Centennial Connection Sept 22, 2024

An update for families from Centennial Public School

Dear Centennial Families -

This has been a week of learning and laughter at Centennial with lots of activities throughout the school. We celebrated Dot Day on Monday and had many classes participate in off-property learning in the community and surrounding area. A huge shout out to the soccer teams who participated in tournaments and who represented Centennial well. Many thanks to Madame Wallis and Mr Cahill for volunteering their time to coach the students. Way to go Centennial!

We are all looking forward to the Meet & Greet and Barbecue on Wednesday. The school will be open starting at 4pm with classrooms open from 4-5pm and the barbecue taking place on the back tarmac from 5-6:30pm. Students cannot remain at school after dismissal and wait for parents/guardians to come at 4pm. Thank you for understanding that we need this time to prepare for the Meet & Greet and barbecue. Families are welcome to come any time to meet the staff. This is an opportunity for students to show their parents/guardians the classroom and school. If you would like to have a meeting with the teacher or educator team, please email your child's teacher or contact the school to schedule a meeting.

We had several fire drill practices this week and staff and students did a great job of reviewing procedures and exiting the building. Way to go! This coming week we will review the Lock Down and Hold and Secure procedures. As always, we practice these drills so that we are prepared although we hope we never have to use them.

On Friday we will participate in the Terry Fox event. We will start with an assembly at 2pm followed by either a community walk or fitness activities on the school yard. All donations are welcome!

The School Council is an important part of the school and all parents and guardians are encouraged to participate. The first meeting is on Monday September 23rd at 6:30pm in the gym. This is a great way to meet other parents, guardians and community members and to connect with a common purpose which is supporting student learning and achievement. There is more information below. Everyone welcome! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Are you looking for some part time employment? We have some positions we are looking to fill and welcome emails from those who are interested. A CPIC with vulnerable sector check is required. Please email or call the school for more information!

Have a great day! We are excited to see parents and guardians at School Council on Monday and all families on Wednesday! What a great week ahead!

-Deborah Thompson, Principal & the Centennial PS Team

PS - For those families interested, hot lunch begins this week. Order are due by NOON on Sunday. More details below!

Upcoming Dates

Monday September 23 - School Council at 6:30pm in the gym

Wednesday September 25 - Blue Marble workshop for Grade 5/6

Wednesday September 25 - Meet & Greet 4-5pm and Barbecue 5-6:30pm

Thursday September 26 - City Hall & Writers Fest trip for Grade 5, 5/6 and 6 classes

Friday September 27 - Terry Fox Event - 2pm

Monday September 30th - Truth & Reconciliation Day (Orange Shirt Day)

Thursday October 3 - Trip to Apple Orchard - Grade 1 and 1/2 classes

Thursday October 3 - Trip to Gould Lake - Gr 2/3 and 6

Thursday & Friday October 3 & 4 - Rosh Hashanah

Saturday October 5th - World Educators Day

Monday October 7th - Regional Bus Patroller Training - Centennial PS hosting

Wednesday October 8th - School Photo Day

Wednesday October 9th - Bus Safety Presentations

Wednesday October 9th - Indigenous Family Night (see info below)

Friday October 11th - PA Day (no school for students)

Saturday October 12th - Yom Kippur

Monday October 14th - Thanksgiving Day (no school for students)

Thursday October 17th - IEPs go home for students who have them

Wednesday October 23rd - Museum of Healthcare workshop

Thursday October 31st - Black & Orange Day

Friday November 1 - Diwali

Monday November 4 - Grade 5/6 Trip to Grand Theatre

Tuesday November 12 - Photo Retake Day & Class Photo Day

Friday November 15 - Progress Report Cards go home

Friday November 22 - PA Day - no school for students

School Council

It's that time of year! School Council elections for executive positions are coming up very soon! The first School Council Meeting of the 2024-2025 school year is on Monday September 23rd at 6:30pm in the gym. All parents/guardians are welcome!

Please use the link below to submit nominations. 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 11am on Monday September 23, 2024.

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, 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 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

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.

Fundraising Coordinator

Plans, manages fundraising activities of council. Works closely with treasurer and often works with a subcommittee.

Event Coordinator

Plans and organizes events for the school community. Often works with a subcommittee.

Other Possible Members

This could include Divisional Representatives, Inclusive Education Coordinator, Teacher Appreciation Coordinator, etc.

More information about School Councils can be found on the Limestone District School Board website at: https://www.limestone.on.ca/school-council

Everyone who is part of our Centennial family is welcome to attend any of our meetings this year. Meeting dates will be shared out after the September 23rd meeting.

Please use the nomination link here: https://forms.gle/fFfiPSt9iGhpiNvx8

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Agenda September 2024.pdf

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Looking for Occasional Staff

Are you looking to be a yard supervisor or occasional staff member at Centennial? We are looking for caring, dedicated occasional staff who have flexible schedules, a CPIC with vulnerable sector and an interest in supporting students. Please email cente@limestone.on.ca to learn more.

