Centennial Connection Dec 15, 2024

An update for families from Centennial Public School

Dear Centennial PS Families -

Please take a look at the Spirit Days for the upcoming week below designed to promote Centennial smiles and school pride.

Snow days are back as many families are aware. On these days, the school remains open, but parents need to arrange drop-off and pick-up. A reminder that students should be dressing for the weather. If you need any help with winter attire, please contact the school at cente@limestone.on.ca

Our school community has experienced a spike in student illness over the last couple of weeks. This often happens at this time of year. A reminder from Public Health that when students have symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, that they need to remain at home for 48 hours after symptoms have stopped. For example, if a student is sick to their stomach at noon on a Monday and is sent home, and then is sick again that evening at home, they can return to school on Thursday. Thank you for your support in adhering to Public Health information. When students are away, please ensure that their absence is recorded using the School Messenger App or by using the toll-free number. Need help with this? Scroll down this newsletter for information and a short video about how to use School Messenger to record student absences and lates.

If you pick up your student during the academic day, could we ask that you kindly avoid recess times (see information below for our school hours) as it creates longer waits for families when students are on the yard. Also, if a dismissal plan changes for your student, such as not taking the bus etc., please call the office prior to 2:30pm to allow time for the message to be given to your student’s teacher before the end of day. For pick-ups between 3:10pm and 3:25pm, please wait on the yard, as students are already enroute. Dismissal is at 3:25pm in either the kindergarten yard out front, or the back yard for older students.

We wish all families a wonderful weekend!

-Mark Ryan, Acting Principal & the Centennial PS Team

A Message from Mrs Thompson

Dear Centennial Families -

As you know I am currenly on a medical leave as I had surgery last week. It went well and although I am sore, I have had excellent care and I am recovering well. Thank you so much for the kind good wishes I have received from so many of you. I really appreciate it. I also really appreciate the great work that Mr Ryan and all of the staff are continuing to do at Centennial.

It is with sadness that I also share with you that I will not be returning to Centennial in the new year. I am being transferred to another school for January, and while I have no doubt that there are wonderful children and families and staff in all LDSB schools, it does feel like my time at Centennial was short. I have absolutely loved the last 2 and a half years I have been a part of this terrific community. Thank you for the warm welcome I received on my very first day, and for sharing your amazing children. While I wish I could say good bye in person, please know that my heart is full with the wonderful memories and experiences I have had at Centennial. The new principal will start in Term 2 and I am sure that she will love Centennial as much as I do.

Thank you for your generous and ongoing support of the school. I wish all families a happy and restful school holiday break coming up, and that the new year will be filled with new adventures and excitement. I will miss you greatly.

Sincerely,

-Deborah Thompson

School Council Facebook Page

Families interested in following the hard work of our School Council, please follow the link to their Facebook Page.

Daily Schedule at Centennial PS

8:50-9:05am - Supervision on yard

9:05-10:45am – 100 minute block of learning

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

11:25-1:05pm – 100 minute block of learning

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

1:45-3:25pm – 100 minute block of learning

3:25pm - Dismissal

Upcoming Dates

Monday, Dec 16th, Brain Reach Natalizio Class (1:45/2:00 until 3:00)

Tuesday, Dec 17 - Gary Raspberry visiting some classes

Tuesday, December 17 - Mr. Cahill to Kingsdale Chateau retirement home to sing for residents

Thursday, December 19 - Kindergarten Holiday Celebration for Farndon/Aylesworth class

Friday, Dec 20th - Mr. Tiffany's In-class musical/poetry performance (2-3pm)

Holiday Break is December 23 to January 3. Return to school is Monday, January 6, 2025.

Spirit Week December - 16th-December 20th

Choices at Seven

The Limestone District School Board's Choices at 7 programs offer opportunities for students entering Grade 7 to participate in a variety of unique learning environments. Depending on the availability of places in the programs, students currently in Grade 7 may also apply to join a program for their Grade 8 year. The Choices at 7 Programs that are offered include:

ATLAS (Applying Technology for Learning, Aptitude and Success)

Challenge (Gifted and Academic Enrichment Program)

LEAP (Limestone Education through the Arts Program)

Extended French Immersion Program

For detailed information about any of the Choices at 7 programs, please go to the Choices at 7 website

Application Process:

The application form for the ATLAS Program, the Challenge Program, LEAP, and Extended French Immersion for September 2025 will be open from December 13, 2024 until January 13, 2025. Application information and links are available on the Choices at 7 website.

Open Houses:

ATLAS, Challenge and LEAP Choices at 7 Program Open House, Calvin Park Public School

December 10, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Ernestown SS Grade 7/8 Challenge Program Open House

December 11, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Loughborough Public School Challenge Program Open House

December 12, 2024 at 6:00 pm

Please continue to check the Choices at 7 website for the Open House dates for the Extended French Immersion Programs at Harrowsmith PS, Module de l’Acadie, and Module Vanier.

Jingle Bell Food Drive & Walk, Run or Wheel!

On Friday, December 6th we celebrated a chilly Jingle Bell Food Drive. Students Walked, Ran and Wheeled! The students enjoyed walking around the neighborhood or engaged in activities on the school yard, wearing bells and jingling all the way. Through December 18th, we will continue to collect new, canned or sealed, pre-packaged, food items that will be donated to families in our community. Please double check the expiry date on all donations to ensure that items are not past the best before date for consumption. Thank you for supporting this cause if you are able.

Please send in non-perishable food items if you are able!

Check out the literacy ideas that you can try at home!

Please see information from FCCC, the Before & After Program provider, below

Frontenac County Childcare Centre

Before and After School Permanent Position at Centennial P.S.

Our program currently consists of one educator to 15 school age children ages kindergarten to grade 6. We are exploring the possibility of expanding our program by adding a Kindergarten Extended Day Program.

A before and after school educator is required to offer children a program that includes plenty of outdoor time, a variety of engaging experiences and activities, and a program that focuses on the children's interests. Educators must have the ability to build positive relationships with the children and families and have good open communication skills.

The position hours are 7:30-9am and 3:30-5:30pm

The work hours are 3.5 hours per day Monday- Friday.

Rate of pay: $25-27 per hour

Qualifications:

We are seeking highly motivated RECE, Child and Youth Workers, OTC, Recreation and Leisure, Social Service Worker or equivalent. Must have a good work ethic and be eager to be a co-learner with the children.

Additional Requirements: Current Standard First Aid and CPR level C with AED, current WHMIS and CPIC

Please send your resume to pa@frontccc.ca

Should I Bring That to School?

Families are reminded that items of value (monetary and sentimental) are to be left at home. As well, toys, costumes, masks, anything that could be used as a weapon, make up and anything scented should not be coming to school. Thank you for your help with this!

When to stay home?

Click Here for a list of KFL&A exclusions. As a reminder, children should stay home until they have no fever and their symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours (or 48 hours if they have gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and/or diarrhea). Once symptoms start improving, they are encouraged to return to school, if they are well enough to do so.

Click Here for Great Math Ideas for Families!

Hot Lunch

Hot Lunch - Orders Due by Sunday Noon

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

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.

To get a Vulnerable Sector Check you may be required to provide a letter from the school indicating that you will be volunteering. We can send this to you! Just email us at cente@limestone.on.ca and we are happy to provide you with the letter.

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.