. We will use this tool for urgent items like event cancellations or school emergencies. We may also use it for sharing information such as upcoming progress reports, school council meetings or special events. In the past, we have used a previous version of the broadcast tool called Synervoice.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Registered parents/guardians will receive these messages through contact information collected in our student information system. Parents/guardians may choose how to receive these alerts by text message, email or phone call with the exception of emergency events which will always be communicated via all contact methods on file with the school. If parents/guardians choose to receive text messages, they must opt-in due to potential charges from their cell phone carrier.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>It is important that parents/guardians ensure schools have the most up-to-date contact information at the beginning of the school year.&nbsp;<span>If your contact information changes during the school year, parents/guardians are asked to contact the school with the updated information.</span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In addition, teachers and coaches/leaders of extra-curricular activities will also be able to take advantage of an instant message option to keep students and families up to date regarding classroom activities or practices/games in a timely manner. Students and parents/guardians will be invited to join a group and receive messages related specifically to their group. Information on how to join groups will be shared directly with students and families by the teacher, coach/leader.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span>School Messenger App Account</span></p> <p><span><br> </span></p> <p>All of our new electronic communications tools can be accessed anytime, anywhere online and/or via Smartphones. To take advantage of this new convenience and functionality, we encourage you to create a&nbsp;<span>School Messenger&nbsp;</span>account on your desktop, laptop, tablet and/or download the SchoolMessenger app. While an account is not required to use these new tools, it will allow you to review your contact information and communication preferences, and it stores all of your messages in one place.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Communicate does not replace current school communication tools but enhances the way in which schools will provide information to families. In most cases, information will still be provided on school websites, school newsletters, notices home and social media accounts, where applicable.<br> <br> For more information on how to create a School Messenger App account, opt-in to text messaging or join groups, please click here:&nbsp; </p>