Indigenous Family Night

Indigenous Family Night - Wednesday, October 9, 2024

We invite Indigenous students and their families to join us in celebrating Fall and the Harvest

at our Indigenous Family Night. The event will take place on Wednesday, October 9th, from

5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Kingston East Community Centre, 779 Hwy 15, Kingston. Please see

the attached poster for more information. To RSVP, please send an email to Pat Vanderholst

at: vanderholstp@limestone.on.ca Transportation is available.

Martial Arts

Are you interested in participating in Tallack’s Martial Arts but funds are an issue? Let us know! We have scholarships available for several students.

Please email cente@limesotne.on.ca

Manie Musicale

Manie Musicale is Coming to Kingston!

This Sunday, September 22nd, during the Intercultural Festival at Confederation Park in Kingston, the Manie Musicale winner of 2023 LeFLOFRANCO will be performing at 5:45pm on the stage across from City Hall downtown.

Hot Lunch

Hot Lunch - Orders Due by Sunday Noon

Hot Lunch will begin the week of September 24th!

Once again this year we are using LunchBox to provide families with some options for hot lunch, should they wish to participate. Orders are due by NOON on Sunday for orders being delivered the following week.

Just a reminder that should buses be cancelled, hot lunches are also cancelled and credit will be provided to account.

To create an account and order hot lunches, use the guide below and linked here: Get The Guide

Data Verification Forms

Data Verification Forms were sent home with all students.

Please return as soon as possible, even if there are no changes!

Didn't get one or can't find it? Please call the school at we can send another one home. Having the correct information is very important. Thank you for your help!

Terry Fox

On Friday September 27th, Centennial PS will participate in the annyal Terry Fox event. Students will participate in on-property activities or a neighbourhood walk. Classroom staff will decide what activities the students in their class will participate in. We will start with a kick-off assembly in the gym, learning a little bit more about Terry Fox and the Marathon of Hope.

A notice will be going home to all families next week, and you can also view it linked below. We are encouraging online donations at: https://schools.terryfox.ca/67424

All online donations will receive a tax receipt sent directly to you. All donations will go to the Terry Fox Foundation in support of cancer research.

Thank you for donating as you are able!

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Terry Fox Event Notice updated 2024.pdf

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Parking!

Just a reminder that if you are bringing your child to school or picking up, that there is no parking on the north side of Norman Rogers Drive. Last week we were out reminding parents and guardians of this. Cars that are parked on the north side are subject to a ticket and we don't want you to get one! Please park on the south side of Norman Rogers to the east or west of the school. There is no parking in front of the school as that is a bus loading zone.

The parking lot is for staff only. Please do not drive into or through the parking lot. Walkers are encouraged not to walk through the parking lot, for safety reasons.

There are many places to park on neighbouring streets that only take a few moments to walk to the school from. Thank you for your help with this important safety matter.

Attendance Matters!

We will be working hard to promote regular attendance, at Centennial and all across the Limestone District School Board. We will be sharing information about how to set up healthy habits and we will be reaching out to families as attendance concerns arise. We want to work with you to promote regular attendance at school. If there is a way we can help you, please let us know!

Parking Zones

We have experienced significant growth in our school population, including staff. As such, we are kindly requesting that parents and guardians do not park in the school parking lot at any time during the hours of 8am and 4pm.. We have some part time staff who arrive at various times throughout the day and they need to be able to park and get into the school to begin teaching on time. Please note that there is one entrance and one exit to the parking lot to ensure safety and flow of traffic.

Please also do not park directly in front of the school as that is a bus loading zone. There are parking spaces available along Norman Rogers drive to the east and west of the school, and along a number of side streets close to the school.

Thank you for helping to ensure that students can arrive safely to school. There are crossing guards on both Johnson Street and Norman Rogers Drive to help families cross these busy road ways. We appreciate their hard work!

Recess

Students go outside for 2 recess breaks, and sometimes are outside with their class for various learning activities. Students are encouraged to wear sunscreen during the warmer months, and have a sun hat outdoors.

We go outside for recess rain or shine and as such, students should come to school prepared to go outside even if it is lightly raining. In the event of heavy rain we will remain indoors, but we try to be outside for recess whenever possible.

Nutrition Break & Lunches

Students have the opportunity to eat twice during the day at school. Lunches and snacks must be nut free please. This includes no peanut butter or nutella, or any kind of granola bar with nuts in it.

A reminder that Centennial participates in "Boomerang Lunch" which means that everything a child brings to school in their lunch bag, is returned home at the end of the day. In this way, parents/guardians can easily see what a child has or hasn't eaten in a day. Wrappers, containers, etc., will be sent home.

