Welcome to all of our returning families and the new members of the Knights community,

The last two weeks have flown by and we feel so fortunate to work within a wonderful community. As administrators we have the pleasure of meeting all new members of our community and visiting all classrooms for welcome back and school climate messaging. We have encouraged students that if they ever have any questions about anything to never hesitate in asking for help and/or support.

This term we welcome new staff members, Ms. Donatelli, Niky Maxwell, Angela Davy and Linda Hahn to the 7/8 team and we welcomed back Ms. McFarlane and Mr. Morris. On the secondary side of things we have welcomed Kelsey Scrannage, Andrea Ata, and Melissa Miller. We were able to welcome back Mr. Alberto, Mr. Bonsall, Ms. Hendry, Ms. Marshall and Gauge Roberts.

This week we had picture day for all staff and students on Wednesday. If your child was away there is a retake opportunity on Monday October 7th.

For those new to the Knights community, a newsletter will be sent out every other week with updates and information. We will highlight any changes in our messaging; experiential learning and other opportunities for students; key dates; information about fundraising efforts (such as FundScrip); upcoming events for parents and guardians such as the upcoming school (parent/guardian) council meeting including elections.

We look forward to another fabulous year working with the students, staff and families of La Salle,

Jen, Mike, & Kirsti

Message from School Council - Meeting and Elections September 24, 6:30 p.m.

Welcome to La Salle! The School Advisory Council (SAC) consists of parents/guardians that gather quarterly to collaborate, participate and contribute to the education of students in our school. Education is a partnership and we invite you to be involved. Our first meeting of the 2024-25 school year will be on Tuesday, Sept. 24th at 6:30 pm at La Salle in Student Services. The focus of our meetings is information sharing and discussion.

La Salle SAC attendees usually consist the principal, a staff representative (VP), parent/guardians, and other school representatives (student/ staff) as they are able. The meetings are typically an hour in length and we have prioritized in-person meetings where possible. Elections are held within the first month of school. Our conversations usually highlight our student achievements, equity, and well-being. Meeting dates are posted on La Salle website home page and through our school newsletter. Please visit the link: https://lasalle.limestone.on.ca/

SAC positions available include the following:

Chair

Secretary

Indigenous Family Representative

Parent Involvement (PIC) Representative

If you are interested in one of these positions, please email our Principal, Jen Grasse, at grassej@limestone.on.ca. Your SAC looks forward to seeing you at our first meeting on Sept. 24th at 6:30 pm.

Much appreciation to this team for their volunteer time in supporting our school!

Between student and staff voice, as well as board and ministry policy, there are expectations put in place to ensure schools are a safe place for all and that class time is valued for academic learning. As a school, we will continue to reinforce our cell phone policy (see the chart below). In grade 7/8 classes cell phones should be away in lockers. At the secondary level, classroom teachers are to set out clear expectations at the start of the term and be consistent throughout the semester. All classes are equipped with cell phone hotels as phones are to be away unless the teacher has asked for them to be pulled out for instructional and/or research purposes.

Congregating in washrooms is not allowed, and vaping is banned anywhere on or within 20 metres of school property. Students may be subject to disciplinary action and parents and guardians will be notified and public health may apply fines of $305. You might be wondering about vape detectors, as per the ministry release of the PPM 128 in May; we will provide updates as we receive further direction from the school board and ministry. Please let your child(ren) know that staff will continue their supervision roles by being in and out of washroom common spaces as required.

The Human Rights reporting tool poster as (see graphic) is posted in our halls and classrooms. When someone has experienced or witnessed rights violations, we encourage them to report to a trusted adult and/or complete the reporting tool by scanning the QR code. We will continue to ensure our school is a safe place to be for everyone. Slurs and epithets are not acceptable. Discrimination, bullying including verbal, social, physical or cyber as well as symbols of hate are in violation of the Human Rights code. If you or your child have questions or concerns please reach out to us.

Our school climate goal is to ensure a safe space that encourages respectful interactions.

In the age of digital technology and tools, and time-pressure in busy lives, students sometimes submit information that is not representative of their own thinking and growth by using the AI tools such as Grammarly, ChatGPT and many others. Staff will continue to educate students on classroom expectations for assessments. Student attendance and completion of formative work is crucial - it allows students to receive feedback, ask questions, advance their learning, and prevents them from feeling that they have 'run out of time' and 'need' to take a shortcut. Ms. Cubitt, our librarian, is working with other schools to develop resources and possible workshops regarding academic integrity and proper citation as another means to help support students in an ever changing climate of learning and assessment. If you or your child are ever unclear of the expectations please reach out. Below is one of the tools we use in the office to help educate as well as the board's current academic integrity chart.

Students collaborating on math problem solving in Ms. Donatelli's class with mystery boxes.

Grade 9 and 10 science students put the scientific process into practice creating ice cream as part of their learning journey.

Lego meets math in the wood shop! This excellent cross curricular lesson happened in Mr. Conboy's woodshop.

Last school year, with the leadership and support of Ms. McEwen, Ms. Rymal and Mr. Conboy, senior students undertook a project for École Maple Elementary School. The installations are complete and look amazing!

