The Rideau Report
Newsletter April 2024
Will there be April showers or days of sunshine?
Bonjour Rideau Families,
March went by in a flash. The days and weeks are flying by, but we have to stop and take a moment to enjoy the present, just like this beautiful sunny afternoon. I hope you have taken time with your family during this long weekend.
There have been staff changes at the school, mostly in kindergarten, so a little update might be in order. Mme Hickey has left at March break and M. VanKoughnett joined us as planned. Mme Hunter will be starting a new position on April 8 and M. Nolan is coming back to Rideau. Mme Bruce is on leave and Mme Levine is in her class. Mlle Sveinson will be returning gradually after April 8, but Mme Insley will stay to support a smooth transition. In grade 2/3, Mme Loiselle has been back since March break.
Please see below a poster explaining what to do in case your child is being sextorted. Although this mostly affects teenagers, you might have children that age or know of youngsters at risk. This is an unfortunate trend, and those children need our hep and support.
I am pleased to announce that Mme Gemma will be back for another series of BRAVE workshops on April 10. This time they will focus on navigating friendships and will be addressed to grade 2 and grade 3 girls who often have difficulty sharing friends and knowing what to do when not everyone wants to play the same thing. There will also be a BRAVE session for parents on April 16 at 6:30 in the gym. This is great for any parents, but a special invitation goes to those who have children in grade 2 and 3.
Kinder registrations are going strong, we already have 50 new JKs for next year. If you have started your registration, please complete it. If you know of friends whose child was born in 2020, let them know the registration site is open. If your child requires special needs, please reach out so we can schedule a transition meeting. We are all excited to see our new students on April 17.
Kindergarten Open House will be on April 17 at 4:00 in the gym. This will be the occasion for children to experience the kindergarten class with educators and for parents to receive information on the program and what school life is like. There will be an opportunity to discuss with staff and to ask questions. If you have not yet filled out or signed all the paperwork, you will be able to do that as well. A bus will be available for a little tour around the block at the end of the visit.
Yearbook update - We have now received permission from the board to continue working on the yearbook. This means parents will be able to purchase it later on in the spring. I will share this information when I receive it. If you do not wish for your child to appear in the yearbook, please let me know as soon as possible.
Grade 6 students will receive a composite picture of their grad photos. Grad pictures retakes will be April 23.
There is a need for volunteers to help with the food prep. It requires a few hours per week to cut and package vegetables that we place in the snack bins for students. If you can spare a few hours, please reach out.
Public Health will start sending out letters if your child is behind in their Immunization. Please know that this has nothing to do with the school. We cannot forward your immunization records to Public Health and we are not deciding who gets suspended. This is entirely ran by Public Health. If you receive such letter, please forward your immunization records directly to them as per the instructions in the letter.
As most of you know, Kingston will be the perfect place to observe the full Eclipse on April 8. The school will be sending out goggles and a letter with instructions this week so that every child has the protection necessary to enjoy this one in a lifetime event safely.
On May 11, we will host another Clothes and Toys sale at the school. Please see the posters below and the information regarding this event.
Upcoming
April 2 - Bucket Drumming presentation for students
April 2-5 Goggles and information for eclipse will go home
April 3 - Parent Council Meeting
April 5 - Wear your Rideau colours
April 8 PA Day
April 10 - BRAVE workshop for grade 2 and 3 girls, Math contest for selected students
April 12 - In-school Chess Tournament
April 15-19 Potential bake sale
April 16 - BRAVE workshop for parents at 6:30
April 17 - Kindergarten Open House at 4:00
April 23 - Grad pictures retakes
April 26 - Rideau Express Yourself (Your Style Fashion) Spirit Day
This list does not include all the field trips planned for April. Our students will be busy with learning both in and outside of the classroom. Children are not the only ones learning at Rideau. On April 8, the PA Day, staff will dive into math pedagogy to better reach students in that field and improve learning.
Have a wonderful week!
Valerie Arsenault
Principal
Parent Council
Next meeting -> April 3 at 6:30 in the staff room.
Baby sitting available
Our Website page has information about parent council as well as previous meeting minutes when they become available.
Chair - Jim Jodoin (jjodoin1@hotmail.ca)
Co-Chair - Sarah Phinney (tierney_sarah@hotmail.com)
Second Hand Clothing Swap
Rideau is hosting a second hand clothing swap to help keep items circulating locally in the Kingston community. Good for your wallet, good for the planet! See info, posters, and links below for details!
DONATE
May 9-10, 8:30am-4:30pm
Clean clothing (sz 0-14), Books, and Tiny toys (smaller than your fist)
Drop off donations @ Rideau Public School (look for signs near Toronto St entrance)
SHOP
May 11, 8am-1pm
All sales are pay what you can. All $$ goes to the school
Pre-loved kids clothing 0-14 & Book
Rideau Public School Gym
Open to everyone, help us spread the word in the Kingston Community!
Volunteer: We need help! Come for a "power hour" of sorting on Friday May 10th before (2:30-3:30) or after (3:30-4:30) school pick up. Find us in the gym! Hot tip: The kids who came to help last year had a great time, bring your kids so they can be a part of this event that supports our community and the environment. We will be there 2-8pm so come anytime, even just for a 15 minutes! Many hands make light work. May 11th: Swing by the school at 2pm to pick up a few boxes of leftover items to donation locations
Yard Sale: IF the weather cooperates and we can get volunteers, we will also host a yard sale outside (Saturday May 11) for items not included in the clothing sale (larger toys, household items, furniture, sporting goods, etc). Stay tuned for more details and book the date if you are able to help set up, supervise, and/or clear up after the sale and drive leftover items to thrift shops (1pm)
Receiving communication
Rideau Public School
Email: ridea@limestone.on.ca
Website: https://rideaupublicschool.limestone.on.ca/
Location: 9 Dundas Street, Kingston, ON, Canada
Phone: (613) 546-5901
Twitter: @RideauPS_LDSB