Insure My Kids

School Board Policy states that participation on school sports teams (both elementary and secondary) is conditional on obtaining at least the basic student accident insurance coverage for the student or proof of external private coverage through your family plan. The cost of basic coverage is approximately $17.00 per year. This covers the student while attending school during the school day. The time spent by students participating in school-sponsored teams is considered part of the school day, even if the games and/or practices are held outside of the regular school hours. It is recommended that all parents consider this program. Visit www.insuremykids.com to get this inexpensive and highly recommended insurance.

School Trips & Volunteers

Throughout the year, we may ask for parent/guardian volunteers on school trips or for various classroom and school activities. The wait time for obtaining a CPIC (background check with vulnerable sector screening) can be lengthy. As such, if you think you would be willing to assist with a trip or school event in the future, please consider obtaining a CPIC with vulnerable sector screening completed, beforehand.

Link to City of Kingston Police Check Request Here

Recess & Nutrition Breaks

Students will have 2 recesses and 2 nutrition breaks. Recess is outside on a particular yard (we will flip/flop the space each day so students in Grades 1-6 have the opportunity to play on both parts of the yard each day). All staff will be wearing safety vests so they are easily recognizable. Nutrition breaks happen in classrooms.

We have several students with life-threatening allergies. A reminder that our school is nut aware: please ensure that your child's snacks and lunch do not contain any nut products. Classroom teachers will communicate any additional food allergies that families will need to be aware of. Thank you for your support in keeping all of our students safe!

What Do I Need To Bring? What Should Stay At Home?

All school supplies that students need for their learning and work will be provided by Centennial Public School. Sometimes students prefer to have their own pencil case with pencils/markers, but it is not a requirement.

Students do need to come to school with:

- Indoor, non-marking athletic type of shoes

- Water bottle with child's name clearly marked (we have bottle filling stations, not fountains)

- Nut-free snacks and lunch

Please label all items!

Sometimes students want to bring items to school to show friends, or have things stored in backpacks that need to remain at home. This is just a reminder that students should not bring the following items to school:

- items of value (sentimental or monetary)

- any kind of weapon (for example, a Swiss Army knife)

- any kind of toy that could be a replica weapon (for example, a toy gun)

- electronics of any kind

- jewelry

- make-up

- anything scented

- anything with nuts (please ensure all lunches and snacks are nut-free)

- toys and stuffies

Thank you for keeping these items at home. Sometimes a quick check of a backpack can ensure that treasures do not come to school. Thank you for understanding that we are not responsible for lost, broken or stolen personal items.

Parent/Guardian Drop Off & Pick Up

Students are to come onto the school yard between 8:50am and 9:05am each morning. Families are reminded that they are not to arrive earlier than 8:50am as there is no supervision on the yard before that time. Parents/guardians who drive students must park on the street as there is no/limited parking in the school parking lot. Please note that there is no entrance on the west side of the school. That is for pedestrians only.

Student pick up happens at the exterior doors of the school at 3:25pm.

Indigenous Self-Identification

Please see the link below for more information and to self identify, if you wish.

https://ldsb.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9U2iaUl9GIFILb0

Oliver's Labels

Do you need a way to label your things that stay labelled? Do you need a way to show what's yours? Need a way to label your child's things so they don't get lost or mixed up? Support Centennial Public School Council by purchasing through the link. The school receives 20% of your purchase! All funds raised go to support School Council initiatives including student activities. Thank you!

http://www.oliverslabels.com/Centennial

E-Store

Want to look spiffy and show off your pride in being a Centennial PS Comet? Check out all of the clothing and accessories available at the Centennial Public School e-store at: https://specialtytrophies.ca/centennialps/

Safe Arrival - How Do I Report An Absence?

Please use the Safe Arrival system to report your child's absence; do not call the school to report an absence. If you child is going to be absent from learning, please ensure you use the Safe Arrival system to report the absence. If your child will be late, please report a full day absence and then we will sign them in when they arrive. You cannot indicate a half day absence.

How to report your absence:

1. Toll-free telephone

Call 1-855-257-9349 toll-free to report an absence using the automated phone system.

2. School Messenger App

Use your mobile device to download and install the free SchoolMessenger blue app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store, the SchoolMessenger website portal, or from within the LDSB mobile app.
The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
Select Attendance, then select Report an Absence and follow the prompts.

3. SchoolMessenger SafeArrival Website Portal

Visit the SchoolMessenger website portal.
The first time you use the app, you must select Sign Up to create your account. Please ensure you use the same email address your student’s school has on file. If you do not use that same email address, you will not be able to create an account, or may not be able to see the "Attendance" option. You may have already created an account when we introduced the Communicate broadcast system.
Select Attendance, then Report an Absence and follow the prompts.