Friday and Saturday, the senior girls basketball team hosted the Taylor Allan Tournament, in memory of Taylor who passed away in 2008 due to a heart condition. The tournament continues to pull female athletes together to play a game she loved and to raise awareness of cardiac conditions.

The Knights first black and gold spirit day was Friday. For events like this and so many more please follow La Salle Black Knights on Instagram.

Under the Lights Football Fundraiser is back October 10th! The event features a double-header football game, an epic match up between the Knights and Sydenham Golden Eagles. Please consider bringing cash for a voluntary contribution at the gate as well as to purchase 50/50 tickets and dinner at the canteen. Hope to see you and your family there!

This note is to advise that a Service Dog will be attending La Salle Intermediate with a student in order to accommodate the student’s needs pursuant to the Human Right Code. (The Service Dog is trained to provide service in a manner that does not disrupt the learning environment for others and is identifiable by its vest or harness). An orientation session was provided for all students to explain the role of Service Dogs as working animals, not pets, and to identify how the Service Dog will be integrated into our school community. We respect the needs of all students in providing a safe and inclusive learning environment. Please let us know if you have any specific concerns regarding the presence of a Service Dog in our school.

• • September 18th - Kingston Transit Orientation for Grade 9 students
  • September 19th - Grade 9 Day at Grass Creek Park
  • September 24th - First School Advisory Council Meeting (all welcome)
  • September 23rd - 27th - Safety Week (Emergency Procedure Review)

  • September 23rd - 29th - International Week of the Deaf

  • September 30th - National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
    
  • September 30th - Orange Shirt Day - Every Child Matters
  • October 2nd - Parent / Guardian Open House 5:30 - 7:00
  • October 10th - Under the Lights - Football Game and Fundraiser

  
  

LOWER FEES?!

Reduce your family's school fees by participating in our FundScrip fundraiser. This year found fundraiser can be accessed at anytime - when you are purchasing gift cards anyways, you might as well purchase them with added benefits. Did you know that, 80% of the rebates earned are given to your family as school credit which can be applied to school trips, athletic fees, or other extra curriculars.

We invite you to learn about our program to reduce your family's school fees for athletic fees and school trips. For FREE MONEY view the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-N-MHYP5Ttg and visit https://www.fundscrip.com/support-a-group and enter the invitation code: DYHCNP

Order La Salle clothing ANYTIME at https://lasalleintermediatesecondaryschool.entripyshops.com/

Looking for a list of mental health support resources that are available in the Kingston area? Please access the pdf file linked for you below. Questions? Feel free to reach out to us.

There are many community organizations, including The Maltby Centre, that offer a variety of resources to support students and families. The Maltby Centre (https://maltbycentre.ca/) provides mental health and autism services to children and youth, and works with clients in schools, homes, and other locations.

Other supports include:

• School Mental Health Ontario (*Added new SMH Resource Document below!)
• Youth Diversion
  
• Kids Help Phone

We continue to see many students who struggle to safely and respectively use social media. Please monitor your student's phone usage, especially at night. Many students admit to staying up quite late each night, and therefore coming to school quite tired. Thank you for your vigilance and helping your student get the most out of their day.

Help us provide healthy food for students at your school

The Food Sharing Project is a registered charity that has been serving the area for almost 40 years. We are the organization which provides nutritious food and equipment to schools across Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox and Addington for their in-school breakfast, lunch and hearty snack programs.

Each week of the school year, our team of 12 volunteers pack about 450 boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, dairy and protein foods which are delivered to every school in KFL&A, including yours. In 2019, prior to the onset of COVID-19, we sent food with a value of $12,000 to schools each week and in 2022, that amount rose to $21,000 per week.

The 2022-2023 school year has been unprecedented for The Food Sharing Project. Due to increasing demand and the skyrocketing costs of food, we are facing a significant budget shortfall as we are now sending out over $25,000 in food every week. We need your help to ensure that students do not go through the school day hungry. Please consider making a donation to help us continue to get healthy food to students at your school.

Educators and research tell us that when they can eat nutritious food at school, students are more engaged in their learning, can focus better on tasks and can have more positive social interactions throughout the day. They are also more willing to try something new, which can lead to better food choices as adults.

Every donation, regardless of the amount, will make a difference for students in your school. Please go to www.foodsharingproject.org and click on the DONATE button to make a secure online donation today. Thank you.

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

The following key dates have been approved:

• First Day of School: Wednesday, September 4, 2024
• Winter Break: December 23, 2024, to January 3, 2025
• March Break: March 10, 2025 to March 14, 2025
• Last Day of School: Thursday, June 26, 2025

The 2024-2025 school year consists of 195 days;

• Secondary - 177 instructional days, 7 PA Days and 10 exam days.
• Elementary - 187 instructional days and 7 PA Days.

Professional Activity Days - no classes for students:

• Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024
• Friday, Oct. 11, 2024
• Friday, Nov. 22, 2024
• Friday, Jan. 31, 2025
• Monday, Mar. 31, 2025
• Friday, May 30, 2025
• Friday, June 27, 2025

Email: lasss@limestone.on.ca
Website: https://lasalle.limestone.on.ca/
Location: 773 Highway 15, Kingston, ON K7L 4V3, Canada
Phone: (9-12) 613-546-1737 613-542-9733 (7-8)
Twitter: @LaSalle_LDSB