Centennial Connection Sept. 1, 2024

Welcome to Centennial Public School! We are so excited to welcome students and families on Wednesday September 4th!

Staff have been busy throughout the summer preparing for the start of the school year. We now have 4 portable classrooms, affectionately known as the "cabins" and we have recently received occupancy permits for them. The library is still in the midst of some renovations as we have created an "annex" for small group instruction and learning. Centennial now has an Intensive Support Room for students with complex special needs who may require alternative programming. This change to the LDSB Special Education model means that students throughout the district can attend their home/community school and receive supports, rather than under the former model with specialized programs only in some schools. We have some new staff members joining the Centennial community. We have an excellent staff starting off the year and we can't wait to welcome everyone!

The LDSB engaged in a strategic planning process and consulted with and received feedback from many groups and organizations. An updated mission, vision and path forward has been finalized. For educators our intention is clear: To make a positive difference in the lives of every student, in every class, every day. Our plan is to do just that! We are excited to embark on this journey of learning with you as family partners this year. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher, or to me, at any time.

On Friday all families should have received an email indicating who your child's teacher will be to start the school year. If you did not receive an email or you forget who it is, just come to the school on Wednesday and staff will be available to assist you. All families will also receive communication from the homeroom teacher on Tuesday September 3rd. Watch for an email or a phone call!

On Wednesday, families who are walking to school should make their way to the tarmac area at the back of the school where staff will be waiting to welcome you. Teachers will have their names on sign posts at their entry/exit doors to make it easier for families to find them. If you are driving to school to drop off or pick up, please remember that there is no parking in the school lot or in front of the school on Norman Rogers Dr. Please park on side streets and walk over.

The Ministry of Education released a directive in the spring indicating a ban on cell phone use at school, as well as prohibiting smoking and vaping on school property. At Centennial, we have always had students place their electronics such as cell phones, into a lock box in the classroom, at the start of each day. The cell phone is then returned to students at the end of each day. Cell phones and electronics do not come out during the day or during nutrition break and recesses. We have ipads and chromebooks in classrooms for student learning. As well, smoking and vaping have never been allowed on school property, so this is also not a change in practice. Have any questions? Please feel free to ask!

If your child requires medication to be administered at school, please come to the main office through the front doors to bring the medication and appropriate forms to Ms Janet, Office Administrator.

We will be hosting a Welcome Barbecue and Open House on Wednesday September 25th. More details will be shared in the coming weeks! Please mark your calendars!

We hope you enjoy the holiday Monday with some family time together. Tuesday is a day of professional learning for all staff. Students start on Wednesday September 4th!

-Deborah Thompson, Principal & the Centennial PS Team

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!

On Wednesday morning all Centennial PS staff will be ready to welcome your child to school, wearing a bright orange vest so you can easily identify staff. If your child takes the bus to school, they will be met at Centennial by staff and be brought to the tarmac area to meet their classroom teacher. If you are walking your child to school and they are in Grades 1-6, please go around to the back of the school where each classroom teacher will have a sign with their name, at the approximate location of their entry/exit door. This will be the same location where you will pick up your child at the end of the day. Kindergarten families walking their child should drop off at the Kindergarten yard at the front of the school. There will likely be lots of students and families and staff on the yard. If the bell rings, we will stay outside until all students have been connected with their class and teacher. Not to worry! If you are late coming to school, please come to the front doors of the school. If you are driving to school, please find parking in the neighborhood as there is no guest parking in the school parking lot. Thank you for your understanding.

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!

All students have been placed into a tentative classroom organization. All classes and staffing are tentative until at least the second week of September. This means that the class and teacher your child starts out with on the first day of school may not be the same class/teacher in mid September. We are hoping that we will not have to reorganize this year; however, it is dependent on enrollment and we must ensure we are within the Ministry of Education guidelines and regulations for class size.

Should there be reorganization of staff and students, information will be shared with families. Classes and staff changes take place based on actual enrollment, which is sometimes different from the projected enrollment that staffing is based on in the spring. Student and family moves impact how many students are at Centennial. We will do our best to minimize disruption to student learning and will take direction from the LDSB should changes be required. Changes may be needed if classes are too small or too large, based on Ministry of Education class size requirements, which are mandated from the province.

Once school starts, class numbers will be reviewed by a central committee of the LDSB to determine what, if any, changes need to be made. Any reorganization will happen after the second week of school.

Thanks to all Centennial students and families, in advance, for your understanding and flexibility as we determine class sizes and placements. Please note that should changes be made, they will happen around the 3rd week of September and all families will receive communication about this.

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!

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

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

Early Childhood Educators

Michelle Aylesworth

Ghina El Haj

Leanne Sharpe

Educational Assistants

Sandra Burton

Trish Zuber

Jackie Ellerbeck

Jessica Hachey (on leave)

Chris Rayner

Christine Talisse

Emily Quehl

Lindsay Hope

Sally Moscrop

Emily Faria

Rikki Wieczorek

Nutrition Break & Supervision Support

Randalyn Cleveland

Katrin Wodraszka

Custodial & Office Staff

Head Caretaker, Donny Garrison

Evening Caretaker, Brett Sauve

Janet MacWhirter, Office Administrator

Teachers

Jennifer Lalonde - JK/SK

Shelley Farndon - JK/SK

Kristin Mennie - JK/SK

Tara Murphy - Gr 1

Courtney Evans - Gr 1

Emma Funnell-Kononuk - Gr 1/2

Judy Beardall - Gr 2

Steven Tiffany - Gr 2/3

Eddy Travers - Gr 3

Nancy Rosser - Gr 3/4

Catherine Byers - Gr 4

Ashley Natalizio - Gr 4/5

Keith Cahill - Grade 5

Michelle Girard - Gr 5/6

Marcus Darwell - Gr 6

Tiffany Christian - Intensive Support Teacher

Anna Schukei - Student Support Teacher

Brooke MacKinnon - Student Support Teacher (Early Primary)

Brigitte Carierre - FSL (on leave)

Sarah Hogan - FSL (long term occasional teacher)

Tracy Wallis - FSL

Danika Churchill - FSL & Planning

Katie Pollitt - Planning

Fred Zeltser - Planning

Laura Blackburn - English Language Learner Teacher

Emily Landon - Student Support Counsellor

Deborah Thompson - Principal

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/

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.

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