Central News
September 15th, 2024
First week...
Dear Families,
What a fantastic start to our year! It was wonderful to see all of the new and returning faces, establish routines, build friendships and dive into learning!
We are looking forward to continuing to get to know students and families as we are out on the yard at arrival and dismissal times. Please say hello!
Re-organization
The reorganization process occurs every September. Using enrolment projections and existing student registrations, the board projects enrolment at each school and grade level in June. Classes are then organized according to these numbers.
A reorganization is usually required once school starts to deal with changes to enrollment. This might be the addition of students who have recently moved to the area, or between schools, or the removal of students who have left the area. Changes may be needed if classes are too small or too large, based on Ministry of Education class size requirements, which are mandated by the province. We will do our best to minimize disruption to student learning and will take direction from the LDSB should changes be required.
We understand that changes to your child(ren)’s class may be upsetting, and we thank you for your patience and understanding. You will be informed directly later this week if your child's class will change. As a team, we will work together to make changes, while keeping learning, friendships, and personalities in mind.
Looking forward to continuing to meet with families over the coming weeks,
Kind regards,
Mrs. H. Barrett & Mx. Allport
Looking ahead
Tuesday, 10th September - Whole school assembly
Friday, September 13 - Reorganization Day
Sept 13 - DOT Day
Sept. 19- Open House 3:45-5 pm
Sept. 27- Terry Fox Walk
Sept. 30- Orange Shirt Day, National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
Oct 2-4 -Rosh Hashanah
Oct 11-12 Yom Kipper
Oct 11 -P.A. Day (No School for students)
Oct 14 -Thanksgiving Holiday
Drop-Off & Pick Up Information
Supervision at the school begins at 8:45 in the morning. Please do not drop off your student until that time. Drop off will continue to occur at the large gate at the North end of the building. Pick up/Drop-off for Kindergarten occurs at the Kindergarten gate. The front area of the school is kept for bus students to disembark safely.
Running Club/Cross Country
Practices started this week for grade 2-8. There was an information meeting and sign-up opportunity for students who wish to participate last week. We will be holding 2 practices weekly until the beginning of October. These will take place at Skeleton Park before school on Tues/Thurs. This will also serve as training for the Cross-Country Meet on October 9, with those who qualify for the finals on October 17. We run for fitness and fun as well as competition. Our Goal is to become better runners. Our grade 2's run for fun and to gain experience with technique in preparation for next year.
If your student demonstrates the ability and desire to enter the board cross-country meets, more information will be sent home via SchoolDay in a few weeks. It is a quick season and students need to show determination, dedication and enthusiasm.
A huge thank you to Ms. Shelley & Ms. Sheriff.
Cross-Country distances:
Grade 3-4-1.8 km
Grade 5-8. 2.5 km
Open House
Save the Date!
On September 19th, we will be having an Open House between 3:45 - 5:00pm.
Families are welcome to come to tour the school at that time, see your child's classroom and meet their teacher. We hope to see you there.
Medical Plans of Care
If your student requires a medical plan (i.e., Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Diabetes, etc.) or is required to take medication at school, please return the paperwork shared earlier this week to ensure your child is safe and that we are aware of prevalent medical conditions.
Information Sharing
Classroom teachers regularly communicate what is happening in their classrooms, In addition, regular newsletter will be shared with families that will include information about the weeksg with other information about upcoming events, our School Council, volunteer opportunities and more. However, LDSB also has a range of other communication tools to help you stay informed.
To help users become more familiar with these new tools, please refer to these user guides:
- Set up a SchoolMessenger App account: set up your account, review your contact information and communication preferences, join teacher-instant messaging groups, and view all your alerts and messages in one place. -Video Tutorial
- Report a student absence: set up your account, report and explain student absences in advance. - Video tutorial
- Use the Communicate broadcast tool: choose how you will receive alerts including how to opt-in for text messaging. - Video tutorial
- Use the Board mobile app: how to choose your schools, see your messages and report and review student absences. - Video tutorial
Central School Advisory Council Needs YOU!
It's that time of year! School Advisory Council (Parent Council) elections for Executive Positions are coming up very soon! The first Parent Council Meeting of the 2024-2025 school year is on Monday, September 23rd at 5:30 pm and elections will take place at the same time. The elections and meeting will take place in our staff room.
Nominations are anonymous and you can nominate yourself or someone else for a position. If you are nominating someone, please ensure they are up for the position and have agreed to your nomination. The person you nominate must be available to be present at the meeting. Your nomination does not count as a vote; you must be present to vote. Nominations are due by 12:00 noon on Monday, September 23rd.
Positions for election are:
Chair
Represents, works with and provides support to all school community and council committee chairs. This person works closely with the school principal and VP, school staff and parents to enrich the education of all students. Additionally, they preside over and conduct monthly council meetings, set agendas and schedule meetings (in consultation with the VP/Principal). The chair promotes discussion amongst council members and the community, receives and reports on correspondence sent and received by council. Acts as coordinator between the school board and council. Receives documentation from board and keeps council advised of board decisions, activities etc. Supports programs, initiatives and activities led by other council members and contributes to the monthly council newsletter.
Vice Chair/Co-chair
Presides at meetings in the absence of the chair or upon the incumbent’s inability to serve. Responsible for overseeing all sponsored events and programs.
Treasurer
Works with the council and coordinators in developing an operating budget, keeps a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures and serves as the liaison with the Board of Education. Additional responsibilities include depositing/disbursing funds on behalf of the council, the preparation of monthly financial statements, and the preparation & filing of all necessary financial reports.
Secretary
Attends scheduled council meetings, records, maintains and distributes minutes of meetings, keeps non-financial records of council.
Indigenous Representative
This is a newer position with the SAC and will evolve and grow organically.
Member at Large (Divisional reps)
Attends meetings and participates in many aspects of council activities, as prescribed by council. Voting member. Kindergarten, Primary, Junior positions available.
Fundraising Coordinator
Plans, manages fundraising activities of council. Works closely with the treasurer.
Everyone who is part of our Central School family is welcome to attend any of our meetings this year. Meeting dates will be shared out after our Sept. 23rd meeting.
We look forward to hearing your voice!
Indigenous Self-Identification
The Limestone District School Board (LDSB) invites students to voluntarily and confidentially self-identify as Indigenous. Elementary and secondary students with First Nations, Métis, and/or Inuit ancestry can self-identify.
School board self-identification is based on any degree of Indigenous ancestry (Status, Non-Status, Métis citizenship, etc.). Self-identification can be withdrawn at any time. LDSB, in accordance with the Ministry of Education, Ontario, does not require proof of identity to self-identify.
