Centennial Connection Sept. 15, 24

Dear Centennial Families -

We continue to enjoy the beautiful weather as we engage in lots of learning at Centennial. Already we have had field trips and off property learning and classes are taking advantage of the outdoor learning spaces at Centennial and in the community - we love the parks and green spaces!

This past week students came home with a Data Verification Form. It is very important that these are returned so that we have correct contact/emergency information, and to have the permissions correct on the back side of the form. If you didn't get the form or need another one, please contact the school and we can re-send.

Over the next 2 weeks we will be practising emergency preparedness by practicing fire drill procedures and lock down procedures. These drills take place to prepare students and we engage in discussion age-appropriate ways. We do these drills so that we know what to do, although we hope never to need them. Being prepared helps everyone to be calm and ready!

Hot Lunch will begin the week of September 23rd. More information is below, including how to set up a LunchBox account. As a reminder, all orders are done online through LunchBox and can be placed in advance. Orders are due by noon on Sunday for the following week. Hot lunch is an opportunity for families who may wish to participate - there is no obligation or expectation to do so. Feedback from families has been that they appreciate the option and that families can participate as they wish to. Please see below for how to set up an account. The money that is raised through the hot lunch program is used to provide opportunities for students during the year. For example, this could include things like school-wide performances or individual class workshops.

We are looking forward to meeting families at the Meet & Greet on Wednesday September 25th. Classrooms will be open from 4pm-5pm for families to drop by and meet the staff. Please note that this is an opportunity to meet and greet and for your child to show you their learning space. This is not a parent-teacher meeting to discuss a child's progress. Any parent/guardian wishing a meeting is welcome to schedule one with the teacher or educator team. The Meet & Greet is an opportunity for all families to see the school and classrooms and to meet the staff. There will be a barbecue from 5pm-6:30pm on the tarmac, sponsored by the Lakeshore West Lions Club. This is a cash only event. Families can purchase tickets for hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks. Prices range from $2-$3 each. Halal options available! See below for more information.

The School Council is a great way for parents and guardians to learn more about the school and to get involved! The first meeting is September 23rd at 6:30pm in the gym. All are welcome! More details below.

The weather looks like it will continue to be hot and sunny! A reminder that students should come prepared for both indoor and outdoor learning - a water bottle, non-marking indoor shoes (cleats cannot be worn inside please), a sunhat and sunscreen are helpful.

Good luck to the Boys and Open Soccer teams who will be competing this week at John Machin Field. There are many enthusiastic athletes who are ready to represent Centennial. Huge thanks to volunteer coaches Mr Cahill and Madame Wallis! Good luck to all!

Have a wonderful weekend ahead! We are excited for another week of learning at Centennial!

-Deborah Thompson, Principal & the Centennial PS Team

Week of September 16 to 20 - Fire Drill & Emergency Readiness Week

Monday September 16 - Dot Day (wear polka dots if you wish)

Monday Septmeber 16 - Boys Soccer Tournament

Thursday September 19 - Karate starts at AM break for those who signed up

Thursday September 19 - Open Team Soccer Tournament

Week of September 24-28 - Lock Down Practice & Emergency Readiness Week

Monday September 23rd - School Council Meeting at 6:30pm

Tuesday September 24th - Hot Lunch starts today

Wednesday September 25th - Open House 4-5pm and Barbecue 5-6:30pm

Thursday September 26th - Grade 5 and 5/6 trip to Writer's Fest and City Hall

Friday September 27th - Terry Fox School Day

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

Thursday & Friday October 3 & 4 - Rosh Hashanah

Saturday October 5th - World Educators Day

Tuesday October 8th - School Photo Day

Wednesday October 9th - Bus Safety Presentations

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

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.

Hot Lunch - Orders Due by Sunday Noon

Hot Lunch will beging 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 were sent home with all students last week.

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!

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.

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

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

if your child rides the bus, Tri-board should have sent confirmation of your child's route. If you were on a bus last year at the end of the year, you are set up for busing this year. You can also sign up for bus status alert emails at the Tri-board website to ensure you are notified of any late runs or cancelled routes.

If you are new to Centennial Public School and require transportation, you will need to fill out the bus form at https://triboard.ca

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!

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.

Daily Schedule:

8:50-9:05am – Supervision on yard

9:05-10:45am – 100 minute block

10:45-11:25am – Recess & Nutrition Break

11:25-1:05pm – 100 minute block

1:05-1:45pm – Recess & Nutrition Break

1:45-3:25pm – 100 minute block

The school office is open from 8am - 4pm

Phones are answered throughout the day; however, there are times when you may have to leave a message and your call will be returned.

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.

he Ministry of Education has approved the Limestone District School Board’s 2024-2025 School Year Calendar.

Board and statutory holidays

Labour Day: Monday, September 2, 2024
Thanksgiving Day: Monday, October 14, 2024
Winter Break: Monday, December 23, 2024 to Friday, January 3, 2025
Family Day: Monday, February 17, 2025
Spring Break: Monday, March 10, 2025 to Friday, March 14, 2025
Good Friday: Friday, April 18, 2025
Easter Monday: Monday, April 21, 2025
Victoria Day: Monday, May 19, 2025

Professional Activity (P.A. Days)

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Friday, October 11, 2024
Friday, November 22, 2024
Friday, January 31, 2025
Monday, March 31, 2025
Friday, May 30, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025

This message is intended for the families of students with prevalent medical conditions where documentation is needed by the school:

Parents/guardians of students with known medical plans of care will receive a package with a medical plan of care to update during the first week of school. These need to be updated and returned as soon as possible.

If you are new to the school, or do not receive the package, to help us gather important medical information about your child, we ask that you select the correct Plan of Care form below, complete it and return it to the school as soon as possible. If you require us to administer daily medication, you will also need to complete the necessary paperwork for us to be able to do this. Completed forms can be faxed to 613.546.9228 or scanned and emailed to cente@limestone.on.ca

Daily medication will need to be dropped off by a parent/caregiver at the school and will be stored at the office. Students can not carry medications in their backpack, at any time. You may drop of labelled medication this week, or on the first day of school.

**Be sure to also include the supplementary forms if medication may need to be administered by school staff.

Health and safety of our kids is our first priority. Thank you for helping us stay informed on your child's medical conditions and Plan of Care.

Click below for necessary supplementary forms needed including the ones below. Need more information or help? Check out the LDSB website for more details: https://www.limestone.on.ca/medical-procedures

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

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

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

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/

Stay Up To Date! Please check the following regularly...

Centennial PS Twitter https://twitter.com/centennial_ldsb?lang=en

Centennial PS Website https://centennial.limestone.on.ca/

LDSB Website https://www.limestone.on.ca/

LDSB Twitter https://twitter.com/LimestoneDSB

LDSB Facebook https://tinyurl.com/wbhjtku

LDSB Instagram https://instagram.com/limestonedsb?igshid=1epyma6c0g5qd

"We treat others the way we want to be treated"

"Show Up! Stand Up! Never Give Up!"

Email: cente@limestone.on.ca
Website: https://centennial.limestone.on.ca
Location: 120 Norman Rogers Dr, Kingston, ON K7M 2R2
Phone: 613.546.5517
Twitter: @Centennial_LDSB